Barbara Sarter | Bastyr University (original) (raw)

Papers by Barbara Sarter

Alternative therapies in health and medicine

Page 1. 112 ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, July/Aug 2002, VOL. 8, NO. 4 Fasting in Remission of Autoimmun... more Page 1. 112 ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, July/Aug 2002, VOL. 8, NO. 4 Fasting in Remission of Autoimmune Disease Joel Fuhrman is a board-certified family physician affiliated with Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, NJ. ...

Alternative therapies in health and medicine

A high nutrient density (HND) vegetable-based diet offers a dietary model extremely low in satura... more A high nutrient density (HND) vegetable-based diet offers a dietary model extremely low in saturated fat as well as refined carbohydrates and emphasizes a liberal intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who came to a family practice office seeking nutritional counseling for weight loss. All of these patients were prescribed an HND diet in an extended counseling session with a family physician. A convenience sample (N = 56) of all patients seeking dietary counseling for weight loss from a family practice physician in a 3-year period was included in the chart review. No personal identifying data were recorded. The initial counseling sessions averaged 1 hour in length. Patients were provided with a sample HND daily meal plan and recipes and with verbal and written information about the rationale for the diet. Data recorded from patients' charts at 6-month intervals for up to 2 years of follow-up (when available) included weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol:HDL ratio. Non-parametric statistical testing using the Friedman rank order (exact) test for k-related samples was conducted. A follow-up survey on adherence and medication use was completed by 38 patients. Of the 33 patients who returned for follow-up after 1 year, the mean weight loss was 31 lbs (P = .000). Of the 19 patients who returned after 2 years, the mean weight loss was 53 lbs (P = .000), mean cholesterol fell by 13 points, LDL by 15 points, triglycerides by 17 points, and cardiac risk ratio dropped from 4.5 to 3.8. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were highly significant at all follow-up time intervals (P < or = .001). There was a significant correlation between adherence and degree of weight loss (P = .011). Weight loss was sustained in patients who returned for follow-up and was more substantial in those who reported good adherence to the recommendations. However, many patients were lost to follow-up. Favorable changes in lipid profile and blood pressure were noted. An HND diet has the potential to provide sustainable, significant, long-term weight loss and may provide substantial lowering of cardiac risk in patients who are motivated and provided with extended one-on-one counseling and follow-up visits. Development of tools to aid in patient retention is an area for possible further study. Clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to further test the therapeutic potential and to examine adherence and follow-up issues related to this dietary approach. An HND diet as demonstrated with this group may be the most health-favorable and effective way to lose weight for appropriately motivated patients.

The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2002

This article provides a comprehensive review of 30 years of research on the use of coenzyme Q10 i... more This article provides a comprehensive review of 30 years of research on the use of coenzyme Q10 in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. This endogenous antioxidant has potential for use in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, particularly hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. It appears that levels of coenzyme Q10 are decreased during therapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, gemfibrozil, Adriamycin, and certain beta blockers. Further clinical trials are warranted, but because of its low toxicity it may be appropriate to recommend coenzyme Q10 to select patients as an adjunct to conventional treatment.

Clinical Nutrition, 2014

Vegan Vegetarian Biomarkers Omega-3 index Ageing Omega-3 fatty acids s u m m a r y Background & a... more Vegan Vegetarian Biomarkers Omega-3 index Ageing Omega-3 fatty acids s u m m a r y Background & aims: Several studies have demonstrated that vegetarians and vegans have much lower plasma concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids (i.e., docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids) when compared to those who eat fish. The purposes of this study were 1) to define the age and/or sex-specific docosahexaenoic plus eicosapentaenoic acids levels in red blood cell membranes (expressed as a percent of total fatty acids; hereafter the omega-3 index) in long-term vegans, and 2) to determine the effects of a vegetarian omega-3 supplement (254 mg docosahexaenoic plus eicosapentaenoic acids/day for 4 months) on the omega-3 index. Methods: A sample (n ¼ 165) of vegans was recruited, and their omega-3 index was determined using a dried blood spot methodology. A subset of 46 subjects with a baseline omega-3 index of <4% was given a vegetarian omega-3 supplement for 4 months and then retested. Results: The mean AE SD omega-3 index was 3.7 AE 1.0% which was similar to that of a cohort of omnivores (deployed US soldiers) from a recently-reported study. Among the vegan cohort, the index was significantly higher in females than males (3.9 AE 1.0% vs. 3.5 AE 1.0%; p ¼ 0.026) and was directly related to age (p for trend ¼ 0.009). The omega-3 index increased from 3.1 AE 0.6% to 4.8 AE 0.8% (p ¼ 0.009) in the supplementation study. Conclusions: We conclude that vegans have low baseline omega-3 levels, but not lower than omnivores who also consume very little docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids. The vegans responded robustly to a relatively low dose of a vegetarian omega-3 supplement.

Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2013

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2015

The purpose of the present paper is to (a) summarize evidence for the nanoparticle nature and bio... more The purpose of the present paper is to (a) summarize evidence for the nanoparticle nature and biological effects of traditional homeopathically-prepared medicines at low and ultralow doses; (b) provide details of historically-based homeopathic green manufacturing materials and methods, relating them to top-down mechanical attrition and plant-based biosynthetic processes in modern nanotechnology; (c) outline the potential roles of nonlinear dose-responses and dynamical interactions with complex adaptive systems in generating endogenous amplification processes during low dose treatment. Possible mechanisms of low dose effects, for which there is evidence involving nanoparticles and/or homeopathically-manufactured medicines, include hormesis, time-dependent sensitization, and stochastic resonance. All of the proposed mechanisms depend upon endogenous nonlinear amplification processes in the recipient organism in interaction with the salient, albeit weak signal properties of the medicine. Conventional ligand-receptor mechanisms relevant to higher doses are less likely involved. Effects, especially for homeopathically-prepared nanophytomedicines, include bidirectional host state-dependent changes in function. Homeopathic clinicians report successful treatment of serious infections and cancers. Preclinical biological evidence is consistent with such claims. Controlled biological data on homeopathically-prepared medicines indicate modulation of gene expression and biological signaling pathways regulating cell cycles, immune reactions, and central nervous system function from studies on cells, animals, and human subjects. As a 200year old system of traditional medicine used by millions of people worldwide, homeopathy offers a pulsed low dose treatment strategy and strong safety record to facilitate progress in translational nanomedicine with plants and other natural products. In turn, modern nanotechnology methods can improve homeopathic manufacturing procedures, characterize nanoparticle end-products, and describe interactions of homeopathic nanophytomedicines with living systems at the nanoparticle and even individual organism level of detection. Faster progress toward safe and effective personalized nanophytomedicine treatments can result.

Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2012

Two cases of viral hepatitis that had failed conventional therapy are presented. Both were subseq... more Two cases of viral hepatitis that had failed conventional therapy are presented. Both were subsequently treated with protocols using homeopathic medicines as detailed below. Both patients sustained remissions for 2 years after taking ultradilute natural medicines after their conventional treatment had been discontinued. The treatment protocol included Chelidonium majus 6X and Thuja 30C as the main medicines. Other homeopathic medicines were used as detailed below. Cases were confirmed with standard hepatitis antibody and viral measurements. Patients were followed for more than 2 years with measurements of viral counts, liver enzymes, and other relevant biomarkers of liver disease. Both patients are alive and functioning normally in their home environments more than 2 years after treatment initiation. We review the literature related to the chief medicines used in these cases and find that they have known and demonstrated therapeutic effects suggesting plausible mechanisms of action in these cases. Clinical trials of this homeopathic treatment protocol should be conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of these medicines for treatment of viral hepatitis.

Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2014

Nanomedicina integral: Tratar el cáncer con productos naturales en nanoescala Iris R.

To date there have been few reports of a gender difference in methylation levels of genes. When e... more To date there have been few reports of a gender difference in methylation levels of genes. When examining the methylation levels of four autosomal genes (ESR1, MTHFR, CALCA and MGMT) in the white blood cells of a random sample of Singapore Chinese Health Study cohort participants (n = 291), we encountered an unexpected gender differential. Using MethyLight technology, we calculated a gene-specific percentage of methylated reference (PMR) value, which quantified the relative level of gene methylation for each study subject (134 males and 157 females). Two summary methylation indices were constructed by assigning gene-specific rank scores. We then used ANCOVA to compare logarithmically transformed individual PMR values and summary methylation indices by age and gender simultaneously. Adjustment was made for plasma homocysteine. For ESR1, for which a large proportion of subjects were negative for methylation, we also used polytomous regression to compare methylation across age and gender. Increasing age and the male gender independently predicted increasing PMR values for CALCA and MGMT. For the MTHFR gene, male gender was associated with higher PMR values (P = 0.002), while age was not (P = 0.75). Neither age nor gender had any statistically significant influence on the PMR values for ESR1 (P = 0.13 and 0.96, respectively). Our data suggest that gender is at least as strong a predictor of methylation level in the four genes under study as age, with males showing higher PMRs.

The purpose of the present paper is (a) to outline the self-organized, complex adaptive network n... more The purpose of the present paper is (a) to outline the self-organized, complex adaptive network nature of the organism
as recipient of nanomedicines; (b) to propose several nonlinear endogenous amplification processes by which pulsed
low doses of traditional, homeopathically-manufactured natural product nanomedicines may stimulate a return toward
healthier function; and (c) to discuss their potential relevance to novel, but safer than conventional dosing strategies for
contemporary nanomedicines. Homeopathy is an over 200-year-old system of complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) that uses low doses of natural plant-, mineral-, and animal-sourced nanomedicines. Homeopathic manufacturing
is “green”, with mechanical grinding in lactose and agitation in ethanol-water as primary reagents. Agitation within glass
containers at room temperature may also contribute nanosilica and nanosilicon as drug delivery vehicles and biological
amplifiers. The medicine selection is matched to the recipient organism’s systemic patterns of dysfunction and pulsed
in the timing of the discrete doses. Endogenous amplification processes within the recipient organism may involve
hormesis, time-dependent sensitization, and/or stochastic resonance. Effects are adaptive and systemically diffuse,
i.e., causally indirect, rather than pharmacological and local, i.e., direct. All of these nonlinear response processes
require interaction of the nanoparticle (NP) dose with the organism as a complex adaptive system. The pulsed NP
dose serves as a low intensity salient danger signal for the organism to make network-wide adaptive changes that can
lead to healing. The historically safe therapeutic approach of homeopathic nanomedicine dosing avoids risks of high,
continuous doses and cumulative toxicity that contemporary nanomedicine researchers are now trying to solve while
using NPs as if they were conventional bulk drugs. Integrating the insights, technical procedures, and clinical dosing
approaches from modern and homeopathic nanomedicine could lead to major advances in the field for more effective
and safer translational applications.

Alternative therapies in health and medicine

Page 1. 112 ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, July/Aug 2002, VOL. 8, NO. 4 Fasting in Remission of Autoimmun... more Page 1. 112 ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, July/Aug 2002, VOL. 8, NO. 4 Fasting in Remission of Autoimmune Disease Joel Fuhrman is a board-certified family physician affiliated with Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, NJ. ...

Alternative therapies in health and medicine

A high nutrient density (HND) vegetable-based diet offers a dietary model extremely low in satura... more A high nutrient density (HND) vegetable-based diet offers a dietary model extremely low in saturated fat as well as refined carbohydrates and emphasizes a liberal intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who came to a family practice office seeking nutritional counseling for weight loss. All of these patients were prescribed an HND diet in an extended counseling session with a family physician. A convenience sample (N = 56) of all patients seeking dietary counseling for weight loss from a family practice physician in a 3-year period was included in the chart review. No personal identifying data were recorded. The initial counseling sessions averaged 1 hour in length. Patients were provided with a sample HND daily meal plan and recipes and with verbal and written information about the rationale for the diet. Data recorded from patients&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; charts at 6-month intervals for up to 2 years of follow-up (when available) included weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol:HDL ratio. Non-parametric statistical testing using the Friedman rank order (exact) test for k-related samples was conducted. A follow-up survey on adherence and medication use was completed by 38 patients. Of the 33 patients who returned for follow-up after 1 year, the mean weight loss was 31 lbs (P = .000). Of the 19 patients who returned after 2 years, the mean weight loss was 53 lbs (P = .000), mean cholesterol fell by 13 points, LDL by 15 points, triglycerides by 17 points, and cardiac risk ratio dropped from 4.5 to 3.8. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were highly significant at all follow-up time intervals (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; or = .001). There was a significant correlation between adherence and degree of weight loss (P = .011). Weight loss was sustained in patients who returned for follow-up and was more substantial in those who reported good adherence to the recommendations. However, many patients were lost to follow-up. Favorable changes in lipid profile and blood pressure were noted. An HND diet has the potential to provide sustainable, significant, long-term weight loss and may provide substantial lowering of cardiac risk in patients who are motivated and provided with extended one-on-one counseling and follow-up visits. Development of tools to aid in patient retention is an area for possible further study. Clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to further test the therapeutic potential and to examine adherence and follow-up issues related to this dietary approach. An HND diet as demonstrated with this group may be the most health-favorable and effective way to lose weight for appropriately motivated patients.

The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2002

This article provides a comprehensive review of 30 years of research on the use of coenzyme Q10 i... more This article provides a comprehensive review of 30 years of research on the use of coenzyme Q10 in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. This endogenous antioxidant has potential for use in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, particularly hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. It appears that levels of coenzyme Q10 are decreased during therapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, gemfibrozil, Adriamycin, and certain beta blockers. Further clinical trials are warranted, but because of its low toxicity it may be appropriate to recommend coenzyme Q10 to select patients as an adjunct to conventional treatment.

Clinical Nutrition, 2014

Vegan Vegetarian Biomarkers Omega-3 index Ageing Omega-3 fatty acids s u m m a r y Background & a... more Vegan Vegetarian Biomarkers Omega-3 index Ageing Omega-3 fatty acids s u m m a r y Background & aims: Several studies have demonstrated that vegetarians and vegans have much lower plasma concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids (i.e., docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids) when compared to those who eat fish. The purposes of this study were 1) to define the age and/or sex-specific docosahexaenoic plus eicosapentaenoic acids levels in red blood cell membranes (expressed as a percent of total fatty acids; hereafter the omega-3 index) in long-term vegans, and 2) to determine the effects of a vegetarian omega-3 supplement (254 mg docosahexaenoic plus eicosapentaenoic acids/day for 4 months) on the omega-3 index. Methods: A sample (n ¼ 165) of vegans was recruited, and their omega-3 index was determined using a dried blood spot methodology. A subset of 46 subjects with a baseline omega-3 index of <4% was given a vegetarian omega-3 supplement for 4 months and then retested. Results: The mean AE SD omega-3 index was 3.7 AE 1.0% which was similar to that of a cohort of omnivores (deployed US soldiers) from a recently-reported study. Among the vegan cohort, the index was significantly higher in females than males (3.9 AE 1.0% vs. 3.5 AE 1.0%; p ¼ 0.026) and was directly related to age (p for trend ¼ 0.009). The omega-3 index increased from 3.1 AE 0.6% to 4.8 AE 0.8% (p ¼ 0.009) in the supplementation study. Conclusions: We conclude that vegans have low baseline omega-3 levels, but not lower than omnivores who also consume very little docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids. The vegans responded robustly to a relatively low dose of a vegetarian omega-3 supplement.

Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2013

Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2015

The purpose of the present paper is to (a) summarize evidence for the nanoparticle nature and bio... more The purpose of the present paper is to (a) summarize evidence for the nanoparticle nature and biological effects of traditional homeopathically-prepared medicines at low and ultralow doses; (b) provide details of historically-based homeopathic green manufacturing materials and methods, relating them to top-down mechanical attrition and plant-based biosynthetic processes in modern nanotechnology; (c) outline the potential roles of nonlinear dose-responses and dynamical interactions with complex adaptive systems in generating endogenous amplification processes during low dose treatment. Possible mechanisms of low dose effects, for which there is evidence involving nanoparticles and/or homeopathically-manufactured medicines, include hormesis, time-dependent sensitization, and stochastic resonance. All of the proposed mechanisms depend upon endogenous nonlinear amplification processes in the recipient organism in interaction with the salient, albeit weak signal properties of the medicine. Conventional ligand-receptor mechanisms relevant to higher doses are less likely involved. Effects, especially for homeopathically-prepared nanophytomedicines, include bidirectional host state-dependent changes in function. Homeopathic clinicians report successful treatment of serious infections and cancers. Preclinical biological evidence is consistent with such claims. Controlled biological data on homeopathically-prepared medicines indicate modulation of gene expression and biological signaling pathways regulating cell cycles, immune reactions, and central nervous system function from studies on cells, animals, and human subjects. As a 200year old system of traditional medicine used by millions of people worldwide, homeopathy offers a pulsed low dose treatment strategy and strong safety record to facilitate progress in translational nanomedicine with plants and other natural products. In turn, modern nanotechnology methods can improve homeopathic manufacturing procedures, characterize nanoparticle end-products, and describe interactions of homeopathic nanophytomedicines with living systems at the nanoparticle and even individual organism level of detection. Faster progress toward safe and effective personalized nanophytomedicine treatments can result.

Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2012

Two cases of viral hepatitis that had failed conventional therapy are presented. Both were subseq... more Two cases of viral hepatitis that had failed conventional therapy are presented. Both were subsequently treated with protocols using homeopathic medicines as detailed below. Both patients sustained remissions for 2 years after taking ultradilute natural medicines after their conventional treatment had been discontinued. The treatment protocol included Chelidonium majus 6X and Thuja 30C as the main medicines. Other homeopathic medicines were used as detailed below. Cases were confirmed with standard hepatitis antibody and viral measurements. Patients were followed for more than 2 years with measurements of viral counts, liver enzymes, and other relevant biomarkers of liver disease. Both patients are alive and functioning normally in their home environments more than 2 years after treatment initiation. We review the literature related to the chief medicines used in these cases and find that they have known and demonstrated therapeutic effects suggesting plausible mechanisms of action in these cases. Clinical trials of this homeopathic treatment protocol should be conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of these medicines for treatment of viral hepatitis.

Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 2014

Nanomedicina integral: Tratar el cáncer con productos naturales en nanoescala Iris R.

To date there have been few reports of a gender difference in methylation levels of genes. When e... more To date there have been few reports of a gender difference in methylation levels of genes. When examining the methylation levels of four autosomal genes (ESR1, MTHFR, CALCA and MGMT) in the white blood cells of a random sample of Singapore Chinese Health Study cohort participants (n = 291), we encountered an unexpected gender differential. Using MethyLight technology, we calculated a gene-specific percentage of methylated reference (PMR) value, which quantified the relative level of gene methylation for each study subject (134 males and 157 females). Two summary methylation indices were constructed by assigning gene-specific rank scores. We then used ANCOVA to compare logarithmically transformed individual PMR values and summary methylation indices by age and gender simultaneously. Adjustment was made for plasma homocysteine. For ESR1, for which a large proportion of subjects were negative for methylation, we also used polytomous regression to compare methylation across age and gender. Increasing age and the male gender independently predicted increasing PMR values for CALCA and MGMT. For the MTHFR gene, male gender was associated with higher PMR values (P = 0.002), while age was not (P = 0.75). Neither age nor gender had any statistically significant influence on the PMR values for ESR1 (P = 0.13 and 0.96, respectively). Our data suggest that gender is at least as strong a predictor of methylation level in the four genes under study as age, with males showing higher PMRs.

The purpose of the present paper is (a) to outline the self-organized, complex adaptive network n... more The purpose of the present paper is (a) to outline the self-organized, complex adaptive network nature of the organism
as recipient of nanomedicines; (b) to propose several nonlinear endogenous amplification processes by which pulsed
low doses of traditional, homeopathically-manufactured natural product nanomedicines may stimulate a return toward
healthier function; and (c) to discuss their potential relevance to novel, but safer than conventional dosing strategies for
contemporary nanomedicines. Homeopathy is an over 200-year-old system of complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) that uses low doses of natural plant-, mineral-, and animal-sourced nanomedicines. Homeopathic manufacturing
is “green”, with mechanical grinding in lactose and agitation in ethanol-water as primary reagents. Agitation within glass
containers at room temperature may also contribute nanosilica and nanosilicon as drug delivery vehicles and biological
amplifiers. The medicine selection is matched to the recipient organism’s systemic patterns of dysfunction and pulsed
in the timing of the discrete doses. Endogenous amplification processes within the recipient organism may involve
hormesis, time-dependent sensitization, and/or stochastic resonance. Effects are adaptive and systemically diffuse,
i.e., causally indirect, rather than pharmacological and local, i.e., direct. All of these nonlinear response processes
require interaction of the nanoparticle (NP) dose with the organism as a complex adaptive system. The pulsed NP
dose serves as a low intensity salient danger signal for the organism to make network-wide adaptive changes that can
lead to healing. The historically safe therapeutic approach of homeopathic nanomedicine dosing avoids risks of high,
continuous doses and cumulative toxicity that contemporary nanomedicine researchers are now trying to solve while
using NPs as if they were conventional bulk drugs. Integrating the insights, technical procedures, and clinical dosing
approaches from modern and homeopathic nanomedicine could lead to major advances in the field for more effective
and safer translational applications.