Alternative and Complementary
Medicine
Dr Monem Alshok
21\5\2016
The CAM Domains
Biologically Based Therapies
Using substances found in nature,
such as herbs, foods, and vitamins.
• Herbalism, Nutritional Counseling
and Folk Medicine
 Aromatherapy “involves the use of
essential oils (extracts or essences)
from flowers, herbs, and trees to
promote health and well-being.”
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CAM Modalities Now
in Mainstream Medicine
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Codeine
for pain
Digitalis
for heart
failure
Ipecac for
poisoning
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Quinine
for malaria
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Aspirin for
fever
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Behavioral
therapy
for headache
Hypnosis for
smoking
cessation
Low fat, low
cholesterol
diets
Exercise
for diabetes
Support groups
for breast Ca
Herbs
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When a plants or products made
from them , can have a powerful
impact on our bodies and when
plants are used for such effects
rather than as food , they are called
Herbs
Dietary Supplements:
Definition
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Product intended to supplement the diet
Contains one or more of the following:
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Vitamin
Mineral
Herb or other botanical (not tobacco)
Amino acid
Any other dietary substance
For oral intake as a concentrate,
metabolite, extract, constituent, or
combination
Challenges of Herbal Medicines
& Adverse effects
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Safety is assumed, not proven e.g
Cabbage causes goiter ,some plants are
poisonous ( Herb Tea )
Lack of product standardization
Contamination with drugs, heavy metals
Allergic reactions
Inherent toxicity
Interactions with drugs
Replacing proven therapies
Useful Herbal Products
Echinacea
Saw Palmetto
Ginkgo
Milk Thistle
Ginger
Chamomile
Fever Few
St. John’s Wort
Hawthorn
Soy
Kava
Black cohosh
Green tea
Cranberry
Yohimbe
Valerian
Garlic
immune stimulant
BPH
circulation
liver
nausea
indigestion
migraine
mild/mod depression
heart/circulation
menopause symptoms
anxiolytic
menopause symptoms
stimulant (antioxidant)
UTI prevention
erectile dysfunction
Sleep Disorders
Hyperlipidemia
Probiotics: definitions
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World Health Organization:
 “live microorganisms which when administered in
adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the
host”
A bacterial strain that:
 Survives the stomach acid and bile
 Adheres to intestinal lining
 Grows and establishes temporary residence in the
intestines
 Imparts health benefits
R Fuller. Probiotics: The Scientific Basis. London: Chapman and Halls.
1992
Probiotics
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Lactobacillus sp.
 reuteri
 casei
 ramnosus
 acidophilus
Streptococcus sp.
Bifidobacterium sp.
 infantis
 lactis
 longum
 breve
 bifidum
Sacharomyces boulardii
(non-human)
Prebiotics: Sources, Side
effects:
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Sources: breastmilk, barley,
bran and whole grains,
legumes, such as beans;
vegetables such as leeks,
onions, asparagus, greens
such as chicory, spinach,
fruits such as bananas,
berries
Doses: 1 – 2 grams daily
(adults)
Side effects: flatulence,
diarrhea, allergies
Probiotics
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Colonization at birth
Similar to maternal
species
Specific organisms vary
by age in first year
Become established by 1
year
In children and adults,
“Successful” treatment
with probiotics leads to
temporary colonization
only
Probiotics: proposed mechanisms
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Adherence and subsequent stimulation of
gut immune system
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Up-regulation of mucin gene
Enhance secretory IgA
Maintain normal macrophage function
Competition for essential nutrients
Production of antimicrobial factors
Provide favorable environment for growth
of other beneficial bacteria
Production of short-chain fatty acids with
anti-inflammatory properties
Case
A 13 year old recently diagnosed with
osteogenic sarcoma says she’s
having trouble sleeping. She doesn’t
want any more meds.
Valerian ( Root of Nardin )
Herbs
Herbs
Action
African plum
BPH
Fenugreek seed
Sexual stimulant for female ,
increase milk and breast size
Garlic & onion
IHD , lipids , platelets&
protection against GIT cancers
Pumkin oil
Antiworms & BPH
Rocket oil
Body tonics for men
Aloe Vera oil
Topically for sunburn &
psoriasis & orally as laxative
Chamomile
Dyspepsia , tension , immunity
St. John Wort
Depression
Gripe Water
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Traditionally – dill extract ±
bicarbonate (Woodard’s™), ±
alcohol;
Dill, fennel and caraway are
spasmolytics
Some include ginger, fennel
(Baby’s Bliss™), chamomile,
cinnamon and other herbs
(Wellements™)
Ginger for Nausea
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Numerous RCTs suggest
benefits of ginger in
preventing and treating
nausea
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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A 17 year old with a
diagnosed by your
partner as having irritable
bowel syndrome says he
read on the Internet that
peppermint might help
him. Should he eat more
candy?
What’s the evidence?
IBS - Peppermint
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Peppermint (Mentha
piperita); primary
ingredient, 29% - 48%
menthol
Uses: many digestive
complaints, including
colic, flatulence,
diarrhea, dyspepsia,
indigestion, nausea and
vomiting
Relaxes smooth muscle
and slows GI transit
Fiber for constipation
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It depends (dried fruit
anyone?)
Fiber is safe if taken with
sufficient water; no intestinal
obstruction;
no allergies
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Bran
Psyllium (Plantago. ovata and
P. psyllium)
Flax seeds also contain lignans
and omega three fatty acids
Side effects: flatulence,
abdominal pain, diarrhea,
dyspepsia, nausea
Herbal remedies for
stress-related abdominal pain
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Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
recommended by Peter Rabbit’s
mother
Contains flavonoids, antiinflammatories, spasmolytic
compounds
Listed on formularies of 25+ countries
Approved by German Commission E to
treat abdominal spasms and
inflammatory diseases of the GI tract
May combine with fennel, peppermint,
lemon balm
Side effects: allergies
Licorice: Glycyrrhiza glabra
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Contains: glycyrrhizin,
glycyrrhizic acid, polyphenols,
and polysaccharides
TCM ulcer remedy; newer
HepC?
Inhibits 11 beta-hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase + other
enzymes involved in the
metabolism of corticosteroids.
→ increased cortisol levels
Anti-inflammatory and
mineralocorticoid effects (BP,
edema)
Bromelain
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An enzyme derived from the stem of
pinapple plant ( Ananos Comosus) may
help reduce swelling & inflammation
Cranberries juice
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Used to acidify urine and seems to
make a more difficult for bacteria to
stick to bladder wall
Herbs used to immune system
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Black seed
Echinacea
Herbs
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Anise , Yansoon
Sage ,
Thyme Z,
Rosemary
Ginger
Chamomille ‫بابوننك‬