Advances in integrative medicine最新文献

{"title":"Investigating the effect of traditional Persian manual technique on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled clinical trial","authors":"Mohammad Taghi Rezaipour ,&nbsp;Fatemeh Nejatbakhsh ,&nbsp;Younes Roohani ,&nbsp;Mohammad Sadegh Adel-Mehraban ,&nbsp;Alireza Abbassian","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100589","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100589","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant health issue that negatively affects quality of life. Given the high recurrence rate of CLBP and patients' reluctance to undergo invasive treatments, Persian Medicine offers a manual technique for pain management. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Persian Medicine-based manual technique to treat patients with CLBP.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This randomized controlled trial was performed among 108 patients with CLBP referred to Tehran University of Medical Sciences outpatient clinic from July to December 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (using block randomization) to receive either Persian Medicine or a sham manual technique simulating the original technique. Each patient received the intervention in a single session, and pain severity and disability were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) at four time points. Data were analyzed using SPSS v16 software with repeated-measures ANOVA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Half of the patients were male, with a mean age of 46.93 years. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics, except for age and marital status, which did not affect study outcomes. The intervention group significantly reduced pain severity (MD: −3.1, 95 %CI: −3.92 to −2.27) (P &lt; 0.001) and improved RMDQ scores (P &lt; 0.001) (MD: −4.72, 95 %CI: −6.52 to −2.91) with lower recurrence rate, compared to the sham group (MD: −0.3, 95 %CI: −0.92 to +0.32, and MD: −0.9, 95 %CI: −3.02 to +1.22, respectively). No adverse effects were reported.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The Persian Medicine manual technique may be considered a complementary treatment for patients with CLBP, providing effective pain relief and improvement in disability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100589"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682328","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 regulatory effects of Yinchen Wuling powder on chronic Hepatitis B patients with NAs by integrating network pharmacology and metabolomics: A randomized -controlled clinical study","authors":"Yanping Huang ,&nbsp;Lu Liu ,&nbsp;Jingru Song ,&nbsp;Dengcheng Hui ,&nbsp;Lanfeng Xie ,&nbsp;Silan Shen ,&nbsp;Yulang Jiang ,&nbsp;Dan Wang ,&nbsp;Hongyan Cao ,&nbsp;Yancheng Dai ,&nbsp;Mingmei Zhou ,&nbsp;Qin Zhang ,&nbsp;Mingyu Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100612","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100612","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;CHB patients with NAs still suffer from TCM symptoms which affect the quality of life varying severity. The pathogenesis of CHB in TCM is the accumulation of damp-heat, while there are sub-types of damp heat syndrome.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yinchen Wuling powder combined with NAs on CHB patients of damp-heat and damp-predominant syndrome, while investigate the potential mechanisms and novel applications of classical prescriptions through network pharmacology combined with metabolomics.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Design setting participants and intervention&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;It was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study at 3 hospitals in Shanghai. A total of 62 participants diagnosed with damp-heat and damp-predominant syndrome of CHB patients with NAs were randomly allocated to receive either Yinchen Wuling powder or placebo; the therapy consisted of 8.4 g dosage, administered twice a day after meals for a duration of 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected for non-targeted metabolomics research of characteristic metabolites of CHB patients and pathways enriched by YCWLP treatment. The metabolic network and target of YCWLP on CHB patients of damp-heat and damp-predominant syndrome was constructed by the integration of network pharmacology and non-targeted metabolomics.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Main outcome measures&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The primary outcome measures of the TCM syndrome were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks treatment with total scores of TCM Syndrome. Serum HBsAg decrease, serum HBV DNA negative rate and serum HBeAg conversion were investigated as exploratory indicators during the clinical study.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The findings demonstrated that Yinchen Wuling powder has an effect on TCM syndrome on damp-heat and damp-predominant syndrome of CHB patients with NAs, the total efficiency rate of TCM syndrome was 61.3 % in YCWLP group (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &lt; 0.05). A reduction of serum HBsAg was found in HBeAg negative CHB patients with NAs by YCWLP (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt; &lt; 0.05). No significant adverse drug responses were noticed in either group during the study. The TCM syndrome of damp-heat syndrome of CHB patients with NAs may be improved by regulating linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, etc. By integrating related metabolic pathways constructed with network pharmacology and metabolomics and gene sets of metabolite enzyme, the active ingredients of YCWLP (such as quercetin, β-sitosterol and capillarisin, et al.) may improve TCM syndrome through these core targets by regulate metabolism.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The findings indicated that Yinchen Wuling powder effectively improved the TCM syndrome in treatment of damp-heat and damp-predominant syndrome of CHB patients with NAs in safety. Clinically, it is necessary for damp-heat syndrome of CHB patients to finely distinguish between damp and heat in or","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100612"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022893","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":"Effect of the laying on of hands techniques on sleep quality: A systematic review","authors":"Andressa Bressan Pedroso ,&nbsp;Aline Josiane Waclawovsky ,&nbsp;Eduarda Bitencourt dos Santos ,&nbsp;Felipe Barreto Schuch ,&nbsp;Gabriele Ferreira da Silva da Costa ,&nbsp;Diego Chemello ,&nbsp;Patrícia Chagas","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>non-pharmacological therapies have been used as part of the treatment of insomnia. Laying on of Hands (LH) is an Integrative and Complementary Health Practice that involves the transfer of vital energy through touch and encompasses techniques such as Reiki and Therapeutic Touch (TT). The effects of LH on anxiety, depression, and stress have been studied through systematic reviews; however, to the best of our knowledge, the effect on sleep quality has not been systematically summarized. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of LH on the sleep quality of adults and elderly.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This is a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Clinical trials with adult and elderly population evaluating the effects of LH on sleep quality and related domains were included. The results of individual studies were analyzed qualitatively and the risk of bias was assessed using Rob2 tool.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>18,585 articles were found, and 9 were eligible for systematic review. The studies used different LH techniques, and were conducted in diverse populations. The results are mixed, with most studies suggest favorable effects of LH on sleep quality. However, these findings are based on studies with high or moderate risk of bias.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>most studies found significant effects of LH on sleep quality; however, the lack of possibility of running a meta-analysis and the high risk of bias of the included studies requires caution when interpreting the findings of this study.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100605"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145879988","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 preliminary study of acceptability, feasibility and effects of a mindful self-compassion intervention on emotional intelligence and wellbeing among psychiatry residents","authors":"Anaheed Shirazi ,&nbsp;Niloofar Radgoudarzi ,&nbsp;Hyun-Chung Kim ,&nbsp;Marta Patterson ,&nbsp;Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi ,&nbsp;Matthew S. Herbert ,&nbsp;Desiree Shapiro ,&nbsp;Flora Wong ,&nbsp;Lisa T. Eyler","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100592","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100592","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The role of self-compassion (SC) in improving wellness in healthcare communities and its association with emotional intelligence (EI) has been highlighted by previous studies. Despite the prominence of emotions in psychiatric encounters, research on SC training on EI and wellness among psychiatry residents is limited. This preliminary, hypothesis-generating study aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and trends for potential effects of a tailored Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program for psychiatry residents, to guide future larger-scale trials.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A waitlist-control study assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of Mindful SC training tailored for psychiatry residents. Preliminary effects were assessed by Santa Clara Brief Compassion Scale, Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale–Short-form, Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire–Short-form, Mini Z Burnout Survey, Very Brief Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale, and Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory. Non-parametric tests compared changes across cohorts and pre-post intervention. Qualitative data, interest, and attendance rates were explored to assess program acceptability and feasibility.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 18 participants, 12 completed the study. It was likely (mean = 4.00 out of 5, 5 being highly likely) for participants to incorporate empathy and compassion into their daily lives. Only 1 participant attended all 6 sessions. Conflicts with work schedules were reported as the main barriers. The intervention cohort showed a higher increase in EI (P = 0.003) and SC (P = 0.010) from pre- to post-intervention vs the waitlist group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Preliminary results suggest that mindful-self compassion training for psychiatry residents may improve their EI and SC and is acceptable and highly recommended by those who participated in the intervention. To improve attendance rates, allocating protected time within the curricula should be considered.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100592"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682329","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":"Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program among mothers receiving services from health care centers: A pilot study","authors":"Fahimeh Dehghani ,&nbsp;Seyed Saeed Mazloomy Mahmoudabad ,&nbsp;Reza Aghazadeh ,&nbsp;Nahid Ardian ,&nbsp;Deepak Palival","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to implement and evaluate the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program, considering the significant negative effects of stress on individual health, particularly among mothers.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This quasi-experimental study followed a pre/post-test design and was conducted in 2023 with 50 mothers receiving services from healthcare centers in Yazd, Iran. The SMART program was delivered over eight weekly sessions, each lasting 60–90 min. Data collection utilized Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire before and after the training. Upon program completion, participants also completed an Acceptability and Feasibility Scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA in SPSS software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The average age of participants was 39.68 ± 9.10 years. Most were housewives (88 %) and held bachelor's degrees (36 %). After the intervention, resilience scores significantly increased (mean difference =-3.64, SD = 5.10, Cohen’s d = 0.71, p = 0.0001), while perceived stress scores significantly decreased (mean difference = 4.82, SD = 5.56, Cohen’s d = 0.87, p = 0.0001). These findings suggest that the SMART program was effective in reducing stress and enhancing resilience among mothers. Moreover, demographic variables such as age, education level, and number of children were found to influence the effectiveness of the intervention. Results from the Acceptability and Feasibility Scale further indicated that the program was well-received and feasible for implementation in this population.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this study demonstrate that the SMART program is an effective approach for enhancing resilience and reducing stress among mothers. However, the small, homogeneous sample and absence of a control group limit the generalizability and causal interpretation of the results. Further studies with diverse samples and long-term follow-up are recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100601"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682330","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":"Tensions, challenges, risks and opportunities in the current and future delivery of homeopathy in New Zealand: A survey of practitioner perceptions","authors":"Alastair C. Gray ,&nbsp;Christine D. Luketic ,&nbsp;Jess Coleman ,&nbsp;Barbara Roberts","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Complementary medicine (CM) appears to be thriving in New Zealand. Homeopathy is an important profession within the broader field of CM, yet there is little empirical evidence relating to homeopathy in New Zealand. In response, the aim of this study is to understand practitioner perceptions to the challenges faced in establishing and maintaining a practice, the broader systemic challenges faced by the homeopathic profession, as well as the supplementary forms of work and income undertaken by practitioners alongside their practice of homeopathy. An online survey was administered to homeopaths in New Zealand. The three biggest challenges identified were: ‘difficulty building a client base’ (11.7 %), a ‘lack of business skills and experience’ (10 %) and ‘confidence in building practice’ (8.6 %). The largest age grouping, 51–60-year-olds, found difficulties in ‘managing their confidence’, ‘applying business skills’, ‘experiencing feelings of isolation’ and identified that the ‘public of New Zealand did not understand homeopathy’. Many respondents (69 %) were engaged in homeopathy practice at least 6 h a week, with 25 % engaged in practice more than 20 h per week. Most respondents (64 %) see less than 5 clients per week. Many (66 %) of respondents reported that other work and income were required to supplement the income derived from homeopathy. Despite reporting satisfaction with their work, and readiness to practice homeopathy most homeopaths are in other employment. More than half of homeopaths in New Zealand (almost two thirds) have a second job and/or income supplementation, and this additional work can total on average 25 h per week. Practitioners perceive that they are learning on the job and require supplementary income at the same time. These two forces seem to be possibly incompatible and further examination of homeopaths’ perceptions appear warranted in order to more deeply understand the profession and practice of homeopathy in New Zealand.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100607"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145920957","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":"Herbal medicine formula for asthma: A triple-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial","authors":"Mohammadreza Zarei ,&nbsp;Mehdi Zarei ,&nbsp;Abdollatif Moini ,&nbsp;Nahid Norouzi ,&nbsp;Reza Biranvand ,&nbsp;Rezvan Ghafarzadegan","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) plays a significant role in asthma management.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study evaluated the efficacy of an herbal sachet as an adjunct to conventional asthma therapy, focusing on its impact on the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and cough severity (CS) scores in patients with mild to moderate asthma.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>In this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 102 patients with mild to moderate asthma were assigned to receive either a herbal sachet (5000 mg, Bis in die [BID]) or a placebo for 30 days, alongside standard therapy. The primary outcomes were Cough severity (CS) that was assessed at baseline (T0), at 15 days (T1) and at the 30-day follow-up (T2), with assessments conducted via telephone. The ACT was evaluated at T0 and T2.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics. However, within-group and between-group analyses revealed a significant improvement in ACT scores in the treatment group (herbal sachet [n = 51], p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, a significant interaction effect of time and intervention on CS scores was observed in the treatment group (F = 1574.41, p &lt; 0.001, effect size = 0.94). Within-group analysis showed a significant reduction in CS scores at T0, T1, and T2 (75.58 ± 3.17, 55.02 ± 1.48, and 40.12 ± 2.23, respectively; F = 3375.79, p &lt; 0.001, effect size = 0.96). In contrast, the placebo group exhibited a modest yet significant decrease in CS scores at T0, T1, and T2 (75.81 ± 0.94, 70.32 ± 2.14, and 67.84 ± 3.89, respectively; F = 160.31, p &lt; 0.001, effect size = 0.76).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This trial demonstrated that the standardized herbal sachet, as an adjunct therapy, significantly improved ACT and CS in patients with mild to moderate asthma, with no serious adverse events reported during the study period. These findings may be related to the formulation’s multi-target effects on inflammatory pathways, as suggested by previous preclinical research on its components. However, these mechanisms were not directly measured in our trial, and further biomarker-based studies are required. Potential mechanisms include modulation of biomarkers such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Thromboxane A₂ (TXA2), and 12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (12-HETE) acid. These findings support its use as a well-tolerated, quality-controlled complementary treatment for asthma management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100609"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073821","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":"Perceptions of Ayurvedic physicians on Nadi Pariksha in traditional Indian medicine – A pan India study and quantitative analysis","authors":"Saurav Kumar ,&nbsp;Apakrita Tayade ,&nbsp;Prabhat Kumar ,&nbsp;Vinayak Tayade ,&nbsp;Sanjay Chhajed ,&nbsp;Ravi Bhallamudi","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Diagnosis) is a well-known diagnostic method in Ayurveda where physicians assess a patient's pathological and physiological status through <em>tridosha</em> analysis. The diagnostic procedure is subjective, and there is a need to understand it better.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study quantifies the perceptions and challenges of Ayurvedic physicians in performing Nadi Pariksha and its implications for treating diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The sample for this study comprised 91 Ayurvedic physicians from various regions of India. They were interviewed and asked to complete a series of questionnaires that focused on their difficulties in performing Nadi Pariksha. Hypothesis formulation, validation, and testing were carried out using statistical methods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A two-sample Mann-Whitney statistical method was used to infer physicians’ perceptions of various hypotheses. The judgements of Ayurvedic physicians with varying experience levels disagreed with the hypothesis of longer diagnostic time (p-value=0.003). However, they reached a consensus on the hypotheses relating to quantification (p-value = 0.609), learning curve (p-value = 0.355), and subjectivity (p-value=0.161).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study suggests a need for objective characterization of the arterial pulse in concluding a diagnosis. Standardizing diagnostic approaches may enhance accuracy. Technology-based research would make Ayurveda more evidence-based. Moreover, there is a need for a diagnostic tool or assistive device for less experienced physicians to accelerate their learning and gain confidence in concluding a diagnosis more accurately and quickly. This can reduce the likelihood of incorrect diagnoses and unnecessary treatments, significantly enhancing patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of Ayurveda healthcare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100603"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682379","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 alpha-lipoic acid in migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Obai Yousef ,&nbsp;Moaz Abouelmagd ,&nbsp;Hamdy A. Makhlouf ,&nbsp;Ahmed Eisa ,&nbsp;Omar Kassar ,&nbsp;Amr Elrosasy","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Oxidative stress has been suggested in the pathophysiology of migraine, but the efficacy of antioxidant preventive treatments remains uncertain. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), known for its antioxidant properties, has shown promise in migraine prevention.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study is the first systematic review to assess the evidence regarding the effectiveness of ALA in preventing migraines.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted on major databases up to April 2024 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool (ROB2).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of five RCTs, involving 255 patients, were included. The results indicated a significant improvement in migraine mean monthly frequency (MMF) in both the ALA as monotherapy and the ALA in combination with other treatments groups. The mean difference (MD) for MMF was −1.43 (95 % CI: [-2.48, −0.39]; p = 0.007) and −2.32 (95 % CI: [-3.18, −1.46]; p = 0.001), respectively. ALA was also effective in reducing migraine mean monthly duration (MMD) (MD = −5.2, 95 % CI: [-9.43, −0.98]; p = 0.02). Additionally, ALA led to a significantly higher risk of achieving a 50 % reduction in migraine frequency compared to the control group (relative risk = 2.00; 95 % CI: [1.34, 3.00]; p = 0.0008). No serious adverse events were reported in any of the included studies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings suggest that ALA is a safe intervention with potential benefits in reducing the frequency of migraines. However, further studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence base and enhance our understanding of its mechanism of action.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100591"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616822","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":"Angelica archangelica and its role in traditional medicine: A systematic review of its therapeutic applications","authors":"Jaime López-Seoane ,&nbsp;Matteo Ferraro ,&nbsp;Margarita Pérez-Ruiz ,&nbsp;Marcela González-Gross","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100611","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100611","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Traditional medicine, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses the knowledge, skills, and practices derived from various cultures used for health maintenance and disease treatment. <em>Angelica archangelica</em> (AA) has been used in traditional medicine for its purported healing properties. This systematic review aims to analyze the use of AA as a supplement in treating diseases in humans and animals and to investigate its potential health benefits.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed, and the review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023443289). Six databases were searched, and studies that evaluate AA effects on various pathologies in humans or animals were included.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 1092 identified records, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria, with two human studies. Both human studies analyzed symptoms related to overactive bladder and had a double-blind randomized controlled trial design. One found no significant effects of AA on nocturia, however, the second found improvements on daytime voids and quality of life and nearly significant results on nocturia. The remaining animal studies showed that AA had beneficial effects on anxiety, breast cancer growth, gastric ulcers, hepatotoxicity, seizures, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy and asthma, but results varied based on dosage and extract type.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The evidence suggests AA supplementation could provide benefits in managing overactive bladder, anxiety, cancer, gastrointestinal issues, liver health, neurological disorders, and respiratory conditions, however, the plant’s effects are influenced by dosage, extract origin, and treatment duration and more human studies are needed to confirm these benefits and determine optimal usage parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100611"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022892","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}