Monthly Archives: October 2024

Taurine: Osmoregulation

One of the main physiological functions of taurine in humans and animals is that of osmoregulation. Osmoregulation is pivotal to cell survival in animals and humans because the plasma membrane is permeable to many solutes and water and this creates … Continue reading

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Taurine: Metabolism

The importance of taurine in animals was not understood until the old dogma of it being a waste product of sulphur metabolism was overcome. Since this time a growing list of physiological functions have been uncovered. In animals taurine is … Continue reading

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Serotonin in Plants

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in humans and animals, and it is thought to have particular functions that relate to mood. It is found in the central and peripheral nervous system, with large amounts of serotonin being synthesised in parts … Continue reading

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Taurine: Overview

Taurine, also called 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is a non-proteinaceous amino acid that was first isolated from ox (Bos taurus) bile. Taurine is a sulfonic amino acid which means that rather than a carboxylic acid on the β-carbon, it has a sulfonic … Continue reading

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L-Arginine for Sexual Function

L-arginine is a proteinaceous amino acid that is present in all complete proteins and widely distributed in most foods to varying degrees. Intakes of L-arginine in a typical diet are present in gram amounts and this L-arginine is used for … Continue reading

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Soy and Testosterone

Phytoestrogens are a group of chemicals found in plants that may have effects on animals and human hormone balance. Fruits and vegetables are high in phytoestrogens, with soybeans being particularly rich in phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens affect physiological parameters by interacting with … Continue reading

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Cordyceps sinensis: Anti-Ageing Effects?

Cordyceps sinensis is often described as a medicinal mushroom, but in reality this is not true. Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus that grows on Lepidoptera lava, which are colloquially called caterpillars. Cordyceps sinensis is used in Traditionals Chinese Medicine for … Continue reading

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Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a collective name for a number of species of fungus including C. sinensis, C. militaris, C. pruinosa and C. ophioglossoides. The fungus, which is found growing on particular species of caterpillars, is dried and used as a traditional … Continue reading

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Fenugreek

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual plant belonging to the Fabaceae or legume family of plants. The plant grows to approximately 1 to 2 feet in height and it produces yellow or white flowers. Pods grow on the plant, and … Continue reading

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Fenugreek Seeds Against Diabetes

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‑graecum) has been evidenced to be an effective preventative and treatment agent for type 2 diabetes. This may relate to the soluble glucomannan fibres that are contained within the seed that may slow the absorption of glucose from … Continue reading

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