ABC Dedicates Trees to Alfred Blumenthal
Join ABC’s Mark Blumenthal for the following online seminars hosted by Virgo Publishing.
Webinar One
Topic: Promising New Herbs and Plant-based Ingredients in the North American Market
Description: What herbal products and herbal ingredients are "hot" and which ones look promising for the near future.
Webinar Two
Topic: Clinically Studied Herbs and Herbal Ingredients
Description: Lessons from proprietary finished products and ingredients that have had their activity documented in clinical trials and how the media has often misreported negative conclusions from some of this research.
We will send out a separate notice once both dates have been determined.
Don’t forget that the deadline to register for ABC and ACEER’s annual Ethnobotanical Tour to the Amazon is fast approaching. It has been extended to August 31, 2006. We hope that you will be able to join us for this educational opportunity.
There have been several significant developments in the international herb community lately. Two European regulatory agencies have issued label warnings for black cohosh preparations due to concerns about possible rare cases of hepatotoxicity that regulators speculate may be linked to its use. Also, an expert panel in the UK has upheld that country’s previous ban on kava, even though there is no scientifically determined mechanistic evidence directly linking kava preparations to cases of hepatotoxicity. In the U.S. the National Nutritional Foods Association has moved to new Washington, DC headquarters, opened up a branch in Beijing, and changed its name to the Natural Products Association.
Several new studies on soy, cranberries and coffee as well as other news and event items are also included in this issue.
Sincerely,
The Staff of the American Botanical Council
HerbalGram #71 shipped on August 1 and features "Improving the Quality of Reporting Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating Herbal Interventions: Implementing the CONSORT Statement"
Additional articles from this issue are available at http://www.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/.
Hold Off on the Hoodia Komo News
This article notes the increased popularity of weight loss supplements containing Hoodia gordonii but expresses criticism over an alleged lack of clinical evidence, discrepancies in standardization, and poor regulation. Weisbaum, Herb. Hold Off on the Hoodia. Komo News. June 1, 2006.
Herbs to Heal Acne—and Improve Sexual Function Fashion Monitor Toronto
A study of 93 women by researchers at Stanford University found that the nutritional supplement ArginMax increased participants' sexual desire and overall satisfaction, as well as heal acne outbreaks. Herbs to Heal Acne-and Improve Sexual Function. Fashion Monitor Toronto. June 2, 2006.
Natural Therapies for Relieving Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) emaxhealth.com
This article discusses various causes of impotence and suggests lifestyle modifications and herbal remedies for combating erectile dysfunction. Louise, Rita. Natural Therapies for Relieving Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence). emaxhealth.com. June 5, 2006.
Ginger May Help in Relieving Vomiting Online International News Network.
A trial of 67 pregnant women, conducted by investigators at Chiang Mai University, found that a supplement containing ginger helped relieve nausea and reduce vomiting associated with morning sickness among participants. Ginger May Help in Relieving Vomiting. Online International News Network. June 18, 2006.
Survey Finds Use of Herbs for Menopause Is Common The New York Times
Over half of women who treat menopause symptoms have used soy supplements, survey finds.
Bakalar, Nicholas. Survey Finds Use of Herbs for Menopause Is Common. The New York Times. June 20, 2006.
Herbs, As Nature Made Them The Washington Post
In ethnic communities many people chose medicinal herbs in raw plant form over packaged herbal supplements.
Edward, Audrey. Herbs, As Nature Made Them. The Washington Post. June 19, 2006.
What You Should Know About Complementary and Alternative Medicine — Forbes
A look into the increasingly popular usage of complementary and alternative medicine.
Pallarito, Karen. What You Should Know About Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Forbes.com. June 18, 2006.
Trees Stripped for Medicinal Bark for Herbal Market Associated Press
Thieves have been stripping profitable bark off slippery elms, killing the trees.
Jafari, Samara. Trees Stripped for Medicinal Bark for Herbal Market. Associated Press. July 15, 2006.
Davao City Council Urges Residents to Grow Medicinal Plants Minda News
City Council resolution asks residents to grow at least 10 kinds of indigenous medicinal plants to ensure supply for their communities' needs for herbal medicines.
Balane, Walter I. Davao City Council Urges Residents to Grow Medicinal Plants. Minda News. July 14, 2006.
The following are just a few of the upcoming events that you will find listed on ABC's Event Calendar.
August 19: Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center. East Barre, VT.
August 21-24: Quality, Safety and Processing Conference. Oxford, MS.
August 28: Materia Medica of the American West. Laurel, MD.
September 2-4: Alternative Therapies 24th Annual Cancer Convention. Universal City, CA.
September 14: Herbal Therapies for the Eyes, Ears, Nose, & Throat. Washington, NJ.
The current HerbClip bin was released on 8/9/06. Two samples have been made available online to all members:
The HerbClip Educational Mailing Service is published twice monthly and provides hardcopies of reviews/summaries along with the original articles (in most cases). This unique educational benefit is available at the Sponsor Member level. For more information, please contact Aileen Truax at the Development Department or by phone at 512-926-4900.
European Agencies Recommend Liver Warnings on Black Cohosh Products
UK Expert Committee Upholds Kava Ban
Study Shows Coffee May Reduce Risk of Diabetes in Postmenopausal Women
Researchers find 11,400 year-old figs 1st cultivated crop
NNFA becomes NPA, opens new offices
Hoodia Growers in Namibia Form New Association
New Study Concludes Cranberry Juice Poses No Risk to Patients on Warfarin
IFM requests papers for Endocrinology Symposium
New Gigiri Declaration Promotes Development of Herbal Anti-Malarials
Trial Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy of Seditol for Sleeplessness
NCCAM adds five new council members
UW-Madison newsletter promotes integrative medicine