 Researchers from Boston and Munich have reviewed the effects of music on the increased rate of metabolic activity during critical illness. Continue reading Is there a role for music in treating critical illness?
A contrarian’s view of lycopene and prostate cancer
Despite the fact that it’s widely believed that lycopene protects against prostate cancer, Dr. Ulrike Peters at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle says “studies of the potentially protective role of lycopene have been contradictory or inconclusive.”
Here are two studies that support her skepticism. Continue reading A contrarian’s view of lycopene and prostate cancer
Has the UK quietly outlawed “alternative” medicine?
 The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (the “Regulations”) came into force on May 26, 2008. Douglas McLachlan writes on The Journal website that it represents “the most extensive modernization and simplification of the consumer protection framework for 20 years.”
But what’s the CAM connection? Continue reading Has the UK quietly outlawed “alternative” medicine?
FDA acts against papain
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered companies to stop marketing unapproved drug products that contain papain for topical application to the skin. Continue reading FDA acts against papain
Complementary and integrative medicine at Johns Hopkins
 The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center opened Sept. 2nd in Baltimore, Maryland. Continue reading Complementary and integrative medicine at Johns Hopkins
Status of CAM to treat the frailty syndrome
There’s a need, but no well-documented evidence.
Researchers from the Miami VA Medical Center in Florida have complied a detailed review. Continue reading Status of CAM to treat the frailty syndrome
Effect of omega-3 and -6 on colorectal adenoma risk
 Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands have studied the relationship between omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and the risk of colorectal adenoma — a benign tumor. Continue reading Effect of omega-3 and -6 on colorectal adenoma risk
No special label for genetically altered meats
 The FDA has released draft guidance stating it will not require a label on food made from genetically engineered animals. Continue reading No special label for genetically altered meats
Effect of green tea on liver disease
 Drinking more might lower the risk of liver disease, according to researcher from Zhejiang University in China.
But what about all that caffeine? Continue reading Effect of green tea on liver disease
More support for acupuncture in breast cancer
Researchers from the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan report it reduces side effects.
The results were presented during the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology annual meeting. Continue reading More support for acupuncture in breast cancer
Lack of benefit of fatty acids in multiple sclerosis
“The data available are insufficient to assess any potential benefit or harm from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation,” according to researchers from the Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta in Milan, Italy.
Here’s what they found after reviewing the available research. Continue reading Lack of benefit of fatty acids in multiple sclerosis
Federal Trade Commission goes after false cancer cures
 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking legal action against companies making deceptive claims that their products cure or treat cancer while offering either no proof, or quoting false clinical evidence.
The products affected include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve (a corrosive ointment), and mushroom extracts.
Here’s a list of the companies and their bogus products. Continue reading Federal Trade Commission goes after false cancer cures
Treating salicylate intolerance with fish oil
 Clinicians from Southampton University Hospitals Trust report on 3 patients with disabling salicylate-induced intolerance. Continue reading Treating salicylate intolerance with fish oil
Chelation study for autism cancelled
 “The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has decided that resources are better directed at this time to testing other potential therapies for autism spectrum disorders, and is not pursuing the additional review required to begin the study.” Continue reading Chelation study for autism cancelled
Support for CBT following trauma in young people
 Many treatment options were reviewed.
The strongest evidence was for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce psychological harm in children and adolescents following trauma. Continue reading Support for CBT following trauma in young people
Mediterranean diet: Protective against melanoma
Researchers from Istituto Dermopatico dell Immacolata in Rome, Italy report its effect on the risk for cutaneous melanoma — the cancer diagnosed in Senator McCain. Continue reading Mediterranean diet: Protective against melanoma
Acupuncture: What’s the evidence
Professor Ernst presents an overview of Cochrane reviews on acupuncture. Continue reading Acupuncture: What’s the evidence
Quality issues for some “natural” menopause products
ConsumerLab.com has reported the results of quality control tests on black cohosh supplements, soy and red clover isoflavone supplements, and progesterone creams.
Among the products tested, quality was inconsistent according to an article on HealthNewsDigest.com. Continue reading Quality issues for some “natural” menopause products
Benefits of vitamin A and zinc on malaria
 Researchers report positive effects when vitamin A and zinc were given to young children from the country of Burkina Faso in West Africa. Continue reading Benefits of vitamin A and zinc on malaria
Comparing benefits of massage vs touch in cancer patients
 Small studies suggest that massage therapy may relieve pain and other symptoms.
Here are results from a large study. Continue reading Comparing benefits of massage vs touch in cancer patients