Prolotherapy involves injecting an otherwise non-pharmacological and non-active irritant solution into the body — generally in the region of tendons or ligaments — to strengthen weakened connective tissue and alleviate musculoskeletal pain.
A group of American researchers reviewed the evidence and found it lacking. Continue reading Treating chronic low back pain with prolotherapy
In September 2003, the Dutch government legalized a medicinal cannabis product for clinical research, drug development, and prescription use by patients.
Here’s what has happened since then. Continue reading The cannabis experience in oncology
“Older women who consume chocolate daily had lower bone density and strength,” according to researchers in Australia. Continue reading Eating chocolate leads to weaker bones
Dr. Philip Hansten from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy has spent more than 30 years chronicling and documenting drug interactions.
In an article in Pharmacy Times, he and Dr. John Horn focus on the risks for people with diabetes or taking blood thinners. Continue reading Getting specific about CAM-drug interactions
The benefit is an increase in cell-mediated immunity to varicella zoster virus and improved health functioning in older adults.
It’s important because “cell-mediated immunity to varicella zoster virus is thought to be pivotal in determining the risk of herpes zoster,” writes Dr. Michael Irwin from the University of California in Los Angeles. Continue reading Tai chi benefits people with shingles
An earlier review concluded that replacing foods high in saturated fat, trans-saturated fat, and cholesterol with soy protein might have a beneficial effect on coronary risk factors.
This re-analysis of the literature concurs and goes a step further. Continue reading Defining the cholesterol-lowering effects of soy
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia have reviewed treatment options.
Intestinal bacteria play an important role in the disease process of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here’s what they say about probiotics. Continue reading Update on probiotics to treat inflammatory bowel disease
Consumers are being warned by the FDA not to use erectile dysfunction treatments being sold by Shangai Distributor, Inc. These so-called “natural” products actually contain undeclared drugs (sildenafil or a substance similar to sildenafil). Continue reading Safety alert: Shangai products
Omega-3 fatty acids, of course
There’s so much good stuff it’s hard to know where to start. Continue reading The winner in CAM for 2007
That would have to be Polyphenon E. Continue reading A CAM success story for 2007
I’m piecing together the results of a study by Brazilian researchers presented at the recent meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. Continue reading Positive results using exercise to treat fibromyalgia
The researchers from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products show that “a moisturizer containing stabilized soy extracts is safe and effective.” Continue reading Using a soy-based moisturizer to treat photoaging
The Korean pine nut (Pinus koraiensis), which is also known as PinnoThin was selected as the most innovative ingredient at the First International Conference on Innovations and Trends in Weight Loss and Weight Management (Slimming Germany)
It increases levels of the appetite-suppressing hormones (glucagon-like peptide-1) GLP-1 and cholecystokinin (CCK). But does this actually result in weight loss? Continue reading Korean pine nut tree and weight loss
No consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence is available on peppermint oil (Mentha piperita). So, the authors based their conclusions on the criteria in the strength of recommendation taxonomy (SORT). Continue reading Peppermint oil is “probably effective”
Dr. Michael Miller from the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore presents the latest recommendations. Continue reading Recommended doses of omega-3 fatty acids for heart benefits
I usually shy away from animal data. After all, there’s a long road between the lab and the medicine chest.
However, in light of my nominee for CAM of the year (see 12/31/07 posts) the results published by researchers from California and Osaka are interesting. Continue reading Finding a link for the proposed beneficial effects of omega-3 on Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial looked at the use and response to silymarin (milk thistle extract) among the patients in the study. Continue reading Response to milk thistle among people with hepatitis C
A review of the literature by the Cochrane Collaboration concludes there is no evidence that zinc can prevent type 2 diabetes.
In fact, there was little to review. Jaybee comments that the revised title to this post more accurately describes the state of the knowledge. I agree. Continue reading We don’t know if zinc prevents diabetes or not
Buteyko is a specific form of breathing therapy (actually breathing restraint) that has been used in the management of asthma.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Buteyko therapy for asthma
Two old acquaintances, Drs. James McKenney and Domenic Sica from Virginia Commonwealth University, have reviewed the evidence. Here’s a summary. Continue reading Effect of prescription omega-3 on triglycerides and coronary heart disease