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Curing the common cold?

A randomized controlled trial found that ginseng reduced the frequency and severity of colds in study subjects. Ginseng was also effective in lessening symptom severity and duration. In contrast, Echinacea angustifolia was not found to be a preventive herbal product for the common cold.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 24, 2005

Novartis MS drug shows promising results

The Phase II study showed that FTY720 reduced annualized relapse rates by at least 50% during the first six months and maintained this rate for an additional six-month extension. Patients who switched to FTY720 after six months experienced a reduction of at least 70% in their annualized relapse rate compared to placebo.

Oral contraceptive effective in controlling premenstrual disorder

A multi-center clinical trial found that an oral contraceptive containing drospirenone was effective in improving productivity, enjoyment of hobbies, and social activities among women with PMDD. The study showed that the low-dose oral contraceptive was roughly as effective as serotonin reuptake inhibitors in reducing symptoms.

SourceYale University·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 31, 2005

Does vitamin C help prevent or treat the common cold?

A review of clinical research on vitamin C and the common cold found no benefit from supplementation for prevention or treatment. However, vitamin C may have a minor effect on reducing cold duration when taken before symptoms start. Vitamin C was also effective in preventing colds in athletes exposed to extreme physical stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

Placebos can bring emotional relief

Researchers found that placebo treatment reduced subjects' ratings of unpleasant pictures and activity in emotional centers. The study generalizes the concept of placebo effect and its underlying neural mechanisms for both pain perception and emotional stimuli.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 15, 2005

Combating fatigue associated with liver disease

A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial found that ondansetron did not have a fatigue-reduction benefit greater than the considerable placebo effect. The study suggests that other drugs targeting the central nervous system may prove effective in combating fatigue associated with primary biliary cirrhosis.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMay 24, 2005

Delay in Alzheimer's disease onset seen for first time

A Mayo Clinic study showed that donepezil treatment may slow the progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. Patients with a specific genotype had a longer response to the treatment, which could lead to new horizons in early treatment and prevention.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 13, 2005

Columbia study finds hemophilia therapy dramatically improves outcomes for bleeding stroke

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treatment with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) significantly reduces bleeding in brain, decreases mortality by nearly 40%, and reduces long-term disability for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The study showed a significant improvement in cli...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2005

Higher incidence of rejection following early steroid withdrawal

A multicenter study found that early steroid withdrawal after liver transplantation increased acute rejection rates, but may decrease the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease and mortality. The study suggested that earlier withdrawal could lead to improved glucose tolerance and reduced metabolic complications.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateDec 1, 2004

Antioxidant supplementation may reduce incidence of cancer in men

A comprehensive study of 13,017 French adults found no significant reduction in cancer incidence with antioxidant supplements, but men showed a 31% lower risk of developing cancer than women. The researchers suggest that supplementation may be effective in men due to their lower baseline levels of certain antioxidants.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 22, 2004