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- A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Interventions
Adopting Body-Mind-Spirit (BMS) Model on Holistic Well-Being
Authors: Tongtong Li, Xinyue Hu, Iris Chi
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
BackgroundThis systematic review aims to examine existing randomized controlled trials on interventions adopting Body-Mind-Spirit (BMS) model and evaluated the effectiveness of holistic well-being outcomes. Following three key concepts of the BMS model, our review questions included (1) How was BMS defined' (2) What activities were included, and how were they related to BMS dimensions' (3) What were interventionists’ backgrounds, and whether they received BMS training' (4) What were holistic outcomes' and (5) What were the effectiveness and qualities of studies'MethodsSearches were performed using nine databases for the studies published through August 2020. The process follows PRISMA protocol, and the “risk of bias” tool from the Cochrane Handbook was utilized to determine the quality of included studies.ResultsAcross 20 included studies, 18 (90%) presented a BMS definition, but only seven (35%) included all three key concepts of the BMS model. Eight studies (40%) offered detailed descriptions of body, mind, and spirit sections, and 12 (60%) mentioned cultural factors. Only five (25%) specified the body, mind, and spirit activities, and only three (15%) reported the BMS training in detail. Seven studies (35%) showed effectiveness in holistic outcomes. Only three (15%) were considered as high quality.ConclusionA unified definition of the BMS model and the guideline to apply the BMS model to design and implement interventions are highly recommended to provide a standard framework for researchers to conduct future studies. The reason for low quality is because the lack of adequate allocation concealment and blindings.
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-06-02T05:24:59Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X221103303
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- Mechanisms of Action of a Herbal Formula Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang for the
Management of Post-Stroke Related Numbness and Weakness: A Computational
Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Sanghyun Lee, Andrew Hung, Hong Li, Angela Wei Hong Yang
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
Stroke-related numbness and weakness (SRNW) are resultant symptoms of post-stroke sufferers. Existing research has supported the use of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang (HGWT) particularly for SRNW; however, their mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of HGWT components targeting SRNW-related proteins through a computational molecular docking approach. Target proteins associated with SRNW were identified through DrugBank database and Open Targets database. Chemical compounds from each herb of HGWT were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Autodock Vina was utilized and the cut-off criterion applied for protein-ligand complexes was a binding affinity score of ≤ -9.5 kcal/mol; selected protein-ligand complexes were identified using 3D and 2D structural analyses. The protein targets PDE5A and ESR1 have highlighted interactions with compounds (BS040, DZ006, DZ058, DZ118, and HQ066) which are the key molecules in the management of SRNW. PDE5A have bioactivity with the amino acid residues (Val230, Asn252, Gln133 and Thr166) throughout PDE5A-cGMP-PKG pathways which involved reduction in myofilament responsiveness. ESR1 were predicted to be critical active with site residue (Leu346, Glu419 and Leu387) and its proteoglycans pathway involving CD44v3/CD44 that activates rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and ankyrin increasing vascular smooth muscle. In conclusion, HGWT may provide therapeutic benefits through strong interactions between herbal compounds and target proteins of PDE5A and ESR1. Further experimental studies are needed to unequivocally support this result which can be valuable to increase the quality of life of post-stroke patients. Keywords Herbal medicine, Complementary and alternative medicine, Natural product, Post-stroke, Computational analysis
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-04-04T08:31:33Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X221082989
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- Promoting Plant-Based Therapies for Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Muhammad Ali Khan, Andrew J Kassianos, Wendy E Hoy, AHM Khurshid Alam,
Helen G Healy, Glenda C Gobe
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is debilitating, increasing in incidence worldwide, and a financial and social burden on health systems. Kidney failure, the final stage of CKD, is life-threatening if untreated with kidney replacement therapies. Current therapies using commercially-available drugs, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and calcium channel blockers, generally only delay the progression of CKD. This review article focuses on effective alternative therapies to improve the prevention and treatment of CKD, using plants or plant extracts. Three mechanistic processes that are well-documented in CKD pathogenesis are inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Many plants and their extracts are already known to ameliorate kidney dysfunction through antioxidant action, with subsequent benefits on inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments using plant-based therapies for pre-clinical research demonstrate some robust therapeutic benefits. In the CKD clinic, combination treatments of plant extracts with conventional therapies that are seen as relatively successful currently may confer additive or synergistic renoprotective effects. Therefore, the aim of recent research is to identify, rigorously test pre-clinically and clinically, and avoid any toxic outcomes to obtain optimal therapeutic benefit from medicinal plants. This review may prove to be a filtering tool to researchers into complementary and alternative medicines to find out the current trends of using plant-based therapies for the treatment of kidney diseases, including CKD.
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-03-04T12:53:47Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X221079688
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, and Cytotoxic Effects of The Phytexponent: A
Polyherbal Formulation
Authors: Halvince O. Odira, Simon O. Mitema, Isaac M. Mapenay, Gervason A. Moriasi
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
The Phytexponent is used to treat pain and inflammation in complementary and alternative medicine practices; however, empirical data supporting its pharmacological efficacy and safety is scanty, hence the present study. We used the carrageenan-induced paw oedema and the acetic acid-induced writhing techniques to determine the anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacies, respectively, of the Phytexponent in Swiss albino mice models. The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay technique was used to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic effects of the Phytexponent in the Vero E6 cell line. The Phytexponent exerted significant (P
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-03-01T05:28:11Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X221082986
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- Effects of Slow Deep Breathing on Acute Clinical Pain in Adults: A
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Amira E. Joseph, Rajat N. Moman, Ross A. Barman, Donald J. Kleppel, Nathan D. Eberhart, Danielle J. Gerberi, M. Hassan Murad, W. Michael Hooten
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
Slow deep breathing (SDB) may help patients with acute pain. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the effects of SDB on acute pain. Secondary aims include investigating the effects of SDB on acute pain-related physical and emotional functioning. An a priori protocol was registered and a database search was conducted by a reference librarian. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) were eligible for inclusion and exclusion criteria included studies of SDB for non-pain indications and studies that applied SDB as a component of an encompassing intervention. The risk or bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects model. A total of 11 968 studies were screened and seven RCTs met inclusion criteria; five were judged to have low risk of bias. Meta-analysis of post-intervention pain scores demonstrated that SDB was associated with significantly lower pain scores compared with a control group, but with high levels of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyzes demonstrated that trials of burn pain were associated with a larger reduction in pain which partially explains the heterogeneity. Very low certainty evidence suggests that SDB may reduce acute pain intensity. Further research is needed to identify patients who are candidates for SDB and determine the best approach to deliver this therapy.
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-02-28T03:53:11Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X221078006
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- Low-dose Oral Thimerosal for the Treatment of Oral Herpes: Clinical Trial
Results and Improved Outcome After Post-hoc Analysis
Authors: Stephen W. Mamber, Thomas Hatch, Craig S. Miller, John V. Murray, Cynthia Strout, John McMichael
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
BackgroundThimerosal (TML) is an organomercury antimicrobial. Low doses (1/250th of the amount in a typical vaccine dose) may promote an antiviral immune response. Low-dose TML (BTL-TML) was evaluated for safety and efficacy against herpes labialis in two FDA-approved, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials.MethodsBTL-TML was evaluated in a Phase IIa trial for its ability to block progression to lesion in subjects with recurrent oral herpes caused by dental trauma. Subjects were administered BTL-TML or a saline control over a 7-day period. In a Phase IIb trial, BTL-TML was evaluated for its ability to block progression to lesion over a 7-day period in subjects with herpes lip infections induced by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.ResultsProgression to lesion post-dental procedure was prevented in 54.5% (12/22) TML subjects versus 22.2% (2/9) control subjects (p = 0.106). Progression to lesion post-UV irradiation was blocked in 47.8% (11/23) BTL-TML treatment subjects and 42.8% (6/14) control subjects. A post-hoc analysis yielded 52.2% (12/23) BTL-TML subjects with no progression to lesion versus 28.6% (6/21) control subjects with no progression (p = 0.099). There were no significant differences in adverse effects between treatment and control groups in either trial.ConclusionsNeither clinical trial showed a statistically significant effect of BTL-TML on progression to lesion. However, the post-hoc analysis suggested there is a 48-hour period following UV radiation exposure during which the anti-herpes activity of antivirals such as BTL-TML is reduced. Accordingly, BTL-TML may have promise in subsequent, properly designed and powered clinical trials.
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-02-10T03:45:20Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X221078004
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- Anti-plasmodial, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Selected Ghanaian
Medicinal Plants
Authors: Regina Appiah-Opong, Kojo Agyemang, Eunice Dotse, Philip Atchoglo, Kofi Baffour-Awuah Owusu, Abigail Aning, Maxwell Sakyiamah, Richard Adegle, Frederick Ayertey, Alfred Ampomah Appiah, Alexander K. Nyarko
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
Malaria affects about half of the world's population. The sub-Saharan African region is the most affected. Plant natural products have been a major source of antimalarial drugs; the first (quinine) and present (artemisinin) antimalarials are of natural product origin. Some secondary metabolites demonstrate adjuvant antioxidant effects and selective activity. The focus of this study was to investigate the anti-plasmodial activity, cytotoxicities and antioxidant properties of eight (8) Ghanaian medicinal plants. The anti-plasmodial activity was determined using the SYBR green assay and the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT) was employed to assess cytotoxicity of extracts to human RBCs and HL-60 cells. Antioxidant potential of plant extracts was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu and superoxide dismutase assays. Phytochemical contstituents of the plant extracts were also assessed. All the extracts demonstrated anti-plasmodial activities at concentrations 50% antioxidant effect (SOD). The extracts were not cytotoxicity towards RBCs at the concentration tested (200 μg/ml) but were weakly cytotoxic to HL-60 cell. Selectivity indices of most of the extracts were greater than 10. Our results suggest that most of the plant extracts have strong anti-plasmodial activity and antioxidant activity which warrants further investigations.
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-01-17T01:18:43Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X211073709
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- Role of Silymarin in Cancer Treatment: Facts, Hypotheses, and Questions
Authors: Tomas Koltai, Larry Fliegel
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
The flavonoid silymarin extracted from the seeds of Sylibum marianum is a mixture of 6 flavolignan isomers. The 3 more important isomers are silybin (or silibinin), silydianin, and silychristin. Silybin is functionally the most active of these compounds. This group of flavonoids has been extensively studied and they have been used as hepato-protective substances for the mushroom Amanita phalloides intoxication and mainly chronic liver diseases such as alcoholic cirrhosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver. Hepatitis C progression is not, or slightly, modified by silymarin. Recently, it has also been proposed for SARS COVID-19 infection therapy. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of these substances in cancer are subjects of ongoing research. Paradoxically, many of its identified actions such as antioxidant, promoter of ribosomal synthesis, and mitochondrial membrane stabilization, may seem protumoral at first sight, however, silymarin compounds have clear anticancer effects. Some of them are: decreasing migration through multiple targeting, decreasing hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression, inducing apoptosis in some malignant cells, and inhibiting promitotic signaling among others. Interestingly, the antitumoral activity of silymarin compounds is limited to malignant cells while the nonmalignant cells seem not to be affected. Furthermore, there is a long history of silymarin use in human diseases without toxicity after prolonged administration. The ample distribution and easy accessibility to milk thistle—the source of silymarin compounds, its over the counter availability, the fact that it is a weed, some controversial issues regarding bioavailability, and being a nutraceutical rather than a drug, has somehow led medical professionals to view its anticancer effects with skepticism. This is a fundamental reason why it never achieved bedside status in cancer treatment. However, in spite of all the antitumoral effects, silymarin actually has dual effects and in some cases such as pancreatic cancer it can promote stemness. This review deals with recent investigations to elucidate the molecular actions of this flavonoid in cancer, and to consider the possibility of repurposing it. Particular attention is dedicated to silymarin's dual role in cancer and to some controversies of its real effectiveness.
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-01-12T11:58:44Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X211068826
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- A Comparison of Effectiveness of Thai Traditional Massage and Tamsulosin
in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ongart Sinsomboon, Patranuch Noppakulsatit, Adis Tassanarong, Parunkul Tungsukruthai, Kusuma Sriyakul
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
The prospective clinical, non-inferiority study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Thai traditional massage on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) compared with Tamsulosin in Thai men. It was conducted on men aged 50 to 75 years old with LUTS (N = 45). Participants were blocked four randomly assigned into 2 groups. The control group (n = 25) was received 0.4 mg Tamsulosin daily and the study group (n = 20) was given Thai traditional massage for 4 weeks. The efficacy evaluation was performed by the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), a Thai version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHO-QoL Brief), Uroflowmetry, and Post-void residual urine (PVR) at baseline and end of study. The background characteristics of participants were not significantly different between groups. Both interventions relieved LUTS in the total IPSS and the quality of life score associated with urination were decreased, described as symptoms and quality of life due to urination improvement after 4 weeks of intervention. Interestingly, the Thai traditional massage has significant improvement in total IPSS and voiding score (p < .05). Additionally, the time to peak flow rate, peak flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qave) and voided volume of both interventions were improved with no statistical significance. PVR was decreased in both interventions. The WHO-QoL brief score was improved the total score. There was no significant difference in terms of uroflowmetry, PVR, and WHO-QoL brief scores compared between groups. The result suggests that Thai traditional massage has the potential to be an alternative treatment for LUTS.
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-01-10T01:17:39Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X211068825
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- Vishaghn Dhoop, Nano-Scale Particles with Detoxifying Medicinal Fume,
Exhibits Robust Anti-Microbial Activities: Implications of Disinfection
Potentials of a Traditional Ayurvedic Air Sterilization Technique
Authors: Acharya Balkrishna, Swami Yagyadev, Swami Vipradev, Kanchan Singh, Yash Varshney, Shubhangi Rastogi, Swati Haldar, Anurag Varshney
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
The rapidly increasing global burden of healthcare associated infections (HAI) is resulting in proportionate increase in chemical disinfection in healthcare settings, adding an extra burden of environmental toxicity. Therefore, alternative disinfection techniques with less or no adverse side-effects need to be explored. In this regard, ayurvedic ‘dhoopan’ technique involving slow combustion of medicinal herbs, minerals and animal products hold great promise. In this study, dhoopan of a traditionally defined ayurvedic medicinal mix, ‘Vishaghn Dhoop’ (VD) has been assessed for its anti-microbial potentials against both Gram-positive and negative pathogenic bacteria, Mycobacterium and pathogenic fungus, Candida albicans. Fume generated from slow combustion of VD was subjected to physico-chemical characterization and was assessed for anti-microbial effects. VD fume contained particles of 354 ± 84 nm size, laden with anti-microbial metabolites. On agar plates, VD fumigation reduced bacterial growth by 13 - 38%. Liquid culture aeration with VD fume inhibited bacterial growth by 50 - 85%, and fungal growth by 80%. In real life settings (in vivo), un-sanitized rooms fumigated with VD fumes for 30 min reduced the environmental microbial loads by 10 folds. In addition, the safety of VD fumigation was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity assay on human lung epithelial (A549) cells. Cells exposed to media-collected VD fumes for 24 h exhibited normal cyto-safety profile. Collectively, these observations provide scientific evidence in support of a traditional technique of disinfection, which can be fine-tuned to have implications in clinical, healthcare and food industry where, disinfection is a prime requirement.
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-01-05T02:41:30Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X211068832
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
- COVID-19: General Strategies for Herbal Therapies
Authors: Samaneh Soleymani, Ayeh Naghizadeh, Mehrdad Karimi, Azadeh Zarei, Raefeh Mardi, Gholamreza Kordafshari, Niusha Esmaealzadeh, Arman Zargaran
Abstract: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Volume 27, Issue , January-December 2022.
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started in early 2020 with the outbreak of a highly pathogenic human coronavirus. The world is facing a challenge and there is a pressing need for efficient drugs. Plants and natural compounds are a proven rich resource for new drug discovery. Considering the potential of natural products to manage the pandemic, this article was designed to provide an inclusive map of the stages and pathogenetic mechanisms for effective natural products on COVID-19. New drug discovery for the COVID-19 pandemic can encompass both prevention and disease management strategies. Preventive mechanisms that may be considered include boosting the immune response and hand hygiene in the preexposure phase; and blocking of virus binding and entry in the postexposure phase. Potential therapeutic target mechanisms include virus-directed therapies and host-directed therapies. Several medicinal plants and natural products, such as Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and propolis for prevention; Tanacetum parthenium (L.) for treatment; and Ammoides verticillata (Desf.) Briq and Nigella sativa L. for both prevention and treatment have been found effective and are good targets for future research. The examples of phytochemical compounds that may be effective include aloin and terpenes as anti-septics; isothymol, dithymoquinone, and glycyrrhizin as inhibitors of virus binding and entry; glycyrrhizin, and berberine as replication suppressants; ginsenoside Rg1 and parthenolide as immunomodulators; and eriocitrin, rhoifolin, hesperidin, naringin, rutin, and veronicastroside as anti-complements. Recognizing different mechanisms of fighting against this virus can lead to a more systematic approach in finding natural products and medicinal plants for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
Citation: Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine
PubDate: 2022-01-05T02:41:10Z
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X211053641
Issue No: Vol. 27 (2022)
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