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Abstract: Introduction: Affecting more than 21 million American children and adults, anxiety with or without depression is the leading cause of disability in the USA for individuals ages 15 – 44. Treatment, traditionally has been with prescription medication that is addictive, prone to pharmaceutical abuse and if prescribed appropriately, requires intensive physician involvement and monitoring. The utilization of herbal supplementation has been successfully utilized for many years to treat mood disorders, however scientific analysis of benefits has been lacking. The objective of this study is to scientifically analyze the effectiveness of the combination of GABA, L-theanine, passiflora incarnata and prunus cerasus in the treatment of the symptoms associated with Anxiety. Methods: Two cohorts of volunteers received study compound (n=30) or placebo (n=30). Subjects were instructed to take 4 capsules daily for 7 consecutive days. Every participant completed both the HAM-A (Hamilton anxiety scale) and the SAS (Zung Self Rating Anxiety Scale). Both scales were completed pre & post study. The Student – T test was performed on all data. Results: HAM-A: Subjects receiving active study compound showed marked improvements in the HAM-A global score. SAS: The Zung SAS symptom scores of all subjects receiving active study compound were markedly improved. There were no side effects reported by any of the study participants. Conclusions: Subjects receiving this unique study compound (GABA, L-theanine, passiflora incarnata and prunus cerasus) received marked improvement in their symptoms of anxiety as demonstrated via two separate and clinically significant assessment tools (HAM-A & Zung SAS) when compared to placebo group. This combination of supplements represents a viable and safe adjunct to the short term treatment of mild to moderate anxiety without the use of prescription medication. Keywords: Anxiety, GABA, L-theanine, passiflora incarnata, prunus cerasus.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Benincasa hispida (Ash gourd, family: Cucurbitaceae) is well known for its medicinal property. In the Ayurvedic system, it is used as a rejuvenating agent and in the treatment of nervous disorders. Methanolic and petroleum fruit extracts was subjected to evaluation of phytochemicals and acute oral toxicity study. Further, Anti-inflammatory activity was performed using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay and carrageenan induced paw edema in rat. Oral administration of methanolic extract of concentration (350 mg/kg) significantly reduced the paw edema (P < 0.05) in a dose dependent manner as compared to carrageenan induced rats. Keywords: enincasa hispida, Phytochemicals, Anti-inflammatory, HRBC membrane stabilization, Carrageenan.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Food allergy is an adverse immune-mediated pathological reaction directed toward proteins or glycoproteins in food. It affects the skin, gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, resulting in a broad spectrum of diverse clinical presentations. Consequently, establishing a diagnosis can present a great challenge. The prevalence rate of food allergy is increasing, particularly in modern industrialized countries, and is becoming a significant public health problem. There is still no current treatment, and avoidance of suspected food allergens remains the most important treatment modality. However, in order to avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions, food hypersensitivity should be confirmed using allergy tests prior to introduction of elimination diet. In cases of validation of food allergy, avoiding suspected foods are recommended. Education of patients is the cornerstone of prevention and therapy; providing all relevant information on how to exclude specific foods from the patient's diet, as well as how to detect and manage allergic reactions, especially in severe cases like anaphylaxis. This review aims at presenting the clinical picture and diagnosis, as well as discussing current treatment and preventive strategies for different types of food allergies. Keywords: Elimination diet, oral food challenge, food induced asthma, atopic dermatitis, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, food protein-induced proctocolitis.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Background: Heart failure is a chronic disease needing lifelong management. Despite the advances that have been made in the treatment of the disease, both the longevity and quality of life for those with chronic heart failure remain impaired. A more effective therapeutic approach with less negative side effects is still needed. In this study, we evaluate Ich Tam Khang (ITK), the poly-ingredient herbal and nutritional preparation with multiple physiological actions, as a supportive therapy for patients with chronic heart failure. Aims of Study: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Ich Tam Khang as an adjunctive treatment of chronic heart failure. Methods:A total of 60 patients with chronic congestive heart failure were enrolled in this open label, cross-sectional and prospective study. All patients were treated with a conventional regimen (digoxin, diuretics, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers) for at least 4 weeks before being divided into two equal groups. In the treated patients with ITK, patients received conventional therapy plus 4 tablets ITK per day added in two divided doses. In the control patients, all patients kept the same conventional regimen without ITK. All patients were followed up for 3 months for clinical and para-clinical outcomes. Result:The symptoms of heart failure (dyspnea, palpitation, peripheral edema, neck vein distention, heptojugular reflex) decreased. Heart rate and blood pressure stabilized during treatment in the treated patients with ITK. Additionally, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol normalized in the patients treated with ITK. Most of echocardiography parameters in the ITK treated patients were superior to the control patients. ITK is safe and it has no side effects. Conclusion:ITKas a combination of herbal and nutritional preparationis effective in reducing heart failure symptoms, improving patient’s quality of life for the patients with decompensated heart failure and reducing total cholesterol and LDL-C. Keywords: Ich Tam Khang, heart failure, herbal medicine, nutritional supplement.Download Full Article |