GW Pharmaceuticals was able to prove that Sativex, their marijuana oral spray product, was safe and reliably contained sufficient tetrahydrocannabinol. But proof of effectiveness was lacking, in the view of the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Continue reading Insufficient proof of efficacy for marijuana spray to permit sale in the UK
Category Archives: G. BOTANICALS
The Volcano alternative means of delivery of inhaled Cannabis sativa
An earlier study (reported here, discussed here) showed that the Volcano vaporization device is a reliable way to achieve lung concentrations of marijuana.
Now, researchers from the University of California and San Francisco General Hospital confirm that vaporization of cannabis is a safe and effective mode of delivery of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They think the device should be used in future studies of THC. Continue reading The Volcano alternative means of delivery of inhaled Cannabis sativa
Horny goat weed to prevent bone loss during late postmenopause
Horny goat weed, also known as epimedium and yin yan huo, is a source of phytoestrogens.
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong report success using epimedium to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. Continue reading Horny goat weed to prevent bone loss during late postmenopause
Clarifying milk thistle nomenclature
It’s easy to fall into the trap of using names incorrectly, assuming that differences are unimportant.
Milk thistle extracts are being studied to treat cancer and lessen the side effects of chemotherapy. Here’s what we should know, terminology-wise. Continue reading Clarifying milk thistle nomenclature
A critical review of herbals to treat anxiety and depression
In 2003, Professor Edzard Ernst writing on the Cochrane Collaboration website concluded, “Compared with placebo, kava extract is an effective symptomatic treatment for anxiety although, at present, the size of the effect seems small.” Continue reading A critical review of herbals to treat anxiety and depression
Using CAM to complement conventional pain treatments
Researchers from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington survey the use of CAM among people with chronic pain and wonder “whether opioids can be reduced by introducing such therapies.” Continue reading Using CAM to complement conventional pain treatments
Black cohosh and green tea extract may get warning labels
A United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Committee has reviewed reports that suggest a link between liver damage and the use of products that contain green tea extracts and black cohosh.
Yes, liver toxicity is rare, but? Continue reading Black cohosh and green tea extract may get warning labels
Arnica: Not really par excellence
The website HealthWorld has an article on homeopathy that describes arnica (mountain daisy) as “par excellence” for the treatment of shock or trauma caused by any injury. Although the German Commission E Monograph lists herbal doses of arnica as approved for external use resulting from accidents, it questions arnica’s value in homeopathy, as discussed in this review.
Based on what we know, the frequent reference to arnica as “par excellence” is an overstatement. Continue reading Arnica: Not really par excellence
What to do about the high prevalence of insomnia
Patients with the highest risk for sleep disturbance are those with pain, mental illness, limited activity, and overall “poor physical and mental health.” Continue reading What to do about the high prevalence of insomnia
Trying hard to generate positive research results for black cohosh
There are doctors in Germany who are working overtime to convince us that black cohosh is a valuable treatment for menopausal symptoms.
I’m not buying it. But then, I’m not in menopause. Continue reading Trying hard to generate positive research results for black cohosh
Dissapointing recommendations to treat Alzheimer’s disease
These recommendations, from a group of experts, take a narrow view of Alzheimer’s disease. They focus on early detection and the use of existing prescription drugs.
That’s fine as far as it goes, but what about those with advanced Alzheimer’s? Why not develop a more comprehensive approach?
If I might quote Paul Harvey, “here’s the rest of the story.” Continue reading Dissapointing recommendations to treat Alzheimer’s disease
A positive review for echinacea and the common cold
This review was presented previously at the American College of Clinical Pharmacology meeting and is reported here. It’s now been published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
However, since there’s no abstract available, I’ve used the article published on Inthenews.co.uk. Continue reading A positive review for echinacea and the common cold
Goji berries: super fruit or super hype?
Time Magazine named the Himalayan Goji berry as the breakout superfruit of the year!
It’s promoted to
- protect the liver
- help eyesight
- improve sexual function and fertility
- strengthen the legs
- boost immune function
- improve circulation
- promote longevity
Wow! That’s enough for me..
…to look for evidenced-based support.
Treating anal fistulas with clove oil
An anal fissure is a painful condition affecting the far end of the intestines. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties of clove oil provide a rationale for its use in this study. Continue reading Treating anal fistulas with clove oil
Poor quality control with milk thistle supplements
At the end of 2006 I listed milk thistle as a supplement worth additional research. This was because of a study in people with diabetes where milk thistle was associated with a decline in A1c circuclating in blood.
Now, ConsumerLab.com has tested 12 milk thistle products. Continue reading Poor quality control with milk thistle supplements
Cannabinoid-receptor blocker will probably not be sold in the US
The New York Times reports, “The [FDA] advisory panel voted unanimously, 14 to 0, against recommending the drug [rimonabant, Acomplia, Zimulti], saying there was inadequate evidence of its safety. The FDA is not required to follow this advice, but it typically does.”
The report is interesting to this blog because rimonabant works by blocking cannabinoids receptors in the brain. Continue reading Cannabinoid-receptor blocker will probably not be sold in the US
Status of cannabinoids for pain management
Dr. Lynn Webster of the Lifetree Pain Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah reports from the American Academy of Pain Medicine meeting.
Effective? Continue reading Status of cannabinoids for pain management
Milk thistle improves A1c in people with diabetes
MayoClinic.com gives milk thistle (Silybum marianum seed extract [silymarin]) a “C” grade for its role in the treatment of diabetes. In other words, there is “unclear scientific evidence for this use.”
But this might change as a result of this study on the effect of milk thistle on A1c in people with type 2 diabetes.
Continue reading Milk thistle improves A1c in people with diabetes
Is there a role for herbal medicines in treating infections?
Not based on what we know right now.
Here’s an overview.
Continue reading Is there a role for herbal medicines in treating infections?
Black cohosh use during pregnancy
A survey of midwifes in the United States revealed that 45% used black cohosh to induce labor. The preparation is called “mother’s cordial? or “partus preparatus.” In addition to black cohosh, it contains squaw vine (Mitchella ripens), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), and false unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum).
What do we know about using black cohosh safely during pregnancy? Continue reading Black cohosh use during pregnancy