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Ried K, Frank OR, Stocks NP, et al. Effect of garlic on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2008 Jun 16;8:13. Review. PMID: 18554422

Researchers at the University of Adelaide reviewed 25 studies investigating the effect of garlic preparations on blood pressure dating from 1994. The data showed that garlic preparations are superior to placebo in reducing blood pressure in people with hypertension.

From the discussion: 

"Our findings of the effect of garlic preparations on SBP/DBP [systolic/diastolic blood pressure] are comparable to the hypotensive effects of commonly-prescribed blood pressure drugs, e.g. beta-blockers of 5 mm Hg for SBP, angiotension converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) of 8 mm Hg for SBP, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists of 10.3 mm Hg for DBP. Our findings may have implications at a population level, where a reduction of 4 to 5 mm Hg in SBP and 2 to 3 mm Hg in DBP has been estimated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by 8–20%. While our study focuses on the short-term effects of garlic on blood pressure, larger scale long-term trials are needed to test the effectiveness of garlic on cardiovascular outcomes."

CAMWatch: Posts about free-access, peer-reviewed articles on aspects of complementary medicine theory, practice and policy (about the blogger). This blog is not a source for medical advice.

technorati tags: complementary and alternative medicine integrative medicine hypertension

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Yuan R, Lin Y. Globalizing the science curriculum: an undergraduate course on traditional Chinese medicine as a complementary approach to Western medicine. CBE Life Sci Educ. 2008 Summer;7(2):220-6. PMID: 18519613

Robert Yuan of the University of Maryland and Yuan Lin of Marco Polo Technologies report on a fascinating curriculum introducing Western science undergraduates to Asian approaches to medicine.

From their conclusion: 

"Philosophically, the course did not present TCM in opposition to modern Western medicine but as a complementary approach to it…. Western medicine identifies functions in relation to body structures or tissues, defines disease as malfunctions or infections of such structures, and uses invasive methods to eliminate the causes of the disease. The ideal is to find a “silver bullet” that will specifically remove the cause of the disease or its symptoms. The efficacy of the treatment or drug should be rapid and applicable to a large population of patients; it has generally been most successful for acute illnesses. The medical team comprises generalists, specialists, and laboratory technicians, each of whom examines the patient from his/her perspective. TCM perceives the body as a whole where health is defined as a balance between its many components and functions. Disease occurs when this balance is disrupted and treatment requires the restoration of this balance. Prevention through the use of specialized foods, Tai Chi, and acupuncture is critical, and treatment is by definition gradual because it requires bringing the body back into balance. The patient is seen as an individual (not a patient group), and wellness or therapy is customized. The basic relationship is that between the doctor and the patient because the former has to be familiar with the lifestyle and events of the patient’s life. These two systems of thought reflect differences in history, culture, and society."

Check out the textbook: The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine.

CAMWatch: Posts about free-access, peer-reviewed articles on aspects of complementary medicine theory, practice and policy (about the blogger). This blog is not a source for medical advice.

technorati tags: complementary and alternative medicine integrative medicine

Comments and Links Appreciated!

Szczurko O, Boon HS. A systematic review of natural health product treatment for vitiligo. BMC Dermatol. 2008 May 22;8:2. PMID: 18498646

Orest Szczurko and Heather Boon of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, have written a comprehensive baseline review of research in the use of vitamins, herbs and other supplements in the treatment of vitiligo. They didn’t find a compelling evidence base, but found two approaches that warrant further investigation, L-phenylalanine used with phototherapy, and monotherapy with oral Ginkgo biloba.

From the discussion: 

"Two areas are particularly intriguing. First, well designed clinical trials should attempt to replicate the studies utilizing L-phenylalanine in conjunction with phototherapy treatment. Several small clinical trials published so far provide positive results consistently with replication, but larger more definitive trials are necessary. Second, the use of Ginkgo biloba alone for the treatment of vitiligo holds potential promise. The use of Gingko biloba without phototherapy is likely to avoid the adverse reactions and unknown long term risks associated with phototherapy. If effective, Ginko biloba would also be a less costly and easier treatment for vitiligo."

CAMWatch: Posts about free-access, peer-reviewed articles on aspects of complementary medicine theory, practice and policy (about the blogger). This blog is not a source for medical advice.

technorati tags: complementary and alternative medicine integrative medicine vetiligo

Comments and Links Appreciated!