Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

Background: Despite adding flavour, colour, and aroma to cuisine, herbs and spices offer various health benefits. Research over the past decade has enhanced the growing popularity of traditional herbs due to recognition of a diverse range of pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) (Jozbawa/Joz ut teeb) belongs to the family Myristicaceae. It is an aromatic evergreen tree with a peculiar smell, indigenous to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, Banda Island. Its various part embraces healing values, particularly the bark of the tree is traditionally employed in cardiac disease, viz. hyperlipidaemia, atherosclerosis. The therapeutic uses of nutmeg in other systemic ailments are also described in Unani classical literature.

Results: Apart from its traditional uses, pre-clinical and clinical claims exist for significant biological and therapeutic activities such as anti-microbial, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic on account of identified bioactive constituents including essential oils, phenolic compounds, resins, and pigments in crude extract and various other solvents.

Conclusion: This review article aims to analyse and comprehensively summarize the existing ethno-botanical actions and evidence-based claims of traditional uses. However, more research is needed to explore its molecular mechanisms, newer pharmacological and therapeutic activities along with their responsible phytoconstituents, side effects, and hence presents a research gap.

Keywords: Myristica fragrans, Nutmeg, anti-inflammatory, myristicin, Unani system of medicine.

Background: In the Unani system of medicine, migraine is described as Shaqīqa, a term derived from the Arabic word "shiq" meaning "a side" or "a section", referring to the characteristic unilateral nature of the headache. Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder affecting approximately 14% of the global population.

Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive account of Shaqīqa (migraine) within the framework of Unani medicine, focusing on its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic principles, and therapeutic strategies.

Methods: A thorough review of classical Unani texts was undertaken to extract relevant insights on migraine. Additionally, contemporary literature was retrieved through systematic searches in electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to contextualize Unani perspectives with current biomedical understanding.

Findings: In Unani medicine, migraine is classified under Sudā' Māddī (headache due to morbid humoral matter). It is typically unilateral, recurrent, and chronic, and is not attributed to Sū'-i-Mizāj Sāda (simple morbid temperament). Primary causes include Rīh (internal wind), Bukhārāt (vapors), and Akhlāt-i-Ghalīzah (viscous humors). Pathogenesis involves the ascent of Bukhārāt-i-Raddiya (morbid vapors) from the gastrointestinal tract or other organs to the brain, leading to headache. Treatment approaches in Unani medicine are highly individualized, based on the patient's temperament (Mizāj), the dominant humor, organ involvement, and severity. A range of single and compound herbal formulations is employed to restore humoral balance and alleviate symptoms.

Conclusion: The Unani medicine offers a detailed and holistic understanding of migraine, encompassing its etiology, clinical features, and treatment modalities. This review underscores the need for further interdisciplinary research to validate and potentially integrate Unani therapeutic approaches into contemporary migraine management.

Keywords: Migraine, Shaqīqa, Unāni medicine, Headache, 'Tilā.

Abstract: In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in alternative and natural techniques for preventing and treating gynecological disorders. Numerous studies have focused on exploring treatments that have less adverse impact than standard hormonal treatment. Although the etiopathogenetic processes of many gynecological illnesses, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, remain unclear, the significance of steroid hormones is undeniable. Endometriosis, uterine leiomyomas, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer all exhibit significant hormonal imbalances. The Unani system of medicine, referred to as Greco-Arabic medicine, is a popular form of traditional medicine widely practiced in many countries. This system utilizes herbs rich in phytoestrogens, which bear structural similarity to 17β-estradiol, and thus have the potential to mimic its estrogenic activity and produce responses. This makes phytoestrogens a suitable substitute for conventional hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) with fewer side effects. Therefore, a comprehensive search for studies on phytoestrogens was conducted using electronic databases such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Science Direct, EMBASE, and PubMed. All the relevant literature on gynecological disorders in Unani medicine has been evaluated, assessed, and analyzed based on classical texts. This narrative review summarizes the literature on the physiological role of estrogens and the several potential health benefits of phytoestrogens, with particular attention to the possible role of phytoestrogens in gynecological disorders.

Keywords: Phytoestrogens, Gynecological Disorders, Unani Medicine, Hormonal Replacement Therapy, Estrogen, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator.

Background: Medicinal plants are invaluable sources of novel medications worldwide, used for centuries due to their therapeutic properties and health benefits. Comprehensive quality evaluation and monitoring studies are available on single medicinal plant, however, there are limited data on plant-based formulations especially the formulations described in ancient texts.

Objective: Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the phytochemicals present and the identification of active phytocompounds of a traditional Unani plant-based formulation (Zingiber officinalis, Piper longum, Coptis teeta, Piper nigrum, and Foeniculum vulgare) described by distinguished Persian physician of 10th century, Abul-Mansoor ul Hasan Qamari (d.980 A.D.) in classical text 'Ghina-Muna' for ocular ailments.

Methods: Phytochemical analyses were conducted according to the guidelines given by the World Health Organisation. Antioxidant activity was determined by radical scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide inhibition activity.

Results: Liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS-QTOF) analysis revealed berberine, coptisine, 6-shogaol, 6-dehydroshogaol, 6-dehydrogingerdione, 6-gingerol, 10-gingerol, gingerenone-A, piperine, piperic acid, quercetin-3-o-galactoside, kaempferol-3-o-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-o-glucoside, rosmarinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, eriodictyol-7-rutinoside, and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid as the active phytoconstituents. These phytocompounds have promising neuroprotective and antioxidant activity. Findings showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in the formulation. Quantitative analysis of total flavonoid and total phenolics content were found to be 102.889 mgQE/g and 12.004 mgGAE/g of extract, respectively. The results obtained revealed remarkable antioxidant activity of studied formulation as evidenced by the low half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values.

Conclusion: The parameters evaluated in this study are adequate for quality control of traditional medicinal plant-based formulations and can serve as a reference for standardizing this formulation. The formulation has potent neuroprotective and antioxidant phytochemicals, implying that it could be used as a leading pharmacological intervention for preventing/or slowing the progress of neurodegenerative diseases, including ocular conditions like glaucoma.

Keywords: Unani medicine, phytochemical screening, active phytoconstituents, neuroprotection, antioxidant activity.

Background: Obstructive conditions represent a major challenge in global healthcare, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. These include a spectrum of diseases such as vascular thrombosis, embolism, respiratory tract obstructions, hepatobiliary blockages, lymphatic stasis, and intestinal obstructions. While modern medicine classifies and treats these conditions based on anatomical and physiological disruptions, historical records indicate that traditional medical systems, like Unani Medicine, had already developed detailed theoretical frameworks to understand such pathologies. In Unani literature, these conditions are referred to as "Suddah," a term meaning "blockage" or "closure of a passage." Ancient Unani scholars, such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Razi, and others, addressed the concept of Suddah in considerable depth, linking it with deranged humoral balance, altered temperament (Mizaj), and disruptions in the normal flow of humors (Akhlat) and vital spirit (Ruh). Their observations underscore the systemic importance of maintaining unobstructed pathways for optimal health.

Objectives: This study aims to gather, interpret, and present a comprehensive overview of the concept of Suddah as documented in classical Unani texts. It seeks to unify scattered references and explanations from key Unani physicians and scholars into a coherent academic resource. Additionally, it provides a brief outline of traditional treatment strategies for such conditions based on Unani principles.

Results: The narrative review of classical texts revealed a nuanced and integrative understanding of the causes, types, and therapeutic approaches related to obstructive disorders under the term Suddah, reflecting both philosophical and clinical insight.

Conclusion: This study consolidates classical Unani views on obstruction, providing a foundational platform for further clinical exploration and integrative healthcare approaches involving traditional wisdom and modern practice.

Keywords: obstructive diseases, Suddah, Unani medicine, narrative review.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disorder of the articular cartilage, affecting 28.7% of the population in India. Proprioception and balance deficits are common in individuals with knee OA, which can lead to falls and further joint damage. Full Immersion Virtual Reality (FIVR) provides simulated real-world experience with auditory, visual, and proprioceptive feedback. Walking meditation (WM) includes gentle physical activity like slow walking in combination with mindfulness practice.

Primary study objective: To determine and compare the effectiveness of VR and WM in knee OA.

Methods/design: A randomized clinical trial was conducted using simple random sampling for enrolling individuals diagnosed with knee OA.

Setting: The source of data was a tertiary care hospital, Belagavi.

Participants: The study included participants diagnosed with knee OA. The study had no dropouts and no reported adverse events.

Intervention: Thirty-two (n = 32) participants were included and randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group A received VR with conventional physiotherapy intervention, and Group B received WM with conventional physiotherapy intervention. Both groups received intervention 3 times/week for 4 weeks.

Primary outcome measures: The measures assessed include knee proprioception angle at 300, 450, 600, balance using functional reach test (FRT), pain intensity (VAS), and functional abilities (WOMAC) on day 1 and day 28 of intervention.

Results: Within-group analysis demonstrated significant improvement in all the post-intervention measures (P = .0001). Between-group analysis of proprioception angle at 300 (P = .8318), 450 (P = .9761), 600 (P = .8393), FRT (P = .7885), VAS (P = .7609), and WOMAC (P = 1.0000) indicated no statistically significant difference between Group A and Group B.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that both VR and WM are effective in improving proprioception, balance, reducing pain intensity, and enhancing functional abilities in knee OA patients.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Knee joint, Pain, Visual analog scale.

Objective: To explore the effects of "Internet+" combined with continuous nursing care on pain intensity and quality of life in patients with herpetic neuralgia.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial involved 102 herpetic neuralgia patients treated from July 2019 to August 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group (routine nursing care, n=51) or a study group ("Internet+" continuous nursing care, n=51). The study group received internet+ nursing intervention that included symptom monitoring, medication management, and patient education. The researchers compared the two groups in terms of symptom resolution time, treatment duration, pain scores (VAS, NRS), self-efficacy (GSES), quality of life (QOL), and sleep quality (PSQI).

Results: The symptom resolution time (8.56 vs 6.18 days, P < .05) and treatment duration (12.74 vs 9.08 days, P < .05) were significantly shorter in the study group compared to the control group. The VAS (5.33 vs 3.98, P < .05) and NRS (6.18 vs 4.17, P < .05) pain scores were significantly lower in the study group at the end of the intervention. The GSES self-efficacy scores were significantly higher in the study group (29.19 vs 34.88, P < .05). The QOL scores were significantly improved in the study group at the end of the intervention (64.28 vs 78.41, P < .05). The PSQI sleep quality scores were significantly better in the study group (12.71vs 9.03, P < .05).

Conclusion: The "Internet+" combined with continuous nursing care intervention had a significant positive impact on pain intensity, quality of life, self-efficacy, and sleep quality in patients with herpetic neuralgia. This integrated approach utilizing digital health technology and personalized nursing care is a promising strategy to improve clinical outcomes for this patient population and should be further promoted in clinical practice.

Keywords: internet+, continuing care, herpetic neuralgia, pain, quality of life.

Background: Plants provide us with significant therapeutic ingredients that serve as raw materials for both traditional and modern medicine. One such medication is Tudri surkh (Erysimum cheiri L), which can be used either alone or in compound pharmacopeial formulations. Tudri surkh is a perennial plant of the family Brassicaceae, originally a native of Europe.

Objective: This review aims to explore the therapeutic uses and medicinal properties of Tudri surkh, based on research on phytochemicals and pharmacology as well as Unani medicine.

Methods: A thorough review of the literature was conducted using several search engines, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. To obtain as much information as possible about the Tudri surkh (Erysimum cheiri), other literary sources, such as Wikipedia, Unani literature, and ethnobotanical texts, were also examined.

Results: Tudri surkh (Erysimum cheiri) has significant potential as a medicinal plant in the traditional health care system, particularly in treating inflammatory, infectious, and non-communicable diseases. Tudri surkh contains bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, glucosides (e.g., Erysimoside, Cheiroside A), flavonoids (e.g., Quercetin), and phenols, which contribute to its pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and chemopreventive effects. Studies demonstrate the ability of Tudri surkh seed extracts to scavenge free radicals, inhibit skin tumorigenesis, and reduce inflammation comparably to conventional drugs like diclofenac. Traditional uses include Muqawwi-e-Bah (aphrodisiac), Mu'alid-i-Sha'r (hair grower), Musakkin wa Mulattif (febrifuge and demulcent), Mukhrij wa Munaffith-i-Balgham (expectorant), Muqawwi-i-Mi'da (stomachic), Musammin-i-Badan (adipogenous), externally Muhallil (resolvent), Muqawwi-i-Dimagh (brain tonic). However, despite its historic applications, modern pharmacopoeias lack comprehensive monographs on Tudri Surkh (Erysimum cheiri).

Conclusion: Tudri surkh (Erysimum cheiri) holds significant therapeutic value in Unani medicine for treating inflammatory conditions and as a source of natural antioxidants. However, further research is needed to validate its mechanisms and integrate traditional knowledge with scientific evidence.

Keywords: Erysimum, Medicinal plants, Narrative review, Phytochemicals, Unani medicine.

Objective: Anxiety is an unpleasant emotional and observable response to stressful situations and can adversely affect many systems, including the musculoskeletal system. The study aims to determine the immediate effect of the suboccipital release technique on the trapezius muscle pain threshold, muscle activation, and anxiety level in individuals with anxiety.

Methods: Thirty-six participants with symptoms of anxiety and depression were included in this single-blind, randomized sham-controlled study, with 18 assigned to the control group and 18 to the acute intervention group. Anxiety levels, bilateral upper trapezius muscle pain thresholds, and muscle activation were assessed. The experimental group received a single session of the suboccipital release technique, while the control group received a sham suboccipital release. Evaluations were conducted before and immediately after the intervention.

Results: The mean age of the experimental group was 21.66 ± 2.40 years, and the mean age of the control group was 22.00 ± 2.08 years. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline demographics or most scores before acute intervention (P > .05), except for cranial rhythmic impulse (P = .000) and surface electromyography right eccentric % maximum voluntary contraction (P = .043). There were also no significant between-group differences in score changes for any outcome measures (all P > .05), except for post-acute intervention cranial rhythmic impulse values (P = .003), favoring the experimental group. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in trapezius pain thresholds and surface electromyography right concentric % maximum voluntary contraction in both groups (P < .05).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that suboccipital release technique can increase the upper trapezius muscle pain threshold and concentric muscle activation after acute intervention in individuals with anxiety. This technique may be considered a potential approach to reduce the pain of individuals who have pain problems in the upper part of the trapezius muscle due to anxiety.

Keywords: Anxiety, Trapezius muscle, Muscle Activation, Pain, Surface Electromyography.

Background: Cancer patients turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage the adverse effects of chemotherapy and to maintain physical and mental well-being.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of cancer patients toward holistic CAM and the factors influencing these attitudes.

Design: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study.

Setting: The study was conducted at a university hospital in Turkey.

Participants: The study included 147 patients who visited the hematology clinic of a university hospital between July and October 2021.

Primary outcome measure: A patient information form and the Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire were used to collect data.

Results: Most patients were male (52.4%), married (72.1%), and had completed primary and secondary education (53.7%). Overall, 48.3% had been diagnosed less than one year previously as having cancer, and 89.8% received chemotherapy. More than half (60.5%) used CAM, and the most frequently used methods were animal products (15.6%) and herbal products (15%). The mean score for the questionnaire scale and the mean scores of the complementary and alternative medicine and holistic health subscales were 32.59 ± 5.50, 24.06 ± 4.87, and 8.53 ± 3.11, respectively. Statistically significant differences were identified between the total score of the scale and gender (P < .01), age (P < .05), and marital status (P < .05).

Conclusions: Cancer patients displayed a positive attitude toward holistic CAM. Female, single, and younger patients were more likely to use CAMs.

Keywords: alternative medicine, cancer, complementary medicine, nurses.