Hui Huang , Mengyu Jin , Xiaoyan Gao , Yan Wang , Xiaoming Jiang , Qun Wan , Lele Geng , Xiuwu Hu
{"title":"Effect of DU meridian long snake moxibustion on intestinal flora of people with yang deficiency","authors":"Hui Huang , Mengyu Jin , Xiaoyan Gao , Yan Wang , Xiaoming Jiang , Qun Wan , Lele Geng , Xiuwu Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><span>The changes of intestinal flora<span> are closely related to the occurrence and development of many diseases. Long snake moxibustion<span> has the functions of strengthening the body resistance, eliminating pathogenic factors and balancing yin and yang, and has been widely used in clinic. This study aimed to explore the effect of long snake moxibustion on intestinal flora in people with </span></span></span>yang deficiency constitution.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p><span><span>The 60 subjects with yang deficiency constitution recruited in a tertiary A-level-integrated </span>traditional Chinese medicine hospital were randomly divided into Du meridian group and non-Du meridian group between May 1, 2021, and July 31, 2021, which were treated once a week for 12 consecutive times. The scores of symptoms of yang deficiency were recorded before and after treatment, fresh stool samples were collected, and the distribution of intestinalflora was detected by 16 S </span>rDNA sequencing technology.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Compared with before treatment, the scores of symptoms of yang deficiency in both groups had a distinct decrease after treatment (P<0.05), and the effect of Du meridian group was better than that of non-Du meridian group. After treatment, the Du meridian group was superior to the non-Du meridian treatment group in the diversity of intestinal flora, the relative abundance of phylum and genus, and the dominant intestinal flora.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Long snake moxibustion on Du meridian can improve the diversity of intestinal flora, promote the balance between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria, enhance the integrity of intestinal epithelial barrier and regulate intestinal immunity, thus improving Yang deficiency constitution.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 155-163"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141697435","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":"The efficacy of evening primrose seed oil supplements on ART outcomes: A triple-blinded randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial","authors":"Nahid Sohrabi , Amir Fattahi , Farnaz Oghbaei , Kobra Hamdi , Azizeh Farshbaf-Khalili , Mahnaz Shahnazi","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Evening primrose oil (EPO) has been extensively documented for its potential benefits in various medical conditions, including gestational diabetes, inflammatory diseases, cyclic breast pain, cancer, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal syndrome, and female reproductive disorders.</p></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of evening primrose oil (EPO) supplementation on the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 84 infertile women who were candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were randomly assigned to either the EPO supplementation group or the placebo (p) group with a 1:1 ratio. The EPO capsule was given from day 1–2 of the ART cycle at a dosage of 1000 mg every eight hours for two weeks. Finally, the ART outcomes parameters as well as the treatment side effects were evaluated.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The results illustrated no statistically significant disparities between the groups in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved, ovarian sensitivity index (OSI), rate of fertilization, and number and quality of embryos (p>0.05). However, a notably enhanced incidence of pregnancy and implantation rates in the EPO group was observed when compared to the P group (42.9 % vs. 17.4 % and 23±30.5 % vs. 10.87±26 %, respectively). Moreover, none of the patients experienced side effects from the intervention.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>EPO consumption for two weeks could improve ART outcomes by increasing implantation and pregnancy rates without significantly affecting the number of mature oocytes, rate of fertilization, and the quantity and quality of embryos. These findings highlight the significance of a maternal preconception diet.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 175-180"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142161547","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":"A hot-water extract of Sargassum hemiphyllum as the sole treatment for allergic contact dermatitis – A case report","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p><span><span>Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment for </span>contact dermatitis, but there is a practical need to provide alternatives to patients concerned about the safety of these drugs. </span><span><span>Sargassum</span><em> hemiphyllum</em></span><span>, a very common brown macroalga found on coasts of the Greater China, has been shown to be an abundant source of anti-inflammatory substances.</span></p></div><div><h3>Case description</h3><p>Presented below is the use of a crude, <em>S. hemiphyllum</em><span> hot-water extract (SHHWE) as the sole treatment in a patient with widespread allergic contact dermatitis<span>. A 47-year-old female beautician presented with widespread allergic contact dermatitis<span> on upper abdomen. She refused corticosteroid therapy and preferred conservative, moisturizer-based treatments. The SHHWE was used as the sole moisturizer and the patient recovered uneventfully within 6 weeks without requiring any medications.</span></span></span></p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p><span>This case, for the first time, illustrates the feasibility of using a SHHWE as the main treatment for allergic contact dermatitis. Such extracts may be considered in these patients who opt for non-corticosteroid, </span>symptomatic treatments under medical supervision.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 133-137"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141407293","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":"The reasons for the use of traditional and complementary medicine by cancer patients in Morocco","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>More than a third of cancer patients use traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM) in the Beni Mellal Khenifra region of Morocco. No study has investigated the reasons for this use. Our objective is to explore the main resaons this use.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Between April and October 2022, 200 cancer patients from the Beni Mellal oncology center participated in a qualitative and descriptive study with semi-structured interviews. We used thematic analysis to identify reasons for use.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>156 patients used T&CM (78 %). The majority used natural products<span><span>, including medicinal plants. The first four reasons given by the patients were the hope of recovery (25.64 %), the reduction of the undesirable effects of conventional treatments (20.51 %), the improvement of the </span>quality of life (physical, psychological, and esthetic) (17.94 %) and following traditions and customs (15.38 %).</span></p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The four reasons mentioned can explain the use of T&CM. Given the discrepancies found in other studies, this area of research deserves further investigation across Morocco.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 138-142"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141398987","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":"Osteopathy: A potential ally against anorexia?","authors":"Jérémie Mattatia","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>This article addresses the complex relationship between body perception and anorexia through some examples of body psychotherapy frameworks that also integrate osteopathic principles. We aim to correlate these perspectives and propose directions for future research integrating psychiatry and osteopathy.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We review and discuss various theoretical paradigms, including psychiatric, psychoanalytic, body-psychotherapeutic models. By synthesizing insights from these diverse fields, we underscore the potential benefits of an osteopathic practice that prioritizes psychological considerations.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The interest in transdisciplinary and holistic clinical methodologies has been increasing. We draw parallels between the practices of psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957) and osteopathy founder Andrew Taylor Still (1828–1917) in addressing psychosomatic disorders. In the same time, recent studies substantiate the efficacy of somatic approaches for patients with anorexia.</p></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><p>Despite limited empirical evidence supporting osteopathy's role in treating anorexia, several theoretical observations indicate its potential utility. These findings suggest promising avenues for future clinical research combining osteopathy, psychomotricity and psychiatry.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 171-174"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142161681","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":"The safety and tolerability of Annona muricata leaf product in people living with cancer: Study protocol","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The objective of this study was to design a clinical study protocol to investigate the safety and tolerability of <em>Annona muricata</em>, in people living with advanced malignancy. Anecdotal clinical evidence suggests this herb has potential anti-cancer activity. There are numerous pre-clinical studies detailing <em>Annona muricata’</em>s main bioactive constituents. To date, clinical studies evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability are limited.</p></div><div><h3>Design</h3><p>This phase 1 open label study will involve people living with stage III and IV cancers of any type, who are not undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The primary outcome is safety and tolerability of an <em>Annona muricata</em> leaf product as measured by participants’ self-reporting of adverse effects experienced and the proportion of participants completing the study. Secondary outcomes include biomarkers of inflammation and immune function, disease status and self-reported quality of life scores. Participants (n = 24) will be allocated to one of two groups for 12 weeks. Participants will commence at different timepoints and be assigned to either 530 mg or 1060 mg of <em>Annona muricata</em> daily<em>.</em> The study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee Bellberry and will be reported in compliance with the SPIRIT statement. This study has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register.</p></div><div><h3>Results and conclusions</h3><p>The results of this study will provide safety and tolerability data for clinicians involved in the care of people living with cancer who choose to use <em>Annona muricata</em> products as an integrative approach to their healthcare. The results of this study will inform further research about the potential role of <em>Annona muricata</em> in cancer.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 143-148"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212958824000624/pdfft?md5=587064c0ab6609e83f2cec5f81581411&pid=1-s2.0-S2212958824000624-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141416244","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":"Osteopathy in the Italian healthcare landscape: Perceptions and areas of competence according to healthcare professionals","authors":"Diego Lopane , Beatrice Mazzoleni , Daniela Cattani , Fanny Soekeland , Alessandra Dacomi , Chiara Coldani , Giuseppina Tomaiuolo , Giovanni Cangelosi , Stefano Mancin","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.07.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.07.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>The healthcare context aims to create a multidisciplinary culture that places the patient at the center of the care process, and osteopathy plays a significant and evolving role. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the role of osteopathy in the Italian hospital healthcare setting.</p></div><div><h3>Design</h3><p>This cross-sectional observational study involved the collection of 327 questionnaires. Subsequently, data from 302 questionnaires were selected and evaluated in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The survey was conducted through a questionnaire specifically developed for the study and administered using Google Forms. The questionnaire included specific domains for the analysis of demographic data and data related to the perception of the osteopathic discipline. Electronic distribution of the survey was achieved through a snowball sampling approach, requiring participants' informed consent.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Regarding the age distribution of the respondents, the majority fell within the 25–34 age bracket, constituting 37 % of the sample. When asked about their profession, the vast majority identified as nurses (80 %). It emerged that among the 203 respondents who confirmed seeking osteopathic consultation, the primary motivations were related to musculoskeletal disorders.</p></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><p>The evolving healthcare landscape emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Respondents show a strong inclination toward incorporating osteopathy into interdisciplinary care models. As healthcare shifts towards holistic, patient-centered models, including osteopathy in multidisciplinary teams could enhance therapeutic options and improve patient care quality.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 164-170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141849077","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":"Integrative medicine healthcare, research and education","authors":"Susan Arentz","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.08.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.08.011","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 121-122"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212958824000910/pdfft?md5=48d69c85f496960e45a737896041202b&pid=1-s2.0-S2212958824000910-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142161676","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}
Asma Afzal , Shameem Ahmad Rather , Shabir Ahmad Bhat , Sheikh Zahoor , Arsheed Iqbal
{"title":"Efficacy and safety of wet cupping in the management of Gout: An open labeled, randomized standard control study","authors":"Asma Afzal , Shameem Ahmad Rather , Shabir Ahmad Bhat , Sheikh Zahoor , Arsheed Iqbal","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><span>The most prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis<span> is Gouty arthritis. Wet cupping, a traditional regimental therapy of Greco-Arab and Chinese medicine, has been proven an effective and safe alternative treatment for multiple disorders especially in musculoskeletal </span></span>ailments.</p></div><div><h3>Aims and objectives</h3><p>To study the efficacy and safety of wet cupping in Gouty arthritis.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>In an open-labeled, randomized and standard controlled trial 60 patients of gout fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated in test group (n=30) receiving wet cupping and the control group (n=30) receiving allopurinol<span> for a period of 60 days. Patients were assessed at every 15th day for subjective parameters/symptoms, whereas for objective parameters (serum uric acid, inflammatory markers) assessment was done at 0th day and on 61st day of the study protocol. The data was analyzed statistically using student t-test to obtain the results.</span></p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Both the test and control groups showed a significant improvement in subjective parameters (p<0.001). Serum uric acid gets significantly improved after the treatment (p<0.001) in both the groups, however among inflammatory markers, better improvement in ESR was seen in test group (p< 0.05) than control group (p=0.37) but there was no considerable improvement in CRP either in test or control group. All the safety parameters (LFT, KFT) were found to remain undisturbed after completion of study protocol.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Wet cupping has a considerable impact in improving the symptoms of gout and serum uric acid levels. It is much safer and could prove a better alternative for gout management.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 149-154"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141707700","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}
Vahid Monfared , Kiyana Talati Far , Farhad Vahid , Adel Salehian , Faezeh Akbarpoor , Zeinab Nikniaz , Zeinab Faghfoori
{"title":"The effect of flaxseed on lipid profile in healthy individuals: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials","authors":"Vahid Monfared , Kiyana Talati Far , Farhad Vahid , Adel Salehian , Faezeh Akbarpoor , Zeinab Nikniaz , Zeinab Faghfoori","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.08.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2024.08.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Findings on the effects of flaxseed on the lipid profile in healthy individuals are conflicting. The current comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize available evidence in this regard.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>After a systematic search in the online databases, we included the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of flaxseed on the lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), Apolipoprotein -A (apo-A) and Apolipoprotein -B (apo-B)] in healthy individuals.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Altogether, 16 studies with a total sample size of 1000 were included in the analysis. Combining 17 effect sizes from 16 RCTs, we found a significant lowering effect of flaxseed on serum levels of TG (weighted mean difference (WMD): < 0.001, 95 % CI: −0.05–0.05 mmol/L; p = 0.996), TC (WMD: 0.23 mmol/l; 95 % CI: −0.34 to −0.13; p &l; 0.001), LDL-C (WMD): −0.15 mmol/l; 95 % CI: −0.26 to −0.05; p = 0.003), HDL-C (WMD): −0.05 mmol/l; 95 % CI: −0.09 to −0.02; p = 0.001), apo-A (WMD): 0.16 g/l; 95 % CI: −0.26–0.58; p= 0.465) and apo-B (WMD): −0.06 g/l; 95 % CI: −0.15–0.02; p = 0.131).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The present study demonstrates the beneficial effects of flaxseed on TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C in healthy people.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"11 3","pages":"Pages 123-132"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142161677","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}