Advances in integrative medicine最新文献

{"title":"Pupil flattening as a diagnostic marker for intervertebral disc bulge: An iridology-based approach","authors":"Y. Rosy Ayda ,&nbsp;Abinaya Suresh ,&nbsp;M. Alkousar Taz ,&nbsp;MaheshKumar Kuppysamy","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intervertebral disc bulge (IVDB) is a prevalent spinal condition that significantly affects quality of life, yet current diagnostic methods can be expensive and not always easily accessible. This study explores the potential of pupil flattening as an iridological marker for IVDB. A case-control study was conducted with 60 IVDB patients and 60 healthy controls. High-resolution iris images were analyzed for pupil flattening, revealing a markedly higher prevalence in IVDB patients (88.3 % in the right iris, 81.7 % in the left iris) compared to controls (15 % in the right iris, 10 % in the left iris). ROC analysis demonstrated strong diagnostic accuracy, with AUC values of 0.79 for males (95 % CI: 0.60–0.98) and 0.88 (95 % CI: 0.78–0.99) for females. Sensitivity and specificity were particularly high in females, at 80 % and 97.62 %, respectively. These findings indicate that pupil flattening could serve as a non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic tool for IVDB, offering a potential complement to existing diagnostic approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100604"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836871","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":"Clinical effectiveness of rehabilitation in COVID-19, in ICU, post/long COVID, and in telerehabilitation: Systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Ana Raquel Pereyra ,&nbsp;Nicolás David Ramírez ,&nbsp;Arnaldo Mangeaud","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of rehabilitation and pulmonary physiotherapy treatments in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) secondary to COVID-19 in adults, With three subgroups, 1- Patients in ICU or hospitalized, 2- those recovering from Post/Long COVID, and 3- Telerehabilitation. The outcomes analyzed were \"Length of Stay (LOS)\", “Six-Minute Walk (6 MW)” and “30 Second Sit to Stand (30-SSTS)”.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>The Cochrane® methodology was employed following PRISMA guidelines. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO. We conducted a systematic literature search using the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, Study Design) framework.</div></div><div><h3>Data sources</h3><div>PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, gray literature, and Google Scholar.</div></div><div><h3>Study selection</h3><div>The review included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published from 2020 to May 2025 using the PICOS structure.</div></div><div><h3>Data extraction</h3><div>The screening was with Rayyan software and with independent researchers.</div></div><div><h3>Data synthesis</h3><div>A flow PRISMA diagram was made, including 22 RCTs. The Risk of Bias was assessed using the RoB1 and RoB2 tools, involving 1390 patients from several countries. The meta-analysis of mean difference was calculated using Review Manager software version 5.4.1.</div></div><div><h3>Limitations of the study</h3><div>Heterogeneity in outcome measurements and reporting scales across studies limited the inclusion of some primary studies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>These showed that rehabilitation and pulmonary physiotherapy interventions improved functional outcome. For LOS the heterogeneity was low with I² = 21 % and p-value of 0.29. For 6 MW the heterogeneity was low with I² = 24 % and p-value of 0.19. And for 30 Second Sit to Stand the heterogenity was moderate with I² = 28 % and p-value of 0.24.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Rehabilitation and pulmonary physiotherapy interventions led to clinically and statistically significant improvements in adults aged 18–75 with SARS secondary to COVID-19. The key outcomes, 6 MW, 30-SSTS, and LOS provided robust quantitative evidence supporting their effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100617"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146170069","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 effect of comprehensive antioxidant supplementation on visual field outcomes in glaucoma patients with low intraocular pressure: A case series","authors":"Sugapriyan Ravichandran ,&nbsp;Ghee Soon Ang","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100613","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100613","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Glaucoma is a complex optic neuropathy characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cells and visual field (VF) loss. Although intraocular pressure (IOP) is a well-known risk factor, progression often occurs in patients with controlled IOP, suggesting the involvement of other pathophysiological mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To evaluate the efficacy of a novel antioxidant supplement on IOP and VF outcomes in glaucoma patients with well-controlled IOP.</div></div><div><h3>Materials &amp; methods</h3><div>This retrospective case study reviewed medical records of 21 consecutive patients with open-angle glaucoma and IOP consistently &lt; 15 mmHg, who supplemented their existing treatment regimen with a novel antioxidant supplement. Primary outcomes were changes in IOP and VF indices - mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), and visual field index (VFI) over a mean period of 5.7 months. Improvement in VF was defined as an increase in at least 2 out of 3 VF indices.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The cohort (mean age 58.6 years; 52.4 % male; mean baseline IOP 11.6 mmHg) showed an overall improvement in VF in 81 % of cases. Subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in IOP (mean difference 1.1 mmHg ± 1.4 mmHg, <em>p</em> = 0.031) and VFI (mean difference 2.8 % ± 2.0 %, <em>p</em> = 0.037) in patients with MD up to −6 dB. No significant adverse effects were reported.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The antioxidant supplement demonstrated potential neuroprotective effects in glaucoma patients with low IOP, particularly in the early stages of the disease. These findings suggest that targeted nutritional supplementation could complement traditional therapies, though further research is needed to confirm these results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100613"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146170072","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 effect of propolis on the side effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer","authors":"Marjaneh Farazestanian ,&nbsp;Nafiseh Saghafi ,&nbsp;Elnaz Sadat Hosseini ,&nbsp;Malihe Hasanzadeh Mofrad ,&nbsp;Maryam Emadzadeh ,&nbsp;Mansoureh Sadat Golmohammadi Tavalaei ,&nbsp;Elham Dolat","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Propolis contains antioxidant compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help control cancer progression and reduce chemotherapy side effects by influencing various biochemical pathways. Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is associated with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, and anemia. It is anticipated honeybee propolis will effectively reduce these side effects</div></div><div><h3>Study methods</h3><div>This clinical trial involved 70 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer from Oct 2021 to Jun 2023 in Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad, Iran. The chemotherapy regimen included carboplatin and paclitaxel at standard dose, accompanied by a placebo control, while two capsules of Provex were administered daily throughout the treatment period. The incidence and severity of gastrointestinal side effects (nausea and vomiting) were evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), along with liver function tests and blood factors before starting each course of chemotherapy and tumor marker CA-125 after three and six courses of chemotherapy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the intervention group, the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting significantly decreased compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.001). No significant differences were observed in blood factors. CA-125 levels significantly decreased in both groups, indicating that propolis did not interfere with treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Propolis reduces side effects in patients without interfering with chemotherapy. Therefore, it can be used as a supplement to enhance the quality of life for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100610"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073637","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":"When health becomes political: Why integrative medicine must lean on science","authors":"Susan Arentz","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100618","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100618"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146170068","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":"An exploratory, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of Hypericum perforatum 200CH in preventing and treating fingertip puncture site pain and tenderness","authors":"Dibyendu Mandal ,&nbsp;Soumyadeep Maity ,&nbsp;Sudeshna Sardar ,&nbsp;Abhijit Rana ,&nbsp;Srijana Panda ,&nbsp;Soma Pramanick ,&nbsp;Subhranil Saha","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Needle punctures during hematology practicals can induce discomfort, anxiety, and diminished cooperation. Homeopathic literature indicates <em>Hypericum perforatum</em> for puncture wounds and neuropathic pain. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of <em>Hypericum perforatum</em> 200CH in preventing and treating fingertip puncture site pain and tenderness compared with placebo.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An exploratory, double-blind, randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled study was conducted with 90 undergraduate students during hematology practical classes. Participants were randomly allocated to the <em>Hypericum perforatum</em> 200CH group (<em>n = 60</em>) or the placebo group (<em>n</em> = 30). Three doses were administered: the night before, thirty minutes earlier, and immediately after the puncture. Standardized fingertip punctures were performed once using sterile lancets and pricking guns, with the instrument calibrated to 0.5 to ensure procedural uniformity. The primary outcome was the time until total relief of pain and tenderness. The secondary outcome measure was the intensity of pain and tenderness, evaluated using a pain visual analog scale (VAS; 0–100 mm), measured until the 4th day.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a significantly shorter median time to achieve complete pain resolution in the <em>Hypericum perforatum</em> 200CH group (10 h versus 14 h; log-rank test, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Tenderness scores exhibited no significant differences between the groups (<em>p</em> = 0.475). The group difference in the pain VAS score was statistically significant, favoring the <em>Hypericum perforatum</em> group compared to placebo (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). No adverse events were recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A significantly faster resolution of pain was achieved in the <em>Hypericum perforatum</em> 200CH group compared with placebo; however, no impact on tenderness was noted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100606"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145786976","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":"Bioinspired organometallic synthesis of iron nanoparticles using Thuja occidentalis: Anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties","authors":"Chandana Yesudas ,&nbsp;Uma Maheshwari ,&nbsp;Krishnan Raguvaran ,&nbsp;Murni Handayani ,&nbsp;Rajeshwari-Srinivasan Kaarmukhilnilavan ,&nbsp;Illakkiam Devaraj ,&nbsp;Murugesan Mohana Keerthi ,&nbsp;Sri Sudewi ,&nbsp;Akhtar Rasool","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) synthesized using the homeopathic medicine <em>Thuja occidentalis</em> mother tincture represent a promising candidate in nanomedicine due to their broad therapeutic potential. This study focuses on the characterization and biological evaluation of these nanoparticles synthesized through a green route.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were prepared using a green synthesis approach with Thuja occidentalis mother tincture as the reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanoparticles were characterized by Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X–ray (SEM–EDX) analysis, X–ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The anticancer activity of <em>Thuja occidentalis</em>-functionalized iron nanoparticles (TIONPs) was evaluated against AGS gastric cancer cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, revealing a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, while anti-inflammatory potential was assessed via the albumin denaturation assay. Both tests demonstrated significant efficacy of the nanoparticles.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings indicate that <em>Thuja occidentalis</em>-functionalized iron nanoparticles (TIONPs) effectively target cancer cells, scavenge free radicals, and inhibit protein denaturation. The synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using Thuja occidentalis mother tincture is a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy, providing an avenue for developing safe nanomaterials with diverse biomedical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100608"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145879989","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 experiences of providing animal-assisted activities s: A multispecies ethnographic study","authors":"Laura Fetterplace ,&nbsp;Nicole Peel ,&nbsp;Janette Young","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2025.100602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The demand for Animal Assisted Activities s (AAA) is increasing, as is the research on these interactions. Extensive human-centric evidence on the health benefits of AAA to human clients exists. However, research into both handler and dog experiences has been limited representation, it is essential to include these perspectives to add value to this field, ensuring ethical and evidence-based practices in working partnerships.</div></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><div>The purpose of this pilot study was to comprehensively explore the perspectives and experiences of dogs and handlers engaged in AAA utilizing a multispecies approach.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study was informed by a multispecies ethnographic approach. In this two stage dual source research, data were collected via seven semi-structured interviews with AAA handlers and three observations of their dogs during AAA sessions. Interview data was analysed thematically, and observations are presented as narrative descriptions.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Five key themes emerged: dogs as a working resource; dogs shaping therapy; animal welfare prioritized; putting others first (human motivations); putting others first (influence of the animal) with a hierarchy presented of dogs being the primary consideration, followed by clients, then the handler. Observations of the dogs indicated a more human-centric hierarchy in AAA sessions with canine team members indications of caution not always identified or responded to. Other observations indicated simple techniques that can increase the agency of canine team members in AAA.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Even in the presence of genuinely held concerns for animal consent and welfare, handlers’ human-centric altruistic motivations may impact their dogs’ agency and control in AAA. Animals involved in AAA should be given more choice in interactions to improve their wellbeing. Human and animal beings are inseparable in AAA and other animal-inclusive, human focused activities, future research needs to increasingly seek to include the animal perspective when investigating this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100602"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145682378","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 effect of honey-based products on pain severity and wound healing of episiotomy among primiparous women: A systematic review","authors":"Fatemeh Mehravar ,&nbsp;Hadis Sourinejad ,&nbsp;Ziba Raisi Dehkordi ,&nbsp;Sahar Arab ,&nbsp;Elham Adib Moghaddam","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100616","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background and aim&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Episiotomy is the most common surgical intervention during the second stage of labor. Honey is one of the oldest medicinal substances used for wound healing. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to map the existing evidence that investigating the effects of honey-based products on episiotomy pain and wound healing and identify gaps.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Persian databases (SID and Magiran), and Google Scholar. The search had no date restrictions and included records up to June 30, 2025. A total of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one quasi-experimental study met the inclusion criteria; all focused on primiparous women with term vaginal deliveries who used honey-based products for episiotomy pain and wound healing. Notably, two publications reported on pain severity and wound healing outcomes separately but shared identical study populations, methodologies, and authorship. These were consequently analyzed as a single study. Thus, the final analysis encompassed nine publications derived from 8 unique studies. Methodological quality was appraised using the Jadad scale. The risk of bias for the included RCTs was assessed independently using the Cochrane Revised Tool for Risk of Bias in Randomized Trials (RoB 2), while the single quasi-experimental study was evaluated using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The systematic database search yielded a total of 1287 records. The distribution across sources was as follows: PubMed (n = 215), Scopus (n = 308), Web of Science (n = 192), ScienceDirect (n = 410), SID (n = 48), Magiran (n = 34), and Google Scholar (n = 80). Following the removal of 302 duplicates, 985 unique records underwent title and abstract screening. Ultimately, nine publications—representing 8 studies (7 randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and one quasi-experimental study)—were included in the final analysis. Two of these publications, which reported separately on pain severity and wound healing, originated from the same underlying study population, methodology, and authorship; they were therefore analyzed as a single study. Regarding pain intensity, the results indicated that honey-based products alone led to a non-significant reduction. However, when used in combination with other substances (e.g., olive or sesame oil), the analgesic effect became statistically significant. For wound healing, honey-based products generally demonstrated a positive effect, although findings were inconsistent across studies, with some reporting significant improvements and others showing non-significant results. Commonly reported side effects included mild skin irritation, pain, burning, slight itching, sensitivity to the honey preparation, tightness, and dryness i","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100616"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146170070","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":"Mindfulness and the brain: A systematic review of neuroimaging evidence on structural and functional connectivity","authors":"Mamta Trichal","doi":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Evidence suggests that mindfulness meditation reduces stress while enhancing mental and physical well-being, as well as cognitive performance. The majority of research done in the last 20 years supports this view. Neuroimaging studies have begun to pinpoint the brain networks and regions responsible for these beneficial effects. However, we do not know the underlying brain mechanisms causing these alterations.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The practice of mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment without passing judgment, has been extensively studied in neuroscience. This paper reviews several noteworthy findings in the neuroscience of mindfulness. This review article covers the power of meditation and its health benefits.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>To examine the effects of meditation on the structure and function of the brain through a methodical analysis, five international databases- Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library facilitated to search the original articles, published during 2017–2024, with the aim of determining the impact of mindful practices through MRI scanning.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings indicate that meditation activates brain regions involved in self-relevant information processing, self-regulation, focused problem solving, adaptive behavior, and interoception. Moreover, meditators' brains show structural and functional changes associated with their practice, particularly in areas related to self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-referential cognitive processes, as well as in functional brain connectivity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Implicitly, meditation practices could help prevent illness, while also showing that a biological foundation underlies the beneficial, all-encompassing effect of meditation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7343,"journal":{"name":"Advances in integrative medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"Article 100614"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146170071","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}