Alternative Health Blog

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 120 patients with burning mouth syndrome, treatment with the combination of alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg/d) and gabapentin (300 mg/d) for a period of 2 months was found to be more effective than treatment with either agent alone, or placebo, in reducing burning of the tongue sensation in patients. 70% of patients who received ALA plus gabapentin were found to experience a reduction in burning and had a 13.2 times greater chance of presenting positive changes, as compared to those given a placebo. The authors state, "The combined use of drugs that act at different levels of the nociceptive system can be useful for the treatment of this syndrome." These results suggest that adding supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid to the conventional drug treatment (gabepentin) may be beneficial for patients with burning mouth syndrome.   Reference:    "Combination of alpha lipoic acid and gabapentin, its efficacy in the treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial," Lopez-D'alessandro E, Escovich L, et al, Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal, 2010 Aug 15; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: San Luis 4303- Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, 2000. E-mail: iaoodontologia@hotmail.com ).

In a randomized, controlled trial involving 27 obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (25 females, 2 males, BMI: 37.5 kg/m(2), mean age: 47.0 years), daily consumption of a freeze dried strawberry-containing beverage (4 cups of the beverage, containing 50 g of freeze-dried strawberries; approximately 3 cups of fresh strawberries) for a period of 8 weeks was found to significantly decrease total cholesterol (5.8 to 5.2 mmol/L), LDL cholesterol (3.5 to 3.1 mmol/L), small LDL particles (794.6 to 681.8 nmol/L), and circulating levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (272.7 to 223.0 ng/mL). No significant changes in serum glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference were found. The authors conclude, "...Short-term freeze-dried strawberry supplementation improved selected atherosclerotic risk factors, including dyslipidemia and circulating adhesion molecules in subjects with metabolic syndrome, and these results need confirmation in futu re trials."   Reference:    "Strawberries decrease atherosclerotic markers in subjects with metabolic syndrome," Basu A, Fu DX, et al, Nutr Res, 2010 July; 30(7): 462-469. (Address: Nutritional Sciences, 301 Human Environmental Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-6141, USA).

In a prospective study involving 7,822 women with type 2 diabetes, results indicate that whole-grain and bran intakes may be inversely associated with risk of all-cause and CVD-specific (cardiovascular disease) mortality. Dietary intake was assessed using questionnaires. During 26 years of follow-up, 852 all-cause deaths and 295 CVD deaths were recorded. After adjusting for age, the highest quintiles of whole grain, cereal fiber, bran and germ were associated with 16% to 31% reduced risks of all-cause mortality, compared with the lowest quintiles of intake. After further adjusting for lifestyle and dietary risk factors, the highest quintile of bran intake was associated with a 28% reduced risk of all-cause mortality and a 35% reduced risk of CVD-specific mortality. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Whole-grain and bran intakes were associated with reduced all-cause and CVD-specific mortality in women with diabetes mellitus. These findings suggest a potentia l benefit of whole-grain intake in reducing mortality and cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients."   Reference:    "Whole-grain, cereal fiber, bran, and germ intake and the risks of all-cause and cardiovascular disease-specific mortality among women with type 2 diabetes mellitus," He M, Qi L, et al, Circulation, 2010; 121(20): 2162-8. (Address: Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA).

In a phase-1, placebo-controlled, double blind study involving 40 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee, results indicate that supplementation with chicory root extract may have a potential role in improving symptoms associated with OA. The patients were randomized to placebo or chicory root extract doses of 600 mg/day, 1200 mg/day or 1800 mg/day, for a period of 1 month. At intervention end, 72% of patients in the highest dose group showed significant improvement (at least 20%) in pain, stiffness and global assessment. The treatment was well tolerated. Thus, the authors conclude, "The results of this pilot study suggest that a proprietary bioactive extract of chicory root has a potential role in the management of OA and merits further investigation."   Reference:    "Phase 1, placebo-controlled, dose escalation trial of chicory root extract in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee," Olsen NJ, Cooper M, et al, BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 2010; 11(1): 156. (Address: Rheumatic Diseases Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas TX 75390 USA).

In a study involving female rats and their offspring who were subjected to hypoxia/ischemia and then euthanized 5 weeks later to evaluate tissue loss, maternal treatment with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from the second day of pregnancy until 14 days after parturition was found to significantly reduce brain damage and improve long-term neurological outcomes up to 5 weeks after neonatal hypoxia/ischemia injury. The authors conclude, "Our results suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids confer potent neuroprotection against neonatal H/I brain injury through, at least partially, suppressing a microglial-mediated inflammatory response."   Reference:    "Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Confers Long-Term Neuroprotection Against Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury Through Anti-Inflammatory Actions," Zhang W, Hu X, et al, Stroke, 2010 August 12; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Institute of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China and the Department of Neurology and Center of Cerebrovascular Disease Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA).

In a prospective cohort clinical study involving 67 reproductive-age women experiencing infertility and undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization), treatment with acupuncture was found to be associated with significant increases in serum cortisol and prolactin - a beneficial effect promoting greater fertility. These results suggest that acupuncture treatment may benefit women undergoing IVF.   Reference:    "Changes in serum cortisol and prolactin associated with acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment," Magarelli PC, Cridennda DK, et al, Fertil Steril, 2009; 92(6): 1870-9. (Address: Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Centers, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910, USA. E-mail: info@475-baby.com ).

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 300 subjects (151 male, 149 female, between 24 and 71 years of age) with evacuation disorders and hard stools, but otherwise healthy, supplementation with a probiotic blend containing either a mixture of L. plantarum LP01 and B. breve BR03 or B. animalis subsp. lactis BS01 for a period of 30 days was found to significantly improve the number of weekly bowel movements, the consistency of feces, and the ease of expulsion. Subjects were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: a) placebo; b) mixed probiotics containing L.plantarum LP01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 (2.5x10 colony-forming units/day); c) mixed probiotics containing Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BS01 (5x10 colony-forming units/day) - for a period of 30 days. These results suggest that treatment with either of the combination of probiotic strains used in this study offer significant benefits to persons experiencing evacuation disorders, symptoms of which may include hard stools, abdominal bloating, difficult defection, intestinal pain, anal itching, burning or pain.   Reference:    "The Use of Probiotics in Healthy Volunteers With Evacuation Disorders and Hard Stools: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study," Del Piano M, Carmagnola S, et al, J Clin Gastroenterol, 2010 Aug 6; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Gastroenterology Independent Operating Unit, "Maggiore della Carita" Hospital "I Cedri" Nursing Home, Fara Novarese, Novara, Department of Gastroenterology, "San Filippo Neri" Hospital, Rome, Italy).

In a prospective study involving 39,765 men and 157,463 women in the Professionals Follow-up Study and the Nurses' Health Study I and II, results indicate that substituting brown rice for white rice may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher intake of white rice (5 or more servings per week) was associated with a 17% increased risk of type 2 diabetes, compared with lower intake (less than 1 serving per month). On the other hand, high brown rice intake (2 or more servings per week) was associated with an 11% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, compared with low intake (less than 1 serving per month). Additionally, substituting 50 g/day (uncooked, equivalent to one-third serving per day) intake of white rice with brown rice was associated with a 16% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (36% reduced risk for substitution with whole grains as a group). Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Substitution of whole grains, includi ng brown rice, for white rice may lower risk of type 2 diabetes. These data support the recommendation that most carbohydrate intake should come from whole grains rather than refined grains to help prevent type 2 diabetes."   Reference:    "White rice, brown rice, and risk of type 2 diabetes in US men and women," Sun Q, Hu FB, et al, Arch Intern Med, 2010 Jun; 170(11): 961-9. (Address: Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. E-mail: qisun@hsph.harvard.edu ).

In a randomized controlled study involving 48 obese subjects with metabolic syndrome, results indicate that consumption of blueberries may lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improve certain features associated with metabolic syndrome. The subjects were randomized to consume freeze-dried blueberry beverage (50 g freeze-dried blueberries, approximately 350 g fresh blueberries) or equivalent amounts of fluids (controls, 960 mL water) daily for 8 weeks. At intervention end, significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (6% and 4%), and plasma oxidized LDL and serum malondialdehyde and hydroxynonenal concentrations were observed in the blueberry group, compared with the control group. Thus, the authors conclude, "Our study shows blueberries may improve selected features of metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular risk factors at dietary achievable doses."   Reference:    "Blueberries Decrease Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome," Basu A, Lyons TJ, et al, J Nutr, 2010 Jul 21; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA).

In a placebo-controlled study involving 42 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis, results indicate that supplementation with selenium may prevent DNA damage in white blood cells. The patients were assigned to daily supplementation with 200 mug selenium or placebo for 3 months. At intervention end, tail moment (single-strand breaks) and oxidative bases lesion in DNA (measure of DNA damage) significantly decreased in the selenium supplemented group. Additionally, plasma selenium concentration significantly increased in the supplemented group. Thus, the authors conclude, "our study shows that in CKD patients on HD, DNA damage in white blood cells is higher than in healthy controls, and Se supplementation prevents the damage of DNA."   Reference:    "The Effect of Selenium Supplementation in the Prevention of DNA Damage in White Blood Cells of Hemodialyzed Patients: A Pilot Study," Zachara BA, Wasowicz W, et al, Biol Trace Elem Res, 2010 Jul 27; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland. E-mail: bronzach1@gmail.com ).

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 72 high school students with plaque-induced moderate gingivitis, results indicate that chewing gum containing Persica extract may improve periodontal health. The subjects were randomized to one of four groups for 2 weeks: 1) S+PE group (n=18): received Persica extract chewing gum plus two sessions of scaling; 2) S+P group (n=18): received placebo chewing gum plus two sessions of scaling; 3) P group (n=18): received placebo chewing gum; 4) PE group (n=18): received Persica extract chewing gum. At intervention end, chewing of gum supplemented with Persica was associated with significant reduction in gingival index and bleeding index. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Persica extract chewing gum had a considerable effect on GI, and BI. The use of Salvadora persica extract chewing gum may promote periodontal health."   Reference:    "Salvadora Persica extract chewing gum and gingival health: improvement of gingival and probe-bleeding index, Amoian B, Rangiani A, et al, Complement There Clin Pract, 2010; 16(3): 121-3. (Address: Babol Dental School, Periodontology dept., POBox 13185 1678, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: amoian@yahoo.com ).

In a prospective, randomized trial involving 32 moderate to severe, clinically stable, malnourished patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 12 weeks of nutritional supplementation and low-intensity exercise was found to be associated with increases in body weight, FFM, dietary intake energy, quadriceps muscle force, and 6-min walking distance, decreases in the REE:REEpred ratio, improvements in dyspnea and overall health status assessed via the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ). In addition, significant decreases in hsCRP, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha were found. The authors conclude, "The present study results suggest a potential role for the combination of nutritional supplementation and low-intensity exercise in the management of malnourished patients with COPD." Reference:    "Effects of nutritional supplementation combined with low-intensity exercise in malnourished patients with COPD," Sugawara K, Takahashi H, et al, Respir Med, 2010 June 3; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Rehabilitation, Akita City General Hospital, Akita, Japan).

In a study involving healthy volunteers, results indicate that oral supplementation with turmeric tablets may increase plasma concentrations of geranylgeranoic acid (GGA), a potent cancer-preventive acyclic retinoid. Two hours after turmeric tablet intake, a significant increase in plasma GGA was observed, and this increased level was maintained for 4 hours. The authors state, "These results indicated that GGA in the turmeric tablet was absorbed as an intact form from intestinal mucosa." The results of this study suggest that GGA may have chemopreventive properties; additional research is warranted.   Reference:    "Increase in plasma concentrations of geranylgeranoic Acid after turmeric tablet intake by healthy volunteers," Mitake M, Shidoji Y, et al, J Clin Biochem Nutr, 2010; 46(3): 252-8. (Address: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Siebold University of Nagasaki, Nagayo, Nagasaki 851-2195, Japan).

In a study involving data collected from 14,807 women over a period of 9.8 years, during which time 240 incident cases of breast cancer were identified, increasing conformity to a Mediterranean dietary pattern was associated with a marginally statistically significant inverse association among postmenopausal women (HR=0.78 for every 2 points), while no significant association was found in premenopausal women (HR=1.01 for every 2 points) or in the entire cohort as a whole (HR=0.88 for every 2 points). The authors conclude, "Conformity to the traditional Mediterranean diet may be associated with lower breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women and could explain, in part, the lower incidence of this disease in Mediterranean countries."   Reference:    "Conformity to traditional Mediterranean diet and breast cancer risk in the Greek EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition) cohort," Trichopoulou A, Bamia C, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2010 July 14; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: The WHO Collaborating Center for Food and Nutrition Policies, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens, Greece).

In a randomized placebo-controlled study involving 120 healthy Chinese women with a history of recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV), results indicate that supplementation with probiotics may reduce BV recurrence and risk of Gardnerella vaginalis. The women were randomized to daily supplementation with a capsule that contained 8 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus or placebo administered (7 days on, 7 days off, and 7 days on). At intervention end, women in the probiotic group showed lower recurrence rates of BV (15.8% vs. 45%) and Gardnerella vaginalis incidence (3.5% vs. 18.3%). Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Short-term probiotic prophylaxis is well tolerated and reduces BV recurrence and G vaginalis risk through 11 months after treatment."   Reference:    "Efficacy of vaginal probiotic capsules for recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study," Ya W, Miller LE, et al, Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2010; 203(2): 120.e1-120.e6. (Address: Department of Gynecology, Yuyao/Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China).

In a randomized controlled study involving 49 normotensive black children (mean age = 16.3 years), results indicate that daily supplementation with 2000 IU vitamin D may improve vitamin D status and exert a preventive effect against progression of aortic stiffness. The subjects were randomized to 400 IU/day (control group) or 2000 IU/day (intervention group) vitamin D for 16 weeks. At intervention end, plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly higher in the intervention group, compared with the control group. Additionally, carotid-femoral PWV (pulse wave velocity) was found to increase in the control group and decrease in the intervention group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Daily 2000 IU vitamin D supplementation may be effective in optimizing vitamin D status and counteracting the progression of aortic stiffness in black youth."   Reference:    "A 16-Week Randomized Clinical Trial of 2000 International Units Daily Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Black Youth: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Adiposity, and Arterial Stiffness," Dong Y, Zhu H, et al, J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2010 Jul 21; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Boston University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA).

In a randomized, controlled study involving 109 type 2 diabetics, results indicate that supplementation with cinnamon may help lower serum HbA1C. The subjects were randomized to supplementation with or without cinnamon capsules (1 g daily) along with usual care for a period of 90 days. At intervention end, subjects in the cinnamon group showed a 0.83% decrease in HbA1C, compared with 0.37% decrease in the control group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Taking cinnamon could be useful for lowering serum HbA1C in type 2 diabetics with HbA1C >7.0 in addition to usual care."   Reference:    "Effectiveness of cinnamon for lowering hemoglobin A1C in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled trial," Crawford P, J Am Board Fam Med, 2009; 22(5): 507-12. (Address: Nellis Family Medicine Residency, Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital, Las Vegas, NV 89191, USA. E-mail: paul.crawford@nellis.af.mil ).

In a population-based, prospective, cohort study involving 5,395 subjects aged 55 years of age and older, free of dementia at baseline, who were followed up with for an average of 9.6 years, during which time 465 subjects developed dementia, out of whom 365 were diagnosed with having Alzheimer's disease, higher intake of vitamin E at baseline was associated with a lower long-term risk of dementia. Subjects in the highest tertile of vitamin E intake were found to have a 25% reduced risk of developing dementia (hazard ratio=0.75), as compared to subjects in the lowest tertile of vitamin E intake. The authors conclude, "Higher intake of foods rich in vitamin E may modestly reduce long-term risk of dementia and AD."   Reference:    "Dietary antioxidants and long-term risk of dementia," Devore EE, Grodstein F, et al, Arch Neurol, 2010 July; 67(7): 819-25. (Address: Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands).   Comment from Dr. DeSilva....If a supplement is used, it is imperative that a full spectrum Vit. E product be used with all eight(8) forms of Vit. E

In a study involving 42 consecutive patients treated for RHC (recurrent hepatitis C) with INF-alpha and ribavirin for 48 weeks, results indicate that poor vitamin D status may impede response to antiviral treatment. Serum vitamin D levels were measured at baseline. At treatment end, 10% of severely vitamin D deficient (   Reference:    "Vitamin D supplementation improves response to antiviral treatment for recurrent hepatitis C," Bitetto D, Toniutto P, et al, Transpl Int, 2010 Jul 22; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Medical Liver Transplantation Unit, Internal Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy).

In a population-based, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study involving 870 postmenopausal women, results indicate that long-term calcium supplementation may exert a beneficial effect on body composition. The women were randomized to one of three groups for a period of 4 years: 1) Ca-group: received calcium supplementation (1400 mg/d or 1500 mg/d) + vitamin D placebo; 2) Ca+D group: received supplementation with calcium (1400 mg/d or 1500 mg/d) plus vitamin D (1100 IU/d); 3) placebo group: received two placebos. At intervention end, the calcium supplemented groups showed less gain in trunk fat and more trunk lean compared with the placebo group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Calcium supplementation over four years has a beneficial effect on body composition in postmenopausal women."   Reference:    "The effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on obesity in postmenopausal women: secondary analysis for a large-scale, placebo controlled, double-blind, 4-year longitudinal clinical trial," Zhou J, Lappe JM, et al, Nutr Metab (Lond), 2010; 7(1): 62. (Address: 601 North 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68131, USA. E-mail: lanjuanzhao@creighton.edu ).