[Cistus - queen of teas].

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.

[Topinambour - nutritional and medical properties of the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberoses L.)].

Topinambour (Helianthus tuberosus L.), also known as the Jerusalem artichoke is a plant, which origins from North America. In XVII century it was brought to the Europe.

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.

[Turmeric - not only spice].

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.

[Secrets of the red-headed].

Only 1-2% of people is red-headed but in the Russian Udmurt Republic or United Kingdom they can be met more often. A specific variant of MC1R gene (R allele) is responsible for the red hair. The gene encodes a receptor for melanocortins.

[Sosnowsky's hogweed - toxicology and threat to health].

Sosnowsky's hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.) is a genus of plants in the family Apiaceae which also includes Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier and Levier). They are both found in Central Europe, mainly in neglected green areas or riversides.

[Ibogaine - structure, influence on human body, clinical relevance].

Ibogaine is a natural chemical compound, which belongs to the indole alkaloid family. It can be naturally found within the root bark of african plant Tabernanthe iboga. Ibogaine plays a significant role among tribal cultures.

The Thymus: A Forgotten, But Very Important Organ.

Medical science seems to be on the threshold of a revolution: It seems possible that in twenty years, doctors will be able to replace organs in the human body like parts in a car. This is thanks to the recent achievement of a team from the Medical Research Council Center for Regenerative Medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland - the group of researchers tried to regenerate the thymus gland in mice. The thymus gland is an essential organ for the development of the immune system, but very few people have any idea that it exists.

[Nickel - role in human organism and toxic effects].

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.

Hen's egg as a source of valuable biologically active substances.

The aim of this article is to show current knowledge concerning valuable substances biologically active present in hen eggs and underline important nutritive role of hen eggs. Hen egg is a good source of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins (A, B2, B6, B12, D, E, K), minerals and lipids. The significant part of lipids is a group of unsaturated phospholipids, which are components of cell membranes, act protectively on the cardiovascular system and contribute to a decrease of cholesterol level and blood pressure.

[Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) - structure and the role in the human body].

In the recent years, managed to broadly explore the structure and role of insulin-like growth factors type 1 and 2 (IGF1 I 2). They belong to the structure of polypeptide hormones homologous to proinsulin. They are characterized by a wide range of activities.

Medical applications of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnologies are new areas of research focusing on affecting matter at the atomic and molecular levels. It is beyond doubt that modern medicine can benefit greatly from it; thus nanomedicine has become one of the main branches of nanotechnological research. Currently it focuses on developing new methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating various diseases.

Brdt Bromodomains Inhibitors and Other Modern Means of Male Contraception.

Compared to efficient and secure female contraception, a vasectomy and condoms are the only options for men. The choice of male contraceptive methods is limited, so contraception mainly rests on the shoulders of women. Several concepts are considered: testosterone administration--inhibiting pituitary secretion of lutropin (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progestogen--affecting the secretion of gonadotropin and gonadoliberin (GnRH) antagonists.

[Betel - the fourth most popular substance in the world].

Betel is a kind of substance for chewing, that is made from piper betle, areca nuts and other, additional constituents. It is the fourth most popular psychoactive substance in the world, right after caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. It is particularly famous in Asia.

[Amygdalin - structure and clinical significance].

In this publication we described amygdalin. It was isolated for the first time in the 19th century. Amygdalin is called interchangeably vitamin B17 or laetrile.

[Potential applications of marijuana and cannabinoids in medicine].

Cannabinoids, psychoactive substances present in cannabis, have been known to mankind for hundreds of years. Apart from 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) substances found in the cannabis herb with the highest toxicological value are cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN). The discovery of CB1 and CB2 receptors, located in various tissues (ranging from the brain to peripheral tissues), has defined the potential objective of these new chemical substances' effects.

[The importance of putrescine in the human body].

Putrescine plays a very important role in the regulation of division, differentiation and maturation of cells as well as apoptosis. As the polycationic molecule it stabilizes the structure of DNA and participates in the functioning of cell membranes. It is able to interact with series of ion channels and has affinity for many receptors.

[Vasopressin and jet lag disordes].

Circadian rhythm plays an important role in human physiology. Its abnormal functioning results, among others, in jet lag disorder (JLD- Jet Lag Disorder), which is a discomfort experienced by people travelling between time zones, as well as being the cause for metabolic diseases in people working shifts. Recent studies have shown the role of vasopressin V1a and V1b suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN- surachiasmatic nucleus) of the hypothalamus in the regulation of circadian rhythms.

[Betatrophin - the turn in diabetes treatment].

The topic of the present work is the appearance of the newest research in diabetes treatment. Till now, the patients were forced to inject insulin or take oral medicines to maintain proper glucose level. Introduction of the incretin group of medicines to the market turned out to be a breakthrough in diabetes treatment.

Radon treatment controversy.

In spite of long traditions, treatments utilizing radon-rich air or water have not been unequivocally embraced by modern medicine. The objective of this work is to examine factors that contribute to this continuing controversy. While the exact mechanism of radon's effect on human body is not completely understood, recent advances in radiobiology offer new insights into biochemical processes occurring at low-level exposures to ionizing radiation.

[The role of examination of intima-media thickness in evaluation of atherosclerosis].

In our work we presented the role of examination of intima - media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries in its extracranial parts by using high resolution ultrasonography in evaluation of progression of atherosclerosis, organ damage and efficacy of hyperlipemic and antihypertensive therapy. On the basis of contemporary literature we described influences of other factors e.g.

[Ghrelin and its influence on cardiovascular system].

Ghrelin plays an important role in regulation of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. It stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) from pituitary and also activates its receptors expressed e.g.

[The role of interleukin-6 in development and progression of atherosclerosis].

Pro-inflammatory cytokines may accelerate development and progression of atherosclerotic process. Interleukin-6 (IL- 6) in such state has essential role. It is caused by its direct and indirect effect on other cytokines, acute phase proteins and endothelial cells.

[Compliance endogenous and exogenous estriol in clinical practice].

The aim of this study is presenting contemporary datas of the chemical structure, clinical meanings and the role of the weakest estrogen-estriol. Measurement of the level of estriol can serve as a marker of fetus's well-being, can detect some congenital diseases like: Down syndrome, trisomy 18. Inappropriate values of E3 are often associated with high risk pregnancies like: pregnancy-induced hypertension, miscarriage, preterm delivery or intrahepatic cholestasis.