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Group music therapy for agitation in dementia
Researchers at Taipei Medical University, in Taiwan, explored the effectiveness of group music sessions to manage agitation in elderly persons with dementia.
First, the details.
104 elderly nursing home residents with dementia were randomly assigned to a treatment group.
Music therapy: 12, 30-minute group sessions, twice a week for 6 consecutive weeks
Control group: Normal daily activities
The participants were [...]
Consumer Alert: Miracle Mineral Supplement aka MMS
This product, when used as directed, produces an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm.
Swallowing doses of this bleach, such as those recommended in the labeling can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration.
MMS claims to treat several unrelated diseases, including HIV, hepatitis, the H1N1 flu virus, common colds, acne, cancer, and [...]
Effectiveness of cranberry in people with ileal enterocystoplasty
A diseased urinary bladder with low capacity and low compliance (ability to urinate) may require ileal enterocystoplasty (remove a part of the small intestine and attach it to the bladder to enlarge it and improve function [photo]).
Researchers at Hospital Foch, in Suresnes, France, studied a cranberry preparation with high levels of proanthocyanidin A (inhibits bacteria [...]
Consumer Alert: ejaculoid XXTREME and stimuloid II
The FDA found that these dietary supplements contain sulfoaildenafil, similar to sildenafil (Viagra).
The inclusion of sulfoaildenafil as an active ingredient is not FDA-approved, making these products unapproved drugs.
Neither sulfoaildenafil nor sildenafil are listed on the product labels. These drugs may interact with nitrates found in drugs such as nitroglycerin and lower blood pressure to dangerous [...]
The value of nutritional supplements in older adults
We commonly take them, but studies show mixed results regarding their health benefits, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center, in Durham, North Carolina.
First, the details.
The authors reviewed studies of the effects of folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids on health outcomes in older adults.
Focus was on prevention of major [...]
Treating dry eye with acupuncture
Researchers at the EYE and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, in Shanghai, China compared acupuncture to artificial tears.
First, the details.
The results from 2 studies in 44 patients with xerophthalmia (dry eye) were combined for this report.
1 study used 10 sessions of acupuncture.
The other study administered Dextran 70 artificial tears.
Each course of treatment lasted 21 days.
Examinations [...]
Symptomatic benefits of hot drinks for cold and flu
Researchers from Cardiff University, in the UK studied the effects of fruit drinks on nasal airflow and cold and flu symptoms.
First, the details.
30 adults suffering from common cold/flu participated.
Each person had at least 3 common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, blocked nose, sore throat, cough), with at least 2 symptoms judged as moderate on [...]
Music therapy for children with delayed speech development
Children with delayed speech development are at risk of acquiring other cognitive (reasoning), social-emotional, and school-related problems.
Researchers in Germany studied the effects of music therapy in these children.
First, the details.
18 children with delayed speech development were assigned to a treatment group.
Individualized music therapy
No treatment Individual music therapy
All participants received each treatment twice, with an interval [...]
Vitamin D and depression in people with cardiovascular disease
Depression is associated with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center, in Murray, Utah, looked for an association between vitamin D deficiency and depression in these patients.
First, the details.
7,358 older adults with coronary artery disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, transient ischemic accident, atrial fibrillation, or peripheral vascular disease participated in the study.
They had [...]
Acupuncture for treating patients with spinal cord injury
There are about 253,000 people living with spinal cord injury in the United States, with approximately 11,000 new cases each year.
Researchers at Pusan National University, in Yangsan, South Korea, reviewed the evidence for acupuncture to facilitate recovery.
First, the details.
The authors identified 236 potentially relevant studies in the Chinese literature, of which 7 met the inclusion [...]
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine - current issue
eCAM: Retaining an International Perspective
Yoga Practice for the Management of Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Adults: A systematic review
The effect of practicing yoga for the management of type II Diabetes was assessed in this systematic review through searching related electronic databases and the grey literature to the end of May 2007 using Ovid. All randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing yoga practice with other type of intervention or with regular practice or both, were included regardless of language or type of publication. Each study was assessed for quality by two independent reviewers. Mean difference was used for summarizing the effect of each study outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. Pooling of the studies did not take place due to the wide clinical variation between the studies. Publication bias was assessed by statistical methods. Five trials with 363 participants met the inclusion criteria with medium to high risk of bias and different intervention characteristics. The studies’ results show improvement in outcomes among patients with diabetes type II. These improvements were mainly among short term or immediate diabetes outcomes and not all were statistically significant. The results were inconclusive and not significant for the long-term outcomes. No adverse effects were reported in any of the included studies. Short-term benefits for patients with diabetes may be achieved from practicing yoga. Further research is needed in this area. Factors like quality of the trials and other methodological issues should be improved by large randomized control trials with allocation concealment to assess the effectiveness of yoga on diabetes type II. A definitive recommendation for physicians to encourage their patients to practice yoga cannot be reached at present.
Physiological Adjustments to Stress Measures Following Massage Therapy: A Review of the Literature
Use of massage therapy by the general public has increased substantially in recent years. In light of the popularity of massage therapy for stress reduction, a comprehensive review of the peer-reviewed literature is important to summarize the effectiveness of this modality on stress-reactive physiological measures. On-line databases were searched for articles relevant to both massage therapy and stress. Articles were included in this review if (i) the massage therapy account consisted of manipulation of soft tissues and was conducted by a trained therapist, and (ii) a dependent measure to evaluate physiological stress was reported. Hormonal and physical parameters are reviewed. A total of 25 studies met all inclusion criteria. A majority of studies employed a 20–30 min massage administered twice-weekly over 5 weeks with evaluations conducted pre-post an individual session (single treatment) or following a series of sessions (multiple treatments). Single treatment reductions in salivary cortisol and heart rate were consistently noted. A sustained reduction for these measures was not supported in the literature, although the single-treatment effect was repeatable within a study. To date, the research data is insufficient to make definitive statements regarding the multiple treatment effect of massage therapy on urinary cortisol or catecholamines, but some evidence for a positive effect on diastolic blood pressure has been documented. While significant improvement has been demonstrated following massage therapy, the general research body on this topic lacks the necessary scientific rigor to provide a definitive understanding of the effect massage therapy has on many physiological variables associated with stress.
Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine, a Re-emerging Health Aid
Complementary medicine is a formal method of health care in most countries of the ancient world. It is expected to become more widely integrated into the modern medical system, including the medical curriculum. Despite the perception of modern medicine as more efficacious, traditional medicine continues to be practiced. More than 70% of the developing world's population still depends primarily on the complementary and alternative systems of medicine (CAM). In rural areas, cultural beliefs and practices often lead to self-care, home remedies or consultation with traditional healers. Herbal medicine can be broadly classified into four basic systems as follows: Traditional Chinese Herbalism, Ayurvedic Herbalism, Western Herbalism—which originally came from Greece and Rome to Europe and then spread to North and South America and Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM). There is no doubt that today the concept of Arabic traditional herbal medicine is a part of modern life in the Middle East, and it is acquiring worldwide respect, with growing interest among traditional herbalists and the scientific community. TAIM therapies have shown remarkable success in healing acute as well as chronic diseases and have been utilized by people in most countries of the Mediterranean who have faith in spiritual healers. TAIM is the first choice for many in dealing with ailments such as infertility, epilepsy, psychosomatic troubles and depression. In parallel, issues of efficacy and safety of complementary medicine have become increasingly important and supervision of the techniques and procedures used is required for commercial as well as traditional uses. More research is therefore needed to understand this type of medicine and ensure its safe usage. The present review will discuss the status of traditional Arab medicine (particularly herbal medicine), including the efficacy and toxicity of specific medicinal preparations, with an emphasis on the modern in vitro and in vivo techniques.
Winnowing the Chaff of Charlatanism from the Wheat of Science
Experts and lay people alike can sometimes find it difficult to demarcate the absurd. Here I propose a set of criteria that may be helpful in achieving this in the realm of healthcare: falsifiability, plausibility and some hallmarks of pseudoscience. Applying this method is unlikely to be fool-proof but it might be a valuable aid in discriminating credible from incredible health claims.
MRN-100, an Iron-based Compound, Possesses Anti-HIV Activity In Vitro
We examined the in vitro anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity of MRN-100, an iron-based compound derived from bivalent and tervalent ferrates. MRN-100 action against HIV-1 (SF strain) was tested in primary cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) by analyzing p24 antigen production and percent survival of MNC infected with HIV. MRN-100 at a concentration of 10% (v/v) inhibited HIV-1 replication in 11 out of 14 samples (79%). The percentage of suppression of p24 antigen was –12.3 to 100% at 10 days post-treatment. MRN-100 also exhibited a significant protective effect in the survival of HIV-1-infected MNC. MNC survival post-treatment was dose dependent, 70.4% ± 8.4, 83.6% ± 10.7 and 90% ± 11.4, at concentrations 2.5, 5 and 10% (v/v), respectively, as compared with 53% ± 4 for HIV-1-infected MNC without treatment. The effect was detected as early as 4 days and continued up to 11 days. Treatment with MRN-100 caused no significant change in proliferative response of MNC alone or cocultured with different mitogens: PHA and Con-A (activators of T cell function) and PWM (activator of CD4+ T cell-dependent B cells). We concluded that MRN-100 possesses anti-HIV activity in vitro and without an increase in lymphocyte proliferation, MRN-100 may be a useful agent for treating patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Soybeans Ameliolate Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most frequent and serious complications of diabetes mellitus. Soybeans have been shown to reduce urinary albumin excretion and total cholesterol in non-diabetic patients with nephrotic syndrome. However, reports focusing specifically on diabetic nephropathy are scarce and the available results are inconsistent. It was reported that soybean consumption reduced urinary protein excretion in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy, whereas it was found to elicit an increase in urinary protein excretion when soybeans were consumed by type 2 diabetic patients. This study aims to investigate the effects of soybean in diabetic nephropathy, particularly the effects of consuming soybeans on the histopathology of diabetic nephropathy, using aquaporin (AQP) and osteopontin (OPN) expression as diagnostic markers. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three groups: control, diabetic with red chow diet and diabetic with soybean diet. For histological examination, the expression of OPN and AQP, renal function and hemoglobin A1c were evaluated at the end of the study. Improvements in glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions were demonstrated in the diabetic rat group given a soybean diet. OPN and AQP expression were suppressed in the kidney specimens of diabetic rats with the soybean diet. In conclusion, soybeans may prevent the weight loss and morphological disruption of the kidney associated with diabetes mellitus. Soybeans also may improve glycemic control. It seems likely that long-term control of blood glucose levels using a soybean diet could prevent the progression of diabetes mellitus, and therefore, nephropathy could be prevented.
In Vitro Anti-plasmodial activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
Developing countries, where malaria is one of the most prevalent diseases, still rely on traditional medicine as a source for the treatment of this disease. For the present study, Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) were collected from Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. The test plant has been used in India by traditional healers for the treatment of fever as well as other diseases. The active principle was extracted out in different solvent systems to assess the anti-plasmodial potential, with an aim that they can further be utilized to formulate drugs. In vitro anti-plasmodial assay of the extracted fractions of fenugreek leaves was carried out using laboratory adapted chloroquine sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum isolates. Schizont maturation inhibition assay was adopted to analyze the potential of the extracts. Ethanol extract (50%) seemed to possess profound anti-plasmodial activity with IC50 value of 8.75 ± 0.35 µg ml–1 and 10.25 ± 0.35 µg ml–1 against chloroquine sensitive and resistant P. falciparum isolates, respectively. Among the investigated six fractions of the plant extracts, two were found to have significant anti-plasmodial activity with IC50 values <10 µg ml–1, namely ethanol and butanol extracts. Two extracts chloroform and ethyl acetate showed moderate activity with IC50 values ranging from 10 to 20 µg ml–1, and the other two extracts, hexane and water appeared to be inactive with IC50 values >85 µg ml–1. In addition, preliminary phytochemical screening of the various extracts indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponin, tannin like phenolic compounds, flavonoids and steroids.
Traditional Japanese medicine uses the leaves of Kumaizasa bamboo extracted in hot water at 100°C. For this study, we developed a new, ‘vigorous’ extraction method involving steps at 100, 121 and 196°C. This procedure not only yielded greater amounts of extract but also with significant increase in immunostimulating activity, which induces activation of human natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages and potent induction of IL-2, IL-12 and IFN- in tumor bearing mice. The efficacy of the extract to facilitate phagocytosis and nitric oxide production by mouse peritoneal macrophages was determined and compared with that of 1,3-β-glucan. Anti-tumor activity was evaluated in vivo in several mouse tumor models (S-180, C38 and Meth-A). Oral administration of the extracts was carried out when tumor reached size of approximately 6 mm at concentrations of 0.05% or higher. The extracts significantly suppressed tumor growth in S-180 and C38 tumor models. Overall survival was significantly prolonged in the treatment group than that of control. Activation of macrophages and NK cells by the extracts suggests that the anti-tumor efficacy of the extract is mediated by immunopotentiation. The extracts resolved into three major fractions (F-I, F-II and F-III) in Sephadex gel chromatography. Fraction F-I consists of 1,3-β-glucan and stimulated both macrophages and NK cells suggesting that it may be the primary immunopotentiating factor in suppressing cancer. Fraction F-III has potent free radical scavenging effects and may play an important role in cancer prevention. These results warrant further translation and clinical investigations.
Anti-oxidant and Anti-hypercholesterolemic Activities of Wasabia japonica
The effects of Wasabia japonica (WJ) were investigated in vitro and in vivo for their anti-oxidant and anti-hypercholesterolemic activities. It was found that the aqueous extracts of WJ leaves (WJL) had strong scavenging activities towards 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) free radicals in cell free systems. WJL also inhibited NO production and the expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA and enzyme protein, determined by Griess reactions, RT-PCR or Western blotting respectively in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages cells. The anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of WJ diet were investigated in hypercholesterolemia rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and were fed with either normal diet (Group 1), or diet containing 1%(w/w) cholesterol (Groups 2, 3 and 4). After 4 weeks, Group 2 was changed to normal diet, Groups 3 and 4 were changed to the diet containing 5% WJ leaf and or 5% WJ root, respectively. 3 weeks after WJ diets, Serum HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly increased in WJ diet groups compared with the normal diet hypercholesterolemia rats. In contrast, the serum LDL-cholesterol levels and liver xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in WJ diet groups were significantly decreased. The results indicate that the WJ extracts have significant anti-oxidant activities, and the WJ diet exhibited anti-hypercholesterolemic action in high cholesterol diet rats, which was companied with modulations of cholesterol metabolism and decrease in liver XO activity.
Satureja khuzestanica is an endemic plant of Iran that is widely distributed in the Southern part of the country. It has antioxidant properties and thus it seems to be useful in diseases related to oxidative stress such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia. The present study investigates the effect of S. khuzestanica supplement in metabolic parameters of hyperlipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Twenty-one hyperlipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized in a double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial to receive either S. khuzestanica (tablets contain 250 mg dried leaves) or placebo once a day for 60 days. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and at the end of the study. Samples were analyzed for levels of glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as marker of lipid peroxidation and ferric reducing ability (total antioxidant power, TAP). Treatment of patients by S. khuzestanica for 60 days induced significant decrease in total cholesterol (P = 0.008) and LDL-cholesterol (P = 0.03) while increased HDL-cholesterol (P = 0.02) and TAP (P = 0.007) in comparison with the baseline values. S. khuzestanica did not alter blood glucose, triglyceride, creatinin and TBARS levels. In comparison with baseline values, no significant change was observed in blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine, TBARS and TAP in placebo-treated group. Usage of S. khuzestanica as a supplement to drug regimen of diabetic type 2 patients with hyperlipidemia is recommended.
The ancient Greek medical theory based on balance or imbalance of humors disappeared in the western world, but does survive elsewhere. Is this survival related to a certain degree of health care efficiency? We explored this hypothesis through a study of classical Greco-Arab medicine in Mauritania. Modern general practitioners evaluated the safety and effectiveness of classical Arabic medicine in a Mauritanian traditional clinic, with a prognosis/follow-up method allowing the following comparisons: (i) actual patient progress (clinical outcome) compared with what the traditional ‘tabib’ had anticipated (= prognostic ability) and (ii) patient progress compared with what could be hoped for if the patient were treated by a modern physician in the same neighborhood. The practice appeared fairly safe and, on average, clinical outcome was similar to what could be expected with modern medicine. In some cases, patient progress was better than expected. The ability to correctly predict an individual's clinical outcome did not seem to be better along modern or Greco-Arab theories. Weekly joint meetings (modern and traditional practitioners) were spontaneously organized with a modern health centre in the neighborhood. Practitioners of a different medical system can predict patient progress. For the patient, avoiding false expectations with health care and ensuring appropriate referral may be the most important. Prognosis and outcome studies such as the one presented here may help to develop institutions where patients find support in making their choices, not only among several treatment options, but also among several medical systems.
To explore pregnant women's use, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs of complementary and alternative drugs (CADs) defined as products manufactured from herbs or with a natural origin. A preliminary survey was conducted among 172 pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy, consecutively recruited in two obstetrical settings; 15 women were randomly selected to compute a test-to-retest analysis. Response rate was 87.2%. Test-to-retest analysis showed a questionnaire's reproducibility exceeding a K-value of 0.7 for all items. Mean age was 32.4 ± 0.4 years; most women were nulliparae (62.7%). The majority of subjects (68%) declared to have used one or more CADs during their lifetime; 48% of pregnant women reported taking at least one CAD previously and during the current pregnancy. Women's habitual use of CADs meant they were at higher risk of taking CADs also during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 10.8; 95% confidence interval: 4.7–25.0). Moreover, 59.1% of the subjects were unable to correctly identify the type of CADs they were using. The majority of women resorted to gynecologists as the primary information source for CADs during pregnancy, while they mainly referred to herbalists when not pregnant. Habitual use of CADs seems to be a strong predictor for their ingestion also during pregnancy; in addition most subjects were unable to correctly identify the products they were taking. In the light of the scanty data concerning the safety of CADs during pregnancy, these preliminary results confirm the need to investigate thoroughly the situation of pregnant women and CADs consumption.
A growing number of physicians study complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Limited data are available on perspectives of physicians with dual training in conventional medicine and CAM, on issues of communication and collaboration with CAM practitioners (CAMPs). Questionnaires were administered to primary care physicians employed in the largest health maintenance organization (HMO) in Israel and to MD and non-MD CAM practitioners employed by a CAM-related agency of the same HMO. Data for statistical analysis were available from 333 primary care physicians (PCPs) and 241 CAM practitioners. Thirty-one of the 241 CAMPs were dual-trained physicians employed in a CAM-related agency as practitioners and/or triage-consultants. Dual trained physicians and CAMPs shared similar attitudes and supported, more so than PCPs, collaborative physician–CAM practitioner teamwork in clinical practice, medical education and research. Nevertheless, dual trained physicians supported a physician-dominant teamwork model (similar to the PCPs’ approach) in contrast to non-MD CAM practitioners who mainly supported a co-directed teamwork model. Compared to PCPs and non-MD CAM practitioners, dual trained physicians supported significantly more a medical/referral letter as the preferred means of doctor–CAM practitioner communication. Dual trained physicians have a unique outlook toward CAM integration and physician–practitioner collaboration, compared to non-MD CAM practitioners and PCPs. More studies are warranted to explore the role of dual trained physicians as mediators of integration.
Public Status and Prevalence of Acupuncture in Japan
Acupuncture originated in China and is widespread throughout Asia. It is expected that a higher utilization of this remedy exists in these countries compared to Western countries. We conducted annual nationwide surveys from 2003 through 2006 on the utilization of acupuncture in Japan. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 2000 individuals randomly chosen from the resident database. Annual utilization percentages, based on the number of respondents, from 2003 to 2006 were 6.5%, 4.8%, 6.4%, and 6.7%, respectively, while lifetime experiences determined in each surveys were estimated as 26.7, 19.4, 24.4 and 25.4, respectively. Respondents who had utilized acupuncture and/or moxibustion tended to be older than those who had no experience. Acupuncture was mainly used for musculoskeletal symptoms, and a detailed breakdown of the musculoskeletal symptoms identified in the 2005 survey showed 50.9% for low back pain, 35.9% for shoulder stiffness and 12.0% for knee pain. Reasons given for continuing therapy included the effective amelioration of symptoms, comfort of the procedure and low number of side-effects, while those who decided against continuing cited no improvement of symptoms, cost and lack of time for treatment. In conclusion, annual utilization of acupuncture and/or moxibustion was estimated at more than 6%, and the percentage of those with a lifetime experience was ~25%, thus demonstrating the relatively higher utilization of the remedy in Japan over utilization in western countries. Application of the treatment for musculoskeletal problems and utilization by the older population were specific standouts of the use of acupuncture and/or moxibustion in Japan.
Using Complementary and Alternative Medicines to Target the Host Response during Severe Influenza
It is now accepted that an overwhelming inflammatory response is the cause of human deaths from avian H5N1 influenza infection. With this in mind we sought to examine the literature for examples of complementary and alternative medicines that reduce inflammation, and to place the results of this search in the context of our own work in a mouse model of influenza disease, using a pharmaceutical agent with anti-inflammatory properties. Two Chinese herbs, Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) and Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), have been recently shown to protect mice during lethal experimental sepsis via inhibition of the novel inflammatory cytokine High Mobility Group Box 1 protein (HMGB1). Biochanin A, a ligand of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR) alpha and gamma and the active isoflavone in Trifolium pratense (red clover), has anti-inflammatory properties, and thus could be used as an influenza treatment. This is of great interest since we have recently shown that gemfibrozil, a drug used to treat hyperlipidemia in humans and a synthetic ligand of PPAR alpha, significantly reduces the mortality associated with influenza infections in mice. The inflammation-modulating abilities of these natural agents should be considered in light of what is now known about the mechanisms of fatal influenza, and tested as potential candidates for influenza treatments in their own right, or as adjunct treatments to antivirals.
A Review of a Historical Summit on Integrative Medicine
The US Institute of Medical sponsors a "Summit on Integrative Medicine and the Health of the Public" on February 25–27, 2009. A prestigious body of speakers and attendees created a dynamic conference in which the content and discussions provided vital information for transforming the US health care system. Topics included: patient-centered care, the scientific basis of integrative medicine, health care financing reform and value-driven care, and mind-body relationships and health.
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today
Plant Compound Resveratrol Shown To Suppress Inflammation, Free Radicals, In Humans
Resveratrol, a popular plant extract shown to prolong life in yeast and lower animals due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, appears also to suppress inflammation in humans, based on results from the first prospective human trial of the extract conducted by University at Buffalo endocrinologists...
Vitamin D Deficiency Linked To Arterial Stiffness In Black Teens
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with arterial stiffness, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, in black teens according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM). Black teens taking vitamin D supplementation of 2,000 international units (IU) per day had a decrease in central arterial stiffness...
Questioning The Safety And Effectiveness Of Herbal Dietary Supplements
Millions of people are taking herbs and other plant-based dietary supplements to improve their health, but they have precious little information on the actual effectiveness or potential ill effects of these products. That's the topic of an article in the current issue of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), ACS' weekly news magazine...
Results Vary With Different Meditation Techniques
As doctors increasingly prescribe meditation to patients for stress-related disorders, scientists are gaining a better understanding of how different techniques from Buddhist, Chinese, and Vedic traditions produce different results...
Study Shows Vitamin D Supplements Taken Early In Life Help In The Prevention Of Osteoporosis
"Eat your veggies," "Don't run with scissors" and now "Take your calcium and vitamin D." A clinical study conducted at the School of Exercise Science at Australian Catholic University has shown that taking high quality calcium supplements like USANA's Active Calcium could help preadolescent girls set the stage for a lifetime of strong, mineral-rich bones...
Vitamin A Deficiency In New York City
In high-income countries, diseases related to vitamin deficiencies are not as frequent as in poorer settings but are nonetheless regular occurrences. In a Clinical Picture published Online First and in next week's Lancet, the case of a 24-year-old pregnant woman suffering vitamin A deficiency is reported...
Vitamin Deficiency After Weight Loss Surgery Can Cause Vision Loss In Newborns
Biliopancreatic diversion surgery for morbid obesity is known to cause multiple vitamin deficiencies that may worsen during pregnancy...
Increasing Attention Span With Meditation
It's nearly impossible to pay attention to one thing for a long time. A new study looks at whether Buddhist meditation can improve a person's ability to be attentive and finds that meditation training helps people do better at focusing for a long time on a task that requires them to distinguish small differences between things they see...
Lowering Homocysteine Levels With Folic Acid And Vitamin B12 Does Not Appear To Reduce Risk Of Heart Attack, Stroke
Patients who had experienced a heart attack and lowered their blood homocysteine levels with folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation did not have an associated lower risk of heart attack, coronary death or stroke, according to a study in the June 23/30 issue of JAMA. However, the researchers did find that folic acid supplementation did not increase the risk of cancer, which has been speculated...
Large-Scale, Long-Term Studies Support Roles Of Physical Activity And Diet In Dementia And Cognitive Decline
Evidence from three long-term, large-scale studies supports the association of physical activity and certain dietary elements (tea, vitamin D) with possibly maintaining cognitive ability and reducing dementia risk in older adults, according to new research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (AAICAD 2010) in Honolulu, HI...
A New Perspective In Ion Channel Blockade Indicates Treatment Potential
Scientists researching a toxin extracted from the venom of the honey bee have used this to inform the design of new treatments to alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as muscular dystrophy, depression and dementia...
FDA Public Health Alert: Que She Weight Loss Capsules Contain Potentially Harmful Ingredients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned that Que She, marketed as an herbal weight loss supplement, contains active pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on the product label that could harm consumers, especially those with cardiovascular conditions. People who have purchased Que She should stop taking the product immediately and consult a health care professional...
A Simple Massage Is Proven To Relieve Psychological And Physiological State Of Patients With Chronic Tension Headache
Researchers at the University of Granada -in collaboration with the Clinical Hospital San Cecilio and the University Rey Juan Carlos- have proven that the psychological and physiological state of patients with tension headache improves within 24 hours after receiving a 30-minute massage. As researchers explained, tension headaches have an increasing incidence in the population...
Trial Shows Glucosamine No Better Than Placebo For Lower Back Pain
A controlled trial in Norway found that the popular dietary supplement glucosamine was no better than placebo at reducing pain-related disability in people with lower back pain with degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis (OA)...
Fish Oil May Reduce Risk Of Breast Cancer
A recent report in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, adds to the growing evidence that fish oil supplements may play a role in preventing chronic disease. Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Wash., led by Emily White, Ph.D...
Alzheimer's Society Comment On Study Claiming Vitamin E Could Reduce Risk Of Developing Dementia
High levels of vitamin E in the blood could be linked with a decreased risk for Alzheimer's disease in older age a new study has suggested. The research published in the Journal of Alzheimer's disease claims people with high levels of several Vitamin E compounds have a 45-54 per cent lower risk of developing dementia...
Most Cardiologists Ignore Nutraceutical And OTC Drug Use Among Heart Patients
Half of all patients worldwide, and especially those with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, use nutraceuticals and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. However, these patients often do not discuss the use of these agents with their clinicians. Researchers evaluated cardiologits' attitudes towards and accuracy in identifying their patients' nutraceutical and OTC drug use...
Study Finds Back Pain Sufferers Benefit From Chiropractic Care And Other Complementary And Alternative Approaches
A recent study, "Perceived Benefit of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Back Pain" (Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, May - June 2010, Vol. 23 No.3), found the majority of respondents receiving CAM for back pain reported great benefit from the various treatments...
The Effectiveness Of Acupuncture For Exercise Tolerance In Heart Failure
Acupuncture can improve exercise tolerance in patients suffering from chronic heart failure. This was determined in a clinical pilot study by the team headed by Dr. Johannes Backs, physician and study director at the Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology - Medical Director: Professor Dr. Hugo Katus) of Heidelberg University Hospital...
Plant Extract May Be Effective Against Inflammatory Bowel Disease
A South Dakota State University scientist's research shows an extract made from a food plant in the Brassica family was effective in alleviating signs of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel condition, in mice...
Low Vitamin D Linked To The Metabolic Syndrome In Elderly People
A new study adds to the mounting evidence that older adults commonly have low vitamin D levels and that vitamin D inadequacy may be a risk factor for the metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects one in four adults. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego...
Potential Industrial And Agricultural Uses Of Echinacea Trump Health Claims
Echinacea has been used for hundreds of years as an herbal remedy to prevent or treat colds, and today it is among the most commonly used herbal medicines in North America. However, in spite of its popularity, studies of the effect of the herb on the body's immune system are conflicting...
Tai Chi And Qigong Show Significant Health Benefits
An across-the-board review of the health effects of Qigong and Tai Chi finds these practices offer many physical and mental health advantages with benefits for the heart, immune system and overall quality of life...
Appointment To The Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee, UK
We are pleased to announce that the Appointments Commission has appointed one new member to the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee (HMAC). HMAC is an independent body that works closely with the MHRA, advising UK health ministers on traditional herbal medicines. Professor Simon Gibbons is a Professor of Phytochemistry at the School of Pharmacy, University of London...
Poor Control Of Diabetes May Be Linked To Low Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with Type 2 diabetes and may be associated with poor blood sugar control, according to a new study. The results will be presented Saturday at The Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego...
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine - Table of Contents
Effects of Brief and Sham Mindfulness Meditation on Mood and Cardiovascular Variables
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Acupuncture for Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Hemodialysis-Dependent Women: Two Case Reports
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Review of Mental Health, Naturally: The Family Guide to Holistic Care for a Healthy Mind and Body
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Art in the Hospital: Its Impact on the Feelings and Emotional State of Patients Admitted to an Internal Medicine Unit
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Introducing Qigong Meditation into Residential Addiction Treatment: A Pilot Study Where Gender Makes a Difference
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Outcome Evaluation of the Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Integrative Health Clinic for Chronic Pain and Stress-Related Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Applications of Meridian Electrical Conductance for Renal Colic: A Prospective Study
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Teaching Yoga to Seniors: Essential Considerations to Enhance Safety and Reduce Risk in a Uniquely Vulnerable Age Group
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Asian Indians in the United States: A National Study
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Improving the Well-Being of Nursing Leaders Through Healing Touch Training
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Response to ?A Novel Approach to Evaluate TCM Treatment Outcomes Using Pattern Identification?
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Ways of Knowing
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Pattern Differentiation in Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Define Specific Indications for Biomedical Therapy in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0.
A Question of Balance
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 699-699.
Effects of Complementary Therapy on Health in a National U.S. Sample of Older Adults
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 701-706.
Brief Effect of Acupuncture on the Peripheral Arterial System of the Upper Limb and Systemic Hemodynamics in Humans
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 707-713.
Using Enzyme Folding to Explore the Mechanism of Therapeutic Touch: A Feasibility Study
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 715-721.
Therapeutic Massage of the Neck and Shoulders Produces Changes in Peripheral Blood Flow When Assessed with Dynamic Infrared Thermography
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 723-732.
Chinese Medicine Students' Preparedness for Clinical Practice: An Australian Survey
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 733-743.
Provider Support in Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Exploring the Role of Patient Empowerment
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 745-752.
Does Bacopa monnieri Improve Memory Performance in Older Persons? Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 753-759.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of St. John's Wort for Smoking Cessation
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 761-767.
A Pharmacological and Phytochemical Evaluation of Medicinal Plants Used by the Harbang Clan of the Tripura Tribal Community of Mirsharai Area, Chittagong District, Bangladesh
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 769-785.
A Comparison of the Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and Diphenhydramine on Nightly Cough and Sleep Quality in Children and Their Parents
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 787-793.
Efficacy of a Whole-Body Vibration Intervention on Functional Performance of Community-Dwelling Older Adults
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 795-797.
Resident-Initiated Integrative Medicine Curriculum in an Allopathic Family Medicine Residency
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 799-802.
The Marketing of Dietary Supplements in North America: The Emperor Is (Almost) Naked
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 803-806.
Reversal of Premature Ovarian Failure in a Patient with Sjögren Syndrome Using an Elimination Diet Protocol
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 807-809.
Acupuncture Treatment for Persistent Hiccups in Patients with Cancer
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 811-816.
Erratum: Corrections
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jul 2010, Vol. 16, No. 7: 817-817.
NHS Evidence - complementary and alternative medicine
NCI CAM News
US National Cancer Institute CAM Newsletter, Spring 2010: Featuring an article on the symposium on patient education which took place at the International Congress on Complementary Medicine Research (May 19-21, 2010, Tromsø, Norway).
Music therapy for acquired brain injury
New Cochrane review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 7
NHS Evidence - complementary and alternative medicine newsletter
The July 2010 issue of the CAM specialist collection newsletter lists recent additions to the collection and highlights some of the the latest news items and upcoming events.
Meditation therapies for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD
New Cochrane review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 6
2010 Annual Evidence Update on Homeopathy
This update includes a clinical commentary and a list of selected systematic reviews and RCTs published between May 2009 and May 2010.
NHS Evidence - complementary and alternative medicine newsletter
The June 2010 issue of the CAM specialist collection newsletter lists recent additions to the collection and highlights some of the the latest news items and upcoming events.
Introduction to Yoga
Published by NHS Evidence - complementary and alternative medicine, this is the latest in the series of introductory articles focused on the main CAM therapy topics
Traditional Chinese herbal products for stable angina
New Cochrane review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 5
Exercise therapy for schizophrenia
New Cochrane review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 5
NHS Evidence - complementary and alternative medicine newsletter
The May 2010 issue of the CAM specialist collection newsletter lists recent additions to the collection and highlights some of the the latest news items and upcoming events.
2010 Annual Evidence Update on CAM for Asthma
This update includes a list of relevant systematic reviews published between March 2009 and April 2010 and an expert commentary.
Closure of the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health
The Trustees of The Prince?s Foundation for Integrated Health have decided to close the charity
Combined chiropractic interventions for low-back pain
New Cochrane review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 4
2010 Annual Evidence Update on Acupuncture
This update includes a clinical commentary and a list of selected systematic reviews and large-scale RCTs published between February 2009 and February 2010.
NHS Evidence - complementary and alternative medicine newsletter
The April 2010 issue of the CAM specialist collection newsletter lists recent additions to the collection and highlights some of the the latest news items and upcoming events.
Banned Chinese medicine circulating in the UK
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) safety warning about potentially dangerous traditional Chinese medicine
Zinc supplements for preventing otitis media
New Cochrane review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 2
Momordica charantia for type 2 diabetes mellitus
New Cochrane review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 2
Carnitine for fatigue in multiple sclerosis
New Cochrane review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 2
British Fertility Society issues new guidelines on the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine in fertility treatment
The guidelines will be published in the journal Human Fertility, the official journal of the British Fertility Society.
Alternative And Complementary Medicine Articles
3 Quick Herbal Remedies
In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has skyrocketed to the forefront of the medical field. A 2004 government survey concluded that more than one third of adults use alternative medicine and healing. Here are 3 quick herbal remedies for arthritis, blood pressure and dandruff
Alternative And Complementary Medicine Old Medicine New Synergies
The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often wrongly used as synonyms. Actually, the term alternative medicine refers to medicine systems like Ayurveda or Acupuncture that are used in place of conventional medicine
Alternative Medicine
Alternative Medicine is the use of natural therapy and medicines to restore and maintain health. Alternative medicine is also considered a practice beyond the realm of conventional modern
Alternative Fibromyalgia Therapies
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disease that is effecting more and more people, as increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with this disorder. What is fibromyalgia, and what are some alterative therapies and treatments for this
Alternative Herbal Cures For Ailments
With the increased usage of herbs for treatment of ailments from Common cold to Cancer, there is an increasing need for authentic and unbiased information on various cures using herbs.
Alternative Medicine Is Holistic Western Medicine is Reduction
The major difference between alternative medicine, or what I'll call holistic health, and Western medicine, is in approach. A Western doctor, or MD, sees his duty as searching out disease, diagnosing it, and treating it
Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine Part 1
The term 'alternative medicine' that is so commonly used today is somewhat unsuitable since that would seem to indicate that it is a form of treatment departing from so-called 'traditional' scientific practices and is just a possibility for a cure
Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine Part 2
Alternative medicine (so called) was being used in ancient times long before conventional medicine came on the scene. It is interesting to note that there were not so many diseases plaguing mortals in those days
Alternative Treatment For Cancer
Cancer is an excessive growth of unwanted cells in our body. These excess growth of cells consume a lot of glucose found in the blood and starve the organs that need glucose
Alternative Treatment For Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by abnormal lung condition in which accumulation of mucus in the lungs is found. Natural asthma remedies are the most preferred way of treating asthma
Ayurveda A Natural Health 101 Article
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of sub-continental India. With an archeological record going back 7000 years and an unbroken written history dating back to around 1500 B.C., Ayurveda is easily the oldest
Benefits Of Alternative Medicine
With the growing number of people being affected by newly discovered chronic degenerative diseases such as AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome, Are you worried or wondering....Is it possible to maintain good health?
Complementary Medicine
Complementary Medicine is the use of natural therapy and medicines to restore and maintain health in addition to conventional medicine. Dating back to 420 B.C., around the time of Hippocrates, complementary medicine is also considered a practice beyond the realm of conventional modern medicine
Genital Herpes Natural And Alternative Treatment Remedies
Modern medical science has not been able to produce a cure for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can only offer pharmaceutical solutions that help ease the pain and speed up recovery from a genital herpes outbreak
Herb Remedies
Herb remedies are made of natural substances that come from plants. Herbs have been valued throughout history. The Bible tells us Kings journeyed many miles to bring frankincense and myrrh as gifts for Jesus.
Inflammatory Arthritis Alternative Treatments
There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Inflammatory arthritis can be treated naturally without drugs.
Is Alternative Medicine Proven To Work
The most common objection to alternative medicine from conventional physicians is that it is not proven. What doctors mean by this is that alternative medicine has not been rigorously tested the way pharmaceutical drugs have been tested
Natural Alternatives vs Prescription Drugs
Using natural alternatives to prescription drugs is a growing phenomenon. Alternative medicine might be thought of as any health care which is not a part of the mainstream medical establishment.
The True Meaning Of Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine is a type of therapeutic practice that is not considered to be a part of traditional or conventional medical treatment. People use alternative medicine instead of using traditional medical treatment
