European Journal of Integrative Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Antifungal mechanisms of Melaleuca bracteata F. Mueall essential oil against Candida albicans: From chemical profiling to molecular targets","authors":"Thang Truong Le ,&nbsp;Tien-Dung Nguyen ,&nbsp;Minh-Thuong Nguyen-Van ,&nbsp;Tran Ngo Bao Huynh ,&nbsp;Thuan-Thien Dinh ,&nbsp;Chau Dao Minh Huynh ,&nbsp;Phuc Dao Thien Nguyen ,&nbsp;Tan Nguyen Van Ho ,&nbsp;Hieu Tran-Van ,&nbsp;Viet Hoang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102570","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102570","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Candida albicans (C. albicans)</em> infections pose a significant health challenge, necessitating the exploration of novel antifungal agents. Essential oils derived from medicinal plants play a crucial role in aromatherapy as a complementary therapeutic approach. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of <em>Melaleuca bracteata</em> F. Mueall <em>(M. bracteata)</em> essential oil against <em>C. albicans</em>, establishing its potential as a novel plant-derived antifungal therapeutic in response to increasing antimicrobial resistance.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a comprehensive approach, combining chemical analysis, <em>in vitro</em> experiments, and computational methods to investigate the antifungal properties of <em>M. bracteata</em> essential oil against <em>C. albicans</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis revealed eugenol methyl ether (EME) as the predominant component (86.87 %) of <em>M. bracteata</em> essential oil. The oil demonstrated potent antifungal activity against <em>C. albicans</em>, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 400 µg/mL. It significantly inhibited biofilm formation, with 96.03 % inhibition at MIC, and caused notable morphological changes in <em>C. albicans</em> cells as observed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Gene expression analysis showed the downregulation of key biofilm-related genes (<em>efg1, als3, act1</em>) upon treatment with the oil. Molecular docking suggested potential interactions of EME with critical <em>C. albicans</em> proteins. Importantly, the oil exhibited limited cytotoxicity against various mammalian cell lines. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) predictions indicated favorable pharmacokinetic properties for EME, while network pharmacology analysis suggested potential immunomodulatory effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings highlight the promising antifungal potential of <em>M. bracteata</em> essential oil, particularly EME, against <em>C. albicans</em>, warranting further investigation for its development as a novel therapeutic agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102570"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145359469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Yoga for weight management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A focus group study among yoga therapists","authors":"Vibhuti Samarth Rao ,&nbsp;Birinder S Cheema ,&nbsp;Mike Armour ,&nbsp;Caroline A Smith ,&nbsp;Kashinath G Metri ,&nbsp;Carolyn Ee","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102569","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102569","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age and is associated with excess weight. Yoga is a holistic mind-body practice that has shown some promise in targeting clinical outcomes in women with PCOS. This study aimed to understand the yoga therapists’ experiences and explore the characteristics of a yoga therapy (YT) program for weight management in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to assist in a future trial.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Experienced yoga therapists with a degree in yoga, or equivalent, and &gt;5 years of experience in delivering yoga to women with PCOS were invited to an online focus group. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using descriptive content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eight yoga therapists participated. Four categories with several sub-categories were derived from the analysis: (i) yogic approach to PCOS management, (ii) benefits are beyond weight reduction, (iii) characteristics of yoga therapists, and (iv) characteristics of the YT program for managing weight in PCOS. Most participants believe that YT for PCOS should not be constructed as an exclusive form of exercise but as a mind-body intervention that focuses on lifestyle reforms, helps manage day-to-day stress, and promotes sleep and quality of life in women with PCOS. Overall, the participants indicated that a meticulously planned group-based, multicomponent, PCOS-specific, YT class can be a sustainable mode of healthy living for women with PCOS.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This is the first qualitative exploration from yoga therapists’ perspectives on weight management in women with PCOS. The results of this study provide a valuable preliminary basis for the design of future research in order to enhance lifestyle care for women with PCOS and excess weight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102569"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145270030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the demands for home-based healthcare services using traditional Korean medicine in older adults and individuals with disabilities: A mixed methods study","authors":"Soo-Hyun Sung ,&nbsp;Kyeong-Han Kim ,&nbsp;Hyein Jeong ,&nbsp;Soobin Jang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102568","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102568","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Many older adults and individuals with disabilities experience significant barriers to accessing clinic-based health services, often resulting in unmanaged chronic conditions and diminished quality of life. Home-based healthcare is emerging as a viable solution, and interest in traditional Korean medicine is increasing due to its accessibility and perceived safety. This study aimed to identify the needs and expectations of older adults and individuals with disabilities for home-based healthcare using traditional Korean medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Our study employed a mixed methods design that combined survey data and qualitative research. The online survey was conducted among two groups: 1) older adults aged 65 years and older and 2) individuals with disabilities aged 20 years and older. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted for the respondents who received home visits from traditional Korean medicine doctors</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Survey findings revealed that older adults showed a higher demand and willingness to participate in home-based healthcare services than individuals with disabilities. Respondents identified chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and dementia as key targets for home-based care. High-priority needs included physical and mental health support, health monitoring, and integration with conventional medical services. The most valued benefit of home-based care was improved accessibility for those with difficulty visiting hospitals. Focus group interview participants, particularly older adults, described feeling psychologically supported and satisfied through extended health counseling provided during house calls. Individuals with disabilities emphasized the need for transportation support for follow-up hospital visits.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings provide foundational evidence for the development of integrated, home-based healthcare policies targeting older adults and people with disabilities. Expanding home-based traditional Korean medicine care may address health inequities and enhance well-being among populations with limited mobility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102568"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145325652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Examining the potential of terminalisa ferdinandiana Exell (Kakadu Plum) in photoprotection through direct and indirect evidence: A scoping review","authors":"Gahena Ram ,&nbsp;Rotina Kapini ,&nbsp;Xian Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102547","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102547","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Australia has some of the highest rates of sun-related skin damage in the world. Native Australian flora is known to possess unique phytochemical profiles with potential protective effects against such damage. The Kakadu Plum (<em>Terminalia ferdinandiana</em> Exell), traditionally utilized by Indigenous Australians, is notable for its exceptionally high concentrations of vitamin C and diverse phenolic compounds. This scoping review aims to synthesise the available evidence regarding the efficacy of Kakadu Plum as a topical intervention for the primary prevention of photodamage.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The methodology was guided by the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis, and the reporting was guided by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Agriculture Science Database, to gather direct and indirect data on Kakadu Plum's photoprotective potential and vitamin C concentrations over the past 20 years (2005–2025).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 31 preclinical studies were found. Only 1 study directly examined Kakadu Plum's photoprotective effect in an animal model, 22 studies provided evidence of indirect photoprotective mechanisms, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and 8 studies exclusively reported on the vitamin C content.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results demonstrated exceptionally high vitamin C concentrations, providing strong indirect evidence of Kakadu Plum's potential photoprotective effect. However, the absence of direct experimental or clinical evidence precludes definitive conclusions regarding its efficacy. Kakadu Plum, therefore, may be an underexplored natural resource, warranting further research into its photoprotective mechanisms and therapeutic potential.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>Dr. Xian Zhou is supported by the Research Support Fellowship, <span>Western Sydney University</span>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102547"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness and safety of Astragalus membranaceus-based traditional Chinese medicine in treating diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Bingrui Zhang ,&nbsp;Kebin Wang ,&nbsp;Yuxiao Li ,&nbsp;Qinhua Fan ,&nbsp;Qingxiao Li ,&nbsp;Yingqiu Sun ,&nbsp;Yawei Du ,&nbsp;Wenquan Su ,&nbsp;Shengxian Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102561","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102561","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Astragalus membranaceus</em> (AM) is a traditional Chinese medicine employed for supplementing qi and particularly used for ulcer treatment. This systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness and safety of AM-based prescriptions (AMPs) for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched eight databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on AMPs for DFU. The mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and used in the meta-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We included 44 RCTs involving 3,238 participants. The AMPs included 24 oral AM formulas, 14 topical AM formulas, 4 topical AM alone, and 2 injections. Overall, study quality was low. Compared with Western medicine (WM), AMPs were associated with a higher healing rate (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.4 to 1.9, 8 RCTs, n = 747), smaller ulcer size (MD –12.11 cm², 95% CI –19.23 to –4.99, 4 RCTs, n = 304) and shorter healing time (MD –7.82 days, 95% CI –10.59 to –5.05, 4 RCTs, n = 353). AMPs plus WM were more efficacious than WM in healing rate (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.4, 20 RCTs, n = 1497), amputation rate (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.66, 3 RCTs, n = 265), mortality (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.71, 3 RCTs, n = 265), ulcer size (MD –1.78 cm², 95% CI –2.55 to –1.01, 10 RCTs, n = 761), healing time, ankle-brachial index (ABI), pain scores, clinical effective rate, and general symptoms. No severe adverse events were reported in the AMPs group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>AMPs may have potential effectiveness in ulcer healing, ABI increase, and pain alleviation. The exact efficacy of AMPs for DFU needs to be confirmed using high-quality double-blind RCTs.</div></div><div><h3>Registration</h3><div>Protocol of this review was registered via PROSPERO (CRD42024613403).</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div><span>National Science and Technology Major Project of China</span> [grant number <span><span>2017ZX09304019</span></span>].</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102561"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145183678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping the intersection of heart rate variability and complementary medicine: a two-decade bibliometric study (2005–2024)","authors":"Shih-Wei Yang ,&nbsp;Chen-Wei Chang ,&nbsp;Malcolm Koo","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102560","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a noninvasive marker of autonomic nervous system function, has become an increasingly utilized tool in complementary medicine (CM) research for objectively assessing physiological responses to interventions. While specific applications of HRV within individual CM modalities have been reviewed, comprehensive mapping of the broader research landscape remains limited. This bibliometric study aimed to provide a detailed overview of the evolution, key contributors, and thematic development of HRV research across diverse CM interventions between 2005 and 2024.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Original research articles published between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2024, were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection. A Boolean search strategy combined HRV-related terms with keywords representing a wide range of CM interventions, while deliberately excluding broad or ambiguous descriptors. The data were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 1007 articles published across 375 journals and authored by 4969 individuals were identified, with publication output showing a steady increase and peaking in 2022. China (23.5%) and the United States (19.1%) emerged as the most prolific contributors, although United States publications exhibited a higher average citation rate. Leading institutions included Kyung Hee University (South Korea) and China Medical University (Taiwan). <em>Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine</em> was the most frequent publishing journal. HRV and CM research has increasingly appeared in higher-ranked journals over time (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Keyword co-occurrence analysis positioned HRV as a central term, connecting clusters related to mind-body practices, psychophysiological constructs, music therapy, and electroacupuncture. Thematic evolution analysis revealed recent trends toward greater methodological rigor, increased emphasis on patient-centered outcomes, diversification of CM interventions, and incorporation of emerging digital health technologies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This bibliometric analysis shows HRV research in CM as an evolving field positioned at the intersection of traditional practices, contemporary physiological science, and technological innovation. Recent trends indicate a shift toward increased methodological rigor, greater emphasis on patient-centered outcomes, and integration of digital technologies. As the field advances, novel technologies such as generative artificial intelligence offer promise for deepening physiological insights and enhancing the clinical relevance of CM applications within mainstream healthcare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102560"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145154514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of traditional east asian herbal medicine decoctions on low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Gyu Chan Shim ,&nbsp;Sook-Hyun Lee ,&nbsp;Yoon Jae Lee ,&nbsp;Su Won Lee ,&nbsp;In-Hyuk Ha","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102555","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102555","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disability and economic burden. Herbal medicine (HM) decoctions, a core component of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This systematic review evaluated HM decoctions for LBP.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024599753). Eleven databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on HM decoctions for LBP published before July 2024. Primary outcomes were the clinical improvement rate (CIR) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Secondary outcomes included the Oswestry Disability Index and the Japanese Orthopedic Association scale. Quality assessments using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and meta-analyses were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty-nine RCTs involving 2420 participants with LBP were included. HM decoction compared to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) improved the CIR (risk ratio [RR] 1.16, 95 %CI: 1.05 to 1.29) and reduced VAS-pain (mean difference [MD] -0.87, 95 %CI: -1.59 to -0.14). When combined with TEAM, HM decoction improved the CIR (RR, 1.23, 95 %CI: 1.14 to 1.33) and VAS-pain (MD -1.24, 95 %CI: -1.80 to -0.67) compared to TEAM alone. The combination of HM decoction and TEAM improved the CIR (RR 1.25, 95 %CI: 1.01 to 1.55) and VAS-pain (MD -0.51, 95 %CI: -0.67 to -0.34) compared to NSAIDs alone, and a higher CIR (RR 1.30, 95 %CI: 1.12 to 1.52) than TEAM combined with NSAIDs. Combining HM decoction with NSAIDs improved the CIR (RR 1.48, 95 %CI: 1.19 to 1.85) compared to NSAIDs alone; however, there was no difference in VAS-pain (MD -1.09, 95 %CI: -2.35 to 0.17). HM decoction combined with non-pharmacological therapies (NPTs) improved the CIR (RR 1.18, 95 %CI: 1.05 to 1.32) and VAS-pain (MD -1.28, 95 %CI: -1.42 to -1.14). Finally, adding HM decoction to a regimen of NSAIDs and NPTs also improved the CIR (RR 1.24, 95 %CI: 1.09 to 1.42, but the reduction in VAS-pain was not statistically significant (MD -1.53, 95 %CI: -3.35 to -0.29).. In the seven RCTs that reported adverse events, these were absent or mild and comparable across intervention and control groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HM decoction demonstrated beneficial clinical effects for participants with LBP. Limitations included high risk of bias in many RCTs. Well-designed RCTs are warranted to validate effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102555"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145270028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety and efficacy of Piper longum L. for acute respiratory infections: A systematic review","authors":"Anugraha George ,&nbsp;Prakash Bangalore Nagendrappa ,&nbsp;Unnikrishnana Payyappallimana ,&nbsp;Xiao-Yang Hu ,&nbsp;Xiaowen Zhang ,&nbsp;Sadia Wali ,&nbsp;Merlin Willcox","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102559","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102559","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to global public health by compromising the effectiveness of infection prevention and treatment strategies. This escalating issue necessitates the exploration of alternative treatments and natural remedies to reduce reliance on antibiotics. <em>Piper longum</em> L. has historically been used in the treatment of respiratory infections in Ayurvedic medicine. This systematic review aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of <em>Piper longum</em> in managing Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Nine databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, AMED, ProQuest, CNKI, and Google Scholar) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled clinical trials (NRCTs) evaluating <em>Piper longum</em>. The primary outcomes assessed were improvement in acute respiratory infections, ARI symptoms and side effects. A narrative approach was used to synthesize the data. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess study quality, and Rayyan was used to screen eligible studies. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two studies met the inclusion criteria (one RCT and one NRCT). One study reported that <em>Piper longum</em> improved symptoms of acute respiratory infections (ARIs), including frequency of cough bouts, sleep disturbances, sputum production, crepitations, throat infections, wheezing, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite. Side effects associated with <em>Piper longum</em> ranged from minimal (such as chest burning) to none. However, the methodological quality of the included trials was generally poor.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Piper longum</em> may be beneficial and safe for relieving symptoms of ARIs. Nevertheless, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the poor methodological quality and heterogeneity of the included studies. To better understand the efficacy and safety of <em>Piper longum</em>, well-designed trials with rigorous methodologies and transparent reporting are necessary.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102559"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145154515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"‘Biographical continuity’: A qualitative study of the role of complementary and alternative medicine in restoring the self after breast cancer diagnosis","authors":"Joana Almeida ,&nbsp;Kavi Sharma ,&nbsp;Jonathan Gabe ,&nbsp;Richard Simcock ,&nbsp;John L. Anderson","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102558","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102558","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Breast cancer patients frequently use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) alongside biomedical treatment for symptom relief and to address the disruption caused by diagnosis and treatment. These experiences, however, are often overlooked within the cancer clinical encounter. This study explored CAM use in women with breast cancer, focusing on three main research questions: Why do women with breast cancer use CAM? In what ways does CAM help them maintain or regain a sense of normality? What barriers or tensions do they face when considering or using CAM?</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study used a qualitative interpretative-constructivist research design to analyse the subjective meanings women with breast cancer ascribed to their CAM use during their breast cancer journey. Unstructured interviews were conducted with nine female breast cancer patients undertaking treatment at a major NHS cancer centre in Southeast England. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The women engaged with a wide range of CAM therapies during their cancer journey. CAM was used not only to alleviate symptoms, but also to restore a sense of ‘ordinariness’ and biographical continuity. Central to this process were practices of self-care, self-help, and self-management, and the collaboration of CAM practitioners and open-minded medical doctors. Barriers included dominant biomedical approaches, limited information sharing and communication about CAM, financial and geographical constraints, and little clinical validation by medical staff.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These women experienced tensions and conflicts when trying to use CAM alongside cancer treatment. They sought overall well-being but often encountered barriers to accessing CAM and sharing their experiences within a biomedical context. The study highlights the role and value of CAM in restoring a sense of normality in the lives of breast cancer survivors, and recommends raising professional awareness of CAM use by women with breast cancer, normalising CAM dialogue in the clinical encounter, and considering relational care in training.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102558"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145269965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing different acupuncture methods for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and network meta-analysis","authors":"Rong Li ,&nbsp;Yu Zhang ,&nbsp;YuHang Xie ,&nbsp;XiaoQin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102556","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102556","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Acupuncture involves many different methods that can effectively treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). However, the comparative efficacy of different acupuncture-related methods remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate and rank the effectiveness of various acupuncture therapies for CFS through a network meta-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search of the three Chinese and four English databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of acupuncture in treating CFS, published from database inception to July 2025, was performed, focusing on FS-14 scores and total effective rates as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to compare the effectiveness of 9 different intervention methods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-five randomized controlled trials comprising 2383 participants were included. Pairwise comparison revealed that moxibustion (mean difference [MD]: 12.43, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 4.03 to 21.14) and acupuncture (MD: 11.15, 95 %CI: 3.3 to 19.39) were more effective than Western medicine in improving FS-14 scores. Regarding the total effective rate, the therapeutic effect of moxibustion is superior to that of acupuncture (risk ratio [RR]: 0.82, 95 %CI: 0.74 to 0.9) and Western medicine (RR: 1.5, 95 %CI: 1.33 to 1.71). The SUCRA ranking results revealed that regardless of FS-14 score or total effectiveness, moxibustion yielded the first curative effect.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Moxibustion may be advantageous in alleviating the fatigue symptoms of patients with CFS. However, the number of included studies was limited, and high-quality research is needed to confirm our conclusions.</div></div><div><h3>Protocol registration</h3><div>PROSPERO: CRD42024534790</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102556"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145117619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}