The results of this study by researchers in Finland are important because they reflect actual risk factors for heart disease. Continue reading Measurable benefits of berries in people
Category Archives: G. BOTANICALS
Marijuana and the risk of COPD
Researchers from Canada and the US studied the effects of marijuana and tobacco on the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Continue reading Marijuana and the risk of COPD
Reparagen vs glucosamine sulfate for osteoarthritis
Yes, both were effective.
But, are they better than placebo? Continue reading Reparagen vs glucosamine sulfate for osteoarthritis
Fenugreek to treat diabetes
Researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, in Wuhan, China report improvement in fasting blood sugar levels and A1c when fenugreek was added to ongoing anti-diabetes (sulfonylurea) therapy. Continue reading Fenugreek to treat diabetes
Fenugreek to treat obesity?
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is an ingredient in Indian-style spiced foods and a source of soluble fiber.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota, in St Paul studied its effects on satiety, blood sugar levels and insulin response, and energy intake in obese people. Continue reading Fenugreek to treat obesity?
The prevailing view of St. John’s wort
 “Hypericum extracts [aka St. John’s Wort] are an “effective and safe tool in the hand[s] of qualified health professionals in primary care,” according to Professor Klaus Linde (photo) from the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Continue reading The prevailing view of St. John’s wort
CAM: A Sloan-Kettering perspective
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City has an active integrative medicine department. Entries on this blog related to studies and perspective by its faculty can be found here.
Now, researchers from Sloan-Kettering have categorized the beneficial and the potentially hazardous CAM options used by patients with cancer. Continue reading CAM: A Sloan-Kettering perspective
CAM for menopause?
The authors, from the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia make a potentially important point that hadn’t been mentioned here before.
But, does it matter? Continue reading CAM for menopause?
Treating ADHD with supplements
Researchers from the University of Canterbury, at Christchurch, New Zealand reviewed the evidence supporting the use of nutritional and herbal supplements to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Continue reading Treating ADHD with supplements
The changing view of black cohosh and liver toxicity
 This is the third review in the past year that has come to the same conclusion.
This time, researchers from the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, in Hanau, Germany evaluated the relationship between suspected liver toxicity in 9 patients treated with black cohosh (Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa). Continue reading The changing view of black cohosh and liver toxicity
Ephedra and caffeine in athletes
The results of this study do not support the contention these supplements enhance either muscle strength or anaerobic exercise performance.
But a reader disputes the validity of the results. Continue reading Ephedra and caffeine in athletes
Smoked medicinal cannabis for neuropathic pain in HIV
It was reportedly effective when used in addition to pain treatment in patients with medically refractory pain due to HIV.
But as Paul Harvey said, “Now, the rest of the story.” Continue reading Smoked medicinal cannabis for neuropathic pain in HIV
Does ginkgo biloba extract prevent mountain sickness?
 Researchers from the University of Colorado, in Denver reviewed the evidence.
And they come to a conclusion that could cast doubt on the results of most studies of herbals. Continue reading Does ginkgo biloba extract prevent mountain sickness?
Capsaicin for treating postherpetic neuralgia
 Postherpetic neuralgia is a painful complication of herpes zoster (shingles).
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have published an extensive review. Here are their thoughts on the use of capsaicin. Continue reading Capsaicin for treating postherpetic neuralgia
Multiple sclerosis week, 2009
National MS Awareness Week runs from March 2nd to 8th.
Lets review the past year of CAM research in MS. Continue reading Multiple sclerosis week, 2009
The effect of ginkgo biloba on ocular blood flow
A recent study casts doubt on the ability of ginkgo biloba to affect blood flow in the eye. This might be important for people with cataracts and glaucoma, but the findings are at odds with the prevailing point of view.
Here’s some perspective. Continue reading The effect of ginkgo biloba on ocular blood flow
Heavy marijuana use leads to high triglyceride levels
 ApoC-III is a risk factor for heart disease. The increased levels observed in marijuana users might explain, in part, the heart and cerebral abnormalities seen in tokers. Continue reading Heavy marijuana use leads to high triglyceride levels
Echinacea, placebo and upper respiratory tract symptoms
This is the latest study to compare the frequency of upper respiratory tract symptoms in people receiving E. purpurea capsules vs placebo. Continue reading Echinacea, placebo and upper respiratory tract symptoms
Marijuana and the risk of oral cancer
 Researchers from Washington State and Illinois report no association between marijuana use and increased oral-cancer risk. Continue reading Marijuana and the risk of oral cancer
A multi-herb formula for respiratory tract health
Sinupret is a popular herbal product in Germany.
Here’s a summary from Medical News Today, based on a monograph by the American Botanical Council (ABC). Continue reading A multi-herb formula for respiratory tract health