European Journal of Integrative Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward acupuncture among dry eye disease patients: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Ruya Sheng ,&nbsp;Zhuo Sun ,&nbsp;Shanshan Sun ,&nbsp;Qing Sun ,&nbsp;Guofu Zhou ,&nbsp;Guangxia Ni","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Acupuncture therapy plays an important role in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED); however, the perspectives of DED patients regarding acupuncture remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to acupuncture therapy among DED patients in Changzhou, China, and to analyze the factors influencing these dimensions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted among DED patients at Changzhou Third People's Hospital from November to December 2024. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, DED characteristics, and KAP-related data. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify influencing factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 245 valid questionnaires were collected. The KAP-based questionnaire demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s <em>a</em> = 0.893) and validity (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.773). According to the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the severity distribution of DED among respondents was as follows: mild in 7 patients (2.9 %), moderate in 19 (7.8 %), and severe in 219 (89.4 %). The total scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 8.70±3.62, 6.43±2.07, and 13.85±4.01, respectively. Practice scores were significantly associated with OSDI-symptom scores (<em>β</em>=0.337,<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), OSDI-impact on life scores (<em>β</em>=0.244, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), knowledge scores (<em>β</em>=0.130, <em>p</em> = 0.023), and attitude scores (<em>β</em>=0.772, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Healthcare professionals should strengthen health education for DED patients to improve their knowledge and acceptance of acupuncture therapy. It is also essential to consider the specific impact of DED on patients’ daily lives and to provide personalized treatment recommendations accordingly.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102527"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763618","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 and safety of East Asian herbal medicine for treating depression in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Sang-Ho Kim ,&nbsp;Ga-Young Jung","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Traditional East Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) has been used for centuries to treat depression. This review aimed to analyze the effectiveness and safety of EAHM in older adults with depression.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eleven electronic databases were searched on May 30, 2024, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of EAHM for depression in older adults. The Cochrane risk of bias tool assessed the studies’ quality. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of EAHM for depression in older adults through a meta-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty RCTs (1681 participants) were included. Pooled results suggested that the efficacy of EAHM alone was similar to antidepressants alone in terms of the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) scores (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.72 to 0.52; <em>P</em> = 0.29). The combination of EAHM with either antidepressants alone or antidepressants plus antihypertensive drugs yielded a statistically significant improvement in HAMD scores (SMD = -2.50, 95% CI: -3.37 to -1.63, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and total effective rate (TER) (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11–1.30; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). The risk of adverse events was lower with EAHM alone compared to antidepressants alone, while combination therapy showed a similar risk. The overall risk of bias was high, and the evidence level ranged from very low to moderate.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study indicates that EAHM, as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy to antidepressants, may benefit depression in older adults. However, the meta-analysis results may be overestimated due to the limited number of studies, their low methodological quality, and clinical heterogeneity. Therefore, the evidence remains inconclusive, and further studies are warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102528"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144724715","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":"Comparative efficacy of health Qigong and yoga on fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression and quality of life in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis","authors":"Zhengjia Li,&nbsp;Jun Zhao,&nbsp;Xincheng Duan,&nbsp;Keyu Han,&nbsp;Xiaomin Chang,&nbsp;Xi Chen,&nbsp;Wenxiao Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Both health Qigong, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, and yoga have demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression while enhancing the quality of life in patients with breast cancer. However, it remains unclear which specific form of health Qigong or yoga is the most effective. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of various forms of health Qigong and yoga on fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression and quality of life in patients with breast cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ten databases were searched to identify relevant studies from inception to May 21, 2025. A distribution Bayesian network meta-analysis with non-informative prior was conducted using R 4.4.0 software. Studies that met the eligibility criteria were assessed for risk of bias and certainty of evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The network meta-analysis included 34 eligible studies with 2344 participants with breast cancer across five exercise modalities. For improving cancer-related fatigue, Tai Chi demonstrated the highest surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) value at 0.76; for sleep quality improvement, Baduanjin scored the highest at 0.97; Liu- Zi Jue ranked highest at 0.90 for alleviating depression; and Tai Chi also led with a SUCRA value of 0.67 for enhancing quality of life.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study suggested that Tai Chi is the most effective for improving cancer-related fatigue and quality of life, while Baduanjin is optimal for enhancing sleep quality. Liu Zi Jue is best suited for alleviating depression, highlighting Tai Chi as a comprehensive exercise option.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102526"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144724178","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":"The effect of melatonin mouthwash on prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis, a randomized double blinded placebo controlled clinical trial","authors":"Aida Abdi ,&nbsp;Zaynab Sadeghi Ghadi ,&nbsp;Maryam Daei ,&nbsp;Elliyeh Ghadrdan","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102523","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102523","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Chemotherapy can induce a range of unpleasant adverse effects, with oral mucositis being one of the most common. This condition significantly impacts patients' quality of life and can disrupt their adherence to treatment protocols. Oral mucositis serves as an important limiting factor in chemotherapy, often necessitating dose reductions or treatment delays, which in turn can compromise the overall effectiveness of the therapy. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of melatonin mouthwash on the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Following the preparation of melatonin and placebo mouthwashes, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on patients with solid tumor malignancies who had no oral lesions and were treated with chemotherapy regimens. The patients began using the mouthwash on the first day of their corresponding chemotherapy course, continuing for six weeks with a frequency of three times daily, 4mL per application. At the end of each week, the patients were evaluated for the severity and duration of mucositis, as well as the associated pain. Quality of life was assessed at the study's start and weekly thereafter.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seventy patients were randomized into melatonin (<em>n</em> = 35) and placebo (<em>n</em> = 35) groups. The melatonin group had a lower incidence of mucositis (11.43 % versus 34.28 %), with a relative risk of 0.74 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.56 to 0.96). The severity of mucositis showed statistically significant differences between the melatonin and placebo groups at the end of the fifth week (<em>P</em> = 0.003) and the sixth week (<em>P</em> = 0.002). Additionally, the intensity of pain caused by mucositis demonstrated statistically significant differences at the end of the third week (<em>P</em> = 0.021), the fifth week (<em>P</em> = 0.001), and the sixth week (<em>P</em> = 0.001). There was also a significant difference in the overall duration of mucositis between the melatonin and placebo groups (mean difference -8.83, 95 %CI: -14.54 to -3.12). The mouthwash was well tolerated in both groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this study suggest that melatonin mouthwash is effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced mucositis. A six-week regimen of melatonin mouthwash significantly reduces the severity and duration of mucositis, as well as the associated pain intensity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102523"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144596780","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":"Mushrooms, gut microbiota and cancer: A scoping review of preclinical studies and emerging human data","authors":"Kirsten Chick,&nbsp;Lisa Dowling,&nbsp;Karen Charlesworth","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102525","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102525","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The use of mushrooms is popular within integrative oncology, and in exploring their anti-cancer mechanisms, attention has turned to the role of mushroom-driven changes to gut microbiota. The aim of this paper is to map and synthesise the evidence that examines the impact of mushrooms on cancer-related immunological processes due to their potential interaction with the gut microbiota.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PubMed, the Cochrane Library and the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database were searched using the primary search terms “Cancer”, “Microbiota” and “Mushrooms”. Relevant data were tabulated, and studies were critically appraised and qualitatively analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>140 studies were screened and 23 identified (20 murine, one <em>in vitro</em>, one <em>in silico</em>, and one human cross-sectional). The most frequent mushroom and cancer studied were <em>Ganoderma lucidum</em> and colorectal cancer, respectively. Twenty-two studies reported statistically significant gut microbiota changes, eight of which found changes to diversity, two identified changes to the <em>Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes</em> (F/B) ratio, four found restored cancer-related pathways in gene pathway enrichment analysis, and six found increased short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbiota. One study identified anti-cancer pathways via computer modelling of mushrooms and human gut microbiota. 85% of murine studies found evidence of tumour reduction, and 12 studies found changes to cytokines.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In mice, mushrooms resulted in favourable changes to tumour measurements, SCFA activity and gut microbiota gene pathway enrichment. Inconsistent changes were reported in other outcomes, and the complexity of the gut microbiome and immunity makes these findings difficult to interpret. Results from murine studies are difficult to extrapolate to humans, and human studies are lacking. Further human studies are therefore recommended, and <em>in silico</em> research may prove valuable as technologies progress. The findings of this review are insufficient to inform any kind of treatment protocol, and further research is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102525"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144722546","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, safety, and pharmacological mechanism of Suxiao Jiuxin Pill in acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and network pharmacology analysis","authors":"Xinyue Hu ,&nbsp;Yaoyuan Liu ,&nbsp;Opoku Bonsu Francis ,&nbsp;Jingwen Guo ,&nbsp;Huiwen Feng ,&nbsp;Ruiqiao Li ,&nbsp;Ling Leng ,&nbsp;Wentai Pang ,&nbsp;Qilong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102524","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Suxiao Jiuxin Pill (SJP), a patented Chinese medicine, is used to treat various cardiovascular diseases, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Nonetheless, substantial evidence validating the efficacy and safety of SJP, as well as elucidating its underlying mechanisms in ACS treatment, is lacking. In this study, a systematic review and network pharmacology approach were employed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining SJP with conventional treatment (CT) for ACS and to explore the potential mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search of eight electronic databases was conducted to retrieve relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the efficacy and safety of SJP combined with CT for treating ACS. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs version 2.0 was used to assess the risk of bias. The fixed-effects model or the random-effects model was determined based on the significance of the statistical heterogeneity and clinical heterogeneity. Risk ratios and mean differences were calculated for binary variables and continuous variables, respectively, based on a 95 % confidence interval. Finally, network pharmacology analysis was used to explore the underlying mechanisms of action of SJP in ACS treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 39 RCTs involving 4265 patients were included. The intervention group showed significant improvements, including a lower incidence of myocardial infarction, left heart failure, and sudden death, compared to the control group. The intervention group also demonstrated enhanced clinical efficacy, improved electrocardiogram results, fewer angina attacks, and shorter duration of angina. No significant differences in the incidence of adverse events were found between the intervention and control groups. Network pharmacology identified ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and scopoletin as the active ingredients responsible for the observed therapeutic effects of SJP. Additionally, potential therapeutic targets such as GSK3B, PRKCA, and EGFR, as well as other pathways related to the HIF-1, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways, were identified as potential mechanisms regulated by SJP.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study indicates that a combination therapy of SJP and CT may provide benefits for patients with ACS by reducing cardiovascular events, improving myocardial ischemia, and alleviating cardiac symptoms with favorable safety. These findings also suggest that the effects of SJP on ACS involve a multi-target, multi-component, and multi-pathway mechanism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102524"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144580178","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":"Effects of Tai Chi and resistance exercise on fatigue in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized clinical trial","authors":"Yu Zhou ,&nbsp;Tengteng Ding ,&nbsp;Ranran Qiao ,&nbsp;Ping Zhang ,&nbsp;Hui Li ,&nbsp;Qiong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Fatigue is common and burdensome in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), yet pharmacological treatments offer limited relief. Exercise is gaining attention as a non-pharmacological strategy, and resistance training is increasingly recommended. However, Tai Chi—a traditional Chinese exercise—has not yet been evaluated in this population. This study compared the effects of Tai Chi and resistance training on multiple outcomes in patients with UC.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This single-center, evaluator-blind, three-arm randomized clinical trial block-randomized 75 patients with UC to 12 weeks of Tai Chi or resistance training and a control group involving standard treatment and care with general exercise advice. Eligible participants had fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory score ≥ 40) and were in remission or had mild-to-moderate disease activity (Modified Mayo score ≤ 10). The primary outcome was fatigue, secondary outcomes included handgrip strength (HGS), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life, all strongly associated with fatigue.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The three groups showed significant differences in total fatigue and in general, physical, and mental fatigue subdimensions. Compared with the control group, fatigue improved in both the Tai Chi group (mean difference:8.90 [95 % confidence interval [CI], -15.11 to -2.69]) and the resistance training group (mean difference:7.00 [95 % CI, -13.16 to -0.84]), with no significant differences between them. However, between the two interventions, Tai Chi showed numerically greater improvements in anxiety, depression, and emotional function, while resistance training led to greater improvements in HGS (mean difference: 7.50 [95 % CI, 2.37 to 12.63]) and SMI (mean difference: 0.54 [95 % CI, 0.01 to 1.08]). No adverse events occurred, except for one case of mild abdominal discomfort in the resistance training group, which resolved with rest.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Both Tai Chi and resistance training effectively reduced fatigue and improved related outcomes in UC patients. Tai Chi may be more beneficial for psychological symptoms, while resistance training showed greater improvements in physical strength. Given their complementary advantages and safety, both may serve as valuable non-pharmacological options in UC management. Future studies should explore their integration into long-term, multimodal treatment strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Registration</h3><div>ChiCTR2300071289.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>None.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102519"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144663599","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":"Renal protective effects of Tongxinluo capsule for hypertensive nephropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Xuan Song ,&nbsp;Xinkang Li ,&nbsp;Luda Feng ,&nbsp;Xinyi Shi ,&nbsp;Rufan Xu ,&nbsp;Ning Liang ,&nbsp;Boyang Li ,&nbsp;Boya Zhang ,&nbsp;Jianguo Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Hypertensive nephropathy (HN) remains the second leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Tongxinluo capsule is commonly used in the treatment of HN under the condition that there is no specific therapy. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Tongxinluo capsule for HN.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We systematically searched Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journals Database of VIP INFORMATION, Wanfang Data, and SinoMed from their inception to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of Tongxinluo capsule versus placebo or no specific therapy based on usual care among patients with hypertensive nephropathy were included. Study selection and data extraction were independently conducted by two reviewers. The primary outcome was 24-hour urine protein, and secondary outcomes include the level of urinary β2-microglobulin, creatinine clearance rate, serum creatinine, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. In terms of safety, the incidence of adverse events was the main indicator. A fixed-effects model or random-effects model was used when applicable. A 2-tailed p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eight RCTs (742 participants) were included in our study. The quantitative synthesis showed that Tongxinluo capsule could significantly reduce 24-hour proteinuria (MD, -0.11; 95 % CI, -0.20 to -0.02) and urinary β2-microglobulin (MD, -244.26; 95 % CI, -463.50 to -25.01), and slightly increase creatinine clearance rate (MD, 2.28; 95 % CI, 0.42 to 4.14). No significant differences were observed in decreasing serum creatinine (MD, -8.82; 95 % CI, -18.00 to 0.36), or antihypertensive effect (systolic blood pressure [MD, -2.18; 95 % CI, -5.98 to 1.63]; diastolic blood pressure [MD, -2.55; 95 % CI -6.03 to 0.92]). There are no obvious anomalies in terms of adverse events.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This is currently the first systematic review to provide up-to-date evidence regarding the Tongxinluo capsule treatment profile in HN. Based on the available RCTs, Tongxinluo capsule showed promising renal protective benefits in reducing proteinuria levels, and could be a therapeutic option for HN. High-quality studies are needed to further verify our findings.</div></div><div><h3>Protocol registration</h3><div>PROSPERO (CRD42023484654).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102521"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144653322","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 yoga and naturopathy in the management of melasma: A case report","authors":"Sunil Singh Yadav ,&nbsp;Rita Thapa ,&nbsp;Sangeeth Somanadhapai ,&nbsp;Deepeshwar Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Melasma is a common dermatological condition characterized by hyperpigmentation patches, often caused by hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, and sun exposure. Conventional interventions usually have limited efficacy and may cause side effects. This case report explores the potential of traditional therapies in managing melasma, specifically yoga and naturopathy, which can enhance natural healing.</div></div><div><h3>Case Presentation</h3><div>A 27-year-old female diagnosed with persistent melasma visited a yoga and naturopathy center for the interventions. The patient was treated with a structured intervention protocol, including yogic-based breathing, dietary changes, and mud pack. The effect of this intervention was evaluated using Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) and Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQOL). After 60 days of intervention, MASI score improved by 85.12 %, and MELASQOL score improved by 75 %, indicating significant improvement in the clinical and quality of life questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This case highlights the potential effectiveness of yoga and naturopathy in managing melasma. The positive outcome supports the role of traditional therapies in clinical practice; however, further research with larger sample sizes is required to confirm these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"79 ","pages":"Article 102522"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763606","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":"Factors influencing the utilization of traditional Korean medicine and continuity of care among individuals with disabilities in Korea: A cross-sectional analysis using national health insurance data","authors":"Ji-eun Yu ,&nbsp;Hyunmin Kim ,&nbsp;Chihyoung Son ,&nbsp;Eunji Ahn ,&nbsp;Dongsu Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In South Korea, under a dual healthcare system, both Western and traditional Korean medicine (TKM) play a role in managing the health of individuals with disabilities. This study aimed to identify various factors influencing TKM utilization by individuals with disabilities and the continuity of TKM care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data from the “Sample Cohort Database” of the National Health Insurance Service were used, focusing on 55,876 individuals registered as persons with disabilities. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with TKM utilization and the level of continuity of outpatient care in TKM, as measured by TKM Continuity of Care Index (TKM-COCI), among individuals with disabilities.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study included 53,444 registered individuals with disabilities. The entire cohort was analyzed for factors influencing TKM utilization, while a subset of 16,330 individuals with prior TKM experience was examined for factors affecting continuity of TKM. Analysis of TKM utilization patterns by disability type revealed that, for all disability types, individuals with musculoskeletal disorders had the highest proportion of TKM utilization, with a higher frequency of utilization observed for mild conditions than for severe conditions. Variables affecting both TKM utilization and TKM-COCI for individuals with disabilities included sex, long-term care insurance for the elderly, household income, severity and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. TKM utilization was lower among men, individuals with long-term care insurance, medical aid recipients, those without comorbidities, and individuals with severe disabilities; however, the probability of having a high TKM-COCI was higher in these cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>It was found that the trends in TKM utilization and TKM-COCI showed opposing patterns according to the severity of disability and CCI. This suggests that the primary purpose of TKM utilization among individuals with disabilities is to prevent or manage the exacerbation of symptoms. Further investigation is needed to clarify this relationship.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>No funding was received for this study.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102520"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144670878","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}