Natural Standard Blog

Natural Remedies for Battling Allergies

Seasonal allergies affect a large percentage of the general population every year. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also called pollinosis, hay fever or nasal allergies, is characterized by several symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes. Symptoms occur after airborne allergens like dust, dander or pollen are inhaled. When pollens cause the allergic symptoms, the allergic rhinitis is commonly referred to as "hay fever."

Treatment for allergic rhinitis depends on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. Patients may benefit from allergy medications like antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, decongestants, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and nasal corticosteroid sprays. Minimizing exposure to known allergens may also help prevent or reduce allergy symptoms.

Butterbur: Butterbur is a perennial shrub, found throughout Europe as well as parts of Asia and North America. It is usually found in wet, marshy ground, in damp forests, and adjacent to rivers or streams. Comparisons of butterbur to prescription drugs such as fexofenadine (Allegra®) and cetirizine (Zyrtec®) have reported similar efficacy. These results suggest benefits of butterbur for prevention of allergic rhinitis. Additional study is warranted before a strong recommendation can be made.

Galphimia glauca: Thryallis (Galphimia glauca), is a small evergreen shrub found in tropical regions of Mexico and Central America. Traditional medicine practitioners in Latin America use Galphimia glauca for the treatment of asthma and allergies, while Mexican traditional medicine uses Galphimia glauca as a sedative in the treatment of mental disorders. Human studies have shown that Galphimia glauca may reduce eye and nose irritation associated with hay fever and pollen allergy. However, these benefits may be due to the placebo effect.

Bromelain: Bromelain is a sulfur-containing proteolytic digestive enzyme that is extracted from the stem and the fruit of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus, family Bromeliaceae). It is proposed that bromelain may be a useful addition to other therapies used for sinusitis (such as antibiotics) due to its ability to reduce inflammation/swelling. Studies report mixed results, although overall bromelain appears to be beneficial for reducing swelling and improving breathing. Better studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

Luffa: Luffa operculata is a plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. In some cultures, young luffa fruits are eaten as vegetables. In the early 1960s, knowledge about Luffa operculata came from the indigenous people of Colombia to the Western homeopathic community. Several homeopathic companies use it in combination with other herbs as a nasal spray treatment for sinusitis and rhinitis. Limited research reports that a combination of herbs and minerals that contained Luffa operculata lessened symptoms of hay fever. However, additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

For more information about integrative therapies with evidence of benefit for seasonal allergies, please visit, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Natural Standard Celebrates Celiac Awareness Month

May is Celiac Awareness Month. Celiac disease, also called celiac sprue, is a digestive disorder that occurs when an individual's immune system overreacts to the protein gluten, or other proteins within gluten such as gliadin, found in grains including wheat, rye, barley, and to some degree, oats. When a patient with the disease eats food that contains gluten, the immune system's response damages the intestinal lining. This causes symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating after consuming gluten.

Natural Standard celebrates Celiac Awareness Month by highlighting several gluten free recipes:

Gluten free pancakes: This low sodium, heart healthy, low fat recipe uses almond and soy flour in place of whole wheat flour.

Gluten free zucchini bread: This high fiber, low cholesterol recipe uses a combination of coconut and almond flour.

Gluten free meatballs: This low fat meatball recipe features Romano cheese and oregano.

For more information about Celiac Awareness Month, please visit the National Foundation of Celiac Awareness website.

Cocoa Consumption May Enhance Mood

A recent study suggests that chocolate may improve mood, but may not affect brain function.

Cocoa and chocolate are derived from the cacao bean (Theobroma cacao). Cacao is native to South America and has been grown in the tropics for at least 3,000 years. Today, the African country Ivory Coast is the largest supplier of raw cocoa.

Chocolate has been studied to investigate its effectiveness in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including heart disease, skin conditions, and constipation. However, there is a lack of studies to support the use of chocolate to treat any conditions in humans.

In a recent study, researchers randomly assigned healthy middle-aged individuals to receive one of three study drinks once daily for 30 days. The first group received a dark chocolate drink containing 500 milligrams of cocoa polyphenols (antioxidants found in chocolate), the second group received a drink containing 250 milligrams of cocoa polyphenols, and the third group received a placebo drink containing 0 milligrams of cocoa polyphenols. Mood was evaluated with the Bond-Lader Visual Analogue Scale and brain function was measured with the Cognitive Drug Research system.

The researchers found that individuals who consumed the drink with the most cocoa polyphenols reported significant increases in feeling calm and content when compared to those who consumed the placebo drink. Changes in cognitive function were lacking.

The authors concluded that chocolate consumption may improve mood in healthy individuals; however, further research is warranted to assess its potential affect on people with anxiety or depression.

In addition to enhanced mood, many health benefits associated with cocoa products have been examined clinically. Chocolate flavonoids, found in the highest amounts in dark chocolate, exhibit antioxidative and cardioprotective properties, as well as blood thinning activity. Cocoa formulations have also been studied for their therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, skin conditions, vascular disorders, and constipation in children, as well their ability to heal wounds, repel insects and lower blood pressure.

For more information about chocolate, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

For more information about integrative therapies that may benefit mood, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Pycnogenol® May Improve Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms

Supplementation with the pine bark extract, Pycnogenol®, may improve health risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Pycnogenol® is the registered trade name for a patented water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica), which grows in coastal southwestern France. Pycnogenol® contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) as well as several other bioflavonoids: catechin, epicatechin, phenolic fruit acids (such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid), and taxifolin. Procyanidins are oligometric catechins found at high concentrations in red wine, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, apples and some supplements.

In a recent study, researchers evaluated the effects of Pycnogenol® supplementation on individuals with metabolic syndrome. A total of 64 participants were assigned to 150 milligrams Pycnogenol® daily for six months. An additional group of 66 individuals were followed as controls.

The researchers found that six-month Pycnogenol® supplementation resulted in decreased triglyceride levels and blood pressure, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good cholesterol"). Furthermore, in men, waste circumference decreased from an average of 106.2 centimeters to 98.3 centimeters after six months. In women, waste circumference decreased from 90.9 to 83.6 centimeters after six months. The authors noted that the decrease in waste circumference in both men and women was significant when compared to the control group.

The authors concluded that Pycnogenol® supplementation may reduce health risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Further research is warranted.

There has been some confusion in the U.S. market regarding OPC products containing Pycnogenol® or grape seed extract (GSE), as one of the generic terms for chemical constituents ("pycnogenols") is the same as the patented trade name (Pycnogenol®). Some GSE products have been formerly erroneously labeled and marketed in the U.S. as containing "pycnogenols." Although GSE and Pycnogenol® do contain similar chemical constituents (primarily in the OPC fraction), the chemical, pharmacological, and clinical literature on the two products are distinct. The term Pycnogenol® should therefore only be used to refer to the specific, proprietary French maritime pine bark extract.

For more information about Pycnogenol®, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

Mediterranean Diet Linked to Improved Brain Function

A new study suggests that maintaining a Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin olive oil or mixed nuts may enhance brain function.

Olive oil, the main fatty component of the Mediterranean diet, is characterized by monounsaturated fatty acids as well as by its elevated content of antioxidant agents. An antioxidant is thought to protect the body's cells from the damaging effects of oxidation by scavenging for free radicals (highly reactive molecules that attack cells in the body) generated during the metabolic processes of the body. The high portion of monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil may cause a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol, which may diminish the risk of experiencing heart problems.

In a new study, researchers evaluated the effects of two different versions of the Mediterranean diet versus a low-fat control diet in 522 elderly individuals throughout 6.5 years. All participants were at high risk of vascular problems at the beginning of the study. Participants in the first group maintained a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil, while the second group maintained a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts. The third group maintained a low-fat control diet. Brain function was assessed via the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Clock Drawing Test.

After the 6.5 year intervention and adjusting the data for various factors such as family history, sex and physical activity, the researchers found that participants who maintained the Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil had significantly higher brain function scores when compared to the control group. Brain function also improved for those maintaining the diet rich in mixed nuts.

The authors concluded that maintaining a Mediterranean diet rich in extra-virgin oil or mixed nuts may improve brain function. Further research is warranted.

In addition to the Mediterranean diet, many other integrative therapies have been studied for their potential to improve brain function. Caffeine has a long history of use for enhancing mood and cognitive (mental) function. Caffeine may be useful when consumed prior to a cognition-related task. It also appears to heighten working memory and improve reaction time, but it has less effect on long-term memory. Additionally, several studies suggest that Panax ginseng may improve mental performance in healthy individuals. Further studies are needed in this area.

For more information about the Mediterranean diet, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

For more information about integrative therapies that may benefit mood, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Vitamin D Supplementation May Reduce Crohn's Disease Symptoms

Vitamin D supplementation may improve quality of life and reduce symptoms for people with Crohn's disease, according to a new study.

Crohn's disease is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although it may cause inflammation in any area of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon. Crohn's disease causes painful swelling that often results in diarrhea, or frequent, loose, watery stools.

The cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown. However, current research indicates that the inflammation in Crohn's disease patients involves a complex interaction of factors, including heredity, the immune system, and antigens in the environment.

In a new study, researchers evaluated the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation in 18 people with mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease, assessed on the Crohn's disease activity index. Each participant received 1000 international units of vitamin D3 by mouth daily for two weeks. At week two, the dose was increased until blood concentrations reached 40 nanograms per milliliter 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, a vitamin D status marker, or until the dose reached a maximum of 5000 international units daily. Daily supplementation was then maintained for a total of 24 weeks. Various outcome measures, including Crohn's disease activity index scores, quality of life measurements and dietary data were collected at the beginning of the study and again after week 24.

The researchers found that 14 of the 18 patients needed the maximum vitamin D3 dose of 5000 international units daily. Supplementation significantly increased blood levels of vitamin D and significantly reduced the average Crohn's disease activity index scores by 112 points. Furthermore, quality of life scores improved significantly by the end of the study.

The authors concluded that vitamin D3 supplementation may be a useful tool for the management of Crohn's disease. Additional larger-scale studies are required to further evaluate these findings.

In addition to vitamin D, initial research reports that DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) supplements are safe for short-term use in patients with Crohn's disease. Preliminary research suggests possible beneficial effects, although further research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

For more information about integrative therapies for Crohn's disease, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

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

Tobacco Plant Family May Reduce Parkinson's Risk

Consumption of plants that are in the same botanical family as tobacco, Solanaceae, may help reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), a study reports.

PD is a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. PD affects nerve cells in a part of the brain that controls muscle movement. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more severe, people may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.

In addition to tobacco, the Solanaceae family includes flowering plants and important crops such as peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. In the current study, the researchers set out to determine whether consuming these plants may affect risk of PD. They looked at 490 cases of PD that had been diagnosed between 1992 and 2008, and compared them to 644 healthy controls. The team evaluated self-reported consumption of peppers, tomatoes, tomato juice, or potatoes during adulthood, as well as other vegetable consumption, age, gender, race, and use of tobacco and caffeine.

The results suggested that PD risk decreased with consumption of all edible Solanaceae plants combined, but not with the consumption of all other vegetables combined. The researchers found significant results for peppers in particular. These benefits appeared to be more common among men and women who had never used tobacco or who had smoked cigarettes for fewer than 10 years.

The researchers concluded that components of these plants may help reduce the risk of PD. However, they emphasized that further study is needed before firm conclusions can be made in this area.

Many integrative therapies have been studied for potential benefits in PD. There is good scientific evidence supporting the use of music therapy for this condition. Other treatments that have been studied include 5-HTP, acupressure, acupuncture, ayurveda, caffeine, chromium, and coenzyme Q10. However, there is unclear or conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of these therapies. More research is needed.

For more information about PD, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions Database.

FDA: Three Sex Enhancement Products Contain Hidden Ingredients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued consumer warnings for several sexual enhancement products.

These products include Lightning ROD, Vicerex, and Bullet Proof.

Lightning ROD contains the undeclared ingredient hydroxythiohomosildenafil. This ingredient has a structure similar to that of sildenafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved drug Viagra. Vicerex and Bullet Proof both contain the undeclared ingredient tadalafil. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in the FDA-approved drug Cialis.

These undeclared ingredients may interact with nitrates, which are found in some prescription drugs, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Men who have conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol often take nitrate-containing prescription medications.

The FDA advises consumers in possession of Lightning ROD, Vicerex, or Bullet Proof to discard them immediately and report any side effects to a healthcare provider. Side effects associated with these products should also be reported to the FDA's Medwatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

For more information about erectile dysfunction, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions Database.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Studied For Colon Cancer Risk

Glucosamine and chondroitin may be an effective treatment in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a study.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, which is the lower part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer occurs on the last eight to ten inches of the colon. They are often referred to together as colorectal cancers, and are the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage. It is supported by strong scientific evidence for its effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Chondroitin was first extracted and purified in the 1960s. It is currently made from natural sources such as shark or beef cartilage, or by synthetic means. There is much support for the use of chondroitin together with glucosamine for improving symptoms and possibly reversing the process of osteoarthritis.

In the current study, scientists evaluated the potential use of glucosamine and chondroitin in reducing the risk of CRC. They analyzed information from 75,137 Washington residents who had participated in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) study between 2000 and 2002. All participants completed a questionnaire detailing their supplement use and were followed for CRC through 2008.

The results suggested that people who used a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin at least four days a week for over three years had a 45 percent lower risk of CRC, compared to non-users. This link appeared to vary depending on body mass index. There was a lack of significant effect of glucosamine alone on CRC risk.

The researchers concluded that glucosamine and chondroitin combined may merit further study as a possible preventative for CRC. More information is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

Light therapy, strontium, and vitamin A have all been studied for the treatment of colon cancer and related conditions. These integrative therapies are backed by strong scientific evidence for this purpose. There is good scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of greater celandine, meditation, psychotherapy, and selenium in treating colon cancer.

For more information about CRC, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions Database.

Ginkgo Studied For Chemotherapy Cognitive Side Effects

A recent study found a lack of evidence to support the use of Ginkgo biloba for preventing chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.

Ginkgo biloba has been used as medicine for thousands of years. Today, it is one of the top-selling herbs in the United States. Ginkgo has been studied for the treatment of many conditions. Evidence suggests that ginkgo may be effective in managing claudication (pain or weakness in the legs due to blocked arteries), Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. There is promising early evidence favoring the use of ginkgo for memory enhancement in healthy subjects, altitude sickness, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), age-related eye disorders, and some chemotherapy side effects (such as blood vessel damage).

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs are designed to kill cancer cells by affecting their ability to grow and reproduce. Many cancer drugs used today do not specifically attack cancer cells. This means that they not only affect cancer cells but also normal cells in people who take them, which is why chemotherapy drugs often produce severe side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, skin problems, and damage to blood and immune cells. Other types of side effects may also occur, depending upon the specific drug used.

Cognitive function problems have been reported by people undergoing cancer treatment. In the current study, researchers evaluated the possible benefits of ginkgo on protecting against cognitive impairment in those receiving chemotherapy. They studied 166 women with breast cancer who were randomly assigned to 60 milligrams of ginkgo or placebo, taken by mouth twice daily throughout chemotherapy and one month after completing treatment.

The results suggested that there was a lack of significant differences between the ginkgo group and the placebo group in terms of cognitive function. The placebo group reported worse nausea after chemotherapy.

The researchers concluded that these findings lack support for the use of ginkgo in preventing cognitive impairment caused by chemotherapy. Further study is needed to determine whether ginkgo may be effective for this purpose.

Many integrative therapies have been studied for a range of chemotherapy side effects. These include bee pollen, fermented milk extract, fermented wheat germ extract, grape, and hypnotherapy. However, there is unclear or conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of these treatments. More research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

For more information about ginkgo, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.