Palomar Starlux 2940: Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

By Calvin Jai

Plastic surgeons, cosmetic dermatologists, medical spas and patients will be hearing an increasing amount about fractional skin resurfacing technologies like ActiveFX, DeepFX, Starlux 1540, Starlux 2940, and Fraxel Repair.

A small bit of history surrounding fractional laser treatments and C02 laser ablation treatments provide a place to start when looking at what's here in cosmetic medicine regarding fractional treatments, and what's coming next.

Cosmetic Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing's History

Fraxel was the first on the scene with a non-ablative fractional laser for the cosmetic medical market. Fraxel has been upgraded and has been improved on by a number of other competing fractional laser skin resurfacing technologies including the Lumenis DeepFX and ActiveFX, and Palomar Medicals Starlux 1540, and Starlux 2940.

Laser skin rejuvenation is a rapidly advancing field that intersects cosmetic dermatology and traditional plastic surgery. Rapid advancements and new breakthroughs in technology are occurring frequently and will continue. The benefit for patients is an increase in the effectiveness of fractional laser treatments and less down time or potential side effects.

Fractional laser technologies new cosmetic applications are expanding into related areas like skin tightening treatments, where fractional treatments compete with radio frequency (RF) treatments like Thermage, and will eventually move into fat and cellulite treatments and removal.

Old, full face CO2 laser resurfacing treatments to treat wrinkles using the Ultra pulse CO2 laser, now compare poorly when faced with new fractional laser technologies. CO2 laser resurfacing created a very traumatic "burn wound" that literally vaporized the top layers of the dermis and took many months of recovery in addition to the need for general anesthesia. The additional problem of the skin turning white with hypo pigmentation as the pigment cells were destroyed fair poorly as well. Because of the risk of negative side effects, few patients choose this procedure.

The Newest Fractional Skin Resurfacing & Rejuvenation Technologies

Now, cosmetic Fractional Skin Rejuvenation or Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing has evolved and eliminated many of the previous technologies shortcomings. The new erbium lasers are 'fractionated' into tiny micro-lasers, treating only a small portion of the skin (think tiny pin pricks) and leaving surrounding skin completely intact, greatly improving healing times.

The 'fractionated' treatment areas called micro-treatment zones, cause enough injury to the skin to trigger new collagen production and is used to replace collagen damaged by aging and sun exposure. The new collagen that is produced 'fills in' or 'plumps up' the underlying tissue and smoothes out skin wrinkles. The untreated skin between the micro treatment zones speeds the healing process to a mere 3-4 days and leaves most of the pigment cells intact, preventing hypo pigmentation.

Starlux 1540: Palomars New Fractional Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing Technology

The Fraxel and Starlux1540 are non ablative lasers (ablate means to "surgically remove) which means that the skin is not removed by the laser, rather the laser beam instantly heats the skin, causing inflammation and new collagen growth.

With these new treatments, skin laxity and wrinkle smoothing results are less dramatic than with ablative lasers, but the benefit of reduced recovery time and reduced side effects mean that non ablative laser treatments are often the first choice.

Starlux 2940: Fractional Ablative Laser Resurfacings Future

New fractional ablative lasers have recently been developed that provide the benefits of fractional treatments (less down time and reduced complications) with ablative skin resurfacings benefits (better wrinkle removal and facial rejuvenation) offering the best of both worlds.

These Starlux 2940 fractional ablative lasers remove tissue in the micro treatment zone instead of just heating the dermis like the old Fraxel or Starlux 1540.

The benefit of this new fractional laser ablation is that a greater amount of wrinkled and sun damaged skin can be removed than with the older laser technologies, and a better medical result is achieved. There is some minor increase in recovery time with redness for around 5-6 days. Still, the Starlux fractional ablative lasers require much less recovery time than the old non fractional erbium and CO2 ablative lasers which actually burned off the top layers of the patients dermis.

Competing Fractional Laser Technologies

Reliant: CO2 fractional laser called Repair

Lumenis: CO2 fractional ablative lasers; ActiveFX & DeepFx

Palomar: Starlux 2940 - Erbium fractional ablative skin resurfacing laser.

About the Author:

Medical Spa MD is a cosmetic medical community of Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Dermatologists, and Aesthetic Physicians with more than 3,500 physician members world wide. Medical Spa MD offers wholesale Botox online and provides information on non-surgical cosmetic medical technologies and treatments.

Protecting Your Medical Spa Online

By Kylie J. Peterson

Is click fraud costing your skin clinic? If you're one of the tens of thousands of cosmetic medical practices, medical spas and laser clinics advertising online with Google Adwords, it's likely that at least some of the money you're paying every month is sucked out of your marketing fund by click fraud.

The practice of "click fraud" began in the early days of the Internet with software programs that automatically surfed Web sites to increase traffic. This led companies to develop policing technologies touted as antidotes to the problem. (Some marketing executives estimate that up to 20%t of fees in certain advertising categories continue to be based on nonexistent consumers.)

You can be sure that it's already happening to your skin clinic, med spa or laser clinic? Here's a quote from Michael Caruso, CEO of click fraud services vendor ClickFacts in an interview:

In particularly fraud prone verticals such as finance, class action lawsuits and medical, we see click fraud rates in the 30%-45% range. These are all categories that see high keyword pricing in the auction model. That makes them particularly tasty for click fraud artists. "If you can make more money from the dark side than the light side of search, there are plenty of people who will take advantage. Plus, it's not even technically illegal yet."

There are two ways that your laser clinics and med spas marketing budget is losing to click fraud:

First: competitors who see your ad simply click on it, draining your advertising dollars. Second; click fraudsters set up 'affiliate' sites are set up that run your ads where they are clicked on by bots or employees. These sites are the most damaging since you're paying for every click without any return. Click fraud around skin clinics, med spas or laser clinics can be very lucrative since dermatology or plastic surgery clinics are becoming such a competitive market and the payment per click can be as high as $4-5.

Unfortunately, to keep your medical spas budget safe you have very few tools. (Google just gave advertisers $90 million to compensate for click fraud as the result of a class action suit but you can bet they're not that Google's not interested in your individual account. Especially since they're making money from click fraud when your ads are clicked on.)

Start by limiting your exposure to click fraud. If your dermatology or plastic surgery clinic is still running an Adwords or Yahoo campaign, they allow you to limit the maximum amount you spend in a day. Take advantage of this feature by limiting your maximum cost to what you can afford to spend. You can also look for the tracks of click fraud by examining the reports you might have available to you. Multiple clicks coming from the same IP address are a sure sign of fraud.

Malaysia has become such a haven for click fraud 'sweat-shops' that clicks generated there are completely discounted and Malaysian accounts for Adwords or Overture are not granted.

If you're going to run search ads, try to protect your skin clinic, med spa or laser clinic. You can be sure that you're the only one trying to.

About the Author:

Medical Spa RX is a physician community of Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Dermatologists, and Physicians with more than 4,000 physician members. Medical Spa MD offers used IPL & cosmetic laser classified ads and provides patient and physician information on non-surgical cosmetic medicine.

Do You Know The Signs Of Skin Cancer

By Kathy Forcey

Awareness of the five signs of skin cancer and the appearance it's going to take will help you a great deal in considering if you need to consult your doctor.Whenever you find out something unusual happening to your skin you should always consult your doctor.By the letters of the alphabet the signs of cancer can be broken down.

When examining your skin, remember that the letter "A" stands for asymmetrical growth patterns. Cancers will grow in patterns that are irregular or unevenly shaped. Monitor your skin regularly to check for any new growths with unusual shape patterns.

"B" is for the border of any new growths. As cancerous growths have borders that tend to be indistinguishable, be sure to monitor your skin for any suspicious growths.

"C" stands for color, in that you should monitor the color of any new growths on your skin. This can be one of the five signs of skin cancer, watch our for and beware of red, brown, black, blue, or translucent growths.

It is important to remember that the letter D is for the diameter of the growth. A growth with a diameter of more than a quarter of an inch should always be looked at by a medical professional. Growths that are of this size or larger have a greater chance of being or becoming cancerous.

The letter E refers to the elevation of the growth. Skin cancer growths are usually elevated above the skin and will have a surface that is uneven. Watch for this and all of the other five signs of skin cancer to keep your skin monitored at all times.

You are your own best defense in the fight against cancer. Pay attention to your own body and your own health and you will be doing a great deal to keep yourself healthy. If you notice any of these five signs of skin cancer you should consult your doctor immediately. Only a medical professional can tell you for sure if you have a skin cancer growth on your skin. Any unusual skin growth will need to be evaluated and tested to determine if you are in the beginning stages of skin cancer. Remember, the success rate for curing or completely eradicating skin cancer in the early stages is very high.

About the Author:

Would you recognize the Signs Of Skin Cancer ? Whilst everyone will not give much thought to the mole they have had since being a child when it seems a bit bigger they should. This can be one of the Signs Of Skin Cancer.

Would You Recognize The Signs Of Skin Cancer?

By Kathy Forcey

By knowing the five signs of skin cancer and what skin cancer looks like on an affected person, you would be able to determine whether or not you should check with a doctor. However, always err on the side of caution and see a doctor if you notice something unusual on your skin as it could be an early warning sign of skin cancer. The signs of cancer can be divided into the letters of the alphabet.

When examining your skin, remember that the letter "A" stands for asymmetrical growth patterns. Cancers will grow in patterns that are irregular or unevenly shaped. Monitor your skin regularly to check for any new growths with unusual shape patterns.

From letter B, we need to think about the border of growth.The border of skin cancer cannot be distinguished easily.Lookout for this in any such growth which has appeared on your skin.

C is is the letter for color and tells you that you should watch the color of any new growth on your skin. Skin cancer colors can be brown, black, tan, translucent, blue or red. If you notice a growth in these colors it could be one of the five signs of cancer.

D is for the diameter of the growth. If you have a growth on your skin that is more than a quarter of an inch in diameter you should have it checked out. Growths of this size have a greater chance of becoming cancerous.

"E" is for the elevation of any new growth. Growths with elevated or uneven edges can be be a sign of skin cancer. Carefully monitor your skin for this and the other five skin cancer warning signs.

In the fight against skin cancer,you are your own best defense.Look after your body and health and you will be helping yourself a lot in keeping yourself healthy. Whenever you see any of the five signs of skin cancer you should check out with your doctor immediately.A medical professional can only identify and confirm if you are having a skin cancer growth on your skin. If there is any unusual growth it must be evaluated and tested to find out if you are in the initial stages of skin cancer.You must remember that there are more chances of succeeding in the cure or completely eradicating the skin cancer in the initial stages.

About the Author:

Would you know the Signs Of Skin Cancer ? Whilst everyone may not give much thought to that mole they have had since being a kid when it seems a bit bigger they should. This can be one of the Signs Of Skin Cancer.

How to Battle Against Excessive Hair Loss

By Amy Nutt

You could essentially look at hair loss as falling into two different categories - You lose some hair naturally as part of the normal cycle of hair loss and growth, but it is also possible to suffer from excessive hair loss. Every hair grows approximately 1cm, which is less than half of an inch every month during the normal growth cycle which lasts between 2 years and 6 years.

About 90 percent of all of the hair on your head is currently growing at one specific point in time. The rest of your hair, approximately 10 percent, is in the resting phase. After a period of two to three months, the resting hair will fall out and then new hairs will begin to grow in their place. Shedding some hair is completely normal as part of this cycle, but if you are experiencing hair loss that is greater than normal, then you need to know what steps you can take to battle against excessive hair loss.

The first key to leading the battle against excessive hair loss is to determine why you are losing your hair more quickly than you should be. Excessive hair loss is capable of affecting anyone, including men, women and children and people of any age. For example, if you have recently had a major surgery or a major illness, you may be loosing hair as a result of the stress behind the illness or the surgery.

Another thing that may cause hair loss is hormonal problems such as a thyroid gland that is either underactive or overactive. Many women may notice excessive hair loss within a few months of having had a baby. There are also some medications that are capable of causing hair loss. There are a number of reasons that you may be losing your hair excessively, and you cannot begin the fight against this hair loss until you determine exactly why it is happening.

Another cause for excessive hair loss is improper hair care. Are you using tight hair rollers, or wearing tight hairstyles like pigtails or cornrows? These things may be pulling on your hair unnecessarily, causing traction alopecia. If you stop this pulling before your scalp scars, you may be able to stop the hair loss.

Furthermore, you can also try using organic hair products as a substitute for synthetic ones. As most of those products are hypoallergenic, it allows even those with sensitive skin to use it. The contained vitamins and minerals also strengthen hair and offer vitality.

There is a strong chance that your family doctor will be able to help you battle your excessive hair loss with natural hair treatment. Your doctor will ask you a lot of different questions about the medicines that you are taking, your current diet, any recent illness that you may have experienced as well as how you normally take care of your hair. Other questions may be asked depending on your gender, age and situation. Your doctor is also going to want to perform a physical exam to find out if there are any other causes of excessive hair loss. Once you know the real cause for your excessive hair loss, you can figure out a plan to fight it.

About the Author:

While the body is rejuvenated by products such as body washes and organic soaps, proper hair treatment must also be emphasized as well. As synthetic hair gel contains harmful chemicals, organic hair care is a lot more beneficial.

The Dangers of Using Synthetic Hair Spray

By Amy Nutt

Nobody expects for their beauty products to be harmful to their health, but are you aware of the dangers of using synthetic hair spray? The truth about hair spray is that it can be harmful to your health if you take in the chemical fumes that are created by aerosol hair sprays. Hair spray poisoning is capable of existing by breathing in or inhaling hair spray.

There are a number of ingredients within synthetic hair sprays that can be harmful for your health and these include Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Propylene glycol, Polyvinyl alcohol, Hydroflurocarbon, Denatured alcohol and Carboxylmethylcellulose. All of these ingredients are considered to be toxic or poisonous, and because they are contained within synthetic hair spray products, these products can be harmful to your health.

Some of the symptoms that are associated with hair spray toxicity or poisoning by way of hair spray include rash, stupor, low blood pressure, burns to the eyes, burning pain in your throat, difficulty with breathing, vision blurring or difficulty seeing and even coma.

If you use a synthetic hair spray and you believe that you have accidently inhaled or otherwise consumed any amount of the product, it is vitally important that you seek medical help as soon as possible. If you inhaled the poison, you should immediately move into fresh air. Take note of the time that you inhaled the product as well as the name of the product and the ingredients if you know them, and relay this information to emergency services when you call for help.

You need to have a health care provider measure your vital signs and continuously monitor them. The important vital signs include your breathing rate, your temperature, your pulse and your blood pressure. As symptoms arise, they will be treated appropriately. These may include medicines that are designed to treat an allergic reaction such as prednisone, epinephrine or diphenhydramine, surgical removal of any skin that was burned and irrigation or washing of the skin that was burned as needed. If the hairspray poisoning was severe then you may end up being admitted for a decent stay in the hospital.

It is possible for you to sustain extensive amounts of damage to your mouth, your throat and your stomach. The outcome of your brush with synthetic hair spray poisoning is seriously going to depend on how much damage was sustained. Damage is actually capable of continuing to occur in your stomach as well as your esophagus for as many as several weeks after you initially inhale or swallow the poison. This is why seeking help from a medical practitioner is so vitally important. If you do not find out just how much damage has been sustained, you may actually allow the problem to become exacerbated.

When used properly, synthetic hair spray can be safe, but you are taking a very large risk when you use it because the chemical compounds contained within are capable of causing serious damage.

About the Author:

Just like shampoo, different types of hair gel target different hair concerns. Whether one wants to smooth frizz or add volume, hair treatments serve to prevent irritation and hair loss. Organic hair care such as organic shampoo helps to moisturize and restore silky texture to hair.

SPF Moisturizers: Essential Reasons To Use Them Each Day

By Wendy Racklave

Skin care is an imperative part of a woman's makeup routine. Using SPF moisturizers keep your skin healthy. You will learn what SPF moisturizer does for our skin, and learn what happens to your skin if you don't utilize moisturizer with SPF in it. I will in addition reveal tips of which SPF level is right for you and your family. Lastly, you will have the know-how you could do with to protect your skin simply by using a SPF moisturizer.

Every woman everyday has a routine when applying makeup. Before you apply your makeup, wash and rinse your face, so you start with a clean skin surface. You then will dab a little bit of SPF moisturizer on your entire face, and neck, rub it into your skin. Merely doing this first step is saving your skin from the sun. It's a basic thing to do and simply takes a few seconds to apply. The second thing you will realize is why SPF is so important to use.

Sun Protection Factor, alternatively known as SPF. You will see on the label SPF followed by a number. The numbers will range between 5 and go up to 50. The bigger the number, the more your skin will be protected from the sun. Products with an SPF number of 20 or less than 20, use only if you are going to be out for a very short time in the sun. An SPF number of 30 to 50 is to be used if you are going out in the sun for two hours or longer, Women who sunburn fast, or who have lighter skin need to wear the SPF level of at least 30. If you get wet or sweat a lot, please remember to apply the SPF moisturizer once more.

Can you envision what would happen to your skin if you don't use the SPF moisturizer? You guessed it, your skin will be dreadfully damaged owing to the fact that you have no protection against the sun. No SPF, means the ultraviolet rays will attack your skin. You will develop wrinkles, you skin will age at an accelerated rate, and there is a chance you could get a melanoma, otherwise known as "skin cancer". Skin cancer is preventable, and your skin is the largest organ on your body. Why take a chance of skin damage, or getting cancer when all you require to do is use a SPF product. Tread extremely carefully through that maze.

Trust me, many physicians are telling their patients about SPF moisturizers. In conjunction with wearing the SPF moisturizers, you might wear sunglasses, put a hat on, also wearing long sleeves helps defend the skin. By wearing those things, you are covering your skin, so that the suns ultraviolet rays don't hit the skin. The majority of females like the look of a tan body. Other than laying in the sun for that tan, why not buy some tan lotions at the drug store. Your skin will look as if you were getting a tan in the sun.

Now you have a few ideas of making your skin look stunning, and the ability to avoid skin damaging sun rays. Your skin will love you if you use your SPF moisturizer every day. It does not take long to put the product on the skin, and doing this before your makeup is a great idea. Label reading is critical, knowing the SPF level that's right for your skin type. Go out and enjoy the outdoors, just bring your SPF product with you. Forever put some SPF moisturizers on your kids as well, it will save their skin also.

To wrap this up, you can have young looking skin for many years. The chance of skin cancer, early wrinkles and dry skin has lessened now that you use SPF moisturizers. Taking care of your skin is a lifelong "must do" on your daily "to do" list. Reading the labels and buying the proper SPF level number for your skin will save your skin. Think about that, you are saving your own skin. You can do that for the rest of your life, your skin will thank you.

About the Author:

At Skin Facial Care you can learn about topics like how to remove broken capillaries on the face and how do I remove spider veins from face.

How to Have a Beautiful Summer Tan Year Around

By Chuck R Stewart

Each spring, almost all women start planning how they are going to get their tan started for the summer. There are a few ways women can make themselves tanner for the summer. There are positives and negatives to both. the most popular way women choose to start getting their summer glow is to go to a tanning bed, usually one or two times per week. Another way to tan is to purchase home tanning lotions that are usually available at any kind of drug store or grocery store. People could also go to a salon where they will spray on tan lotion for you.

Lying in a tanning bed is one of the most popular ways that people attempt to get themselves tan for the summer season. In order to keep the tan lasting for awhile , people usually go once or twice a week, depending on the skin tone. One of the biggest positives a tanning bed is that people get the same kind of sun exposure in the bed that would get if you were actually laying outside in the sun so, this will probably give the person the most natural looking tan. Also, the tan from a tanning bed also has the most chance of lasting than any of the other options. One of the disadvantages of a tanning bed is that is can cause health major health problems . The reason being is that the person is still exposed to UV rays that the sun would give off and most people do not use sunscreen in the tanning beds; therefore, people put themselves at a higher risk for getting skin cancer and eye cancer from a tanning bed. Also, if the facilities are not cleaned properly, people can get infections such as ringworm and lice. Make sure that you are only using reputable places.

Using self-tan lotion from a drug store or grocery store is probably the next most common way to get a tan. These kinds of lotions usually do not give the most natural look, so when choosing a lotion people need to pick carefully to make sure the tan is not too dark or too light for the skin tone. Another positive about getting this kind of lotion from a drug or grocery store is that it is much cheaper than going to a tanning bed or going to salon to get a spray tan. One of the drawbacks to using these lotions is that they do not give the most natural looking tan. One other issue is that the tan does not last as long as the tanning bed tan or the spray tan.

Finally, probably the least popular way to get a tan, is to go to a salon and receive a professional spray tan. One advantage of a spray tan is that a professional at the salon offer assistance to aide the client in selecting a color tan that is best fit for their skin tone, so they have a pretty natural look. Two of the drawbacks of spray tans are that they are the most expensive and they usually do not last as long as the tanning bed tans.

There are a couple of ways people can get beautiful, natural looking tans for the summer seasons. Each of the few ways also have their own set of advantages and disadvantages and it all depends on what kind of tan people want and how long they want the tan to last.

About the Author:

Connor R. Sullivan has a friend who runs a profitable tanning lotions company online. You can buy his tan lotion at a very affordable price.

Shade Sails Saving Children Suffering Burns From Hot Playgrounds

By Lee Reynolds

When you are in a place where you have small children that love to play outside, it can be something of a trial to make sure that they are protected. You have put fences around dangerous areas and bolts on the garden gate, but have you considered everything? Many people do not think about the issues of heat that can come up on a summer's day and this is where shade sails and outdoor umbrellas can come in.

You may not know it but sun can heat metal surfaces to temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Sliding boards made from metal is very warm to the touch but sometimes children try to slide down the surface anyway. When this happens there is a friction and heat combination that can create a bad blister or burn on their skin. Because there are often a number of metal parts in playground equipment there are many possible opportunities for a child to be injured by touching a surface that has become very hot.

The best way to prevent such problems is by making sure the outdoor play equipment your child uses can stay cool, even on the hottest days. Take a few moments to browse through the variety of shade sails and outdoor umbrellas that are available. You do not have to get the largest or most expensive models. A modest shade covering can keep both your child and outdoor play equipment cool and comfortable.

Shade sails can improve outdoor comfort for everyone in the family. The cooling overhead cover allows you to more fully enjoy those refreshing breezes and sunny days. It always feels pleasant to walk outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun, but just like anything else too much sun can be dangerous. With shade sails or large outdoor umbrellas your outdoor living space can become a healthier and safer environment.

There are a number of different ways to make a shade sail work in any outdoor setting. Because they are so versatile you can place them wherever sun protection is most in demand. You can cover the area where the swings, slide and sandbox are, or you might want to add a little shady comfort to an area of your pool. These shade sails and umbrellas are also perfect overhead covers to use on decks, patios or at outdoor picnic areas. You can even install one of these sun canopies for welcome shade above those outdoor chaise lounging chairs.

In addition to cooling shade and sun relief these bright and cheery yard accessories are quite attractive. Who would have imagined that these functional items could make a yard so chic and stylish? A colorful outdoor umbrella or shade sail will definitely add architectural interest to any outdoor living area.

You should measure some of the areas in your outdoor living space to give you an idea of what you will need. This way you will be able to decide what size umbrellas and shade sails are needed. With a little thought and planning you will be able to determine where and how to use these products for the maximum healthy benefits.

Just take a moment to look at the options and then consider how shade sails can increase the safety and comfort of your back yard.

About the Author:

Jke shade have their brand new website up and running and having a sale for this month. You can grab your shade sails professionally installed. They also specialize in outdoor umbrellas and factory shades.

Birch Polypore Extract Used for Intestinal Parasites during Stone Ages

By Dr. Markho Rafael

As suggested by its name, Birch Polypore grows on birch trees, living or dead. It grows around the world wherever birch trees are found.

Birch Polypore came briefly into public awareness in 1991 when the mummified remains of Oetzi the Iceman were discovered in an ice cave on the border of Italy and Austria. On his person was a pouch containing Birch Polypore.

The general consensus is that Oetzi the Iceman used the Birch Polypore against an infection of the intestinal parasite Trichuris trichuria, of which eggs were found among his remains. [190]

Folk lore from Europe tells of Birch Polypore being used in this fashion, as a remedy against parasites. It has also been used as a general antibiotic, and to stop bleeding. [25]

Studies from 1997 also reported that compounds isolated from Birch Polypore helped reduce chronic skin inflammation [191] as well as inflammation in general. [192]

An antibiotic compound named Piptamine has been isolated from Birch Polypore, [193] and extract of Birch Polypore has demonstrated effectiveness against Bacillus megateterium. [194] Paul Stamets, world leading medicinal mushroom expert, has suggested studies of Birch Polypore extract against Bacillus anthracis, the anthrax bacteria. [134]

Another compound that is found in high concentrations in Birch Polypore is known as Betulinic Acid. Produced by the birch trees upon which this mushroom grows, Betulinic Acid gets extracted and concentrated by the Birch Polypore. A 1995 study on melanoma found that Betulinic Acid killed the malignant melanoma cells but did not harm healthy cell tissue. [195] Seven years later, another study showed that Birch Polypore extract inhibited the enzymes that promote tumor cell growth, which may help explain how Betulinic Acid works against cancer. [196]

In a 2001 study on the effect of Betulinic Acid derivatives on HIV, it was reported that these compounds blocked HIV replication. [197]

American medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets filed a patent on his proprietary Birch Polypore extraction methods in 2004 after researchers at the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID) reported that his Birch Polypore extract selectively killed the cowpox and vaccinia viruses without harming human cells. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.

About the Author:

Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since Chiropractic College in 1996. He now specializes in research and writing about medicinal mushrooms, specifically working with the MycoMedicinals of Paul Stamets, whose Birch Polypore extract is part of the synergistic blend Paul Stamets Host Defense. For research references to this article, visit the Piptoporus betulinus research page.