Alternative Medicine Review back issues from December 2006:
Size really does matter!(Editorial)(Editorial)
Dec 01, 2006; ... There, I said it. Has it happened to you? Have you suffered from "mouse envy"? Is someone else's mouse more effective than yours? More "impressive"? Larger? Wireless?--Just like an infomercial, I promise you that by following the directions in this editorial, your mouse will become the ...
Ancient medicine, modern use: Withania somnifera and its potential role in integrative oncology.
Dec 01, 2006; ... Abstract Withania somnifera Dunal, commonly known as ashwagandha, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to increase longevity and vitality. Western research supports its polypharmaceutical use, confirming antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and ...
Body temperature variability (Part 1): a review of the history of body temperature and its variability due to site selection, biological rhythms, fitness, and aging.
Dec 01, 2006; ... Abstract Body temperature is a complex, non-linear data point, subject to many sources of internal and external variation. While these sources of variation significantly complicate interpretation of temperature data, disregarding knowledge in favor of oversimplifying complex ...
Peripheral neuropathy: pathogenic mechanisms and alternative therapies.
Dec 01, 2006; ... Abstract Peripheral neuropathy (PN), associated with diabetes, neurotoxic chemotherapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/antiretroviral drugs, alcoholism, nutrient deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, and other etiologies, results in significant morbidity. Conventional pain ...
5-Methyltetrahydrofolate.(Monograph)
Dec 01, 2006 ... Introduction 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is the most biologically active form of the B-vitamin folic acid, also known generically as folate. 5-MTHF functions, in concert with vitamin B12, as a methyl-group donor involved in the conversion of the amino acid homocysteine to ...
Chondroitin sulfates.(Monograph)
Dec 01, 2006 ... Introduction Chondroitin sulfates (CS), a class of glycosaminoglycans, are required for the formation of proteoglycans found in joint cartilage. It is believed they improve joint function by both enhancing endogenous synthesis and preventing enzymatic degradation of joint ...
Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten.(Book review)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, and Carol Colman ISBN-13: 978-0-7679-2301-9; ISBN-10: 0-7679-2301-4; Hardcover; 289 pages; $23.95 Morgan Road Books, New York, NY 10001 I recently had the opportunity to review a copy of Raise a Smarter Child by ...
A 32-week randomized, placebo-controlled clinical evaluation of RA-11, an Ayurvedic drug, on osteoarthritis of the knees.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... BACKGROUND: The ancient Indian (Asian) Ayurvedic medicinal system uses herbomineral drugs to treat arthritis. Despite centuries of use, very few have been tested by drug trials. RA-11 (ARTREX, MENDAR), a standardized multiplant Ayurvedic drug (Withania somnifera, Boswellia serrata, ...
A green tea extract lowers plasma cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and upregulating the LDL receptor in the cholesterol-fed rabbit.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Green tea extracts enriched in catechins decrease plasma cholesterol in hamsters, mice and rats. The aims of this study were to determine whether a catechin-enriched extract of green tea could lower plasma cholesterol in the cholesterol-fed rabbit and to determine the mechanism of action ....
An extract of black, green, and mulberry teas causes malabsorption of carbohydrate but not of triacylglycerol in healthy volunteers.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... BACKGROUND: In vitro studies suggest that extracts of black, green, and mulberry teas could interfere with carbohydrate and triacylglycerol absorption via their ability to inhibit alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, sodium-glucose transporters, and pancreatic lipase. OBJECTIVE: We measured ...
A Phase II study of St. John's Wort for smoking cessation.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility and efficacy of St. John's Wort (SJW) for smoking cessation. DESIGN: This one-arm Phase II study utilized an exact two-stage group sequential design with a 1-week run-in period between the start of SJW treatment and the designated quit date. A total ...
Findings of and treatment for high levels of mercury and lead toxicity in ground zero rescue and recovery workers and lower Manhattan residents.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... In 2005, the Olive Leaf Wholeness Center conducted a demonstration project that provided health assessment, testing, and treatment to 160 uniformed service personnel and residents of Lower Manhattan who were exposed to the air at Ground Zero following September 11, 2001, for extended ...
Effect of oral vitamin B-12 with or without folic acid on cognitive function in older people with mild vitamin B-12 deficiency: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... BACKGROUND: Vitamin B-12 deficiency is associated with cognitive impairment in older people. However, evidence from randomized trials of the effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation on cognitive function is limited and inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate whether daily ...
Mechanisms for the hypotriglyceridemic effect of marine omega-3 fatty acids.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... A mechanism to explain the hypotriglyceridemic effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids in humans has not been clarified. A working model can be developed at the gene transcriptional level, which involves >or=4 metabolic nuclear receptors. These include liver X receptor, hepatocyte nuclear ...
Vitamin A supplementation in children with poor vitamin A and iron status increases erythropoietin and hemoglobin concentrations without changing total body iron.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency impairs iron metabolism; vitamin A supplementation of vitamin A-deficient populations may reduce anemia. The mechanism of these effects is unclear. In vitro and in animal models, vitamin A treatment increases the production of erythropoietin (EPO), a ...
Effects of sun ginseng on subjective quality of life in cancer patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... OBJECTIVE: Ginseng has been reported to increase mental and physical abilities, improve mood and promote general health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sun ginseng (SG) on quality of life in cancer patients. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, ...
Antiarrhythmic effects of omega-3 fatty acids.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Fish oil, and omega-3 fatty acids in particular, have been found to reduce plasma levels of triglycerides and increase levels of high-density lipoprotein in patients with marked hypertriglyceridemia, and a pharmaceutical-grade preparation has recently received approval from the US Food and ...
5-methyltetrahydrofolate rapidly improves endothelial function and decreases superoxide production in human vessels: effects on vascular tetrahydrobiopterin availability and endothelial nitric oxide synthase coupling.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Excerpt)
Dec 01, 2006; ... BACKGROUND: The circulating form of folic acid, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), may have beneficial effects on endothelial function: however, its mechanisms of action remain uncertain. Decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increased vascular superoxide production in vascular ...
Effects of ascorbic acid on ambulatory blood pressure in elderly patients with refractory hypertension.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... The increased production of reactive oxygen species plays a role in the etiology of hypertension, but the effects of antioxidants on blood pressure are controversial. However, antioxidants possibly lower blood pressure in elderly patients with hypertension, because vascular aging is also ...
Vitamin E in humans: an explanation of clinical trial failure.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... OBJECTIVE: To describe the potential benefits and hazards of vitamin E supplementation and present a rational basis for understanding the conflicting results among randomized clinical trials, epidemiologic investigations, and animal studies on the use of vitamin E to prevent ...
Resurrection of vitamin D deficiency and rickets.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... The epidemic scourge of rickets in the 19th century was caused by vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate sun exposure and resulted in growth retardation, muscle weakness, skeletal deformities, hypocalcemia, tetany, and seizures. The encouragement of sensible sun exposure and the ...
Oral administration of lactoferrin increases hemoglobin and total serum iron in pregnant women.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy continues to be of world-wide concern. IDA is a risk factor for preterm delivery and subsequent low birth weight, and possibly for poor neonatal health. Iron supplementation in pregnancy is a widely recommended practice, yet intervention ...
Variable deficits of bone mineral despite chronic glucocorticoid therapy in pediatric patients with inflammatory diseases: a Glaser Pediatric Research Network study.(Recently Published Abstracts)
Dec 01, 2006; ... OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between chronic glucocorticoid (GC) exposure and bone mineral density (BMD) in children with rheumatic diseases and inflammatory bowel disease. STUDY DESIGN: Lumbar spine BMD was measured by DXA in 86 GC-treated children (66% female, age 8-20 years, ...
Effects of anticonvulsant therapy on vitamin D status in children: prospective monitoring study.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)(Clinical report)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Reports of hypovitaminosis D associated with anticonvulsant drugs in pediatric patients are conflicting. The effects of carbamazepine or sodium valproate on vitamin D status were evaluated prospectively in 51 ambulatory epileptic children who were followed during the first year of the ...
Clinical activity of folinic acid in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... A high incidence of severe B-cell immunodeficiency and chronic reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is reported herein. Of the 58 patients evaluated, 100% had evidence of prior EBV exposure and 72% had evidence for reactivated EBV ...
Tumoral calcinosis: clinical and biochemical aspects of a patient treated with vinpocetine.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... We describe a tumoral calcinosis (TC) patient with a calcified mass around the hip joint. Once diagnosed, she was followed up with vinpocetine [14-ethoxycarbonyl-(3alpha, 16alpha-ethyl)/14,15-eburnamenine] treatment, which was reported to be effective in eliminating TC in a previous study ....
Ginkgo biloba and donepezil: a comparison in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)(Disease/Disorder overview)(Clinical report)
Dec 01, 2006; ... The Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 seems to produce neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases of multifactorial origin. There is still debate about the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 compared with second-generation cholinesterase inhibitors in the ...
Effects of melatonin and zinc on lipid profile and renal function in type 2 diabetic patients poorly controlled with metformin.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Glycemic control and prevention of secondary complications are the most important goals of using pharmacologic treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). The inadequate responses to oral hypoglycemic agents may be attributed to inadequate postreceptor events even when insulin levels are quite ...
Severe ataxia, myelopathy, and peripheral neuropathy due to acquired copper deficiency in a patient with history of gastrectomy.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... BACKGROUND: In animal studies, copper absorption has been demonstrated to occur in the proximal gut via duodenal enterocytes. Acquired copper deficiency is known as "swayback" in ruminant animals and Menkes' disease in humans. Copper is an essential micronutrient necessary for the ...
Antioxidant supplementation does not affect fasting plasma glucose in the Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals (SU.VI.MAX) study in France: association with dietary intake and plasma concentrations.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... BACKGROUND: Observational data suggest a protective effect of several antioxidants on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and type 2 diabetes. However, randomized trials have yielded inconsistent results. OBJECTIVES: The first objective was to assess the effect of 7.5 y of antioxidant ...
Lutein and zeaxanthin and the risk of cataract: the Melbourne visual impairment project.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of cortical, nuclear, or posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataract with dietary intake of lutein-zeaxanthin (LZ) in a population-based sample. METHODS: For the study, 3271 (83% of the eligible residents) permanent residents aged > or =40 years were recruited ...
Assessment of adrenal suppression in children with asthma treated with inhaled corticosteroids: use of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate as a screening test.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICs) are considered first-line therapy for persistent asthma. At medium to high doses, ICs can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Various provocative stimuli have been used to evaluate HPA axis function, but they are labor intensive ...
Melatonin is a safe and effective treatment for chronic pulmonary and extrapulmonary sarcoidosis.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Chronic sarcoidosis (CS) is often unresponsive to usual treatments. Melatonin, an immunoregulatory drug, was employed in CS patients in whom usual treatments were ineffective or induced severe side effects. Melatonin was given for 2 yr (20 mg/day in the first year, 10 mg/day in the second ...
The impact of coenzyme Q10 on systolic function in patients with chronic heart failure.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... BACKGROUND: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an endogenous cofactor in the mitochondrial energy production. CoQ10 has been touted to improve heart failure, but its effect on systolic function is controversial. Several small, randomized controlled trials evaluating CoQ10 showed variable results and ...
Effects of oral L-arginine on the foetal condition and neonatal outcome in preeclampsia: a preliminary report.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Estimation of the influence of oral supplementation with low dose of L-arginine on biophysical profile, foeto-placental circulation and neonatal outcome in preeclampsia. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial. Oral therapy with 3 g of L-arginine daily or placebo as a ...
Risk assessment for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two popular dietary ingredients present in dietary supplements intended to support joint health. A large body of human and animal research suggests that oral intakes of these ingredients, either alone or in combination, reduces joint pain and ...
Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease with omega-3 fatty acids.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Omega-3 fatty acid therapy is a promising intervention for the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). Omega-3 fatty acids have properties that promote atherosclerotic plaque stability and decrease the incidence of ischemia-driven cardiac arrhythmias. A large number of ...
Consumption of whole-grain cereals during weight loss: effects on dietary quality, dietary fiber, magnesium, vitamin B-6, and obesity.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... OBJECTIVE: While various weight-management approaches produce weight loss, they may differ in dietary quality. We monitored changes in nutrient intakes in overweight and obese subjects on three different weight-management programs. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial (pilot study) with two ...
Conjugated linoleic acid and chromium lower body weight and visceral fat mass in high-fat-diet-fed mice.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... More than half of the U.S. population has a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or more, which classifies them as overweight or obese. Obesity is often associated with comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. CLA and chromium have emerged as major dietary supplements ...
Combination therapy with statins and omega-3 fatty acids.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Combined dyslipidemia is the concurrent presence of multiple abnormalities in various lipid subfractions, including elevated concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs), as well as decreased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ...
Active vitamin D and vitamin K as therapeutic agents for osteoporosis.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Active vitamin D has been most widely used in Japan for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, clinical evidence for its efficacy as an anti-osteoporotic drug is scarce in terms of fracture prevention. Recent reports suggest that active vitamin D may prevent fracture not only through ...
Calendar of events.(Calendar)
Dec 01, 2006 ... December 2-3, 2006: Applied Kinesiology Study Program, LLC, Quintessential Applications, Session 14, in Philadelphia, PA. Contact: Michelle, AKSP, LLC, 1926 Overland Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. (919) 545-8829. December 3, 2006: Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians ...
The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement.(Recently Published Abstracts)(Author abstract)
Dec 01, 2006; ... Supplemental vitamin D is available in 2 distinct forms: ergocalciferol (vitamin D(2)) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D(3)). Pharmacopoeias have officially regarded these 2 forms as equivalent and interchangeable, yet this presumption of equivalence is based on studies of rickets prevention ...