Psoriasis is usually treated with local and systemic medications that have varying degrees of efficacy and safety profiles. We investigated the efficacy and safety of an alternative treatment from natural sources, Mahonia aquifolium, for the management of mild to moderate psoriasis. Two hundred subjects participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using either the topical cream Reliéva (a homeopathic product containing a proprietary M. aquifolium extract) or control (placebo) twice a day for 12 weeks. Efficacy and safety were assessed using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and the Quality of Life Index (QLI) questionnaires at different times throughout the 12-week study. The PASI was evaluated by the physician at the beginning (week 0) and end (week 12) of the study. The QLI was assessed by patients at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. The results indicate statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvements in PASI and QLI in the Mahonia-treated group, compared with the control group. The side effects reported were infrequent, < 1% and minor; the most frequent side effects were rash, a burning sensation when applying the cream, and clothing stain. These data indicate that Reliéva, a proprietary form of M. aquifolium, is effective and well tolerated in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.

Effective treatments fo r the common cold have been diffic ult to develop because so many different types of virus are respons ible for this condition. Oral zinc has been studied as a possible mea ns ofpreventing O I' alle viating symptotns, with mixed resu lts. We studied a new app roach to zinc therapy-an ever-the-cou nter nasal ge l formu lation (Zieam)-to independently eva luate its efficaey as a treatment fo r the common cold. Our study was conducted at [o ur sites ove r a 5-month pe riod. The study group cons isted of2 13 patients with recent-onset ("5,24 hr) cold symptoms; 108 patients received zlnc therapy, and 105 received placebo. Sytnptom cha rts we re used to track the duration and severity ofeach patient's symptoms. At study 's end, the duration ofsymptoms was 2.3 days (± O. 9) in the zinc gro up and 9.0 days (±2.5) in the control gro up-s-a statistically significant differenee (p <0. 05). These results provide evidence tha t zinc nasal gel is effective in sho rtening the duration of common cold symptoms when tak en within 24 hou rs of their onse t.

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Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a homeopathic arnica gel (Arnicare?) in the treatment of sports related muscular soreness and pain. Design: Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial Setting: Self use of an over-the-counter preparation by athletes participating in a club sport activity. Subjects: Moderately trained athletes who experienced pain and stiffness after competitive sports games. Interventions: Arnicare?, a homeopathic gel containing 7% arnica montana 1X, or matching placebo, applied to the lower extremities 3 times daily shortly before and after sports games until resolution of symptoms. Main outcome measures: Pain and stiffness at different time points as assessed on a 100mm visual analogue scale after in total three sports games. Results: 120 subjects (54 males, 66 females) were enrolled and randomized into two groups of 60. Subjects were mainly basketball players (85%) and the groups were comparable at baseline. The overall (baseline adjusted) level of stiffness during the 72 hours following the sports game was significantly less in the Arnicare group as compared to the placebo group (23.7mm versus 29.1mm, P=0.02). With regard to the overall level of pain there was a similar trend that did not reach statistical significance (24.9mm versus 27.9mm, P=0.17). Between group differences were most pronounced 12-36 hours post-exercise. 2 subjects in the arnica group experienced mild side effects (slight tingling, itching) that did not lead to discontinuation of the treatment. Conclusions: Arnicare? gel can be used after sports activities to help with the short term effects of exercise stiffness and pain, as a substitute for OTC analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs: very few subjects used any analgesic in conjunction with Arnicare? gel. Furthermore, Arnicare? gel was safe in use.