Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

{"title":"The Concept of Preventive and Social Medicine in Unani Perspective: Relevance to Modern Healthcare.","authors":"Shehilla, Afshana Nabi, Iftikhar Ahmed","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Unani system of medicine, rooted in Greco-Arabic traditions, emphasizes prevention, holistic care, and community well-being. While its contributions to individualized healthcare and public hygiene are well-documented historically, attention to its contemporary applicability in addressing global health challenges has remained limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the principles of preventive and social medicine (PSM) in the Unani framework, highlight their historical foundation, and assess their relevance in modern healthcare, particularly in relation to lifestyle disorders, mental health, and pandemics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted by analyzing classical Unani texts, historical contributions, and contemporary research. Emphasis was placed on Asbāb Sitta Darūriyya (six essential factors), Mizāj (temperament), and collective health practices described in Unani literature.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Preventive measures in Unani medicine include dietary moderation, exercise-rest balance, Harakat-o-Sukūn Nafsānī (stress regulation), hygiene, and sanitation. Classical physicians such as Ibn Sina advocated quarantine during epidemics, while Galen emphasized sanitation and environmental health. These principles align with modern public health strategies. Recent AYUSH guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate the potential of integrating Unani regimens and immunity-boosting interventions into mainstream healthcare.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Unani medicine offers a timeless perspective on PSM. Its holistic emphasis on individual well-being, community health, and environmental balance makes it highly relevant to current global healthcare challenges. Future directions include empirical validation of Unani interventions, standardization of practices, and integration into national and global health frameworks.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Unani Medicine, Preventive Health Services, Public Health, Lifestyle Diseases, Mental Health, Pandemics.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146206368","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":"Validation of Tailored Yoga and Naturopathic Hydrotherapy Protocol for the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.","authors":"Shweta Mishra, Ragini Shrivastava, Pranjal Shrivastava, Shweta Patel, Tanusha Pathak, Varun Malhotra","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, marked by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. If not adequately managed, PCOS can lead to complications such as infertility, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. Tailored yoga and naturopathy interventions may offer effective management for this condition.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this study was to professionally validate the perceived utility of a systematic yoga and naturopathy protocol in managing PCOS.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The study was conducted by the Department of Physiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal. The study involved 35 yoga and naturopathy experts. An extensive literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to develop the yoga and naturopathy protocol. The protocol included yoga asanas (postures), Sithilikaran vyayama (loosening exercises), pranayama (breathing exercises), Kunjal kriya (voluntarily induced vomiting), and kati-snan therapy (hip-bath therapy).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The protocol was validated for content validity by participants using a 4-point Likert scale; a minimum content validity ratio of 0.31 was considered. The average content validity ratio of our entire protocol was 0.8, indicating its validity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This protocol can be incorporated into research studies with a larger sample size (comprising diverse age groups, socio-economic and geographical backgrounds, with varying metabolic and hormonal profiles) to assess its efficacy and utility.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Yoga, Naturopathy, Holistic Health, Naturopathic hydrotherapy, validation of Yoga and naturopathy protocol, content validity score.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146206435","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 and Natural Approaches to Thyroid Nodule Treatment: Evidence and Emerging Trends.","authors":"Angela D Mazza, Emanuela Visione","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Thyroid nodules are a prevalent clinical finding, often benign in nature, yet capable of causing compressive symptoms, aesthetic concerns, or raising suspicion for malignancy. Conventional management strategies-ranging from active surveillance to surgical excision-are effective but may not be suitable or preferred by all patients due to invasiveness, cost, or potential complications. Consequently, there is an increasing interest in natural therapies as complementary or alternative approaches to managing thyroid nodules. This review critically examines the current evidence on natural interventions, including nutritional compounds (e.g., iodine, selenium, and vitamin D), phytotherapeutic agents (e.g., curcumin, green tea polyphenols, and Withania somnifera), and topical treatments such as castor oil. Mechanisms of action explored include modulation of inflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, hormonal balance, and immune regulation. While preclinical and limited clinical studies suggest potential therapeutic effects, high-quality human trials remain scarce. This review underscores the need for rigorous research to establish efficacy, safety, and clinical guidelines for incorporating natural therapies into personalized treatment plans for thyroid nodules.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Thyroid Nodule, Thyroid Diseases, Complementary Therapies, Integrative Medicine, Dietary Supplements, Phytotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146206280","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":"Psychiatric Nursing Intervention for Clozapine-Induced Dysphagia in Schizophrenia: A Case Report.","authors":"Mervenur Atalay, Birgül Özkan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. Clozapine, a second-generation antipsychotic, is commonly prescribed for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, its use is frequently associated with side effects, notably hypersalivation. This case report discusses the clinical consequences of clozapine-induced hypersalivation, emphasizing the importance of individualized nursing care planning.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The descriptive case report presents the clinical course of a 47-year-old male patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The patient exhibited symptoms such as anger, suspiciousness, anxiety, and auditory and visual hallucinations, as well as hypersalivation, which was attributed to clozapine therapy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three nursing diagnoses were identified: (1) impaired swallowing due to pharmacological side effects, (2) risk of aspiration associated with swallowing difficulties, and (3) ineffective coping mechanisms related to anxiety stemming from fear of choking. Relevant nursing interventions were implemented in line with these diagnoses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case highlights the critical role of psychiatric nurses in recognizing and managing drug-related side effects. It underscores the necessity for a biopsychosocial approach in psychiatric nursing and points to the need for enhanced training regarding the adverse effects of psychotropic medications.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>schizophrenia, clozapine, hypersalivation, psychiatric nursing care, side effects, case report.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":"52-55"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144938911","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 Somato® TOMATO Fruit Extract on Key Physiological and Psychological Domains Associated with Sleep Quality, Autonomic Function, and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Mackenzie De Jesus, Kyle Bergquist, Gene Bruno","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This 28-day pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of plant-based melatonin (phytomelatonin) derived from Somato® tomato fruit extract (Nutraland USA) on key physiological and psychological domains associated with sleep quality, autonomic function, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty-five healthy men and women (mean age: 42 years) were enrolled in a decentralized, open-label, real-world evidence study. Participants consumed 2 mg of phytomelatonin daily from Somato® oral strips for 28 days. Objective biometric data were collected using Oura Ring wearable devices. Validated participant-reported outcomes (e.g., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36)) helped to explore perceived tolerability, early efficacy signals, and mechanistic trends in a healthy adult population.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-two participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Compared to baseline, supplementation with Somato® tomato fruit extract significantly improved percentage change of sleep latency (-33%, PSQI, P = .005; -11.55%, Oura ring, P = .016), time awake (Oura ring, -10.08%, P = .002), sleep efficiency (Oura ring, -1.21%, P = .011), and global PSQI score (-14.22%, P = .025). A significant improvement was also noted in emotional well-being (8.22%, P = .02) based on the SF-36 health-related quality of life questionnaire. Other SF-36 variables also showed improvements that did not reach statistical significance, including general health (3.22%), energy & fatigue (15.12%), limitations due to emotional problems (15.22%), pain (5.83%), social functioning (6.11%), and physical function (2.81%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Supplementation with 2 mg/day of phytomelatonin from Somato® tomato fruit extract improved both physiological and psychological measures associated with sleep quality, autonomic function, and health-related quality of life. These findings support the feasibility of phytomelatonin as a plant-based sleep aid and warrant further investigation in a larger, randomized controlled trial.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>tomato, melatonin, phytomelatonin, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Short Form 36 Health Survey, Oura ring, emotional well-being, energy, fatigue, pain, social functioning, physical function.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":"20-24"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145123957","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":"Iterative Dual-AI Consultation for Error Detection in Clinical Medicine: A Case Study Demonstrating Convergent Validity Through Cross-Validation of Large Language Models.","authors":"Robert J Hedaya","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Large language models have demonstrated remarkable promise in medical data analysis, but serious concerns about reliability and error propagation persist. This study reports a novel approach of using iterative consultation between two independent AI systems to analyze complex clinical neuroimaging data.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 63-year-old woman with a family history of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinsonism underwent brain MRI volumetry showing apparent 10-13% increases in gray matter volume following intensive multimodal interventions (Functional Medicine and HYLANE™ treatment). Despite clinical improvement, objective cognitive testing declined during the same period. Two AI systems (Claude and Perplexity) independently analyzed neuroimaging reports, cognitive testing, and clinical data over 5-7 iterative cycles, systematically challenging each other's interpretations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Initial analyses diverged substantially (45-60 percentage-point difference in probability estimates). Through autonomous error detection and cross-validation, systems converged to a consensus (<10 percentage-point difference). Critical autonomous discoveries included: (1) 3.5% increase in total intracranial volume (physiologically impossible, indicating measurement artifact), (2) 11-month temporal gap between cognitive testing and MRI, and (3) literature review revealing hyperbaric oxygen therapy produces maximum 1-2% volumetric changes. Final consensus: modest real improvements (2-4%) embedded within measurement artifact (3-5%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Dual-AI iterative consultation achieved autonomous error detection, literature integration, and convergent validity without requiring human identification of critical flaws. This approach may enhance reliability in complex clinical decision-making while maintaining appropriate physician oversight.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>artificial intelligence, clinical decision support, neuroimaging, automated volumetry, large language models, convergent validity, error detection.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":"32 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146091673","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":"Evidence-Based Clinical Effectiveness of Kundalini Yoga: Systematic Review of RCTs Across Multiple Health Conditions.","authors":"Sharmistha Roy, Ashis Kumar Biswas, Manoj Sharma","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Kundalini Yoga (KY) integrates breathwork, meditation, dynamic movement, and chanting, and has gained recognition as a therapeutic intervention. Despite promising results from individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to our knowledge, no systematic review has exclusively synthesized RCT evidence on KY across health domains.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To critically assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of KY interventions across diverse cognitive, psychological, emotional, sleep-related, and physical health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>PRISMA-guided systematic review of RCTs evaluating KY was conducted from January 2015 to December 2024. Databases included MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Risk of bias was independently assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Studies were conducted worldwide, across multiple sites.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Approximately 1370 participants ranging from healthy adults to those diagnosed with conditions such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), insomnia, chronic pain, and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. No serious adverse events were reported.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>KY protocols (pranayama, asana/kriya, meditation, chanting) delivered in person, online, or hybrid formats; duration 6 weeks-12 months (most 8-12 weeks) with practice from once weekly to daily.</p><p><strong>Outcome measures: </strong>Pre-specified validated measures assessed cognitive function, psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression), sleep quality, emotional regulation, and physical health outcomes (e.g., hippocampal metrics, absenteeism, blood pressure).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This systematic review included 15 studies, among which 13 demonstrated a low risk of bias. The findings suggest that KY significantly improves memory, executive functioning, and hippocampal structure, reduces symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and depression, enhances sleep quality and emotional regulation, and modestly improves fatigue, blood pressure, and functional outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>KY appears safe and shows benefits for a wide range of cognitive, psychological, and physical health conditions. However, larger, standardized RCTs with active comparators, biomarkers, and longer follow-up are needed.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Kundalini Yoga, randomized controlled trials, cognitive function, mental health, sleep, PTSD, hypertension, complementary therapy, mind-body intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":"34-41"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145123880","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":"Acetaminophen and Neurodevelopmental Risk: A Commentary on Confounding, Causality, and Methodological Approaches.","authors":"Andrew W Campbell, Abdelrahman Elamin","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>No Abstract Available.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":"32 1","pages":"6-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146091689","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":"Dr. Dana Ullman, MPH, Bringing Homeopathic Medicine to the Forefront of the Medical Profession.","authors":"Dana Ullman, Sheldon Baker","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>No Abstract Available.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":"32 1","pages":"9-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146091683","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":"Traditional Chinese Medicine FYTF-919 (Zhongfeng Xingnao Oral Prescription) for the Treatment of Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Methodological Appraisal of the CHAIN Trial.","authors":"Arthur Yin Fan, Sherman Gu, Changzhen Gong, Suhong Xiao, Yadi Tan, Haihe Tian, Tzi Chiang Lin, Hui Wei","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>The Lancet report of the CHAIN trial evaluating FYTF-919, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for moderate to severe acute intracerebral hemorrhage, concluded \"no effect\" on functional recovery, survival, and health-related quality of life compared to placebo.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The current study intended to re-examine its methodology and conclusions about the efficacy of FYTF-919.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Reanalysis of data from the Lancet report.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>Adopting the PICO framework and the CONSORT Extension, a critical appraisal of the trial's report and supplementary materials was conducted. Definition of TCM-specific patterns, sample size calculation, use of multiple concomitant therapies, timing of primary outcome assessment, and interpretation of results have been examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a risk of performance bias in the trial as it did not report TCM-specific patterns, despite FYTF-919 being formulated for qi deficiency, potentially including patients unsuitable for this intervention. The sample size calculation was flawed and inconsistently applied, altering the mean difference and potentially underestimating FYTF-919's effect. Both the FYTF-919 and placebo groups had 19 concomitant therapies applied as needed, making it difficult to isolate FYTF-919's benefits. The study mistakenly hypothesized that there was no difference between the two groups due to the use of the 19 concomitant therapies, referred to as \"routine treatment\". The main report ignored multiple significant differences in subgroups and at earlier timepoints. These potentially positive findings were not highlighted, raising concerns of a substantial risk of selective reporting bias.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The trial's conclusion of \"no effect\" is questionable due to methodological flaws, trial design, and reporting errors. Proper assessment of complex interventions, clearer adherence to TCM-specific guidelines, rigorous sample size calculation, and balanced consideration of early recovery data and subgroups are essential. The current analysis of the appraisal found that the effect of the FYTF-919 was superior to that of the placebo.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Intracerebral hemorrhage, Traditional Chinese Medicine, FYTF-919, multiple interventions, CHAIN trial, selective report bias, critical appraisal, Zhongfeng Xingnao.</p>","PeriodicalId":7571,"journal":{"name":"Alternative therapies in health and medicine","volume":" ","pages":"42-51"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145243585","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}