Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Patient experiences and perspectives regarding medicinal cannabis: a qualitative scoping review.","authors":"Frederik Rosenbæk, Jesper Bo Nielsen, Line Bjørnskov Pedersen, Sif Schmidt Stewart-Ferrer, Jens Søndergaard, Jessica Joan Williams, Elisabeth Assing Hvidt","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0233","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0233","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The objective was to synthesise existing qualitative research on patients' experiences and perspectives regarding medicinal cannabis and cannabis-based prescription medications.</p><p><strong>Content: </strong>A systematic search of EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library identified peer-reviewed articles. Characteristics and findings were organised using a predesigned data charting form. Thematic analysis identified key themes. Reporting followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>From 849 records, 40 met inclusion criteria. Themes highlighted therapeutic potential and tolerability across various conditions. Patients described diverse administration methods and dosing strategies tailored to individual needs. Barriers included stigma, high costs, and bureaucratic delays in access and reimbursement. Facilitators involved support from healthcare providers, family, peers, and communities. Patients expressed a need for more education, information, and research. Many viewed prescription cannabis as superior to conventional medicines, though concerns about safety persisted.</p><p><strong>Outlook: </strong>A gap exists between generally positive patient-reported experiences and the cautious stance of the medical community, which calls for more definitive research. Patients often face stigma and bureaucratic hurdles, though support from physicians and social networks can ease access. Views on safety and effectiveness vary, as some see medicinal cannabis as natural and safe, while others remain sceptical.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"2-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145843731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of resveratrol on CYP450-derived arachidonic acid metabolites and mRNA gene expression in human endothelial HUVEC cells.","authors":"Yazun Bashir Jarrar, Mansour Al-Sayed Ahmad, Arwa Althaher, Wesam Nasser, Fatima Khirfan, Ala'a S Shraim, Su-Jun Lee","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0194","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to investigate the expression of arachidonic acid (ARA)-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes and their metabolites, as well as the effects of resveratrol, a compound known for its cardiovascular benefits, on these enzymes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>HUVECs were cultured and treated with 10 µM resveratrol for 24 h. The mRNA expression of key ARA-metabolizing CYP450 enzymes was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. ARA metabolites produced by CYP450s were identified and quantified in cell culture media and lysates using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In addition, <i>in silico</i> docking was done to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on the identified CYP450s in HUVECS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CYP2J2, CYP2U1, and epoxide hydrolase were expressed in HUVECs; however, their mRNA expression levels were not significantly altered following resveratrol treatment. The metabolite 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) and its synthesizing CYP450 genes were not detected or below the lower limit of detection in HUVECs. Additionally, several epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETEs) were present in significantly higher amounts in the cell culture media compared to the cell lysates. Resveratrol treatment significantly reduced (p<0.05, t-test) the levels of EETs and DHETEs. In addition, <i>in silico</i> analysis showed resveratrol has a moderate affinity to interact with CYP2J2, the major EETs producer.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that resveratrol significantly reduces the levels of EETs and DHETEs possibly through direct interaction with CYP2J2. Furthermore, HUVECs may not be a suitable <i>in vitro</i> model for studying ARA metabolism to 20-HETE.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"120-127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145804724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Avocado oil protects the gastric tissue in favism from oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.","authors":"Khaled M M Koriem, Safaa M N El-Gammal","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0006","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Favism is a severe hemolytic anemia, while avocado oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The objective is to determine if avocado oil can improve blood parameters, liver function, gastric antioxidants, inflammatory cytokines, and the apoptotic genes p53 and bcl-2 in favism-induced rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty-six male albino rats were divided into two main (normal and favism-induced) groups. Normal group (18 rats/group) subdivided into three subgroups (6 rats/group); control, avocado oil (1.5 mL/rat)-treated, and avocado oil (3 mL/rat)-treated subgroups: normal rats orally administrated once with 1 mL distilled water/rat, 1.5 mL of avocado oil/rat, and 3 mL of avocado oil/rat, respectively. Favism-induced group (18 rats/group) subdivided into three subgroups (6 rats/group); Favism, avocado oil (1.5 mL/rat) + favism, and avocado oil (3 mL/rat) + favism; favism-induced rats orally administrated once with 1 mL distilled water/rat, 1.5 mL of avocado oil/rat, and 3 mL of avocado oil/rat, respectively prior to favism induction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Favism reduced blood parameters, liver function, gastric NADPH oxidase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, interleukin-10, and ATPase levels but increased gastric malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, oxidative index, tumor interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, nuclear factor kappa B values, and necrosis factor-α compared to the control group in the male rats that were induced with favism. After four weeks of oral administration of avocado oil, all of these measures approached control levels in favism-induced rats, suggesting that a higher dose was more beneficial than a smaller one.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Avocado oil improved blood parameters, liver function, gastric antioxidants, inflammatory cytokines, and the apoptotic genes p53 and bcl-2 in favism-induced rats. These findings indicate that avocado oil may help reduce gastric damage associated with favism by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting a need for further clinical investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"107-119"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145794032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interoception and eating behavior in participants at risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.","authors":"Naomi Deokule, Ghada Bourjeily, Anna Palatnik, Nina K Ayala, Nicole R Nugent, Amanda Desmarattes, Margaret H Bublitz","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0298","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0298","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Disordered eating during pregnancy can impact maternal and fetal health. Disordered eating has been linked to higher cardiovascular risks including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Interoceptive awareness, the ability to perceive and respond to bodily sensations, is reduced among people with disordered eating and may be associated with blood pressure (BP). This study tested these associations in pregnant women at risk for HDP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ninety-five pregnant women at risk for HDP participated in the study. At ∼18 weeks' gestation we measured 24-hour BP, interoceptive awareness, and disordered eating. Linear regression analyses were used to test associations, adjusting for covariates (BMI, education, income, race).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Greater interoceptive awareness-specifically lower anxiety about bodily sensations (\"Not Worrying\")-was significantly associated with lower daytime diastolic BP (B=-0.21, p=0.05), lower uncontrolled eating (B=-0.52, p<0.001), and lower emotional eating (B=-0.51, p<0.001). Higher scores on the \"Not Worrying\" subscale were associated with less uncontrolled eating (B=-0.52, p<0.001) and less Emotional Eating (B=-0.51, p<0.001). Higher scores on the \"Attention Regulation\" subscale were associated with less uncontrolled eating (B=-0.24, p=0.02) and less emotional eating (B=-0.25, p=0.02). Cognitive Restraint was associated with higher nighttime diastolic BP (B=0.27, p=0.04) but not interoceptive awareness.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Increased interoceptive awareness was associated with both healthier eating behaviors and lower BP in pregnant women at risk for HDP. Interventions that enhance interoceptive awareness may offer a promising strategy for reducing risk for cardiovascular complications in pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"173-178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12825448/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145767991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf extract improves the prognosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver and biochemical parameters in rats with metabolic syndrome.","authors":"Eduardo Rivadeneyra-Domínguez, Socorro Herrera-Meza, María F Almanza-Domínguez, Héctor G Acosta-Mesa, Daniel Hernández-Baltazar, Isaac Zamora-Bello, Juan F Rodríguez-Landa","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0288","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the effects of chronic oral administration of commercial guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf extract on biochemical markers and liver histology in a model of metabolic syndrome in rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty-five Wistar rats were assigned to five independent groups (n=7 per group): the control group (CG), which received a diet with standard rodent food (Nutri-Cubos^®) and water <i>ad libitum</i>; the metabolic syndrome group (MS), MS + <i>P</i>. <i>guajava</i> (Pg) low-dose (PgL; 100 mg/kg), MS + Pg medium-dose (PgM; 200 mg/kg), and MS + <i>Pg</i> high-dose (PgH; 300 mg/kg) groups. MS was induced with a rich diet of fat and carbohydrates, in addition to the intake of a 30 % sucrose solution <i>ad libitum</i> for 14 weeks. From week 15 onward, guava leaf extract or vehicle was administered orally every 24 h for 30 consecutive days without changing the experimental diet. At the end of the treatment, biochemical tests, liver histopathological analysis and adipose tissue analysis were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The MS group presented levels above the reference ranges for biochemical tests, weight gain, waist circumference gain, arterial hypertension, atypical liver cells and aberrant appearance in adipose rat tissue. The PgM and PgH groups presented opposite effects of MS on biochemical parameters, such as increased blood pressure and liver damage.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Chronic treatment with Pg leaf extract attenuated MS in Wistar rats, restoring the levels of biochemical parameters and exerting hepatoprotective effects. These findings suggest that guajava extract could be used in the development of therapeutic agents to improve the biochemical and histological alterations induced by MS.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"150-162"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145768351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Traditional formulation-Vanari Gutika treatment improves the testosterone biosynthesis and sperm quality in adult male mice.","authors":"Arti Rajpoot, Anupam Yadav, Shubhanshu Yadav, Nikita Nikita, Neha Dhar Dubey, Gyaneshwer Chaubey, Raghav Kumar Mishra","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0305","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Vanari Gutika (VG), an Indian traditional formulation containing <i>Mucuna pruriens</i> as a principal component, is traditionally used for the management of male reproductive disorders. However, there is a significant lack of evidence-based research validating its effects on male fertility and testosterone biosynthesis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of VG on testicular steroidogenesis, lipid peroxidation, and sperm quality in male mice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Adult male mice were orally administered VG at 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg body weight/day for 35 days. Testicular function was assessed through sperm morphology and viability, lipid peroxidation and expression of key steroidogenic and oxidative stress-related proteins.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>VG at 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly increased testis weight and serum testosterone, with a concurrent reduction in estradiol. VG (150 mg/kg) improved normal sperm morphology and reduced abnormalities. Markers of oxidative stress status improved, evidenced by reduced LPO and increased Nrf-2 expression. VG treatment enhanced the expression of steroidogenic markers (SF-1, CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, StAR, and 17β-HSD) at higher doses.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Higher doses of VG (150 and 300 mg/kg BW) promote testicular androgenesis, reduces oxidative stress, and improves sperm quality. Consequently, our results provide robust and compelling evidence supporting its potential as a dietary supplement for boosting the testosterone level and sperm quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"264-272"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145742820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patients' perceived benefit and side effects from the use of medicinal cannabis - a cross-sectional survey study from Denmark.","authors":"Frederik Rosenbæk, Line Bjørnskov Pedersen, Sonja Wehberg, Jesper Bo Nielsen, Jens Søndergaard","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0277","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Medicinal cannabis (MC) has recently been legalized in a growing number of countries. While MC is considered a potentially safe alternative or add-on to conventional treatments for pain, spasms, neuropathy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, evidence of its effectiveness and safety remains limited. This study aimed to assess patients' perceived benefits and side effects of MC and explore patterns in side effect experiences.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a Danish nationwide online survey in 2020 among two groups of MC users: one with predefined diagnostic indications (neuropathic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, or painful spasms from multiple sclerosis/paraplegia) (n=258) and one with other indications (n=786). Perceived benefit and side effects were measured using self-reported responses. We compared perceived benefit to the number of side effects and used a heat plot correlation matrix and exploratory factor analysis to identify patterns. Predicted factor scores were used to compare perceived benefit relative to side effect profiles, stratified by indication group.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most patients (67 %) reported a moderate to large effect of MC. Over half experienced side effects, with more than 10 % reporting three or more. Side effects were equally common among patients reporting a moderate to large vs. no to minor effect (p=0.27 and 0.68 for predefined and other indications). Side effects clustered into four groups: cognitive dysfunction, dizziness, xerostomia, and feeling \"high\". These were not related to perceived benefit.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Most patients reported a moderate to large effect from MC. Over one in ten experienced three or more side effects, which were unrelated to perceived treatment effect.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"179-189"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145654333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the impact of massage and herbal therapies on chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Yuwadee Manjit, Pranee Sriraj, Areeya Changthong, Tichanon Promsrisuk, Ranuka Kamolrattanakul, Ratchadawan Aukkanimart","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0212","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0212","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is prevalent among agricultural workers in Surin Province, Thailand. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Thai massage combined with the traditional herbal formula <i>Ya Thamlai Phra Sumeru</i> (YTPS) in reducing pain and improving mobility in individuals with cLBP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 66 participants assigned to three groups (n=22 each): (1) herbal remedy (Hr) group, receiving 2,000 mg of YTPS twice daily for seven days; (2) Thai massage (Tm) group, receiving massage therapy three times per week; and (3) combined therapy (Tm+Hr) group, receiving both interventions. The active compounds of YTPS were identified by HPLC, and antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays. Pain and functional outcomes were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Goniometer (GOM), Flexible Ruler (FR), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Biochemical safety parameters (BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT) and oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, GSH, SOD) were analyzed before and after treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HPLC revealed piperine (19.6 µg) and cannabidiol (5.09 µg) as key active constituents with antioxidant potential. All groups demonstrated improved oxidative profiles, with increased CAT, GSH, and SOD levels and reduced MDA concentrations. The combined therapy group (Tm+Hr) showed the greatest improvements in NRS, GOM, and ODI scores (p<0.05). No significant adverse biochemical changes were observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A seven-day regimen combining Thai massage with YTPS safely and effectively reduced pain and disability while enhancing antioxidant activity. This integrative approach may serve as a practical and culturally relevant therapy for managing chronic low back pain in community healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"190-199"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145587612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Naturopathy and the Ottawa Charter: a synergistic model for community health promotion in rural India.","authors":"Alok Singh, Nikita Sharma","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0173","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0173","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>India's rural and tribal communities face persistent disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. While the biomedical model dominates the public health landscape, there is a growing recognition of the need for culturally responsive, preventive, and holistic approaches to health. This article proposes a synergistic integration of the <i>Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion</i> with <i>Naturopathy</i>, a core discipline under India's AYUSH framework. Drawing upon both global frameworks and Indigenous wisdom of healing with plants and herbs for medicinal and nutritional purposes, the article argues for an integrated community health promotion strategy that leverages the cultural legitimacy, ecological appropriateness, and preventive strengths of Naturopathy to fulfil the Ottawa Charter's vision. Evidence from public health interventions and AYUSH initiatives in India underscores the feasibility and relevance of this approach, particularly in tribal and rural regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"608-613"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145458675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of the nitric oxide substrate L-arginine alone and combined with atropine on malathion neuro and hepato-toxicity.","authors":"Amany A Sleem, Eman R Youness, Nermeen Shaffie, Heba A Farid, Omar M E Abdel-Salam","doi":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0192","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jcim-2025-0192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We investigated the impact of the nitric oxide substrate L-arginine on the neuro- and hepato-toxic effects of malathion in rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Rats were treated intraperitoneally with malathion (150 mg/kg) alone or combined with L-arginine (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg), atropine (2 mg/kg) or L-arginine (200 mg/kg) combined with atropine (2 mg/kg). Rats were euthanized 4 h later, and their brains and livers analyzed for malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1). Moreover, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), interleukin-15 (IL-15) and anti-apoptotic protein B cell/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were determined in brain tissue. Histopatholoy was also performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Malathion significantly raised brain NO and malondialdehyde alongside with a notable drop in PON-1 activity and GSH levels relative to the saline control. Brain BChE and Bcl-2 were markedly inhibited whereas IL-15 significantly increased by malathion. In brain, L-arginine treatment resulted in a significantly increased malondialdehyde, decreased GSH, and increased IL-15. A significant decrease in liver malondialdehyde occurred by L-arginine/atropine or atropine. In contrast, L-arginine, L-arginine/atropine or atropine caused a significant decrease in brain and liver NO levels and increased PON-1 activity. Bcl-2 in brain significantly increased by atropine. Malathion induced brain neuronal and liver degeneration showed marked improvement after atropine alone.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results indicated that exogenously administered L-arginine did not protect against the neuro- and hepto-toxic effects of malathion. Meanwhile, the ability of atropine to mitigate the deleterious effects of a toxic dose of malathion provides a strong support to the role of excessive stimulation cholinergic pathways in inflicting such damage.</p>","PeriodicalId":15556,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"328-340"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145377725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}