Optimizing Clinical Trials for Botanical Supplements in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Alex Speers, Amala Soumyanath
Primary Institution: Oregon Health & Science University
Hypothesis
More rigorous data are needed to support the efficacy of botanical dietary supplements in older adults.
Conclusion
The research aims to generate necessary data to support future optimized efficacy trials for botanical dietary supplements in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- The use of dietary supplements is increasingly common among older adults.
- There is a concern about the lack of high-quality efficacy studies for botanical products.
- The research focuses on two botanicals: Centella asiatica and Withania somifera.
Takeaway
Older people often take herbal supplements, but we need to study them more carefully to make sure they're safe and effective.
Methodology
The research includes product characterization studies, exploration of mechanisms in vitro and in vivo, and the development of methods for measuring plant compounds in plasma.
Potential Biases
Potential for herb-drug interactions due to higher rates of polypharmacy in older adults.
Limitations
There is a lack of high-quality efficacy studies for botanical products and issues with product quality and variability.
Participant Demographics
Older adults.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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