Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVol. 19, No. 4 Seaweed, Kelp, Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus): An Evidence-Based Systematic Review by the Natural Standard Research CollaborationCatherine Ulbricht, Ethan Basch, Heather Boon, Julie Conquer, Dawn Costa, Samantha Culwell, Julie Dao, Carla Eisenstein, Ivo M. Foppa, Sadaf Hashmi, Richard Isaac, Katie Johnstone, Beth N. Kerbel, Yvonne C. LeBlanc, Meredith Mintzer, Marina Shkayeva, Michael Smith, David Sollars, and Jen WoodsCatherine UlbrichtSearch for more papers by this author, Ethan BaschSearch for more papers by this author, Heather BoonSearch for more papers by this author, Julie ConquerSearch for more papers by this author, Dawn CostaSearch for more papers by this author, Samantha CulwellSearch for more papers by this author, Julie DaoSearch for more papers by this author, Carla EisensteinSearch for more papers by this author, Ivo M. FoppaSearch for more papers by this author, Sadaf HashmiSearch for more papers by this author, Richard IsaacSearch for more papers by this author, Katie JohnstoneSearch for more papers by this author, Beth N. KerbelSearch for more papers by this author, Yvonne C. LeBlancSearch for more papers by this author, Meredith MintzerSearch for more papers by this author, Marina ShkayevaSearch for more papers by this author, Michael SmithSearch for more papers by this author, David SollarsSearch for more papers by this author, and Jen WoodsSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:12 Aug 2013https://doi.org/10.1089/act.2013.19401AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byBladderwrack; Kelp20 February 2015Algal Extracts in Dentistry6 February 2015 Volume 19Issue 4Aug 2013 Information© 2013, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Catherine Ulbricht, Ethan Basch, Heather Boon, Julie Conquer, Dawn Costa, Samantha Culwell, Julie Dao, Carla Eisenstein, Ivo M. Foppa, Sadaf Hashmi, Richard Isaac, Katie Johnstone, Beth N. Kerbel, Yvonne C. LeBlanc, Meredith Mintzer, Marina Shkayeva, Michael Smith, David Sollars, and Jen Woods.Seaweed, Kelp, Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus): An Evidence-Based Systematic Review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.Alternative and Complementary Therapies.Aug 2013.217-230.http://doi.org/10.1089/act.2013.19401Published in Volume: 19 Issue 4: August 12, 2013PDF download

An evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology and dosing.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the scientific evidence on flaxseed, including expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing. Electronic searches were conducted in 9 databases, 20 additional journals (not indexed in common databases), and bibliographies from 50 selected secondary references. No restrictions were placed on the language or quality of the publications. All literature collected pertained to efficacy in humans, dosing, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy/lactation, interactions, alteration of laboratory assays, and mechanisms of action. Standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria are used for selection. Grades were assigned using an evidence-based grading rationale. A review of the literature on flaxseed yielded 13 categories for which flaxseed had been studied in humans, including constipation/laxative, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis/coronary artery disease, breast cancer, cyclic mastalgia (breast pain), menopausal symptoms, hyperglycemia/diabetes, hypertension, lupus nephritis, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), and prostate cancer. Most of the available evidence investigates the efficacy of alpha-linoleic acid found in flaxseed compared with fish oil, and almost all of the available studies are poor quality. Although flaxseed and flaxseed oil have several promising future uses, the available literature does not support recommendation for any condition at this time.

Here presented is an evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

Review Methodology: Systematic Aggregation, Analysis, and Review of the Literature.Search Strategy: To prepare each Natural Standard monograph, electronic searches are conducted in nine databases, including AMED, CANCERLIT, CINAHL, CISCOM, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, HerbMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Medline, and NAPRALERT. Search terms include the common name(s), scientific name(s), and all listed synonyms for each topic. Hand searches are conducted of 20 additional journals (not indexed in common databases), and of bibliographies from 50 selected secondary references. No restrictions are placed on language or quality of publications. Researchers in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are consulted for access to additional references or ongoing research.Selection Criteria: All literature is collected pertaining to efficacy in humans (regardless of study design, quality, or language), dosing, precautions, adverse effects, use in regnancy/lactation, interactions, alteration of laboratory says, and mechanism of action (in vitro, animal research, human data). Standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria are utilized for selection.Data Analysis: Data extraction and analysis are performed by health care professionals conducting clinical work and/or research at academic centers, using standardized instruments that pertain to each monograph section defining inclusion/exclusion criteria and analytic techniques, including validated measures of study quality). Data are verified by a second reviewer.Review Process: Blinded review of monographs is conducted by multidisciplinary research-clinical faculty at major academic centers with expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics, pharmacology, toxicology, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research, and clinical practice. In cases of editorial disagreement, a three-member panel of the Editorial Board addresses conflicts, and consults experts when applicable. Authors of studies are contacted when clarification is required.

Background Despite the growing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by consumers in the U.S., little is known about the practice of CAM providers. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the practice patterns of naturopathic physicians in Washington State and Connecticut. Methods Telephone interviews were conducted with state-wide random samples of licensed naturopathic physicians and data were collected on consecutive patient visits in 1998 and 1999. The main outcome measures were: Sociodemographic, training and practice characteristics of naturopathic physicians; and demographics, reasons for visit, types of treatments, payment source and visit duration for patients. Result One hundred and seventy practitioners were interviewed and 99 recorded data on a total of 1817 patient visits. Naturopathic physicians in Washington and Connecticut had similar demographic and practice characteristics. Both the practitioners and their patients were primarily White and female. Almost 75% of all naturopathic visits were for chronic complaints, most frequently fatigue, headache, and back symptoms. Complete blood counts, serum chemistries, lipids panels and stool analyses were ordered for 4% to 10% of visits. All other diagnostic tests were ordered less frequently. The most commonly prescribed naturopathic therapeutics were: botanical medicines (51% of visits in Connecticut, 43% in Washington), vitamins (41% and 43%), minerals (35% and 39%), homeopathy (29% and 19%) and allergy treatments (11% and 13%). The mean visit length was about 40 minutes. Approximately half the visits were paid directly by the patient. Conclusion This study provides information that will help other health care providers, patients and policy makers better understand the nature of naturopathic care.

An evidence-based systematic review including scientific evidence, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

Ethan Basch is affiliated with the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Catherine Ulbricht is affiliated with the Massachusetts General Hospital. Michelle Harrison is affiliated with the New England Medical Center. David Sollars is affiliated with the New England School of Acupuncture. Michael Smith is affiliated with the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Cathi Dennehy is affiliated with the University of California San Francisco. Philippe Szapary is affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. All are members of the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard. com). Address correspondence to: Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD, c/o Natural Standard, 1130 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138-5204 (E-mail: kate@naturalstandard.com).

Fenugreek has a long history of medical uses in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, and has been used for numerous indications, including labor induction, aiding digestion, and as a general tonic to improve metabolism and health. Preliminary animal and human trials suggest possible hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties of oral fenugreek seed powder.

An evidence-based systematic review including scientific evidence, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/ dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

An evidence-based systematic review including scientific evidence, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: ]

Grace Kuo, PharmD – Faculty, Baylor College of Medicine; teaches at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. Abstract Fenugreek has a long history of medical uses in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, and has been used for numerous indications, including labor induction, aiding digestion, and as a general tonic to improve metabolism and health. Preliminary animal and human trials suggest possible hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties of oral fenugreek seed powder. (Altern Med Rev 2003;8(1):20-27)

Many patients with cancer use complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies. Physicians need authoritative information on CAM therapies to responsibly advise patients who seek these interventions. This article summarizes current evidence on the efficacy and safety of selected CAM therapies that are commonly used by patients with cancer. The following major categories of interventions are covered: dietary modification and supplementation, herbal products and other biological agents, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and psychological and mind-body therapies. Two categories of evidence on efficacy are considered: possible effects on disease progression and survival and possible palliative effects. In evaluating evidence on safety, two types of risk are considered: the risk for direct adverse effects and the risk for interactions with conventional treatments. For each therapy, the current balance of evidence on efficacy and safety points to whether the therapy may be reasonably recommended, accepted (for example, dietary fat reduction in well-nourished patients with breast or prostate cancer), or discouraged (for example, high-dose vitamin A supplementation). This strategy allows the development of an approach for providing responsible, evidence-based, patient-centered advice to persons with cancer who seek CAM therapies.

Background Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) affects two-thirds of pregnant women to varying degrees and over the years many modalities have been used to try to alleviate this often debilitating condition. There is a paucity of information in the literature about the use or efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the treatment of this condition that affects so many women. Our primary objective was to examine the prevalence of CAM usage by women suffering from NVP. Our secondary objective was to ascertain if women had any supervision in the use of these treatments. Methods Women who called The Motherisk NVP helpline, were asked after the counseling session to complete a questionnaire, which included demographic data as well as information about their CAM use. Results Seventy women completed the questionnaire. 61% reported using CAM therapies, of which the three most popular were: ginger, vitamin B6 and acupressure. 21% of those who reported using CAM, had consulted CAM practitioners, 8% their physicians or pharmacists and 71% discussed the usage with family, friends and other allied health professionals. Women who did not use CAM stated they would probably use these modalities if there was more information about the safety in pregnancy. Conclusion Pregnant women with NVP are mirroring the trend in the general population of the use of CAM. They are also using CAM therapies with little supervision from practitioners experienced in the use of these modalities.

The use, adverse effects, mechanism of action, pharmacology, interactions and supporting evidence of shark cartilage is presented. Dosage, toxicology and safety parameters are also discussed.

Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) is widely used in Europe for the management of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Although traditionally recommended for a variety of medical conditions, CVI is the only indication for which there is strong supportive scientific evidence. Review of the literature reveals 14 randomized controlled trials, of which seven are methodologically of high quality, albeit limited by small sample sizes and short durations. These studies support the superiority of HCSE over placebo, and suggest equivalence to compression stockings and to oral oxerutins. In the future, a longer and adequately powered randomized trial is warranted to compare HCSE to standard of care, and to further assess safety and long-term efficacy. There are no data to suggest that horse chestnut flower, raw seed, branch bark, or leaf are effective for any indication, and it is recommended that these products not be used, as they are known to be toxic when ingested.