[Cistus - queen of teas]. / Czystek ­ królowa herbat.

The aim of our article is to present a healthy qualities of Cistus. Cistus is plant belonging to the Cistaceae has strong health-promoting properties through its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, bacteriostatic and antifungal activities. Cistus has an inhibitory effect on the multiplication of viruses, which can be used to treat cold and influenza. A significant effect of the Cistus on stopping the growth and proliferation of prostatic cells was also demonstrated, which evidence of cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity. This activity can be used in both benign and malignant prostatic enlargement, as well as adjuvant in the treatment of other cancers. Extract from Cistus through modulation of immune system significantly strengthens immunity and has antiallergic activity. Cistus has a lot of polyphenols that destroy free radicals, inhibit the formation and development of inflammation in the body, strengthen, energize, and have a preventive effect on cardiovascular diseases. Through bioflavonoids, it works synergistically with vitamin C, enhancing its action, and also protects the mucous membrane of the stomach, preventing the formation of ulcers, or helping to treat them. Because of healing properties, as well as taste qualities the Cistus- teacan be boldly recommended as a daily drink for both young and old people. The promoting the use of infusion from a Cistus along with honey or lemon juice should be as wide as possible.

Trichotillomania and Trichophagia: Modern Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods.

Trichotillomania is a chronic, mental disease of impulse control, characterized by repetitive, compulsive, and self-induced hair pulling. It can occur at any age but is observed more often in adolescents, with a strong predominance in females. Diagnosis of trichotillomania may be difficult, and its effective treatment challenging. The aim of this study is to critically review current literature regarding diagnostic procedures and treatment of trichotillomania, including psychotherapy, N-acetylcysteine, naltrexone, topiramate, atypical neuroleptics, and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. The importance of cooperation between dermatologists and psychiatrists is emphasized to shorten the time to diagnose the disease and begin appropriate treatment. Finally, trichotillomania is also often connected with trichophagia, which may lead to formation of trichobezoars and cause a direct danger to the patient's health and even life due to the risk of intestinal obstruction and the need for surgical intervention. Based on thorough literature review, we conclude that diagnosis of trichotillomania can be challenging. Trichoscopy could help to distinguish trichotillomania from other types of hair loss. Most clinical trials using various treatment options have been conducted on small groups of patients, and the potential benefits determined using various scales. Therefore, it is difficult to compare the effectiveness of different treatment methods. There is also a lack of studies assessing treatment efficacy over longer periods of time. Thus, there is a need to perform better-designed studies in the near future to optimize current treatment modalities for trichotillomania.

TOFI phenotype - its effect on the occurrence of diabetes.

Recent studies have reported a significant increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the past 30 years. They also predict that this trend will continue. This is related to a change in lifestyle, which results in a parallel increase in the incidence of overweight and obesity. However, symptoms of the metabolic syndrome, so far closely related to abdominal obesity, are relatively common among people with normal body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. The aim of the study is to present the TOFI phenotype (thin outside, fat inside) as an important factor in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. In the 1980s, the first study of the MONW (metabolic obese normal weight), a phenotype that is characterized by metabolic diseases in people with normal body weight. Since then, no uniform criteria have been established for MONW deployment, which has created difficulties in identifying affected individuals. Recent work has appeared describing the TOFI phenotype, which seems to lead to the appearance of MONW. People affected by this problem, in spite of undersized fatty tissue, have an increased amount of adipose tissue surrounding the internal organs, which increases the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In the diagnostics of the TOFI phenotype, magnetic resonance imaging is of paramount importance. Previous studies did not provide clear answers about the pathogenesis of TOFI nor which factors stimulate its development. Prophylaxis and treatment of the syndrome include increased physical activity, the promotion of correct eating habits, and a use of metformin.

[Turmeric - not only spice]. / Kurkuma ­ nie tylko przyprawa.

The purpose of this article is to introduce the role of turmeric in medicine and summarize the current state of research on its applications. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has had a wide range of uses in middle eastern and orietnal traditional medicine. Currently, however, its use has been truncated to a common cooking spice, despite numerous studies pointing to its healing properties and possible use in the treatment of many diseases. The main focus is on curcumin, a polyphenol which serves as the biologically active component of turmeric. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects have been well documented in medical studies, with wide ranging applications from the treatment of rheumatologic diseases such as arthritis to dermatology, with significant effects in the treatment of psoriasis, acne and in relieving of itching. In addition to the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines, curcumin can also accelerate healing of skin wounds. Apart from controlling the body's inflammatory response, curcumin has a bacteriostatic effect, which has been shown to be an important factor in the treatment of diseases with complex etiology. Additionally, studies show that curcumin's effects on oncogenesis, the process of metastasis, angiogenesis, apoptosis or response to cytostatic drugs have yielded promising results. It has been confirmed that its antioxidant effect correlates with a decrease in LDL levels in blood and to a reduced risk of atherosclerosis. Curcumin consumption has also been shown to have a vasodilating effect through its indirect impact on prostacyclins and directly on vascular endothelium. Many of the mention medicinal properties of turmeric are still the subject of research and debate; as such, only some of them have entered the phase of clinical trials.

[Nickel - role in human organism and toxic effects]. / Nikiel - rola w organizmie czlowieka i dzialanie toksyczne.

The aim of this study is to familiarize the Role of nickel in the Environment and in living organisms. This metal is widely used in many fields such as electrical engineering, medicine, Jewellery or Automotive Industry. Furthermore, it's an important part of our food. As the central atom of bacterial enzymes it participates in degradation of urea.. Nickel is also an micronutritient essential for proper functioning of the human body, as it increases hormonal activity and is involved in lipid metabolism. This metal makes it's way to the human body through respiratory tract, digestive system and skin. Large doses of nickel or prolonged contact with it could cause a variety of side effects. Harmfull effects of Nickel are genotoxicity haematotoxicity, teratogenicity, immunotoxicity and carcinogenicity. The population of people allergic to nickel is growing, it occcurs much more often to the women and it can appear in many way. Hypersensitivity to nickel can also be occupational. Due to the increasing prevalence of allergies to nickel. European regulations have been introduced to reduce the content of this metal in products of everyday usage. In countries which have fulfilled the above-mentioned law, the plunge of hypersensitivities has been observed.