Researchers from the Villa Margherita Neurology Clinic, in Vicenza, Italy studied the use of ginkgolide B — an herbal constituent extract from Ginkgo biloba tree leaves — in patients suffering from migraine with aura. Continue reading Ginkgo biloba for preventing migraine
Category Archives: G. BOTANICALS
Treating kids with high cholesterol
Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines for screening children for high cholesterol blood levels.
Now, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia have estimated the number that might need treatment. Continue reading Treating kids with high cholesterol
CAM treatments for irritable bowel syndrome
Several can be recommended as part of an evidence-based approach to treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to researchers from the University of Ottawa in Ontario. Continue reading CAM treatments for irritable bowel syndrome
Echinacea/sage spray to treat acute sore throat
Researchers in Switzerland compared Echinacea/sage to chlorhexidine/lidocaine. Continue reading Echinacea/sage spray to treat acute sore throat
Capsicum plaster to reduce pain after surgery
Capsicum plaster at classical Chinese acupoints is an alternative to acupuncture for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting, sore throat, and pain.
Researchers from Hanyang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea studied capsicum plaster at Hegu (LI 4) acupoints (photo) in patients after orthognathic surgery. Continue reading Capsicum plaster to reduce pain after surgery
Thomas Jefferson’s menopause recommendations
To manage vasomotor symptoms, researchers from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia recommend “lifestyle changes in all women.” Continue reading Thomas Jefferson’s menopause recommendations
Danshen to treat myocardial infarction
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is used in China to treat several diseases, including acute heart attacks.
The latest Cochrane Review is unimpressed. Continue reading Danshen to treat myocardial infarction
Huangqi type formulations for nephrotic syndrome
Cochrane Review has assessed the benefits and harms of Huangqi and Huangqi type formulations to treat the nephritic syndrome — a nonspecific disorder where the kidneys are damaged, causing them to leak large amounts of protein from the blood into the urine. Continue reading Huangqi type formulations for nephrotic syndrome
Glucosamine fails latest test
Reporting at the American College of Rheumatology annual scientific meeting, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, in Pennsylvania found no benefit for preventing joint damage in the knees caused by osteoarthritis. Continue reading Glucosamine fails latest test
Berberine effects on diabetes and cholesterol
It appears to have positive effects in both conditions, according to this study by researchers at Min-Hang Hospital in Shanghai. Continue reading Berberine effects on diabetes and cholesterol
CYP3A4 inhibition by herbals
CYP3A4 is a member of the liver enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 mixed-function oxidase system. It’s one of the most important enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs.
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim evaluated several herbal remedies for their ability to inhibit CYP3A4. Continue reading CYP3A4 inhibition by herbals
Does published research affect supplement sales?
It depends on what’s being reported.
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic reviewed sales of 5 popular supplements in light of emerging negative evidence. Continue reading Does published research affect supplement sales?
American Academy of Pediatrics’ position on CAM
The Task Force on Complementary and Alternative Medicine has published a review of everything a pediatrician ever wanted to know about CAM.
Here are just a few of the highlights. Continue reading American Academy of Pediatrics’ position on CAM
Supplements and prostate health
Is there benefit in prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis? Continue reading Supplements and prostate health
Ginkgo biloba interacts with midazolam
In addition to interacting with midazolam (Versed for sedation and anxiety), researchers from the FDA and the NIH studied ginkgo’s effect on the combination of lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra, Aluvia for HIV/AIDS).
But only the midazolam interaction with ginkgo biloba appeared to be significant for patients. Continue reading Ginkgo biloba interacts with midazolam
Black cohosh to manage menopausal symptoms
Reviewers from the University of Florida, College of Medicine in Jacksonville assessed the evidenced. Continue reading Black cohosh to manage menopausal symptoms
CAM for migraine in children
Parents frequently ask healthcare professionals to provide “natural” migraine care for their children, says Dr. Stewart Tepper at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio.
Here’s what we know… and more. Continue reading CAM for migraine in children
No to Ginkgo to prevent dementia
Results from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study were published today.
It was designed to determine if Ginkgo biloba is better than placebo in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly. Continue reading No to Ginkgo to prevent dementia
Safety review of popular herbal products
Dr. Darrell Hulisz from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio reviews popular herbals.
Let’s focus on safety issues. Continue reading Safety review of popular herbal products
Use of Chinese medicine in HIV patients
This survey of male Chinese HIV patients provides an opportunity to review the risk for interactions between Chinese herbal medicine and drugs used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Continue reading Use of Chinese medicine in HIV patients