Research (Peer Reviewed)

Back problems in horses caused by riders? French study

Admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:02:45 GMT

"Human direct actions may alter animal welfare, a study on horses (Equus caballus)

Fureix C, Menguy H, Hausberger M, Lesimple C, Université de Rennes 1, Laboratoire d'éthologie animale et humaine EthoS - UMR CNRS 6552, Station Biologique, Paimpont, France. clemence.lesimple@univ-rennes1.fr

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Back pain is the cause of bad welfare in humans and animals. Although vertebral problems are regularly reported on riding horses, these problems are not always identified nor noticed enough to prevent these horses to be used for work.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Nineteen horses from two riding centres were submitted to chiropractic examinations performed by an experienced chiropractor and both horses' and riders' postures were observed during a riding lesson. The results show that 74% of horses were severely affected by vertebral problems, while only 26% were mildly or not affected. The degree of vertebral problems identified at rest was statistically correlated with horses' attitudes at work (neck height and curve), and horses' attitudes at work were clearly correlated with riders' positions. Clear differences appeared between schools concerning both riders' and horses' postures, and the analysis of the teachers' speech content and duration highlighted differences in the attention devoted to the riders' position.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings are to our knowledge the first to underline the impact of riding on horses' back problems and the importance of teaching proper balance to beginner riders in order to increase animals' welfare."

For full paper click on the download button to go to the PubMed link

Ginkgo Reduces Neuropathic Pain in Animal Studies

Admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:20:36 GMT

Newswise.com

"An extract of ginkgo biloba shows scientific evidence of effectiveness against one common and hard-to-treat type of pain, according to animal data reported in the June issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS). ... The new study provides the first scientific evidence that ginkgo has a real effect in reducing neuropathic pain. "

Homeopathy for dogs and horses - Cushing's disease

Admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:14:24 GMT

Cushing's disease: a new approach to therapy in equine and canine patients. by

Elliott M.

Forty-one cases of Cushing's Disease affecting both equine and canine patients were treated with an identical mixture of two homeopathically prepared remedies (ACTH 30c and Quercus robur 30c), and the clinical improvements seen in the cases assessed....The overall success rate for the therapy was 80% and results were broadly similar between the two species, indicating that homeopathy lends itself to the treatment of Cushing's Disease, and also to both cohort studies and group medicine."

Homeopathy - dogs with atopic dermatitis

Admin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:13:30 GMT

homeopathic remedies weretested against placebos in a randomised and blinded trial on 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis

Pilot study of the effect of individualised homeopathy on the pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs

P. B. Hill, BVSc, PhD, DVD, DipACVD, MRCVS¹, J. Hoare, BVSc, VetMFHom, MRCVS², P. Lau-Gillard, DrMedVet, CertVD, MRCVS¹, J. Rybnicek, MVDr, MRCVS¹ and R. T. Mathie, BSc, PhD³

¹ Division of Companion Animal Studies, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset BS40 5DU
² Faculty of Homeopathy, Hahnemann House, 29 Park Street West, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3BE
³ British Homeopathic Association, Hahnemann House, 29 Park Street West, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3BE

Bowen Therapy for dogs Study

Admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:07:12 GMT

Animal Bowen (the Bowen technique adapted for animals): use of a gentle hands-on therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain in dogs presented by LS Peck, C Bennett, Gainesville, FL and Durango, CO, USA - to American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists

Five geriatric dogs (13–16 years old) with complaints of "stiffness, poor ambulation, and difficulty lying down/getting up" were studied. Treatment consisted of Animal Bowen at weekly or biweekly intervals. Following treatment the dogs improved and pain was decreased - read the full Abstract for more details

In vitro assessment of movements of the sacroiliac joint in the horse.

Admin — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:54:05 GMT

Degueurce C, Chateau H, Denoix JM.

UMR INRA-ENVA Biomécanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) disease is associated with poor hindlimb action, lameness and poor performance in horses. However, little is known about the biomechanics of this low-motion joint. OBJECTIVES: To determine in vitro the capacities of movement of the SIJ in the sagittal plane, and to test the effect of a sacrosciatic and sacrotuberal desmotomy on its stabilisation. METHODS: Six anatomical specimens underwent cycles of flexion-extension of the lumbosacral joint (LSJ) before and after desmotomy. Kinematic triads were linked rigidly to the sacrum, spinous process of vertebra L5 and iliac wing. Angles were measured using a joint coordinate system based on anatomical frames. RESULTS: The LSJ underwent regular movements of flexion and extension (overall mean +/- s.d. range 23.4 +/- 1.6 degrees). The only recorded movement of the SIJ was a nutation during LSJ flexion (overall mean +/- s.d. 0.8 +/- 0.5 degrees). Desmotomy induced an increase of that nutation (overall mean +/- s.d. 1.7 +/- 0.2 degrees). CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Movements of the SIJ were small and coupled only with the flexion of the LSJ. The ligaments surrounding the SIJ have a strong effect on the stabilisation of this joint. Due to the limited amount of movement, its biomechanical study in vivo seems to be difficult. Further in vitro studies would be useful to determine the role of each ligament, to better understand the clinical consequences of the tears frequently observed during necropsy.

Movement between the equine ilium and sacrum: in vivo and in vitro studies.

Admin — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:51:24 GMT

Goff LM, Jasiewicz J, Jeffcott LB, Condie P, McGowan TW, McGowan CM.

Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Sacroiliac disease (SID) is an important cause of loss of performance in horses, yet little is known about the biomechanics of movement of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). OBJECTIVES: (a) To document the presence of equine SIJ motion by measuring the change in cross-sectional area (CSA) of the dorsal portion of the dorsal sacroiliac ligament (DSIL) during application of manual forces to the pelvis, and to ascertain if this varied between horses with SID and normal horses; (b) To determine the amount and direction of motion available at the equine SIJ using 3-D orientation sensors, and how motion is limited by the DSIL and sacrotuberous ligament. METHODS: Study 1: CSA obtained ultrasonographically was compared before and during manual force application to the ilium, on a group of 10 horses, 5 with SID and 5 clinically normal. Study 2: direction and degrees of motion between sacrum and ilium were measured in 8 cadaveric SIJs. 3D orientation sensors were mounted to the fixated sacrum and the moveable ilium, and relative motion recorded between the 2 bones when manual forces were applied to the ilium. RESULTS: Study 1 showed a significant decrease in the CSA of the equine DSIL during application of manual forces to both tuber coxae (TC) (P<0.001) and tuber sacrale (TS) (P<0.001) when compared to at rest. Study 2 described range of motion to be greatest in the transverse or coronal plane, when lateral and oblique forces were applied to the pelvis, and recorded significant increases (P<0.05) in range of motion in the sagittal plane following resection of both the DSIL and sacrotuberous ligament. CONCLUSION AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The change in DSIL CSA with application of manual force may be due to a lengthening of the ligament, reflecting equine SIJ motion in vivo. The motion recorded between ilium and sacrum in vitro suggests that greatest sacroiliac motion may occur in the transverse plane. Increases in range of motion following resection of ligaments give some indication of the role of each ligament.

Acupuncture

Admin — Tue, 06 May 2008 20:21:48 GMT

The Effect of Acupuncture Duration on Analgesia and Peripheral Sensory Thresholds

Albert Y Leung , Susan J Kim , Gery Schulteis and Tony Yaksh

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2008, 8:18doi:10.1186/1472-6882-8-18


Published:	1 May 2008

Abstract (provisional)

Background Acupuncture provides a means of peripheral stimulation for pain relief. However, the detailed neuronal mechanisms by which acupuncture relieves pain are still poorly understood and information regarding optimal treatment settings is still inadequate. Previous studies with a short burst of unilateral electroacupuncture (EA)in the Tendinomuscular Meridians (TMM) treatment model for pain demonstrated a transient dermatomally correlated bilateral analgesic effect with corresponding peripheral modality-specific sensory threshold alterations. However, the impact of EA duration on the analgesic effect in this particular treatment model is unknown. To obtain mechanistically and clinically important information regarding EA analgesia, this current prospective cross-over study assesses the effects of EA duration on analgesia and thermal sensory thresholds in the TMM treatment model.

Methods Baseline peripheral sensory thresholds were measured at pre-marked testing sites along the medial aspects (liver and spleen meridians) of bilateral lower extremities. A 5-second hot pain stimulation was delivered to the testing sites and the corresponding pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were recorded. Three different EA (5Hz) stimulation durations (5, 15 and 30 minutes) were randomly tested at least one week apart. At the last 10 seconds of each EA session, 5 seconds of subject specific HP stimulation was delivered to the testing sites. The corresponding pain and EA VAS scores of de qi sensation (tingling) during and after the EA were recorded. The measurements were repeated immediately, 30 and 60 minutes after the EA stimulation. A four-factor repeat measures ANOVA was used to assess the effect of stimulation duration, time, location (thigh vs. calf) and side (ipsilateral vs. contralateral) of EA on sensory thresholds and HP VAS scores.

Results A significant (P<0.01) main effect of time and location with warm, cold and hot pain thresholds at the four testing sites without any significant difference in duration effect was observed. Similar time and location effects were observed with HP VAS with the longer durations (15 and 30 minutes) of stimulation showed a slower onset, but a more sustainable bilateral analgesic benefit than the short stimulation duration (5 minutes). The 15-minute stimulation resulted in an earlier onset of analgesic effect than the 30-minute stimulation paradigm.

Conclusion Longer durations of EA stimulation provide a more sustainable analgesic benefit to hot noxious stimulation than a shorter duration of stimulation. The increase of cold threshold with sustained warm threshold temperature elevation as observed in the longer durations of EA suggests that as the duration of EA lengthened, there is a gradual shifting from an initial predominantly spinally mediated analgesic effect to a supraspinally mediated modulatory mechanism of thermal pain. The 15-minute stimulation appeared to be the optimal setting for treating acute pain in the lower extremities.

Acupuncture, manipulation and massage - 7-year neck pain study sheds light on best care

Admin — Tue, 06 May 2008 20:15:18 GMT

Toronto -- February 15, 2008 -- A seven-year, international study published today finds that some alternative therapies such as acupuncture, neck manipulation and massage are better choices for managing most common neck pain than many current practices. Also included in the short-list of best options for relief are exercises, education, neck mobilization, low level laser therapy and pain relievers.

Therapies such as neck collars and ultrasound are not recommended. The study found that corticosteroid injections and surgery should only be considered if there is associated pain, weakness or numbness in the arm, fracture or serious disease.

The Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders 236 page review of the current research on neck pain is published in the journal Spine. The multi-national and inter-disciplinary study team included Canadian, American, South American, Australasian and European researchers. The Task Force was created to help neck pain sufferers and health professionals use the best research evidence to prevent, diagnose and manage neck pain.

"Neck pain is not a trivial condition for many people," says Task Force president Dr. Scott Haldeman, clinical professor, department of neurology at the University of California, Irvine; and adjunct professor, department of epidemiology University of California Los Angeles. "It can be associated with headaches, arm and upper back pain and depression. Whether it arises from sports injuries, car collisions, workplace issues or stress, it can be incapacitating. Understanding the best way to diagnose and manage this problem is of high importance for those who are suffering and for those who manage and pay for its care."

The study found that neck pain is a widespread experience that is a persistent and recurrent condition for the majority of sufferers. It is disabling for approximately two out of every 20 people who experience neck pain and affects their ability to carry on with daily activities says the Task Force.

A key recommendation of the Task Force is that neck pain, including whiplash-related pain, be classified and treated in a common system of 4 grades:

Grade 1: neck pain with little or no interference with daily activities
Grade 2: neck pain that limits daily activities
Grade 3: neck pain accompanied by radiculopathy ("pinched nerve" -- pain weakness and/or numbness in the arm)
Grade 4: neck pain with serious pathology, such as tumor, fracture, infection, or systemic disease.

"The majority of neck pain falls into Grades 1 or 2," says Task Force member, Dr. Linda Carroll, Associate Professor, School of Public Health at the University of Alberta, and Associated Scientist, Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research (ACICR). "Many sufferers manage to carry on with their daily activities. Others find their pain interferes with their ability to carry out daily chores, participate in favorite activities or be effective at work. For these people, the evidence shows there are a relatively small number of therapies that provide some relief for a while, but there is no one best option for everyone."

In addition to its comprehensive review of the existing body of research on neck pain, the Task Force also initiated a new study into the association between chiropractic care of the neck and stroke. This innovative piece of research found that patients who visit a chiropractor are no more likely to experience a stroke than are patients who visit their family physician. The study concludes that this type of stroke commonly begins with neck pain and/or headache which causes the patient to seek care from their chiropractor or family physician before the stroke fully develops.

"This type of stroke is extremely rare and has been known to occur spontaneously or after ordinary neck movements such as looking up at the sky or shoulder-checking when backing up a car," noted the study's lead author, Dr. David Cassidy, professor of epidemiology at the University of Toronto and senior scientist at the University Health Network at Toronto Western Hospital.

For the minority of neck pain sufferers who experience Grade 3 neck pain -- that is neck pain accompanied by pain, weakness and/or numbness in the arm, also referred to as a "pinched nerve", corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief says the study. Surgery is a last resort according to the findings and should only be considered if accompanying arm pain is persistent or if the person is experiencing Grade 4 pain due to serious injury or systemic disease.

Top findings for neck pain suffers:

Stay as active as you can, exercise and reduce mental stress.

Don't expect to find a single "cause" for your neck pain.

Be cautious of treatments that make "big" claims for relief of neck pain.

Trying a variety of therapies or combinations of therapies may be needed to find relief -- see the therapies for which the Task Force found evidence of benefits.

Once you have experienced neck pain, it may come back or remain persistent.

Lengthy treatment is not associated with greater improvements; you should see improvement after 2-4 weeks, if the treatment is the right one for you.

There is relatively little research on what does or does not prevent neck pain; ergonomics, cervical pillows, postural improvements etc. may or may not help.

"This is an important body of research that will help to improve the quality of patient care by incorporating the best evidence into practice and patient education," says Dr. Carroll. "Neck pain can be a stubborn problem -- we hope this comprehensive analysis of the evidence will help both sufferers and health care providers better manage this widespread complaint."

Complementary Alternative Medicine - Vacines

Admin — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 06:05:23 GMT

Adult vaccination coverage levels among users of complementary/alternative medicine--results from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)

Background

While many Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners do not object to immunization, some discourage or even actively oppose vaccination among their patients. However, previous studies in this area have focused on childhood immunizations, and it is unknown whether and to what extent CAM practitioners may influence the vaccination behavior of their adult patients. The purpose of this study was to describe vaccination coverage rates of adults aged 18 years or older according to their CAM use status and determine if there is an association between CAM use and adult vaccination coverage.

Methods

Data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, limited to 30,617 adults that provided at least one valid answer to the CAM supplement, were analyzed. Receipt of influenza vaccine during the past 12 months, pneumococcal vaccine (ever), and at least 1 dose of hepatitis B vaccine was self-reported. Coverage levels for each vaccine by CAM use status were determined for adults who were considered high priority for vaccination because of the presence of a high risk condition and for non-priority adults. Multivariable analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between CAM users and vaccination status, adjusting for demographic and healthcare utilization characteristics.

Results

Overall, 36% were recent CAM users. Among priority adults, adjusted vaccination coverage levels were significantly different between recent and non-CAM users for influenza (44% vs 38%; p-value <0.001) and pneumococcal (40% vs 33%; p-value <0.001) vaccines but were not significantly different for hepatitis B (60% vs 56%; p-value=0.36). Among non-priority adults, recent CAM users had significantly higher unadjusted and adjusted vaccination coverage levels compared to non-CAM users for all three vaccines (p-values <0.001).

Conclusions

Vaccination coverage levels among recent CAM users were found to be higher than non-CAM users. Because CAM use has been increasing over time in the U.S., it is important to continue monitoring CAM use and its possible influence on receipt of immunizations among adults. Since adult vaccination coverage levels remain below Healthy People 2010 goals, it may be beneficial to work with CAM practitioners to promote adult vaccines as preventive services in keeping with their commitment to maintaining good health.

Complementary Alternative Medicines - Hypertension

Admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:23:03 GMT

Self-care and adherence to medication: a survey in the hypertension outpatient clinic by Faekah Gohar, Sheila M Greenfield, D GARETH Beevers, Gregory YH Lip and Kate Jolly

Background: Self-care practices for patients with hypertension include adherence to medication, use of blood pressure self-monitoring and use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) The prevalence of CAM use and blood pressure self-monitoring have not been described in a UK secondary care population of patients with hypertension and their impact on adherence to medication has not been described. Adherence to medication is important for blood pressure control, but poor adherence is common. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-care behaviours in patients attending a secondary care hypertension clinic.

Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. 196 patients attending a secondary care hypertension clinic in a teaching hospital serving a multiethnic population, Birmingham, UK. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of use of CAM, home monitors, adherence to anti-hypertensive medication.

Results: CAM use in previous 12 months was reported by 66 (43.1%) respondents. CAM users did not differ statistically from non-CAM users by age, gender, marital status or education. Vitamins, prayer and dietary supplements were the most commonly used CAM. Nine (12.7%) women reported using herbal CAM compared to one man (1.2%), (p=0.006). Ten (6.7%) respondents reported ever being asked by a doctor about CAM use. Perfect adherence to anti-hypertensive medication was reported by 26 (44.8%) CAM-users and 46 (60.5%) non-CAM users (p=0.07). Being female and a CAM user was significantly associated with imperfect adherence to anti-hypertensive medication. Older and white British respondents were significantly more likely to report perfect adherence. Blood pressure monitors were used by 67 (43.8%) respondents, which was not associated with gender, CAM use or adherence to medication.

Conclusions: Hypertensive patients use a variety of self-care methods, including CAM, home blood pressure monitors, and adherence to prescribed medication. This study found the prevalence of CAM use in hypertensive patients was higher than in the UK population. It is important to acknowledge the self-care behaviour of hypertensive patients, in order to assess potential harm, and encourage effective methods of self-care.

Complementary Alternative Medicine

Admin — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:04:22 GMT

"Use of complementary alternative medicine for low back pain consulting in general practice: a cohort study" by Jean-François Chenot, Annette Becker, Corinna Leonhardt, Stefan Keller, Norbert Donner-Banzhoff, Erika Baum, Michael Pfingsten, Jan Hildebrandt, Heinz-Dieter Basler and Michael M Kochen

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2007, 7:42doi:10.1186/1472-6882-7-42

Abstract

Background

Although back pain is considered one of the most frequent reasons why patients seek complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies little is known on the extent patients are actually using CAM for back pain.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis of a longitudinal prospective cohort study embedded in a RCT. General practitioners (GPs) recruited consecutively adult patients presenting with LBP. Data on physical function, on subjective mood, and on utilization of health services was collected at the first consultation and at follow-up telephone interviews for a period of twelve months

Results

A total of 691 (51%) respectively 928 (69%) out of 1,342 patients received one form of CAM depending on the definition. Local heat, massage, and spinal manipulation were the forms of CAM most commonly offered. Using CAM was associated with specialist care, chronic LBP and treatment in a rehabilitation facility. Receiving spinal manipulation, acupuncture or TENS was associated with consulting a GP providing these services. Apart from chronicity disease related factors like functional capacity or pain only showed weak or no association with receiving CAM.

Conclusion

The frequent use of CAM for LBP demonstrates that CAM is popular in patients and doctors alike. The observed association with a treatment in a rehabilitation facility or with specialist consultations rather reflects professional preferences of the physicians than a clear medical indication. The observed dependence on providers and provider related services, as well as a significant proportion receiving CAM that did not meet the so far established selection criteria suggests some arbitrary use of CAM.

Complementary Alternative Medicine

Admin — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:01:22 GMT

"Patients' motives for choosing a physician: comparison between conventional and complementary medicine in Swiss primary care" by Victoria Wapf and André Busato

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2007, 7:41doi:10.1186/1472-6882-7-41

Abstract

Background

The study is part of a nationwide evaluation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in primary care in Switzerland. The Objective was to identify patients' expectations and reasons governing the choice of complementary medicine compared with conventional primary care (CONV).

Methods

The data were derived from the PEK study (Programm Evaluation Komplementärmedizin), which was conducted in 2002–2003 with 7879 adult patients and parents of 1291 underage patients, seeking either complementary (CAM) or conventional (CONV) primary care. The study was performed as a cross-sectional survey. The respondents were asked to document their (or their children's) self-perceived health status, reasons governing their choice, and treatment expectations. Physicians were practicing conventional medicine and/or complementary methods (homeopathy, anthroposophic medicine, neural therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine). Reasons governing the choice of physician were evaluated on the basis of a three-part classification (physician-related, procedure-related, and pragmatic/other reasons)

Results and Discussion

Patients seeing CAM physicians tend to be younger and more often female. CAM patients referred to procedure-related reasons more frequently, whereas pragmatic reasons dominated among CONV patients. CAM respondents expected fewer adverse side effects compared to conventional care patients.

Conclusion

The majority of alternative medicine users appear to have chosen CAM mainly because they wish to undergo a certain procedure; additional reasons include desire for more comprehensive treatment, and expectation of fewer side-effects.

Complementary Alternative Medicine - Yogic Breathing

Admin — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:58:31 GMT

"Wellness through a comprehensive Yogic breathing program – A controlled pilot trial" by Anette Kjellgren, Sven Å Bood, Kajsa Axelsson, Torsten Norlander and Fahri Saatcioglu

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2007, 7:43doi:10.1186/1472-6882-7-43

Background

Increasing rates of psychosocial disturbances give rise to increased risks and vulnerability for a wide variety of stress-related chronic pain and other illnesses. Relaxation exercises aim at reducing stress and thereby help prevent these unwanted outcomes. One of the widely used relaxation practices is yoga and yogic breathing exercises. One specific form of these exercises is Sudarshan Kriya and related practices (SK&P) which are understood to have favourable effects on the mind-body system. The goal of this pilot study was to design a protocol that can investigate whether SK&P can lead to increased feeling of wellness in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Participants were recruited in a small university city in Sweden and were instructed in a 6-day intensive program of SK&P which they practiced daily for six weeks. The control group was instructed to relax in an armchair each day during the same period. Subjects included a total of 103 adults, 55 in the intervention (SK&P) group and 48 in the control group. Various instruments were administered before and after the intervention. Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale measured the degree of anxiety and depression, Life Orientation Test measured dispositional optimism, Stress and Energy Test measured individual's energy and stress experiences. Experienced Deviation from Normal State measured the experience of altered state of consciousness.

Results

There were no safety issues. Compliance was high (only 1 dropout in the SK&P group, and 5 in the control group). Outcome measures appeared to be appropriate for assessing the differences between the groups. Subjective reports generally correlated with the findings from the instruments. The data suggest that participants in the SK&P group, but not the control group, lowered their degree of anxiety, depression and stress, and also increased their degree of optimism (ANOVA; p < 0.001). The participants in the yoga group experienced the practices as a positive event that induced beneficial effects.

Conclusion

These data indicate that the experimental protocol that is developed here is safe, compliance level is good, and a full scale trial is feasible. The data obtained suggest that adult participants may improve their wellness by learning and applying a program based on yoga and yogic breathing exercises; this can be conclusively assessed in a large-scale trial.

Herbal Medicine

Admin — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:54:35 GMT

"Ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells" by Jennifer Rhode, Sarah Fogoros, Suzanna Zick, Heather Wahl, Kent A. Griffith, Jennifer Huang and J. Rebecca Liu

Background

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) is a natural dietary component with antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. The ginger component -gingerol has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects through mediation of NF-KB. NF-KB can be constitutively activated in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and may contribute towards increased transcription and translation of angiogenic factors. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ginger on tumor cell growth and modulation of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells in vitro.

Methods

The effect of ginger and the major ginger components on cell growth was determined in a panel of epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines. Activation of NF-KB and and production of VEGF and IL-8 was determined in the presence or absence of ginger.

Results

Ginger treatment of cultured ovarian cancer cells induced profound growth inhibition in all cell lines tested. We found that in vitro, 6-shogaol is the most active of the individual ginger components tested. Ginger treatment resulted in inhibition of NF-kB activation as well as diminished secretion of VEGF and IL-8.

Conclusion

Ginger inhibits growth and modulates secretion of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells. The use of dietary agents such as ginger may have potential in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer.