Qutenza (capsaicin) 8% patch is a medicated skin patch that can be used to help relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

This high concentration is now approved by the FDA for use as a prescription drug. And that places this complementary option for treating PHN squarely in the main stream. (more…)

The Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study researchers report their findings. (more…)

A sense of religious affiliation may help protect people from attempting suicide, according to researchers at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg during the American Psychiatric Association meeting. (more…)

Some studies on distant healing for chronic pain exist, but the value of this treatment is controversial.

Researchers from Holos University, in Fair Grove, Missouri contribute a small study to the debate. (more…)

Prof. Florian Pfab from the Technische Universität München, in Germany has reported that acupuncture prevents histamine-induced itching.

In this study Prof. Pfab and colleagues report its effect on the wheal and flare response in adults with atopic eczema. (more…)

Following a diet that is moderately rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, and with a low glycemic index improves cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to researchers at Federico II University, in Naples, Italy. (more…)

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) told POM Wonderful that their UK billboard showing a bottle of pomegranate juice and a hangman’s noose, and proclaims the juice can “cheat death” must be taken down.

ASA says “We considered the evidence… but concluded that it fell short of showing any direct relation between consuming the product and a longer life.”

So, what’s the evidence? (more…)

Red yeast rice typically contains monacolins, including monacolin K — the naturally occurring statin known as lovastatin (Mevacor). (more…)

I recently worked on an educational program with a group of dermatologists who specialize in treating acne.

During a series of discussions they listed essential considerations for an effective acne treatment strategy. (more…)

During the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, scientists from the University of Southern California reported that green tea might reduce the effect of bortezomib (Velcade), which is used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. (more…)