European Journal of Integrative Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Training needs for (UK) professional standards authority accredited register and regulated traditional, complementary and integrative medicine professions for supporting patients to make lifestyle and health behaviour changes: A rapid narrative review","authors":"Jonquil Pinto,&nbsp;Katie Read,&nbsp;Ella Tarabey,&nbsp;Felicity L. Bishop","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102517","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Improving healthy lifestyles is a public health priority. Traditional, Complementary and Integrative medicine (TCIM) providers, and certain professions on the UK Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Accredited Registers (AR) may be well-placed to contribute - some TCIM professions already support patients to make behaviour changes. We aimed to map the landscape of training for PSA AR and regulated TCIM practitioners working with individuals to support lifestyle changes, including current provision, gaps and training needs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a rapid narrative review of training within PSA AR and regulated TCIM professions. We searched research databases for articles exploring perceptions, experiences and responses to training (for supporting behaviour change) and searched websites of UK professional bodies for educational guidelines for pre-qualification education. We conducted systematic data searching and extraction, quality appraisal and produced a narrative synthesis of research and guidelines which identified patterns across professions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We identified 24 education guidelines (4 were unlocated). A total of 548 research studies were identified from database searches, and we identified 5 further studies. A total of 20 full-text articles were retrieved, 7 were excluded, leaving 13 in the review. While 22 of 24 guidelines mentioned lifestyle or health behaviour, only 4 (chiropractic, nutritional therapy, osteopathy and acupuncture) provided any detailed recommendations about how to support patients to make health behaviour changes (e.g. providing written information or recording/monitoring progress). Eight of the 13 research studies focussed on chiropractic; most studies focussed on physical activity, two on smoking cessation, and several looked at training in broad techniques including motivational interviewing. Practitioners in research studies were generally positive about training in lifestyle and health behaviour change and there was some evidence that such training enhances practitioner self-efficacy or skills.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Most evidence of engagement with supporting lifestyle/behaviour change is within four professions: chiropractic, osteopathy, nutritional therapy and acupuncture. To build on existing knowledge and practice, future training for chiropractors, osteopaths, nutritional therapists and acupuncturists could target the capabilities (e.g. knowledge, skills, decision-making), opportunities (e.g. resources) and motivations (e.g. social/professional role) of practitioners. Future research should also evaluate the impact of practitioner training on patients’ lifestyle and health behaviours.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102517"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772378","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":"Diterpenoids from Croton tonkinensis Gagnep as antitumor agents: A systematic review","authors":"Vo Linh Tu ,&nbsp;Tran Thi Thuy Quynh ,&nbsp;Nghiem Dinh Van An ,&nbsp;Nguyen Le Linh Chi","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102513","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102513","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Traditional Vietnamese medicine has a long history of using Kho sam (<em>Croton tonkinensis</em> Gagnep) in the treatment of various cancers. Kho sam is an ingredient in numerous remedies for salivary gland cancer, bronchial-lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver cancer. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate the existing literature on diterpenoids isolated from <em>C. tonkinensis</em> and their antitumor activities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024579468). A search was performed on PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Global Health Library (GHL), and Google Scholar on September 13, 2024. Two independent members conducted the steps of screening the article, scoring the risk of bias for the article, extracting and writing the results. Due to heterogeneity among the included studies, the results were narrative and no meta-analyses were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>From an initial retrieval of 500 articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria. These studies investigated thirty-seven different compounds, among which <em>ent</em>-kaurane diterpenoids with the 16-en-15-one functional group and 8,9-seco-<em>ent</em>-kaurane diterpenoids exhibited particularly cytotoxic effects. These effects were mediated through several molecular pathways, including protein kinase B, hypoxia-inducible factor-dependent transcription, heat shock protein, extracellular signal-regulating kinase 1/2, and AMP-activated protein kinase pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Current literature highlights kongensin D, derived from <em>C. tonkinensis</em>, as the most promising candidate, demonstrating high anticancer activity and selectivity, along with <em>in vivo</em> antitumor potential and a favorable safety profile.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102513"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144580177","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 Japanese traditional medication on males with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and gut microbiome: A single-arm prospective study","authors":"Ryutaro Arita ,&nbsp;Shin Takayama ,&nbsp;Toru Tamahara ,&nbsp;Yuichi Aoki ,&nbsp;Soichiro Kaneko ,&nbsp;Akiko Kikuchi ,&nbsp;Junko Kawashima ,&nbsp;Yoshiyuki Kasahara ,&nbsp;Kota Ishizawa ,&nbsp;Ritsuko Shimizu ,&nbsp;Tadashi Ishii","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102512","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102512","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a common disorder of gut-brain interaction. In Japan, IBS-D is treated using Japanese traditional medicine (Kampo medicine); however, its clinical effects and influence on the gut microbiome are unknown. The purpose of this study was 1) to compare the characteristics of IBS-D patients with healthy controls (HCs), and 2) to investigate the effect of Kampo medicine on the symptoms and gut microbiome of patients with IBS-D.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted two studies stepwise. First, we compared the clinical characteristics and gut microbiome of the patients with IBS-D to HCs. Second, we conducted a single-arm prospective clinical study to investigate the effectiveness and safety of Kampo treatment for IBS-D and its effects on gut microbiome alterations in patients with IBS-D. Newly diagnosed male patients with IBS-D received a four-week Kampo treatment (hangeshashinto or rikkunshito). Data on overall clinical improvement, scores on quality of life (QOL), gastrointestinal symptoms, diarrhea, anxiety, and depression were obtained. Fecal microbiomes were analyzed at four time points: (1) before treatment with remission; (2) before treatment with exacerbation; (3) after treatment; and (4) four weeks after treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Study 1: No significant difference was observed in the variety of gut microbiome (alpha diversity) between HCs and IBS-D patients. Study 2: After treatment, 81 % of the patients with IBS-D showed clinical improvement. Compared with the baseline, significant improvement was observed in IBS-related QOL, diarrhea, and trait anxiety scores after treatment and after follow-up, with no adverse effects. Microbiome analysis revealed significantly increased alpha diversity, decreased <em>Blautia</em> abundance, and increased <em>Oscillospira</em> abundance after treatment and 4 weeks after treatment compared with those during the exacerbation period before Kampo treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study shows that no significant difference was observed in gut microbiome diversity between the patients with IBS-D and HCs. After Kampo treatment, abdominal symptoms and anxiety in male IBS-D patients were observed to improve and microbial diversity with specific microbial alterations appeared to be restored. These findings suggest that Kampo medicine could be considered as a potential approach for the symptoms and dysbiosis of IBS-D.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102512"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144580290","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":"Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards traditional Chinese medicine treatment among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Nan Li ,&nbsp;Lijun Wang ,&nbsp;Hui Zhang ,&nbsp;Yudong Zhang ,&nbsp;Yuan Pang ,&nbsp;Xiaoyue Lang ,&nbsp;Yue Yang ,&nbsp;Xiaoying Zhao ,&nbsp;Xuke Zhang ,&nbsp;Wenxi Yin ,&nbsp;Yuqi Leng ,&nbsp;Jun Bai","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102498","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102498","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for PCOS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with PCOS at the Gynecology Outpatient Department and Reproductive Medicine Center of our hospital between January and May 2024. A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess demographic information, knowledge, attitude, and practice scores toward TCM treatment of PCOS. A threshold of ≥70.0 % of the maximum possible score was set for adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 519 patients completed the questionnaire, 90.4 % aged 18-35. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 7.13 ± 5.41 (range 0-25), 30.74 ± 4.04 (range 8-40), and 16.95 ± 3.63 (range 5-25), respectively. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that knowledge score was correlated to the attitude (r = 0.272, P &lt; 0.001) and practice (r = 0.421, P &lt; 0.001) scores. The attitude score was correlated to the practice score (r = 0.410, P &lt; 0.001). The Structural Equation Modeling showed that knowledge directly influenced attitude (β = 0.336, P &lt; 0.001). Attitude directly influenced practice (β = 0.432, P &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The patients exhibited inadequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice regarding TCM for PCOS. We recommend improving awareness and acceptance of TCM among patients with PCOS through targeted education, enhanced doctor-patient communication, and promotion of effective treatment models to enhance their quality of life.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102498"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144580291","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":"Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of Huaiqihuang granules in treatment of cough variant asthma in pediatrics","authors":"Qiaoling Li,&nbsp;Jing Peng,&nbsp;Linhui Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102511","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102511","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Many individuals with cough variant asthma (CVA) utilize Huaiqihuang granules to alleviate symptoms. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews investigating its efficacy and safety for CVA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A computer-based retrieval of various databases was conducted to search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of CVA in children using Huaiqihuang granules combined with Western medicine. The search encompassed eight databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wangfang, VIP (VIP Information Co.Ltd.), PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Sinomed database, and covered literature up to April 2025. Articles were screened and selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the included articles was assessed, followed by a meta-analysis using RevMan5.3. The quality of evidence was graded using the Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Additionally, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed using TSA 0.9.5.10 beta software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 17 RCTs were included in the analysis, encompassing a total sample size of 1,742 patients. Results showed that the combination of Huaiqihuang granules with conventional Western medicine significantly enhanced clinical efficacy and reduced recurrence rates compared to Western medicine alone. This combination also improved immune parameters, including CD4+/CD8+, and modulated inflammatory markers such as inflammatory factors interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), while restoring immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgE, IgG). Additionally, it improved pulmonary function indices, including FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEF. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. TSA demonstrated that the total effective rate curve surpassed both the traditional and TSA boundaries, corroborating the clinical efficacy. According to the GRADE assessment, outcomes related to treatment efficacy, recurrence rate, IFN-γ, CD4+, and incidence of adverse reactions were rated as moderate-quality evidence, whereas the remaining outcomes were assessed as low-quality evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The integration of Huaiqihuang granules with conventional Western medicine in the management of CVA significantly enhances clinical efficacy, reduces recurrence rates, improves immune parameters, restores pulmonary function, ameliorates inflammatory markers, and normalizes immunoglobulin levels, in comparison to the use of Western medicine alone.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102511"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523261","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":"Global trends and hotspots in acupuncture for hypertension: a bibliometric study from 1994 to 2024","authors":"Yun-Hua Zheng ,&nbsp;Wei Zheng ,&nbsp;Jian-Yu Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Growing interest in non-pharmacological hypertension management has led to increased research in acupuncture as a potential treatment. This bibliometric analysis examines the global research landscape of acupuncture for hypertension using CiteSpace and VOS Viewer software. By analyzing publication trends, key contributors, and collaborative networks, we summarize the current state of research, identify emerging hotspots, and outline future directions in this rapidly evolving field.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), including the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) and Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) databases, covering publications from 1994 to 2024. Bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping were performed using CiteSpace (version 6.2.R4) and VOS Viewer (version 1.6.18) to analyze publication trends, research collaborations, and thematic evolution.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis revealed a consistent upward trend in annual publications from 1994 to 2024, with China emerging as the most productive country in this research domain. Key thematic clusters identified through keyword analysis included \"acupuncture,\" \"stimulation,\" \"blood pressure regulation,\" and \"electroacupuncture.\" Co-citation analysis demonstrated significant research intensity for \"systemic hypertension\" (cluster strength: 6.94, 2015–2019), \"randomized controlled trials\" (4.31, 2022–2024), and \"neurons\" (3.9, 2012–2013). The study by Frank A Flachskampf et al. (burst strength = 8.48) showed the strongest citation burst.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our bibliometric analysis reveals a marked surge in research output and scientific engagement, underscoring acupuncture’s expanding role as a therapeutic intervention for hypertension. The field exhibits robust growth potential, driven by intensifying global collaboration among leading institutions and interdisciplinary research teams.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102510"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144522387","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":"Herbal medicine treatment patterns for Parkinson’s disease: A nationwide population-based medical claims database in South Korea","authors":"Jiyun Cha ,&nbsp;Ojin Kwon ,&nbsp;Changsop Yang ,&nbsp;In-chan Seol ,&nbsp;Jung-Hee Jang","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102509","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102509","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by heterogeneous symptoms and long disease progression and requires individualized treatment. This study aimed to elucidate large-scale herbal medicine patterns according to age, duration of disease progression, and various detailed symptoms of PD, as well as examine comorbidities to build a basis for clinical applications.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed data from the Korean National Health Insurance System cohort database regarding patients with PD who received herbal medicines between 2014 and 2020. We identified 10,060 patients with various prescription patterns based on age and PD duration. Additionally, to estimate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of insured herbal medicines for the clinical symptoms of PD, we conducted a literature review of the results of clinical and preclinical studies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall insurance-covered herbal medicine prescriptions for patients with PD had increased in both the number of prescriptions and patients over time. The herbal medicine use rate in patients with PD was the highest between ages 70 and 79 years and within 3 years of PD onset. Doinseunggi-tang, Haengso-tang, and Palmul-tang were the most frequently used herbal medicines. The most common comorbidities diagnosed along with PD were musculoskeletal and digestive diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Some insurance-covered herbal medicines are frequently used among patient groups in a specific age group or duration of disease, and our literature review indicates a correlation between the mechanism of action of these herbal medicines and a specific subgroup of patients with PD. To validate these results and draw meaningful conclusions that reflect the realities of Korean medicine clinical practice, including non-reimbursed treatments, further prospective large-scale clinical trials considering age and disease progression duration are required.</div></div><div><h3>Funding</h3><div>This work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea grant.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"77 ","pages":"Article 102509"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144481249","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":"Shikonin enhances hypnotic effect and synergistic properties of diazepam, possibly through GABAergic interaction pathway: In vivo and in silico studies","authors":"Shipan Paul ,&nbsp;Raihan Chowdhury ,&nbsp;Md. Sakib Al Hasan ,&nbsp;Md. Shimul Bhuia ,&nbsp;Mohammed Alfaifi ,&nbsp;Salehin Sheikh ,&nbsp;Asraful Islam Rakib ,&nbsp;Faysal Mollah ,&nbsp;Shakil Ahmmed ,&nbsp;Sharmita Ghosh Situ ,&nbsp;Irfan Aamer Ansari ,&nbsp;Siddique Akber Ansari ,&nbsp;Debasree Sen Oisay ,&nbsp;Muhammad Torequl Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102508","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102508","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Shikonin is a natural naphthoquinone from Lithospermum erythrorhizon with diverse pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and hypnotic effects.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The current study was focused on investigating the hypnotic effect and combination characteristics of shikonin with diazepam through in vivo and in silico studies. Swiss albino mice received shikonin (SKN-10 and SKN-20 mg/kg), diazepam (DZP-2 mg/kg) as a positive control, and a vehicle as a negative control (NC). Two combinations of SKN-10 and SKN-20 with DZP-2 were also administered before thiopental sodium-induced sleep to assess hypnosis and sedation. Different computational tools were utilized for molecular interaction and pharmacokinetics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In vivo study demonstrated that shikonin significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) increased sleep duration and reduced sleep latency in animals compared to the NC group. In addition to combination therapy, SKN-10 significantly enhanced the effect of diazepam compared to DZP-2 + SKN-20, resulting in the longest sleep duration and shortest latency, indicating the strongest hypnotic effects compared to the other groups. Moreover, molecular docking indicated that the shikonin showed strong binding affinity (BA) (−8.9 kcal/mol) compared to diazepam for the GABA_A receptor.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In summary, shikonin showed significant hypnotic and synergistic effects along with diazepam. Acute toxicity studies showed shikonin caused no behavioral changes, toxicity, or mortality in mice up to 20 mg/kg, suggesting a high safety margin, with the oral LD₅₀ likely exceeding 1g/kg. Future research should explore shikonin’s long-term effects, safety, and optimal dosage, particularly in clinical settings. In vitro studies on GABA_A interactions, combination therapy with diazepam, and cognitive, behavioral, and toxicity assessments are crucial for its safe use in CNS disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102508"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144502026","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":"Soshihotang as a potential therapeutic option for alleviating inflammation and related mechanisms associated with long COVID: An in vitro study and network pharmacology analysis","authors":"Ga-Ram Yu ,&nbsp;Dong-Woo Lim ,&nbsp;Won-Hwan Park","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102505","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102505","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Long COVID is a persistent symptom that appears in many COVID-19 patients, regardless of whether they are asymptomatic, mild, or severe. At least 10 % of the global population suffers from long COVID. The anti-inflammatory effects of six Korean national insurance-covered herbal prescriptions were evaluated in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Additional network pharmacology analysis was conducted to assess their potential for mitigating chronic respiratory tract inflammation. This study aimed to provide an experimental basis for the clinical application of herbal prescriptions and compounds in long COVID patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Six candidate prescriptions were selected from the 56 national insurance-covered herbal prescriptions used in Korea. The <em>in vitro</em> efficacies and mechanisms of these six prescriptions on LPS-activated murine macrophages were evaluated. The long COVID-related targets isolated from patients with long COVID and obtained from the GEO online database were identified. These targets were compared with the potential targets of the most potent prescription used in this study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Soshihotang (SST) significantly downregulated iNOS and COX2 expression and reduced the production of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6. SST also inhibited IκBα phosphorylation and reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Network pharmacological analysis showed that SST influenced the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, Saikosaponin D, a major ingredient of Bupleuri Radix (a major herb in SST), showed similar effects and mechanisms to those of SST, including the NF-κB and TNFα signaling pathways. Thus, SST may modulate the inflammatory pathways associated with long COVID through its active component, saikosaponin D.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest that the potent anti-inflammatory effects of SST are due to its suppression of inflammatory cytokines by blocking NF-κB translocation. In addition, the predicted target was reconfirmed using network pharmacology. Nevertheless, further study on the clinical application of SST as insurance-covered herbal medicine on long COVID patients is needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"77 ","pages":"Article 102505"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144322033","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":"Baihu Jia Renshen decoction for type 2 diabetes: A multi-method study combining a systematic literature review, Delphi survey, and network pharmacology","authors":"Fangyan Yang ,&nbsp;Kangle Shi ,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Liu ,&nbsp;Shiyao Wang ,&nbsp;Hongyu Meng ,&nbsp;Juan Cheng ,&nbsp;Jiayue Li ,&nbsp;Weihong Xu ,&nbsp;Yangxi Li ,&nbsp;Ruixi Tian ,&nbsp;Ling Tang ,&nbsp;Cong Lei ,&nbsp;Zhijun Wang ,&nbsp;Hongmei Duan ,&nbsp;Qinggang Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102501","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102501","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Baihu Jia Renshen Decoction is composed of Gypsum Fibrosum, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, Oryza Sativa L., Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma. It is recommended by five guidelines in China for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, evaluations of its efficacy involve a diverse range of outcomes. This multi-method study aims to identify clinical outcomes that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners consider both predictive of T2DM progression and responsive to the formula, and to explore the herbal formula’s mechanisms of action on these outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched eight databases and collated clinical outcomes reported in randomized controlled trials, as well as signs and symptoms of clinical response listed in TCM clinical guidelines. A panel of eight TCM clinicians participated in three rounds of Delphi surveys to select the most important outcomes. Finally, overlapping genes between responsive outcomes-related genes and the targets of formula were obtained. Based on the enrichment analysis results, the“herb-compound-target-pathway-outcome” relationship was constructed to show how the formula affect clinical outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seventy-six outcomes were shortlisted from the literature, from which consensus was reached in the Delphi survey on eight. These were xerostomia, polydipsia, preference for cold drinks, red tongue, dry tongue, tongue coating dryness, large pulse and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Fifteen overlapping gene targets were identified. Based on enrichment analysis, we hypothesized that diosgenin, nicotinic acid, and anhydroicaritin from Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may act on SOD1, PPARGC1A, CHRM3, modulating AMPK signaling pathway and thereby influencing xerostomia and tongue dryness. The 29 components were found to act on PPARG, PPARGC1A, SHBG, etc, regulating insulin signaling pathway and the AMPK signaling pathway, ultimately affecting FBG.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Based on the network pharmacology studies, the potential mechanisms of action of Baihu Jia Renshen Decoction on the eight core clinical outcomes are as follows. Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may regulate dryness of the tongue and xerostomia. Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma may modulate FBG levels. Further research is needed to explore the formula’s mechanisms of action for the remaining five outcomes and T2DM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11932,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Integrative Medicine","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102501"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144713470","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}