At the end of April, the US Food and Drug Administration accepted a research protocol from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies for studying marijuana's possible effect in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. But, as discussed in an article in this issue of HerbalEGram, the organization must also receive approval from 2 federal government agencies with reputations for obstructing clinical research on medicinal marijuana.
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Recent ABC intern Dedra Weiss weighing fresh |
Additional articles in this issue discuss the upcoming English language version of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas's recently completed research and education campus, and the American Botanical Council's internship program for pharmacy and dietitian students.
The new HerbalGram was published in May and ABC Founder and Executive Director, Mark Blumenthal, shares his take on the issue's top stories. Blumenthal was recently named a "Hero Making A Difference," by NHI OnDemand. With the August 2011 deadline quickly approaching, be sure to register for ABC's annual Botanical Medicine Trip to the Peruvian Amazon.
Cordially,
The Staff of the American Botanical Council
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HerbalGram 90 features an overview of pu-erh tea and its ancient journey along the Southwest Silk Road to Tibet, accompanied by gorgeous, full-color photographs. The issue also includes a review of adaptogenic herbs, from early research conducted in the former USSR to contemporary studies on these “stress vaccines.” In addition, issue 90 comprises an update on standard reference materials for the analysis of dietary supplements, as well as HerbalGram’s annual Herb Market Report.
June's selected book excerpt comes from Life Over Cancer, written by Keith I. Block, MD, and published in 2009 by Bantam Books. This book details the Block Method for treating cancer patients at various stages and focuses on integrative and complementary care. The excerpt available to HerbalEGram readers contains the book's table of contents, introduction, and Chapter 1, "Why Integrative Care Works." All are available here.
©2011 Bantam Books
We have tested the links of the following articles prior to publication; however, some news organizations remove stories and disable links at various times.
Beetroot-Hawthorn Berry Blend May Improve Heart Health. NutraIngredients. 5-27-11. The first human study on this botanical supplement has found that it could improve nitric oxide activity.
Better to Eat Kiwi Than to Take Vitamin C. Voxy News Engine. 5-27-11. New research shows that mice eating kiwi fruit absorb 5 times more Vitamin C than those that ingested a Vitamin C supplement.
Brazil Proposes Changes to Forest Code. The Guardian. 5-27-11. Brazil's new president is considering policy changes that would decrease rain forest protection.
Natural Antibiotics Can Fight Infection. Daily Mail. 5-20-11. Extracts of several plants, including asparagus and fenugreek, are shown to act as broad spectrum antibiotics in cancer patients.
New Center to Take Africa Forward. Business Report. 5-12-11. Supporters of a new holistic-focused medical research center in South Africa hope that it will aid the continent economically, socially, and medically.
The Ubiquitous Mesquite. Verde Independent. 5-11-11. Though sometimes pesky, mesquite has traditionally provided food, drink, and medicine to Native Americans throughout the Southwest United States.
China Moves to Snip Jasmine. New York Times. 5-10-11. Since revolutionaries began calling for a "Jasmine Revolution," the Chinese communist government has retaliated, canceling an international jasmine festival and banning the sale of jasmine at local markets.
Women Farmers Turn Cannabis Fields into Herbal Gardens. myHimachal. 5-3-11. A local nonprofit helps women farmers replace their cannabis crops with medicinal plants, cutting down on contraband activity and earning the women an income.
Rep. Ron Paul Introduces Hemp Cultivation Legislation; American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) Expresses Support. Press release from AHPA.
Natural Products Foundation (NPF) Alerts the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to Illegal Drug and Disease Claims. Press release from NPF.
FDA Warns Consumers About Drugs Marketed as Antimicrobial Dietary Supplements and Counterfeit ExtenZe Dietary Supplements, and Publishes More Enforcement and Compliance Information Online. Press releases from FDA.
The Natural Products Association (NPA) and Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Call for Clarity and Action on Baked Goods Mislabeled as Dietary Supplements. Press releases from NPA and CRN.
Scientific Symposium Yields Published Article on the Application of Codex Standards. Press release from CRN.
July 17-20: 2nd Annual Conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants. Huntsville, AL.
July 19-22: 14th Annual NBJ Summit. Dana Point, CA.
July 30-August 3: 52nd Annual Conference of the American Society of Pharmacognosy. San Diego, CA.
October 9-19: Botanical Medicine from the Amazon and Machu Picchu. Peru.
More event listings are available here.
FDA Accepts Protocol for Study on Marijuana and PTSD. The planned research by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies must also be approved by 2 government agencies with reputations for obstructing medicinal marijuana research.
English Version of Chinese Pharmacopoeia to be Released This Summer. The most recent English translation of the updated and expanded 3-volume set features a 1,389-page volume on herbs.
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Roof of new research center at the Botanical |
Botanical Research Institute of Texas Unveils $48 Million Research Center. This new, environmentally sustainable campus will enable the Texas-based nonprofit to increase its research and education activities, as well as expand its herbarium.
ABC’s Internship Program Provides Unique Education to Pharmacy and Dietitian Students. Participants in ABC's internship program have the opportunity to learn about the science and regulations behind herbal medicine through a hands-on approach that provides them with a better understanding of the field and an ability to answer the questions of patients in their future careers.