Effects of red ginseng extract on sleep in healthy volunteers
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. First,...
View ArticleTENS to reduce pain intensity in patients with tennis elbow
People with “tennis elbow” (lateral epicondylitis) experience pain over the outer side of the elbow, which may extend down the forearm. Researchers at Keele University, in Staffordshire, UK, studied...
View ArticleInteraction of Ginkgo biloba with antiplatelet drugs
Back in the ‘90s there were several reports of serious interactions in people who used Ginkgo biloba with other “blood thinners” to treat peripheral vascular disease (ie, dementia and claudication)....
View ArticleDoes water really improve health?
First lady, Michelle Obama tells us that drinking more water will improve the health of kids and all Americans. Really? Here’s what we know. According to the University of Michigan… True, water is one...
View ArticleNCB-02 to treat ulcerative colitis
NCB-02 is a standardized curcumin (a chemical in turmeric) preparation that has been used with positive results in an animal model of ulcerative colitis. Now, researchers at the All India Institute of...
View ArticleStatic magnets and copper fail to improve arthritis
Folklore remedies for pain and inflammation support these bracelets to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers at The University of York, in the UK studied their effects. First, the details. 70...
View ArticleCannabis effective in patients with Crohn’s disease?
Researchers at Tel Aviv University, in Israel, focus on the positive in this small study. First, the details. 21 adults with Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores greater than 200 were assigned...
View ArticleReview: Vitamin D supplements fail to change bone density
Almost half of older adults take vitamin D with or without calcium. Researchers at the University of Tasmania, Hobart, in Australia, reviewed the evidence. First, the details. Data from 23 studies...
View ArticleLack of effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on cholesterol
Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle, red sorrel; Arabic: karkade) grows as large shrubs or small trees that produce huge, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers promoted to reduce cholesterol levels. Researchers...
View ArticleThe end of trans fats
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced its preliminary determination that partially hydrogenated oils — the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods — are not...
View ArticleBenefits of keyboard playing in people with cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy results from injury to or abnormal development of the brain, with various problems in movement, posture, and other behavioral functions. Researchers at the Graduate School of Education...
View ArticleTENS device FDA-approved for migraine prevention
It’s the first device approved to prevent migraine headaches, and the first transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device specifically authorized for use prior to the onset of pain. Here’s...
View ArticleHospitalization rate based on changes in physical activity in people with COPD
Emphasis in this study by researchers in Spain was on walking, the most common form of physical activity. First, the details. Results come from 391 survivors evaluated among 543 people initially...
View ArticleWhat you should know about aromatherapy
If you expect aromatherapy to cure a major illness, you will probably be disappointed, according to AromaWeb — a source of practical information on this complementary treatment. The available...
View ArticleUp in smoke: Medical marijuana debunked
Proponents of the use of medical marijuana like to start speeches and articles by quickly stating that cannabinoids are of proven value in treating many diseases. Poppycock. This site has stated...
View ArticlePredicting the risk of psychosis in cannabis users
Cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of psychosis. It’s suggested that genetic variation in the AKT1 gene might influence this adverse effect. Researchers at Kings College London, in the...
View ArticleDoes anyone use St. John’s wort to treat dental pain?
Its claimed anti-pain and anti-inflammatory properties in homeopathic medicine have led to a number of studies in patients with acute pain. Researchers at University of Witten/Herdecke, in Germany...
View ArticleConsumer 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,...
View ArticleIneffective herbal remedies for treating acne
I recently came across a website advocating herbals to treat or prevent acne. The website isn’t important, but the results of my PubMed searches might be useful. Black currant A laboratory study...
View ArticleHerbal treatments for acne vulgaris
Faculty members from Hamdard University in New Delhi, India have published a review on Medscape of treatment options for acne, with emphasis on herbal treatment options. Here’s a summary of the herbal...
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