Natural Standard Blog

Acupuncture May Reduce Post-Stroke Shoulder Pain

Acupuncture may relieve shoulder pain after a stroke, according to a new study.

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into specific points along the body as a means to treat disease and relieve pain. Traditional practitioners claim that, by manipulating a system of meridians believed to course across the body, acupuncture can restore the balanced flow of qi, thus healing the body of malady. The term acupuncture also refers to the entire theory and practice of one of the major modalities of Chinese Medicine.

Based on acupuncture's long history of use as well as the available research, both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified many conditions for which it may be recommended. There is reasonable scientific evidence supporting acupuncture for several indications, including various types of pain and several types of nausea and vomiting.

In a new study, researchers combined data from seven different studies published in China. In all the studies, participants were experiencing post-stroke shoulder pain. All participants were randomly placed in one of two groups. Acupuncture was performed on the experimental group. The control group underwent another type of rehabilitative therapy, such as exercise.

Data analysis showed that acupuncture was an effective method of reducing post-stroke shoulder pain. The researchers suggested that the combination of exercise and acupuncture is appropriate for rehabilitation following a stroke. More research on this topic is warranted.

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

MHRA: Echinacea May Be Unsafe for Children

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK recently cautioned consumers about the use of echinacea supplements in children under 12 years-old. The MHRA is a government agency that oversees the safety and effectiveness of medical devices and medicines in the UK.

Traditionally used for a range of infections and malignancies, the roots and herb of echinacea species have attracted scientific interest due to their purported immune stimulant properties. Oral preparations of echinacea are popular in Europe and the United States for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections or the common cold.

The MHRA recommendation resulted from the conclusions of the European Herbal Medicinal Products Committee (HMPC) and from the UK Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee (HMAC). These committees reported that the risk of allergic reaction to echinacea is higher in younger children. The MHRA stated that echinacea is still safe for children over 12 and adults.

The products Echinaforce Junior Cold & Flu Tablets and Echinaforce Chewable Cold & Flu Tablets will be relabeled to reflect this recommendation. The MHRA is working to relabel other echinacea products on the market.

For more information about echinacea, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs and Supplements database.

FDA: Supplement May Contain Prescription Drug Ingredient

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers that Reumofan and Reumofan Plus, currently marketed as natural dietary supplements, may contain unlabeled prescription drug ingredients with the potential to cause adverse effects.

Reumofan and Reumofan Plus are manufactured by the Mexican company Riger Naturals. The supplements are marketed as muscle and arthritis pain relievers.

The FDA found that Reumofan Plus contained Diclofenac Sodium, an anti-inflammatory drug that increases the risk of heart attack and other complications in the stomach and intestines. In Reumofan Plus, FDA laboratories also discovered methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant and dexamethasone, a drug that suppresses the immune system.

The FDA has also received reports of several mild and serious side effects, including liver injury, uncontrolled sugar levels, weight gain, swelling, cramping in the legs and kidney dysfunction (adrenal suppression).

According to the statement issued by the FDA, individuals currently taking Reumofan Plus or recently stopped taking Reumofan Plus should immediately consult a healthcare professional. The drugs in Reumofan Plus may interact with other medications.

The Mexican Ministry of Health has ordered a recall of Reumofan Plus.

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

Natural Standard en Français

Natural Standard is pleased to announce that 100 Foods, Herbs & Supplements monographs are now available in French. All Foods, Herbs & Supplement topics will be available in this additional language in the coming months.

As with the Natural Standard Spanish language monographs, the French monographs are written at the Bottom Line reading level, providing an abbreviated review designed for use by patients or professionals. Each monograph is adapted from a Natural Standard comprehensive systematic review, and includes evidence-based information on effectiveness, side effects, interactions, dosing, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The French language monographs may be accessed by selecting "French" from the language drop-down menu within a Bottom Line Monograph. Users may also search for available French topics using the Advanced Search feature. Currently available French monographs include popular topics such as chamomile, gingko, ginger, green tea and melatonin.

To access monographs now available in French, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

Natural Standard Featured CE/CME: 5-HTP

Natural Standard's featured CE/CME for the month of August is 5-HTP: Safety & Effectiveness.

5-HTP is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Commercially available 5-HTP is obtained from the seeds of the plant Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP has been suggested as a treatment for many conditions. Some research supports the use of 5-HTP in treating cerebellar ataxia, headache, depression, psychiatric disorders, and fibromyalgia, and as an appetite suppressant or weight loss agent.

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.

Honey May Reduce Nighttime Cough in Children

A new study suggests that honey may reduce nighttime cough and increase sleep quality in children with upper respiratory tract infections.

Honey is a sweet, viscid fluid produced by honeybees (Apis melliflera) from the nectar of flowers. Honey's therapeutic importance as a known antibacterial agent has been recognized since 1892. Modern research has been conducted on the role of honey in chronic wound management and other indications. However, high quality studies are lacking, and further research is warranted to establish the therapeutic effect of honey in any indication.

In a new study, researchers randomly assigned 300 children with upper respiratory tract infections to one of three honey products, including a eucalyptus honey, a citrus honey and a labiatae honey, or to a placebo group, which received silan date extract. All children were given 10 grams of their assigned treatment 30 minutes before bedtime. Parents were given a survey the night before treatment was administered and then again the day after. Parents reported data on cough frequency and severity, as well as sleep quality.

The researchers found that coughing and sleeping symptoms significantly improved for all honey groups as well as the placebo group; however, improvements were larger in the honey groups. The authors noted that parents gave the honey products better scores for improvement in coughing symptoms and sleep quality.

The authors concluded that honey may benefit children with upper respiratory tract infections and related sleeping problems. Additional research is needed to further evaluate these findings.

In addition to honey, early research suggests that American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) root extract may be safe and well tolerated in children for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. However, additional studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

For more information about integrative therapies for upper respiratory tract symptoms in children, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

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

Food Products with Added Fiber May Not Reduce Hunger

Eating food products with added fiber may not reduce hunger, according to a recent study.

Dietary fiber, also referred to as roughage or bulk, is the part of a plant that cannot be digested or absorbed by the body. Adding fiber to the diet is thought to help keep the bowels regular and possibly treat or prevent certain diseases. Dietary fiber is found in grains, fruits and vegetables. There is no fiber in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs or dairy products. Soluble fiber can be found in foods such as oat bran, apples, citrus, pears, peas, beans, potatoes, seeds, oranges, grapefruit and psyllium (a plant product used in common over-the-counter bulk laxative and fiber supplement products such as Metamucil). Soluble fiber is dissolved in water and forms a jelly-like bulk inside the small intestine, which may help to lower cholesterol and reduce blood sugar.

In a new study, researchers assigned 22 women of normal body weight to eat five different chocolate crisp bars in random order. Four of the bars contained 10 grams of one of the following fibers: oligofructose, inulin, soluble corn fiber or resistant wheat starch. The fifth bar contained no added fiber and was used as a control. Each participant received a bar at dinner and then a bar of the same fiber type in the morning. Participants were randomly assigned each fiber type and switched treatments until all participants had been given all five bars. Hunger and fullness feelings were evaluated as the main outcome measures.

The researchers found that participants reported similar feelings of hunger and fullness while on all five bar types. All fiber types were well-tolerated; however, gastrointestinal symptoms were more common for the oligofructose bar.

The authors concluded that adding fiber to chocolate bars may not reduce hunger or alter food intake in the short term. Larger-scale, well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Along with dietary fiber, whey protein has also been studied for its potential effects on hunger. As a source of high nutritional quality protein, it has been found to reduce short-term food intake and may aid in reducing appetite. Additional studies are required before firm conclusions can be made.

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

For more information about a high fiber diet, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

Cocoa Flavanols May Lower Blood Pressure

Consuming cocoa and chocolate products rich in flavanols, a type of flavonoid, may reduce blood pressure, according to a new study.

Cocoa and chocolate are derived from the cacao bean (Theobroma cacao). Cocoa products have recently been recognized as a significant source of a number of compounds, such as flavonoids, that may have valuable health benefits. For this reason, and because it is so popular, chocolate is the focus of intense research.

In a recent study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search for well-designed clinical trials evaluating the effects of cocoa or chocolate products on blood pressure for at least two weeks. Twenty studies involving 856 participants were ultimately identified for inclusion.

The researchers found that consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa and chocolate products, 3.6-105 grams daily, significantly reduced blood pressure in healthy participants when compared to a control group. However, the authors noted that the significant blood pressure lowering effects were seen in short-term studies of two weeks, but not in longer studies. Additionally, some studies used flavanol-free control treatments, while some used low-flavanol cocoa powder.

The authors concluded that although flavanol-rich cocoa products may reduce blood pressure in the short-term, differences in flavanol content, study duration and blinding may have affected the data analysis. Larger-scale, well-designed clinical trials are needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

In addition to chocolate, numerous human studies report that garlic may lower blood pressure, and that small reductions in blood pressure may be seen with the intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

For more information about integrative therapies that may reduce blood pressure, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

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

Journal of Dietary Supplements: New Issue

The latest issue of the Journal of Dietary Supplements (JDS) is now available online. The international, peer-reviewed journal aims to help consumers and clinicians make informed decisions about the preparations, foods and botanicals that are used to improve health.

The new issue features several original scientific papers, as well as a Natural Standard's evidence-based systematic review on Vanadium:

Coltsfoot as a Potential Cause of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient also Consuming Kava and Blue Vervain by Jessica E. Freshour, Brian Odle, Somi Rikhye and David W. Stewart

Analgesic Effects of a Standardized Bioflavonoid Composition from Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu by Mesfin Yimam, Lidia Brownell, Mandee Hodges and Qi Jia

Evaluation of Antitumor Activity of Mimusops elengi Leaves on Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma-Treated Mice by Biswakanth Kar, R. B. Suresh Kumar, Asis Bala, Narayan Dolai, Upal Kanti Mazumder and Pallab Kanti Haldar

Cellular Protection During Oxidative Stress: A Potential Role for D-ribose and Antioxidants by Paul Addis, Linda M. Shecterle and John Alexander

Carotenoid Lutein: A Promising Candidate for Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Applications by Ranjita Shegokar and Khalil Mitri

Formulation and Shelf Life Stability of Water-Borne Lecithin Nanoparticles for Potential Application in Dietary Supplements Field by Amr E. Edris

An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Vanadium by Natural Standard

To submit a manuscript for a future issue online, please visit the http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/wjds.

For more information, please e-mail jds@naturalstandard.com.

Natural Standard Exhibits

Individuals interested in learning more about evidence-based integrative medicine are invited to visit Natural Standard at several upcoming events. Natural Standard will be exhibiting its latest products and services.

To make an appointment to meet with one of Natural Standard's representatives at an upcoming conference, please email sales@naturalstandard.com.

2012 Fall Health Connect Partners Hospital Pharmacy Conference: The event will take place September 24 - 26, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.hlthcp.com.

Medical Library Association's Quad Chapter Meeting: The event will take place October 13 - 16, 2012 at the Tremont Plaza Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.hshsl.umaryland.edu.

International Congress for Educators in Complementary and Integrative Medicine: The event will take place October 24 - 26, 2012 at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.icecim.org.

SupplySide West 2012: The event will take place November 7 - 8, 2012 at the Venetian & Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Natural Standard will be exhibiting at Booth #15090. For more information, please visit www.west.supplysideshow.com.

2012 ASHP Midyear Meeting & Exhibition: The event will take place December 2 - 6, 2012 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Natural Standard will be exhibiting at Booth #2217. For more information, please visit www.connect.ashp.org.

Complimentary Webinar

Natural Standard is offering a series of 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.

Uses of Probiotics in Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Andrew Shulan, PharmDc, presents Natural Standard's evidence-based systematic review results on probiotics. He provides a basic overview on probiotics and discusses the scientific evidence, dosing, safety and interactions related to its use. Shulan also applies the data to several patient cases that highlight potential interactions and adverse effects. Complimentary access will be available starting September 1, 2012.

Recipe of the Month: Summer grilled chicken salad

Natural Standard's featured healthy recipe for the month of August is the Summer grilled chicken salad.

This low carb, high protein recipe is an easy and fun dish for summer grilling.

Natural Standard's new Recipe Database features a wide range of healthy recipes in the following categories: Beans & Legumes, Dairy, Eggs, Fruit, Meat, Pasta, Poultry, Rice & Grains, Seafood, Vegetables and Nuts, Fats & Oils.

Natural Standard welcomes submissions of non-copyrighted healthy recipes for inclusion in the Recipe Database. If you would like to submit a recipe, please email recipes@naturalstandard.com.

For more information, please visit Natural Standard's Recipe Database.

Natural Standard Reviews Natural Energy Boosters

Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, Founder and CEO of Natural Standard, authored a new blog for Psychology Today.

In the new blog, Dr. Ulbricht reviews chronic fatigue syndrome and several natural therapies that may help boost energy levels. Reviewed therapies include ginseng, kiwi, omega-3 fatty acids and relaxation therapy,

To read the full blog, please visit www.psychologytoday.com.

Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy Discount

For generations of pharmacists, Remington has been the single reliable source of reference for guidance to eager students and mature professionals. For over a century, Remington has featured in the careers of pharmacists across the globe, introducing them to the fundamentals of practice, examining the discipline in its social context, mapping developments in pharmaceutical science and relating it to the practicalities of patient care.

Now, in a new and fully revised edition, Remington has an even more international outlook and an array of new content, including a chapter on Complementary and Alternative Medical Healthcare written by the team from Natural Standard, led by founder Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, that makes it an indispensible companion throughout a pharmacist's lifetime.

By special arrangement with Pharmaceutical Press, Natural Standard members are being offered unprecedented savings on the cost of the upcoming new edition of this core resource.

Place an order no later than August 31 to receive an additional 25% discount off the publisher's special pre-publication price. At only $112.50, this member-only price represents a more than $37 savings, with the added bonus of free shipping.

To take advantage of this offer, please visit www.pharmpress.com.

Recipe Database Invitation

Natural Standard recently launched a new Recipe Database.

This new database features a wide range of healthy recipes in the following categories: Beans & Legumes, Dairy, Eggs, Fruit, Meat, Pasta, Poultry, Rice & Grains, Seafood, Vegetables and Nuts, Fats & Oils.

Natural Standard welcomes submissions of non-copyrighted healthy recipes for inclusion in the Recipe Database. If you would like to submit a recipe, please email recipes@naturalstandard.com.

For more information, please visit Natural Standard's Recipe Database.

Chronic hepatitis: Integrative Care Cases

Natural Standard is offering a series of 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.

Chronic hepatitis: Integrative Care Cases: Jared Frost, PharmDc, presents several patient cases detailing the safety and effectiveness of integrative therapies for chronic hepatitis. He discusses the scientific evidence, dosing, safety and interactions related to various therapies. Complimentary access is now available.