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The pro-healing effects of medical grade honey supported by a pediatric case series.
Smaropoulos, E, Cremers, NAJ
Complementary therapies in medicine. 2019;:14-18
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of antibiotic resistance demands for novel complementary therapies for wound care. We here present a case series on the use of medical grade honey (MGH) in pediatric wounds. We aim to illustrate the specific antimicrobial and pro-healing activity of MGH and support its easy and safe use. METHODS Four pediatric patients with wounds of different origin are discussed in this prospective observational case series. All wounds were treated via monotherapy with daily MGH application. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Wound covering with MGH prevents pathogen infiltration and has antimicrobial activity. Moreover, MGH keeps the wound moist and possesses strong pro-healing effects, such as autolytic debridement of non-vital tissue and restoration of vascular structures. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative action of MGH together with the supplemented vitamins C and E may inhibit scar formation. CONCLUSION MGH is safe and easily applicable and can be recommended in all kinds of wounds.
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2.
Heart Toxicity Related to Herbs and Dietary Supplements: Online Table of Case Reports. Part 4 of 5.
Brown, AC
Journal of dietary supplements. 2018;(4):516-555
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this review was to create an online research summary table of heart toxicity case reports related to dietary supplements (DS; includes herbs). METHODS Documented PubMed case reports of DS appearing to contribute to heart-related problems were used to create a "Toxic Table" that summarized the research (1966 to April, 2016, and cross-referencing). Keywords included "herb," "dietary supplement," and cardiac terms. Case reports were excluded if they were herb combinations (some exceptions), Chinese herb mixtures, teas of mixed herb contents, mushrooms, poisonous plants, self-harm (e.g. suicide), excess dose (except vitamins/minerals), drugs or illegal drugs, drug-herbal interactions, and confounders of drugs or diseases. The spectrum of heart toxicities included hypertension, hypotension, hypokalemia, bradycardia, tachycardia, arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, heart attack, cardiac arrest, heart failure, and death. RESULTS Heart related problems were associated with approximately seven herbs: Four traditional Chinese medicine herbs - Don quai (Angelica sinensis), Jin bu huan (Lycopodium serratum), Thundergod vine or lei gong teng (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F), and Ting kung teng (Erycibe henryi prain); one an Ayruvedic herb - Aswagandha, (Withania somnifera); and two North American herbs - blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), and Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johimbe). Aconitum and Ephedra species are no longer sold in the United States. The DS included, but are not limited to five DS - bitter orange, caffeine, certain energy drinks, nitric oxide products, and a calming product. Six additional DS are no longer sold. Licorice was the food related to heart problems. CONCLUSION The online "Toxic Table" forewarns clinicians, consumers and the DS industry by listing DS with case reports related to heart toxicity. It may also contribute to Phase IV post marketing surveillance to diminish adverse events that Government officials use to regulate DS.
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3.
Induction of thyroid neoplasm following plant medicine marine algae (sargassum): a rare case and review of the literature.
Zhu, G, Musumeci, F, Byrne, P
Current pharmaceutical biotechnology. 2013;(9):859-63
Abstract
In this study induction of neoplasm in thyroid gland of one postoperative patient with breast cancer was conducted by marine algae (also seaweed, sargassum), which is presented here. A 41-year-old women was diagnosed as her right breast cancer complicated with lymph node metastasis in her right axilla on February, 1999. In June 19, 1999 she was given the combination chemotherapy of vincristine, cyclophosphamide, 5-Fluorouracil and cinobufacini drugs due to two lymph nodes on her right superclavicular following radical mastectomy. During chemotherapy she was also taken the adjuvant treatment of traditional medicine. Traditional medicine consisted of seaweed plant drugs (containing iodine 362,400 ug/kg). As to intermittent maintance treatment the total dosage of seaweed herb was at least exceeded 500 gram. Induction of thyroid tumor (thumb size) was found in June, 2001. A thyroidectomy due to thyroma was successfully performed. Histologically there revealed thyroid tissue without the evidence of metastasis of breast cancer. She had a 5-year survivor. The data indicated oncogenic function of some traditional herbs, and further experience of traditional medicine in treating thyroid disease especially in thyroid cancer.
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4.
Lead poisoning from an Ayurvedic herbal medicine in a patient with chronic kidney disease.
Prakash, S, Hernandez, GT, Dujaili, I, Bhalla, V
Nature reviews. Nephrology. 2009;(5):297-300
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 60-year-old man with a history of diabetes and hypertension was referred to a nephrology clinic for investigation of his elevated serum creatinine level. INVESTIGATIONS Physical examination; laboratory investigations, including measurement of whole-blood lead level, body lead burden and urine albumin:creatinine ratio; history of lead exposure and use of herbal medical products; and renal ultrasonography. DIAGNOSIS Stage 3 chronic kidney disease that was probably worsened by consumption of lead in the form of an Ayurvedic herbal remedy. MANAGEMENT Cessation of the herbal product, followed by lead-chelation therapy with calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The patient's whole-body lead burden and blood lead level decreased to acceptable levels and his serum creatinine value was within the normal range at final follow-up.
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5.
Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity: a case series and review of liver toxicity from herbal weight loss supplements.
Dara, L, Hewett, J, Lim, JK
World journal of gastroenterology. 2008;(45):6999-7004
Abstract
Dietary supplements represent an increasingly common source of drug-induced liver injury. Hydroxycut is a popular weight loss supplement which has previously been linked to hepatotoxicity, although the individual chemical components underlying liver injury remain poorly understood. We report two cases of acute hepatitis in the setting of Hydroxycut exposure and describe possible mechanisms of liver injury. We also comprehensively review and summarize the existing literature on commonly used weight loss supplements, and their individual components which have demonstrated potential for liver toxicity. An increased effort to screen for and educate patients and physicians about supplement-associated hepatotoxicity is warranted.
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6.
Ethnobotanical tattooing of the gingiva: literature review and report of a case.
Brooks, JK, Reynolds, MA
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939). 2007;(8):1097-101
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional gingival tattooing, practiced in Ethiopia and occasionally in other African and Middle Eastern nations, is performed for esthetic appeal or superstition, and it occasionally may be used as a homeopathic remedy for dental diseases. The authors provide a literature review and case report of this oral custom. CASE DESCRIPTION A 54-year-old woman from Ethiopia reported that she had undergone tattooing of the maxillary gingiva six years previously for analgesic management of undisclosed oral disease. The gingiva was pierced with a needle, tipped with lantern soot and resin from the plant Datura stramonium (an herb that possesses potent anticholinergic tropane alkaloids and has demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity). However, the patient admitted that this procedure had provided no reduction in the pain. Clinical examination was significant for a pronounced blue pigmentation of the maxillary gingiva, generalized mild periodontitis and several carious lesions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Practitioners should ascertain whether gingival tattooing had been performed when patients manifest unusual oral pigmentation and be aware of its use in folk medicine for various oral conditions.
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7.
The safety of herbal medicinal products derived from Echinacea species: a systematic review.
Huntley, AL, Thompson Coon, J, Ernst, E
Drug safety. 2005;(5):387-400
Abstract
Echinacea spp. are native to North America and were traditionally used by the Indian tribes for a variety of ailments, including mouth sores, colds and snake-bites. The three most commonly used Echinacea spp. are E. angustifolia, E. pallida and E. purpurea. Systematic literature searches were conducted in six electronic databases and the reference lists of all of the papers located were checked for further relevant publications. Information was also sought from the spontaneous reporting programmes of the WHO and national drug safety bodies. Twenty-three manufacturers of echinacea were contacted and asked for data held on file. Finally our own departmental files were searched. No language restrictions were imposed. Combination products and homeopathic preparations were excluded. Data from clinical studies and spontaneous reporting programmes suggest that adverse events with echinacea are not commonly reported. Gastrointestinal upsets and rashes occur most frequently. However, in rare cases, echinacea can be associated with allergic reactions that may be severe. Although there is a large amount of data that investigates the efficacy of echinacea, safety issues and the monitoring of adverse events have not been focused on. Short-term use of echinacea is associated with a relatively good safety profile, with a slight risk of transient, reversible, adverse events. The association of echinacea with allergic reactions is supported by the present evaluation. While these reactions are likely to be rare, patients with allergy or asthma should carefully consider their use of echinacea. The use of echinacea products during pregnancy and lactation would appear to be ill-advised in light of the paucity of data in this area.
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8.
Herbs, menopause, and dialysis.
Roemheld-Hamm, B, Dahl, NV
Seminars in dialysis. 2002;(1):53-9
Abstract
Women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for menstrual disorders, early menopause, and osteoporosis, and rarely discuss gynecologic and reproductive issues with their nephrologist. Various complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products are of interest to women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who have these disorders. However, very little is known about the specifics of using herbal medicines in patients on chronic dialysis, resulting in numerous problems when patients and providers try to ascertain the safety and efficacy of these products. This article reviews evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of black cohosh, ginseng, chastetree, dong quai, evening primrose oil, soy products, and the so-called natural hormones. Pharmacologic parameters important to evaluating the quality of botanical products are discussed, along with recommendations and information resources.