Natural Products and the Athlete: Facts and Folklore

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 607-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Barron ◽  
Gordon J. Vanscoy
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Natural Product ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Medline Search

OBJECTIVE: To contrast scientific facts with suggested manufacturers' claims regarding food supplements (natural products) marketed for enhanced athletic prowess. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was performed to obtain documentation supporting the claims of natural-product manufacturers. In addition, several references pertaining to pharmacognosy, natural products, herbs, pharmacy practice, and sports medicine were reviewed. Claims were obtained from promotional advertisements in bodybuilding magazines, product labels, and fact sheets for sales representatives in nutrition and health-food stores. DATA EXTRACTION: We reviewed all of the clinical trials, published between 1966 and 1992, relative to the manufacturers' claims regarding these products. DATA SYNTHESIS: Pertinent human and/or animal studies supporting each natural product were compared with the manufacturers' claims. CONCLUSIONS: We found that there was no published scientific evidence to support the promotional claims for a large proportion of the products (8/19,42 percent). Only 4 of 19 products (21 percent) were associated with any documented human clinical trials supporting their promotional claims. Six of 19 agents (32 percent) had some scientific documentation to support their promotional claims; however, these products were judged to be marketed in a misleading manner.

Modulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases by Plant-Derived Products

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Najmi Mohamad Anuar ◽  
Nurul Iman Natasya Zulkafali ◽  
Azizah Ugusman
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components

: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-dependent metallo-endopeptidase that are responsible towards the degradation, repair and remodelling of extracellular matrix components. MMPs play an important role in maintaining a normal physiological function and preventing diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Natural products derived from plants have been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Its active compounds, such as catechin, resveratrol and quercetin, are suggested to play an important role as MMPs inhibitors, thereby opening new insights into their applications in many fields, such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. This review summarises the current knowledge on plant-derived natural products with MMP-modulating activities. Most of the reviewed plant-derived products exhibit an inhibitory activity on MMPs. Amongst MMPs, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the most studied. The expression of MMPs is inhibited through respective signalling pathways, such as MAPK, NF-κB and PI3 kinase pathways, which contribute to the reduction in cancer cell behaviours, such as proliferation and migration. Most studies have employed in vitro models, but a limited number of animal studies and clinical trials have been conducted. Even though plant-derived products show promising results in modulating MMPs, more in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to support their therapeutic applications in the future.

Leukotriene-Receptor Antagonists and 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitors in Asthma

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 898-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie S. Larsen ◽  
Edward P. Acosta
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Lipoxygenase Inhibitors ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Patient Tolerance ◽  
Leukotriene Receptor

OBJECTIVE: To familiarize readers with a potentially new class of compounds for treating asthma. Background information on leukotrienes is provided in addition to an indepth review of pertinent clinical trials. DATA SOURCES: Information was obtained from controlled clinical trials, abstracts, and review articles identified through a MEDLINE search of English-language articles. STUDY SELECTION: Emphasis was placed on early clinical trials that showed some benefit with these compounds as well as more recent studies using newer agents that produced more promising results. DATA EXTRACTION: Information regarding leukotriene biochemistry was extracted from basic science research and data from human studies were evaluated by the authors according to patient selection, study design, methodology, and therapeutic response. DATA SYNTHESIS: Leukotrienes have a pathophysiologic role in asthma. Two distinct but pharmacologically similar classes of leukotriene inhibitors are currently being clinically evaluated. These are leukotriene receptor antagonists and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors. Early clinical trials with these agents yielded unfavorable results primarily because of lack of drug potency and selectivity, poor patient tolerance, and possibly the route of administration. Subsequent studies with more potent and selective agents have further implicated leukotrienes as biochemical mediators in asthma and, consequently, have shown promising clinical outcomes with respect to pulmonary function testing and patient tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: Advancements in the pathogenesis of asthma are beginning to define a role for the leukotrienes. Although more studies are needed to assess the efficacy of leukotriene inhibitors, recent clinical trials using leukotriene-receptor antagonists and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors indicate a potential for the expansion of therapeutic regimens currently used in the treatment of asthma.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the methodologies used in clinical trials and effectiveness of chemo-mechanical caries removal with CarisolvTM

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Marquezan ◽  
Italo Medeiros Faraco Junior ◽  
Carlos Alberto Feldens ◽  
Maximiano Ferreira Tovo ◽  
Andréia Bertani Ottoni
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Mechanical Methods ◽  
Caries Removal ◽  
Methodological Principles ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Evidence Generation

This investigation aims to discuss the methodologies applied in clinical trials published about CarisolvTM, in order to assess the best scientific evidence concerning chemo-mechanical caries removal. Papers concerning the use of CarisolvTM were sought using a search strategy. The titles and abstracts of all the reports identified through the search were analyzed by a single reviewer. The inclusion criterion involved: clinical trials having CarisolvTM in one of the study groups. Then, those that fulfilled the inclusion criterion underwent methodology assessment and data extraction. Only 12 papers met the inclusion criterion. It was observed that none of these studies complied with all the evaluated research methodological principles required in order to have power of evidence generation. CarisolvTM proved to be effective in caries removal. Appointment mean time was greater, but the perceived time was shorter than that using conventional techniques due to patients' perception of more comfort and a reduction of anesthesia needs. There were no adverse effect in long-term assessments. In studies with microbiological evaluation of the remaining dentine, it was observed that both the conventional and chemo-mechanical methods produced statistically significant reduction on counts of viable microorganisms.

Efalizumab for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 1476-1482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph K Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
T Cell Activation ◽  
Plaque Psoriasis ◽  
Systemic Therapy ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Severe Plaque Psoriasis ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Prior Systemic Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of efalizumab for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966–May 2005%) using the key words hu1124, anti-CD11a, efalizumab, Raptiva, Xanelim, and psoriasis was conducted. References of identified articles were reviewed for additional citations. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Clinical trials evaluating the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of efalizumab for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults were included in our review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Efalizumab's ability to inhibit the binding of CD11a, a subunit of leukocyte function–associated antigen type 1, to intracellular adhesion molecule 1 results in decreased T-cell activation and migration, 2 key steps in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. Results of clinical trials have demonstrated that efalizumab administered subcutaneously is a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Efalizumab was well tolerated in trials, with the majority of adverse events arising with the first dose and decreasing with subsequent doses. The high cost of this agent and lack of head-to-head trials with other drugs will likely restrict its use to patients who have failed prior systemic therapy or phototherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Efalizumab is a safe and effective therapy for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who have failed prior systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Intravenous

1997 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd L Wandstrat
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Immune Globulin ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Safety Data ◽  
Infants And Children ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
In Infants And Children

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical data detailing the use of respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin intravenous (RSV—IGIV) in infants and children. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1990–1996) was used to identify all publications that dealt with RSV—IGIV clinical trials, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics in infants and children. Bibliographies of articles were also used. STUDY SELECTION: All abstracts and clinical trials were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION: Study design, population, efficacy, and safety data were retained. DATA SYNTHESIS: RSV—IGIV is an immunoglobulin product with serum neutralizing titers against RSV. It has been shown to reduce hospital stay, admissions, intensive care unit admissions, and mechanical ventilation days in infants and children with RSV pneumonia or bronchiolitis who are younger than 24 months of age and were born prematurely, or have bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RSV—IGIV is well tolerated by infants and children. CONCLUSIONS: RSV—IGIV is an effective prophylactic agent against serious RSV disease in select groups of infants and children.

5-Azacytidine and Decitabine Monotherapies of Myelodysplastic Disorders

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1700-1709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim R Kuykendall
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Supportive Therapy ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Hypomethylating Agents ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Response To Chemotherapy ◽  
Leukemia Treatment

OBJECTIVE: To review and differentiate the pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and results of major clinical trials of 5-azacytidine (5-AzaC) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine) therapy of myelodysplastic disorders. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted (1966–October 2004) using the following terms: DNA methylation, myelodysplastic disorders, 5-azacytidine, and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine). Additional data sources included bibliographies from identified articles and manufacturer information. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Clinical trials for the treatment of various malignancies by hypomethylating agents were selected from data sources. All published, major clinical trials evaluating 5-AzaC or decitabine in myelodysplastic disorders and transformed myeloid leukemia treatment were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Myelodysplastic disorders are a group of bone marrow stem cell hyperplasias and dysplasias that result in ineffective hematopoiesis. Myelodysplastic disorders and transformed leukemia have poor prognosis and minimal response to chemotherapy. DNA hypomethylating agents have been shown to improve overall response rates (increased neutrophil, leukocyte, and platelet counts), time to leukemic progression, and quality of life compared with supportive therapy. The incidence of the most common adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, myelosuppression) can be reduced by low-dose, continuous, or extended-interval infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Since appropriate dosing schedules of decitabine are being investigated, comparison of the clinical effectiveness of 5-AzaC and decitabine would be premature at this time. DNA hypomethylating agents show promise as monotherapies of myelodysplastic disorders and transformed leukemia and may be useful as a component of combination chemotherapy of various malignancies.

scholarly journals TULSI: A MIRACLE HERB USED IN THE TREATMENT OF MANY ILLNESSES: A REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 72-85
Author(s):  
PRABHA SHANKAR MAURYA ◽  
◽  
MOHD. JAVED NAIM ◽  
RAJIB K. SINGH ◽  
JAINUL BASHAR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Natural Product ◽  
Biological Function ◽  
Ocimum Sanctum ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Holy Basil

Tulsi, the famous "unmatched" plant of India, is one of the most popular and beneficial of the numerous therapeutic and health-promoting herbs. Ayurvedic and Unani systems Medicinal natural products are increasingly being investigated in clinical trials for superior pharmacological responses and lack of side effects compared to symptomatic agents. Ocimum sanctum, often referred to as "Holy Basil" or "Tulsi," is known in the traditional Ayurvedic literature for its use in the treatment of many illnesses. The active ingredients obtained from plants, and their biological function in disease prevention have stimulated people's curiosity. This overview includes the nomenclature of plant vesicles, their components, and their use in the treatment of diseases. KEYWORDS: Illness, Ayurveda, Diseases, Treat, Tulsi, Natural product, Plant

Eplerenone — A Novel Selective Aldosterone Blocker

2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 1567-1576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan J Zillich ◽  
Barry L Carter
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
New Class ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Review Articles ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Treatment Of Hypertension

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of eplerenone, a new selective aldosterone blocker. DATA SOURCES: Primary literature and review articles were obtained via MEDLINE search (1966–April 2002). Additional studies and abstracts were identified from the bibliographies of reviewed literature. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Studies and review articles related to eplerenone, aldosterone, aldosterone antagonist, and spironolactone were reviewed. Data pertinent to this article were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eplerenone is a selective aldosterone blocker. Recent data have demonstrated the deleterious effects of aldosterone in several chronic disease states including hypertension and heart failure. Animal studies using eplerenone have shown a positive role for aldosterone antagonism in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, renal disease, and atherosclerosis. In humans, eplerenone appears to be effective for the treatment of hypertension. An ongoing study will examine the effect of eplerenone for heart failure. To date, the incidence of adverse effects with eplerenone has been slightly lower than with spironolactone. CONCLUSIONS: Eplerenone appears to be a promising drug in a new class of agents called selective aldosterone blockers. The drug may be approved for treatment of hypertension in 2002. Additional studies are ongoing that may provide information on other clinical uses for this medication.

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