Lithium in Drinking Water and its Potential Impact on Mental Health: A Review.

This review explores the relationship between lithium in drinking water and mental health, a subject that has garnered increasing attention in investigations. Lithium, a metal with a well-established role in psychiatric medications, is found in trace amounts in drinking water, and studies suggest its potential correlations with lower rates of suicide and certain psychiatric disorders. However, these correlations do not imply causation, necessitating an examination of the underlying mechanisms. Lithium concentrations in drinking water vary globally, presenting challenges in establishing a universal threshold for "high" or "low" levels. Additionally, the optimal dosage for potential mental health benefits remains uncertain. Lithium is not considered an essential nutrient, and supplementation should be approached with caution due to possible toxicity risks, emphasizing the importance of medical supervision. The lack of causation and ongoing need for further investigation underscores the importance of cautious interpretation and transparent communication in navigating this evolving field.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester: A Potential Therapeutic Cancer Agent?

BACKGROUND: Propolis and its major phenolic compound, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), have garnered considerable scientific interest due to their anti-inflammatory properties and potential therapeutic applications. OBJECTIVES: This narrative review explores the potential utility of CAPE in cancer treatment. METHODS: We comprehensively reviewed relevant studies from scientific databases (PubMed and Web of Science) from 2000 to 2022. Our search focused on keywords such as cancer, natural drugs, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, CAPE, cancer cell lines, antitumor effects, and propolis. RESULTS: CAPE exhibits diverse biological benefits, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and potentially anti-carcinogenic properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated its wide-ranging antitumor effects on various cancer cell lines, including growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, tumor invasiveness prevention, malignancy suppression, and anti-angiogenic activity. CONCLUSION: Following comprehensive preclinical toxicity assessments, further evaluation of CAPE's efficacy and safety through clinical trials is highly recommended to elucidate its potential health benefits in diverse forms of human cancer.

Potential drugs in COVID-19 management.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus first emerged in China in December 2019 and quickly spread worldwide. Despite the absence of a vaccination or authorized drug specifically developed to combat this infection, certain medications recommended for other diseases have shown potential effectiveness in treating COVID-19, although without definitive confirmation. This review aims to evaluate the existing literature on the efficacy of these medications against COVID-19. The review encompasses various potential treatments, including antiviral medications, anti-malaria and anti-rheumatic drugs, vaccines, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antipyretic and analgesic medicines, antiparasitic drugs, and statins. The analysis also addresses the potential benefits and drawbacks of these medications, as well as their effects on hypertension and diabetes. Although these therapies hold promise against COVID-19, further research, including suitable product production or clinical testing, is needed to establish their therapeutic efficacy.