Abstracts & Commmentary
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.
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.
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?”
Grape Juice Improves Driving in Stressed Working Mothers
11-02-2016 Placebo-controlled study demonstrates the benefits of flavonoid-rich grape juice for women who live life in the fast lane.
Metformin Protects Against Breast Cancer Metastasis
11-02-2016 Study demonstrates metformin’s anticancer benefits in a new subpopulation of women with breast cancer.
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.
Aspirin and Colorectal Cancer
11-02-2016 Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the top causes of cancer death in the United States. For those with a history of CRC, a life-extending treatment may already be in the medicine cabinet.
Treatment of IgE-mediated Food Allergies with Baked Egg Biscuits
10-26-2016 Study shows that gradually introducing egg protein in baked form can effectively desensitize egg-allergic children.
Vitamin D Effective for Suppressing Immune Reactions
10-26-2016 Double-blind, randomized controlled study, finds vitamin D is associated with changes in cell-mediated immunity—and that serum vitamin D levels increase significantly after 2 months of supplementation.
Periodontitis and Alzheimer’s Disease
10-26-2016 Observational study sheds light on the mechanisms driving Alzheimer’s disease progression. Can a relatively simple intervention help slow cognitive decline?
Benefits of Elderberry for Symptoms of Common Cold in Air Travelers
10-26-2016 In this placebo-controlled study, elderberry extract reduced symptoms and duration of common colds related to air travel, but the quality of the study raises some concerns.
High Glycemic Index Diet Associated with Lung Cancer
10-05-2016 A new study, only the second to evaluate the associations between glycemic index and lung cancer, suggests a low glycemic index diet may have benefits for prevention.
Metformin and Acupuncture in Overweight/Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
10-05-2016 Small trial sparks high hopes: If electroacupuncture improves blood sugar markers in people with diabetes, could it also help those who are at risk?
Fenugreek’s Effects on Hormone Changes and Sexual Function in Healthy Men
10-05-2016 Low testosterone affects 20% of men over age 70. This double-blind, randomized clinical study suggests fenugreek extract may help.
Early Peanut Exposure and Allergy Risk
10-05-2016 Mounting evidence supports recommendations to introduce infants without an existing peanut allergy to peanut products earlier in life to prevent peanut allergy.
Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy and Infancy
09-21-2016 When in a child’s life is iron supplementation most critical? Hint: Iron deficiency during periods of rapid brain growth can impair development.
Parental Sleep and Reported Sleep Quality of Children
09-21-2016 When a parent reports sleep problems in their child, healthcare providers often focus on the child’s issues, but sleep problems in children may be more of a family affair.