The most prominent neurochemical change in patients with Alzheimer’s disease is a deficiency of choline acetyltransferase, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of acetylcholine.
Polygalae radix is thought to be a useful component of kami-untan-to because it increases the activity of choline acetyltransferase. This study evaluated this Japanese herbal (kampo) medicine in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading The effect of kihito extract granules in people with Alzheimer’s disease
According to a study presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2007 Annual Meeting, about 1 in 4 people with chronic pain also have inadequate blood levels of vitamin D. Continue reading Vitamin D deficiency in people with chronic pain
The Cancer Integrative Medicine Program at Rush University Medical Center focuses on dealing with the emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects of cancer. Continue reading Integrating CAM into traditional cancer treatments in Chicago
The UK National Health Service (NHS) is quietly withdrawing funds from homeopathy, according to David Colquhoun who is professor of pharmacology at University College London. The defunding of homeopathy has apparently been taking place since May 2006.
I say adversity breeds opportunity. Read on to learn more.
Continue reading Homeopathy wars in the UK
The University of Sydney in Australia maintains a website dedicated to the glycemic index. Continue reading A practical guide to the glycemic index
The advertisement claims, Zencore Tabs are an all-natural herbal supplement, clinically tested, that enhances male sexual performance. Each tablet contains 22 powerful natural herbs.
Now, Bodee LLC is recalling it from the market. Continue reading Consumer alert: Zencore recalled
Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist and a board certified lactation consultant from the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Her work focuses on family violence and perinatal health.
Here are her thoughts on postpartum depression. Continue reading Why new mums get depressed and what to do about it
Raynaud’s disease causes some areas of the body (fingers, toes, tip of the nose and ears) to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress. During a Raynaud’s attack, the arteries become narrow and limit blood flow to affected areas.
During the American Academy of Family Physicians 2007 Annual Scientific Assembly Ginkgo biloba was reportedly less effective than the calcium channel blocker nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia). Continue reading Ginkgo biloba vs nifedipine to treat Raynaud’s disease
A study reported during the American Academy of Family Physicians 2007 Annual Scientific Assembly concluded, “tai chi is comparable to but not quite as effective as a brisk walk for raising heart rate variability.” Continue reading Effect of tai chi vs a brisk walk on heart rate variability
That’s the main message in this article. However, the authors include their experience in treating 44 patients with sudden and painful low back pain.
Continue reading Norwegian hospital offers chiropractic thru the orthopedic department
Dashmoola is a popular herbal formulation in ayurvedic medicine. It’s used to reduce fever and modify the immune response.
In this study, scientists from the National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow, India tested the roots and stems from 10 herbs used to prepare Dashmoola. Continue reading Toxic metals and pesticides in the ayurvedic formulation, Dashmoola
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction involves face pain, clicking sounds, and limited movement of the jaw. About 33% of the population has it; fewer need treatment.
This study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy plus biofeedback is cost-effective treatment.
Continue reading Behavioral training and biofeedback to treat temporomandibular dysfunction
It’s documented here and here that American medical students want to learn more about CAM.
But what should the curriculum look like? Continue reading What should students learn about CAM?
Researchers from the University of Western Sydney in Australia reviewed 40 years of research that compared calcium with or without vitamin D in older adults.
They looked at the ultimate outcome of treatment — fracture rate associated with osteoporotic bone loss. Continue reading Preventing fractures in older people
In preparation for the upcoming weight management conferences in Europe, here is what we know about the value of herbals as an aid to weight loss.
Continue reading Herbal supplements for weight loss: What works, what doesn’t
Several years ago a study in human liver tissue and in rats concluded that pomegranate juice inhibited CYP3A — a liver enzyme in the cytochrome P450 system important for metabolizing drugs. The implications were that — just as with grapefruit — people taking drugs such as statins for cholesterol might be exposed to much higher blood levels and greater risk of side effects.
We now find that when studied in healthy volunteers, pomegranate juice is not associated with this risk.
Continue reading Pomegranate juice doesn’t inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes in humans
As summarized here, JELIS is the acronym for “Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study.” It showed that adding eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — an active component of omega-3 fatty acids — to low-dose statin therapy lowered the risk for certain major problems involving the heart.
The results are finding their way into mainstream recommendations for hypercholesterolemia treatment. Continue reading Incorporating the JELIS results in cholesterol-lowering treatment plans
And half of the brands failed the test for folic acid. Continue reading ConsumerLab tests B vitamin pills
On a recent trip to Paris I was told that the reason there are no fat Parisian women is because they understand portion control in their diet. Restaurants in France serve smaller portions. Nobody complains because … well … they’re in Paris, after all.
Here’s a typical American approach to portion control, from Dr. Mary Ellen Camire and Megan Blackmore writing in the latest edition of Food Technology magazine.
Continue reading Innovation in portion control to treat obesity
Researchers from the Free University in Brussels used hypnosis to treat 28 patients who failed to respond to conventional treatments. It was either added to ongoing treatment or used alone. Continue reading Hypnosis to treat alopecia areata?