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Biomedical subjects

G Pinn

Publications and source records attributed to G Pinn.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Herbs and metabolic/endocrine disease. From past to present.

This is the third article in this series. It covers a range of metabolic problems, some new and some old, in which herbal medicine has been traditionally suggested to have a place or where pharmaceuticals have herbal derivations. With the current 'epidemic' of diabetes and hyperlipidaemia, many patients are tempted by the media to consider herbal remedies. There is great concern that proven effective remedies may be ignored to the detriment of our patients' health.

Diabetes Mellitus↗
PubMed2001

The herbal basis of some gastroenterology therapies.

This is the fourth in a series of articles discussing herbal therapies. This month looks at the herbal basis of gastrointestinal tract therapies. Disorders of digestion and bowel movement have troubled mankind throughout recorded time, providing a steady workload for herbal and orthodox practitioners. Most of these problems are mild and many herbs are used to treat the resulting minor symptoms with varying degrees of success.

Gastrointestinal Diseases↗
PubMed2001

Herbs used in obstetrics and gynaecology.

This fifth article in the series looks at the long tradition of using herbal treatment for managing complications during pregnancy and with the menstrual cycle. Despite widespread use there has been surprisingly little research into the outcomes or the potential risks of using herbal therapies during pregnancy. Similarly phytoestrogens have become one of the fashionable areas of herbal treatment, although with remarkably little evidence of benefit. Studies have been carried out to assess their effectiveness in cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis but not their effect on irregularities of menstruation. Current herbal treatment in this area comes from traditional use, laboratory work and a lack of adequate clinical trials make it impossible to suggest which remedies may be of benefit.

Australia↗
PubMed2001

Herbal medicine in oncology.

Over the years cancer has been more complicated by 'wonder cures' than perhaps any other condition. Remedies such as laetril, shark cartilage, high dose vitamins and many alternative medical practices have been used with little evidence of improvement and sometimes worsened outcome. It is disconcerting that attempts to scientifically discredit these treatments sometimes result in the development of conspiracy theories. However, some plants do contain anticancer agents, the vinca alkaloids (derived from the Madagascar periwinkle) and paclitaxel (derived from the pacific yew tree) are examples of success stories. Extensive screening of tens of thousands of plants has unfortunately revealed only a handful of potential cancer cures. An evidence based approach to alternative treatment in malignancy is appropriate and this seventh article in this series reviews the evidence.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Herbal medicine in infectious disease.

This eighth article in the series looks at the current role of plant therapy in infection. Plant chemicals are useful for infection control and, until the advent of antibiotics (many themselves of natural origin) were the only remedies available. The current role of plants in this area could be summarised as treating minor acute infections, topical therapy for skin or wound infections and perhaps a supportive role in chronic infection. With increasing resistance of bacteria, viruses and malaria to standard therapy, alternative treatments are being re-explored with some urgency.

Communicable Diseases↗
PubMed2001

Herbal therapy in rheumatology.

Musculoskeletal symptoms are common and traditional family remedies are available in most households to reduce pain and inflammation. Most of these have only anecdotal evidence and have not stood up to scientific scrutiny. However, some effective treatments such as aspirin have borne the test of time. With adequate trials more effective herbal therapies may be confirmed, but currently such popular treatments as devils claw and nettles have yet to have confirmation of benefit. Although not herbal, cartilage derivatives are also currently popular alternative medicines and have increasing evidence of beneficial effect.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Herbal therapy in respiratory disease.

This ninth article in the series looks at the management of respiratory conditions, a traditional indication for herbs. Many symptomatic managements remain part of our treatment today, sometimes with remarkably little evidence of effect. The explosion in incidence of asthma has, as in any chronic condition, provided a new area where alternative treatment is increasingly considered by patients. Treatments have been even less well researched than in other areas of herbal medicine, and the potential for abuse and toxicity remains a concern.

Herbal Medicine↗
PubMed2001

Herbal medicine in renal and genitourinary disease.

Herbs have a long history of use for treating problems of the genitourinary tract, including prostatism, infection, stones and impotence. With medical research some of these traditional uses have been found to have a scientific basis. The use of cranberry for recurrent cystitis in women and saw palmetto for prostatism are examples of plants we can now use with some confidence. As always, it is necessary to consider the potential for toxicity of herbs with long term use and some plants have been found to be nephrotoxic.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Adverse effects associated with herbal medicine.

Medical journals are now publishing case reports of adverse reactions to herbal therapy. With increasing use, and more importantly, increasing awareness of potential hazardous effects, these reports are liable to increase in frequency. It is also increasingly realised that herbs and drugs can interact in the same way that drug/drug interactions occur. This is particularly hazardous for the patient if the treating doctor is not aware of the herbal prescription. This article reviews the published material and highlights areas of major concern. Most of the serious adverse events reported relate to problems of product quality or adulteration.

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems↗
PubMed2001

Herbal medicine. What is the evidence?

This is the final in the series of 13 articles looking at current herbal therapy. It reviews those plants with clinical and scientific evaluation sufficient to consider adoption into orthodox medicine. Surprisingly some commonly used herbs, such as the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpura), valerian and ginseng, do not as yet pass the test, but others such as St John's wort, ginkgo, saw palmetto now have sufficient clinical studies to consider orthodox use. With the huge interest in herbal treatment it is likely that other plants will join the list following adequate clinical evaluation.

Evidence-Based Medicine↗
PubMed2000

Herbs and cardiovascular disease. From past to present.

This is the second article in the series on herbal medicine. It reviews historical treatments for heart failure and those drugs which have been developed from plants to treat cardiovascular related problems.

Blood Platelets↗
PubMed1998

Quinine for cramps.

BACKGROUND: The bark of the cinchona tree was used by the Incas of South America to treat tropical fevers. It was brought back to Europe by the Jesuit priests and used in error to treat all types of fever. Because of its cost and lack of availability, apothecaries found an alternative antipyretic in willow bark. Subsequently salicylates were isolated from willow and quinine from cinchona bark. Quinine is used worldwide for the treatment of fever due to malaria, but in the Western environment has long been used for muscle cramps because of its neuro muscular junction blocking action. DISCUSSION: Quinine is a widely used medication which has been reported to cause thrombocytopenia on occasion. This potentially life threatening complication should be borne in mind when it is prescribed for minor symptoms such as muscle cramps.

Drug Eruptions↗