Results from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study were published today.
It was designed to determine if Ginkgo biloba is better than placebo in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly. Continue reading No to Ginkgo to prevent dementia
Reviewers from Hartford Hospital in Connecticut report that garlic lowers blood pressure in patients with an elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), but not in people with normal SBP. Continue reading Garlic’s effect on blood pressure reviewed
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong reviewed the evidence in major depression and post-stroke depression. Continue reading New conclusions on acupuncture for depression
The FDA has told Nutracoastal Trading LLC to recall its dietary supplement product called Steam. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Steam dietary supplement
According to this article on Breitbart.com, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has elevated sunbeds for tanning to its highest cancer risk category. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Tanning beds
 The FDA warns against using products advertised as alternatives to anabolic steroids for increasing muscle mass and strength.
These products are promoted as dietary supplements to improve sports performance and aid in recovery from training and sporting events. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Sports performance supplements
Cochrane review reports, “Exercise programs starting 4 to 6 weeks after the operation could lead to more rapid pain relief and a quicker recovery from disability — without increasing the risk of additional surgery” Continue reading Active rehabilitation after lumbar disc surgery
A study by Dr. Maria Amodio from the University of California, Davis compared the nutritional profile of conventional and organic kiwis (aka, Chinese gooseberries).
Here are the results.
Dr. Darrell Hulisz from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio reviews popular herbals.
Let’s focus on safety issues. Continue reading Safety review of popular herbal products
Medscape has published a review written by clinicians from around the US.
Let’s focus on 6 supportive care options for chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, aka chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis. Continue reading Supportive care for chronic fatigue syndrome
Except possibly for prostate cancer, the answer is no, according to researchers from the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Continue reading Does vitamin E protect from cancer?
This survey of male Chinese HIV patients provides an opportunity to review the risk for interactions between Chinese herbal medicine and drugs used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Continue reading Use of Chinese medicine in HIV patients
 Researchers from the Maastricht University, in The Netherlands reviewed the evidence.
But, there are limits over what can be claimed by manufacturers. Continue reading Effects of green tea on weight loss
 There’s little effect, according to researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in Seattle, Washington.
Should we be surprised? Continue reading Multivitamins and the risk of death
The risk of heart failure at age 40 years is approximately 1 in 5.
Here are 6 steps to improving your odds, according to this study by researchers in Boston. Continue reading Healthy living lowers the risk of heart disease
 Researchers from the University of Queensland, in Australia evaluated the evidence for adding nutritional and herbal medicines to antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines. Continue reading Should we add CAM to Rx treatments?
 A broad range of mood disorders were reviewed by researchers at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, in Queensland, Australia. Continue reading Kava and St. John’s wort: Evidence for mood and anxiety disorders
 The purpose was to investigate the long-term effects of taking vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene to prevent type 2 diabetes. Continue reading The Women’s Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study
 During the European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2008 Meeting, Dr. Paul Zimmet, who is Director of the International Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia argued for greater reliance on drugs.
Dr. Nick Wareham, who is Director of the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge in the UK advocated to control risk factors and support public health solutions. Continue reading Debating how to reduce the risk of diabetes
Here’s a vignette from Anne Harrington’s book, The Cure Within: A History of Mind-Body Medicine, that sums the attraction of CAM for many people with cancer.
I’ve taken it from a review by Jerome Groopman in The New York Times. Continue reading The Cure Within