“Whenever a young patient without predisposing factors develops AF (atrial fibrillation), the possibility of marijuana smoking should be examined as a potential cause.”
After searching the medical literature, 7 case reports were identified for review. Continue reading Atrial fibrillation in marijuana smokers
 Researchers from the University of Paris Descartes in France assessed the long-term effects of chondroitins 4 and 6 sulfate on the symptoms and radiographic progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Continue reading Benefits of chondroitin in knee osteoarthritis
 Here’s the link to a brief review written by Dr. Jonathan Silver from New York University School of Medicine.
You need read no further than the first paragraph to see the bias. Continue reading CAMophobia at Medscape
STEP stands for “Saw palmetto for Treatment of Enlarged Prostates.†Continue reading The STEP report on saw palmetto safety
Here’s a follow-up to earlier posts here, here, and here on the use of CAM in the US as surveyed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Continue reading Most commonly used CAM in the US
Here’s a follow-up to an earlier post on the use of CAM in the US in 2007 as surveyed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Continue reading Most commonly used natural products
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota have reviewed the evidence and report that most interactions are confined to a relatively small number of drug classes and supplements. Continue reading Drug-supplement interactions in perspective
OK, you’re scheduled for surgery, and you take herbals.
Does your surgeon know what you take?
Be smart. If you use any of the herbals on this list, tell your surgeon.
Areas of interest for the nutraceutical industry and consumers include digestive health, omega-3, superfruits, and weight management, according to this article in Nutraingredients.com | Europe. Continue reading CAM trends to watch in 2009
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania reviewed the evidence for chiropractic… and more. Continue reading Chiropractic management of fibromyalgia
Mistletoe preparations are sometimes used as CAM to treat solid cancers such as breast cancer.
Here are statistics on the use of mistletoe to treat cancer, the results of a recently published clinical study in women with breast cancer, and a review of the medical literature.
Not to be a scrooge, but at this time of the year it’s worthwhile to review the safety of mistletoe. Continue reading Mistletoe
 Some of the weight loss products listed below claim to be “natural†or to contain only “herbal†ingredients.
The FDA found they actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the product labels or in promotional advertisements. Continue reading Consumer Alert: More tainted weight loss products
 The American College of Gastroenterology has published new guidelines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Let’s focus on their view of herbals, acupuncture, and diet. Continue reading New recommendations to treat IBS
After 2 years of treatment, glucosamine sulfate had no effect on the symptoms and the progression of hip osteoarthritis, according to researchers from the Netherlands. Continue reading Glucosamine sulfate on hip osteoarthritis
Dr. Brent Bauer (photo) who practices in the Division of General Internal Medicine and is Director of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic was interviewed as part of their ongoing series of podcasts.
Here are the highpoints. Continue reading CAM benefits in cancer patients
In contrast to the anecdotal reports of benefit with cannabis, this study from researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada uncovers the downside of street cannabis in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Continue reading Negative effects of marijuana in multiple sclerosis
The first two months of the official 2008 (October to mid-May) U.S. flu season show low activity so far.
But that’s not likely to curtail sales of ginseng. It’s is the most popular herbal product in the U.S., according to a survey in 2002, published here and reviewed here. Continue reading Ginseng’s effect on the immune system
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that approximately 38% of adults and 12% of children use some form of CAM. Continue reading CAM use in the US
 Early onset of psychosis is associated with a history of lifetime cannabis abuse or dependence, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Continue reading Marijuana and the onset in psychotic disorders