Competitive Analysis Of Alternative Medicine In Bangladesh

View With Charts And Images  

Introduction

Alternative Medicine, the most favorite as well as the demandable market in today’s world.
Today’s mammoth corporate Maknom International Inc. once started their
operation with Therapeutic Items. With changing pattern of consumers’ life
style this medicine has turned in to much alternative medicine. Like acupuncture
there are also many giant companies like E. M Therapist, operating their alternative
medicine market throughout the world by franchising, licensing and many other
ways to globalize the alternative medicine markets. 

Bangladesh
is one of the great markets for Alternative medicine. There are more than one
crore people represent a big market size for the marketers. Earlier people used
to entertain their guests or acquaintances with medicine. But with changing
time people become trendier. They are now approaching in to alternative
including all kinds of medicine. This trend touches the medicine manufacturer.
As a result we can see a lot of companies are now operating their business in
this sector and many new companies are enthusiastic to enter in to the market.

History of Mk-082, E.M Therapist

There
is an ancient Chinese proverb that says, “May you live in interesting
times.” While some scholars say this expression was originally a curse. We
at MAKNOM see it differently. We celebrate the many interesting changes that
have come our way over the last 12 years- especially when it comes to the
people we work with.

Our
society is more diverse today than at any time in the past, a rich tapestry
that comprises countless different backgrounds, ethnicities & attitudes. At
MAKNOM we recognize that, just as the right blend of seasonings can give a dish
its own unique taste, the many differences among us are what give life its
fascinating flavor. In this spirit, we’ve created a plan that integrates best
business practices to create a work place that reflects the unique diversity of
a global life.

Over
the last 12 years Maknom International Inc. is working in several fields, one
of which is sales & marketing. In this field there are several products in
different series. MK-082 E.M therapist is one of them. This product belongs to
therapeutic series. With the help of Chinese specialist this product is made by
our own supervision in our own factory in U.S.A. Over the years this product
has gained several certifications & successfully marketed in North America,
UK, Ireland, and Australia. At last we have started in Asia. I hope this
product will help the people of this zone for better health like other
countries.

The
question whether alternating or pulsating magnetic fields have a biological
effect, can be answered positively, in as much as the physical entity
“magnetic field” is in a position to affect the organism in a
bioenergetics way. We know that with many diseases the surface potentials of
the cells in the organism seem to vary when compared with the normal values.

The magnetic field
completely permeates the body and thus every single cell. The ions in the cells
and the colloidal system are influenced, as we know, by magnetism and are moved
in accordance with the magnetic pulsation that passes through them.

Furthermore,
recent experiments proved that the partial pressure of oxygen in the tissue may
increase up to 1,000% compared to the initial value under the influence of
pulsating magnetic fields of a certain intensity and frequency. Thus the
pulsating magnetic field enables an effective therapy which can be used for a
broad range of indications. The changes in the surface potentials of the cell,
the colloidal state and the degree of ionization of the tissue, which occur in
many diseases are markedly influenced by the entire body in rapid pulsation.

This causes a
better blood circulation in the vessels and capillaries, increasing the partial
pressure of oxygen in the tissue and resulting in an accelerated transportation
of metabolic waste products – a basic requirement for every healing process. Measurements
by means of highly sensitive thermography devices showed a significantly
improved circulation. Magnetic fields permeate the whole organism. When
intensity and frequency are controlled properly, energy is accumulated in all
tissues of the body. As a result of long-lasting changes in the condition of
the colloidal tissues increases in cell activity and membrane potential will
occur. In addition, intra-corporeal electric processes will intensity again and
a regeneration of all functional parts and organs of the body can be clearly
noted.

“Magnetic fields
can be localized and targeted,” says neurologist Michael J. McLean, MD of
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville, Tenn., where more than
5,000 patients have been treated with magnets. 

According to a new
book, The Pain Relief Breakthrough: The Power of Magnets, co-authors Julian
Whitaker, M.D., and Brenda Adderly say magnets can also help headaches,
arthritis, menstrual cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome and a variety of other
ailments.  “My patients have reaped the benefits of magnets, and I believe
that millions more can experience these miraculous results as well,” says
Whitaker, director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, Calif.,
and founder of the American Preventative Medicine Association.

Many
studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause
multiple biological responses. These responses can occur locally, i.e., at or
close to the site of application, or at a distance, mediated mainly by sensory
neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to
activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain as
well as in the periphery. A focus of attention has been the role of endogenous
opioids in acupuncture analgesia. Considerable evidence supports the claim that
opioid peptides are released during acupuncture and that the analgesic effects
of acupuncture are at least partially explained by their actions. That opioid
antagonists such as naloxone reverse the analgesic effects of acupuncture
further strengthens this hypothesis. Stimulation by acupuncture may also
activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad
spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters
and neurohormones and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally
and peripherally, have been documented. There is also evidence of alterations
in immune functions produced by acupuncture. Which of these and other
physiological changes mediate clinical effects is at present unclear.

Despite
considerable efforts to understand the anatomy and physiology of the
“acupuncture points,” the definition and characterization of these
points remain controversial. Even more elusive is the scientific basis of some
of the key traditional Eastern medical concepts such as the circulation of ei,
the meridian system, and other related theories, which are difficult to
reconcile with contemporary biomedical information but continue to play an
important role in the evaluation of patients and the formulation of treatment
in acupuncture.

Some
of the biological effects of acupuncture have also been observed when
“sham” acupuncture points are stimulated, highlighting the importance
of defining appropriate control groups in assessing biological changes
purported to be due to acupuncture. Such findings raise questions regarding the
specificity of these biological changes. In addition, similar biological
alterations, including the release of endogenous opioids and changes in blood
pressure, have been observed after painful stimuli, vigorous exercise, and/or
relaxation training; it is at present unclear to what extent acupuncture shares
similar biological mechanisms.

It
should be noted also that for any therapeutic intervention, including
acupuncture, the so-called “non-specific” effects account for a
substantial proportion of its effectiveness and thus should not be casually
discounted. Many factors may profoundly determine therapeutic outcome,
including the quality of the relationship between the clinician and the
patient, the degree of trust, the expectations of the patient, the
compatibility of the backgrounds and belief systems of the clinician and the
patient, as well as a myriad of factors that together define the therapeutic
milieu.

Although
much remains unknown regarding the mechanism(s) that might mediate the
therapeutic effect of acupuncture, the panel is encouraged that a number of
significant acupuncture-related biological changes can be identified and
carefully delineated. Further research in this direction not only is important
for elucidating the phenomena associated with acupuncture, but also has the potential
for exploring new pathways in human physiology not previously examined in a
systematic manner.

An
Alternative Therapy for Better Health

Acupuncture)

Introduction:

Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of traditional Chinese medicine. A whole medical system that
originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from
disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices
such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by
restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi (TCM), acupunctureA family of procedures that originated in
traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points
on the body by a variety of techniques, including the insertion of thin metal
needles though the skin. It is intended to remove blockages in the flow of qi
and restore and maintain health. Aims to restore and maintain health
through the stimulation of specific points on the body. In the United States,
where practitioners incorporate healing traditions from China, Japan, Korea,
and other countries, acupuncture is considered part of complementary
and alternative medicineA group of diverse medical and health care systems,
practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of
conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with
conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of
conventional medicine. (CAM).

Key Points:

• Acupuncture has been
  practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years.
• Scientists are
  studying the efficacy of acupuncture for a wide range of conditions.
• Relatively few
  complications have been reported from the use of acupuncture. However,
  acupuncture can cause potentially serious side effects if not delivered
  properly by a qualified practitioner.
• Tell your health
  care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use.
  Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will
  help ensure coordinated and safe care.

About Acupuncture:
The term
“acupuncture” describes a family of procedures involving the
stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The
acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves
penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by
the hands or by electrical stimulation.

Practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years,
acupuncture is one of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine. In
TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable
forces: yin and yangThe concept of two opposing yet
complementary forces described in traditional Chinese medicine. Yin represents
cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot,
excited, or active aspects. A major theory is that health is achieved through
balancing yin and yang and disease is caused by an imbalance leading to a
blockage in the flow of qi.. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive
principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle.
According to TCM, health is achieved by maintaining the body in a
“balanced state”; disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and
yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qiIn
traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to
regulate a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be
influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. (Vital energy) along
pathways known as meridians. Qi can be unblocked, according to TCM, by using acupuncture
at certain points on the body that connect with these meridians. Sources vary
on the number of meridians, with numbers ranging from 14 to 20. One commonly
cited source describes meridians as 14 main channels “connecting the body
in a weblike interconnecting matrix” of at least 2,000 acupuncture points.

Acupuncture became better known in the United States in 1971, when New York
Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to
ease his pain after surgery. American practices of acupuncture incorporate
medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries.

Acupuncture Use in the United States:

The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at
the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is
being “widely” practiced—by thousands of physicians, dentists,
acupuncturists, and other practitioners—for relief or prevention of pain and
for various other health conditions. According to the 2007 National Health Interview
Survey, which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use by Americans, an
estimated 3.1 million U.S. adults and 150,000 children had used acupuncture in
the previous year. Between the 2002 and 2007 NHIS, acupuncture use among adults
increased by three-tenths of 1 percent (approximately 1 million people).

Acupuncture Side Effects and Risks:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles
for use by licensed practitioners, requiring that needles be manufactured and
labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires that
needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified
practitioners only.

Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported
to the FDA, in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number
of acupuncture needles used. Still, complications have resulted from inadequate
sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments.
Practitioners should use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed
package for each patient and should swab treatment sites with alcohol or
another disinfectant before inserting needles. When not delivered properly,
acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and
punctured organs.

Status of Acupuncture Research:

There have been many studies on acupuncture’s potential health benefits for
a wide range of conditions. Summarizing earlier research, the 1997 NIH
Consensus Statement on Acupuncture found that, overall, results were hard to
interpret because of problems with the size and design of the studies.

In the years since the Consensus Statement was issued, the National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has funded extensive
research to advance scientific understanding of acupuncture. Some recent
NCCAM-supported studies have looked at:

• Whether acupuncture
  works for specific health conditions such as chronic low-back pain,
  headache, and osteoarthritis of the knee
• How acupuncture
  might work, such as what happens in the brain during acupuncture treatment
• Ways to better
  identify and understand the potential neurological properties of meridians
  and acupuncture points
• Methods and
  instruments for improving the quality of acupuncture research

Finding a Qualified Practitioner:

Health care providers can be a resource for referral to acupuncturists, and
some conventional medical practitioners—including physicians and
dentists—practice acupuncture. In addition, national acupuncture organizations
(which can be found through libraries or Web search engines) may provide
referrals to acupuncturists.

• Check a practitioner’s credentials. Most states require
  a license to practice acupuncture; however, education and training
  standards and requirements for obtaining a license to practice vary from
  state to state. Although a license does not ensure quality of care, it
  does indicate that the practitioner meets certain standards regarding the
  knowledge and use of acupuncture.
• Do not rely on a diagnosis of disease by an
  acupuncture practitioner who does not have substantial conventional
  medical training. If you have received
  a diagnosis from a doctor, you may wish to ask your doctor whether
  acupuncture might help.

What To Expect from Acupuncture Visits:

During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length
about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will
want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that
may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments
or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.

Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience
acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles is
inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle
can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to
seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.

Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.

Treatment Costs:

Ask the practitioner about the estimated number of treatments needed and
how much each treatment will cost. Some insurance companies may cover the costs
of acupuncture, while others may not. It is important to check with your
insurer before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture is covered for
your condition and, if so, to what extent. (For more information, see NCCAM’s
fact sheet paying for CAM
Treatment.)

ClinicalTrials.gov:

ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of information on federally and privately
supported clinical trials (research studies in people) for a wide range of
diseases and conditions. It is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health
and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Acupuncture May Help
Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder:

A pilot study shows that acupuncture may help people with posttraumatic
stress disorder. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder
that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave
physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger
PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters,
accidents, or military combat.

Michael Hollifield, M.D., and colleagues conducted a clinical trial
examining the effect of acupuncture on the symptoms of PTSD. The researchers
analyzed depression, anxiety, and impairment in 73 people with a diagnosis of
PTSD. The participants were assigned to receive either acupuncture or group
cognitive-behavioral therapy over 12 weeks, or were assigned to a wait-list as
part of the control group. The people in the control group were offered
treatment or referral for treatment at the end of their participation.

The researchers found that acupuncture provided treatment effects similar
to group cognitive-behavioral therapy; both interventions were superior to the
control group. Additionally, treatment effects of both the acupuncture and the
group therapy were maintained for 3 months after the end of treatment.

The limitations of the study are consistent with preliminary research. For
example, this study had a small group of participants that lacked diversity, and
the results do not account for outside factors that may have affected the
treatments’ results.

References:

• Michael Hollifield,
  Nityamo Sinclair-Lian, Teddy D. Warner, and Richard Hammerschlag,
  “Acupuncture for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized

Acupuncture Shows Promise in
Improving Rates of Pregnancy Following IVF

A review of seven clinical trials of acupuncture given with embryo transfer
in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) suggests that acupuncture may
improve rates of pregnancy. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of couples experience
reproductive difficulty and seek specialist fertility treatments, such as IVF.
IVF, which involves retrieving a woman’s egg, fertilizing it in the laboratory,
and then transferring the embryo back into the woman’s womb, is an expensive,
lengthy, and stressful process. Identifying a complementary approach that can
improve success would be welcome to patients and providers.

According to Eric Manheimer of the University Of Maryland School Of
Medicine’s Center for Integrative Medicine and colleagues who conducted the
systematic review, acupuncture has been used in China for centuries to regulate
the female reproductive system. With this in mind, the reviewers analyzed
results from seven clinical trials of acupuncture in women who underwent IVF to
see if rates of pregnancy were improved with acupuncture. The studies
encompassed data on over 1366 women and compared acupuncture, given within one
day of embryo transfer, with sham acupuncture, or no additional treatment.

The reviewers found that acupuncture given as a complement to IVF increased
the odds of achieving pregnancy. According to the researchers, the results
indicate that 10 women undergoing IVF would need to be treated with acupuncture
to bring about one additional pregnancy. The results, considered preliminary,
point to a potential complementary treatment that may improve the success of
IVF and the need to conduct additional clinical trials to confirm these
findings.

References:

• Manheimer E, Zhang
  G, Udoff L, et al. Effect of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live
  birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: systematic review and
  meta-analysis. British Medical Journal. Published online
  February 2008.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the history
  of acupuncture
• Compare the
  differences between western medicine and Chinese medicine
• Identify how
  acupuncture research is conducted
• Describe research on
  the efficacy of acupuncture and the mechanisms underlying itsvarious uses

This lecture is part of the CAM Online Education Series.
The series contains 10 chapters. Each lecture includes:

• A video lecture by
  one author, including the transcript
• A question and
  answer transcript
• An optional online test
• Additional resource
  links
• A certificate of
  completion

Thus, the effectiveness
of TCM in the past was largely determined by the doctor prescribing and
administering the formula. These doctors drew upon all of their resources in
prescribing a specific formula: Physiology and pathology of the human body,
disease etiology, blood, bodily fluids, channels-collateral, and
differentiation of symptom-complexes all relate to the physical manifestations
of an illness. The doctors then interpreted these physical manifestations
through the basic theories of Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, Zang-fu, and Qi.

Modern Chinese Medicine

For
years, the Chinese government and the government of the Republic of China on
Taiwan have put great efforts into promoting the modernization of Chinese
medicine. As a result, there are now professionals trained in both traditional
Chinese Medicine and modern Western medicine to conduct research on the
development of Chinese Medicine. The Western Science methodologies have been
employed to analyze the effectiveness of herbs and treatment on various
subjects. Many of the differences between TCM and Western scientific practices
are now being studied for their synergistic potential. Joint research efforts
with research institutes such as Stanford University, College of Physicians
& Surgeons of Columbia University, and National Cancer Institute have been
made to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese Medicine and improve the
classification and selection/prescription of formulas. This research indicates
that Chinese Medicine is very effective in regenerating organic function and
treating chronic diseases.

A
modern diagnosis technique is also used to enhance the old traditional
diagnosis method. Taking a patient’s pulse has been a traditional way of
detecting illness. With new techniques developed through modern Chinese
Medicine, pressure reactions convert variances in the patient’s pulse into
electromagnetic waves. These waves are analyzed by a computer and then
registered on a screen. This represents the combination of modern scientific
precision with the art of traditional Chinese Medicine. It opens up a new world
of medical diagnosis and treatment.

Western
methodologies are also making the formula of TCM available globally.
Originally, these ancient formulas once prescribed were taken home and slowly
boiled into soup to be consumed. This four-hour process was done twice daily
and the soup often smelled and tasted unpleasant. Modern technology has finally
enabled the potent essence of these healing herbs to be extracted in their
natural state for delivery to people in need around the world.

Human Organ Restoration Theory

The
Human Organ
Restoration Theory is a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) and Western Scientific methodologies. Initially, pathology,
symptommatology and clinical therapeutics in the East and West were studied to
bring about the best treatment possible. With the precision of western
technology, the exact combination of herbs was determined and its effectiveness
was evaluated. The restoration of organic function is done by using Chinese
medicinal herbs. These herbs are formulated to regulate physiologic functions
while at the same time repairing the dysfunction of the pathologic organ. With
the help of modern technology, the effectiveness of TCM can be verified through
analysis. Once the effectiveness of the treatment is determined, the normal
physiologic metabolism is restored.

The Advantages of TCM

For
most of its history Western medicine has approached health and a well being from
a very different perspective. It has been reactive, rather than proactive.
Symptoms and science have been the drivers. Western medicine examines and
dissects to determine what is not working in the body and attempts to introduce
external, often synthetic, chemical compounds to compensate. TCM, on the other
hand, asks why the body is not functioning properly and attempts to use
individualized organic herbal formula to rejuvenate and to restore the body to
its natural state.

For
example, Westerners determined that people with Diabetes Mellitus
lack sufficient insulin and/or the ability to regulate the amount of insulin
that their bodies produce. So they created an industry to allow diabetics to
externally monitor and regulate this function by testing their blood and by
injecting themselves with manufactured insulin. TCM instead focuses its
treatment on restoring the natural balance and functionality of each person’s
organs. TCM, more specifically, has developed formula which helps to restore
the pancreas and to revitalize natural insulin production and regulation within
the body.

TCM
offers many advantages and can be used safely on its own or as a complement to
Western pharmaceuticals. The most significant advantages of the TCM approach
are:  

Thousands
of years of classification, testing, and refinement of herbal formulas.

·
Few and often no
side-effects due to natural ingredients.

·
Individualized
treatment

·
No chemical
residues, unlike many Western pharmaceuticals.

·
Treats the why
(from the root), not the what (from the symptoms).

·
Rejuvenates the
body’s organs to correct symptoms at their root causes.

·
Revitalizes the
body’s natural immune system.

·
Long-term
results.

Diabetes
and Hypoglycemic Effects of Selected Ingredients:

Dia-Naturale, a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulated by Dr.
Lian Jin Chong, is designed to restore pancreatic function and to proliferate
insulin beta cells. Yu Xiao San has been shown to gradually and effectively
lower blood-sugar levels and increase insulin secretion. In addition it has
been shown to regulate carbohydrate metabolism, improve blood circulation,
lower blood cholesterol and increase immune response1. The main herb components
are Gui Jian Yu (Euonymus alatus).

Clinical
Results:

From Feb. 1992 to
Oct. 1992, 10,618 cases were selected as subjects based upon the diagnostic
criteria established for diabetes mellitus by the World Health Organization.
The patients were drawn for clinical assessment from the formerly China Beijing
Chao Yang District Red Cross Hospital (presently Beijing Anyuan Hospital) and
from 48 comparable hospitals nationwide.

Treatment Criteria and Result:

Clinical Recovery: The preferred criterion: FPG (Fasting Plasma Glucose) <6.1 mmol/L
(110mg/dl), HbA1c <6.8%; symptoms and complications recovery; discontinuing
medication after 3 months or more. 

Effect of Dia-Naturale of Hyperglycemia Using a Streptozotocin-Induced
Insulin Resistant Diabetic Rat Model

In a placebo
controlled experiment on the effect of Yu Xiao San 8805 on the treatment of
hyperglycemia using a streptozotocin-induced insulin resistant diabetic rat
model with the Medical School of Stanford University in the United States3 in
1994, about 100 rats were introduced and were divided into three groups –
placebo, Yu Xiao San 8805, and a western drug “Metformin”. Dr. Ida
Chen, director of General Clinical Research Core Laboratory and senior research
scientist of Stanford University School of Medicine, stated that ?Yu Xiao San
8805 has shown statistically significant effect on the increase in
triglycerides (TG) in these streptozotocin-induced insulin resistant diabetic
rats. Specifically, plasma TG concentration tends to increase in diabetic rats
(and in diabetic patients); both Metformin and Yu Xiao San 8805 appeared to
have a “controlling” effect – i.e. “they alleviated the
increment of TG occurring in these rats.”4

Pancreas Islet
Cells Stimulation by Euonymus alatus

Scientists from
Japan have tested that Euonymus alata sieb has a blood sugar lowering action.
The administration from the sodium oxalacetate, the effective component of
Euonymus alata sieb brought about lowering of the blood sugar level in normal
and alloxan diabetic animals. The same drug was given to diabetic patients, and
it found effective in all of 10 of Type I and in 6 of 11 of Type II diabetics.
It was also found that long-term administration of sodium oxalacetate induced
hyperplasia and proliferation of the islet cells of the pancreas in rats, but
no mentionable changes were found in other organs.

The findings
suggest that the active component of Euonymus alata sieb stimulates the islet
cells, regulates the abnormal metabolic process, and enhances the secretion of
insulin, and thereby controls the diabetic condition.6

This product is composed of the following ingredients:
Euonymus alatus, Cortex Lycii Radicis, Arctium Lappa L., Platycodon
Grandiflorum, Litchi Chinensis, Curcuma longa, Panax quinquefolium L.

Euonymus Alatus

In an experiment
with normal mice and Alloxan induced diabetic mice, Euonymus Alatus showed
hypoglycemic effects. The fasting serum glucose level in diabetic mice was
reduced significantly, but similar effect on fasting serum glucose level was
not produced in normal mice.7

Cortex Lycii Radicis

It is reported that soluble molecules of Cortex Lycii
Radicis had hypoglycemic effects on rats.8

Arctium Lappa L.

Animal data:
Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice given burdock experienced

aggravation of hyperglycemia .9 However, studies in non-diabetic rats indicate
some

Platycodon Grandiflorum

The effect of Platycodon grandiflorum on the
improvement of insulin resistance and lipid profile was investigated in lean
(Fa/-) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats, a model for noninsulin dependent diabetes
mellitus. Dietary Platycodon grandiflorum feeding for 4 weeks resulted in a
significant decrease in the concentration of plasma triglyceride in both lean
and obese Zucker rats. Furthermore, dietary Platycodon grandiflorum markedly
decreased both plasma cholesterol and fasting plasma insulin levels, and
significantly decreased the postprandial glucose level at 30 min during oral
glucose tolerance test in obese Zucker rats. Although there was no statistical
significance, the crude glucose transporter 4 protein levels of obese rats fed
Platycodon grandiflorum tended to increase when compared with that of obese
control rats. Therefore, the present results suggested that Platycodon
grandiflorum may be useful in prevention and improvement of metabolic disorders
characterized by hyperinsulinemia states such as noninsulin dependent diabetes
mellitus, syndrome X, and coronary artery disease.12

Curcuma longa
(Turmeric)

In a research
study of the effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active principle,
curcumin, on diabetes mellitus in an Alloxan induced diabetic rat model.
Administration of turmeric or curcumin to diabetic rats reduced the blood
sugar, Hb and glycosylated hemoglobin levels significantly. Turmeric and
curcumin supplementation also reduced the oxidative stress encountered by the
diabetic rats. This was demonstrated by the lower levels of TBARS
(thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), which may have been due to the
decreased influx of glucose into the polyol pathway leading to an increased
NADPH/NADP ratio and elevated activity of the potent antioxidant enzyme GPx.
Moreover, the activity of SDH (sorbitol dehydrogenase), which catalyzes the
conversion of sorbitol to fructose, was lowered significantly on treatment with
turmeric or curcumin.13

Panax
quinquefolium L. (American Ginseng)

In a double blind,
randomized, placebo-controlled preliminary short-term clinical study to examine
the effects of postprandial glycemia in humans, American ginseng (Panax qinquefolius
L) Ginseng attenuated postprandial glycemia in both diabetic and nondiabetic
subjects. No differences were found in postprandial glycemia between placebo
and ginseng when administered together with the glucose challenge to
non-diabetic subjects. When ginseng was taken 40 minutes before the glucose
challenge, significant reductions were observed (P<.05). In subjects with
type 2 diabetes mellitus, the same was true whether capsules were taken before
or together with the glucose challenge (P<.05). Reductions in area under the
glycemic curve were 18%+/-31% for nondiabetic subjects and 19+/-22% and
22+/-17% for subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus administered before or
together with the glucose challenge, respectively.14

Conclusion

Yu Xiao San 8805,
composed of material medica of Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used since
1988 as a Traditional Chinese Medicine for Type I and Type II diabetic patients
in China Beijing Chaoyang District Red Cross Hospital (presently Beijing Anyuan
Hospital) as well as other state hospitals in China. Clinical study in 1992 of
10618 cases, and an animal study in 1994 suggested that Yu Xiao San 8805
lowered blood sugar levels and had a controlling effect on triglycerides (TG)
levels, respectively. Studies of ingredients of Yu Xiao San 8805 also suggested
various hypoglycemic effects. Further studies are needed to investigate the
mechanisms of Yu Xiao San 8805’s functions in human body.

This
classification system was designed by the National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to assist in prioritizing applications for
research grants in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It is divided
into seven major categories and includes examples of practices or preparations
in each category. Mandated by Congress, the NCCAM was established under the
Department of Health and Human Services to support high quality scientific
research into both the safety and efficacy of alternative medical treatments.

The fact that CAM therapies
are being investigated does not mean that they are effective.

Within each major category there are 3 sub-categories:

·
CAM: Medical practices that are not commonly used,
accepted, or available in conventional medicine.

·
Behavioral medicine: Those practices that
fall mainly within the domains of conventional medicine.

·
Overlapping:

Practices that can be either CAM or behavioral medicine, depending on their
application. 

Information presented is for viewer education only. DoctorsCorner.Com
does not endorse any particular form of alternative therapy.

I. Mind-Body Medicine Mind-body medicine involves behavioral, psychological, social, and spiritual approaches to health. It is divided into four subcategories:  Mind-body systems; Mind-body methods; Religion and spirituality; Social and contextual areas.

Mind-Body
Systems

This
subcategory involves whole systems of mind-body practice that are used largely
as primary interventions for disease. They are rarely delivered alone; instead,
they are used in combination with lifestyle interventions, or are part of a
traditional medical system. 

Mind-Body Methods

This subcategory contains individual modalities used
in mind-body approaches to health. These approaches are often considered
conventional practice and overlap with CAM only when applied to medical
conditions for which they are not usually used (for example, hypnosis for genetic
problems).

CAM

Yoga Internal Qigong Tai Chi

Behavioral Medicine

Psychotherapy Meditation Imagery

Hypnosis Biofeedback Support Groups

Overlapping

Art Therapy Music Therapy Dance Therapy

Journaling Humor Body Psychotherapy

Religion and Spirituality

This subcategory deals with those no behavioral
aspects of spirituality and religion that examine their relationship to
biological function or clinical conditions.

CAM

Confession Nonlocality Nontemporality

Soul Retrieval Spiritual Healing “Special” Healers

Social and
Contextual Areas

This
subcategory refers to social, cultural, symbolic, and contextual interventions
that are not covered in other areas.

CAM

Caring-based Approaches (for example, Holistic Nursing, Pastoral Care) Intuitive Diagnosis

Placebo Explanatory Models Community-based Approaches (for example, Alcoholics Anonymous, Native American “sweat” rituals)

II. Alternative Medical Systems This category involves complete systems of theory and practice that have been developed outside of the Western biomedical approach. It is divided into four subcategories: Acupuncture and Oriental medicine; Traditional Indigenous systems; Unconventional Western systems; Naturopathy.

Acupuncture
and Oriental Medicine

Acupuncture Herbal Formulas Diet External and Internal Qi Gong Tai Chi Massage and Manipulation (Tui Na) Acupotomy

This subcategory includes major indigenous systems of
medicine other than acupuncture and traditional oriental medicine.

Native American Medicine Ayurvedic Medicine Unani-Tibbi, SIDDHI Kampo Medicine Traditional African Medicine Traditional Aboriginal Medicine Curanderismo Central and South American Practices Psychic Surgery

Unconventional
Western Systems

This subcategory includes alternative medical systems
developed in the West that are not classified elsewhere.

CAM

Homeopathy Functional Medicine Environmental Medicine Radiesthesia, Psionic Medicine Cayce-based Systems Kneipp “classical”  Homeopathy Orthomolecular Medicine Radionics

Overlapping

Anthroposophically-extended Medicine

Naturopathy:

This subcategory is an eclectic collection of natural
systems and therapies that has gained prominence in the United States.

III. Lifestyle and Disease Prevention This category involves theories and practices designed to prevent the development of illness, identify and treat risk factors, or support the healing and recovery process. Lifestyle and disease prevention is concerned with integrated approaches for the prevention and management of chronic disease in general or the common determinants of chronic disease.

It is divided
into Three Subcategories:

Clinical
preventative practices

Lifestyle
therapies

Health
promotion.

Clinical Preventative Practices:

This subcategory refers to unconventional approaches
used to screen for and prevent health-related imbalances, dysfunction, and
disease. 

Electro-dermal Diagnostics Medical Intuition Chiriography

Functional Cellular Enzyme Measures Panchakarma

Lifestyle Therapies:

This
subcategory deals with complete systems of lifestyle management that include
behavioral changes, dietary changes, exercise, stress management, and addiction
control. To be classified as CAM, the changes in lifestyle must be based on a
nonorthodox system of medicine, be applied in unconventional ways, or be
applied across non-Western diagnostic approaches. 

Health Promotion:

This subcategory involves laboratory and
epidemiological research on healing, the healing process, health promoting
factors, and autoregulatory mechanisms.

IV. Biologically-Based Therapies This category includes natural and biologically-based practices, interventions, and products. Many overlap with conventional medicine’s use of dietary supplements. This category is divided into four subcategories:  Phytotherapy or herbalism; Special diet therapies; Orthomolecular medicine; Pharmacological, biological and instrumental interventions.

Phytotherapy or Herbalism:

This subcategory addresses plant-derived preparations
that are used for therapeutic and preventive purposes. 

Individual Herbs:

Ginkgo Biloba Hypericum Garlic Ginseng Echinacea Saw Palmetto Urtica Diocia (Nettle)  Kava Kava Hawthorne Witch Hazel Bilberry Ginger Aloe Vera Capsicum Feverfew Green Tea

Tea Tree Oil Licorice Root Yohimbe Valerian Bee Pollen Cat’s Claw Evening Primrose Dong Quai Fenugreek Marshmallow Psyllium Tumeric Mistletoe Mahonia Aquifolium Oleum Menthaepiperitea (Peppermint Oil)

Combinations:

Padma 28 Essiac JCL 2306

Hoxsey Saw Palmetto/Pygeum Africanium

Special Diet Therapies:

This subcategory includes dietary approaches and
special diets that are applied as alternative therapies for risk factors or
chronic disease in general. 

Pritikin Ornish McDougall Gerson Kelly-Gonzales Wigmore Livingston-Wheeler Atkins Diamond

Vegetarian Fasting High Fiber Macrobiotic Mediterranean Paleolithic Asian Natural Hygiene

Orthomolecular Medicine:

This subcategory refers to products used as
nutritional and food supplements (and not covered in other categories). These
products are used for preventive or therapeutic purposes. They are usually used
in combinations and at high doses. Examples include niacinamide for arthritis
and melatonin to prevent breast cancer.

Single Nutrients:

Ascorbic Acid Carotenes Tocopherols Folic Acid Niacin Niacinamide Pantothenic Acid Pyridoxine Riboflavin Thiamine Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin K Biotin Choline S-adenosylmethionine Calcium Magnesium Selenium Potassium Taurine Lysine Tyrosine Gamma-oryzanol

Iodine Iron Manganese Molybdenum Boron Silicon Vanadium Co-enzyme Q10 Carnitine Probiotics Glutamine Phenylalanine Glucosamine Sulfate Chondroitin Sulfate Lipoic Acid Amino Acids Phosphatidylserine Melatonin DHEA Inositol Glandular Products Fatty Acids Medium Chain Triglycerides

Pharmacological, Biological and Instrumental Interventions:

This
subcategory includes products and procedures applied in an unconventional
manner that are not covered in other categories. 

Products:

Coley’s Toxins Antineoplastons Cartilage EDTA Ozone H2O2 Hyperbaric Oxygen IAT 714X MHT-68

Gallo Immunotherapy Cone Therapy Revici System Enzyme Therapies Cell Therapy Enderlin Products T/Tn Vaccine Bee Pollen Induced Remission Therapy

Procedures/Devices:

	Apitherapy Neural Therapy Electrodiagnostics Iridology	Chirography Special Functional Tests Bioresonance MORA Device
V. Manipulative and Body-Based Systems This category refers to systems that are based on manipulation and/or movement of the body, and is divided into three subcategories:  Chiropractic medicine; Massage and body work; Unconventional physical therapies.

Chiropractic Medicine:

Massage and
Body Work

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) Cranial-Sacral OMT Swedish Massage Applied Kinesiology Reflexology Pilates Method

Polarity Body Psychotherapy Trager Body Work Alexander Technique Feldenkrais Technique Chinese Tui Na Massage and Acupressure Rolfing

Unconventional
Physical Therapies:

Hydrotherapy Diathermy Light and Color Therapies Heat and Electrotherapies

Colonics Alternate Nostril Breathing Techniques

VI. Biofield:

Biofield
Medicine involves systems that use subtle energy fields in and around the body
for medical purposes.  

Therapeutic Touch Healing Science Healing Touch Natural Healing SHEN

Mariue Reiki Huna External Qi Gong Biorelax

VII. Bioelectromagnetics:

Bioelectromagnetics
refers to the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields for medical
purposes.

STATUS OF CURRENT TRIALS:

At
least five large, multi-institution randomized controlled trials currently
under way at the center. A study on the use of Hypericum (St John’s wort) for
depression at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, with additional
support from the National Institute of Mental Health, is about 60% enrolled. It
will be fully enrolled this year, and findings could be available for publication
next year.

Other agents
undergoing trials are Ginkgo biloba for preventing dementia, acupuncture for osteoarthritis
pain, glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis, and shark cartilage
for lung cancer.

Four new
controlled trials are planned for this year and next. They will address the
treatment of hepatitis and liver injury with milk thistle; treatment of insomnia
with valerian and melatonin; the use of feverfew to treat headaches; and the
effect of Echinacea, one of the largest-selling botanical products, on
resistance to upper respiratory infection.

Congress has
charged the center with facilitating the integration of CAM practices into
mainstream medicine. The way to do this is to provide evidence of efficacy and
safety, publish it in a peer-reviewed journal, and support educational programs
for students and practitioners.

The public is
increasingly using CAM. In 1997, 42% of Americans used one or more
complementary modalities, up by about one third from 6 years earlier. The
public chooses these practices because they believe, and some evidence
suggests, that some of them sustain and improve health. But they need guidance
about which practices are safe and effective.” Some CAM practices are
already accepted for certain situations including hypnosis, biofeedback, and
behavioral therapy, transcutaneous nerve stimulation for chronic pain,
acupuncture, spiritual counseling, dietary changes, and aerobic exercise.

Herbal Medicine

An herb is a plant
or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal
medicine products are dietary
supplements that people take to improve their health. Many herbs have been
used for a long time for claimed health benefits. They are sold as tablets,
capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants. However, some can
cause health problems, some are not effective and some may interact with other
drugs you are taking.

To use an herbal product as safely as possible

·
Consult your
doctor first

·
Do not take a
bigger dose than the label recommends

·
Take it under the
guidance of a trained medical professional

·
Be especially
cautious if you are pregnant or nursing

Herbals at a Glance
Series Shown below:

1. Aloe Vera

2. Asian Ginseng

3. Green Tea

4. Garlic

5. Ginger

6. Turmeric

7. Astragalus

8. Bilberry

9. Bitter Orange

10.  Black Cohosh

11.  Cat’s Claw

12.  Peppermint Oil

13.  Noni

Aloe Vera

Introduction:

Common Names—aloe vera, aloe,
burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant’s gall. Latin Names—Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis. This
fact sheet provides basic information about aloe vera—common names, uses,
potential side effects, and resources for more information. Aloe vera’s use can
be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on
stone carvings. Known as the “plant of immortality,” aloe was presented
as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

What It Is Used For

·
Traditionally, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and
for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative.

·
Today, in addition to traditional uses, people take aloe
orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy,
and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and
sunburns.

·
Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products,
including lotions and sunblocks.

·
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe
vera as a natural food flavoring.

How It Is Used

·
Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a
topical ointment.

·
The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be
used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by
mouth.

What the Science Says

·
Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products
made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were
at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In
2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the
U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did
not provide the necessary safety data.

·
Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal
burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing
of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel does not prevent burns from radiation
therapy.

·
There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe
vera for any of its other uses.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with
significant side effects.

·
Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with
oral use of aloe vera.

·
Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe
vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.

·
People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication
should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies
suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Asian Ginseng

Introduction

Common Names—Asian ginseng, ginseng, Chinese
ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng. Latin Name—Panax ginseng.
This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA
plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic
properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots.
Asian ginseng—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for
more information. Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used
in various systems of medicine for many centuries. Asian ginseng is one of
several types of true ginseng (another is American ginseng, Panax
quinquefolius). An herb called Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus
senticosus) is not a true ginseng.

What It Is Used For

Treatment claims for Asian ginseng
are numerous and include the use of the herb to support overall health and
boost the immune system. Traditional and modern uses of ginseng include:

·
Improving the health of people recovering from illness

·
Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving
both mental and physical performance

·
Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms
related to menopause

·
Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure

How It Is Used

The root of Asian ginseng
contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides) that
are thought to be responsible for the herb’s medicinal properties. The root is
dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as
creams or other preparations for external use.

What the Science Says

·
Some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower
blood glucose. Other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune
function.

·
To date, research results on Asian ginseng are not
conclusive enough to prove health claims associated with the herb. Only a
handful of large clinical trials on Asian ginseng have been conducted. Most
studies have been small or have had flaws in design and reporting. Some claims
for health benefits have been based only on studies conducted in animals.

·
NCCAM supports studies to better understand the use of
Asian ginseng. Areas of recent NCCAM-funded research include Asian ginseng’s
interactions with other herbs and drugs and the herb’s potential to treat
chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
When taken by mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated.
Some sources suggest that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns
about the development of side effects.

·
The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and
gastrointestinal problems.

·
Asian ginseng can cause allergic reactions.

·
There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual
irregularities, and high blood pressure associated with Asian ginseng products,
but these products’ components were not analyzed, so effects may have been due
to another herb or drug in the product.

·
Asian ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar; this
effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with
diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are
using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter
melon and fenugreek that are also thought to lower blood sugar.

Tell your health care providers
about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full
picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated
and safe care.

Green Tea

Introduction

Common Names—green tea, Chinese tea,
Japanese tea. Camellia sinensis.
This fact sheet provides basic information about green tea—common names, uses,
potential side effects, and resources for more information. All types of tea
(green, black, and oolong) are produced from the Camellia sinensis
plant using different methods. Fresh leaves from the Camellia sinensis
plant are steamed to produce green tea.

 

What It Is Used For

• Green tea and green
  tea extracts, such as its component EGCG, have been used to prevent and
  treat a variety of cancers, including breast, stomach, and skin cancers.
• Green tea and green
  tea extracts have also been used for improving mental alertness, aiding in
  weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels, and protecting skin from sun
  damage.

How It Is Used

Green tea is usually brewed and drunk as a beverage. Green tea extracts can
be taken in capsules and are sometimes used in skin products.

What the Science Says

• Laboratory studies
  suggest that green tea may help protect against or slow the growth of
  certain cancers, but studies in people have shown mixed results.
• Some evidence
  suggests that the use of green tea preparations improves mental alertness,
  most likely because of its caffeine content. There are not enough reliable
  data to determine whether green tea can aid in weight loss, lower blood
  cholesterol levels, or protect the skin from sun damage.
• NCCAM is supporting
  studies to learn more about the components in green tea and their effects
  on conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Green tea is safe
  for most adults when used in moderate amounts.
• There have been some
  case reports of liver problems in people taking concentrated green tea
  extracts. This problem does not seem to be connected with green tea
  infusions or beverages. Although these cases are very rare and the
  evidence is not definitive, experts suggest that concentrated green tea
  extracts be taken with food, and that people should discontinue use and
  consult a heath care practitioner if they have a liver disorder or develop
  symptoms of liver trouble, such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or
  jaundice.
• Green tea and green
  tea extracts contain caffeine. Caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety,
  irritability, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or frequent urination in
  some people.
• Green tea contains
  small amounts of vitamin K, which can make anticoagulant drugs, such as
  warfarin, less effective.

Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative
practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your
health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Garlic

Introduction

Common Names—garlic. Latin Names—Allium sativum.
This fact sheet provides basic information about garlic—uses, potential side
effects, and resources for more information. Garlic is the edible bulb from a
plant in the lily family. It has been used as both a medicine and a spice for
thousands of years.

What It Is Used For

• Garlic’s most common
  uses as a dietary supplementA product that contains
  vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes,
  and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food
  and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary
  supplements. are for high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood
  pressure.
• Garlic is also used
  to prevent certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers.

How It Is Used

Garlic cloves can be eaten raw or cooked. They may also be dried or
powdered and used in tablets and capsules. Raw garlic cloves can be used to
make oils and liquid extracts.

What the Science Says

·
Some evidence indicates that taking garlic can slightly
lower blood cholesterol levels; studies have shown positive effects for
short-term (1 to 3 months) use. However, an NCCAM-funded study on the safety
and effectiveness of three garlic preparations (fresh garlic, dried powdered
garlic tablets, and aged garlic extract tablets) for lowering blood cholesterol
levels found no effect.

·
Preliminary research suggests that taking garlic may slow
the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), a condition
that can lead to heart disease or stroke.

·
Evidence is mixed on whether taking garlic can slightly
lower blood pressure.

·
Some studies suggest consuming garlic as a regular part
of the diet may lower the risk of certain cancers. However, no clinical trials
have examined this. A clinical trial on the long-term use of garlic supplements
to prevent stomach cancer found no effect.

·
Recent NCCAM-funded research includes studies on how
garlic interacts with certain drugs and how it can thin the blood.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Garlic appears to be safe for most adults.

·
Side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn,
upset stomach, and allergic reactions. These side effects are more common with
raw garlic.

·
Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to
clot) in a manner similar to aspirin. This effect may be a problem during or
after surgery. Use garlic with caution if you are planning to have surgery or
dental work, or if you have a bleeding disorder. A cautious approach is to
avoid garlic in your diet or as a supplement for at least 1 week before
surgery.

·
Garlic has been found to interfere with the effectiveness
of saquinavir, a drug used to treat HIV infection. Its effect on other drugs
has not been well studied.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Ginger

Introduction

Zingiber officinale.
This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent,
or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit,
seeds, stems, and roots. Ginger—uses, potential side effects, and resources
for more information. Ginger is a tropical plant that has green-purple flowers
and an aromatic underground stem (called a rhizome). It is commonly used for
cooking and medicinal purposes.

What It Is Used For

·
Ginger is used in Asian medicine to treat stomach aches,
nausea, and diarrhea.

·
Many digestive, antinausea, and cold and flu dietary
supplements sold in the United States contain ginger extract as an ingredient.

·
Ginger is used to alleviate postsurgery nausea as well as
nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, and pregnancy.

·
Ginger has been used for rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis, and joint and muscle pain.

How It Is Used

The underground stems of the ginger
plant are used in cooking, baking, and for health purposes. Common forms of
ginger include fresh or dried root, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts
(tinctures), and teas.

What the Science Says

·
Studies suggest that the short-term use of ginger can safely
relieve pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

·
Studies are mixed on whether ginger is effective for
nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, or surgery.

·
It is unclear whether ginger is effective in treating
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or joint and muscle pain.

·
NCCAM-funded investigators are studying:

Ø 
Whether ginger interacts with drugs, such as those used
to suppress the immune system.

Ø 
Ginger’s effect on reducing nausea in patients on
chemotherapy.

Ø 
The general safety and effectiveness of ginger’s use for
health purposes, as well as its active components and effects on inflammation.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Few side effects are linked to ginger when it is taken in
small doses.

·
Side effects most often reported are gas, bloating,
heartburn, and nausea. These effects are most often associated with powdered
ginger.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Turmeric

Introduction

Common Names—turmeric, turmeric root,
Indian saffron. Latin Names—Curcuma longa. This fact sheet provides
basic information about the herbA plant or part of a
plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes
flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. Turmeric—common
names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information.
Turmeric, a shrub related to ginger, is grown throughout India, other parts of
Asia, and Africa. Known for its warm, bitter taste and golden color, turmeric
is commonly used in fabric dyes and foods such as curry powders, mustards, and
cheeses. It should not be confused with Javanese turmeric.

 

What It Is Used For

·
In traditional Chinese medicineA
whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that
disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces
of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture
seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi. And
Ayurvedic medicineA whole medical system that originated
in India. It aims to integrate the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat
disease. Therapies used include herbs, massage, and yoga. turmeric has been
used to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain, and regulate
menstruation.

·
Turmeric has also been applied directly to the skin for
eczema and wound healing.

·
Today, turmeric is used for conditions such as heartburn,
stomach ulcers, and gallstones. It is also used to reduce inflammation, as well
as to prevent and treat cancer.

How It Is Used

Turmeric’s finger-like
underground stems (rhizomes) are dried and taken by mouth as a powder or in
capsules, teas, or liquid extracts. Turmeric can also be made into a paste and
used on the skin.

What the Science Says

·
There is little reliable evidence to support the use of
turmeric for any health condition because few clinical trials have been
conducted.

·
Preliminary findings from animal and laboratory studies
suggest that a chemical found in turmeric—called curcumin—may have
anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but these findings have not been
confirmed in people.

·
NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the active
chemicals in turmeric and their effects—particularly anti-inflammatory
effects—in people to better understand how turmeric might be used for health purposes.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Turmeric is considered safe for most adults.

·
High doses or long-term use of turmeric may cause
indigestion.

·
In animals, high doses of turmeric have caused liver
problems. No cases of liver problems have been reported in people.

·
People with gallbladder disease should avoid using
turmeric as a dietary supplementA product that contains
vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or
other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration have special labeling requirements for dietary supplements.
as it may worsen the condition.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Astragalus

Introduction

Common Name—astragalus, bei qi, huang
qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetch. Latin
Name—Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus This fact sheet provides basic
information about the herbA plant or part of a plant
used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes
flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. Astragalus—common
names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Native
to China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional
Chinese medicineA whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on
the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and
imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation,
massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance
and the flow of qi.. In the United States, the herb gained popularity in
the 1980s. There are actually over 2,000 species of astragalus; however, the
two related species Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus
mongholicus are the ones primarily used for health purposes.

What It Is Used For

·
Historically, astragalus has been used in traditional
Chinese medicine, usually in combination with other herbs, to support and
enhance the immune system. It is still widely used in China for chronic
hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer.

·
It is also used to prevent and treat common colds and
upper respiratory infections.

·
Astragalus has also been used for heart disease.

How It Is Used

The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas,
extracts, or capsules. Astragalus is generally used with other herbs, such as
ginseng, angelica, and licorice.

What the Science Says

·
The evidence for using astragalus for any health
condition is limited. Results from small or preliminary studies suggest that
astragalus may benefit heart function and help the immune system fight
infections.

·
A few studies have shown potential benefits for using
astragalus—in combination with another herb, glossy privet (Ligustrum
lucidum)—as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. In general, however, these
studies were not well designed.

·
NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the effects of
astragalus on the body, particularly on the immune system.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Astragalus is considered safe for most adults. Its
possible side effects are not well known because astragalus is generally used
in combination with other herbs.

·
Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress
the immune system, such as the drug cyclophosphamide taken by cancer patients
and similar drugs taken by organ transplant recipients.

·
People should avoid using astragalus species such as
“locoweed” that grow in the United States, as these other species may
have different effects and side effects.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Bilberry

Introduction

Common Names—bilberry, European
blueberry, whortleberry, huckleberry. Latin Names—Vaccinium Myrtillus.
This fact sheet provides basic information about bilberry—common names, uses,
potential side effects, and resources for more information. Bilberry is a
relative of the blueberry, and its fruit is commonly used to make pies and
jams. It has been used for nearly 1,000 years in traditional European medicine.
Bilberry grows in North America, Europe, and northern Asia.

What It Is Used For

·
Historically, bilberry fruit was used to treat diarrhea,
scurvy, and other conditions.

·
Today, the fruit is used to treat diarrhea, menstrual
cramps, eye problems, varicose veins, venous insufficiency (a condition in
which the veins do not efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart),
and other circulatory problems.

·
Bilberry leaf is used for entirely different conditions,
including diabetes.

How It Is Used

The fruit of the bilberry plant
can be eaten or made into extracts. Similarly, the leaves of the bilberry plant
can be made into extracts or used to make teas.

What the Science Says

·
Some claim that bilberry fruit improves night vision, but
clinical studies have not shown this to be true.

·
There is not enough scientific evidence to support the
use of bilberry fruit or leaf for any health conditions.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Bilberry fruit is considered safe. However, high doses of
bilberry leaf or leaf extract are considered unsafe due to possible toxic side
effects.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

BITTER ORANGE

Introduction

Common Names—bitter orange, Seville
orange, sour orange, Zhi shi. Latin
Names—Citrus aurantium. This fact sheet provides basic
information about bitter orange—common names, uses, potential side effects, and
resources for more information. The bitter orange tree is native to eastern
Africa and tropical Asia. Today, it is grown throughout the Mediterranean
region and elsewhere, including California and Florida. Bitter orange oil is
used in foods, cosmetics, and aromatherapyA therapy in
which the scent of essential oils from flowers, herbs, and trees is inhaled to
promote health and well-being. products. Bitter orange oil from the tree’s
leaves is called petitgrain, and oil from the flowers is called neroli.

What It Is Used For

·
Bitter orange has been used in traditional
Chinese medicine a whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on
the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and
imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation,
massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance
and the flow of qi. And by indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest for
nausea, indigestion, and constipation.

·
Current uses of bitter orange are for heartburn, loss of
appetite, nasal congestion, and weight loss. It is also applied to the skin for
fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.

How It Is Used

The dried fruit and peel (and
sometimes flowers and leaves) are taken by mouth in extracts, tablets, and
capsules. Bitter orange oil can be applied to the skin.

What the Science Says

·
There is not enough scientific evidence to support the
use of bitter orange for health purposes.

·
Many herbal weight-loss products now use concentrated
extracts of bitter orange peel in place of ephedra. However, bitter orange
contains the chemical synephrine, which is similar to the main chemical in
ephedra. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned ephedra because it raises
blood pressure and is linked to heart attacks and strokes; it is unclear
whether bitter orange has similar effects. There is currently little evidence
that bitter orange is safer to use than ephedra.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Because bitter
orange contains chemicals that may speed up the heart rate and raise blood
pressure, it may not be safe to use as a dietary
supplement a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other
botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to
supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling
requirements for dietary supplements.. There have been reports of fainting,
heart attack, and stroke in healthy people after taking bitter orange
supplements alone or combined with caffeine. People should avoid taking bitter
orange supplements if they have a heart condition or high blood pressure, or if
they are taking medications (such as MAO inhibitors), caffeine, or other
herbs/supplements that speed up the heart rate.

·
Due to lack of
safety evidence, pregnant women should avoid products that contain bitter
orange.

·
Bitter orange oil
used on the skin may increase the risk of sunburn, particularly in
light-skinned people.

·
Tell your health
care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give
them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure
coordinated and safe care.

BLACK COHOSH

Introduction

Common Names—black cohosh, black
snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattleweed. Actaea racemosa,
Cimicifuga racemosa This fact sheet provides basic information
about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its
flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves,
bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. Black cohosh—common names, uses,
potential side effects, and resources for more information. Black cohosh, a
member of the buttercup family, is a plant native to North America. It was used
in Native American medicine and was a home remedy in 19th-centuryAmerica.

 

What It Is Used For

·
Black cohosh has a history of use for rheumatism
(arthritis and muscle pain) but has been used more recently to treat hot
flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur
during menopause.

·
Black cohosh has also been used for menstrual
irregularities and premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor.

How It Is Used

The underground stems and roots
of black cohosh are commonly used fresh or dried to make strong teas
(infusions), capsules, solid extracts used in pills, or liquid extracts
(tinctures).

What the Science Says

·
Study results are mixed on whether black cohosh
effectively relieves menopausal symptoms. An NCCAM-funded study found that
black cohosh, whether used alone or with other botanicals, failed to relieve
hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women or those approaching
menopause.

·
Most studies to date have been less than 6 months long,
so the safety of long-term use is unknown.

·
NCCAM is funding studies to further understand the
potential effects of black cohosh on hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

·
There are not enough reliable data to determine whether
black cohosh is effective for rheumatism or other uses.

Side Effects and Cautions:

·
United States Pharmacopeia experts suggest women should discontinue
use of black cohosh and consult a health care practitioner if they have a liver
disorder or develop symptoms of liver trouble, such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or
jaundice. There have been several case reports of hepatitis (inflammation of
the liver), as well as liver failure, in women who were taking black cohosh. It
is not known if black cohosh was responsible for these problems. Although these
cases are very rare and the evidence is not definitive, scientists are
concerned about the possible effects of black cohosh on the liver.

·
Black cohosh can cause headaches and stomach discomfort.
In clinical trials comparing the effects of the herb and those of estrogens, a
low number of side effects were reported, such as headaches, gastric
complaints, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems.

·
No interactions have been reported between black cohosh
and prescription medicines.

·
It is not clear if black cohosh is safe for women who
have had breast cancer or for pregnant women.

·
Black cohosh should not be confused with blue cohosh (Caulophyllum
thalictroides), which has different properties, treatment uses, and side
effects than black cohosh. Black cohosh is sometimes used with blue cohosh to
stimulate labor, but this therapy has caused adverse effects in newborns, which
appear to be due to blue cohosh.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

CAT’S CLAW

Introduction

Common Names—cat’s claw, uña de gato.
Uncaria tomentosa, Uncaria
guianensis.This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent,
or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit,
seeds, stems, and roots. Cat’s claw—common names, uses, potential side
effects, and resources for more information. Cat’s claw grows wild in many
countries of Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest.
The use of this woody vine dates back to the Inca civilization.

 

What It Is Used For

·
Cat’s claw has been used for centuries in South America
to prevent and treat disease.

·
It has been used for a variety of health conditions,
including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer’s disease,
cancer, and arthritis.

·
Cat’s claw has been used to support the immune system and
promote kidney health, as well as to prevent and abort pregnancy.

How It Is Used

The inner bark of cat’s claw is
used to make liquid extracts, capsules, and teas. Preparations of cat’s claw
can also be applied to the skin.

What the Science Says

·
There is not enough scientific evidence to determine
whether cat’s claw works for any health problem, including arthritis, HIV, or
cancer.

·
Small studies in humans have shown a possible benefit of
cat’s claw in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but no large trials have
been done. In laboratory studies, cat’s claw stimulates part of the immune
system, but it has not been proven to reduce inflammation or boost the immune
system in humans.

·
The National Institute on Aging is studying how cat’s
claw may affect the brain. Findings may point to new avenues for research in
Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Few side effects have been reported for cat’s claw when
it is taken at recommended dosages. Though rare, side effects may include
headaches, dizziness, and vomiting.

·
Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
should avoid using cat’s claw because of its past use for preventing and
aborting pregnancy.

·
Because cat’s claw may stimulate the immune system, it is
unclear whether the herb is safe for people with conditions affecting the
immune system.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

PEPPERMINT OIL

Introduction

Mentha x piperita. This
fact sheet provides basic information about peppermint oil—uses, potential side
effects, and resources for more information. The herbA
plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic
properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots.
Peppermint, a cross between two types of mint (water mint and spearmint), grows
throughout Europe and North America. Peppermint is often used to flavor foods,
and the leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas.

What It Is Used For

·
Peppermint oil has been used for a variety of health
conditions, including nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms.

·
Peppermint oil is also used for headaches, muscle and
nerve pain, and stomach and bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

How It Is Used

Essential oil of peppermint can
be taken in very small doses in capsule or liquid forms. The essential oil can
also be diluted with other oil and applied to the skin.

What the Science Says

·
Results from several studies suggest that peppermint oil
may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

·
A few studies have found that peppermint oil, in
combination with caraway oil, may help relieve indigestion, but this evidence
is preliminary.

·
Although there are some promising results, there is no
clear-cut evidence to support the use of peppermint oil for other health
conditions.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Peppermint oil appears to be safe for most adults when
used in small doses. Possible side effects include allergic reactions and
heartburn.

·
Capsules containing peppermint oil are often coated to
reduce the likelihood of heartburn. If they are taken at the same time as
medicines such as antacids, this coating can break down more quickly and increase
the risk of heartburn and nausea.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

NONI

Introduction

Common Names—noni, morinda, Indian
mulberry, hog apple, canary wood. Latin
Names—Morinda citrifolia. This fact sheet provides basic
information about noni-common names, uses, potential side effects, and
resources for more information. Noni is an evergreen shrub or small tree that
grows throughout the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean, from Southeast Asia
to Australia and especially in Polynesia. Noni has been traditionally used in
Polynesia as a dye.

What It Is Used For

·
Noni has a history of use as a topical preparation for
joint pain and skin conditions.

·
Today, people drink noni fruit juice as a general health
tonic, as well as for cancer and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular
disease and diabetes.

How It Is Used

·
Traditionally, the leaves and fruit of noni have been
used for health purposes.

·
Today, the fruit is most commonly combined with other
fruits (such as grape) to make juice. Preparations of the fruit and leaves are
also available in capsules, tablets, and teas.

What the Science Says

·
In laboratory research, noni has shown antioxidant,
immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. These results suggest that
noni may warrant further study for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular
disease. However, noni has not been well studied in people for any health
condition.

·
Recent NCCAM-funded research includes a study on noni for
cancer to determine its safety and potential effects on tumors and symptoms.
The National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on noni for
breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Side Effects and Cautions

·
Noni is high in potassium. People who are on
potassium-restricted diets because of kidney problems should avoid using noni.

·
Several noni juice manufacturers have received warnings
from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about making unsubstantiated health
claims.

·
Although there have been few reported side effects from
using noni, its safety has not been adequately studied.

·
There have been reports of liver damage from using noni.
It should be avoided if you have liver disease because it contains compounds
that may make your disease worse.

·
Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Findings and Analysis:

1.1 
Consumers’ choice of Brand

Name of the Brand	No of consumers support	Percentage
Medicine	70	70%
Homeopathic	10	10%
Harbal	12	12%
Vassas	4	4%
Alternative Medicine	4	4%

The
world wide brand leader in medicine market, Allopathic is still a favorite
brand to our local consumers. More than 70% attendants expressed the Allopathic
as their first choice brand. The second position is Homeopathic brand has
captured an important share to the mind of consumers. Though Herbal is a new in
the market but they have started a determined start to capture in the mind of
consumers as a strong brand. 

1.2 Consumers’ choice of flavor

Name of the flavor	No of consumers	Percentage
Alternative Medicine	60	60%
Herbal	20	20%
Vases	10	10%

There
are madly expressions in the choice of flavor. Here most of the consumers those
are the village in Bangladesh are expressed that their first choice is Herbal
flavor. So in this perspective herbal flavor still popular to the consumers.
The second choice of consumers is Vases and this choice of flavor is
increasing. That’s why we have observed that alternative medicine a new brand
in the name of TEEM and they have also introduced a new idea of consumers. 

1.3 Consumers’ consumption among following brand:

Name of the brand	No of consumers	Percentage
Medicine	70	70%
Homeopathic	121	12%
Herbal	8	8%
Vases	7	7%
Alternative Medicine	0	0%

The
world wide brand leader in medicine market, Allopathic is still a favorite
brand to our local consumers. More than 70% attendants expressed the Allopathic
as their first choice brand. The second position is Homeopathic brand has
captured an important share to the mind of consumers. Though Herbal is a new in
the market but they have started a determined start to capture in the mind of
consumers as a strong brand.  Alternative
Medicine is a new thinks but this have start dynamic & tremendous result in
human desire.

1.4 Consumers’ choice of flavor

Name of the brand	No of consumers	Percentage
Medicine	70	70%
Homeopathic	121	12%
Herbal	8	8%
Vases	7	7%
Alternative Medicine	0	0%

The
world wide brand leader in medicine market, Allopathic is still a favorite
brand to our local consumers. More than 70% attendants expressed the Allopathic
as their first choice brand. The second position is Homeopathic brand has captured
an important share to the mind of consumers. Though Herbal is a new in the
market but they have started a determined start to capture in the mind of
consumers as a strong brand.  Alternative
Medicine is a new thinks but this have start dynamic & tremendous result in
human desire.

1.5 Consumption of brands that ranges price 12-15tk:

Name of the brand	No of consumers	Percentage
Medicine	35	35%
Homeopathic	25	25%
Herbal	30	30%
Vases	9	9%
Alternative Medicine	0	0%

The
size and type of pack is much important in medicine market. All medicine
products comprise plastic pack size and today’s consumers are much feeling
comfortable to plastic pack size. Only Alternative Medicine made by Electronic
goods.

1.8 No of consumers consume different pack sizes:

Pack sizes	No of consumers
100ml	40
200ml	10
300ml	33
500ml	14
More	3

100ml
is much favorable to the consumers. Every marketer manufactures the 200ml more
than any other pack sizes. Only exception is Herbal brand. They didn’t have the
200ml; instead they are marketing the 300ml in the market with lower prices
than others. Another choice able pack size to the consumers is 500ml. In this
case Herbal & Vases have a good no of consumers.

1.9 Choice of advertising:

Name of the Brand	No of Consumers
Medicine	22
Homeopathic	13
Herbal	23
Vases	13
Alternative Medicine	26

“Business
without Advertising to see a girl in a dark place”. So advertising is crucial
to operate a business. Every company in the market advertises their product by
print media and electronic media. But not very advertising stimulates consumers
to purchase the products. Major consumers raise their feelings to the
advertising of Alternative Medicine. The advertising of Alternative Medicine is
also pursuable to the consumers.

2.0 Consumers’ choice of different parts in Advertising:

No of consumers choice	Percentage
Medicine	27	27%
Homeopathic	21	21%
Herbal	8	8%
Vases	20	20%
Alternative Medicine	16	16%
Others	8	8%

Many
consumers held many choices and opinion in the medicine market. 27% consumers
expressed that they like the melody song in advertising and in this
circumstances we observed that the Ad of herbal brand is much favorable to the
consumes. 21% raises their expression to the dialogue part. Here the Ad of
Alternative Medicine brand is much attractive to the consumers. Alternative
brand highlights the comedy or cartoon to their advertising strategy to suit
their target consumers.

2.1 New Arena in Beverage Market:

Name of drinks	No of consumers choice
Health	28
Energy	60
Diet	12

New
things for new consumers or the consumers those are exhausted to the existing
product and expecting the new one. Among the three new therapy a major number
of young consumers are expecting the herbal that should come in the market.
Another important thing is that today’s consumers are getting conscious to
their health. That’s why there is a tendency to reduce the consumption of
homeopathic. A good number of consumers expect the herbal health drinks.

Recommendations

The following suggestions are strongly recommended to the Marketers:

·
All of the
marketers in the alternative market should give priority about the health of
the consumers. Because today’s consumers are much cautious about their health.
That’s why a new kind of medicine like Herbal should health.

·
Plastic bottle,
which is much harmful to the environment. A new kind of package should be
marketing in the near future.

·
Pricing strategy
of the companies is much higher in the rural area than urban/city. Companies
can follow segmentation pricing strategies in some very deep rural area.

·
The behavior of
the distribution channel is much important to make a good relationship between
the producer and the customers.

·
There must have
research cell in every companies to continuous research about the new kind
alternative medicine with new design, pack sizes, in the future.

·
A high range of
promotional activities required to make a good consumers relationship.

·
Do marketing by
gardening consumers not hunting.

Conclusion

Maknom
International strives above all, for top quality products at the least cost
reaching the lowest rungs of the economic class of people in the country.
Maknom value their social obligations. Maknom International Ltd. has so far
experienced no challenge from any competitor regarding the high quality of
medicine. Maknom International committed to develop sense of belongingness of
all member of the team towards the organization and full participation in
quality improvement activities. They ensure all activities through documented
quality management system complies the requirement of ISO 2001 in every phase
of Manufacturing and quality assurance.

Maknom
Strive for fulfillment of our reasonably to the Government through payment of
entire range of due taxes, duties and claims to various public agencies like
municipalities etc. and the best co-operation of the creditors & debtors
the bank & financial institutions who provide financial support when we
need them, the suppliers the provides of utilities-power, gas & water etc.
and the customers who buy our products & services by redeeming their claim
in time buy making prompt payment and by distributing proper product on due
dates.

In
the other hand the most important tools of production and operation management
“Deming Wheel” will be used to control and monitor Maknom production and as
well as marketing. Plan – do-check-act, this sequence will be strictly adhered
to. The management of the outlet will be responsible for their operation.

References

1. Acupuncture. Natural
Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com
on June 28, 2007.

2. Barnes PM, Powell-Griner
E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults:
United States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report #343. 2004.

3. Berman BM, Lao L,
Langenberg P, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy in
osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial. Annals of
Internal Medicine. 2004; 141(12):901–910.

4. Eisenberg DM, Cohen MH,
Hrbek A, et al. credentialing complementary and alternative medical providers. Annals
of Internal Medicine. 2002; 137(12):965–973.

5. Ernst E. Acupuncture—a
critical analysis. Journal of Internal Medicine. 2006; 259(2):125–137.

6. Kaptchuk, TJ.
Acupuncture: theory, efficacy, and practice. Annals of Internal Medicine.
2002; 136(5):374–383.

7. Lao L. Safety issues in
acupuncture. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
1996; 2(1):27–31.

8. MacPherson H, Thomas K.
Short-term reactions to acupuncture—a cross-sectional survey of patient
reports. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2005; 23(3):112–120.

9. National Cancer
Institute. Acupuncture (PDQ). National Cancer Institute Web site.
Accessed at

10.   http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/acupuncture
on August 16, 2007.

11.  National Institutes of
Health Consensus Panel. Acupuncture: National Institutes of Health
Consensus Development Conference Statement. National Institutes of Health
Web site. Accessed at http://consensus.nih.gov/
1997/1997acupuncture 107html.htm on June 22, 2007.

12.  Reston J. Now, about my
operation in Peking; now, let me tell you about my appendectomy in Peking…. New
York Times. July 26, 1971:1.

  U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. Acupuncture needles no longer investigational. FDA
Consumer. 1996; 30(5). Also available at http://www.fda.gov/fdac/departs/596_upd.html.