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  • 03 Sep 2019 10:41 AM | Deleted user


    They have been used since time began and you've probably read the term on the labels of complementary or herbal medicines. But what does traditional mean?

     

    Traditional medicine has a long history, fossil records reveal that our ancestors used plants as medicines at least 60,000 years ago. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the term Traditional medicine as: "The sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness."


    Every region around the world has its own indigenous medicines based on herbs and plants grown in the area. It's thought that early humans learnt about plants when gathering food. Inevitably, as well as edible plants, our ancestors also consumed noxious plants. Over time valuable lessons were learnt. For example, what were the edible options? Which plants or parts of plants should be avoided. And, which could be used to make remedies that could positively affect the health and wellbeing. 


    So, it's not surprising that some of today's effective, conventional medicines are derived from traditional remedies. For example, the ancient Egyptians used myrtle leaves to treat aches and pains. And Hippocrates, widely accepted as the father of medicine, used an extract of willow bark in the fourth century BC to treat fever. It wasn't until the 1800s that the active ingredient in both these remedies was found to be salicylic acid (aspirin). Aspirin is still widely used today. You could say that in this case, science followed traditional medicine and not the other way around. And here's another.


    In 1972, the Chinese chemist Tu Youuou announced the discovery of a substance, artemisinin, found in a Traditional Chinese medicinal herb - wormwood (Artemesia annua), which inhibits the malaria parasite. It was part of a herbal medicine formulated in the fourth century AD. This discovery saved millions of lives and earned Tu Youuou the Nobel prize for medicine in 2015. 

     

    So where are we today? In an ideal world, traditional medicine would be an option offered by a well-functioning, people-centred health system that balances curative services with preventive care. Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is an important and often underestimated health resource with many applications, especially in the prevention and management of lifestyle-related chronic diseases, and in meeting the health needs of ageing populations. Given the unique health challenges of the 21st century, interest in T&CM is undergoing a revival.

     

    2019 marks a time when the World Health Assembly (WHA) saw the official release of the WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine. The report provides a comprehensive overview on Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) and includes input from over 90% of WHO member states. Importantly it indicates an increased acceptance and engagement with T&CM professions globally. It provides valuable information for policy-makers, health professionals and the public for capitalising on the potential contribution of T&CM to health and well-being.


    CMA’s Health Industry Health Future Strategic Plan 2020-2025 lays the foundations for a more consumer led approach to healthcare where complementary medicines are part of an integrated and preventive healthcare framework.


  • 14 Aug 2019 10:02 AM | Deleted user

    Pharmacist Jacqui Hagidimitriou was looking for a career that encompassed her love of biochemistry and interaction with people. She found it in pharmacy.

    When she was left in charge of the pharmacy for the first time seven years ago, Jacqui realised there were many natural medicines that she didn’t know much about.

    “It was a small store, and I decided to find out more about natural medicines. I have a creative streak, so it was clear that I wanted to learn a bit more.”

    She started going to seminars and trying products herself.

    “There was quite a lot of biochemistry involved and that sparked my interest in nutrition and naturopathy. I could see the results for myself, and that just made me want to know more.”

    Her journey has led to tertiary education in Nutritional Medicine, to be able to provide the most up to date complementary medicine advice in the pharmacy.

    The right advice

    “Probiotics are very popular with patients because there is more acceptance around their use now. I find that doctors recommend that pharmacists help patients to choose the right probiotic for each individual’s needs. Asking questions is important, but asking the questions that patients don’t know the answer to is vital to get a complete picture of a person’s needs.”

    “For example, if a patient came to get some advice on using complementary medicine for the relief of inflammation, it’s crucial to find out if that inflammation is acute or longstanding etc. This is because while fish oil may work, it takes a longer time to bring about an effect. And, large doses are needed for pain relief. If the patient wants faster relief, I would recommend turmeric – it’s all about what the individual needs.”

    Complementary Medicines in Australia 

    “Patients often ask about the use of supplements, and I think that here in Australia, we have an effective and stringent system in place. Patients often come and talk about products that they have seen in overseas websites and I tend to steer them back to Australian products.’

    Too much of a good thing?

    “Even with natural medicine, there are issues with taking too much, but that can be the case with everything not just complementary and conventional medicine. I think it is important to take the time to talk with the patient and understand the whole picture for safe and effective recommendations.”

    Is there a knowledge gap?

    “I think that it is vital to be open-minded about learning the biochemistry and the mode of action of so many products and even nutritional mechanisms of action – from herbs and spices to nutritional supplements. It’s important to understand their mode of action and the potential for interactions.

    To be honest, I simply didn’t know about the complex method of action. I think complementary medicines are useful either taken alone or in conjunction with conventional medicines in the right circumstances. But you can have too much of a good thing – whatever kind of medicine you’re talking about. That’s why understanding more about natural medicines is so important.”

    To find out more, Jacqui would recommend the textbook by Braun and Cohen, Herbs and Natural Supplements. Plus, more and more education events are being organised by companies.

    "Depending on banner group, a pharmacist will also have, a range of company-wide learning opportunities." says Jacqui.

    "And most pharmacies have MIMs which has IM Gateway; this is quick and easy to use.

    Last word

    Jacqui is the managing pharmacist at TerryWhite Chemmart Samford, where they have launched The Clinic Hub -  an allied health and integrative space for additional pharmacy services. This has allowed Jacqui to develop nutritional programs to improve their customer’s wellbeing.

    "We provide services in the pharmacy setting and can delve deeply into a patient's diet and lifestyle, and we offer a range of programs including digestive and menopause wellbeing programs."

    Find more information at TheClinicHub.com.au.


  • 07 Aug 2019 3:13 PM | Deleted user

    By Carl Gibson CEO

    A major new study has shown the link between low vitamin D levels and depression in older people and is currently hittingg the headlines.


    The study came from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin. It showed for the first time in Ireland that a deficiency in vitamin D is linked with a major risk for depression over a four-year follow-up period. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a 75% increase in the risk of developing depression within four years (the period that participants were studied).


    The most extensive representative study of its kind

    Published in The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (JAMDA), the results are part of the most extensive representative study of its kind. Researchers examined the vitamin D status of older adults and depression and then re-examined the individuals four years later. 


    Other smaller studies have linked low vitamin D levels with depression, but few studies have followed up with the same people over time. Also, other studies did not tale existing depression, chronic diseases, physical activity and cardiovascular disease into account. People taking anti-depressants and vitamin D supplements were not included in the study either.


    Vitamin D: protection for brain

    The authors suggest that the findings could be due to the direct effect of vitamin D on the brain.


    Ageing affects the structure and function of the brain and vitamin D may protect against these changes. Other research has linked low vitamin D status with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, dementia and multiple sclerosis as well as a range of other chronic conditions.


    Dr Eamon Laird was the senior study author and Research Fellow with TILDA. He said: “What is surprising is the large effect on depression even after accounting for other control variables. This is highly relevant for Ireland as our previous research has shown that one in eight older adults are deficient in the summer and one in four during the winter. Moreover, only around eight per cent of older Irish adults report taking a vitamin D supplement.”


    “Given that vitamin D is safe in the recommended intakes and is relatively cheap, this study adds to the growing evidence on the benefits of vitamin D for health. It also helps to continue to impress the need on our public health bodies to develop Irish vitamin D recommendations for the general public. Up to this point, these are severely lacking.”


    More about vitamin D

    Vitamin D is different from other vitamins - chemically speaking it is more a hormone than a vitamin. As well as being vital for healthy bones and teeth, vitamin D also regulates cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation.

    Unlike other vitamins, our primary source is not from food – most of our vitamin D is made by the skin when UVB light reacts with a fatty cholesterol-like substance in the skin (hence it is also called the sunshine vitamin). So, you would think that in Australia, the sunburnt country, Australians would not be short of vitamin D. But you’d be wrong. 


    Australians and vitamin D deficiency

    Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common and affects a large proportion of Australians.One in three Australians is deficient in vitamin D and nearly three quarters (73 per cent) had levels considered by many experts as below the optimal for musculoskeletal health (https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/research-news/articles/vitamin-d-deficiency-strikes-one-third-of-australians). Getting enough vitamin D through safe sun exposure, diet and/or supplements is vital for general good health and to help fight off chronic diseases.


    Three tips to boost vitamin D levels

    1. Take a walk

    In winter, midday is the best time to get out; the energetic UV that produces vitamin D is not around in the early morning or late afternoon.


    Try a midday walk exposing your arms or equivalent area for about seven minutes in summer and 12 minutes in winter in Cairns) to seven minutes in summer or 47 minutes in winter  in Hobart on most days over a week to maintain vitamin D levels 


    2. . Chose vitamin D-containing foods 

    Around 10 per cent of your requirements come from food - vitamin D rich foods include:

    • Liver (this isn’t suitable if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy as it can also contain very high levels of vitamin A).
    • Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines and fresh tuna.
    • Fortified foods – including breakfast cereals, eggs and milk. Full-fat milk contains the most vitamin D, and that’s one reason why whole milk is best for toddlers and young children. You can now also buy mushrooms that contain higher levels of vitamin D.


    3. Select an Australian supplement 

    supplements can raise blood vitamin D levels when deficiency is moderate. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) 1000 IU or 25 microgram is the supplement most commonly used; multivitamin supplements with 32–200 IU per unit don’t contain enough vitamin D to treat or prevent vitamin D deficiency.

    If levels are very deficient (ask your doctor for a blood test to find out), you may need injections of vitamin D to raise blood levels quickly. As mentioned, the sun is the primary source of vitamin D.  However, if you have a diagnosed deficiency, exposing yourself to the amount of sun you may need to raise your vitamin D levels could pose a health risk. Your GP may recommend vitamin D supplements, which should be taken strictly as directed. Once low vitamin D is treated, you’ll need maintain normal vitamin D levels. Talk to your healthcare practitioner for advice.


    References available on request.

  • 06 Aug 2019 3:27 PM | Deleted user

    Sport in Australia has again been rocked by allegations of the use of banned substances. Australian swimmer Shayna Jack recently tested positive for the banned drug Ligandrol.

     

    A selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), Ligandrol was developed for the treatment of medical conditions such as osteoporosis; it aids the growth of muscle mass. The source of the drug in Ms Jack’s system has not been identified.

     

    Re-emphasis, reiterate

    Complementary Medicines Australia (CMA) is keen to reemphasise Australia’s commitment to well researched, responsibly formulated, evidence-based, high-quality screened and tested products.

     

    Produced within strict government guidelines

    Those choosing Australian made products can be confident that they are manufactured according to the highest standards. They are produced according to rigorous guidelines set by the government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

     

    Australian products are, in fact, more strictly regulated than those from the USA and even the UK. Manufactured to pharmaceutical standards under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), strict safety and quality regulations apply and are stringently enforced.

     

    Is it a trusted Australian product?

    Australian made products feature an AUST L or AUST R number printed on the front of the label. If these are absent, the product has not been produced within the exacting guidelines required by the Australian governmental departments. They do not comply with Australian quality standards.

     

    Australian made products are also tested regularly and comprehensively to ensure that the ingredients on the label are those in the bottle. This together with a range of strict processes provide that consumers have access to 

     

    Less confidence in online and overseas products

    The ingredients, warnings, recommendations, contraindications and therapeutic claims are tightly controlled in Australian made complementary medicines. But this confidence does not extend to products bought online from overseas. These products are not subject to the same regulations as those enforced in Australia. CMA advises that purchases of this nature should only be made on the recommendation of a qualified healthcare professional or from a reputable retailer.

     

    Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority 

    Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) advises that no supplement is safe to use, and athletes should not risk their careers by taking a supplement. However, ASADA recognises that there may be circumstances where sports dietitians recommend supplements, or where athletes choose to use supplements.

     

    In these cases, ASADA advises athletes to use supplements which have been screened for prohibited substances by an independent company, such as HASTA or Informed Sport. 

     

    ASADA does not endorse any manufacturer of nutritional products. This would necessitate wide-ranging, routine and ongoing tests in place for every batch of nutritional products available for sale in Australia.

     

    To find out more contact: media@cmaustralia.org.au 

    or 

    https://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/sports-supplements-australia  

  • 18 Jul 2019 1:45 PM | Deleted user

    By Carl Gibson

    I am delighted to share that Complementary Medicines Australia (CMA) has been named Association of the Year.

     

    As the CEO, I was humbled to accept the award in front of over five hundred delegates from Australia’s not-for-profit sector at a gala dinner held at the Parliament of Australia, Canberra, on 15 July 2019. The prestigious award was presented by John Peacock of the Associations Forum, a body committed to assisting associations in governance, operations, membership and finances.

     

    Accepting this highly coveted award was something I was very proud to do. It demonstrates CMA’s professionalism and commitment to its members, members who deliver the highest quality complementary medicines to our consumers.

     

    So how did all of this come about?

    At CMA, we develop our Vision and Strategy on a five-year basis. Vision 2020 set out our strategic plan for the period 2014-2020 and was delivered successfully two years earlier than anticipated. We are now working on our new Strategy: 2025 Health Industry Health People.

     

    As part of the development process, we engage the CMA Board of Directors with a professional facilitator to establish the framework and consult with members with a Member Roadshow. Their input is vital to developing our shared strategy. Part of the CMA Vision and Strategy is the development of a clear and concise work program that supports the organisation's Strategy.

     

    CMA Directors track the delivery of the work program at each Board Meeting so that we can assess our successes and learning points.

    • The work program is shared with our members to ensure that as an industry, we are united in our goals. This approach has led to extraordinary industry growth.
    • Good governance is vital. My background includes a Master of Science in Corporate Governance, and this is an area which is always uppermost in all of our actions. We pride ourselves on having robust systems and processes in place; these are reviewed annually.

     

    Successes and Achievements

    Healthplex – opening up new markets

    Recently in Shanghai, CMA’s Australian Pavilion at China HealthPlex united 18 Australian brands under one banner. Australia was host to the biggest international pavilion and it successfully showcased the best of Australia to our largest export market, China. The aim was to open up a vital new income stream for the association and for industry.

     

    Cutting-edge Seminars
    A new initiative was launched this year: Business Seminars. The aim was to enable our Service Provider Members the opportunity to host a webinar open to our members showcasing the latest trends, opportunities and offerings. From PR & Communications to Export opportunities, the webinars are now held monthly and attract an ever-growing number of participants.

     

    Innovation Day and Supplier Expo

    Innovation is the lifeblood of our industry – access to new ingredients is vital to our ongoing success. Thus, CMA launched a new conference showcasing innovation and providing expo space for our industry suppliers attracting over 250 participants and generating a new income stream.

     

    Recommendations implemented

    Following an extensive review of regulation into the Complementary Medicines sector over three years by an expert panel established by the Prime Minister, the Government commenced the introduction of new rules and regulations of our industry. CMA successfully negotiated over 95% of our recommendations be implemented as part of the reforms. Australia is now at the forefront of the most progressive legislation for our sector in the world, with policies that promote the industry, protect research and reward innovation. We are the only country in the world to offer two-year market exclusivity for new natural ingredients – and that’s a world first!

     

    Made in Australia

    The complementary medicines industry was significantly impacted after a change to Australian Consumer Law, were as an unintended consequence of food sector reforms, many Australian manufactured CM products would no longer be able to claim: ‘Made in Australia’. CMA successfully advocated that this unintended consequence would harm our $1 Billion export market and risk manufacturing industry jobs. After a concerted campaign and task force meetings, the Government announced it would reinstate a clear policy that would enable our sector to confidently make a ‘Made in Australia’ claim, a key factor for companies seeking an international competitive edge.

     

    Vitamins and Dietary Supplements

    CMA conducts an annual industry audit of the sector. The latest 2018 industry audit revealed that industry sales have grown to over $5.2 Billion. The Vitamin and Dietary Supplement category alone has doubled over the last ten years.

    The industry has grown $2 billion over the last five years, with healthy growth in our export markets generating over $1 Billion in revenue – accounting now for 20% of all sales.

     

    Australia is now Number one Importer into China for Nutrition and Health Food

    I am proud to say that Australia has become the largest source of Nutrition and Health Food Imports with an import volume of AU $940 million (US $670 Million). Australia achieved a 60.8% year on year growth of imports into China of Nutrition and Health Food Imports

    Source: China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health food Products (CCCMHPIE)

     

    A Leading Association

    As an organisation, CMA has experienced a transformation over the last five years. As an Association, we are now relevant and successful in representing our membership. Our vision, mission and strategy are clear and, as an industry, we are united. CMA has gone from representing around 50% of the sector to over 85%. We have doubled our financial reserves providing financial stability and security and a much-needed fighting fund for the future. CMA has grown its revenues as an Association from $1.6 million to $2.8 million by adding additional member services and developing our service offerings. We have transformed into a healthy association, thanks to the support and guidance of the Associations Forum.

     

    I am so proud of our achievements so far and would like to stress that our commitment to providing leadership, strategy, advocacy and support to our important industry remains our top priority.  

     

    Being recognised as the Association of the Year acknowledges our association as having achieved all-round excellence with demonstrated ability to influence government decision making, deliver world-class conferences and exhibitions and publish meaningful market intelligence. It also acknowledges the fact that thanks to careful financial management, CMA works hard to provide valuable services in the most cost appropriate way for members great and small. The award is also recognition of the continual evolution that helps to ensure that CMA is and remains relevant to the dynamic needs of our member businesses.

     

    Inspirational direction from the Board of Directors and the support of a highly engaged membership has meant that CMA can assist the complementary medicines industry in Australia to grow, create jobs, demonstrate and deliver world-class quality products, operate sustainably and open new doors to international trade. Being named Association of the Year recognises the dedicated individuals who work to ensure that we are and will continue to be an integral partner to our important industry.


     

  • 16 Jul 2019 11:51 AM | Deleted user

    Complementary Medicines Australia (CMA) is delighted to be named ‘2019 Association of the Year’.

     

    Carl Gibson, CEO of CMA, accepted the award in front of over five hundred stakeholders from Australia’s the not-for-profit sector at a gala dinner held in Federal Parliament on 16 July 2019.

     

    This highly coveted award was presented by The Associations Forum, a body committed to assisting associations and charities in governance, operations, membership and finances.

     

    Carl Gibson said he was proud of the CMA’s commitment to members: “With over 1,500 Associations in Australia, this is a superb achievement and testament to the dedication of our team and their commitment to the complementary medicines industry in Australia.”

     

    The Association of the Year Award recognises the association that has distinguished itself by achieving all-round excellence with demonstrated the ability to influence government decision making, deliver world-class conferences and exhibitions and publish accurate and important market intelligence. It also acknowledges the fact that thanks to careful financial management, CMA works hard to provide cost effective services members. The award is also recognition of the continual evolution that helps to ensure that CMA is and remains relevant to the dynamic needs of our member businesses.

     

    “Inspirational direction from the Board of Directors and the support of a highly engaged membership has meant that CMA can support complementary medicines industry in Australia to grow, create jobs, demonstrate and deliver world-class quality products, operate sustainably and open new doors to international trade. Being named Association of the Year recognises the dedicated individuals who work to ensure that we are and will continue to be an integral partner to our important industry,” said Carl Gibson.

     

    CMA is proud to accept this award and would like to stress that our commitment to providing leadership, strategy, advocacy and support remains high on our agenda. It is a fantastic and independent recognition of our success for our members and everyday Australians who rely on high quality complementary medicines to support their health.

     



    Further Information:

    Ravinder Lilly: Ravinder.Lilly@cmaustralia.org.au

    02 6260 4022

     

  • 09 Jul 2019 4:48 PM | Deleted user

    This report is in response to the tragic death of a young man who overdosed on caffeine taken in the form of an unknown powder. https://7news.com.au/news/health/young-mans-death-prompts-fathers-bid-to-ban-caffeine-supplement-powder-c-204573

    The article reports on the substance being banned in the US last year after similar deaths occurred, while ready access is still available in Australia. Products regulated in other jurisdictions as dietary supplements are considered in Australia as either Foods or Therapeutic Goods; there is no separate dietary supplement category. It is not clear what type of product the caffeine powder product was, the article alludes to it as being a Food and as a Therapeutic Good, but this is not clear.
    The Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) does not include any products considered to be pure caffeine powder supplements.

     

    Caffeine in Australian Sports Foods

    The Food Standards Code restricts how much caffeine can be added to cola-type soft drinks and energy drinks. Foods containing added caffeine must also have a statement on the label that the product contains caffeine. In terms of a food, the caffeine content is usually from guarana (a South American plant with naturally high levels of caffeine). Foods containing guarana must also be labelled as containing caffeine, this is to help people avoid caffeine if they wish.

     

    Caffeine in Complementary Medicines

    The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has historically limited the quantity of caffeine in listed low risk complementary medicines (those with an ‘AUST L number’) to 100mg, approximately the amount of one cup of coffee. This has been provided that it states it was for adults only and disclosed the relevant amount of caffeine in the product. Other, higher risk ‘registered’ (AUST R) TGA medicines were only permitted to contain larger amounts of caffeine if approved by the TGA.

     

    In 2018, the TGA provided a proposal to allow a limitation of 600mg of caffeine in listed, low risk medicines. CMA responded cautiously, providing that such a dose could only be allowed for medicines that were allowed to be self-selected from retail shelves, if additional protections were put in place for consumer safety.

     

    After analysing international regulatory practices for caffeine products, CMA proposed that the new quantity of caffeine could only move forward if any individual dose was limited to 200mg, consistent with the European Food Safety Authority safety evaluation. Each dose must be given at least three hours apart, up to the proposed daily maximum of 600mg. CMA further proposed that there must be additional label warning statements, to protect children and pregnant consumers, as well as a label statement to tell consumers how many cups of coffee was equivalent to a certain amount of caffeine so that consumers could more easily and safely estimate how much they could safely take.

     

    CMA has always, and continues to support the safe, quality use of foods and complementary medicines, including an appropriate level of regulation to protect consumers from any harmful or tragic consequences from consuming unregulated products.

     

    The safety of consumers

    The CMA strongly advises consumers who are contemplating buying medicines in retail outlets around Australia or over the internet, to look for either the Australian listing number (AUSTL) or Australian registration number (AUSTR) on the product label. This way, they can be sure that the TGA regulates the products. Products available for purchase over the internet including from overseas-based internet sites without an AUSTL or AUSTR number are not Australian regulated medicines and may not be subject to the same level of quality, safety or efficacy control as medicines regulated for sale in Australia by the TGA.

     

  • 13 Jun 2019 4:03 PM | Deleted user

    Dear Member

    Time is running out!

    The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) public consultation on Complementary and Unconventional Medicine and Emerging Treatments will conclude on 30th June 2019. 

    Recently, in collaboration with ‘Your Health Your Choice’ (YHYC), CMA created a simplified response form to encourage public submissions to the MBA. We;ve already had over 8,000 submissions - what an amazing effort! 

    But the MBA submission deadline is looming and we strongly encourage CMA members to help this campaign exceed 10,000 submissions. 

    What you can do: 

    1 Share this link on your social media accounts

    2 Email your database with a link to YHYC form and ask your database not only to fill in the form, but to also encourage their family, friends and/or patients to do the same. 

    What makes the YHYC submission process unique? 

    YHYC have simplified the submissions process by creating a unique form to allow people to generate a personalised email, which is then automatically forwarded to the MBA on their behalf. To motivate people to take action, we suggest that they share their positive stories/experiences with integrative healthcare. The YHYC form also: 

    1 Ensures the best quality submissions are received by providing prompts on what to include 

    2 Requests permission to send a copy of the submission to the current health and assistant health ministers 

    3 Auto generates personalised emails to the MBA which shows the form submitter's name as the sender providing their email to reply to. 

    4 Ensures each submission requests the MBA maintains the status quo (Option 1). 

    In February 2019, YHYC initiated a similar campaign that generated 13,324 personalised emails to Minister Hunt, State LNP Senators and LNP Federal Members. This public pressure was the primary reason Minister Hunt instigated a $2 million review update, with a view to reinstate rebates for “certain” therapies. 

    We hope that similar public pressure will see the MBA maintain current guidelines (Option 1). 

    Thank you for your time, thank you for being heard!

    Team CMA


  • 06 Jun 2019 11:39 AM | Deleted user
     

    Recently, a number of news stories have questioned some of the pharmacological actions of turmeric. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years and has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine. It is one of the most popular complementary health products. Here are  four evidence-based facts about this widely used, anti-inflammatory spice:

     

    1. Turmeric is an increasingly popular supplement and a health food. The active compounds (primarily curcuminoids) that exert its therapeutic effects are found in varying quantities amongst different turmeric products. Concentrations of the active compounds are found in low amounts in the raw spice and dry herb extracts, whereas supplemental turmeric extracts provide standardised quantities of curcuminoids, which have been found to exert clinically significant effects.
    2. Human clinical trials have shown standardised turmeric extracts to be safe and effective in the management of osteoarthritis,[i] headaches,[ii] depression,[iii] non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,[iv] type 2 diabetes,[v] and various other pathologies.  
    3. As with all therapeutic ingredients, there is the potential for herb/nutrient/drug interactions. With regards to turmeric, its anticoagulant actions are due to the phytochemical coumarin, which may increase the risk of bleeding in individuals taking concurrent anticoagulant medications.
    4. All turmeric supplements listed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia are subjected to rigorous scientific and safety evaluation and are deemed to be safe for use. Safety concerns around turmeric have being thoroughly researched and documented, with the potential for herb/drug interactions well understood.

     

    Clinical-grade turmeric offers significant therapeutic benefits in many chronic diseases. However, because of the potential for herb/drug interactions, it is always recommended that consumers consult a qualified healthcare practitioner with the appropriate knowledge to safely co-prescribe turmeric.


    [i] Chandran B, Goel A. A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytother Res. 2012 Nov;26(11):1719-25. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4639.

    [ii] Di Pierro F, Rapacioli G, Di Maio EA, Appendino G, Franceschi F, Togni S. Comparative evaluation of the pain-relieving properties of a lecithinized formulation of curcumin, nimesulide, and acetaminophen. J Pain Res.

    2013;6:201-5. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S42184.

    [iii] Lopresti AL, Maes M, Maker GL, Hood SD, Drummond PD. Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study. J Affect Disord. 2014;167:368-75. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.001.

    [iv] White CM, Lee JY. The impact of turmeric or its curcumin extract on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review of clinical trials. Pharm Pract (Granada). 2019 Jan-Mar;17(1):1350. doi: 10.18549/PharmPract.2019.1.1350.

    [v] Poolsup N, Suksomboon N, Kurnianta PDM, Deawjaroen K. Effects of curcumin on glycemic control and lipid profile in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2019 Apr 23;14(4):e0215840. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215840. eCollection 2019

    [i] Chandran B, Goel A. A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytother Res. 2012 Nov;26(11):1719-25. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4639.

    [ii] Di Pierro F, Rapacioli G, Di Maio EA, Appendino G, Franceschi F, Togni S. Comparative evaluation of the pain-relieving properties of a lecithinized formulation of curcumin, nimesulide, and acetaminophen. J Pain Res.

    2013;6:201-5. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S42184.

    [iii] Lopresti AL, Maes M, Maker GL, Hood SD, Drummond PD. Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study. J Affect Disord. 2014;167:368-75. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.001.

    [iv] White CM, Lee JY. The impact of turmeric or its curcumin extract on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review of clinical trials. Pharm Pract (Granada). 2019 Jan-Mar;17(1):1350. doi: 10.18549/PharmPract.2019.1.1350.

    [v] Poolsup N, Suksomboon N, Kurnianta PDM, Deawjaroen K. Effects of curcumin on glycemic control and lipid profile in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2019 Apr 23;14(4):e0215840. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215840. eCollection 2019
  • 04 Jun 2019 4:18 PM | Deleted user

    Complementary medicine is becoming more and more popular. Consumers of Australian made products can be confident that they are manufactured according the highest standards. Strict guidelines set by the government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration are used to protect consumers, provide the highest quality products and ensure that what they read on the label is what they’ll get inside the bottle.


    Consumers increasingly want to take control of their own health and interest in natural and complementary medicines is becoming more and more popular. Consumers of Australian made products can be confident that they are manufactured according the highest standards. Strict guidelines set by the government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration are used to protect consumers, provide the highest quality products and ensure that what they read on the label is what they’ll get inside the bottle.

     

    In Australia, complementary health products are regulated to the highest standards – standards considered to be a global benchmark. Products are more strictly regulated than those from the USA and even the UK. Australian complementary medicines are manufactured to a pharmaceutical standard under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and, these strict safety and quality regulations are stringently enforced by the Department of Health’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

     

    For example, where labelling is concerned, the TGA requires that several compulsory statements are made on Australian complementary medicines labels[i]. Products feature an AUST L or AUST R number printed on the front of the label. If these are absent, the product has not been produced within the strict guidelines required by the Australian governmental departments. They do not comply to Australian quality standards.

     

    Australian made products are tested regularly and comprehensively to ensure that the ingredients on the label are those in the bottle and this and the many strict processes put in place ensure that consumers have access to well researched, responsibly formulated, evidence-based, high-quality products.

     

    As consumers increasingly become interested in the traditional use of herbs, spices vitamins, minerals and more, and in the potential synergy and greater understanding of complementary medicines, the understanding of how complementary medicines work alone and in conjunction with conventional medicine by consumers and by healthcare practitioners becomes vital[ii].  Several complementary health companies provide extensive nutrient and drug interaction databases for use by practitioners – including pharmacists and integrative physicians[iii].

     

    Thankfully, consumers can have confidence in Australian made complementary medicines since the ingredients, warnings, recommendations, contraindications and therapeutics claims are tightly controlled. However, this confidence does not extend to products bought online  from overseas.

     

    Products purchased online from overseas are not subject to the same regulations as those enforced in Australia, and therefore these purchases should only be made on the recommendation of a qualified healthcare professional or from a reputable retailer.

     

    To find out more contact: media@cmaustralia.org.au.

     

     


    [i] https://www.tga.gov.au/labelling-packaging

    [ii][ii] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551741116303308

    [iii] https://www.blackmoresinstitute.org/interactions

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