European Journal of Integrative Medicine最新文献

Introduction

Herbal supplements are popular among athletes, yet research on their types, purposes, and information sources is limited, particularly for Palestinian soccer players. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the types of herbal supplements used by young soccer athletes in the West Bank, their purposes, and the sources of information influencing their use. Understanding these aspects is crucial for safely and effectively integrating traditional remedies into modern sports nutrition.

Methods

In 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional study with young soccer athletes in the West Bank. We utilized a validated survey to collect data on the types of herbal supplements, their preparation methods, and information sources. We analyzed the data for frequencies and use values (UV).

Results

Out of 165 invited athletes, 155 participated, with 144 confirming their current use of herbal supplements. The participants, aged 18–25 (mean age 20.34), employed a variety of preparation and consumption methods. Information sources comprised traditional knowledge, advice from herbalists ("Attar" in Arabic), and online trends. Herbs that enhance physical endurance and stamina had the highest UV of 3.93, highlighting their critical importance. Herbs for joint and muscle pain and central nervous system stimulation had UV of 2.28 and 2.10, respectively, reflecting their significant roles. Antistress and anabolic herbs had UVs of 1.28 and 1.21, respectively. The total UV of 10.81 indicates a substantial use of herbal supplements. We recorded 1,675 recommendations, with the primary uses being: enhancing physical endurance and strength (36.36 %), reducing joint and muscle pain (21.13 %), acting as a CNS stimulant (19.46 %), alleviating stress (11.82 %), and providing testosterone-like effects (11.22 %). The top 10 herbs were ginseng (7.46 %), small nettle (6.99 %), olive (6.63 %), date (5.85 %), chili pepper (5.43 %), green tea (5.19 %), fenugreek (4.84 %), soy (4.24 %), coffee (4.24 %), and mate (4.12 %), collectively accounting for about 55 % of all recommendations.

Conclusion

This study identifies the top 10 herbs used by soccer athletes, as well as their role in modern sports nutrition. Future research should evaluate their effectiveness and safety, focusing on herbs like date and small nettle. Educating athletes on the proper use and risks of herbal supplements is essential.

Introduction

Stem cells have gained attention for their potential as a promising approach for generating neurotrophins and advancing cell-based therapies for retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma. This study aimed to explore how adlay seed extract impacts the gene expression of key components within the neuroprotection pathway (NGF, TRKB, MAPK, PI3K) in human nasal orbital adipocytes mesenchymal stem cells (OAMSCs).

Methods

Nasal OAMSCs, with a density of 10⁶ cells/ 10 cm², were subjected to a 24-hour exposure to adlay seed extracts (namely the methanolic (MeOH) and residual (Res) fractions at a concentration of 1 mg/ml). The control group received an identical medium without the extract at the same time and under the same circumstances. We measured the relative expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), tyrosine receptor kinase B (TRKB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in the treated cells versus the control group using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Our data revealed that both the MeOH and Res extracts of adlay seed led to a significant upregulation of NGF in nasal OAMSCs. MeOH extract also led to the overexpression of TRKB (the gene coding for BDNF receptor) in OAMSCs, while the other genes understudy, were not altered.

Conclusions

Our study highlighted initial documentation of the stimulating impact of adlay extract on the transcriptional level of neurotrophin NGF and the TRKB in nasal OAMSCs. We also showed that the extraction method could significantly affect the molecular-level properties of adlay. This preliminary study can pave the ground for future advancements in the treatment of retinal neurodegenerative disorders and glaucoma.

Introduction

Xerostomia is a symptom that affects quality of life and may lead to malnutrition. While artificial saliva is used as a lubricant for the oral cavity, it rarely stimulates saliva secretion. The objective of this study was to develop a herbal artificial saliva (HAS) that could stimulate saliva secretion and be safe for human consumption.

Methods

Three HAS formulations were prepared with 0.3 % Cuminum cyminum extract and 0.05 %, 0.10 %, and 0.15 % Zingiber officinale extract (HAS0.05, HAS 0.10, and HAS0.15, respectively). In vivo skin and oral mucosal irritation tests were used to evaluate the safety of HAS0.15. Additionally, the preliminary efficacy and safety of the three HAS formulations were investigated in 21 healthy volunteers. The sample was sprayed into the oral cavity under the left and right sides of the tongue. Thirty minutes after spraying, the amount of saliva was assessed using a visual analogue scale and a Schirmer strip. In addition, dry mouth symptoms, the saliva pH, and adverse reactions were assessed before and after testing.

Results

HAS0.15 caused minimal skin irritation and did not alter the epithelium or other structures of the oral mucosa. The saliva quantity after using HAS0.10 and HAS0.15 was significantly higher than prior to testing (p < 0.05). None of the formulations induced mucositis or adverse reactions.

Conclusion

This study was successful in the development of a new HAS that stimulated saliva secretion and was safe for humans. However, this study is preliminary: Further clinical investigation in patients with hyposalivation will confirm the efficacy of this novel HAS. This novel HAS may be an alternative treatment for the elderly and patients with hyposalivation.

Introduction

Parkinsonia praecox is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases; however, the antibacterial and anticancer properties from its bark have not been reported. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and chemical study of methanolic extract of Parkinsonia praecox bark (PpBM).

Methods

The PpBM antibacterial activity was determined against pathogen strains using the broth microdilution method, the cytotoxic effect was assessed on cancerous (HepG2, SKOV-3 and HeLa) and non-cancerous (J774A.1 and HaCaT) cells using the crystal violet assay, the in vitro hemotoxicity was evaluated using the hemolysis assay on human erythrocytes and the identification of major compounds derived from PpBM was performed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and 2D NMR experiments.

Results

PpBM (2000 µg/mL) demonstrated antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, a potential breakthrough in the fight against this pathogen. PpBM decreased cell viability of HepG2 liver cancer cells (IC₅₀, 104.56 µg/mL) with a selectivity index of 1.38 regarding J774A.1 macrophages and 2.04 to HaCaT keratinocytes, suggesting a selective anticancer potential. On the other hand, PpBM did not cause hemolysis to high concentrations (1000 µg/mL) or alterations in the morphology of human erythrocytes at doses lower than 200 µg/mL. For the first time, lupenone, germanicone, 3-oxo-oleanane-18-en-28-ol, and combretol were identified in P. praecox. PpBM showed antibacterial, selective anticancer, and non-hemotoxic properties. These activities may be related to the major compounds, such as lupenone.

Conclusion

P. praecox bark is a new option for obtaining bioactive compounds, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm their efficacy and safety.

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland and the main cause of hypothyroidism. Currently, Chinese medicine is widely used in clinical treatment, and Chinese patent medicine is more convenient for application. We conducted a meta-analysis of previously published literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiaojin capsule combined with levothyroxine (LT4) or selenium yeast in the treatment of HT, which also provided evidence-based medical evidence for traditional Chinese medicine in HT treatment.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of Xiaojin capsule on HT. The study was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81973855), and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023412656). We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), WanFang Database, China National Knowledge Information Database (CNKI), and SinoMed from inception to August 15, 2023. Two independent authors reviewed and coded the identified literature. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. We synthesized the results as standardized mean differences (SMD), mean difference (MD) 95 % confidence interval (CI) or relative risk (RR) 95 % CI. The Cochrane Systematic Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

Results

Thirteen RCTs with 1414 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed that compared with LT4 or selenium yeast alone, oral Xiaojin capsule combined with LT4 significantly reduced serum antibody levels against thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) (SMD= −3.4, 95 % CI: −4.52 to −2.27, P<0.00001), oral Xiaojin capsule combined with selenium yeast reduced serum TPOAb (MD= −39.13, 95 % CI: −49.97 to −28.3, P<0.00001); oral Xiaojin capsule combined with LT4 significantly reduced serum antibody levels against thyroglobulin (TGAb) (SMD= −3.06, 95 % CI: −4.12 to −1.99, P<0.00001); increased clinical efficiency rate (RR=1.16, 95 % CI: 1.10 to 1.21, P<0.00001) and serum free thyroxine (FT4; SMD=1.18, 95 % CI: 0.47 to 1.88, P <0.00001) levels, and reduced thyroid volume (SMD =−0.59, 95 % CI: −0.87 to −0.32, P<0.0001). The effect on serum free triiodothyronine levels in two groups was not significant, and Xiaojin capsules did not increase the incidence of adverse events.

Conclusion

Xiaojin capsule combined with LT4 for treating HT significantly reduced serum TPOAb and TGAb levels, increased serum FT4 levels, and improved goiter. However, the strength of the evidence needs to be improved because of the poor quality of the included studies, and further validation by multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials with comprehensive outcome reporting is needed in the future.

Introduction

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine (WM) stem from distinct cultural and regional contexts, with the primary difference in their approaches to clinical reasoning. This study aims to investigate the cognitive preferences of TCM and WM physicians in clinical diagnosis and treatment, providing valuable insights for the advancement of TCM.

Methods

We implemented a two-phase mixed methods approach comprising questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The Thinking Style Inventory (TSI) was used to evaluate the thinking styles of physicians through convenience sampling. Additionally, a total of six physicians (three practicing TCM and three WM) were selected by purposive sampling and open-ended responses regarding self-cognition and influencing factors were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 150 surveys and six interviews consistently indicated a preference among both TCM and WM physicians for Legislative, Executive, Hierarchical, Liberal, and External styles. In contrast, TCM physicians exhibited a tendency towards Legislative and Liberal styles, whereas WM physicians leaned towards Executive and Judicial styles. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed four themes: self-understanding, thinking characteristics, influencing factors, and style changes.

Conclusion

Our study identified that within TCM and WM, a blend of shared characteristics and distinct individuality in thinking styles existed, exhibiting variations in the growth processes of physicians. Both TCM and WM physicians attributed the formation of their thinking styles to factors such as education, internship experience, Chinese social culture and personal disposition. Furthermore, empirical research methods emerged as effective tools for studying clinical reasoning in healthcare contexts.

Introduction

Current treatments for coronary microvascular disease (CMVD) have limited efficacy. Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA), a representative preparation used for aromatic and warming-up management, is a typical Chinese proprietary medicine that relieves the symptoms of angina pectoris and contributes to improving coronary microcirculation disorders, which may provide an option for the treatment of CMVD.

Methods

This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 120 eligible patients will be randomized 1:1 to KXA or placebo groups and receive 30-day interventions and follow-up. The primary outcome will be the Seattle Angina Scale score. Secondary outcomes will be the TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) syndrome score, self-rated anxiety scale score, self-rated depression scale, microcirculation function, and laboratory index for coronary microvascular.

Discussion

This trial will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of KXA in the treatment of CMVD. The results of this study may provide clinical evidence for the use of Chinese patent medicine in CMVD.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200057494

Introduction

The use of herbal medicines is widespread, and ensuring their quality control, as guaranteed by pharmacopoeia and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, has garnered significant attention. Discrepancies in quality standards across different regulatory agencies challenge the global marketing of herbal medicines and hinder public access to these products. Therefore, this research aims to compare pharmacopeia on Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (P. ginseng) and GMP guidelines for herbal medicines to provide an evidence-based understanding of quality control standards.

Methods

Definitions of herbal medicines across regulatory authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), European Union (EU), China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, were collected. Additionally, pharmacopeial standards on Panax ginseng case study were analysed, focusing on aspects such as origin, identification, testing methods, extractives, assay, purity, and drug information. The study also compared GMP requirements for herbal medicines, which included personnel, premises and equipment, documentation, production, quality control, contract manufacturing and analysis, complaints and product recall, and self-inspection.

Results

Definitions of herbal medicines are similar among the WHO, PIC/S, and the EU, while distinct definitions based on scientific evidence and traditional practices were presented in China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. Pharmacopeia standards varied across regulatory agencies, as evidenced by the P. ginseng case study. However, testing methods closely resembled each other between China and Vietnam, as well as between Japan and South Korea. Among pharmacopoeias, the WHO monographs offered the most comprehensive drug information on P. ginseng. In contrast, the European Pharmacopoeia lists such details separately in a P. ginseng assessment report. Regarding GMP requirements, although examined components varied among regulatory agencies, significant resemblances exist between the GMP guidelines of PIC/S, the EU, and South Korea, and between those of the WHO and Vietnam.

Conclusions

Disparities in quality standards across jurisdictions highlight the necessity for international collaboration to achieve harmonization. Harmonizing these standards aims to promote the global availability of standardized herbal medicinal products, benefiting public health.