The inhibition of free radical generation by preparations of Harpagophytum procumbens in vitro.

Harpagophytum procumbens (Hp), commonly known as Devil's Claw has been used as a traditional treatment for a variety of illnesses for centuries. Since the early twentieth century, it has become a popular antiinflammatory and analgesic preparation amongst European herbalists for supportive or adjuvant treatment of degenerative joint diseases. Extracts of Hp tubers have demonstrated antiinflammatory and analgesic effects in animal models of inflammation and in human trials.

Effectiveness and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders.

Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (AORC) are the leading cause of disability, are associated with poor quality of life and incur considerable direct and indirect costs. It is considered that the instance of AORC will continue to increase. To assess the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of Harpagophytum (Bioforce) in the treatment of AORC, a single group open study of 8 weeks duration (259 patients) was performed in the United Kingdom.

Persistent cerebrovascular effects of MDMA and acute responses to the drug.

Acutely, 3,4,-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) induces cerebrovascular dysfunction [Quate et al., (2004)Psychopharmacol., 173, 287-295].

Acute methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration: effects on local cerebral blood flow and glucose utilisation in the Dark Agouti rat.

Rationale: Clinical reports indicate that acute exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "Ecstasy") may induce pathological cerebrovascular responses in human users of the drug, however, the mechanism by which MDMA might effect these pathological changes is not clear.

Objectives: To examine the effects of acute MDMA administration on the relationship between local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) and local cerebral glucose utilisation (LCMRglu); to determine the effect, if any, acute exposure to MDMA has on the cerebral circulation, independently of alterations in cerebral metabolic demand.

Methods: Dark Agouti rats were injected with 15 mg.

Functional consequences of perinatal exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in rat brain.

1. In this study we have examined methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced toxicity in perinatal rat brain, related this to normal development of serotonin transporter sites (SERT), and determined whether early exposure to MDMA subsequently alters cerebral function in adults. 2.