 Subjects -> ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (Total: 106 journals)
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- Sanomechanics: A new approach to rehabilitative exercise.
Abstract: Once the rehabilitative team selects an exercise technique for a particular patient with a musculoskeletal condition, an issue of safe and effective application appears. The very first steps in learning the techniques have to be communicated clearly by the physical therapist. This review will take the yoga technique as an example of intervention for rehabilitation. We will incorporate the new system called Sanomechanics with traditional yoga instruction for two reasons: first, to make entering an asana (yoga pose) easier to understand, and second, to enable patients to gain maximum benefit from the asana. The sanomechanics system explains why and how our physical sensations encourage and discourage body movements in exercise. We will demonstrate that the sanomechanical approach can be applied specifically but not limited to the practice of yoga.
PubDate: 04/09/2017 10:29:02 pm
- The contribution of solubilizers to Mikania laevigata extract’s
pharmacological effects: A traditional bronchodilator plant.
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PubDate: 04/09/2017 10:29:02 pm
- Music interventions during end-of-life care.
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PubDate: 07/29/2014 03:13:53 am
- Clashing paradigms: low fibre or high fibre diets for non-infectious gut
inflammation?
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PubDate: 07/29/2014 03:13:53 am
- Alternative medicine and psychoneuroimmunology.
Abstract: The article has been forwarded to the production team. The processing may take few weeks. Then the proof will be forwarded to the corresponding author. The final PDF and HTML files will be uploaded when the corrections to the proof are returned by the corresponding author.
PubDate: 07/29/2014 03:13:53 am
- Fish oil and its effects on inflammation in HIV-infected persons: A
preliminary review.
Abstract: Purpose: The purposes of this review are to: a) provide an overview of fish oil and HIV-related inflammation, and b) examine the available evidence on the effects of fish oil to modulate parameters of inflammation in HIV-infected individuals. Methods: Combinations of search terms related to HIV infection, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, inflammation, and immunomodulation were used to search four electronic databases. Included studies: were primary research, were published in English in the past decade (2003-2013), sampled adult populations (> 18 years), included samples that were HIV-infected on antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens with undetectable viral loads, tested fish oil interventions, and reported inflammatory outcomes. The search initially yielded twenty-three citations; two clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Results: Both trials tested similar fish oil supplements in doses of either 2 grams or 4 grams/day with an average study duration of 18 weeks and an average sample size of 43. In the study that tested a dose of 2 grams/day, soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor I (sTNFR-I) decreased significantly; in the study that tested a dose of 4 grams/day, there were significant increases in leukotriene B5 (LTB5) and leukotriene B5/leukotriene B4 (LTB5/LTB4) ratio. Neither study reported changes in high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Conclusions: This preliminary evidence, although suggestive of effects for favorably modulating parameters of inflammation, is not sufficient to make fish oil recommendations for HIV-infected persons. Pending additional studies, clinicians should be guided by appropriate professional and governmental recommendations, and researchers should continue to examine this area more fully using well-designed studies, larger sample sizes and older populations, appropriate fish oil supplements and dosages, and a comprehensive array of inflammatory endpoints.
PubDate: 06/15/2014 01:08:57 pm
- Useful plants for animal therapy.
Abstract: Introduction The interest in medicinal plants has increased significantly in recent years not only to cure humans but also to cure animals. There are several medicinal plants to treat different illnesses. In this review, we have discussed some of the effects that medicinal plants may have on different animals. Conclusion The use of non-conventional medicines could be considered in veterinary practise.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Evidence for Japanese oriental (Kampo) medicines: how to utilise the
evidence of Kampo medicine in daily practice.
Abstract: The evidence concerning Japanese Oriental (Kampo) Medicine has been accumulated in two decades. In this regards, a lot of physician use the Kampo formula in the field of primary healthcare in Japan. However, Kampo medicine have the other paradigm which differ from Western Medicine, as so characteristics and specificity of Kampo medicine must be comprehended when you utilize the Kampo medicine based on clinical evidence of Kampo medicine. This article provides a review of the recent clinical trials concerning Kampo medicine and the discussion in “how to utilize the evidence of Kampo Medicine”.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Taxus Wallichiana Zucc. (Himalayan Yew): insights on its antimicrobial and
pharmacological activities.
Abstract: Introduction Taxus wallichiana Zucc. (Himalayan Yew) has a remarkable history of medicinal uses in contrast to the other yews. In this critical review, we focused our discussion on the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-convulsant, anti-pyretic and anti-cancer activity of T. wallichiana. Conclusion The isolated lignans from T. wallichiana display many biological activities that include high activity as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-convulsant, anti-pyretic and anti-cancer agents. Further studies are recommended to identify the mode of action of these lignans, allowing us to understand its possible role in human physiology.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Extraction of biologically active compounds by hydrodistillation of
Boswellia species gum resins for anti-cancer therapy.
Abstract: Essential oils produced by distillation processes from herbs and plants are traditionally limited to aromatherapy due to the abundance of low molecular weight, highly volatile, aromatic compounds. Essential oils are considered to be an alternative treatment by providing supportive cares to cancer patients. Similar to the process using chemical solvents, essential oils produced from distillation procedures contain high molecular weight and biologically active compounds from plant materials. We have demonstrated that frankincense essential oils prepared by hydrodistillation of Boswellia species gum resins contain complex chemical constituents and possess anti-cancer activity. Frankincense essential oil activates arrays of genes and pathways that suppress growth and induce apoptosis of established human cancer cell lines from different tissue origins. Frankincense essential oil-induced anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities in tumor cells may result from high molecular weight compound(s) other than boswellic acids. Harvesting methods, storage conditions, and geographic locations can alter chemotypes of the natural product; and good agriculture practices (GAPs) need to be implemented. In addition, standardization of distillation procedures and identification of signature compound(s) will be required for quality assurance purpose. Results from preliminary clinical observations suggest that frankincense essential oil may be a viable therapeutic agent for treating a variety of cancers.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Bacopa monniera extract plays a significant role in lipofuscin scavenging
in cultured human vascular endothelial cells.
Abstract: The model of our study is endothelial cell culture approach and is to investigate antioxidant effect of BME on lipofuscin granules scavenging in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We investigated the generation of lipofuscin granules in HUVECs exposed to H2O2 (100µM)1h . Lipofuscin granule scavenging was studied by BME (100µg) 2, 4 and 6h of exposures.To understand the protective role of BME towards post oxidative stressed HUVEC experiment was set with: PreBME (100µg) 2h + Post H2O2 (100µM) 1h.To find out whether pre oxidative stressed exposed HUVECs can be protected with post BME exposures and lipofuscin generation granules can be scavenged by post BME treatment we provided the following exposures PreH2O2 (100µM)1h + Post BME (100µg) 2h.Presence of lipofuscin granule formation was confirmed by Ziehl-Neelson staining method & microscopic examination 5. Exposures of H2O2 100µM showed abundant generation & formation of lipofuscin granules.BME exposures 2, 4 and 6h (100µg) showed complete absence of lipofuscin granules. PreBME (100µg) 2h+Post-H2O2 (100µM) 1h exposure resulted in extremely reduced lipofuscin granules. H2O2 1h exposure and Pre H2O2 (100µM) 1 h + Post BME (100µg) 2h resulted in moderate appearance of lipofuscin granules. The investigation shows that BME is an antioxidant which plays a pivotal role towards lipofuscin scavenging in stressed and normal HUVECs .H2O2 100µM treatment is responsible for oxidative impair and brings about extreme generation or formation of lipofuscin granules. BME exposures 2, 4 and 6h (100µg) bring about scavenging of lipofuscin granules at different time interval . Pre-BME (100µg) 2h exposure brings about reduced lipofuscin formation after post H2O2 (100µM) 1h exposure and there is no further rise in lipofuscin.Pre-H2O2 (100µM) 1h + Post BME (100µg) 2h exposures concludes that moderate appearance of lipofuscin granules is seen.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Aromatherapy: Overview, safety and quality issues.
Abstract: Aromatherapy is a popular complementary and alternative therapy that uses essential oils (EO) as the main therapeutic agent. EOs are complex phytochemicals with a range of actions and clinical applications. They have a long history of traditional use and growing evidence base. This paper discusses the definition of aromatherapy, outlines the main aromatherapy practice models, and the safety and quality issues associated with using EOs in health care.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Integrating transcriptional profiling with network-based methodologies for
revealing molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine.
Abstract: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which originated in ancient China and has been developed for thousands of years, is widely used in China and the west nowadays as a part of complementary and alternative medicine. In order to advance the modernization of TCM, more evidence of the efficacy and pharmacological mechanisms at molecular level is still necessary for better understanding of TCM. The microarray technology can provide deep insights into the mechanisms of action at transcriptional level and is successfully applied to drug discovery and development. Based on gene expression data, a number of genes/targets, for which the expression levels significantly changed between the biological states before and after treatment by TCM in vivo or in vitro, can be identified by various statistical algorithms and used to interpret complex therapeutic effects of TCM. Moreover, the network-based approaches have recently been proposed to systematically investigate the molecular mechanisms of TCM from a systematic point of view. This paper reviewed the TCM researches based on the microarray data as well as the network-based system biology. The discussions on the perspective of integrating the microarray technology with the network-based approaches were also given in this review.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Neuroscientific basis and effectiveness of music and music therapy in
neuromotor rehabilitation.
Abstract: The human brain is exquisitely sensitive to musical stimuli. This review aims to include such concepts and to resume studies regarding the use of music and music therapy in neuromotor rehabilitation. We analysed the main literature about neuroscientific bases of the therapy with musicand controlled or randomized trials present in PUBMED, PsychINFO and in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using key words like “music”, “music therapy”, “motor rehabilitation”, “neurorehabilitation”, “Parkinson’s disease”, “stroke”, “brain injury”, “multiple sclerosis”, “amyotrophic lateral sclerosis”, “ataxia”. We considered the trials specifically referring to neuromotor rehabilitation treatments. Our analysis indicates significant effects of music and music therapy techniques on neuromotor rehabilitation in particular in the rehabilitation of stroke and Parkinson’s disease. It is emerged a need for a greater definition of the contents of music interventions and for a more scientific and methodological rigor in the conduction of studies.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Potential of grape polyphenols as breast cancer therapeutics.
Abstract: Introduction Grape and red wine polyphenols have long been purported to have multiple health benefits. Although convincing clinical data is still lacking, recent experimental studies have demonstrated the utility of grape polyphenols as anticancer compounds. This review discusses the potential of the major polyphenols from grape and red wine, resveratrol, quercetin and catechin, as alternative therapeutics for breast cancer. Discussion Accumulated data from in vitro studies with breast cancer cell lines and in vivo studies with rodent models demonstrate a pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, anti-invasive, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic role for grape polyphenols in breast cancer. At the molecular level, the anticancer effects of grape polyphenols have been attributed to the inhibition of a number of cancer-promoting pathways that include estrogen receptor (ER), growth factor receptor, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinosite 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and nuclear factor kB (NfkB) signaling sequelae. Studies from our group have shown that an equimolar formulation of the major grape polyphenols resveratrol, quercetin, and catechin can reduce breast cancer cell and tumor growth, and metastasis. Moreover, these grape polyphenols have potential as chemosensitizers of anti-growth factor receptor therapy, via inhibition of the PI3-K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Conclusion Appropriate pre-clinical and clinical studies to determine the efficacy, correct dosage, and combination of grape polyphenols are warranted prior to establishment of guidelines for treatment of breast cancer patients, those at high-risk, and survivors.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Medical hypnosis for pain and psychological distress during burn wound
debridement: A critical review.
Abstract: Introduction: Burn injuries are often considered to be one of the most physically and psychologically damaging experiences an individual may endure. Because of this more treatment options for managing pain and distress during burn wound debridement are needed. When used in combination with traditional treatment, medical hypnosis may offer healthcare professionals an option for meeting the needs of burn wound patients. This article offers a critical review of the literature currently available on the efficacy of medical hypnosis for managing pain and distress during wound debridement and offers suggestions for an improved methodology for future trials. Methods: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, HealthSource: Nursing Edition, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using the keywords ‘hypnosis’, ‘burn wounds’, ‘pain’, and ‘debridement’. Additional articles were selected from the bibliographies of representative literature. All experimental and quasiexperimental studies investigating the efficacy of hypnosis for managing pain and psychological distress during wound debridement were included in our results. Results: Six studies involving a total of 217 participants met our inclusion criteria. The results of these studies suggest that hypnosis may be more effective than structured attention for reducing patients’ pain and anxiety levels during wound debridement. However, results are inconclusive due to oversights in study design and additional studies that correct on these design flaws are needed. Conclusions: The existing evidence suggests that medical hypnosis may effective in managing pain and distress for burn victims who have difficulty coping during wound debridement. Further investigation is warranted.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Flavonoids as complementary medicine for allergic diseases: current
evidence and future prospects.
Abstract: Various allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis and food allergy have become more prevalent worldwide during recent decades. Dietary change has been proposed to be one of the environmental factors responsible for this increase and worsening of allergic symptoms. Should this be so, complementary medicine or a preventive strategy for allergic diseases may be found in dietary management. In fact, complementary and alternative medicine in the form of natural products has been traditionally used worldwide, but no specific natural products or nutrients for any allergic diseases have been recommended yet. Flavonoids are low-molecular-weight polyphenolic secondary plant metabolites included in the daily diet. In addition, they are natural products with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties as well as immune-modulating effects used as complementary and alternative medicine. Findings from numerous studies, both in vitro and in vivo, using allergic animal models have indicated the potential benefits of an appropriate intake of flavonoids as complementary medicine and a dietary strategy for the prevention of allergic diseases. At present, however, the evidence from epidemiologic and intervention studies of flavonoids is limited, so that further investigations are essential for achieving the goal of the use of flavonoids for prevention and effective treatment of allergic diseases.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Putting theory into preliminary practice: Neuroinflammatory models of
postpartum depression.
Abstract: Understanding of underlying risk, predisposing factors, and effective treatments with high safety profile for breastfeeding mothers with postpartum depression continues to evolve. As investigation into neuroinflammatory models of depression becomes more the focus of mainstream medicine, research into pathological patterns of immune adaptation in late pregnancy and postpartum has begun to emerge in the literature. Alternatives to medication are highly sought after by this patient population, and natural agents such as probiotics, melatonin and tryptophan, omega 3 fatty acids, folate, curcumin and behavioral interventions such as dietary modification, exercise, mindfulness meditation, and cranial electrical stimulation present appealing considerations. Inflammatory lifestyle factors, appropriate diagnostics, and environmental modification are addressed.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- The contribution of traditional, complementary and alternative medical
systems to the development of person-centred medicine—the example of
the charity association for person-centred medicine
Abstract: Traditional, Complementary and Alternative medical systems (TCAM) are essential to the development and implementation of Person Centred Medicine (PCM), which aims to place the person as a physical, psychological and spiritual entity at the centre of the therapeutic process. Through the development of PCM patients and caregivers become empowered to become protagonists of the therapeutic process. Diagnosis and treatment are individualised taking all aspects of the person into account. Salutogenetic practices strengthen resilience and encourage people to take better care of their own health. A therapeutic relationship based on empathy and trust becomes the foundation for this. The Association Charity for person centred medicine is an example of how the paradigm of PCM can be developed and promoted at cultural and practical levels with the cognitive and practical tools of TCAM systems.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Management of basal cell carcinoma of the skin using frankincense
(Boswellia sacra) essential oil: A case report.
Abstract: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. Incidence of BCC is rising rapidly worldwide associated with a significant increase in health care costs. Various treatment options are available for patients diagnosed with BCC ranging from surgery, electrodesiccation, radiation, photodynamic therapy, to noninvasive therapeutic approaches.Traditionally being used for aromatherapy based on the abundance of highly volatile, aromatic compounds, frankincense essential oil prepared by hydrodistillation of Boswellia sacra gum resins also possesses anti-cancer activity that can potentially provide nonsurgical and noninvasive treatment option for BCC by topical application. We are reporting here a male case with two foci (arm and chest) of BCC treated with local and topical application of frankincense essential oil several times a day for a period of 20 weeks. Biopsies were performed before and after frankincense essential oil treatment. Pathological study demonstrated total resolution of the BCC on the arm and substantial resolution in the BCC of the chest after treatment. Significant increase in apoptotic cells were noted in the residual carcinoma in the chest. Topical application of frankincense essential oil did not cause redness, swelling, erosion, crusts, vesicles, squamae, itching, tingling, or any other local or systemic side effects in this patient.Local application of frankincense essential oilmay provide a non-surgical treatment alternative with no or minimal side effects for carcinoma in situ, minimally invasive carcinoma, and precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis. A study with larger number of patients with both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma is required to confirm our current findings.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Clinician-reported outcomes in traditional Chinese medicine: A critical
review.
Abstract: Introduction Clinician-Reported Outcomes (CROs)are commonly used as an element of the evaluation of treatment. For Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a skilled clinician must learn how to discern patterns, form a corresponding prescription, and assess each patient throughout the treatment process. Because of the fundamentally important role of the clinician in monitoring of patient health status, this paper reviews CROs used in traditional Chinese medicine and provides recommendations for improving their quality in the future. Results Compared with that of western medicine, CROs in TCM are mainly the signs and symptoms induced by some therapies, which is the reflection of pathological changes. Although the content of CROs in part overlaps with patient-reported outcomes (PROs)in TCM, they are distinct. Both CROs and PROs are subjective medical entities, the PRO research experiences in western medicine maybe used to guide evaluation methods for CROs in TCM. Discussion CROs in TCMembody the spirit of patterndifferentiation and individual treatments, which is an important part of curative effect evaluation. However, how to assess CROs in TCM is still an exploration. More attention should be given to the development of a conceptual framework of CROs in TCM for its further investigation. Conclusion CROs in TCM lay particular emphasis on the changing signs and symptoms of pathogenesis from the clinician’s viewpoint. CROs in TCM provided complimentary information to PROs. Futher development of the conceptual framework to support measurement clarity is under way.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Herbal medicine and cancer prevention: Myth or not'
Abstract: Cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Many studies have been held in order to prevent and treat it. No absolute preventative and curable agent can be found up to date. Complementary and alternative medicine modalities are commonly used for cancer prevention and care. A very well-known type of these modalities is herbal medicine. Many of the drugs in cancer care were originated from natural products. As a healthy diet, rich in vegetables and fruits, is one of the protective factors for cancer; plants and derivatives are the focus of many studies. Green tea, lycopene, selenium are some of them. In this review, the association between cancer prevention and herbal medicine will be discussed.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Cranberries and their potential application against foodborne pathogens.
Abstract: There continues to be interest in developing antimicrobial strategies to limit pathogens including foodborne pathogens that are based on botanical products. Among these, berries have examined both in the form of extracts as well as juices for potential inhibitory properties against pathogens that are of public concern. Several candidates such as blueberries and cranberries appear to have potential along these lines. Of these, cranberry proanthocyanidins have been associated with specific anti-adhesion properties against uropathogenic E. coli. However, impact on pathogen growth is less clear. Although in vitro studies demonstrate growth inhibition against most of the primary foodborne gastrointestinal pathogens, it remains unclear whether these can be expressed in vivo under gastrointestinal environmental conditions. Despite the complexity of the gastrointestinal ecosystem recent developments in comprehensive genomic and metabolic methods should help delineate specific factors attributable to cranberry components.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- The anti-cancer activity of Kalanchoe tubiflora.
Abstract: Introduction Uncontrolled cell proliferation is a common feature of human cancer. Most of the current drugs used in therapeutics strategies are classified as anti-proliferative drugs via apoptosis pathway. Mitotic catastrophe (MC) is one of the distinct crucial non-apoptotic mechanisms, often triggered in cancer cells and tissues in response to anti-cancer drugs. Up to date, little herbal extract or plant-derived medicine had been shown as an important source of effective anticancer agents through MC. This review will explore major highlights on the roleof mitotic catastrophetriggered byKalanchoe tubiflora(KT)and opens avenues forexpanding research work by comparing the resultsobtained so far. Conclusion In the past five years, we had continuously done our best to investigate the anticancer effect of K. tubiflora, including the action mechanism, in vitro and in vivo tests. In our preliminary studies, some exciting results were shown that K. tubiflorais a promising anti-cancer agent candidate, andhas sufficient potential to warrant further investigation. The extract of KT inhibits cell proliferation and reduces cell viability through two mechanisms. First, it disrupts centrosome integrity and inducing multipolarity; second, it perturbs chromosome alignment at metaphase. Both mechanisms specifically targets mitotic cells, leading to cell death.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Static magnet therapy for pain relief: A critical review.
Abstract: Introduction: Interest in magnet therapy has its roots several millennia ago. Despite the lack of evidence for benefit we, patients and physicians alike, seem to want them to work. There are numerous historical accounts that have called into question the benefit of static magnetic therapy. Recently, scientific rigor has been applied to answer whether magnet therapy should become proven medicine that works or remain unproven medicine that may or may not work. This review is focused on the critical appraisal of the literature regarding static magnets in the treatment of pain and discomfort. Methods: PubMed, EBSCOhost, Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database and SCOPUS database were searched with the key words “static magnetic”, “magnet” and “pain”. English language studies including randomized trials, case series, case reports, observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. All human disease categories were considered, but studies were excluded if the evaluation of pain or discomfort was not a primary or secondary outcome. Studies not involving static or permanent magnets were excluded. Results: Thirty-seven original research studies and 10 review articles were included for discussion. Discussion: Systematic reviews of the topic have reached differing conclusions by analyzing similar studies. The most comprehensive review and meta-analysis found no evidence to support the benefit of magnets. Subsequent research studies have, also, failed to demonstrate a benefit. Conclusion: There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of static magnetic therapy for pain when compared to placebo.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- The combination of biopuncture and acupuncture in secondary facial nerve
palsy.
Abstract: Introduction. Secondary peripheral facial nerve paralysis is a rather common neurological condition. Despite a high spontaneous recovery rate, patients will very likely develop moderate or severe complications if no major improvement were made during the first 3 weeks after onset of the symptoms. Case Description.In the present study a successful treatment of a 42-year-old woman is described which suffered from severe facial dysfunction and was referred to an acupuncture practice 5 months after the onset of facial palsy. Considerable improvements were achieved after 10 sessions of biopuncture combined with acupuncture and massage. Conclusion. Biopuncture was used to increase the intensity of acupuncture on points which were stimulated on the affected side of the face.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Applying evidence-based-medicine when prescribing herbal products.
Abstract: This review paper is written for practitioners wishing to apply the evidence-based medicine model when selecting herbal products for use in their clinical practice. The paucity of well conducted clinical trials is only one of many challenges facing practitioners. The natural variability of herbs, coupled with a lack of standardisation for naming and processing herbs, has resulted in wide variations between herbal products containing the same plant, including batch to batch variations. Three steps are recommended to this end: select quality products; evaluate the evidence; and apply the best available evidence in clinical practice. High quality herbal products with product-specific evidence are recommended in preference to other unproven products. Traditional knowledge about the use of herbs should be given greater weighting compare to poor quality studies, especially if they are investigating a novel use for a herbal product.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- The analgesic effect of several edible mushrooms.
Abstract: Edible mushrooms have been consumed as part of the diet in some countries for thousands of years, which are a valuable source of bioactive compounds and nutrients. They are quite high in protein, carbohydrate, fiber and low in fat content with low trans isomers of unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, there are also many components such as triterpenes, phenolic compounds, chitosan, eritadenine, sterols (such as ergosterol), triterpenes, etc., which are considered as momentous responsible agents for some hitherto healthy properties. Recently, edible mushrooms have become increasingly attractive as functional foods and medicines to treat diseases including cancer, diabetes, inflammation and ache due to these active components. Pain is an unpleasant sensation, which is a typical response to an untoward event associated with tissue damage ,such as injury and inflammation. The aims of this present review are to report positive analgesic effect of several edible mushrooms consumption on pain and its relevant active constituents.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Examining the evidence for medical Qigong exercise in the context of
clinician recommendations and health system implementation: A critical
review.
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this critical review is to summarize the current evidence for clinicians of both Traditional Chinese and Western medicines in order to facilitate informed recommendations and decision making about qigong. Methods:“Qigong” was queried on PubMed with appropriate filters. Eleven systematic reviews were chosen to demonstrate the best evidence for qigong. Results:Five clinically relevant conclusions were made based on current evidence for qigong. 1: Qigong seems to be at least equivalent to exercise in multiple randomized controlled trials for diabetes, hypertension, depression and pulmonary function. 2: Qigong is a good joint-healthy option for patients who have difficulty exercising or who are at risk for exercise related injury; it should especially be considered in the elderly population. 3: Since qigong appears to be more effective than walking or conventional exercise for depression and is additive to usual treatment, it is a good choice of exercise modality for patients with a comorbidity of depression. 4: Qigong appears to be a good option for patients not wishing to add a second antihypertensive medication or who want to obtain tighter control of their blood pressure. 5: The evidence for qigong is good but not firm. Given that the adverse events from qigong is exceedingly minimal and given the relatively low cost, the threshold for clinical recommendations should be lower than the threshold for more risky therapies. Conclusion:There is good evidence supporting the health benefits of qigong for many conditions, but it may never be firm evidence. Qigong also has benefits beyond regular exercise and can be a valuable tool when formulating treatment plans for patients with multiple comorbidities. Clinicians need to make the decision about qigong recommendations based on the available data and weigh that with risks and costs.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Clinical trials of homoeopathy in osteoarthritis: A systematic review.
Abstract: Objective:Homoeopathy seems scientifically implausible and is the most controversial forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies. This review aims to summarize the treatment effects of homoeopathy in osteoarthritis (OA). Methods:Relevant studies from 1980 to 2013 were identified by a comprehensive literature search in electronic databases, reference list of relevant papers, and contacts with experts. Clinical trials comparing homoeopathic treatment strategy with controls (placebo or conventional therapies) were eligible. Information on patients, interventions and comparators, outcomes, study designs, and results was extracted in a standardized manner and quality was assessed using Jadad scoring and Cochrane bias minimization criteria. Trials providing sufficient data were summarized and tabulated systematically. Results:A total of eight controlled clinical trials involving 1,444 patients were included in the analysis. None of the studies used individualized homoeopathy; rather tried ‘complex homoeopathy’ and ‘combination formulae’. Methodological quality of the trials was variable. Conclusion:Overall results of our review show that homoeopathic complexes have a clear advantage in the treatment of OA. However, the evidence is not convincing to arrive at a definite conclusion because of methodological inconsistencies and insufficient trial reporting. Further replications are warranted provided the trials are rigorous, systematic and above all, individualized.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Laughter techniques for therapeutic use in medicine.
Abstract: Laughter has positive, quantifiable physiological and psychological effects on certain aspects of health. In the clinical setting, laughter interventions can be used with preventive intent (life-style medicine) or as a complementary or alternative therapeutic option to other established therapeutic strategies. Although the medical community has been reluctant to embrace and support laughter for health, laughter interventions are increasingly being implemented as a routine clinical practicein its therapeutic portfolio.However the therapist will have to know, understand and manage the various techniques available to experience positive emotions (including hilarity-humor) and types of therapeutic laughter (spontaneous, simulated and stimulated). A therapeutic laughter intervention usually consists of a minimum of three stages: a) opening and warm-up; b) experiencing laughter; and c) recovery, evaluation, and closure. Breathing; facial and body gymnastics; laughter placing, intonation, and releasing techniques are used in the beginning of each laughter intervention, both as a mental/physical warm-up and desinhibition practice. Within the experiencing stage, spontaneous laughter is mainly derived from any kind of playing, clowning, dancing, movement, humor, and emotional contagion techniques; simulated laughter is mostly elicited through specific exercises and gymnastics (i.e. laughter yoga); and stimulated laughter is primarily generated by physical contact and sense stimulation (tickle, massages, hugs, other techniques). To end a laughter session, floor laughter exercises, grounding techniques, feed-back and evaluation are usually employed. Unlike other therapies which are more time-consuming, committed or expensive, laughter techniques can be easily implemented and cost-effective in traditional clinical settings for health and patient care.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Music therapy in the treatment of primary headache disorders.
Abstract: Primary headache disorders are common in the general population. Besides pharmacological treatment, psychological based interventions are recommended for patients with migraine and tension type headache. To date, four studies evaluated the use of music therapy in the treatment of patients with primary headache disorders. Based on these studies, music therapy is effective in reducing pain frequency in patients with headaches. While unspecific effects of expectancy, therapeutic relation and setting seem to account for the majority of therapeutic outcome, evidence for specific effects relating to the techniques applied is rare.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Spirituality/religiosity and cardiovascular system.
Abstract: Introduction: Spirituality/religiosity (S/R) was associated to well-being.In this article we described the association between S/R and cardiovascular system. Methods: Were performed searches using Medline, SciELO, Lilacs and Cochrane databases using the crossing between the keywords: "spirituality", "cardiovascular system", "parasympathetic nervous system", and "sympathetic nervous system". Discussion: Among 10 studies selected, eight of them indicated that S/R is very important for the cardiovascular system, while only two found no significant association between the two variables in women. Conclusion:We suggest that S/R is an alternative and non-pharmacological therapy for cardiovascular disorders.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Acupuncture and anxiety 2013: The year in (literature) review.
Abstract: A Pubmed search yielded 20 studies involving acupuncture and anxiety published in 2013. This paper reviews these studies. A variety of methods and populations were explored. A number of methodological flaws compromised the validity of much of the research. The paper gives suggestions for improving the quality of research done in this area in the future.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Photons detected by magnetic resonance are efficious in homeopathy: A
critical review.
Abstract: Introduction Homeopathy a complementary healing method curing body and mind was founded by Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). Hahnemann produced highly potentized remedies of minerals, plants, venoms, animals and succussed them 10 times after every dilution step. Due to the Avogadro constant, it had been clarified, that there are no molecules in the highly diluted solutions left. Using only some drops, patients had been cured according to Hahnemanns Law of Similars: Similia Similibus curentur; the patient‘s symptoms are similar to contamination symptoms of a distinct substance which is then used in high dilution in order to cure the patient’s symptoms.The actual reason of the patient’s healing could not be found out. Was it because of the patient’s belief or because of an energy' Many trials had been done, although nobody knew the conditions to start an experiment, that was reproducible. After the detection of photons in homeopathic remedies by Lenger a new thinking of homeopathic fundamental laws and research experiments is discussed in this critical review. Finally, a biochemical and biophysical model of homeopathic function is debated. Conclusion The credibility of homeopathy including the production of homeopathic remedies, the reproducibility of provings, clinical trials and research experiments will give homeopathy a chance to obtain a scientific base and appreciation in natural sciences.This is a prosperity for ill people being cured without any side effects and esoteric ideas.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
- Machine learning methods for improving acupuncture data consistency: A
review.
Abstract: In recent years, with the great advantages and dramatic development of machine learning methods, many representative algorithms have been successively proposed for therapeutic effectiveness evaluation of acupuncture. However, these evaluation methods are mainly based on a set of subjective questionnaires in different aspects related to patient’s feelings. The inconsistency or confliction between different questionnaires associated with the same patient naturally arises. On one hand, the inconsistency would have negative effect on diagnosis. On the other hand, it would also make the machine learning methods ineffective for therapeutic effectiveness evaluation of acupuncture. Recently some work has been proposed to reduce the inconsistency between various questionnaires on the therapeutic effectiveness evaluation of acupuncture for neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis. In this article we review some important work in this field and present some ideas for its future trend.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 09:43:33 am
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