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Herbal Medicine

This section lists some of the latest articles in the press and journals about Herbal Medicine or related subjects. It is built from many RSS feeds and is updated daily.

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(updated Thu Jul 24 08:00:01 BST 2008 )

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Wed, 23 Jul 2008
Education in naturopathy and western herbal medicine in australia: results of a survey of education providers.
Related Articles Education in naturopathy and western herbal medicine in Australia: Results of a survey of education providers. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2008 Aug;14(3):168-75 Authors: McCabe P BACKGROUND: Questions about the risks and regulatory requirements of naturopathy and western herbal medicine (WHM) in Australia prompted research by the Department of Human Services Victoria. This article offers findings from a survey of education providers, which was one of several studies carried out for the report. (The full report can be found at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/pracreg/naturopathy.htm.) METHOD: Questionnaires were sent to 43 Australian providers of naturopathy and WHM education. RESULTS: Unsustainable variation was found in award types, contact hours, clinical education, length of courses, and course content. CONCLUSIONS: Naturopaths and WHM practitioners are primary contact health professionals but educational standards vary...

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Wed, 23 Jul 2008
The effect of quyuhuatantongluo decoction on the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Related Articles The effect of QuYuHuaTanTongLuo Decoction on the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Complement Ther Med. 2008 Aug;16(4):192-8 Authors: Zhang SJ, Chen ZX, Jiang KP, Cheng YH, Gu YL Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most common cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis, is becoming more prevalent in China. However, there is as yet no clearly established therapy for reversing fatty liver. Our aim is to explore the effect of traditional Chinese herbs QuYuHuaTanTongLuo Decoction (QYHTTLD) on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Sixty-nine non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group of 35 patients were treated by QYHTTLD, another group of 34 patients were treated by Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The TNF-alpha, IL-8, MDA level, SOD activity and liver function, as well as B ultrasonic image were detected before and after being treated. The results showed: after 6 months treatment, MBI of the tre...

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Wed, 23 Jul 2008
An examination of the clinical practices and perceptions of professional herbalists providing patient care concurrently with conventional medical practice in australia.
Related Articles An examination of the clinical practices and perceptions of professional herbalists providing patient care concurrently with conventional medical practice in Australia. Complement Ther Med. 2008 Aug;16(4):228-32 Authors: Casey M, Adams J, Sibbritt D OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical practices and perceptions of herbalists providing patient care concurrently with conventional medical practice. METHOD: A postal survey was sent to all full members of the National Herbalists' Association of Australia (NHAA). There were 649 members in practice at the time of the survey and the total response rate was 58.2%. RESULTS: Most of the patients who visit professional herbalists seek care for chronic conditions have been medically diagnosed and continue to consult a general practitioner (GP). Study findings indicate that many patients who visit herbalists are taking herbal and pharmaceutical medicines concurrently. Therapists repor...

MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies : Wed, 23 Jul 2008
Education in naturopathy and western herbal medicine in australia: results of a survey of education providers.
Related Articles Education in naturopathy and western herbal medicine in Australia: Results of a survey of education providers. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2008 Aug;14(3):168-75 Authors: McCabe P BACKGROUND: Questions about the risks and regulatory requirements of naturopathy and western herbal medicine (WHM) in Australia prompted research by the Department of Human Services Victoria. This article offers findings from a survey of education providers, which was one of several studies carried out for the report. (The full report can be found at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/pracreg/naturopathy.htm.) METHOD: Questionnaires were sent to 43 Australian providers of naturopathy and WHM education. RESULTS: Unsustainable variation was found in award types, contact hours, clinical education, length of courses, and course content. CONCLUSIONS: Naturopaths and WHM practitioners are primary contact health professionals but educational standards vary...

MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies : Wed, 23 Jul 2008
The effect of quyuhuatantongluo decoction on the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Related Articles The effect of QuYuHuaTanTongLuo Decoction on the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Complement Ther Med. 2008 Aug;16(4):192-8 Authors: Zhang SJ, Chen ZX, Jiang KP, Cheng YH, Gu YL Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most common cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis, is becoming more prevalent in China. However, there is as yet no clearly established therapy for reversing fatty liver. Our aim is to explore the effect of traditional Chinese herbs QuYuHuaTanTongLuo Decoction (QYHTTLD) on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Sixty-nine non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group of 35 patients were treated by QYHTTLD, another group of 34 patients were treated by Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The TNF-alpha, IL-8, MDA level, SOD activity and liver function, as well as B ultrasonic image were detected before and after being treated. The results showed: after 6 months treatment, MBI of the tre...

MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies : Wed, 23 Jul 2008
An examination of the clinical practices and perceptions of professional herbalists providing patient care concurrently with conventional medical practice in australia.
Related Articles An examination of the clinical practices and perceptions of professional herbalists providing patient care concurrently with conventional medical practice in Australia. Complement Ther Med. 2008 Aug;16(4):228-32 Authors: Casey M, Adams J, Sibbritt D OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical practices and perceptions of herbalists providing patient care concurrently with conventional medical practice. METHOD: A postal survey was sent to all full members of the National Herbalists' Association of Australia (NHAA). There were 649 members in practice at the time of the survey and the total response rate was 58.2%. RESULTS: Most of the patients who visit professional herbalists seek care for chronic conditions have been medically diagnosed and continue to consult a general practitioner (GP). Study findings indicate that many patients who visit herbalists are taking herbal and pharmaceutical medicines concurrently. Therapists repor...

Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today : Tue, 22 Jul 2008
Acupuncture, Chiropractic And Electrotherapy - What's Old Is New Again For America's Pets
The earliest known writings about herbal medicines date back to 2800 B.C. in China, and many people believe that electromedicine goes back to the time of Aristotle. But while many complementary or alternative modalities may not be new, these alternative measures are still not well understood by many Americans.

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Tue, 22 Jul 2008
Acupuncture, chiropractic and electrotherapy - what's old is new again for america's pets
The earliest known writings about herbal medicines date back to 2800 B.C. in China, and many people believe that electromedicine goes back to the time of Aristotle. But while many complementary or alternative modalities may not be new, these alternative measures are still not well understood by many Americans. (Source: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today)

MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies : Tue, 22 Jul 2008
Acupuncture, chiropractic and electrotherapy - what's old is new again for america's pets
The earliest known writings about herbal medicines date back to 2800 B.C. in China, and many people believe that electromedicine goes back to the time of Aristotle. But while many complementary or alternative modalities may not be new, these alternative measures are still not well understood by many Americans. (Source: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today)   MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Mon, 21 Jul 2008
Effectiveness of the herbal medicine daikenchuto for radiation-induced enteritis
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0: 1-3. Abstract Background: Radiation-induced enteritis is a serious clinical problem for which there is currently no recommended standard management. Daikenchuto (DKT) is a Japanese herbal medicine that has been used to treat adhesive bowel obstruction in ... (Source: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine)   MedWorm Sponsored Message: Find out how you can get your message across here by sponsoring this MedWorm news feed.

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Mon, 21 Jul 2008
Differences between the physiologic and psychologic effects of aromatherapy body treatment
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0: 1-7. Abstract Background: The wide use of herbal plants and essential oils for the prevention and treatment of diseases dates back to ancient times. However, the scientific basis for the beneficial effects of such plants and oils has not been precisely ... (Source: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine)

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Mon, 21 Jul 2008
Interaction between warfarin and panax ginseng in ischemic stroke patients
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0: 1-7. Abstract Background: Today, the combined use of Oriental herbal medicines and Western biomedical medicines has been a prevalent yet controversial practice. Case reports and healthy volunteer trials have had conflicting results on the effect Panax ginseng ... (Source: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine)

MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies : Mon, 21 Jul 2008
Effectiveness of the herbal medicine daikenchuto for radiation-induced enteritis
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0: 1-3. Abstract Background: Radiation-induced enteritis is a serious clinical problem for which there is currently no recommended standard management. Daikenchuto (DKT) is a Japanese herbal medicine that has been used to treat adhesive bowel obstruction in ... (Source: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine)

MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies : Mon, 21 Jul 2008
Differences between the physiologic and psychologic effects of aromatherapy body treatment
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0: 1-7. Abstract Background: The wide use of herbal plants and essential oils for the prevention and treatment of diseases dates back to ancient times. However, the scientific basis for the beneficial effects of such plants and oils has not been precisely ... (Source: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine)

MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies : Mon, 21 Jul 2008
Interaction between warfarin and panax ginseng in ischemic stroke patients
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0: 1-7. Abstract Background: Today, the combined use of Oriental herbal medicines and Western biomedical medicines has been a prevalent yet controversial practice. Case reports and healthy volunteer trials have had conflicting results on the effect Panax ginseng ... (Source: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine)

Alternative Medicine PRNN : Wed, 16 Jul 2008
The Weather Is Ideal For Exploring The Great Outdoors The Excalibur Is the Perfect Companion For The Outdoor Enthusiast
(Alternative Medicine News and Information) Its summer and that means outdoor enthusiasts are hitting the trails setting up camp and exploring the great outdoors For many outdoor lovers healthy nonperishable foods and snacks are an integral part of enjoying outdoor pursuits An Excalibur food dehydrator httpwwwexcaliburdehydratorcomabouthtm is the perfect companion for making healthy dried fruits vegetables herbs and meatsWe have all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts who love our products states Shauna Verkade President and CEO at Excalibur From hunters who use the Excalibur to make tasty and preservative free jerky to cyclists climbers and others who enjoy power bars made with rolled oats chunks of dried fruit yogurt honey and other healthy natural ingredients I just love how versatile the Excalibur is and how it helps promote a healthy active lifestyle I love to say that owning an Excalibur is as important as owning a good pair of hiking shoesAccording to Ms Verkade the Excalibur ca...

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Latest articles : Mon, 14 Jul 2008
Exploring consumer and pharmacist views on the professional role of the pharmacist with respect to natural health products: a study of focus groups
Background: Natural health products (NHPs) such as herbs, vitamins and homeopathic medicines, are currently available for sale in most Canadian pharmacies. However, most pharmacists report that they have limited knowledge about these products which have been regulated in Canada as a specific sub-category of drugs. In this paper, consumers' and practicing pharmacists' perceptions of pharmacists' professional responsibilities with respect to NHPs are examined. Methods: A total of 16 focus groups were conducted with consumers (n = 50) and pharmacists (n = 47) from four different cities across Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, and Halifax). Results: In this paper, we illustrate the ways in which pharmacists' professional responsibilities are impacted by changing consumer needs. Many consumers in the study utilized a wide range of information resources that may or may not have included pharmacists. Nevertheless, the majority of consumers and pharmacists agreed that pharmacists should be...

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Latest articles : Mon, 14 Jul 2008
Protective effects of a compound herbal extract (Tong Xin Luo) on free fatty acid induced endothelial injury: Implications of antioxidant system
Background: Tong-Xin-Luo (TXL) – a mixture of herbal extracts, has been used in Chinese medicine with established therapeutic efficacy in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: We investigated the protective role of TXL extracts on endothelial cells injured by a known risk factor – palmitic acid (PA), which is elevated in metabolic syndrome and associated with cardiovascular complications. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were preconditioned with TXL extracts before exposed to PA for 24 hours. Results: We found that PA (0.5 mM) exposure induced 73% apoptosis in endothelial cells. However, when HAECs were preconditioned with ethanol extracted TXL (100 μg/ml), PA induced only 7% of the endothelial cells into apoptosis. Using antibody-based protein microarray, we found that TXL attenuated PA-induced activation of p38-MAPK stress pathway. To investigate the mechanisms involved in TXL's protective effects, we found that TXL reduced PA-induced intracellular ox...

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Mon, 14 Jul 2008
Protective effects of a compound herbal extract (tong xin luo) on free fatty acid induced endothelial injury: implications of antioxidant system
Background: An herbal mixture Tong-Xin-Luo (TXL) has been used in Chinese medicine with established therapeutic efficacy in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: We investigated the protective role of TXL on endothelial cells injured by a known risk factor a palmitic acid (PA), which is elevated in metabolic syndrome and associated with cardiovascular complications. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were preconditioned with TXL and treated with PA for 24 hours. Results: We found that PA (0.5 mM) exposure induced 73% of the endothelial apoptosis. However, when HAECs were preconditioned with ethanol extracted TXL (100 microgram/ml), PA induced only 7% apoptosis. Using antibody-based protein microarray, we found that TXL attenuated PA-induced activation of p38-MAPK related stress pathway. To investigate the mechanisms involved in TXLas protective effects, we found that TXL reduced PA-induced intracellular oxidative stress. Through AMPK pathway, TXL restored the intracellul...

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Mon, 14 Jul 2008
Exploring consumer and pharmacist views on the professional role of the pharmacist with respect to natural health products: a study of focus groups
Background: Natural health products (NHPs) such as herbs, vitamins and homeopathic medicines, are currently available for sale in most Canadian pharmacies. However, most pharmacists report that they have limited knowledge about these products which have been regulated in Canada as a specific sub-category of drugs. In this paper, consumers' and practicing pharmacists' perceptions of pharmacists' professional responsibilities with respect to NHPs are examined. Methods: A total of 16 focus groups were conducted with consumers (n = 50) and pharmacists (n = 47) from four different cities across Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, and Halifax). Results: In this paper we illustrate the ways in which pharmacists' professional responsibilities are impacted by changing consumer needs. Many consumers in the study utilized a wide range of information resources that may or may not have included pharmacists. Nevertheless, the majority of consumers and pharmacists agreed that pharmacists shoul...

MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies : Mon, 14 Jul 2008
Exploring consumer and pharmacist views on the professional role of the pharmacist with respect to natural health products: a study of focus groups
Background: Natural health products (NHPs) such as herbs, vitamins and homeopathic medicines, are currently available for sale in most Canadian pharmacies. However, most pharmacists report that they have limited knowledge about these products which have been regulated in Canada as a specific sub-category of drugs. In this paper, consumers' and practicing pharmacists' perceptions of pharmacists' professional responsibilities with respect to NHPs are examined. Methods: A total of 16 focus groups were conducted with consumers (n = 50) and pharmacists (n = 47) from four different cities across Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, and Halifax). Results: In this paper we illustrate the ways in which pharmacists' professional responsibilities are impacted by changing consumer needs. Many consumers in the study utilized a wide range of information resources that may or may not have included pharmacists. Nevertheless, the majority of consumers and pharmacists agreed that pharmacists shoul...

MedWorm: Allternative and Complementary Therapies : Mon, 14 Jul 2008
Protective effects of a compound herbal extract (tong xin luo) on free fatty acid induced endothelial injury: implications of antioxidant system
Background: An herbal mixture Tong-Xin-Luo (TXL) has been used in Chinese medicine with established therapeutic efficacy in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: We investigated the protective role of TXL on endothelial cells injured by a known risk factor a palmitic acid (PA), which is elevated in metabolic syndrome and associated with cardiovascular complications. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were preconditioned with TXL and treated with PA for 24 hours. Results: We found that PA (0.5 mM) exposure induced 73% of the endothelial apoptosis. However, when HAECs were preconditioned with ethanol extracted TXL (100 microgram/ml), PA induced only 7% apoptosis. Using antibody-based protein microarray, we found that TXL attenuated PA-induced activation of p38-MAPK related stress pathway. To investigate the mechanisms involved in TXLas protective effects, we found that TXL reduced PA-induced intracellular oxidative stress. Through AMPK pathway, TXL restored the intracellul...

MedWorm: Complementary Medicine : Sat, 12 Jul 2008
Hypolipidemic activity evaluation of drf/ay/4013, an herbal formulation in experimentally induced hyperlipidemic rats
The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal product DRF/AY/4013 for its hypolipidemic activity in various experimental rat models. An indigenous polyherbal formulation DRF/AY/4013, composed of different phytoconstituents like Terminalia arjuna, Commiphora mukul, Allium sativum, Cyperus rotundus and Acorus calamus extracts, exhibited potential hypolipidemic activity treatment in triton induced hyperlipidemic rats. Further, it also showed promising hypolipidemic activity in both high fat diet (HFD) induced hyperlipidemic rats and propylthiouracil (PTU) induced hyperlipidemic rats. In all the experimental hyperlipidemic models, DRF/AY/4013 treatment demonstrated dose dependent hypolipidemic activity at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg dose levels by decreasing serum lipid and lipoprotein profile, atherogenic index (AI) and lipid peroxidation process. Furthermore the 800 mg/kg dose level group V rats exhibited pronounced hypolipidemic activity almost comparable to atorvastat...

Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today : Tue, 8 Jul 2008
Obesity And Heart Disease May Be Reduced By Herbal Remedy
With unprecedented levels of obesity across the Western world, and incidence of associated heart disease, cancer and diabetes rising, there is a major drive to find new treatments. Scientists from Germany have recently discovered that extracts of a traditional herbal remedy derived from Tabebuia impetiginosa can act to delay the absorption of dietary fat in animal models.

Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today : Sat, 21 Jun 2008
Herbal Medicine: Will Practitioner Regulation Protect Consumers? New Book. UK
Recent news of proposed regulations that will apply to herbal medicine practitioners has stimulated yet more debate over the safety of herbal medicines. According to

Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today : Sat, 21 Jun 2008
Herbal Supplement For Patients With HIV & TB - Phase II Clinical Trial Of Botanical Immunomodulator Dzherelo (Immunoxel)
Ukrainian company Ekomed LLC announced this week that it had published Phase II clinical trial of its herbal supplement Dzherelo (Immunoxel) in patients with HIV and tuberculosis. The study appeared in June issue of International Immunopharmacology (2008; Volume 8(6): Pages 845-851). Abstract of the paper can be found online at PubMed -- medical information service of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) -

Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today : Tue, 17 Jun 2008
Report To Ministers From The Department Of Health Steering Group On The Statutory Regulation Of Practitioners Of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, UK
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) welcomes the report out from the Department of Health Steering Group on the Regulation of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The report recommends the statutory regulation of acupuncture through the Health Professions Council as soon as is practicable. This has brought a successful conclusion to a process in which the BAcC has been involved for well over a decade and to which it has made a major contribution.

Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today : Thu, 12 Jun 2008
Breakthrough Natural Formula Glucocil™ Unveiled To Help Type 2 Diabetics Achieve A Healthier Diet And Lifestyle
Neuliven Health, a leading innovator of scientifically formulated natural products designed to address America's pressing health issues, announced the launch of Glucocil™, the first breakthrough complete and natural herbal formula that helps Type 2 diabetics stabilize post-meal blood sugar levels, reduce the absorption of sugars and carbohydrates and suppress appetite.

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine - current issue : Mon, 26 May 2008
Interaction of Aqueous Extract of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel-Champ. with Glyburide in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice
Mushrooms are low calorie food with very little fat and are highly suitable for obese persons. With no starch and very low sugars, they are the ‘delight of the diabetics’. Combination of herbal drugs (or isolated phytochemicals) is found to be beneficial in certain diseases when given along with conventional drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Lentinaceae) (called as PP-aqu) and its interaction with glyburide in alloxan induced diabetic mice. The diabetic mice treated were with PP-aqu (500 mg/kg, p.o.) alone or combination with glyburide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected by orbital sinus puncture using heparinized capillary glass tubes and were analyzed for serum glucose on 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. Body weights and mortality were noted during the study period. In oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glucose (2.5 g/kg, p.o.) was administered with either vehicle, PP-a...

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine - current issue : Mon, 26 May 2008
Cytoprotective Activity of Glycyrrhizae radix Extract Against Arsenite-induced Cytotoxicity
Licorice, Glycyrrhizae radix , is one of the herbal medicines in East Asia that has been commonly used for treating various diseases, including stomach disorders. This study investigated the effect of licorice on arsenite (As)-induced cytotoxicity in H4IIE cells, a rat hepatocyte-derived cell line. Cell viability was significantly diminished in As-treated H4IIE cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, results from flow cytometric assay and DNA laddering in H4IIE cells showed that As treatment induced apoptotic cell death by activating caspase-3. Licorice (0.1 and 1.0 mg ml –1 ) treatment significantly inhibited cell death and the activity of caspase-3 in response to As exposure. These results demonstrate that licorice induced a cytoprotective effect against As-induced cell death by inhibition of caspase-3.

NYT > Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies : (no datestamp)
PERSONAL HEALTH; Potential for Harm in Dietary Supplements
A form of substance abuse rampant in this country is rarely discussed publicly or privately. It involves abusing legally sold dietary supplements -- vitamins, minerals, herbals and homeopathic remedies -- all of which can be sold over the counter without prior approval for safety and effectiveness. Although there was much publicity about the hazards of ephedra, once widely used as a weight-loss aid until it was found to be deadly, many other heralded dietary supplements have the potential for h...

NYT > Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies : (no datestamp)
Regimens: An Herbal Extract Eases Symptoms of Heart Failure
The herbal supplement hawthorn extract is effective in treating symptoms of chronic heart failure, new research suggests.

NYT > Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies : (no datestamp)
Echinacea Helps Colds, Major Review Shows
A review of more than 700 studies has concluded that the herb has a substantial effect in preventing colds and in limiting their duration.