Effects of Milk Thistle Extract on the Hepatitis C Virus Lifecycle

A laboratory study suggests that silymarin—an extract from the milk thistle plant—has multiple effects against the lifecycle of the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is a chronic (long lasting) disease that primarily affects the liver and is often difficult to cure. The laboratory study examined the antiviral properties and mechanisms of silymarin on cultured (grown in a

Fenugreek

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb fenugreek—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The first recorded use of fenugreek is described on an ancient Egyptian papyrus dated to 1500 B.C. Fenugreek seed is commonly used in cooking. What Fenugreek Is Used For Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety

Marketers of Acai Berry Supplements and "Colon Cleansers" Ordered to Halt Sales

At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has ordered the marketers of acai berry supplements, “colon cleansers,” and other products to temporarily halt an Internet sales scheme that allegedly scammed consumers out of $30 million or more in 2009 alone through deceptive advertising and unfair billing practices. The FTC will

Harvard Researcher To Speak at NIH on the Promise of Traditional Therapies

Vikas P. Sukhatme, M.D., Ph.D., the Victor J. Aresty Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Chief Academic Officer at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center will be the featured speaker for the Second Annual Stephen E. Straus Distinguished Lecture in the Science of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Dr. Sukhatme’s lecture is entitled "Promise for

In the News: Cancer and Complementary and Alternative Medicine

People with cancer want to do everything they can to combat the disease, manage its symptoms, and cope with the side effects of treatment. Many turn to complementary and alternative medicine—for example, botanical (herbal) and other dietary supplements, acupuncture, massage, and yoga. A special analysis of 2002 NHIS data found that CAM use was more

Bitter Orange

This fact sheet provides basic information about bitter orange—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The bitter orange tree is native to eastern Africa and tropical Asia. Today, it is grown throughout the Mediterranean region and elsewhere, including California and Florida. Bitter orange oil is used in foods, cosmetics, and aromatherapy

Feverfew

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb feverfew—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Originally a plant native to the Balkan mountains of Eastern Europe, feverfew—a short bush with daisy-like flowers—now grows throughout Europe, North America, and South America. What Feverfew Is Used For Feverfew has been used for