Complementary Medicine Research最新文献

Introduction: Hypertension is recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, alongside dyslipidemia. Studies have revealed that between 15 and 31% of individuals have both hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, emerging evidence suggests that natural therapies and yoga can help manage mild increases in blood pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of yogic and naturopathy treatments on lipid profiles in hypertensive patients, thereby contributing to the existing literature.

Materials and methods: A randomized controlled experiment was conducted, involving 262 hypertensive patients randomly assigned to either the study group (SG) or control group (CG). The SG, consisting of 131 individuals, received yoga and naturopathic treatments for 10 days, while the CG (n = 131) did not. The lipid profile was measured at the beginning and end of the 10 days, and they were followed up and reassessed after 9 months.

Results: The study involved a total of 262 individuals, with 111 in the SG and 125 in the CG. After the 10-day intervention period, the SG showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein-A (Apo-A), apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B), and lipoprotein-A (Lp-A) (p < 0.001) compared to the CG. Also, the change was observed after 9 months in Apo-A, Apo-B, and Lp-A significantly (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential of naturopathic and yogic interventions in improving lipid profiles in hypertensive patients, thereby contributing to the current literature. In conjunction with conventional management, these specific interventions could be considered as a safer form of complementary therapy in the treatment of dyslipidemia among hypertensive patients. Thus, these findings hold promise for the integration of naturopathic and yogic therapies in the standard care of hypertensive patients.

Background: Acupuncture is an effective adjunctive therapy for stroke and has been suggested for the treatment for acute cerebral infarction (ACI). However, there is a lack of high-quality data from randomized clinical trials. Thus, this study aims to reach a consensus to guide the clinical research and practice.

Methods: The initial project list was based on a systematic review of research evidence and a clinical problem survey conducted by a multidisciplinary team. After discussion with experts and a two-round Delphi consensus survey, the final list was optimized. Then, Likert scale of 9 points was used to measure the degree of expert consensus (1 = strongly disagree, 9 = strongly agree) and 80% of scores between 7 and 9 were defined as "agreement."

Results: A total of 30 professionals (response rate: 100%) confirmed their participation in the voting group. After two rounds of Delphi voting, a consensus was achieved including 34 items that can be broadly categorized into six aspects. According to expert consensus, acupuncture should be initiated within 6 h and the main acupoints are Shuigou (GV26), Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3), while the auxiliary acupoints include Quchi (LI11), Waiguan (SJ5), Huantiao (GB30), Weizhong (BL40), etc. Furthermore, the adverse events of acupuncture are generally considered to be few, only subcutaneous hematoma is commonly reported.

Conclusion: This expert consensus provides recommendations for clinical research and practice in treating ACI with acupuncture. However, due to the limited clinical evidence, further exploration is needed through rigorous clinical trials.

Introduction: High-dose dry extract preparations of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) (hd-SJW) are equally effective as synthetic antidepressants (SAD) for mild to moderate depression as shown by various randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Other available preparations of SJW such as fresh plant tinctures are dosed lower and no clinical study about their effect has been published so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a SJW fresh plant tincture (C-SJW-ft) on depressive symptoms and its tolerability in patients comparable to patients reported in hd-SJW RCTs applying the same outcome, the Hamilton Depression Scale 17 (HAM-D 17).

Methods: Prospective observational study of outpatients with mild to moderate depressive episodes (ICD-10/DSM-IV) treated with C-SJW-ft. Outcomes were HAM-D 17 change from inclusion to 6 weeks (42 days ± 7 days), percentage of responders (>50% decline), and frequency and type of adverse events. Descriptive analysis was performed. From a systematic literature review of RCTs of hd-SJW applying HAM-D 17 as efficacy outcome at 6 weeks, the characteristics of the included patient population and the outcomes were extracted for comparison (rRCTs ["reference RCTs"]).

Results: Fifty-two evaluable patients were included, 1 patient dropped out (switch to SADs). Of the 51 (per protocol [PP] "expanded") patients, 42 completed the second HAM-D 17 within 42 ± 7 days (PP "strict"). The included patient population was comparable to the 10 identified rRCTs with hd-SJW for age (51/50.6 years [mean, pp strict/pp expanded], 40.2-51.4 years [mean, rRCTs] and gender (76%/75% female [pp strict/pp expanded], 54-86% [rRCTs]). The baseline HAM-D 17 was slightly lower (PP strict: 16.4 [mean, range 9-28]; PP expanded 16.9 [9-28) compared to rRCTs (19.7-22.8). The decline of HAM-D 17 in patients treated with C-SJW-ft (baseline/end of observation period) was 49% (PP strict) and 52% (PP expanded) comparable to the decline of 45-59% in the rRCTs of hd-SJW; likewise, responders were 50% and 57% compared to 42-70%. Adverse events were lower (4%) compared to 20-39% in the rRCTs.

Conclusion: In an observational prospective patient cohort with mild to moderate depressive episodes corresponding to patients included in RCTs of hd-SJW, applying the same efficacy outcome and timeframe, C-SJW-ft showed comparable effects and good tolerability. Further clinical trials seem justified.

Introduction: Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a traditional herbal remedy with various pharmacological activities mainly used for digestive and respiratory ailments. GutGard® is a flavonoid-rich, deglycyrrhizinated liquorice root extract and is standardized to glabridin (≥3.5% w/w), and others viz., glabrol, eicosanyl caffeate, docosyl caffeate, and total flavonoids (≥10% w/w) with glycyrrhizin (≤3.0% w/w)  as glycyrrhizin causes electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, and water retention. Hence, the objective of the current study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of GutGard® in managing gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-related symptoms when compared to placebo.

Methods: It was a double-blind, parallel group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with participants randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the placebo group or GutGard® group. The duration of the interventions/treatment was for 28 days and the follow-up visits were done at day 7, day 14, day 28, and day 35. A telephonic follow-up was also done on day 21. The primary outcome measures studied was the change in the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale.

Results: We screened a total of n = 296 participants and enrolled n = 200 participants and obtained written, informed consent from them. Participants in the GutGard® group reported a significantly better quality of life at the end of the intervention period (p = 0.014). They also reported earlier resolution of symptoms of GER as against the placebo group, especially the symptoms of heartburn (p = 0.017 on day 14 and p = 0.005 on day 28) and regurgitation (p = 0.025 on day 7, p = 0.029 on day 14, and p = 0.022 on day 28).

Conclusions: The GutGard® group showed better and earlier resolution (within 2 weeks) of symptoms of GER as against the placebo group, especially heartburn and regurgitation.

Introduction: Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a traditional herbal remedy with various pharmacological activities mainly used for digestive and respiratory ailments. GutGard® is a flavonoid-rich, deglycyrrhizinated liquorice root extract and is standardized to glabridin (≥3.5% w/w), and others viz., glabrol, eicosanyl caffeate, docosyl caffeate, and total flavonoids (≥10% w/w) with glycyrrhizin (≤3.0% w/w)  as glycyrrhizin causes electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, and water retention. Hence, the objective of the current study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of GutGard® in managing gastroesophageal reflux (GER)-related symptoms when compared to placebo.

Methods: It was a double-blind, parallel group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with participants randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the placebo group or GutGard® group. The duration of the interventions/treatment was for 28 days and the fo

Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of homeopathic treatment for acute otitis media (AOM) in children, comparing outcomes to standard allopathic treatments. Building on promising pilot study results that suggested homeopathy's non-inferiority, this multicenter trial aimed to validate these findings and assess their broader clinical applicability.

Method: This open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted on children (aged 02 to 12 years), suffering from AOM. Primary outcome was changes in Acute Otitis Media-Severity of Symptoms (AOM-SOS) scale and Tympanic Membrane Examination Scale (TMES) over 21 days and time to improvement in pain through Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) over 10 days. The secondary outcomes were the need for antibiotics during acute AOM and the recurrence over 12 months.

Results: Intention-to-treat analysis was carried out on 222 children: homeopathy (n = 116) (H group), allopathy (n = 106) (A group). Statistically significant reduction in AOM-SOS+TMES score in H group compared to A group was observed at time point day 3 (mean diff.±SE: 1.67 ± 0.47; 95% CI: 0.75 to 2.59; p = 0.001) and at day 7 (mean diff.±SE: 1.22 ± 0.56; 95% CI: 0.13 to 2.31, p = 0.028) favored homeopathy. However, the median time for FPS-R score to become zero by day 10 (H = 3 days, A = 4 days) was statistically insignificant (p = 0.29). None of the children in the H group required antibiotics, whereas it was required in 14 children (12.4%) in A group.

Conclusion: Homeopathic treatment helped in managing AOM in children similar to that of allopathic treatment. Homeopathy can be a safe treatment approach in managing this condition. Further blinded studies are warranted.

Introduction: The aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the effects of creative arts therapies on the health and well-being of overweight/obese patients.

Methods: The database search was conducted in "American Search Ultimate, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, ERIC, MEDLINE (via PubMed), OpenDissertations, PSYNDEX Literature with PSYNDEX Test, SocINDEX, SocINDEX with Full Text," covering the period from 2000 to 2024. Studies with evidence level I-IV, subjects with a BMI >25 were included.

Results: Twelve studies, including five controlled studies, were analysed. Significant results were achieved in self-esteem, quality of life, body awareness, dissatisfaction with one's own body, social relationships, changes in health and eating behaviour; there was a lower impact on body image, emotional eating, communication skills, and dealing with your own body shape.

Discussion/conclusion: Creative arts therapies can make a valuable contribution to the health promotion for overweight individuals. Increased integration into weight reduction programs would be a logical next step. Future research should place greater emphasis on increasing sample sizes, employing control groups, specifying types of interventions and settings, and expanding the inclusion of children and adolescents as target groups to validate existing findings and to enhance the informative value of the results.

Background: Homeopathy, included in traditional and complementary medicine (TCM), is defined as a complementary treatment that aims to improve health through personalized therapy. Physicians and pharmacists play a crucial role in the practice of homeopathy and the delivery of homeopathic medicinal products to the public in Türkiye. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, thoughts, and attitudes of physicians and pharmacists on homeopathy in accordance with Turkish regulations.

Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on physicians and pharmacists via a web-based questionnaire method. The survey form includes three sections and twenty-three questions. Participants received the survey form via Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn. A total of 475 questionnaires that met the data quality criteria were included in the study. The analysis of the data was performed with the SPSS 23.0 statistical program, with a statistical significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: The study population included 70.3% (n = 334) pharmacists and 29.7% (n = 141) physicians. The study's results demonstrate that 86.5% of participants had heard of the concept of homeopathy. It was found that a higher rate of hearing about homeopathy was associated with being a pharmacist (OR: 31.5, p = 0.000) and having 10 years or more of professional experience (OR: 7.274, p = 0.000). The participants had correct knowledge about the definition and basic principles of homeopathy. The respondents lacked knowledge on certain aspects of the regulation of homeopathic practice in Türkiye. The primary source of information for pharmacists was undergraduate courses (n = 185, 58.2%), but for physicians, it was social media/television (n = 41, 50.0%). Of the participants, 70.1% (n = 288) thought that homeopathy needs to be incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum, and 91.7% of participants thought that further scientific research on homeopathy is required.

Conclusion: Homeopathy courses should be integrated into undergraduate education to improve the awareness of healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the organization of seminars and training courses would enhance their knowledge of the relevant subject.

Hintergrund: Long COVID und das Post-COVID-Syndrom sind langfristige Folgen einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion, die eine Vielzahl physischer, kognitiver und psychischer Symptome hervorrufen können. Dazu gehören Erschöpfung, Atemnot, Gedächtnisstörungen und Schlafprobleme. Die zugrunde liegenden Mechanismen sind noch nicht vollständig geklärt, umfassen jedoch persistierende Viruspartikel, mikrovaskuläre Dysfunktionen, Autoimmunreaktionen und eine Dysregulation des autonomen Nervensystems. Fragestellung: Welchen Nutzen könnten standardisierte Ginkgo-biloba-Extrakte aufgrund ihrer pharmakologischen Wirkungen und ihrer klinischen Wirksamkeit bei Long COVID und Post-COVID-Syndrom bringen? Zusammenfassung: Die Diagnose von Long COVID bleibt aufgrund fehlender standardisierter Tests eine Herausforderung. Therapeutisch wird ein multimodaler Ansatz empfohlen, der symptomatische Medikation, Physiotherapie, Psychotherapie sowie Ernährungs- und Bewegungstherapie umfasst. Ein vielversprechender ergänzender Therapieansatz ist die Verwendung von standardisierten Ginkgo-biloba-Extrakten. Dank ihrer antioxidativen, entzündungshemmenden und neuroprotektiven Eigenschaften könnten sie zur Verbesserung kognitiver Beeinträchtigungen, Fatigue und kardiovaskulärer Symptome beitragen. Erste Studien und Fallberichte deuten auf positive Effekte hin, jedoch sind weitere klinische Untersuchungen erforderlich, um die Wirksamkeit zu bestätigen. Kernaussagen: Long COVID und das Post-COVID-Syndrom betreffen zahlreiche Organsysteme und beeinträchtigen die Lebensqualität erheblich. Die Diagnose bleibt schwierig, da es keine spezifischen Tests gibt. Eine multimodale Therapie ist derzeit der vielversprechendste Behandlungsansatz. Standardisierte Ginkgo-biloba-Extrakte zeigen in ersten Studien positive Effekte auf neurokognitive und kardiovaskuläre Symptome.