Feverfew for Migraines: Used extensively in Canada but lacks rigorous studies. Review says five acceptable DB trials with most showing benefit but says some caveats. Vogler, Exeter, Cephalagia 12/98;18:704. One in Lancet 1988 with 72 pt 4 months DB PC crossover design for 2^nd 4 months with fewer headaches and less severe with less vomiting although duration unchanged if did occur. Murphy, Nottingham ’88;2:159; Also Brit Med J 1985 with 17 pts DB PC with less vomiting. Johnson 291:569

Feverfew No Benefit Rheum Arthritis: DB PC 41 pts Rx 70-86mg/d x 6wk. No diff on pain or many other biochem and clinical parameters. Pattrick, Nottingham, Ann Rheum Dis ’89;48:547

Fructooligosaccharides No Benefit DM Lipids: Single-blind PC 20 AODM 20 day crossover study found no effect from 15 g/d on FBS, Chol, HDL, LDL, TG, serum FFA, or serum acetate. Says Fructos are promoted as lowering FBS and Chol. Alles, Netherlands, Am J Clin Nutr 1/99; 69:64; bifidobacterium and lactobacilli thought healthy beneficial in colon and FOS thought to promote their growth. J ApplMicrobiol 10/98; FOS improves calcium absorption in rats. Morohashi, J Nutr 10/98; FOS no effect on iron or calcium absorption in 12 healthy men at 15g/d for 21 days. Am J Clin Nutr 3/98; FOS are non-digestible, chicory FOS also increase stool bulk, supposedly increase availability of essential minerals and lower TG and popular in Europe. AdvExp Med Biol ’97;427-211; Roberfroid of Belgium appears leading writer. FOS called "prebiotics" and supposedly stimulate growth of healthy colonic bacteria selectively. J Nutr ’95;125:1401; Almost all research is animal research and no studies whatsoever on animals or humans study impact on disease or health. PubMed thru 3/3/99

Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Antioxidants, Zinc, Selenium, and structured Triacylglycerol Supplement Increased Vaccine Response and Decreased URIs: An Abbott Lab, Univ of Florida, and Drexel Univ DB PC study of 66 nursing home elderly given an 8 oz. supplement daily for 183 days found fewer days of URI symptoms (3/patient vs. 0) and better influenza antibody and lymphoproliferative status after a flu shot. Nutritional Formula Enhanced Immune Function and Reduced Days of Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Seniors. Langkamp-Henken B, et al. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004 Jan;52(1):3-12

Ganoderma May Help Cancer Treatment: These human cancer cell culture results indicate that G. lucidum extract has a profound activity against leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma cells and may be a novel adjunctive therapy for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Leuk Res 2006 Jan 16. Similar cell culture studies show benefit for breast and prostate cancer cultures. It helped induced colon cancers in rats. Ascorbic acid, soybean lecithin, capsaicin, biochanin A, Ganoderma lucidum, caffeine, and a novel synthetic 2-(allylthio)pyrazine decrease the incidence of mouse lung tumors, whereas fresh ginseng (4 years old), carrot, spinach, Sesamum indicum, beta-carotene, and 13-cis retinoic acid do not. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1999;889:157-92.

Ganoderma Concoction Appears to Help Herpes Zoster: Administration of hot water extracts of a herbal formula containing Ganoderma lucidum, WTMCGEPP (Wisteria floribunda 0.38, Trapa natans 0.38, Miristica agrans 0.38, Coix lachryma-jobi 0.75, cultivated Ganoderma lucidum 0.75, Elfuinga applanata 0.38, tissue cultured Panax ginseng 0.3, and Punica granatum 0.38: numerals designate dry weight gram/dose), decreased herpes zoster pain for five Japanese patients suffering from shingles. Pain relief started within a few days of intake and was almost complete within 10 days. Two acute herpes zoster with manifestations including trigeminal nerve ophthalmia (both 74 years old), lower body zoster (70 years old), herpes zoster oticus (17 years old), and leg herpes (28 years old), responded quickly to treatment and no patient developed post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) after more than one year of follow-up. Effect of an herbal formula containing Ganoderma lucidum on reduction of herpes zoster pain: a pilot clinical trial. Hijikata Y, et al. Osaka, Japan. . Am J Chin Med 2005;33(4):517-23. Administration of hot water soluble extracts of Ganoderma lucidum (GI) (36 to 72 g dry weight/day) decreased pain dramatically in two patients with postherpetic neuralgia recalcitrant to standard therapy and two other patients with severe pain due to herpes zoster infection. Am J Chin Med 1998;26(3-4):375-81. A couple rat studies have shown anti-viral and anti-herpetic effects. 

While liver protection was found in a mouse study of CCl4-induced liver toxicity, epatotoxicity in a human has been reported. Ganoderma lucidum is an antifibrotic agent for the liver and reduced cirrhosis in rats caused by bile duct ligaiton through inhibition of collagen deposition of polysaccharide. Biol Pharm Bull 1997 Apr;20(4):417-20.

Ganoderma Helped Neurasthenia: Ganoderma lucidum has been widely used to treat various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurasthenia in many Asian countries. In a DB PC study of 132 patients with neurasthenia, Ganopoly 1,800 mg three times a day for 8 weeks resulted in significantly lower scores in the CGI severity and sense of fatigue with reductions of 15.5% and 28.3% vs. 4.9% and 20.1% for placebo. Well-being increased 39% with Ganopoly vs. 30% with placebo. 52% for Ganopoly group were more than minimally improved vs. 25% for placebo group (P = .002). Ganopoly was well tolerated. A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia. Tang W, et al. Auckland, New Zealand. J Med Food 2005 Spring;8(1):53-8. Ed: This treatment would cost about $50 per month ordering from www.iherb.com 2/2006. 

Ganoderma Helped NSAID Ulcers in Rats: The water-soluble PS fractions from Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) have been shown to inhibit indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats. Oral administration of G. lucidum PS at 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg for 2 weeks caused a significant acceleration of acetic acid-induced ulcer healing by 40% and 56% in rats. J Med Food 2004 Winter;7(4):417-21. Lingzhi is the Chinese name given to the Ganoderma family of mushrooms, which was considered the most valuable medicine in ancient China and was believed to bring longevity. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol 2004 Dec 5;812(1-2):241-57. Ganoderma has anti-oxidant effects and protected mice from alloxan-induced pancreatic islet cell damage. It protected against BCG-induced liver damage in rats. 

Ganoderma total sterol (GS) and GS1 protect rat cerebral cortical neurons from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. Zhao HB, et al. Life Sci 2005 Jan 14;76(9):1027-37.

GBH Bodybuilding, Euphoria, Alcohol Withdrawal: Schedule I in US. gamma hydroxybutyrate, Used illicitly. European studies for alcohol withdrawal and long-term abstinence small anduncontrolled. Glisson, Southern Med J 02;95:926

Ginseng, St John’s Side-effects : Ginseng can cause headache, tremulousness, and mania in patients treated with phenelzine. Borage and Evening primrose oil may lower seizure threshold (?). Recommend St John Wort not be used with MOAI or SSRIs due to lack of research. Arch Intern Med 11/9/98 158:2200-11. Miller LG

Glutamine Helps Infant Diarrhea: Glutamine is an important fuel for rapidly dividing cells such as enterocytes and lymphocytes. Exogenous glutamine supplementation in catabolic states preserves intestinal mucosal structure and function, decreases bacterial translocation, and supports normal immunologic responses. In a DB PC study of 6- to 24-month-old children with acute diarrhea using either 0.3 g/kg/day of glutamine (n = 63) or placebo (n = 65) for 7 days, the diarrhea in the glutamine treated group was significantly shorter than that of the placebo group (3.40 days vs. 4.57 days, respectively; P = 0.004). The beneficial impact of glutamine supplementation seems to be through effects on gastrointestinal mucosa. Effect of Glutamine Supplementation on Diarrhea, Interleukin-8 and Secretory Immunoglobulin A in Children With Acute Diarrhea. Yalcin SS, Yurdakok K, Tezcan I, ONer L. Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2004 May;38(5):494-501

Glutamine Helps HIV Med Diarrhea: In a 25-patient DB PC crossover study, HIV-infected patients with nelfinavir-associated diarrhea for >1 month were randomized to receive L-glutamine 30 g/day or placebo for 10 days. Diarrhea was measured on a scale ranging from grade 0 (no diarrhea) to grade 4 (severe diarrhea, > 7 stools/day). Diarrhea scores were glutamin 0.762 vs. placebo 1.850, p <.01. Quality of life scores favored glutamine 1.48 vs. -2.19, p <.017.  L-glutamine supplementation improves nelfinavir-associated diarrhea in HIV-infected individuals. Huffman FG, Walgren ME. Florida International University, HIV Clin Trials. 2003 Sep-Oct;4(5):324-9

Glutamine, Arginine, HMB Helps HIV, Cancer Muscle Wasting: Three double-blind studies examined the safety of the combination of HMB, arginine and glutamine on blood chemistries, hematology, emotional profile, and adverse events. Study 1 was conducted in healthy adult males (n = 34), study 2 was in HIV patients with AIDS-associated weight loss (n = 43), and study 3 was in cancer patients with wasting (n = 32). A mixture of 3 g HMB, 14 g arginine, and 14 g glutamine per day was not associated with any adverse indicators of health. HMB, arginine, and glutamine supplementation was associated with an improvement in emotional profile (p = .05), a decreased feeling of weakness (p = .03), and increased red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, and eosinophils (p < .05) when compared with placebo.  Supplementation with a combination of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), arginine, and glutamine is safe and could improve hematological parameters. Rathmacher JA, Nissen S, Panton L, Clark RH, Eubanks May P, Barber AE, D'Olimpio J, Abumrad NN.  Iowa State University, JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2004 Mar-Apr;28(2):65-75. Glutamine didn't help weight lifters. J Strength Cond Res. 2002 Feb;16(1):157-60.

Goldenseal Use Common: Although not a single study, human or animal, DB or open is reported on PubMed as of April 18, 1999, Goldenseal tea was found to be the most common herbal med used by NYC ER patients with 22% using some herb. Garlic and ginger were #2 and #3. Acad Emerg Med ’97:4:209

Gout Cure: goutcure.com sells capsules with 500mg each / Yucca, Turmeric, Certified Silymarin, Artichoke, Aged Garlic claiming it cures gout. The website falsely claims that the USDA recommends 8 cups of water a day. The website refers to no research documenting their claim for the combination or for any single ingredient. It also falsely claims that UCLA has reported that turmeric is safer and better at preventing Alzheimer’s disease than ibuprofen. The study to which they are undoubtedly referring is J Neurosci. 2001 Nov 1;21(21):8370-7 in which transgenic mice susceptible to Alzheimer’s type lesions are given either a low or high dose of turmeric. The low dose, but not the high dose, mice showed some favorable changes. The UCLA researchers only concluded that turmeric "shows promise for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease."

Grapeseed Extract: In a DB PC 8-week study of ragweed hayfever sufferers, grapeseed extract 100 mg b.i.d. was of no value whatsoever. Univ. Cincinnati. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of grapeseed extract in the treatment of fall seasonal allergic rhinitis: a pilot study. 
Bernstein DI, Bernstein CK, Deng C, Murphy KJ, Bernstein IL, Bernstein JA, Shukla R. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2002 Mar;88(3):272-8. Despite being widely sold through vitamin distributors and health food stores, very little human or animal research exists as of 1/3/04.

Guggul Sap Lowers Cholesterol: Indian researcher found that the guggul compound from the guggul true also was effective in combating heart disease, a condition linked to cholesterol. Later studies in India showed that guggulsterone lowered cholesterol, and Indian health authorities approved the sale of the resin for treatment of heart disease. Acts by blocking FXR receptors which regulate level of bile acid and thereby cholesterol. U Tx Southwest Med. AP Washington, Science Express 5/3/02

Guggul Doesn’t Work: Guggul (derived from Commiphora mukul), a herbal extract that is widely used in India and Asia to lower cholesterol levels, seems to do just the opposite ( JAMA 2003;290: 765-72). In a randomised controlled study involving 103 patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia, the low density lipoprotein levels (LDLs) in participants taking the herb increased whereas the LDLs in those taking placebo fell, resulting in a 9% difference in levels between the two groups.

Homeopathy DB Not Help Asthma: Oral remedy no more effective than placebo for adults with positive skin test for house dust mites. BMJ 3/2/02 324:520

Honey & Yeast No Help to Runners: 16 long distance runners DB PC plasmolyzed yeast, malt, honey, & OJ vs. placebo. No difference in immune system measures. Gmunder, Zurich, Br J Sports Med 6/90;24:103

Horsechestnut Helpful for Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Conservative therapy of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) consists largely of compression treatment. This often causes discomfort and has been associated with poor compliance. In 7 DB PC studies with Horsechestnut extract compared with placebo, six reported a significant reduction of leg pain compared with the placebo groups, while another reported a statistically significant improvement compared with baseline. One trial suggested a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 42.4 mm measured on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Leg volume was assessed in six studies. Meta-analysis of five (n = 289) suggested a significant reduction in favour of HCSE compared with placebo (WMD 56.3 ml). One trial indicated that HCSE may be as effective as compression stockings at reducing leg volume. Adverse events were usually mild and infrequent. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Peninsula Medical School, UK. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(2):CD003230.

Horsechestnut Helpful for Chronic Venous Insufficiency: These German researchers identified 13 DB PC trials of chronic venous insufficiency (1,051 patients) and 3 observational studies (10,725 patients) that met their inclusion criteria. Compared to placebo, HCSE reduced leg volume by 46.4 ml and increased the likelihood of improvement in leg pain 4.1-fold. Similarly, improvement probabilities were increased 1.5-fold  for edema and 1.7-fold for itching. There was insufficient evidence to demonstrate HCSE's effect on leg fatigue/heaviness or calf cramps. Observational studies showed significant effectiveness regarding pain, edema, and leg fatigue/heaviness. No severe adverse events were reported, and HCSE did not significantly increase mild adverse events. Long-term studies are needed. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and large observational studies. Siebert U, Brach M, et al. Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany.  Int Angiol. 2002 Dec;21(4):305-15.

Horse Chestnut Seed Extract Helps Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A review reports all placebo-controlled studies found HCSE helps chronic venous insufficiency with decreases in lower-leg volum, lower leg circumference at the calk and ankle, leg pain, pruritus, and feelings of fatigue and tenseness. Five comparative trials found HCSE as effective as O-(Beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides and one studies suggests a therapeutic equivalence of HCSE and compression therapy. Side-effects usually mild and infreq. Max Pittler, U Exeter, UK, Arch Derm 134:1356-60, ’98.

Hops: Female flowers a mild sedative. No trials. Allergies and may disrupt menstrual cycle. Avoid in depr, preg, lactation. Wong. Used for sleep, 500mg hs or more. Reportedly more sleep inducing than chamomile or passionflower and on par with valerian.

Ionized Bracelet No Help for Muscle or Joint Pain: BD study 610 patients found no benefit wearing bracelets for 28 days as suggested by alternative medicine manufacturer. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 11/02.

Inositol Helps Depression, OCD, Panic: DB PC studies found no benefit schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, ADHD, or autism but did find benefit for 12g/day for 4 weeks for 28 depressed pts, for 12g/day for 21 panic patients, and 18g/day for 13 OCD patients. Minimal S-E. Levine, Ben Gurion U, Eur Neuropharm ’97;7:14. Ed: Inositol is available on line for $52 for 8 oz. or 240 g. That's roughly $4 per day for OCD and not covered by insurance.

Inositol Helped Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Some Weight Loss: In a DB PC trial of 283 women with oligomenorrhea and polycystic ovaries, those receiving inositol (100 mg, twice a day), the time to first ovulation was shorts (24 vs. 42 days) with more frequent ovulations (23% vs. 13% of weeks). Significant (P < 0.01) weight loss (and leptin reduction) was recorded in the inositol group, whereas in the placebo group was recorded an increase of the weight (P < 0.05). A significant increase in circulating high-density lipoprotein was observed only in the inositol-treated group. Metabolic risk factor benefits of inositol treatment were not observed in the morbidly obese subgroup of patients (body mass index > 37). No change in fasting glucose concentrations, fasting insulin, or insulin responses to glucose challenge test was recorded after 14-wk of inositol and placebo therapy. There was an inverse relationship between body mass of the patients and the efficacy of the treatment. These data support a beneficial effect of inositol in improving ovarian function in women with oligomenorrhea and polycystic ovaries. One-third of inositol women dropped out vs. 10% of placebo. Effects of inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial. Gerli S, Mignosa M, Di Renzo GC. University of Perugia, Italy. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Nov-Dec;7(6):151-9

Soy Isoflavones Help Lower LDL & Bone Density > Milk: DB PC 6 months 40g/d soy protein with two levels of isoflavones/g vs milk protein. Both soy lowered LDL but only higher soy incr lumbar bone density. U Ill, Am J Clin Nutr 12/98;68(6 Suppl):1375; Same in another U Ill study of LDL. Am J Clin Nutr 9/98;68:545

Soy Isoflavones and Melatonin No Benefit for Menopause in DB: In a 3-month DB PC study of 262 menopausal women, women received placebo or soy isoflavones 80 mg. or melatonin 3 mg/day. Neither supplement did any better than the placebo. Soy isoflavones and melatonin for the relief of climacteric symptoms: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized study. Secreto G, Chiechi LM, Amadori A, Miceli R, Venturelli E, Valerio T, Marubini E. Maturitas. 2004 Jan 20;47(1):11-20. Ed: This was a large study and thus more likely to detect any benefit.

No Help From Isoflavone Genistein: DB PC 45 men 13 post-meno women 55mg/d no affect on lipids. Hodgson, Australia, J Nutr 4/98;128:728

Isoflavone Ipriflavone Minimal Help Osteoporosis: DB PC 198 women 50-65 2 year 200mg TID with all on 1200mg calcium. Significant although slight benefit (a 1% increase in bone density). Italy, Calcif Tissue Int ‘97;61:42. Several other similar earlier and smaller Italian studies with slightly greater impacts. Promensil "natural plant estrogens" from Australian red clover advertised for menopausal women in American Health 4/98. Ad claims 14 years of "scientific research" with 93% wanting to stay on med because it helped them "feel normal," "like myself."

Isopropoxy Isoflavone Might Help Tinnitus: Very small study of 16 otosclerotic patients pre- and post-stapedectomy ear surgery for tinnitus Rx 6 months DB PC with trend toward benefit from ipraflavone. Budapest, Acta Chir Hung ’92;33:01-7; A 1988 study also found prevents bone demineralization in DM-induced rats. Another Hungarian 1988 study found decreased bone demineralization in immobilized rats. A Japanese 1988 study found decreased in bone loss in rats with low calcium and vitamin D diet.; a 1/27/79 letter talked of cardio properties in Lancet.

Juvenon Claimed to Help Sedentary Old Men in Small Study: In a DB PC 17-week crossover study of only 18 healthy but sedentary men 60-71 years old with a 4 week washout between, a proprietary supplement of acetyl-L-carnitine 500 mg. plus alpha lipoic acid 200mg or placebo were given b.i.d.  The study evaluated 9 different biomarkers of supposed cellular health and oxidative stress, i.e., ammonia, beta-carotene, glutamine, glutathione, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant status (TAS), vitamin C, vitamin E-alpha tocopherol, and vitamin E-gamma tocopherol. All biomarker results except alpha tocopherol favored the supplement. Tests of strength and fitness were inconclusive. Scores on the Psychological General Well Being Index reportedly favored the supplement. Although the study was done in 2001 and is being used to sell the product including promotional articles in Discover and Reader's Digest, as of Dec., 2003, it has yet to be published in a refereed scientific journal.Marialice Kern, Kinesiology, San Fran State Univ. www.juvenon.com .  Ed: This is certainly very skimpy evidence on which to run out and spend good money. Just getting some exercise regularly would have done better for strength and fitness and very likely for well being.  As for the markers, we still need evidence that Juvenon helps real life, not just markers.

Kava: Neither Valerian Nor Kava Helped Anxiety or Insomnia in Large Internet Study: It had to happen.  In the first internet-based, 4-week DB PC study of 391 adults with anxiety disorders from all across the U.S., neither those assigned to kava nor valerian did any better than placebo on tests for anxiety and insomnia. An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia. Jacobs BP, et al. University of California-San Francisco. Medicine (Baltimore). 2005 Jul;84(4):197-207 

Kava Helped Anxiety in DB, Dangers: Study of Kava vs. placebo for anxiety. 101 outpatients with agoraphobia, general anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder with anxiety Rx 25 wk DB placebo multicenter with Hamilton Anxiety scale, etc. Kava better than placebo after 8^th week. Also better on Clinical Global Impression and self-report symptom inventory. Adverse events rare and same in both groups. Author favors kava over tricyclics and benzodiazepines. Volz, Jena Univ, Germany, Pharmacopsychiatry 1/97 30:1-5; In J Am Coll Health 5/98 46:271-6 Wong says from South Pacific. Neuroprotective in animals and anticonvulsive. May help anxiety. 100-200mg of kavalactones in divided doses or HS. Long term at 400 mg may get scaling and yellow skin. Although supposedly not addictive, in South Sea islands some have consumed kava for up to 30 hours per week in clearly addictive patterns. A number of cases of "drunk driving" from kava in Utah among South Sea island immigrants after heavy consumption, e.g. 16 bowls with estimated 250 mg/bowl. Heavy users averaging 60 grams/day not uncommon in South Sea islands associated with poor nutrition, decreased knee reflex, and liver disease. Many in South Sea islands consume every day for much of their adult lives. Some Australian aborigines abuse kava with lethargy and apathy and malnutrition although alcoholism much more commonly a problem. May interfere with rx of Parkinson’s disease. Connor.

Kava Helped Anxiety in DB: 58 pt non-psychotic anxiety Rx 4 wk 100mg TID or placebo. Benefit measured on HAM-A from 1^st week significant. Also on CGI benefit. Kinzler, Artxneimittelforschung 6/91;41:584

Kava Helped Anxiety in Female Climacteric in DB: 20-40 pt Rx 8 week 100 mg TID or placebo for anxiety in "female climacteric." Improvement on HAM-A. Fortschrit Med /91;109:119. Also improvement in depressive mood, subjective diary, CGI. Benefit noted by 1^st week.; Heavy Kava drinkers on Tonga islands get pellagroid type skin rash.

Kava Helped Insomnia in Anxiety Disorders: In a small 4-week DB PC study of 61 patients at the University of Erlangen-Nuremburg in Germany, patients did better on kava. Clinical efficacy of kava extract WS((R)) 1490 in sleep disturbances associated with anxiety disorders. Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Lehrl S. : J Affect Disord. 2004 Feb;78(2):101-10. Ed: A four week study is awful short for a chronic disorder. Often, addictive substances work at first and lose their effectiveness as the body develops tolerance and addiction. Kava is an addictive substance which has caused at least 11 cases of liver failure.

Kava Banned or Restricted Due to Serious Liver Toxicity: Kava has been banned or restricted in Canada, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and France due to causing at least 11 cases to liver failure requiring liver transplants and probably premature death. Nutrition Action 11/03. Ed: Kava is also addictive. With many non-addictive alternative available which don't kill people, I see no reason to ever use kava for anything.

Lecithin, ie Polyunsat Phosphotidyl Choline Add-on for Hep C: DB PC found 1.8g/d helpful with interferon alpha and after interferon to prevent relapse with few side-effects. No added value for Chronic Hep C. Hepatogastroenterol 5/98;45:797

Lecithin no Value for Hyperlipemic Men: DB PC 21 pt. Eur J Clin Nutr 6/98;52:419

Lecithin, ie Phosphotidyl Choline Single Dose Helped Memory: DB PC 80 normal college students. 10g or 25 g or placebo. Tested two hours after single dose. Some benefit only at 25g dose. Clin Neuropharm 12/931:540; See Alzheimer’s

Leucine Helped Power in Endurance canoeists: Branched chain amino acids (BCAA), particularly leucine, might help endurance and strength/power performance. In a 6-week DB PC study of 13 competitive outrigger canoeists, L-leucine (45 mg/kg resulted in significantly increased power [6.7 v. 6.0 work/kg]. Rowing time significantly increased [77.6-88.3 min] and average RPE significantly decreased [14.5-12.9] with leucine supplementation while these variables were unchanged with the placebo. Leucine supplementation had no effect on the plasma tryptophan to BCAA ratio, HR or anthropometric variables. Six weeks' dietary leucine supplementation significantly improved endurance performance and upper body power in outrigger canoeists without significant change in the plasma ratio of tryptophan to BCAA. Effects of dietary leucine supplementation on exercise performance. Crowe MJ, et al. James Cook University , Australia , .. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2005 Oct 29;:1-9

L-Lysine Helps Herpes: DB PC 6 mo 1g TID found decr frequency and severity and healing time. Griffith, Indiana U, Dermatologia ’87;175:183; Similar results tho degree impossible to determine, with 1g/d in 26 pts in 1 yr crossover study. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol ’84;58:659; DB PC found 624mg/d inadeq and 1248mg/d decr frequency but not healing time. Cutis 10/84;3:366; 400mg tid did not find any benefit in 21 pt. Arch Derm ’84;120:48. Ed: It appears that the highest dose is of clear value but that lower doses have an inadeq effect. 

Lobelia Hurts and No Evidence of Benefit: Promoted for asthma ad bronchitis according to Consumer Reports 3/99. CU says linked to respiratory depression, rapid heart rate, coma, death. No human studies mentioned on PubMed 2/99.

Melatonin: Melatonin has been extensively researched for insomnia and is undoubtedly the best treatment, although no treatment helps every person.  Small amounts of human research suggest it might help migraines, and tardive dyskineia. Extensive animal research suggests it may also help prevent Alzheimer's disease, treat stroke, and increase longevity, as well as be helpful for a wide variety of other conditions. Please see Melatonin.

Methyl Sulfanyl Methane—No Research: PubMed on 3/3/99 showed no research, animal or human

Milk Thistle Protects Liver: Silymarin flavanoid strong anti-oxidant. Most anti-ox protect against tumor promotion. Protected against carcinogen on mouse skin. Case-Western, Cancer Res 2/99;59:622. Put in bread in Russian report. Review in Am J Gastroent 2/98 @

Milk Thistle Possible Benefit in Studies, But Larger Studies Necessary to Prove It: Thirteen randomized clinical trials assessed milk thistle in 915 patients with alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C liver diseases. Only 23% of the trials reported adequate allocation concealment and only 46% were considered double blind. MT versus placebo or no intervention for a median duration of 6 months had no significant effects on all-cause mortality although mortality was 22% lower with milk thistle (RR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.53-1.15), complications of liver disease, or liver histology. Liver-related mortality was significantly reduced (50%) by MT in all trials (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.29-0.88), but not in high-quality trials (43% reduced but no statistically significant (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.28-1.19). MT was not associated with a significantly increased risk of adverse events. Adequately conducted randomized clinical trials on MT versus placebo may be needed. Milk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C liver diseases--a systematic cochrane hepato-biliary group review with meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials. Rambaldi A, et al. Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. Am J Gastroenterol 2005 Nov;100(11):2583-91. Ed: While the author puts down milk thistle as ineffective, the decreased mortality was actually quite sizeable.  If larger studies found a similar result, it would be an excellent outcome and valuable therapy. It's harm is minimal, but its benefit still unproven.

Milk Thistle No Help in Small Hepatitis C Study: In a DB PC crossover study of 24 patients with hepatitis C, 12 weeks of Silymarin marianum (either 600 mg or 1200 mg/day) had no significant effect on HCV RNA titers, serum ALT levels or Short Form-36 scores. There was no significant change in mean State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State-Anxiety scores on S. marianum. Adverse events were similar with S. marianum and placebo. Effects of Silybum marianum on serum hepatitis C virus RNA, alanine aminotransferase levels and well-being in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Gordon A, et al. The Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006 Jan;21(1 Pt 2):275-80.

Milk Thistle Silymarin Helps Cirrhotics: In a 170-patient DB PC study with an average follow-up of 41 months, 140 mg of silymarin three times a day resulted in a survival rate 58% with silymarin and 39% placebo p<.03. Ferenci, Univ Vienna, J Hepatol ’89;9:105

Milk Thistle: Studies also suggest that they protect against genomic injury, increase hepatocyte protein synthesis, decrease the activity of tumor promoters, stabilize mast cells, chelate iron, and slow calcium metabolism. Am J Gastroenterol 1998 Feb;93(2):139-43. Fruits of the milk thistle source. 300 g milk thistle seed per day (2.3% silymarin) fed to cows and increased milk production. Vet Med (Praha) 1991 Jun;36(6):321-30. No side-effects noted at 140mg TID in DB of 170 cirrhotic patients for 2 yr. Decreased death rate. J Hepatol 1989 Jul;9(1):105-13. Russian article mentions putting milk thistle in bread. 20 grams of seeds would give 500 mg/day.

Milk Thistle May Decr Prost, Breast CA: Several studies from our laboratory have shown the cancer chemopreventive and anti-carcinogenic effects of silymarin, a flavonoid antioxidant isolated from milk thistle, in long-term tumorigenesis models and in human prostate, breast and cervical carcinoma cells. Cancer Lett 1999 Dec 1;147(1-2):77-84. these effects of silymarin are due to the major active constituent, silibinin. Silibinin could be a useful agent for the intervention of hormone-refractory human prostate cancer.

Mint: Supermint Oil for C-Section Pain: In a 107-woman DB PC study of pain after caesarean sections, 40 drops of supermint every 20 minutes three times just after serum disconnection significantly reduced pain at second 40 minutes (p<0/002), 60 minutes (p<0/001) and 120 minutes (p<0/001) after intervention. The effect of supermint oil on pain severity after caesarean section. Fazel N. Sabzevar Univ. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2004;13(Suppl):S126

NAC Helps Flu: N-acetyl cysteine purportly boosts glutathione, an anti-oxidant. 6 mo. Italian study found NAC dramatically (25% vs 79%) reduced severity and duration of flu at 600 mg BID every day (Eur Respir J 1997 Jul;10(7):1535-41). Recommended whenever feel infection coming on or daily in flu season for elderly. Same Newsweek article 11/6/00 promotes astragalus chinese herb for infection-prone, Western larch, a pine extract 1500 mg daily of 1 Tsp powder daily. Also pushes olive leaf extract against viruses and bacteria. Beta glucan from baker’s yeast $$$ for tough cases. Roundtree. NAC was found of small added benefit when added to alpha-interferon for Heptatis C. J Med Virol 2000 Aug;61(4):439-42. Some benefit for immune system with HIV. NAC reduced acute bronchitis in Chronic bronchitis in meta-analysis of many DB studies. Clin Ther 2000 Feb;22(2):209-21. No benefit for multi-system organ failure in ICU. Helped in acute lung injury cases. 101 DB studies. Has been around for 20 years. 25 cents per day?

N-acetyl-L-cysteine No Benefit as Add-on on lymphocyte apoptosis, lymphocyte viability, TNF-alpha and IL-8 in HIV-infected patients undergoing anti-retroviral treatment. Treitinger A, Spada C, et al. Federal University of Santa Catarina. Braz J Infect Dis. 2004 Oct;8(5):363-71.

NADH Said to Help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: In a small, short 26-patient DB PC crossover study of 4 weeks of 10 mg/day of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) i.e., ENADA the stabilized oral absorbable form, or placebo with a 4 week intervening washout period, 8 of 26 (31%) responded favorably to NADH in contrast to 2 of 26 (8%) to placebo. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide aids mitochondrial energy production through ATP generation which may form the basis of its potential effects.  Therapeutic effects of oral NADH on the symptoms of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Forsyth LM, Preuss HG, et al. Georgetown University. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1999 Feb;82(2):185-91. Ed: Nicotinamide 25 mg is available for $14 for 60 tablets or a 2 month supply. However, it is sold for $10.75 for 8 tablets and promoted on a truly weird website where I first saw it mentioned.

NADH No Lasting Benefit for Chronic Fatigue: 31 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were randomly assigned to either nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) or nutritional supplements and psychological therapy for 24 months. The twelve patients who received NADH had a dramatic reduction in symptoms the first trimester (p < 0.001). However, scores in subsequent trimesters were similar in both groups. Comparison of oral nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) versus conventional therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. Santaella ML, Font I, Disdier OM. University of Puerto Rico. P R Health Sci J. 2004 Jun;23(2):89-93

NADH Claimed Helpful for Alzheimer's: In a very small 6-month DB PC study of 10 mg/day of stabilized oral reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) on cognitive functioning in 26 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). analysis of MDRS subscales revealed significantly better performance by NADH subjects on measures of verbal fluency (p = 0.019), visual-constructional ability (p = 0.038) and a trend (p = 0.08) to better performance on a measure of abstract verbal reasoning. There were no differences between groups in measures of attention, memory, or in clinician ratings of dementia severity (Clinical Dementia Rating). Treatment of Alzheimer's disease with stabilized oral nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide: a randomized, double-blind study. Demarin V, Podobnik SS, et al. Sestre Milosrdnice University, Zagreb, Croatia. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2004;30(1):27-33. Ed: This study is far too small to support the authors' claims of benefit.

Noni, No Evidence of Benefit: Juice from a Polynesian tree, Morinda citrifolia L. Promoted for stimulating immune system, treating diabetes, inhibiting tumor growth, purifying the blood, Ralph Heinicke was the original modern promoter tho susposedly Noni juice had been used up to 2000 years ago. The plant grows in the Hawaiian Islands and produces a chemical called proxeronine, a name apparently created by Heinicke. Heinicke and others now promote it for DM, TB, malaria, bacterial and viral infections, drug and alcohol addiction, HBP, cancer, arthritis, allergies, and respiratory problems and even claims that the component in noni is essential to life. However, no human studies are present on PubMed as of 9/20/03 and only 27 references, a very small number. Mice given morinda lucida, a related herbal medicine, all died after being infected with malaria while none of those on chloroquine. While it may have some effect, it was not enough to protect life. Afr J Med Med Sci ’92. Another study showed it did help mice infected with trypanosoma brucei. One 1975 study showed good benefit in vitro against human Ascaris worms. Morinda morindoides (Baker) Milne-Redhead (syn. Gaertnera morindoides Bak.) is one of the most popular medicinal plants in the Democratic Republic of Congo with its traditional use against rheumatic pains. It has complement inhibiting iridoids. J Nat Prod. 2003 Jan;66(1):97-102. A Chinese species is claimed to have antidepressant action of the oligosaccharides (P(6)) extracted from Morinda Officinalis. Beijing. Life Sci. 2003 Jan 10;72(8):933-42. In 1999, the manufacturer agreed to cease unproven claims (but the claims are everywhere in 2003). Posit Living. 1999 May;8(4):10. A review of the numerous claims by Univ Ill Med School is in Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2002 Dec;23(12):1127-4. Mian Wang found some adduct formation impairment and anti-oxidant values. Wang talks of cancer preventive effect tho where he gets any research to support this is unknown. Cancer preventive effect of Morinda citrifolia (Noni). Wang MY, Su C. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2001 Dec;952:161-8. One author is troubled by unsubstantiated internet claims for noni and several other herbal medicine for rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2001 Jan;28(1):185-91. A couple articles mention traditional usage against cancer, but this is very likely a gross commercial exaggeration.

Thomas E. Radecki, M.D., J.D.

modern-psychiatry.com