Whether it's triggered by the monotone of an instructor or insufficient rest the night before, students at all ages and grade levels sometimes have trouble staying awake in class.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System have found a way to combat the sleepiness and to keep students awake during class, and it doesn't have anything to do with caffeine or high-sugar snacks.
In a study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, they report that students in a class who were taught to self-administer acupressure treatments to stimulation points on their legs, feet, hands and heads were more alert and less fatigued.
"The study showed that a stimulation acupressure regimen leads to a statistically significant reduction in sleepiness compared to an acupressure treatment that focuses on relaxation," says Richard E. Harris, Ph.D., research investigator in the Division of Rheumatology at the U-M Medical School's Department of Internal Medicine and a researcher at the U-M Health System's Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center.
"Our finding suggests that acupressure can change alertness in people who are in classroom settings for a full day - which could be very good news for students who have trouble staying alert at school."
The 39 students who participated in the study were in the On Job/On Campus executive education program in U-M's School of Public Health who were participating in three days of all-day lecture classes. Students were taught how to self-apply acupressure regimens on either five stimulatory points or five relaxation points. The regimens consisted of light tapping with the fingers, and massaging with thumbs or forefingers.
The class was divided into two groups. One group of students was asked to self-administer acupressure to the stimulation points on the first day, followed by relaxation points on days two and three. The other group self-administered relaxation for one day, then stimulation for days two and three. Sleepiness was assessed by the validated Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and students rated their levels of sleepiness in the morning,before class began and in the late afternoon, at the conclusion of class. Acupressure was administered mid-day during the lunch period.
The fact that the stimulation group had significantly less fatigue than the other group has interesting implications for future studies of acupressure, says Harris, who himself is a trained acupuncturist.
"The idea that acupressure can have effects on human alertness needs more study, including research that can examine the scope of influence acupressure can have on alertness and fatigue," Harris says. "Ideally, research in the future will help us determine whether acupressure also can have an impact on performance in the classroom as well."
Brenda Gillespie, Ph.D., of the Course on Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis at the U-M School of Public Health, was the senior author. In addition to Harris and Gillespie, authors on the study were Joanne Jeter, M.D., Paul Chan, M.D., Peter Higgins, M.D., Ph.D., Feng-Ming Kong, M.D., Reza Fazel, M.D., and Candace Bramson, M.D., all of the Course on Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis at the U-M School of Public Health; and Cohort 11 of the U-M Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis Program.
Harris was supported by the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 11, number 4.
Katie Gazella
kgazellaumich
734-764-2220
University of Michigan Health System
med.umich/prmc/media/relarch.cfm
воскресенье, 29 мая 2011 г.
четверг, 26 мая 2011 г.
Urat Madu - Foreign Product Alert - For Erectile Dysfunction Canada
Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the following product listed in the table below due to concerns about possible side-effects. More info.
Date of alert - May 03, 2007
Source of Alert - Singapore Health Sciences Authority
Product Names - Urat Madu
Manufacturer / Place of Origin - PJ. Air Madu (Malang, Indonesia)
Product Description
The product Urat Madu is marketed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. The red capsules are packaged in a small bag carrying the product name; the bag is packaged within a box also carrying the "Urat Madu" name.
Reason for Warning
The Singapore Health Sciences Authority found Urat Madu capsules to be adulterated with the prescription drug sildenafil. Sildenafil citrate is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and has been associated with serious adverse reactions.
Sildenafil is not intended for self-care, and should only be taken under the guidance of a health care professional.
Possible Side Effects
Consumers who use Urat Madu may be at risk of serious side effects associated with sildenafil, especially those patients with existing medical conditions such as heart problems, who are taking heart medications, or who may be at risk for strokes.
The serious side-effects that have been associated with sildenafil include sudden vision loss, penile tissue damage and urinary tract infection.
Health Canada
Date of alert - May 03, 2007
Source of Alert - Singapore Health Sciences Authority
Product Names - Urat Madu
Manufacturer / Place of Origin - PJ. Air Madu (Malang, Indonesia)
Product Description
The product Urat Madu is marketed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. The red capsules are packaged in a small bag carrying the product name; the bag is packaged within a box also carrying the "Urat Madu" name.
Reason for Warning
The Singapore Health Sciences Authority found Urat Madu capsules to be adulterated with the prescription drug sildenafil. Sildenafil citrate is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and has been associated with serious adverse reactions.
Sildenafil is not intended for self-care, and should only be taken under the guidance of a health care professional.
Possible Side Effects
Consumers who use Urat Madu may be at risk of serious side effects associated with sildenafil, especially those patients with existing medical conditions such as heart problems, who are taking heart medications, or who may be at risk for strokes.
The serious side-effects that have been associated with sildenafil include sudden vision loss, penile tissue damage and urinary tract infection.
Health Canada
суббота, 14 мая 2011 г.
New Treatments Based On Human Behaviour Could Reduce Drug Prescribing
New psychological treatments - behavioural medicine - could significantly reduce the need for drug treatments for some conditions, cutting health system costs says an editorial in this week's BMJ.
Behavioural medicine - using treatments borrowed from psychology such as cognitive behavioural therapy - has the potential to reduce pain, argue the authors. Treating a patient with a system of behavioural instructions before surgery, for instance, can lower the amount of anaesthetic required during the operation, and cut the time they need to stay in hospital.
This style of medicine could also replace prescribed drugs for some conditions, say the authors. In one study diabetes rates were cut by 58% in a high risk group of patients, by intensively promoting exercise and weight loss - a higher success rate than achieved using conventional medicine.
Using behavioural techniques to reorganise clinical teams has also been shown to result in lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients - sometimes more effectively than prescribed drug treatments.
Introducing the approach more widely has been slow, however. Doctors are used to using drugs and surgery to control disease rather than behavioural techniques, say the authors.
The pharmaceutical industry also exerts a strong influence, being the chief source of funding by far for research on new treatments. "The major imbalance between investments in pharmaceutical development and in understanding and supporting health related behaviours must be of concern," say the authors.
Things are changing however. The UK has now established a Society of Behavioural Medicine, and research on these therapies is to be included on the Cochrane Database - the 'central bank' doctors use for the latest evidence-based treatments.
Behavioural medicine could make significant cost savings for health services, as well as empower patients in managing their conditions, the authors conclude.
Contact: Emma Dickinson
edickinsonbmj
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Behavioural medicine - using treatments borrowed from psychology such as cognitive behavioural therapy - has the potential to reduce pain, argue the authors. Treating a patient with a system of behavioural instructions before surgery, for instance, can lower the amount of anaesthetic required during the operation, and cut the time they need to stay in hospital.
This style of medicine could also replace prescribed drugs for some conditions, say the authors. In one study diabetes rates were cut by 58% in a high risk group of patients, by intensively promoting exercise and weight loss - a higher success rate than achieved using conventional medicine.
Using behavioural techniques to reorganise clinical teams has also been shown to result in lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients - sometimes more effectively than prescribed drug treatments.
Introducing the approach more widely has been slow, however. Doctors are used to using drugs and surgery to control disease rather than behavioural techniques, say the authors.
The pharmaceutical industry also exerts a strong influence, being the chief source of funding by far for research on new treatments. "The major imbalance between investments in pharmaceutical development and in understanding and supporting health related behaviours must be of concern," say the authors.
Things are changing however. The UK has now established a Society of Behavioural Medicine, and research on these therapies is to be included on the Cochrane Database - the 'central bank' doctors use for the latest evidence-based treatments.
Behavioural medicine could make significant cost savings for health services, as well as empower patients in managing their conditions, the authors conclude.
Contact: Emma Dickinson
edickinsonbmj
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Eczema - Treatment And Care
It is very important when suffering from eczema to establish a skin care routine to keep the skin as moist and healthy as possible:
-- Bathing - a daily bath helps to moisturize the skin, using aqueous cream rather than ordinary soap. The water temperature should be cool or warm for a 15 to 20 minute soak so that the skin's outer layer can absorb moisture. Avoid any excessive scrubbing. Dry the skin by gently patting with a towel.
-- Moisturisers or Emolients - these creams are important for adding moisture every day to clean, damp skin. The best moisturiser is a basic greasy one without extra ingredients or fragrances such as Vaseline. Use after showering and bathing and if you are working or living in an air conditioned or heated workplace or home. Use twice a day, and more often on the hands.
-- Avoid scratching the skin - keeping busy with activities that involve the use of your hands may help prevent scratching. In the case of children, their nails should be kept cut short and covered in cotton mittens at night. Scratching can actually trigger eczematous rashes. Some eczematous rashes completely disappear without any treatment if you just stop scratching.
There are several treatment options for eczema such as:
-- Oral antihistamines - histamine is responsible for some symptoms of eczema but particularly the itching. Taking antihistamine ensures a good night's rest.
-- Healing Natural Products - made from the pure essential oils extracted from plants and applied topically to relieve eczema symptoms and to begin the healing process of repairing the skin.
-- Corticosteroids - a topical steroid but only available on prescription from your doctor. It is best to use the lowest effective strength as using high strength topical steroids for periods of time can cause side effects such as thinning of the skin.
-- Coal Tar - this should be used under the supervision of a doctor as it can irritate some people's skin. Coal tar has a strong smell and can stain clothing.
-- Cyclopsorin oral medication - this medication is sometimes used in helping to manage the symptoms of severe eczema. It reduces the immune system activity which in turn reduces inflammation. However there can be very serious side effects and its use has to be monitored very strictly.
-- Evening Primrose Oil - this is either applied topically or taken in capsule form. This oil contains gamma linolenic acid which is thought to be lacking in some of those who have eczema.
-- Phototherapy - this is another treatment for those with chronic eczema where the patient is exposed to up to 30 sessions of ultraviolet radiation. Expert supervision is required because the risks are the same as for sunbathing namely accelerated ageing of the skin and the increased risk of skin cancer.
Therefore if you take good care of your skin and choose a course of treatment that will work, you will go a long way to keeping your eczema under control.
Amoils offers all natural treatments for common conditions and ailments using essential oils. Visit our Eczema page for more information.
amoils
-- Bathing - a daily bath helps to moisturize the skin, using aqueous cream rather than ordinary soap. The water temperature should be cool or warm for a 15 to 20 minute soak so that the skin's outer layer can absorb moisture. Avoid any excessive scrubbing. Dry the skin by gently patting with a towel.
-- Moisturisers or Emolients - these creams are important for adding moisture every day to clean, damp skin. The best moisturiser is a basic greasy one without extra ingredients or fragrances such as Vaseline. Use after showering and bathing and if you are working or living in an air conditioned or heated workplace or home. Use twice a day, and more often on the hands.
-- Avoid scratching the skin - keeping busy with activities that involve the use of your hands may help prevent scratching. In the case of children, their nails should be kept cut short and covered in cotton mittens at night. Scratching can actually trigger eczematous rashes. Some eczematous rashes completely disappear without any treatment if you just stop scratching.
There are several treatment options for eczema such as:
-- Oral antihistamines - histamine is responsible for some symptoms of eczema but particularly the itching. Taking antihistamine ensures a good night's rest.
-- Healing Natural Products - made from the pure essential oils extracted from plants and applied topically to relieve eczema symptoms and to begin the healing process of repairing the skin.
-- Corticosteroids - a topical steroid but only available on prescription from your doctor. It is best to use the lowest effective strength as using high strength topical steroids for periods of time can cause side effects such as thinning of the skin.
-- Coal Tar - this should be used under the supervision of a doctor as it can irritate some people's skin. Coal tar has a strong smell and can stain clothing.
-- Cyclopsorin oral medication - this medication is sometimes used in helping to manage the symptoms of severe eczema. It reduces the immune system activity which in turn reduces inflammation. However there can be very serious side effects and its use has to be monitored very strictly.
-- Evening Primrose Oil - this is either applied topically or taken in capsule form. This oil contains gamma linolenic acid which is thought to be lacking in some of those who have eczema.
-- Phototherapy - this is another treatment for those with chronic eczema where the patient is exposed to up to 30 sessions of ultraviolet radiation. Expert supervision is required because the risks are the same as for sunbathing namely accelerated ageing of the skin and the increased risk of skin cancer.
Therefore if you take good care of your skin and choose a course of treatment that will work, you will go a long way to keeping your eczema under control.
Amoils offers all natural treatments for common conditions and ailments using essential oils. Visit our Eczema page for more information.
amoils
Survey Explores Primary Medical Care For Children With Autism Using Complementary Alternative Medicine
Primary care physicians are more likely to ask about CAM use and desire CAM education when caring for children with autism
In a national survey conducted by the University of Minnesota, primary care physicians report that they are more likely to ask patients with autism about complementary alternative medicine (CAM) use and desire more CAM education for this population. The study?? of 539 U.S. physicians, published this week in Springer's Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, explores the attitudes and practices of primary care physicians caring for children with autism using CAM treatments. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 150 children in the U.S. is affected by autism, and one half to three quarters of these children are being treated with complementary alternative therapies. The National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine within the National Institutes of Health describes CAM as, "a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine."
Physicians in this survey were more likely to ask patients with autism about CAM use compared with children with other chronic conditions. "In light of the high prevalence of CAM used to treat children with autism, it is important that physicians ask about CAM use in the context of routine primary care," said Allison Golnik, M.D., M.P.H., the study's author and an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Pediatrics. While past surveys indicate that physicians desire more CAM education, this survey indicates they desire CAM education specifically for children with autism. "Physicians need access to balanced education that will inform their own recommendations for specific CAM therapies and adequate information to care for families who elect their use," Golnik said.
The study begins to explore physician recommendations when caring for children with autism using CAM. The subset of physicians responding to the survey reported integrating some CAM modalities that may be supported by emerging evidence but need further research. Physician respondents also reported actively discouraging some forms of CAM that have been refuted by evidence or carry significant risks.
For children with autism, the intersection of standard medical therapies, CAM, and the complex health care system requires a significant level of engagement by the primary care physician. "With the high prevalence of CAM use by children with autism, asking all patients about CAM, establishing an infrastructure to monitor CAM use, and developing CAM education are important goals," Golnik said. "It is important that families be involved in this process."
1. Golnik AE, Ireland M (2009). Complementary Alternative Medicine for Children with Autism: A Physician Survey. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. DOI 10.1007/s10803-009-0714-7
Springer Science+Business Media
springer
In a national survey conducted by the University of Minnesota, primary care physicians report that they are more likely to ask patients with autism about complementary alternative medicine (CAM) use and desire more CAM education for this population. The study?? of 539 U.S. physicians, published this week in Springer's Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, explores the attitudes and practices of primary care physicians caring for children with autism using CAM treatments. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 150 children in the U.S. is affected by autism, and one half to three quarters of these children are being treated with complementary alternative therapies. The National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine within the National Institutes of Health describes CAM as, "a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine."
Physicians in this survey were more likely to ask patients with autism about CAM use compared with children with other chronic conditions. "In light of the high prevalence of CAM used to treat children with autism, it is important that physicians ask about CAM use in the context of routine primary care," said Allison Golnik, M.D., M.P.H., the study's author and an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Pediatrics. While past surveys indicate that physicians desire more CAM education, this survey indicates they desire CAM education specifically for children with autism. "Physicians need access to balanced education that will inform their own recommendations for specific CAM therapies and adequate information to care for families who elect their use," Golnik said.
The study begins to explore physician recommendations when caring for children with autism using CAM. The subset of physicians responding to the survey reported integrating some CAM modalities that may be supported by emerging evidence but need further research. Physician respondents also reported actively discouraging some forms of CAM that have been refuted by evidence or carry significant risks.
For children with autism, the intersection of standard medical therapies, CAM, and the complex health care system requires a significant level of engagement by the primary care physician. "With the high prevalence of CAM use by children with autism, asking all patients about CAM, establishing an infrastructure to monitor CAM use, and developing CAM education are important goals," Golnik said. "It is important that families be involved in this process."
1. Golnik AE, Ireland M (2009). Complementary Alternative Medicine for Children with Autism: A Physician Survey. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. DOI 10.1007/s10803-009-0714-7
Springer Science+Business Media
springer
Experts Gather To Discuss Remaining Pockets Of Iodine Deficiency In China
Vice-Minister of Health Wang Longde opened a meeting of national and international experts who gathered in Beijing to discuss global progress on iodine deficiency disorder (IDD). The meeting brought together officials from the China Ministry of Health, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), board members of the Network for Sustained Elimination of Iodine Deficiency, academics and the private sector at a critical moment in the fight to eliminate IDD in China.
China has been a global leader in the introduction of universal salt iodization, raising household coverage of iodized salt from around 40 per cent in 1995 to the target of 90 per cent in 2005. The Network Board acknowledged this achievement at the recent meeting. However, certain western and coastal provinces have been slow to adopt the use of iodized salt and up to 130 million Chinese are still at risk of iodine deficiency.
UNICEF Representative to China, Dr. Yin Yin Nwe said: "We met to discuss solutions to the problems certain provinces have in reducing the risk of iodine deficiency. Although China's achievements in raising levels of consumption of iodized salt are outstanding, many people here are still consuming un-iodized salt."
Some communities cannot afford the slightly higher cost of refined, packaged iodized salt or prefer traditional salt produced locally. Experts discussed alternatives to give these communities access to adequate sources of iodine, such as subsidies to reduce the cost of packaged iodized salt, strategies to iodize locally produced traditional salt or the interim use of iodized oil capsules.
Iodine deficiency is an important health issue wherever natural sources of dietary iodine are lacking. Iodine is critical for normal growth and development and deficiency during pregnancy and early childhood can result in reduced intelligence or a form of mental retardation known as cretinism. In areas where it is common, including many parts of China, iodine deficiency commonly causes swelling of the thyroid gland at the front of the neck, or goiter.Today, IDD affects 740 million people in 130 countries.
The Chairperson of the Network Board and UNICEF Director of Programmes, Mr. Alan Court, expressed confidence at the outcome of today's meeting: "The attendance of Vice-Minister Wang and the quality of the discussion both indicate the high priority given to this issue by the Chinese government. Whilst ultimately we all agree that universal consumption of iodised salt is the best way to avoid iodine deficiency, we know from many countries that in some areas it takes time to achieve this. The meeting today gives me great hope that those people remaining at risk for iodine deficiency in China will benefit quickly from the options and ideas discussed, and from the government's commitment to eliminating this problem."
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
unicef
China has been a global leader in the introduction of universal salt iodization, raising household coverage of iodized salt from around 40 per cent in 1995 to the target of 90 per cent in 2005. The Network Board acknowledged this achievement at the recent meeting. However, certain western and coastal provinces have been slow to adopt the use of iodized salt and up to 130 million Chinese are still at risk of iodine deficiency.
UNICEF Representative to China, Dr. Yin Yin Nwe said: "We met to discuss solutions to the problems certain provinces have in reducing the risk of iodine deficiency. Although China's achievements in raising levels of consumption of iodized salt are outstanding, many people here are still consuming un-iodized salt."
Some communities cannot afford the slightly higher cost of refined, packaged iodized salt or prefer traditional salt produced locally. Experts discussed alternatives to give these communities access to adequate sources of iodine, such as subsidies to reduce the cost of packaged iodized salt, strategies to iodize locally produced traditional salt or the interim use of iodized oil capsules.
Iodine deficiency is an important health issue wherever natural sources of dietary iodine are lacking. Iodine is critical for normal growth and development and deficiency during pregnancy and early childhood can result in reduced intelligence or a form of mental retardation known as cretinism. In areas where it is common, including many parts of China, iodine deficiency commonly causes swelling of the thyroid gland at the front of the neck, or goiter.Today, IDD affects 740 million people in 130 countries.
The Chairperson of the Network Board and UNICEF Director of Programmes, Mr. Alan Court, expressed confidence at the outcome of today's meeting: "The attendance of Vice-Minister Wang and the quality of the discussion both indicate the high priority given to this issue by the Chinese government. Whilst ultimately we all agree that universal consumption of iodised salt is the best way to avoid iodine deficiency, we know from many countries that in some areas it takes time to achieve this. The meeting today gives me great hope that those people remaining at risk for iodine deficiency in China will benefit quickly from the options and ideas discussed, and from the government's commitment to eliminating this problem."
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
unicef
Massage May Help Dementia Patients With Agitation
Massage could offer a drug-free way to treat agitation and depression among dementia patients, but there are still too few studies about the practice to know for sure, according to a review of recent research.
In two studies, hand massage and gentle touching during conversation helped ease agitation and restore appetite in dementia patients over short periods of about an hour.
"Although the available reliable evidence supports the use of massage and touch, it is so limited in scope that it is not possible to draw general conclusions about benefits in dementia," say lead authors Dr. Niels Viggo Hansen and colleagues.
"However, even if touch therapy aims only to reintroduce something which has been lost in the professionalization and institutionalization of care, it may still turn out to be a relatively effective, inexpensive and low-risk intervention," said Viggo Hansen, of the Knowledge and Research Center for Alternative Medicine, part of Denmark's Ministry of Health.
The review appears in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.
The Cochrane reviewers could only find two small studies, involving a total of 110 participants, of high enough quality to include in the review. Although the effect on behavior in the two studies was short-lived, some researchers and caregivers suggest that massage might also improve memory and cognition in those with dementia.
Cynthia Bologna, a Petaluma, Calif., massage therapist who works extensively with people with dementia, said she often works with patients to bring about short-term effects such as relaxation.
However, Bologna has noticed some long-term effects and said her clients "respond with recognition to the quality of my touch" even when they don't remember her name or recognize her from visit to visit. "So whereas I'm not sure about long-term cognitive memory, it seems as though their sensory memory is being enhanced," she said.
Viggo Hansen N, Jorgensen T, Ortenblad L. Massage and touch for dementia The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 4.
The Cochrane Collaboration is an international nonprofit, independent organization that produces and disseminates systematic reviews of health care interventions and promotes the search for evidence in the form of clinical trials and other studies of interventions. Visit cochrane for more information.
In two studies, hand massage and gentle touching during conversation helped ease agitation and restore appetite in dementia patients over short periods of about an hour.
"Although the available reliable evidence supports the use of massage and touch, it is so limited in scope that it is not possible to draw general conclusions about benefits in dementia," say lead authors Dr. Niels Viggo Hansen and colleagues.
"However, even if touch therapy aims only to reintroduce something which has been lost in the professionalization and institutionalization of care, it may still turn out to be a relatively effective, inexpensive and low-risk intervention," said Viggo Hansen, of the Knowledge and Research Center for Alternative Medicine, part of Denmark's Ministry of Health.
The review appears in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.
The Cochrane reviewers could only find two small studies, involving a total of 110 participants, of high enough quality to include in the review. Although the effect on behavior in the two studies was short-lived, some researchers and caregivers suggest that massage might also improve memory and cognition in those with dementia.
Cynthia Bologna, a Petaluma, Calif., massage therapist who works extensively with people with dementia, said she often works with patients to bring about short-term effects such as relaxation.
However, Bologna has noticed some long-term effects and said her clients "respond with recognition to the quality of my touch" even when they don't remember her name or recognize her from visit to visit. "So whereas I'm not sure about long-term cognitive memory, it seems as though their sensory memory is being enhanced," she said.
Viggo Hansen N, Jorgensen T, Ortenblad L. Massage and touch for dementia The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 4.
The Cochrane Collaboration is an international nonprofit, independent organization that produces and disseminates systematic reviews of health care interventions and promotes the search for evidence in the form of clinical trials and other studies of interventions. Visit cochrane for more information.
Online Version Of The Chinese Journal Of Natural Medicines Launched By Elsevier
Elsevier, the world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, has announced the launch of the online version of the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (CJNM). Established in 2003, the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines is now available for the first time in English on ScienceDirect.
This peer-reviewed journal is for pharmaceutical and medical scientists interested in the advancement of traditional Chinese medicines, and publishes papers on a broad spectrum of bioactive natural products, leading compounds and materials derived from traditional Chinese medicines.
Until now, much of Chinese research was only available in Chinese, but with the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines now available in English, new findings in the field of traditional Chinese medicine are accessible to a wider and more international audience.
Zheng Xiaonan, the director of the editorial office, said: "The publication of the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicineson ScienceDirect will help us spread the latest scientific achievements and highlight Chinese research articles in this field to the global pharmaceutical community."
CJNM is one of several journals published by the Chinese Pharmaceutical University, one of the top Chinese universities in this field. The Chinese Pharmaceutical University provides strong academic and financial support to CJNM.
China recognizes the importance of investing in local medical developments and has made efforts to increase the visibility and use of Chinese Traditional Medicines. As part of these efforts, the Chinese central government has invested in Chinese hospitals and the State Council issued a policy to further support and develop the Chinese medical industry. The increased publication of Chinese focused medical research plays an important role in this overall effort.
Hugo Zhang, Managing Director of Elsevier's Science & Technology division in China, commented: "We expect to see a growing number of quality research articles in this area published in the future. By offering the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines online and in English, we add unique content to our existing journal collection. Having this journal available in English will be a new and important way to share research developments to the international science community and help them get a better understanding of Chinese medical research and policy. "
This peer-reviewed journal is for pharmaceutical and medical scientists interested in the advancement of traditional Chinese medicines, and publishes papers on a broad spectrum of bioactive natural products, leading compounds and materials derived from traditional Chinese medicines.
Until now, much of Chinese research was only available in Chinese, but with the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines now available in English, new findings in the field of traditional Chinese medicine are accessible to a wider and more international audience.
Zheng Xiaonan, the director of the editorial office, said: "The publication of the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicineson ScienceDirect will help us spread the latest scientific achievements and highlight Chinese research articles in this field to the global pharmaceutical community."
CJNM is one of several journals published by the Chinese Pharmaceutical University, one of the top Chinese universities in this field. The Chinese Pharmaceutical University provides strong academic and financial support to CJNM.
China recognizes the importance of investing in local medical developments and has made efforts to increase the visibility and use of Chinese Traditional Medicines. As part of these efforts, the Chinese central government has invested in Chinese hospitals and the State Council issued a policy to further support and develop the Chinese medical industry. The increased publication of Chinese focused medical research plays an important role in this overall effort.
Hugo Zhang, Managing Director of Elsevier's Science & Technology division in China, commented: "We expect to see a growing number of quality research articles in this area published in the future. By offering the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines online and in English, we add unique content to our existing journal collection. Having this journal available in English will be a new and important way to share research developments to the international science community and help them get a better understanding of Chinese medical research and policy. "
Vitamin E Linked To Physical Activity
Only one person in the study took vitamin E supplements
Vitamin E "helps older people move" is the headline in The Daily Telegraph. The newspaper report underneath says that "a diet rich in olive oil, nuts and green leafy vegetables could help slow physical decline in the elderly".
The story is based on a study carried out in Italy, which looked at whether levels of micronutrients - particular vitamins and minerals - in the diet have a direct effect on the physical capabilities of older people. The results of the study show that low levels of vitamin E in the diet are linked to a decline in physical activity. The study has provided further evidence of the association between a healthy diet and fitness in older age; however, these results apply to people who have lower-than-normal vitamin E levels and therefore may not apply to healthy people who take extra vitamin E as a supplement.
Where did the story come from? Dr Benedetta Bartali conducted the research along with colleagues from the Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, in New York, and other research institutions in the US and Italy. The study was supported by the Italian Ministry of Health and by multiple grants and contracts from US and Italian sources, including the US National Institute of Health. It was published in the medical journal: The Journal of the American Medical Association.
What kind of scientific study was this?
Key points:
- The European RDA of vitamin E is 10mg
- Food sources include nuts, soya beans, vegetable oil, broccoli, sprouts, spinach, wholemeal products, eggs
This was a cohort study which used data collected from a population registry study in Italy to investigate whether low levels of vitamins and nutrients are linked to physical function in the elderly.
The researchers invited people aged 65 years and over, living in Tuscany, Italy, to take part in the study and 1,155 agreed. Of this group, 457 could not be included because they either demonstrated poor physical performance at the start of the study, or they didn't have their initial physical performance measured. People for whom there was no follow-up data on file (for example from those who had died, emigrated or where the follow-up data had not been collected) were also excluded. This left 698 people with full data for analysis (60%).
The participants were asked questions about a range of issues including education, jobs, household composition, general health and functional state. They also completed a questionnaire designed to detect any depression or dementia. Participants were asked to specify their level of physical activity and this was subsequently classified into three groups: a sedentary group (people who were completely inactive or did light physical activity only, e.g. walking, for less than one hour a week); a light group who were physically active for two to four hours a week; and a moderate to intense group who did light physical activity for more than four hours a week or moderate physical activity (e.g. swimming) for one to two hours a week or more. The participants also completed a food questionnaire so that their intake of energy and nutrients could be calculated. A medical examination at the start of the study included height, weight and blood tests. The serum micronutrient concentration in the blood - i.e. the concentration of vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron - was tested and statistical models were used to relate this to the physical function as recorded in three annual follow-up visits.
At the follow-up visits, participants were given scores of 0-4 for their performance in three objective tests: the best time in two tests where they were asked to walk four metres; the total time taken to rise five times from seated to standing with hands folded; and a standing balance test. The total score for the three tests was added together to give the "Short Physical Performance Battery" score. This ranged from 0-12, with higher numbers representing better performance. The authors adjusted their results to take into account a number of baseline factors such as age, sex, physical activity (using the three groups), socio-economic status and weight.
What were the results of the study?
The average decline in the Short Physical Performance Battery score over the study period, for all participants, was 1.1 point. The analysis showed that of all the levels of micronutrients measured, only a low concentration of vitamin E was significantly associated with the subsequent decline in physical function.
Using other statistical tests, the researchers identified that the two strongest determinants of decline in physical function were being aged over 81 years, and the vitamin E concentration in participants aged 70-80 years. Only one person in the study was taking vitamin E supplements.
What conclusions did the researchers draw from these results?
The researchers say that these results provide "evidence that a low serum concentration of vitamin E is associated with subsequent decline in physical function among community-living older adults." They have called for more clinical trials to investigate whether giving supplements to older people with low levels of vitamin E could reduce functional decline and the onset of disability.
What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study?
A large amount of data was collected in this study and the authors have presented some of the associations in this new publication, using three analytical approaches. They suggest three mechanisms which might account for the association of low vitamin E concentration and a decline in physical function. Potential limitations are acknowledged by the authors:
- The high loss of patients to follow-up may have introduced systematic errors into the analysis if the patients who were not included differed form the study population in important ways.
- The proportion of people taking vitamin supplements is different in different countries (4% in Italy compared with more than 50% in the United States), and the authors say that for this and other reasons the results from this study may not apply to other countries.
- When analysing a large amount of data retrospectively it's not unusual to find one or two significant findings; however, even statistically significant findings can arise by chance.
The link shown in this study applies to people who have a lower-than-normal vitamin E concentration and the results will not necessarily apply to healthy people who take extra vitamin E as a supplement.
Links to the headlines
Vitamin E 'helps older people move'. The Daily Telegraph, January 24 2008
Vitamin E 'may ward off decline'. BBC News, January 23 2008
Links to the science
Serum Micronutrient Concentrations and Decline in Physical Function Among Older Persons.
Bartali B, Frongillo EA, Guralnik JM, et al.
JAMA 2008; 299:308-315
This news comes from NHS Choices
Vitamin E "helps older people move" is the headline in The Daily Telegraph. The newspaper report underneath says that "a diet rich in olive oil, nuts and green leafy vegetables could help slow physical decline in the elderly".
The story is based on a study carried out in Italy, which looked at whether levels of micronutrients - particular vitamins and minerals - in the diet have a direct effect on the physical capabilities of older people. The results of the study show that low levels of vitamin E in the diet are linked to a decline in physical activity. The study has provided further evidence of the association between a healthy diet and fitness in older age; however, these results apply to people who have lower-than-normal vitamin E levels and therefore may not apply to healthy people who take extra vitamin E as a supplement.
Where did the story come from? Dr Benedetta Bartali conducted the research along with colleagues from the Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, in New York, and other research institutions in the US and Italy. The study was supported by the Italian Ministry of Health and by multiple grants and contracts from US and Italian sources, including the US National Institute of Health. It was published in the medical journal: The Journal of the American Medical Association.
What kind of scientific study was this?
Key points:
- The European RDA of vitamin E is 10mg
- Food sources include nuts, soya beans, vegetable oil, broccoli, sprouts, spinach, wholemeal products, eggs
This was a cohort study which used data collected from a population registry study in Italy to investigate whether low levels of vitamins and nutrients are linked to physical function in the elderly.
The researchers invited people aged 65 years and over, living in Tuscany, Italy, to take part in the study and 1,155 agreed. Of this group, 457 could not be included because they either demonstrated poor physical performance at the start of the study, or they didn't have their initial physical performance measured. People for whom there was no follow-up data on file (for example from those who had died, emigrated or where the follow-up data had not been collected) were also excluded. This left 698 people with full data for analysis (60%).
The participants were asked questions about a range of issues including education, jobs, household composition, general health and functional state. They also completed a questionnaire designed to detect any depression or dementia. Participants were asked to specify their level of physical activity and this was subsequently classified into three groups: a sedentary group (people who were completely inactive or did light physical activity only, e.g. walking, for less than one hour a week); a light group who were physically active for two to four hours a week; and a moderate to intense group who did light physical activity for more than four hours a week or moderate physical activity (e.g. swimming) for one to two hours a week or more. The participants also completed a food questionnaire so that their intake of energy and nutrients could be calculated. A medical examination at the start of the study included height, weight and blood tests. The serum micronutrient concentration in the blood - i.e. the concentration of vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron - was tested and statistical models were used to relate this to the physical function as recorded in three annual follow-up visits.
At the follow-up visits, participants were given scores of 0-4 for their performance in three objective tests: the best time in two tests where they were asked to walk four metres; the total time taken to rise five times from seated to standing with hands folded; and a standing balance test. The total score for the three tests was added together to give the "Short Physical Performance Battery" score. This ranged from 0-12, with higher numbers representing better performance. The authors adjusted their results to take into account a number of baseline factors such as age, sex, physical activity (using the three groups), socio-economic status and weight.
What were the results of the study?
The average decline in the Short Physical Performance Battery score over the study period, for all participants, was 1.1 point. The analysis showed that of all the levels of micronutrients measured, only a low concentration of vitamin E was significantly associated with the subsequent decline in physical function.
Using other statistical tests, the researchers identified that the two strongest determinants of decline in physical function were being aged over 81 years, and the vitamin E concentration in participants aged 70-80 years. Only one person in the study was taking vitamin E supplements.
What conclusions did the researchers draw from these results?
The researchers say that these results provide "evidence that a low serum concentration of vitamin E is associated with subsequent decline in physical function among community-living older adults." They have called for more clinical trials to investigate whether giving supplements to older people with low levels of vitamin E could reduce functional decline and the onset of disability.
What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study?
A large amount of data was collected in this study and the authors have presented some of the associations in this new publication, using three analytical approaches. They suggest three mechanisms which might account for the association of low vitamin E concentration and a decline in physical function. Potential limitations are acknowledged by the authors:
- The high loss of patients to follow-up may have introduced systematic errors into the analysis if the patients who were not included differed form the study population in important ways.
- The proportion of people taking vitamin supplements is different in different countries (4% in Italy compared with more than 50% in the United States), and the authors say that for this and other reasons the results from this study may not apply to other countries.
- When analysing a large amount of data retrospectively it's not unusual to find one or two significant findings; however, even statistically significant findings can arise by chance.
The link shown in this study applies to people who have a lower-than-normal vitamin E concentration and the results will not necessarily apply to healthy people who take extra vitamin E as a supplement.
Links to the headlines
Vitamin E 'helps older people move'. The Daily Telegraph, January 24 2008
Vitamin E 'may ward off decline'. BBC News, January 23 2008
Links to the science
Serum Micronutrient Concentrations and Decline in Physical Function Among Older Persons.
Bartali B, Frongillo EA, Guralnik JM, et al.
JAMA 2008; 299:308-315
This news comes from NHS Choices
Going West With Eastern Medicine - Traditional Chinese Medicine Is Entering The Mainstream In Terms Western Practitioners Understand
In recent years, interest in complementary medicine has re-ignited in a big way as consumers turn to nature in the search of alternative remedies. In particular increasing numbers of people are beginning to seek answers to needs unaddressed by Western science by looking to the ancient knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicines.
This accounts for the high penetration of complementary medicines in developed economies. According to World Health Organisation estimates, more than half the populations of developed countries have tried alternative medication at least once. However, most western trained practitioners have had little exposure to or training in traditional medicine and find it difficult to guide their patients in their choices.
The challenge of traditional medicine for Western practitioners
The trend of using traditional remedies as a substitute for chemically formulated drugs is set to continue with an industry growth rate of between 5 - 15 per cent a year, and much of it is no doubt due to the common layman belief that the more 'natural' a product, the fewer the side effects.
Western practitioners, however, have long been uncomfortable with this assumption and this has resulted in many alternative treatments being sidelined as 'quack medicine' lacking scientific basis. This stance is exacerbated by the dearth of research on most traditional remedies. Active ingredients and their mechanisms of action and interaction with concomitant treatments are unknown or not described in clinically accepted ways, while existing evidence based data often does not meet stringent Western criteria.
As a result the common reaction of skeptical Western medical practitioners is to follow a precautionary principle when advising patients and avoid recommending alternatives altogether. This helps to discourage uncritical enthusiasm for complementary medication among most patients and prevents the misuse of unproven or low-quality treatments. However this also denies many patients access to promising products, leaving certain medical needs unmet.
Bringing traditional medicine to the mainstream
It is possible, however, to incorporate alternative treatments into a Western medical framework - giving doctors a firm basis upon which to evaluate these treatments.
One such example is Neuroaid, a Traditional Chinese Medicine aimed at supporting stroke recovery, marketed by Moleac. Western medicine today offers a plethora of products and surgical treatments that deal with preventing the causes of stroke. However, its only offering for stroke patients after the hyper-acute stage comprises physiotherapy, which leaves recent stroke patients with only a 33% chance of full recovery. No Western drug offerings address the patient rehabilitation process.
When Moleac identified Neuroaid, clinical data had already been generated on the medication - a sizeable double-blind randomized clinical trial on over 600 patients had been conducted in China. The trial produced a 2.11 odd ratio in complete responders on a functional scale and very favorable outcomes on individual neurological deficit scores. The fact that the research had been conducted on patients several months after their stroke onset suggested Neuroaid helps stroke rehabilitation by improving the brain's neuroplasticity. No such drug exists in Western Pharmacopoeia.
This made the potential contribution Neuroaid could bring to stroke survivors an exciting prospect. However it was possible that the product's entirely herbal and natural formulation - engineered along the principles of Qi - would excite a lot of disbelief in the Western medical fields.
For this reason a Western approach to the development of Neuroaid as a mainstream product was adopted. Since it was already being successfully marketed for consumption in China as a proprietary medicine, the decision was made to focus on clinical development, instead of going back to animal models to evidence the precise mechanism of action.
The first step for this was to ensure the quality and stability of the product for safe consumption in a Western context. While the existing base of usage in China over several hundred thousands patients indicated the safety of NeuroAid, it was important to also ensure safety of consumption for patients receiving Western medical care.
As for stroke, the main concern is the risk of bleeding. Several studies were implemented which showed Neuroaid did not create such risks, even in combination with aspirin as an antiplatelet agent, or when taken over several weeks. Tests were also initiated and are now implemented on the product to ensure quality, including microbial analysis and heavy metal search. Good Manufacturing Practice quality standards are also enforced.
In addition, a review of existing efficacy data from China with Western criteria was conducted, focusing on improvement measured against familiar endpoints, keeping in mind that these trials were conducted using different methodology standards than those used in the West.
With solid safety and quality data in one hand and rigorously tested efficacy data, practitioners are now able to make an informed decision to advise patients on how to integrate NeuroAid into their recovery programs.
The next step is to implement more clinical trials in compliance with Western standards, to establish the exact efficacy of Neuroaid. Plans are in the pipeline for one such study, conducted by international neurologists, to be launched soon this year. Moleac is also exploring imagery markers to establish the actual effect of the drug in improving brain neuroplasticity.
TCM perception in the future
Remedies such as NeuroAid serve the important purpose of filling a need that accepted Western medical practice does not attend to. A balance, therefore, needs to be struck between ascertaining a product's safety and efficacy, and the leap of faith in trying it to "see if it works". Recognising this need, the World Health Organisation's 2002 traditional medicine strategy outlines key goals in promoting and regulating safe and effective traditional medicine; these include safety, quality and efficacy, government policy, access, and rational usage.
The team at Moleac, or companies like Himalaya, an Ayurvedic herbal healthcare company, are part of a small group of biopharmaceutical firms who have responded to this call by pioneering attempts to consolidate existing safety evidence and further prove the efficacy of alternative treatments in the context of Western medicine.
This approach to developing drugs requires an in-depth understanding of both TCM and Western medicine. On top of the usual challenges of product development, identifying a gap in Western medicine and finding a suitably promising candidate, TCM can be a long and difficult process. Coordinating the work of TCM doctors and Western clinicians - who must overcome their differing viewpoints and cultural perspectives in order to collaborate closely - is also a challenge.
However, with the dwindling pipelines and immense financial risks currently hindering many of the larger Western pharmaceutical companies, focusing on this lower-risk, clinical-based model for developing TCM may be the solution for companies seeking to bring new drugs to market faster.
And as in the case of Moleac, emphasis on consumer safety and rigorous pharmaceutical research helps medical practitioners make informed decisions on using the product, removing a key barrier to its widespread usage and ensuring it manages to reach the patients it can benefit.
Written by David Pricard, Co-Founder of Moleac, a biopharma company based at Biopolis in Singapore.
moleac
This accounts for the high penetration of complementary medicines in developed economies. According to World Health Organisation estimates, more than half the populations of developed countries have tried alternative medication at least once. However, most western trained practitioners have had little exposure to or training in traditional medicine and find it difficult to guide their patients in their choices.
The challenge of traditional medicine for Western practitioners
The trend of using traditional remedies as a substitute for chemically formulated drugs is set to continue with an industry growth rate of between 5 - 15 per cent a year, and much of it is no doubt due to the common layman belief that the more 'natural' a product, the fewer the side effects.
Western practitioners, however, have long been uncomfortable with this assumption and this has resulted in many alternative treatments being sidelined as 'quack medicine' lacking scientific basis. This stance is exacerbated by the dearth of research on most traditional remedies. Active ingredients and their mechanisms of action and interaction with concomitant treatments are unknown or not described in clinically accepted ways, while existing evidence based data often does not meet stringent Western criteria.
As a result the common reaction of skeptical Western medical practitioners is to follow a precautionary principle when advising patients and avoid recommending alternatives altogether. This helps to discourage uncritical enthusiasm for complementary medication among most patients and prevents the misuse of unproven or low-quality treatments. However this also denies many patients access to promising products, leaving certain medical needs unmet.
Bringing traditional medicine to the mainstream
It is possible, however, to incorporate alternative treatments into a Western medical framework - giving doctors a firm basis upon which to evaluate these treatments.
One such example is Neuroaid, a Traditional Chinese Medicine aimed at supporting stroke recovery, marketed by Moleac. Western medicine today offers a plethora of products and surgical treatments that deal with preventing the causes of stroke. However, its only offering for stroke patients after the hyper-acute stage comprises physiotherapy, which leaves recent stroke patients with only a 33% chance of full recovery. No Western drug offerings address the patient rehabilitation process.
When Moleac identified Neuroaid, clinical data had already been generated on the medication - a sizeable double-blind randomized clinical trial on over 600 patients had been conducted in China. The trial produced a 2.11 odd ratio in complete responders on a functional scale and very favorable outcomes on individual neurological deficit scores. The fact that the research had been conducted on patients several months after their stroke onset suggested Neuroaid helps stroke rehabilitation by improving the brain's neuroplasticity. No such drug exists in Western Pharmacopoeia.
This made the potential contribution Neuroaid could bring to stroke survivors an exciting prospect. However it was possible that the product's entirely herbal and natural formulation - engineered along the principles of Qi - would excite a lot of disbelief in the Western medical fields.
For this reason a Western approach to the development of Neuroaid as a mainstream product was adopted. Since it was already being successfully marketed for consumption in China as a proprietary medicine, the decision was made to focus on clinical development, instead of going back to animal models to evidence the precise mechanism of action.
The first step for this was to ensure the quality and stability of the product for safe consumption in a Western context. While the existing base of usage in China over several hundred thousands patients indicated the safety of NeuroAid, it was important to also ensure safety of consumption for patients receiving Western medical care.
As for stroke, the main concern is the risk of bleeding. Several studies were implemented which showed Neuroaid did not create such risks, even in combination with aspirin as an antiplatelet agent, or when taken over several weeks. Tests were also initiated and are now implemented on the product to ensure quality, including microbial analysis and heavy metal search. Good Manufacturing Practice quality standards are also enforced.
In addition, a review of existing efficacy data from China with Western criteria was conducted, focusing on improvement measured against familiar endpoints, keeping in mind that these trials were conducted using different methodology standards than those used in the West.
With solid safety and quality data in one hand and rigorously tested efficacy data, practitioners are now able to make an informed decision to advise patients on how to integrate NeuroAid into their recovery programs.
The next step is to implement more clinical trials in compliance with Western standards, to establish the exact efficacy of Neuroaid. Plans are in the pipeline for one such study, conducted by international neurologists, to be launched soon this year. Moleac is also exploring imagery markers to establish the actual effect of the drug in improving brain neuroplasticity.
TCM perception in the future
Remedies such as NeuroAid serve the important purpose of filling a need that accepted Western medical practice does not attend to. A balance, therefore, needs to be struck between ascertaining a product's safety and efficacy, and the leap of faith in trying it to "see if it works". Recognising this need, the World Health Organisation's 2002 traditional medicine strategy outlines key goals in promoting and regulating safe and effective traditional medicine; these include safety, quality and efficacy, government policy, access, and rational usage.
The team at Moleac, or companies like Himalaya, an Ayurvedic herbal healthcare company, are part of a small group of biopharmaceutical firms who have responded to this call by pioneering attempts to consolidate existing safety evidence and further prove the efficacy of alternative treatments in the context of Western medicine.
This approach to developing drugs requires an in-depth understanding of both TCM and Western medicine. On top of the usual challenges of product development, identifying a gap in Western medicine and finding a suitably promising candidate, TCM can be a long and difficult process. Coordinating the work of TCM doctors and Western clinicians - who must overcome their differing viewpoints and cultural perspectives in order to collaborate closely - is also a challenge.
However, with the dwindling pipelines and immense financial risks currently hindering many of the larger Western pharmaceutical companies, focusing on this lower-risk, clinical-based model for developing TCM may be the solution for companies seeking to bring new drugs to market faster.
And as in the case of Moleac, emphasis on consumer safety and rigorous pharmaceutical research helps medical practitioners make informed decisions on using the product, removing a key barrier to its widespread usage and ensuring it manages to reach the patients it can benefit.
Written by David Pricard, Co-Founder of Moleac, a biopharma company based at Biopolis in Singapore.
moleac
FDA Completes Final Analysis Of "Total Body Formula" And "Total Body Mega Formula" Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's final analysis of certain flavors of "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula" has detected hazardous amounts of chromium.
On April 9, 2008, the FDA reported the dietary supplement products contained hazardous amounts of selenium in samples of "Total Body Formula" in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor. (fda/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01818.html) Further FDA analysis of the products found high levels of chromium as well. The samples contained up to 3,426 micrograms of chromium for the recommended serving (17 times the recommended intake). The recommended chromium intake for an adult ranges from 35 to 45 micrograms per day.
Excessive consumption of chromium can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, renal failure and liver toxicity. Excessive chromium intake also can interfere with certain medications.
The new FDA finding comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of confirmed cases of adverse reactions in consumers using the products has climbed to at least 201 individuals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Consumers were first cautioned March 27, 2008 not to purchase and to discontinue the use of "Total Body Formula" in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor after receiving reports of adverse reactions. (fda/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01812.html).
The FDA continues to investigate how excessive amounts of selenium and chromium got into the products.
The sole distributor of the "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula" products has voluntarily recalled the affected products.
Consumers who have been taking the products and have experienced adverse reactions should consult their health care professional. Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088 or online here.
More information about selenium and chromium and toxic effects of excessive intake is available from the CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry here.
fda
On April 9, 2008, the FDA reported the dietary supplement products contained hazardous amounts of selenium in samples of "Total Body Formula" in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor. (fda/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01818.html) Further FDA analysis of the products found high levels of chromium as well. The samples contained up to 3,426 micrograms of chromium for the recommended serving (17 times the recommended intake). The recommended chromium intake for an adult ranges from 35 to 45 micrograms per day.
Excessive consumption of chromium can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, renal failure and liver toxicity. Excessive chromium intake also can interfere with certain medications.
The new FDA finding comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of confirmed cases of adverse reactions in consumers using the products has climbed to at least 201 individuals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Consumers were first cautioned March 27, 2008 not to purchase and to discontinue the use of "Total Body Formula" in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor after receiving reports of adverse reactions. (fda/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01812.html).
The FDA continues to investigate how excessive amounts of selenium and chromium got into the products.
The sole distributor of the "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula" products has voluntarily recalled the affected products.
Consumers who have been taking the products and have experienced adverse reactions should consult their health care professional. Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088 or online here.
More information about selenium and chromium and toxic effects of excessive intake is available from the CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry here.
fda
Growing Use Of Alternative Medicine In Pregnancy Highlights Need For More Knowledge, Australia
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly popular in maternity care.
However, healthcare professionals need evidence-based information about its use, according to The University of Queensland's Dr Jon Adams, lead author of a review published in the latest Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Associate Professor Adams is also Executive Director of the Network of Researchers in the Public Health of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NORPHCAM).
He said the review also showed there was a need for greater respect and cooperation between conventional and alternative practitioners, and improved communication with patients about the growing use of CAM.
University-based members of the (NORPHCAM) reviewed 19 studies covering the views of more than 3,000 maternity professionals from Australia, Canada, the USA, UK, Germany, New Zealand and Israel.
The studies, which were all based on interviews or surveys, were published between 1999 and 2009, 13 in the last five years.
The review raised concern that most medical professionals have no CAM training and little understanding of the pharmacological nature of alternative therapies and their possible risks to pregnant women.
"There have recently been calls for nursing and midwifery education to include CAM training," Dr Adams said.
"In addition, a number of medical organisations and registration boards, including the Royal College of Midwives and Australian Nursing Federation, have issued position statements endorsing the linking of care standards to education and knowledge of CAM.
"We hope that our research review will provide a first step in developing an evidence base on this important topic and provide vital insights for those managing, practising and receiving maternity care."
Key findings from the most recent 2008 and 2009 studies include:
- A survey of 343 midwives from Canada and New Zealand found that 72 per cent had recommended or offered CAM. The most common referrals were to homeopaths (51 per cent), acupuncturists (50 per cent), naturopaths (48 per cent), chiropractors (36 per cent), massage therapists (31 per cent) and osteopaths (20 per cent).
- All but one of the 381 obstetric departments who took part in a German survey said they offered at least one CAM therapy, with acupuncture (97 per cent), homeopathy (93 per cent) and aromatherapy (77 per cent) heading the list.
- 78 per cent of the 227 midwives who took part in an American study reported using CAM and 89 per cent would refer a patient to CAM providers.
The three most commonly used treatments were herbal preparations (85 per cent), pharmacologic/biologic treatments (82 per cent) and mind-body interventions (80 per cent).
- A study of 401 American obstetricians found that 98 per cent routinely endorsed, provided or referred patients for at least one CAM treatment. Movement therapies topped the list at 86 per cent, followed by biofeedback and acupuncture (both 80%).
Dr Adams said the popularity of CAM - including acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy, herbal medicine and yoga - had grown significantly in recent years.
"The use of CAM during pregnancy has been debated by practitioners and policy makers around the world and it is clear that there is a real need to develop an integrated approach to maternity care.
However, healthcare professionals need evidence-based information about its use, according to The University of Queensland's Dr Jon Adams, lead author of a review published in the latest Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Associate Professor Adams is also Executive Director of the Network of Researchers in the Public Health of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NORPHCAM).
He said the review also showed there was a need for greater respect and cooperation between conventional and alternative practitioners, and improved communication with patients about the growing use of CAM.
University-based members of the (NORPHCAM) reviewed 19 studies covering the views of more than 3,000 maternity professionals from Australia, Canada, the USA, UK, Germany, New Zealand and Israel.
The studies, which were all based on interviews or surveys, were published between 1999 and 2009, 13 in the last five years.
The review raised concern that most medical professionals have no CAM training and little understanding of the pharmacological nature of alternative therapies and their possible risks to pregnant women.
"There have recently been calls for nursing and midwifery education to include CAM training," Dr Adams said.
"In addition, a number of medical organisations and registration boards, including the Royal College of Midwives and Australian Nursing Federation, have issued position statements endorsing the linking of care standards to education and knowledge of CAM.
"We hope that our research review will provide a first step in developing an evidence base on this important topic and provide vital insights for those managing, practising and receiving maternity care."
Key findings from the most recent 2008 and 2009 studies include:
- A survey of 343 midwives from Canada and New Zealand found that 72 per cent had recommended or offered CAM. The most common referrals were to homeopaths (51 per cent), acupuncturists (50 per cent), naturopaths (48 per cent), chiropractors (36 per cent), massage therapists (31 per cent) and osteopaths (20 per cent).
- All but one of the 381 obstetric departments who took part in a German survey said they offered at least one CAM therapy, with acupuncture (97 per cent), homeopathy (93 per cent) and aromatherapy (77 per cent) heading the list.
- 78 per cent of the 227 midwives who took part in an American study reported using CAM and 89 per cent would refer a patient to CAM providers.
The three most commonly used treatments were herbal preparations (85 per cent), pharmacologic/biologic treatments (82 per cent) and mind-body interventions (80 per cent).
- A study of 401 American obstetricians found that 98 per cent routinely endorsed, provided or referred patients for at least one CAM treatment. Movement therapies topped the list at 86 per cent, followed by biofeedback and acupuncture (both 80%).
Dr Adams said the popularity of CAM - including acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy, herbal medicine and yoga - had grown significantly in recent years.
"The use of CAM during pregnancy has been debated by practitioners and policy makers around the world and it is clear that there is a real need to develop an integrated approach to maternity care.
Heart Experts Say Early End To Key Study On Benefits Of Niacin, A B Vitamin, In Keeping Arteries Open Was Premature
Heart experts at Johns Hopkins are calling premature the early halt of a study by researchers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Washington Hospital Center on the benefits of combining extended-release niacin, a B vitamin, with cholesterol-lowering statin medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing. Cardiovascular atherosclerosis, as it is also known, is believed responsible for one in three deaths in the United States each year.
The study, called HDL and LDL Treatment Strategies, or HALTS, involved 363 men and women, and was shut down after only 208 study participants had completed the full treatment timeline of 14 months. Results showed that prescribed niacin worked better in combination with a statin than another double-cholesterol-lowering drug combo, ezetimibe and a statin, in reducing carotid arterial wall thickness in the neck - the measure used as a gauge of atherosclerosis. An average wall reduction of 0.014 of a millimeter with niacin was observed. By contrast, the ezetimibe group showed no significant change.
Study participants, of whom nearly half were taking niacin and the rest were taking ezetimibe, were at high risk of heart disease or already had it, with average bad LDL blood-cholesterol levels of 82 milligrams per deciliter. All had already been prescribed statin therapy.
Results in both groups showed improvements in LDL levels, which dropped by an average 18 milligrams per deciliter in the ezetimibe group, and by an average of 10 milligrams per deciliter in the niacin group. But only the niacin group showed a significant increase in good HDL blood-cholesterol levels, an average of 8 milligrams per deciliter, whereas the ezetimibe group dropped an average 3 milligrams per deciliter.
Citing the apparent benefits of niacin therapy when combined with a statin, the researchers halted the study last month.
In an editorial to be published alongside the study in The New England Journal of Medicine online Nov. 16 and presented jointly at a news conference at the American Heart Association's (AHA) annual Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Hopkins cardiologist Roger Blumenthal, M.D., says that the HALTS study has "too many limitations" for other physicians, at this time, to change the way they treat high-risk patients.
"Although study results are provocative, I am not convinced," says Blumenthal, a professor and director of the Ciccarone Preventive Cardiology Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Heart and Vascular Institute. "These early results offer no conclusive evidence that niacin along with a statin will actually lower the number of deaths and incidents of heart attack from coronary artery disease down the road."
Among the key study limitations, he says, are that 40 percent of study participants were not monitored for the full study duration and were left out of the final analysis.
Measuring the thickness of the inner, or intima, layer of the carotid artery, in the main blood vessel in the neck, Blumenthal adds, may not be the best predictor of actual atherosclerosis. He points out that newer techniques for measuring actual unstable plaque volume or area are considered more reliable models. Also, changes in the carotid artery may not be directly tied to changes in other arteries.
Blumenthal says that observed reductions in cholesterol levels were "not that surprising," in light of other, larger studies, which showed combination therapy was more effective at reaching reduced cholesterol targets than statins alone. But stronger doses of statins might have achieved the same result, he adds, noting that the HALTS study average starting LDL-cholesterol levels did not even meet accepted goals of less than 70 milligrams per deciliter.
The latest study results are not sufficient to merit a change in current treatment guidelines, he says, for people with coronary artery disease, namely, recommending statin therapy alone as a first step in treatment. And if statin therapy does not help patients reach their target cholesterol levels, "only then should add-on therapy, such as niacin be considered." However, the HALTS study along with a recently published study from Oxford University supports the add-on use of niacin "as a preferred second, cholesterol-lowering agent."
Co-editorial author and cardiologist Erin Michos, M.D., M.H.S., also at Hopkins, says that several large, ongoing international studies on the long-term vascular benefits of niacin and ezetimibe - in particular studies called AIM-HIGH and IMPROVE-IT- should provide more definitive data about whether these drugs lower rates of heart attack and stroke when used in combination with a statin, or if statin therapy works better alone. Hopkins is participating in that research, as well.
Indeed, Michos says, preliminary results from another Johns Hopkins study, also to be presented at the AHA's Scientific Sessions on Wednesday, will show that niacin does not help reduce the volume build up of plaque inside the arterial wall in people taking statin therapy who already had higher HDL levels. "Further research is needed still, as we have a lot to find out about the real and long-term effects of niacin on the heart and arterial blockages," she says.
She points out that extended-release niacin used in this study is a prescription medication, and that it is not sold over the counter like many other vitamin B products.
Michos, an assistant professor at Hopkins, says that study results, regardless, do not change the fundamental basics of preventing coronary heart disease in the first place. She advocates that people stick with the everyday healthy lifestyle choices, known as the A, B, C, D, E and Fs. She recommends that people focus on Antiplatelet drug therapy (such as taking daily aspirin if they are at high risk), monitor Blood pressure and cholesterol levels (taking drugs, as needed to control it), keeping tabs on blood cholesterol levels and never smoking or Ceasing to smoke, watching their Diet to avoid weight gain, Exercising regularly, and knowing their Family history for developing such potentially fatal heart disease.
For additional information, go here.
Source
Johns Hopkins Medicine
The study, called HDL and LDL Treatment Strategies, or HALTS, involved 363 men and women, and was shut down after only 208 study participants had completed the full treatment timeline of 14 months. Results showed that prescribed niacin worked better in combination with a statin than another double-cholesterol-lowering drug combo, ezetimibe and a statin, in reducing carotid arterial wall thickness in the neck - the measure used as a gauge of atherosclerosis. An average wall reduction of 0.014 of a millimeter with niacin was observed. By contrast, the ezetimibe group showed no significant change.
Study participants, of whom nearly half were taking niacin and the rest were taking ezetimibe, were at high risk of heart disease or already had it, with average bad LDL blood-cholesterol levels of 82 milligrams per deciliter. All had already been prescribed statin therapy.
Results in both groups showed improvements in LDL levels, which dropped by an average 18 milligrams per deciliter in the ezetimibe group, and by an average of 10 milligrams per deciliter in the niacin group. But only the niacin group showed a significant increase in good HDL blood-cholesterol levels, an average of 8 milligrams per deciliter, whereas the ezetimibe group dropped an average 3 milligrams per deciliter.
Citing the apparent benefits of niacin therapy when combined with a statin, the researchers halted the study last month.
In an editorial to be published alongside the study in The New England Journal of Medicine online Nov. 16 and presented jointly at a news conference at the American Heart Association's (AHA) annual Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Hopkins cardiologist Roger Blumenthal, M.D., says that the HALTS study has "too many limitations" for other physicians, at this time, to change the way they treat high-risk patients.
"Although study results are provocative, I am not convinced," says Blumenthal, a professor and director of the Ciccarone Preventive Cardiology Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Heart and Vascular Institute. "These early results offer no conclusive evidence that niacin along with a statin will actually lower the number of deaths and incidents of heart attack from coronary artery disease down the road."
Among the key study limitations, he says, are that 40 percent of study participants were not monitored for the full study duration and were left out of the final analysis.
Measuring the thickness of the inner, or intima, layer of the carotid artery, in the main blood vessel in the neck, Blumenthal adds, may not be the best predictor of actual atherosclerosis. He points out that newer techniques for measuring actual unstable plaque volume or area are considered more reliable models. Also, changes in the carotid artery may not be directly tied to changes in other arteries.
Blumenthal says that observed reductions in cholesterol levels were "not that surprising," in light of other, larger studies, which showed combination therapy was more effective at reaching reduced cholesterol targets than statins alone. But stronger doses of statins might have achieved the same result, he adds, noting that the HALTS study average starting LDL-cholesterol levels did not even meet accepted goals of less than 70 milligrams per deciliter.
The latest study results are not sufficient to merit a change in current treatment guidelines, he says, for people with coronary artery disease, namely, recommending statin therapy alone as a first step in treatment. And if statin therapy does not help patients reach their target cholesterol levels, "only then should add-on therapy, such as niacin be considered." However, the HALTS study along with a recently published study from Oxford University supports the add-on use of niacin "as a preferred second, cholesterol-lowering agent."
Co-editorial author and cardiologist Erin Michos, M.D., M.H.S., also at Hopkins, says that several large, ongoing international studies on the long-term vascular benefits of niacin and ezetimibe - in particular studies called AIM-HIGH and IMPROVE-IT- should provide more definitive data about whether these drugs lower rates of heart attack and stroke when used in combination with a statin, or if statin therapy works better alone. Hopkins is participating in that research, as well.
Indeed, Michos says, preliminary results from another Johns Hopkins study, also to be presented at the AHA's Scientific Sessions on Wednesday, will show that niacin does not help reduce the volume build up of plaque inside the arterial wall in people taking statin therapy who already had higher HDL levels. "Further research is needed still, as we have a lot to find out about the real and long-term effects of niacin on the heart and arterial blockages," she says.
She points out that extended-release niacin used in this study is a prescription medication, and that it is not sold over the counter like many other vitamin B products.
Michos, an assistant professor at Hopkins, says that study results, regardless, do not change the fundamental basics of preventing coronary heart disease in the first place. She advocates that people stick with the everyday healthy lifestyle choices, known as the A, B, C, D, E and Fs. She recommends that people focus on Antiplatelet drug therapy (such as taking daily aspirin if they are at high risk), monitor Blood pressure and cholesterol levels (taking drugs, as needed to control it), keeping tabs on blood cholesterol levels and never smoking or Ceasing to smoke, watching their Diet to avoid weight gain, Exercising regularly, and knowing their Family history for developing such potentially fatal heart disease.
For additional information, go here.
Source
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Starflower Oil Has Little Impact On Eczema
A popular alternative eczema treatment called 'starflower oil' has little impact on the condition, say doctors.
Patients given the extract fared no better than those trying a placebo drug, experiments found.
The study, published in the British Medical Journal, is also bad news for those using Evening Primrose Oil to tackle eczema.
It shares the same ingredient as starflower oil, though in different concentrations.
'Starflower oil' is actually an extract of borage, a herb which grows in the UK.
It has been suggested that it could have an anti-inflammatory effect which could ease the symptoms of eczema.
Steroid harm
Doctors are looking for alternatives to potentially harmful steroid treatments for eczema.
The trial was run from George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, and involved 151 patients, half given starflower oil and half the placebo.
After 12 weeks, their eczema symptoms - skin rashes - were reviewed to check for signs of improvement.
There was a slight improvement in the starflower oil group - but a bigger improvement was noticed among the placebo group, who had received no herbs or medicines at all.
There was no evidence that those on starflower oil used a smaller quantity of steroids as a result.
The conclusion was a plain one - that linolenic acid, the principal active ingredient, was 'not beneficial'.
Open debate
Professor Hywel Williams, from the Centre of Evidence-based Dermatology at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, said that the largest and best studies on the subject of gamma linolenic acid, the ingredient of starflower and evening primrose oils, had shown no convincing evidence of benefits against dermatitis.
'Nobody would have been happier than myself if evening primrose oil had produced a clinically worthwhile benefit for eczema sufferers.
'But the history of its development has been marred by lack of data in the public domain.'
He added: 'As we bid goodnight to the evening primrose oil story, perhaps we can awaken to a world where all clinical trial data, derived from people who are good enough to volunteer for these studies, reach the light of day, where they can be openly debated.'
Patients given the extract fared no better than those trying a placebo drug, experiments found.
The study, published in the British Medical Journal, is also bad news for those using Evening Primrose Oil to tackle eczema.
It shares the same ingredient as starflower oil, though in different concentrations.
'Starflower oil' is actually an extract of borage, a herb which grows in the UK.
It has been suggested that it could have an anti-inflammatory effect which could ease the symptoms of eczema.
Steroid harm
Doctors are looking for alternatives to potentially harmful steroid treatments for eczema.
The trial was run from George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, and involved 151 patients, half given starflower oil and half the placebo.
After 12 weeks, their eczema symptoms - skin rashes - were reviewed to check for signs of improvement.
There was a slight improvement in the starflower oil group - but a bigger improvement was noticed among the placebo group, who had received no herbs or medicines at all.
There was no evidence that those on starflower oil used a smaller quantity of steroids as a result.
The conclusion was a plain one - that linolenic acid, the principal active ingredient, was 'not beneficial'.
Open debate
Professor Hywel Williams, from the Centre of Evidence-based Dermatology at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, said that the largest and best studies on the subject of gamma linolenic acid, the ingredient of starflower and evening primrose oils, had shown no convincing evidence of benefits against dermatitis.
'Nobody would have been happier than myself if evening primrose oil had produced a clinically worthwhile benefit for eczema sufferers.
'But the history of its development has been marred by lack of data in the public domain.'
He added: 'As we bid goodnight to the evening primrose oil story, perhaps we can awaken to a world where all clinical trial data, derived from people who are good enough to volunteer for these studies, reach the light of day, where they can be openly debated.'
Beware Of Herbal Medicinal Products That Contain Lead And Mercury, New Yorkers Warned
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) today warned New Yorkers against the use of certain herbal medicine products made in China containing high levels of lead and mercury. While there are not specific federal standards about lead and mercury content, the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board recommends that certain food additives contain no more than 2 parts per million (ppm) of lead and no more than 1 ppm of mercury. Samples of the following products were found to contain very high levels of both lead and mercury:
-- Emperor's Tea Pill (Concentrated) [Tian Huang Bu Xin Wan]
Made by Lanzhou Traditional Herbs in China, contains 5,400 ppm lead and 950 ppm mercury. Labeled use: "helps maintain the body's natural balance."
-- Hepatico Extract (Concentrated) [Shu Gan Wan]
Made by Lanzhou Traditional Herbs in China, contains 1,100 ppm lead and 3,600 ppm mercury. Labeled use: "helps promote a healthy liver and maintain regularity."
DOHMH was informed about these products during an investigation of a case of lead poisoning in a New York City resident. New Yorkers are urged NOT TO USE any products known to contain lead or mercury. Lead and mercury are poisonous metals that can damage the brain, nervous system, reproductive system, kidneys and/or other parts of the body. Children and pregnant women (and their fetuses) are especially at risk.
DOHMH is working with distributors and retail storeowners to remove these products from their shelves. The sale of products deemed to contain poisonous substances or to be detrimental to human health is prohibited under New York City Health Code.
DOHMH has ordered distributors and storeowners where these products are sold to:
-- Immediately stop selling Emperor's Tea Pill (Concentrated) [Tian Huang Bu Xin Wan] and Hepatico Extract (Concentrated) [Shu Gan Wan], both made by Lanzhou Traditional Herbs, and remove them from shelves and inventory stockrooms.
-- Recall all of the above-mentioned products from retailers to whom the products were sold.
-- Package and return these products to the distributors.
-- Post a warning sign advising customers to discontinue use of these products.
DOHMH advises people who may have obtained and used these products to:
-- Immediately stop using these products.
-- Call a physician to request a blood lead test and mercury urine test.
-- Keep products away from children.
-- Return products to store where they were purchased.
-- Call 311 or 212-POISONS (212-764-7667) for additional information or to report locations where these products are sold.
nyc
-- Emperor's Tea Pill (Concentrated) [Tian Huang Bu Xin Wan]
Made by Lanzhou Traditional Herbs in China, contains 5,400 ppm lead and 950 ppm mercury. Labeled use: "helps maintain the body's natural balance."
-- Hepatico Extract (Concentrated) [Shu Gan Wan]
Made by Lanzhou Traditional Herbs in China, contains 1,100 ppm lead and 3,600 ppm mercury. Labeled use: "helps promote a healthy liver and maintain regularity."
DOHMH was informed about these products during an investigation of a case of lead poisoning in a New York City resident. New Yorkers are urged NOT TO USE any products known to contain lead or mercury. Lead and mercury are poisonous metals that can damage the brain, nervous system, reproductive system, kidneys and/or other parts of the body. Children and pregnant women (and their fetuses) are especially at risk.
DOHMH is working with distributors and retail storeowners to remove these products from their shelves. The sale of products deemed to contain poisonous substances or to be detrimental to human health is prohibited under New York City Health Code.
DOHMH has ordered distributors and storeowners where these products are sold to:
-- Immediately stop selling Emperor's Tea Pill (Concentrated) [Tian Huang Bu Xin Wan] and Hepatico Extract (Concentrated) [Shu Gan Wan], both made by Lanzhou Traditional Herbs, and remove them from shelves and inventory stockrooms.
-- Recall all of the above-mentioned products from retailers to whom the products were sold.
-- Package and return these products to the distributors.
-- Post a warning sign advising customers to discontinue use of these products.
DOHMH advises people who may have obtained and used these products to:
-- Immediately stop using these products.
-- Call a physician to request a blood lead test and mercury urine test.
-- Keep products away from children.
-- Return products to store where they were purchased.
-- Call 311 or 212-POISONS (212-764-7667) for additional information or to report locations where these products are sold.
nyc
Third Clinical Trial Shows Pine Bark Naturally Reduces Knee Osteoarthritis
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is on the rise. A new study published in the August journal of Phytotherapy Research, reveals Pycnogenol, bark extract from the French maritime pine tree, reduced overall knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms by 20.9 percent and lowered pain by 40.3 percent. To date, this is the third clinical trial on osteoarthritis treatment with Pycnogenol. This study investigated what happens to joint symptoms after treatment with Pycnogenol is terminated and the results show that no relapse occurred after two weeks. Pycnogenol acts as potent anti-inflammatory and the lasting effects found in this study suggest that Pycnogenol may help the joints to recover.
With osteoarthritis cases on the rise, many are seeking non-traditional medication to help ease the pain and reduce the amount of traditional medication taken. The CDC estimates osteoarthritis affects 34 percent of all adults over the age of 65. In 2005, an estimated 26.9 million adults in the U.S. had osteoarthritis, which was up from 21 million in 1990. While there's no known cure for osteoarthritis, treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics can help reduce pain and also maintain joint movement, to help the quality of life for people living with the disease. In more severe cases, cortisone shots and joint replacement surgery are used to treat OA.
"The current study is in accordance with the two previous Pycnogenol studies for osteoarthritis," said Dr. Peter Rohdewald, one of the researchers of the study. "Again the pain is gradually decreasing during the course of three months treatment with Pycnogenol. An improvement is found after the first month and a further improvement is seen after two months, where values are significantly different to the placebo group. This study again showed that patients required significantly less analgesic medication while supplementing with Pycnogenol, whereas this was not the case with the placebo-treated control group."
The study was held at Slovakia's Comenius University School of Medicine. One hundred patients with stage I or II OA were included in the study and were randomly allocated to either a Pycnogenol or placebo group. Patients were supplemented with 150 mg Pycnogenol or placebo per day over a period of three months. They were allowed to continue taking their NSAID or analgesics prescribed before the study but had to record every pill taken. The established Western Ontario McMaster questionnaire for joint function was employed to rate the pain level, and obtain measures of joint stiffness and to what extent the arthritis affects participation in daily activities. Patients were investigated in two week intervals over the treatment period of three months and a final time two weeks after discontinuation of medication.
The overall score, summarizing pain, stiffness and daily activities, improved statistical significantly by 20.9 percent in the Pycnogenol group. Interestingly, the joint improvement achieved with Pycnogenol persisted after intake of Pycnogenol was discontinued for four weeks. The joint pain decreased by 40.3 percent after completion of the three months supplementation with Pycnogenol and two weeks later the pain was still 36.1 percent lower than at baseline. Furthermore, 38 percent of patients in the Pycnogenol group required less NSAID's or other analgesic medication for joint pain.
"The anti-inflammatory potency of Pycnogenol explains the success in lowering joint pain and stiffness for arthritic joints," said Rohdewald. "After three recent clinical studies on osteoarthritis, Pycnogenol continues to demonstrate its effectiveness for osteoarthritis symptoms making it a viable, natural and safe alternative for individuals. This is the first study that investigated whether a relapse of symptoms occurs after taking Pycnogenol is stopped. The results show a lasting effect after discontinuation which suggest the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Pycnogenol has allowed the joints to recover."
In another study this year (also published in the journal of Phytotherapy Research), Pycnogenol was shown to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms by 56 percent. Moreover, patients required 58 percent less standard pain medication, which greatly improved the gastrointestinal complications resulting from the pain medication by 63 percent. Last year, a study on osteoarthritis carried out at the University of Arizona Tucson (published in Nutrition Research) discovered that Pycnogenol was effective for improving pain and joint function. After three months in the Pycnogenol group, there was a reduction of 43 percent in pain, 35 percent in stiffness and 52 percent in physical function subscales, respectively. The placebo group showed no significant scores throughout the entire study.
Horphag Research, the exclusive worldwide distributor of Pycnogenol has filed for several patents for Pycnogenol's application for COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition and treatment of osteoarthritis.
About Pycnogenol®
Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 35 years and has more than 220 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol® is available in more than 600 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. For more information, visit pycnogenol/.
Natural Health Science Inc. (NHS), based in Hoboken, New Jersey, is the North American distributor for Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) brand French maritime pine bark extract on behalf of Horphag Research. Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd., Guernsey, and its applications are protected by U.S. patents #5,720,956 / #6,372,266 and other international patents. NHS has the exclusive rights to market and sell Pycnogenol® in North America and benefits from more than 35 years of scientific research assuring the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol® as a dietary supplement. For more information about Pycnogenol® visit our Web site at pycnogenol/.
With osteoarthritis cases on the rise, many are seeking non-traditional medication to help ease the pain and reduce the amount of traditional medication taken. The CDC estimates osteoarthritis affects 34 percent of all adults over the age of 65. In 2005, an estimated 26.9 million adults in the U.S. had osteoarthritis, which was up from 21 million in 1990. While there's no known cure for osteoarthritis, treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics can help reduce pain and also maintain joint movement, to help the quality of life for people living with the disease. In more severe cases, cortisone shots and joint replacement surgery are used to treat OA.
"The current study is in accordance with the two previous Pycnogenol studies for osteoarthritis," said Dr. Peter Rohdewald, one of the researchers of the study. "Again the pain is gradually decreasing during the course of three months treatment with Pycnogenol. An improvement is found after the first month and a further improvement is seen after two months, where values are significantly different to the placebo group. This study again showed that patients required significantly less analgesic medication while supplementing with Pycnogenol, whereas this was not the case with the placebo-treated control group."
The study was held at Slovakia's Comenius University School of Medicine. One hundred patients with stage I or II OA were included in the study and were randomly allocated to either a Pycnogenol or placebo group. Patients were supplemented with 150 mg Pycnogenol or placebo per day over a period of three months. They were allowed to continue taking their NSAID or analgesics prescribed before the study but had to record every pill taken. The established Western Ontario McMaster questionnaire for joint function was employed to rate the pain level, and obtain measures of joint stiffness and to what extent the arthritis affects participation in daily activities. Patients were investigated in two week intervals over the treatment period of three months and a final time two weeks after discontinuation of medication.
The overall score, summarizing pain, stiffness and daily activities, improved statistical significantly by 20.9 percent in the Pycnogenol group. Interestingly, the joint improvement achieved with Pycnogenol persisted after intake of Pycnogenol was discontinued for four weeks. The joint pain decreased by 40.3 percent after completion of the three months supplementation with Pycnogenol and two weeks later the pain was still 36.1 percent lower than at baseline. Furthermore, 38 percent of patients in the Pycnogenol group required less NSAID's or other analgesic medication for joint pain.
"The anti-inflammatory potency of Pycnogenol explains the success in lowering joint pain and stiffness for arthritic joints," said Rohdewald. "After three recent clinical studies on osteoarthritis, Pycnogenol continues to demonstrate its effectiveness for osteoarthritis symptoms making it a viable, natural and safe alternative for individuals. This is the first study that investigated whether a relapse of symptoms occurs after taking Pycnogenol is stopped. The results show a lasting effect after discontinuation which suggest the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Pycnogenol has allowed the joints to recover."
In another study this year (also published in the journal of Phytotherapy Research), Pycnogenol was shown to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms by 56 percent. Moreover, patients required 58 percent less standard pain medication, which greatly improved the gastrointestinal complications resulting from the pain medication by 63 percent. Last year, a study on osteoarthritis carried out at the University of Arizona Tucson (published in Nutrition Research) discovered that Pycnogenol was effective for improving pain and joint function. After three months in the Pycnogenol group, there was a reduction of 43 percent in pain, 35 percent in stiffness and 52 percent in physical function subscales, respectively. The placebo group showed no significant scores throughout the entire study.
Horphag Research, the exclusive worldwide distributor of Pycnogenol has filed for several patents for Pycnogenol's application for COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition and treatment of osteoarthritis.
About Pycnogenol®
Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 35 years and has more than 220 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol® is available in more than 600 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. For more information, visit pycnogenol/.
Natural Health Science Inc. (NHS), based in Hoboken, New Jersey, is the North American distributor for Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) brand French maritime pine bark extract on behalf of Horphag Research. Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd., Guernsey, and its applications are protected by U.S. patents #5,720,956 / #6,372,266 and other international patents. NHS has the exclusive rights to market and sell Pycnogenol® in North America and benefits from more than 35 years of scientific research assuring the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol® as a dietary supplement. For more information about Pycnogenol® visit our Web site at pycnogenol/.
Senate Hearing On Steroids And Sports Supplements: Increased Enforcement, Resources Key, Says NPA
Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., interim executive director and CEO of the Natural Products Association (NPA), in a Senate hearing in September before the Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, called for greater enforcement of the law in keeping illegal steroids marketed as dietary supplements off the market. Titled "Body Building Products and Hidden Steroids: Enforcement Barriers," the hearing also included testimony from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Justice and the United States Anti Doping Agency.
According to Fabricant, NPA believes that "tougher enforcement and prosecution to the full extent of the law are the best ways to stop the criminals" responsible for selling steroids masquerading as dietary supplements. "The barriers to enforcement are simple: money, manpower and will," Fabricant said.
Committee member Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), underscored Fabricant's comments in acknowledging that the FDA and other agencies are "overburdened" and suggested that Congress could increase resources to help with enforcement.
Fabricant also made the distinction between the "legal, safe and healthy dietary supplement industry" and the seedy, fly-by-night, and unsafe world of illegal steroids" and called on the FDA, DEA and other appropriate agencies to work together to enforce the law.
"We fully support the rules that already exist that ensure that what's on the label is what's in the bottle," Fabricant said.
Fabricant's complete testimony is available here.
Source
Natural Products Association
According to Fabricant, NPA believes that "tougher enforcement and prosecution to the full extent of the law are the best ways to stop the criminals" responsible for selling steroids masquerading as dietary supplements. "The barriers to enforcement are simple: money, manpower and will," Fabricant said.
Committee member Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), underscored Fabricant's comments in acknowledging that the FDA and other agencies are "overburdened" and suggested that Congress could increase resources to help with enforcement.
Fabricant also made the distinction between the "legal, safe and healthy dietary supplement industry" and the seedy, fly-by-night, and unsafe world of illegal steroids" and called on the FDA, DEA and other appropriate agencies to work together to enforce the law.
"We fully support the rules that already exist that ensure that what's on the label is what's in the bottle," Fabricant said.
Fabricant's complete testimony is available here.
Source
Natural Products Association
NYC Health Dept Warns Against Use Of Herbal Medicine Products Made In India That Contain Lead Or Mercury
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) today warned residents against the use of certain herbal medicine products made in India containing dangerous levels of lead or mercury. Though there are no specific federal standards, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends that certain food additives contain no more than 2 ppm (parts per million) of lead and no more than 1 ppm of mercury. T he following products contain very high levels of lead or mercury:
* Jambrulin, made by Unjha Ayurvedic Pharmacy, contains 24,300 ppm of lead. Used for diabetes and sugar control.
* Lakshmivilash Ras (Nardiya), made by Baidyanath, contains 14,100 ppm of mercury. Used for chronic fever, cold, and cough.
* Maha Sudarshan, made by Arya Aushadhi Pharmaceutical Works, contains 2,190 ppm of mercury. Used for flu and body ache.
This summer the DOHMH began an investigation of the availability of products containing lead or mercury made in India . The DOHMH visited retail stores serving South Asian residents and purchased Indian products that had been identified in recent research studies and case reports as containing lead or mercury.
Laboratory tests showed that the above products, purchased in stores in Jackson Heights and Flushing , contain dangerous levels of lead or mercury. L ead and mercury were not listed on the products as ingredients. The sale of products deemed to contain poisonous substances or to be detrimental to human health is prohibited under New York City Health Code.
In the past year there have been three confirmed cases of adult lead poisoning among New York City residents who used products they obtained from India . These lead poisoning cases reported that they obtained the tainted products while visiting India or from friends and family living in India.
"We urge New Yorkers not to use any products known to contain lead or mercury," said DOHMH Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH. "These metals are poisons and can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, and kidneys. Children and pregnant women (and their fetuses) are especially at risk. If you or your children have used these products, immediately call a physician to request a blood lead test and urine mercury test."
DOHMH has condemned and embargoed these products and has ordered store owners where these products are sold to:
-- Immediately stop selling and remove Jambrulin (made by Unjha Ayurvedic Pharmacy) , Lakshmivlas Ras (Nardiya), (made by Baidyanath), and Maha Sudarshan (made by Arya Aushadhi Pharmaceutical Works) from store shelves and from store inventory.
-- Package and return these products to the distributors.
-- Provide the DOHMH information on the distributors who sold the products to the stores. Failure to provide the required information will result in the immediate seizure of the embargoed products.
-- Post a sign in the stores to advise customers to discontinue use of these products and to see a physician if they have used them.
DOHMH advises people who may have obtained these products to:
-- Immediately stop using these products.
-- Call a physician to request a blood lead test and mercury urine test.
-- Keep products away from children.
-- Return products to store where they were purchased.
-- Call 311 or 212-POISONS to report locations where these products have been sold.
Click here to see images of the products.
* Jambrulin, made by Unjha Ayurvedic Pharmacy, contains 24,300 ppm of lead. Used for diabetes and sugar control.
* Lakshmivilash Ras (Nardiya), made by Baidyanath, contains 14,100 ppm of mercury. Used for chronic fever, cold, and cough.
* Maha Sudarshan, made by Arya Aushadhi Pharmaceutical Works, contains 2,190 ppm of mercury. Used for flu and body ache.
This summer the DOHMH began an investigation of the availability of products containing lead or mercury made in India . The DOHMH visited retail stores serving South Asian residents and purchased Indian products that had been identified in recent research studies and case reports as containing lead or mercury.
Laboratory tests showed that the above products, purchased in stores in Jackson Heights and Flushing , contain dangerous levels of lead or mercury. L ead and mercury were not listed on the products as ingredients. The sale of products deemed to contain poisonous substances or to be detrimental to human health is prohibited under New York City Health Code.
In the past year there have been three confirmed cases of adult lead poisoning among New York City residents who used products they obtained from India . These lead poisoning cases reported that they obtained the tainted products while visiting India or from friends and family living in India.
"We urge New Yorkers not to use any products known to contain lead or mercury," said DOHMH Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH. "These metals are poisons and can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, and kidneys. Children and pregnant women (and their fetuses) are especially at risk. If you or your children have used these products, immediately call a physician to request a blood lead test and urine mercury test."
DOHMH has condemned and embargoed these products and has ordered store owners where these products are sold to:
-- Immediately stop selling and remove Jambrulin (made by Unjha Ayurvedic Pharmacy) , Lakshmivlas Ras (Nardiya), (made by Baidyanath), and Maha Sudarshan (made by Arya Aushadhi Pharmaceutical Works) from store shelves and from store inventory.
-- Package and return these products to the distributors.
-- Provide the DOHMH information on the distributors who sold the products to the stores. Failure to provide the required information will result in the immediate seizure of the embargoed products.
-- Post a sign in the stores to advise customers to discontinue use of these products and to see a physician if they have used them.
DOHMH advises people who may have obtained these products to:
-- Immediately stop using these products.
-- Call a physician to request a blood lead test and mercury urine test.
-- Keep products away from children.
-- Return products to store where they were purchased.
-- Call 311 or 212-POISONS to report locations where these products have been sold.
Click here to see images of the products.
Evidence Mounts Against DHEA Use In Treating Cognitive Decline - DHEA Should Not Be Recommended For General Population, Say Authors
DHEA supplements are widely-available and touted as a preventive agent for many chronic diseases. A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society finds no evidence of a beneficial effect of DHEA supplements on cognitive function in healthy older adults. The researchers believe that based on their study, DHEA supplements should not be recommended for enhancement of cognitive function or well-being in the general population.
DHEA is a naturally-occurring hormone in the human body that serves as a precursor to male and female sex steroid hormones (androgens and estrogens). Levels of DHEA peak between the ages of 20 and 30 and decline with age. By age 70, DHEA levels are only about 20 percent of what they were in young adulthood.
The research is the first long-term study (1-year in length) to examine the effects of supplementation in a healthy sample of older men and women. The study included 110 men and 115 women aged 55-85. They received either daily 50 mg doses of DHEA or a similar looking placebo pill for 1 year. Six cognitive function tests were given and measures of depression, perceptions of physical and emotional health, life satisfaction and sexual function were recorded at the beginning of the study and again after 12 months.
"We found that, although youthful levels of DHEA were restored in the group on treatment, the DHEA supplements had no benefits for cognitive function in these healthy older adults," says Donna Kritz-Silverstein, lead author of the study. There were also no differences seen between those taking DHEA and those taking placebo in any of quality-of-life measures.
Previous clinical trials examining the effects of DHEA supplementation on cognitive function and quality-of-life have inconsistent results, with some showing positive effects and others showing no effect. However, these trials used small sample sizes, were of short duration (generally 2 weeks to 4 months) and did not include older men and women who were at an age when memory loss and cognitive impairment become more apparent. Also, unlike the participants in the majority of previous studies, the participants in this study were not selected for lower levels of DHEA, meaning the results reflect what would be found in the general population.
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society is a comprehensive and reliable source of monthly research and information about common diseases and disorders of older adults. For more information, please visit blackwellpublishing/jgs.
Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the acquisition of Blackwell Publishing Ltd. by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and its merger with Wiley's Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,400 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit blackwellpublishing or interscience.wiley.
DHEA is a naturally-occurring hormone in the human body that serves as a precursor to male and female sex steroid hormones (androgens and estrogens). Levels of DHEA peak between the ages of 20 and 30 and decline with age. By age 70, DHEA levels are only about 20 percent of what they were in young adulthood.
The research is the first long-term study (1-year in length) to examine the effects of supplementation in a healthy sample of older men and women. The study included 110 men and 115 women aged 55-85. They received either daily 50 mg doses of DHEA or a similar looking placebo pill for 1 year. Six cognitive function tests were given and measures of depression, perceptions of physical and emotional health, life satisfaction and sexual function were recorded at the beginning of the study and again after 12 months.
"We found that, although youthful levels of DHEA were restored in the group on treatment, the DHEA supplements had no benefits for cognitive function in these healthy older adults," says Donna Kritz-Silverstein, lead author of the study. There were also no differences seen between those taking DHEA and those taking placebo in any of quality-of-life measures.
Previous clinical trials examining the effects of DHEA supplementation on cognitive function and quality-of-life have inconsistent results, with some showing positive effects and others showing no effect. However, these trials used small sample sizes, were of short duration (generally 2 weeks to 4 months) and did not include older men and women who were at an age when memory loss and cognitive impairment become more apparent. Also, unlike the participants in the majority of previous studies, the participants in this study were not selected for lower levels of DHEA, meaning the results reflect what would be found in the general population.
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society is a comprehensive and reliable source of monthly research and information about common diseases and disorders of older adults. For more information, please visit blackwellpublishing/jgs.
Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the acquisition of Blackwell Publishing Ltd. by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and its merger with Wiley's Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,400 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit blackwellpublishing or interscience.wiley.
Coromega(R) Sweetens Adult Omega-3 Supplement Line
Premier supplements maker Coromega® today unveiled Coromega Omega3 + Vitamin D, a delicious squeeze supplement that provides a daily dose of omega-3s with added vitamin D3, and Coromega Omega3 Fruit Gummies, a high-DHA chewable gummy supplement for the kid in everyone.
"Most people already understand the importance of integrating omega-3s into their diets, and new studies show that vitamin D is another essential nutrient that many of us don't get enough of," said Frank Morley, president and COO of Coromega. "Coromega's new high-DHA gummies and Omega3 Squeeze with added vitamin D are great-tasting and effective alternatives to traditional pill supplements, which we hope will encourage more people to include these critical nutrients in their daily diets."
Coromega Omega3 + Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and bone health, while still providing all the benefits and essential nutrients of fish oil. The uniquely emulsified Coromega Omega3 + Vitamin D offers the same amounts of 230 mg of DHA and 350 mg of EPA as the traditional Omega3 Squeeze, and also includes 1000 IU of vitamin D3 per pouch in a delicious tropical orange flavor.
Coromega Omega3 Fruit Gummies are made with readily available DHA, and unlike ALA omega-3 found in flax sources, they are the most direct way of getting long-chain omega-3s. Each serving delivers 50 mg of DHA and 10 mg of EPA per two gummies and comes in an assortment of orange, lemon and strawberry banana flavors. The delicious gummies help support stronger mental focus, heart health, and more balanced nutrition in adults and older children.
Coromega Omega3 + Vitamin D and Coromega Omega3 Fruit Gummies will be available nationally at health food and vitamin retailers, grocery stores and at numerous online retailers. For more information about Coromega, please visit coromega.
Source
Coromega
"Most people already understand the importance of integrating omega-3s into their diets, and new studies show that vitamin D is another essential nutrient that many of us don't get enough of," said Frank Morley, president and COO of Coromega. "Coromega's new high-DHA gummies and Omega3 Squeeze with added vitamin D are great-tasting and effective alternatives to traditional pill supplements, which we hope will encourage more people to include these critical nutrients in their daily diets."
Coromega Omega3 + Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and bone health, while still providing all the benefits and essential nutrients of fish oil. The uniquely emulsified Coromega Omega3 + Vitamin D offers the same amounts of 230 mg of DHA and 350 mg of EPA as the traditional Omega3 Squeeze, and also includes 1000 IU of vitamin D3 per pouch in a delicious tropical orange flavor.
Coromega Omega3 Fruit Gummies are made with readily available DHA, and unlike ALA omega-3 found in flax sources, they are the most direct way of getting long-chain omega-3s. Each serving delivers 50 mg of DHA and 10 mg of EPA per two gummies and comes in an assortment of orange, lemon and strawberry banana flavors. The delicious gummies help support stronger mental focus, heart health, and more balanced nutrition in adults and older children.
Coromega Omega3 + Vitamin D and Coromega Omega3 Fruit Gummies will be available nationally at health food and vitamin retailers, grocery stores and at numerous online retailers. For more information about Coromega, please visit coromega.
Source
Coromega
Response To Vitamin E And Haemorrhagic Stroke Study
A study in the online version of the British Medical Journal found that taking vitamin E can increase the risk of haemorrhagic stroke.
Dr Peter Coleman, Deputy Director of Research at The Stroke Association says:
"A stroke is caused by a clot or a bleed in the brain, which results in the flow of oxygen to the brain being cut off, causing brain cells to die. Those caused by a bleed are the rarer kind of stroke, yet there are still around 8,500 first haemorrhagic (bleed) strokes per year in the UK.
This is a very interesting study that shows that the risk of haemorrhagic stroke can be slightly increased by high levels of orally taken Vitamin E, although what is a 'high level' has not clearly been ascertained, and more research is required to discover the mechanism of action and the level at which Vitamin E can become harmful. The Stroke Association urges people to maintain a lifestyle of a balanced diet, regular exercise and monitoring their blood pressure to reduce their risk of a stroke but would be very interested in seeing further research into this study".
Dr Peter Coleman, Deputy Director of Research at The Stroke Association says:
"A stroke is caused by a clot or a bleed in the brain, which results in the flow of oxygen to the brain being cut off, causing brain cells to die. Those caused by a bleed are the rarer kind of stroke, yet there are still around 8,500 first haemorrhagic (bleed) strokes per year in the UK.
This is a very interesting study that shows that the risk of haemorrhagic stroke can be slightly increased by high levels of orally taken Vitamin E, although what is a 'high level' has not clearly been ascertained, and more research is required to discover the mechanism of action and the level at which Vitamin E can become harmful. The Stroke Association urges people to maintain a lifestyle of a balanced diet, regular exercise and monitoring their blood pressure to reduce their risk of a stroke but would be very interested in seeing further research into this study".
Echinacea And St John's Wort Research At Iowa State Renewed By $4.4 Million NIH Grant
A five-year-old research center dedicated to understanding and improving Echinacea and Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) has received $4.4 million in continuation funding from the National Institutes of Health. The renewal is for three years.
The Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements at Iowa State University was created in 2002 by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. In addition to Iowa State, the center includes researchers at the University of Iowa, Yale University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station in Ames. A total of 27 researchers are involved (including 13 graduate students).
Echinacea and Hypericum are two of the nation's top selling herbal dietary supplements. Before the center was established, however, there were few scientific studies to understand the plants and their effect on human health.
Researchers in the Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements work with well- defined plant material, identify the chemical profiles and key compounds that contribute to health benefits and define how they work. The center's primary goal is to improve understanding of the characteristics of the selected extracts that contribute to human health benefits and pave the way for optimizing the supplements.
During the past five years, center researchers have gained insight into the antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting mechanisms of specific species of Echinacea, and the antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of different populations of Hypericum, said Diane Birt, director of the center and distinguished professor of food science and human nutrition at Iowa State.
"In studying the nine different species of Echinacea, we found some species work better than others," Birt said. "This suggests that it will be possible to get an improved preparation that will enhance the supplement's benefit to human health."
Researchers also found that lipid-soluble compounds in Echinacea have appreciable anti-inflammatory activity. In Echinacea and Hypericum, water-soluble compounds, such as polyphenols, seem to contribute to the plant material's antiviral activity.
"This suggests that we're not going to find a single compound or even a subset of compounds that are responsible for health benefits," Birt said. "A complex chemical profile is contributing to the health effects, so it's more likely that we're moving toward improving these supplements rather than identifying chemicals for use as drugs. We are moving toward something like a fingerprint of the biologically active chemicals in the species."
In addition, the researchers have identified some specific compounds in Hypericum that provide much greater activity in combination than individually.
The Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements brings together plant scientists, biochemists, nutritionists, chemists, immunologists, food scientists, virologists, metabolic scientists and statisticians. Center strengths include genomic analysis, broad-based plant metabolic profiling and an ability to integrate complex datasets by using bioinformatics and other statistical tools, Birt said.
"One particular strength we have is our ability to control the genetics and growth conditions of the plant material used in our cellular and animal model studies," Birt said. "Being able to characterize known-source germplasm is a very important resource for our center."
In the renewal, researchers will continue to conduct the anti-viral, anti inflammatory and pain receptor studies to see how components can block inflammation by stimulating the receptor to down regulate it.
"In the next three years, we'll include emphasis on bioavailability," Birt said. "We don't know if the chemicals we've identified are absorbed. We'll also be looking at the mechanism, focusing on cellular, signaling, pathways and receptors."
And they will add a third plant, Prunella. Also known as self heal, Prunella has been used to treat ailments such as inflammatory bowel disease, fever, headache and diarrhea.
"Prunella grows well in Iowa. We have made some extracts and saw very good activity-both antiviral and anti-inflammatory, so it fits well with what we're doing," Birt said.
The nine Iowa State faculty involved are from four colleges (Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, Human Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.) In addition, two scientists from the USDA Plant Introduction Center, two faculty from Yale and one from the University of Iowa conduct research for the center.
NIH currently funds six Dietary Supplement Research Centers focused on botanicals. Scientists within these centers emphasize basic and preclinical research of potential benefit to human health.
Echinacea (purple coneflower)
* The second most widely used dietary botanical supplement
* In 2004, sales exceeded $23 million
* There are nine species
* Native to North America
* Historically, indigenous people used the roots medicinally
* Today, three species are used medicinally (E. angustifolia, pallida, and purpurea) to treat or prevent upper respiratory infections or as general immunostimulants
* Clinical studies on the efficacy of Echinacea supplements against infectious disease have had mixed results. Research by The Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements based on the chemical profiles and bioactivity of the plants could provide a context to reinterpret past studies.
* More information is at nccam.nih/health/echinacea/#intro
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort)
* It is one of 450 species of Hypericum, which grows wild in Europe and as an escaped weed in North America
* Has a long history of use as a folk remedy for a wide range of ailments, including insomnia, depression, headache, rheumatism and gastritis. It also is applied externally for treatment of wounds.
* In 2004, sales were $9 million
* Studies have shown it to be comparable to standard antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression and with fewer side effects. Research supports its potential application to a wide range of other health conditions, including premenstrual syndrome and alcohol and smoking cessation.
* More information is at nccam.nih/health/stjohnswort/
Prunella vulgaris (self heal)
* Is one of between seven and 15 species of Prunella.
* Along with P laciniata, P. vulgaris has been widely studied as medicinal plants.
* The entire flowering plant has been used for inflammatory bowel disease, fever, headache, diarrhea, liver disease and mouth and throat aliments.
Contacts:
Wendy Maury, Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements
Christine A. Swanson, NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Teddi Barron, ISU News Service
Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements--key researchers
Iowa State University
Diane Birt, food science and human nutrition
Philip Dixon, statistics
Suzanne Hendrich, food science and human nutrition
Marian Kohut, health and human performance
George Kraus, chemistry
Pat Murphy, food science and human nutrition
Basil Nikolau, professor, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology
Michael Wannemuehler, veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine
Eve Syrkin Wurtele, professor, genetics, development and cell biology
North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station
Joe-Ann McCoy, USDA-ARS biologist
Mark Widrlechner, USDA-ARS horticulturalist
University of Iowa
Wendy Maury, associate professor, microbiology
Yale University
Steven Hebert, physiology
Qiang Leng, physiology
Contact: Diane Birt
Iowa State University
The Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements at Iowa State University was created in 2002 by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. In addition to Iowa State, the center includes researchers at the University of Iowa, Yale University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station in Ames. A total of 27 researchers are involved (including 13 graduate students).
Echinacea and Hypericum are two of the nation's top selling herbal dietary supplements. Before the center was established, however, there were few scientific studies to understand the plants and their effect on human health.
Researchers in the Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements work with well- defined plant material, identify the chemical profiles and key compounds that contribute to health benefits and define how they work. The center's primary goal is to improve understanding of the characteristics of the selected extracts that contribute to human health benefits and pave the way for optimizing the supplements.
During the past five years, center researchers have gained insight into the antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting mechanisms of specific species of Echinacea, and the antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of different populations of Hypericum, said Diane Birt, director of the center and distinguished professor of food science and human nutrition at Iowa State.
"In studying the nine different species of Echinacea, we found some species work better than others," Birt said. "This suggests that it will be possible to get an improved preparation that will enhance the supplement's benefit to human health."
Researchers also found that lipid-soluble compounds in Echinacea have appreciable anti-inflammatory activity. In Echinacea and Hypericum, water-soluble compounds, such as polyphenols, seem to contribute to the plant material's antiviral activity.
"This suggests that we're not going to find a single compound or even a subset of compounds that are responsible for health benefits," Birt said. "A complex chemical profile is contributing to the health effects, so it's more likely that we're moving toward improving these supplements rather than identifying chemicals for use as drugs. We are moving toward something like a fingerprint of the biologically active chemicals in the species."
In addition, the researchers have identified some specific compounds in Hypericum that provide much greater activity in combination than individually.
The Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements brings together plant scientists, biochemists, nutritionists, chemists, immunologists, food scientists, virologists, metabolic scientists and statisticians. Center strengths include genomic analysis, broad-based plant metabolic profiling and an ability to integrate complex datasets by using bioinformatics and other statistical tools, Birt said.
"One particular strength we have is our ability to control the genetics and growth conditions of the plant material used in our cellular and animal model studies," Birt said. "Being able to characterize known-source germplasm is a very important resource for our center."
In the renewal, researchers will continue to conduct the anti-viral, anti inflammatory and pain receptor studies to see how components can block inflammation by stimulating the receptor to down regulate it.
"In the next three years, we'll include emphasis on bioavailability," Birt said. "We don't know if the chemicals we've identified are absorbed. We'll also be looking at the mechanism, focusing on cellular, signaling, pathways and receptors."
And they will add a third plant, Prunella. Also known as self heal, Prunella has been used to treat ailments such as inflammatory bowel disease, fever, headache and diarrhea.
"Prunella grows well in Iowa. We have made some extracts and saw very good activity-both antiviral and anti-inflammatory, so it fits well with what we're doing," Birt said.
The nine Iowa State faculty involved are from four colleges (Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, Human Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.) In addition, two scientists from the USDA Plant Introduction Center, two faculty from Yale and one from the University of Iowa conduct research for the center.
NIH currently funds six Dietary Supplement Research Centers focused on botanicals. Scientists within these centers emphasize basic and preclinical research of potential benefit to human health.
Echinacea (purple coneflower)
* The second most widely used dietary botanical supplement
* In 2004, sales exceeded $23 million
* There are nine species
* Native to North America
* Historically, indigenous people used the roots medicinally
* Today, three species are used medicinally (E. angustifolia, pallida, and purpurea) to treat or prevent upper respiratory infections or as general immunostimulants
* Clinical studies on the efficacy of Echinacea supplements against infectious disease have had mixed results. Research by The Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements based on the chemical profiles and bioactivity of the plants could provide a context to reinterpret past studies.
* More information is at nccam.nih/health/echinacea/#intro
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort)
* It is one of 450 species of Hypericum, which grows wild in Europe and as an escaped weed in North America
* Has a long history of use as a folk remedy for a wide range of ailments, including insomnia, depression, headache, rheumatism and gastritis. It also is applied externally for treatment of wounds.
* In 2004, sales were $9 million
* Studies have shown it to be comparable to standard antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression and with fewer side effects. Research supports its potential application to a wide range of other health conditions, including premenstrual syndrome and alcohol and smoking cessation.
* More information is at nccam.nih/health/stjohnswort/
Prunella vulgaris (self heal)
* Is one of between seven and 15 species of Prunella.
* Along with P laciniata, P. vulgaris has been widely studied as medicinal plants.
* The entire flowering plant has been used for inflammatory bowel disease, fever, headache, diarrhea, liver disease and mouth and throat aliments.
Contacts:
Wendy Maury, Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements
Christine A. Swanson, NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Teddi Barron, ISU News Service
Iowa Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements--key researchers
Iowa State University
Diane Birt, food science and human nutrition
Philip Dixon, statistics
Suzanne Hendrich, food science and human nutrition
Marian Kohut, health and human performance
George Kraus, chemistry
Pat Murphy, food science and human nutrition
Basil Nikolau, professor, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology
Michael Wannemuehler, veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine
Eve Syrkin Wurtele, professor, genetics, development and cell biology
North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station
Joe-Ann McCoy, USDA-ARS biologist
Mark Widrlechner, USDA-ARS horticulturalist
University of Iowa
Wendy Maury, associate professor, microbiology
Yale University
Steven Hebert, physiology
Qiang Leng, physiology
Contact: Diane Birt
Iowa State University
Yoga Helpful For People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
A program of yoga poses, breathing and relaxation significantly reduces joint tenderness and swelling for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to research funded in part by the Arthritis Foundation and presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore randomly divided a group of 30 sedentary adults with RA into two groups: one group participated in an eight-week program of yoga and the other was put on a waiting list and served as the control. Those in the yoga group took two one-hour classes per week and were instructed to practice at home as well. Traditional yoga poses were modified as needed to accommodate for limitations due to RA. Also included in the sessions were deep breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques.
The research team found that those who participated in eight weeks of yoga classes had significantly fewer tender and swollen joints than they did before starting class. Those in the waitlist control group saw no significant changes in their tender and swollen joint counts.
Arthritis Foundation grant recipient Steffany Haaz, MFA, says, "We have previously reported that yoga helps people to feel better, and we wanted to make sure it wasn't harmful to arthritic joints. So, we were glad to find that there actually seems to be improvement in joint symptoms for RA patients. The next big question is figuring out how and why yoga might be having this effect, since it is such a multi-faceted activity."
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or arthritis.
Arthritis Foundation
Scientists from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore randomly divided a group of 30 sedentary adults with RA into two groups: one group participated in an eight-week program of yoga and the other was put on a waiting list and served as the control. Those in the yoga group took two one-hour classes per week and were instructed to practice at home as well. Traditional yoga poses were modified as needed to accommodate for limitations due to RA. Also included in the sessions were deep breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques.
The research team found that those who participated in eight weeks of yoga classes had significantly fewer tender and swollen joints than they did before starting class. Those in the waitlist control group saw no significant changes in their tender and swollen joint counts.
Arthritis Foundation grant recipient Steffany Haaz, MFA, says, "We have previously reported that yoga helps people to feel better, and we wanted to make sure it wasn't harmful to arthritic joints. So, we were glad to find that there actually seems to be improvement in joint symptoms for RA patients. The next big question is figuring out how and why yoga might be having this effect, since it is such a multi-faceted activity."
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or arthritis.
Arthritis Foundation
Use Folic Acid To Cut Heart Disease, Say Experts
The scientific evidence is strong enough to justify using folic acid as a cheap and simple way of reducing heart disease and strokes, say researchers in this week's BMJ.
Debate continues over whether raised homocysteine levels in the blood (an amino acid implicated in the development of arterial disease) causes heart disease and stroke, and whether folic acid, which lowers homocysteine, will help reduce the risk of these disorders.
So heart expert, Dr David Wald and colleagues set out to clarify the issue. They examined all the evidence from different studies to see whether raised homocysteine is a cause of cardiovascular disease.
Some studies looked at homocysteine and the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes in large numbers of people (cohort studies), some focused on people with a common genetic variant which increases homocysteine levels to a small extent (genetic studies), while others tested the effects of lowering homocysteine levels (randomised controlled trials).
The cohort studies and genetic studies yielded similar results, indicating a protective effect from lower homocysteine levels, even though they did not share the same sources of possible error. The randomised trials were too small to be conclusive although their results were consistent with the expected protective effects of folic acid.
The conclusion that homocysteine is a cause of cardiovascular disease explains the observations from all the different types of study, even if the results from one type of study are, on their own, insufficient to reach that conclusion, say the authors.
Since folic acid reduces homocysteine concentrations, it follows that increasing folic acid consumption will reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
They therefore take the view that the evidence is now sufficient to justify action on lowering homocysteine concentrations, although the position should be reviewed as evidence from ongoing clinical trials emerges.
Contact: Emma Dickinson
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Debate continues over whether raised homocysteine levels in the blood (an amino acid implicated in the development of arterial disease) causes heart disease and stroke, and whether folic acid, which lowers homocysteine, will help reduce the risk of these disorders.
So heart expert, Dr David Wald and colleagues set out to clarify the issue. They examined all the evidence from different studies to see whether raised homocysteine is a cause of cardiovascular disease.
Some studies looked at homocysteine and the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes in large numbers of people (cohort studies), some focused on people with a common genetic variant which increases homocysteine levels to a small extent (genetic studies), while others tested the effects of lowering homocysteine levels (randomised controlled trials).
The cohort studies and genetic studies yielded similar results, indicating a protective effect from lower homocysteine levels, even though they did not share the same sources of possible error. The randomised trials were too small to be conclusive although their results were consistent with the expected protective effects of folic acid.
The conclusion that homocysteine is a cause of cardiovascular disease explains the observations from all the different types of study, even if the results from one type of study are, on their own, insufficient to reach that conclusion, say the authors.
Since folic acid reduces homocysteine concentrations, it follows that increasing folic acid consumption will reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
They therefore take the view that the evidence is now sufficient to justify action on lowering homocysteine concentrations, although the position should be reviewed as evidence from ongoing clinical trials emerges.
Contact: Emma Dickinson
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Macular Degeneration - DTB Forces Change In Viteyes Marketing, UK
Research by Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) has forced the Viteyes range of nutritional supplements to revise their marketing material and to stop making medicinal claims about slowing eye damage.
Dr Ike Iheanacho, editor DTB, explains:
"We are concerned about promotional claims for some nutritional supplements aimed at people worried about macular degeneration.
"Certain claims appear to be medicinal and, if proved to be so, would breach UK medicines legislation because the products are not licensed as medicines. In particular, we reported the claim that 'Viteyes' can 'slow macular degeneration' to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). As a result, the MHRA has now taken action to ensure that these claims are no longer used to market the product."
However, the crucial monitoring and alerting role of DTB is under threat. In seeking budget cuts, the Department of Health (DH) has so far failed to renew its bulk-purchasing contract for provision of the publication to all healthcare professionals in England. The existing contract expires at the end of March.
Dr Ike Iheanacho concludes:
"We are extremely concerned that the DH might not, in the future, continue its commitment to provide DTB to all NHS healthcare professionals. DTB is unique as it provides informed, unbiased and rigorously researched information and advice on treatments and the overall management of disease. This sort of independent assessment is essential for prescribers and their patients who are often bombarded by inappropriate promotions from the pharmaceutical industry ."
1 DTB concluded that there was some evidence to support the use of a specific combination of antioxidant vitamins and zinc, the so-called AREDS formula, in specific groups of patients with macular degeneration (those with advanced disease in one eye only). This formula is found in only certain products. Use of other nutritional supplements, or use in other groups of people, cannot be recommended. Patients with macular degeneration should be advised to stop smoking and to eat a healthy diet rich in green vegetables.
2 DTB has provided rigorous and independent evaluations of, and practical advice on, individual treatments and the management of disease for doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals for over 40 years.
A monthly journal, DTB is published by Which?, the UK's major consumer organisation, and is unique in that it is wholly independent of industry, Government, regulatory authorities and the medical establishment and carries no advertising.
DTB also produces Treatment Notes - award-winning, evidence-based, practical information for patients that complements that available to healthcare professionals.
For further information about DTB and Treatment Notes or to subscribe, please go to DTB.uk
3 Annual subscription ?49. Retired doctors, pharmacists and students ?24.50. All orders to DTB, Which? Castlemead, Gascoyne Way, Hertford X, SG14 1LH
DTB.uk
Dr Ike Iheanacho, editor DTB, explains:
"We are concerned about promotional claims for some nutritional supplements aimed at people worried about macular degeneration.
"Certain claims appear to be medicinal and, if proved to be so, would breach UK medicines legislation because the products are not licensed as medicines. In particular, we reported the claim that 'Viteyes' can 'slow macular degeneration' to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). As a result, the MHRA has now taken action to ensure that these claims are no longer used to market the product."
However, the crucial monitoring and alerting role of DTB is under threat. In seeking budget cuts, the Department of Health (DH) has so far failed to renew its bulk-purchasing contract for provision of the publication to all healthcare professionals in England. The existing contract expires at the end of March.
Dr Ike Iheanacho concludes:
"We are extremely concerned that the DH might not, in the future, continue its commitment to provide DTB to all NHS healthcare professionals. DTB is unique as it provides informed, unbiased and rigorously researched information and advice on treatments and the overall management of disease. This sort of independent assessment is essential for prescribers and their patients who are often bombarded by inappropriate promotions from the pharmaceutical industry ."
1 DTB concluded that there was some evidence to support the use of a specific combination of antioxidant vitamins and zinc, the so-called AREDS formula, in specific groups of patients with macular degeneration (those with advanced disease in one eye only). This formula is found in only certain products. Use of other nutritional supplements, or use in other groups of people, cannot be recommended. Patients with macular degeneration should be advised to stop smoking and to eat a healthy diet rich in green vegetables.
2 DTB has provided rigorous and independent evaluations of, and practical advice on, individual treatments and the management of disease for doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals for over 40 years.
A monthly journal, DTB is published by Which?, the UK's major consumer organisation, and is unique in that it is wholly independent of industry, Government, regulatory authorities and the medical establishment and carries no advertising.
DTB also produces Treatment Notes - award-winning, evidence-based, practical information for patients that complements that available to healthcare professionals.
For further information about DTB and Treatment Notes or to subscribe, please go to DTB.uk
3 Annual subscription ?49. Retired doctors, pharmacists and students ?24.50. All orders to DTB, Which? Castlemead, Gascoyne Way, Hertford X, SG14 1LH
DTB.uk
Silver Jubilee Celebrations For British Holistic Medical Association
On April 18th and 19th the British Holistic Medical Association (BHMA) is celebrating its Silver Jubilee year with a ground breaking conference in London: Medicine as if People Matter: Patients, Practitioners and Places.
In recognition of this milestone, Patients Association President, Claire Rayner, will open the conference on 18th April, reminding us why, when medical technology seems all powerful, medicine as if people matter is more important than ever. The first afternoon of the conference is free to anyone who books a place.
Sunand Prasad, President of RIBA will present the BHMA-Nutri Centre Healing Spaces awards at 7.15 pm on Friday night. Prizes of ??2000 and ??500 will be awarded for buildings that best reflect the part played by architecture, interior design, the use of sound, light, colour, or new ways of using healthcare space creatively. Entries have come in from general practices, hospices, hospitals, cancer care units, complementary medicine clinics; even a mortuary!
The conference will launch BHMA's 'Going for Gold' Fundraising venture in support of its next 25 years' work. The BHMA is aiming to raise ??1 million pounds to achieve its Golden Jubilee goals. If you feel you can help, would like to join the BHMA or donate money to the fund, please contact: Diana Brown at the BHMA office on 01278 722000. Email: adminbhma or write to us at BHMA, FREEPOST RLYZ-AZJT-KBZZ, P.O. Box 371, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 9GB and request your free sample of the Journal of Holistic Health Care. Alternatively - do visit us on line at: bhma
Notes
When the BHMA was founded in 1983 it seemed medicine was in danger of losing its humanity under an avalanche of drug-based medicine that was squeezing the satisfaction out of doctoring. It was clear that hi-tech medicine needed the balance of holistic practice: whole person healthcare delivered by creative practitioners who feel positive about their work and stay healthy themselves.
These concerns are still with us and the BHMA is becoming a focal point for patients and practitioners who want to learn more about compassionate, supportive healthcare practice. With advances in body-mind science, there are great opportunities for holistic thinking and practice. It's time we re-thought health and healthcare. Advances in medical technology and rocketing NHS budgets are not enough. Patients and health workers alike need better integration of health care effort, and more holistic understandings of health and dignity.
Members of the BHMA include doctors, GP's, nurses, patients, complementary practitioners, physiotherapists, health administrators, artists, environmentalists, architects, consultants, academics, television presenters; they span all ages. Each person though, shares a common goal - to promote and develop a caring healthcare system that supports others - whether practitioners or patients with acute or long-term issues.
The BHMA is chaired by Dr. David Peters, Professor of Integrated Care, University of Westminster, London, it forms alliances with professional and patient groups aiming to promote whole person health care, helps shape holistic policies for education and practice, provides a forum for healthcare students. Friends of the BHMA who make a donation of ??20.00 annually receive a quarterly newsletter updating them on the latest news and campaigns.
The BHMA's quarterly journal is called The Journal of Holistic Healthcare.
bhma
In recognition of this milestone, Patients Association President, Claire Rayner, will open the conference on 18th April, reminding us why, when medical technology seems all powerful, medicine as if people matter is more important than ever. The first afternoon of the conference is free to anyone who books a place.
Sunand Prasad, President of RIBA will present the BHMA-Nutri Centre Healing Spaces awards at 7.15 pm on Friday night. Prizes of ??2000 and ??500 will be awarded for buildings that best reflect the part played by architecture, interior design, the use of sound, light, colour, or new ways of using healthcare space creatively. Entries have come in from general practices, hospices, hospitals, cancer care units, complementary medicine clinics; even a mortuary!
The conference will launch BHMA's 'Going for Gold' Fundraising venture in support of its next 25 years' work. The BHMA is aiming to raise ??1 million pounds to achieve its Golden Jubilee goals. If you feel you can help, would like to join the BHMA or donate money to the fund, please contact: Diana Brown at the BHMA office on 01278 722000. Email: adminbhma or write to us at BHMA, FREEPOST RLYZ-AZJT-KBZZ, P.O. Box 371, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 9GB and request your free sample of the Journal of Holistic Health Care. Alternatively - do visit us on line at: bhma
Notes
When the BHMA was founded in 1983 it seemed medicine was in danger of losing its humanity under an avalanche of drug-based medicine that was squeezing the satisfaction out of doctoring. It was clear that hi-tech medicine needed the balance of holistic practice: whole person healthcare delivered by creative practitioners who feel positive about their work and stay healthy themselves.
These concerns are still with us and the BHMA is becoming a focal point for patients and practitioners who want to learn more about compassionate, supportive healthcare practice. With advances in body-mind science, there are great opportunities for holistic thinking and practice. It's time we re-thought health and healthcare. Advances in medical technology and rocketing NHS budgets are not enough. Patients and health workers alike need better integration of health care effort, and more holistic understandings of health and dignity.
Members of the BHMA include doctors, GP's, nurses, patients, complementary practitioners, physiotherapists, health administrators, artists, environmentalists, architects, consultants, academics, television presenters; they span all ages. Each person though, shares a common goal - to promote and develop a caring healthcare system that supports others - whether practitioners or patients with acute or long-term issues.
The BHMA is chaired by Dr. David Peters, Professor of Integrated Care, University of Westminster, London, it forms alliances with professional and patient groups aiming to promote whole person health care, helps shape holistic policies for education and practice, provides a forum for healthcare students. Friends of the BHMA who make a donation of ??20.00 annually receive a quarterly newsletter updating them on the latest news and campaigns.
The BHMA's quarterly journal is called The Journal of Holistic Healthcare.
bhma
Research Explores Herbal Treatment For Recurring Urinary Tract Infections
A common herbal extract available in health food stores can greatly reduce urinary tract infections and could potentially enhance the ability of antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause 90 percent of infections in the bladder.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center, in a series of experiments in mice, believe they have also discovered why many urinary tract infections in the bladder return even after treatment with antibiotics. They found that some bacteria hide in cells lining the bladder, where they cannot be reached by antibiotics. But they also found that forskolin, an extract from the Indian coleus plant, flushes out hiding colonies of bacteria, making them susceptible to antibiotic treatment.
About 90 percent of urinary tract infections in the bladder are caused by E. coli bacteria. These infections afflict women four times as often as men, and in a large number of cases, the infection returns within weeks of antibiotic treatment.
The research was led by Duke microbiologist Soman Abraham, Ph.D., who published the results online April 8, 2007, in the journal Nature Medicine. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.
The lining of the bladder is a highly impenetrable surface, Abraham said. Special pouchlike structures within the lining enable the bladder to stretch as it fills with urine. However, when infected, the pouches can create tiny niches that some opportunistic E. coli can slip into and hide.
"After customary antibiotic treatment, the vast majority of the bacteria are either killed by the antibiotics or eliminated during urination," Abraham said. "However, there are small numbers of bacteria that survive antibiotic treatment because they sneak into the lining of the bladder, waiting for the opportunity, after antibiotic treatment, to come out and start multiplying again."
The researchers found that forskalin has the ability to force the bacteria out of their niches and into the urine, where they can be killed by antibiotics.
Abraham said that forskalin's action makes intuitive sense, since the herb is known to rev up certain cellular activity. This heightened activity in the bladder causes the specialized pouches to "flush out" their contents -- in this case, the hiding E. coli.
"This herb has been used in Asia for centuries for a wide variety of ailments," Abraham said. "However, one of its constant uses has been for treating painful urination."
Today, forskalin is added to bodybuilding products and marketed for its ability to increase lean body and bone mass, as well as to increase testosterone levels. The herb also has been claimed to be an effective weight-loss aid. Herbal extracts such as forskalin are not tested nor regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Abraham recommends that anyone with a urinary tract infection should contact their physician before trying forskalin.
In the latest experiments, the researchers injected forskalin directly into the bladder or administered it intravenously. The herb appeared to expel more than 75 percent of the hiding E. coli. The researchers next will determine whether or not the herb is effective when mice receive it orally, since that is how it would be used in humans. The experiments also will combine the use of forskalin and antibiotics.
"This type of treatment strategy may prove to be beneficial for patients with recurrent urinary tract infections," Abraham said. "Ideally, use of this herb would expel the bacteria, where it would then be hit with antibiotics. With the reservoir of hiding bacteria cleared out, the infection should not recur."
Abraham said that a new and effective approach for treating urinary tract infections is needed, because constant antibiotic use has many drawbacks, including high expense, possible liver and kidney damage and the potential for creating strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Other Duke members of the team were Brian Bishop, Mather Duncan, Jeongmin Song, Guojie Li and David Zaas.
Contact: Richard Merritt
Duke University Medical Center
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center, in a series of experiments in mice, believe they have also discovered why many urinary tract infections in the bladder return even after treatment with antibiotics. They found that some bacteria hide in cells lining the bladder, where they cannot be reached by antibiotics. But they also found that forskolin, an extract from the Indian coleus plant, flushes out hiding colonies of bacteria, making them susceptible to antibiotic treatment.
About 90 percent of urinary tract infections in the bladder are caused by E. coli bacteria. These infections afflict women four times as often as men, and in a large number of cases, the infection returns within weeks of antibiotic treatment.
The research was led by Duke microbiologist Soman Abraham, Ph.D., who published the results online April 8, 2007, in the journal Nature Medicine. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.
The lining of the bladder is a highly impenetrable surface, Abraham said. Special pouchlike structures within the lining enable the bladder to stretch as it fills with urine. However, when infected, the pouches can create tiny niches that some opportunistic E. coli can slip into and hide.
"After customary antibiotic treatment, the vast majority of the bacteria are either killed by the antibiotics or eliminated during urination," Abraham said. "However, there are small numbers of bacteria that survive antibiotic treatment because they sneak into the lining of the bladder, waiting for the opportunity, after antibiotic treatment, to come out and start multiplying again."
The researchers found that forskalin has the ability to force the bacteria out of their niches and into the urine, where they can be killed by antibiotics.
Abraham said that forskalin's action makes intuitive sense, since the herb is known to rev up certain cellular activity. This heightened activity in the bladder causes the specialized pouches to "flush out" their contents -- in this case, the hiding E. coli.
"This herb has been used in Asia for centuries for a wide variety of ailments," Abraham said. "However, one of its constant uses has been for treating painful urination."
Today, forskalin is added to bodybuilding products and marketed for its ability to increase lean body and bone mass, as well as to increase testosterone levels. The herb also has been claimed to be an effective weight-loss aid. Herbal extracts such as forskalin are not tested nor regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Abraham recommends that anyone with a urinary tract infection should contact their physician before trying forskalin.
In the latest experiments, the researchers injected forskalin directly into the bladder or administered it intravenously. The herb appeared to expel more than 75 percent of the hiding E. coli. The researchers next will determine whether or not the herb is effective when mice receive it orally, since that is how it would be used in humans. The experiments also will combine the use of forskalin and antibiotics.
"This type of treatment strategy may prove to be beneficial for patients with recurrent urinary tract infections," Abraham said. "Ideally, use of this herb would expel the bacteria, where it would then be hit with antibiotics. With the reservoir of hiding bacteria cleared out, the infection should not recur."
Abraham said that a new and effective approach for treating urinary tract infections is needed, because constant antibiotic use has many drawbacks, including high expense, possible liver and kidney damage and the potential for creating strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Other Duke members of the team were Brian Bishop, Mather Duncan, Jeongmin Song, Guojie Li and David Zaas.
Contact: Richard Merritt
Duke University Medical Center
Music therapy strikes a chord with cancer patients
Bone marrow transplant patients report less nausea and pain, and a faster recovery
Music therapy for patients who have undergone a bone-marrow transplant reduces their reports of pain and nausea and may even play a role in quickening the pace at which their new marrow starts producing blood cells, according to a pilot study to be published later this year in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
The study, led by O.J. Sahler, M.D., at the University of Rochester Medical Center, was done with 42 patients on the bone marrow transplant unit at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. Students studying at nearby Nazareth College provided music therapy to 23 patients after their transplants, while 19 'control' patients received standard follow-up treatment.
Patients ranged in age from 5 to 65 years of age; most were being treated for various types of cancer, including leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors.
The patients who met twice each week for music-assisted relaxation and imagery reported significantly less pain and nausea - on average, they rated both their pain and nausea 'severe' before sessions, but 'moderate' after sessions. Their new bone marrow took hold faster, too:
The average time until patients began producing their own white blood cells was 13.5 days in the group receiving music therapy, compared to 15.5 days in the control group. The length of this span of time, when patients are most vulnerable to infection, is crucial.
In some medical settings, such as mental health services, music therapy has been used widely to decrease patients' perception of pain, anxiety and depression, and boost their feelings of relaxation.
It's also used in hospice to comfort terminally ill patients. But it's not commonly used with bone marrow transplant patients, who are often hospitalized for a month or more. Because their immune systems have been wiped out, visits are kept to a minimum to avoid infections, and feelings of isolation often set in. Patients can have a variety of side effects, including pain, nausea, fatigue, anemia and dehydration.
'One reason we began this study was because patients were requesting new ways of treatment,' says Sahler, a behavioral pediatrician who works with children who have chronic and terminal illnesses.
'The patients told the staff, 'I know I'm about to go through a major challenge that will be very painful and isolating. What do you have to offer me to help me get through this?' Music therapy was one answer. We originally began the study with children but quickly decided to enroll adults as well.'
Sahler teamed up with Bryan Hunter, Ph.D., an associate professor of music and the coordinator of music therapy at Nazareth College and adjunct associate professor of pediatrics at the Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, who has established music therapy programs in several hospitals.
Hunter's students visited patients at the Wilmot Center's Samuel E. Durand Blood and Marrow Transplant Center, providing a range of music-therapy services. Sometimes students simply brought and played music the patients requested; other times they helped the patients play music themselves, or write their own songs, or talk about a favorite set of lyrics. Patients were also encouraged to visualize a peaceful and joyful setting during each session.
'The program has been very well received,' says Hunter. 'When a program like this is first introduced, typically we get mixed reactions. Some in the health care field are skeptical at first. But when they see the positive effects on patients, they usually change their mind. And other doctors and nurses are excited when it's introduced - they think it's a great idea right from the beginning.'
An early problem with the study, Sahler says, was that staff members frequently turned the music therapists away, saying the patients were too ill.
'It's taken awhile for staff members to recognize that music therapy can be very helpful to people when they feel most distressed,' Sahler says. 'Nurses and doctors originally thought that the patient had to be playing an instrument or singing along, but passive listening or simply the presence of the therapist providing music itself can be therapeutic.'
Now with funding from the National Institutes of Health, the team is conducting a larger study to check its results. In the current study, scientists will also measure the amount of medicine that patients receive for pain and nausea, and they'll monitor levels of the patients' cytokines - molecules in the body that are key to helping a patient's immune system establish itself after a transplant.
In addition to Sahler and Hunter, immunologist Jane Liesveld, M.D., medical director of the bone marrow transplant unit, helped direct the study.
Contact: Tom Rickey
trickeyadmin.rochester
585-275-7954
University of Rochester Medical Center
Music therapy for patients who have undergone a bone-marrow transplant reduces their reports of pain and nausea and may even play a role in quickening the pace at which their new marrow starts producing blood cells, according to a pilot study to be published later this year in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
The study, led by O.J. Sahler, M.D., at the University of Rochester Medical Center, was done with 42 patients on the bone marrow transplant unit at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. Students studying at nearby Nazareth College provided music therapy to 23 patients after their transplants, while 19 'control' patients received standard follow-up treatment.
Patients ranged in age from 5 to 65 years of age; most were being treated for various types of cancer, including leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors.
The patients who met twice each week for music-assisted relaxation and imagery reported significantly less pain and nausea - on average, they rated both their pain and nausea 'severe' before sessions, but 'moderate' after sessions. Their new bone marrow took hold faster, too:
The average time until patients began producing their own white blood cells was 13.5 days in the group receiving music therapy, compared to 15.5 days in the control group. The length of this span of time, when patients are most vulnerable to infection, is crucial.
In some medical settings, such as mental health services, music therapy has been used widely to decrease patients' perception of pain, anxiety and depression, and boost their feelings of relaxation.
It's also used in hospice to comfort terminally ill patients. But it's not commonly used with bone marrow transplant patients, who are often hospitalized for a month or more. Because their immune systems have been wiped out, visits are kept to a minimum to avoid infections, and feelings of isolation often set in. Patients can have a variety of side effects, including pain, nausea, fatigue, anemia and dehydration.
'One reason we began this study was because patients were requesting new ways of treatment,' says Sahler, a behavioral pediatrician who works with children who have chronic and terminal illnesses.
'The patients told the staff, 'I know I'm about to go through a major challenge that will be very painful and isolating. What do you have to offer me to help me get through this?' Music therapy was one answer. We originally began the study with children but quickly decided to enroll adults as well.'
Sahler teamed up with Bryan Hunter, Ph.D., an associate professor of music and the coordinator of music therapy at Nazareth College and adjunct associate professor of pediatrics at the Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, who has established music therapy programs in several hospitals.
Hunter's students visited patients at the Wilmot Center's Samuel E. Durand Blood and Marrow Transplant Center, providing a range of music-therapy services. Sometimes students simply brought and played music the patients requested; other times they helped the patients play music themselves, or write their own songs, or talk about a favorite set of lyrics. Patients were also encouraged to visualize a peaceful and joyful setting during each session.
'The program has been very well received,' says Hunter. 'When a program like this is first introduced, typically we get mixed reactions. Some in the health care field are skeptical at first. But when they see the positive effects on patients, they usually change their mind. And other doctors and nurses are excited when it's introduced - they think it's a great idea right from the beginning.'
An early problem with the study, Sahler says, was that staff members frequently turned the music therapists away, saying the patients were too ill.
'It's taken awhile for staff members to recognize that music therapy can be very helpful to people when they feel most distressed,' Sahler says. 'Nurses and doctors originally thought that the patient had to be playing an instrument or singing along, but passive listening or simply the presence of the therapist providing music itself can be therapeutic.'
Now with funding from the National Institutes of Health, the team is conducting a larger study to check its results. In the current study, scientists will also measure the amount of medicine that patients receive for pain and nausea, and they'll monitor levels of the patients' cytokines - molecules in the body that are key to helping a patient's immune system establish itself after a transplant.
In addition to Sahler and Hunter, immunologist Jane Liesveld, M.D., medical director of the bone marrow transplant unit, helped direct the study.
Contact: Tom Rickey
trickeyadmin.rochester
585-275-7954
University of Rochester Medical Center
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