Abstracts & Commmentary
Urtica Benefits Women with Diabetes
04-19-2017 A recent randomized controlled trial finds extract of stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) superior to placebo in reducing fasting plasma glucose in women with diabetes.
Fenugreek Standardized Extract for Menopausal Symptoms
04-19-2017 Fenugreek seed has a long history of medicinal use, and recent research suggests it has activity in hormone-mediated conditions. A new placebo-controlled trial shows that fenugreek extract substantially and significantly improves a range of menopause-related symptoms.
Inositol, Betaine, and Boswellia for Breast Health
04-19-2017 Breast lumps and breast pain are common concerns among premenopausal women. In a recent randomized controlled trial, familiar, readily available supplements significantly improved breast symptoms.
Artificial Light at Night Increases Breast Cancer Risk
04-19-2017 A recent observational study generated maps that color coded high to low levels of light at night, as well as breast cancer incidence, per census tract. As hypothesized, more cases occurred in the urban and high-population areas.
Urban Air Pollution and Insulin Resistance, Type 2 Diabetes, and Obesity
04-05-2017 Preventing diabetes—a breath of fresh air? A recent trial raises diabetes concerns for people living in urban environments.
Electric Bicycles Increase Fitness
04-05-2017 Using an electrically assisted bicycle to commute to work for even 1 month may have measurable health benefits.
Olfaction, Radioactive Iodine, and Salivation
04-05-2017 According to a recent randomized controlled trial, aromatherapy may be helpful in treating radiation-induced dry mouth.
Nigella sativa Supports Healing in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
04-05-2017 Placebo-controlled study demonstrates positive effects of Nigella sativa (also known as black cumin), supporting its use in the management of both endocrine and immune disorders.
Do Low FODMAP Diets Work for IBS-D?
03-01-2017 A second trial of a low FODMAP diet for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is as inconclusive as the first, leaving lingering questions about the helpfulness of this diet for patients with IBS.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
03-01-2017 A trial of the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) yields convincing results: 8 out of 10 children who adhered to the SCD for 12 weeks obtained clinical remission.
Vitamin B12 and Tinnitus
03-01-2017 Pilot study shows vitamin B12 improved tinnitus, possibly revealing a new mechanism for treating neuronal inflammation.
Topical EGCG for Radiation Dermatitis
02-01-2017 Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol abundant in green tea, appears to soothe the red, burning, painful, itchy skin associated with radiation therapy.
Vitamin D in Miscarriage Prevention
02-01-2017 Randomized controlled trial shows vitamin D supplementation reduces pregnancy losses and provides clues to the mechanism of action.
Diet for Prostate Cancer Survivors
02-01-2017 Study analyzing associations between consumption of various sources of protein and recurrence of prostate cancer does not yield exciting new findings, but there are a few take-home messages.
Self-Care with Acupressure for Cancer-Related Fatigue
02-01-2017 Acupressure significantly improved sleep quality and quality of life measures in women with persistent cancer-related fatigue in a recent randomized clinical trial.
Acetaminophen and Risk of Behavioral Problems in Children
12-07-2016 Associations between prenatal use of acetaminophen and behavioral problems in children adds to concerns about the safety of what is widely considered to be a benign over-the-counter remedy for pain and fever.
Does Magnesium Really Help Hot Flashes?
12-07-2016 Previous studies suggested magnesium could be an effective treatment for hot flashes. A new study finds the mineral is no better than placebo—but still effective.
Saffron Powerfully Modulates Anxiety and Depression
12-07-2016 A randomized controlled trial finds saffron extract reduces symptoms of both anxiety and depression, with benefits similar to a leading antidepressant medication.
Colorectal Cancer Risk Reduction Using Metformin
12-07-2016 Last month we learned of metformin’s anticancer benefits in breast cancer. This month we review the evidence for its potential to prevent colorectal cancer. And again we ask, “What place does metformin have in natural medicine?”
Ashwagandha Helps Manage Stress-Related Weight Gain
11-02-2016 A recent double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of a popular adaptogen on controlling weight and improving general well-being in adults with chronic stress.