Natural Standard Blog

FDA: Several Dietary Supplements May Contain Undeclared Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that several dietary supplements may contain the undeclared drug ingredient, sibutramine.

In several statements recently issued by the FDA, Slender Slim 11, Advanced Slim 5, A-Slim 100% Natural Slimming Capsule, P57 Hoodia® and others, were identified as containing sibutramine, which was recalled from the market in October 2010. Sibutramine may cause increased blood pressure and heart rate in some patients, and may pose a high health risk for patients with a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or stroke.

The FDA advised consumers to stop taking these supplements immediately and to contact their healthcare provider should any adverse effects arise.

Furthermore, the FDA warned that these recent findings add to a growing trend within the dietary supplement market, noting that consumers should be cautious when purchasing products marketed as "all natural" promoting weight-loss, body building or sexual enhancement.

For more FDA alerts, please visit Natural Standard's News database.

Saw Palmetto May Not Reduce BPH Symptoms

Contrary to previous research, a new study suggests that saw palmetto extract may not reduce urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) more than placebo.

Saw palmetto is popularly used throughout Europe to treat symptoms associated with BPH (enlarged prostate). It is also the most popularly used herbal supplement for this condition in the United States. Many human trials have reported that saw palmetto improved symptoms associated with BPH, such as nighttime urination and urinary flow. Although some trials have reported no difference between the effects of saw palmetto and placebo, in general, the scientific evidence favors the effectiveness of saw palmetto over placebo.

In a recent study, researchers randomly assigned 369 men with BPH to increasing doses of saw palmetto or placebo for 72 weeks. Treatment doses started at 320 milligrams of saw palmetto daily, then at 24 weeks increased to two doses of 320 milligrams daily, and finally at 48 weeks increased to three doses of 320 milligrams daily.

Before inclusion in the study, the men went through two screening sessions. Individuals ultimately included had at least a peak urinary flow rate of 4 milliliters per second and an American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI) score between 8 and 24. The change in the AUASI score was used as the main outcome measure.

Contrary to previous findings, the researchers found that the men in the placebo group had a greater average decrease in AUASI scores than the men in the saw palmetto group. AUASI scores in the placebo group decreased from 14.69 to 11.70, while the average decrease in the saw palmetto group was slightly less from 14.42 to 12.22. Furthermore, there were no notable differences in changes for secondary outcome measures, including sleep quality and peak urine flow.

The authors concluded that contrary to previous findings, saw palmetto may not reduce urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH more than placebo. Further research is necessary.

For more information on integrative therapies with evidence of benefit for BPH, such as pygeum and plant sterols, please vist Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

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

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Major breast cancer organizations 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.

Many natural therapies have been studied for use in various types of cancer and as adjuncts for chemotherapy side effects. There is currently good scientific evidence supporting the use of meditation and psychotherapy for quality of life in cancer patients. However, further research is necessary.

It is important for patients to discuss any therapies they may be interested in trying with their healthcare providers before initiating therapy to ensure they are safe for use in their specific condition and with other medications they may be taking.

For more information on integrative therapies with evidence of benefit for breast cancer, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Electroacupuncture May Increase Fertility Treatment Success

Electroacupuncture treatments may increase the success rate of embryo transfer fertility treatments, according to a new study.

Electroacupuncture utilizes an electrical stimulator attached to acupuncture needles. This form of acupuncture focuses on 80 specific acupoints where nerves enter muscles. The electrical current may be adjusted to reach the optimum level, at which stage a slight twitching of the skin may be visible around the needle.

In a recent study, 309 women who were undergoing embryo transplant treatments or a new cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF) were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group received mock electroacupuncture 30 minutes after the fertility treatment, the second group received one session of electroacupunture 30 minutes after the fertility treatment, and the third group received electroacupuncture 24 hours before the fertility treatment and then again 30 minutes after the fertility treatment. The main outcome measures included pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate and live birth rate.

The researchers found that women who received two electroacupuncture sessions had significantly higher pregnancy, embryo implantation and live birth rates, at 50 percent, 25.9 percent and 42 percent, respectively, when compared to those in the control group. Women who received one session of electroacupuncture also saw significantly greater success rates, with pregnancy, embryo implantation and live birth rates at 42.7 percent, 25.7 percent and 37.3 percent, respectively. Results for the mock treatment group included a 29.3 percent pregnancy rate, 15 percent embryo implantation rate and 21.2 live birth rate.

The authors concluded that electroacupuncture may significantly improve the clinical outcomes of embryo transfer fertility treatments. However, further research is necessary before conclusions can be made.

For more information on other integrative therapies that have been studied for infertility, including arginine and black cohosh, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

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

Natural Standard in Natural Medicine Journal

The latest issues of the Natural Medicine Journal features a Natural Standard evidence-based review on 5-HTP.

5-HTP, the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, has been studied as a treatment option for various conditions. Some research suggests that 5-HTP may be beneficial in the treatment of cerebellar ataxia, headache, depression, psychiatric disorders, fibromyalgia, and as an appetite suppressant or weight loss agent. The Natural Standard bottom-line monograph discusses the latest research on 5-HTP, including scientific evidence of effectiveness for various conditions and potential interactions and side effects.

The Natural Medicine Journal is an open-access, peer-reviewed e-journal for integrative healthcare practitioners, as well as students and faculty who focus on the field of natural medicine. The monthly journal and website provide scientifically-valid, clinically-relevant information.

The October issue features the following articles:

• How to Click With People by Rick Kirschner, ND
• The Many Uses of 5-HTP by Natural Standard
• Ensuring Probiotic Quality by Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO
• AHCC and Cancer Interview with Dr. Geovanni Espinosa by Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO
• Preventing Chronic Diseases Interview with Eric Ding, PhD by Karolyn A. Gazella
• Diagnos-Techs Laboratory Interview with John White, MD by Karolyn A. Gazella
• The Proven Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Interview with Jeffrey Smith by Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO

To subscribe to the complimentary journal, please visit www.naturalmedicinejournal.com.

Exercise for Migraine Prevention

A new study suggests that regular exercise may be just as effective as relaxation therapy and prescription drugs for migraine prevention.

A migraine is more than just headache pain. Migraines are thought to be the result of a genetic neurological disease characterized by flare-ups often called "migraine attacks." Although a headache may be one symptom of a migraine, some individuals with recurrent migraines may have attacks without headaches at all.

In a new study, researchers randomly assigned 91 adults with migraines to one of three groups. The first group was assigned to exercise for 40 minutes three times weekly. The second group was assigned to relaxation therapy, and the third group was assigned to the prescription drug, topiramate, at increasing doses with a maximum of 200 milligrams daily.

Throughout the three month study period, various outcome measures were evaluated, including quality of life, migraine status, oxygen intake and activity level. The average frequency of migraines at the beginning of the study compared to the final month of treatment was used as the main outcome measure.

The researchers found that all three treatments reduced the frequency of migraines; however, there was no significant difference in results between groups.

The authors concluded that regular exercise may be a beneficial option for individuals with migraines; however, additional research is necessary to further evaluate these findings.

For more information on other integrative therapies studied for mirgaine prevention, including feverfew and butterbur, please visit Natural Standard Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Natural Standard Training

Sign up for a free online training session to learn more about Natural Standard's decision-support tools.

Natural Standard provides high-quality, evidence-based information about integrative therapies to help healthcare professionals and consumers make safer, more educated decisions about health.

Natural Standard is an international multidisciplinary collaboration that includes contributors from more than 100 eminent academic institutions. Research teams systematically gather scientific data and expert opinions to develop comprehensive monographs that are designed to facilitate clinical decision making. For each therapy, the available scientific evidence of effectiveness is evaluated using the Natural Standard Evidence-Based Validated Grading Rationale™. All monographs undergo blinded peer review prior to inclusion in Natural Standard databases.

These guided tours will demonstrate how to navigate the various databases and cross reference medical conditions and therapies.

• Tue, Oct 18, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM EDT
• Thu, Oct 20, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM EDT
• Tue, Oct 25, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM EDT
• Thu, Oct 27, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM EDT
• Tue, Nov 1, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM EDT
• Thu, Nov 3, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM EDT
• Tue, Nov 8, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM EDT
• Thu, Nov 10, 2011 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM EDT

A special *LATE* training session will be held at 8:00PM - 9:00PM EDT on Tue, Oct 25, 2011 to accommodate for other time zones.

After registration, attendees will receive e-mail confirmation with information on how to join the webinar.

System Requirements:

• PC-based attendees: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
• Macintosh®-based attendees: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Natural Standard Featured CE/CME: Magnesium

Natural Standard's featured CE/CME for the month of October is Magnesium: Safety & Effectiveness.

Research suggests that magnesium may be an effective treatment option for acute childhood asthma. Other studies have also shown it to be potentially beneficial in the treatment of several heart disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes, hearing loss, leg cramps during pregnancy, and side effects from the drug succinylcholine (a neuromuscular blocker). At higher doses, magnesium may control high blood pressure, although study findings are unclear.

Natural Standard offers CE/CME modules for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. Students and other users may take courses for training purposes without generating credit certificates. Continuing Education requirements differ based on discipline, license and location. If you are unsure of your specific needs, please contact your local agency.

For more information on Natural Standard's CE/CME courses, please visit www.naturalstandard.com.

Flaxseed May Not Reduce Menopausal Hot Flashes

Contrary to previous findings, a new study suggests that flaxseed may not reduce menopausal hot flashes.

Flaxseed and its derivative flaxseed oil/linseed oil are rich sources of the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, which is a biologic precursor to omega-3 fatty acids. The lignan constituents of flaxseed (not flaxseed oil) possess in vitro anti-oxidant and possible estrogen-receptor blocking or stimulating properties. Preliminary evidence suggests that flaxseed oil may reduce mild symptoms of menopause; however, evidence is not conclusive.

In a recent study, 188 women were randomly assigned to receive either a flaxseed bar with 410 milligrams of lignans or a placebo bar daily for six weeks. During treatment, participants recorded hot flashes in a daily diary.

The researchers found that the number of hot flashes did not differ significantly between the two groups at the end of the six week trial. Mild gastrointestinal side effects were reported for both groups.

The authors concluded that results do not support using this dose of flaxseed for hot flashes. Additional research is warranted in this area.

For more information about flaxseed, please visit Natural Standard's Food, Herbs & Supplements database.

Fish Oil May Not Benefit Cognitive Development in Children

A recent study suggests that contrary to previous findings, supplementing with fish oil and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) during pregnancy may not affect cognitive development in children.

Fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Evidence from multiple studies support the use of DHA and EPA for the lowering of triglycerides, reducing risk of death and decreasing risk of heart disease. It has been suggested that fatty acids, particularly DHA, may be important for normal neurologic development; however, further research is necessary. 5-MTHF is a form of folic acid, a water-soluble B vitamin. Folic acid supplements are recommended for use in women of childbearing age to prevent certain birth defects.

In a new study, healthy pregnant women from three European centers were evaluated from the 20th week of pregnancy through delivery. The women were randomly assigned to one of four groups. The first group received a daily supplement of 500 milligrams DHA and 150 milligrams EPA; the second group received 400 micrograms 5-MTHF; the third group received both the DHA+EPA and 5-MTHF supplements; and the fourth group received placebo.

After birth, children of women in the supplement groups also received formula containing 0.5 percent DHA and 0.4 percent arachidonic acid (AA). Cognitive function of the children was assessed when they reached 6.5 years of age.

The researchers found no significant differences in cognitive function of the children based on supplement status. However, the authors noted that maternal DHA status may be related to later cognitive function in children. Additional research is warranted in this area.

For more information about fish oil or folate, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

Red Meat Consumption Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Risk

A recent study suggests that individuals who regularly consume processed red meat may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Red meat contains high amounts of saturated fats, which have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. A study published in late 2010 found that red meat consumption may be associated with an increased risk for cerebral infarction, a type of stroke, in women. A separate study published this past August also found a possible association between red meat consumption and stroke in men.

In a new study, researchers evaluated 37,083 men throughout 20 years from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, and 167,074 women from the Nurses' Health Studies, I (1980-2008) and II (1991-2005). Questionnaires were utilized throughout each study to evaluate diet and identify type 2 diabetes cases.

Throughout all three study follow-up periods, 13,759 cases of type 2 diabetes were identified. The researchers found that red meat consumption was significantly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in all studies. For every daily serving of processed meat consumed, type 2 diabetes risk increased by 32 percent. For every daily serving of unprocessed red meat and total red meat consumed, diabetes risk increased by 12 and 14 percent, respectively.

Through a metanalysis of 442,101 participants, the researchers confirmed their results, noting that consuming one daily serving of nuts, low-fat dairy or whole grains instead of one daily serving of red meat reduced type 2 diabetes risk by 16-35 percent.

Additional research is necessary to further evaluate these findings.

For more information about diabetes risk factors, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.

Q & A with David Foreman

Natural Standard is offering a series of upcoming complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, Founder and CEO of Natural Standard, interviews David Foreman, RPh, who is widely known as the owner of "The Herbal Pharmacist® Newsletter." He is a contributing columnist for several Natural Health publications, a radio host, television commentator and practitioner of holistic approaches to better health. David is also a lecturer to many of America's most prestigious hospitals and author to the new book Four Pillars of Health: Heart Disease, which discusses four simple steps to rid the body of heart disease. Complimentary access to the webinar is available October 1-31, 2011 (Requires Windows Media Player).

The transcript is also available as a PDF file.

Webinar Forum: An Integrative Approach to Breastfeeding

Natural Standard is offering a series of upcoming complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

Jessica Saunders, PharmDc, will present an overview of the biological processes of breastfeeding and maternal diet requirements. She discusses integrative therapies to avoid while breastfeeding, as well as potential complications of breastfeeding and treatment options for lactation stimulation.

To listen to the webinar, please visit www.naturalstandard.com/webinars. Complimentary access to the webinar is available October 1-31, 2011 (Requires Windows Media Player).