Pub Date : 2024-09-30DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101089
Xiaotong Li , Lingyun Sun , Susan Chimonas , Susan Q. Li , Peng Feng , Yufei Yang , Jun J. Mao
Background
Reishi, a medicinal mushroom, is increasingly used for symptom control by cancer patients worldwide. However, data around patients' experiences with Reishi in oncology are lacking, limiting safe, effective clinical applications. We thus sought to evaluate patient reported benefits and harms of using Reishi.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey among Chinese cancer patients using Reishi products, probing for symptom improvements and/or adverse events (AEs) after taking Reishi. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed whether socio-demographic or clinical factors, as well as duration of Reishi use or combination with other TCM herbs, were associated with being a “responder” – reporting “quite a bit” or “very much” symptom improvement.
Results
Among 1374 participants, more than half of participants reported that nausea (55 %), fatigue (52 %), poor appetite (51 %), and depression (50 %) improved quite a bit or very much after taking Reishi. In multivariate analyses, age <65 years (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 1.76, p = 0.001), diagnosis ≥ 10 years (AOR = 1.78, p = 0.018), and duration of Reishi use ≥ 1 year (1–3 years: AOR = 1.53, p = 0.045; 3–5 years: AOR = 2.04, p = 0.001; >5 years: AOR = 2.07, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher responder rates for symptom improvement. However, 125 (9.1 %) also reported a range of AEs, including dry mouth (5 %), constipation (4 %), insomnia (3 %), pruritus (3 %) and vertigo (3 %).
Conclusion
While majority of cancer patients using Reishi reported symptom improvements, some reported adverse effects. This information can assist clinicians in advising cancer patients on safe and effective use of Reishi and help identify specific outcomes for assessment in future prospective clinical trials.
{"title":"Symptom improvements and adverse effects with Reishi mushroom use: A Cross-Sectional survey of cancer patients","authors":"Xiaotong Li , Lingyun Sun , Susan Chimonas , Susan Q. Li , Peng Feng , Yufei Yang , Jun J. Mao","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101089","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Reishi, a medicinal mushroom, is increasingly used for symptom control by cancer patients worldwide. However, data around patients' experiences with Reishi in oncology are lacking, limiting safe, effective clinical applications. We thus sought to evaluate patient reported benefits and harms of using Reishi.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional survey among Chinese cancer patients using Reishi products, probing for symptom improvements and/or adverse events (AEs) after taking Reishi. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed whether socio-demographic or clinical factors, as well as duration of Reishi use or combination with other TCM herbs, were associated with being a “responder” – reporting “quite a bit” or “very much” symptom improvement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 1374 participants, more than half of participants reported that nausea (55 %), fatigue (52 %), poor appetite (51 %), and depression (50 %) improved quite a bit or very much after taking Reishi. In multivariate analyses, age <65 years (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 1.76, <em>p</em> = 0.001), diagnosis ≥ 10 years (AOR = 1.78, <em>p</em> = 0.018), and duration of Reishi use ≥ 1 year (1–3 years: AOR = 1.53, <em>p</em> = 0.045; 3–5 years: AOR = 2.04, <em>p</em> = 0.001; >5 years: AOR = 2.07, <em>p</em> < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher responder rates for symptom improvement. However, 125 (9.1 %) also reported a range of AEs, including dry mouth (5 %), constipation (4 %), insomnia (3 %), pruritus (3 %) and vertigo (3 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>While majority of cancer patients using Reishi reported symptom improvements, some reported adverse effects. This information can assist clinicians in advising cancer patients on safe and effective use of Reishi and help identify specific outcomes for assessment in future prospective clinical trials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"Article 101089"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142663393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-30DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101090
Bonhyuk Goo , Jung-Hyun Kim , Eun-Jung Kim , Dongwoo Nam , Hyun-Jong Lee , Jae-Soo Kim , Yeon-Cheol Park , Yong-Hyeon Baek , Sang-Soo Nam , Byung-Kwan Seo
Background
This study aimed to establish the clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of Uchasingihwan (UCSGH) in improving pain, function, and quality of life in patients with lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (LHIVD).
Methods
This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, equivalence trial with two parallel arms. Seventy-four participants with LHIVD were recruited and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. The participants in each group took 2.5 g of UCSGH granule or loxoprofen 60 mg tablet three times a day for six weeks. Additionally, both groups received the same acupuncture treatment once a week for six weeks. Outcomes about effectiveness and safety were assessed at baseline and 3, 6, and 10 weeks after screening.
Results
As the primary outcome, the mean differences with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) of changes in low back pain between the two groups at weeks 6 (95 % CI:9.26, 8.37) and 10 (95 % CI:9.03, 9.62) from baseline were within the equivalence limit. Also, changes in radiating pain at weeks 6 (95 % CI:1.70, 15.69) and 10 (95 % CI:4.72, 13.75) were within the equivalence limit. Outcome measures for function and quality of life also showed no statistical difference. Regarding safety, the frequency of adverse events related to intervention was lower in UCSGH.
Conclusion
UCSGH showed the equivalent level of effectiveness as loxoprofen in reducing low back and radiating pain in LHIVD patients and showed sufficient safety to be used as a complementary treatment option.
{"title":"Clinical research on the effectiveness and safety of Uchasingihwan for low back pain with radiculopathy caused by herniated intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine: A multicenter, randomized, controlled equivalence trial","authors":"Bonhyuk Goo , Jung-Hyun Kim , Eun-Jung Kim , Dongwoo Nam , Hyun-Jong Lee , Jae-Soo Kim , Yeon-Cheol Park , Yong-Hyeon Baek , Sang-Soo Nam , Byung-Kwan Seo","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aimed to establish the clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of Uchasingihwan (UCSGH) in improving pain, function, and quality of life in patients with lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (LHIVD).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, equivalence trial with two parallel arms. Seventy-four participants with LHIVD were recruited and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. The participants in each group took 2.5 g of UCSGH granule or loxoprofen 60 mg tablet three times a day for six weeks. Additionally, both groups received the same acupuncture treatment once a week for six weeks. Outcomes about effectiveness and safety were assessed at baseline and 3, 6, and 10 weeks after screening.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>As the primary outcome, the mean differences with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) of changes in low back pain between the two groups at weeks 6 (95 % CI:9.26, 8.37) and 10 (95 % CI:9.03, 9.62) from baseline were within the equivalence limit. Also, changes in radiating pain at weeks 6 (95 % CI:1.70, 15.69) and 10 (95 % CI:4.72, 13.75) were within the equivalence limit. Outcome measures for function and quality of life also showed no statistical difference. Regarding safety, the frequency of adverse events related to intervention was lower in UCSGH.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>UCSGH showed the equivalent level of effectiveness as loxoprofen in reducing low back and radiating pain in LHIVD patients and showed sufficient safety to be used as a complementary treatment option.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03386149), CRIS (KCT0002848).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"Article 101090"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142705666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-30DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101091
In-Seon Lee , Seunghoon Lee , Heeyoung Moon , Da-Eun Yoon , Younbyoung Chae
{"title":"A deeper understanding of acupoints: Are superficial landmarks enough?","authors":"In-Seon Lee , Seunghoon Lee , Heeyoung Moon , Da-Eun Yoon , Younbyoung Chae","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101091","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"Article 101091"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142705671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101087
Wenqi Ren , Bo Tao , Haixia Deng
Background
Despite numerous pharmacological and therapeutic options for sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL), treatment remains challenging due to various side effects and suboptimal efficacy. Acupuncture, as a complementary and alternative therapy, has achieved some success in this field. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for SSNHL, and to seek robust evidence-based medical evidence for the therapeutic effect of acupuncture.
Methods
The following databases were searched: PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Information Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed) up to September 1, 2024. The quality of the RCTs was evaluated utilizing the risk of bias assessment tool from the Cochrane Collaboration. Risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), mean differences (MD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the effect. Data analysis was used RevMan 5.3.
Results
A total of 28 randomized controlled trials involving 2,456 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results indicate that the integration of acupuncture with WMCT for SSNHL may enhance the total effective rate (RR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.14–1.23, P<0.00001), change in hearing threshold (MD=-10.71, 95% CI: -12.52 to -8.89, P<0.00001), and cure rate (RD=0.15, 95% CI: 0.11–0.19, P<0.00001) compared to WMCT alone. Acupuncture as a monotherapy seems to be superior to WMCT in terms of total effective rate (RR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.07–1.32, P=0.001) and cure rate (RD=0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.19, P=0.01). There was no significant difference observed between acupuncture alone and WMCT in improving pure tone hearing thresholds (MD=-5.45, 95%CI: -20.75 to 9.85, P=0.48). While the combination of acupuncture with WMCT may offer greater efficacy in reducing tinnitus symptoms (RR=1.12, 95% CI:1.01 to 1.24, P=0.03), but the reliability of this outcome is contested upon sensitivity analysis (RR=1.07, 95% CI:0.87–1.31, P=0.51).
Conclusions
The findings of the meta-analysis indicate that acupuncture, either as a standalone intervention or in conjunction with WMCT, may offer supplementary therapeutic advantages in certain respects. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the quality and potential bias of the included studies.
{"title":"The efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Wenqi Ren , Bo Tao , Haixia Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101087","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite numerous pharmacological and therapeutic options for sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL), treatment remains challenging due to various side effects and suboptimal efficacy. Acupuncture, as a complementary and alternative therapy, has achieved some success in this field. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for SSNHL, and to seek robust evidence-based medical evidence for the therapeutic effect of acupuncture.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The following databases were searched: PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Information Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed) up to September 1, 2024. The quality of the RCTs was evaluated utilizing the risk of bias assessment tool from the Cochrane Collaboration. Risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), mean differences (MD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the effect. Data analysis was used RevMan 5.3.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 28 randomized controlled trials involving 2,456 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results indicate that the integration of acupuncture with WMCT for SSNHL may enhance the total effective rate (RR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.14–1.23, <em>P</em><0.00001), change in hearing threshold (MD=-10.71, 95% CI: -12.52 to -8.89, <em>P</em><0.00001), and cure rate (RD=0.15, 95% CI: 0.11–0.19, <em>P</em><0.00001) compared to WMCT alone. Acupuncture as a monotherapy seems to be superior to WMCT in terms of total effective rate (RR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.07–1.32, <em>P</em>=0.001) and cure rate (RD=0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.19, <em>P</em>=0.01). There was no significant difference observed between acupuncture alone and WMCT in improving pure tone hearing thresholds (MD=-5.45, 95%CI: -20.75 to 9.85, <em>P</em>=0.48). While the combination of acupuncture with WMCT may offer greater efficacy in reducing tinnitus symptoms (RR=1.12, 95% CI:1.01 to 1.24, <em>P</em>=0.03), but the reliability of this outcome is contested upon sensitivity analysis (RR=1.07, 95% CI:0.87–1.31, <em>P</em>=0.51).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings of the meta-analysis indicate that acupuncture, either as a standalone intervention or in conjunction with WMCT, may offer supplementary therapeutic advantages in certain respects. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the quality and potential bias of the included studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"Article 101087"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142721470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-20DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101088
Yulin Liu , Chao Wang , Qi Wang , Qing Zhang , Songhao Ning , Quanai Zhang
Background
Several systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) have explored the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), but findings are inconsistent and vary in quality. Therefore, this overview aims to evaluate these SRs and MAs critically, synthesizing existing evidence on acupuncture in treating CTS.
Methods
We searched 7 databases from their inception to April 25, 2024, using the keywords “acupuncture”, “carpal tunnel syndrome”, and “systematic review”. Methodology and reporting quality were assessed using AMSTAR 2 and PRISMA. The risk of bias was evaluated using ROBIS, and evidence certainty was appraised using GRADE.
Results
9 related SRs/MAs were included, with 8 judged as critically low quality and 1 rated as low quality by AMSTAR 2. According to the PRISMA checklist, while 7 SR/MAs were found to adequately report over 70 %, none reported all items. The ROBIS assessment rated 4 SRs/MAs with a low risk of bias and 5 with a high risk. The quality of evidence evaluated by GRADE was low or very low. Descriptive analyses indicated that acupuncture could effectively reduce pain intensity, but evidence on responder rate, symptom severity, functional status, and electrophysiological parameters was inconsistent. No serious adverse events associated with acupuncture were found.
Conclusions
Acupuncture might be beneficial for CTS. However, given the existing evidence limitations, the efficacy of acupuncture for CTS requires confirmation through further high-quality research.
{"title":"Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses","authors":"Yulin Liu , Chao Wang , Qi Wang , Qing Zhang , Songhao Ning , Quanai Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Several systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) have explored the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), but findings are inconsistent and vary in quality. Therefore, this overview aims to evaluate these SRs and MAs critically, synthesizing existing evidence on acupuncture in treating CTS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched 7 databases from their inception to April 25, 2024, using the keywords “acupuncture”, “carpal tunnel syndrome”, and “systematic review”. Methodology and reporting quality were assessed using AMSTAR 2 and PRISMA. The risk of bias was evaluated using ROBIS, and evidence certainty was appraised using GRADE.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>9 related SRs/MAs were included, with 8 judged as critically low quality and 1 rated as low quality by AMSTAR 2. According to the PRISMA checklist, while 7 SR/MAs were found to adequately report over 70 %, none reported all items. The ROBIS assessment rated 4 SRs/MAs with a low risk of bias and 5 with a high risk. The quality of evidence evaluated by GRADE was low or very low. Descriptive analyses indicated that acupuncture could effectively reduce pain intensity, but evidence on responder rate, symptom severity, functional status, and electrophysiological parameters was inconsistent. No serious adverse events associated with acupuncture were found.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Acupuncture might be beneficial for CTS. However, given the existing evidence limitations, the efficacy of acupuncture for CTS requires confirmation through further high-quality research.</div></div><div><h3>Protocol registration</h3><div>PROSPERO (CRD42023409659).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"Article 101088"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142705664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-11DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101085
SoYoung Ahn , Parivash Jamrasi , Byunggul Lim , Ji-won Seo , Xinxing Li , Shu Jiang , Yunho Sung , Seo Hyun Ahn , Chaeyoung Shin , Dongjin Noh , Bora Jin , Seonjoo Lee , Ki Won Lee , Jin Soo Kim , Young Tae Koo , Wook Song
Background
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) reduces the health-related quality of life in the working-age population; however, studies have rarely investigated this group. A mixture of Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (CAA) may be an effective anti-fatigue supplement. However, few clinical trials have explored the anti-fatigue effects of herbal medicines in human participants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the CAA herbal complex on muscle fatigue and endurance capacity in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.
Methods
In an 8-week trial, 80 patients with chronic fatigue symptoms were randomly assigned to the CAA (43.5 ± 1.2 years) or placebo group (41.8 ± 1.3 years). Fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance were measured at baseline, interim, and post-intervention. Fatigue-related blood biomarkers were assessed before and at the end of the intervention.
Results
A significant improvement in overall fatigue scores was observed on the fatigue severity scale (p = 0.038), multidimensional fatigue inventory (p = 0.037), and 24-hour visual analog scale (p = 0.002) in the CAA group compared to those in the placebo group. Fatigue improvement was observed in the CAA group, as well as physiological variables, such as increased maximal exercise time to exhaustion (p = 0.003), distance until exhaustion (p = 0.003), and maximum oxygen consumption (p = 0.039).
Conclusion
CAA positively and significantly affected fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance in patients with chronic fatigue, suggesting the potential use of herbal supplements for treating chronic fatigue.
Trial registration
Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS, https://cris.nih.go.kr/): KCT0005613.
{"title":"Herbal extract (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge) ameliorates chronic fatigue: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial","authors":"SoYoung Ahn , Parivash Jamrasi , Byunggul Lim , Ji-won Seo , Xinxing Li , Shu Jiang , Yunho Sung , Seo Hyun Ahn , Chaeyoung Shin , Dongjin Noh , Bora Jin , Seonjoo Lee , Ki Won Lee , Jin Soo Kim , Young Tae Koo , Wook Song","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101085","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) reduces the health-related quality of life in the working-age population; however, studies have rarely investigated this group. A mixture of Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (CAA) may be an effective anti-fatigue supplement. However, few clinical trials have explored the anti-fatigue effects of herbal medicines in human participants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the CAA herbal complex on muscle fatigue and endurance capacity in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In an 8-week trial, 80 patients with chronic fatigue symptoms were randomly assigned to the CAA (43.5 ± 1.2 years) or placebo group (41.8 ± 1.3 years). Fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance were measured at baseline, interim, and post-intervention. Fatigue-related blood biomarkers were assessed before and at the end of the intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A significant improvement in overall fatigue scores was observed on the fatigue severity scale (<em>p</em> = 0.038), multidimensional fatigue inventory (<em>p</em> = 0.037), and 24-hour visual analog scale (<em>p</em> = 0.002) in the CAA group compared to those in the placebo group. Fatigue improvement was observed in the CAA group, as well as physiological variables, such as increased maximal exercise time to exhaustion (<em>p</em> = 0.003), distance until exhaustion (<em>p</em> = 0.003), and maximum oxygen consumption (<em>p</em> = 0.039).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CAA positively and significantly affected fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance in patients with chronic fatigue, suggesting the potential use of herbal supplements for treating chronic fatigue.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS, <span><span>https://cris.nih.go.kr/</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>): KCT0005613.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"Article 101085"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142326901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-08DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101086
Hou-Hsun Liao , Ming-Cheng Huang , Yu-Chen Lee , Cheng-Li Lin , Mei-Yao Wu , Peter Karl Mayer , Hung-Rong Yen
Background
The purpose of this study was to understand whether acupuncture can decrease the risk of dementia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods
Using the registry from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, we carried out a 1:1 propensity-score matched cohort study to analyze patients with RA diagnosed between 2000 and 2010. The patients who received acupuncture therapy were grouped as acupuncture users (n = 9,919), while the others were grouped as non-acupuncture users (n = 19,331). After propensity-score matching, the final sample included 9,218 matched participants in both groups, and these participants were followed up until the end of 2011. We used a Cox regression model to adjust for age, sex, comorbidiy, and conventional drugs and compared the hazard ratios (HRs) of developing dementia in the acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups.
Results
Acupuncture users tended to be more female-dominant and younger than non-acupuncture users. After propensity-score matching, both groups have comparable demographic characteristics. Acupuncture users had a lower risk of dementia than non-acupuncture users (adjusted HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.46–0.66). The cumulative incidence of dementia in the acupuncture group was significantly lower than that in the non-acupuncture group (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Patients who received the combinational treatment of conventional drugs and acupuncture had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia (adjusted HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.56–0.73) compared to those who only received conventional drugs.
Conclusion
Acupuncture therapy is associated with a reduced risk of dementia in patients with RA. Further clinical and mechanistic studies are needed.
{"title":"Acupuncture treatment is associated with a decreased risk of dementia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Taiwan: A propensity-score matched cohort study","authors":"Hou-Hsun Liao , Ming-Cheng Huang , Yu-Chen Lee , Cheng-Li Lin , Mei-Yao Wu , Peter Karl Mayer , Hung-Rong Yen","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101086","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101086","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The purpose of this study was to understand whether acupuncture can decrease the risk of dementia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using the registry from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, we carried out a 1:1 propensity-score matched cohort study to analyze patients with RA diagnosed between 2000 and 2010. The patients who received acupuncture therapy were grouped as acupuncture users (<em>n</em> = 9,919), while the others were grouped as non-acupuncture users (<em>n</em> = 19,331). After propensity-score matching, the final sample included 9,218 matched participants in both groups, and these participants were followed up until the end of 2011. We used a Cox regression model to adjust for age, sex, comorbidiy, and conventional drugs and compared the hazard ratios (HRs) of developing dementia in the acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Acupuncture users tended to be more female-dominant and younger than non-acupuncture users. After propensity-score matching, both groups have comparable demographic characteristics. Acupuncture users had a lower risk of dementia than non-acupuncture users (adjusted HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.46–0.66). The cumulative incidence of dementia in the acupuncture group was significantly lower than that in the non-acupuncture group (log-rank test, <em>p</em> < 0.001). Patients who received the combinational treatment of conventional drugs and acupuncture had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia (adjusted HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.56–0.73) compared to those who only received conventional drugs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture therapy is associated with a reduced risk of dementia in patients with RA. Further clinical and mechanistic studies are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"Article 101086"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142326902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101084
Shuting Liu , Ranran Zhu , Chongjie Yao , Chao Zhan , Jinxiang Wang , Min Fang , Lei Fang
Background
Most clinical trials have reported significant short-term effects of traditional medicine therapies on COVID-19 patients. However, there is no clinical trial to determine the long-term effects of traditional medicine therapies on severe COVID-19 patients.
Methods
A total of 128 patients with severe COVID-19, who were recruited in our previous clinical trial following hospital discharge, were monitored at months 14 and 28. This trial aims to evaluate the long-term effect of an early Qigong exercise and acupressure rehabilitation program on patients with severe COVID-19.The intervention group received qigong exercise and acupressure therapy, plus standard therapies. The control group received standard therapies.The study was a single-center, parallel, randomized, prospective follow-up study. The outcomes of the study included changes in the modified Borg dyspnea scale (MBS), the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), the patient health questionnaire-9 scale (PHQ-9), the activity of daily living (ADL), the remaining clinical symptoms and any intervention related adverse events.
Results
The intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in the mMRC scores (−0.4, 95 % CI (−0.6, 0.2), P < 0.001) and the MBS scores (−0.6, 95 % CI (−0.9, −0.3), P < 0.001) after 14 months of discharge compared with the control group. At 28 months of discharge, the intervention group, compared with the control group alone, significantly increased their MBS scores (−0.4, 95 % CI (−0.7, −0.1), P = 0.024) and a significantly decreased positive rate of dyspnea symptoms after 14 months of discharge (P < 0.05). However, ADL and PHQ-9 scores showed no significant difference between the two groups during the follow-up (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
QARP had long-term sustained efficacy for dyspnea, chest tightness, and cough in patients with COVID-19, especially in young and middle-aged patients, and the effect was significant at the 14th month of follow-up.
Trial registration
This trial was registered at the China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100044572).
{"title":"Long-term follow-up of the treatment for severe COVID-19 with qigong exercise and acupressure: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Shuting Liu , Ranran Zhu , Chongjie Yao , Chao Zhan , Jinxiang Wang , Min Fang , Lei Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101084","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101084","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Most clinical trials have reported significant short-term effects of traditional medicine therapies on COVID-19 patients. However, there is no clinical trial to determine the long-term effects of traditional medicine therapies on severe COVID-19 patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 128 patients with severe COVID-19, who were recruited in our previous clinical trial following hospital discharge, were monitored at months 14 and 28. This trial aims to evaluate the long-term effect of an early Qigong exercise and acupressure rehabilitation program on patients with severe COVID-19.The intervention group received qigong exercise and acupressure therapy, plus standard therapies. The control group received standard therapies.The study was a single-center, parallel, randomized, prospective follow-up study. The outcomes of the study included changes in the modified Borg dyspnea scale (MBS), the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), the patient health questionnaire-9 scale (PHQ-9), the activity of daily living (ADL), the remaining clinical symptoms and any intervention related adverse events.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in the mMRC scores (−0.4, 95 % CI (−0.6, 0.2), <em>P</em> < 0.001) and the MBS scores (−0.6, 95 % CI (−0.9, −0.3), <em>P</em> < 0.001) after 14 months of discharge compared with the control group. At 28 months of discharge, the intervention group, compared with the control group alone, significantly increased their MBS scores (−0.4, 95 % CI (−0.7, −0.1), <em>P</em> = 0.024) and a significantly decreased positive rate of dyspnea symptoms after 14 months of discharge (<em>P</em> < 0.05). However, ADL and PHQ-9 scores showed no significant difference between the two groups during the follow-up (<em>P</em> > 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>QARP had long-term sustained efficacy for dyspnea, chest tightness, and cough in patients with COVID-19, especially in young and middle-aged patients, and the effect was significant at the 14th month of follow-up.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>This trial was registered at the China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100044572).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"Article 101084"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142326899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-02DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101083
Cheng-Hao Huang , Shun-Ku Lin , Mei-Chen Lin , Shih-Ya Hung
Background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized primarily by motor symptoms, often accompanied by non-motor manifestations such as insomnia. Acupuncture, an increasingly popular alternative therapy, has shown promise in the prevention and alleviation of PD motor symptoms. However, the specific impact of acupuncture on the risk of developing PD in insomnia patients remains uncertain.
Methods
In this retrospective study, we identified and matched 152,585 newly diagnosed insomnia patients from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2000 to 2010. Using a 1:1 propensity score matching method, we ensured the comparability of two groups: patients who received acupuncture treatment and those who did not. It resulted in a final cohort of 20,112 patients in both the acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups.
Results
Our analysis revealed that insomnia patients who underwent acupuncture treatment exhibited a significantly reduced risk of developing PD. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 0.44 (95 % confidence interval = 0.39–0.50) compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. Furthermore, the cumulative incidence of PD in the acupuncture group was significantly lower, as evidenced by the log-rank test (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study provides evidence suggesting that acupuncture treatment is associated with a decreased risk of PD in patients with insomnia. However, further research is warranted to strengthen the evidence supporting these findings.
{"title":"Reducing Parkinson's disease incidence in patients with insomnia through acupuncture: A cohort study","authors":"Cheng-Hao Huang , Shun-Ku Lin , Mei-Chen Lin , Shih-Ya Hung","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized primarily by motor symptoms, often accompanied by non-motor manifestations such as insomnia. Acupuncture, an increasingly popular alternative therapy, has shown promise in the prevention and alleviation of PD motor symptoms. However, the specific impact of acupuncture on the risk of developing PD in insomnia patients remains uncertain.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this retrospective study, we identified and matched 152,585 newly diagnosed insomnia patients from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2000 to 2010. Using a 1:1 propensity score matching method, we ensured the comparability of two groups: patients who received acupuncture treatment and those who did not. It resulted in a final cohort of 20,112 patients in both the acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our analysis revealed that insomnia patients who underwent acupuncture treatment exhibited a significantly reduced risk of developing PD. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 0.44 (95 % confidence interval = 0.39–0.50) compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. Furthermore, the cumulative incidence of PD in the acupuncture group was significantly lower, as evidenced by the log-rank test (<em>p</em> < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, our study provides evidence suggesting that acupuncture treatment is associated with a decreased risk of PD in patients with insomnia. However, further research is warranted to strengthen the evidence supporting these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"Article 101083"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142705692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-17DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2024.101071
Lei Huang , Won Young Jang , Ji Hye Yoon , Zhenyan Piao , Jinghan Su , Dong Seon Kim , Ki Woong Kwon , Ji Won Kim , Sang Hee Park , Sunggyu Kim , Jong-Hoon Kim , Jae Youl Cho
Background
Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) (Family: Araliaceae) is one of the most widely used traditional herbs in Asia. Multiple studies have shown that KRGE has anti-inflammation, anti-fatigue, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects.
Methods
Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups for PTU-induced hypothyroidism and six groups for LT4-induced hyperthyroidism. At the experiment's conclusion, rats were sacrificed, and blood, thyroid gland, and liver samples were collected. Body weight was recorded weekly, and serum hormone levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Thyroid gland and liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. KRGE was prepared in 0.5% CMC and stored at 4 °C before administration.
Results
In the LT4-induced hyperthyroidism model, KRGE prevented decreases in body weight, thyroid gland weight, liver weight, serum glucose, and thyroid hormone levels compared to the PTU group. It also reduced increases in T3, T4, and serum aspartate aminotransferase levels after LT4 treatment. Additionally, KRGE improved thyroid gland and liver histopathology, effects not observed in the PTU-induced hypothyroidism model.
Conclusion
All things considered, our research points to KRGE's potential protective role in rat hyperthyroidism caused by LT4 by lowering thyroid hormone production.
{"title":"Protective effect of Korean red ginseng water extract on levothyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism and propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in rats","authors":"Lei Huang , Won Young Jang , Ji Hye Yoon , Zhenyan Piao , Jinghan Su , Dong Seon Kim , Ki Woong Kwon , Ji Won Kim , Sang Hee Park , Sunggyu Kim , Jong-Hoon Kim , Jae Youl Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101071","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imr.2024.101071","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) (Family: Araliaceae) is one of the most widely used traditional herbs in Asia. Multiple studies have shown that KRGE has anti-inflammation, anti-fatigue, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups for PTU-induced hypothyroidism and six groups for LT4-induced hyperthyroidism. At the experiment's conclusion, rats were sacrificed, and blood, thyroid gland, and liver samples were collected. Body weight was recorded weekly, and serum hormone levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Thyroid gland and liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. KRGE was prepared in 0.5% CMC and stored at 4 °C before administration.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>In the LT4-induced hyperthyroidism model, KRGE prevented decreases in body weight, thyroid gland weight, liver weight, serum glucose, and thyroid hormone levels compared to the PTU group. It also reduced increases in T3, T4, and serum aspartate aminotransferase levels after LT4 treatment. Additionally, KRGE improved thyroid gland and liver histopathology, effects not observed in the PTU-induced hypothyroidism model.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>All things considered, our research points to KRGE's potential protective role in rat hyperthyroidism caused by LT4 by lowering thyroid hormone production.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":13644,"journal":{"name":"Integrative Medicine Research","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 101071"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422024000519/pdfft?md5=2bfff62d3c3349791481879f924ce4c5&pid=1-s2.0-S2213422024000519-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142041145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}