Alternative Medicine Review最新文献

Background: A tea made from Eucommia ulmoides leaves and bark is part of the Japanese diet. Eucommia is an herbal medicine that, by increasing nitric oxide, reduced blood pressure (BP) in rats and humans in an uncontrolled clinical trial.

Objective: A controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate an aqueous bark extract of Eucommia standardized to eight percent pinoresinol di-beta-D-glucoside (PG) for BP reduction in humans.

Methods: Study 1: Twenty-four healthy adult subjects with a BP between 120-160/80-100 mmHg were randomized to Eucommia extract 500 mg three times daily for eight weeks. Automatic 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-h ABPM) was utilized at baseline and after eight weeks. Study 2: The effect of the Eucommia extract on isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis was evaluated in a human fat cell assay to determine whether Eucommia was a beta-adrenergic blocker. Study 3: Thirty healthy adult subjects with a BP between 120-160/80-100 mmHg were randomized to 1 g Eucommia extract three times daily for two weeks with 24-h ABPM at baseline and after two weeks.

Results: Study 1: There was no toxicity or any difference in BP between the two groups. Study 2: Eucommia at 0.5% w/v reduced isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis from 2.67 to 1.4 times the buffer control (P<0.001). Study 3: The Eucommia extract was well-tolerated and reduced BP by an average of 7.5/3.9 mmHg (P<0.008).

Conclusion: The standardized Eucommia extract reduced BP and has beta-adrenergic blocking activity. Eucommia may be an appropriate nutraceutical intervention for prehypertension.

Mercury (Hg) occurs naturally in the environment and has been used in numerous medicinal, commercial, and industrial applications over many centuries. Also, it has played significant historical, as well as current, ethno-medical and magico-religious roles in a number of different cultures. In recent times, awareness has emerged that exposure to mercury can have serious adverse health consequences. Accompanying this, contamination of the environment by mercury is causing public health and environmental concerns. As a result, major efforts are being undertaken by industry, private organizations, and government agencies to reduce or eliminate the use of and exposure to this toxic element. However, in spite of extensive educational and socio-cultural interventions, the use of mercury in ritualistic and spiritual practices is a continuing cause for concern.

A 53-year-old female presented with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Additional conditions and symptoms included Raynaud syndrome, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome associated constipation (IBS-C), gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), menopausal symptoms, chronic urinary tract and upper respiratory infections, and weight gain. She was taking Arthrotec (a combination of diclofenac and misoprostol - for pain and inflammation), Fosamax Plus D (alendronate with vitamin D3 - recently prescribed because of low bone density), and Catapres (clonidine - for menopausal symptoms). Against the advice of her rheumatologist, she had recently discontinued taking Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), methotrexate, and prednisone due to significant side effects. Lab tests to identify underlying imbalances and to direct treatment were ordered. Treatment included dietary, nutritional, hormonal, and mind/body support. After one year of therapy, the patient experienced improvement with all of her presenting conditions and symptoms, which enabled her to discontinue several medications. She became versed in identifying and avoiding the environmental triggers of her disease, including foods (dairy, wheat, eggs, and soy), molds, and emotional stress. Antinuclear antibodies were normalized. She experienced a 7.5-percent improvement in left trochanteric bone density - comparable to bisphosphonate therapy. Mild improvements were also noted in the spine and bilateral femoral neck.

Sauna therapy has been used for hundreds of years in the Scandinavian region as a standard health activity. Studies document the effectiveness of sauna therapy for persons with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and for post-myocardial infarction care. Some individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or addictions also find benefit. Existing evidence supports the use of saunas as a component of depuration (purification or cleansing) protocols for environmentally-induced illness. While far-infrared saunas have been used in many cardiovascular studies, all studies applying sauna for depuration have utilized saunas with radiant heating units. Overall, regular sauna therapy (either radiant heat or far-infrared units) appears to be safe and offers multiple health benefits to regular users. One potential area of concern is sauna use in early pregnancy because of evidence suggesting that hyperthermia might be teratogenic.

Silymarin, a flavonolignan derived from Silybum marianum, possesses diverse pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective. Although clinical trials have shown silymarin is safe at high doses (>1500 mg/day) in humans, the pharmacokinetic studies over the past three decades related to absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of silymarin have revealed poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and ultimately poor oral bioavailability. For optimum silymarin bioavailability, issues of solubility, permeability, metabolism, and excretion must be addressed. An array of methods have been described in recent years that can improve its bioavailability, including complexation with β-cyclodextrins, solid dispersion method, formation of microparticles and nanoparticles, self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems, micelles, liposomes, and phytosomes. This article critically reviews the recent published literature on various techniques for increasing the bioavailability of silymarin.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory conditions seen in the general population. Current pharmacological treatments focus on reduction of pain and increased mobility to improve overall quality of life. However, the relief afforded by current standard care is often insufficient and can be associated with significant side effects. Many patients, therefore, seek the option of non-standard therapies, such as nutritional and herbal supplements, acupuncture, and exercise regimens. Glucosamine, Harpagophytum procumbens, and acupuncture are among the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine approaches utilized by patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Their clinical relevance, safety, and potential mechanisms of action are discussed in this review.