TNP.com Offers Science-Based Information on Natural Health Treatments

Posted on October 22, 1999

Prima Communications, Inc. has announced the launch of TheNaturalPharmacist.com (TNP.com), a new resource for evaluating the effectiveness of natural health treatments. TNP.com offers consumers and health professionals scientifically based information on herbs, vitamins, minerals and other natural health supplements, as well as the conditions for which they are used. The website contains information that has been reviewed for medical accuracy by physicians and a pharmacologist.

"TNP.com is designed to cut through the hype and tell you what we know and what we don't know about popular natural treatments," said Steven A. Bratman, M.D., medical director of TNP.com. "Although there are hundreds of books and thousands of articles on natural medicine, many use selective reporting and exaggerated claims to distort information and sell products."

At the heart of TNP.com is the Natural Health Encyclopedia, a searchable database that lists more than 165 health conditions and 338 vitamins, minerals, herbs and supplements. The Encyclopedia provides scientifically-based information about which natural remedies are appropriate for various health conditions. The resource also provides information on potential adverse interactions between natural health treatments and prescription medications. TNP.com also offers information and possible natural health remedies for such medical conditions as arthritis, colds and flu, diabetes and heart disease. And, for health professionals, the website provides clinical evaluations written specifically for physicians and pharmacists.

Overseeing TNP.com's content is Dr. Bratman, a nationally known expert on alternative medicine. Dr. Bratman, a graduate of the University of California at Davis School of Medicine, is the author of books and peer-reviewed articles on natural health remedies. He has also served on several medical oversight panels including the state of Washington Medical Board, the Colorado Board of Medical Examiners, and the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. Other contributors to the site include David J. Kroll, Ph.D.; Richard Harkness, Pharm., FASCP; Marian Broida, R.N.; David Baranov, Ph.D.; and Kathi Head, N.D.