CYP3A4 is a member of the liver enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 mixed-function oxidase system. It’s one of the most important enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs.
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim evaluated several herbal remedies for their ability to inhibit CYP3A4. Continue reading CYP3A4 inhibition by herbals
Reviewers from Hartford Hospital in Connecticut report that garlic lowers blood pressure in patients with an elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), but not in people with normal SBP. Continue reading Garlic’s effect on blood pressure reviewed
Dr. Darrell Hulisz from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio reviews popular herbals.
Let’s focus on safety issues. Continue reading Safety review of popular herbal products
 This Cochrane review tells us if it’s effective for prevention or treatment of the common cold. Continue reading Garlic for the common cold?
 Researchers from Hospital Universitario del RÃo Hortega, in Valladolid, Spain sum up the benefits.
Now, the hard work must begin. Continue reading Garlic and the risk of cardiovascular disease
Dr. Darrell Hulisz from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio has written a continuing education article on herbals.
Here are the author’s take-away points, with additional references added. Continue reading Key points about commonly used herbals
Here’s a follow-up to an earlier post on the use of CAM in the US in 2007 as surveyed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Continue reading Most commonly used natural products
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota have reviewed the evidence and report that most interactions are confined to a relatively small number of drug classes and supplements. Continue reading Drug-supplement interactions in perspective
OK, you’re scheduled for surgery, and you take herbals.
Does your surgeon know what you take?
Be smart. If you use any of the herbals on this list, tell your surgeon.
 The FDA has evaluated the scientific evidence for garlic intake with respect to the risk of different types of cancer. Continue reading Garlic and the risk of cancer
 Researchers from the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences report positive effects on lipid blood levels when people with mild hypercholesterolemia were treated with a slow-release garlic product called Allicor. Continue reading Slow-release garlic for cholesterol
NutritionPedia.com is a beta website dedicated to providing easy access to nutrition information for all your favorite foods.
There was nothing listed under “Big Mac,” but I entered “garlic” and found a list of commercial food labels. Continue reading A website that specializes in compiling nutrition labels
“The available evidence from randomized controlled trials does not demonstrate any beneficial effects of garlic on serum cholesterol,” according to researchers from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur.
I think there’s a consensus brewing. Continue reading Garlic doesn’t lower cholesterol blood levels
Is there a role for omega-3, red yeast rice, and garlic in preventing cardiovascular problems? Continue reading 3 CAM options to replace statins???
It’s a plant cellulose-based organic powder. One squeeze, according to the manufacturer, into each nostril and it “naturally” enhances nasal mucus to filter out allergens so that only clean air reaches the lungs.
I found one dissatisfied customer and two studies. Continue reading Naseleze
Garlic preparations are better than placebo in reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, according to this review by researchers from The University of Adelaide in Australia. Continue reading Effect of garlic on blood pressure
Dr. Stephen Bent is Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
Here’s his view. Continue reading A Bent view of herbals
It’s unclear whether killing the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori improves symptoms in patients with dyspepsia (ie, stomach pain with fullness, bloating, or nausea). But there is benefit in people with ulcers.
Here’s a review from American Family Physician that recommends that all of us with dyspepsia be tested and treated if H. pylori is found. Recommendations from the American College of Gastroenterology are here.
Is there a role for CAM?
Continue reading The poor record of CAM to treat H. pylori bacteria
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that afflicts fewer than 2% of people younger than 50 years. It often starts in the 20s and 30s. In about 6% of these patients the disease progresses to a total loss of scalp hair.
Here are two studies using garlic gel and onion juice.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore have reviewed natural health products (NHPs) and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Here are the results
Continue reading Interactions between supplements and drugs used to treat AIDS