Dr. Jennifer Strohecker at the Intermountain Medical Center, in Salt Lake City, Utah, tells us the safety of warfarin (Coumadin) use can be compromised by many popular herbal and nonherbal supplements.
Here’s what we know from her research. Continue reading Risk of interactions between supplements and blood thinners
At the University of Turin, in Italy, researchers reviewed the evidence.
And contributors to the US Headache Consortium tell us why it’s important. Continue reading Reviewing non-pharmacological options to prevent migraine
Products derived from the black chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa, are claimed to be beneficial in disorders or diseases associated with oxidative stress. But these claims are based primarily on laboratory and animal research.
Researchers at Hebrew University, Jerusalem reviewed the evidence in people. Continue reading Review: Black chokeberry
“14 states and the District of Columbia have launched a medical experiment that doesn’t follow any of the rules of science. By approving the use of marijuana as a medicine, they are bypassing the federal government’s elaborate processes for approving medicines.”
It has happened only once before. Continue reading Kaiser points out the 800-pound gorilla
It’s suggested, based on laboratory and clinical studies, that ginseng may have beneficial effects on cognitive performance (reasoning).
This Cochrane review evaluated the evidence in healthy people. Continue reading Does ginseng aid cognition?
Given that multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with cognitive (reasoning) deterioration, researchers at the University of Toronto, in Ontario, determined the neuropsychological effects of cannabis use in these patients.
Listen up, Montel Williams. Continue reading Cognitive effects of street cannabis in MS patients
Would you believe that about 80% of people with diabetes use CAM?
Researchers at the University of California, in San Diego, surveyed patients attending the 6 Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) educational conferences during 2004-2006. Continue reading High use of CAM among people with diabetes
Prof. Ernst has reviewed the evidence.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading CAM options to treat menopausal symptoms
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong, in China, studied the risk for an herbal:warfarin interaction in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Continue reading Effects of herbals on warfarin therapy
Medical cannabis is associated with a number of adverse medical and psychiatric consequences.
Dr. Gary Reisfield (photo), who is Chief of Pain Management Services at the University of Florida College of Medicine, in Gainesville, has reviewed the risks. Continue reading Risks of driving while on medical cannabis
The effects of cannabis are mediated via cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the brain.
Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health, in Bethesda, Maryland, measured the effects of chronic daily cannabis smokers on these receptors. Continue reading Effects of cannabis on the brain
In a study sponsored by the NCCAM, researchers from the US and Australia looked for potential benefits. Continue reading Echinacea to treat the common cold?
Researchers at the University of Washington, in Seattle, evaluated whether 13 vitamin and mineral supplements and glucosamine, chondroitin, saw palmetto, Ginkgo biloba, garlic, fish-oil, and fiber supplements were associated with total mortality.
The results with glucosamine and chondroitin are most interesting. Continue reading Risk of death and the use of supplements
Some herb remedies seem useful, according to researchers at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, in Italy. Continue reading Review: Herbal treatments for prementrual syndrome
Upper respiratory tract infections frequently exacerbate chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Researchers in Indonesia and Switzerland evaluated the effect of Echinacea purpurea + micronutrients in order to reduce the severity of these infections. Continue reading Lack of effect of an Echinacea cocktail on exacerbations of COPD
The New York Times reports, “Nearly all herbal dietary supplements tested in a Congressional investigation contained trace amounts of lead and other contaminants, and 16 of the 40 supplements tested contained pesticide residue that exceeded legal limits.
Here are the details of what the Government Accounting Office found. Continue reading High percentage of supplements are contaminated
It’s a long list compiled by researchers at RMIT University in Victoria, Australia. Continue reading Drug interactions with St John’s wort
Today is Worlds Asthma Day.
So, researchers from the UK and China reviewed the evidence supporting the use of herbs and plant extracts to manage asthma. Continue reading Review of herbals to treat asthma
A key outcome of early cancer drug studies is the toxicity of a new experimental drug. The use of CAM in patients with advanced cancer might make it difficult to make this determination.
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, studied the prevalence of CAM use in their patients participating in experimental cancer drug treatment studies. Continue reading CAM use among cancer patients during drug trials
During the American Heart Association meeting, Dr. Jennifer Strohecker, at the Intermountain Medical Center, in Salt Lake City, Utah, reported that documentation of supplement use in the medical chart is poor. Continue reading Use of herbal supplements by people taking blood thinners