Recent release on Chinese herbal medicine

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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) -

 

An herbal medicine used in Asia for 2,000 years can reduce the impact of

dementia, a small study suggests.

 

After 16 people took the Chinese herbal preparation ba wei di huang wan (BDW)

for 8 weeks, they showed a boost in mental functioning, and had less trouble

doing their day-to-day activities. In contrast, people who took an inactive

(placebo) pill experienced no improvements over the same time period.

 

" These results argue the benefits of BDW in the treatment of dementia, " the

authors, led by Dr. Koh Iwasaki of Tohoku University School of Medicine in

Miyagi, Japan, write.

 

The National Institute of Aging recommends that elderly people use caution

when taking herbal treatments, since many can interfere with other medicines.

 

According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society report, BDW has

been used for centuries by older adults throughout China, Japan and Korea.

Evidence also suggests the herbal treatment may ease fatigue, cold sensation,

and

muscle weakness.

 

To investigate whether BDW helps improve the mental abilities of people with

dementia, Iwasaki and colleagues asked 33 patients with mild to severe forms

of the condition to try either the treatment or a placebo for 8 weeks. None of

the patients, who were an average of 84 years old, were told which they were

taking.

 

Participants had dementia for an average of 5 years. By the end of the study

period, the authors noted that people who were given BDW showed a significant

improvement in their mental functioning, and in their ability to complete

day-to-day activities.

 

Even participants who showed minor improvements in mental functioning " became

quick in their action and response to caregivers, " the authors write. " Nurses

and families felt that the patients looked cheerful. "

 

People taking the placebo showed no significant improvement in either daily

activities or mental functioning, the authors note.

 

None of the patients taking BDW experienced any side effects.

 

The reasons why BDW may improve dementia remain unclear, Iwasaki and his

colleagues write. Some research suggests the treatment may boost the activity of

important proteins in the brain, increase the amount of brain substances

associated with learning and memory, or improve blood flow to the brain.

 

" A traditional Chinese medicine is not simply a purified substance but

contains many ingredients, and the interaction of these ingredients is

important, "

the authors write. " Eight herbs in BDW were carefully devised to interlock

according to the traditional rules. "

 

SOURCE: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, September 2004.