Researchers from the University of Liège in Belgium reviewed 25 years of research and concluded, “Compelling evidence exists that glucosamine sulfate may reduce the progression of knee osteoarthritis.”
Here are the other key conclusions from the article published on Medscape. Continue reading Reviewing the role of glucosamine to treat osteoarthritis
Contrary to common lore, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) doesn’t prevent the hot flashes or night sweats associated with menopause.
Here’s more on what it doesn’t do. Continue reading Black cohosh has no effect on lipids, glucose, insulin, or fibrinogen
This entry goes back to the top of the gueue in light of a new study of sertraline (Zoloft). Read the comment.
This is the first study to evaluate the Wisconsin species of American ginseng as a possible treatment for cancer-related fatigue.
The Zoft Gum Company, which makes several herbal supplement chewing gums (eg, breast enlargement, weight reduction) has introduced a new gum to help manage the symptoms of menopause.
There are no studies of this gum for treating menopausal symptoms in women. And the discussion of the gum’s ingredients on the Zoft website is misleading.
This summary should provide balance. Continue reading Zoft Menopause Gum
A news release promotes this product as a “natural cholesterol supplement [that is] effective without side effects.”
And on the LipidShield website there is an unpublished study in 30 men and women to prove it. Continue reading LipidShield: The rest of the story
The FDA regulations will affect supplements makers and be published in a few weeks, according to an article in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. Continue reading Good manufacturing practices for dietary supplements approved by the President
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic want to know why so few people use herbals in accordance with their evidence-based (read, proven) uses?
I think the answer is obvious, but they wrestle with this question nonetheless. Continue reading Disconnect between the uses vs the scientific evidence supporting herbals
Here is an update to the Cochrane Review of echinacea summarized here in July.
Their consensus was that taking echinacea after the onset might shorten the cold, but does not prevent the onset of the common cold. Even at this, the experts were skeptical.
Now another analysis of clinical trials has come to a different conclusion.
Continue reading Positive news for echinacea and the common cold
Reviewers from the Mayo Clinic are not ready to support any single CAM option, but some warrant further study, in their opinion. Continue reading Complementary therapies for cancer-related fatigue
Rubbing on arnica provides pain relief in people with osteoarthritis that affects their hands. Continue reading Arnica vs ibuprofen gel for arthritis pain
Dave in Minnesota writes, “Does it prevent colds?” Continue reading MayoClinic.com reviews Airborne
A 12-hour course in Ayurveda is being offered to American medical students, residents, faculty, and practicing physicians. Continue reading Going on the road to introduce Ayurveda to American medical students and physicians
Research reported during the latest meeting of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics concludes that these herbals do not place people at risk for certain types of drug interactions.
Here are the details. Continue reading Reported lack of interaction between ginseng or ginkgo biloba and other drugs
Dr. Cathy Wong is a licensed naturopath and certified nutritionist. She writes an upbeat column on the About website.
In one article she discusses Althaea for cough and sore throat, ulcers, and irritated skin. Continue reading Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis): Where’s the data?
An article by the Canadian AIDS Society says not enough is being done to get Canadians to use legal marijuana.
Apparently legalizing a drug with no credible scientific evidence for its use as primary or secondary treatment for anything is not enough. Continue reading Legalizing marijuana: Does it matter?
Actually, they reviewed more than CAM, but that’s what will be covered here.
Continue reading British Association for Psychopharmacology rates CAM for dementia
It’s especially important considering that these product routinely have poor quality control and mislabeling problems, as noted here, here, here, and here.
Now, survey results from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine document just how confused older Americans are about supplements. Continue reading Misperceptions about herbal and dietary supplements among older Americans
Overall, they are positive, at least at the University of Minnesota. Continue reading Attitudes of pharmacy faculty and students toward CAM
The patients reported better pain control, but there was no difference in the use of other pain medicines. Continue reading Homeopathic Arnica montana for post-tonsillectomy pain control
Companies must stop manufacturing and distributing trimethobenzamide hydrochloride (Tigan, Tebamide, T-Gen, Trimazide, and Trimethobenz) suppositories.
It’s a good time to review CAM options for nausea and vomiting. Continue reading FDA has ruled against Tigan: Now, what to do for nausea and vomiting?