Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of Plantago major seeds in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A randomized open-labeled controlled clinical trial","authors":"Romella Haider ,&nbsp;Majid Asghari ,&nbsp;Fatemeh Aliasl ,&nbsp;Mohammad Aghaali ,&nbsp;Razieh Borujerdi ,&nbsp;Hossein Saghafi ,&nbsp;Hossein Moradi","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is characterized by albuminuria and a declining glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in diabetic patients. Plantago major (plantain) seed powder is traditionally used in these patients. Despite emerging and promising pre-clinical evidence, no clinical study investigated the potential efficacy of this intervention in patients with DN, which is the aim of this study.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>In a randomized clinical trial 60 DN patients were recruited from November 2022 to March 2023 and randomly assigned to the plantain group that received standard treatment (Losartan 25 mg twice a day) and plantain seeds' powder (10 gm sachet twice a day) plus sweet almond and the control group was received only standard treatment for 60 days. Proteinuria, as per 24-hour urinary protein, as well as fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, serum potassium, and quality of life score were measured at baseline and after 60 days as study outcome measures.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Proteinuria was significantly decreased from 165.04 mg to 135.84 mg (<em>p</em> = 0.026) in the plantain group. The mean level of proteinuria was significantly lower in the plantain group (135.84 vs. 192.04, <em>p</em> = 0.039) compared to the control group after treatment. The plantain group showed more increase in quality of life score after treatment (33.89±9.67 vs 38.28±10.72, <em>p</em> = 0.041). Other outcomes showed no significant difference between the two study groups.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Adjuvant supplementation with plantain seeds powder may decrease proteinuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer duration are needed to confirm these results.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103005"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141031912","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":"Clinical remission of moderate generalized myasthenia gravis through exclusive use of Buzhong Yiqi decoction: A case report","authors":"Hui Qiu ,&nbsp;Xinru Chen ,&nbsp;Liping Zhang ,&nbsp;Qing Zhang ,&nbsp;Changlin Qiu ,&nbsp;Jingya Li","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers an alternative approach to standard pharmacological and surgical interventions, which are often associated with adverse side effects. This case report details the clinical remission of a 50-year-old male with moderate generalized MG following exclusive treatment with a modified Buzhong Yiqi decoction (BYD), a TCM formula, without the use of immunosuppressive agents.</p></div><div><h3>Case summary</h3><p>The patient presented with diplopia, bilateral ptosis, weakness in chewing, limb weakness, and other symptoms indicative of spleen and stomach qi deficiency. Modified BYD was prescribed, focusing on strengthening the spleen, nourishing qi and blood, and enhancing immune response. The treatment included ingredients such as Radix Astragali, Angelica sinensis, Atractylodes macrocephala, and others, aiming to restore balance and improve the patient's condition. After two weeks of TCM treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in symptoms of myasthenia. By the second month, all clinical symptoms had disappeared. The patient continued to receive the TCM regimen until the thirtieth month of treatment. At the time of writing this report, the patient has no clinical symptoms and has experienced no relapse. Notably, no obvious adverse effects were reported throughout the treatment.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The success of this case suggests that TCM may serve as an independent treatment option for moderate MG, offering a steroid-free alternative, which would be particularly valuable for patients who are intolerant of or refuse steroid therapy, potentially with significant clinical implications. However it needs a randomized clinical trial comparing TCM to conventional Western medicine treatment to validate it.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 4","pages":"Pages 588-591"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140923806","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":"Successful treatment of restless legs syndrome accompanied by headaches for 30 years with herbal prescriptions containing Paeoniae Radix: A case report","authors":"Han-Gyul Lee ,&nbsp;Seungwon Kwon ,&nbsp;Hirozo Goto ,&nbsp;Makoto Fujimoto ,&nbsp;Mosaburo Kainuma ,&nbsp;Ki-Ho Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes unpleasant symptoms in the legs when resting, which are relieved by movement. Pharmacotherapy is the standard treatment. However, current treatment provides only symptomatic relief and may result in adverse effects with long-term use. Treatment protocols using herbal medicines have emerged to compensate for this limitation.</p></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><p>A 70-year-old Asian woman visited our hospital with worsening headaches that had persisted for 30 years. Her headaches were aggravated by night-time lower-extremity discomfort. The patient was diagnosed with RLS based on the 2012 Revised International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group Diagnostic Criteria (IRIS). The patient was prescribed herbal medicines, Shihogyeji-tang, Gyejibokryeong-hwan, and Jakyakgamcho-tang, all of which contain Paeoniae Radix. Fourteen days after starting herbal medicine treatment, the IRIS score decreased from 30 to 18. The patient experienced less leg discomfort. Moreover, her sleep time increased, and her headaches resolved. After 28 days of herbal treatment, the IRIS score decreased to 9. Importantly, the patient reported no sleep disturbance or headaches. Subsequently, conventional medications were discontinued. The patient remained stable (IRIS score: 9–10). Herbal treatment was discontinued on day 163. At the last follow-up, (day 364), the patient has not reported any symptom recurrence.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>We described a female patient with a 30-year history of RLS symptoms and related sleep disturbances that induced chronic uncontrolled headaches, who experienced improvements shortly after using herbal medicines containing Paeoniae Radix. Conventional medications were discontinued and the patient had no recurrence of symptoms. Considering these, herbal medicines containing Paeoniae Radix may be a suitable alternative treatment for RLS and its related symptoms.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103003"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141040268","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":"Masthead page","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1550-8307(24)00068-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/S1550-8307(24)00068-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 3","pages":"Page A2"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140643988","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 acupressure and massage on labor pain and birth satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial","authors":"Betül Mammadov ,&nbsp;Çağla Taş","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of acupressure and massage used for the management of labor pain in the latent, active, and transition phases of the first stage of labor on labor pain and birth satisfaction.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The study was conducted with 66 pregnant women who met the sampling criteria and participated voluntarily at a public hospital in Nicosia. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a massage group, an acupressure group, or a control group. Participants in the massage group received 10 min of sacral massage during contraction and 10 min of endorphin massage during rest, for a total of 30 min of massage per phase. Participants in the acupressure group received 3 min of acupressure to the LI 4 point at the same dilation intervals, when the contraction was most intense. The control group received no intervention. Pain perceived by the pregnant woman was evaluated with the Visual Comparison Scale (VAS) at the beginning and end of each phase. Postpartum, the Birth Satisfaction Scale was applied.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Massage application was found to be more effective in reducing labor pain than acupressure or the control group. Massage and acupressure did not negatively affect APGAR scores. The lowest oxytocin use was found in the massage group. The group with the highest birth satisfaction scores was also the massage group.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Massage application is more effective than acupressure application in reducing labor pain and increasing birth satisfaction.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 103002"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140792458","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":"Intractable cough and hiccups after resuscitation and acute coronary syndrome treatment successfully treated using the Kampo medicine bukuyoingohangekobokuto: A case report","authors":"Shin Takayama ,&nbsp;Tamon Yamanaka","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Even in patients who survive resuscitation through multidisciplinary treatment, minor persistent symptoms can make hospital discharge difficult. Herein, we report a case of myocardial infarction with intractable symptoms following resuscitation, which were successfully treated using Kampo medicine.</p></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><p>A 71-year-old man experienced intractable cough and hiccups following resuscitation for acute myocardial infarction. Despite successful invasive treatment for his cardiac condition, the patient's persistent symptoms hindered his recovery and discharge from hospital. The patient was diagnosed with qi and blood deficiency, qi stagnation, and fluid retention, before being prescribed the Kampo medicine “bukuryoingohangekobokuto (BRIHK)”. Within days of treatment initiation, his symptoms notably improved, allowing him to be discharged.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This case highlights the potential of Kampo medicine for addressing post-resuscitation symptoms that are refractory to conventional treatments, and emphasizes the importance of integrating Kampo medicine with Western medical practices to enhance patient care and quality of life.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 103001"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830724000648/pdfft?md5=d9bbb9e3190e165a9d1c1890fdc2fd96&pid=1-s2.0-S1550830724000648-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140781214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biosound Therapy as a treatment for long COVID patients: A pre-post pilot study","authors":"Colleenia Korapatti ,&nbsp;Lauren Vera ,&nbsp;Keith Miller","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>43 % of people who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will experience persistent symptoms, also known as “long COVID,” which lasts past the recovery of the acute infection. Long COVID symptoms overlap with symptoms that the Biosound Therapy System (BTS) has been shown to improve. The BTS is a multimodal treatment that includes biofeedback, vibroacoustic therapy synchronized with music that plays binaural beats, and video content. This study aimed to determine feasibility for a future full-scale Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) and explore the impact of the BTS on long COVID symptoms.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This pre-post pilot study was conducted in an outpatient mental health clinic. Adults aged 20–65 years old with persistent COVID-19 symptoms were screened and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention group was given 8 Biosound Therapy sessions during a period of 4 weeks. All participants were assessed at baseline and at post-intervention using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), Cambridge Brain Sciences (CBS) tasks, and the COVID-19 Persistent Symptom Questionnaire. The feasibility outcomes were recruitment rates, retention rates, and open-ended questions about participants’ experiences.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>15 participants enrolled in the study and 13 completed the study (9 intervention, 4 control). Trial recruitment ended prematurely due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Participants responded to open-ended questions with only positive remarks and made no comments on the study not being feasible. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated that compared to baseline, participants in the intervention group had significant improvement in their GAD-7 score, PHQ9 score, 2 Cambridge Brain Science tasks (“Odd” and “Double Trouble”), fatigue, and difficulties in concentrating or remembering (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05; 95 % CI).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The intervention group showed promising improvement without reported side effects. A full-scale RCT is feasible as long as the recruitment setting is changed to a location that allows access to more patients with long COVID. Results were limited due to the small sample size; therefore, a full-scale trial is needed.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 103000"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830724000636/pdfft?md5=c052e97262c17f7a24fceaaee83737c7&pid=1-s2.0-S1550830724000636-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140829339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Meanings of indigenous land-based healing and the implications for water governance","authors":"John Bosco Acharibasam ,&nbsp;Margot Hurlbert ,&nbsp;Ranjan Datta ,&nbsp;Kevin wâsakâyâsiw Lewis","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The continuous process of settler colonialism in Canada has profoundly impacted Indigenous Peoples' relationship with the Land and water, which holds immense significance in their healing journey. Reconnecting with the land and water through culturally rooted practices has far-reaching implications for the health and well-being of Indigenous communities. Maintaining a strong bond with the land and water is integral to Indigenous healing traditions. To gain insights into this connection we used a relational theoretical framework and engaged with Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation, a remote Indigenous community. Our approach centred around community-based participatory research, utilizing methods like deep listening, cultural camps and story-sharing to collect wisdom from community members, knowledge keepers, and Elders. The research findings show understanding the connection between Land-based healing practices and Indigenous-led water governance is critical to solving the water crises within remote Indigenous communities. This knowledge is indispensable for reshaping current water governance systems and ensuring the well-being of Indigenous communities across Canada.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 102998"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830724000600/pdfft?md5=e794d4f8e6fc04497f94d8d19f0db72b&pid=1-s2.0-S1550830724000600-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140616256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupotomy combined with Korean medicine treatment in a patient with acute sacroiliac pain unresponsive to conventional therapy: A case report","authors":"Gawon Choe ,&nbsp;Ji Hye Hwang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Rationale</h3><p>Acute injury to the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) can result from high-energy external forces that cause a combination of axial loading and sudden rotational movements, resulting in severe pain that cannot be relieved by regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The treatment includes injections of steroids and local anesthetics to reduce pain and promote healing. Here, we report the case of a patient with acute sacroiliac pain who did not respond to conventional injection therapy.</p></div><div><h3>Patient concerns</h3><p>A 58-year-old male patient who did not exercise regularly experienced pain in his left groin and difficulty walking while kicking on his right leg. He received two injections and manual therapy at a local orthopedic clinic; however, his symptoms did not improve despite taking painkillers.</p></div><div><h3>Diagnoses</h3><p>Radiographic images showed no abnormalities. After confirming the cause of onset, pain pattern, physical examination, and tenderness, the patient was diagnosed with an acute SIJ sprain (static blood).</p></div><div><h3>Interventions</h3><p>At the first visit, a single acupotomy was performed on the seven treatment points identified during the physical examination, and immediate improvement in symptoms was confirmed. From then on, Korean medicine (KM) treatments, such as acupuncture, cupping, chuna, and bee venom pharmacopuncture, were performed.</p></div><div><h3>Outcomes</h3><p>Immediately after acupotomy, groin pain improved by 80 %, gait immediately normalized, and the patient showed no symptoms at the 9th visit.</p></div><div><h3>Lessons</h3><p>For SIJ-type groin pain that does not respond to existing treatments, immediate relief is achieved after a single acupotomy at the exact treatment point. Therefore, in the future, the importance of identifying a precise treatment point for SIJ pain should be recognized, and the use of Korean medicine treatment techniques, including acupotomy, should be considered.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 102999"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830724000624/pdfft?md5=bcf1d2a3867de24801dc0e625f1dc561&pid=1-s2.0-S1550830724000624-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140600151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Individualized homeopathic medicines in preventing the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial","authors":"Aryabrata Banerjee ,&nbsp;Subhasish Ganguly ,&nbsp;Sangita Saha ,&nbsp;Pulakendu Bhattacharyya ,&nbsp;Satyajit Naskar ,&nbsp;Debraj Mukherjee ,&nbsp;Shuvadip Ghosh ,&nbsp;Prosenjit Maji ,&nbsp;Subhranil Saha ,&nbsp;Abdur Rahaman Shaikh ,&nbsp;Priyanka Ghosh ,&nbsp;Chandrima Chatterjee ,&nbsp;Munmun Koley ,&nbsp;Shyamal Kumar Mukherjee","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><p>Pre-diabetes is a significant public health problem worldwide. India has a very high rate of progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes, 75–78 per thousand persons per year.</p></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To study the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicinal products (HMPs) against placebos in preventing the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes.</p></div><div><h3>Design</h3><p>Six-month, double-blind, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial.</p></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><p>Outpatient departments of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.</p></div><div><h3>Patients</h3><p>Sixty participants with pre-diabetes.</p></div><div><h3>Interventions</h3><p>Verum: HMPs plus yoga therapy (YT; <em>n</em> = 30); control: identical-looking placebos plus YT (<em>n</em> = 30).</p></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><p>The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of participants progressing from pre-diabetes to diabetes, measured after three and six months. Secondary outcomes comprised of fasting blood glucose (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin percentage (HbA1c%), lipid profile, liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase), urea and creatinine, and Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile version 2 (MYMOP-2); all measured after 3 and 6 months.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The proportion of participants converted from pre-diabetics to diabetics (<em>n</em>/<em>N; n</em> = diabetics, <em>N</em> = prediabetics) was significantly less in the verum group than control: HbA1C% (month 3: verum – 2/30 versus control – 11/30, <em>p</em> = 0.003; month 6: 3/30 vs. 2/30, <em>p</em> = 0.008), OGTT (month 3: 0/30 vs. 8/30, <em>p</em> = 0.015; month 6: 0/30 vs. 1/30, <em>p</em> = 0.008), but not according to FBS (month 3: 1/30 vs. 1/30, <em>p</em> = 0.779; month 6: 1/30 vs. 3/30, <em>p</em> = 0.469). Several secondary outcomes also revealed significant improvements in the verum group than in placebo: HbA1C% (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), OGTT (<em>p</em> = 0.001), serum ALT (<em>p</em> = 0.031), creatinine (<em>p</em> = 0.012), and MYMOP-2 profile scores (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). <em>Sulphur, Bryonia alba</em>, and <em>Thuja occidentalis</em> were the most frequently indicated medicines. Thus, HMPs outperformed placebos by successfully preventing the progression of pre-diabetes to diabetes.</p></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><p>Clinical Trials Registry – India CTRI/2022/04/042,026; UTN: U1111–1277–0021</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 5","pages":"Article 102995"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140616125","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}