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Botanical dietary supplement use in peri- and postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine use of botanical dietary supplements (BDS) in women between the ages of 40 and 60 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) clinics, including information about commonly used BDS, the reason for use, information resources used, and the overall perception of safety and efficacy of BDS. DESIGN: Five hundred female outpatients at UIC clinics were interviewed by healthcare practitioners using a botanical/drug history questionnaire. Respondents were 46.8% African American, 39.6% Caucasian, 11.7% Hispanic, and 1.5% Asian, with a mean age of 50.34 years. RESULTS: BDS were used by 79% of respondents ( = 395), of which 36.5% used BDS daily. Of the positive respondents, 51.7% used one or two BDS, whereas 48.4% used three or more. Commonly used botanicals included soy (42%), green tea (34.68%), chamomile (20.76%), gingko (20.51%), ginseng (17.97%), Echinacea (15.44%), and St. John's wort (7.34%). Black cohosh, garlic, red clover, kava, valerian, evening primrose, and ephedra were used by less than 15% of respondents. Efficacy ratings were high for BDS, and 68% claimed to have no side effects. Only 3% of respondents obtained BDS information from healthcare professionals, and 70% of respondents were not informing their physician of BDS use. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of women at UIC clinics were using multiple BDS. The respondents believed that these products were both safe and effective for the treatment of common ailments. Concomitant BDS use with prescription and over-the-counter medications was commonplace, often without a physician's knowledge. Consumer education about the possible benefits and risks associated with BDS use is urgently needed.

Adult↗

Implications of herbal alternative medicine for electroconvulsive therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the implications of herbal alternative medicine use during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). BACKGROUND: A substantial proportion of patients with mental disorders report frequent use of herbal alternative medicines. Our current understanding of the biology of such remedies suggests that they may have implications for ECT practice. METHODS: We conducted electronic literature searches using Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club, PsychINFO, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from their inception to April 2003. The search items were five selected herbal alternative medicines (Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John's wort, valerian, kava-kava) in combination with the terms "drug interaction," "adverse effects," "side effects," "adverse drug reactions," "safety," and "toxicity." All data were included regardless of whether they were case reports, case series, clinical trials, or reviews. RESULTS: Our literature review revealed several potential effects of herbal alternative medicines upon ECT outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The growing use of herbal alternative medicine by patients with psychiatric illness may have implications for ECT practice. Our current knowledge is sparse and incomplete, however, indicating the need for more research.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

Herbs and nutrients in the treatment of depression, anxiety, insomnia, migraine, and obesity.

Although a multitude of pharmaceutical agents are available for the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety and insomnia, many patients have difficulty tolerating the side effects, do not respond adequately, or eventually lose their response. Many therapeutic herbs and nutrients have far fewer side effects and may provide an alternative treatment or can be used to enhance the effect of prescription medications. In the article, the authors review the quality of the evidence supporting the clinical effects of a number of commonly used types of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) for mood disorders, anxiety, and insomnia. They review data on the use of St. John's Wort, S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e), B vitamins, inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline for mood disorders; data on the use of kava and other herbal agents and fish extract for anxiety and insomnia; and data on valerian and melatonin for insomnia. The authors also discuss the use of CAM to treat migraines, which may be comorbid with mood and anxiety disorders, and obesity, which can occur as a side effect of psychotropic medications. They consider the data on feverfew and butterbur for migraines and on chromium picolinate and the combination of ephedrine and caffeine for obesity. The authors also review issues related to comorbid medical illness, side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and brand selection.

Journal Article↗

Botanical and dietary supplements for mood and anxiety in menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews the commonly used botanicals for treatment of mood and anxiety disorders in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and presents information on their safety and efficacy. DESIGN: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for clinical trials related to the use of botanicals for depression, anxiety, and mood disturbances. Papers were excluded if they were in a language other than English, did not include midlife women as study participants, or did not report on changes in mood, depression, or anxiety. RESULTS: Five of seven trials of St. John's wort for mild to moderate depression showed a significant improvement. The one randomized, controlled trial of ginseng in postmenopausal women reported improvements in mood and anxiety. All three randomized, controlled trials of ginkgo found no effect on depression. In four of eight controlled trials, kava significantly reduced anxiety. Black cohosh significantly reduced depression and anxiety in all studies reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: St. John's wort and black cohosh appear to be the most useful in alleviating mood and anxiety changes during menopause. Ginseng may be effective, but more research needs to be done. Kava holds promise for decreasing anxiety in peri- and postmenopausal women; however, women should be careful in the amount and duration of use. Finally, ginkgo and valerian do not appear to be useful in reducing depression or anxiety in this population.

Affect↗

Herbal medicine use by children presenting for ambulatory anesthesia and surgery.

BACKGROUND: Herbal medicine use has become increasingly popular throughout the world. Some of these agents may have serious interactions with anesthetic drugs. Children may potentially be more vulnerable to such interactions because of altered drug handling. While the prevalence of herbal medicine use by children with some chronic illnesses has been estimated, the incidence of this in a population of otherwise healthy children admitted for minor ambulatory anesthesia and surgery is currently unknown. METHODS: Parents of 601 children presenting consecutively for ambulatory surgery were asked to complete a questionnaire detailing administration of herbal medicines to their child. RESULTS: This study identified that 6.4% of children were currently taking an herbal preparation; while a further 10.1% had taken an herbal medicine in the past. Echinacea and arnica were the commonest used herbal remedies. A significant number of children had taken agents which may interact with anesthesia and surgery: St John's Wort, valerian, garlic and gingko. Information on herbal medicines was mostly obtained by parents from nonmedical sources. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 16.6% of children had a current or past history of ingestion of herbal medicines. This finding may have implications for the perioperative management of children presenting for day-case surgery.

Adolescent↗

Lipid metabolic studies in oophorectomized women: effects induced by two different estrogens on serum lipids and lipoproteins.

11 oophorectomized women (mean age 34.5 +/- 5.9) were given the 17-C-alkylated ethinyl estradiol (EE) 20 microgram/day and the non-alkylated estrogen, estradioil valerianate (E2V) 2 mg/day for 6 weeks in separate periods preceded by 6 weeks without hormonal replacement therapy. Blood samples were drawn before and after 6 weeks on each estrogen. Serum phospholipids, cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed. Preparative ultracentrifugation with the isolation of the very low density (VLDL; d < 1.006 g/ml); the low density (LDL; d = 1.006-1.063 g/ml) and the high density lipoprotein (HDL; d > 1.063 g/ml) fraction was carried out. In the three lipoprotein fractions, phospholipid, total cholesterol, free cholesterol and triglycerides were determined. An oral glucose tolerance test with concomitant plasma insulin determination was performed. In the present study EE caused an increase in serum total and LDL triglycerides while there was a reduction of triglycerides in serum as well as in VLDL and LDL when E2V ws administered. There was a positive correlation between plasma insulin values during oral glucose tolerance test and serum and VLDL triglycerides when E2V was administered. This finding supports earlier studies indicating that insulin (or rather the insulin-glucagon relationship) influences the hepatic triglyceride production rate. Both EE and E2V increased HDL cholesterol, but E2V did not induce a concomitant increase in serum triglycerides which would suggest a more physiological effect from the latter compound since fertile females have lower serum triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol levels than males of corresponding age. The same differences are true in a comparison between fertile and post-menopausal women.

Adult↗

An overview of herbal medications with implications for the school nurse.

Americans are increasingly using herbs and herbal preparations to treat a wide array of conditions ranging from colds to depression. Children and parents are ingesting herbs in greater quantities, as reflected by increased herb sales and telephone calls to poison information centers. Herbal preparations are being used for the management of insomnia, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. This trend introduces interesting opportunities and dilemmas for the school nurse. This article provides an overview of the seven most common medicinal herbs (garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, Echinacea, chamomile, valerian, and feverfew). It provides a guide to choosing herbal supplements, a framework for developing school-based herbal policies, and a discussion of the issues faced by school nurses.

Humans↗

Complementary medicines in psychiatry: review of effectiveness and safety.

BACKGROUND: The use of complementary medicines in those with mental health problems is well documented. However, their effectiveness is often not established and they may be less harmless than commonly assumed. AIMS: To review the complementary medicines routinely encountered in psychiatric practice, their effectiveness, potential adverse effects and interactions. METHOD: Electronic and manual literature search on the effectiveness and safety of psychotropic complementary medicines. RESULTS: Potentially useful substances include ginkgo and hydergine as cognitive enhancers, passion flower and valerian as sedatives, St John's wort and s-adenosylmethionine as antidepressants, and selenium and folate to complement antidepressants. The evidence is less conclusive for the use of omega-3 fatty acids as augmentation treatment in schizophrenia, melatonin for tardive dyskinesia and 18-methoxycoronaridine, an ibogaine derivative, for the treatment of cocaine and heroin addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic clinical trials are needed to test promising substances. Meanwhile, those wishing to take psychotropic complementary medicines require appropriate advice.

Antidepressive Agents↗

Donation of oocytes as treatment for infertility in patients with premature ovarian failure. Awarded the "Nicolau de Moraes Barros" prize for gynecology.

A total of 7 cycles of embryo transfer by oocyte donation were performed on 5 patients with premature ovary failure (POF). All donors were under 35 of age and the recipients average age was 38.6 years. For synchronization between donor and recipient a semi programmed menstrual cycle was used by means of oral contraceptive followed by ovarian stimulation of donor with clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotrophin. The recipients were easily adjusted to the donors by a flexible model of gradually increasing doses of estradiol valerianate. The average number of oocytes donated was 3.14 and average embryo cleavage rate was 80.2%. The average number of embryos transferred was 2.57. Embryo implantation rate was 22.2%. Clinical gestations occurred in 57.1% of the cycles. This series is probably the first one in Brazilian literature on oocyte donation as treatment for infertility in patients with premature ovarian failure.

Adult↗

Therapeutic options for sleep-maintenance and sleep-onset insomnia.

Insomnia, defined as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or experiencing restorative sleep with associated impairment or significant distress, is a common condition resulting in significant clinical and economic consequences. Many options are available to treat insomnia, to assist with either falling asleep (sleep onset) or maintaining sleep. We searched MEDLINE for articles published between January 1996 and January 2006, evaluated abstracts from recent professional meetings, and contacted the manufacturer of the most recent addition to the pharmacologic armamentarium for insomnia treatment (ramelteon) to gather information. Nonpharmacologic options include stimulus control, sleep hygiene education, sleep restriction, paradoxical intention, relaxation therapy, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Prescription and over-the-counter drug therapies include benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic agents; ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist; trazodone; and sedating antihistamines. Herbal and alternative preparations include melatonin and valerian. Before recommending any treatment, clinicians should consider patient-specific criteria such as age, medical history, and other drug use, as well as the underlying cause of the sleep disturbance. All pharmacotherapy should be used with appropriate caution, at minimum effective doses, and for minimum duration of time.

Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation↗

Dietary supplement-related adverse events reported to the California Poison Control System.

PURPOSE: Dietary supplement (DS)-related adverse events (AEs) reported to the California Poison Control System (CPCS) were studied. METHODS: The CPCS database was used to search for all telephone calls from consumers concerning DS-related AEs received during the six-month period between April and September 2002. The calls were characterized according to the substance involved, the caller's age (adult or pediatric), and the type of ingestion (accidental or intentional). Each exposure in which symptoms were reported was categorized as involving an AE. Each AE was assessed for severity and causality. RESULTS: Data on a total of 1183 telephone calls were retrieved, of which 828 calls (70%) met the study's inclusion criteria. DS exposure occurred in 389 adults (47%) and 438 children (53%). DS ingestion was accidental in 360 patients (43%) and intentional in 467 patients (56%). Exposure resulted in an AE in 480 patients (58%). AEs were reported in 353 patients (74%) who ingested products containing ephedra; other exposures frequently involved zinc, kava, creatine, and valerian. AEs were classified as moderate in 198 patients (41%) who ingested a DS and as severe in 40 patients (8%). One patient had a fatal reaction. Among the 480 AEs in DS-exposed consumers, the DS was classified as the definite cause of 1 AE (<1%) and a probable cause of 237 (49.4%). The most frequently reported AE symptoms were increased heart rate (45%), agitation (30%), vomiting (30%), and nausea (15%). CONCLUSION: A majority of DS-related AEs reported by consumers to CPCS involved ephedra-containing products.

Adult↗

Metal content of ephedra-containing dietary supplements and select botanicals.

PURPOSE: The metal content of dietary supplements, including 13 ephedra-containing supplements, was studied. METHODS: Samples of botanicals (black cohosh, echinacea, goldenseal, kava kava, milk thistle, saw palmetto, Synephrine, and valerian root), ephedra-containing dietary supplements (Amp II, EPH 833, Ephedra, Ephedra 1000, Hydroxycut, Metabolife 356, Metabolift, Ripped Fuel, Ripped Fuel Extreme, Ripped Fuel [ma huang-free], Stacker 2 [two lots], Super Stinger, Virgin Earth, Xenadrine RFA-1 [two lots], Yellow Jacket), and nonprescription reference agents (NoDoz and Primatene) were digested in acid, reacidified, and then spiked with internal standards. Metals were quantified using Environmental Protection Agency quality assurance and quality-control standards 6020 and 200.8. Forty-seven metals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, with subpart-per-trillion detection limits. RESULTS: All metals detected were in concentrations below toxic levels or physiological limit levels for the daily doses specified by the products' labeling. Metals found in highest concentrations among all the supplements sampled were sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, aluminum, iron, titanium, mercury, strontium, lead, barium, and silver. Of the 27 supplements analyzed, those with the lowest metal concentrations were mostly single-ingredient botanical supplements, while multiple-component, ephedra-containing dietary supplements generally had higher metal concentrations. Significant lot-to-lot variations were found for two ephedra-containing dietary supplements. CONCLUSION: None of 47 metals was found in highly toxic amounts in 23 brands of dietary supplements and two nonprescription reference preparations.

Dietary Supplements↗

Herbal medications for common ailments in the elderly.

The popularity of herbal medicine is at an all time peak. This article provides an overview of systematic reviews of herbal treatments for conditions common in elderly individuals. According to this evidence, there is little doubt that Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort) is well tolerated and effective for mild to moderate depression. Although widely used, Valeriana officinalis (valerian) has not been shown beyond reasonable doubt to be effective for insomnia. There is relatively compelling evidence that Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is effective in delaying the clinical course of dementias. It has been well documented that Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extracts alleviate the subjective symptoms and reduce the objective signs of chronic venous insufficiency. Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) is effective in improving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Finally, yohimbine has been shown to be effective forerectile dysfunction. It is concluded that several plant-based medicines can be useful additions to our therapeutic repertoire for treating common conditions in the elderly. However, several uncertainties remain and, at present, prevent unreserved recommendations.

Aged↗

Potential interactions between herbal medicines and conventional drug therapies used by older adults attending a memory clinic.

OBJECTIVE: Herbal medicines and conventional drug therapies are often taken in combination. The objective of our study was to identify the range of natural health products and conventional drug therapies used by older adults (aged 65 years and over) attending a memory clinic, and to specifically evaluate the frequency of potential interactions between herbal medicines and conventional drug therapies. DESIGN: We interviewed consecutive patients attending the Memory Disorders Clinic at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, a University of Toronto teaching hospital, between 4 July and 15 August 2000. Patients were asked to bring to their appointment all natural health products (i.e. herbal medicines, vitamins and minerals) and conventional drug therapies (i.e. prescription and over-the-counter) they were currently using. We collected information on current and previously used natural health products and current conventional drug therapies. Patients were classified as having the potential for an interaction if they were using a current herbal medicine in combination with a conventional drug therapy and the interaction had been reported previously in the medical literature. PARTICIPANTS: We interviewed 195 consecutive patients attending the Memory Disorders Clinic at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. RESULTS: Of the 195 patients in our sample, 33 (17%) were 'current users', 19 (10%) were 'past users', and 143 (73%) were 'never users' of herbal medicines. Among the 52 patients who were 'current or past users', the most frequently used herbal medicines were ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) [39 users], garlic (n = 10), glucosamine sulphate (n = 9) and echinacea (n = 8). Among the 33 patients who were current users, the most commonly used herbal medicines were Ginkgo biloba (n = 22), glucosamine sulphate (n = 8) and garlic (n = 6). Among the 33 current users, we identified 11 potential herb-drug interactions in nine patients. The 11 herb-drug interactions we identified were between ginkgo and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) [n = 8], ginkgo and trazodone (n = 1), ginseng and amlodipine (n = 1) and valerian and lorazepam (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Herbal medicines are widely used. Almost one-third of current users of herbal medicines were at risk of a herb-drug interaction. The most common potential herb-drug interaction was between ginkgo and aspirin. This finding has important potential implications because both of these products are regularly used by older people. Physicians and other healthcare providers should be aware of potential herb-drug interactions and should monitor and inform their patients accordingly.

Aged↗

Carbohydrate metabolism and hormonal replacement therapy: problems and clinical results.

Substitution treatment with a biphasic hormone combination (Cyclacur) was administered to twenty women in menopause. Nine of these had undergone hysterectomy and/or ovarectomy. The experimental cycle consisted of a daily dose of 2 mg estradiol valerianate as estrogen for 11 days, the identical dose of estrogen plus 0.5 mg dl-norgestrel as gestagen for 10 days, and a 7-day medication-free period. An initial placebo cycle was administered, followed by 7 experimental cycles and one final placebo cycle. Laboratory tests were carried out regularly. There were no significant changes during the investigation in serum lipids, blood sugar values, or serum enzyme tests used as parameters of hepatic function. Of the hematological parameters a moderate rise in hematocrit was observed. There was no change in serum protein-bound iodine.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Hormonal treatment of mammary carcinoma with Progynon-Depot and Depostat.

The results of combined treatment with 90 mg estradiol valerianate and 300 mg 17-alpha-hydroxy-19-norprogesterone-capronate (SH 834) (3 ml once a week i.m.) in 117 cases with disseminated or inoperable mammary carcinoma are reported. Objective remissions of 3 to 36 months were obtained in 48 patients. Soft tissue, lung and pleura metastases responded more favourably than bone metastases. Liver and brain metastases were unaffected.

Adult↗

[Epstein-Barr virus infection and acute cholestatic hepatitis].

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus whose only reservoir host is the human. It is transmitted by oropharyngeal secretions. Primary EBV infection is usually asymptomatic, but sometimes it causes infectious mononucleosis with fever, lymphadenopathies, splenomegaly and pharyngitis. Acute infection is diagnosed by serology (heterophile or specific antibodies). Immunofluorescence and molecular biologic techniques may be used to demonstrate the presence of EBV in biopsy specimens. Mild and transient elevations of serum aminotransferases are common, thus liver biopsy is usually not necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Severe cholestasis is rare (5%). We describe a patient with cholestatic hepatitis and acute EBV infection with atypical lymphocytes and positive anti-VCA IgM. The patient had taken drugs (ibuprofen, paracetamol and valerian). The bad evolution of the patient, the history of exposure to drugs, and the few cases of cholestatic hepatitis due to EBV infection reported, led us to consider liver biopsy. Molecular biologic techniques confirmed the presence of EBV in liver tissue however histologic features did not exclude the toxic aetiology or the concomitant effect of drugs and EBV infection.

Acute Disease↗

[The carbohydrate metabolic end products of trematodes parasitic in cattle].

The trematodes Eurytrema pancreaticum and Calicophoron ijimai during the incubation in vitro assimilated glucose from the incubation medium and utilized the endogenous glycogen. Final products of the carbohydrate metabolism in the calicophorones were lactic, acatic, propionic, isobutyric and alpha-methylbutyric acids; in the eurytremes they were lactic, acetic, propionic, isobutyric, alpha-methylbutyric, valerianic and capronic acids. The effect of anthelminthic preparations on the carbohydrate metabolism and its final products was investigated.

Aerobiosis↗