Traditional medicine, deeply rooted in cultural practices and historical wisdom, has faced surging challenges due to the escalating demand for plant-based remedies. This comprehensive review critically emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices within traditional medicine, with a special focus on the potential of plant part substitution. Case studies that illuminate successful instances of substituting plant parts and providing a deep insight into viable alternatives to conventional practices are presented. Opportunities and challenges inherent in plant part substitution are discussed by addressing key considerations such as phytochemical and pharmacological aspects, safety and toxicity profiles, cultural insights, standardization, clinical validation, and regulatory compliance. This review serves as a guide for navigating the delicate balance between tradition and conservation within indigenous medicine practices. It underscores the importance of embracing sustainable approaches through plant part substitution, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage while meeting the evolving healthcare needs of society.
Please cite this article as: Srivastava B, Sharma H, Meena AK, Bharthi V. Balancing tradition and conservation: exploring plant part substitution in traditional medicine. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 209–217.
{"title":"Balancing tradition and conservation: Exploring plant part substitution in traditional medicine","authors":"Bhavana Srivastava , Himanshu Sharma , Ajay Kumar Meena , Vandana Bharthi","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditional medicine, deeply rooted in cultural practices and historical wisdom, has faced surging challenges due to the escalating demand for plant-based remedies. This comprehensive review critically emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices within traditional medicine, with a special focus on the potential of plant part substitution. Case studies that illuminate successful instances of substituting plant parts and providing a deep insight into viable alternatives to conventional practices are presented. Opportunities and challenges inherent in plant part substitution are discussed by addressing key considerations such as phytochemical and pharmacological aspects, safety and toxicity profiles, cultural insights, standardization, clinical validation, and regulatory compliance. This review serves as a guide for navigating the delicate balance between tradition and conservation within indigenous medicine practices. It underscores the importance of embracing sustainable approaches through plant part substitution, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage while meeting the evolving healthcare needs of society.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Srivastava B, Sharma H, Meena AK, Bharthi V. Balancing tradition and conservation: exploring plant part substitution in traditional medicine. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(3): 209–217.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 209-217"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144039787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xuebijing injection has been recommended as a therapeutic approach for individuals with severe and critical COVID-19. This study aims to explore the correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR) with the severity and prognosis of COVID-19, and the effect of XBJ on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 in different inflammatory states.
Methods
This was a retrospective study conducted at Wuhan Union Hospital in China. COVID-19 patients admitted between November 1, 2022 and February 1, 2023 were included. In predicting prognosis for individuals with COVID-19, new inflammatory indicators were used, and their prognostic value was assessed by using Cox regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves. Furthermore, a calculation was made to determine the cutoff value for NLPR. Relative risk and Cox regression models were used to examine the effects of Xuebijing injection on prognosis in patient cohorts that had been stratified by the NLPR cutoff.
Results
This research included 455 participants with COVID-19, with a mean age of 72 years. Several inflammatory indicators were found to be strongly correlated with prognosis, and NLPR shows the greatest predictive power. Patients with NLPR > 3.29 exhibited a mortality rate of 17.3%, which was 6.2 times higher than in patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29. Importantly, providing Xuebijing injection to patients with NLPR > 3.29 was associated with a lower risk of 60-day all-cause mortality. However, there was no discernible improvement in survival among patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29 who received Xuebijing injection.
Conclusion
NLPR is the most reliable inflammatory marker for predicting prognosis among individuals with COVID-19, and can accurately identify individuals who may benefit from Xuebijing injection.
Please cite this article as: Liao M, Zhang LT, Bai LJ, Wang RY, Liu Y, Han J, Liu LH, Qi BL. Xuebijing injection reduces COVID-19 patients mortality as influenced by the neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 282–288.
{"title":"Xuebijing injection reduces COVID-19 patients’ mortality as influenced by the neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio","authors":"Man Liao , Li-ting Zhang , Li-juan Bai, Rui-yun Wang, Yun Liu, Jing Han, Li-hua Liu, Ben-ling Qi","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Xuebijing injection has been recommended as a therapeutic approach for individuals with severe and critical COVID-19. This study aims to explore the correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR) with the severity and prognosis of COVID-19, and the effect of XBJ on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 in different inflammatory states.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a retrospective study conducted at Wuhan Union Hospital in China. COVID-19 patients admitted between November 1, 2022 and February 1, 2023 were included. In predicting prognosis for individuals with COVID-19, new inflammatory indicators were used, and their prognostic value was assessed by using Cox regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves. Furthermore, a calculation was made to determine the cutoff value for NLPR. Relative risk and Cox regression models were used to examine the effects of Xuebijing injection on prognosis in patient cohorts that had been stratified by the NLPR cutoff.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This research included 455 participants with COVID-19, with a mean age of 72 years. Several inflammatory indicators were found to be strongly correlated with prognosis, and NLPR shows the greatest predictive power. Patients with NLPR > 3.29 exhibited a mortality rate of 17.3%, which was 6.2 times higher than in patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29. Importantly, providing Xuebijing injection to patients with NLPR > 3.29 was associated with a lower risk of 60-day all-cause mortality. However, there was no discernible improvement in survival among patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29 who received Xuebijing injection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>NLPR is the most reliable inflammatory marker for predicting prognosis among individuals with COVID-19, and can accurately identify individuals who may benefit from Xuebijing injection.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Liao M, Zhang LT, Bai LJ, Wang RY, Liu Y, Han J, Liu LH, Qi BL. Xuebijing injection reduces COVID-19 patients mortality as influenced by the neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(3): 282–288.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 282-288"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144039827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.004
Zhi-yi Xiong , Shi-yan Yan , Si-xing Liu , Zhi-shun Liu
Objective
To investigate whether the presence or absence of improvement in chronic severe functional constipation (CSFC) at the early stage of treatment with electroacupuncture predicts subsequent response or non-response, and to determine the optimal treatment duration for assessing subsequent responses to electroacupuncture.
Methods
This is a post hoc analysis using data pooled from two large-scale randomized controlled trials. Patients with CSFC were recruited, and those in the electroacupuncture groups were included in the present study. Early improvement was defined as a weekly increase of ≥1 complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) compared to baseline. Three treatment response criteria were evaluated: ≥ 3 CSBMs per week, overall CSBM response, and sustained CSBM response. Predictive statistics, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, were calculated at weeks 1–4. Receiver operating characteristic curves and accuracy rates were used to determine the optimal timepoint for differentiation between responders and non-responders.
Results
Cases from a total of 813 participants who received electroacupuncture were analyzed. The proportion of improvers was 40.34% by week 1, increasing to 52.52% by week 4. After 8 weeks of treatment, the response rates were 30.14%, 25.83% and 25.58% according to the three aforementioned criteria, respectively. Early improvement was a strong predictor of treatment response, with week 3 demonstrating the highest predictive accuracy.
Conclusion
Early improvement with electroacupuncture, especially at week 3, can predict subsequent outcomes. Our findings suggest that acupuncturists may identify non-responders who might require adjustments to therapeutic strategies early in treatment.
Please cite this article as: Xiong ZY, Yan SY, Liu SX, Liu ZS. Early improvement to electroacupuncture at week 3 predicts ultimate response in patients with chronic severe functional constipation. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 274–281.
{"title":"Early improvement to electroacupuncture at week 3 predicts ultimate response in patients with chronic severe functional constipation","authors":"Zhi-yi Xiong , Shi-yan Yan , Si-xing Liu , Zhi-shun Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate whether the presence or absence of improvement in chronic severe functional constipation (CSFC) at the early stage of treatment with electroacupuncture predicts subsequent response or non-response, and to determine the optimal treatment duration for assessing subsequent responses to electroacupuncture.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This is a post hoc analysis using data pooled from two large-scale randomized controlled trials. Patients with CSFC were recruited, and those in the electroacupuncture groups were included in the present study. Early improvement was defined as a weekly increase of ≥1 complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) compared to baseline. Three treatment response criteria were evaluated: ≥ 3 CSBMs per week, overall CSBM response, and sustained CSBM response. Predictive statistics, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, were calculated at weeks 1–4. Receiver operating characteristic curves and accuracy rates were used to determine the optimal timepoint for differentiation between responders and non-responders.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cases from a total of 813 participants who received electroacupuncture were analyzed. The proportion of improvers was 40.34% by week 1, increasing to 52.52% by week 4. After 8 weeks of treatment, the response rates were 30.14%, 25.83% and 25.58% according to the three aforementioned criteria, respectively. Early improvement was a strong predictor of treatment response, with week 3 demonstrating the highest predictive accuracy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Early improvement with electroacupuncture, especially at week 3, can predict subsequent outcomes. Our findings suggest that acupuncturists may identify non-responders who might require adjustments to therapeutic strategies early in treatment.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Xiong ZY, Yan SY, Liu SX, Liu ZS. Early improvement to electroacupuncture at week 3 predicts ultimate response in patients with chronic severe functional constipation. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(3): 274–281.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 274-281"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144054658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.006
Yi Wang , Xiao-yu Sun , Fang-qi Ma , Ming-ming Ren , Ruo-han Zhao , Meng-meng Qin , Xiao-hong Zhu , Yan Xu , Ni-da Cao , Yuan-yuan Chen , Tian-geng Dong , Yong-fu Pan , Ai-guang Zhao
Objective
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies seen in clinic and requires novel treatment options. Morin is a natural flavonoid extracted from the flower stalk of a highly valuable medicinal plant Prunella vulgaris L., which exhibits an anti-cancer effect in multiple types of tumors. However, the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of morin in treating GC remains elusive. The study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of morin in GC.
Methods
For in vitro experiments, the proliferation inhibition of morin was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay in human GC cell line MKN45, human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS, and human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1; for apoptosis analysis, microscopic photography, Western blotting, ubiquitination analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, flow cytometry, and RNA interference technology were employed. For in vivo studies, immunohistochemistry, biomedical analysis, and Western blotting were used to assess the efficacy and safety of morin in a xenograft mouse model of GC.
Results
Morin significantly inhibited the proliferation of GC cells MKN45 and AGS in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but did not inhibit human gastric epithelial cells GES-1. Only the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK was able to significantly reverse the inhibition of proliferation by morin in both GC cells, suggesting that apoptosis was the main type of cell death during the treatment. Morin induced intrinsic apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in GC cells, which mainly relied on B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) associated agonist of cell death (BAD) but not phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1. The upregulation of BAD by morin was due to blocking the ubiquitination degradation of BAD, rather than the transcription regulation and the phosphorylation of BAD. Furthermore, the combination of morin and BCL-2 inhibitor navitoclax (also known as ABT-737) produced a synergistic inhibitory effect in GC cells through amplifying apoptotic signals. In addition, morin treatment significantly suppressed the growth of GC in vivo by upregulating BAD and the subsequent activation of its downstream apoptosis pathway.
Conclusion
Morin suppressed GC by inducing apoptosis, which was mainly due to blocking the ubiquitination-based degradation of the pro-apoptotic protein BAD. The combination of morin and the BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-737 synergistically amplified apoptotic signals in GC cells, which may overcome the drug resistance of the BCL-2 inhibitor. These findings indicated that morin was a potent and promising agent for GC treatment.
Please cite this article as: Wang Y, Sun XY, Ma FQ, Ren MM, Zhao RH, Qin MM, Zhu XH, Xu Y, Cao ND, Chen YY, Dong TG, Pan YF, Zhao AG. Morin inhibits ubiquitination degradation of
{"title":"Morin inhibits ubiquitination degradation of BCL-2 associated agonist of cell death and synergizes with BCL-2 inhibitor in gastric cancer cells","authors":"Yi Wang , Xiao-yu Sun , Fang-qi Ma , Ming-ming Ren , Ruo-han Zhao , Meng-meng Qin , Xiao-hong Zhu , Yan Xu , Ni-da Cao , Yuan-yuan Chen , Tian-geng Dong , Yong-fu Pan , Ai-guang Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies seen in clinic and requires novel treatment options. Morin is a natural flavonoid extracted from the flower stalk of a highly valuable medicinal plant <em>Prunella vulgaris</em> L., which exhibits an anti-cancer effect in multiple types of tumors. However, the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of morin in treating GC remains elusive. The study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of morin in GC.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>For in vitro experiments, the proliferation inhibition of morin was measured by cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay in human GC cell line MKN45, human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS, and human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1; for apoptosis analysis, microscopic photography, Western blotting, ubiquitination analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, flow cytometry, and RNA interference technology were employed. For in vivo studies, immunohistochemistry, biomedical analysis, and Western blotting were used to assess the efficacy and safety of morin in a xenograft mouse model of GC.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Morin significantly inhibited the proliferation of GC cells MKN45 and AGS in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but did not inhibit human gastric epithelial cells GES-1. Only the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK was able to significantly reverse the inhibition of proliferation by morin in both GC cells, suggesting that apoptosis was the main type of cell death during the treatment. Morin induced intrinsic apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in GC cells, which mainly relied on B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) associated agonist of cell death (BAD) but not phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1. The upregulation of BAD by morin was due to blocking the ubiquitination degradation of BAD, rather than the transcription regulation and the phosphorylation of BAD. Furthermore, the combination of morin and BCL-2 inhibitor navitoclax (also known as ABT-737) produced a synergistic inhibitory effect in GC cells through amplifying apoptotic signals. In addition, morin treatment significantly suppressed the growth of GC in vivo by upregulating BAD and the subsequent activation of its downstream apoptosis pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Morin suppressed GC by inducing apoptosis, which was mainly due to blocking the ubiquitination-based degradation of the pro-apoptotic protein BAD. The combination of morin and the BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-737 synergistically amplified apoptotic signals in GC cells, which may overcome the drug resistance of the BCL-2 inhibitor. These findings indicated that morin was a potent and promising agent for GC treatment.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Wang Y, Sun XY, Ma FQ, Ren MM, Zhao RH, Qin MM, Zhu XH, Xu Y, Cao ND, Chen YY, Dong TG, Pan YF, Zhao AG. Morin inhibits ubiquitination degradation of","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 320-332"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.005
Hang Zhao , Xin Ma , Hao Wang , Xiao-jie Ding , Le Kuai , Jian-kun Song , Zhan Zhang , Dan Yang , Chun-jie Gao , Bin Li , Mi Zhou
Objective
To assess the safety and topical efficacy of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) and investigate the molecular mechanisms of its therapeutic effects in atopic dermatitis (AD).
Methods
The effects of POG on human keratinocyte cell viability and its anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 assay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, the impact of POG on the differentiation of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ T cell subsets, including T-helper type (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg), was examined through in vitro experiments. Network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate POG’s therapeutic mechanisms. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of topically applied POG was further evaluated in a calcipotriol-induced mouse model of AD. The protein and transcript levels of inflammatory markers, including cytokines, lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) mRNA, and LCK phosphorylation (p-LCK), were quantified using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis.
Results
POG was able to suppress cell proliferation and downregulate the transcription of interleukin 4 (Il4) and Il13 mRNA. In vitro experiments indicated that POG significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells, whereas it exerted negligible influence on the differentiation of Th1, Th17 and Treg cells. Network pharmacology identified LCK as a key therapeutic target of POG. Moreover, the topical application of POG effectively alleviated skin lesions in the calcipotriol-induced AD mouse models without causing pathological changes in the liver, kidney or spleen tissues. POG significantly reduced the levels of Il4, Il5, Il13, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (Tslp) mRNA in the AD mice. Concurrently, POG enhanced the expression of p-LCK protein and Lck mRNA.
Conclusion
Our research revealed that POG inhibits Th2 cell differentiation by promoting p-LCK protein expression and hence effectively alleviates AD-related skin inflammation.
Please cite this article as: Zhao H, Ma X, Wang H, Ding XJ, Kuai L, Song JK, Zhang Z, Yang D, Gao CJ, Li B, Zhou M. Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin mitigates atopic dermatitis by inhibiting Th2 differentiation through LCK phosphorylation modulation. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 309–319.
{"title":"Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin mitigates atopic dermatitis by inhibiting Th2 differentiation through LCK phosphorylation modulation","authors":"Hang Zhao , Xin Ma , Hao Wang , Xiao-jie Ding , Le Kuai , Jian-kun Song , Zhan Zhang , Dan Yang , Chun-jie Gao , Bin Li , Mi Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess the safety and topical efficacy of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) and investigate the molecular mechanisms of its therapeutic effects in atopic dermatitis (AD).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The effects of POG on human keratinocyte cell viability and its anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 assay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, the impact of POG on the differentiation of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4<sup>+</sup> T cell subsets, including T-helper type (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg), was examined through in vitro experiments. Network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate POG’s therapeutic mechanisms. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of topically applied POG was further evaluated in a calcipotriol-induced mouse model of AD. The protein and transcript levels of inflammatory markers, including cytokines, lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (<em>Lck</em>) mRNA, and LCK phosphorylation (p-LCK), were quantified using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>POG was able to suppress cell proliferation and downregulate the transcription of interleukin 4 (<em>Il4</em>) and <em>Il13</em> mRNA. In vitro experiments indicated that POG significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells, whereas it exerted negligible influence on the differentiation of Th1, Th17 and Treg cells. Network pharmacology identified LCK as a key therapeutic target of POG. Moreover, the topical application of POG effectively alleviated skin lesions in the calcipotriol-induced AD mouse models without causing pathological changes in the liver, kidney or spleen tissues. POG significantly reduced the levels of <em>Il4</em>, <em>Il5</em>, <em>Il13,</em> and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (<em>Tslp</em>) mRNA in the AD mice. Concurrently, POG enhanced the expression of p-LCK protein and <em>Lck</em> mRNA.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our research revealed that POG inhibits Th2 cell differentiation by promoting p-LCK protein expression and hence effectively alleviates AD-related skin inflammation.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Zhao H, Ma X, Wang H, Ding XJ, Kuai L, Song JK, Zhang Z, Yang D, Gao CJ, Li B, Zhou M. Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin mitigates atopic dermatitis by inhibiting Th2 differentiation through LCK phosphorylation modulation. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(3): 309–319.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 309-319"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144064965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Prunella vulgaris L. has long been used for liver protection according to traditional Chinese medicine theory and has been proven by modern pharmacological research to have multiple potential liver-protective effects. However, its effects on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are currently uncertain. Our study explores the effects of P. vulgaris polysaccharides on NASH and intestinal homeostasis.
Methods
An aqueous extract of the dried fruit spikes of P. vulgaris was precipitated in an 85% ethanol solution (PVE85) to extract crude polysaccharides from the herb. A choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) was administrated to male C57BL/6 mice to establish a NASH animal model. After 4 weeks, the PVE85 group was orally administered PVE85 (200 mg/[kg·d]), while the control group and CDAHFD group were orally administered vehicle for 6 weeks. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and other methods were used to assess the impact of PVE85 on the liver in mice with NASH. 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis was employed to evaluate the gut microbiota abundance and diversity in each group to examine alterations at various taxonomic levels.
Results
PVE85 significantly reversed the course of NASH in mice. mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators associated with NASH and protein expression of hepatic nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) were significantly reduced after PVE85 treatment. Moreover, PVE85 attenuated the thickening and cross-linking of collagen fibres and inhibited the expression of fibrosis-related mRNAs in the livers of NASH mice. Intriguingly, PVE85 restored changes in the gut microbiota and improved intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by NASH by increasing the abundance of Actinobacteria and reducing the abundance of Proteobacteria at the phylum level. PVE85 had significant activity in reducing the relative abundance of Clostridiaceae at the family levels. PVE85 markedly enhanced the abundance of some beneficial micro-organisms at various taxonomic levels as well. Additionally, the physicochemical environment of the intestine was effectively improved, involving an increase in the density of intestinal villi, normalization of the intestinal pH, and improvement of intestinal permeability.
Conclusion
PVE85 can reduce hepatic lipid overaccumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in an animal model of CDAHFD-induced NASH and improve the intestinal microbial composition and intestinal structure.
Please cite this article as: Zhu MJ, Song YJ, Rao PL, Gu WY, Xu Y, Xu HX. Therapeutic role of Prunella vulgaris L. polysaccharides in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and gut dysbiosis. J Integr Med. 2025; 2025; 23(3): 297–308.
{"title":"Therapeutic role of Prunella vulgaris L. polysaccharides in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and gut dysbiosis","authors":"Meng-jie Zhu , Yi-jie Song , Pei-li Rao , Wen-yi Gu , Yu Xu , Hong-xi Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Prunella vulgaris</em> L. has long been used for liver protection according to traditional Chinese medicine theory and has been proven by modern pharmacological research to have multiple potential liver-protective effects. However, its effects on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are currently uncertain. Our study explores the effects of <em>P. vulgaris</em> polysaccharides on NASH and intestinal homeostasis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An aqueous extract of the dried fruit spikes of <em>P. vulgaris</em> was precipitated in an 85% ethanol solution (PVE85) to extract crude polysaccharides from the herb. A choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) was administrated to male C57BL/6 mice to establish a NASH animal model. After 4 weeks, the PVE85 group was orally administered PVE85 (200 mg/[kg·d]), while the control group and CDAHFD group were orally administered vehicle for 6 weeks. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and other methods were used to assess the impact of PVE85 on the liver in mice with NASH. 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis was employed to evaluate the gut microbiota abundance and diversity in each group to examine alterations at various taxonomic levels.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>PVE85 significantly reversed the course of NASH in mice. mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators associated with NASH and protein expression of hepatic nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) were significantly reduced after PVE85 treatment. Moreover, PVE85 attenuated the thickening and cross-linking of collagen fibres and inhibited the expression of fibrosis-related mRNAs in the livers of NASH mice. Intriguingly, PVE85 restored changes in the gut microbiota and improved intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by NASH by increasing the abundance of Actinobacteria and reducing the abundance of Proteobacteria at the phylum level. PVE85 had significant activity in reducing the relative abundance of Clostridiaceae at the family levels. PVE85 markedly enhanced the abundance of some beneficial micro-organisms at various taxonomic levels as well. Additionally, the physicochemical environment of the intestine was effectively improved, involving an increase in the density of intestinal villi, normalization of the intestinal pH, and improvement of intestinal permeability.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PVE85 can reduce hepatic lipid overaccumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in an animal model of CDAHFD-induced NASH and improve the intestinal microbial composition and intestinal structure.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Zhu MJ, Song YJ, Rao PL, Gu WY, Xu Y, Xu HX. Therapeutic role of <em>Prunella vulgaris</em> L. polysaccharides in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and gut dysbiosis. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 2025; 23(3): 297–308.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 297-308"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144007260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The present study investigated the cytoprotective effects of a Pogonatherum paniceum extract prepared with 80% ethanol (PPE) using synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy and determined its phytochemical profile.
Methods
The volatile and polyphenolic compounds in PPE were characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of PPE was evaluated using chemical and cell-based assays. The SR-FTIR microspectroscopy was performed to evaluate the cytoprotective effect of PPE by identifying changes in macromolecule composition in tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH)-induced oxidative damage in RAW264.7 cells.
Results
A total of 48 volatile compounds and 28 polyphenol components were found in PPE. PPE exhibited a high potential for antioxidant activity by scavenging the intracellular reactive oxygen species in tBuOOH-induced oxidative damage in RAW264.7 cells. PPE treatment also significantly protected RAW264.7 cells against tBuOOH-induced toxicity and restored cell viability. The SR-FTIR analysis revealed that tBuOOH increased the lipid and ester lipid content in RAW264.7 cells. The PPE exerted a cytoprotective effect by decreasing the levels of lipid and ester lipid compounds that had been elevated by tBuOOH in RAW264.7 cells. These findings indicate that PPE has cytoprotective potential due to its ability to inhibit endogenous reactive oxygen species.
Conclusion
This study extends the current knowledge on the phytochemistry of PPE and its antioxidant and cytoprotective effects. These findings support the use of SR-FTIR microspectroscopy to determine the cytoprotective effects of natural products. PPE extract may be a candidate compound for new therapeutics and nutraceuticals that target the prevention of oxidative stress-associated diseases.
Please cite this article as: Dunkhunthod B, Thumanu K, Teethaisong Y, Sittisart P, Sittisart P. Cytoprotective activity of Pogonatherum paniceum (Lam.) Hack. ethanolic extract evaluated by synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 182–194.
目的：采用同步辐射傅立叶变换红外（SR-FTIR）微光谱法研究80%乙醇制备的白芍提取物的细胞保护作用，并测定其植物化学成分。方法：分别采用气相色谱-质谱法和液相色谱-质谱法对PPE中挥发物和多酚类化合物进行表征。PPE的抗氧化能力通过化学和细胞为基础的试验进行评估。采用SR-FTIR微光谱技术，通过鉴定过氧化叔丁基（tBuOOH）诱导的RAW264.7细胞氧化损伤中大分子组成的变化，评价PPE的细胞保护作用。结果：PPE中共检出48种挥发性化合物和28种多酚类成分。PPE通过清除tbuoh诱导的RAW264.7细胞氧化损伤中的细胞内活性氧，显示出较高的抗氧化活性潜力。PPE处理还能显著保护RAW264.7细胞免受tbuoh诱导的毒性，恢复细胞活力。SR-FTIR分析显示，buooh增加了RAW264.7细胞的脂质和酯质含量。PPE通过降低tBuOOH在RAW264.7细胞中升高的脂质和酯类脂质化合物的水平发挥细胞保护作用。这些发现表明PPE具有抑制内源性活性氧的能力，具有细胞保护潜能。结论：本研究扩展了对PPE植物化学及其抗氧化和细胞保护作用的现有认识。这些发现支持使用SR-FTIR显微光谱来确定天然产物的细胞保护作用。PPE提取物可能是针对预防氧化应激相关疾病的新疗法和营养保健品的候选化合物。请在本文中注明：Dunkhunthod B， Thumanu K, Teethaisong Y, Sittisart P, Sittisart P。黑客。基于同步辐射的傅里叶变换红外微光谱法评价乙醇提取物。集成医学[J]；打印前Epub。
{"title":"Cytoprotective activity of Pogonatherum paniceum (Lam.) Hack. ethanolic extract evaluated by synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy","authors":"Benjawan Dunkhunthod , Kanjana Thumanu , Yothin Teethaisong , Priyada Sittisart , Patcharawan Sittisart","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The present study investigated the cytoprotective effects of a <em>Pogonatherum paniceum</em> extract prepared with 80% ethanol (PPE) using synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy and determined its phytochemical profile.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The volatile and polyphenolic compounds in PPE were characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of PPE was evaluated using chemical and cell-based assays. The SR-FTIR microspectroscopy was performed to evaluate the cytoprotective effect of PPE by identifying changes in macromolecule composition in <em>tert</em>-butyl hydroperoxide (<em>t</em>BuOOH)-induced oxidative damage in RAW264.7 cells.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 48 volatile compounds and 28 polyphenol components were found in PPE. PPE exhibited a high potential for antioxidant activity by scavenging the intracellular reactive oxygen species in <em>t</em>BuOOH<em>-</em>induced oxidative damage in RAW264.7 cells. PPE treatment also significantly protected RAW264.7 cells against <em>t</em>BuOOH-induced toxicity and restored cell viability. The SR-FTIR analysis revealed that <em>t</em>BuOOH increased the lipid and ester lipid content in RAW264.7 cells. The PPE exerted a cytoprotective effect by decreasing the levels of lipid and ester lipid compounds that had been elevated by <em>t</em>BuOOH in RAW264.7 cells. These findings indicate that PPE has cytoprotective potential due to its ability to inhibit endogenous reactive oxygen species.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study extends the current knowledge on the phytochemistry of PPE and its antioxidant and cytoprotective effects. These findings support the use of SR-FTIR microspectroscopy to determine the cytoprotective effects of natural products. PPE extract may be a candidate compound for new therapeutics and nutraceuticals that target the prevention of oxidative stress-associated diseases.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Dunkhunthod B, Thumanu K, Teethaisong Y, Sittisart P, Sittisart P. Cytoprotective activity of <em>Pogonatherum paniceum</em> (Lam.) Hack. ethanolic extract evaluated by synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(2): 182–194.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 2","pages":"Pages 182-194"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143651512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Treating peripheral nerve injury (PNI) presents a clinical challenge due to limited axon regeneration. Strychni Semen, a traditional Chinese medicine, is clinically used for numbness and hemiplegia. However, its role in promoting functional recovery after PNI and the related mechanisms have not yet been systematically studied.
Methods
A mouse model of sciatic nerve crush (SNC) injury was established and the mice received drug treatment via intragastric gavage, followed by behavioral assessments (adhesive removal test, hot-plate test and Von Frey test). Transcriptomic analyses were performed to examine gene expression in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) from the third to the sixth lumbar vertebrae, so as to identify the significantly differentially expressed genes. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the expression levels of superior cervical ganglia neural-specific 10 protein (SCG10). The ultra-trace protein detection technique was used to evaluate changes in gene expression levels.
Results
Strychni Semen and its active compounds (brucine and strychnine) improved functional recovery in mice following SNC injury. Transcriptomic data indicated that Strychni Semen and its active compounds initiated transcriptional reprogramming that impacted cellular morphology and extracellular matrix remodeling in DRGs after SNC, suggesting potential roles in promoting axon regeneration. Imaging data further confirmed that Strychni Semen and its active compounds facilitated axon regrowth in SNC-injured mice. By integrating protein–protein interaction predictions, ultra-trace protein detection, and molecular docking analysis, we identified myeloperoxidase as a potentially critical factor in the axon regenerative effects conferred by Strychni Semen and its active compounds.
Conclusion
Strychni Semen and its active compounds enhance sensory function by promoting axonal regeneration after PNI. These findings establish a foundation for the future applications of Strychni Semen and highlight novel therapeutic strategies and drug targets for axon regeneration.
Please cite this article as: Zhang Y, Zhao XY, Liu MT, Zhou ZC, Cheng HB, Jiang XH, Zheng YR, Chen Z. Strychni Semen and its active compounds promote axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury by suppressing myeloperoxidase in the dorsal root ganglia. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 169–181.
{"title":"Strychni Semen and its active compounds promote axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury by suppressing myeloperoxidase in the dorsal root ganglia","authors":"Yan Zhang , Xin-yue Zhao , Meng-ting Liu , Zhu-chen Zhou , Hui-bin Cheng , Xu-hong Jiang , Yan-rong Zheng , Zhong Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Treating peripheral nerve injury (PNI) presents a clinical challenge due to limited axon regeneration. Strychni Semen, a traditional Chinese medicine, is clinically used for numbness and hemiplegia. However, its role in promoting functional recovery after PNI and the related mechanisms have not yet been systematically studied.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A mouse model of sciatic nerve crush (SNC) injury was established and the mice received drug treatment via intragastric gavage, followed by behavioral assessments (adhesive removal test, hot-plate test and Von Frey test). Transcriptomic analyses were performed to examine gene expression in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) from the third to the sixth lumbar vertebrae, so as to identify the significantly differentially expressed genes. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the expression levels of superior cervical ganglia neural-specific 10 protein (SCG10). The ultra-trace protein detection technique was used to evaluate changes in gene expression levels.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Strychni Semen and its active compounds (brucine and strychnine) improved functional recovery in mice following SNC injury. Transcriptomic data indicated that Strychni Semen and its active compounds initiated transcriptional reprogramming that impacted cellular morphology and extracellular matrix remodeling in DRGs after SNC, suggesting potential roles in promoting axon regeneration. Imaging data further confirmed that Strychni Semen and its active compounds facilitated axon regrowth in SNC-injured mice. By integrating protein–protein interaction predictions, ultra-trace protein detection, and molecular docking analysis, we identified myeloperoxidase as a potentially critical factor in the axon regenerative effects conferred by Strychni Semen and its active compounds.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Strychni Semen and its active compounds enhance sensory function by promoting axonal regeneration after PNI. These findings establish a foundation for the future applications of Strychni Semen and highlight novel therapeutic strategies and drug targets for axon regeneration.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Zhang Y, Zhao XY, Liu MT, Zhou ZC, Cheng HB, Jiang XH, Zheng YR, Chen Z. Strychni Semen and its active compounds promote axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury by suppressing myeloperoxidase in the dorsal root ganglia. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(2): 169–181.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 2","pages":"Pages 169-181"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.01.005
Anne E Murphy , Anne Arewasikporn , Lisa Taylor-Swanson , David A Williams , Richard E Harris
Objective
Acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy as a treatment for fibromyalgia; however, predictors of short- and long-term analgesic response in this population are not well understood.
Methods
This manuscript describes a secondary analysis of a single-center, blinded, sham-controlled, randomized longitudinal acupuncture clinical trial in fibromyalgia. Baseline characterization included pressure pain threshold and pain interference, while residualized change in pain intensity from baseline to follow-up served as the primary outcome measure. Participants were randomized into groups that received verum (n = 36) or sham (n = 29) acupuncture treatment over a 12-week period (18 treatments) and were followed for 37 weeks from the initiation of treatment.
Results
Lower pressure pain thresholds at baseline were associated with greater analgesia only in the sham treatment group immediately following treatment, while those with higher pressure pain thresholds had greater analgesia with verum treatment (B = –13.43, P = 0.001). Additionally, greater perceived impact of pain at baseline was predictive of greater short-term analgesia irrespective of treatment. Pressure pain threshold was not found to be predictive of long-term differential treatment response (B = –1.71, P = 0.66). There was a significant difference in the relationship between perceived impact of pain at baseline and subsequent long-term analgesia between groups where those with greater perceived impact of pain displayed improved long-term analgesia for verum acupuncture compared to the sham group (B = –11.37, P = 0.004).
Conclusion
Our results support the use of a self-reported pain outcome in predicting long-term analgesia following acupuncture in fibromyalgia.
Please cite this article as: Murphy AE, Arewasikporn A, Taylor-Swanson L, Williams DA, Harris RE. Pressure pain threshold and perceived impact of pain differentially predict short-term and long-term pain reduction following acupuncture in fibromyalgia. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 152–158.
目的：针灸治疗纤维肌痛的疗效已得到证实；然而，这一人群的短期和长期镇痛反应的预测因素尚不清楚。方法：本文对一项单中心、盲法、假对照、随机纵向针灸治疗纤维肌痛的临床试验进行了二次分析。基线特征包括压痛阈值和疼痛干扰，而从基线到随访的疼痛强度的剩余变化是主要的结果测量。参与者被随机分为两组，一组接受verum （n = 36）或sham （n = 29）针灸治疗，为期12周（18次治疗），并从治疗开始进行了37周的随访。结果：基线压痛阈值较低的患者仅在治疗后立即接受假治疗，而压力痛阈值较高的患者在接受verum治疗后镇痛效果较好（B = -13.43, P = 0.001）。此外，无论治疗方式如何，基线疼痛的感知影响更大预示着更大的短期镇痛。压痛阈值不能预测长期治疗差异反应（B = -1.71, P = 0.66）。在基线疼痛感知影响和随后的长期镇痛之间，两组之间的关系有显著差异，与假手术组相比，那些感知到疼痛影响更大的患者在椎体针灸中表现出更好的长期镇痛效果（B = -11.37, P = 0.004）。结论：我们的研究结果支持使用自我报告的疼痛结果来预测针刺后纤维肌痛的长期镇痛。Murphy AE, Arewasikporn A, Taylor-Swanson L, Williams DA, Harris RE.针刺对纤维肌痛症患者短期和长期疼痛缓解的影响。集成医学[J]；打印前Epub。
{"title":"Pressure pain threshold and perceived impact of pain differentially predict short-term and long-term pain reduction following acupuncture in fibromyalgia","authors":"Anne E Murphy , Anne Arewasikporn , Lisa Taylor-Swanson , David A Williams , Richard E Harris","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy as a treatment for fibromyalgia; however, predictors of short- and long-term analgesic response in this population are not well understood.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This manuscript describes a secondary analysis of a single-center, blinded, sham-controlled, randomized longitudinal acupuncture clinical trial in fibromyalgia. Baseline characterization included pressure pain threshold and pain interference, while residualized change in pain intensity from baseline to follow-up served as the primary outcome measure. Participants were randomized into groups that received verum (<em>n</em> = 36) or sham (<em>n</em> = 29) acupuncture treatment over a 12-week period (18 treatments) and were followed for 37 weeks from the initiation of treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Lower pressure pain thresholds at baseline were associated with greater analgesia only in the sham treatment group immediately following treatment, while those with higher pressure pain thresholds had greater analgesia with verum treatment (<em>B =</em> –13.43, <em>P</em> = 0.001). Additionally, greater perceived impact of pain at baseline was predictive of greater short-term analgesia irrespective of treatment. Pressure pain threshold was not found to be predictive of long-term differential treatment response (<em>B =</em> –1.71, <em>P</em> = 0.66). There was a significant difference in the relationship between perceived impact of pain at baseline and subsequent long-term analgesia between groups where those with greater perceived impact of pain displayed improved long-term analgesia for verum acupuncture compared to the sham group (<em>B</em> = –11.37, <em>P</em> = 0.004).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our results support the use of a self-reported pain outcome in predicting long-term analgesia following acupuncture in fibromyalgia.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Murphy AE, Arewasikporn A, Taylor-Swanson L, Williams DA, Harris RE. Pressure pain threshold and perceived impact of pain differentially predict short-term and long-term pain reduction following acupuncture in fibromyalgia. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(2): 152–158.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 2","pages":"Pages 152-158"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143365084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.01.004
Si-yi Zheng , Xiao-ying Wang , Li-nan Lin , Shan Liu , Xiao-xiao Huang , Yi-yue Liu , Xiao-shuai Yu , Wei Pan , Jian-qiao Fang , Yi Liang
Background
There is a gap in understanding the effects of different acupoints and treatment methods (acupuncture and moxibustion) on microcirculatory changes in the lumbar region.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the thermal effects of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40), with acupuncture at Chize (LU5) and moxibustion at both acupoints as control interventions.
Design, setting, participants and interventions
In this randomized controlled trial, 140 healthy participants were equally divided into four groups: acupuncture at BL40 (Acu-BL40), acupuncture at LU5 (Acu-LU5), moxibustion at BL40 (Mox-BL40) and moxibustion at LU5 (Mox-LU5). Participants underwent a 30-minute session of their assigned treatment. Infrared thermal imaging was used to collect temperature data on the areas of interest for analysis.
Main outcome measures
The primary measure was the change in average temperature of the observed area after the intervention. The secondary measures included periodic temperature changes every 5 min and the temperature changes of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian in the observed area after the intervention.
Results
Significant interactions were observed between treatments and acupoints affecting temperature (P < 0.001). The Acu-BL40 group showed a notably higher increase in mean temperature after 30 min compared to the Acu-LU5 and Mox-BL40 groups, with increases of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17 to 0.41) and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.41) °C, respectively.
Conclusion
Acupuncture at BL40 acupoint can significantly increase the mean temperature in the observed area, highlighting the specific thermal effect of acupuncture compared to moxibustion in the lumbar area. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture at BL40 for managing lumbar conditions.
Please cite this article as: Zheng SY, Wang XY, Lin LN, Liu S, Huang XX, Liu YY, Yu XS, Pan W, Fang JQ, Liang Y. Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 145–151.
{"title":"Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Si-yi Zheng , Xiao-ying Wang , Li-nan Lin , Shan Liu , Xiao-xiao Huang , Yi-yue Liu , Xiao-shuai Yu , Wei Pan , Jian-qiao Fang , Yi Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>There is a gap in understanding the effects of different acupoints and treatment methods (acupuncture and moxibustion) on microcirculatory changes in the lumbar region.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the thermal effects of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40), with acupuncture at Chize (LU5) and moxibustion at both acupoints as control interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Design, setting, participants and interventions</h3><div>In this randomized controlled trial, 140 healthy participants were equally divided into four groups: acupuncture at BL40 (Acu-BL40), acupuncture at LU5 (Acu-LU5), moxibustion at BL40 (Mox-BL40) and moxibustion at LU5 (Mox-LU5). Participants underwent a 30-minute session of their assigned treatment. Infrared thermal imaging was used to collect temperature data on the areas of interest for analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><div>The primary measure was the change in average temperature of the observed area after the intervention. The secondary measures included periodic temperature changes every 5 min and the temperature changes of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian in the observed area after the intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant interactions were observed between treatments and acupoints affecting temperature (<em>P</em> < 0.001). The Acu-BL40 group showed a notably higher increase in mean temperature after 30 min compared to the Acu-LU5 and Mox-BL40 groups, with increases of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17 to 0.41) and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.41) °C, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture at BL40 acupoint can significantly increase the mean temperature in the observed area, highlighting the specific thermal effect of acupuncture compared to moxibustion in the lumbar area. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture at BL40 for managing lumbar conditions.</div><div><em>Trial registration</em>: <span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> (NCT05665426).</div><div>Please cite this article as: Zheng SY, Wang XY, Lin LN, Liu S, Huang XX, Liu YY, Yu XS, Pan W, Fang JQ, Liang Y. Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(2): 145–151.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 2","pages":"Pages 145-151"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143042626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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