Research Results by Date
Browse summaries of selected NCCAM-funded studies below.
2012
- Electroacupuncture Helps With Chronic Stress in Laboratory Rats
Rats treated with electroacupuncture have lower blood levels of a compound associated with stress. (January 2012) - Spinal Manipulation or Home Exercise More Effective Than Medication for Acute Neck Pain, Study Finds
Spinal manipulation or home exercise instruction is more effective than medication in relieving neck pain. (January 2012)
2011
- Soy Protein Supplements Do Not Reduce Plaque in Arteries of Postmenopausal Women
Isoflavone-rich soy protein does not reduce plaque in the arteries of postmenopausal women. (November 2011) - For Low-Back Pain, Yoga More Effective Than Self-Care But Not Stretching
Yoga and stretching work equally well for low-back pain, and both work better than a self-care book. (October 2011) - Vitamin E Supplements Increase Incidence of Prostate Cancer, According to SELECT Study
Study indicates that vitamin E supplements increase the incidence of prostate cancer in healthy men. (October 2011) - Saw Palmetto Extract No More Effective Than Placebo for Urinary Symptoms in Men
Higher doses of saw palmetto extract no more effective than placebo at relieving urinary symptoms. (September 2011) - No Difference Between Actual and Simulated Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Study Finds
Actual and simulated acupuncture produces similar results for polycystic ovary syndrome. (July 2011) - For Minor Depression, Study Shows No Benefit Over Placebo From St. John's Wort, Citalopram (NIMH)
An extract of the herb St. John's Wort and a standard antidepressant medication both failed to outdo a placebo in relieving symptoms of minor depression in a clinical trial comparing the three. The results of this study, consistent with earlier research, do not in support the use of medications for mild depression. - Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Inflammation and Anxiety in Healthy Young Adults
Study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil reduce inflammation and anxiety in healthy young adults. (July 2011) - Study Examines the Placebo Response in Patients With Asthma
Study Examines the Placebo Response in Patients With Asthma. (July 2011) - Massage Therapy Holds Promise for Low-Back Pain
Comparison of structural and relaxation massage shows that both reduce low-back pain and improve function compared with usual medical care. (July 2011) - Study Explores Relationship Between Fatty Acids and Cognitive Decline in Women
A diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids may be associated with less cognitive decline in older women. (May 2011) - Health Behaviors Differ Between Two Groups of CAM Users
People who use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to promote health differ in health status, behaviors, and health care use from those who use CAM to treat an illness. (May 2011) - A Link Between Omega-6 and Chronic Disease—Does Ancestry Play a Role?
Ancestry may affect how omega-6 fatty acids are processed and used by the body. (May 2011) - Potential Roles of the Placebo Effect in Health Care
Three papers address what the research says about the placebo effect in addition to its future role in health care. (May 2011) - Tai Chi May Benefit People With Heart Failure
Study suggests that practicing tai chi may improve quality of life, mood, and confidence in the ability to exercise in people with chronic heart failure. (April 2011) - Effects of Chromium Picolinate in People at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
Chromium supplement does not affect factors associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (February 2011) - Cancer Survivors Are More Likely Than General Population to Use CAM, According to National Survey Analysis
Sublingual (under the tongue) immunotherapy may help children with peanut allergy. (February 2011) - New Approach for Peanut Allergy in Children Holds Promise
Sublingual (under the tongue) immunotherapy may help children with peanut allergy. (February 2011) - Mindfulness Meditation Is Associated With Structural Changes in the Brain
Mindfulness meditation may increase gray matter in the hippocampus and other brain regions associated with learning, memory, and emotion. (January 2011) - Study Shows Cranberry Juice Cocktail Is No Better Than Placebo at Preventing Recurrent UTIs
Compared with placebo, cranberry juice cocktail is no better at preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in college-aged women. (January 2011)
2010
- Quality of Life and Safety of Tai Chi and Green Tea Extracts in Postmenopausal Women
Tai chi and green tea supplements appear to be safe for postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density, but researchers noted that only tai chi had a positive impact on quality of life. (December 2010) - Benefits of a Placebo in Adults With IBS Do Not Depend on Deception, Study Shows
Benefits of a placebo in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) do not depend upon deception, new study shows. (December 2010) - Study Finds Echinacea Does Not Reduce Duration and Severity of the Common Cold
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial in which they studied the potential benefits of echinacea as a treatment of the common cold. (December 2010) - Study Reveals Association Between Childhood Vaccination and Care by CAM Providers
CAM use is associated with lower rates of childhood vaccinations and greater likelihood of contracting a vaccine-preventable disease. (November 2010) - Analysis of National Survey Shows CAM Use in People With Pain or Neurological Conditions
National survey shows that people who suffer from pain and neurological conditions are more likely than others to use CAM. (November 2010) - Review of CAM Practices for Back and Neck Pain Shows Modest Results
Evidence report suggests CAM therapies for back and neck pain offer modest benefits. (October 2010) - Laboratory Study Suggests Potential Anti-Cancer Benefit of White Tea Extract
Laboratory study suggests white tea extract may have an anti-tumor effect in lung cancer cells. (September 2010) - Laboratory Study Shows Turmeric May Have Bone-Protective Effects
Turmeric components called curcuminoids may protect bones against osteoporosis, according to a laboratory study in rats. (September 2010) - Study Examines the Effects of Swedish Massage Therapy on Hormones, Immune Function
Study suggests that one session of Swedish massage can affect hormone production and the immune system in healthy adults. (September 2010) - Tai Chi May Benefit Patients With Fibromyalgia
Patients with fibromyalgia benefited more from tai chi than from standard stretching exercises in a 6-month study of 66 patients. (August 2010) - Certain Categories of Complementary Therapies Appear To Benefit Older Adults
National survey data indicate that use of certain categories of complementary and alternative therapies may be statistically associated with better health outcomes for people age 55 and older. (July 2010) - Tai Chi and Qi Gong Show Some Beneficial Health Effects
A review of scientific literature suggests that there is strong evidence of beneficial health effects of tai chi and qi gong, including for bone health, cardiopulmonary fitness, balance, and quality of life. (July 2010) - Study Indicates Ginkgo biloba Does Not Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Study results suggest that daily ingestion of Ginkgo biloba does not reduce the risk of cancer. (July 2010) - Effects of Milk Thistle Extract on the Hepatitis C Virus Lifecycle
Silymarin, an extract of the milk thistle plant, shows multiple effects against the hepatitis C virus in cultured human liver cells. (June 2010) - Two-Year Study of Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Reports Similar Outcomes With Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Celecoxib, and Placebo
A long-term study of 662 people with knee osteoarthritis pain found similar outcomes with glucosamine and chondroitin, celecoxib, and placebo. (June 2010) - Study Finds Shark Cartilage Extract Does Not Improve Lung Cancer Survival
Shark cartilage extract shows no survival benefit for patients with lung cancer. (June 2010) - The Intensity and Duration of Exposure to Light Can Affect the Circadian Rhythm
Blue light affects the body's internal clock, but new research shows that green light also plays a role in our circadian rhythms and sleep-related hormonal patterns. (May 2010) - Analysis of National Survey Reveals Perceived Benefit of CAM for Back Pain
An analysis of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey found that about 6 percent of U.S. adults used CAM to treat their back pain and that many perceived the CAM therapy to be of great benefit. (May 2010) - Fish Oil Enhances Effects of Green Tea on Alzheimer’s Disease in Mice
In a study using a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, fish oil enhanced the effects of a green tea component on Alzheimer’s-related chemical processes in the brain. (March 2010) - Study Asks Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease About Use of CAM Mind-Body Therapies
Study suggests that many adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease are using or would consider using complementary and alternative medicine to help manage their symptoms. (March 2010) - Laboratory Study Suggests Potential Anti-Cancer Benefit of Ginseng
An extract of American ginseng killed colorectal cancer cells in the laboratory and research suggests combined use with antioxidants may increase potency. (March 2010) - Mouse Study Shows Green Tea Polyphenols May Repair DNA Damage Caused by UV Radiation
Mouse study shows green tea extract blocks UV-induced immunosuppression, indicating a mechanism by which it may prevent skin cancer. (February 2010) - Magnesium Supplements May Benefit People With Asthma
Magnesium supplements may help people with mild-to-moderate asthma. (February 2010) - Cinnamon Bark and Ginseng in Herbal Formulas Increase Life Span of Roundworms
Researchers used roundworms with a brief life span to study the effects of two complex herbal formulas that people take to combat adverse effects of aging. (February 2010) - Long-Term Yoga Practice May Decrease Women's Stress
Results from research suggest that women who practice yoga regularly recover from stress faster than less experienced yoga practitioners. (February 2010) - Study of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Neck-Related Headaches Reports Findings on Dose and Efficacy
Previous research suggests that spinal manipulative therapy may be helpful for various types of chronic headaches. (February 2010) - Ginkgo Ineffective Against High Blood Pressure in Large Study of Older Adults
This research was the first to explore the possibility ginkgo's antihypertensive effects in a large, long-term, placebo-controlled clinical trial. (February 2010) - A Form of Acupuncture May Help in Opioid Addiction
A form of acupuncture that uses electrical stimulation at points on the body may help people addicted to opioid drugs. (January 2010) - Ginkgo Does Not Shield Seniors' Hearts, But It May Protect Their Leg Arteries
Large study in older adults shows Ginkgo biloba does not prevent cardiovascular events but may reduce the risk of peripheral arterial disease. (January 2010) - Preliminary Trial Finds Possible Benefits of Osteopathic Treatment for Back Pain During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Because of possible risks associated with many pain medications, pregnant women and their prenatal care providers often consider using CAM. (January 2010)
2009
- National Survey Reports on Consumer Spending for CAM Products and Services
A 2007 national survey found that Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on CAM products and services in the past 12 months. (2009) - Laboratory Study Explores Anti-HIV Potential of Palmitic Acid
In laboratory experiments, palmitic acid from seaweed blocked HIV‑1 infection. (December 2009) - Transcendental Meditation Helps Young Adults Cope With Stress
A study found that Transcendental Meditation helped college students decrease psychological distress and increase coping ability, and that these changes were associated with decreases in blood pressure. (December 2009) - Ginkgo biloba Does Not Slow Cognitive Decline in Large Study of Older Adults
Although the herb Ginkgo biloba is widely marketed and used to improve cognitive health in aging, adequate scientific evidence of its effect on long-term cognitive functioning has been lacking. (December 2009) - Supportive Patient-Practitioner Relationships May Benefit Patients
Clinical trial participants with irritable bowel syndrome benefited from placebo (simulated) acupuncture, especially when they had supportive interactions with the acupuncture practitioner. (November 2009) - Black Cohosh, Red Clover No Better Than Placebo in Treating Menopause Symptoms
Results from research involving 89 women suggest that black cohosh and red clover are no better than placebo in treating common symptoms of menopause. (November 2009) - Tai Chi May Benefit Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis
Researchers conducted a long-term, randomized, controlled trial comparing tai chi and conventional exercise in a group of 40 adults (mean age 65) with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. (November 2009) - Study Uses Rat Liver Cells To Explore Cholesterol-Lowering Mechanisms of Tea
There is evidence that tea consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, apparently by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. (October 2009) - Chinese Herbal Medicine May Benefit People With Pre-Diabetes, But Evidence Is Inconclusive
In China and other Asian countries, Chinese herbal medicines have long been used to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. (October 2009) - Iyengar Yoga for Chronic Low-Back Pain Shows Promising Results
Previous research suggests that yoga, a popular CAM activity, may be beneficial for people with chronic low-back pain. (September 2009) - Study Suggests That Both Traditional and Simulated Acupuncture Relieve Pain but by Different Mechanisms
Although acupuncture has long been used to treat pain, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. (September 2009) - Study Shows Chamomile Capsules Ease Anxiety Symptoms
Scientific evidence to support the use of chamomile for anxiety has been lacking. (August 2009) - Study Indicates Cranberry Juice Does Not Interfere with Two Antibiotics Women Take for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Cranberry juice, a popular home remedy for UTI, is often taken along with low-dose antibiotics as a preventive measure. (July 2009) - Evidence in Mice May Spur More Research on Fish Oil and Curcumin for Alzheimer's Disease
Laboratory studies in mice found that fish oil and curcumin affected Alzheimer's disease-related chemical processes in the brain. (July 2009) - Many Older People Use Both Prescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements
NCCAM-funded researchers recently analyzed the use of prescription drugs and dietary supplements in a sample of 3,070 people aged 75 and older. A substantial number of older adults who take multiple prescription drugs as well as multiple dietary supplements. (June 2009) - Red Yeast Rice May Help High Cholesterol Patients Who Can't Take Statin Drugs
In this study, researchers investigated the effects of red yeast rice supplement in patients with high cholesterol and a history of statin-associated myalgia (SAM). The study was partly funded by NCCAM. (June 2009) - Chromium Picolinate Does Not Improve Key Features of Metabolic Syndrome in Adults
About 47 million Americans have some form of metabolic syndrome—a group of conditions that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and related complications. (June 2009) - Study Finds Simulated and Real Acupuncture Equally Effective Versus Usual Care in Treating Low-Back Pain
A clinical trial of acupuncture for chronic low-back pain concluded that acupuncture may be helpful even if the needles do not penetrate the skin. (May 2009) - Animal Study Shows Connection Between Vitamin E, Lung Inflammation, and Asthma
Animal study shows one form of vitamin E increases lung inflammation in asthma, while another form reduces it. (April 2009) - Translating CAM Research Results Into Clinical Practice…
The survey team concluded that CAM research has the potential to make a difference in both conventional and alternative medicine clinical practice. (April 2009) - Managing Low-Back Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach for Primary Care Physicians
A physician’s response to a patient with low-back pain (LBP) should take into account psychological and social factors as well as physical symptoms, according to an article published in The Journal of Family Practice. (April 2009) - Researchers Investigate Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Pineapple Extract
Previous research indicates that bromelain may help inflammatory conditions such as allergic airway disease. (March 2009) - Study Finds Benefits of Therapeutic Massage for Chronic Neck Pain
Although therapeutic massage is one of the most popular CAM therapies for neck pain, little is known about its effectiveness for this condition. (March 2009) - Traditional Chinese Herbs May Benefit People With Asthma
Scientists reviewed research evidence on TCM herbs for asthma, focusing on studies reported since 2005. (February 2009) - Study Finds Creatine Does Not Enhance Strength-Building Effects of Resistance Training in HIV Patients
Progressive resistance exercise training (known as PRT) can increase muscle mass and preserve physical functioning in people with HIV. (February 2009) - Grape Seed Extract May Help Neurodegenerative Diseases
Researchers recently examined the potential role of a particular grape seed polyphenol extract in preventing and treating certain neurodegenerative disorders. (February 2009) - Chinese Herbal Formula Shows Anti-Arthritis Effects in Animal Study
NCCAM-funded researchers analyzed the effects of a modified version of the classic Chinese formula Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan (HLXL) in an animal model of adjuvant arthritis, which shares some features with human rheumatoid arthritis. (January 2009) - Electroacupuncture Relieves Cancer Pain in Laboratory Rats
The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture eases cancer pain in rats, at least in part by inhibiting spinal dynorphin. (January 2009) - Acupuncture Shows Possible Effect for Tension Headaches
Acupuncture could be an option for patients suffering from frequent tension headaches. (January 2009) - Mantram Instruction May Help HIV-Positive Individuals Handle Stress
Repeating a mantram (also known as a mantra—the practice of silently focusing on a spiritual word or phrase frequently throughout the day)—may help HIV-positive individuals develop coping skills and reduce anger, according to a study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. (January 2009)
2008
- National Survey Reports on CAM Use by Adults and Children
According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, 38 percent of U.S. adults and 12 percent of children use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. (2008) - Brain-Imaging Study Finds Different Mechanisms Underlying Pain Relief From Electroacupuncture and Placebo
Clinical trials testing the analgesic (pain-relieving) effects of acupuncture often find that actual (verum) and sham (placebo) acupuncture have similar analgesic effects. (December 2008) - NCCAM Researchers Investigate Effects of Cocoa in People With Hypertension
Researchers recently conducted a rigorous trial to investigate the potential health benefits of cocoa to lower blood pressure, improve endothelial dysfunction, and/or lessen insulin resistance. (December 2008) - Understanding the Placebo Effect May Help To Optimize Health
Understanding how the brain governs the placebo effect—a beneficial health outcome resulting from the expectation that an intervention will be effective—may help clinicians' efforts to improve health. (November 2008) - Ginkgo biloba Does Not Prevent Dementia in Large Study of Older Adults
A multi-year, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 3,069 older adults found that ginkgo did not reduce the incidence of overall dementia and Alzheimer's. (November 2008) - Reiki Does Not Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Clinical Trial
People with fibromyalgia often turn to complementary and alternative therapies, such as Reiki, to help relieve their pain. (November 2008) - Brain-Imaging Study Explores Analgesic Effect of Acupuncture
In the study, 12 people were exposed to heat pain and received either actual or sham acupuncture. Researchers used fMRI to examine the brain's pain responses before and after acupuncture. (November 2008) - Green Tea May Help Protect Against Rheumatoid Arthritis
NCCAM-funded investigators examined the effects of green tea polyphenols on RA by using an animal model in rats. (November 2008) - Glucosamine and Chondroitin Fare No Better Than Placebo in Slowing Cartilage Loss From Knee Osteoarthritis
A 2-year study of 572 people with moderate or severe knee osteoarthritis found that glucosamine and chondroitin were no more effective than placebo in slowing loss of knee cartilage. (October 2008) - Electroacupuncture May Help Alcohol Addiction
In a recent study, researchers examined the effects of electroacupuncture on alcohol intake by alcohol-preferring rats. (October 2008) - Echium Oil Reduces Triglyceride Levels in Mice
The connection between high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk has long been known; more recently, high triglycerides have also been recognized as a risk factor. (October 2008) - A Review of St. John's Wort Extracts for Major Depression
Researchers reviewed the scientific literature on St. John's wort for major depression and analyzed findings from randomized, double-blind studies comparing St. John's wort extracts with placebo and standard antidepressants. (October 2008) - Researchers Investigate Effects of Ginkgo Biloba on Stroke-Related Brain Injury in Mice
Previous animal studies have indicated that an extract from leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree may protect against stroke-related brain injury. However, the mechanism involved has not been fully understood. (October 2008) - Half of Surveyed Physicians Use Placebo Treatments for Patients
Treating patients with placebos has a long, complicated, and often controversial history. A recent national survey of 679 physicians, funded in part by NCCAM, found that about half the physician respondents prescribed placebo treatments on a regular basis. (October 2008) - Laboratory Study Shows Black Cohosh Promotes Bone Formation in Mouse Cells
Research suggests that black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) extracts may stimulate bone formation, a finding that has potential implications for treating osteoporosis. (September 2008) - Massage Therapy May Ease Pain and Improve Mood in Advanced Cancer Patients
Symptom relief is an important part of end-of-life care, and small studies have suggested that massage therapy may benefit people with advanced cancer. (September 2008) - Hypnosis May Reduce Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Survivors
Hot flashes are a problem for many menopausal women and a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. for many breast cancer survivors, vasomotor symptoms result in discomfort, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. (September 2008) - Lifestyle Changes May Affect Cell-Level Processes Related to Disease
Disease risk, progression, and premature mortality have been linked to telomeres, which are protective DNA-protein complexes that keep cells genetically stable. (September 2008) - Dietary Supplements: Inpatient Policies in US Children's Hospitals
A recent study found that there is substantial variation in policies and policy quality in regard to dietary supplement use in children's hospitals even though more than 30% of children in the United States take dietary supplements regularly according to a review of nationally representative data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Picciano, 2007). (September 2008) - Study Shows One-Fifth of Internet-Available Ayurvedic Medicines Contain Toxic Metals
Nearly 21 percent of the Ayurvedic medicines tested were found to contain detectable levels of lead (most common), mercury, or arsenic. All metal-containing products exceeded one or more standards for acceptable daily metal intake. The prevalence of metal-containing products did not differ significantly by country of manufacture. (August 2008) - Tai Chi May Help Heart Failure Patients Sleep Better
Practicing tai chi may improve sleep patterns in people with chronic heart failure. (July 2008) - Tai Chi Chih Improves Sleep Quality in Older Adults
Tai chi chih may serve as an effective alternative for people with moderate sleep complaints. (July 2008) - Pomegranate Extract May Be Helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Researchers used an animal model of RA—collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice—to evaluate the effects of POMx. (July 2008)
- Metabolism Issue Focuses on Botanicals and Metabolic Syndrome
Botanicals may have the potential to shed light on the causes of metabolic syndrome and to intervene in its progression. (July 2008)
- Two Studies Explore the Potential Health Benefits of Probiotics
Previous studies indicate that probiotics may have a role in treating gastrointestinal illnesses, boosting immunity, and preventing or slowing the development of certain types of cancer. (July 2008) - Study Suggests Vitamin E May Help People With Asthma
A form of vitamin E (gamma-tocopherol) commonly found in foods may be a useful additional treatment for asthma, according to preliminary research. (July 2008) - Stress Management Interventions May Enhance Immune Function in People with HIV
Stress management interventions may improve immune function and coping skills in HIV-positive individuals. (June 2008) - New Research Gives Insight Into How Acupuncture May Relieve Pain
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imagery (fMRI) to monitor brain activity in 15 healthy adults before and after true acupuncture and sham acupuncture. (June 2008) - Prostate Genes Altered by Intensive Diet and Lifestyle Changes
A recent pilot study suggests that intensive lifestyle and diet changes may alter gene expression (the way a gene acts) in the prostate—possibly affecting the progression of prostate cancer. (June 2008) - Study Tests Theory About Prolotherapy Injections for Knee Pain
Because people may not respond to standard treatments such as rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteorid injections, prolotherapy is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative treatment. (June 2008) - Research Shows Promise of Pineapple Extract for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Researchers have found that bromelain—an enzyme derived from pineapple stems—might be able to reduce inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. (June 2008) - Grape Seed Extract May Help Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's
Authors of a new NCCAM-funded study in mice found that grape seed-derived polyphenolics—similar to that in red wine—significantly reduced Alzheimer's disease-type cognitive deterioration. (June 2008) - St. John's Wort Shows No Impact on the Symptoms of ADHD
Researchers at Bastyr University conducted a trial of St. John's wort among a volunteer sample of children with ADHD. (June 2008) - CAM Provider Use and Expenditures During Cancer Treatment
More than a quarter of cancer patients visited complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers during treatment, accounting for 1 percent or less of all treatment costs. (May 2008) - Study Points to Cost-Effectiveness of Naturopathic Care for Low-Back Pain
Researchers who studied treatment alternatives for low-back pain in a group of 70 warehouse workers found that a naturopathic approach incorporating a range of treatment options was more cost-effective than the employer's usual patient education program. (May 2008) - Aromatherapy May Make Good Scents, But Does It Work?
Lemon and lavender scents have no effect on immune status, wound healing, or pain control, but lemon may enhance mood. (April 2008) - Botanicals May Help Conditions Associated With Aging
To evaluate the effectiveness of botanicals in relation to conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, insulin resistance, and excess fats in the blood, researchers conducted a literature review and examined studies from their own laboratory. (April 2008)
- Study Sheds Light on the Placebo Effect of Medical Encounters
Researchers have found that a medical encounter may produce its own placebo effects that can bring about significant symptom improvement. (April 2008) - Meditation May Increase Empathy
Research at the University of Wisconsin has used advanced brain images to show that compassion meditation may increase the human capacity for empathy. (March 2008) - Flaxseed Reduces Some Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease
A clinical trial by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Health System explored the effects of flaxseed on various cardiovascular risk factors in adults. (February 2008) - Botanical Research Centers Featured in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
The articles highlight different areas related to the centers' research into botanical use, safety, and efficacy. (February 2008) - Drinking Black Tea Shows No Impact on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
It is commonly believed that polyphenol antioxidants, found in tea, have a variety of health benefits, including cardiovascular benefits. However, randomized trials to date have yielded mixed results on the effects of tea on cardiovascular risk factors. (February 2008) - Pilot Study Provides New Insight on Effect of Ginkgo Extract on Dementia in the Elderly
Overall, in this study in the elderly, researchers did not find a reduction in progression to dementia in those using ginkgo versus those using placebo. (February 2008) - Acupuncture Shows Promise in Improving Rates of Pregnancy Following IVF
A review of seven clinical trials of acupuncture given with embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) suggests that acupuncture may improve rates of pregnancy. (February 2008)
2007
- NCCAM Education Grant Program Focus of Academic Medicine Journal Issue
The October 2007 issue of the journal highlights the results of 15 Education Project Grants. (October 2007) - Chinese Herbal Formula May Be Helpful for Peanut Allergies
A study in mice shows that a Chinese herbal formula may help prevent dangerous reactions to peanuts. Peanut allergies affect as many as 6 percent of young children and are a major cause of anaphylaxis. (June 2007) - Acupuncture May Help Symptoms of PTSD
Researchers compared the effects of acupuncture and group therapy on the symptoms of PTSD. (June 2007) - Meditation May Make Information Processing In the Brain More Efficient
Researchers attempted to determine if intensive mental training through meditation could extend the brain's limits on information processing, reducing "attentional-blink." (June 2007) - Tai Chi May Help Maintain Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women
Tai chi may be a safe alternative to conventional exercise for maintaining bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (May 2007) - Tai Chi Boosts Immunity to Shingles Virus in Older Adults
The study is the first rigorous clinical trial to suggest that a behavioral intervention, alone or together with a vaccine, can help protect older adults from the varicella virus, which causes both chickenpox and shingles. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (April 2007) - Study Compares Year-Long Effectiveness of Four Weight-Loss Plans
The Atkins diet may contribute to greater weight loss than higher carbohydrate plans without negative effects such as increased cholesterol. Journal of the American Medical Association (March 2007) - Garlic Does Not Appear to Lower "Bad" Cholesterol
A study casts doubts on the effectiveness of garlic to lower LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels in adults. Archives of Internal Medicine (February 2007)
2006
- Herbal Supplement Fails To Relieve Hot Flashes
Black cohosh, used alone or with other botanicals, did not relieve hot flashes. Annals of Internal Medicine (December 2006) - Omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in psychiatric care
Omega-3 fatty acids may hold promise for use in psychiatry, particularly for depression and bipolar disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. (December 2006) - Self-Hypnosis Beneficial for Women Undergoing Breast Biopsy
Women using self-hypnosis during a type of breast biopsy experienced anxiety relief and reduced pain. (December 2006) - Sleep Disorders and CAM
Over 1.6 million American adults use some form of CAM to treat insomnia or trouble sleeping. (September 2006) - Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Cancer
A review of published literature of cancer-fighting properties of vitamins C and E.
(July 2006) - Review of CAM for Menopause
Archives of Internal Medicine. (July 2006) - Contents of Black Cohosh Products May Vary
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (May 2006) - Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Depression
Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are among the CAM therapies used with the intent to help symptoms of depression. (May 2006) - CAM Use High Among Adolescents
Almost 80 percent of adolescents have used some form of CAM during their lives. (April 2006) - Turmeric and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
A study in rats provides early evidence that the herb turmeric could help people with rheumatoid arthritis. (March 2006) - Study Finds Glucosamine and Chondroitin Generally Ineffective for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain, Efficacy May Depend on Level of Pain
A study of 1,583 people with knee osteoarthritis found that glucosamine and chondroitin, taken alone or in combination, generally did not reduce knee pain, although the combination may help people with moderate-to-severe pain. (February 2006) - Study Shows Saw Palmetto Extract Does Not Improve BPH Symptoms
Saw palmetto is widely used by men for urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. (February 2006)
2005
- Three Studies Find Echinacea Ineffective Against the Common Cold
Three NCCAM-funded studies that compared echinacea with placebo for the common cold did not find a benefit. (July 2005) - Powdered Shark Cartilage for Advanced Breast and Colorectal Cancer: Research Results
Results of a study funded by NCCAM and NCI indicate that adding powdered shark cartilage to standard cancer therapy did not benefit patients with advanced breast or colorectal cancer. (May 2005)
2004
- Acupuncture Relieves Pain and Improves Function in Knee Osteoarthritis
Acupuncture relieves osteoarthritis knee pain, improves function, and can be an effective complementary therapy. (2004) - More Than One-Third of U.S. Adults Use Complementary and Alternative Medicine, According to a 2002 Government Survey
A 2002 national survey found that 36 percent of U.S. adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine, often to relieve pain or treat colds. (2004)
2002
- Study Shows St. John's Wort Ineffective for Major Depression of Moderate Severity
Researchers found that an extract of the herb St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) was no more effective for treating major depression of moderate severity than placebo (April 2002)
