BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies最新文献

{"title":"The effect of aromatherapy intervention with Bergamot and Grapefruit essential oils on premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms: a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Esra Özer, Şerife İrem Döner, Hafize Dağ Tüzmen","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04857-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04857-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms adversely affect approximately 80-95% of women of reproductive age. Aromatherapy interventions are used to reduce premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms. This study was conducted to determine the effect of aromatherapy intervention with bergamot and grapefruit essential oils on premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ninety women with premenstrual syndrome were included the study. Participants were randomly divided into 3 groups: Bergamot(n = 30), Grapefruit(n = 30), Placebo(n = 30). Participants in each group were made to smell pure essential oil for 30 min 3 times a day for 4 days during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The used was repeated in 3 menstrual cycles. \"Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS)\" was used to evaluate premenstrual syndrome and \"Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ)\" was used to evaluate menstrual symptoms. All measurements were performed before and after the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that grapefruit essential oil was effective in reducing PMSS total score (p = 0.010) and sub-scale scores (depressive affect, anxiety, fatigue, depressive thoughts, appetite changes, sleep changes and bloating (p < 0.001), irritability (p = 0.024), pain (p = 0.047)). Although grapefruit essential oil had no effect on the total score of the MSQ. Grapefruit essential oil was found to be effective in reducing the MSQ scale sub-scale scores (menstrual pain symptoms (p = 0.024) and the use of coping methods with menstrual pain (p = 0.011)). Bergamot essential oil was found to be effective in reducing PMSS total score (p = 0.001) and PMSS sub-scale scores depressive affect (p = 0.013), irritability (p = 0.034), depressive thoughts and appetite changes (p = 0.026), pain (p = 0.001)). In addition, there was no effect on the menstrual syndrome scale and its sub-dimensions (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Grapefruit essential oil was effective in reducing both premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms, whereas bergamot essential oil was only effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms.</p><p><strong>Trial registration number: </strong>NCT06289764 (2024-02-01).</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"162"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12044709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143963216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bee venom acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain conditions: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Soo-Hyun Sung, Soobin Jang, Gihyun Lee, Jang-Kyung Park, Sungjoo Lee, Byung-Cheul Shin","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04891-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04891-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An updated systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to evaluate the clinical evidence for the use of BVA for musculoskeletal pain. We searched 13 electronic databases up to December 2024 with no language restrictions. Since 2008, nine RCTs have been additionally identified, so a total of 20 trials were included in our updated review. In a meta-analysis of 2 RCTs, pain was significantly reduced with BVA compared to sham injection of normal saline (10-cm visual analog scale [VAS]; mean difference [MD]: -16.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -26.35 to -7.51, P = 0.0004, n = 85; heterogeneity: I² = 0%). The meta-analysis of 5 RCTs comparing BVA plus acupuncture to saline injection plus acupuncture showed significant improvements in the 10-cm VAS (MD: -1.24; 95% CI = -1.63 to -0.85, P < 0.00001, n = 152; heterogeneity: I² = 16%). No severe side effects such as anaphylaxis were observed in any of the eight trials. BVA appeared to improve musculoskeletal pain conditions compared to sham injections. However, the meta-analysis included only a limited number of RCTs with small sample sizes, and there was considerable clinical heterogeneity in terms of pain types, dosage, and concentration of BVA, which restricts the ability to draw definitive conclusions.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"161"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12039175/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143970360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pharmacological assessment of the extract and a novel compound of Bacillus velezensis DM derived from the rhizosphere of Datura metel L. with microbial molecular screening.","authors":"Mohamed A Awad, Shahenda Mahgoub, Hesham S M Soliman, Sherif F Hammad","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04879-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04879-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rhizosphere bacteria were considered a prospective reservoir of bioactive compounds with significant pharmacological efficacy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From the rhizosphere of Datura metel L., Bacillus velezensis DM was isolated and characterized using 16 S rRNA. PCR screening and sequencing were conducted to identify genes related to bioactive metabolite production. The extraction of secondary metabolites from the bacterial strain was performed via a fermentation process. The ethyl acetate extract of the propagated strain was subjected to fractionation and purification through various chromatographic techniques. The characterization of the isolated compounds was accomplished using different spectroscopic methods, such as 1D and 2D-NMR. An MTT test was conducted to assess the cytotoxic activity of bacterial extract on MCF-7, HepG-2, and HCT-116 cells. Furthermore, its pure compound (1) was tested for its cytotoxicity on HCT-116 and a normal cell (THLE2) to test its safety for normal cells. Apoptosis was identified through flow cytometry on HCT-116 cells after double-staining with PI and annexin V-FITC. The antioxidant action of bacterial extract was assessed through DPPH and ABTS assays. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory evaluations were carried out employing lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibition.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The NCBI GenBank database has effectively incorporated the 16 S rRNA gene sequence of Bacillus velezensis DM under the accession number OR364492. Polyketide synthase and two lipopeptide genes for surfactin and iturin A were effectively detected by PCR, and their sequences were included in the Genbank database. A novel compound, 5,6-di(methylamino)hex-5-ene-1,2,3-triol (1), was successfully separated from the strain. Bacterial extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against the evaluated cancer cells, exhibiting the most pronounced effect on HCT-116 cells. Compound (1) showed promising cytotoxic potential against HCT-116 cells with a higher selectivity index (2.5) towards cancer cells in comparison to Doxorubicin (1.49). Apoptosis assay showed that bacterial extract caused apoptosis about 14 folds compared to the control HCT-116 cells. Furthermore, it showed a potent anti-inflammatory outcome (IC₅₀ = 1.927 µg/mL) and antioxidant activity at IC₅₀ of 76.8 µg/mL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed the possible pharmacological effects of secondary metabolites generated by Bacillus velezensis DM, making it a valuable resource for isolating bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic and biomedical uses.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"160"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12032720/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143964340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction after laparoscopic nephrectomy: a retrospective analysis.","authors":"Yang Zhenjie, Zhang Xiang","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04894-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04894-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has been optimised, postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) still significantly hampers recovery after laparoscopic nephrectomy, thus adding to the burden on the national healthcare system. We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of electroacupuncture (EA) in reducing the duration of POGD, while exploring the pertinent factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 226 medical records of patients with POGD from January 1 to October 31, 2022, were collected and analyzed. They were administered the ERAS protocol for urology and divided into Early Acupuncture Group (Observation Group 1), Delayed Acupuncture Group (Observation Group 2), and Non-Acupuncture Group (Control Group). The primary outcome was the duration of the first anal exhaust and defecation after surgery. And the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of abdominal distension, shoulder pain, nausea, and adverse events within 72 h after surgery were observed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cases of the three groups were 79, 71, and 76. The anal exhaust time was 40.59 ± 18.21, 54.54 ± 12.88, and 62.26 ± 15.79 h, while the first defecation time was 56.28 ± 12.21, 71.13 ± 11.29, and 78.36 ± 14.71 h respectively. The operation duration affected the anal exhaust time (P < 0.05). Acupuncture timing affected recovery time statistically (P < 0.05). The VAS for abdominal distension, shoulder pain and nausea in Observation Group 1 (3.86 ± 2.2, 1.45 ± 1.21, and 2.45 ± 2.18) were lower than the other two groups (4.31 ± 1.58, 3.57 ± 2.00, and 3.70 ± 1.99; 4.59 ± 2.65, 4.51 ± 2.38, and 4.34 ± 2.32; P < 0.05). The VAS for shoulder pain in Observation Group 2 was lower than the Control Group (P < 0.05). Observation Group 1 showed a higher clinical recovery rate (72.15%) compared to the other two groups (43.66% and 31.58%, P < 0.05). The efficacy rate of the Observation Groups (87.34% and 88.73%) was considerably higher than the Control Group (69.74%, P < 0.05), while the difference between the two Observation Groups was insignificant (P > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The operation duration is the main factor that influences gastrointestinal dysfunction after surgery. Acupuncture can improve gastrointestinal function. It is advisable to initiate acupuncture as early as possible.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>N/A.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"158"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12023696/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143969592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of curcumin on postpartum depression and anxiety in primiparous women: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.","authors":"Elham Pishevar Hamlbar, Mojgan Mirghafourvand, Elnaz Shaseb, Mahin Kamalifard","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04798-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04798-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postpartum depression and anxiety are common problems in primiparous women, which can negatively affect Maternal-infant bonding and lead to sexual disorders. It's important to prevent and treat these issues, especially since medication options during breastfeeding may be limited. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin, a natural substance known for its beneficial properties, on postpartum depression and anxiety in primiparous women. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 96 primiparous women in Tabriz City. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 48) or the control group (n = 48) using the random block method. The intervention group received curcumin capsules with a dose of 500 mg, while the control group received a placebo with the same dose once daily for eight weeks. Data was collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and postpartum-specific Anxiety Scale research short-form (PSAS-RSF) questionnaires. After the intervention, the mean score of depression (mean difference: -2.5; 95% confidence interval: -3.3 to -1.7; P < 0.001) and anxiety (Mean difference: -1.4; 95% confidence interval: -2.1 to -0.7; P < 0.001) in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group. It seems that curcumin can improve the mental health and quality of life of primiparous women postpartum due to its efficacy in reducing postpartum anxiety and depression, easy accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"157"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12023657/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143979216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Qualitative analysis and exploration of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of a Thai traditional medicine formula from Wat Pho beyond its use for COVID-19 treatment.","authors":"Naruemon Perstwong, Asma Binalee, Khwanlada Kobtrakul, Wongsakorn Phongsopitanun, Kittipong Sanookpan, Sudartip Areecheewakul, Visarut Buranasudja, Sornkanok Vimolmangkang","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04873-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04873-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ya-Kao (YK) is a traditional Thai medicine used to relieve fever and consists of 14 crude drugs. It has been recommended by Thai folk healers and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine for COVID-19 treatment, with clinical studies conducted to assess its efficacy. However, scientific evidence on its biological properties remains limited. This study aims to explore the quality aspect of YK and evaluate its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The quality aspect of the YK formula was assessed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Agar disc diffusion and TLC bioautography were used for antibacterial activity, while anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The HPTLC method, utilizing a developing system of toluene, ethyl acetate, and formic acid (70:30:1, v/v/v), was successfully developed for the authentication of YK crude drugs. This method provides the most distinct fingerprint pattern of the components within the YK formulation, enabling clear visualization of its constituent. Additionally, it enables preliminary identification of phenolics, terpenes, and steroids, providing valuable insight into the formulation's chemical composition. The antibacterial activity of YK was evaluated using the disk diffusion assay, and it was found that the lime juice extract of the YK formula (LYK) exhibited the largest zone of inhibition against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, particularly those pathogenic to the respiratory tract. Additionally, the antibacterial activity was evaluated using TLC bioautography, and the results indicated that the methanolic extract of YK (MYK) exhibited an inhibition zone against Streptococcus pyogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It was found that several compounds displayed an inhibition zone. Furthermore, the YK extract with methanol, water, and lime juice exhibited significant anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing NO accumulation in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study is the first to standardize YK raw materials using HPTLC and evaluate the biological properties of each crude drug and the combined formula. The developed HPTLC method ensures accurate identification of YK raw materials, preventing the use of incorrect ingredients. Additionally, the pharmacological findings confirm YK's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, particularly against respiratory pathogens linked to COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"159"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12023551/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143964421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the antiproliferative, cytotoxic and phytochemical properties of Zimbabwean medicinal plants used in cancer treatment.","authors":"Sigcono Mlilo, Samson Sibanda, Simbarashe Sithole, Stanley Mukanganyama, Yogehkumar S Naik","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04883-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04883-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cancer cases have been on the rise globally and several treatment strategies have been developed but mortality rates remain high. Zimbabwe, like many other countries, has also experienced a surge in cancer cases. In Zimbabwe, medicinal plants have been widely used to treat cancer for centuries. However, there has been limited research on the effectiveness, safety, and chemical composition of these plants. The current study assessed antiproliferative, cytotoxic and phytochemical properties of selected Zimbabwean medicinal plants.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Cytotoxic activity of Agelenthus pungu, Carissa edulis, Dombeya rotundifolia, Flacourtia indica, Lannea discolor, Leonotis ocymifolia, Leucas martinicensis, Plicosepalus kalachariensis, Pseudolachnostylis maproneifolia, Solanum incanum, Strychnos cocculoides, Strychnos spinosa and Viscum verrucosum extracts were evaluated on normal murine peritoneal cells and sheep erythrocytes while antiproliferative activity was assessed on Jurkat T and HL60 cell lines. Cell viability was determined using the trypan blue exclusion and sulforhodamine B assay. Additionally, the effect of reduced glutathione on cytotoxic extracts was examined. The phytochemicals of the methanolic extracts were qualitatively determined using standard methods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Agelenthus pungu, Carissa edulis, Flacourtia indica, Strychnos cocculoides, Strychnos spinosa and Viscum verrucosum were cytotoxic to normal murine peritoneal cells. Flacourtia indica and Viscum verruscosum caused haemolysis of sheep erythrocytes at a concentration of 250 µg/mL for both plant extracts and 125 µg/mL for Viscum verrucosum. Cell viability increased on addition of 25 µg/mL of reduced glutathione to the extracts considered the most cytotoxic extracts, Agelenthus pungu and Viscum verrucosum. Agelenthus pungu, Carissa edulis, Leonotis ocymifolia, Leucas martinicensis and Viscum verrucosum significantly inhibited Jurkat T and HL60 cell proliferation. Viscum verrucosum was the most potent with the lowest half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 33 and 34 µg/mL on Jurkat T and HL60 cell lines respectively. The most dominant phytochemical classes were alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrates that Agelenthus pungu, Carissa edulis, Leonotis ocymifolia, Leucas martinicensis and Viscum verrucosum have antiproliferative activity against Jurkat T and HL60 cell lines. Viscum verrucosum was the most potent. These findings emphasise the importance of medicinal plants as well as their potential use as sources of novel compounds in anticancer drug discovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"156"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12023620/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143976961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Xiao Yao San mitigates corticosterone stimulation-induced hippocampal neuronal damage by inhibiting GR phosphorylation and nuclear translocation via FKBP4 involvement.","authors":"Xuedi Kang, Ting Wang, Haiping Wan, Wenjun Fu, Songjun Lin","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04892-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04892-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Corticosterone stimulation has profound physiological and neurological effects on individuals, necessitating effective interventions to mitigate its impact. Current therapeutic approaches for corticosterone stimulation injury have limitations, including addiction and tolerance issues. In contrast, historical formulations such as Xiao Yao San, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, have shown promise in addressing changes in corticosterone stimulation-related neuroplasticity. This study aimed to explore the potential of Xiao Yao San in modulating the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathway and its downstream effects on hippocampal neuroplasticity under corticosterone stimulation conditions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured and exposed to corticosterone to establish a corticosterone stimulation model. Cellular viability, apoptosis, and protein expression were assessed via CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting, respectively. Interactions between FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51), GR, and p-GR were analyzed via coimmunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays. The influence of FKBP4 on the competitive binding of GR was explored via similar techniques. The functional consequences of gene knockdown and overexpression were evaluated through cellular assays.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Xiao Yao San attenuated corticosterone-induced reductions in cell viability and apoptosis, counteracting the detrimental effects of corticosterone stimulation. It downregulated FKBP51 expression and suppressed GR phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Additionally, it hindered the interaction between FKBP51 and GR/p-GR. FKBP4 overexpression rescued hippocampal neuron viability and protected against the GR phosphorylation and nuclear translocation induced by corticosterone.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Xiao Yao San exhibited promising effects in ameliorating changes in corticosterone stimulation-induced neuroplasticity through the modulation of the GR signaling pathway. By inhibiting FKBP51-mediated GR phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, Xiao Yao San has potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for corticosterone stimulation-related conditions. Further clinical investigations and mechanistic studies are warranted to validate its therapeutic efficacy and elucidate its mechanisms of action.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"155"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12020241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143973832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Berberine and health outcomes: an overview of systematic reviews.","authors":"Lanjun Shi, Wenya Wang, Chengyang Jing, Jing Hu, Xing Liao","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04872-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04872-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Chinese herb coptis chinensis and other berberis plants which can be used to treat a wide range of chronic diseases. However, the current research evidence on the therapeutic effects of berberine has not been summarized. We aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the systematic review (SRs) of berberine for the treatment of diverse conditions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed was performed from the database inception to April 11, 2024. SRs on berberine were included and evaluated. The methodological quality and the reporting quality of each SR were assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool and PRISMA checklist, respectively. The quality of evidence was appraised based on the GRADE.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-four SRs were included and analyzed. Overall, associations were found between berberine and 70 health outcomes concerned with 9 diseases. Berberine has improved most outcomes of these diseases: 78% (25/32) cardiovascular disease outcomes, 92.59% (25/27) type 2 diabetes mellitus outcomes, 94.74% (18/19) gastrointestinal disorders outcomes, 72.22% (13/18) polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) outcomes, 86.67% (13/15) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) outcomes, 92.31% (12/13) schizophrenia outcomes, 90.91% (10/11) metabolic syndrome outcomes, 57.14% (4/7) obesity outcomes, and 100.00% (6/6) dyslipidemia outcomes. There was a high overlap of primary studies (CCA > 15%) in the SRs of PCOS, NAFLD, obesity, and schizophrenia. Only one SR was rated as high quality while eight SRs were rated as low quality and forty-five SRs as very low quality according to AMSTAR-2. Regarding the reporting quality, Item 14, 15, 21, and 22 were poorly reported for the included SRs in terms of PRSMA assessment. For GRADE, eight outcomes were rated as high quality evidence, twenty-two outcomes were rated as moderate quality, and 110 outcomes were rated as low quality.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current evidence suggests that berberine has beneficial effects on a range of health outcomes for people with chronic diseases. Specifically, berberine significantly improves type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia outcomes. However, caution is needed considering the shortcomings in the quality of the relevant system reviews included.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"147"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12016319/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143966027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-central fatigue effects of myelophil in 5-HTergic hyperactivity mice model.","authors":"Ji-Yun Kang, Dong-Cheol Baek, Jin-Seok Lee, Chang-Gue Son","doi":"10.1186/s12906-025-04882-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04882-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Myelophil is a standardized ethanol extract of Astragali Radix and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, which has been developed based on clinical experience in traditional Korean medicine practices for patients with unexplained chronic fatigue, including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Our previous studies demonstrated Myelophil's clinical efficacy in ME/CFS, as well as its brain-related activities in animal models. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. Recently, we identified serotonergic hyperactivity as a key pathophysiological factor in central fatigue, such as ME/CFS. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which Myelophil exerts its effects, particularly in the context of a 5-HTergic hyperactivity model.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>To verify the action mechanisms of Myelophil on serotonergic hyperactivity condition, we herein assessed its anti-central fatigue properties using a fluoxetine-treated mice model. Male C57BL/6 N mice (9 weeks old) were subjected to periodic intraperitoneal (IP) injections of fluoxetine for 4 weeks and the mice were simultaneously oral administered Myelophil (0, 50, or 100 mg/kg) or ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg).</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Four-week injection of fluoxetine notably increased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) activity, as evidenced by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot assays in the raphe nuclei (RN), and induced central fatigue-like behaviors in the nest building test, wheel running test, rota-rod test, plantar test, and open field test. Meanwhile, Myelophil (100 mg/kg) administration significantly ameliorated those fatigue-related behaviors including pain sensitivity. Furthermore, the anti-fatigue effects of Myelophil were corroborated by changes in serotonin-related parameters (serotonin transporter; 5-HTT and vesicular monoamine transporter 2; VMAT2), as well as neurotrophic markers including c-Fos and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the RN.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results provide experimental evidence suggesting the potential mechanisms by which Myelophil may alleviate central fatigue associated with hyper-5-HTergic activity.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":9128,"journal":{"name":"BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies","volume":"25 1","pages":"153"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12020330/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143976414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}