Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

{"title":"Integrative Traditional Unani Medicine Management for Calcaneal Spur: A Case Report.","authors":"Meraj Meraj, Arif Anees, Intezar Ahmad, Abdul Rehman M I, Sadique Husain, Noushiba Khan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Calcaneal spur refers to a condition in which a sharp bone growth occurs at the heel. In Unani, the calcaneal spur is best categorized under Waja'al-'Aqib (heel pain). This study aims to report the effect of traditional Unani medicine on severe heel pain due to calcaneal spur.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The current case, a 43-year-old female patient, presented to the outpatient department in Hakim Syed Ziaul Hasan Government Unani Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal on October 10, 2023, complaint of sharp pricking localized pain with heat sensation, morning stiffness in the bottom of the left heel, and difficulty in walking for five days. On assessment, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Foot Function Index (FFI) for the patient's left foot were scored 56, 9, and 134, respectively, indicating the severity of pain and functional impairment of the left heel. The X-ray of the left foot (anterior-posterior and lateral views) showed an inferior bony spur projecting forward from the calcaneal tuberosity. Management was planned with the integrative treatment comprising Ilājbi'l Tadbīr (regimenal therapy) and Ilājbi'l Dawā (pharmacotherapy). Additionally, Pāshoya (immersion of the feet in medicated decoction), Tadhīn (Applying medicated oil locally over the ankle), and two oral Unani medicines- Habb-i-Suranjan, an Unani pill, and Ma'jūn-i-chobchini, a semisolid Unani pharmacopoeial formulation having active ingredients Suranjan (Colchicum luteum) and chobchini (Smilax chin), respectively, were used for 14 days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>On treatment completion, the WOMAC, VAS, and FFI scores significantly reduced from 56, 9, and 134, to 8, 1, and 34, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The case demonstrates that Unani interventions, including Pāshoya (footbath), Tadhīn (medicated oil application locally), and oral Unani medicines, are effective, safe, and convenient for managing calcaneal spur. Further well-designed clinical research is recommended.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Botanical medicine, Case report, Calcaneal spur, Ilājbi'l Tadbīr (Regimenal therapy), Pāshoya (Footbath), Unani medicine, Waja'al-'Aqib (heel pain).</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198021","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":"A Rare Case of Breast Abscess Caused by Facklamia hominis Following COVID-19 Infection.","authors":"Lei Hou, Ziyi Fan, Luming Zheng","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Facklamia hominis is an infrequent opportunistic pathogen. This case report describes a ​young immunocompetent female who developed ​recurrent abscesses after a COVID-19 infection, highlighting the potential link between post-COVID-19 immune dysfunction and opportunistic infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive review of the patient's clinical course, relevant laboratory tests, treatment, and post-treatment outcomes was conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A young female patient with a history of COVID-19 infection developed recurrent abscesses (perineal and breast) 40 days apart, which were managed with antibiotics, local incision and drainage, and traditional Chinese medicine (Xihuang pills, made up with Bezoar, Musk, Frankincense, and Myrrh). Laboratory tests revealed prealbumin deficiency (143 mg/L), a marker associated with poor prognosis in post-COVID-19 patients. Bacterial culture from the breast abscess confirmed Facklamia hominis infection, identified via VITEK 2 Compact system. The patient completed a two-week regimen of antibiotics combined with traditional Chinese medicine therapy, achieving complete resolution without recurrence during follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is an emerging association between COVID-19 infection and subsequent Facklamia hominis infection, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Post-COVID-19 lymphopenia and prealbumin deficiency may predispose patients to opportunistic infections.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>COVID-19, Multiple abscesses, breast abscess, Facklamia homini, prealbumin.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198017","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":"Homoeopathic Approach in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Case Report.","authors":"Ayush Kumar Gupta, Preeti Lamba","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The varicella zoster virus, which also causes chicken pox in unvaccinated individuals, is the cause of herpes zoster. Vaccinated individuals with partial protection acquired against the virus during a previous chicken pox episode may be susceptible to herpes zoster. When affected by chicken pox, the virus lodges in the posterior nerve root ganglion. From then on, anytime the patient encounters a decrease in cell-mediated immunity during their lifetime, the patient is at a risk of developing an acute eruption that appears like tense vesicles and occurs in groups with surrounding erythema. Typically, the eruption is entirely unilateral and is restricted to a single neural segment. Paraesthesia and intense pain in the afflicted neural segment are the most common consequences of herpes zoster and might appear after the skin eruptions. This pain can last for several months even after the eruption has healed.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This case was treated at the OPD of Dr. D.Y. Patil Homoeopathic Medical College & Research Centre, Pune, India. A 67-year-old male patient was diagnosed with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). During one month of regular treatment, all the complaints were resolved.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>All of the problems were resolved after prescribing individualised homoeopathic medication over a month of routine follow-up visits. The patient's problems with his bodily and mental well-being were resolved. The patient's visual analogue scale score, used to assess pain, dropped to 0 from 9.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We may infer that tailored homoeopathic therapy is beneficial in treating postherpetic complications based on the favourable outcome shown in this case.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Postherpetic Neuralgia, Herpes Zoster, Varicella-zoster virus, Homoeopathy, Arsenicum album, Ranunculus bulbous, Totality of symptoms, Case report.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198019","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":"Integrative Insights into Huqna (Enema) Therapy: Unani and Modern Paradigms.","authors":"Bushra Husain, Irshad Ahmed Wani, Umme Ayman, Mohd Nayab, Mehmooda Begum","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Unani system of medicine is rooted in the Theory of Humors, where health is maintained through the balance of four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, bile, and black bile). Its treatment approach is holistic, encompassing Ilaj bil Tadbeer (Regimental therapy), Ilaj bil Ghida (Dietotherapy), Ilaj bil Dawa (Pharmacotherapy), and Ilaj bil Yad (Surgery). Huqna (enema) is a key non-pharmacological regimen therapy in Unani medicine, used to cleanse the bowels and restore humoral balance. Its roots trace back to ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This integrative review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Huqna therapy, exploring its historical, philosophical, and practical aspects while bridging traditional Unani practices with modern medical paradigms.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A review of classical Unani literature and modern scientific sources was conducted. Historical texts were analyzed alongside contemporary studies on enema therapy in modern medicine. Relevant English-language literature up to 2024 was evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study highlights the definition, principles, and therapeutic applications of Huqna in traditional Unani medicine and compares them with the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of enemas in modern healthcare. Key convergences include their shared utility in managing bowel disorders and inflammatory conditions, while divergences emerge in procedural advancements and safety considerations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Huqna therapy demonstrates significant potential as a complementary approach in modern healthcare. However, further research is needed to validate its efficacy and address limitations. This analysis fosters a deeper understanding of Huqna therapy, encouraging its integration into contemporary medical practice.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Huqna, Enema, Unani Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Traditional Therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198020","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":"Effects of Unani Herbal Formulae in the Management of Endometrial Polyp: A Case Report.","authors":"Zainab Zubair","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>A 53-year-old married woman who had an irregular menstrual cycle complained of vaginal spotting for three months. She also reported gaining weight. After a Pipelle biopsy revealed a hyperplastic polyp in her uterus, she was recommended to undergo total laparoscopic hysterectomy, along with an endometrial biopsy and a hysteroscopy beforehand. She had only a month left before her surgery when she came for treatment at the Gynecology clinic (Unani). Itrifal-e-Ghudadi and Majun-e-Dabidulward were prescribed 5 grams twice daily orally after meals, and Marham-e-Dakhiliyoon for local application on the lower abdomen daily in the morning. After about seven months of treatment, the patient's symptoms were completely resolved, and her transvaginal sonography was completely normal, even after more than 6 months devoid of treatment. Thus, she avoided undergoing a total laparoscopic hysterectomy and was able to keep her uterus intact. Hence, it can be concluded that the Unani system of medicine is advantageous in treating endometrial polyps.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>case report; endometrial biopsy; endometrial polyp; hysteroscopy; total laparoscopic hysterectomy; Unani system of medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198018","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":"Scope and Role of Integrating Yoga in Homeopathic Medical Education: An Explorative Review.","authors":"Manoj Ghosh, Neetinakumar J Patil, Kashinath Samagandi, Shaji Kumar R T, Dhanashri Patil","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Homeopathy and Yoga are rooted in holistic paradigms emphasizing the unity of body, mind, and spirit. Over the recent years, Yoga has been increasingly integrated into the medical education system. Integrating yoga with homeopathic education presents a unique opportunity to reinforce shared healing philosophies while enhancing learner outcomes. This narrative review investigates the scope of systematic integration of yoga into homeopathic medical education, examining its potential to improve student well-being and holistic care delivery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Literature published from 2012 onwards was systematically searched in databases- Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, using keywords related to yoga, homeopathy, and medical education. Professional guidelines, policy documents, and regulatory frameworks were also analysed. Data synthesis employed thematic analysis to identify key patterns and recommendations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Evidence suggests that structured yoga practices can enhance stress management, self-awareness, and empathetic patient interactions among medical students. The alignment between yoga's principles and homeopathy's holistic approach can strengthen students' understanding of integrative healthcare. Successful implementation requires coordinated efforts in curriculum design, faculty development, institutional support, and formal assessment strategies, along with the availability of resources. Educational institutions can utilize phased implementation approaches, elective modules, and digital learning platforms to facilitate integration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Incorporating yoga into homeopathic medical education demonstrates promise in reinforcing holistic healing principles and enhancing clinical competencies. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and controlled trials to measure specific educational and clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Homeopathy; yoga; medical education; complementary medicine; holistic care; curriculum integration.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198024","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":"Cupping Therapy for Pain Management and Improving the Quality of Life in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report.","authors":"Hayder Ali Shah, Ajay Kumar Tikoo, Sabiha Khan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>As one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal diseases, osteoarthritis, causes pain, deterioration in functioning, and reduction in quality of life. The condition that is thought to contribute most to disability worldwide is knee osteoarthritis. Existing pharmacological treatments for osteoarthritis raise safety concerns. In Unani medicine, several non-pharmacological regimens known as Ilāj bi'l Tadbīr (Regimenal therapies) are advised in the management of painful musculoskeletal disorders. Among all these practices, dry cupping (Hijāmah bilā Shart) is unique and recommended as one of the most effective methods for knee osteoarthritis pain management in the majority of classical Unani literature. This report presents a case of knee osteoarthritis treated using cupping therapy.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 57-year-old female patient presented with a 3-year-long history of right knee pain, stiffness, and difficulty in daily activities. The patient was examined clinically before intervention and was diagnosed with right knee osteoarthritis which was further supported by radiological investigations. Cupping therapy was administered over the affected knee joint for 4 weeks. A total of 10 sittings were carried out every 2 days. The patient's symptoms gradually ameliorated, ultimately becoming minimal following the 4-week treatment period. Specifically, the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score decreased from 8 to 2, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score for stiffness and functional ability improved with a decrease from 50 to 25, and the quality of life score measured by 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) improved from 35 to 75.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our case study established cupping therapy's effectiveness as a secure, non-invasive treatment option and opened new possibilities for its application in the management of knee osteoarthritis. However, further research is imperative to establish the efficacy and effectiveness of cupping therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":"57-61"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143121701","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":"Grapefruit Peel-derived 5,7- Dimethoxycoumarin Enhances Insulin Release and Stimulates Extrapancreatic Secretion of Amylin in Wistar Rats.","authors":"Emeka Ofodire, Samuel Ghasi, Anthony Mbah, Edith U Ugwu, Theophilus O Mbah, Emmanuel C Mbaoji, Ifeoma C Onah","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Coumarins are known to have antidiabetic properties. They are also known to have direct effects on the cardiovascular system. However, their insulin and amylin-releasing effects have not been thoroughly studied. This study investigated the effect of 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (Citropten) fractions in grapefruit peel on insulin and amylin secretions in normal male Wistar rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Methanol extract from grapefruit peels was fractionated using vacuum-assisted liquid chromatography with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analysis reported ethyl acetate fraction with the highest concentration (85.66%) of 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin. Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test was performed on 5 sets of 5 rats receiving intraperitoneally: 1) negative control, 1 ml of sterile water 2) positive control, 0.2 mg/kg glimepiride, 3) ethyl acetate fraction containing 20 mg/kg 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin, 4) methanol fraction containing 20 mg/kg 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin, 5a) 1 ml 0.6% hydrogen peroxide and 20 mg/kg 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin; 5b) 1 ml 6% hydrogen peroxide and 20 mg/kg 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin; and 5c) 1000 mg/kg Vitamin C and 20 mg/kg 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results showed that ethyl acetate fraction containing 20 mg/kg 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin had comparable plasma glucose control as obtained with glimepiride, with indirect insulin secretion effect unlike direct-acting glimepiride; the methanol fraction was less effective. An oral Glucose Tolerance Test confirmed the antidiabetic efficacy of 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin. Both ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin induced extrapancreatic amylin synthesis and secretion.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>5,7-dimethoxycoumarin will find special applications in the management of obesity and for people with diabetes having chronic complications. Since the overall plasma glucose regulation is achieved through amylin and insulin synergy, attention should be shifted from insulin-based to amylin-based therapy. There is a need to focus on natural compounds that stimulate extrapancreatic amylin release, especially in patients with type 1 diabetes who are insulin dependent.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":"72-85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143121703","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":"Effects of Integrating Nursing Early Warning Systems with Doula-Assisted Childbirth on Natural Childbirth Rates and Neonatal Outcomes: A Single Center Prospective Study.","authors":"Qi Luo, Binbin Xu, Miaohong Qian, Zhaie Lu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of integrating nursing early warning systems with doula-assisted childbirth nursing on natural childbirth rates and associated outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 150 women who underwent childbirth in the obstetrics and gynecology department of our hospital between September 2021 and March 2023 were enrolled as participants. They were randomly allocated into either the observation group or the control group, each comprising 75 individuals. The control group received standard nursing care, while the observation group received nursing early warning systems combined with doula-assisted childbirth nursing. Comparison between the two groups included modes of childbirth, the intensity of childbirth pain, neonatal Apgar scores, the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, duration of the first and second stages of labor, and maternal satisfaction with nursing care.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings indicated a higher natural childbirth rate in the observation group compared to the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, the SAS score of the observation group post-nursing was significantly lower than that of the control group. Additionally, neonates in the observation group exhibited higher Apgar scores compared to those in the control group. Moreover, mothers who underwent natural childbirth in the observation group experienced lower childbirth pain scores and reduced postpartum hemorrhage incidence (P < .05). The duration of both the first and second stages of childbirth was shorter in the observation group than in the control group. Furthermore, overall satisfaction with care was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < .05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study underscores the effectiveness of implementing nursing early warning systems combined with doula-assisted nursing in enhancing maternal satisfaction, reducing postpartum hemorrhage, and improving maternal well-being and neonatal outcomes. The findings advocate for the widespread adoption of this intervention in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":"100-106"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141174403","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":"Rhinitis Phytotherapy with Immunostimulating Herbal Oily Macerates as an Alternative Treatment Approach: A Hypothesis.","authors":"Miloš B Durmišević, Goran S Nikolić, Ljiljana P Stanojević, Vesna D Nikolić, Ljubiša B Nikolić, Dragana Z Marković Nikolić, Dejan S Rančić","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The hypersensitivity of the nasal mucosa to pathogens, allergens, or nasal drugs, accompanied by a dysfunctional immune response, is the cause of various types of rhinitis. Regardless of the commercial drugs used in treatment, rhinitis is a chronic disease of the modern population. Hence the dilemma: can commercially-available drugs cure rhinitis or only temporarily suppress the disease symptoms. This article aims to contribute to clarifying the dilemma and highlight some possible solutions to the problem of rhinitis. Screening of the scientific literature, both in the field of pharmacotherapy and traditional herbal medicine, on the mechanisms of rhinitis treatment and the possibility of restoring the atrophied nasal mucosa led us to an acceptable idea. Namely, the evidence-based review indicates that herbal medicines may be considered a new class of immune adjuvants. Traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Indian herbal medicine dominate studies that indicate the importance and efficacy of herbal extracts of various medicinal plants in this indication area. However, most phytotherapy-related studies focus mainly on alcoholic plant extracts. Due to possible incidences of irritation, herbal oily macerates may bea better option for direct application to an already livid or atrophied nasal mucosa. We indicate that oily macerates are enriched in liposoluble phytocomponents that can prevent the inflammatory reaction and exert their immunoregulatory effect as efficiently as those in the alcoholic extract. We hypothesize that the selected herbal oils could not only alleviate existing rhinitis symptoms but also restore atrophied nasal mucosa. The oily macerates are characterized by better stability than ethanolic extracts, higher concentration of medicinal substances, synergistic effect in polyherbal formulation, prolonged release and improved penetration of bioactive compounds, epithelizing properties, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity, and only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect in the nasal cavity.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":"48-56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143121709","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}