Posts from — December 2008

<strong>Arizona Naturopathic Physicians</strong>

Mia Darling, NMD
Worden Medical Specialties
6638 E Baseline Rd Ste 101
Mesa,Arizona 85206
(P) 480 588-2233
wordenmedicalspecialties@hotmail.com
WordenMedicalSpecialties.com
Worden Medical Specialties
9815 E Bell Rd Ste 110
Scottsdale,Arizona 85260
(P) 480 588-2233

Emily Davenport, NMD
Heal Ability Natural Medicine Soulutions - Gilbert Township Villas
1757 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert,Arizona 85233
(P) 480-503-4325 (HEAL)
emily@healability.com
www.healability.com

Teri Davis, ND
Swan Clinic of Natural Healing
1001 N. Swan Rd
Tucson,Arizona 85712
(P) (520) 323-7133

Jesika C DiCampli, NMD
Naturopathic Family Care
13832 N. 32nd St #126
Phoenix,Arizona 85032
(P) 602 493-2273
4wecare@gmail.com
www.4wecare.com

Ross Dunbar, ND
Prescott Naturopathic Medical Group
810 W. Gurley St.
Prescott,Arizona 86305
(P) 928-445-1999
natmeddr@yahoo.com

Stephanie Eastman, NMD
Alternative Medical Healthcare
33 West Lynwood Street
Phoenix,Arizona 85003
(P) 602-252-6252
www.healingpharmacy.com

Lois Eaton, NMD
1058 Fair St. #B
Prescott,Arizona 86305
(P) 928-778-2882
www.joyfulhealthdoctor.com

Chrystie Eggerling, NMD
Arizona Advanced Medicine
Shea Medicial Plaza
Scottsdale,Arizona 85260
(P) 4809059200
www.azadvancedmed.com

Kimberly Engard, NMD, MSOM
Red Mountain Naturopathic Healthcare LLC
2830 E Brown Road Suite 16
Mesa,Arizona 85213
(P) 480-830-1164
officemanager@redmountainhealth.com
www.redmountainhealth.com
Wildwoods Botanicals
5128 E Via Dona Dr
Cave Creek,Arizona 85331
(P) 480-563-5499

Jaime Ewald, NMD
Body Positive
1144 E. McDowell Rd. #200
Phoenix,Arizona 85006
(P) 602-307-5330
jewald@bodypositive.org
www.bodypositive.org
Tikey Health
13402 N. Scottsdale Rd. Bldg. B Ste 150
Scottsdale,Arizona 85254
(P) 480-951-1248

Joanne Feaster, NMD
Natural Choice Medical Care LLC
8600 East Shea Blvd. Suite 110
Scottsdale,Arizona 85260
(P) 480-226-4554
drjoanne@cox.net
www.DrFeaster.com

Lila Flagler, NMD
Partners in Holistic Health Inc
6737 E. Camino Principal #C
Tucson,Arizona 85715
(P) 520-721-8821
LilaFlagler@aol.com
www.DrFlagler.com

Karen Freeze, NMD
West Valley Naturopathic Center
10320 W McDowell Rd Suite M-1342
Avondale,Arizona 85323
(P) 623-643-9598
drklfreeze@yahoo.com

Patricia Gaines, ND
Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center
8010 E. McDowell Rd, Suite 111
Scottsdale,Arizona 85257
(P) 480 970-0000
p.gaines@scnm.edu

Miriam Gilbert, ND
PO Box 856
Patagonia,Arizona 85624
(P) 520-394-2670
Christine Girard
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
8010 E. McDowell Rd Suite 111
Scottsdale,Arizona 85257
(P) 480-222-9827
c.girard@scnm.edu
scnm.edu

Julie Gorman, NMD, LAc
Acupunture & Integrative Medicine Center
3201 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix,Arizona 85012
(P) 602-265-1774
info@aimcenteraz.com
www.AIMcenterAZ.com

Brandie E. Gowey, NMD
Naturopaths International
1825 N. Meadow Lark Dr
Flagstaff,Arizona 86001
(P) 928-221-6113
doctorb@naturopathsinternational.org
www.naturopathsinternational.org

Elizabeth K. Grady, NMD
Northside Naturopathic Family Wholistic Health PLLC
130 West River Rd. Bldg A
Tucson,Arizona 85704
(P) (520) 877-2668
ekgnmd@earthlink.net
www.northsidenaturopathic.com

Cheryl Granger, NMD
Granger Naturopathic Clinic, Inc.
17100 N 67th Ave
Glendale,Arizona 85308
(P) 623-878-8999
www.grangernaturopathic.com

Louise Gutowski
Louise D. Gutowski NMD
7426 E. Stetson Dr. Suite 125
Scottsdale,Arizona 85251
(P) 480-425-0800
Lgutowski@aol.com
www.homeopathydoctor.ws

Clark H. Hansen, NMD
Hansen Clinic of Natural Medicine, Aesthetics & Mesotherapy
8070 East Morgan Trail Ste. 120
Scottsdale,Arizona 85258
(P) (408) 991-5092
info@drhansen.com

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about green tea—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. All types of tea (green, black, and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are steamed to produce green tea.

Common Names—green tea, Chinese tea, Japanese tea

Latin Name—Camellia sinensis

What It Is Used For

• Green tea and green tea extracts, such as its component EGCG, have been used to prevent and treat a variety of cancers, including breast, stomach, and skin cancers.
• Green tea and green tea extracts have also been used for improving mental alertness, aiding in weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels, and protecting skin from sun damage.

How It Is Used

Green tea is usually brewed and drunk as a beverage. Green tea extracts can be taken in capsules and are sometimes used in skin products.

What the Science Says

• Laboratory studies suggest that green tea may help protect against or slow the growth of certain cancers, but studies in people have shown mixed results.
• Some evidence suggests that the use of green tea preparations improves mental alertness, most likely because of its caffeine content. There are not enough reliable data to determine whether green tea can aid in weight loss, lower blood cholesterol levels, or protect the skin from sun damage.
• NCCAM is supporting studies to learn more about the components in green tea and their effects on conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Green tea is safe for most adults when used in moderate amounts.
• Green tea and green tea extracts contain caffeine. Caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or frequent urination in some people.
• Green tea contains small amounts of vitamin K, which can make anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, less effective.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• National Cancer Institute. Tea and Cancer Prevention. National Cancer Institute Web site. Accessed at http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/tea on July 11, 2007.
• Green tea. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 3, 2007.
• Green tea (Camellia sinensis). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on July 3, 2007.

<strong>Arizona Naturopathic Physicians</strong>

Karsten Alexandria, LAc, ND
1420 E. Northern Ave.
Phoenix,Arizona 85020
(P) 602-938-8200
doctorkarsten@yahoo.com
www.doctorkarsten.com

Alice Alibrio, ND
1416 E. Greenlee St
Cottonwood,Arizona 86326
(P) 928-399-0694
www.dralicealibrio.com

Lise Alschuler, ND
Naturopathic Specialists
7331 E. Osborn Dr.
Arizona 85251
(P) 480-990-1111
www.DrLise.net
www.DrLise.net

Jessica K. Anderson, NMD
Dermacare of North Scottsdale
7320 E. Deer Valley Rd
Scottsdale,Arizona 85255
(P) 480-513-2888
dr.jessica.anderson@dermacare.com

Kristy L. Anderson, NMD
Agave Integrative Health Care
26705 S. 195th Street
Queen Creek,Arizona 85242
(P) 480-229-1348
andersonaz02@yahoo.com
East Valley Naturopathic Doctors
5416 E. Southern Ave
Mesa,Arizona 85206
(P) 480-985-0000

Brian Archambault, NMD
West Valley Naturopathic Center
10320 W. McDowell Rd M-1342
Avondale,Arizona 85323
(P) 623-643-9598
bjarham@yahoo.com

Dawn Anne Bantel, ND
Mirasol- AZ center for disordered eating
7650 E. Broadway, Ste 303
Tucson,Arizona 85710
(P) 520-546-3200
www.mirasol.net

Matthew Baral, ND
Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center
8010 E. McDowell Rd Ste. 111
Scottsdale,Arizona 85257
(P) 480-970-0000
www.scnm.edu

Eli Ber, NMD
10752 N. 89th Place
Scottsdale,Arizona 85260
(P) 480-634-6172
www.herbalber.com

Shauna M. Birdsall, FABNO, ND
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Western Regional Medical Center
Avondale,Arizona 85392
(P) 623-512-4873
shaunabirdsall@ctca-hope.com
www.cancercenter.com

Nick D. Buratovich, NMD
Arizona Naturopathic Services
2435 E Southern Ave #9
Tempe,Arizona 85282
(P) 480-831-0717

Gladys Ceballos-Logan, NMD
HealAbility Natural Medicine Solutions: Gilbert Township Villas
1757 E. Baseline Road Bldg 9, Ste 135
Gilbert,Arizona 85233
(P) 480-503-HEAL (4325)
heal@healability.com
www.healability.com
HealAbility Natural Medicine Solutions: Trilogy at Power Ranch
4369 East Village Parkway
Gilbert,Arizona 85298
(P) 480-503-HEAL (4325)

Nathan M. Champion, ND
Champion Naturopathic Health
4035 W. Chandler Blvd.
Chandler,Arizona 85226
(P) 480-705-9611
DrNate@ChampionNH.com
www.ChampionNH.com

Brandon Chastant, NMD
Matrix Medical Center
10752 North 89th Place, Suite 218
Scottsdale,Arizona 85260
info@matrixmedicalcenter.com
www.matrixmedicalcenter.com

Debora Ann Chelson, NMD
Debora Chelson N.M.D
11650 E Old Spanish Trail
Tucson,Arizona 85730
(P) 520-437-9562
debora.chelson.nmd@gmail.com

Jorge Cochran, NMD, ND, MD
310 N Wilmot Rd Suite 206
Tucson,Arizona 85711
(P) 520-546-3233
www.drcochran.meta-ehealth.com

Paul Conyette
2741 South 8th Avenue
Yuma,Arizona 85364
(P) 928-782-1379
paulconyette@hotmail.com
drpaulconyette.com

Mark Corbin, NMD, LAc, DC
921 W. Univeristy Drive # 1204
Mesa,Arizona 85201
(P) 480-310-2834

Kyle Ann Cronin, ND
Naturopathic Physicians Group
9200 E. Raintree Drive Ste 150
Scottsdale,Arizona 85260
(P) 480-451-6161
www.naturopathicgroup.com

Michael Cronin, ND
Naturopathic Physicians Group
9200 E Raintree Drive Ste 150
Scottsdale,Arizona 85260
(P) 480-451-6161
mjcronin@earthlink.net
www.NaturopathicGroup.com

Courtney Cronin, NMD
Desert Wellness Center, PLLC
44480 W. Honeycutt Rd., #107
Maricopa,Arizona 85238
(P) 520-431-1080
drcronin@desertwellnesscenter.com
www.DesertWellnessCenter.com
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicne
2140 E. Broadway Rd.
Tempe,Arizona 85282
(P) 480-858-9100

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about grape seed extract—uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The grape seeds used to produce grape seed extract are generally obtained from wine manufacturers. The leaves and fruit of the grape have been used medicinally since ancient Greece.

Common Name—grape seed extract

Latin Name—Vitis vinifera

What It Is Used For

• Grape seed extract is used for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor circulation.
• Other reasons for the use of grape seed extract include complications related to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery.
• Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.

How It Is Used

Grape seed extract is prepared from the seed of grapes. It is available in capsule and tablet forms.

What the Science Says

• Laboratory studies have shown that grape seed contains antioxidants—substances that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell function. However, it is still unclear how grape seed might affect human health.
• Grape seed extract has shown some beneficial antioxidant effects in preliminary clinical trials. However, few trials have looked at specific diseases or conditions, and little scientific evidence is available.
• A study funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that grape seed extract did not reduce the hardening of breast tissue that can occur after radiation therapy for breast cancer.
• NCI is also funding studies evaluating whether grape seed extract is effective in preventing breast and prostate cancers.
• NCCAM is studying whether the action of grape seed extract and its components may benefit the heart or have protective effects in the brain.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. It has been used safely for up to 8 weeks in clinical trials.
• Side effects that have been reported most often include headache; a dry, itchy scalp; dizziness; and nausea.
• The interactions between grape seed extract and medicines or other supplements have not been carefully studied.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Brooker S, Martin S, Pearson A, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised phase II trial of IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in patients with radiation-induced breast induration. Radiotherapy and Oncology. 2006;79(1):45-51.
• Clouatre DL, Kandaswami C. Grape seed extract. In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary
• Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:309-325.
• Grape. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on March 13, 2007.
• Grape seed (Vitis vinifera, Vitis coignetiae). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on March 13, 2007.

<strong>Alaska Naturopathic Physicians</strong>

Amy E Chadwick, ND
Soaring Crane Natural Health Center
209 W. Cedar Ave
Palmer,Alaska 99645
(P) 907-745-3999
amycnd@gci.net
www.soaringcraneclinic.com

Kristin Cox, ND
Rainforest Naturopathic Medicine
326 4th St. #202
Juneau,Alaska 99801
(P) 907-523-2102

Gary L. Ferguson, ND
Avante Center for Progressive Medicine
915 West Northern Lights
Anchorage,Alaska 99503
(P) 907-770-6700
natureway@mac.com
www.nativenaturopath.com
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
4000 Ambassador Dr.
Anchorage,Alaska 99508
(P) 907-729-3641

Deborah Gillespie, ND
Inside Passage Midwifery & Natural Medicine
800 Glacier Ave.
Juneau,Alaska 99801
(P) 907-463-2600
www.insidepassagemidwifery.com

Adam Grove, ND
Natural Health Center LLC
3330 Eagle St
Anchorage,Alaska 99503
(P) 907-561-2330
drgrove@ak.net
nhcak.org

Jason Joseph Harmon
Avante Medical Center
915 W. Northern Lights
Anchorage,Alaska 99503
(P) 907-770-6700

Patrick C. Huffman, ND
Frontier Natural Health
1020 East Rd
Homer,Alaska 99603
(P) 907-235-3665

Cary Jasper, ND, RN, MS
The Pain Clinic
3944 Spenard Road
Anchorage,Alaska 99517
(P) 907-276-4611

Emily Alice Kane, ND, LAc
Natural Healthcare
418 Harris Street #329
Juneau,Alaska 99801
(P) 907-586-3655
doctorem@aol.com
www.DrEmilyKane.com

Beth Ellen Laughlin, ND
Holistic Medical Clinic
222 Front St.
Fairbanks,Alaska 99701
(P) 907-451-7100

Birgit Lenger, ND
Natural Health Center LLC
3330 Eagle St.
Anchorage,Alaska 99503
(P) 907-561-2330
www.nhcak.com

Scott D Luper, ND
Alaska Center for natural Medicine
104 Kutter Road
Fairbanks,Alaska 99701
(P) 907-452-3600
drluper@acsalaska.net
www.akcenterfornaturalmed.com

Mary A. Minor
104 Kutter Rd.
Fairbanks,Alaska 99701
(P) 907-452-3600

Madeleine Carroll Morrison, ND
Natural Health Center, LLC
3330 Eagle St.
Anchorage,Alaska 99503
(P) 907-561-2330
www.drmaddynd.com

Michelle Rogers, ND, MS
Avante Medical Center
915 W Northern Lights Blvd
Anchorage,Alaska 99503
(P) (907)770-6700
www.avantemedicalcenter.com

Torrey Smith, ND
Avante Medical Center
915 w Northern Lights
Anchorage,Alaska 99503
(P) 907-561-2330
torrey.smith@acsalaska.net
avantemedicalcenter.com

Toby Wheeler, ND
PO Box 2289
Homer,Alaska 99603

Amy Williamson, NMD, RN
Alaska Center For Natural Medicine
104 Kutter Road
Fairbanks,Alaska 99701
(P) 907-452-3600
dramyw@hotmail.com

Hope Wing, ND
3330 Eagle Street
Anchorage,Alaska 99503
(P) (907) 561-2330

Daniel J. Young, LAc, ND, MSOM
Center for Natural Medicine, Inc.
10928 Eagle River Road, Ste 254
Eagle River,Alaska 99577
(P) 907-694-5522
eagledoc@mtaonline.net
www.CNMInc.com

Conradine Zarndt, ND
4341 Tikishla Street
Anchorage,Alaska 99504
(P) 503-780-4284

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. goldenseal—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Goldenseal is a plant that grows wild in parts of the United States but has become endangered by overharvesting. With natural supplies dwindling, goldenseal is now grown commercially across the United States, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Common Names—goldenseal, yellow root

Latin Name—Hydrastis canadensis

What It Is Used For

• Historically, Native Americans have used goldenseal for various health conditions such as skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea.
• Now, goldenseal is used for colds and other respiratory tract infections, infectious diarrhea, eye infections, and vaginitis (inflammation or infection of the vagina). It is occasionally used to treat cancer.
• It is also applied to wounds and canker sores, and is used as a mouthwash for sore gums, mouth, and throat.

How It Is Used

• The underground stems or roots of goldenseal are dried and used to make teas, liquid extracts, and solid extracts that may be made into tablets and capsules.
• Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea in preparations that are intended to be used for colds.

What the Science Says

• Few studies have been published on goldenseal’s safety and effectiveness, and there is little scientific evidence to support using it for any health problem.
• Clinical studies on a compound found in goldenseal, berberine, suggest that the compound may be beneficial for certain infections—such as those that cause some types of diarrhea, as well as some eye infections. However, goldenseal preparations contain only a small amount of berberine, so it is difficult to extend the evidence about the effectiveness of berberine to goldenseal.
• NCCAM is funding research on berberine, including a study to understand the mechanism by which it may act against tumors.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Goldenseal is considered safe for short-term use in adults at recommended dosages. Rare side effects may include nausea and vomiting.
• There is little information about the safety of high dosages or the long-term use of goldenseal.
• Although drug interactions have not been reported, goldenseal may cause changes in the way the body processes drugs, and could potentially increase the levels of many drugs. However, a study of goldenseal and indinavir, a drug used to treat HIV infection, found no interaction.
• Other herbs containing berberine, including Chinese goldthread (Coptis trifolia) and Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), are sometimes substituted for goldenseal. These herbs may have different effects, side effects, and drug interactions than goldenseal.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using goldenseal. The berberine in the herb may cause the uterus to contract, increasing the risk of premature labor or miscarriage. Berberine may also be transferred through breast milk, causing lifethreatening liver problems in nursing infants.
• Goldenseal should not be given to infants and young children.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements.
• New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:297-308.
• Goldenseal. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 6, 2007.
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.), Berberine. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on July 3, 2007.

<strong>Alabama Naturopathic Physicians</strong>

Thomas Barrett, ND
Southeast Natural Health Center
119 Madison St.
Alexander City,Alabama 35010
(P) 256-414-4355
drtombarrett@charter.net

Linda Jarvis, NMD
Jarvis Natural Health Clinic
1489 Slaughter Road
Madison,Alabama 35758
(P) 256-837-3448
jarvisclinic@bellsouth.net
www.drlindajarvis.com

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. Asian ginseng—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various systems of medicine for many centuries. Asian ginseng is one of several types of true ginseng (another is American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius). An herb called Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is not a true ginseng.

Common Names—Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng

Latin Name—Panax ginseng

What It Is Used For

Treatment claims for Asian ginseng are numerous and include the use of the herb to support overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and modern uses of ginseng include:

• Improving the health of people recovering from illness
• Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance
• Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause
• Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure

How It Is Used

The root of Asian ginseng contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides) that are thought to be responsible for the herb’s medicinal properties. The root is dried and used to make tablets or capsules,extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for external use.

What the Science Says

• Some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function.
• To date, research results on Asian ginseng are not conclusive enough to prove health claims associated with the herb. Only a handful of large clinical trials on Asian ginseng have been conducted. Most studies have been small or have had flaws in design and reporting. Some claims for health benefits have been based only on studies conducted in animals.
• NCCAM supports studies to better understand the use of Asian ginseng. Areas of recent NCCAM-funded research include Asian ginseng’s interactions with other herbs and drugs and the herb’s potential to treat chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Side Effects and Cautions

• When taken by mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources suggest that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns about the development of side effects.
• The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems.
• Asian ginseng can cause allergic reactions.
• There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure associated with Asian ginseng products, but these products’ components were not analyzed, so effects may have been due to another herb or drug in the product.
• Asian ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, that are also thought to lower blood sugar.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Ginseng, Asian (Panax ginseng). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements.
• New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:265-277.
• Ginseng, Panax. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 2, 2007.
• Ginseng. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on June 28, 2007.
• Ginseng root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.
• Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:170-177.
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 2003 Update. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc/ on July 9, 2007.

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about evening primrose oil—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Evening primrose is a plant native to North America, but it grows in Europe and parts of the Southern Hemisphere as well. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the evening. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are required by the body for growth and development, and must be obtained from the diet.

Common Names—evening primrose oil, EPO

Latin Name—Oenothera biennis

What It Is Used For

• Evening primrose oil has been used since the 1930s for eczema (a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, or scaly because of allergies or other irritation).
• More recently it has been used for other conditions involving inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Evening primrose oil is used for conditions affecting women’s health, such as breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome.
• Other conditions for which evening primrose oil is used include cancer and diabetes.

How It Is Used

Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose. The oil is usually put into capsules for use.

What the Science Says

• Evening primrose oil may have modest benefits for eczema, and it may be useful for rheumatoid arthritis and breast pain. However, study results are mixed, and most studies have been small and not well designed.
• Evening primrose oil does not appear to affect menopausal symptoms.
• Although some clinical trials have shown a benefit of evening primrose oil for premenstrual syndrome, the best-designed trials found no effect.
• There is not enough evidence to support the use of evening primrose oil for other health conditions.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Evening primrose oil is well tolerated by most people. Mild side effects include gastrointestinal upset and headache.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Shahidi F, Miraliakbari H. Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds.
• Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:197-210.
• Evening primrose oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 6, 2007.
• Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis L.). Natural Standard Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on July 3, 2007.

Many of the 100 million Americans who use Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) on a regular basis, practitioners, students and prospective students are expressing concern over a recent FDA publication on CAM products.

Is the recent paper entitled, Guidance for Industry on Complementary and Alternative Medi-cine Products and Their Regulation by the Food & Drug Administration guidance on CAM paper a cause for concern? It is sure causing alarm among health freedom advocacy groups, in-terest by health professionals and consternation for those who use Complementary and Alterna-tive Medicine on a regular basis. More than 100,000 people have responded to the FDA on this subject, so it certainly has people’s attention.

Is this the opening salvo in a new battle to make supplements available by prescription only? Will nutritional supplements and botanical medicines be produced by Big Pharma and prescribed by allopathic doctors? Let’s read through the FDA document and come to some informed deci-sions together.

First let me point out 2 important facts:

1. The 1993 DSHEA act (Dietary Supplement Health Education Act) already gives the FDA the authority to regulate dietary supplements. This includes creating and enforcing standards and good manufacturing practices. It also limits the claims manufacturers can make on their products.

2. The FDA and the Federal government, in general, do NOT regulate any health profession. Licensure, scope of practice and prescribing privileges are strictly determined by state stat-ute. Even if nutritional and botanical supplements became “prescription only” Naturopathic doctors would retain the right to prescribe them in the vast majority of the states in which the profession is licensed and would certainly spur legislation in others.

The FDA’s stated purpose in publishing the Guidance is to restate its oversight of CAM products in two ways. First, that “a product used in a CAM therapy or practice may be subject to regula-tion as a biological product, cosmetic, drug, device or food” if they are promoted as agents to treat or cure a specific disease or health condition. For example if a botanical extract from Cran-berry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) is sold with a structure/function claim, to “promote urinary tract health” it is a dietary supplement. If the claim is made that the product is to “treat urinary tract infections” it is considered a drug. The supplement must meet safety (for contaminants or adul-terants) and quality (that the herb in the bottle is the same as the one on the label) standards. The drug must apply for a New Drug Application (NDA) and meet the elaborate, lengthy and expen-sive research criteria that follows. If a legally sold botanical or nutritional supplement is pro-moted, it is with the structure/function claim– not a drug claim.

Second, that the Food, Drug and Cosmetic and Public Health Service Acts already do regulate the vast majority of foods and supplements. Juices are considered foods and must be free of harmful bacteria and other potential toxins. Supplement manufacturers must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (quarantining raw materials until tested for contaminants, ensuring that

the quantity and quality of the product matches the description and dose on the label). CAM de-vices must be safe, e.g., acupuncture needles must be sterile.

The FDA document points out that even though it may regulate a CAM product it does not regu-late the CAM practitioner. For example, it regulates the production and sales of acupuncture needles but not the acupuncturist who uses them; the herbs that a Botanical company sells, but not the Naturopathic doctor who prescribes or recommends them.

Philip Chao, Senior Scientific Advisor to the FDA Office of Policy and Planning, and co-author of the Guidance, document was recently interviewed by John Weeks, longtime editor of “The Integrator”. In response to some of John’s pointed questions, Chao pointed out that the docu-ment specifically states that it “does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind FDA or the public.” Nor does it regulate practitioners … we do not regulate how practitioners prescribe products. The practice of medicine is a state matter. To read this ex-cellent interview, please visit The Integrator Blog special issue on this topic (http://theintegratorblog.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=274&Itemid=189)

The FDA Guidance document does not break new ground. There are, however, a considerable number of people who view any new pronouncement by the Agency as cause for alarm. For the 100 million Americans who use, practice or study Complementary and Alternative Medicine, we are fortunate that the FDA is overseeing the quality of the products we use and consume, yet must remain vigilant that our right to use them is never abrogated.