Herbal Science Research aggregator

Jonathan Treasure's Herblog: Bastyr, ADHD, and Hypericum.

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:42:35 -0700

Our last HERBLOG post regarding the Bastyr ADHD study attracted email comment, controversy and criticism. All of which is good. With Word Press comments disabled you never know if anyone is bothering to read a blog.

Thanks to Paul Bergner of the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism and Editor of the journal Medical Herbalism pointed out that Dr John Bastyr was not a founder of Bastyr University. The four founders of Bastyr were Bill Mitchell, Joe Pizzorno, Les Griffith and Sheila Quinn. As Bill Mitchell wrote in his book Plant Medicine in Practice, Bastyr was a towering figure of American botanical medicine, the “best of the best”. Bergner reports that being in the presence of this master clinician was amazing, and Bill Mitchell’s book gives a flavor of the man to those of us who were not fortunate enough able to meet him or hear him teach.

Bastyr University teaches Botanical Medicine as part of its core curriculum for Naturopathic Physicians, and arguably has one of the best botanical departments in North America at this time, which also offers a Herbal Sciences undergraduate degree, oriented more towards those considering non-clinical careers in the herb industry.

Dr Eric Yarnell, a current core faculty member at Bastyr’s Botanical Medicine department, defends the ADHD study and criticizes my post statement that Bastyr is joining the chorus that Hypericum does not work as a wild exaggeration. Eric suggests that since HYpericum is in fact a popular remedy with self medicating public for ADHD, it is reasonable to see if it works or not. He also suggests I read the whole paper, which I did not. Fair comment. His points are worth looking at in detail, which we will do in the next post.

Jonathan Treasure's Herblog: What were they thinking at Bastyr? SJW for ADHD?

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:43:51 -0700

So JAMA publishes a trial run out of Bastyr University, the renowned Naturopathic college in Seattle, which resoundingly informs us that SJW does not work for ADHD? What a total waste of time and money. What herb have they been smoking up there in Seattle? Is there a herbally literate practitioner anywhere who would recommend SJW as a single agent for a behavioral pattern such as “ADHD”. The centres of excellence so called in natural medicine would be better occupied in dismantling the ADHD “label” - instead of regarding it as disease that might be cured by a single herb given as a druand en route adding to the “SJW does not work” chorus.One wonders what the founders of Bastyr - Dr John Bastyr and Dr Biill Mitchell would think of such an unsavoury scenario.

Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

JAMA. 2008 Jun 11;299(22):2633-41 Weber W, Vander Stoep A, McCarty RL, Weiss NS, Biederman J, McClellan J

CONTEXT: Stimulant medication can effectively treat 60% to 70% of youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Yet many parents seek alternative therapies, and Hypericum perforatum (St Johns wort) is 1 of the top 3 botanicals used. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of H perforatum for the treatment of ADHD in children. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted between March 2005 and August 2006 at Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington, among a volunteer sample of 54 children aged 6 to 17 years who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) criteria for ADHD by structured interview. INTERVENTION: After a placebo run-in phase of 1 week, participants were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg of H perforatum standardized to 0.3% hypericin (n = 27) or a matched placebo (n = 27) 3 times daily for 8 weeks. Other medications for ADHD were not allowed during the trial. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Performance on the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (range, 0-54) and Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale (range, 0-7), and adverse events. RESULTS: One patient in the placebo group withdrew because of an adverse event. No significant difference was found in the change in ADHD Rating Scale-IV scores from baseline to week 8 between the treatment and placebo groups: inattentiveness improved 2.6 points (95% confidence interval [CI], -4.6 to -0.6 points) with H perforatum vs 3.2 points (95% CI, -5.7 to -0.8 points) with placebo (P = .68) and hyperactivity improved 1.8 points (95% CI, -3.7 to 0.1 points) with H perforatum vs 2.0 points (95% CI, -4.1 to 0.1 points) with placebo (P = .89). There was also no significant difference between the 2 groups in the percentage of participants who met criteria for improvement (score </=2) on the Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale (H perforatum, 44.4%; 95% CI, 25.5%-64.7% vs placebo, 51.9%; 95% CI, 31.9%-71.3%; P = .59). No difference between groups was found in the number of participants who experienced adverse effects during the study period (H perforatum, 40.7%; 95% CI, 22.4%-61.2% vs placebo, 44.4%; 95% CI, 25.5%-64.7%; P = .78). CONCLUSION: In this study, use of H perforatum for treatment of ADHD over the course of 8 weeks did not improve symptoms.

Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00100295.PMID: 18544723 [PubMed - in process]

(Via Herbal Science Research aggregator.)

Jonathan Treasure's Herblog: Smoothies on the go, from Kevin Kelly’s Cool Tools Blog

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 08:45:45 -0700

Kevin Kelly, Executive editor of Wired magazine and has a wide ranging personal web site that includes a blog called Cool Tools devoted to gadgets that work. I am a fan of Kelly’s writing and if you are unfamiliar with it go check out his work at kk.org. His Cool Tool blog is here

Cool Tools today mentions The Blender Bottle - a brilliant non electrical device for blending smoothies - for camping, road trips, travel or just home convenience. The protein plus smoothie is a foundation of all patient protocols at our clinic, and the challenge of making these brews on the road is a recurrent complaint. The Blender Bottle is the best answer to date.

The Blender Bottle is a shaker bottle with a free-floating surgical stainless steel wire ball inside. Not unlike a kitchen whisk, the ball moves freely within your drink, breaking up clumps and further mixing the mix as you shake it for a smooth, totally grit- and clump-free serving..

Blender Bottle
$7
(20 oz.)
Available from Amazon

$8
(28 oz.)
Available from Amazon

Manufactured by Sundesa

Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D.: Soy Isoflavone supplementation improves menopause symptoms only in equol producers

Sat, 31 May 2008 13:11:33 -0700

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 96 menopausal women was conducted over 6 months. 66 women were given 135 mg of soy isoflavone and 30 women were given placebo. After one week, the women in the treatment group were tested and further divided into 2 subgroups, equol-producing (EP) and non equol-producing (non-EP), according to peak levels of equol in the urine. Women in both of these subgroups were then given 3 grams of soy germ extract powder twice a day, totaling 135 mg of isoflavones daily, for 6 months.Menopause symptoms were evaluated using a modified Kupperman Index, measuring 17 items (hot flashes, excessive sweating, coldness of extremities, shortness of breath, numbness of extremities, paresthesia of extremities, insomnia, easy awakening, excitability, nervousness, melancholia, vertigo, weakness, arthralgia or myalgia, headaches, palpitations and formication. and scoring them as none, mild, moderate or severe.

Compared with the placebo group, symptoms of hot flashes and excessive sweating significantly reduced after 3 months and weakness, palpitations, limb paresthesias and total symptoms significantly decreased after 6 months, (P< 0.05) but only in the equol producers. At 3 months, total scores had decreased by 66% in the EP group, 54% in the non-EP group and 59% in the placebo group. At 6 months, symptom scores had decreased by 84% in the EP group, 58%in the non-EP group and 66 % for the placebo group.

Jou H-J, Wu S-S, Change F-W, Ling P-Y, Chue K, Wu W-H. Effect of intestinal production of equol on menopausal symptoms in women treated with soy isoflavones. Intl J Gynecology and Obstetrics (2008), doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo. 2008.01.028

Commentary: The research on soy’s ability to relieve menopause symptoms has produced quite mixed results. Differences in study doses, different proportions of genistein and daidzein used in the study medication, and differences in the study population have been used to explain the discrepancies. Study populations who may have a higher percentage of women who are equol producers have been previously suspected to be the determining factor in the effectiveness of soy isoflvaones, but the current study seems to be the first to demonstrate more clearly that a woman’s ability to produce equol determines her response to soy isoflavone supplementation. Daidzein and genestien are the two most significant phytoestrogens in soy. Daidzein is converted to equol, a metabolite of daidzein, by bacterial flora in the gut. It may be appropriate to test for equol production prior to treatment of perimenopausal and menopausal women to achieve the most success, and/or improve gut flora so that the individuals can more easily transform soy isoflavones to equol. This can be done with improving one’s diet to whole foods nutrition, reducing sugar to a minimum, consuming mostly unsaturated fats, and possibly taking probiotics as a nutritional supplement or in quality yogurts.

Jonathan Treasure's Herblog: Research Updates - Catchup

Sat, 31 May 2008 00:39:57 -0700

Effects of rhubarb extract on radiation induced lung toxicity via decreasing transforming growth factor-beta-1 and interleukin-6 in lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Yu HM, Liu YF, Cheng YF, Hu LK, Hou M, Lung Cancer. 2008 Feb;59(2):219-26

BACKGROUND: Radiation induced lung toxicity (RILT) is the main adverse effect in the radiation therapy of lung cancer. However, the optimal management of RILT has not been defined. In this paper, we investigated the effects of rhubarb extract on RILT, pulmonary function (PF), transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-beta1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eighty consecutive patients were randomly enrolled into two groups: trial group and control group. The trial group received three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) plus rhubarb (at a dose of 20 mg kg(-1) once a day) for 6 weeks. The control group received 3D-CRT plus a placebo containing starch for 6 weeks. Plasma TGF-beta1 and serum IL-6 were measured in all patients before, every 2 weeks during, and at 6 weeks after the completion of the treatment. RILT and PF were evaluated at 6 weeks and 6 months after the end of the treatment, respectively. The differences of TGF-beta1, IL-6, RILT, and PF between the two groups were analysed. RESULTS: The incidence of RILT in the trial group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment (32.4% versus 56.7% at week 6, and 27.0% versus 52.8% at month 6, both P<0.05). The plasma TGF-beta1 levels in the trial group were significantly lower than that in the control group during and after the treatment (P<0.05 or 0.01, respectively). The serum IL-6 levels in the trial group were significantly lower than that in the control group during the treatment (all P<0.01). The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1s (FEV1) at 6 weeks and the diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) at 6 months in the trial group were significantly improved compared to the control group (P<0.05 or 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The rhubarb extract significantly attenuated RILT and improved PF, probably by decreasing the level of TGF-beta1 and IL-6. These results may be of value for the prophylaxis of RILT, but the exact mechanisms underlying these prophylactic effects remain to be further explored.

PMID: 17870203 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

(Via Herbal Science Research aggregator.)

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Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D.: The calcium and cardiovascular disease risk connection - Is it true??

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:53:22 -0700

A study of 1,471 post menopausal women in New Zealand with a mean age of 74 were randomized to receive 1 gm of calcium citrate or placebo daily for 5 years. The occurrence of sudden death, heart attacks, stroke and transient ischemic attacks were reported by either the women or their family members. A twofold increase in MIs was seen among women in the calcium group compared with the placebo group. When accumulating the total of heart attacks, strokes or sudden deaths, the incidence was 1.47 times higher in the calcium group than in the placebo group as well. However, when the investigators incorporated national health database results for unreported cardiovascular events, the increase in the incidence in heart attacks was not statistically significant.

Bolland M, Barber P, Doughty R, et al. Vascular events in healthy older women receiving calcium supplementation: Randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2008;Feb 2; 336:262-266

[Click here to download fulltext PDF from BMJ]

Commentary: It is interesting and important to point out that the Women’s Health Initiative ( Circulation 2007;115:846) showed no statistically significant increase in cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women receiving calcium supplements and another study showed a non-significant but yet a trend in increased risk for ischemic heart disease. (Arch Intern Med 2006;166:869). These three studies all point to the fact that there is no definite statement or conclusion that can be made regarding calcium and cardiovascular events. That said, I am concerned that the importance of calcium supplementation in postmenopausal women, especially younger postmenopausal women, is very overplayed. And, most individuals do not estimate their dietary calcium sources, and then use a pill to supplement in addition to dietary sources to meet a total of 1,200mg-1,500 mg per day. Rather, they often take 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg per day, in addition to their dietary sources. A result of this misinterpretation of calcium guidelines might be excessive calcium and depletion of other nutrients such as copper, silicon and magnesium, all of which have cardioprotective benefits. In addition, these total daily calcium guidelines turn out to be most important to young girls and postmenopausal women 65 and older. These are the times in life when lack of bone architecture/density growth (young girls) and bone loss (elderly women) is most crucial in the prevention of osteoporosis and risk for fractures. For women in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s, our bones seem to do just fine with average dietary intake.

Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D.: Fatigue in Women

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:41:41 -0700

Fatigue is one of those experiences we all have had, at one time or another - either from too much work, too little sleep, stress, recovering from a trip, during a cold/flu, or what have you. This is not the kind of fatigue that really plagues some of us. Chronic fatigue syndrome or being persistently fatigued from a chronic and/or serious illness (ex/ hypothyroid, diabetes, hypoglycemia, depression, cancer) are the most debilitating kinds of fatigue. In between these short term bouts from relatively minor problems, and the more daily fatigue from something more serious, lies the episodic or recurring fatigue that can happen in relationship to different cycles and phases of a woman’s life - premenstrual, pregnancy and perimenopause.

Pregnancy is demanding in it’s own unique way: hormonal changes, increased nutritional demands, changes in sleep and eating patterns. Regular exercise, good healthy eating habits, a prenatal supplement, regular sleep, and moderating one’s work load, are usually enough to maintain energy throughout the pregnancy. Some women may become anemic during pregnancy and simple tests can detect this followed by simple nutrients as supplementation. At times, other health problems emerge during the pregnancy that can cause fatigue such as hypothyroid and diabetes. With good prenatal care, these can be detected and treated appropriately.

The cycles or phases of hormonal change such as the monthly premenstrual time, and the perimenopause transition can challenge what is called our stress adaptation mechanisms. There are three phases to this stress response which are regulated in large part, by our adrenal glands. The initial phase is the alarm reaction, or fight-or-flight response. This is triggered by reactions in the brain that cause the pituitary gland to produce a hormone, which causes the adrenals to secrete adrenaline as well as other stress related hormones. The alarm phase is usually very short lived. The next phase is the resistance reaction, which allows us to continue to deal with stress, after the fight-or-flight response has worn off. Hormones such as cortisol and other corticosteroids secreted by the adrenal cortex are in motion here and responsible for the resistance reaction. These hormones stimulate the conversion of protein to energy so that we have adequate fuel, after our glucose reservoirs have been used. The resistance reaction provides the energy and stabilizes our circulation under times of stress, as well as enabling us to deal with the emotional aspects of stress, fight infections and continue to perform our tasks. If the stress insult is prolonged and the resistance reaction is extended beyond our body’s capabilities to maintain balance, we become at risk for significant health care problems and end up in the final stage of general adaptation syndrome— exhaustion. In the exhaustion phase, our adrenal glands
have become depleted of hormones called glucocorticoids, and our body has a loss of potassium. In this phase, the body’s cells and tissues do not receive enough glucose or other nutrients to function properly.

As the exhaustion phase continues, our cells and organs in general feel the tremendous demand, and our metabolism is extremely challenged. Now we enter what we might call cellular fatigue and literally, our cells don’t get enough fuel to drive their function. This stress to our system takes a toll and nutritional status declines and disease status increases.

Premenstrual syndrome and perimenopause are their own kind of stress on the system. During these times, many women find their threshold of tolerating stress decreases. The complicated interaction of our hormones and our brain chemistry challenges our stress adaptation mechanisms, and fatigue can result. These fluctuating levels, both decreases and increases, in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and thyroid, interact with brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and others, that affect our emotional and physical responses to life, to stressors in our environment, to insults, and even to infections.

Different circumstances call for different approaches, and if persistent fatigue is something that plagues you, it is important to consult with a licensed health care practitioner to determine the cause. A good medical history, physical exam, and selected laboratory tests can determine if the cause is low thyroid, anemia, an infectious agent, low or high blood sugar, or a serious illness. Licensed alternative practitioners will also have tools and perspectives to consider food sensitivities, toxicities, neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal status and something we call adrenal fatigue syndrome.

A condition alternative medicine often calls “adrenal fatigue”, is a unique contribution to understanding a sometimes elusive problem such as fatigue.

Adrenal gland function and its production of hormones are vital performance tasks in our response to stress and our larger responses in our general adaptation syndrome. Nutritional and herbal support for a person who displays symptoms of intense or prolonged stress, and/or a fatiguing of the ability to adapt to the stress, can play a critical role in supporting our adrenal glands to adapt. An abnormal adrenal response, whether it is deficient or excessive hormone release, can be in large part addressed with key nutrients such as pantothene, B6, zinc, magnesium and vitamin C. These nutrients play a critical role in the optimal function of the adrenal glad and in the manufacture of adrenal hormones. Levels of these nutrients can be diminished during times of stress. Urinary excretion of vitamin C is increased during stress. Pantothene is also important during times of high stress or in individuals with adrenal fatigue. A deficiency of pantothenic acid results in fatigue, headaches, insomnia and more. Notable botanicals can also support adrenal function and enhance resistance to stress such as Siberian and Panax ginseng. These ginsengs are referred to as general tonics or adaptogens. Both Chinese and Siberian ginseng can be used to restore vitality in individuals who are chronically fatigued or who have decreased mental and physical performance and/or stamina. These ginseng species have been shown to act as tonics and anti-stress agents, enhancing the ability to cope with both physical and emotional stressors., , Individuals who take ginseng often report an increase in vitality, well being, increased mood, competence at work, mental and physical performance and reduced feelings of stress and anxiety. Rhodiola is well known amongst the Eastern Europeans for its ability to enhance energy, stamina and endurance. rhodiola appears to increase the chemicals that provide energy to the muscle of the heart and to prevent the depletion of adrenal hormones induced by acute stress.

Ashwagandha is also a significant adaptogen providing adrenal and immune support, , for increasing resistance to environmental stressors and as a general tonic. Ashwagandha contains several important active constituents including withanolides. Its mechanisms of action include pain relief, antioxidant effects, reducing inflammation, stimulating thyroid function, as well as respiratory and immune function. Some researchers have claimed that ashwagandha as an antistressor effect. It appears that it may suppress stress induced increases in dopamine receptors in the brain.

Astragalus has been used historically for strengthening and regulating the immune system, as a tonic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial antiviral and to protect the liver. A lengthy list for sure. Although there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of all of these uses, there is preliminary research that it is positive in some areas. Astragalus extracts seem to be able to restore or improve immune function in immune deficient cases. It may be able to restore suppressed T-cell function in cancer patients.7 Abnormal liver enzyme tests have improved in people chronic hepatitis when taking Astragalus. Astragalus is also thought to increase cardiac output and may be beneficial in individuals with congestive heart failure and compromised blood flow to the heart muscle. 8

We’re all familiar with our favorite spaghetti sauce that contains basil, but we may not know that this same plant, also known as Holy basil is a rich source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. Holy basil has been gaining some attention due to experimental studies in humans on blood glucose. Elevated glucose levels were lowered by 21 mg/dl and lowering glucose after a meal, was also a positive effect of the basil. Many individuals with adrenal dysfunction, have increased glucose levels due to the increased cortisol as a result of stress.

Shisandra is plant most familiar to those who use Chinese herbs. In traditional Chinese medicine, schisandra is used for many common problems, including physical fatigue. Schisandra is used for improving immune function, recovery after surgery, increasing physical performance and endurance, and for increasing resistance to disease and stress. Schisandra is also possibly effective for improving concentration. It is thought that the variety of lignans found in the fruit, are the active constituents in schisandra.

Maca, or Peruvian Ginseng, may be one of the most important plants having a diverse effect on the female reproductive system. Traditionally, it has been used for chronic fatigue syndrome, enhancing energy, stamina and overall energy. In the female reproductive system, its use for enhancing fertility, regulating the menstrual cycle, treating common menopause symptoms and to increase libido has been familiar to the traditional peoples of Peru and elsewhere, for many a generation. Studies soon to be published, will be able to document some of its specific effects for menopausal women.

This type of herbal/nutritional support is especially helpful for those who have been determined to have adrenal fatigue. Symptoms such as fatigue, low vitality, low libido, depression, anxiety, poor memory, low stamina, and difficulty handling the premenstrual phase and the perimenopausal transition are key indications of adrenal fatigue.

Some women who have premenstrual fatigue or perimenopausal fatigue, may need additional hormonal support as well. This may include actually using hormones as medicines, but also may involve improving the metabolisim of our hormones. These considerations can best be addressed utilizing a comprehensive approach with a licensed naturopathic physician who has both the alternative medicine perspective, as well as the ability to prescribe various hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol and thyroid.

The best approach to fatigue is to find out the cause. Don’t just ignore your fatigue and “gut it out” and don’t make assumptions about the cause of your fatigue. With good health care team approach utilizing your insights, your reading and natural foods store resources, a naturopathic physician, and possibly medical doctor or other allied practitioners, you can be more assured of understanding the cause and therefore the best solutions.

References

Farnsworth N, et al. Siberian Ginseng: Current status as an adaptogen. Economic Medicinal Plant Research 1985;1: 156-215.
Hikino H. Traditional remedies and modern assessment: The ase of Ginseng. In R.O.B. Wijeskera, ed. The Medicinal Plant Industry (Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1991), 149-166.
Shibata S, et al. Chemistry and Pharmacology of Panax. Econ Med Plant Research 1985;1:217-284.
Hallstrom C, Fulder S, Carruthers. Effect of Ginseng on the performance of nurses on night duty. Comp Med East and West 1982;6:277-282.
Maslova L, Kondrat’ev B, Maslov L, Lishmanov I. The cardioprotective and antiadrenergic activity of an extract of Rhodiola rosea in stress. Eksp Klin Farmakol 1994;57:61-63. (Article in Russian).
Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000;April: 1-25.
Sun Y, Hersh E, Talpaz M, et al. Immune restoration and/or augmentation of local graft versus host reaction by traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Cancer 1983;52(1): 70-3.
Upton R, Ed. Astragalus Root: analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: Am Herbal pharmacopoeia; 1999; 1-25.
Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh R. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1996;34(9): 406-409.
Upton R, ed. Schisandra Berry: Analytical, Quality and Control, and Therapeutic Monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1999; 1-25.

Henriette's Herbal: January 2008 rant

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:53:12 -0800

Rant material for January 2008.

Henriette's Herbal: Wordpress: pull, not push.

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:11:28 -0800

This is extremely annoying. So there's a new version of wordpress out, and it's a critical security upgrade - cos they've noticed something wonky in their xmlrpc.php -- again. I knew about it, and knew that it doesn't affect me, cos I subscribe to the wordpress .rss feed. Why doesn't it affect me? Cos I've deleted said [...]

Henriette's Herbal: Site update.

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:00:26 -0800

More old works: more Ellingwood, more Scudder, and a nice Swedish book.

Henriette's Herbal: ... snigger.

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:00:23 -0800

So yesterday, there was a sleep clinic documentary on the telly.

Henriette's Herbal: Plant photography

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:00:26 -0800

This question was on a mailing list I'm on.

Henriette's Herbal: Henriettesherbal on CD.

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:00:34 -0800

I've finally made a new version of the site CD.

Henriette's Herbal: Typos.

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:31:04 -0800

Those who can spell have a clear advantage.

Henriette's Herbal: 2 URLs

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:00:54 -0800

Two interesting links.

Henriette's Herbal: "I don't believe in herbs"

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:00:08 -0800

So somebody was telling me that, recently ...

Henriette's Herbal: December 2007 rant

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 23:00:26 -0800

Rant material for December 2007.

Henriette's Herbal: Moving a mailing list to a forum?

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:00:15 -0800

Don't do it.

Henriette's Herbal: Site update.

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:38:27 -0800

Even more old texts.

Henriette's Herbal: On drying clovers.

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:00:00 -0800

Red clover flowers take a looong time to dry.

Henriette's Herbal: Yrttilista, suomeksi.

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:00:25 -0800

Suomenkielinen sähköpostilista - aiheena yrtit.

Henriette's Herbal: Bleh for WP.

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:38:15 -0800

A WP update ...

Henriette's Herbal: Site update.

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 04:00:55 -0800

Even more old texts.

Henriette's Herbal: Gems from the past.

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:00:27 -0800

Translated snippets from an old Finnish text.

Ed Smith's Blog: An Herbal Myth Challenged:Does Echinacea’s immune system activity diminish with continuous use?

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 08:33:17 -0700

I am on a mission to dispel the modern herbal myth that people should not take the herb Echinacea for long periods of time because its immune-enhancing activity diminishes with repeated and continuous dosing. Unfortunately this misinformation has now become “common knowledge,” although it has never been scientifically or clinically proven. This myth evolved from the “theory” that because Echinacea “stimulates” the immune system its continuous use will cause the immune system to “fatigue” and diminish its activity. Interestingly, the medical and pharmacological researchers of Echinacea do not refer to the herb as an immuno-STIMULANT, but instead use the term immuno-MODULATOR, which much better describes Echinacea’s pharmacodynamics.

Extensive medical and pharmacological research on Echinacea has revealed multiple immuno-modulating actions (e.g., increases phagocytic action of immune cells, enhances the properdin/complement system, enhances production of alpha-1 & -2 gamma globulins, inhibits hyaluronidase enzyme activity and enhances polymerization of hyaluronic acid, enhances wound healing by augmenting growth of healthy new connective tissue, increases killer T-cell production, inhibits tumor growth, is anti-inflammatory, increases interferon levels and is thereby anti-viral, and more). However, all this research has never shown any evidence which indicates that any of these immuno-modulating actions are decreased by continued use of Echinacea.

But let’s set science aside for a moment and look at Echinacea’s clinical use by the Eclectic physicians who practiced medicine from the mid-1880s until the 1930s. Tens of thousands of Eclectic physicians prescribed hundreds of millions of doses of Echinacea for many decades and yet in their voluminous medical texts and journals they never once mentioned anything about diminished curative success with Echinacea (for any reason). If they did indeed see such, one would assume it would have been mentioned in their literature at least once, if not scores of times. And while their empirical evidence cannot be considered scientific proof, I have much confidence in the bedside experience of these physicians who “saw it all.”

I have offered a friendly challenge to several prominent herbalists and herbal authors who claim Echinacea’s immuno-activity diminishes with continuous use. I’ve asked them to supply at least one reference that supports their claim — either from modern medical research, or from the Eclectic or Physiomedicalist literature, or from traditional folk medicine sources. So far no one has been able to supply even one reference. For me, I have to have something in order to believe — either modern scientific evidence or historical references, and definitely more than theory and conjecture alone. What I do know for sure is that Echinacea “works” — and does its immunomodulating job dose, after dose, after dose, after …

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Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800