|
|
|
|
Complementary Medicine Medical and Health News Headlines
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Recent Complementary Medicine Medical News Headlines |
|
|
|
|
NCCAM's Advisory Council Welcomes Five New Members
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) welcomes five new members to the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NACCAM). The council serves as the principal advisory body to NCCAM, the lead Federal agency for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research, and a component of the National Institutes of Health.The council is composed of physicians, scientists, licensed CAM practitioners, and members of the public who contribute their time and expertise over a four-year term. Members meet three times per year, offering advice and recommendations on prioritization, conduct, and support of CAM research, including research training and communication of evidence-based health information. (Source: NCCAM Featured Content)...
POSTED 02/05/2010 at 03:49 PM --
|
Acupuncture Found Effective Against Depression During Pregnancy
In a study presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting™ in Chicago, researchers unveiled findings that show that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for depression during pregnancy... (Source: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today)...
POSTED 02/05/2010 at 02:00 AM --
|
Effect of acupressure and trigger points in treating headache: a randomized controlled trial.
In conclusion, our study suggests that 1 month of acupressure treatment is more effective in reducing chronic headache than 1 month of muscle relaxant treatment, and that the effect remains 6 months after treatment. Trigger points help demonstrate the treatment technique recommended if a larger-scale study is conducted in the future.
PMID: 20128040 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Chinese Medicine)...
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
A randomized controlled pilot trial of "feiji recipe" on quality of life of non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Authors: Tian JH, Liu LS, Shi ZM, Zhou ZY, Wang L
In order to pilot a study observing the feasibility of applying the Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) version 2.0 to assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with NSCLC treated with Feiji Recipe, a randomized, parallel controlled clinical trial was conducted in the university-affiliated hospital. Seventy inpatients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into the study, and 60 cases were available as subjects for QOL data analysis. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the Feiji Recipe group (A); the Feiji Recipe combined with chemotherapy group (B); and the chemotherapy group (C) in which the patients were treated with vinorelbine plus cisplatin (NP) or gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP). QOL wa......
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Daurisoline suppressed early afterdepolarizations and inhibited L-type calcium current.
In this study, the effects of DS on early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and its possible mechanisms have been investigated. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in rabbits by coarctating the abdominal aorta. The effects of DS on action potential duration (APD) and the incidences of EADs were studied in hypertrophied papillary muscles of rabbits in the conditions of low external K(+) concentration ([K(+)]o) and dofetilide (dof) by using standard microelectrode technique. The whole-cell patch clamp was used to record the L-type calcium current (I(Ca-L)) in isolated left ventricular cells of rabbits. The results showed that in hypertrophied papillary muscles of rabbits with low [K(+)]o ([K(+)]o = 2.7 mM), 1 microM dof prolonged APD(50) and APD(90) markedly and the incidence of EADs was 66.7% (4/6, p......
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
The anti-inflammatory effect of paeoniflorin on cerebral infarction induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury in sprague-dawley rats.
In conclusion, Paeoniflorin reduced cerebral infarct and neurological deficit in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats, suggesting that paeoniflorin may have a similar effect in humans and might be a suitable treatment for stroke. Paeoniflorin reduced cerebral infarct, at least in part, involves the anti-inflammatory properties.
PMID: 20128044 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Chinese Medicine)...
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Effects of a Flavonoid Extract from Cynomorium songaricum on the Swimming Endurance of Rats.
Authors: Yu FR, Liu Y, Cui YZ, Chan EQ, Xie MR, McGuire PP, Yu FH
The present study investigated the effects of a flavonoid extract from Cynomorium songaricum on the swimming endurance of rats by measuring changes of free radical scavenging enzymes, such as CuZn-SOD (copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase) and GSH-px (glutathione peroxidase), and body weights. Significant and dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects of flavonoids (rutin, catechin and isoquercitrin) on swimming rats were observed during 10 days of swimming exercise. After treatment with the flavonoid extract at doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg body weight, the CuZn-SOD and GSH-px activities in swimming rats were increased by 1.4%, 3.3%, 4.1% and 112.2%, 208.7%, 261.7%, respectively, while the levels of MDA (malondi......
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Protective Effect of 'Rocket' Eruca sativa L. in Rats.
In conclusion, it was observed that Eruca sativa L. extract protects the liver against CCl(4) induced hepatic injury through its potent antioxidant activity in rats.
PMID: 20128046 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Chinese Medicine)...
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Curcumin and saikosaponin a inhibit chemical-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis in rats.
This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic actions of curcumin and saikosaponin A on CCl(4)-induced liver damage. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, CCl(4), CCl(4)+ curcumin (0.005%; CU), CCl(4) + saikosaponin A (0.004%; SS), and CCl(4) + curcumin + saikosaponin A (0.005% + 0.004%; CU + SS) groups. Carbon tetrachloride (40% in olive oil) at a dose of 0.75 ml/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a week. Curcumin and saikosaponin A were supplemented alone or in combination with diet 1 week before CCl(4) injection for 8 weeks. After 8-week supplementation, histopathological results showed hepatic collagen deposition was significantly reduced in the CU and SS groups, and activated nuclear factor-kappa B expression induced by CCl(4) in the liver was si......
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Icariin Inhibits the Increased Inward Calcium Currents Induced by Amyloid-beta(25-35) Peptide in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons of Neonatal Rat Hippocampal Slice.
Authors: Li L, Tsai HJ, Li L, Wang XM
Overload of intracellular calcium caused by amyloid-beta peptide has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) provide one of the major sources of Ca(2+) entry into cells. Here, we investigated whether icariin had effect on the changes of calcium currents induced by Abeta(25-35) in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Using whole-cell patch-clamp, we showed that Abeta(25-35) enhanced the inward Ba(2+) and Ca(2+) currents. The currents were partially inhibited by Ni(2+) and completely suppressed by Cd(2+), indicating that Abeta(25-35) disrupts intracellular calcium homeostasis via the modulation of both L- and T-type channels. Furthermore, icariin nearly complete suppressed the ab......
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Anti-Inflammatory Function of Nodosin via Inhibition of IL-2.
Authors: Li J, Du J, Sun L, Liu J, Quan Z
In order to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of Nodosin from Isodon serra, a traditional Chinese herb medicine, mouse T lymphocytes were incubated with Nodosin. In the current study, Nodosin suppressed the overproduction of the T lymphocytes; moreover, cell mitosis cycle was modulated by interfering with DNA replication in G1 stages via inhibition of IL-2 cytokine secretion at the mRNA level by Nodosin. Interestingly, Xylene-induced mouse tumescence model results suggested Nodosin depressed the murine ear-swelling extent and the level of IL-2 in the blood serum. Finally, Nodosin possessed significant anti-inflammatory effects and is a potential candidate for further clinical trial.
PMID: 20128050 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Amer......
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Comparison of Puerariae Radix and Its Hydrolysate on Stimulation of Hyaluronic Acid Production in NHEK Cells.
In conclusion, PR preparations would stimulate HA production in NHEK cells which might be used as a new cosmetic ingredient in moisturizers and an anti-aging agent.
PMID: 20128051 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Chinese Medicine)...
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Effects of herbal medicinal formulas on suppressing viral replication and modulating immune responses.
This study tests whether these and other Chinese and Western herbal medicinal formulas can modulate the immune functions involving virus-suppression in BALB/c mouse. We first confirmed the extract from Viola yedoensis Makino, but not from Radix Isatidis, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Chui-Uren-Chien (CUC), or a Western homeopathic medicinal drink Método Canova, could inhibit the replications of herpes simplex virus-1 and enterovirus 71 in the human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cell line. Subsequently, the same herbal extracts and drink underwent toxicity and immunomodulatory tests on mice of 5-7 weeks old. After 8 weeks of feeding different herbal medicinal formulas, no hepatic or renal toxicity was noted in any tested animal; whereas among the immune function evaluations, o......
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Purification, Characterization and Immuno-Modulating Properties of Polysaccharides Isolated from Flammulina velutipes Mycelium.
Authors: Yin H, Wang Y, Wang Y, Chen T, Tang H, Wang M
To investigate the immuno-modulating activity of Flammulina velutipes mycelium, three different Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVPs) were isolated by fractionation using gel filtration and were identified as the immunomodulators of murine peritoneal macrophages. Based on the results of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), NMR spectroscopy, methylation analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrogram (GC-MS), FVP2C was identified as glucose, galactose, mannose and fucose in molar ratio of 100: 14: 7: 4. FVP2C, molecular weight of 27.3 x 10(3) Da, was characterized as alpha-D-(1-->4)-glucan which was highly branched with alpha-D-(1-->6)-glucosyl residues, a single......
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Evaluation of the Cultivation Age of Dried Ginseng Radix and Its Commercial Products by Using (1)H-NMR Fingerprint Analysis.
Authors: Lin WN, Lu HY, Lee MS, Yang SY, Chen HJ, Chang YS, Chang WT
The perfect ginseng radix is collected when the ginseng root reaches a cultivation age of six years; this ensures the best mass quality and consistency of the plant's essential bioactive components. Since traditional means of authentication via physical appearance or smell are hardly reliable, an efficient analytical method that can determine the real cultivation age of dried ginseng radix in commercial products, especially ginseng products of various dosage forms, is urgently required. In the present study, chemical fingerprint by (1)H-NMR spectroscopy was used on dried ginseng radix samples with cultivation ages ranging from 1-6 years. The resulting dataset was then analyzed by using principle component analysis and......
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 05:12 PM --
|
Updated Advisory Council Meeting Agenda for February 5th 2010
Update: Due to the impending major snowstorm predicted for the mid-Atlantic region on Friday, the agenda for the February 5, 2010, meeting of the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine will be shortened. Those who wish to provide public comments must be present at the meeting. For updates, please visit http://nccam.nih.gov/ or call 301.594.9632. (Source: NCCAM Featured Content)...
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 02:09 PM --
|
Funding Strategy: Fiscal Year 2010
NCCAM distributes its resources among many programs and mechanisms. The Center is committed to funding the largest number of meritorious projects possible, while allowing the flexibility needed to support selected program priorities and to respond to emerging scientific opportunities.The Center establishes general guidelines for funding based on the overall NCCAM appropriation, allowing for necessary adjustments throughout the year to reflect directives from Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as emerging program priorities. (Source: NCCAM Featured Content)...
POSTED 02/04/2010 at 08:51 AM --
|
'The Science of CAIM: What's Next for Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medical Research?'
(Source: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine)...
POSTED 02/03/2010 at 09:56 PM --
|
Mucuna pruriens Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in Infertile Men
The present investigation was undertaken to assess the role of Mucuna pruriens in infertile men who were under psychological stress. Study included 60 subjects who were undergoing infertility screening and were found to be suffering from psychological stress, assessed on the basis of a questionnaire and elevated serum cortisol levels. Age-matched 60 healthy men having normal semen parameters and who had previously initiated at least one pregnancy were included as controls. Infertile subjects were administered with M. pruriens seed powder (5 g day–1) orally. For carrying out morphological and biochemical analysis, semen samples were collected twice, first before starting treatment and second after 3 months of treatment. The results demonstrated decreased sperm count and motility in su......
POSTED 02/03/2010 at 09:56 PM --
|
Can Homeopathy Bring Additional Benefits to Thalassemic Patients on Hydroxyurea Therapy? Encouraging Results of a Preliminary Study
Several homeopathic remedies, namely, Pulsatilla Nigricans (30th potency), Ceanothus Americanus (both mother tincture and 6th potency) and Ferrum Metallicum (30th potency) selected as per similia principles were administered to 38 thalassemic patients receiving Hydroxyurea (HU) therapy for a varying period of time. Levels of serum ferritin (SF), fetal hemoglobin (HbF), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count (PC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), white blood cell (WBC) count, bilirubin content, alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and serum total protein content of patients were determined before and 3 months after administration of the homeopathic remedies in combination with HU to eva......
POSTED 02/03/2010 at 09:56 PM --
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional
medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a
qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
