Chia (Salvia hispanica): a systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the scientific evidence on chia (Salvia hispanica) including history, folkloric precedent, expert opinion, pharmacology, dosing, interactions, adverse effects, and toxicology. This review serves as a clinical support tool. METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in ten databases, 20 additional journals (not indexed in common databases), and bibliographies from 50 selected secondary references. No restrictions were placed on language or quality of 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 utilized for selection. Grades were assigned using an evidence-based grading rationale. RESULTS: The available human and non-human studies show possible effectiveness for allergies, angina, athletic performance enhancement, cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), heart attack, hormonal/endocrine disorders, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, stroke, and vasodilatation. Some evidence also suggests possible anticoagulant, antioxidant, and antiviral effects of Salvia hispanica. CONCLUSION: There is limited evidence supporting the efficacy of Salvia hispanica for any indication; thus far, only two clinical studies have examined the effects of Salvia hispanica on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (including body weight). One study showed some effects on some CVD risk factors, while the other did not. Neither study showed any effects of Salvia hispanica on weight loss. However, the historical use of Salvia hispanica suggests that it is safe for consumption by nonallergic individuals. Further rigorous examination is warranted pertaining to the use of Salvia hispanica as a dietary supplement, as well as in the treatment or prevention of human disease.

Long lasting recruitment of immune cells and altered epi-perineurial thickness in focal nerve inflammation induced by complete Freund's adjuvant.

Immune-mediated nerve inflammation is involved in many painful states in humans, and causes axonal and behavioral changes in rats. While models of nerve inflammation have been characterized using electrophysiological and behavioral methods, the presence of immune cells has not been fully assessed. We inflamed rat sciatic nerves using complete Freund's adjuvant and quantified the presence of ED-1 macrophages and TCR-alphabeta T-cells for up to 12 weeks. We report that these immune cells are prominent extraneurally up to 12 weeks following the induction of inflammation. This observation does not easily correlate with inflammation-induced axonal mechanical sensitivity, which peaks within 1 week and is resolved after 8 weeks.

Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa): systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the scientific evidence on maitake, including expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing. This review serves as a clinical support tool. Electronic searches were conducted in 10 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 and lactation, interactions, alteration of laboratory assays, and mechanisms of action. Standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for selection. Grades were assigned using an evidence-based grading rationale. There was a lack of systematic study on the safety and effectiveness of maitake in humans. However, based on popular use and supportive scientific data, three indications are discussed in this review: cancer, diabetes, and immunostimulation. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, maitake mushroom remains a popular agent in commercial products. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Essiac: systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of Essiac. This review serves as a clinical support tool. Electronic searches were conducted in 10 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. Standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for selection. A review of the literature on Essiac and essiac formulations showed a lack of high-quality clinical trials to substantiate any of Essiac's traditional uses. Weak evidence from preclinical, animal, and laboratory data warranted a discussion regarding Essiac's use for cancer, but the results are inconclusive. Several other essiac preparations are noted in the literature, adding confusion to the exact formula and its proposed benefits. In general, there is a lack of both safety and efficacy data for Essiac and essiac formulations. Well-designed trials testing Essiac or individual herbal components are necessary to make firm recommendations.

An evidence-based systematic review of green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

UNLABELLED: This paper 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. SEARCH STRATEGY: To prepare each Natural Standard review, 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 pregnancy/lactation, interactions, alteration of laboratory assays, 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 healthcare professionals conducting clinical work and/or research at academic centers, using standardized instruments that pertain to each review section (defining inclusion/exclusion criteria and analytic techniques, including validated measures of study quality). Data are verified by a second reviewer. REVIEW PROCESS: A blinded review is conducted by multidisciplinary research-clinical faculty at major academic centers with expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics, pharmacology, toxicology, 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.

Flax and flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum): a review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

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.

Evidence-based systematic review of saw palmetto by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

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.

Time course of substance P expression in dorsal root ganglia following complete spinal nerve transection.

Recent evidence suggests that substance P (SP) is up-regulated in primary sensory neurons following axotomy and that this change occurs in larger neurons that do not usually produce SP. If this is so, then the up-regulation may allow normally neighboring, uninjured, and nonnociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to become effective in activating pain pathways. By using immunohistochemistry, we performed a unilateral L5 spinal nerve transection on male Wistar rats and measured SP expression in ipsilateral L4 and L5 DRGs and contralateral L5 DRGs at 1-14 days postoperatively (dpo) and in control and sham-operated rats. In normal and sham-operated DRGs, SP was detectable almost exclusively in small neurons (< or =800 microm2). After surgery, the mean size of SP-positive neurons from the axotomized L5 ganglia was greater at 2, 4, 7, and 14 dpo. Among large neurons (>800 microm2) from the axotomized L5, the percentage of SP-positive neurons increased at 2, 4, 7, and 14 dpo. Among small neurons from the axotomized L5, the percentage of SP-positive neurons was increased at 1 and 3 dpo but was decreased at 7 and 14 dpo. Thus, SP expression is affected by axonal damage, and the time course of the expression is different between large and small DRG neurons. These data support a role for SP-producing, large DRG neurons in persistent sensory changes resulting from nerve injury.