Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine [derived from amphetamine] initially approved by the FDA in 1959 for the treatment of obesity. Its usage in the treatment of obesity was considered ideal due to the fact that phentermine suppressed appetite through central modulation of norepinephrine, and peripherally mobilized fat stores through catecholaminergic upregulation. That said, in the …
Minocycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the tetracycline classification, indicating that its chemical structure consists of 4 hydrocarbon rings. The fact that minocycline has a broad-spectrum mechanism indicates that it targets a wide-range of pathogenic (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) bacteria. In fact, when compared to other tetracycline drugs, minocycline is regarded as having the “broadest spectrum” …
Microbiota is classified as an ecological community of microorganisms that share a specific host. Within the human body it is estimated that there are trillions of microorganisms, accounting for approximately 1% to 3% of total body mass; equating to an average net weight of around 3 lbs. Though scientists these days are attempting to elucidate …
Curcumin is considered a diarylheptanoid, or secondary metabolite derived from the plant turmeric (a member of the ginger family). As a diarylheptanoid, curcumin is chemically composed of two aryl groups (aromatic rings) interlinked with a chain of 7 carbon atoms. It was initially discovered by scientists Vogel and Pelletier in 1842 when they extracted and …
These days it is almost too easy to get prescribed antidepressants. Book an appointment with any general practitioner, talk about the fact that you’ve been unable to shake feelings of sadness, and mention that the sadness is interfering with your quality of life. Chances are good that you’ll walk out of the practitioner’s office with …
Many individuals who feel depressed believe that the smartest, most efficient way to deal with their depression is via pharmaceutical antidepressants. Pharmaceutical antidepressants take effect quickly, altering neural connectivity within 3 hours of ingestion and manipulate neurotransmission to facilitate a mood boost. Though antidepressants can take several weeks to fully work or “kick in,” some individuals …
For individuals in the United States between the age of 15 and 44, major depression is the leading cause of disability. Major depression is often a heritable condition, caused by maladaptive genes getting transferred across generations. That said, not everyone diagnosed with major depressive disorder inherited the condition from ancestors or should be blaming their …