Peer-Reviewed Articles

Botanical remedies have been used for centuries to treat various inflammatory conditions. This review describes some recent advances in our understanding of the actions and efficacy of 2 ancient anti-inflammatory herbs--turmeric (Curcuma longa) and frankincense (Boswellia serrata)--with modern examples of the evidence of their efficacy in osteoarthritis.

A multi-pronged approach to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is considered the most effective and safest way to treat anxiety due to the wide range of causal factors and dysregulation of various neurotransmitters that are often involved. With a focus on correcting neurotransmitter imbalances in the limbic system, as well as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, clinicians can choose from several scientifically supported nutrients and herbs the ones that are most appropriate for each patient to modulate these pathways and change the course of this disorder.

Activated charcoal is a carbon-rich material that has been processed to have an increased surface area. It is widely used for treating drug overdoses and poisonings, but it also has been studied for many stomach disorders, including diarrhea, gas, and indigestion. In this monograph, Natural Standard offers a thorough review of all the research on activated charcoal's health effects.

Happy New Year from all of us at Natural Medicine Journal! Take a look at the articles our readers liked best in 2012.

Siberian ginseng is a small, woody shrub native to southeastern Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. Although Eleutherococcus senticosus is not related to true ginseng (Panax ginseng), the name Siberian ginseng became popular because the two plants shared some similar properties.

Vitamin K4, K5 and K6 are all synthetically derived compounds used in experimental settings. In regard to osteoporosis, phylloquinone and menaquinones are the most relevant so this review will address only these vitamers biological significance in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

New clinical applications for the alkaloid berberine have come to light in recent years. Applications related to adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and berberine's possible therapeutic use in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipdemia are reviewed in this article. Potential applications related to cancer are not discussed here but are reserved for a second review.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by resting tremors, rigidity of movement, postural abnormalities, and akinesia. The "trigger"for the onset of PD is not known and is presumed to be multifactorial, involving genetic susceptibility and environmental agents.

Healthcare providers can help prevent and treat osteoporosis by supporting the improvement of nutritional status through diet and nutritional supplementation, along with suggestion for an increase in exercise training.

Some research has raised concern that parabens may be associated breast cancer. Parabens have been detected in human breast tissue and have shown estrogenic properties.