An international group of researchers report on the ability of 3 herbal products commonly used in Cuba and Mexico to inhibit the action of the CYP450 system of drug metabolizing enzymes.
It’s relevant considering the millions of illegal aliens who have entered the US and bring their folk medicines with them. Continue reading Potential drug interactions with ethnic herbals
 Three people have died in southwest China after receiving an injection of Siberian ginseng extract.
It’s another example of the chaos that passes for the Chinese pharmaceutical industry. Continue reading Deaths due to Siberian ginseng injections
 St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used to treat depression.
Is it more effective than placebo? Is it as effective as standard antidepressants?
 Among the more common complementary therapies used in young children with recurrent otitis media are Echinacea purpurea and cranial osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
This study, by researchers at the University of Arizona, is the first well-designed study of each treatment. Continue reading Cranial manipulation and echinacea for middle ear infection
 One-third of these patients use CAM.
Are they dissatisfied with mainstream treatments? Continue reading CAM use in functional bowel disorder
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is promoted for a variety of uses. The active components are hydrastine and berberine. Both inhibit the liver metabolizing enzyme system known as cytochrome P450. Therefore, people treated the immunosuppressant, cyclosporine A (CsA; Sandimmune) and taking this herbal or berberine are at risk of a drug interaction.
Here’s what we know based on studies at the Wuhan General Hospital in Wuhan, China. Continue reading The goldenseal (berberine)/cyclosporine drug interaction
ConsumerLab.com has reported the results of quality control tests on black cohosh supplements, soy and red clover isoflavone supplements, and progesterone creams.
Among the products tested, quality was inconsistent according to an article on HealthNewsDigest.com. Continue reading Quality issues for some “natural” menopause products
Researchers from King’s College in London report (page 163) “Lavender could … be used as effective ‘on-the-spot’ anxiety reduction in dentists’ waiting rooms.” Continue reading Lavender scent lowers dental anxiety
Have them take a class, of course.
Here’s a report card from 5 colleges of pharmacy in Canada. Continue reading How can we improve students’ knowledge of herbals?
 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
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
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.
About 20 detailed reports of hemorrhage (usually cerebral, ocular, or postsurgical) in patients using Gingko biloba extracts have been published.
This study examined the potential effect of aspirin plus Ginkgo biloba on platelet function — one part of the clotting process. Continue reading Effect of Ginkgo biloba on platetlets and bleeding
In January, the FDA recommended that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants and children less than 2 years of age because of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.
But what about using ginseng in children from 3 to 12 years old? Continue reading Safety of American ginseng in children
The active substance in Polyphenon E Ointment is a green tea extract containing catechin — an antioxidant. A company called MediGene developed this drug to treat various skin tumors.
This study looks at the effect of Polyphenon E on the common sexually transmitted disease caused by Condylomata acuminata — venereal warts. Continue reading Polyphenon E Ointment treats external genital warts
The London Free Press has an interesting article on the history of ginseng cultivation in Ontario, Canada and ongoing collaborative efforts by growers, academia, and industry to quantify and improve its properties. Continue reading Going commercial with Ontario ginseng
Further research is needed, but Dr. Marlene Freeman from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas brings us up to date. Continue reading CAM for perinatal depression
Considering how often I quote his research and writings, it’s appropriate to present background on this researcher, author, and critic of CAM.
A reader has a different view, and comments accordingly.
Continue reading Just who is Edzard Ernst?
Researchers from Spain and Boston studied the relationship between age and cannabis use in patients with a first psychotic episode. Continue reading Effect of cannabis on the onset of psychosis
Standardized extract SHR-5 of Rhodiola rosea L. rhizomes (Sedum roseum; rose root) was studied in patients suffering from a current episode of mild/moderate depression. Continue reading Rhodiola rosea treats depression