News, Notes and Newsletters May 2024

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL MAY DECREASE C-SECTIONS

In a double-blind study, one capsule of EPO given three times per day for one week, a dose of intervention for cervical ripening, showed that EPO may be useful as a cervical priming agent to enhance the success rate for vaginal delivery and decrease the caesarean section rate. More women delivered vaginally in the EPO group (70% vs 51%) and there were no adverse side-effects.¹

1. Shahraki AD, Mirhoseini S, Movahedi M, Hajihashemy M, Haghollahi F. Comparative Study of the Effect of Vaginal use of Primrose Oil with Misoprostol on Cervical Preparation of Prim Gravid Women: A Double-blind Clinical Trial. Adv Biomed Res. 2023 Mar 28;12:78. doi: 10.4103/abr.abr_30_22. PMID: 37200751; PMCID: PMC10186053

ARE GREEN POTATOES REALLY POISONOUS?

It seems that indeed they may be. Food scientists have confirmed that green potatoes have high levels of solanine, a neurotoxin that can cause nausea, headaches and neurological problems. Potatoes turn green when the tubers detect a suitable growing location (warm and bright). Cooking does not reduce solanine.

Of special interest to vegetable lovers is that all potatoes produce small amounts of solanine which functions as an insecticide, but there is a great deal more of this toxin in the green part, together with increased amounts of chlorophyll. One large green potato is enough to make an adult quite sick. Store your potatoes in a cool dark area. When in doubt, throw them out! Or plant them in your garden.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHILDREN?

‘In 2006, I undertook to determine the incidence of hypertension in the paediatric population at my satellite practice in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Forty-nine children were examined, and their readings were compared with the US normative BP tables. Readings above the 95th percentile for age, height and gender were regarded as hypertensive. A worrying 16% were found to be hypertensive.

Literature searches revealed a 3.3% incidence in Poland,¹ a 4.2% incidence in Italy,² and a 9.1% incidence in Seychelles,³ in studies utilising much larger groups of patients, and based on multiple BP readings. They all used the same criteria to determine the hypertensive patient.

I believe it to be critically important to educate GPs on the US normative BP tables, and encourage doctors and families to be on the lookout for this controllable condition.’ Dr E Mitha

Children who carry excess weight are at an increased risk of developing hypertension. Kidney disease stands out as a primary contributor to elevated blood pressure among children. It's crucial for children diagnosed with hypertension to undergo thorough examinations, including blood and urine tests, as well as imaging scans of the kidneys, bladder, and heart.

1. Kardas P, et al. Prevalence of arterial hypertension in children aged 9-14 years. Kardiol Pol Mar 2005; 62: 211-216.
2. Genovesi S, et al. Results of blood pressure screening in a population of school-aged children in Italy. J Hypertens 2005; 23: 493-497.
3. Chiolero A, et al. Prevalence of elevated blood pressure and association with overweight in children. J Hum Hypertens 2007; 21: 120-127.

SILVER – A NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC

With antibiotics becoming more resistant, is silver is our best option?  

Dr. Wright, a prominent figure in Integrative Medicine in the United States, has long relied on colloidal silver to combat infections triggered by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Colloidal silver consists of ultra-fine silver particles suspended in water. His recommended dosage allows for frequent intake, every 15 to 60 minutes, up to seven times a day, at the onset of an infection.

Amid growing concerns about bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there's a rising discussion surrounding microbial resistance to antiseptics. Unlike antibiotics, topical antiseptics like silver act on multiple sites within target cells, reducing the likelihood of bacterial resistance.

ARNICA GEL HELPS PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS

Arnica gel was compared with a 5% ibuprofen gel (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) in a double-blind, randomised clinical study. The study involved 204 patients with multiple osteoarthritis of the finger joints, and was conducted over a 3-week period. The arnica gel was evaluated by both the patients and their doctors as being more effective than the topical anti-inflammatory gel. It seems that arnica gel’s anti-inflammatory action may be vastly underestimated and while it is used for injuries, bruises and strains, its role in osteoarthritis has not been emphasised.¹

1. Widrig R, et al. Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomized, double-blind study. Rheumatol Int 2007; 27: 583-591.

ST JOHN’S WORT BETTER THAN ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

St. John's Wort, also known as Hypericum, has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression, but not severe depression. In comparison to a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), St. John's Wort demonstrated¹ slightly better clinical effectiveness after a 6-week treatment period, with significantly fewer side effects reported.

Another study² comparing Hypericum extract with the antidepressant imipramine found them to be equally effective in treating mild-to-moderate depression, with Hypericum being better tolerated by patients.

It's important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis before considering St. John's Wort as a treatment option. Additionally, be aware that St. John's Wort may interact with other medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or potency.

1. Schrader E, et al. Equivalence of Hypericum (Ze 117 extract) with fluoxetine. International Clinical Psychopharmacology 2000; 15: 61-68.
2. Woelk H, et al. Comparison of St John’s Wort (ZE 117) with imipramine. BMJ Sept 2000, 321.

FEVERFEW AND MIGRAINE

Kerry Bone, a well-respected expert in herbal medicine has reviewed the literature on feverfew which generally supports use of this herb in the treatment of migraine. He does suggest however that the dose used by many people may be insufficient and that even better results can be expected if it is combined with other herbs known to help, such as willow bark.

He suggests at least 3 to 5 ml per day of the 1:5 tincture in 60% ethanol or its equivalent in tablets or capsules (600 to 1 000 mg/day of dried herb equivalent). Once improvement is seen and migraine attacks become less frequent and easily controllable then the dose can be decreased to maintenance levels.¹

Ask your doctor before taking feverfew.

1. Bone K. Feverfew and migraine headaches. Townsend Letter, November 2007: 61.

DIFFERENT RED CLOVER VARIETIES AND BENEFITS

Red clover is pretty amazing, not just for its isoflavones, but for other stuff too. With so many types out there, it's important to see how they stack up in terms of health benefits. This study looked at six varieties—‘Tenia’, ‘Atlantis’, ‘Milena’, ‘Magellan’, ‘Lemmon’, and ‘Lucrum’—to see how their leaves and flowers help with things like slowing down enzymes, protecting against collagen breakdown, and fighting off free radicals. Turns out, while flowers are great for polyphenols, leaves pack a punch with isoflavones, except for the ‘Lemmon’ variety, which surprises with both. So, whether you're sipping on tea or popping supplements, knowing your clover variety might just help you get the most out of it!

DIABETIC FOOT PAIN AND ALA

Pain and discomfort in the feet of diabetics is extremely common, occurring in up to 50% of persons suffering from the condition. A study¹ from Korea involving those with diabetes showed a dramatic and statistically significant improvement in symptoms with use of antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. A dose of 600 mg/day ALA is probably sufficient and results will be seen after three weeks.

Antioxidant compounds act on different targets and pathways that ultimately contribute to improve nerve dysfunction by withstanding oxidative damage.

It’s important to note that ALA may lower blood sugar levels and that low levels of B₁₂ can cause neuropathy.

1. Jin HY, et al. The effect of alpha-lipoic acid on symptoms and skin blood flow in diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic Medicine 2007; 24: 1034-1038.

OMEGA-3 AND ANGER

There is an association between low DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) brain levels and depression, suicide and violence. (DHA), an omega-3 fat, is one of the brain’s major components.

Bernard Gesch, an Oxford University physiologist, investigated the effects of nutritional supplements on young prison inmates, ages 18-21. He gave each prisoner placebo pills or a daily multivitamin/mineral plus omega-3s for 4 months. In the group receiving the supplements, incidents of violence went down 37%.

A similar study replicated Gesch’s findings, except that reports of violence and aggression in this treatment group went down by 34% while similar incidents in the placebo group went up 14%.

Omega-3s are essential for brain health, helping to build neurotransmitter receptors and reduce brain inflammation. Consuming non-farmed fish, using high-quality oils, and adding fish oil supplements can have a highly beneficial effect on mood as neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin are made from DHA.

Give children with ADD a trial of omega-3 before being placed straight onto pharmaceuticals.