Natural Standard Blog

Mercury Exposure Linked to Diabetes Risk

A recent study suggests that mercury exposure in young adulthood may be linked to an increased risk for diabetes later in life.

Mercury is a neurotoxin, meaning it affects the nervous system. Mercury exposure may lead to excessive mercury levels in the body that can permanently damage or fatally injure the brain and kidneys. Mercury can also be absorbed through the skin and cause allergic reactions. Health problems caused by mercury depend on how much has entered the body, how it entered the body, how long the individual has been exposed to it, and how the individual's body responds to the mercury. People are at risk when they consume mercury-contaminated fish and when they are exposed to spilled mercury.

In a new study, researchers evaluated data on 3,875 non-diabetic individuals who were 20-32 years-old at the beginning of the study. Toenail mercury levels and data on glucose levels were collected throughout the study from 1987-2005

Throughout the 18 year follow up period, 288 cases of diabetes were identified. After adjusting the data for other potential factors, such as age, sex, alcohol consumption and family history, the researchers found that higher mercury exposure was linked to an increased risk for developing diabetes, noting that those with the most exposure had a 65 percent increased risk of diabetes when compared to those with the lowest.

According to the authors, these findings confirm previous laboratory research suggesting a potential association. However, further research is warranted.

Theoretical data suggests that some integrative therapies, such as algin, may reduce the absorption of toxins, including mercury. A preliminary study of apple pectin in children exposed to mercury showed that pectin may be effective in mercury intoxication treatment. Further research is required in this field.

For more information about mercury poisoning or diabetes risk factors, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions Database.

Natural Standard Attending Eastern States Residency Conference

Natural Standard is attending the upcoming 32nd Annual Eastern States Conference for Pharmacy Residents and Preceptors May 13-15, 2013 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Current Natural Standard Residents, Marina Shkayeva, PharmD and Carla Eisenstein, PharmD, will be presenting a poster presentation with group one during the first half of the conference.

For more information, please visit www.easternstates.org.

Featured Audio: Lactobacillus acidophilus

Natural Standard is pleased to announce the availability of NEW multi-media audio recordings of over 200 evidence-based English Bottom Line Monographs. Audio will be available for all English Foods, Herbs & Supplement topics in the coming months.

This month's featured audio recording is Lactobacillus acidophilus. L. acidophilus is a common probiotic, a small organism that is used to promote health. Probiotics are different from prebiotics, which are sugars that are used to promote "good" bacteria in the intestines. L. acidophilus is thought to be safe, with few side effects. However, people who have intestinal damage, immune problems, or too much bacteria in the intestines should avoid L. acidophilus, due to risk of organ failure.

Access to the full audio recording is now available here.

Natural Standard Research Collaboration Award

The Natural Standard Research Collaboration is offering an award for subscribing academic institutions to present to an exemplary 2013 graduating class member for perpetuating multidisciplinary, evidence-based research practices, healthcare communications or information. Each healthcare discipline and journalism school within a university is eligible for one award per department.

Natural Standard would like to congratulate all of the recent award recipients, including Sandra Naegele from Midwestern University; Ashley Webber from University of Wisconsin; and Nicholas Ladikos from University of Florida College of Pharmacy.

Each award recipient will be granted the following:

Natural Standard Award Certificate

Natural Standard Professional Database: one-year personal subscription

Natural Standard Mobile Version: one-year personal subscription

To offer this award at your institution, please email memberservices@naturalstandard.com.

Recipe of the Month: Red quinoa and avocado salad

Natural Standard's featured healthy recipe for the month of April is Red quinoa and avocado salad.

Celebrate the beginning of spring with this fresh, high fiber, vegan recipe.

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 Featured in The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently consulted Natural Standard to discuss the available scientific evidence on valerian.

Valerian is an herb native to Europe and Asia that currently grows in most parts of the world. The use of valerian as a sedative and anti-anxiety treatment has been reported for more than 2,000 years. Related species have been used in traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Preparations for use on the skin have been used to treat sores and acne, and valerian by mouth has been used for other conditions such as gas and other stomach problems, congestive heart failure, urinary tract disorders, and chest pain.

Valerian extracts became popular in the United States and Europe in the mid-1800s and remains popular in North America, Europe and Japan. It is widely used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Although the active ingredients in valerian are not known, preparations are often standardized to the content of valerenic acid.

Although studies suggest that valerian may reduce anxiety in rats, results from human research remain unconvincing. The WSJ article emphasized that valerian has been given an evidence grade of C by Natural Standard for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety, indicating that the scientific evidence is still unclear. Preparations of the herb and amounts of valerenic acid used in the studies tend to vary. Additionally, some trials used valerian in combination with other integrative therapies such as lemon balm, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions on the effects of valerian alone.

Valerian may cause side effects such as headaches or tiredness, and should not be taken together with medications that may cause drowsiness, as the effects may be additive.

To read the full article please visit http://online.wsj.com.

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

Researchers Evaluate Safety of Saw Palmetto Extract

Saw palmetto extract may be safe when used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at high doses for 18 months, a study reports.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, Serenoa serrulata) is used popularly in Europe to treat symptoms of enlarged prostate. Although it is not considered the standard of care in the United States, it is the most popular herbal treatment for this condition. More than two million American men use saw palmetto for enlarged prostate, and it is commonly recommended as an alternative treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

BPH is a normal, gradual enlargement of the prostate caused by hormonal fluctuations. BPH usually beings in middle age and does not lead to cancer. BPH does not generally cause pain, but discomfort (a feeling of pressure) in the groin area is generally found. As the prostate enlarges, it presses against the urethra and interferes with urination. At the same time, the bladder wall becomes thicker and irritated and begins to contract, even when it contains small amounts of urine, which causes more frequent urination. And, as the bladder continues to weaken, it may not empty completely leaving some urine behind. Blocking or narrowing of the urethra by the prostate and partial emptying of the bladder cause many of the problems associated with BPH.

In the current study, researchers set out to determine the safety of saw palmetto extract when used over an extended period. They included information from 357 people who had participated in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Urological Symptoms (CAMUS) trial. The subjects were randomized to 320, 640, or 960 milligrams of saw palmetto extract or a placebo daily at six-month intervals for a total of 18 months. The research team assessed the participants' vital signs, blood, urine, and any side effects experienced.

The scientists found that significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups were lacking in terms of serious or non-serious side effects, changes in vital signs, or prostate exam results. They reported that evidence of side effects related to dosing was also lacking.

The team concluded that the saw palmetto extract used in the CAMUS trial may be safe at doses of three times the usual clinical dose over 18 months. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Many studies report that saw palmetto may be as effective as the hormonal agent finasteride (Proscar®) and may cause fewer side effects when used to treat bladder problems. Most research has focused on the saw palmetto product Permixon®. However, results are still mixed, and further research is needed. Saw palmetto has also been used for low sperm count, low sex drive, hair loss, bronchitis, diabetes, inflammation, migraine, and prostate cancer, although there is limited evidence supporting its effectiveness for these conditions.

Other integrative therapies that have been used for BPH or related urinary conditions include pygeum, which is supported by strong scientific evidence, and beta-sitosterol and selenium, which are supported by good evidence.

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

Harmful Effects Linked to Bitter Orange and Caffeine

Some products sold as sports or weight loss supplements may contain synephrine, which may enhance the effects of caffeine, according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

Synephrine is a compound found in plants such as bitter oranges (Citrus aurantium). Bitter orange comes from a flowering, fruit-bearing evergreen tree native to tropical Asia, but is now widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region and elsewhere. Bitter oranges have been used in ancient Chinese medicine to treat constipation, improve energy, and calm nerves in cases of insomnia and shock. Amazon rainforest tribes have used bitter orange tea as a laxative and to relieve nausea, stomach pains, indigestion, gas, and constipation.

According to BfR, sports or weight loss supplements often contain caffeine in addition to synephrine and are often referred to as food supplements or dietetic foods by manufacturers. Because caffeine and synephrine both affect the heart and blood pressure, they may increase each increase the other's effects when taken together. Most notably, taking caffeine and synephrine together may increase heart rhythm and blood pressure. Other ingredients contained in bitter orange extracts may also add to the effects of synephrine on the heart.

The BfR recommends that quantities of these compounds ingested through such products should be limited to food intake levels from oranges and bitter oranges. The institute advised that no more than 6.7 milligrams of synephrine be taken daily in the form of a food supplement. This quantity of synephrine may help ensure that even frequent consumers do not exceed a total daily intake of more than 25.7 milligrams of synephrine.

Due to dosage levels, some products that are currently available on the market may be classified as unsafe. The effects of these products on the heart may be more intense in people who are already putting increased strain on the heart due to physical activity or being overweight.

It is claimed that bitter orange is an effective aid to weight loss and a safe alternative to ephedra, a plant that contains compounds that may stimulate the nervous system. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra because such supplements present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Due to the ban on ephedra in the United States, some products previously containing ephedra have been reformulated to include Citrus aurantium.

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

Garlic May Help Reduce Long-Term Diabetes Complications

Garlic may help control high levels of C-reactive protein and adenosine deaminase in obese people with diabetes, according to a study.

C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation, while adenosine deaminase is an enzyme that is involved in metabolism. Previous research has linked high C-reactive protein and adenosine deaminase levels to long-term complications in people with uncontrolled diabetes.

Researchers set out to determine if garlic may help control levels of C-reactive protein and adenosine deaminase in obese people with type 2 diabetes. They enrolled 60 subjects who were given either metformin tablets with garlic capsules or metformin tablets alone after meals. They measured the participants' blood glucose, adenosine deaminase levels, and cholesterol at the beginning of the study, then conducted a 12-week follow-up to continue monitoring these factors.

The results suggested that both metformin with garlic and metformin alone helped significantly reduce blood sugar. However, a drop in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and triglyceride appeared to be more significant in the group given metformin and garlic. The metformin and garlic group also had a greater decrease in C-reactive protein and adenosine deaminase levels, compared to the subjects given only metformin.

The research team concluded that garlic may be valuable in helping to control blood sugar and prevent long-term complications associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, more studies are needed in this area before further conclusions on the potential benefits of garlic can be made.

Diabetes is associated with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. The disease often leads to blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage. Uncontrolled diabetes can complicate pregnancy, and birth defects are more common in babies born to women with diabetes. Pregnant women can temporarily develop gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that begins late in pregnancy. In 2007, an estimated 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, had diabetes mellitus. An estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), while 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have type 2 diabetes.

Garlic is a culinary herb that is widely used for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Numerous controlled trials have examined the effects of oral garlic on serum lipids. Long-term effects on lipids or cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remain unknown. Other preparations (such as enteric-coated or raw garlic) have not been well studied.

Small reductions in blood pressure (<10 millimeters of mercury), inhibition of platelet aggregation, and enhancement of fibrinolytic activity have been reported, and may exert effects on cardiovascular outcomes, although evidence is preliminary in these areas.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is another integrative therapy that has been studied for use in diabetes, and is supported by strong scientific evidence for this purpose. This compound is made naturally in the body and may protect against cell damage in a variety of conditions. Food sources rich in alpha lipoic acid include spinach, broccoli, and yeast. According to a survey of 685 herbalists, alpha lipoic acid was one of the 10 most frequently recommended dietary supplements due to its efficacy in reducing high blood sugar levels. The therapeutic use of alpha lipoic acid is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or corresponding regulatory agencies in other countries.

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

Risk of Lower Muscle Strength Linked to Type 2 Diabetes

Exercise programs may be needed to help maintain muscle strength and functional capacity in older type 2 diabetics, a study reports.

Type 2 is the more common type of diabetes, in which the body does not make or use insulin properly. Without enough insulin, sugar stays in the blood and may lead to long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. The disease may result in blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage.

Muscle strength refers to the amount of physical force an individual can exert at one time. This can be determined by how much weight a person can lift using certain muscles. Individuals in poor shape have an increased risk of developing many life-threatening health conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer. Regular exercise may help improve posture because it strengthens the muscles needed for good posture. Regular exercise in the elderly may help prevent fall injuries by strengthening the muscles and improving balance.

Previous research suggests that the development of type 2 diabetes may be linked to a faster decline in muscle mass and strength. In the current study, the scientists evaluated functional capacity in a group of 60 diabetic men and healthy controls with an average age of 71 years. They tested participants' fitness with muscle mass assessments, strength exercises, and reaction time performance.

The results suggested that leg muscle mass and skeletal muscle mass were significantly lower in older men with type 2 diabetes, compared to control subjects with normal blood sugar. Leg extension strength was also significantly lower among the diabetics, as was functional performance and handgrip strength. However, significant differences in muscle fiber size and reaction time were lacking between the two groups.

The research team concluded that exercise programs may need to focus on older type 2 diabetics to help them maintain their muscle mass and strength. More studies are needed before firm conclusions can be made.

In addition to exercise, a number of integrative therapies may help improve exercise performance in type 2 diabetics. There is strong scientific evidence supporting the use of caffeine and creatine for enhancing athletic performance. Whey protein is backed by good scientific evidence for its role in enhancing both muscle mass and strength. Vitamin D has been studied for its effects in preventing falls in the elderly, and it is supported by good evidence for this purpose.

For more information about type 2 diabetes, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.

Cinnamon May Improve Post-Meal Blood Sugar

Cinnamon may benefit people who have type 2 diabetes in terms of improving blood sugar, lipid levels, and body composition, according to a study.

Cinnamon has been used as a spice in several cultures for centuries. It was traditionally used to relieve stomach pain and gas; it is still used for these conditions today. The bark of two cinnamon species (Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cinnamomum cassia) is used as a spice (cinnamon bark).

Diabetes is a chronic health condition where the body is unable to produce enough insulin and properly break down sugar in the blood. Sugar comes from food and is used by the cells for energy. Sugar is also made in the liver. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach. Insulin is needed to move sugar into the cells where it can be used for energy needed for body processes. With Type 1 diabetes, the body does not make any insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, the body does not make or use insulin properly. Without enough insulin, sugar stays in the blood and causes high blood sugar levels.

Researchers enrolled 44 type 2 diabetics into the current study. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either three grams of cinnamon or a placebo daily for eight weeks. Their weight, height, body fat mass, and blood pressure were measured at the beginning and end of the study, as well as blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol.

Of the group, 37 people completed the study. The results suggested that over the course of the study, the cinnamon group had significant decreases in blood sugar, triglycerides, weight, and body fat mass, but significant changes were lacking in the placebo group.

Cinnamon may have moderate benefits in terms of improving blood sugar status, fat mass, and lipids in people who have type 2 diabetes, according to the scientists. More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

There is still a lack of scientific information to support the use of cinnamon for any condition. However, laboratory studies suggest that cinnamon may be useful in the treatment of diabetes (type 2) due to its blood sugar-lowering effects.

Furthermore, cinnamon and its parts may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, and it may prove effective in the supportive treatment of conditions such as cancer or severe virus infections.

Other integrative therapies that have been studied for effects on blood sugar levels include alpha-lipoic acid, a compound that is made naturally in the body, and konjac glucomannan, a dietary fiber. Both of these treatments are supported by strong scientific evidence for their effectiveness on this condition.

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

Featured Audio: Echinacea

Natural Standard is pleased to announce the availability of NEW multi-media audio recordings of over 200 evidence-based English Bottom Line Monographs. Audio will be available for all English Foods, Herbs & Supplement topics in the coming months.

This month's featured audio recording is Echinacea. Natural medicine experts frequently recommend oral extracts of echinacea for the treatment of the common cold and for other conditions requiring immune stimulation. Access to the full audio recording is now available here.

Melatonin May Reduce Oxidative Stress in MS

Melatonin supplementation may help reduce damage from oxidative stress in people who have secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), a study reports.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder that affects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the immune system attacks components of the body as if they are foreign. SPMS is a common later phase of the disease in which symptoms worsen over time. This is thought to be due to the disappearance of nerve fibers that were injured earlier due to MS.

Oxidative stress is characterized by an excess of free radical groups, creating a potentially unstable cellular environment. Oxidative stress is linked to tissue damage, accelerated aging and degenerative disease. Oxidative stress can result from exposure to alcohol, medications, poor nutrition, and trauma.

Previous research has shown that melatonin may have protective effects on the brain. In the current study, Polish researchers set out to identify the potential role of melatonin in reducing oxidative stress for people with SPMS.

The team recruited 16 subjects with SPMS who were given 10 milligrams of melatonin daily for 30 days. A total of 13 age-matched, healthy people were used as a control. The scientists looked for cellular damage caused by malondialdehyde (MDA), a compound that serves as a marker for oxidative stress. They also studied the activities of enzymes known to have antioxidant effects.

The results showed that in the red blood cells of SPMS subjects, melatonin supplementation resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes. Supplementing with melatonin led to a significant decrease in MDA levels, which suggests lower oxidative stress.

The researchers concluded that melatonin supplementation may be helpful in reducing oxidative stress in people with progressive MS.

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland. The synthesis and release of melatonin are stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light, suggesting the involvement of melatonin in circadian rhythm and regulation of diverse body functions. Levels of melatonin in the blood are highest prior to bedtime. Synthetic melatonin supplements have been used for a variety of medical conditions, most notably for disorders related to sleep.

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

NEW Recipe Database Search Interface

Natural Standard is pleased to announce the availability of a new advanced search interface within the increasingly popular Recipe Database.

In addition to regular exercise, well-balanced meals and sensible portions are important to overall health. The Natural Standard Recipe Database, launched in May 2012, 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.

Each recipe provides details on preparation time, difficulty, special diet and nutrition information, as well as direct links to Natural Standard evidence-based systematic reviews for studied ingredients.

The new advanced search interface allows users to quickly narrow results by various filters, including servings, cook time, difficulty, main ingredient, meal, cuisine and special diet, simplifying the search process as the database continues to grow. Users may also continue to scroll through the complete list of available recipes if desired.

To try the NEW advanced search interface, please visit Natural Standard's Recipe Database.

Natural Standard Featured CE/CME: Hops

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

Hops are the seed cones from the Humulus lupulus plant. H. lupulus belongs to the family Cannabaceae and is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Hops are cultivated primarily in the United States, Germany, Great Britain, the Czech Republic and China. Hops are widely used to preserve beer and give it its characteristic aroma and flavor. Essential oils of hops are used in perfumes, cereals, beverages and tobacco.

Traditionally, hop preparations have been used for relaxation, anxiety, sedation and to treat sleep disorders. There has been limited research evaluating the effects of hops on sleep.

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.

High Iron Intake Linked to Reduced PMS Risk

A recent study suggests that high iron intake may reduce the risk for premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

PMS is a group of symptoms that start one to two weeks before the period. Four out of 10 menstruating women experience PMS. There have been as many as 150 symptoms associated with PMS. Most women have at least some symptoms of PMS, and the symptoms go away after their periods start. The most common symptoms are: irritability, anxiety, depression, headache, bloating, fatigue or excessive tiredness, feelings of hostility and anger, and food cravings, especially for chocolate or sweet and salty foods.

Iron is an essential mineral and an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transport and metabolism. Iron is also essential in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Approximately 15 percent of the body's iron is stored for future needs and mobilized when dietary intake is inadequate. The body usually maintains normal iron status by controlling the amount of iron absorbed from food. There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and nonheme. Sources of heme iron include meat, fish and poultry. Sources of nonheme iron, which is not absorbed as well as heme iron, include beans, lentils, flours, cereals and grain products.

In a recent study, researchers analyzed data on women from the Nurses' Health Study II. At the beginning of the study, none of the participants reported having PMS symptoms. After 10 years, the researchers identified 1,057 women with PMS and 1,968 without. Data on iron intake and other minerals was collected through questionnaires throughout the study.

The researchers found, after adjusting the data for other factors including calcium intake, that women with the highest nonheme iron intake had a 36 percent reduced risk of developing PMS when compared to those with the lowest intake. Conversely, high potassium intake was linked to an increased risk for PMS. Significant links with magnesium, manganese and sodium consumption were lacking.

The authors concluded that monitoring mineral intake may be helpful in preventing PMS. Well-designed clinical trials are necessary before any firm conclusions can be made.

In addition to iron, there is some evidence that taking vitamin B6 may improve symptoms of PMS such as mastalgia (breast pain or tenderness) and PMS-related depression or anxiety in some patients. Additionally, initial research suggests that ginkgo may relieve PMS-associated symptoms, including emotional upset. Further well-designed research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.

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

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

Folate, Vitamin B12 May Improve Schizophrenia Symptoms

Vitamin B12 and folate supplementation may reduce negative symptoms for some schizophrenia patients, according to a new study.

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that causes patients to experience delusions and hallucinations for more than six months. Delusions occur when patients lose touch with reality. Common symptoms of schizophrenia include social withdrawal, intense anxiety, feelings of being unreal, loss of appetite, loss of hygiene, difficulty processing information, poor memory, depressed mood and sense of being controlled by outside forces. The behavior of schizophrenic patients varies widely. In men, symptoms of schizophrenia usually develop when patients are in their teens or 20s. Women usually develop the disorder when they are 20-30 years old.

Folate and folic acid are forms of a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate occurs naturally in food, and folic acid is the synthetic form of this vitamin. Folic acid is well-tolerated in amounts found in fortified foods and supplements.

In a recent study, researchers randomly assigned 140 men and women with schizophrenia from three mental health centers to receive two milligrams of folic acid and 400 micrograms of vitamin B12 by mouth or placebo daily for 16 weeks. Participants were assessed with the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.

The researchers found that overall, significant benefits from folate and vitamin B12 were lacking when compared to the placebo group. However, when factoring for a specific genotype that affects folate metabolism, participants in the folate and vitamin B12 group with high-functioning variants of the folate regulating gene saw significant improvements in their negative schizophrenia symptoms.

The authors concluded that folate and vitamin B12 supplementation may be beneficial for some schizophrenia patients, supporting that a personalized approach to treatment based on genetic variations may be needed. Further larger-scale studies are necessary.

Many integrative therapies have been studied for their potential benefits in schizophrenia patients. Music therapy that includes either chorus or karaoke may improve interpersonal functioning in people with schizophrenia. Music therapy may also help reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, including psychosis. Additionally, based on its proposed antioxidant effects, ginkgo has been studied in the treatment of schizophrenia. Although early research is promising, there is currently not enough scientific evidence to make a firm conclusion.

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

For more information about folate or vitamin B12, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

Melatonin May Not Reduce Weight Loss in Cancer Patients

Contrary to previous findings, a recent study suggests that melatonin supplementation may not increase appetite or reduce weight loss in advanced cancer patients.

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland from the amino acid tryptophan. The synthesis and release of melatonin are stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light, suggesting the involvement of melatonin in circadian rhythm and regulation of diverse body functions. Levels of melatonin in the blood are highest prior to bedtime.

There are several early-phase and controlled human trials of melatonin in patients with various advanced-stage malignancies, including brain, breast, colorectal, gastric, liver, lung, pancreatic and testicular cancers, as well as lymphoma, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and soft-tissue sarcoma. Currently, no clear conclusion can be drawn in this area. There is not enough definitive scientific evidence to discern if melatonin is beneficial against any type of cancer, whether it increases (or decreases) the effectiveness of other cancer therapies, or if it safely reduces chemotherapy side effects.

In a recent study, researchers sought to evaluate the potential effects of melatonin supplementation on weight loss, appetite and quality of life in advanced lung and gastrointestinal cancer patients. Most individuals with cancer will lose weight at some time with their disease. Losing 10 or more pounds without dieting or intending to lose weight can be one of the first symptoms experienced with cancer, particularly cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus or lung.

Patients were randomly assigned to receive 20 milligrams of melatonin or placebo daily for 28 days. Various symptoms, including weight and quality of life were assessed at the beginning and end of the 28 day study.

The researchers found that significant differences were lacking for weight loss, appetite and quality of life between the melatonin and placebo groups following the 28 days of treatment. The authors concluded that melatonin may not improve these symptoms in advanced cancer patients. Further research is warranted.

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

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

Lack of Sleep May Cause Weight Gain

New research suggests that insufficient sleep may result in increased food intake and weight gain.

Sleep disorders occur when an individual has problems with his/her sleep cycle. As a result, it may take patients longer to fall asleep, patients may wake up during the night, wake up early, they may fall asleep throughout the day, have severe nightmares (called night terrors), act out their dreams, or stop breathing during sleep. Most sleep disorders can be managed with lifestyle changes and/or medications. High workplace stress or long work hours may also result in insufficient sleep.

In a recent study, researchers evaluated 16 adults throughout a fifteen-day inpatient study. Each participant experienced five consecutive nights of insufficient sleep to mimic the effects of a long work week. Researchers then reviewed data on food consumption and energy expenditure during days of inadequate sleep and compared results to those from nights of adequate sleep.

The researchers found that when participants received insufficient sleep, their food consumption increased beyond what was needed for normal energy balance. The authors noted that consumption increased particularly at night after eating dinner. Furthermore, insufficient sleep resulted in an average weight gain of 0.82 kilograms. Additionally, lack of sleep affected women more than men. Weight was maintained in women who received adequate amounts of sleep, but increased during nights of insufficient sleep.

Many integrative therapies have been studied for their potential effects on sleep. In older adults, music may result in significantly better sleep quality as well as longer sleep duration, greater sleep efficiency, shorter time needed to fall asleep, less sleep disturbance and less daytime dysfunction. There is also evidence of benefit in elementary-age children or stable preterm infants. Music therapy may also be as effective as chloral hydrate in inducing sleep or sedation in children undergoing EEG testing.

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

Natural Standard in Natural Medicine Journal

The latest issue of the Natural Medicine Journal features a Natural Standard evidence-based review on resveratrol.

Resveratrol is a natural compound that is found in more than 70 plant species, including nuts, grapes, pine trees, and certain vines, as well as in red wine. It is thought to play a role in preventing heart disease. Much research has focused on the potential health benefits of resveratrol due to the "French paradox," the finding that death rates from heart disease are lower in France, where red wine consumption is common.

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 March issue features the following articles:

Resveratrol: Examining the Research by Natural Standard

Dietary Glycemic Load and Colon Cancer by Laura Perkowski, ND, and Katherine Neubauer, ND, FABNO

Acupuncture in Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue by Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc

Effects of Lactobacilli Suppositories on Vaginal Ecology During Pregnancy by Jaclyn Chasse, ND

Addressing Underlying Anxiety in Today's Patient Population Sponsored by Integrative Therapeutics

A Novel Way to Identify Food Intolerance: Interview with Dr Walter Crinnion Sponsored by Enzyme Science

Dietary Choline Increases Prostate Cancer Deaths by Jacob Schor, ND, FABNO

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