On the positive side, green tea is cheap, widely available, and has low toxicity. Now, we just need some good studies of efficacy.
Writing in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 5 researchers summarized what we know so far. Continue reading The potential of green tea for cancer prevention and treatment
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
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
In a study of 60 nurses working in an Australian hospital 15 minutes of massage therapy once each week for 5 weeks reportedly reduced psychological stress levels compared to no massage.
“When I pushed on it, stuff would come out the holes”
“It was real hard for me to open my mouth; it was hard for me to chew and stuff like that. It was just unbearable; I couldn’t sleep on it or anything.”
Yea, it’s hard to overeat when you can’t open your mouth!
Here’s the bottom line from the Mayo Clinic.
Occupational therapy (OT) reportedly helped a group of 135 patients with mild-to-moderate dementia (averaging 78 years old) to perform daily activities.
Continue reading Using occupational therapy to treat mild-to-moderate dementia
Elevated triglyceride blood levels are a common finding in people with HIV. And the levels tend to get higher during treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
A new study shows the effectiveness of taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements in these patients.
Continue reading Omega-3 lowers triglycerides in men with HIV
The INTERMAP study (INTERnational collaborative of MAcronutrients and blood Pressure) examines correlations between nutrients and worldwide patterns of blood pressure.
The abstract is obtuse, but Medscape has a decent review. Continue reading Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acid on blood pressure: The INTERMAP study.
I was reading another blog that listed Picrorhiza kurroa (Pk; Kutaki) Royle ex Benth as an effective treatment for ascites. I can’t find a study in people to support it for ascites, but here’s a study where this Ayurvedic medicine was used to treat acute viral hepatitis. Continue reading Picrorhiza kurroa to treat acute viral hepatitis
Young adults with higher magnesium intake have a lower risk of developing the metabolic syndrome. This is the conclusion from an April 2006 article published in the journal Circulation.
Here are the details. Continue reading Magnesium and the metabolic syndrome
Not based on what we know right now.
Here’s an overview.
Continue reading Is there a role for herbal medicines in treating infections?
For the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), triple therapy that combines splinting with nerve-gliding exercises and ultrasound is superior to dual therapy that includes splinting plus nerve-gliding exercises or ultrasound. Continue reading Gliding exercises to treat carpal tunnel syndrome
The results of studies using cinnamon are inconsistent, but researchers from Sweden wanted to find out how cinnamon might lower blood sugar levels.
To do this, they measured the time for a serving of rice pudding (with and without cinnamon) to empty from the stomach into the intestines. Continue reading How might cinnamon lower blood sugar levels?
This reanalysis of the results (meta-analysis) from 8 studies concluded, “folic acid supplementation can effectively reduce the risk of a first stroke.”
But what about colon cancer? Continue reading Folic acid and the stroke connection
And, women like practicing yoga too. Continue reading Restorative yoga helps treat hot flushes
The value of folic acid supplementation is not clear. This large study found no benefit. In fact, folic acid supplements might cause harm. Continue reading The saga continues: Folic acid does not protect from colon cancer
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
HDL is “good” cholesterol because it picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and takes it back to your liver for disposal.
Dr Satoru Kodama and colleagues from Ochanomizu University in Tokyo reviewed the literature to find the best way to raise HDL cholesterol using exercise.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Want to raise HDL cholesterol? Exercise longer
This survey explored the beliefs and practices of family medicine physicians regarding the use of nonconventional treatment for menopausal symptom management. Continue reading No surprise: Healthcare providers recommend the CAM they know
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