Delta(9)- and Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are potent inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration in human sperm, according to this study by researchers at the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Continue reading Negative effects of cannabinoids on human sperm
Category Archives: G. BOTANICALS
Measuring the immune response to Dzherelo
Dzherelo, is made from a combination of medicinal plants and used in Ukraine to treat tuberculosis (TB) and HIV infections.
In this study, Dzherelo had a positive effect on the immune status and viral burden in patients treated for TB. Continue reading Measuring the immune response to Dzherelo
Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis knee pain
The Arthritis Foundation characterized the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) as “a landmark study that helps define the role of glucosamine/chondroitin in the treatment of knee OA.”
Continue reading Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis knee pain
Using herbals to increase the activity of antibiotics
Resistance to antibiotics by bacteria is on the rise, both in the hospital and in the community. Could it be that herbals might increase the effectiveness of antibiotics?
This lab study suggests it’s possible.
Continue reading Using herbals to increase the activity of antibiotics
St John’s Wort in ADHD
In children, St John’s Wort (H. perforatum) did not improve symptoms. Continue reading St John’s Wort in ADHD
Cannabis and psychosis in adolescence
In the largest unselected, population-based study on this topic to date, researchers from Finland observed “Cannabis use is associated with prodromal symptoms of psychosis in adolescence.” Continue reading Cannabis and psychosis in adolescence
Brain shrinks with long-term marijuana use
According to this study by Dr. Murat Yücel at the University of Melbourne in Australia, heavy, long-term marijuana use was associated with significant changes in hippocampus and amygdala volumes by -6% to -12%. Continue reading Brain shrinks with long-term marijuana use
CAERS reports on supplement safety
The FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition’s Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) represents one of the few existing surveillance mechanisms.
Here’s a list of the 6 most frequently used and how they rate for reports of adverse events. Continue reading CAERS reports on supplement safety
A final nail in the policosanol coffin
Over the past 2 years, researchers from all over the world have failed to confirm the results of early studies in Cuba that reported a cholesterol-lowering effect with policosanol (a mixture of fatty alcohols from waxes of sugar cane).
Here’s the latest study from researchers at the McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Continue reading A final nail in the policosanol coffin
Using Sprinkles to reduce anemia in children
Sprinkles is a nutritional supplement containing iron, zinc, vitamin A, folic acid, and vitamin C. Researchers from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York traveled to Haiti to do the study. Continue reading Using Sprinkles to reduce anemia in children
Popular weight loss supplements reviewed
A couple of PharmDs from Ohio have published a review of 16 weight loss supplements (and 1 drug) used to help shed excess girth.
I’ll give just the bottom line on each supplement here. Continue reading Popular weight loss supplements reviewed
Indian herb, Salacia oblonga, lowers blood sugar in diabetics
This is the second successful study of this herb, which is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka. Continue reading Indian herb, Salacia oblonga, lowers blood sugar in diabetics
St. John’s wort drug interactions
In a pharmacy continuing education newsletter (InetCE 221-999-05-056-H01), Dr. Mary Chavez states, “St. John’s wort is the most studied herbal, and has the most evidence for significant interactions with medications.”
From her article, documented herbal-drug interactions based on reliable case reports, case series, or clinical investigations are presented below. I listed only generic drug names. A useful link to identify brand names from generic names is found here. Dr. Chavez includes more detailed information in the newsletter.
The role for marijuana in medical practice
Two Canadian doctors debate the issue. And a reader debates me.
Enjoy!
Continue reading The role for marijuana in medical practice
Goji berries, 2 years later
Actually, it was only 22 months ago that Time Magazine named the Himalayan Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) the breakout superfruit of the year!
There wasn’t much evidence supporting that claim then, and not much has happened since — except this. Continue reading Goji berries, 2 years later
The effect of marijuana on ADHD
It’s not just pot, but tobacco and alcohol also appear to influence the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Continue reading The effect of marijuana on ADHD
Milk thistle, iron, and hepatitis C
Milk thistle is used as an alternative therapy for liver disease.
Researchers in Seattle, Washington examined the effect of silybin on iron status in patients with hepatitis C. Continue reading Milk thistle, iron, and hepatitis C
Saffron to treat PMS
This is the first study of saffron to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in humans. Continue reading Saffron to treat PMS
Aromatherapy and cats: Caution
Thumbing through the August 2007 issue of Cat Fancy magazine, I found an article with the following caveats. Continue reading Aromatherapy and cats: Caution
Chasteberry to treat breast discomfort and premenstrual syndrome
Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), or monk’s pepper is an herbal medicine that may be effective in treatment of cyclical breast discomfort and premenstrual syndrome. This is the conclusion reached in a review published in American Family Physician.
On the other hand?
Continue reading Chasteberry to treat breast discomfort and premenstrual syndrome