Arthritis Australia

By Q. Wenzel. University of Puget Sound.

Other researchers have found that corosolic acid may not be the only active ingredient in banaba leaves discount lamictal 50 mg online. A study published in the journal Planta Medica in 2001 compared a whole- leaf extract of banaba with insulin in cell cultures order lamictal 25mg fast delivery. Another study reported that banaba leaf extract contains at least three active ingredients that effect blood sugar. In animal studies, administration of banaba leaf extract resulted in a significant decrease of blood glucose. The same studies suggest that corosolic acid may stimulate glucose transport into tissue. In other animal studies, administration of banaba leaf extract resulted in reduced weight gain, reduced triglyceride accumulation and reduced adipose tissue, with no changes in diet. In noninsulin-dependent animals, administration of banaba leaf extract resulted in suppressed blood plasma glucose, lower serum insulin and lower urinary excretion of glucose. In clinical studies conducted by Dr William Judy and associates at the Southeastern Institute of Biomedical Research in Bradenton, Florida, a one per cent corosolic acid extract of banaba leaf reportedly reduced serum glucose 20-30% in people with type 2 diabetes, but did not reduce serum glucose in healthy individuals. In a prior study, some of the same researchers observed that individuals receiving the corosolic acid extract also had an increased tendency toward weight loss. Momordica Bitter melon is the common name for Momordica charantia, also known as African cucumber, balsam pear and bitter gourd. The plant is aptly named, as all parts of the plant, including the fruit, taste bitter. Widely sold in Asian groceries as a vegetable, bitter melon is employed as a folk remedy primarily for regulating blood sugar in cases of diabetes, as well as for colitis and dysentery, intestinal worms, jaundice and fevers. Current understanding of the phytochemicals in bitter melon suggests that these multiple uses are well founded. Among the constituents in bitter melon, charantin is identified as a primary agent for blood- sugar regulation. Charantin demonstrates hypoglycaemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes. The fruits also contain insulin-like peptides, including one known as polypeptide P, and alkaloids. It is likely that several substances in bitter melon contribute to its blood sugar-modifying effects. In human studies, bitter melon demonstrates significant blood-sugar control after food intake and overall blood sugar- lowering effects. In a study published in the journal Chemistry & Biology- March 2008, a research team, headed by Dr. Mon-Jia Tan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai, concluded that bitter melon has potent anti-diabetes effects. In their study, Tan and colleagues isolated and described several compounds from bitter melon known as cucurbitane triterpenoids, and tested their effects on glucose (sugar) and fat metabolism in cells and in mice. Tests in mice of two of the compounds found that they promoted both glucose tolerance and fat burning, and one was particularly effective in promoting glucose tolerance in animals consuming high fat diets. The researchers note that there may be as many as 70 active compounds in bitter melon. Momordica has also been found to be just as effective as glibenclamide in reducing blood sugar levels (J Ethnopharmacol 2003; 88(1): 107-111). In fact, a large study at Harvard University Medical School concluded that mormodica is one of the best natural remedies for diabetes (Diabetes Care 2003; 26(4): 1277-1294). It appears that mormodica contains compounds similar in structure to insulin, which have the same effects in regulating blood sugar levels. There is also evidence that mormodica can prevent the release of excess glucose into the bloodstream from the liver (Am J Health Syst Pharm 2003; 60(4): 356- 359). Gymnema Sylvestre Gymnema Sylvestre is another herb, whose traditional use in treating diabetes, has been backed up by recent medical research. Originating from India, Gymnema Sylvestre is known as gur-mar, or "sugar destroyer. The leaves of Gymnema sylvestre perform two significant functions relative to diabetes. By this two-pronged approach, Gymnema sylvestre proves a valuable aid in diabetes control. Scientists think its active ingredients (gymnemic acids) protect the cells of the pancreas from free radical damage, so allowing them to regenerate and produce insulin more effectively (Nutrition 2004; 20(3): 280-285). Studies have shown that gymnema can also reduce glucose absorption from the intestine, so helping to regulate blood sugar levels. A recent Harvard study indicates the Gymnema lowers blood sugar levels in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.

This observation is consistent with the observations in psychiatric patients that the effect of thioridazine on amitriptyline metabolism varied with the antidepressant/ neuroleptic:dose ratio (153) lamictal 100 mg online. However discount lamictal 25 mg otc, known interactions between ticlopidine and the anticonvulsant, dilantin, might serve as examples (154–155). In addition, since inhibition by ticolidine may be mecha- nism based, which by definition permanently inactivates the metabolizing enzyme, inhibition may be long term (156–157). Carbamazepine is a structural analog of imipramine with anticonvulsant properties (Fig. These contradictory observations of low levels in blood and increased clinical efficacy appear relayed to changes in the amount of drug available for pharmacological action. They also noted that postural sway and short-term memory impairments were increased by the combination. The effects of the combined exposure to ethanol and amitriptyline on skills such as driving have been reviewed (164). In comparison, clinical toxicity has been observed at concentrations over 500 ng/mL (45,84) and severe toxicity at levels over 1000 ng/mL (85–88,165) although in one nonfatal intoxication, amounts of clomipra- mine and N-desmethylclomipramine in plasma exceeded 2000 ng/mL (166). Postmortem concentrations of imipramine and desipramine of 3000 and 9600 ng/mL were determined in blood from an individual treated with a paroxetine/ imipramine combination (167). They observed that, even though amounts of clomipramine in plasma increased to as much as 965 ng/mL, and imipramine to 785 ng/mL, no signs of toxicity were observed in their patients. In these cases, individuals who responded favorably to the combination, experi- enced blood levels that averaged greater than 750 ng/mL (172). Nevertheless, fatalities have been associated with combined fluoxetine/amitriptyline and paroxetine/imipramine therapy (167,173). Pounder and Jones studied this phenomenon of postmortem redistribution and observed diffusion of drugs, along a concentration gradient, out of solid organs and into the blood (177). Highest levels were seen in pulmonary arteries and veins and lowest in peripheral vessels. They reported that amounts of doxepin or clomipramine in postmortem blood collected from different sites ranged from 3. The consequence of postmor- tem redistribution is that reference data are rendered less useful unless a record of the site of collection is available. Some of the interactions may appear small in comparison to a broad range of therapeutic concentrations, but effects in a single patient can be dramatic. It has there- fore been the objective of this chapter to describe these interactions, and to provide a basis on which they can be applied toward interpretation of a toxic response by a single patient. Recognition and management of depression in general practice: consensus statement. A risk-benefit assessment of moclobemide in the treatment of depressive disorders. Line- zolid, a novel oxazolidinone antibiotic: assessment of monoamine oxidase inhibition using pressor response to oral tyramine. Modification of the cardiovascular effects of ephedrine by the reversible monoamine oxidase A-inhibitor moclobemide. Dangerous monoamine oxidase inhibitor interactions are still occurring in the 1990s. Drug therapy reviews: tricyclic antidepres- sant and monoamine oxidase inhibitor combination therapy. Toxicity secondary to meperidine in patients on monoamine oxi- dase inhibitors: a case report and critical review. Effect of nonselective and selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidases A and B on pethidine toxicity in mice. Ketorolac and propofol anaesthesia in a patient taking chronic monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Safe use of remifentanil in a patient treated with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine. Isoniazid is a mechanism-based inhibi- tor of cytochrome P450 1A2, 2A6, 2C19 and 3A4 isoforms in human liver microsomes. Ostapowicz A, Zejmo M, Wrzesniewska J, Bialecka M, Gornik W, and Gawronska- Szklarz B. Effect of therapeutic drug monitoring of amitriptyline and genotyping on effi- cacy and safety of depression therapy. The utilization of antidepressants—a key issue in the prevention of suicide: an analysis of 5281 suicides in Sweden during the period 1992–1994. Deaths from substance overdose in the Lothian and Borders region of Scotland (1983–1991).

Rounseville reported to the Wisconsin State Medical Society that he had used echinacea with excellent results in both diabetes mellitus buy discount lamictal 100 mg online, and diabetes insipidus lamictal 25 mg line, and also in some forms of albuminuria, and in each of the cases he obtained results that confirmed his opinion that the agent was one that would be a material assistance combined with other measures. He made a strong solution and Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 192 combined with it agents that would assist in stimulating the nutritive functions of the hair follicles. A directly curative influence from this agent alone has been secured, where from vaccination a general infection has been induced. I am confident that no other single medicine will accomplish as much in these cases, immediately and as satisfactorily as this remedy. I am convinced that it would be good practice to use collinsonia, hamamelis or aesculus in conjunction with this remedy, Dr. Yates treated an eruptive disease with purulent discharge which we call nettle rash with echinacea internally, and permanganate of potassium solution externally. Many cases of tibial ulcer treated with echinacea with curative results, are reported. The agent is used both internally and externally, associated often with other successful measures. Ono doctor had an opportunity to observe the action of echinacea in some fowl that had taken strychnine which was used to poison animals. This is simply a suggestion in favor of trying echinacea as an antidote for strychnine poisoning. Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 193 Specific Symptomatology—This agent should be freely employed where there is excess of uric acid; where the “brick dust” deposit is marked; where the extreme and nauseating backache suggests that the crystalline constituents of the urine are not well dissolved and washed out of the tubules; or where there is renal sand or gravel in the bladder; where the urine is dark and heavy, and there is irritation, causing congestion of the kidneys, which in some cases induces hemorrhage; where precipitated solids irritate the bladder, and induce cystitis with thickening of the walls, and formation of pus. An infusion of epigaea freely drunk in these cases will relieve the entire train of symptoms, inducing a grateful sense of relief from irritation and distress. Any of the preparations in sufficient doses will accomplish satisfactory results in the above conditions, but the infusion is more immediately active. Fifteen drops of specific Epigaea in an ounce of hot water, drunk hot, will act most promptly. If the patient is closely confined and constipated, with dark, sallow skin, and inactive liver, add thirty grains of sodium phosphate and note the most gratifying results. Its specific influence upon the liver greatly facilitates its effects on the kidneys when there is a fault in the hepatic conversion of the nitrogenous waste. In addition to its influence upon the kidneys, epigaea is a carminative of much value. It will quickly relieve persistent eructations of gas, and will cure many chronic cases that have resisted other treatment. When there is noisy rumbling in the bowels so distressing to ladies, when present, this agent may be successfully administered. Fluid Extract of Epilobium Dose, from five to sixty minims Specific Medicine Epilobium. Physiological Action—The several species of epilobium are astringent, tonic, emollient, and demulcent, and have a specific influence on the Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 194 intestinal mucous membrane. The epilobium palustre has a well established reputation as a remedy in intractable cases of camp dysentery and diarrhea, cases having been cured by it when other means had failed. Specific Symptomatology—Chronic diarrhoea with general emaciation, and a persistent enfeebled condition with dry, dingy, rough, harsh skin. If no great structural change, and no tubercular or cancerous conditions are present, this agent is the most satisfactory remedy we have. It is suggested where the abdomen is contracted, and where the diarrhea is feculent in character with sharp colicky pains. Therapy—It will be curative also in general relaxed, subacute or acute cases of diarrhea, after the stage of inflammation has passed, but is not as reliable a remedy at that time as geranium. In muco-enteritis it is of some service in conjunction with the indicated remedies. It exercises an apparent tonic influence upon the mucous and glandular structures of the entire intestinal canal, overcoming ulceration, and being of material benefit in the more speedy restoration of normal function. In the treatment of chronic eczema, epilobium was strongly advocated by one of our best physicians. In that class of inveterate cases that was at first papular and finally squamous, he got excellent results. He gave it in doses from fifteen to twenty minims, and in persistent cases he would make all infusion of the herb, having the patient drink it freely. Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 195 Therapy—A diuretic useful in suppression of urine from any cause. Useful in dropsy and in lithemic conditions, where the urine is scanty, of high specific gravity, and dark-colored. In cases of irritable bladder with much tenesmus, it is soothing in its influence. It is valuable in the treatment of nocturnal incontinence of urine in children, and in incontinence induced by cystic irritation.