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":"2025-12-01","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":"Group acupuncture following a psychedelic ketamine experience: An integrative medicine pilot study","authors":"Marjorie Navarro","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102579","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102579","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>There is a lack of information on bodywork, such as acupuncture, in conjunction with psychedelic medicine. The objective of this pilot study was twofold: to assess the feasibility and tolerability of acupuncture in a group setting as an integrative somatic intervention following a ketamine experience for psychospiritual growth.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants (<em>n</em> = 15) were enrolled in a group ketamine experience followed by acupuncture one hour after ketamine administration. An optional Participant Feedback Form was administered after the session; responses were reported descriptively as acceptability signals and were not analyzed as formal qualitative data. The Experienced Integration Scale (EIS) was administered within 72 h after the intervention and again after 3 months.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 88 people who requested an eligibility review, 17 were enrolled, filling the study in 20 days. Fifteen attended their scheduled sessions, yielding an 88% retention rate. Initial EIS scores ranged from 45% to 100% (mean 74%), with follow-up scores obtained from 6 participants after 3 months. Feedback from 5 participants described the acupuncture as grounding, calming, and valuable, with one suggesting more time for treatment. Together, these findings suggest that acupuncture after a ketamine experience is feasible and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers seeking psychospiritual growth.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Participant enrollment and retention rates show substantial patient interest in utilizing acupuncture and sound meditation to support psychedelic therapy. Further research is warranted to explore the potential benefits of acupuncture in conjunction with psychedelic therapy. Such research may inform care for individuals who are currently using these therapies separately, as well as those seeking more integrated approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Registration</h3><div>The study is registered at the United States Clinical Trial Registry (NCT06070090).</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>No funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"80 ","pages":"Article 102579"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145516754","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":"2025-12-01","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":"Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward acupuncture among dry eye disease patients: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Ruya Sheng ,&nbsp;Zhuo Sun ,&nbsp;Shanshan Sun ,&nbsp;Qing Sun ,&nbsp;Guofu Zhou ,&nbsp;Guangxia Ni","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Acupuncture therapy plays an important role in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED); however, the perspectives of DED patients regarding acupuncture remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to acupuncture therapy among DED patients in Changzhou, China, and to analyze the factors influencing these dimensions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted among DED patients at Changzhou Third People's Hospital from November to December 2024. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, DED characteristics, and KAP-related data. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify influencing factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 245 valid questionnaires were collected. The KAP-based questionnaire demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s <em>a</em> = 0.893) and validity (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.773). According to the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the severity distribution of DED among respondents was as follows: mild in 7 patients (2.9 %), moderate in 19 (7.8 %), and severe in 219 (89.4 %). The total scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 8.70±3.62, 6.43±2.07, and 13.85±4.01, respectively. Practice scores were significantly associated with OSDI-symptom scores (<em>β</em>=0.337,<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), OSDI-impact on life scores (<em>β</em>=0.244, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), knowledge scores (<em>β</em>=0.130, <em>p</em> = 0.023), and attitude scores (<em>β</em>=0.772, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Healthcare professionals should strengthen health education for DED patients to improve their knowledge and acceptance of acupuncture therapy. It is also essential to consider the specific impact of DED on patients’ daily lives and to provide personalized treatment recommendations accordingly.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102527"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763618","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":"Impact of pediatric Tui Na over three months on children’s growth: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Huimin Su ,&nbsp;Hui Mao ,&nbsp;Yangyang Zhang ,&nbsp;Heng Yin ,&nbsp;Shenlin Chen ,&nbsp;Jiayi Hong ,&nbsp;Yuxuan Yang ,&nbsp;Yifei Song ,&nbsp;Shuxuan Chen ,&nbsp;Honghao Wang ,&nbsp;Landan Xu ,&nbsp;Hongjia Li ,&nbsp;Manci Zhou ,&nbsp;Xun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pediatric Tui Na on children’s growth.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The protocol of this review was registered in INPLASY (10.37766/inplasy2024.2.0116). We searched seven databases and two ongoing trial registers up to June 8, 2024, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pediatric Tui Na, to assess the impact of Tui Na lasting over 3 months on children’s growth. Risk of bias was assessed with the RoB1 tool. Results were presented and synthesized via RevMan 5.4.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 46 RCTs involving 11,284 children were included. We found that Tui Na increased height compared to routine health care alone (29 trials, mean 3.68 cm, 95 % CI (confidence interval) [2.92, 4.43], low-certainty evidence) and to touch (2 trials, mean 1.72 cm, 95 % CI [1.22, 2.22], low-certainty evidence). Adding Tui Na to touch resulted in a height increase of 1.99 cm (5 trials, mean 95 % CI [1.04, 2.95], low-certainty evidence). Subgroups of normal children (Tui Na for 3-4 months, 5-6 months, 12 months) and preterm children (Tui Na for 3-4 months, 12 months) both showed significant benefits. Tui Na was also beneficial for the growth of height, weight, head circumference, chest circumference, waist circumference and BMI, as well as parental satisfaction compared to routine health care. Compared to touch, Tui Na was beneficial for growth of height, weight and head circumference. Tui Na also showed additional benefits in growth of height, weight and head circumference added to touch. RevMan 5.4 was used for the meta-analyses and funnel plots.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This evaluation indicates that Tui Na over 3 months can promote children’s growth and appears to be safe, with high parental satisfaction. However, large-sample and high-quality RCTs and real-world observations with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102548"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104712","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":"Evaluation of acupuncture pain management guidelines based on the AGREE II tool","authors":"Sixuan Wang ,&nbsp;Bo Li ,&nbsp;Mei Luo ,&nbsp;Ying Cui ,&nbsp;Yuxian Li ,&nbsp;Xinming Yang ,&nbsp;Yufeng Tu ,&nbsp;Mingyue Li ,&nbsp;Xiangdong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102553","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102553","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the methodological quality of clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture in pain management, with the goals of identifying areas requiring improvement and providing insights for the development of high-quality guidelines in the future.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Two researchers conducted an independent literature review and screening. The included guidelines were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) Instrument. The literature search was performed across the following databases and websites: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the New Zealand Ministry of Health website, SinoMed, and other relevant platforms. Six domains were assessed: Scope and Purpose, Stakeholder Involvement, Rigour of Development, Clarity of Presentation, Applicability, and Editorial Independence. SPSS 23.0 was employed to assess inter-rater reliability, calculate domain scores, and analyze the mean standardized percentage and standard deviation for each domain.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 19 guidelines were incorporated into the analysis, with an inter-rater reliability coefficient exceeding 0.75. These guidelines originated from China (<em>n</em> = 16, 84.2 %), South Korea (<em>n</em> = 2, 10.5 %), and the United Kingdom (<em>n</em> = 1, 5.3 %). Based on the AGREE II scores, five guidelines were rated as high-quality, 12 as average-quality, and two as low-quality. The scores for each domain were as follows: Scope and Purpose (76.46 % ± 4.07 %), Stakeholder Involvement (61.99 % ± 13.95 %), Rigour of Development (61.13 % ± 14.28 %), Clarity of Presentation (76.17 % ± 7.71 %), Applicability (31.36 % ± 11.88 %), and Editorial Independence (46.05 % ± 35.26 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The existing clinical practice guidelines for acupuncture in pain management remain limited in quantity and generally lack methodological rigour. Notably, significant deficiencies were observed in the domain of Applicability, indicating an urgent need for improvement in this area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102553"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104710","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":"Comparative efficacy of health Qigong and yoga on fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression and quality of life in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis","authors":"Zhengjia Li,&nbsp;Jun Zhao,&nbsp;Xincheng Duan,&nbsp;Keyu Han,&nbsp;Xiaomin Chang,&nbsp;Xi Chen,&nbsp;Wenxiao Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Both health Qigong, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, and yoga have demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression while enhancing the quality of life in patients with breast cancer. However, it remains unclear which specific form of health Qigong or yoga is the most effective. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of various forms of health Qigong and yoga on fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression and quality of life in patients with breast cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ten databases were searched to identify relevant studies from inception to May 21, 2025. A distribution Bayesian network meta-analysis with non-informative prior was conducted using R 4.4.0 software. Studies that met the eligibility criteria were assessed for risk of bias and certainty of evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The network meta-analysis included 34 eligible studies with 2344 participants with breast cancer across five exercise modalities. For improving cancer-related fatigue, Tai Chi demonstrated the highest surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) value at 0.76; for sleep quality improvement, Baduanjin scored the highest at 0.97; Liu- Zi Jue ranked highest at 0.90 for alleviating depression; and Tai Chi also led with a SUCRA value of 0.67 for enhancing quality of life.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study suggested that Tai Chi is the most effective for improving cancer-related fatigue and quality of life, while Baduanjin is optimal for enhancing sleep quality. Liu Zi Jue is best suited for alleviating depression, highlighting Tai Chi as a comprehensive exercise option.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102526"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144724178","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":"Efficacy and safety investigation of LIMAN technology based curcumin formulation on knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial","authors":"Girish HR ,&nbsp;Harshith N ,&nbsp;Nehru Sai Suresh Chalichem ,&nbsp;Abhijith Phanindra ,&nbsp;Mohammed S. Khan ,&nbsp;Jayant Deshpande","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Knee osteoarthritis is the most common and extensively studied form of osteoarthritis, with varying prevalence reported across studies. Although the presentation of knee osteoarthritis can differ among individuals, it typically manifests as joint pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility, often accompanied by muscle weakness and balance issues. The present clinical study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Maxicuma®, a highly bioavailable form of curcumin, made from ethanolic extract of turmeric, at two different doses in reducing the symptoms and improving the functional status in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 180 subjects with knee osteoarthritis as per NICE criteria were recruited into the study and severity of either Grade II or Grade III was assessed by radiographic analysis as per Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale. Participants received a daily single dose of either placebo, Maxicuma 100 or Maxicuam 250 per day for 90 days. Efficacy was assessed using WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index), VAS (Visual analog scale) and treadmill walk test to understand severity, intensity of pain and physical performance respectively, at day 30, day 45, day 60 and day 90.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The test item was well tolerated with no major adverse events reported. A total of 180 and 174 subjects were considered for intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis, respectively. Both doses of Maxicuma® demonstrated statistical significance (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) compared to placebo starting from day 30 across all efficacy measures.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Findings from this clinical study indicate that Maxicuma® 100 mg and 250 mg are effective and well-tolerated supplement options for managing knee osteoarthritis. Both dosages showed potential in improving clinical symptoms and enhancing functional outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102531"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144780288","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":"Preference and usage of herbal and orthodox medicines and dosage form preferences among adults visiting two hospitals in Ho, Ghana: a cross-sectional survey","authors":"Hilda Amekyeh ,&nbsp;Doris Kumadoh ,&nbsp;Salifu Nanga ,&nbsp;Donatus Wewura Adongo ,&nbsp;Gideon Krobea-Asante ,&nbsp;Barbara Owusu-Ansah ,&nbsp;Kwabena Larbi Awuku-Larbi ,&nbsp;Albert Ekow Mensah ,&nbsp;John Korbuvi ,&nbsp;Mike Okweesi Aggrey","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102554","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102554","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The usage and preferences of treatments among patients must be understood to guide policy development and improve healthcare. Additionally, the dosage form in which a medicine is presented to a patient can influence compliance with therapy. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the preference of herbal medicine versus orthodox medicine, usage of the two medicine types, and desired oral and topical formulations among adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 respondents at the outpatient departments of Ho Municipal Hospital and Ho Teaching Hospital in the Ho municipality of Ghana. Participants were purposively sampled to complete a questionnaire, after which the data were analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants mostly preferred orthodox medicine (78.8 %). Treatment preference was influenced by age (<em>p</em> = 0.033) and educational level (<em>p</em> = 0.013). Key reasons for preferring either treatment were perceived effectiveness (55.8 %, orthodox; 14.4 %, herbal) and safety (60.0 %, orthodox; 9.5 %, herbal). Unprescribed medicine usage (herbal/orthodox) was attributed to self-medication (11.6 %), radio/TV adverts (12.6 %), and non-professional advice (36.5 %). Tablets (54.9 %), capsules (54.0 %), and liquids (44.9 %) were the preferred oral formulations; younger and older participants largely preferred liquids and capsules, respectively. Educational level influenced capsule preference (<em>p</em> = 0.039). Income level showed significant associations with capsules (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.00001), liquids (<em>p</em> = 0.012), and powders (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.00001). Ointments (61.2 %), creams (56.3 %), and gels (25.3 %) were the preferred topical products, with preferences significantly affected by income, education, and religion.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings indicate a higher preference for orthodox medicine over herbal medicine as well as preference for conventional oral and topical dosage forms. Indiscriminate medicine usage by some participants was also observed, indicating that control of medicine information in the media and enhanced public education on medicine safety are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102554"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104711","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}