Skip to main content Accessibility help

We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Close cookie message
×
Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-g7gxr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-16T15:01:26.410Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

7 - Complementary and alternative medicine

from Part II - Summary of treatment modalities in psychiatric disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 May 2010

By
Sally Guthrie  and
George Lewith
Edited by
Peter Tyrer  and
Kenneth R. Silk
Sally Guthrie
Affiliation:
The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Ann Arbor, MI USA
George Lewith
Affiliation:
Complementary Medicine Research Unit Mail Point OPH Royal South Hants Hospital Brintons Terrace Southampton UK
Peter Tyrer
Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
Kenneth R. Silk
Affiliation:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Get access

Summary

Editor's note

While many claims are made for the effectiveness of treatment with herbs, minerals, homeopathy and acupuncture, the data that support their effectiveness are sparse. Regulations that govern these compounds and these treatments are much more lax than those laws and regulations governing other forms of treatment, and it is this lack of regulations that often can lead to claims that are not at all substantiated. The careful review presented here suggests that perhaps St John's wort has effectiveness in mild depression and kava in anxiety, though there is always the risk of liver damage. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) is probably not effective. Valerian may, over a long period of time, provide some effectiveness for insomnia, and omega-3 fatty acids do appear effective in depression. Homeopathy has absolutely no data to support any effectiveness other than perhaps the relationship of the homeopath to the patient. Acupuncture may be helpful in nicotine dependence and alcohol withdrawal, but again the role of the relationship between the acupuncturist and the patient may be the key ingredient for any claims made to the effectiveness of this treatment.

Introduction

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a wide array of methods for treating illness and maintaining health. Perhaps the only thing consistent amongst these approaches is their lack of absolute acceptability as conventional medicine. Complementary medicine refers to practices or types of medicine used in combination with conventional medicine.

Type
Chapter
Information
Cambridge Textbook of Effective Treatments in Psychiatry , pp. 132 - 156
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2008

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Adams, P. B., Lawson, S., Sanigorski, A. & Sinclair, A. J. (1996). Arachidonic to eicosapentaenoic acid ratio in blood correlates positively with clinical symptoms of depression. Lipids, 31 (suppl.), 157–61.Google Scholar
Allen, J. J. B., Schnyer, R. N. & Hitt, S. K. (1998). The efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of major depression in women. Psychological Science, 9, 397–401.Google Scholar
Astin, J. A.Why patients use alternative medicine. Journal of the American Medical Association, 279, 1548–53.
Avants, S. K., Margolin, A., Holford, T. R. & Kosten, T. R. (2000). A randomized controlled trial of auricular acupuncture for cocaine dependence. Archives of Internal Medicine, 160, 2305–12.Google Scholar
Babcock, T., Helton, W. S. & Espat, N. J. (2000). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): an anti-inflammatory − 3 fat with potential clinical applications. Nutrition, 16, 1116–18.Google Scholar
Becker-Carus, C., Heyden, T. & Kelle, A. (1985). Die Wirksamkeit von Akupunktur und Einstellungs-Entspannungstraining zur Behandlung primarer Schlafstorungen. Zeitschrift für Klinische Psychologie und Psychopathologie, 33, 161–72.Google Scholar
Bell, K. M., Potkin, S. G., Carreon, D. & Plon, L. (1994). S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug treatment. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Suppl. 154, 15–18.Google Scholar
Berg, B. J., Volpicelli, J. R., Alterman, A. I. & O'Brien, C. P. (1991). The relationship between endogenous opioids and alcohol drinking: the opioid compensation hypothesis. In Novel Pharmacological Interventions for Alcoholism, ed. Naranjo, C. A. & Sellars, E. M.. New York: Springer-Verlag.
Biber, A., Fischer, H., Romer, A. & Chatterjee, C. C. (1998). Oral bioavailability of hyperforin from hypericum extracts in rats and human volunteers. Pharmacopsychiatry, 31(Suppl.), 36–43.Google Scholar
Bilia, A. R., Bergonzi, M. C., Morgenni, F., Mazzi, G. & Vincieri, F. F. (2001). Evaluation of chemical stability of St. John's wort commercial extract and some preparations. International Journal of Pharmaceuticals, 213, 199–208.Google Scholar
Bisset, N. G. & Wichtl, M. (ed.) (1994). Valerianae radix. In Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, pp. 513–16. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers.
Bladt, S. & Wagner, H. (1994). Inhibition of MAO by fractions and constituents of hypericum extract. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 7(Suppl. 1), S57–9.Google Scholar
Blumenthal, M. (2002). Kava safety questioned due to case reports of liver toxicity. HerbalGram, 55, 26–32.Google Scholar
Bombardelli, E. & Morazzoni, P. (1995). Hypericum perforatum. Fitoterapia, 66, 43–68.
Bottiglieri, T. & Hyland, K. (1994). S-adenosylmethionine levels in psychiatric and neurological disorders: a review. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Suppl. 154, 19–26.Google Scholar
Bove, G. M. (1998). Acute neuropathy after exposure to sun in a patient treated with St. John's wort. Lancet, 352, 1121–2 (Letter).Google Scholar
Bressa, G. M. (1994). S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressant: meta-analysis of clinical studies. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Suppl. 154, 7–14.Google Scholar
Brockmöller, J., Reum, T., Bauer, S., Kerb, R., Hübner, W.-D. & Roots, I. (1997). Hypericin and pseudohypericin: pharmacokinetics and effects on photosensitivity in humans. Pharmacopsychiatry, 30 (Suppl.), 94–101.Google Scholar
Bruinsma, K. A. & Taren, D. L. (2000). Dieting, essential fatty acid intake, and depression. Nutrition Review, 58, 98–108.Google Scholar
Budzinski, J. W., Foster, B. C., Vandenhoek, S. & Arnason, J. T. (2000). An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine, 7, 273–82.Google Scholar
Buguet, A., Sartre, M. & LeKerneau, J. (1995). Continuous nocturnal automassage of an acupuncture point modifies sleep in healthy subjects. Neurophysiologie Clinique, 25, 78–83.Google Scholar
Bullock, M. L., Culliton, P. D. & Olander, R. T. (1989). Controlled trial of acupuncture for severe recidivist alcoholism. Lancet, 8652, 1435–9.Google Scholar
Bullock, M. L., Kiresuk, T. J., Pheley, A. M.et al. (1999). Auricular acupuncture in the treatment of cocaine abuse. Journal of Substance Abuse and Treatment, 16, 31–8.Google Scholar
Butterweck, V., Nahrstedt, A., Evans, J. (2002). In vitro receptor screening of pure constituents of St. John's wort reveals novel interactions with a number of GPCRs. Psychopharmacology, 162, 193–202.Google Scholar
Butterweck, V., Christoffel, V., Nahrstedt, A., Petereit, F., Spengler, B. & Winterhoff, H. (2003). Step by step removal of hyperforin and hypericin: activity profile of different Hypericum preparations in behavioral models. Life Science, 73, 627–39.Google Scholar
Calder, P. C. (1997). n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cytokine production in health and disease. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 41, 203–34.Google Scholar
Cantoni, G. L. (1953). S-Adenosylmethionine: a new intermediate formed enzymatically from L-methionine and adenosine-triphosphate. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 204, 403–16.Google Scholar
Cawte, J. (1985).Psychoactive substances of the south seas: betel, kava and pituri. Australia and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 19, 83–7.Google Scholar
Chatterjee, S. S., Nšldner, M., Koch, E. & Erdelmeier, C. (1998). Antidepressant activity of Hypericum perforatum and hyperforin: the neglected possibility. Pharmacopsychiatry, 31 (Suppl.), 7–15.Google Scholar
Chavez, M. L. & Chavez, P. I. (1997). Saint John's wort. Hospital Pharmacy, 32, 1621–32.Google Scholar
Chen, M. L., Lin, L. C., Wu, S. C. & Lin, J. G. (1999). Effectiveness of acupressure in improving the quality of sleep of institutionalised residents. Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 54A, M389–94.Google Scholar
Chan, T. Y. K. (1998). An assessment of the delayed effects associated with valerian overdose. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapy, 36, 569 (letter).Google Scholar
Clement-Jones, V., McLoughlin, L., Lowry, P. J., Besser, G. M., Rees, L. H. & Wen, H. L. (1979). Acupuncture in heroin addicts; changes in Met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Lancet, 2 (8139), 380–3.Google Scholar
Cott, J. M. (1997). In vitro receptor binding and enzyme inhibition by Hypericum perforatum extract. Pharmacopsychiatry, 30 (Suppl.), 108–12.Google Scholar
Culliton, P. D., Boucher, T. A. & Carlson, G. A. (1997). Substance misuse. In Mind-Body Medicine. A Clinicians's Guide to Psychoneuroimmunology, ed. Watkins, A., pp. 221–50. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
Dannawi, M. (2002). Possible serotonin syndrome after combination of buspirone and St. John's wort. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 16, 401 (Letter).Google Scholar
Reyes, Los G. C. & Koda, R. T. (2002). Determining hyperforin and hypericin content in eight brands of St. John's wort. American Journal of Health Systems and Pharmacy, 59, 545–7.Google Scholar
Delion, S., Chalon, S., Herault, J., Fuilloteau, D., Besnard, J. C. & Durand, G. (1994). Chronic dietary alpha-linolenic acid deficiency alters dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in rats. Journal of Nutrition, 124, 2466–75.Google Scholar
Buono, Dello M., Urciuoli, O., Marietta, P., Padoani, W. & Leo, D. (2001). Alternative medicine in a sample of 655 community-dwelling elderly. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 50, 147–54.Google Scholar
Duffield, A. M., Jamieson, D. D., Lidgard, R. O., Duffield, P. H. & Bourne, D. J. (1989). Identification of some human urinary metabolites of the intoxicating beverage kava. Journal of Chromatography, 475, 273–81.Google Scholar
Durr, D., Stieger, B., Kullak-Ublick, G. A.et al. (2000). St. John's wort induces intestinal p-glycoprotein/MDR1 and intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 68, 598–604.Google Scholar
Eich, H., Agelink, M. W., Lehmann, E., Lemmer, W. & Klieser, E. (2000). Acupuncture in patients with minor depressive episodes and generalized anxiety. Results of an experimental study. Fortschritte des Neurologie-Psychiatrie, 68, 137–44.Google Scholar
Eisenberg, D. M., Davis, R. B. & Ettner, S. L. (1998). Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 280, 246–52.Google Scholar
Ernst, E. (2001). The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Edinburgh: Mosby.
Ernst, E. (1997). Acupuncture as a symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis. A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 26, 444–7.Google Scholar
Ernst, E. & White, A. R. (1998). Acupuncture for back pain. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Archives of Internal Medicine, 158, 2235–41.Google Scholar
Fava, M., Alpert, J., Nierenberg, A. A.et al. (2005). A double-blind, randomized trial of St. John's wort, fluoxetine, and placebo in major depressive disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 25, 441–7.Google Scholar
Fetrow, C. W. & Avila, J. R. (2001). Efficacy of the dietary supplement S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 35, 1414–25.Google Scholar
Foster, S. & Tyler, V. E. (1999). Tyler's Honest Herbal. A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies, 4th edn. New York: Hayworth Herbal Press.
Fox, E. J. & Melzack, R. (1976). Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of acupuncture; comparison of treatment for low back pain. Pain, 2, 141–8.Google Scholar
Frangou, S., Lewis, M. & McCrone, P. (2006). Efficacy of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid in bipolar depression: randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study. British Journal of Psychiatry, 188, 46–50.Google Scholar
Friedel, H. A., Goa, Kl. & Benfield, P. (1989). S-adenosyl-L-methionine. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential in liver dysfunction and affective disorders in relation to its physiological role in cell metabolism. Drugs, 38, 389–416.Google Scholar
Garges, H. P., Varia, I. & Doraiswamy, P. M. (1998). Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal. Journal of the American Medical Association, 280, 1566–7 (letter).Google Scholar
Gaster, B. & Holroyd, J. (2000). St. John's wort for depression. Archives of Internal Medicine, 160, 152–6.Google Scholar
Glass, J. R., Sproule, B. A., Herrmann, N., Streiner, D. & Busto, U. E. (2003). Acute pharmacological effects of temazepam, diphenhydramine, and valerian in healthy elderly subjects. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 23, 260–8.Google Scholar
Han, J. S. & Terenius, L. (1982). Neurochemical basis of acupuncture analgesia. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 22, 193–220.Google Scholar
Han, J. S. (1986). Electroacupuncture: an alternative to antidepressants for treating affective diseases?International Journal of Neuroscience, 29, 79–92.Google Scholar
Center for Disease Control (2002). Hepatic toxicity possibly associated with kava-containing products–United States, Germany, and Switzerland, 1999–2002. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 51, 1065–7.
Hibbeln, J. R. (1998). Fish consumption and major depression. Lancet, 351, 1213 (letter).Google Scholar
Horrocks, L. A. & Yeo, Y. K. (1999). Health benefits of docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Pharmacological Research, 40, 211–25.Google Scholar
Houghton, P. J. (1999). The scientific basis for the reputed activity of valerian. Journal of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, 51, 505–12.Google Scholar
House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology (2000). 6th Report, Session 1999–2000. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. London: House of Lords.
Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group (2002). Effect of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) in major depressive disorder. A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 287, 1807–14.
Jacobson, J. M., Feinman, L., Liebes, L.et al. (2001). Pharmacokinetics, safety, and antiviral effects of hypericin, a derivative of St. John's wort plant, in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 45, 517–24.Google Scholar
Jensen, A. G., Hansen, S. H. & Nielsen, E. (2001). Adhyperforin as a contributor to the effect of Hypericum performaturm L. in biochemical models of antidepressant activity. Life Science, 68, 1593–605.Google Scholar
Kaufman, D. W., Kelly, J. P., Rosenberg, L., Anderson, T. E. & Mitchell, A. A. (2002). Recent patterns of medication use in the ambulatory adult population of the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 287, 337–44.Google Scholar
Kelley, D. S., Taylor, P. C., Nelson, G. J.et al. (1999). Docosahexaenoic acid ingestion inhibits natural killer cell activity and production of inflammatory mediators in young healthy men. Lipids, 34, 317–24.Google Scholar
Kosten, T. R., Kreck, M. J., Ragunath, J. & Kleber, H. B. (1986). A preliminary study of beta-endorphin during chronic naltrexon maintenance treatment in ex-opiate addicts. Life Science, 31, 55–9.Google Scholar
Lewith, G. T. & Lewith, N. R. (1980). Modern Chinese Acupuncture. Wellingborough, UK: Thorsons Publishers.
Lewith, G. T. & Kenyon, J. N. (1984). Physiological and psychological explanations for the mechanism of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic pain. Social Science and Medicine, 19, 1367–78.Google Scholar
Lewith, G. T. & Vincent, C. (1995). The evaluation of the clinical effects of acupuncture. A problem reassessed and a framework for future research. Pain Forum, 4, 29–39.Google Scholar
Linde, K. & Jonas, W. B. (1998). Meta-analysis of homoeopathy trials. Lancet, 351, 367–8.Google Scholar
Linde, K. & Mulrow, C. D. (2004). St. John's wort for depression. Cochrane Systematic Database of Reviews, 3. Oxford: Update Software Ltd.
Linde, K., Ramirez, G., Mulrow, C. D., Pauls, A., Weidenhammer, W. & Melchart, D. (1996). St. John's wort for depression – an overview and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. British Medical Journal, 313, 253–8.Google Scholar
Linde, K., Berner, M., Egger, M. & Mulrow, C. (2005). St. John's wort for depression. Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Psychiatry, 186, 11–17.Google Scholar
Luo, H., Jia, Y., Wu, X. & Dai, W. (1990). Electro-acupuncture in the treatment of depressive psychosis. International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, 1, 7–13.Google Scholar
Luo, H., Jia, Y. & Zhan, L. (1985). Electro-acupuncture vs amitriptyline in the treatment of depressive states. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 5, 3–8.Google Scholar
MacLennan, A. H., Wilson, D. H. & Taylor, A. W. (1996). Prevalence and cost of alternative medicine in Australia. Lancet, 347, 569–73.Google Scholar
MacPherson, H., Thomas, K., Walters, S. & Fitter, M. (2001). The York acupuncture safety study: prospective survey of 34000 treatments by traditional acupuncturists. British Medical Journal, 323, 486–7.Google Scholar
Maes, M. & Meltzer, H. Y. M. (1995). The serotonin hypothesis of major depression. In Psychopharmacology, The Fourth Generation of Progress, ed. Bloom, F. E. & Kupfer, D. J., pp. 933–41. New York: Raven Press.
Maes, M., Christophe, A., Delanghe, J., Altamura, C., Neels, H. & Meltzer, H. Y. (1999). Lowered 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids and cholesteryl esters of depressed patients. Psychiatry Research, 85, 275–91.Google Scholar
Maes, M., Smith, R., Christophe, A., Cosyns, P., Desnyder, R. & Meltzer, H. Y. (1996). Fatty acid composition in major depression: decreased 3 fractions in cholesteryl esters and increased C20:46/C20:53 ratio in cholesteryl esters and phospholipids. Journal of Affective Disease, 38, 35–46.Google Scholar
Marangell, L. B., Martinez, J. M., Zboyan, H. A., Kertz, B., Kim, H. F. S. & Puryear, L. J. (2003). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid in the treatment of major depression. Archives of General Psychiatry, 160, 996–8.Google Scholar
Melzack, R. & Wall, P. D. (1965). Pain mechanisms, a new theory. Science, 150, 971–9.Google Scholar
Meydani, S. N., Endres, S., Woods, M. M.et al. (1991). Oral (n-3) fatty acid supplementation suppresses cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation; comparison between young and older women. Journal of Nutrition, 121, 547–55.Google Scholar
Meydani, S. N., Lichtenstein, A. H., Cornwall, S.et al. (1993). Immunologic effects of national cholesterol education panel step-2 diets with and without fish-derived N-3 fatty acid enrichment. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 92, 105–13.Google Scholar
Montakab, H. (1999). Acupuncture and insomnia. Forsch Komplementarmed, 1 (Suppl.), 29–31.Google Scholar
Morris, C. A. & Avorn, J. (2003). Internet marketing of herbal products. Journal of the American Medical Association, 290, 1505–9.Google Scholar
Moses, E. L. & Mallinger, A. G. (2000). St. John's wort: three cases of possible mania induction. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 20, 115–17 (Letter).Google Scholar
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Kava (2004). http://www.naturaldatabase.com/monograph.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. SAMe (2004). http://www.naturaldatabase.com/monograph.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. St. John's wort (2004). http://www.naturaldatabase.com/monograph.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Valerian (2004). http://www.naturaldatabase.com/monograph.
Norton, S. A. & Ruze, P. (1994). Kava dermopathy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 31, 89–97.Google Scholar
O'Breasail, A. M. & Argouarch, S. (1998). Hypomania and St. John's wort. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 43, 746–7 (Letter).Google Scholar
Patel, S., Robinson, R. & Burk, M. (2002). Hypertensive crisis associated with St. John's wort. American Journal of Medicine, 112, 507–8 (Letter).Google Scholar
Peet, M. & Horrobin, D. F. (2002). A dose-ranging study of the effects of ethyl-eicosapentanoate in patients with ongoing depression despite apparently adequate treatment with standard drugs. Archives of General Psychiatry, 59, 913–19.Google Scholar
Pepping, J. (1999a). Kava: Piper methysticum. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 56, 957–60.Google Scholar
Pepping, J. (1999b). Omega-3 essential fatty acids. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 56, 719–24.Google Scholar
Pittler, M. H. & Ernst, E. (2003). Kava extract for treating anxiety (Cochrane Review). In The Cochrane Library, Issue 4. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Plushner, S. L. (2000). Valerian: Valeriana officinalis. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 57, 328–35.Google Scholar
Pomeranz, B. & Chiu, D. (1976). Naloxone blocks acupuncture analgesia and causes hyperalgesia: endorphin is implicated. Life Science, 19, 1757–62.Google Scholar
Review of Natural Products, efacts. Kava, 2003. http://efactsweb.com.
Review of Natural Products, efacts. St. John's wort, 2000. http://efactsweb.com.
Richard, A. J., Montoya, I. D., Nelson, R. & Spencer, R. T. (1995). Effectiveness of adjunct therapies in crack cocaine treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 12, 401–13.Google Scholar
Roschke, J., Wolf, C., Muller, M. J.et al. (2000). The benefit from whole body acupuncture in major depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 57, 73–81.Google Scholar
Roy, R., Tiller, W. A., Bell, I. & Hoover, M. R. (2005). The structure of liquid water; novel insights from materials research; potential relevance to homeopathy. Materials Research and Innovations, 9, 93–124.Google Scholar
Russman, S., Lauterburg, B. H. & Helbling, A. (2001). Kava hepatotoxicity. Annals of Internal Medicine, 135, 68–9 (letter).Google Scholar
Ruze, P. (1990). Kava-induced dermopathy: a niacin deficiency?Lancet, 335, 1442–5.Google Scholar
Schwartz, M., Saitz, R., Mulvey, K.et al. (1999). The value of acupuncture detoxification programs in a substance abuse treatment system. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 17, 305–12.Google Scholar
Schaffer, D. M., Gordon, N. P., Jensen, C. D. & Avins, A. L. (2003). Nonvitamin, nonmineral supplement use over a 12-month period by adult members of a large health maintenance organization. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 103, 1500–5.Google Scholar
Shelton, R. C., Keller, M. B., Gelenberg, A.et al. (2001). Effectiveness of St. John's wort in major depression, a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 285, 1978–86.Google Scholar
Singer, A., Wonnemann, M. & Müller, W. E. (1999). Hyperforin, a major antidepressant constituent of St. John's wort, inhibits serotonin uptake by elevating free intracellular Na+. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental and Therapeutics, 290, 1363–8.Google Scholar
Sirvent, T. M., Walker, L., Vance, N. & Gibson, D. M. (2002). Variation in hypericins from wild populations of Hypericum perforatum L. in the Pacific northwest of the U.S.A. Economic Botany, 56, 41–8.Google Scholar
Staffeldt, B., Kerb, R., Brockmüller, J., Ploch, M. & Roots, I. (1994). Pharmacokinetics of hypericin and pseudohypericin after oral intake of the Hypericum perforatum extract LI 160 in healthy volunteers. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 7 (Suppl. 1), S47–53.Google Scholar
Steiner, R. P., May, D. L. & Davis, A. W. (1982). Acupuncture therapy for the treatment of tobacco smoking addiction. American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 10, 107–21.Google Scholar
Stevinson, C. & Ernst, E. (2000). Valerian for insomnia: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Sleep Medicine, 1, 91–9.Google Scholar
Stevinson, C., Huntley, A. & Ernst, E. (2002). A systematic review of the safety of kava extract in the treatment of anxiety. Drug Safety, 25, 251–61.Google Scholar
Stoll, A. L., Severus, W. E., Freeman, M. P.et al. (1999). Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder. A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56, 407–12.Google Scholar
Strahl, S., Ehret, V., Dahm, H. H. & Maier, K. P. (1998). Necrotizing hepatitis after taking herbal remedies (in Dutch). Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift, 123, 1410–14.Google Scholar
Stramentinoli, G., Gualano, M. & Galli-Kienle, M. (1979). Intestinal absorption of S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Journal of Pharmacology Experimental Therapeutics, 209, 323–6.Google Scholar
Stramentinoli, G. (1987). Pharmacologic aspects of S-adenosylmethionine. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. American Journal of Medicine, 83, 35–42.Google Scholar
Su, K.-P., Huang, S.-Y., Chiu, C.-C. & Shen, W. W. (2003). Omega-3 fatty acids in major depressive disorder. A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 13, 267–71.Google Scholar
Thiede, H. M. & Walper, A. (1994). Inhibition of MAO and COMT by hypericum extracts and hypericin. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 7 (Suppl. 1), S54–6.Google Scholar
Travell, J. & Rinzler, S. H. (1946). Relief of cardiac pain by local block of somatic trigger areas. Proceedings of the Society of Experimental and Biological Medicine, 63, 480–2.Google Scholar
Tulder, M. W., Cherkin, D. C., Berman, B., Lao, L. & Koes, B. V. (1999). Acupuncture for low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Oxford: Update Software Ltd.
Vickers, A. J. (1996). Can acupuncture have specific effects on health? A systematic review of acupuncture antiemesis trials. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 89, 303–11.Google Scholar
Washburn, A. M., Fullilove, R. E., Fullilove, M. T.et al. (1993). Acupuncture heroin detoxification: a single-blind clinical trial. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 10, 345–51.Google Scholar
Wells, E. A., Jackson, R., Dias, O. R.et al. (1995). Acupuncture as an adjunct to methadone treatment services. American Journal of Addiction, 4, 169–214.Google Scholar
Wen, H. & Cheung, S. (1973). Treatment of drug addiction by acupuncture and electrical stimulation. Asian Journal of Medicine, 9, 138–41.Google Scholar
Wen, H. & Teo, S. (1975). Experience in the treatment of drug addiction by electro-acupuncture. Modern Medicine in Asia, 11, 23–4.Google Scholar
Wheatley, D. (2001). Kava and valerian in the treatment of stress-induced insomnia. Phytotherapy Research, 15, 549–51.Google Scholar
Whiskey, E., Werneke, U. & Taylor, D. (2001). A systematic review and meta-analysis of Hypericum perforatum in depression: a comprehensive clinical review. International Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 16, 239–52.Google Scholar
White, A. R., Rampes, H. & Ernst, E. (2002). Acupuncture for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
White, P., Lewith, G. T., Berman, B. & Birch, S. (2002). Reviews of acupuncture for chronic neck pain: pitfalls in conducting systematic reviews. Rheumatology, 41, 1224–31.Google Scholar
Woelk, H., Burkard, G. & Grunwald, J. (1994). Benefits and risks of the hypericum extract LI 160: drug monitoring study with 3250 patients. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 7 (Suppl. 1), S34–8.Google Scholar
Yang, X. (1994). Clinical observation on needling extra channel points in treatment of mental depression. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 14, 14–18.Google Scholar
Zullino, D. & Borgeat, F. (2003). Hypertension induced by St. John's wort. Pharmacopsychiatry, 36, 32 (Letter).Google Scholar

Save book to Kindle

To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

  • Complementary and alternative medicine
    • By Sally Guthrie, The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Ann Arbor, MI USA, George Lewith, Complementary Medicine Research Unit Mail Point OPH Royal South Hants Hospital Brintons Terrace Southampton UK
  • Edited by Peter Tyrer, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, Kenneth R. Silk, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Book: Cambridge Textbook of Effective Treatments in Psychiatry
  • Online publication: 12 May 2010
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511544392.009
Available formats
×

Save book to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

  • Complementary and alternative medicine
    • By Sally Guthrie, The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Ann Arbor, MI USA, George Lewith, Complementary Medicine Research Unit Mail Point OPH Royal South Hants Hospital Brintons Terrace Southampton UK
  • Edited by Peter Tyrer, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, Kenneth R. Silk, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Book: Cambridge Textbook of Effective Treatments in Psychiatry
  • Online publication: 12 May 2010
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511544392.009
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Complementary and alternative medicine
    • By Sally Guthrie, The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy Ann Arbor, MI USA, George Lewith, Complementary Medicine Research Unit Mail Point OPH Royal South Hants Hospital Brintons Terrace Southampton UK
  • Edited by Peter Tyrer, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, Kenneth R. Silk, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Book: Cambridge Textbook of Effective Treatments in Psychiatry
  • Online publication: 12 May 2010
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511544392.009
Available formats
×