Peer-Reviewed Articles
Mast cells play a dual role in cancer, and their presence in tumor tissue may affect prognosis both positively and negatively. What isn't clear is in which situations mast cells aid tumor growth and in which they suppress it. Published studies are reviewed in an attempt to provide a clinically useful understanding for the practitioner.
Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a fermented mushroom extract that is commercially available and promoted for immune support. This review focuses on safety and efficacy results from human clinical trials that have included subjects with a variety of cancers, as well as healthy populations. Animal data are also briefly discussed in the context of recent human data, with an emphasis on the possible applications of AHCC in promoting resistance to influenza virus infection. Available data suggest that AHCC supplementation clearly affects immune outcomes and immune cell populations--especially natural killer cell activity.
There is general agreement within the nutrition science and practitioner communities that ones diet, nutritional status, and lifestyle can substantially predispose one to (or protect against) many chronic diseases and other conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. For decades, the US government has invested, and continues to invest, enormous resources to support programs such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Institute of Medicines (IOM) Dietary Reference Intakes to develop recommendations for diet and nutrient intake levels that will, among other things, reduce chronic disease risk within the population. The nutrient-chronic disease relationship is also addressed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when it reviews Health Claim and Qualified Health Claim petitions, both of which are viewed as broad public health statements. But many questions unique to nutrition still remain when it comes to evaluating the evidence on which these and other recommendations are based.
St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a very well studied botanical medicine. Despite the vast body of research, controversy still surrounds its effectiveness, and research for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding women, and children is lacking.This review outlines and summarizes a substantial body of information on hypericum for depressive illness. While studying this research and considering the potential benefits of hypericum for depression, it must be clear that the naturopathic and holistic approach should not focus merely on herbal therapy. Instead, a fully integrative plan should promote a multifactorial, individualized approach that includes diet, lifestyle changes, exercise, spiritual and psychological health, physiologic support using nutrients, and patient-specific modalities that may include homeopathy, acupuncture, massage therapy, or hydrotherapy.
In the past decade, increased research and media attention has been given to the weight loss effects of green coffee bean extract (GCBE). The purpose of our study was to perform a review and meta-analysis of available randomized clinical trials examining the effects of GCBE supplementation on weight loss in both normal weight and overweight/obese individuals.
5-HTP is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Commercially available 5-HTP is obtained from the seeds of the plant Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP has been suggested as a treatment for many conditions. This monograph summarizes the research on the 5-HTP, including information on its most and least effective uses.
Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is commonly found in a variety of foods, such as fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. B12 plays an important role in supplying essential methyl groups for protein and DNA synthesis.
The protective effects of omega 3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil supplementation on cardiovascular risks and diseases has been a topic of robust research for the past 30 plus years. This paper cites select research to review trials in coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, hypertension, heart failure, and dyslipidemia to encourage among clinicians and consumers a more specific utilization of dietary advice and fish oil supplementation.
Research now suggests that regular aspirin use protects against breast cancer, possibly lowering risk of development and, more significantly, preventing disease recurrence. Study data from Holmes et al have shown a clinically significant protective effect against breast cancer recurrence to the degree that recommendations to take aspirin may become more common despite some inconsistencies in past research. Potential risks vs. possible benefits should now be considered in women at high risk for primary breast cancer, and especially in those women at risk of recurrence.
Vitamin E has been proposed for the prevention or treatment of numerous health conditions, often based on its antioxidant properties. Ongoing research is investigating its use in numerous diseases, particularly in cancer and heart disease. Concerns have been raised about the safety of vitamin E supplementation, particularly in high doses. Evidence suggests that regular use of high-dose vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of death from all causes by a small amount, although human research is conflicting.
