BMJ  2003;327:412 (23 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7412.412

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Drug does not reduce symptoms of asthma: A review by the Cochrane Library supports a decision made by the British Thoracic Society earlier this year no longer to recommend disodium cromoglicate for children with asthma. The review concludes that no evidence exists that the drug reduces symptoms of asthma in children (see www.nelh.nhs.uk/cochrane.asp).

Indian herb does not lower cholesterol: Guggul (derived from Commiphora mukul), a herbal extract that is widely used in India and Asia to lower cholesterol levels, seems to do just the opposite ( JAMA 2003;290: 765-72[Abstract/Free Full Text]). In a randomised controlled study involving 103 patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia, the low density lipoprotein levels (LDLs) in participants taking the herb increased whereas the LDLs in those taking placebo fell, resulting in a 9% difference in levels between the two groups.

Malaria reported in Florida: Three cases of malaria in Palm Beach have prompted health authorities to . . . [Full text of this article]

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