Anemia

Safety of energy drinks

Updated: 2012-08-31 16:22:26

Energy drinks are consumed by 30% to 50% of adolescents and young adults. The manufacturers claim they are safe. Researchers at the University of Miami, in Florida reviewed the evidence and came to a different conclusion. First, the details. Two-thirds of the 121 references found on energy drinks were in the scientific literature. Reports by [...]

Risks of chewing khat in people with acute coronary syndrome

Updated: 2012-08-31 16:22:26

Khat (Catha edulis) is a shrub from northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with stimulant effects similar to but less intense than cocaine or methamphetamine. Researchers at Hamad General Hospital, in Doha, Qatar, studied its effects in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) — a condition associated with insufficient blood flow to the heart. First, [...]

Marijuana: Main driver for increased substance use

Updated: 2012-08-31 16:22:26

Here’s what we know from the results of The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual population-based survey. The overall rate of illicit drug use in the US rose from 8% of the population aged 12 and older in 2008 to 9% in 2009. This rise in use was driven in large part [...]

Contaminated and adulterated herbals

Updated: 2012-08-31 16:22:26

Prof. Ernst and colleagues reviewed the evidence and they aren’t sanguine. First, the details. 26 systematic reviews were included. And, the results. Most common herbal medicine product contaminants: Dust Pollens Insects Rodents Parasites Microbes Fungi Mold Toxins Pesticides Toxic heavy metals Prescription drugs The most severe adverse effects caused by these adulterations: Agranulocytosis: severely lowered [...]

Cannabidiol to reduce anxiety of public speaking

Updated: 2012-08-31 16:22:26

Generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common anxiety condition. Cannabidiol is one major non-psychotomimetic compound of the cannabis sativa plant. Researchers at the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, studied its effects on SAD during a simulation public speaking test. First, the details. 24 otherwise healthy people with SAD who were never treated were [...]

Safety of taking ginger while pregnant

Updated: 2012-08-22 10:43:29

The most common use of ginger during pregnancy is to help relieve symptoms of queasiness and nausea. Researchers at the University of Bergen, in Norway reviewed its safety in these women. First, the details. 68,522 women answered questionnaires during weeks 17 and 30 of their pregnancy and when their child was 6 months old. The Medical [...]