Berberine Can Reduce Risk of Colon Polyps

A 2020 study showed that berberine 0.3mg twice daily reduced the number of recurrent colon adenomas compared to placebo during a 2 year period. Colonoscopies were performed annually. Of the 553 patients receiving berberine, 36% developed recurrent adenomas vs 47% in the placebo group of 555 patients. The most common side effect of berberine was constipation, which occured in 1% of patients. Berberine can also cause nausea and stomach discomfort. There were no serious adverse events reported.

Chen YX, Gao QY, Zou TH, Wang BM, Liu SD, Sheng JQ, Ren JL, Zou XP, Liu ZJ, Song YY, Xiao B, Sun XM, Dou XT, Cao HL, Yang XN, Li N, Kang Q, Zhu W, Xu HZ, Chen HM, Cao XC, Fang JY. Berberine versus placebo for the prevention of recurrence of colorectal adenoma: a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Mar;5(3):267-275. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(19)30409-1. Epub 2020 Jan 8. PMID: 31926918.

Fenugreek Seeds for Perimenopausal Hot Flashes

A 2017 study showed that 600mg of Fenugreek seed extract daily significantly improved vasomotor, psychosocial and sexual symptoms of menopause at 12 weeks compared to placebo. Another study published in 2020 also showed significant improvement in menopausal symptoms with fenugreek extract vs placebo. Fenugreek may also improve glycemic control. Fenugreek is not safe to use during pregnancy. Fenugreek can cause stomach discomfort among other side effects.

Khanna A, John F, Das S, Thomas J, Rao J, Maliakel B, Im K. Efficacy of a novel extract of fenugreek seeds in alleviating vasomotor symptoms and depression in perimenopausal women: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Food Biochem. 2020 Dec;44(12):e13507. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.13507. Epub 2020 Oct 6. PMID: 33025616.

Steels E, Steele ML, Harold M, Coulson S. Efficacy of a Proprietary Trigonella foenum-graecum L. De-Husked Seed Extract in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Phytother Res. 2017 Sep;31(9):1316-1322. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5856. Epub 2017 Jul 14. PMID: 28707431.

Kim J, Noh W, Kim A, Choi Y, Kim YS. The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Sep 12;24(18):13999. doi: 10.3390/ijms241813999. PMID: 37762302; PMCID: PMC10531284.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Fenugreek. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/fenugreek

Hibiscus for High Blood Pressure

A 2007 study showed that Hibiscus sabdariffa (standardized to 250 mg anthocyanins) significantly reduced blood pressure over 4 weeks in hypertensive patients. The effect was slightly less than lisinopril 10mg (12% vs 15% reduction). It is thought to work by similarly inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme and may have a diuretic effect. No adverse effects were seen but it may affect electrolytes and kidney function.

Herrera-Arellano A, Miranda-Sánchez J, Avila-Castro P, Herrera-Alvarez S, Jiménez-Ferrer JE, Zamilpa A, Román-Ramos R, Ponce-Monter H, Tortoriello J. Clinical effects produced by a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa on patients with hypertension. A randomized, double-blind, lisinopril-controlled clinical trial. Planta Med. 2007 Jan;73(1):6-12. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-957065. PMID: 17315307.

Herrera-Arellano A, Flores-Romero S, Chávez-Soto MA, Tortoriello J. Effectiveness and tolerability of a standardized extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa in patients with mild to moderate hypertension: a controlled and randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2004 Jul;11(5):375-82. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2004.04.001. PMID: 15330492.

Vibration Therapy Can Reduce Falls & May Improve Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women

A 2010 study showed that postmenopausal women undergoing whole body vibration (WBV) at 25-35 Hz twice weekly, in addition to an exercise program, had fewer falls over an 18 month period compared to the control group. Postmenopausal women undergoing an exercise program without WBV did not have significantly fewer falls. Lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) increased with the exercise program and exercise plus WBV compared to controls; another study showed an increase in lumbar BMD with WBV alone. Hip BMD did not change significantly. A similar trial also showed a reduction in falls with WBV only over 18 months. Women already diagnosed with osteopenia did not show any change in BMD with WBV after 15 months in a separate trial.

von Stengel S, Kemmler W, Engelke K, Kalender WA. Effects of whole body vibration on bone mineral density and falls: results of the randomized controlled ELVIS study with postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int. 2011 Jan;22(1):317-25. doi: 10.1007/s00198-010-1215-4. Epub 2010 Mar 20. PMID: 20306017.

Leung KS, Li CY, Tse YK, Choy TK, Leung PC, Hung VW, Chan SY, Leung AH, Cheung WH. Effects of 18-month low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on fall rate and fracture risks in 710 community elderly--a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Osteoporos Int. 2014 Jun;25(6):1785-95. doi: 10.1007/s00198-014-2693-6. Epub 2014 Mar 28. PMID: 24676848.

Kienberger Y, Sassmann R, Rieder F, Johansson T, Kässmann H, Pirich C, Wicker A, Niebauer J. Effects of whole body vibration in postmenopausal osteopenic women on bone mineral density, muscle strength, postural control and quality of life: the T-bone randomized trial. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2022 Nov;122(11):2331-2342. doi: 10.1007/s00421-022-05010-5. Epub 2022 Jul 21. PMID: 35864343; PMCID: PMC9560973.

Lai CL, Tseng SY, Chen CN, Liao WC, Wang CH, Lee MC, Hsu PS. Effect of 6 months of whole body vibration on lumbar spine bone density in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:1603-9. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S53591. Epub 2013 Dec 4. Erratum in: Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:945. PMID: 24348029; PMCID: PMC3857009.

Jepsen DB, Thomsen K, Hansen S, Jørgensen NR, Masud T, Ryg J. Effect of whole-body vibration exercise in preventing falls and fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2017 Dec 29;7(12):e018342. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018342. PMID: 29289937; PMCID: PMC6027066.

Hawthorn for Heart Failure

A 2008 study showed that 900mg daily of Hawthorn extract (from the flowers and leaves) can significantly decrease sudden cardiac deaths by

39.7% (in heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 25%-35%) vs placebo over 2 years when used in addition to standard medical treatment. In these patients, cardiac mortality (heart attack, heart failure progression and sudden cardiac death) decreased by 20% compared to placebo but this was not statistically significant. Adverse events were similar, in number and in type, to placebo. Hawthorn extract is thought to increase muscle contractility of the heart and may have an anti-arrhythmic effect. Other studies have shown improved exercise capacity with Hawthorn extract; there is mixed evidence regarding its effect on heart failure symptoms. Hawthorn may cause stomach discomfort or other adverse effects.

Holubarsch CJ, Colucci WS, Meinertz T, Gaus W, Tendera M; Survival and Prognosis: Investigation of Crataegus Extract WS 1442 in CHF (SPICE) trial study group. The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with heart failure: the SPICE trial. Eur J Heart Fail. 2008 Dec;10(12):1255-63. doi: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2008.10.004. Epub 2008 Nov 18. PMID: 19019730.

Tauchert M. Efficacy and safety of crataegus extract WS 1442 in comparison with placebo in patients with chronic stable New York Heart Association class-III heart failure. Am Heart J. 2002 May;143(5):910-5. doi: 10.1067/mhj.2002.121463. PMID: 12040357.

Zick SM, Gillespie B, Aaronson KD. The effect of Crataegus oxycantha Special Extract WS 1442 on clinical progression in patients with mild to moderate symptoms of heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail. 2008 Jun;10(6):587-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2008.04.008. Epub 2008 May 19. PMID: 18490196; PMCID: PMC2577845.

Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) Can Lower Risk for Skin Cancer

A 2015 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that taking 500mg of nicotinamide (niacinamide; a form of vitamin B3) twice daily resulted in 23% fewer nonmelanoma skin cancers (basal and squamous cell cancers) after 1 year compared to placebo. Nicotinamide also reduced precancers (actinic keratoses) by 13% at 1 year compared to placebo. At high doses (3,000mg per day or more), nicotinamide can cause stomach discomfort, diarrhea, nausea and possibly liver damage.

Chen AC, Martin AJ, Choy B, Fernández-Peñas P, Dalziell RA, McKenzie CA, Scolyer RA, Dhillon HM, Vardy JL, Kricker A, St George G, Chinniah N, Halliday GM, Damian DL. A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention. N Engl J Med. 2015 Oct 22;373(17):1618-26. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1506197. PMID: 26488693.

Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1998.

Myrrh for Ulcerative Colitis and Leaky Gut

A 2013 study showed that an herbal preparation of myrrh, chamomile and coffee charcoal was similarly effective at maintaining remission in people with ulcerative colitis as compared to a commonly prescribed medication (mesalamine) over the course of one year duration. A recent in vitro study showed that myrrh may help restore the intestinal barrier when damaged by inflammation (leaky gut). Prolonged use at high doses may be harmful for wound healing and have other adverse effects.

Langhorst J, Varnhagen I, Schneider SB, Albrecht U, Rueffer A, Stange R, Michalsen A, Dobos GJ. Randomised clinical trial: a herbal preparation of myrrh, chamomile and coffee charcoal compared with mesalazine in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis--a double-blind, double-dummy study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Sep;38(5):490-500. doi: 10.1111/apt.12397. Epub 2013 Jul 4. PMID: 23826890.

Hader H, Hering NA, Schulzke JD, Bücker R, Rosenthal R. Myrrh protects against IL-13-induced epithelial barrier breakdown in HT-29/B6 cells. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Nov 17;14:1301800. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1301800. PMID: 38044939; PMCID: PMC10691275.

Al Amri FS. Myrrh sitz bath for wound healing after hemorrhoidectomy: A retrospective study of adverse effects and treatment outcomes. Health Sci Rep. 2024 Jun 12;7(6):e2192. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.2192. PMID: 38868538; PMCID: PMC11168280.

Probiotics for Type 2 Diabetes

A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2020 showed a significant improvement in postprandial (after meal) glucose control in type 2 diabetics who took a probiotic containing the microbes Akkermansia muciniphila, Anaerobutyricum hallii, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis. The mean A1c or 3 month average glucose decreased by 0.6% over 12 weeks compared to placebo. Transient mild nausea and diarrhea occurred during the initial 3–5 days of use.

Perraudeau F, McMurdie P, Bullard J, Cheng A, Cutcliffe C, Deo A, et al. Improvements to postprandial glucose control in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a multicenter, double blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial of a novel probiotic formulation. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. 2020;8:e001319. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001319

Pycnogenol for Ear Ringing (Tinnitus), Hearing Loss & ADHD

A 2014 study showed that Pycnogenol improved symptoms of vertigo (the room spinning around you), tinnitus (ear ringing), and hearing loss in people with inner ear issues. Pycnogenol is an extract of pine bark grown in a specific region of France. More people noticed improvement at 6 months than at 3 months vs placebo. Pycnogenol is thought to work by improving blood flow to the inner ear and it may be anti-inflammatory. Studies have also shown that Pycnogenol may reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity in children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Side effects can include stomach discomfort, headache, nausea, and dizziness.

It’s important to note that vertigo is most commonly caused by misalignment of the crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear. This condition is called BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) and can often be treated with a series of head movements called the Epley maneuver.

Luzzi R, Belcaro G, Hu S, Dugall M, Hosoi M, Cacchio M, Ippolito E, Corsi M. Improvement in symptoms and cochlear flow with pycnogenol in patients with Meniere's disease and tinnitus. Minerva Med. 2014 Jun;105(3):245-54. PMID: 24988090.

Anne-Sophie Weyns, Annelies A.J. Verlaet, Annelies Breynaert, Tania Naessens, et al. Clinical Investigation of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as compared to Methylphenidate and Placebo: Part 1: Efficacy in a Randomised Trial, Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 97, 2022, 105246, ISSN 1756-4646, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2022.105246.

Weichmann F, Rohdewald P. Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical studies. Front Nutr. 2024 May 2;11:1389374. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1389374. PMID: 38757130; PMCID: PMC11096518.

Horse Chestnut Seed Extract for Venous Insufficiency (Varicose Veins / Spider Veins)

About 30 years ago, a major medical journal The Lancet published a clinical trial showing significant reduction in lower leg swelling with horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) vs placebo. The reduction in leg swelling with HCSE was similar to that seen in patients wearing compression stockings. Subsequent studies have also shown an improvement in leg pain and itching with HCSE. It is thought that HCSE decreases the leakage of fluid out of veins by helping seal the vein walls. There are other supplements and herbs that can help as well. Many of them can cause some stomach discomfort among other possible side effects.

Diehm C, Trampisch HJ, Lange S, Schmidt C. Comparison of leg compression stocking and oral horse-chestnut seed extract therapy in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Lancet. 1996 Feb 3;347(8997):292-4. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(96)90467-5. PMID: 8569363.