Natural Standard Blog

Antifungal Effects of Pumpkin Protein

Pumpkin rinds contain a protein that may help fight against fungal infections, researchers report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

The protein, called Pr-2, exhibited antifungal effects against 10 different species, including Candida albicans, which is a common cause of yeast infections and diaper rash. Pr-2 also inhibited the growth of several fungi that are known to infect crops. The authors suggest that Pr-2 may work by targeting the cell wall of the fungi. However, the protein did not exhibit antibacterial effects.

Although the results are promising, additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

Pumpkin has traditionally been used to treat many other types of medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, but evidence of effectiveness has not been proven.

For more information about integrative therapies for yeast infections, please visit Natural Standard’s Comparative Effectiveness database.

Glucosamine May Not Slow Osteoarthritis Progression

A new study suggests that, contrary to popular belief, glucosamine may not slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is a natural compound that is part of healthy cartilage. Glucosamine supplements are widely used to treat osteoarthritis. Several earlier studies support this use, but these studies used x-rays to measure joint damage caused by knee osteoarthritis.

The latest study, presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, used MRI scanners to assess cartilage damage in 201 patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine or placebo daily. Cartilage damage of both knees was assessed at baseline and six months later.

Results showed no difference in the progression of cartilage damage between the glucosamine and placebo groups. Researchers also noted that there was no difference in cartilage synthesis between the two groups.

However, the results may be limited because researchers used the hydrochloride form of glucosamine as opposed to the sulfate form, which is more often studied. Overall, research on the use of glucosamine for osteoarthritis of the knee is inconclusive.

For more information about glucosamine and its uses, please visit Natural Standard’s Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

Green Tea for Pneumonia

Drinking green tea may be protective against pneumonia, a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests.

The study followed 40,572 National Health Insurance beneficiaries in Japan (19,079 men and 21,493 women) who were 40-79 years old and did not have histories of cancer, heart attack or stroke. Study participants were examined to determine the potential relationship between green tea consumption and death from pneumonia.

After 12 years of follow up, 406 out of the 34,539 participants included (6,033 lost to follow-up) died from pneumonia. However, drinking green tea daily was associated with significantly lower risks of death from pneumonia among women.

After adjusting for age, smoking status, physical functionality and other risk factors, drinking just one cup of green daily was linked to a 41 percent reduced risk of dying from pneumonia among women. Benefits were greater when green tea consumption increased, as women who reported drinking five or more cups a day had a 47 percent lower risk of dying from pneumonia. These results were not observed in men.

Of the many reported benefits of green tea, these data support the possibility that green tea contains components that help fight against viruses and bacteria. For instance, catechins, a main constituent of green tea, have been suggested to have antiviral activity according to experimental and animal studies.

The findings of this cohort study are suggestive, but drinking green tea is not yet recommended to replace current preventative techniques such as hand washing and yearly flu vaccination.

Other non-pharmacological therapies have also been tested for the prevention of pneumonia and pneumonia-related complications. Chiropractic and chlorophyll are just some of the other integrative therapies with potential immune-regulating effects and suggested protective benefits for pneumonia, but the evidence is not fully supportive.

For more information about pneumonia, please visit Natural Standard’s Medical Conditions database.

B-Vitamins may not Protect Against Heart Disease

A recent review of scientific data suggests that vitamin B6, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 may not help prevent heart attacks, strokes or death in people with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease.

Vitamin B deficiencies have been associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, a condition characterized by high levels of an amino acid (called homocysteine) that has been linked to heart disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia does not cause symptoms, but it may irritate blood vessels, leading to blockages in arteries. Therefore, researchers set out to analyze the effects of B vitamins on heart attack and stroke incidence.

Researchers analyzed data from eight human trials that tested the effects of vitamin B6, B9, B12 or a combination of these supplements in 24,210 adults. The participants had 1) heart and blood vessel disease, 2) atherosclerosis or a history of stroke, heart attack or other complications 3) or major risk factors for heart disease. 

The authors concluded that vitamin-B supplements in addition to standard care did not reduce a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke or death for up to seven years of follow up.

Some herbs have also been suggested as possible therapies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. For instance, strong evidence suggests that the use of red yeast rice and soy may help lower cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.  Patients may also lower their risk of developing heart disease by eating healthfully, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking.

For more information about integrative therapies for heart disease, please visit Natural Standard’s Comparative Effectiveness database.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Major breast cancer organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, are joining forces this month as part of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month program. The campaign aims to increase awareness and promote research about the disease.

As part of this effort, Natural Standard is working with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure© organization to provide consumer information about integrative therapies for breast cancer.

New evidence from the American Cancer Society suggests that in recent years, fewer Americans are dying from breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2009-2010 report suggests that from 1990 to 2005, the number of breast cancer-related deaths has decreased by about 27 percent.

Although fatality rates have decreased among African American, Hispanic and Caucasian women, disparities exist between some races. According to the findings, African American women have a 40 percent higher fatality rate than Caucasian women. The authors suggest that several factors, such as unequal access to medical care and late-stage diagnosis, may contribute to disproportional mortality rates.

Early detection of breast cancer remains essential for improving long-term outcomes. When breast cancer is diagnosed early, the survival rate is about 100 percent, but if diagnosed late, the survival rate is only about 20 percent. Yet, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006-2008 only 30 percent of uninsured women had mammograms, compared to 70 percent of insured women.

Aside from regular cancer screenings, diet and lifestyle choices may factor into breast cancer risk and management. It is generally recommended that individuals eat healthy and well-balanced diets, maintain healthy body weight, exercise regularly and drink alcohol in moderation (if at all). Many studies are testing the potential benefits of specific foods and diets on breast cancer.

For instance, a new study suggests that a "prudent diet" rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, yet low in sugars and processed meats may help cut the risk of breast cancer in some African American women.

After studying the diets and health of 50,778 African American women from 1995 to 2007, the researchers found that normal-weight women who followed the prudent diet were about one-third less likely to develop breast cancer than those followed a Western-style diet. However, benefits were not observed in overweight women.

The prudent diet was also associated with a 30 percent reduced risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women compared to post-menopausal women.

Another recent study found that a high-fiber diet may also decrease the risk of breast cancer.

The researchers analyzed data from 185,598 post-menopausal women who participated in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Hormone receptor status, which indicates whether estrogen (ER) and/or progesterone (PR) fuel the growth of the tumor, was available for 2,391 patients.

After an average follow-up period of seven years, the researchers found that women who ate the most fiber were 13 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than those who ate the least amount. The association was stronger among those with negative ER/PR tumors compared to those with positive ER/PR tumors.

However, more studies are needed to fully understand the potential relationship between fiber intake and breast cancer risk.

Although some diets may be beneficial for breast cancer, some foods, herbs and supplements may increase the risk of the disease or interact with cancer treatment. For instance, soy red clover and black cohosh contain phytoestrogens, which act similarly to estrogen. For more information about the safety of integrative therapies, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements and Health & Wellness databases.

To screen for potential interactions with other therapies, including chemotherapy, please visit Natural Standard's Interactions Checker.

For more information about breast cancer, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.

Natural Standard Handheld/Desktop Version

Natural Standard subscribers are eligible to receive free handheld and desktop versions of the database for one year plus a 15 percent discount on Skyscape references. This offer is available until January 2010.

With the handheld version, individuals can quickly access evidence-based information about integrative therapies, including herbs, supplements, alternative modalities, exercise and nutrition. This decision-support tool also cross-indexes with all of Skyscape's 500+ clinical, drug and diagnostic references.

The desktop version contains consolidated data on effectiveness, side effects, interactions, dosing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, historical background, practitioner accreditation, theory and safety. Individual subscriptions are also available for both handheld and desktop versions.

Simply e-mail info@naturalstandard.com and provide a complete e-mail address list of authorized subscribers who are interested in taking advantage of this special offer. Subscribers will receive personal codes to activate their handheld/desktop versions.

To receive a 15 percent discount on additional Skyscape references, please visit www.skyscape.com/naturalstandard and enter discount code: 93821.

Vitamin D for Fall Prevention

Vitamin D may help prevent falls in the elderly, according to a new analysis published in the British Medical Journal. The study supports earlier findings that vitamin D may improve balance, strength and bone health among older adults.

Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources, such as fish (such as salmon and tuna), fish liver oil and fortified foods (such as milk and cereal). The body also makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Vitamin D helps the body maintain normal blood levels of phosphorus and aids in the absorption of calcium, which is important to develop and maintain strong bones. Recent evidence also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer and several autoimmune diseases.

The researchers analyzed data from eight studies that tested the effects of vitamin D on fall prevention in 2,426 adults who were at least 65 years old.

The authors found that taking 700-1,000 IU of vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 for two to five months significantly reduced the risk of falls by 19 percent and 26 percent, respectively. The beneficial effects remained after adjusting for age, living environment and calcium supplementation.

However, the dose is higher than the current recommended amount. The recommended amount for people who are 50-70 years old is 400 IU, while 600 IU is recommended for those who are older than 70. Some researchers have questioned whether the current recommended adequate levels are sufficient to meet physiological needs, particularly for people who are no exposed to sunlight regularly. The Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board recommends an upper limit of 2,000 IU of vitamin D, as higher doses may have toxic effects.

Vitamin D may interact with other agents, particularly digoxin, corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives, thiazide diuretics and herbs or supplements with similar effects. To learn more about potential interactions, please visit Natural Standard's Interactions Checker.

For more information about vitamin D, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

Yoga may Improve Dowager's Hump

New evidence suggests that yoga may help prevent dowager's hump, an age-related curvature of the upper spine.

Dowager's hump, also called kyphosis, is the result of advanced osteoporosis. The condition often causes muscle fatigue and pain. In severe cases, it may lead to difficulty breathing and limited mobility.

The study included 118 otherwise healthy older adults with moderate dowager's humps. On average, participants were about 75 years old, and 81 percent were female. Although most said they did not have physical limitations, about 75 percent reported pain four weeks before the study.

The participants were randomly assigned to attend one-hour yoga classes three days weekly or a monthly information luncheon for 24 weeks. The yoga class involved breathing techniques and poses to increase body awareness, flexibility and strength.

By the end of the study, spinal curve improved in the yoga group, but worsened in the control group. The authors also found that yoga significantly improved upper back pain and symptoms of sleep disorders.

Although these early findings are promising, the authors called for additional studies involving larger sample sizes.

Yoga has been studied for many other medical conditions. There is strong evidence that yoga may help treat high blood pressure. There is also good evidence that yoga may be beneficial for altitude sickness, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, heart disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, epilepsy, lung diseases, psychiatric disorders, quality of life and substance abuse.

For more information about yoga, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness database.

Webinar Forum: Bala (Sida Cordifolia)

Tamara Z. Saleh, BS Pharmacy, MS Applied Natural Products, MCPHS, is presenting this month's webinar on an Indian weed called bala (Sida Cordifolia). Using the Natural Standard Grading Scale™ as a guide, Saleh discusses the available evidence of efficacy for bala in a variety of conditions.

To listen to the lecture, please click here. Complimentary access is available October 1-31, 2009.

Natural Standard remains impartial and offers these educational webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com.

Natural Standard values the opinions and views of its readers and welcomes feedback and questions. Individuals are invited to leave comments on Natural Standard's blog and/or e-mail questions@naturalstandard.com.

Acupressure Therapy May Prevent Diabetic Complications

Acupressure therapy plus diet and exercise plans may inhibit the development of diabetic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes, a report in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests.

After an initial recruitment of 80 participants, the Chinese study followed 64 patients with type 2 diabetes for three years. All study participants were treated with conventional medications plus diet and exercise programs to manage high blood pressure and hyperglycemia. One group was randomly assigned to undergo 90-minute sessions of acupressure four to six times a week in addition to standard treatment.

At the end of the three-year follow up, patients in the acupressure group had lower levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and higher levels of HDL-cholesterol. Nerve conduction velocity was also significantly higher in the acupressure group, indicating preserved nerve function. Serum creatinine and urine protein, surrogate markers of kidney function, were similar between both groups at the end of study follow-up.

Given these suggestive results that acupressure may help prevent diabetic complications, such as kidney failure and nerve damage, further studies may be warranted. The Chinese diet and lifestyle may not be globally representative. However, if these results can be replicated in different populations, the authors suggest that acupressure may be an important adjunctive strategy to help prevent long-term complications of type 2 diabetes.

Non-pharmacological management already plays a significant role in the prevention of diabetic complications. Other integrative therapies have also been investigated in managing symptoms. For instance, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has consistently been shown to improve blood sugar levels among patients with type 2 diabetes. Ginseng and beta-glucan also have suggestive benefits in inhibiting the development of diabetes-related complications, although the data are not as compelling.

For more information about acupressure therapy, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness database.