Complementary therapies in medicine最新文献

{"title":"Effects of Baduanjin on exercise tolerance, cardiac function, and quality of life in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Wujiao Wang ,&nbsp;Jia Qi ,&nbsp;Jie Wan ,&nbsp;Zhao Lin ,&nbsp;Peng Yang ,&nbsp;Hongyue Ge ,&nbsp;Peifen Chang ,&nbsp;Tianli Li","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103280","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103280","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Heart failure (HF) remains a significant health burden around the world, and Baduanjin is an effective intervention for patients with HF. This study aimed to objectively evaluate the effects of Baduanjin on exercise tolerance, cardiac function, and quality of life in patients with HF.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>From the time the database was constructed to May 8, 2025, we searched eight databases and two registry systems. Clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Baduanjin in treating HF were retrieved. The primary outcomes were the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Secondary outcomes were left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVDD), left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVSD), N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), BNP levels, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), Anaerobic threshold (AT), Metabolic equivalent of task (MET), peak oxygen consumption (VO₂ peak), and Maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max). Two researchers performed rigorous data extraction and quality assessment. The quality of the included RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool, version 2.0 (RoB 2), and statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0 software.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>A total of 46 RCTs involving 3597 people were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that Baduanjin could improve the 6MWT [ MD= 50.71, 95 % CI (37.48, 63.94), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], LVEF [ MD= 3.57, 95 % CI (2.70, 4.45), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], LVDD [ MD = -2.33, 95 % CI (-2.82, −1.84), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], LVSD [ MD = -1.83, 95 % CI (-2.31, −1.36), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], NT-proBNP levels [ MD = -139.49, 95 % CI (-204.08, −74.89), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], BNP levels [ MD = -77.68, 95 % CI (-110.80, −44.56), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], MLHFQ [ MD = -8.15, 95 % CI (-12.31, −3.99), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], MLHFQ-E [ MD = -3.23, 95 % CI (-3.71, −2.74), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], MLHFQ-P [ MD = -3.23, 95 % CI (-4.17, −3.29), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], MLHFQ-G [ MD = -3.56, 95 % CI (-4.76, −2.35), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], AT [ MD= 1.65, 95 % CI (1.22, 2.09), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01], MET [ MD= 0.65, 95 % CI (0.12, 1.19), <em>P</em> ＜0.05], VO₂ peak [ MD= 1.36, 95 % CI (0.40, 2.31), <em>P</em> ＜0.01], and VO₂ max [ MD= 2.21, 95 % CI (1.05, 3.37), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01] when compared to control groups, and the subgroup analyses showed that the efficacy of 3 months of continuous intervention with Baduanjin was the best.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study is the first comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the treatment of HF with Baduanjin. The results suggest that Baduanjin improves exercise tolerance, cardiac function, and quality of life in patients with HF.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103280"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145426517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brain–gut–microbiota axis: An effective target of abdominal acupuncture therapy for post-stroke functional constipation","authors":"Sicheng Li ,&nbsp;Shengjie Wang ,&nbsp;Sisi Li ,&nbsp;Chao Liu ,&nbsp;Jialing Sun ,&nbsp;Jingjing Cao ,&nbsp;Xiaoyang Cui ,&nbsp;Qin Han ,&nbsp;Zhengliang Li ,&nbsp;Fan Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103286","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103286","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Functional constipation is one of the most common complications among stroke patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. This study examined the effects of abdominal acupuncture on constipation symptoms, gut microbiota, and neurological function in post-stroke patients with functional constipation, based on the brain–gut–microbiota axis, to improve patient prognosis.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Seventy-five patients with post-stroke functional constipation were randomly assigned either to the abdominal acupuncture (AA) group or the routine treatment (RT) group. Both groups received standard medication and rehabilitation for stroke. While the routine therapy was administered to both groups of patients, the AA group patients underwent AA. Constipation symptom scores, fecal intestinal flora, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Limits of Stability (LOS) were evaluated in both groups before and after treatment. Resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy was also assessed before and after treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>When compared with pre-treatment, both groups displayed improvements in their constipation symptom scores, NIHSS, FMA, MBI, and LOS after treatment. Levels of <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Enterococcus</em> in feces decreased, while the levels of <em>Bifidobacterium</em>, <em>Lactobacillus</em>, and <em>Bacteroides</em> increased. These improvements were significantly greater in the AA group than in the RT group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01 or <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, a significant difference was noted in cortical functional activity between the two groups after treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>AA can effectively relieve functional constipation after stroke, regulate intestinal flora, enhance neurological function, and lower the disability rate.</div><div><em>International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR):</em> <span><span>http://itmctr.ccebtcm.org.cn/</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>, ITMCTR2025001532.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103286"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145426427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Yoga-based breathing and relaxation as adjunctive therapy for chronic migraine: A randomized controlled trial on clinical outcomes and autonomic regulation","authors":"M.U. Sujan ,&nbsp;Ganagarajan Inbaraj ,&nbsp;Rao Mohan Raghavendra ,&nbsp;H.S. Vadiraja ,&nbsp;Jahnavi V. Madhu ,&nbsp;Shilpa Mulakur ,&nbsp;Ravikiran Kisan ,&nbsp;Meghana Adoor ,&nbsp;M.S. Raghuram ,&nbsp;Babina Nandakumar ,&nbsp;Atchayaram Nalini ,&nbsp;Talakad N Sathyaprabha","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chronic migraine is a disabling neurological condition often associated with autonomic dysregulation. Yoga-based interventions, particularly pranayama and relaxation, may provide non-pharmacological benefits; however, few studies have systematically evaluated their physiological and clinical impact.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess the adjunctive effects of a structured pranayama and relaxation (P + R) program on clinical outcomes and autonomic function in patients with chronic migraine receiving standard medical treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this randomized controlled trial, 90 adults with chronic migraine were assigned to either a P + R intervention or a control group. The P + R group received daily guided sessions for 12 weeks alongside standard pharmacological care, while the control group continued standard care alone. The primary outcome was change in monthly headache frequency. Secondary outcomes included headache intensity (VAS), migraine-related disability (HIT-6), quality of life (SF-36), and autonomic function assessed through heart rate variability and standardized autonomic tests. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 12 weeks.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both groups exhibited significant clinical improvement following the intervention period. However, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in headache frequency (mean reduction – 7.1 vs – 4.6 days/month, p &lt; 0.001), pain intensity (∆VAS – 6.8 vs – 3.2, p &lt; 0.001), and disability scores (∆HIT-6 – 33.0 vs –21.6, p &lt; 0.001) compared to the control group. Quality of life improvements were more pronounced in the intervention arm, especially in physical and vitality domains. Objective autonomic assessment revealed increased HRV indices (higher RMSSD, HF_nu; lower LF/HF ratio) and significant reductions in resting heart rate and blood pressure only in the intervention group, indicating enhanced parasympathetic tone. No adverse events were reported, and adherence rates were high.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A 12-week pranayama and relaxation program, when added to standard migraine therapy, resulted in significant clinical and autonomic improvements. These findings support the integration of mind-body techniques as effective adjuncts in the multidisciplinary management of chronic migraine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103291"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145426597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Auricular electro-acupuncture for smoking cravings in young smokers with nicotine dependence: A pilot fMRI study","authors":"Ying-Ying Zhang ,&nbsp;Yi-Jie Liu ,&nbsp;Yuan Wang ,&nbsp;Shi-Bing Liang ,&nbsp;Tao Yin ,&nbsp;Yun-Song Zheng ,&nbsp;Jian-Ping Liu ,&nbsp;Nicola Robinson ,&nbsp;Hai-Fa Qiao","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of auricular electro-acupuncture (AEA) for smoking cravings induced by quitting in young smokers and to investigate the underlying neural mechanism using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We recruited 16 young participants with nicotine dependence (ND) and 15 matched healthy non-smoking controls (HCs). ND participants were treated with AEA for 4 weeks, and underwent brain fMRI scanning following 24-hour abstinence, 20 min of smoking satisfaction, after 1 week, and 4 weeks of AEA treatment. HCs underwent a single fMRI scanning. Fractional Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations (fALFF) was assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with HCs, fALFF values in ND participants following 24-hour abstinence decreased in the bilateral anterior cerebellar lobes (ACL), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and central tegmental area (CTA) /insula (<em>P &lt; 0.05</em>). However, after 20 min of smoking satisfaction, fALFF values for ACC and bilateral ACL significantly increased (<em>P &lt; 0.05</em>). Compared to 24-hour abstinence, the fALFF value of ACC and cerebellum in ND group significantly increased after 4 weeks of AEA treatment <em>(P &lt; 0.05</em>). Compared to baseline, both smoking cravings (<em>t = 3.87, P &lt; 0.01</em>) and nicotine dependence levels (<em>t = 3.83, P &lt; 0.01</em>) showed significant reductions after 4 weeks of AEA treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results of this pilot study indicate that AEA may be effective in suppressing smoking cravings and alleviating nicotine dependence. ACC, cerebellum, CTA, and insula may be involved in modulating smoking cravings. AEA may inhibit cravings through regulating the functional activity of ACC and cerebellum.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103264"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145299046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of yoga facial massage on computer vision syndrome and ocular motor function: A randomised controlled trial","authors":"Hongxiu Chen ,&nbsp;Tanapat Ratanapakorn ,&nbsp;Manichaya Sukonpatip ,&nbsp;Somkiat Asawaphureekorn ,&nbsp;Wilaiphorn Thinkhamrop ,&nbsp;Xingze Wang ,&nbsp;Wichai Eungpinichpong","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103270","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103270","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Computer vision syndrome (CVS), resulting from prolonged screen use, is characterised by visual fatigue and may exacerbate pre-existing refractive errors. This randomised controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of Specialised Thai Yoga Facial Massage (STYFM) on visual fatigue, accommodative function, refractive status, and musculoskeletal parameters in 32 young adults with CVS. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Specialised Thai Yoga Facial Massage Group (FMG, n = 16), receiving 10–15 min of STYFM, or the Control Group (CTG, n = 16), resting with eyes closed for 15 min. Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q), near point of convergence (NPC), amplitude of accommodation (AMP), visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent refraction (SE), handgrip strength (HS), and cervical range of motion (CROM) were assessed at baseline, week 2, and week 4. By week 4, the FMG showed significantly greater improvement in CVS-Q (-27.6 points), NPC (-3.6 cm), AMP (+1.3 D), and VA (+7.3 points), all p &lt; 0.001. The SE changes were minimal in both groups, with no significant differences observed between them (p = 0.065). Musculoskeletal parameters also improved in the FMG, with significant increases in CROM and HS (p &lt; 0.001). This study provides supportive evidence that STYFM may effectively alleviate visual fatigue symptoms, improve accommodative function, enhance convergence ability, and improve related musculoskeletal health in patients with CVS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103270"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145367646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of cultural-artistic rehabilitation activities on quality of life, anxiety and depression, and self-management level of maintenance hemodialysis: A propensity-score-matched study","authors":"Junfan Feng ,&nbsp;Lixia Liu ,&nbsp;Xiaomei Chen ,&nbsp;Baochun Guo ,&nbsp;Jiaxiu Deng ,&nbsp;Ru Zhou ,&nbsp;Yanping Chen ,&nbsp;Lijuan Lan ,&nbsp;Hongmei Li ,&nbsp;Yuan Zhou ,&nbsp;Meinuan Wei ,&nbsp;Meihong Zhuo ,&nbsp;Xinzhou Zhang ,&nbsp;Liping Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Traditional mind-body therapies like Baduanjin, exercise rehabilitation, and psychological support have demonstrated clinical benefits in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Although Baduanjin is widely acknowledged for its rehabilitative effects in chronic disease care, its combination with artistic engagement in renal disease treatment remains underexplored. Our study investigates how integrating cultural and physical interventions—targeting physical, psychological, and social health-influences quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression, and self-management skills in MHD patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a survey of 109 MHD patients at our hospital’s hemodialysis center from February 2024 to March 2025. We administered several questionnaires, including the Renal Disease Quality of Life Short Form 1.3, the Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Questionnaire, and the Hemodialysis Patient Self-Management Scale. The cultural-artistic rehabilitation activities intervention consists of three components: The Artistic Expression Module (poetry/singing), the Modified Baduanjin-Dance Integration and the Group Narrative Therapy. These were delivered in weekly sequences of 60, 90 and 30 min. Propensity score matching, inverse probability weighting, and linear regression assessed the effects on QoL, psychological symptoms, and self-management.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Following propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting adjustments, the intervention group displayed greater overall QoL scores, kidney-specific QoL improvements, and enhanced self-management abilities relative to controls (P &lt; 0.05). A strong positive association emerged between participation in creative-physical interventions and gains in QoL, mood stabilization, and self-management proficiency.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In MHD patients, integrated cultural-artistic rehabilitation activities enhance quality of life, self-management competence and psychological well-being. These results encourage greater patient engagement in cultural-artistic rehabilitation activities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103289"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145426549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of acupuncture-based adjunctive therapies in alleviating spasticity and motor function in patients with post-stroke spasticity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis","authors":"Xinle Wang,&nbsp;Kaixuan Zhang,&nbsp;Xingxing Lin,&nbsp;Ziwei Liu,&nbsp;Leichao Wang,&nbsp;Feng Zhang,&nbsp;Lujia Xiao,&nbsp;Yu Gao,&nbsp;Yaxuan Wen,&nbsp;Baoqiang Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103282","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103282","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Post-stroke spasticity (PSS) is a prominent complication that severely hinders limb function recovery and diminishes quality of life in patients with stroke. Despite the widespread use of acupuncture-based adjunctive therapies, their efficacy in reducing spasticity severity, improving limb motor function, and enhancing quality of life among stroke survivors remains contentious. Therefore, a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence through evidence-based medical methodologies is essential to elucidate their clinical value.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture-based adjunctive therapies in alleviating spasticity and improving motor function in individuals with PSS.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating acupuncture for PSS were retrieved from domestic and international databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and China Biomedical Literature) from inception to March 1, 2025. The risk of bias (ROB) in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane ROB tool. Using the frequency method, relative risk (RR) was used for binary outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous variables, each reported with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-analysis was performed using Stata software (version 16.0). Probability rankings were estimated using the surface under the cumulative ranking area, and subgroup analyses were conducted to validate result consistency.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 66 RCTs involving 6180 patients evaluated 13 effective acupuncture-based interventions. Based on changes in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), fire-needle acupuncture (FN) [MD = –1.34, 95 % CI (–2.17, –0.51)], meridian-sinew acupuncture (MSA) [MD = –1.19, 95 % CI (–1.84, –0.55)], and manual acupuncture (MA) combined with rehabilitation therapy (RT) [MD = –0.63, 95 % CI (–0.82, –0.43)] were identified as the most effective interventions for reducing spasticity. Notably, FN also demonstrated the greatest improvements on the Clinical Spasticity Index (CSI) [MD = –7.34, 95 % CI (–9.83, –4.85)] and total effectiveness rate [RR = 2.02, 95 % CI (1.45, 2.81)]. The Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores indicated that electroacupuncture (EA) [MD = 32.92, 95 % CI (20.83, 45.02)] yielded optimum efficacy in sensory and motor function recovery after stroke, followed by warm needle moxibustion and FN. Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed that FN and MSA were most effective for MAS when the needle retention time was ≤ 30 min and the treatment duration was ≤ 4 weeks. In contrast, EA achieved optimal outcomes on the FMA when administered at a frequency ≥ 5 times per week, with needle retention time ≤ 30 min and treatment duration ≤ 4 weeks. Meanwhile, the SUCRA ranking results of int","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103282"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145426579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Porcine placenta peptides as a complementary functional food for skin rejuvenation: A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial","authors":"Ngoc Ha Nguyen ,&nbsp;Young In Lee ,&nbsp;Nam Hao Chau ,&nbsp;Sung Jun Lee ,&nbsp;Inah Kim ,&nbsp;Jinhak Kim ,&nbsp;Kwang-soo Baek ,&nbsp;Ju Hee Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103271","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103271","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Skin aging is characterized by the deterioration of collagen and elastin in the dermis, leading to wrinkles, dryness, and pigmentation irregularities. Porcine placenta peptides (PPP), a bioactive ingredient commonly used in complementary functional foods and rich in collagen and growth factors, have demonstrated regenerative properties that may counteract these aging effects. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral PPP supplementation in improving signs of skin aging. Ninety participants aged 35–60 with dry skin and visible periorbital wrinkles were randomly assigned to receive either PPP or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Skin parameters, including wrinkle depth, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity, pigmentation, and gloss, were assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Compared to the placebo group, the PPP group showed significant reductions in wrinkle depth, melanin index, erythema index, and TEWL, alongside notable improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and gloss. Importantly, no adverse events were reported, and investigator evaluations supported the objective findings. Taken together, PPP may serve as a safe and effective complementary therapy to conventional dermatological treatments, offering a non-invasive strategy to promote skin health and counteract photoaging. Given its origin as a functional food and its role in traditional East Asian medicine, PPP may also be integrated into holistic anti-aging regimens or wellness programs. Further studies in diverse populations are warranted to confirm these benefits and explore underlying mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103271"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145370159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of the effects of Echium amoenum and Melissa officinalis on hypertension in stage 1 hypertensive patients: A randomized, triple-blind, three-arm clinical trial","authors":"Melika Jafari Dehnayebi ,&nbsp;Pouya Zeidy ,&nbsp;Soheila Shamsikhani ,&nbsp;Mehdi Salehi ,&nbsp;Mehdi Safarabadi","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, and stage 1 hypertension provides a critical window for implementing non-pharmacological interventions. Herbal remedies such as Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum have shown promising effects on cardiovascular health.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this randomized, triple-blind clinical trial, 105 patients with stage 1 hypertension were randomly assigned to three groups: Melissa officinalis (n = 35), Echium amoenum (n = 35), and control (n = 35). Participants received 10 mL of the assigned extract or placebo daily for four weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured weekly. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The Shapiro-Wilk test indicated that the distribution of blood pressure values was not normal (p &lt; 0.05); therefore, non-parametric tests were used</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant within-group reductions in both SBP and DBP were observed in the Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum groups (p &lt; 0.001). The Melissa officinalis group had the greatest decrease in SBP (8 mmHg) and DBP (4 mmHg). Between-group comparisons showed significant differences favoring Melissa officinalis over both other groups at weeks 2, 3, and 4 (p &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Both Melissa officinalis and Echium amoenum effectively reduced blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension, with Melissa officinalis demonstrating superior efficacy. These findings support the use of Melissa officinalis as a complementary treatment for hypertension management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103266"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145307197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of intraoperative music intervention on anxiety and pain control in patients undergoing kidney surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Yan Lou ,&nbsp;Shuang Xu ,&nbsp;Panpan Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103221","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103221","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) for the effect of intraoperative music intervention on anxiety and pain control in patients undergoing kidney surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane up to November 2024. Outcomes included visual analog score (VAS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were used for data pooling of continuous variables. In addition, sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the stability of the results. All analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 and STATA 15.1.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The meta-analysis revealed that patients in the music intervention group had significantly lower postoperative VAS (SMD: −0.65; 95 % CI: −0.93, −0.38; <em>P</em>＜0.00001) and STAI scores (SMD: −0.48; 95 % CI: −0.71, −0.26; <em>P</em>＜0.0001) compared to those in the control group. Significant heterogeneity was observed for both outcomes. In addition, sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of both outcomes, but VAS was found to have significant publication bias.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Music intervention can significantly reduce the postoperative VAS and STAI of patients undergoing renal surgery, and effectively control the anxiety and pain caused by surgery. Considering the potential heterogeneity, publication bias, and low regional selection bias in this study, more large-sample, multicenter RCTs are needed in the future to further confirm the effect of music intervention on pain and anxiety relief in individuals undergoing renal surgery and potential influencing factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103221"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144764675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}