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Hold the crow recipes As Janet said there has been virtually no research (that at least I could find) since the Italian study several years ago. I am asking an Italian MD regarding the reputation of the researchers, the research and the journal. The Ginkgo Bilboa studies look more impressive as do the St. John's Wort reports. I favor research into Alternative treatments. What I get on my soapbox about is the wholesale adoption (and retail+ exploitation) of the "cure of the week" without adequate data to back them up. And they are gobbled up by those of us who are desperate for a cure or at least some relief from our illnesses. Drugs that go through the FDA have that research behind them- most alternative "nutrients" do not- just anecdotal reports often from those who have self-interest in selling the nutrients. And because something occurs in nature is no guarantee that it is not toxic- even if it is therapeutic. for example opium, tobacco, cyanide, l-dopa, digitalis (which is a valuable medication in small amounts and extremely toxic in large amounts), Lithium, ergot etc. What we need to do before we take anything prescribed or not is think critically about the source, the purpose, the known and unknowns risks and the benefits. As has been aptly discussed here many times is that the MD is not always right- but neither are the pseudoscientific discipline always right or always wrong. My concern is that we all think critically about our treatment using proven treatments first, Then, consider entering into scientifically controlled studies so that you add to knowledge for the rest of us as well as potentially helping yourself. Charlie -- CHARLES T. MEYER, M.D. Middleton, WI [log in to unmask]