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Friday, August 16, 2002
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (August 15, 2002)—People who suffer from swelling in the lower legs (chronic venous insufficiency) may be able to reduce the puffiness by taking an extract of butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus), according to a study in Arzneimittelforschung (2002;52:243–50).
Chronic venous insufficiency typically results from a weakness of the tissues that make up the veins; this weakness allows excessive amounts of fluid to leak from the bloodstream and “pool” in the legs. The condition may also occur following a blood clot in the leg or prolonged inflammation in the veins. Symptoms include swelling in the lower legs or ankles, darkening and dryness of the skin, and a dull, persistent ache that is worse with prolonged standing. People with this condition are often advised to elevate their legs frequently, to avoid long periods of standing, and to wear compression stockings to help improve the blood flow in the legs. These recommendations may provide temporary relief, however, they do not address the underlying cause. Conversely, butcher’s broom actually improves the tone of the veins, so that blood stagnation in the legs is reduced, thereby decreasing swelling.
In a three-month study, scientists gave 166 women with persistent lower leg swelling either 75 mg per day of butcher’s broom or a placebo. Measurements of ankle and leg circumference were taken every four weeks for the duration of the study. Participants were also asked to complete a symptom questionnaire at the same intervals.
Leg and ankle circumference were significantly reduced in those taking butcher’s broom, while it increased slightly in those taking the placebo. Leg and ankle swelling decreased after 8 weeks of treatment with butcher’s broom and continued to decline further after 12 weeks. Symptoms such as heaviness in the legs, tingling, and a sensation of tension all improved in the people taking butcher’s broom, whereas no improvement in any of these symptoms occurred in the placebo group. Butcher’s broom treatment was well tolerated and did not cause any significant side effects.
Other nutrients and herbs may also be useful in treating venous insufficiency. Several studies have shown that 600 to 900 mg per day of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) significantly reduces leg and ankle swelling. Some small studies suggest that 300 to 500 mg per day of flavonoids (specifically hydroxyethylrutosides or proanthocyanidins [OPCs]), may increase venous tone and reduce swelling. Another preliminary study showed that gotu kola (Centella asiatica) successfully treated venous insufficiency when taken in amounts of 60 to 120 mg per day. For more specific intake amounts and safety information, consult a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herbal medicine.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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2:49:26 PM 
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By Darin Ingels, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (August 15, 2002)—People suffering from adult onset (type 2) diabetes may be able to prevent damage to the retina and possibly blindness by leaving a nightlight on in their bedroom while sleeping, according to a study in Lancet (2002;359:2251–3).
Deterioration of the retina, or retinopathy, is a common consequence of diabetes and may affect as many as half of all diabetics. Unfortunately, there are few warning signs of this condition and most diabetics do not develop any symptoms until vision is partially lost or complete blindness occurs. Conventional surgical treatment may be helpful if retinopathy is caught early, but has a poor success rate when the disease is severe. There is no known cure for diabetic retinopathy.
For reasons not completely understood, darkness seems to increase the requirement for oxygen in the retina. Healthy individuals are able to meet this increased requirement during periods of darkness, but diabetics, who have impaired capillary function, may be unable to deliver the additional oxygen the retina needs at night. Scientists have speculated that a deficiency of oxygen results in damage to the retina. This theory is supported by research showing that color and contrast vision improved in diabetics given oxygen therapy. If this theory is correct, then keeping a light on at night might prevent retinal oxygen depletion, thereby slowing the development of retinopathy.
Researchers studied the effects of darkness on the retinas of seven diabetic and eight healthy adults of similar age. Measurements of retinal function were taken periodically during 20 minutes of darkness. Additional measurements were taken before and after oxygen had been administered in darkness. Compared with non-diabetics, those with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower retinal function during darkness, suggesting inadequate oxygen flow to the retina. When oxygen was administered to the diabetics, retinal function improved to the level seen in healthy volunteers.
This study provides circumstantial evidence that using a nightlight would be beneficial for diabetics. However, the study did not actually measure the effects of nighttime illumination.
Certain nutritional supplements may also be useful for preventing or treating diabetic retinopathy. One study showed that 150 mg per day of proanthocyanidins (a group of compounds found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources) slowed the progression of retinopathy in diabetics. Other studies suggest 600 mg per day of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) or 320 mg per day of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) may also help improve vision in people with mild to moderate diabetic retinopathy. More long-term studies are needed to corroborate these results.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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2:49:04 PM
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By Alan R. Gaby, MD
Healthnotes Newswire (August 15, 2002)—Arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, a frequently performed and expensive procedure, is ineffective, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine (2002;347:81–8). This new study, combined with ongoing concerns about the safety and efficacy of drug therapy for OA, should lead to increased interest in natural remedies for this common arthritic condition.
Researchers randomly assigned 180 individuals with OA of the knee to receive arthroscopic surgery or “placebo” surgery and then observed them for two years. The arthroscopic surgery consisted of inserting a scope into the knee and cleaning out degenerated tissue and debris. Participants assigned to placebo surgery were subjected to skin incisions over the knee, but the arthroscope was not inserted. Both groups experienced a reduction in pain and an improvement in function during the two years following the procedure. However, at no time did the group receiving arthroscopic surgery fare better than the placebo group. In fact, at some points during the study, the placebo group actually showed greater improvement than the surgery group.
The results of this study suggest that this $5,000 procedure is a waste of money for individuals with OA, though it did not address the value of arthroscopic surgery for torn cartilage and other indications for which this procedure is considered to be effective.
Other research suggests that long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly used to treat OA, may actually accelerate the progression of the disease, even though they help relieve symptoms temporarily.
Fortunately, a number of natural remedies are available that are both safe and effective. The most widely used product is glucosamine sulfate. Numerous studies have shown that this substance, which helps rebuild damaged cartilage, relieves pain at least as effectively as NSAIDs, and is relatively free of side effects. Even more importantly, continued use of glucosamine sulfate appears to slow or halt joint degeneration. The amount of glucosamine sulfate used in most studies was 500 mg 3 times per day.
Chondroitin sulfate, a component of the connective tissue that makes up joint cartilage, has also been studied extensively. When taken in the amount of 800 to 1,200 mg per day, it appears to produce results similar to those seen with glucosamine sulfate, and has not been associated with any significant side effects. It is not known whether a combination of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate would be more effective than either compound alone.
Some doctors recommend niacinamide (vitamin B3) as a treatment for OA. Although comparative studies have not been done, it appears to be as effective as glucosamine sulfate. Moreover, a number of positive "side effects" may occur with the use of niacinamide, such as better mood, less anxiety, and improved overall well-being. However, the large amounts of niacinamide that are needed to improve joint health (such as 500 mg, 4 to 6 times per day) have the potential to damage the liver on rare occasions. Therefore, niacinamide therapy should be monitored by a physician familiar with its use.
Other natural substances that have been reported to relieve the symptoms of OA include vitamin E (600 to 1,200 IU per day), Devil's claw, cat's claw, and ginger root.
Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the Medical Editor for Clinical Essentials Alert, is the author of Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes, Prima, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2 (Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient’s Book of Natural Healing (Prima, 1999). Currently he is the Endowed Professor of Nutrition at Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, Kenmore, WA.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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2:48:44 PM
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© Copyright
2002
Rick@Leaders.net.
Last update:
11/18/2002; 10:51:48 PM.
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