Complementary Medicine Research最新文献

Introduction: This systematic review aimed to assess the clinical evidence supporting the combination of syndrome differentiation (SD)-based herbal medicine (HM) and Western medicine (WM) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD)-mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and -dementia (PDD).

Methods: Ten electronic bibliographic databases were searched from inception to March 4, 2024, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SD-based HM plus conventional therapies with conventional therapies alone for PD-MCI and PDD. Two authors independently screened and selected studies and extracted data related to trial quality, characteristics, and results. The mean difference (MD) was used to analyze continuous variables, and meta-analysis was performed using Reviewer Manager 5.4 software. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results: For the 15 articles selected for review, 12 trials were included in the meta-analysis: 9 comprising 688 patients with PD-MCI and 3 comprising 264 patients with PDD and with a type of SD, such as "blood stasis and stirring wind" or "deficiency of the liver-kidney." The meta-analysis showed significant differences favoring HM plus WM with respect to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score for PD-MCI (MD = 2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.40, 3.19]; p < 0.00001, I2 = 76%) and PDD (MD = 3.14, 95% CI [0.48, 5.81]; p = 0.02, I2 = 82%) compared with WM alone. Improvement of cognitive impairment treated using "deficiency of the liver-kidney" SD-based HM plus WM in PD-MCI was more beneficial than that treated using WM alone.

Conclusions: SD-based HM may serve as an adjunctive treatment for PD-MCI and PDD, improving cognitive function and alleviating PD symptoms. No severe adverse event was observed in the HM plus WM group, suggesting that HM may be safe for patients with cognitive impairment in PD. However, evidence regarding the efficacy of HM based on SD for PD-MCI and PDD is of poor quality, and all studies were conducted in China. Thus, and rigorous, multicenter, and international RCTs are required.

Background: The quality of homeopathic research studies is controversially discussed. In order to improve, the overall assessment of homeopathic studies and subsequently facilitate evidence-based clinical decision-making, we aimed to combine methodological tools for scientific rigor with tools for external and model validity into one global tool.

Method: Against the background of previous literature and the results of a preparatory survey, a first draft of a potential overarching tool was presented to an expert panel. Then, Delphi feedback rounds were conducted to elicit responses on the feasibility. The resulting preliminary tool was pilot-tested by five research experts on five randomly selected studies. After further optimization, another five studies were assessed by the same experts and another three experts tested the second version. The ratings were tested for interrater-reliability using Gwet's AC2.

Results: The appraisal tool comprises four domains. These are (1) the assessment of risk-of-bias using the Cochrane Tool, (2) the studies' credibility including the CONSORT statement and its extension on homeopathy, (3) the study interventions' coherence with homeopathic textbooks and previous research, and (4) the studies' clinical relevance. Each domain is assessed using a point system, which is then added up to an overall score. The instrument was evaluated as useful and "easy to apply" by the raters. The interrater reliability was 0.81 (95% CI 0.75-0.88) for five raters, and 0.64 (95% CI 0.49-0.79) for additional three raters in round 2, signifying good to moderate interrater reliability.

Conclusion: We have developed an applicable and reliable assessment tool for homeopathic intervention studies. Using it in systematic reviews and meta-analyses will increase their scientific value.

Introduction: Postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) are common in women after delivery and often progress to postpartum depression (PPD). This secondary analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of acupoint hot compress in patients with different PPD risks.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 1,085 participants. Of these, 537 received acupoint hot compress treatment, while 548 received routine postpartum care. Participants were categorized into two groups based on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores measured 76.5 h after delivery. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared, and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between acupoint hot compress and PDS. Subgroup analyses were used to determine the effect of acupoint hot compress on participants with different PPD risks.

Results: Among the 1,085 participants, 866 were in the low-risk PPD group (EPDS score <9), and 219 in the high-risk PPD group (EPDS score ≥9). Educational level, labor induction, postpartum uterine contraction pain intensity, sleep and appetite during pregnancy significantly impacted PDS. Acupoint hot compress significantly improved PDS after vaginal delivery, particularly in high-risk PPD patients with lower educational levels, abnormal pregnancy appetite or sleep, and serve postpartum uterine contraction pain.

Conclusion: Acupoint hot compress is an effective, non-invasive intervention with minimal side effects for improving PDS.

Background: Previous studies on nostril-regulated breathing have contrasting findings attributed to lack of controls or not taking into account baseline nostril patency. This randomized crossover study on the effects of three nostril-regulated yoga breathing practices and two controls on mood states and attention attempted to address these issues.

Materials and methods: Forty-five participants between 20 and 45 years (group mean age ± SD; 24.3 ± 3.8 years; M:F: 23:22) were assessed in five sessions in random order on five separate days. Nostril patency-recorded pre-interventions in 225 sessions showed right nostril dominant at rest (RNDR) in 136 and left nostril dominant at rest (LNDR) in 89 sessions. The sessions were (i) SAV or right uninostril breathing, (ii) CAV or left uninostril breathing, (iii) AV or alternate nostril yoga breathing, (iv) breath awareness, and (v) quiet seated rest (QS). The practices were for 15 min each. Nostril patency was recorded pre, and Brief Mood Introspection Scale (BMIS), Global Vigor and Affect Scale (GVAS), and Six-Letter Cancellation Test (SLCT) were recorded pre- and post-each session. Data analysis used general linear mixed model analysis, with fixed effects of states (pre and post), sessions, and baseline nostril dominance (right or left).

Results: A significant interaction of sessions, states, and nostril dominance at baseline was observed for total global affect (F9,396.194 = 2.871, p = 0.003) which increased after SAV, CAV, AV, and QS in participants' RNDR (padj < 0.05 in all cases). A significant main effect of states was observed followed by significant post hoc pairwise comparison in RNDR for (i) pleasant mood after SAV, CAV, AV, and QS, (ii) positive mood after SAV and AV, (iii) global vigor (GV) after SAV, CAV, AV, and QS, and (iv) a decrease in negative mood after CAV and AV, while the volunteers who had LNDR showed a significant increase in (i) PU after CAV, AV, and QR, (ii) PT after CAV, and (iii) GV after CAV and QS.

Conclusion: Nostril dominance pre-intervention appears to influence the effects of nostril-regulated yoga breathing practices.

Introduction: Various aspects of yoga have been researched for their psychological benefits, yet the neurological mechanisms underlying physical yoga postures (asana) remain inadequately explored due to limitations in prior neuroimaging techniques. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been established as an important region of interest concerning psychological health. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize changes in the PFC before, during, and after asana by applying the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) mobile neuroimaging technique.

Methods: Twenty-seven healthy adults completed two 6-min, task-independent resting states before and after a 23-min asana routine. With the fNIRS device positioned on the frontal region of the skull, PFC activity was measured during each asana and resting state. The block design involved alternating between three active postures and one control posture. Each active posture was performed for 30 s and repeated 8 times, while the control posture was held during inter-trial intervals lasting 25-30 s. Across the session, this block design resulted in a total of 24 active blocks (8 repetitions of each active posture) and 25 baseline blocks (control posture intervals).

Results: All three active asanas significantly increased PFC activity versus baseline, particularly in the right PFC. Furthermore, analysis of short-term changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) revealed a significant decrease, primarily in the left medial PFC, a key region of the default mode network (DMN), an area known to exhibit heightened activity in individuals suffering from depression and anxiety.

Conclusion: This study provides neurological insight into the effects of yoga asana and supports fNIRS for assessing movement-based practices in real-world settings.

In the article "Commonality Analysis of High-Quality Acupuncture Clinical Trial Articles" [Complement Med Res. 2025;32:314-325; https://doi.org/10.1159/000547403] by Ou et al., the equal contribution of Silin Ou and Ming Dong as co-first authors was inadvertently omitted in the published version.Silin Ou and Ming Dong contributed equally to this work and are co-first authors.

Introduction: Dizziness and vertigo are prevalent reasons for medical consultation, stemming from various benign and pathological conditions. Although traditional treatments are available, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches are increasingly sought by patients for almost all diseases. This study aimed to investigate the use of CAM approaches in individuals with and without vertigo/dizziness and to compare the results.

Methods: The study enrolled 208 participants, 104 of them had complaints of vertigo/dizziness (patient group) and the remaining were without such symptoms (control group). Participants were queried about used CAM approaches, and study participants underwent vestibular assessment.

Results: It was revealed that there was a significant higher prevalence of herbal supplement usage among individuals with vertigo/dizziness complaints compared to without vertigo/dizziness. However, no significant differences were found in the usage of other CAM approaches between the groups. Among CAM users in the patient group, the majority did not aim to alleviate vertigo/dizziness symptoms.

Conclusions: This study contributes to understanding CAM utilization patterns among vertigo/dizziness patients and underscores the importance of further research to explore the efficacy and safety of CAM approaches in managing these symptoms. Future studies should take into account socioeconomic and sociocultural factors affecting the use of CAM approaches and should aim to evaluate the effectiveness of specific CAM approaches in the treatment of vertigo/dizziness.

Background: Despite the potential cognitive benefits of ginseng, evidence of its effects on cognitive function remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between ginseng and cognitive function in individuals with cognitive or memory impairment including those with subjective memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease through a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: We searched six databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), and ScienceON, for RCTs investigating the effects of ginseng on cognitive function up to April 26, 2024. Two independent researchers assessed the methodological quality and risk of bias of the extracted studies. Data were presented as the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and a subgroup analysis was performed based on ginseng dosage.

Results: Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that ginseng may have a potential effect on cognitive improvement. Ginseng consumption showed a significant effect on increasing Mini-Mental State Examination scores (MD = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.03, 1.32; p = 0.04; I2 = 66%). For Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, a significant reduction in scores was observed in both the total (MD = -1.10; 95% CI: -1.82, -0.38; p = 0.003; I2 = 0%) and low-dose groups (MD = -1.09; 95% CI: -1.96, -0.22; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion: Ginseng consumption was found to be beneficial for changes in certain cognitive function-related indicators. However, further research is required to determine the long-term effects of ginseng based on dosage.

Background: The increasing prevalence of myopia among Chinese children and adolescents, especially at younger ages, has emerged as a significant concern in recent years. Pre-myopia is a key period for myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents. Previous studies suggested auricular acupressure (AA) therapy might offer a viable approach to prevent and slow down myopia progression. Nonetheless, these studies lack robust, high-quality, large-scale, multi-center evidence to conclusively support such assertions. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and economic benefits of AA therapy in preventing myopia in Chinese children aged 6-12 years with pre-myopia.

Methods: The single-blind, multi-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial will involve 318 pre-myopic children from 20 different centers across China. After recruitment, these participants will be randomly assigned to two groups (the AA group and the control group) at a 1:1 ratio. The AA group will receive auricular point sticking therapy along with health education for a period of 24 weeks, while the control group will be provided the sham AA treatment and routine health education. The assessments of outcomes will be conducted at the start of this study, and then after 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in spherical equivalent refraction at various follow-up times. The secondary outcomes include the number of myopia cases, uncorrected visual acuity, axial length, corneal curvature radius, accommodation amplitude, retinal and choroidal thickness, and eye behavior management. In addition, the cost-effectiveness analysis will be used as the evaluation index for economic assessment.

Discussion: The results of this research will provide evidence on the efficacy, safety, and economic benefits of AA therapy in preventing myopia among children aged 6-12 years with pre-myopia in China.