JUNE 11, 2010 A FROSTY SOY ICE CREAM

"Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have." unknown

I wish I had been the person to write this quote. I can totally relate to this. Can you? I can honestly say I have finally made peace with who I am at this time in my life. Not the person I was at age 14, 24 or 34. Even at 40, I wasn't at peace. My life at that point, although sober, was not peaceful nor serene. It was chaotic. I had to make a choice between sobriety and what my life was destined to be if left on the other path. I chose sobriety and I am grateful that I did. It was the best choice. I am finally content with what I have, and I want for no thing.

It is a weight lifted from my shoulders that I want for nothing. I need nothing except the love I have in my life and of course, the individuals that surround me with love.

For the last three days I have discussed the Medicinal Use of Mushrooms. In relation to cancer, I want to discuss the controversial soy. I recommend a book called The Whole Soy Story by Kayla Daniels as a starting ground. Although new studies have been cited in the last 5 years, this book gives you groundwork for what is right and wrong about soy. Is soy a cancer preventing food? In 1999, the FDA took a stance that surprised everyone - an unusual step of allowing a health claim to be made for soy as a food. The comments, as we say, "hit the fan". Pro-soy and Con-Soy! Bad soy and good soy! Cancer or no cancer!

Studies today conclude that as little as 15 - 20 grams of soy per day can provide a defense against cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and, of course, menopausal symptoms. I believe both men and women should consume 1 serving of soy/day. I have to thank Tierna Lowdog, MD for pointing that out to me more than 5 years ago. Soy does contain a polyphenol known as isoflavone. These isoflavones are phytoestrogens (which means they are similar to a female hormone, estradiol). Just because these isoflavones are phytoestrogrens, it does not mean they are weak estrogens as previously thought.

This leads us to talk about estrogen receptors. There are two: ER-alpha and the newly discovered ER-beta. The activation of ER-beta counteracts the bad effects of the cancer producing receptors, ER-alpha. So why don't you have soy? The most important isoflavone in soy is genistein. Genistein is a highly potent activator of ER-beta, which protects against cancer. There are many health benefits to soy in the literature. Be smart and read. Do not read one source that may be biased. Also, in 1999, the FDA made a claim to approve a food labeling health claim that 25 grams of soy protects against heart or cardiovascular disease. I have found that consumption of betwween 20 - 25 grams of soy is beneficial in lowering total and LDL cholesterol. I have also seen that patients who consume soy have a reduction in the cardiac and regular C-reactive protein. The high sensitive CRP is a marker for low grade inflammation and infection of the coronary arteries.

Tomorrow, I will discuss soy's benefits in diabetes, cancer and bone disorders.

The above cross-stitch is the starting of this season's Holiday ornaments. I know it is only June, but I have to start early. It is of Frosty, the Snowman. Rudolph and Frosty are my favorite Christmas characters. I used to be Mr. Grinch but no longer.

Photo credit: Rick Byrd
Until tomorrow...

June 10, 2010 Heaven, Earth and Angels

JUNE 10, 2010 Thursday

"Believe that all is well. Feel the fear, then let it go. We are being led, one day at a time."

Today, especially today, all is well. I used to fear this month and this day. I have let that go, not only one day at a time but one moment at a time. As my anniversary day approaches, I reflect on the past sixteen years, on where I was, where I am today and where I will be in the future. Yet as I stated yesterday, projection is not always in my best interest. I realized that I will have no fear about the upcoming 50. I will let all that go and let the flow, happiness and energy flow through me. I will trust whatever will happen.

Let's continue with mushrooms. If you like mushrooms, then you should pick and choose which ones you should ingest. First of all, do not pick them in the forest and just eat them. Although they may be edible, there are also poisonous mushrooms. I discussed Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake and the old Maltese Mushroom. Honestly, I will have to ask my professor, 7song, about this one. It actually confused me when I read about it.

The Cloud Fungus also called Coriolus versicolor has been the focus of cancer research in Europe. It is often called PSK. PSK shows benefits for treatment of cancer ans other diseases such as lupus, arthritis, AIDS. I do not know the mechanism of this mushroom nor could I find in the literature how it actually works. A Japanese study stated that PSK influences the spread of cancer by inhibiting tumor invasion, suppressing tumor attachment and suppressing growth of the tumor. These are the possible theories. PSK has also been used in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy with extension of patient survival especially in leukemia patients.

I have found that when a patient has cancer, they must exhaust every possible treatment. They should get a second opinion not only from another allopathic conventional doctor but from other health care professionals with a variety of other treatment modalities for their condition. There are websites such as the NIH or NIC for new chemotherapy trials. There are books on cancer treatment from all standpoints. Matthew Mumber, MD wrote a book called, "Intergrative Oncology", which I feel every cancer patient should read. There are books by Gary Gorden, MD and the Moss Reports. Be assertive and ask for help. Seek advice from acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors, and herbalists. Although heart disease is still the #1 killer in the United States, I feel we can spend some time on the Cancer Modality and the 7 lifestyle changes. I will discuss, in future blogs, the treatment using supplements, vitamins, herbs, enemas, spirituality, visualization, art, music and acupuncture.

My mother had cystic breast cancer when I was young. I know she had many operations by the time I was 15 years old. On June 5, 1982, my parents were to attend an event. My mother didn't feel well and had been to the doctor and hospital in the previous two days. I was to go with my father in her place but she changed her mind at the last minute. As I was bringing her a cup of tea, she screamed and I found her unconscious. My father and I performed CPR, allowing her to reach the hospital. My father had the agonizing decision to disconnect the respirator on June 10, 1982. She had a rupture of a brain aneurysm/hemorrhage with no chance of survival.

Life went on, without being able to discuss that night with my father. For years, I blamed myself for failing at CPR. Of course, today, I know that is not true. It was my perception as a young man at age 21. Within four days, the wake and funeral were over. I became twenty two six days after she died. I felt lost. Over the years, my mother became my guardian angel. I can still hear her voice in my dreams. About a year ago, I woke up in a panic not being able to remember what she looked like. Again, with Rick at my side, we sorted through old photos until we found a photograph. We have it in the den now. Today at St. Peter's the Apostle Church, I lit a candle in her memory. She is always with me. She is my heavenly angel. Heavenly angels, often referred to as guardian angels, are mentioned numerous times in the Scriptures. Therein, we learn that angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve him and sent by God to watch over the human race, to deliver his message, to guard and protect us from danger and to do battle with other spiritual beings on our behalf.

Since the beginning of time, angels have delivered God's messages to mankind. My mother has delivered many messages to me, often in times of dispair but also in times of happiness. Sometimes the messages are warnings of impending danger, sometimes instructions as to what to do in a particular situation, sometimes they are simply "there" as protection from enemy forces.

When Rick and I saw Billy Elliot, I cried when a song was sung about a letter his mom had written to young Billy. I often think if my mother knew that events would have happened, what she might have said. She would have said, "I love you dearly. Sorry I missed your growing, your maturing, your children, your successes and defeats, your graduation and your Rick but always know I was there." Thanks Mom.

The needlepoint above is of heaven and the moon. The moon is smiling, as I smile upon this day and the month ahead.

Photo credit: Carol
Until tomorrow...

June 9 - The BEE and the MUSHROOM

JUNE 9, 2010 Wednesday

"Worry is rehearsing fear about a made-up, fabricated event in the future that most of the time never happens" Thanks KM

The quote above is a good reminder. Worry is also known as projection. Projecting the outcome of a situation, of what people will say or of what may happen, leads to a vicious cycle of fear. As the quote above states, it may never happen. Some may project about what happens when they die--who will come to their funeral, what songs will be played, etc. If you are that worried about this, then make a will and have everything planned out.

I want to discuss three mushrooms which are medicinal. The Maitake (Grifola frondosus) is indigenous to Japan. It is a very expensive mushroom. It has been used mainly for the treatment of cancer and HIV. The Maitake D-fraction is the most potent for enhancement of the immune system. It has been shown to complement conventional chemotherapy.

The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is used in Chinese medicine. It is commonly used for people who have low energy. Reishi does improve both energy and sleep. The reishi mushroom has a stimulating effect on bone marrow. It also protects the body during radiation and chemotherapy.

The Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) is the only mushroom that has been shown to lower cholesterol. I have not used the previous two for cholesterol problems. This mushroom does have the ability to stimulate T-helper cells. The component in this mushroom is called lentinan. Studies have shown that lentinan inhibits metastatic cancer and does exert its effect on the thymus gland.

In reading "Medicinal Plants of the Bible", I found this:
"Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat." Job 30:4 (KJV)
and
"They pick mallow and the leaves of bushes, and to warm themselves the roots of the broom." Job 30:4 (RSV)

Both of these quotes are referring to the Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium coccineum). Cynomorium is known in Chinese as suoyang, which is based on the herb's medicinal effects, "locking the yang". The value of cynomorium was depicted similarly in many cultures. In 16th century Europe, it was known as the Maltese mushroom, though it is not a true fungus. The plant was so highly regarded that the Knights of Malta often sent samples of it to European monarchs as presents.

The needle point pillow above is a "bee". A bee has nothing to do with mushrooms but I like this pillow. It was given to my dear friend, Carol. Carol is my craft buddy for stamping and knitting. She is a much better knitter than I am.

Photo credit: Carol
The top photograph is of the Maltese Mushroom. Tomorrow I will discuss the Cloud Fungus.

Until tomorrow...

June 8, 2010 Mushroom Abundance

June 8, 2010

"Love does not measure; it just gives" - Mother Teresa

"See joy and love in what you give, not in what you get" - EL

In my opinion, love is an overused four letter word. What is love? Is it the first time you step into the first spring rain and let it pour over your body? Is it your little dog sitting next to you on the couch? Is it when your child first says the word Daddy? The definition from Wikipedia is any of a number of emotions related to a sense of strong affection and attachment. How vague is that! The word love can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from generic pleasure ("I loved that steak sandwich") to intense interpersonal attraction ("I love my partner"). This diversity of uses and meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, even compared to other emotional states. Ugh!

I feel it must come from within. I learned about a different kind of "love" when I began to see the world and my place in the world in a completely different light. I began to appreciate the small things. This appreciation came from a lot of work within myself. I felt love as a child and the love of an extended family (great aunts, uncles, cousins, and more cousins) but then my perception changed when the God of my understanding left me at 20 years old without a mother. I felt lonely. I began to search for love in all the wrong places and drowned my sorrows over the years in addictions. I know now that was not love. It may have been an infatuation, or attraction. Today, I feel the love I did as a child. I am a little boy within who is not lost anymore. How could I be? I have the real love of a partner, of children, of friends, of all living creatures (including plants) and most of all the love of the God of my understanding. Who could ask for a better birthday gift to enter the next half century of my life?!

As we continue with dietary lifestyle changes, I want to state that any disease entity can fit into my LIFESTYLE pyramid. Let's review it again from the bottom to the top of the triangle.
#1 Lifestyle Change - Dietary
#2 Exercise
#3 Addictions
#4 Meditation
#5 Self Esteem/Hobbies
#6 Anger/Resentment - Forgiveness
#7 Self-Love

Since I want to discuss the Medicinal Uses of Mushrooms, I must discuss their roles in a variety of cancers. Any type of cancer can be fit into the Lifestyle Change Pyramid. Through the next few weeks, I want to discuss my philosophy in the treatment of cancers. I am not going to discuss allopathic or conventional-specific treatments. I am not an oncologist. I am an internist/cardiologist with a background in Integrative Medicine (may also be called Holistic, Alternative and Complimentary Medicine). There are many modalities used to treat cancers. Some of these modalities include herbs, meditation, Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine, spirituality and especially Dietary Lifestyle Changes.

There are many dietary lifestyle changes that a patient with cancer may institute. For example, some may try a Macrobiotic Diet, others may use a Vegetarian diet and still others may not change their diet at all.

In my opinion, the dietary lifestyle change should be to an alkaline diet, rich in vegetables and fruits, and low in simple carbohydrates. An acidic diet rich or abundant in simple carbohydrates is only putting gasoline on the fire, which is the cancer. The less simple sugar one consumes when diagnosed with cancer, the better the overall outcome.

Historically, some cite Eli Jones, an American Eclectic Physiomedical Physician who practiced eclectic Phytochemical Medicine in the 19th and 20th century. What is eclectic medicine? I knew what type of medicine this was but I had another introduction to it in Ithaca during my Botany Education. Eclectic medicine was a branch of American medicine which made use of botanical remedies along with other substances and physical therapy practices, popular in the latter half of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. The term was coined by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque (1784 to 1841), a physician living among the Native Americans and observing their use of medicinal plants. Rafinesque used the word "eclectic" to refer to those physicians who employed whatever was found to be beneficial to their patients (eclectic being derived from the Greek word "eklego", meaning "to choose from"). Therefore, "Eclectics" were doctors who practiced with a philosophy of "alignment with nature", learning from and using concepts from other schools of medical thought.

I believe that I can be considered an Eclectic Physician. I really like that term. Jones was against using the knife to cut out cancer. I cannot and would not agree with that knowing the technology we have today.

So without getting lost in this philosophy, let's talk MUSHROOMS.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are usually used in either liquid or powdered form. Some are now used to treat the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Mushrooms are used to enhance and stimulate the body's own immune system. I especially use mushroom extract (liquid or powder) for patients with a variety of cancers as well as other immune deficiency diseases such as HIV.

Some mushrooms are tough, chewy and they are fungi. Ewwee!

However, Maitake (Grifola frondosus), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) have been used in cancer treatment and to support the immune system. Both the reishi and woody mushrooms can be used in food as they are too bitter to ingest. These mushrooms are non-toxic and can be used as a dietary supplement. Mushrooms...to be continued.

I could go on and on, but "Tomorrow is another day..."

June 4-7,2010 Weekend Love for Animals

"The more peaceful you become, the easier time you will have living."

Peace, serenity and love! You need not search. Stop looking for it. It comes from within. I have learned this by taking a different path than I had intended. Now, on the 'path of progress', life seems easier. Serenity comes in different forms. It can come from just sitting by yourself on the beach. It can come from meditating and praying. It can come while you are gardening, collecting wildflowers (I did more of that this weekend) or possibly from the unconditional love from your pet.

"A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside." Denis Waitley

Denis Waitley is one of America's most respected authors, keynote lecturers and productivity consultants on high performance human achievement. I love smiling. It does say a lot about someone. I like to say that the eyes and the smile are the gateway to one's heart.

The unconditional love of our pets makes Rick and I smile. The pets include Grant (Maltese - age 12), Jack (Yorkshire terrier - age 11), Spencer (King Charles Cavalier - age 3), cousin Lily (Lhasa Poodle - age 1 and the ONLY FEMALE) and Gracie (Amazon Double Nape Yellow Parrot - age 8).


Wow, that is a lot of unconditional love! About three years ago, I began to give vitamins, nutrients and herbs to our animals. Is it even possible? Of course, it is. You as the pet owner may investigate these modalities for your pets. Veterinarians have begun to use herbs, minerals and essential oils (aromatherapy) in their practices. There are several books on these subjects.


I wanted to write about this to broaden your knowledge base. I wanted you to know that even animals can benefit from your education about other healing/medical modalities. Holistic practices have gone to the parrots...and the dogs.

I always seem to talk about patient's pets. I find it interesting since I initially wanted to be a veterinarian. I also know it is a way to get to know a patient. I do know that aromatherapy has been studied for dogs and horses. Of course, it has beneficial effects for humans but now we have research specifically for animals. When Grant's brother was living (his name was Cary - imagine Cary and Grant), I used the essential oil Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) for nervousness and anxiety when he traveled on the ferry to Fire Island. It is also used for restoring mental balance, focus and clarity. I found it useful for the older dog.

I have learned that Bay leaf (Pimenta racemosa) is great as a tick repellent. I use it for both humans and animals (especially on Fire Island). It is also useful as a hair tonic (or for animal fur). I haven't used it on my own hair yet. I am still stuck on Horsetail. It is the high content of the phenol in Bay leaf (eugenol) that makes it a great tick repellent. Do not use any of these products without more reading/study, seeing an alternative vet or asking your own vet.

I think the best essential oil is lavender (Lavandula angustiflora). I was told years ago that it is one, if not the only, oil that can be used without being diluted. It is great for skin conditions and healing. Rick and I will have to try it on Spencer's ears which are pruritic (itching). It also has a calming effect, which he needs when he starts scratching his ears.

Remember to have fun with your pet. If you do not have a pet, go sit in the park and watch the interaction between owners and their pets.

In the picture above, Spencer is on the left and Lily is to the right.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 4, 2010 A NUTTY BLESSED DAY

I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For Me and You
And I think to myself -What a Wonderful World

I see skies of blue
and clouds of white
The bright blessed day and the dark sacred night
And I say to myself - What a Wonderful World

The colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying-- "How do you do?"
There really saying I love you

I hear babies cry
I watch them grow
They'll learn much more
Than I'll ever know

Then I think to myself --What a Wonderful World

YES, I think to myself... What a Wonderful World....

Is it a Wonderful World? I think it depends on how you look at it and where you fit within this world! It may or may not depend on what race, religion, gender or political views you may have. It does depend on how spiritual you actually are and how well you are able to accept what is happening in your surroundings. If you are a 'NEWS' junkie/addict you will likely view the world in a different way. I try not watch the 'News', or read the New York Times (except the Sunday Art and Leisure section) because I get depressed seeing and reading about tragedies, murders, oil spills, etc.

It is not that I do not care --because I do. Perhaps I would be empowered by this constant stream of news if I had the power to change the world and how people treat each other. I do my part, but I cannot expect to save the world. The same is said about the people I care for. I do my best to educate, care, listen to and treat people. I sometimes feel I didn't do enough--I take their pain, sorrow and even their death on my shoulders. I have been trying to let go of that because I am one person--I am not immortal. I am only human. I am Patrick...

Today's mantra: I am grateful and blessed today

A nut is the hard shelled fruit of some plants that have an indehiscent seed (meaning the fruit does not open on its own to release the seed). While a wide variety of dried seeds and fruits are called nuts in English, only a certain number of them are considered by biologists to be true nuts. Nuts are an important source of nutrients for both humans and wildlife.

A nut in botany is a simple dry fruit with one seed (rarely two). Nuts belong to the Family Fagaceae. Nuts used for food, whether true nuts or not, are among the most common food allergens. I encounter many peanut allergies. There are two types of allergies. Those which are immediate called IgE allergies. The testing for this can be either by skin or blood testing. There are also allergies which are delayed called IgG allergies. The testing for this is by blood. I do both testing for both IgE (immediate) and IgG (delayed). I often observe negative results for peanuts by IgE but positive results for IgG.

Remember the peanut is not a nut, it is a legume. It is grown in the ground. I observe many peanut allergies when the patient has a yeast problem. Peanuts and/or peanut butter contain yeast. Why? Peanuts as stated are grown in the ground, therefore there is fungus, which is mold. Yeast, mold, fungus...all are classified in the same group of living things. Think about what else can be yeasty that is grown in the ground? Yes, the mushroom is part of this group as well.

Some fruits and seeds that do not meet the botanical definition but are nuts in the culinary sense:

Almonds, Pecans and Walnuts are the edible seeds of drupe fruits — the leathery "flesh" is removed at harvest.
Brazil nut is the seed from a capsule.
Candlenut (used for oil) is a seed.
Cashew nut is a seed.
Gevuinanut
Horse-chestnut is an inedible capsule.
Macadamia nut is a creamy white kernel (Macadamia integrifolia).
Malabar chestnut
Mongongo
Peanut is a seed. It is actually a legume.
Pine nut is the seed of several species of pine (coniferous trees).
Pistachio nut is the seed of a thin-shelled drupe.

Several epidemiological studies have revealed that people who consume nuts regularly are less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease Nuts were first linked to protection against CHD in 1993.I encourage all my patients to consume nuts as a snack (except peanuts). Many clinical trials have found that consumption of various nuts such as almonds and walnuts can lower serum LDL cholesterol concentrations. There are recent studies that walnuts are better than other nuts. I prefer almonds. Although nuts contain various substances thought to possess cardioprotective effects, scientists believe that their Omega 3 fatty acid profile is at least in part responsible for the lipid lowering effect.

In addition to possessing cardioprotective effects, nuts generally have a very low glycemic index. This means that nuts generally are converted to sugar in the body at a slower level than other foods with a high glycemic index. For example grapes and watermelons. I frequently recommend nuts be included in diets prescribed for patients with insulin resistance (pre diabetic, also called metabolic syndrome).

Nuts have special properties. Because they contain fat, people get afraid to eat them. Yes, it is true if you consume bags of nuts there is a lot of fat. But it is the right fat, NOT saturated fat.In addition, the fats in nuts for the most part are unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated fats. This type does not elevate blood cholesterol levels like saturated fats. Nuts contain the all important fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acids, which are critical for growth, physical and mental development, healthy hair and skin, blood pressure control, immunological responses and blood clotting.

For snacks I recommend patients to have a small handful - 1 ounce of almonds is about 14 almonds - not 30, or the large handful you want. Do not eat nuts like popcorn or M and M's.
Nuts also supply one of the best natural sources of vitamins E and B2 (riboflavin, an antioxidant), and are rich in protein, folate, fiber, and essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and selenium.

After reading this who doesn't want a NUT. When I decided to write about nuts.. my first thought was the Barbara Streisand movie, Nuts which I enjoyed. The mother was portrayed by Maureen Stapleton. Rent it again. It is worth a Friday night with a bowl of nuts.

The needle craft above is not needlepoint. It is free style, not stamped cross stitch. Some rather buy a stamped (inked) canvas. I prefer freestyle so I can be creative and make different designs on the canvas. In this case I added a few extra flowers. This cross stitch could have been framed (without glass) or made into a pillow. A nice pillow for a country porch.

Photo credit: Rick Byrd
Song credit: Louis Armstrong
Pillow credit: Vasiliki
In memory of Jerry who always had a smile that beamed and a heart that glowed.

Until tomorrow...

ADDENDUM JUNE 3, 2010 NEWS FLASH

GAO Report Finds Heavy Metals in Herbal Supplements at Levels That Do Not Raise Safety Concerns for FDA


May 26, 2010 – The U.S. Government Accountability Office is providing testimony today during a hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Aging entitled, “Dietary Supplements: What Seniors Need to Know.” The testimony focuses on herbal dietary supplements and GAO’s investigative findings with regards to marketing claims and “harmful substance contamination.”

GAO reports that none of the 40 herbal products tested were found to contain heavy metals in amounts exceeding either Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations governing dietary supplements or raw ingredients used in supplements. Additionally, the report states, “FDA and EPA officials did not express concern regarding any immediate health consequences from consuming these 40 supplements.” This sentiment is reiterated in a May 25 article in New York Times, which quotes FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein as saying he “was not concerned about the safety of the supplements tested by the G.A.O. investigators.”

“The area of trace elements in dietary supplements is one to which AHPA has dedicated time and attention,” said American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) President Michael McGuffin. “AHPA is pleased to see that manufacturers of all tested products appear to be aware of the ways good agriculture and manufacturing practice can minimize the level of trace amounts of these naturally-occurring metals in their products.”

GAO reports that investigators posing as elderly customers received potentially harmful medical advice from retail sales staff. Upon review, FDA and FTC informed GAO many of the claims were “largely improper". GAO also reports “in several cases, written sales materials for products sold through online retailers claimed that herbal dietary supplements could treat, prevent or cure conditions such as diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular disease.” Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), claims that a dietary supplement can treat, prevent or cure a disease are illegal.

In one example provided by GAO, a ginseng product bears labeling stating the product possesses “Powerful Anti-cancer Function". An Internet search conducted by AHPA finds this claim and other illegal disease claims being made by China-based Internet-marketer KunMing LingCao-Dali Industry and Trade Company.

“In the past, FDA has taken enforcement action against companies making the kinds of claims noted in the GAO report,” McGuffin said. “AHPA has long supported active enforcement of DSHEA and is always pleased to see FDA exercise its enforcement authority when warranted.”

A press release from the Special Committee on Aging is available here: http://aging.senate.gov/hearing_detail.cfm?id=325240&.http://

A Webcast of the hearing is now available on the committee’s Web site: http://aging.senate.gov/.