Cannabinoids and opioids share several pharmacologic properties and may act synergistically. But, the potential pharmacokinetics and safety of the combination in humans are unknown.
Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco attempted to answer these questions. Continue reading Do cannabinoids improve opioid analgesia?
Researchers at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, in New Delhi, India, studied the effect of curcumin on pain and fatigue following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery). Continue reading Turmeric (curcumin) improves postoperative pain and fatigue
In October 2010 the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) conducted a telephone survey. Continue reading CAM use among older Americans
Researchers at Catholic University of Daegu, in Gyeongbuk, South Korea, examined how pressing flowers, planting, and making topiaries affected stress. Continue reading Horticulture for mentally challenged adults
Acupuncture is often recommended for obstetrical and gynecological (Ob/Gyn) conditions.
Prof. Ernst has reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Acupuncture in Ob/Gyn
Cardiac tamponade (aka pericardial tamponade) is an emergency condition in which fluid accumulates in the pericardium (the sac in which the heart is enclosed).
Prof. Ernst and colleague reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Risk of cardiac tamponade with acupuncture
Standard therapies are of limited value for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, in Australia, reviewed the value of CAM, self-help techniques, and lifestyle interventions. Continue reading CAM treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to avoid taking “homeopathic” human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) weight-loss products. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Human chorionic gonadotropin
Several health organizations have come together to review the evidence.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading Omega-3 to treat mental illness
It’s thought that people using functional foods with approved health claims may be less likely to adhere to prescribed drug therapy.
Researchers in The Netherlands assessed the influence of the use of phytosterol/-stanol-enriched functional foods on adherence to statin (cholesterol-lowering) therapy among patients initiating treatment. Continue reading Relationship between functional foods and adherence to statins
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can produce severe neurological deficits and neuropathic pain.
Researchers at the University Medical Center, in Hamburg, Germany, evaluated the response to acupuncture. Continue reading Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy treated with acupuncture
Animal studies show beneficial effects, but studies in postmenopausal women are conflicting.
Researchers at Toronto, and McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario, studied whether whole body vibration improves bone density and structure. Continue reading Whole-body vibration therapy of bone
Researchers in the US and UK investigated the effect of selenium on lipid blood levels. Continue reading Selenium supplements in adults with high cholesterol
Researchers at the University of Oxford, in the UK, assessed the role of acupuncture for epidural pain. Continue reading Acupuncture for pain relief during labor
There are few effective treatments for hot flushes in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors.
During the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina reported the results from a pilot study. Continue reading St John’s wort and hot flushes in women with breast cancer history
Therapeutic music is music with integrated RHS frequency of 60 beats/min.
During the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, researchers from Germany studied whether therapeutic music might lead to more correct positioning and the need for fewer verification films. Continue reading Benefits of therapeutic music during radiotherapy
It has been suggested that yoga has a positive effect on low back pain and function.
Now, Prof. Ernst and colleagues have reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Yoga to help ease low back pain
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, studied healthy expectant mothers. Continue reading Safety of vitamin D during pregnancy
Researchers at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Is acupuncture safe for children?
Researchers across the US combined their efforts to define the relationship between fitness and body mass index (BMI) with mortality. Continue reading The ultimate benefit of fitness