News, Policy & Economics

FDA to Ban Ephedra, Eyes Other Herbs for Weight Loss

By Janet Gulland | Contributing Writer - Vol. 5, No. 1. , 2004

Citing a number of deaths associated with ephedra, the FDA opted to ban this herb as a dietary supplement for weight loss, and may soon go after similar herbs like Bitter Orange. Herb industry leaders and natural medicine practitioners contend that the deaths were due to abuse, and that when used appropriately under practitioner supervision, the herb is safe.

FDA to Address Obesity Epidemic

By Erik Goldman | Editor in Chief - Vol. 5, No. 1. , 2004

The Food and Drug Administration has made the obesity crisis one of its top priorities, taking on the role of coordinating all of the Federal government’s efforts in reversing the alarming trends. However, many public health experts question whether FDA truly has the resources or experience to contend with a problem of this scale.

SB 907 at a Glance

By Staff Writer - Vol. 4, No. 4. , 2003

A closer look at the historic law that grants Naturopathic Doctors the right to licensure and independent practice in the state of California.

Holistic Primary Care Launches CME Series on Nutritional Medicine

By Staff Writer - Vol. 4, No. 4. , 2003

As part of our ongoing effort to educate the medical community about safe, effective natural therapies, Holistic Primary Care is launching a series of accredited continuing medical education modules on nutrition. The first in the series is on natural approaches to managing high-risk lipid profiles to reduce heart disease.

NDs Win Right to Licensure, Independent Practice in California

By Erik L. Goldman | Editor in Chief - Vol. 4, No. 4. , 2003

After a protracted struggle with the California Medical Association and organizations representing other holistic practitioners, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) in California won the right to licensure. Under SB 907, NDs in California will now be able to practice as independent primary care doctors.

Policy Institute for Integrative Medicine Looks Beyond NCCAM Trials

By Staff Writer - Vol. 4, No. 3. , 2003

The federally funded clinical trials in natural medicine now underway are essential for evolution of the field, but they do not go far enough, according to Marc Micozzi, MD, PhD, director of the newly formed Policy Institute for Integrative Medicine. His goal is to translate findings from clinical trials into actionable public health policy.

NCCAM Offers Fiscal Incentives to Draw Holistic Research Expertise

By Janet Gulland | Contributing Writer - Vol. 4, No. 2. , 2003

In the interest of drawing experienced medical researchers into the field of natural medicine research, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is offering a number of financial aids, including loan repayment programs and special stipends.

Facing the Shadow Side of Statins: Petition Urges FDA to Mandate CoQ10 Recommendation on Statin Labels

By Erik L. Goldman | Editor in Chief - Vol. 3, No. 3. , 2002

Statins are very effective at reducing LDL and total cholesterol, but they also deplete coenzyme Q10, a naturally occurring substance that is essential for normal muscle and heart function. Citing evidence that a major statin manufacturer knew the risks in the early ’90s but took no action, Dr. Julian Whitaker sent a petition to the FDA to put a black box warning on all statin labels stating the dangers of CoQ10 depletion.