Posts from — December 2008

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about cranberry—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Cranberries are the fruit of a native plant of North America. These red berries are used in foods and in herbal products.

Common Names—cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry

Latin Name—Vaccinium macrocarpon

What It Is Used For

• Historically, cranberry fruits and leaves were used for a variety of problems, such as wounds, urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems.
• Recently, cranberry products have been used in the hope of preventing or treating urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to stomach ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque. Cranberry has also been reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activity.

How It Is Used

The berries are used to produce beverages and many other food products, as well as dietary supplements in the form of extracts, teas, and capsules or tablets.

What the Science Says

• Some studies testing cranberry products for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections have shown promise. These studies have generally been small in size, and some were not randomized or controlled; therefore, the results are not conclusive.
• Cranberry products have not been adequately tested to see if they can be used to help treat an existing urinary tract infection.
• Research shows that components found in cranberry may prevent bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection. However, the mechanism of action of cranberry is not fully understood.
• NCCAM, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research are funding studies to understand whether and how cranberry might work to:
  • Prevent urinary tract infection
  • Prevent the formation of dental plaque.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Eating cranberry products in food appears to be safe, but drinking excessive amounts of juice could cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.
• People who think they have a urinary tract infection should see a health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Cranberry products should not be used to treat infection.
• 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

• Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Aiton. In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:143-149.
• Cranberry. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 2, 2007.
• Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on June 28, 2007.

University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine conducts extensive research to advance the knowledge of therapeutic modalities. The university’s chiropractic, nutrition and acupuncture colleges provide its naturopathic medical students an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and study with students and practitioners of these disciplines. Located along Long Island Sound in the fifth largest city in New England, the college is just a 90-minute drive from New York City.

University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine Degrees Offered

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Master of Science in Acupuncture
Master of Science in Nutrition

Joint degrees offered through our association with the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, the Acupuncture Institute and the Nutrition Institute:

ND/DC Doctor of Chiropractic
ND/MS in Acupuncture
ND/MS in Nutrition
Certificate Program in Acupuncture

Traditional undergraduate degrees are offered in a variety of disciplines, including psychology, dental hygiene, engineering, business and liberal arts.

Contact Information:

Bridgeport University
School of Naturopathic Medicine
60 Lafayette Street
Bridgeport, CT 06601
(203) 576-4109
Web site: http://www.bridgeport.edu/pages/3240.asp

Acting Dean: Jennifer Brett, ND
Approved by the Connecticut Department of Education
Accredited by New England Associations of Schools and Colleges
Candidate for accreditation with the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education

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. chasteberry—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, a small shrub-like tree native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. The name is thought to come from a belief that the plant promoted chastity—it is reported that monks in the Middle Ages used chasteberry to decrease sexual desire.

Common Names—chasteberry, chaste-tree berry, vitex, monk’s pepper

Latin Name—Vitex agnus-castus

What It Is Used For

• Chasteberry has been used for thousands of years, mostly by women to ease menstrual problems and to stimulate the production of breast milk.
• Chasteberry is still used for menstrual problems, such as premenstrual syndrome, as well as for symptoms of menopause, some types of infertility, and acne.

How It Is Used

The dried ripe chasteberry is used to prepare liquid extracts or solid extracts that are put into capsules and tablets.

What the Science Says

• A few studies of chasteberry for premenstrual syndrome have found a benefit. However, most of these studies were not well designed, so firm conclusions about chasteberry for premenstrual syndrome cannot be drawn.
• Small studies suggest that chasteberry may help with breast pain and some types of infertility, but there is not enough reliable scientific evidence to determine whether chasteberry has any effect on these conditions.
• NCCAM is funding studies on chasteberry. Recent projects have explored how chasteberry works in the body and how it might affect symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Chasteberry has not been associated with serious side effects. However, it can cause gastrointestinal problems, acne-like rashes, and dizziness.
• Chasteberry may affect certain hormone levels. Women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills or who have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as breast cancer) should not use chasteberry.
• Because chasteberry may affect the dopamine system in the brain, people taking dopamine-related medications, such as selegiline, amantadine, and levodopa, should avoid using chasteberry.
• 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

• Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:95-103.
• Chasteberry. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 5, 2007.
• Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on July 3, 2007.
• Chaste tree fruit. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.
• Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:62-64.

Bastyr University

At Bastyr University, students learn to view nature as the ultimate teacher of science, and thrive on the free exchange of ideas within a nurturing community. The campus is enveloped in serene wooded grounds located just 20 minutes north of Seattle. After clinical training at the largest, state-of-the-art natural health clinic in the Northwest, Bastyr physicians go on to break new ground in clinical practice, research, public affairs and licensure efforts. A Bastyr University degree is a nationally recognized symbol of achievement, and the foundation for a rewarding career as a naturopathic doctor.

Program of Naturopathic Medicine - Degrees Offered

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Four- or five-year track
Optional dual degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Optional certificate in Naturopathic Midwifery

Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Master of Science in:

• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (option to enter as an undergraduate)
• Nutrition
• Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology
• Nutrition with Didactic Program in Dietetics

Bachelor of Science in:

• Exercise Science and Wellness
• Health Psychology
• Health Psychology with optional track in Psychology & Human Biology
• Herbal Sciences
• Nutrition
• Nutrition with Didactic Program in Dietetics

Contact Information:

Bastyr University
Program of Naturopathic Medicine
14500 Juanita Drive Northeast
Kenmore, WA 98028
(425) 823-1300
Web site: http://www.bastyr.edu/

President: Thomas Shephard, DHA, FACHE
Approved by the State of Washington Naturopathic Board of Examiners
Accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, Inc. and the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges

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. chamomile—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Two types of chamomile are used for health conditions: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. While the two kinds are thought to have similar effects on the body, the German variety is more commonly used in the United States and is the focus of this fact sheet.

Common Names—chamomile, German chamomile

Latin Names—Matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita

What It Is Used For

• Chamomile has been widely used in children and adults for thousands of years for a variety of health conditions.
• The herb is often used for sleeplessness; anxiety; and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.
• It is used topically for skin conditions and for mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.

How It Is Used

The flowering tops of the chamomile plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. The herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment, or used as a mouth rinse.

What the Science Says

• Chamomile has not been well studied in people so there is little evidence to support its use for any condition.
• Some early studies point to chamomile’s possible benefits for mouth ulcers and certain skin conditions. In combination with other herbs, it may be of some benefit for upset stomach and for diarrhea in children.
• NCCAM-funded research on chamomile includes studies of the herb for generalized anxiety disorder and for chronic pain caused by children’s bowel disorders.

Side Effects and Cautions

• There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who have eaten or come into contact with chamomile products. Reactions include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).
• People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to chamomile if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
• 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 helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• German chamomile. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on May 15, 2007.
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, Chamaemelum nobile). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on May 16, 2007.
• Chamomile flower, German. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:57-61.

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. cat’s claw—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Cat’s claw grows wild in many countries of Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest. The use of this woody vine dates back to the Inca civilization.

Common Names—cat’s claw, uña de gato

Latin Names—Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis

What It Is Used For

• Cat’s claw has been used for centuries in South America to prevent and treat disease.
• It has been used for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and arthritis.
• Cat’s claw has been used to support the immune system and promote kidney health, as well as to prevent and abort pregnancy.

How It Is Used

The inner bark of cat’s claw is used to make liquid extracts, capsules, and teas. Preparations of cat’s claw can also be applied to the skin.

What the Science Says

• There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether cat’s claw works for any health problem, including arthritis, HIV, or cancer.
• Small studies in humans have shown a possible benefit of cat’s claw in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but no large trials have been done. In laboratory studies, cat’s claw stimulates part of the immune system, but it has not been proven to reduce inflammation or boost the immune system in humans.
• The National Institute on Aging is studying how cat’s claw may affect the brain. Findings may point to new avenues for research in Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Few side effects have been reported for cat’s claw when it is taken at recommended dosages. Though rare, side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and vomiting.
• Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid using cat’s claw because of its past use for preventing and aborting pregnancy.
• Because cat’s claw may stimulate the immune system, it is unclear whether the herb is safe for people with conditions affecting the immune system.
• 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

• Cat’s claw. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 5, 2007.
• Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria guianensis). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on July 3, 2007.