Journal of Pharmacopuncture最新文献

Objectives: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) symptoms include lower back pain (LBP), radiating leg pain, and muscle weakness in muscles innervated by the affected nerve roots. The treatment of LDH is divided into conservative and surgical treatments. In this study, we aimed to summarize and analyze the clinical studies of pharmacopuncture (PP) on LDH and to assess its utilization rate in clinical practice.

Methods: In this scoping review, we searched both the domestic (Research information sharing service [RISS], SCIENCE ON, online access to shared information system [OASIS]), and international (PubMed) databases to gather case reports, retrospective studies, and randomized controlled trials with information on the types and doses of PP by injection points up to September 3rd, 2024. The information obtained was analyzed using the PP type and dose at each injection point.

Results: Sixty-three studies were identified for this study. We observed that bee venom was most used (34 studies), followed by Shinbaro (29 studies). Studies on other PP types did not exceed four each. The PP doses ranged from a minimum of 0.04 cc to a maximum of 6.00 cc. The most used dose was 1.00 cc. Injection points were intradermal at each disc level, Ah-Shi points, tender points, muscles, traditional acupoints, and facet joints.

Conclusion: We analyzed variations in injection points and maximum doses of PP according to substance type and anatomical location. These results support the development of standardized protocols for acupoint injection therapy in patients with LDH.

Objectives: Aniline, a widely used industrial chemical, is associated with severe anaemia and oxidative damage to the spleen, posing significant health risks through environmental and occupational exposure. Therefore, this study evaluated the therapeutic potential of bee venom (Apis mellifera intermissa) from north-eastern Algeria in mitigating these effects.

Methods: Acute anemia was induced via oral administration of aniline hydrochloride (100 mg/kg body weight), while recovery was assessed following intraperitoneal injection of bee venom (0.76 mg/kg body weight) for six days.

Results: Aniline exposure resulted in marked physiological, hematological, and biochemical impairments, including reduced body weight, food intake, red blood cell counts, and levels of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), index of distribution of RBC (IDR), and index of distribution of platelets (IDP), along with increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) level and catalase activity in spleen tissues. Histopathological analysis revealed splenomegaly, hyperplasia of the white pulp, and increased extramedullary hematopoiesis. Bee venom treatment significantly reversed these effects, restoring hematological parameters, antioxidant enzyme levels, and spleen architecture.

Conclusion: Bee venom showed potential as a natural therapeutic agent against aniline-induced anaemia and oxidative spleen damage, highlighting its antioxidative and restorative properties.

Objectives: Natural substances with healing properties, especially medicinal plants and bee-derived products, have been integral to traditional medicine systems for centuries, contributing significantly to wound care. Their value lies in both their pharmacological roots and well-documented biological activities, including infection control, inflammation reduction, antioxidative protection, and tissue regeneration. This review highlights the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of bee products and plant-based therapies in wound care, assessing their chemical composition, biological properties, and mechanisms of action.

Methods: A wide range of medicinal plants and bee products are examined for their recognized therapeutic roles, with emphasis on their ability to prevent infection, modulate inflammation, counter oxidative stress, and promote healing. The review also considers complementary plant therapies that may enhance the effects of bee-derived substances.

Results: Evidence from experimental and clinical studies demonstrates that natural products such as honey and propolis can effectively treat chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, by supporting tissue repair and preventing complications.

Conclusion: This review affirms the therapeutic potential of bee products and medicinal plants and supports their integration into modern wound management protocols, which are increasingly being validated through scientific and clinical research.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intradermal acupuncture for the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye disease (DED).

Methods: Thirty patients with moderate to severe DED were randomly assigned (11) to either the Intradermal Acupuncture Group (IAG) or the Body Acupuncture Group (BAG). Both groups received 12 treatment sessions over four weeks (three times per week). The primary outcome was the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Secondary outcomes included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for subjective symptoms, quality of life (QoL), the Schirmer I test (SIT), and general assessment. All outcomes were measured at baseline (Week 0), post-treatment (Week 4), and follow-up (Week 6).

Results: No statistically significant between-group differences were found in OSDI scores at Weeks 4 and 6 compared to baseline (p = 0.262, p = 0.105). Similarly, changes in VAS, QoL, and SIT scores showed no significant differences between groups (all p > 0.05). No serious adverse events occurred in either group.

Conclusion: Intradermal acupuncture showed comparable effectiveness to body acupuncture in relieving symptoms of moderate to severe DED, suggesting its potential as an alternative therapeutic option. While between-group differences were not definitive in this pilot study, the findings provide preliminary estimates to inform a future, properly powered non-inferiority trial aimed at determining whether IA can achieve clinically comparable outcomes with potential advantages in convenience and adherence.

Objectives: Prostate cancer is a globally prevalent malignancy with rising resistance to conventional therapies. Although awareness and early diagnosis have improved through screening campaigns, there remains a need for alternative strategies. Silybum marianum L. (SM), or milk thistle, has emerged as a promising natural compound with reported anti-cancer potential. This study aimed to explore the mechanistic basis of SM's activity against prostate cancer using a combination of network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods: Core targets related to both SM and prostate cancer were identified through a network pharmacology approach. Protein-protein interaction networks, Gene Ontology (GO), and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to interpret biological relevance. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding affinity of SM's bioactive components with selected targets.

Results: Key proteins identified included SRC, PIK3CD, CDK1, CCNA2, PTPN11, PTK2, RXRA, CYP2C9, and PTGS2, showing significant relevance to SM and prostate cancer. GO analysis emphasized "response to organic cyclic compounds" as a significant term. KEGG and GO enrichment analyses indicated that synaptic and neuronal pathways are central in the disease's progression. Docking simulations revealed strong interactions between core targets and SM constituents, notably (+)-silymonin and silandrin.

Conclusion: This integrated approach highlighted critical molecular targets and pathways modulated by SM, providing a basis for future experimental studies. SM shows potential as a complementary agent in prostate cancer therapy.

Objectives: Acupuncture has been widely studied for its safety across multiple countries. Sterile acupuncture (SA), represented by the thumbtack needle, is commonly used due to its ease of application, minimal pain, and allowance of free movement. However, it is also associated with adverse events (AEs) such as foreign body sensation and allergic contact dermatitis. Biodegradable microneedle acupuncture (BMA) is a newly developed medical device that may overcome these limitations. This trial aims to confirm the superiority of BMA over SA (represented by the thumbtack needle) in terms of safety.

Methods: A total of 224 participants diagnosed with dry eye disease, asthenopia, ocular pain, Bell's palsy and its sequelae, or ptosis will be recruited from two hospitals. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either BMA or SA in a 11 ratio. Acupuncture will be performed at eight standardized points bilateral GB14, TE23, EX-HN5, and ST1. Treatments will be administered three times per week for four weeks by Korean medicine doctors or residents with at least three years of clinical experience. The needles will be removed by the participants after four hours. The primary outcome is the incidence of treatment-related AEs. Secondary outcomes include vital signs, blood test results, incidence of allergic reactions, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for symptoms, quality of life, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, and treatment satisfaction.

Conclusion: This trial will provide evidence regarding the safety of BMA. The results may help clinicians select a safer alternative to conventional thumbtack needles, especially for patients with sensitive skin. In addition, findings may serve as reference data for regulatory evaluation of BMA safety and efficacy.

Objectives: The root tuber of Lindera aggregata (LA) has been traditionally used in Korean medicine to promote qi circulation and alleviate pain. This study investigated the anti-metastatic effects of an ethanolic extract of LA (ELA) and explored its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods: The effect of ELA on adrenergic agonist-induced cancer cell migration and invasion was evaluated using transwell assays. The influence of ELA on Src phosphorylation induced by adrenergic agonists was assessed via Western blot analysis. Network pharmacology analysis was conducted based on the known and predicted targets of ELA, including KEGG pathway enrichment, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, and disease association analysis.

Results: Migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and Hep3B hepatocellular carcinoma cells was promoted by adrenergic agonists, including epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and isoprenaline (ISO). This effect was significantly reversed by ELA in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, E- and NE-induced cancer cell invasion was suppressed by ELA in a dose-dependent manner. ELA also inhibited E- and NE-stimulated Src phosphorylation, suggesting that the anti-metastatic effects of ELA are mediated through Src inactivation. Network pharmacology analysis identified Src as a central hub protein potentially mediating the effects of LA. In addition, enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of LA targets in cancer-related pathways and cell motility processes, further supporting the experimental findings.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that ELA inhibits adrenergic agonist-induced metastatic activity in cancer cells by deactivating Src, highlighting its potential as a novel anti-metastatic therapeutic agent.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and optimize a topical organogel formulation of Sertaconazole nitrate (SN) using Cinnamon oil (CO) to enhance antifungal activity and improve dermal drug delivery.

Methods: A 3³ Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the formulation by varying three factors- Cinnamon oil, Carbopol-934 (CP), and Polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG) at three levels. Key responses measured were viscosity (VS), spreadability (SP), and drug content (DC). The formulations underwent physicochemical evaluations including homogeneity, pH, swelling index, moisture content, and extrudability.

Results: The organogels had a skin-friendly pH ranging from 6.11 to 6.99, VS between 0.39 and 0.49 Pa.s, and SP from 20.40 to 26.45 g.cm/s^-1. DC was consistently high (91.66% to 99.33%). The optimized batch (C11) showed excellent in vitro and ex vivo drug release (97.98% and 86.14%, respectively). Zeta potential of -24.60 mV indicated good physical stability. Drug deposition studies confirmed efficient skin penetration, with 85.45% retained in skin layers. Antifungal tests demonstrated strong activity against Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum, outperforming plain organogels and marketed formulations. Skin irritation and histopathology studies confirmed the formulation's safety for topical use.

Conclusion: The optimized Sertaconazole nitrate organogel (SNO) with CO is a stable, safe, and effective topical delivery system that enhances drug penetration and antifungal efficacy, making it a promising option for dermal antifungal therapy.

Objectives: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) stands as one of the most prevalent causes of vaginal discharge and infection among women of reproductive age. Various medications, including metronidazole, are commonly recommended. Factors such as diminishing effectiveness and the emergence of new, resistant strains underscore the urgent need for research into alternative treatment options, including herbal remedies. This study aims to compare the efficacy of an herbal vaginal tablet (HVT) containing extracts of oregano and lemon balm to that of a metronidazole vaginal tablet.

Methods: A non-inferiority randomized triple-blind controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of HVT with metronidazole on BV. HVT was formulated using alcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of oregano and lemon balm leaves. The primary and secondary outcomes of the study were BV clinical manifestations and Amsel's criteria, respectively. Clinical and laboratory outcome measures for both groups were assessed at three time points the beginning of the study, and again on days 5 and 10.

Results: Among the 130 participants, 54 patients from the metronidazole group and 51 from the HVT group completed the 5-day treatment period. Subsequently, 28 patients in the metronidazole group and 31 in the HVT group completed the 10-day treatment period.Regarding the clinical signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory measurements observed at the onset and on days 5 and 10 of treatment, no significant differences were found between the two groups.

Conclusion: This trial demonstrated that HVT can alleviate the clinical manifestations of BV and normalize Amsel's criteria, equal to metronidazole. Therefore, HVT can be used as a complementary herbal medicament in the management of BV.

Objectives: Arecoline, the main bioactive compound in Areca catechu nut, interacts with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α4β2 and α7), suggesting potential in reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of methanolic Areca catechu nut extract (MAN) against nicotine dependence and withdrawal in C57BL/6J mice.

Methods: A modified runway model assessed nicotine-seeking behavior. Antidopaminergic effects and locomotor activity were measured via the haloperidol-induced catalepsy model and actophotometer. Behavioral models were used to evaluate MAN's effects on nicotine withdrawal symptoms anxiety (elevated plus maze, open field, marble burying), depression (forced swim, tail suspension), social interaction, anhedonia (sucrose preference), memory (elevated plus maze), and hyperalgesia (hot plate assay).

Results: MAN (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o.) showed antidopaminergic activity, reduced nicotine craving, and alleviated withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, depression, anhedonia, memory impairment, hyperalgesia) by enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission.

Conclusion: MAN shows potential as a therapeutic candidate for nicotine use disorder.