Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

The Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine is a naturopathic college located in Tempe, Arizona that teaches naturopathic medicine and acupuncture/oriental medicine. As of 2022, faculty is dominated by people without medical degrees. None of the three deans have MD degrees. Three of 18 faculty in the School of Naturopathic Medicine, one of 16 faculty in the School of Nutrition has an MD, and four of the 53 adjunct faculty have MD degrees. As of 2022, the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education. Quackwatch strongly advises against attending a naturopathic school. As of September 26, 2022, the college will be changing its name to the Sonoran University of Health Sciences.

Despite annual influenza vaccinations being effective for prevention, SCNM has instead recommended ineffective vitamins and minerals, botanical medicine and lifestyle recommendation for preventing the flu. Although SCNM both requires and administers vaccinations (Hepatitis B, MMR, COVID), their allowed exemptions are broad, allowing by medical and religious exemptions.

Academics
As of 2022, SCNM offers the following degree programs:
 * Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
 * Concurrent Masters of Public Health (MPH) in conjunction with the University of Arizona (UA) — Notably, the MPH is administered and taught entirely through UA, and credits are transferrable from UA to SCNM but not vice versa.
 * Concurrent acupuncture license (LAc) administered and taught through the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture
 * Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (MSCN)
 * Executive Master of Science in Nutrition Business Leadership (MSNBL)

Research
The former Chief Medical Officer at SCNM, Thomas A. Kruzel (ND), made the preposterous claim that "The early detection of multiple sclerosis by "pulse" and "tongue" diagnosis, such as to effect a cure by hydrotherapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, diet, and other methods."

Given the large faculty of the college that includes people with actual MDs and PhDs, there is a paucity of peer-reviewed published research by the faculty in non-crank journals. According to their website, the complete list of publications through 2021. A few submitted-but-unpublished papers are not included here — actual scientists don't get participation prizes.


 * 2010
 * Denzler, K.L. (2010). Regulation of inflammatory gene expression by immunostimulatory botanicals. PLoS ONE. 2010. 5:e12561. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal


 * 2012
 * Arndt, W., et al. Rediscovery of a 19th century cure for smallpox. PLOS ONE 7(3):e32610. Epub 2012 Mar 9 — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal, but why are they researching archaic smallpox cures decades after it was eradicated by evidence-based medicine?
 * Morrill, K. et al. Spectrum of Anti-microbial Activity Associated with Colloidal Silver. J. Alt. Medicine. (2012 Sep 27). 19 : 224-231. — alt-med in an alt-med journal


 * 2014
 * Snowden, R., et al. A comparison of the anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity of extracts from commonly used medicinal plants. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2014 May 7. 20 (5): 375-382. — alt-med journal
 * Swanson, M., Langland, J.O. “Voices of Naturopathic Research”. Nat Doc News and Review. August 2014. — not peer reviewed


 * 2015
 * Ferreira, V., et al. Treatment of Herpes Zoster with botanical interventions. A case report. Nat. Doc. News and Review. November, 2015. – alt-med journal
 * Grise, D.E., et al. Improved clinical outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus utilizing integrative medicine: a case report. Global Adv. Health Med. 2015. 4:57-61. — peer reviewed alt-med journal
 * Virdee, K., et al. Food specific IgG antibody-guided exclusion diets followed by resolution of asthma symptoms and reduction in pharmacological interventions in two patients: a case report. Global Adv. Health Med. 4: 62-66. 2015. — peer reviewed alt-med journal
 * Wheeler, M., et al. Alternating symptoms in the homeopathic treatment of bipolar disorder: platinum metallicum. A case report. Amer. J. Homeo. Med. 2015. 108:145-153. — alt-med journal
 * Wolf, J., et al. Restoration of function following traumatic brain injury with acupuncture. A case report. Global Adv. Health Med. 2015. 4:52-57. — peer reviewed alt-med journal


 * 2016
 * Allen, J., et al. Treatment of chronic migraine pain with acupuncture and herbal medications: case report. J. Chinese Medicine 110:18-22. 2016. — alt-med journal
 * Denzler, K., et al. Melissa officinalis extract inhibits herpes simplex virus I glycoprotein B interaction with herparin sulfate. Herbal Medicine. Vol 2, No 2:12. 2016. — alt-med journal
 * Denzler, K., et al. Characterization of the physiological response following in vivo administration Astragalus membranaceus. Evid. Based Comp. Alt. Med. Vol 2016, Art 6861078.— alt-med journal
 * Ferreira, V., et al. Treatment of Verruca Vulgaris (common warts) with a synergistic botanical blend: case report. Nat. Doc. News and Review (May, 2016). — alt-med journal
 * Ferreira, V., et al. Characterization of the effect of botanical tinctures and oils on the growth and differentiation of Candida albicans. Herbal Medicine Vol 2, No 2:14. 2016. — alt-med journal
 * Grise, D., Peyman, T., Langland, J.O. Remission of schizoaffective disorder utilizing integrative medicine: a case report. Alt Ther Health Med (accepted for publication).2016. — alt-med journal, apparently never published
 * Kwiatkowski, L., et al. Resolution of allergic rhinitis and reactive bronchospasm with natural interventions and food specific IgG elimination. A case report. Alt Ther Health Med (accepted for publication). 2016. — alt-med journal, apparently never published
 * Nelson E, et al. Quality Control of Botanical Tinctures: Endogenous Bacterial Flora Present in Botanical Extractions. HSOA J Altern Complement Integr Med 2: 012. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.24966/ACIM-7562/100012. 2016. — alt-med journal
 * Ruiz, G. G., et al. A Lack of Bioactive Predictability for Marker Compounds Commonly Used for Herbal Medicine Standardization. Plos One, 11(7), e0159857. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0159857. 2016.
 * Ruiz, G., et al. A lack of bioactive predictability for marker compounds commonly used for herbal medicine preparation. Plos One 11(7):e0159857. 2016. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal


 * 2017
 * Cooper, J., Deng, Y., and Langland, J.Enhancing Recovery from Bell’s Palsy with Acupuncture and Botanical Therapy: A Case Report. J. Chin. Med. JCM 114/56. 2017. — alt-med journal
 * Huynh, T. P., et al. Characterization of a PKR inhibitor from the pathogenic ranavirus, Ambystoma tigrinum virus, using a heterologous vaccinia virus system. Virology, 511290-299. doi.012:10.1016/j.virol.2017.08. 2017. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Huynh, T., et al. Characterization of a PKR inhibitor from the pathogenic ranavirus, Ambystoma tigrinum virus, using a heterologous vaccinia virus system. Virology. 511:290-299. 2017. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Kadar GE, Thompson HG. The affective domain in healthcare education. Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Engineering. Assumed or Assessed? 6(4):00207. 2017. — alt-med journal
 * Koehler, H., et al. Inhibition of DAI-dependent necroptosis by the Z-DNA-binding domain of the vaccinia virus innate immune evasion protein, E3. PNAS. 10.1073/pnas.1700999114. 2017. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Kwiatkowski, K., et al. Integrative Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Bloating and Pain Associated with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. A Case Report. Alt Ther Health Med. 23:56-61. 2017. — alt-med journal
 * Kwiatkowski, L., et al. Integrative Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Bloating and Pain Associated With Overgrowth of Small Intestinal Bacteria. A Case Report. Alternative Therapies In Health And Medicine, 23(4), 56-61. 2017. — alt-med journal
 * Mauss, J., et al. Multiple Sampling and SAF-Fixative Triple-Faeces-Testing for Dysbiosis and Pathogenic Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Case Report. Alt Ther Health Med. Oct 21. Pii: AT5587. 2017. — alt-med journal
 * Nelson, E., et al. Treatment of an Athlete’s Plantar Warts using a Synergistic Botanical Blend: A case report. Alt Ther Health Med 23:51-54. 2017. — alt-med journal
 * Otto, M., et al. The use of intravenous glutathione for symptom management of Parkinson’s Disease. A case report. Alt Ther Health Med Nov 4. Pii AT494, ISSN#1078-6791. 2017. — alt-med journal
 * Ruiz, G., et al. Development of resistance to antimicrobial botanicals. Journal of Evolution and Health. Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 3. https://doi.org/10.15310/2334-3591.1065. 2017. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal


 * 2018
 * Cahill, T., et al. Antiviral activity of metal chelates of caffeic acid and similar compounds towards herpes simplex and ebola viruses. Antiviral Research 160:143-150. 2018. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Falkner, M., et al. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Lisinopril Associated Diarrhea: A Case Report. J. Chin. Med. 116:59-61. 2018. — alt-med journal
 * Hoang, M., et al. Treatment of Anxiety and Insomnia with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. A Case Report. J. Chinese Medicine 118:32-35. 2018. — alt-med journal
 * Kadar GE, Thompson HG. Obesity bias among preclinical and clinical chiropractic students and faculty at an integrative health care institution: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Chiropractic Education. 2018 Jul 25. — alt-med journal
 * Langland, J.O., et al. Treatment of Pain Associated with Lyme Disease Neuralgia Using Perineural Injection Therapy: A Case Report. Current Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine CRCAM-119. DOI:10.29011/2577-2201/100019. 2018. — alt-med journal
 * Mitchell, W., et al. Heat stress as a tool for detoxification. J. Evol and Health, Vol 2, Iss 3, Art 14. 2018. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Muro, E., et al. Basin Glove: Disposable Wash Basin Liner in the Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Infections. Infectious Control Tips, June 11, 2018. — not peer reviewed
 * Salisbury, L., Deng, Y., Hilmi, Y., Langland, J.O. The Treatment of Meniere’s Disease with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. A Case Study. J. Chinese Medicine 117:68-71. 2018. — alt-med journal
 * Seenauth, C., et al. Dextrose Prolotherapy for Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Case Report. Alternative Therapies In Health And Medicine, 24(1), 56-60. 2018. — alt-med journal
 * Turner, T., et al. Schizophrenia: An evolutionary explanation for a maladapted modern environment. J. Evol and Health, Vol 2, Iss 3, Art 2. 2018. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Turner, T., et al. Identification of botanicals with potential therapeutic use against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Phytotherapy Res. 2018 Sep 25 doi: 10.1002/ptr.6198 — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal


 * 2019
 * M Amiri, et al. Efficacy and safety of a standardized extract from Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complementary therapies in medicine 45, 262-268. 2019. — alt-med journal
 * KR Dehmoradkhani, A Jafari, Y Shokoohinia, SA Emami, M Mojarrab. Flavonoids from the Aerial Parts of Artemisia biennis Willd. Pharmaceutical Sciences 25 (4), 364-368. 2019. — peer reviewed in an Iranian medical journal
 * P Derakhshande, et al. Efficacy and safety of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch capsules on symptom severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled … Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine 16 (4). 2019. — alt-med journal
 * L Hosseinzadeh, et al. Cytotoxic and Apoptogenic Sesquiterpenoids from the Petroleum Ether Extract of Artemisia aucheri Aerial Parts. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR 18 (1), 391. 2019. — peer reviewed in an Iranian medical journal
 * Kadar GE, Thompson HG. Obesity bias among preclinical and clinical chiropractic students and faculty at an integrative health care institution: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Chiropractic Education. 33:1, 8-15. 2019. — alt-med journal
 * Kannan, L., et al. Anti-herpes virus activity of the carnivorous botanical, Sarracenia purpurea. Nature Scientific Reports volume 10, Article number: 18953 (2020). — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Nelson, E.O.; et al. (2019). Resolution of Recurrent Oro-facial Herpes Simplex Using a Topical Botanical Gel: A Case Report. Yale J Biol Med. 2020 Jun 29;93(2):277-281. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * H Rahmani, et al. Preparation and Characterization of Silk Fibroin Nanoparticles as a Potential Drug Delivery System for 5-Fluorouracil. Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin 9 (4), 601. 2019. — peer reviewed in an Iranian medical journal
 * S Taheri, et al. Ugi efficient synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking of coumarin-quinoline hybrids as apoptotic agents through mitochondria-related pathways. Bioorganic chemistry 91, 103147. 2019. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Q Zhou, et al. Identification of Potential Skin Sensitizers in Myrrh. Cosmetics 6 (3), 47. 2019. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal


 * 2020
 * H Koehler, et al. The Role of Endophytic/Epiphytic Bacterial Constituents in the Immunostimulatory Activity of the Botanical, Astragalus membranaceus. Yale J Biol Med. 2020 Jun 29;93(2):239-250 — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Williams, A., Scally, G., and Langland, J. O. A Topical Botanical Therapy for the Treatment of Canine Papilloma Virus Associated Oral Warts: A Case Report.Adv. Integrative Med. (Live Publication). — alt-med journal
 * Kannan, L., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., Jacobs, B., and Langland, J.O. Anti-herpes virus activity of the carnivorous botanical, Sarracenia purpurea. Scientific Reports 10, 18953. 2020. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Ferreira, V., and Langland, J.O. Treatment of Herpes Zoster with Botanical Interventions: Case Report. Medicine Case Reports and Study Protocols: January 2021 - Volume 2 - Issue 1 - p e0058 — alt-med journal
 * Koehler, H., Puchalski, et al. (2020). The Role of Endophytic/Epiphytic Bacterial Constituents in the Immunostimulatory Activity of the Botanical, Astragalus membranaceus. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 93(2), 239–250. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Nelson, E. O., et al. (2020). Resolution of Recurrent Oro-facial Herpes Simplex Using a Topical Botanical Gel: A Case Report. The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 93(2), 277–281. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * M Asariha, et al. Green synthesis and structural characterization of gold nanoparticles from Achillea wilhelmsii leaf infusion and in vitro evaluation. Bulletin of Materials Science 43 (1), 57 2020. — not peer reviewed
 * MR Golpayegani, et al. The Effect of oral Administration of Cichorium Intybus on Reduction of Liver Enzymes in Patients with Major Thalassemia: Randomized Clinical Trial Study (RCTs). International Journal of Pediatrics. 2020. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * M Mavaei, et al. One-step synthesized silver nanoparticles using isoimperatorin: evaluation of photocatalytic, and electrochemical activities. Scientific reports 10 (1), 1-122. 2020. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * F Jalilian, et al. Green synthesized silver nanoparticle from Allium ampeloprasum aqueous extract: Characterization, antioxidant activities, antibacterial and cytotoxicity effects. Advanced Powder Technology. 2020. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * MB Majnooni, et al. Isofraxidin: Synthesis, Biosynthesis, Isolation, Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacological Properties. Molecules 25 (9), 2040. 2020. — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * A Chahardoli, et al. Analysis of organic acids. Recent Advances in Natural Products Analysis, 767-823. 2020. — book chapter
 * B Shahbazi, et al. Antidiabetic Potential of Prosopis farcta Roots: In Vitro Pancreatic Beta Cell Protection, Enhancement of Glucose Consumption, and Bioassay-Guided Fractionation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020. — alt-med journal
 * Majnooni, et al. (2020). Phytochemicals: Potential therapeutic interventions against coronavirus-associated lung injury. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.588467 — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal


 * 2021
 * Ross, K., VanNortwick, M., & Dragone, D. (2021). Innovative therapies for mood disorders: A case report. EXPLORE, 17(3), 208–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.03.011 — alt-med journal
 * Turner, T., et al. (2021). Characterization of the antibacterial activity from Ethanolic extracts of the botanical, Larrea tridentata. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03344-9 — alt-med journal
 * Abers, M., et al. (2021). Antimicrobial activity of the aromatic constituents from essential oils. BMC Comp. Med. 21, 124 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03285-3. — alt-med journal
 * Ferreira, V., Langland, J.O. (2021). Treatment of herpes zoster with botanical interventions: case report. Medicine Case Reports and Study Protocols: January 2021 – Volume 2 – Issue 1 – p e0058 doi:10.1097/MD9.0000000000000058 — single-blinded peer reviewed in a mainstream journal
 * Serino E, et al. Salvigenin, a Trimethoxylated Flavone from Achillea Wilhelmsii C. Koch, Exerts Combined Lipid-Lowering and Mitochondrial Stimulatory Effects. Antioxidants. 2021; 10(7):1042. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10071042 — peer reviewed in a mainstream journal

Residencies
The only type of residencies are in primary care practice, which is controversial considering that the medical community regards naturopathic medicine as pseudoscience. Arizona has the "broadest naturopathic scope of practice" and "may be the worst-case scenario of any state licensing pseudoscience as medicine." Unlike many states, Arizona allows NDs to administer substances (including vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and natural substances) intravenously, and conduct minor surgery (though what 'minor' is is not defined in the law) IV administration is such a favorite procedure at SCNM, that it alluded to in their website's page-not-found (404) error message with "Uh Oh, 404 — Vein Not Found".

Clinics
SCNM offers medical clinics on and off campus, they include regular naturopathic care, HIV/AIDS care, addiction support, and one for abused women and children. SCNM has offered a naturopathy clinic at the Arthur M. Hamilton Elementary in Phoenix. The elementary school primarily serves poor families. Despite the most prevalent health issues including including serious problems (diabetes, asthma, ADD) that are treatable by evidence-based medicine, SCNM offers ineffective treatments (acupuncture, physical medicine, supplementation and homeopathy).
 * Hamilton Elementary Clinic

Mission of Mercy Arizona is a Christian non-profit organization that provides free health care to people who cannot afford it. SCNM students partner with the Mission of Mercy while staying out of the way of actual medical providers and not providing naturopathic treatments while possibly offending poor people about their "lifestyles" ("You will learn to work efficiently alongside conventional medical providers, and you will use modalities such as medications and lifestyle changes.").
 * Mission of Mercy Arizona

The River Source is a for-profit naturopathic addiction treatment center based on the twelve-step methodology of Alcoholics Anonymous. River Source has stated that its programs are cheaper than others because "have a partnership with the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, allowing us to offer the latest advances in naturopathic medicine at a reduced cost." Despite this claim, SCNM has offered archaic, ineffective (acupuncture, cupping therapy) and potentially dangerous treatments (detox, nutritional IV therapy) at River Source.
 * The River Source

The Sojourner Center is a large center in Phoenix that offers support to victims of domestic violence. It is an entirely independent organization. Both the SCNM and the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Medical Mobile Unit have offered free on-site healthcare to transitional housing participants of the Center. It is unclear how cases where evidence-based medical advice contradicts naturopathic advice are handled. The SCNM has stated that they offer the "full scope of naturopathic modalities", including "acupuncture, homeopathy, supplementation and botanicals" to participants.
 * Sojourner Center


 * Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS Clinic

The Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS Clinic existed from around 2014-2018. It offered both nauropathic-but-ineffective (acupuncture, cupping) and effective synthetic prophylaxis (PrEP, presumably Truvada).

The World Addiction and Health Institute (WAMI) existed from about 2014-2017 under the direction of David Arneson, an ND, who got his degree at SCNM. The treatments ranged from possibly helpful (counseling) to useless (acupuncture, homeopathy to the potentially dangerous (nutritional IV therapy).
 * World Addiction and Health Institute