Does it matter?
Prior studies in patients with Alzheimer’s disease were too small and too short in duration to assess their effect on cognitive (reasoning) decline, according to researchers in the Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study. Continue reading Take B vitamins to reduce homocysteine in dementia?
The American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled the recommended daily vitamin D intake from 200 IU to 400 IU for infants, children, and adolescents. Continue reading New recommendations for vitamin D in pediatrics
 Here’s a summary of reviews and research in this area of practice since the beginning of this blog. Continue reading Summarizing acupuncture’s effect on pregnancy 2006-2008
Chastetree (Vitex agnus castus) is a deciduous shrub used to treat a variety of gynecologic conditions, including menstrual irregularities.
Researchers from the University of Toronto and McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada reviewed the evidence as it pertains to its use by pregnant women. Continue reading No support for chastetree during pregnancy and lactation
 When healthy postmenopausal women take calcium supplements to improve bone health, there appears to be an increase in cardiovascular problems. Continue reading Unanticipated consequences of taking calcium for bone health
 This Cochrane review from the University of Southampton in the UK concludes the evidence doesn’t support the practice.
A reader comments and I reply. So, it’s back to the top of the queue.
An international group of researchers report on the ability of 3 herbal products commonly used in Cuba and Mexico to inhibit the action of the CYP450 system of drug metabolizing enzymes.
It’s relevant considering the millions of illegal aliens who have entered the US and bring their folk medicines with them. Continue reading Potential drug interactions with ethnic herbals
 This study compared the effect of rest intervals on isokinetic knee exercise in physically active younger and older women.
Isokinetic exercises use an apparatus that provides “variable resistance” (photo). Regardless of the effort exerted, movement occurs at a constant speed. This technique is used to improve muscular strength and endurance, especially after injury. Continue reading Importance of rest in your exercise routine
 Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used for more than 3 decades to improve the drug treatment of pain.
Reviewers from the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada evaluated the evidence in treating low back pain for a Cochrane report. Continue reading Is TENS better than placebo for chronic low back pain?
The connection, of course, is bromelain, which comes from pineapples. Continue reading Christopher Columbus and the CAM connection
 That’s the conclusion by reviewers from the University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital in China in this Cochrane review. Continue reading Lack of support for acupuncture in epilepsy
 Researchers from the China Academy of Chinese Medicine Science in Beijing reviewed the evidence for this Cochrane report. Continue reading Using acupuncture to treat restless legs syndrome
 Here’s a summary of a thorough review of this special area of CAM care. Continue reading Acupuncture in children
Occupational therapists have for many years been identified as key contributors to the rehabilitation of people with stroke.
Dr. Peter Langhorne and an international group of coworkers reviewed the Cochrane database and concluded, “occupational therapy should be available to everyone who has had a stroke.” Continue reading Review of occupational therapy following stroke
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) sometimes claim to experience immediate subjective benefit when they purse their lips while exhaling. It’s called pursed lips breathing and results in a positive expiratory pressure (PEP).
Are they wasting their breath? Continue reading The value of PEP in obstructive lung disease
 The Women’s Health Initiative reported reduced bone loss with treatment.
But do healthier bones mean older women will become more active? Continue reading Calcium, vitamin D, and physical activity in the elderly
 Cochrane doesn’t explain why this review, which was prepared by researchers at the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research and Development Unit in London, was published and then withdrawn.
But just labeling it peaks my interest. Continue reading WITHDRAWN: Aromatherapy and massage for cancer.
 Three people have died in southwest China after receiving an injection of Siberian ginseng extract.
It’s another example of the chaos that passes for the Chinese pharmaceutical industry. Continue reading Deaths due to Siberian ginseng injections
 More than 100 million people in over 70 countries use procaine preparations.
This Cochrane review tells us if it’s worth the effort. Continue reading Procaine fails to improve dementia
 St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used to treat depression.
Is it more effective than placebo? Is it as effective as standard antidepressants?