The ginseng root has been traditionally used as a sedative.
Researchers at Kwandong University, in Gangreung, Republic of Korea studied the response to red ginseng extract by human volunteers. Continue reading Effects of red ginseng extract on sleep in healthy volunteers
Researchers at Swinburne University, in Melbourne, Australia, reviewed the evidence and compared the responses to modafinil (Provigil).
Reportedly, Panax ginseng and Bacopa monnieri have consistent acute and chronic cognitive effects, respectively. Continue reading Cognitive benefits of ginseng and bacopa
Energy drinks are consumed by 30% to 50% of adolescents and young adults. The manufacturers claim they are safe.
Researchers at the University of Miami, in Florida reviewed the evidence and came to a different conclusion. Continue reading Safety of energy drinks
Cancer-related fatigue is occurs in 50% to 90% of all patients with cancer and severely affects quality of life, in addition to decreasing the daily functional capacity.
During the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, researchers from several US universities reported that American ginseng reduces general and physical cancer-related fatigue. Continue reading Treating cancer-related fatigue with American ginseng
While rhinoviruses cause upto half of colds, up to 200 other viruses have been implicated.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa, in Ontario, reviewed the evidence for CAM to treat and prevent the common cold. Continue reading CAM for the common cold?
Dr. Keith Wollen at Washington State University, in Port Angeles, has written a review of treatment options.
Let’s focus on CAM. Continue reading Review: CAM for treating Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers in the US reviewed the incidence and severity of potential interactions between prescription medicine and dietary supplements. Continue reading Risk of drug interactions with dietary supplements
Researchers at the University of Leeds, in Woodhouse, evaluated written information provided with commonly used herbal products in the UK in advance of a European Union Directive that tightens regulations for some herbal products, including requirements to provide safety information. Continue reading Herbal supplements: Caveat Emptor
It’s suggested, based on laboratory and clinical studies, that ginseng may have beneficial effects on cognitive performance (reasoning).
This Cochrane review evaluated the evidence in healthy people. Continue reading Does ginseng aid cognition?
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong, in China, studied the risk for an herbal:warfarin interaction in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Continue reading Effects of herbals on warfarin therapy
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, reviewed allopathic and CAM options.
Let’s focus on CAM. Continue reading Review: CAM to treat menopausal vasomotor symptoms
Many reports state that Panax ginseng and fermented red ginseng have anti-inflammatory effects.
Researchers at Seoul National University College of Medicine, in Korea, studied fermented red ginseng. Continue reading Response to fermented red ginseng in allergic rhinitis
Prof. Ernst and researchers from the Korea Food Research Institute in Sungnam reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Treating impotence with red ginseng
Researchers from Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Republic of Korea studied Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and found no interaction with the blood thinner, warfarin (Coumadin). Continue reading The ginseng/warfarin interaction debate
The American Botanical Council (ABC) has published a 40-page review of an emerging new product and market category called “energy shots.” The report focuses on shots sold mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom. Continue reading Reviewing “energy shot” products
This is the first reported case of a patient taking imatinib (Gleevec), which is used to treat certain cancers, who developed liver toxicity, apparently related to taking ginseng. Continue reading Imatinib liver toxicity associated with ginseng
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and Arizona collaborated to review the risks of herbal:drug interactions.
The abstract is a bit skimpy on details, but the American Pharmaceutical Association has a nice summary, which will be summarized further here. Continue reading Risk of taking herbals in people with heart disease
Researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine, at the University of California, in Los Angeles have reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Antidiabetic actions of herbals reviewed
Prof. Ernst reviewed popular herbal medicines.
It’s a long list. Continue reading Drug-herbal interaction review
HAART is the acronym for Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy — aggressive treatment used to suppress HIV viral replication and the progression of HIV disease.
Researchers from the Hospital San Pedro, in Spain surveyed the use of medicinal plants in HIV patients receiving HAART. Continue reading Prevalence of CAM use during HAART in HIV