Researchers from McGill University in Montreal reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Side effects of medical cannabinoids
Category Archives: G. BOTANICALS
Effectiveness of CAM in diabetes
Researchers at the University of Ottawa, in Ontario reviewed the evidence for improved control of diabetes in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Continue reading Effectiveness of CAM in diabetes
St. John’s wort + kava for major depression with anxiety
This is the first study of St. John’s wort + kava to treat major depressive disorder with underlying anxiety, according to researchers from The University of Queensland, Australia. Continue reading St. John’s wort + kava for major depression with anxiety
Does Ginkgo reduce cardiovascular events?
Cardiovascular events, of course, include heart attack, stroke or death due to diseased heart and blood vessels.
Researchers from the US looked for evidence of benefit from Ginkgo biloba. Continue reading Does Ginkgo reduce cardiovascular events?
Review: Herbal medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Researchers at Victoria University, in Melbourne, Australia reviewed the evidence.
But not everyone agrees with their conclusions. Continue reading Review: Herbal medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Activity of green tea extract in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
During the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Minnesota will present the results of a study of Polyphenon E in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients.
The primary active ingredient in Polyphenon E is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is extracted from a green tea. This drug is approved by the FDA to treat genital warts and being studied in several cancers. Continue reading Activity of green tea extract in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Ginkgo biloba and the risk of cancer
Earlier research suggests there might be benefit as discussed here and here.
Now, researchers from the US report the results of a side study (secondary analysis) from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study. Continue reading Ginkgo biloba and the risk of cancer
Ginkgo to prevent migraine without aura
Researcher from Italy and Florida studied Ginkgolide B (a component in Ginkgo biloba) as preventive treatment in a group of young patients suffering from migraine without aura. Continue reading Ginkgo to prevent migraine without aura
May is arthritis awareness month
Researchers from Bethesda North Hospital Pharmacy, in Cincinnati, Ohio reviewed the evidence for using supplements to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Continue reading May is arthritis awareness month
Hoodia from a Canadian perspective
Researchers from Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia reviewed the evidence in response to a request from women who was looking for advice. Continue reading Hoodia from a Canadian perspective
Obesity and health-risk behaviors in children
Researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in Bethesda, Maryland examined the association of overweight and obesity with health-risk behaviors among US youth. Continue reading Obesity and health-risk behaviors in children
Reviewing “energy shot” products
The American Botanical Council (ABC) has published a 40-page review of an emerging new product and market category called “energy shots.” The report focuses on shots sold mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom. Continue reading Reviewing “energy shot” products
Increasing prevalence of side effects with yohimbine
Yohimbine (yo HIM bean) increases the amount of blood flowing into the penis and prevents blood from flowing out, resulting in an erection. It’s sold under many brand names.
Here’s a report on side effect reported to the California Poison Control System. Continue reading Increasing prevalence of side effects with yohimbine
Associations between cannabis and psychosis
Writing on Medscape, Dr. Michael Compton reviewed the effects of marijuana. Continue reading Associations between cannabis and psychosis
Little evidence supports CAM for childhood headaches
Dr. Stewart Tepper from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio reports that “parents frequently ask healthcare professionals to provide ‘natural’ migraine care for their children.” Continue reading Little evidence supports CAM for childhood headaches
Lack of drug interactions with echinacea
Researchers from Georgetown University in Washington, DC report that when taken short term, Echinacea purpurea products (roots and/or aerial parts) do not appear to be a risk to consumers. Continue reading Lack of drug interactions with echinacea
Re-evaluating the risk of liver toxicity from black cohosh
Researchers from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Frankfurt/Main, in Hanau, Germany, reviewed the evidence and believe the risk is less than suspected. Continue reading Re-evaluating the risk of liver toxicity from black cohosh
Effects of glucosamine + omega-3 on osteoporosis
Researchers in Germany conducted the first study of this combination.
The aim was to see if the combination is more effective than glucosamine alone. Continue reading Effects of glucosamine + omega-3 on osteoporosis
UK doctors rate their knowledge of herbal medicines
Here are the results of the British Medical Journal survey.
88% of respondents came from the UK, with the rest coming from 10 countries. Continue reading UK doctors rate their knowledge of herbal medicines
Imatinib liver toxicity associated with ginseng
This is the first reported case of a patient taking imatinib (Gleevec), which is used to treat certain cancers, who developed liver toxicity, apparently related to taking ginseng. Continue reading Imatinib liver toxicity associated with ginseng