Janet Tatalias Acupuncture and Homeopathy

07/20/2025

A high dose of golden seal has shown no clinically relevant interaction with metformin in a comprehensive clinical study.

Coadministration of golden seal root and rhizome with a subtherapeutic dose of the diabetes drug metformin (50 mg) was previously shown to decrease metformin levels in healthy adult participants by 25%. Given that both treatments might be co-prescribed in type 2 diabetes (golden seal for its berberine content), a new study investigated the pharmacokinetic golden seal-metformin interaction in adults with type 2 diabetes taking therapeutic doses of metformin (500 to 2250 mg per day). The potential consequent effects on clinical biomarkers of glucose control were also assessed, which might also be impacted by a pharmacodynamic interaction (an additive effect on lowering blood sugar).

The study used a complex protocol. During Arm 1 (baseline), 22 participants consumed their entire daily intake of metformin as a single oral dose. During Arm 2 (acute golden seal exposure), they were administered 3.3 g of a well-characterised oral golden seal product (550 mg whole root) 30 minutes prior to metformin. Each gram of the golden seal product contained 28.9 mg of berberine, 18.6mg of (−)-β-hydrastine and 0.73 mg of canadine. During Arm 3 (chronic golden seal exposure), they self-administered 1.1 g of golden seal three times a day for 28 consecutive days as well as metformin.

The aggregate pharmacokinetic data indicated no clinically meaningful interaction, as determined by the metformin area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC). However, the metformin AUC decreased by about 20%, 14% and 0% after golden seal coadministration at low (500-750 mg), moderate (1000-1500 mg), and high (2000-2550 mg) metformin doses, respectively; renal clearance and half-life remained unchanged throughout. The exploratory pharmacodynamic endpoint, HbA1c, decreased on average from 6.8% to 6.5%, regardless of the effects of golden seal on metformin pharmacokinetics.

The authors suggested that caution may be warranted for patients taking metformin concomitantly with golden seal, regardless of the unlikelihood of changes in metformin systemic exposure, due to potential additive blood glucose lowering effects.

The dose of golden seal used in this study was very high, I rarely dose more than 1.5 g per day. Yet no significant interaction was seen for more than double this dose. Also, the berberine content of golden seal is unlikely to significantly affect blood sugar, so the authors’ concern in this regard is quite conservative. It would be interesting to know if high doses of berberine, in excess of 600 mg per day, interact pharmacokinetically with metformin.

For more information see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39943692/

07/15/2025

There is a growing interest in the use of homeopathy to treat plants. The term used for this application is agro-homeopathy. The practise has been gaining momentum among some farmers in Europe, particularly in Italy, and is attracting growing interest, especially from organic producers. To date, numerous anecdotal reports from farmers (personal communications) indicate encouraging and hopeful results. However, thorough scientific studies at the farm level are essential to confirm these claims. If statistical evidence from field trials supports current observations, this agro-homeopathic approach could develop into an agroecological production model with significant environmental benefit. Meeting the three pillars of sustainability: (1) economic, by substantially reducing the use of raw materials; (2) environmental, by eliminating the necessity for chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides; and (3) social, by delivering nutritious, safe, and high-quality food.

07/11/2025

Acupuncture, an ancient technique, was vital in ancient China's military medicine. Over 2,000 years ago, battlefield doctors used it to alleviate soldiers' pain and aid recovery under harsh conditions. The Huangdi Neijing, compiled around the 2nd century BCE, details acupuncture methods for trauma care, inflammation reduction, and stabilizing combatants. This showcases its significance beyond wellness, reflecting a profound grasp of human anatomy and qi by early practitioners.

07/08/2025

Parkinson's Disease suffers can benefit from Tempo-driven recumbent bicycle training as a safe and effective way to improve motor function. According to a recent article by Thomas Michaud, DC in Acupuncture today, Interestingly, it is not the force of peddling that is effective, it appears that the speed of the movement is the beneficial aspect. "Apparently, maintaining an uncomfortably high cadence while riding a bike improves motor function by strengthening existing neural pathways and may potentially lead to the formation of new connections. Other authors suggest that forced exercise triggers the release of neurotrophic factors within areas of the basal ganglia, which has been suggested to protect against cell loss."

Regardless of the exact mechanism, several studies have shown that tempo-driven recumbent bicycle training is a safe and effective way to improve motor function in people with PD.

The Surprising Effect of Unpredictable Tempo-Driven Training.
Thomas Michaud, DC

07/03/2025

While laboratory and animal studies support the potential of olive leaf extract in the context of dementia, human trials assessing its impact on cognitive impairment are to date lacking. Hence a group of Greek scientists examined, for the first time in humans, the effect of the daily consumption of a beverage containing olive leaf added to a Mediterranean diet (MeDi) on patients diagnosed with mild Alzheimer disease (AD), in addition to their regular treatment.

A randomised clinical trial compared olive leaf’s effects on cognitive and functional performance in 55 mild AD patients. Each participant was randomly assigned to two groups: (1) Group 1 was given olive leaves for making a daily beverage and MeDi instructions through monthly diet programs; (2) Group 2 received only the MeDi instructions. Participants in Group 1 were asked to prepare a daily beverage using 21 g of chopped, dry olive leaves steeped in 450 mL of room temperature water for 20 minutes. After 6 months, all participants underwent a second neuropsychological evaluation.

At 6 months, Group 1 participants had statistically significantly higher Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores compared to Group 2 with a p-value of 0.0135. Specifically, the mean MMSE change in patients receiving olive leaf was close to 0, indicating little memory deterioration, whereas in controls it was -4.1, indicative of cognitive decline. Other neuropsychological assessments also revealed better results in the olive leaf group, but without statistically significant differences between the two groups.

These are very promising results worthy of further investigation. While the dose of olive leaf at 21 g per day was relatively high, the use of a cold infusion would detract from its activity, as it is a poor way to extract phytochemicals in general. It would be interesting to examine the effects of a better preparation, preferably with a defined content of oleuropein.

For more information see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39585054/

07/01/2025

Feeling stressed? Try cupping and gua sha to relax. These ancient therapies can alleviate tension and promote well-being. Both methods calm the body and mind, offering an escape from daily pressures. Come and have a treatment in a gentle relaxing space and leave feeling calm and rejuvenated. Book today https://hibiscushealth.ca/

06/30/2025

05/30/2025

Gardening offers a delightful opportunity to savor the outdoors and reconnect with the natural world. Yet, prolonged periods of bending, crouching, and lifting can strain your back. Acupuncture can help, allowing you to garden comfortably. Visit Grace Therapeutics Clinic in Oak Bay, meet our team, and relieve those aching backs.