Effects of Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) berry preparation on metabolic parameters in a healthy overweight population: a pilot study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of açai fruit pulp on risk factors for metabolic disorders in overweight subjects. The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), which is native to South America, produces a small, black-purple fruit which is edible.

Proprietary arabinogalactan extract increases antibody response to the pneumonia vaccine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study in healthy volunteers.

Background: Arabinogalactan from Larch tree (Larix spp.) bark has previously demonstrated immunostimulatory activity. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that ingestion of a proprietary arabinogalactan extract, ResistAid™, would selectively enhance the antibody response to the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine in healthy adults.

Evaluation of Mangosteen juice blend on biomarkers of inflammation in obese subjects: a pilot, dose finding study.

Background: The ability to reduce inflammation in overweight and obese individuals may be valuable in preventing the progression to metabolic syndrome with associated risks for heart disease and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of multiple dosages of a proprietary Mangosteen Juice blend on indicators of inflammation and antioxidant levels in obese patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Methods: The study was an 8 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a pre-study 2 week washout period.

BounceBack capsules for reduction of DOMS after eccentric exercise: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study.

Background: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is muscle pain and discomfort experienced approximately one to three days after exercise. DOMS is thought to be a result of microscopic muscle fiber tears that occur more commonly after eccentric exercise rather than concentric exercise. This study sought to test the efficacy of a proprietary dietary supplement, BounceBack, to alleviate the severity of DOMS after standardized eccentric exercise.

Ayurvedic and collateral herbal treatments for hyperlipidemia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs.

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both developing and developed countries. An underlying cause of IHD involves retention and deposit of serum lipids in coronary arteries, decreasing blood flow. Drugs (conventional and herbal) are used to lower levels of serum cholesterol to help prevent IHD.

Menopausal issues: a national probability sample of US women.

Objective: This survey assessed women's reported information sources about menopause, interactions with physicians concerning use of and compliance concerning conventional and alternative therapies for symptoms, and factors determining choices of symptom support.

Design: The study was a nationwide probability survey of menopausal women regarding their symptoms, their attitudes toward menopause and concerns about the menopause experience, what they use as sources of information about menopause, their evaluation of healthcare professionals' competence in addressing patients' concerns, self-evaluation of communication with a healthcare professional about concerns, their feelings about herbal remedies and other complementary and alternative medicine treatment options, and what they consider the most important factor(s) in choosing a treatment option for menopause.

Results: Physicians were the most common source of menopause information.

The effectiveness of Commiphora mukul for osteoarthritis of the knee: an outcomes study.

Context: Ayurveda, the traditional system of healthcare in India, has many remedies for Osteoarthritis (OA). One of the ingredients most commonly found in Ayurvedic arthritis formulas is guggul, an oleoresin of the herb Commiphora mukul (CM). The authors have conducted both preclinical and clinical investigations of guggul for reduction of pain, stiffness, and improved function, and to determine tolerability in older patients with a diagnosis of OA of the knee.