Here’s the latest in a string of negative results using Cuban sugar cane-derived policosanol.
The results are important because the researchers from Azienda Ospedaliera in Padua, Italy confirmed that the tablets contained the correct amount of policosanol. Continue reading More negative results with policosanol
The use of products containing aristolochic acid, including botanical products marketed as traditional medicines, has been associated with nephropathy (kidney disease) characterized by rapidly progressive scaring and cancer.
The authors of this article from the Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong describe 5 patients who experienced aristolochic poisoning. Continue reading More cases of aristolochic acid kidney toxicity reported
The extent of the benefit is related to the person’s body mass index, according to researchers from the University of Toronto in Ontario. Continue reading The relationship between dietary phytoestrogen and breast cancer risk
Dr. Alastair Cunningham of Toronto, Ontario and Dr. Abram Hoffer of Victoria, BC received the honor at an award ceremony in Vancouver last November. Continue reading Winners of the Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in CAM
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
Presently, “Anyone can set themselves up as an acupuncturist, homoeopath, herbalist, or other complementary therapist,” reports TimesOnLine.
This will change in April 2008. Continue reading Regulating CAM in the UK
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
The source of forgiveness and the forgiver’s expectations appear to affect the potential benefits. Continue reading Psychological benefits of forgiveness: A resolution for 2008
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
We’re talking about companies that manufacture, market, and sell adulterated “Natural” dietary supplements that are promoted to treat impotence. These unscrupulous individuals place unsuspecting users at risk of serious side effects.
Let’s shine light on the culprits in 2007. Continue reading Biggest losers in CAM for 2007
That would have to be Polyphenon E. Continue reading A CAM success story for 2007
The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida recommends eating more fruit and veggies to help you be healthier and shed extra pounds.
Here are some highlights. Continue reading Dietary resolution for the New Year
It’s an important question for insurers, healthcare practitioners, and policy makers, say researchers from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Is acupuncture a complement to or substitute for medical services?
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