In vivo microdialysis shows differential effects of prenatal protein malnutrition and stress on norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin levels in rat orbital frontal cortex.

Prenatal protein malnutrition (PPM) alters the developing brain including changes in monoaminergic systems and attention. In the present study, we used in vivo microdialysis to examine the relationship between PPM, acute stress, and extracellular serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) in both hemispheres of lateral orbital frontal cortices (lOFC) in the adult rat. We hypothesized that prenatal protein malnutrition would alter extracellular concentrations of cortical monoamines. The effects of an acute restraint stress were also assessed because PPM alters the brain's response to stress. We used adult male, Long-Evans rats [10 prenatally malnourished (6% casein) and 10 prenatally well-nourished (25% casein)]. Samples were collected from the left and right hemispheres of the lOFC every 20 min for 6 hr total and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After 2 hr of sampling, animals were exposed to a 40-min restraint stress. Extracellular levels of NE were significantly higher in PPM animals than in well-nourished controls across both hemispheres at all time-points. In contrast, baseline levels of 5HT and DA levels did not differ between nutritional groups. 5HT levels, but not NE or DA levels, were elevated compared to baseline levels in both nutritional groups and in both hemispheres during the first 20 min of stress exposure. These data highlight the impact of PPM on neuromodulatory systems and the profile of changes in response to acute stress. Additional studies are needed to determine how these basal and stress-related responses impact cognitive performance and whether these differences persist during cognitive testing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

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.

An evidence-based systematic review of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

An evidence-based systematic review of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated, reproducible grading rationale. This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Goji (Lycium spp.) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

An evidence-based systematic review of goji (Lycium spp.) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated, reproducible grading rationale. This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated, reproducible grading rationale. This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

An evidence-based systematic review of chlorophyll by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

An evidence-based systematic review of chlorophyll by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated, reproducible grading rationale. This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

An evidence-based systematic review of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

An evidence-based systematic review of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated, reproducible grading rationale. This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

An evidence-based systematic review of acai (Euterpe oleracea) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

An evidence-based systematic review of acai (Euterpe oleracea) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration consolidates the safety and efficacy data available in the scientific literature using a validated, reproducible grading rationale. This article includes written and statistical analysis of clinical trials, plus a compilation of expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

An evidence-based systematic review of gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

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

An evidence-based systematic review of cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

An evidence-based systematic review of cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.), including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing, by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration is discussed in this monograph.

An evidence-based systematic review of amylase inhibitors by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

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.

An evidence-based systematic review of stevia by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the scientific evidence on stevia, 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. Based on the availability of scientific data, two indications are discussed in this review: hypertension and hyperglycemia. Evaluation of two long-term studies (1 and 2 years in length, respectively) indicates that stevia may be effective in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients, although data from shorter studies (1-3 months) did not support these findings. A pair of small studies also report positive results with respect to glucose tolerance and response, although the relatively low methodological rigor of these experiments limits the strength of these findings. Further investigation is warranted in both indications.

An evidence-based systematic review of umckaloabo (Pelargonium sidoides) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

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.

An evidence-based systematic review of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

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

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.

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.

An evidence-based systematic review of bee pollen by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

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.

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.

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.

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.