Complementary Medicine Research最新文献

{"title":"Embodied Inter-Hand Sensory Experiences (\"Prana\" Perception): A Randomized Controlled Trial of Affective, Environmental, and Physiological Correlates.","authors":"Vinu Vijayakumar, Mahesh A Padukudru, Srikanth N Jois, Sandhya T, Nagendra Prasad Krishnamurthy, Roopa Nanjunda Swamy","doi":"10.1159/cmr/acfag016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/cmr/acfag016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Contemplative traditions describe inter-hand sensations as \"prana,\" yet these remain underexplored experimentally. This study examined whether a structured embodied attention practice elicits higher reproducible inter-hand sensory experiences and investigated their associations with affective state, environmental context, and physiological parameters in healthy individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this participant-blinded randomized controlled trial, 107 healthy young adults (mean age 20.7 ± 1.3 years) were allocated to either an embodied attention intervention derived from pranic healing practices or a structurally matched sham condition across four standardized sessions. Intensity and spatial extent of perceived inter-hand sensations, mood introspection, nature connectedness, and physiological parameters were measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear mixed-effects models, correlation and regression analyses, and qualitative content analysis of participant-reported experiences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Intervention group reported significantly higher inter-hand sensory intensity across sessions (p ≤ 0.05) and greater spatial extent in three sessions (p ≤ 0.05). Sensory measures showed large treatment effects (ηp² = .145-.155) and good internal consistency (α = .74-.81). Both groups indicating increased calmness. A small but significant decrease in forehead temperature was observed post-intervention (p ≤ 0.001). Hierarchical regression showed positive affect (β = 0.37, p = 0.005) and nature connectedness (β = 0.26, p = 0.043) predicted perceived sensory intensity, explaining 21% variance. Qualitative findings revealed recurring sensations like attraction, pressure, and vibration, more frequent in the intervention group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Focused embodied attention practice in pranic healing consistently enhanced inter-hand sensory intensity and spatial extent, accompanied by mild forehead temperature reduction. Mood state and nature connectedness influenced these experiences, suggesting interactions among attentional, interoceptive, affective, and psychophysiological processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149215059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Letter to editor:Prediction of Treatment Response and Adverse Events in Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treated with Acupuncture Combined with Conventional Treatment.","authors":"Chennuo Cai, Hao Liu, Fengjun Song","doi":"10.1159/cmr/acfag015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/cmr/acfag015","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149206633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management of non-organic sleep disorders in homeopathic and conventional primary care: A non-interventional cohort study.","authors":"Marius Werber, Julia Burkart, Sieglinde Lauer, Patrick Kantelhardt, Kristina Hammerstiel, Andrea Zimmermann, Petra Klement, Johannes Jäger","doi":"10.1159/cmr/acfag012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/cmr/acfag012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Insomnia is one of the most common disorders which affects quality of life and work performance resulting in considerable economic consequences when inadequately treated. Patients frequently request homeopathic treatment in routine clinical practice based on positive experiences. This highlights the need for systematic data collection on treatment options for insomnia in primary care settings. Methods This open-label, two-arm, prospective, multicenter, non-interventional cohort study compared patients treated over 12 weeks with individualized, classical homeopathy by general practitioners with additional qualifications in homeopathy (HOM) to patients receiving treatment with chemically synthesized drugs by general practitioners working in conventional medicine (KON). Routine clinical data were collected and the questionnaires Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP), and Integrative Medicine Patient Satisfaction Scale (IMPSS) were applied to measure outcomes. Results 84 patients (54 HOM from 14 sites; 30 KON from 7 sites) were included in the analyses. Demographic characteristics were not statistically different between the two groups except for school education and highest educational qualification, which both were higher in the HOM group. At baseline, PSQI total score (TS) (HOM: 11.5, CI: 10.7 to 12.4; KON: 12.9, CI: 11.6 to 14.1) and MYMOP Profile Score (PS) (HOM: 3.7, CI: 3.6 to 3.9; KON: 3.7, CI: 3.4 to 4.1) indicated no significant intergroup differences in terms of severity. After 12 weeks, PSQI TS (HOM: -4.73, CI: -5.97 to -3.48; KON: -3.90, CI: -5.46 to -2.33) and MYMOP PS (HOM: -1.58, CI: -1.96 to -1.21; KON: -1.43, CI: -1.89 to -0.97) significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001, two-sided p-values of ANCOVA models). Intergroup comparison found no significant differences (HOM vs KON: PSQI TS: -0.83; CI: -2.90 to 1.24, MYMOP PS: -0.16; CI: -0.77 to 0.46). Both groups were satisfied with their treatment, with higher treatment satisfaction ratings for the HOM group (p < 0.010, two-sided p-value of the Cochran-Armitage-Trend test). Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurred less frequently in the HOM group (3/54 (5.6%) patients) than in the KON group (9/34 (26.5%) patients). There were no serious ADRs in both groups. Conclusion These real-world data show that the conventional and homeopathic medical approaches in primary care both led to an amelioration of insomnia symptoms of initially comparable severity after 12 weeks, with no differences between the treatments. Both treatment options were well tolerated. However, patients in the HOM group had fewer ADRs and were more satisfied with their treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149105273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stick-Point Massage Combined with Acupuncture for a Large Dorsocervical Fat Pad: A Case Report.","authors":"Yan Gong, Xiaoteng Feng, Yixuan Jiang, Hao Liu, Shengyao Liu, Jintao Liu, De Liang, Binwei Chen, Xiaobing Jiang, Zhaojun Cheng","doi":"10.1159/cmr/acfag011","DOIUrl":"10.1159/cmr/acfag011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dorsocervical fat pad is characterized by localized fat accumulation at the cervicothoracic junction and may be associated with neck stiffness, limited mobility, cosmetic concern, and altered cervical biomechanics. Evidence regarding conservative, nonpharmacological management for large dorsocervical fat pads remains limited. This case report describes the clinical course of a patient treated with a combined intervention of stick-point massage and acupuncture.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 51-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of recurrent neck and shoulder stiffness, pain, discomfort, and dizziness, with aggravation during the preceding 6 months. Physical examination showed a large posterior cervical fatty mass measuring approximately 10 cm × 12 cm. Imaging demonstrated cervical degenerative changes without clear nerve compression or spinal cord involvement. The patient received daily stick-point muscle manipulation massage followed by acupuncture for 1 month. Symptoms improved progressively, the visible dorsocervical mass decreased compared with baseline photographs, the visual analog scale score decreased from 7 to 3, and the Neck Disability Index score improved from 23 to 14.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this case, stick-point massage combined with acupuncture was associated with reduced symptoms and visible improvement of a large dorsocervical fat pad over 1 month. This nonpharmacological integrative intervention may provide a practical conservative option for selected patients, although controlled studies with objective imaging-based measurements and longer follow-up are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149001320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bridging 400 Years of Empirical and Scientific Evidence for Regulatory Assessments: A Systematic Appraisal of Arnica montana Using the Pragmatic Historical Assessment (PHA) Tool.","authors":"Sandra Clair, Reinhard Saller, Raymond Kirk, Ian D Coulter, Maja Dal Cero","doi":"10.1159/cmr/acfag008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/cmr/acfag008","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;This case study on Arnica montana applies the newly developed Pragmatic Historical Assessment (PHA) tool to systematically collate and evaluate nearly 400 years of pharmacological and pharmaceutical evidence. By sourcing data from qualified historical and contemporary bibliographic records, the study addresses a critical gap: the lack of a clear methodology for compiling and assessing evidence of traditional use, which currently hampers approvals for indications, plant parts, and posology of traditional herbal medicines within European regulatory frameworks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Data acquisition and triangulation involved four steps: (1) selecting representative sources from three key categories-historical and contemporary medical textbooks by senior clinicians, pharmacopoeial commentaries, and contemporary herbal monographs; (2) applying a coding framework to organise data into a structured matrix for longitudinal analysis of indications, plant parts, preparations, dosages and safety observations; (3) analysing the emergence, persistence, or disappearance of therapeutic uses across historical periods and evidence streams; and (4) triangulating these qualitative data with modern scientific evidence and clinical trials.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The convergence of the principal indications of Arnica montana across all bibliographic (qualitative) and scientific (quantitative) evidence streams over ∼400 years indicates that the German-language professional materia medica constitutes a reliable and verifiable record of medicinal plant use. The intergenerational consistency and historical continuity relate to injury recovery (i.e., in modern terms, sprains and strains, torn muscles and ligaments, bruises, oedema, and haematoma), injury-related pain management, and dermatological applications, supporting the validity of longstanding empirical medical knowledge. While similar continuity was observed for internal use of Arnica with low-dose preparations in trauma care, cardiovascular stimulation, infections, and inflammatory conditions, this was disrupted by the 1984 German Commission E decision to restrict all internal use. Most contemporary clinical trials focused on topical applications (e.g., bruises, arthritis, and musculoskeletal injuries and pain) and generally reported positive outcomes, especially when aligned with traditional use parameters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;The Arnica case study demonstrates that the PHA tool reliably identifies consistent therapeutic indications, plant parts, posology and safety profiles from the professional materia medica. Triangulation with current regulatory literature and scientific studies confirms the verifiability of long-standing empirical medical knowledge, providing a practical framework for evidence-based assessment of traditional herbal uses. By systematically integrating the professional materia medica as an additional evidence source, the PHA","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148982237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phyto adaptogens in stress management and health optimization: Current understanding and future perspectives.","authors":"Chandini Rao Y, Meena Kumari K, Ramya Kateel, Amberkar Mohanbabu Vittalrao","doi":"10.1159/cmr/acfag007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/cmr/acfag007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adaptogens are primarily plant-derived bioactive compounds that enhance the body's resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stressors, thereby showing promise in managing stress-related disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and ageing, among others. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and clinical relevance of adaptogens, particularly in neurological and inflammatory disorders, and identifies limitations and future research directions.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This narrative review included peer-reviewed literature from PubMed and Scopus using keywords such as \"adaptogens,\" \"stress response,\" \"HPA axis,\" \"neuroprotection,\" and names of specific adaptogens. Both in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as human clinical trials, were considered. Studies indicate that adaptogens modulate multiple molecular pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, Nuclear Factor - kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase 9 (MAPK), and antioxidant defence systems, exerting neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, endocrine-regulating, antifatigue, and mood-enhancing effects. Prominent adaptogens include Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, and Eleutherococcus senticosus. Though pre-clinical findings are promising, clinical trials are often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and heterogeneity in herbal preparations.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>Adaptogens demonstrate significant potential in stress management and as adjunctive therapy for chronic diseases. However, further large-scale, standardized clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy, elucidate mechanisms, and support integration into mainstream medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148929103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Entwicklung einer Definition \"Äusserer Anwendungen\" - Integrative Review und Delphi-Studie.","authors":"Sara Kerstin Kohler, Ada-Katrin Busch, André Fringer, Marc Roger Schlaeppi, Monika Layer","doi":"10.1159/cmr/acfag004","DOIUrl":"10.1159/cmr/acfag004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>External applications historically are a part of healthcare and nursing. They encompass therapeutic interventions based on naturopathy that act on the skin and nervous system through direct or indirect touch.</p><p><strong>Problem statement: </strong>Despite having been in use for many years, there is still no standard definition.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To address this gap, a definition was developed as part of an integrative literature review and agreed upon using the Policy Delphi method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The resulting definition comprises three key sections: 1) the characteristics of external applications, 2) their mechanisms of action, and 3) the various types of application. The findings show that external applications are complex interventions that influence physiological, psychological and social aspects of human beings and can be used in a targeted manner in professional nursing and healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The definition developed provides a basis for further research, integration into nursing practice, and for training and quality assurance measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148896531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Datura metel in Homoeopathy: Novel therapeutic insights from an open-label multicentre clinical verification study.","authors":"Panaparambil Azis Suhana, Meenu Gupta, Jain Vij Shruti, Charu Sehgal, Kaushal Kumar Savera, Prasanta Kumar Pradhan, Amit Srivastava, Punam Kumari, Vibha Kumari, Kumar Keshav Avinash, Ratan Chandra Shil, Sunil S Ramteke, Divya Verma, Uttam Singh, Partha Sarathi Chakraborty, Binit Dwivedi, Beenu Saini, Ann Maria Rose, Dibyajyoti Mohapatra, Renu Verma, Meera Sharma, Subhash Kaushik","doi":"10.1159/000553112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000553112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Clinical Verification in Homoeopathy is a systematic scientific procedure that confirms the therapeutic utility of homoeopathic medicines. Despite its referencing in homoeopathic literature, Datura metel remains fragmentarily verified and rarely prescribed. To address this gap, the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) conducted clinical verification of the medicine to assess its clinical utility and expand its therapeutic potential.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multicentric open-label single-arm study was carried out across the outpatient departments of the 14 health facilities of CCRH situated in various regions of India. 341 participants with atleast three symptoms corresponding to the proven symptomatology of Datura metel were enrolled and prescribed the medicine. Response to treatment was assessed using validated outcome measures, namely, Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP-2) and Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL) scores. Additionally, the emergence of clinical symptoms after medicine administration was documented.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A statistically significant improvement was observed in the scores of MYMOP-2 and ORIDL scale (p < 0.0001****) of 211 participants who completed atleast two follow-ups. The therapeutic action of this medicine was clinically verified across a range of common clinical conditions, including rhinitis, arthralgia, dyspepsia, dysmenorrhoea, dermatitis, headache, and sinusitis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study is the first systematic effort to investigate the therapeutic attributes of the homoeopathic medicine Datura metel and contributed to developing preliminary evidence on its clinical profile. Future research with more rigorous, in-depth and controlled methodologies will contribute to build up the therapeutic profile of this medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148891133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Herbal Remedies for Burn: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Dina Arwina Dalimunthe, Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, Ramona Dumasari Lubis, Andre Marolop Pangihutan Siahaan, Satya Wydya Yenny, Nelva Karmila Jusuf, Muhammad Rusda, Zulham Yamamoto","doi":"10.1159/cmr/acfag002","DOIUrl":"10.1159/cmr/acfag002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Burns are a prevalent form of injury that can be found throughout the world. The most common causes of burns are fire and flame, scalding, contact with objects, electrical, and chemical. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the efficacy of herbal medicine in the treatment of burn wounds.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This systematic review adhered to the principle set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for performing the literature search. An amount of 1,282 publications were found via searches of six literature databases. The PRISMA process was then applied to systematically review the literature, with 50 articles excluded due to duplicates. The titles and abstracts of the remaining studies were assessed for relevance, and 1,216 were found to not meet the inclusion criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After further review of the relevant literature for eligibility, a total of 16 papers were chosen for inclusion in this study. This review highlights that Aloe vera is the most commonly used plant for burn wounds, offering numerous benefits such as reducing inflammation, aiding proliferation, and supporting remodeling.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review highlights the potential of herbal therapies in burn wound healing, with herbs promoting re-epithelialization, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. Their bioactive compounds offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and regenerative benefits. Further research is needed to clarify their mechanisms and standardize clinical use, with the integration of herbal treatments potentially enhancing burn care and improving patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148789216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Patients.","authors":"Miao Xu, Tong Zhi, Shirong Wei, Sitong Zhou, Chaobo Ni, Qihong Shen, Ming Yao, Huadong Ni","doi":"10.1159/cmr/acfag001","DOIUrl":"10.1159/cmr/acfag001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a prevalent and burdensome complication in elderly surgical patients, yet effective preventive interventions remain insufficiently established. The potential synergistic effect of combining electroacupuncture (EA) with dexmedetomidine (Dex) on POCD has not been well characterized.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial, 120 elderly patients were randomly assigned to three groups: the EA group, the Dex (D) group, and the combination (ED) group. All participants underwent elective hip or knee arthroplasty.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 120 randomized participants (mean [SD] age, 72.9 ± 5.9 years), 113 completed the study. The incidence of POCD was significantly lower in the EA+Dex group (10%) compared with the EA group (30%) and the Dex group (32.5%) (p < 0.05). Additionally, postoperative serum levels of S-100β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the combination group compared with the monotherapy groups (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that the ED group appears superior to the EA group in reducing the incidence of POCD at 1 month after hip or knee arthroplasty in elderly patients, without implying the generalizable efficacy of this combined therapy. The observed reduction in serum biomarkers indicates a potential role of the combination therapy in modulating neuroinflammation. It should be noted that the study design was based on ethical considerations and preliminary evidence supporting the potential efficacy of both EA and Dex interventions. Further multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate the precise mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":10541,"journal":{"name":"Complementary Medicine Research","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148760000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}