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 …
Mirapex (Pramipexole) is a drug that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and RLS (restless leg syndrome). Classified as a dopamine receptor agonist, pramipexole elicits partial or full agonism upon D3 receptors, D2 receptors (2L/2S), and D4 receptors. Interestingly, pramipexole also appears to modify mitochondrial function, and to a negligible …
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a medication that was originally approved by the FDA in 1993 for the treatment of major depression. Upon ingestion, Effexor functions as an SNRI (or dual-reuptake inhibitor) by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, and to a lesser extent, norepinephrine. As a result of serotonergic and noradrenergic reuptake inhibition, concentrations of serotonin and …
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a drug that was introduced in 1993 as a pharmaceutical antidepressant by Wyeth; its marketing rights are now owned by Pfizer. Pharmacodynamically, it functions primarily as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is understood to be the first-ever “dual reuptake inhibitor” approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. …
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 …
Nortriptyline (brand name “Pamelor”) is considered the chief pharmacologically active metabolite of the chemical amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant derived from dibenzocycloheptene. Formation of nortriptyline occurs upon hepatic oxidative N-demethylation of amitriptyline via CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 isoenzymes. In the early 1960s, researchers realized a significant portion of amitriptyline’s antidepressant effects resulted from the formation of its …