 The data supporting benefits from tai chi in people with heart failure are growing.
Here’s the latest. Continue reading Objective benefit with tai chi in chronic heart failure
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Effect of ephedra and caffeine on resistance-trained athletes
 The International Olympic Committee no longer bans caffeine and ephedrine-related alkaloids.
So, what’s their effect on muscular strength and anaerobic power? Continue reading Effect of ephedra and caffeine on resistance-trained athletes
The status of cat’s claw to treat osteoporosis
There are some small studies in patients, and now there’s a review that connects the clinical response and mechanisms of action of two species of cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis).
Here’s an example of what’s reported. Continue reading The status of cat’s claw to treat osteoporosis
Iyengar yoga in a cancer center
 Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada report how Iyengar yoga affected their patients’ worst symptoms and more. Continue reading Iyengar yoga in a cancer center
Acupuncture effective for fibromyalgia?
In this study, the addition of acupuncture to usual treatments for fibromyalgia helped control pain and improve quality of life. Continue reading Acupuncture effective for fibromyalgia?
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in herbal products
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of antibiotics.
You’re exposed to these bacteria when you swallow the herbal medicine. Continue reading Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in herbal products
Using N-acetylcysteine to treat schizophrenia
 Brain levels of glutathione are lower in schizophrenia — a disorder that often is chronic and not responsive to treatment. Since N-acetylcysteine (NAC) increases brain levels of glutathione in rodents, an international group of researchers sought to determine its effect in patients. Continue reading Using N-acetylcysteine to treat schizophrenia
Omega-3 for heart failure
 Researchers from across Italy, the GISSI (Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Streptochinasi nell’Infarto Miocardico) investigators, report that omega-3 fatty acids improved morbidity and mortality in patients with symptomatic heart failure. Continue reading Omega-3 for heart failure
Benefits of exercise in early Parkinson’s disease
 More intense exercise appears to have greater benefits.
That the conclusion from this study at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Continue reading Benefits of exercise in early Parkinson’s disease
Review of auricular acupuncture for insomnia
 Prof. Ernst and colleagues reviewed the effectiveness of acupuncture administered to the ear to treat sleeplessness. Continue reading Review of auricular acupuncture for insomnia
Negative results giving probiotics in pancreatitis
In patients predicted to have severe acute pancreatitis, giving probiotics didn’t reduce the risk of infection, according to this study by researchers in the Dutch Acute Pancreatitis Study Group. Continue reading Negative results giving probiotics in pancreatitis
Calcium and hip fracture risk: Does it matter?
No, say an international group of researchers.
But the news isn’t all bad. Continue reading Calcium and hip fracture risk: Does it matter?
Review of herbal medicines in gynecology
Dr. Cathi Dennehy from the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Francisco has reviewed the evidence.
I was surprised by her assessment of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms.
Here’s a summary of her findings.
Lack of support for cinnamon to treat diabetes
Two studies have concluded that cinnamon supplementation does not improve diabetes control in postmenopausal patients with type 2 diabetes.
One can be found here, but here’s the more interesting study.
Continue reading Lack of support for cinnamon to treat diabetes
Curcumin shows some activity in pancreatic cancer
Researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and Sabinsa Corporation in Piscataway, New Jersey report on early research into the activity of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) in patients with pancreatic cancer. Continue reading Curcumin shows some activity in pancreatic cancer
Toxins in Ayurvedic meds on the web
Researchers from Boston and Bangalore, India ask, what’s the risk of getting lead, mercury, and arsenic in the Ayurvedic medicines purchased on the Internet? Continue reading Toxins in Ayurvedic meds on the web
The benefits of knowing that you are exercising
Dr. Lisa Terre from the University of Missouri-Kansas City has published a review of the importance of physical activity counseling.
It turns out that greater cardio benefits occur among people who are aware that their activity is doing their body good. Continue reading The benefits of knowing that you are exercising
Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy
Researchers from the University of Melbourne in Australia review the results of 3 studies. Continue reading Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy
Negative results: Acupuncture for in vitro fertilization
The lead author of this study is Dr. Alice Domar, an international leader in the field of mind/body medicine and women’s health. Her website states that the Domar Center offers acupuncture for pre and post embryo transfer sessions.
It will be interesting to see how these results influence that policy. Continue reading Negative results: Acupuncture for in vitro fertilization
Benefits of music in kids with cancer
Researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina report on the value of music in children with leukemia receiving chemotherapy. Continue reading Benefits of music in kids with cancer