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Biomedical subjects

Alan Bensoussan

Publications and source records attributed to Alan Bensoussan.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of chronic liver disease.

Interest in and use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in the treatment of chronic liver diseases has increased in the past decade. However, this has not been supported by a significant increase in sound clinical research evidence for their efficacy. The research literature is growing, providing improved knowledge on population use of CAM, possible mechanisms of action of a large range of complementary and alternative medications, and possible specific indications for these agents in patients with liver disease. Although curative potential for CAM has not been documented consistently in any liver disorder, it is possible to identify anti-inflammatory activity and cytoprotective capacity for a number of agents from different branches of the world of CAM. Evidence grows for potential harm from an increasing number of compounds. Concurrently, clarity is increasing in relation to which specific constituents cause the harm and the mechanisms by which damage is produced.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed2004

Complementary medicine research in Australia: a strategy for the future.

Research funding for CAM is inadequate, resulting in too few good quality studies to support its use. Widespread use of CAM, as well as its media promotion, make this a vital public health issue, and the Australian government has a social and ethical obligation to respond by developing a research infrastructure (as has been done by the United Kingdom and United States governments). We propose a funding model that neither draws directly from the CAM industry nor from current health research budgets, yet would strengthen Australia's international role in CAM research. Establishing and applying focused research methods in CAM is imperative for strengthening its evidence base and creating fresh options for safe and effective patient care.

Australia↗
PubMed2002

Development of a Chinese herbal medicine toxicology database.

BACKGROUND: Use of Chinese herbal medicine has increased steadily in the West and adverse reactions have been reported. However, information is not readily available on the toxicity of the herbs and the management of poisoning. The goals of this project were to retrieve and evaluate scientific evidence on the toxicity of Chinese herbal medicine, to grade the toxicity of individual herbs, and to summarize relevant herb data via a searchable electronic database. METHODS: English and Chinese primary studies were systematically retrieved via journal abstracting databases and key toxicity texts. Partial translation of published research was achieved via an audited process utilizing data extraction forms. Methods for grading herb toxicity (in therapeutic use or overdose) were developed based on a combination of the quality of reports, severity of adverse reaction, supporting animal studies, extrapolation from pharmacology and empirical evidence. RESULTS: Good quality studies on the toxicity of Chinese herbs are lacking. In some cases there is insufficient scientific evidence to create an evidence-based grading of the toxicity of individual herbs. Available data have been summarized into detailed monographs. Twelve herb monographs (with a full toxicity profile and grading) have been completed and summary data for all adequate quality papers used in the grading are linked to the monographs. CONCLUSIONS: The resultant database and monographs represent the first reviews specifically on the toxicity of individual Chinese herbs with toxicological grades based on the evidence of published studies. The database and monographs should assist in promoting the safe and effective use of Chinese herbal medicine.

Databases, Factual↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Women's health during mid-life survey: the use of complementary and alternative medicine by symptomatic women transitioning through menopause in Sydney.

OBJECTIVE: To survey the extent of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among women for the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. DESIGN: A total of 1,296 eligible women aged 45 to 65 years were recruited from three Sydney menopause clinics, general practice clinics, and government agencies between July 2003 and July 2004. Volunteers were invited to complete a 19-item questionnaire covering basic demographics, general health status, use of CAM therapies and products, use of pharmaceuticals, and sources of CAM advice. RESULTS: Of respondents, 53.8% had visited a CAM practitioner and/or used a CAM product during the past year, with 34% using a product only and 5% consulting a practitioner only. The most commonly visited practitioners were naturopaths (7.2%) and acupuncturists (4.8%), whereas the most popular products were soy (25.4%) and evening primrose oil (18.4%). Massage, chiropractic, and nutrition were rated the most effective therapies, and phytoestrogen tablets, evening primrose oil, and black cohosh were deemed the most effective products. Of the 59.9% of respondents currently using prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, 62.5% reported using CAM products during the past 12 months. Of CAM users 71% had informed their doctor about CAM use, whereas 26.4% of respondents reported their doctor had inquired about CAM use. CONCLUSIONS: CAM use by women to alleviate menopausal symptoms is common, with several therapies perceived to be effective. Although a significant proportion of women may use CAM in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, relevant communication between medical practitioners and patients remains inadequate and may expose the patient to potential drug-herb interactions.

Acupuncture↗