Alternative Medicine Review back issues from November 2003:
Fish on steroids?(Victor "Walking Fish" Conte and tetrahydrogestrinone)(Editorial)
Nov 01, 2003; ... From the Bay Area newspapers all the way to the web-based Daily Nation in Kenya, the talk has been of events allegedly tied to the "Walking Fish." His past life of playing in the bands "Tower of Power" and "Pure Food and Drug Act" may carry no weight with the U.S. Food and Drug ...
Nutritional support for wound healing.
Nov 01, 2003; ... Abstract Healing of wounds, whether from accidental injury or surgical intervention, involves the activity of an intricate network of blood cells, tissue types, cytokines, and growth factors. This results in increased cellular activity, which causes an intensified metabolic ...
Bovine colostrums: a review of clinical uses.
Nov 01, 2003; ... Abstract Bovine colostrums are the "early" milk produced by cows during the first several days post-parturition. This "early" milk has a nutrient profile and immunological composition that differs substantially from "mature" milk. Included in the nutrient profile are higher ...
Portal to the interior: viral pathogenesis and natural compounds that restore mucosal immunity and modulate inflammation.
Nov 01, 2003; ... Abstract Most antigens, particularly viruses, enter the body through the mucosal epithelia where they are carried by afferent lymphatics to regional lymph nodes for presentation to the immune system. Although they share immunological similarities, immune processes that protect ...
Neurobehavioral aspects of omega-3 fatty acids: possible mechanisms and therapeutic value in major depression.
Nov 01, 2003; ... Abstract Omega-3 fatty acids have been the subject of volumes of international research, the results of which indicate these substances may have therapeutic value in a number of medical conditions. An emerging area of research is examining the neurobehavioral aspects of omega-3 ...
Interstitial cystitis: understanding the syndrome.
Nov 01, 2003; ... Abstract Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic pain syndrome that affects close to a million people in the United States. The syndrome presents differently in many individuals, with the unifying factor being chronic pelvic pain and disruption of daily life activities. Many ...
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).(Monograph)
Nov 01, 2003 ... Introduction Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also known as dimethyl sulfone (DMS[O.sub.2]) and methyl sulfone, is an organic sulfur-containing compound that occurs naturally in a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and animals including humans. A white, odorless, slightly ...
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).(Monograph)
Nov 01, 2003 ... Introduction Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are some of the most abundant polyphenolic substances in the plant kingdom. Proanthocyanidins are an integral part of the human diet, found in high concentrations in fruits such as apple, pear, and grapes, and in chocolate, wine, ...
Natural Strategies For Cancer Patients.(Brief Article)(Book Review)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Russell L. Blaylock, MD Twin Streams / Kensington Publishing Corp. New York, NY http://www.kensingtonbooks.com ISBN 0-7582-0221-0 Soft Cover; 364 pgs; $15.00 Russell Blaylock, who is best known for his work regarding neurotoxic substances and his book Excitotoxins: The Taste ...
The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs.(Brief Article)(Book Review)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Mark Blumenthal, Senior Editor; American Botanical Council Within United States: Thieme New York; 333 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10001; 800-787-3488; customerservice@thieme.com; ISBN 1-58890-157-2 Outside United States: Thieme International; Ruedigerstrasse 14, Stuttgart, D-70469 Germany; ...
Antioxidant vitamins C and E improve endothelial function in children with hyperlipidemia: Endothelial Assessment of Risk from Lipids in Youth (EARLY) Trial.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia is associated with endothelial dysfunction, an early event in atherosclerosis and predictor of risk for future coronary artery disease. Epidemiological studies suggest that increased dietary intake of antioxidants reduces the risk of coronary artery disease. The ...
Micronutrients, antioxidants, and carcinoma of the gallbladder.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... OBJECTIVES: Nutrient deficiency in developing countries can be considered a significant contributory factor modifying the multistage process of carcinogenesis. Studies from different parts of the world have shown the deficiency of various micronutrients to be significantly associated with ...
Effect of vitamin E on serum aminotransferase and thioredoxin levels in patients with viral hepatitis C.
Nov 01, 2003; ... OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress induces cellular responses such as cell death, gene activation and cell proliferation, in the liver. Vitamin E (Vit. E) has been found to protect the liver against oxidative stress in animal experiments. Thioredoxin (TRX) is a stress inducible, multifunctional ...
Bovine lactoferrin inhibits adenovirus infection by interacting with viral structural polypeptides.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... We recently demonstrated that lactoferrin, an antimicrobial glycoprotein, can inhibit adenovirus infection by competing for common glycosaminoglycan receptors. This study further characterizes the ...
Diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection of humans is inhibited by dietary calcium.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... BACKGROUND & AIMS: In several rat infection experiments, we have shown that dietary calcium inhibits intestinal colonization and translocation of invasive salmonella. The aim of the present study was to find out whether calcium is also protective against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli ...
Inhibition of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 6 production by mononuclear cells following dietary fish-oil supplementation in healthy men and response to antioxidant co-supplementation.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Increased dietary consumption of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (20 : 5n-3; EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6n-6; DHA) is associated with their incorporation into circulating phospholipid and increased production of lipid peroxide metabolites. The ...
Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) enhances the anti-proliferative effects of adriamycin and tamoxifen in breast cancer.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... The current treatment of breast carcinomas recognizes the importance of combination therapy in order to increase efficacy and decrease side effects of conventional chemotherapy. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate, has shown a significant ...
Anti-HIV activity of olive leaf extract (OLE) and modulation of host cell gene expression by HIV-1 infection and OLE treatment.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... We investigated the antiviral activity of olive leaf extract (OLE) preparations standardized by liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry (LC-MS) against HIV-1 infection and replication. We find that OLE inhibits acute infection and cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1 as assayed by ...
Influence of grapefruit-, orange- and apple-juice consumption on urinary variables and risk of crystallization.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Alkalizing beverages are highly effective in preventing the recurrence of calcium oxalate (Ox), uric acid and cystine lithiasis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of grapefruit-juice and apple-juice consumption on the excretion of urinary variables and the risk of ...
Oral antioxidant therapy improves endothelial function in Type 1 but not Type 2 diabetes mellitus.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Oxidative stress decreases the bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide in diabetic patients. We investigated whether impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV) in diabetes can be improved by long-term administration of oral antioxidants. Methods and Results: 49 diabetic ...
Biological safety assessment of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in a randomized clinical trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa.
Nov 01, 2003; ... BACKGROUND: In a 4-year placebo-controlled trial to elevate blood docosahexaenoic acid levels in patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), the goal was to assess the potential benefit of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in altering disease progression. However, ...
Omega-3 fatty acids in major depressive disorder. A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Patients with depression have been extensively reported to be associated with the abnormality of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including significantly low eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in cell tissue contents (red blood cell membrane, plasma, etc.) and ...
High doses of riboflavin and the elimination of dietary red meat promote the recovery of some motor functions in Parkinson's disease patients.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Abnormal riboflavin status in the absence of a dietary deficiency was detected in 31 consecutive outpatients with Parkinson's disease (PD), while the classical determinants of homocysteine levels (B6, folic acid, and B12) were usually within normal limits. In contrast, only 3 of 10 ...
Protective effects of green tea extracts (polyphenon E and EGCG) on human cervical lesions.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... SUMMARY: We investigated clinical efficacy of green tea extracts (polyphenon E; poly E and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate [EGCG]) delivered in a form of ointment or capsule in patients with human papilloma virus (HPV) infected cervical lesions. Fifty-one patients with cervical lesions ...
Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes: the Isoflavone Clover Extract (ICE) Study: a randomized controlled trial.
Nov 01, 2003; ... CONTEXT: Clinical trials demonstrating increased risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer among women randomized to hormone replacement therapy have increased interest in other therapies for menopausal symptoms. Dietary supplements containing isoflavones are widely used as ...
An open-label pilot study of St. John's wort in juvenile depression.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... OBJECTIVE: This pilot study examined the effectiveness, safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamics of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) in the treatment of youths diagnosed with major depressive disorder. METHOD: Youths 6 to 16 years of age meeting DSM-IV criteria for major depressive ...
Genistein enhances the cisplatin-induced inhibition of cell growth and apoptosis in human malignant melanoma cells.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Genistein, a naturally occurring isoflavone found chiefly in soybeans, has been reported to be a potent antitumor agent. Genistein is presumed to exert multiple effects related to the inhibition of cancer growth. Metastatic melanoma is a chemotherapy-refractory neoplasm. The present study ...
Impact of Ginkgo biloba on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Many medications are known to alter digoxin pharmacokinetics, including the herbal medication St. John's wort. An open-labeled, randomized, crossover trial was conducted in eight healthy human volunteers to determine if Ginkgo biloba (GB) also alters the pharmacokinetics of digoxin. On two ...
The effect of L-carnitine on plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in hypercholesterolemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Nov 01, 2003; ... BACKGROUND: A previous study has demonstrated that L-carnitine reduces plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. OBJECTIVE: To test a tolerable Lp(a)-reducing agent in diabetic patients, we assessed the effect of a dietary supplementation of L-carnitine on ...
Efficacy and safety of berberine for congestive heart failure secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of berberine for chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). One hundred fifty-six patients with CHF and >90 ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) and/or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) on 24-hour Holter monitoring were ...
Efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii with antibiotics in acute amoebiasis.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... AIM: To compare the efficacy of antibiotics therapy alone with antibiotics and Saccharomyces boulardii in treatment of acute amebiasis. METHODS: In a double blind, random clinical trial on patients with acute intestinal amoebiasis, 57 adult patients with acute amoebiasis, diagnosed with ...
Inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis by a novel dietary fatty acid formulation in patients with atopic asthma: a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, prospective trial.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... BACKGROUND: Leukotriene inhibitors and leukotriene-receptor antagonists are effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as asthma. A search of the entirety of MEDLINE using the terms diet plus leukotrienes identified numerous studies that have explored dietary-management ...
The effect of glucosamine-chondroitin supplementation on glycosylated hemoglobin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... BACKGROUND: With increasing use of glucosamine-containing supplements for the treatment of osteoarthritis, there is increasing concern in the medical community about possible toxic effects. The present study was undertaken to determine whether glucosamine supplementation altered hemoglobin ...
Butterbur, a herbal remedy, attenuates adenosine monophosphate induced nasal responsiveness in seasonal allergic rhinitis.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... BACKGROUND: Butterbur (BB) or Petasites hybridus, a herbal remedy, exhibits in vitro inhibition of cysteinyl leukotriene biosynthesis. However, no placebo-controlled studies have been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of BB on objective outcomes such as nasal provocation testing in ...
Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine.
Nov 01, 2003; ... Penile erection requires the relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle, which is triggered by nitric oxide (NO). We investigated the possibility of overcoming erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing the amounts of endogenous NO. For this purpose, we orally administered Pycnogenol, because ...
Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in men.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... The dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration decreases with age. There is evidence that DHEA has a protective effect against age-related disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, we examined the effect of DHEA supplementation (25 mg/d) on endothelial function, insulin ...
A randomised double blind placebo controlled clinical trial of a standardised extract of fresh Crataegus berries (Crataegisan) in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure NYHA II.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... A placebo controlled, randomised, parallel group, multicentre trial conducted in accordance with the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) shows the efficacy and safety of a standardised extract of fresh berries of Crataegus oxyacantha L. and monogyna Jacq. (Crataegisan) in patients ...
Indole-3-carbinol and 3-3'-diindolylmethane antiproliferative signaling pathways control cell-cycle gene transcription in human breast cancer cells by regulating promoter-Sp1 transcription factor interactions.(Brief Article)
Nov 01, 2003; ... Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound that occurs naturally in Brassica vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli, can induce a G1 cell-cycle arrest of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells that is accompanied by the selective inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (Cdk6) expression and stimulation ...
Calendar of events.(Calendar)
Nov 01, 2003 ... October 29--November 2, 2003: American College of Nurse Practitioners National Clinical Symposium in Cincinnati, OH. Contact: ACNP National Clinical Symposium Office, 2647 1344 Avenue Northeast, Bellevue, WA 98005-1813.9425) 861-0911. October 30--November 2, 2003: American ...