*UPDATE* – Natural Medicines database

	Here are a few of the hundreds of additions our staff made to Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database this month. You can learn more about these and thousands of other natural medicines by accessing the Database. Plus you can get fully accredited continuing education credits. • Red Dawn supplements are now popular recreational supplements, but there is growing concern about their safety. They are often used as herbal “party pills” for mood enhancement and euphoria, sexual enhancement, physical performance, etc. There are multiple versions…Red Dawn Vector, Red Dawn Dream Weaver, Red Dawn Orgasmix, Red Dawn Zan-X, and several others. They contain multiple B vitamins, caffeine, 5-HTP, GABA, and related derivatives. Some also contain puncture vine, longjack, and the stimulant bitter orange, which has been linked to serious cardiotoxicity. Advise patients to steer clear of these products. • Schisandra fruit is a popular Chinese medicine used for reducing stress and fatigue, preventing the common cold, increasing stamina, and many others. New research shows that schisandra interacts with tacrolimus (Prograf) and possibly many other medications. Schisandra appears to inhibit p-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4. This results in significantly INCREASED levels of tacrolimus. Theoretically, schisandra might also increase levels of other medications metabolized by p-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. Advise patients to be cautious using schisandra if they are taking other medications. To screen for this and other interactions, use our Natural Product / Drug Interaction Checker. You can enter all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications plus all of the natural products, including multi-ingredient brand name products. Click “Check Interactions” to get a comprehensive report, including evidence-based interaction ratings. • Cranberry juice is still a popular drink for preventing urinary tract infections. Some research supports drinking about 10 oz of cranberry juice cocktail daily to decrease the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in women. But it’s not clear if cranberry in pill form has the same benefit. For women who want to use cranberry, steer them towards the juice.

*NEW* E-book search on OPAC

You can now  search our ever-growing collection of e-books on OPAC.

Change the Collection drop-down menu shown in the image above to e-books and search as normal.  

 For further information, visit the 2nd floor Information Helpdesk.

*NEW* Electronic Resources Newsletter

You can now keep up to date with the latest electronic resources news online.

Our team of Electronic Librarians have created a new blog to keep you informed of new services, updates and general news about the electronic services offered here at the University.

Click here to access the newsletter.