Chinese Medicine News Chinese Medicine News Reporting on evidence-based research and studies on traditional Chinese medicine Articles
Drug alert: ?Urine disease? product contains heavy metals
2008-01-24 12:33:00 Health Canada release - Health Canada is warning Canadians not to use the unauthorized product Yeniujyn (Chinese name: ?????) because the product contains heavy metal contaminants and may pose a serious health risk. Yeniujyn is advertised as a natural health product, for adults and children, to be used “to cure involuntary passage of urine diseases.” The product was found to contain high levels of lead and arsenic. Symptoms of exposure to heavy metals may include, but are not limited to, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle cramps, diarrhea, heart abnormalities, anaemia, liver, and nervous system problems. The product is not authorized for sale in Canada. It is manufactured by Kwangchow United Manufactory of Chinese Medicine and it is available at retail stores and over the Internet. The Canadian distributor of the products is Wing Quon Enterprises Ltd. The distributor has voluntarily recalled these products. Health Canada advises retailers to remove these products f... More About: Product , Disease , Alert , Drug , Heavy
Lingzhi slows progress of Alzheimer?s
2008-01-23 09:59:00 CM NEWS - The legendary lingzhi mushroom has been shown to have another potential therapeutic function: to slow the progress of Alzheimer ’s disease. Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), or reishi in Japanese, is a medicinal fungus used clinically in many Asian countries to promote health and longevity. According to the researchers at the University of Hong Kong, synaptic degeneration is a key mode of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies have shown the loss of synaptic density proteins in each individual neuron during the progression of Alzheimer’s. It was recently reported that ?-amyloid could cause synaptic dysfunction and contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology. How does ?-amyloid relate to Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer?s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. The neuropathology of Alzheimer?s is characterized at first by the deposition of extracellular amyloid plaques and intraneuro... More About: Progress
Medical plants ?face extinction?, magnolia included
2008-01-20 00:20:00 BBC - Hundreds of medicinal plants are at risk of extinction, threatening the discovery of future cures for disease, according to experts. Over 50% of prescription drugs are derived from chemicals first identified in plants. But the Botanic Gardens Conservation International said many were at risk from over-collection and deforestation. Researchers warned the cures for things such as cancer and HIV may become “extinct before they are ever found”. The group, which represents botanic gardens across 120 countries, surveyed over 600 of its members as well as leading university experts. MIRACLE CURES MOST AT RISK Yew tree - Cancer drug paclitaxel is derived from the bark, but it takes six trees to create a single dose so growers are struggling to keep up Hoodia - Plant has sparked interest for its ability to suppress appetite, but vast quantities have already been “ripped from the wild” as the search for the miracle weight drug continues Magnolia - Has been us... More About: Medical , Plants , Face , Extinction
Lingzhi spores products? breakage rate questioned
2008-01-17 08:46:00 CM NEWS, Hong Kong Consumer Council release - Are products of lingzhi spores??????as good as their manufacturers’ claim? One claim seemingly universal among the manufacturers is the assertion over the breakage rate of the spores - that each and every spore and its wall are fully broken or cracked open purportedly to maximize the efficacy of the product. What is lingzhi spores? The most effective part of the lingzhi is the spores. Just like all living things, in order to reproduce, the lingzhi spore is protected by a hard cell, which keeps the essential nutrients in a powdery form. In another word, when the entire plant was eaten by an animal or man, the spores were kept safe under these protective hard cells that could not be absorbed or dissolved by the stomach acid. Eventually these spores will be excreted in the stool and the spores continue to survive. Hence, even if you have been taking lingzhi everyday, you have not gained its full benefits. The therapeutic effect of hav... More About: Products , Rate
Magnolia bark acts like antidepressant
2008-01-08 17:26:00 CM NEWS - The two active ingredients of the bark of magnolias that have generated research interests to their anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory activities also exhibits antidepressant-like effects, a new study says. Honokiol (厚朴酚) and magnolol (和厚朴酚) are the main constituents simultaneously identified in the barks of Magnolia officinalis, which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of respiratory and intestinal disorders. What are the traditional applications of magnolia in TCM? Magnolias are a source of Chinese herbal materials that are widely used internationally. There are two basic materials of frequent application: the bark of magnolia, called houpu (厚朴), and the flower bud of a another magnolia, called xinyi (辛夷花) or xinyihua (辛夷花). The flower bud is used almost exclusively for treatment of sinus congestion and sinus headaches, and is taken orally or applied topically (for example, by inhaling the essential oils or plac... More About: Antidepressant
Highland herb treats depression, new trial confirms
2008-01-04 13:45:00 CM NEWS, Medicinal News Today - A new clinical trial has found that an extract of Rhodiola rosea (hong jing tian in Chinese, 紅景天) roots and rhizomes demonstrated anti-depressive activity in patients with mild to moderate depression. What is Rhodiola rosea? Rhodiola rosea L., also known as “golden root” or “roseroot” belongs to the plant family Crassulaceae. Rhodiola rosea grows primarily in dry sandy ground at high altitudes in the arctic areas of Europe and Asia.2 The plant reaches a height of 12 to 30 inches (70cm) and produces yellow blossoms. For centuries, Rhodiola rosea has been used in the traditional medicine of Russia, Scandinavia, and other countries. Between 1725 and 1960, various medicinal applications of R. rosea appeared in the scientific literature of Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the Soviet Union, and Iceland. Since 1960, more than 180 pharmacological, phytochemical, and clinical studies have been published. Traditional folk medicine ... More About: Depression , Trial , Treats , Herb
Ginger inhibits overian cancer cell growth
2008-01-02 08:58:00 CM NEWS - Ginger inhibits growth and modulates secretion of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells, according to a recent study published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) is a natural dietary component with antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. The ginger component — gingerol has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects through mediation of NF-KB. NF-KB can be constitutively activated in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and may contribute towards increased transcription and translation of angiogenic factors. For more information about ginger’s ability in boosting the immune system, please see a previous CM NEWS report. What is NF-κB? NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B) is a protein complex which is a transcription factor. NF-κB is found in almost all animal cell types and is involved in cellular responses to stimuli such as stress, cytokines, free radicals, ultraviolet irradiation, oxidized LDL, and bacteri... More About: Cancer , Cell , Growth
Mood herb found to increase lifespan
2007-12-31 07:01:00 CM NEWS, University of California, Irvine release - The herbal extract of a yellow-flowered mountain plant indigenous to the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia increased the lifespan of fruit fly populations, according to a University of California, Irvine study. Flies that ate a diet rich with Rhodiola rosea (hong jing tian in Chinese, 紅景天), an herbal supplement long used for its purported stress-relief effects, lived on an average of 10 percent longer than fly groups that didn’t eat the herb. Study results appear in the online version of Rejuvenation Research. What is rhodiola rosea? Rhodiola rosea (Golden Root, Roseroot) is a plant in the Crassulaceae family that grows in cold regions of the world. These include much of the Arctic, the mountains of Central Asia, the Rocky Mountains, and mountainous parts of Europe, such as the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathian Mountains, Scandinavia, Iceland, Great Britain and Ireland. Rhodiola rosea is effective for improving mood and alleviatin... More About: Mood , Herb
Ginkgo ups blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease
2007-12-30 07:11:00 CM NEWS - Looks like ginkgo biloba, the magical “memory pill”, can do more than just improving memory. A recent study indicates that not only can ginkgo help better pumping blood to the brain, it also improves blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease. What is coronary artery disease? Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease (CAD), is characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits along the innermost layer of the coronary arteries. The fatty deposits may develop in childhood and continue to thicken and enlarge throughout the life span. This thickening, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart. Recent studies indicate that abdominal fat accumulation, in particular intra-abdominal fat, is related to impaired endothelial function in young healthy men. Dysfunction of endothelium-dependent vasodilation is perceived as an early marker for developing atherosclerosis. Scientists at China’... More About: Disease , Patients , Blood , Flow , Ginkgo
Plant substance triggers cancer cell death, keeps healthy ones intact
2007-12-28 09:13:00 CM NEWS - A substance of popular Chinese herb huang qin (Scutellaria radix, 黃芩) triggers the death process in tumour cells, while it has virtually no effect on healthy cells, according to a new discovery of this selective function of huang qin by scientists of the German Cancer Research Centre (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ). The valuable substance extracted from huang qin is wogonin (han huang qin su, 漢黃芩素). It’s until recently that modern science has been able to uncover the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-cancerous effect of wogonin. Defects in genes that control growth can turn a cell into a threat for the whole organism. Defective cells that might get out of control are driven into suicide by a protective mechanism called apoptosis. However, this life saving mechanism is no longer working in most tumour cells, since numerous molecules regulating apoptosis are defective. This is why researchers have been trying for some time to restore the capa... More About: Cell , Death , Healthy , Triggers
New food guide for older adults includes vitamins D, B-12, calcium
2007-12-27 22:38:00 Reuters - A nearly decade-old food guide pyramid for older adults has gotten a makeover to make it more user-friendly and to emphasize the special dietary needs of people older than 70. Published in the January issue of the Journal of Nutrition, the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults stresses that older people should be careful to get enough fiber, calcium and vitamins D and B-12. It also emphasizes the importance of regular exercise and adequate fluid intake. Researchers at Tufts University in Boston originally developed the food pyramid for older adults in 1999. They revamped it in response to changes made to the federal government’s general Food Guide Pyramid — which, along with a new look for the pyramid itself, includes an online component where people can calculate their personal dietary needs based on factors like age, weight and exercise levels. Since older Americans are typically not as Web-savvy as younger generations, the Tufts researchers created a new versi... More About: Vitamins
Soy boosts bone density in menopausal women
2007-12-27 12:24:00 NutraIngredients.com - Increased soy isoflavone consumption from dietary or supplemental sources for six months can boost bone mineral density in the spine by almost one gram in menopausal women, according to a meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials. A total of 608 subjects provided data for the analysis, which reported the favourable effects were significant with consumption of more than 90 mg of isoflavones per day. The results are published on-line in the journal Clinical Nutrition. Previous studies have reported conflicting results concerning soy isoflavones (40 to 99 mg/d doses) and bone health for postmenopausal women. But the new meta-analysis adds to the debate by reporting that such doses of soy isoflavones (less than 90 mg/d) may improve bone density. Previous studies from China have linked soy isoflavones to increases in bone mineral density (BMD), while a recent large study in the Archives of Internal Medicine (2005, Vol. 165, pp. 1890-1895) reported that high ... More About: Women , Bone
Immune system ‘trainable’, door opens for cancer vaccine: study
2007-12-27 00:29:00 Mayo Clinic release - An international team of researchers led by Mayo Clinic have designed a technique that uses the body’s own cells and a virus to destroy cancer cells that spread from primary tumours to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. In addition, their study shows that this technology could be the basis for a new cancer vaccine to prevent cancer recurrence. The study appeared in the Dec. 9 online issue of Nature Medicine. The technology combines infection-fighting T-cells with the vesicular stomatitis virus that targets and destroys cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The study, which has not yet been replicated in humans, is significant because it describes a potential new therapy to treat and prevent the spread of cancer in patients. “We hope to translate these results into clinical trials. However, until those trials are done, it’s difficult to be certain that what we see in mouse models will clearly translate to humans. ... More About: System , Cancer , Study , Vaccine , Immune System
Sex drive booster bean improves sperm quality, cuts stress in infertile men
2007-12-25 05:59:00 CM NEWS - Extract of a bean used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicines as sex drive booster, known in modern days for being a dopamine engine, has been shown as effective in reducing stress and improving quality of semen of infertile men. Scientists at the Department of Psychiatry of King George’s Medical University in India recently showed in a study that Mucuna Pruriens, nicknamed Cowhage, “velvet bean” or li dou (藜豆) in Chinese, could better the anti-oxidant defense system of infertile men under stress as well as the quality of their sperms. What is Mucuna pruriens? The plant is an annual, climbing shrub with long vines that can reach over 15 m. It bears white, lavender, or purple flowers and pods that are covered in loose orange hairs which cause a severe itch if they come in contact with skin. The seed are shiny black or brown sea beans. In history, mucuna pruriens has been used as an aphrodisiac. It is still used to increase libido in both men and w... More About: Drive , Bean , Stress , Sex Drive , Sperm
Traditional medicine modernization - still a long, bumpy road ahead
2007-07-05 06:11:00 Interfax - As drug discovery options run dry with fewer and fewer synthetic lead compounds and structure-based medicines being discovered, multinationals are increasingly turning to traditional Chinese medicines as a new source. TCM modernization, the identification of an active ingredient in a herbal remedy that results in the mass production and marketing of a drug with a detailed pharmacokinetic profile, is the latest buzzword in the pharmaceutical industry, both home and abroad. However, medical researchers have told Interfax that China’s TCM modernization is still in its early stages, and that a lack of standards and technology are inhibiting the modernization of TCMs. Bottlenecks in TCM development “There is no standard to assess the quality and efficacy of TCMs,” said Tang Senping, a senior researcher from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica. “So many researchers have to explore ways for the TCM sector to modernize.” A lack of a set of stand... More About: Medicine , Long , Road , Medici , Traditional
Chinese medicine bowel drug ?positive?
2007-07-03 08:22:00 Independent, Bloomberg, MediTech release - Hutchison China MediTech, an AIM-listed drug discovery group majority owned by Hutchison, the Hong Kong-based conglomerate and Asia’s largest company, is on the verge of making its first breakthrough after successful Phase II trials of HMPL-004, its ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease treatment. Hutchison set up China MediTech as a first ... More About: Medicine , Chinese , Drug , Positive
Take a break - YouTube acupuncture
2007-07-02 08:02:00 A Netherlands insurance commercial involving a guy getting needles placed all over his body (a Chinese healing technique). Watch to find out what happens next! acupuncture, video news More About: Youtube , Break , Brea , Acupuncture
Some soy milk a day might keep the doctor away
2007-06-30 09:23:00 dietary, soy, video news More About: Milk , Doctor , Away , The D , Some
Breakthrough video game helps young patients fight cancer
2007-06-29 01:04:00 cancer, video news More About: Video , Cancer , Fight , Young , Game
Soy protects hearts of older women
2007-06-28 15:09:00 cardiovascular, dietary, seniors health More About: Women , Hearts , Prot
Climate change -> Smog -> asthmatic kids
2007-06-28 15:07:00 asthma, video news More About: Kids , Climate Change , Climate , Change , Smog
Placebo effect may be at play in acupuncture studies: analysis
2007-06-28 12:06:00 Reuters Health - Acupuncture can bring some relief to people with knee arthritis, but the benefits may be at least partly from a placebo effect, a new research review suggests. In an analysis of 9 clinical trials from the past 15 years, researchers found that acupuncture generally seemed to improve knee arthritis sufferers’ pain and stiffness ... More About: Studies , Analysis , Play , Placebo , Effect
Echinacea halves risk of catching cold, study concludes
2007-06-26 04:42:00 CBC - Echinacea (???), a herb widely used to fight the sniffles, helps reduce the risk of getting the common cold and shortens its duration, a new review suggests. In the July issue of the medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, researchers analyzed the results of 14 published trials on echinacea, or purple coneflower. The beneficial ... More About: Study , Cold , Risk
Echinacea halves risk of catching cold, study concludes
2007-06-26 04:42:00 CBC - Echinacea (???), a herb widely used to fight the sniffles, helps reduce the risk of getting the common cold and shortens its duration, a new review suggests. In the July issue of the medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, researchers analyzed the results of 14 published trials on echinacea, or purple coneflower. The beneficial ... More About: Study , Cold , Risk
Acupuncture stimulates brain metabolism in dementia patients
2007-06-26 03:07:00 CM NEWS - Needling specific acupoints may help patients with dementia, a recently published study shows. The acupoint combo seems to increase cerebral glucose metabolism in the brain, as indicated by cerebral functional imaging. The study has been published in the January 2007 issue of the Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science. Chinese researchers observed the ... More About: Dementia , Patients , Brain , Late , Patient
Acupuncture stimulates brain metabolism in dementia patients
2007-06-26 03:07:00 CM NEWS - Needling specific acupoints may help patients with dementia, a recently published study shows. The acupoint combo seems to increase cerebral glucose metabolism in the brain, as indicated by cerebral functional imaging. The study has been published in the January 2007 issue of the Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science. Chinese researchers observed the ... More About: Dementia , Patients , Brain , Late , Patient
National Institute For Complementary Medicine to be established in Australi
2007-06-26 01:49:00 Medical News Today - The Australian Government will provide 4 million dollars to the University of Western Sydney to help establish a National Institute for Complementary Medici ne . The institute will develop national priorities for complementary medical research and will coordinate work on these priorities with other research bodies, with an emphasis on clinical trials and studies ...
National Institute For Complementary Medicine to be established in Australi
2007-06-26 01:49:00 Medical News Today - The Australian Government will provide 4 million dollars to the University of Western Sydney to help establish a National Institute for Complementary Medici ne . The institute will develop national priorities for complementary medical research and will coordinate work on these priorities with other research bodies, with an emphasis on clinical trials and studies ...
UK pharm has high hope in new TCM dementia drug
2007-06-24 08:48:00 CM NEWS - A group of Chinese scientists has finished pre-clinical research for its new anti-dementia drug, dubbed NJS, which is derived from traditional Chinese medicine substances. NJS has just become the first TCM drug that its patent licence is being sold to a UK pharmaceutical firm. Alzheimer s , Anemarrhena Rhizome, dementia, NJS, patent, Phytopharm, seniors health, ... More About: Dementia , Hope , High
UK pharm has high hope in new TCM dementia drug
More articles from this author:2007-06-24 08:48:00 CM NEWS - A group of Chinese scientists has finished pre-clinical research for its new anti-dementia drug, dubbed NJS, which is derived from traditional Chinese medicine substances. NJS has just become the first TCM drug that its patent licence is being sold to a UK pharmaceutical firm. According to Xinhua, NJS was a result of 10 ... More About: Alzheimers , Dementia , Hope , Alzheimer , High 1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
 |
|
 |
