The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point

Archive for September, 2008

Has the UK quietly outlawed “alternative” medicine?

Friday, September 26th, 2008

 The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (the “Regulations”) came into force on May 26, 2008. Douglas McLachlan writes on The Journal website that it represents “the most extensive modernization and simplification of the consumer protection framework for 20 years.”

But what’s the CAM connection? (more…)

FDA acts against papain

Friday, September 26th, 2008

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered companies to stop marketing unapproved drug products that contain papain for topical application to the skin. (more…)

Complementary and integrative medicine at Johns Hopkins

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

 The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center opened Sept. 2nd in Baltimore, Maryland. (more…)

Status of CAM to treat the frailty syndrome

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

There’s a need, but no well-documented evidence.

Researchers from the Miami VA Medical Center in Florida have complied a detailed review. (more…)

Effect of omega-3 and -6 on colorectal adenoma risk

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

 Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands have studied the relationship between omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and the risk of colorectal adenoma — a benign tumor. (more…)

No special label for genetically altered meats

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

 The FDA has released draft guidance stating it will not require a label on food made from genetically engineered animals. (more…)

Effect of green tea on liver disease

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

 Drinking more might lower the risk of liver disease, according to researcher from Zhejiang University in China.

But what about all that caffeine? (more…)

More support for acupuncture in breast cancer

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Researchers from the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan report it reduces side effects.

The results were presented during the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology annual meeting. (more…)

Lack of benefit of fatty acids in multiple sclerosis

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

“The data available are insufficient to assess any potential benefit or harm from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation,” according to researchers from the Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta in Milan, Italy.

Here’s what they found after reviewing the available research. (more…)

Federal Trade Commission goes after false cancer cures

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking legal action against companies making deceptive claims that their products cure or treat cancer while offering either no proof, or quoting false clinical evidence.

The products affected include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve (a corrosive ointment), and mushroom extracts.

Here’s a list of the companies and their bogus products. (more…)

Treating salicylate intolerance with fish oil

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

 Clinicians from Southampton University Hospitals Trust report on 3 patients with disabling salicylate-induced intolerance. (more…)

Chelation study for autism cancelled

Friday, September 19th, 2008

 “The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has decided that resources are better directed at this time to testing other potential therapies for autism spectrum disorders, and is not pursuing the additional review required to begin the study.” (more…)

Support for CBT following trauma in young people

Friday, September 19th, 2008

 Many treatment options were reviewed.

The strongest evidence was for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce psychological harm in children and adolescents following trauma. (more…)

Mediterranean diet: Protective against melanoma

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Researchers from Istituto Dermopatico dell Immacolata in Rome, Italy report its effect on the risk for cutaneous melanoma — the cancer diagnosed in Senator McCain. (more…)

Acupuncture: What’s the evidence

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Professor Ernst presents an overview of Cochrane reviews on acupuncture. (more…)

Quality issues for some “natural” menopause products

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

ConsumerLab.com has reported the results of quality control tests on black cohosh supplements, soy and red clover isoflavone supplements, and progesterone creams.

Among the products tested, quality was inconsistent according to an article on HealthNewsDigest.com. (more…)

Benefits of vitamin A and zinc on malaria

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

 Researchers report positive effects when vitamin A and zinc were given to young children from the country of Burkina Faso in West Africa. (more…)

Comparing benefits of massage vs touch in cancer patients

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

 Small studies suggest that massage therapy may relieve pain and other symptoms.

Here are results from a large study. (more…)

ACP recommendations to prevent fractures

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

 The American College of Physicians (ACP) has published recommendations for the pharmacologic treatment of low bone density and prevention of fractures in people with osteoporosis.

Here’s their summary on calcium and vitamin D. (more…)

Does mainstream medicine suppress “natural” cures?

Monday, September 15th, 2008

HemOnc Today interviews experts… and me.

They should have asked Dr. Stanton…read on. (more…)