Complementary and Alternative Medicine

A new study finds that ellagic acid supplementation is useful for improving the health status of multiple sclerosis patients by reducing the levels of circulating cytokines and gene expression of Tbet and RORγt, as well as increasing the gene expression of GATA3 and levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by chronic immune-mediated...

Staff Writer: Andre McGowan Although relative dose intensity similar, pathologic complete response higher with intervention A home-based diet and exercise intervention could improve outcomes for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, according to a study published online Sept. 1 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Tara Sanft, M.D., from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, and...

Modified citrus pectin treatment showed durable efficacy and a good safety profile in treating non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer in a phase 2 clinical trial. Among patients treated for localized prostate cancer, 20–50% experience a biochemical relapse (BRPC-M0) within 10 years of treatment, with an optimal therapy remaining elusive. PectaSol-Modified Citrus Pectin (P-MCP), a commercially...

Significant improvements seen in symptoms on days 28 and 56; no synergistic effect seen for combination treatment. Curcumin and omeprazole have similar efficacy for functional dyspepsia, according to a study published online Sept. 11 in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. Pradermchai Kongkam, M.D., from the Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Medicine in Bangkok, and colleagues conducted a randomized trial...

The findings of a preliminary investigation indicate that Nitraria retusa tea may be safe and effective for reducing serum cholesterol levels. Medications for reducing the risk of dyslipidemia have various side effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives for prevention and treatment. One study showed that the Nitraria retusa plant inhibited cell differentiation in 3T3-L1...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shani Saks, D.O. on Sept. 12, 2023 Rutin supplementation did not yield significant changes in the response of pancreatic ß-cells to an oral glucose tolerance test or in the gut microbial composition in a randomized controlled trial.  Prebiotic polyphenol rutin is a potential dietary supplement for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in...

Reduction seen in severity of pain and improvement in sleep quality for patients after open-heart surgery. Use of aromatherapy with peppermint oil after open-heart surgery attenuates pain and improves sleep quality, according to a study published online Aug. 3 in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. Mahla Maghami, from Kashan University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH on August 3, 2023 Shikonin, the primary active component of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb “ZiCao,” has exhibited a broad range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant activity. Recent research demonstrates its potential for treating immune-related inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis, asthma, lupus nephritis, and...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Sarmiento, M.D., MPH on August 3, 2023 Mindfulness meditation is beneficial for sleep and improving quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Between 20 and 50% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have chronic insomnia (CI). Mindfulness meditation has been shown to improve CI. A study in the journal BMC Neurology...