| Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database eUPDATE and eCE |
| Here are just a few of the hundreds of updates we’ve 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.
• Glucosamine and glucosamine-chondroitin supplements have now been linked to interactions with warfarin (Coumadin) in over 40 reports. The first report of a potential interaction came out about 4 years ago and involved double the therapeutic dose of both glucosamine and chondroitin. Since then reports have involved glucosamine or glucosamine-chondroitin combination products in typical doses. Adverse outcomes have included increased bleeding time (INR), bruising, bleeding, coma, and hospitalization. Chondroitin is a small component of a heparinoid and might have weak anticoagulant activity. Preliminary research suggests that glucosamine might have antiplatelet activity. Caution patients that taking glucosamine or glucosamine-chondroitin products might affect warfarin. • Chia (Salvia hispanica) is a Peruvian herb that has become popular since being featured as a “superfood” on Oprah. The name might sound familiar…it’s the same herb that sprouts from “Chia Pets.” Chia seed has a high concentration of fiber, the omega-3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid, and significant amounts of calcium and magnesium. There is interest in chia for diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Preliminary research suggests that consuming chia might reduce blood pressure, glucose, and markers of inflammation. Explain to patients that other sources of fiber such as psyllium or flaxseed have similar effects. As many as 90% of patients with fibromyalgia have used some form of complementary or alternative medicine. They often turn to supplements such as turmeric, St. John’s wort, and 5-HTP. For the latest evidence and updates on natural medicines used for fibromyalgia, get our new course, Natural Medicines in the Clinical Management of Fibromyalgia. |
