Alternative Medical Practices Research Articles

BEE PRDUCTS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH ISSUES ARISING FROM THEIR UNCONTROLLED USE

In Turkiye, as well as worldwide, traditional and alternative medical practices are employed for the preservation of health and the treatment of various diseases. Among these practices, Apitherapy has gained particular attention, especially in recent years. Since drug use causes serious side effects, especially on human health, people are increasingly turning to alternative medical treatment methods with minimal or no side effects.
 Apitherapy is a treatment method involving bee products such as honey, pollen, Royal Jel, propolis, and bee venom. It is primarily used for the purpose of promoting a healthier lifestyle. While these products have been traditionally used in various treatments for many years, their systematic use has gained prominence in recent years. Studies have shown that these products strengthen the immune system, provide protection against various types of cancer, and exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
 Furthermore, the high content of protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in these products enhances their therapeutic potential. However, alongside the benefits of these supportive and therapeutic substances, there is a possibility of various toxic effects when used irregularly and without medical supervision. Sometimes, these situations can lead to various organ failures. This review aims to reveal the undesirable effects encountered in the use of bee products and apitherapy applications, and emphasizes that all natural products, especially bee products, should not be used uncontrolled.

Ayurvedic Herbal Medicines: A Literature Review of Their Applications in Female Reproductive Health.

Ayurveda, an ancient holistic and personalized healing system originating from the Indian subcontinent, has been gaining increasing attention as a complementary and alternative medical practice for treating various health conditions, including those related to women's reproductive well-being. This comprehensive literature review examines a wide array of experimental and clinical studies exploring the diverse facets of Ayurvedic interventions in addressing issues such as menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and menopausal symptoms. The paper specifically focuses on discussing the available data regarding the efficacy of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), which have traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The synthesis of literature not only highlights the potential benefits of these Ayurvedic interventions, but also critically assesses the methodological rigor of existing studies, identifying research gaps, and proposing directions for future investigations. While acknowledging the need for further rigorous research and clinical trials, the review emphasizes the benefits of collaborative and integrative healthcare. This review aims to serve as a valuable resource for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and individuals seeking holistic and natural alternatives for female reproductive health management.

Strange Affinities in the Search for Personalized Health: New Age Practices and Genetic Testing

AbstractA prominent focus of New Age beliefs and practices has always been health and healing—including the use of holistic healing, power crystals, homeopathy, and complementary and alternative medicine. Given its association with modern science and medicine, genetic testing would seem to run counter to New Age alternative medical practices. On the other hand, the use of at‐home genetic health tests and the use of such New Age alternative medical practices could both be motivated by a desire for personalized healthcare. Using data generated from a survey fielded on a probability sample of U.S. adults, we examine associations between individuals’ use of at‐home genetic health tests and their use of power crystals and acupuncture or other homeopathic medicine. Logistic regression models find that those who use power crystals or homeopathic medicine have significantly greater odds of having used an at‐home genetic health test. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of the direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing market and the relationship between science, religion, and spirituality more broadly.

Naturopathy: A Collective Lifestyle Modification Approach to Combat Hypertension

Hypertension is considered a highly prevalent disorder these days as Hypertension is the result of our hurried life and naturopathy stresses on normal pace of life hence suitable for hypertensive masses. A physiological understanding has been developed about hypertension as well as the Diagnostic and screening criteria of hypertension and relationship of hypertension with obesity revealed. Moreover, naturopathy covers all aspects of our life style modification it includes various kinds of modern exercise as well as yogasanas and stress relieving techniques. Hence, this review covers all the aspects of lifestyle modification in detail to combat hypertension through the weapons of Exercise, yogasanas and alternative medical practices to manage diabetes. Naturopathy believes that our body is made up of five basic elements and all the ailments can be treated with various kinds of therapies related to these basic elements of human body. These therapies include music therapy, meditation, hydrotherapy, mud therapy and colour therapy etc. Along with these therapies various kinds of alternative practices also mentioned that are utilised at Naturopathy centres to overcome high blood pressure like exercise, pranayam, unwise indulgence, food therapy and massage etc.

Analysis of the antibacterial potentials of the leaf extracts of selected medicinal plants against pathogenic bacterial strains

Medicinal plants render herbal remedies for human ailments and hence prevail over traditional healthcare practices. This study has analysed the antibacterial potential of the leaf extracts of four selected medicinal plants namely, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Biophytum sensitivum, and Mimosa pudica, using Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Six bacterial species, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, and Brevibacillus choshinensis were used to assess the growth inhibitory potentials of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the selected plant leaves. The study revealed that the leaf extract of B. sensitivum had the most pronounced antibacterial potential, followed by A. indica and O. tenuiflorum. The least inhibitory potential was showed by the extracts of M. pudica. The findings of the investigation state that the aqueous extract had more consistent antibacterial activity than the ethanolic extracts, confirming that the antibacterial agents present in these leaf extracts are hydrophilic in nature. In terms of growth inhibition, the susceptibility of the pathogenic, virulent strains of bacteria toward these extracts was found comparatively lower than that of the non-virulent, environmental bacteria. With the aqueous extracts, A. baumannii was found to be the most susceptible bacterial species while E. coli was the most resistant. With the ethanolic extracts, E. coli was found to be the most susceptible and B. subtilis the least. The current study supports the usage of the screened medicinal plants in alternative medical practices, as a measure to avoid opportunistic infections by environmental bacteria.

<i>AYUSH</i> in Oral Health and Diseases: An Overview

"AYUSH” is an abbreviated form for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. These are the indigenous complementary and alternative medical practices used in India. Oral diseases are significant global health ailments and greatly influence the general life quality. Compromised oral health is connected with numerous systemic chronic diseases. Oral healthcare professionals face many challenges in the management of dental conditions. It is essential for oral healthcare professionals to be abreast of Complementary and Alternative Medicine modalities, as there is a growing need for the amalgamation of these traditional systems with conventional, science-based Dentistry for the holistic management of oral diseases. The present paper highlights the AYUSH medicine systems that can be comprehensively integrated into modern oral healthcare.

Phenomenology Analysis of the Meaning of Healthy Living on Alternative Medicine Practices

A healthy life is a sense of well-being due to fulfilling all needs within reasonable limits so that physical and mental health can be realized from various life stages. People still interpret healthy life according to their thoughts and understanding, which cannot be separated from beliefs, family values, and culture; they still choose to use alternative medicine instead of modern medicine. This research aims to understand the community's actions in interpreting a healthy life that prefers alternative medical practices compared to modern medical practices. The research method used is a qualitative approach with a phenomenological research type. This study used a purposive technique with four people as subjects who used alternative medicine facilities. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews, and documents. The data analysis method used is proprietary data analysis to analyze field data, while the data validation method uses triangulation. The results of this study are based on the dimensions of awareness, experience, suggestions, believed; the meaning of a healthy life with alternative medicine is not only physical (physical) health but non-physical (spiritual) health as well. Alternative medicine is a unique and holistic treatment. The process of creating a healthy life begins with the human element itself, which starts with the seeds, weight, and calves in the process of the human life cycle from birth to death in behaviour and science.

International college students’ perceptions on complementary and alternative medical practices

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the complementary and alternative medicinal (CAM) choices of international college students in the U.S. Participants A total of 192 international college students participated in this study. Methods Participants completed a survey with demographic and background information, such as gender, age, years living in the U.S., country of origin, cultural and religious influences on health decision-making, CAM usage, and the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI). Results Results showed that there was a significant difference in CAMBI scores and age groups with those in the age groups of 20–29 and 30+ having higher CAMBI scores than those in the 18–19 age group. Participants had high scores on the CAMBI. Conclusion Overall, participants showed a wide range of CAM usage with most participants indicating a need for CAM options on university campuses.

THE ASSESSMENT OF ACUPRESSURE EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY IN THE COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH PEPTIC ULCERS

Aim: The paper evaluates effectiveness and safety of acupressure (AP) in the comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation of patients with uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Materials and Methods: The study retrospectively assessed the effectiveness of treating 24 PUD patients, who received AP session following the author’s protocol based on Houston F.M. recommendations. The statistical analysis of the results employed the algorithm for qualitative data analysis applying the MedCalc 2023 software package. We analyzed the frequency of clinical syndrome manifestations before and after treatment, calculating the interval estimate of this measure (95% confidence interval (CI)). The study formulated null and alternative statistical hypotheses applying the McNemar test to check the null hypothesis for paired samples. When evaluating the risk of AP side effects, we determined 95% CI for proportion, considering binomial distribution of the feature (“presence-absence of complications”). Results: After completing the treatment course and observing the absence of endoscopic signs of peptic gastropathy, we detected statistically significant changes in the frequency of all clinical syndrome manifestations (p-value < 0.0001, based on the McNemar test). AP rapidly and effectively alleviated the main clinical manifestations in patients with PUD. The tolerability of acupressure was good, without side effects. The study determined with 95% probability, that the risk of adverse effects did not exceed 15%. Conclusions: AP is easy to use, non-invasive adjunctive therapy and alternative medical practice during the rehabilitation stage for PUD patients. It proves to be effective, safe, and inexpensive non-pharmacological method of treatment and rehabilitation, aligning with the alternative statistical hypothesis.

Factors Associated With the Use of Traditional Medicine in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Traditional medicine is widely used for the management of various health problems in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing the use of traditional medicine in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia. In conducting the study, the qualitative method was used, involving 45 in-depth interviews with traditional practitioners, patients and caregivers. Thematic analysis was conducted in analyzing data. The findings revealed that the use of traditional medicine was influenced by five major themes: perceived inefficacy of biomedicine, perceived incurability of some diseases via biomedicine, testimonies of effectiveness of traditional medicine, affordability of traditional medicine and feeling of embarrassment to present medical conditions to practitioners of biomedicine. It was also found that traditional medicine was an accepted medical practice and was likely to remain so despite the expansion of modern healthcare services. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the role and use of traditional medicine as an alternative medical practice and ensure its best possible contribution to the local healthcare system.

Treatment of Onychomycosis with Homoeopathic Medicine-An Evidence-Based Case Report

Onychomycosis commonly known as nail fungal infection is caused by various types of fungi. It usually affects the toenails but fingernails can also be involved. Homeopathy is an alternative medical practice involving highly diluted substances to stimulate the bodys natural healing processes. A 35-year-old woman presented with discoloration brittleness and thickening of her great right toenail. Following a comprehensive case assessment a prescription of Sepia 200 was given to be taken as needed during the homoeopathic treatment period. The administration of individuaized homoeopathic medicine resulted in a remarkable improvement in the case. Onychomycosis of the great right toenail was treated with an individualized approach of homoeopathic medicine resulting in reduced nail discolorationwith the Sepia 200.

Lycopene augments and enhances anti-oxidant/antibacterial efficiency of ethanolic leaf extract of Helianthus annuus over multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates

Lycopene, the potential antioxidant naturally occurring in red carotenoid pigment is found in many fruits and vegetables. In this work, antioxidant power and antimicrobial potentials of lycopene against the multidrug-resistant (MDR) Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) and Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) were studied when added to ethanolic leaf extracts of Helianthus annuus (H. annuus). Supplementation of the lycopene along with ethanolic leaf extract of H. annuus indicates a 30 % enhancement in the antioxidant activity by 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and reduction of 24 % reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human fibroblast cells under calcium stress compared to leaf extract alone. The antibacterial activity of the leaf extract + lycopene showed improved bacterial inhibition as low as 40 and 70 μg of the leaf extract compared with extract alone against S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae respectively. Taken together, the observations show that the natural anti-oxidant, lycopene, when added to the extract enhanced the antibacterial activity at lower concentrations which could possibly reduce the larger dose as observed in alternative or complementary medical practices.

Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology Commission.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises. Recommended actions begin with the need to develop or update national cancer control plans in each country. Plans must include childhood cancer plans, managing comorbidities such as HIV and malnutrition, a reliable and predictable supply of medication, and the provision of psychosocial, supportive, and palliative care. Plans should also engage traditional, complementary, and alternative medical practices employed by more than 80% of SSA populations and pathways to reduce missed diagnoses and late referrals. More substantial investment is needed in developing cancer registries and cancer diagnostics for core cancer tests. We show that investments in, and increased adoption of, some approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy and telehealth, can substantially increase access to cancer care in Africa, accelerate cancer prevention and control efforts, increase survival, and save billions of US dollars over the next decade. The involvement of African First Ladies in cancer prevention efforts represents one practical approach that should be amplified across SSA. Moreover, investments in workforce training are crucial to prevent millions of avoidable deaths by 2030. We present a framework that can be used to strategically plan cancer research enhancement in SSA, with investments in research that can produce a return on investment and help drive policy and effective collaborations. Expansion of universal health coverage to incorporate cancer into essential benefits packages is also vital. Implementation of the recommended actions in this Commission will be crucial for reducing the growing cancer crises in SSA and achieving political commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030.

Knowledge and experiences of complementary and alternative medical practices among patients presenting to an orthopedic clinic: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and the frequency of CAM use and treatment among patients who presented to an orthopedic outpatient clinic. Patients who presented to the orthopedics outpatient clinic of Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital between February 1 and April 1, 2020, were invited to participate in this study. A questionnaire containing 11 questions about 14 different CAM approaches, designed to determine patients’ knowledge of and attitudes toward each of these practices, was administered by the responsible physician through face-to-face interviews. A total of 359 patients were included in the study, the mean age was 49.0 ± 16.1 years and 240 (66.9%) were women. Of the 455 individuals who were considered eligible for the study, 96 refused to participate. The majority of the participants (78.8%) stated that they knew of at least one CAM approach. The most common sources of information were families or friends (54.1%). Of the participants, 30.6% had previously received at least one CAM treatment. About half of the participants (52.6%) stated that they would consider using the methods that they had heard of. The three most commonly known and applied methods were cupping, leech therapy, and acupuncture, respectively. Only 36.4% of the treatments were applied by health professionals. Almost all patients presenting to the orthopedics outpatient clinic had some knowledge of CAM approaches and more than half of them stated that they received such treatments. Health professionals should be aware that society is interested in these practices, regardless of professional support or opposition. All patients presenting to outpatient clinics should be asked about their usage of CAM methods, and the potential interactions of patients’ treatments with CAM practices should be considered.

The role of alternative and complementary medical practices in vaccine hesitancy among nurses: A cross-sectional survey in Brittany

IntroductionGiven today's increasing calling into question of vaccination, we have studied possible connections between alternative and complementary medical practices (CAM) and vaccine hesitancy (VH) among nurses. MethodOurs was a cross-sectional study by self-administered online questionnaire addressed to a panel of nurses in Brittany. After adjustment for other proximal and distal determinants of VH, we examined the impact of CAM use. ResultsMultivariate logistic regressions confirmed the existence of a link between CAM and VH. While trust in medical institutions seems to have an important role, CAM use appears largely independent of VH. ConclusionAssociation between CAM and VH in nurses raises the question not only of their training with respect to these alternative practices, but also of the role of medical institutions in the training of practitioners availing themselves of the latter.

Inhibition of penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by combination of oxacillin and a bioactive compound from Ramalinaroesleri

Lichens are known to be useful and important in ethanopharmacology since ages and still possess substantial interest in alternative medical practices around the world. The intent of this investigation was to evaluate and to understand the antibacterial potential of usnic acid which was isolated from Himalyan fruticose lichen Ramalina roesleri. Usnic acid is predicted for its pharmaceutical properties through in -silico studies. Binding efficiency of usnic acid with Penicillin binding protein-PBP2a, a protein which is responsible for conferring resistance in Staphylococcus aureus was accessed using in-silico interaction assays comparing with oxacillin and ceftaroline. Further, the validation of in-silico modelling was checked by determining the antibacterial potential of usnic acid against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates. In total, 28 clinical isolates collected from hospitals/medical students were included in the study and the anti-Staphylococcal activity was determined using agar plate dilution method followed by time-kill kinetics and synergistic studies. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) pictures were obtained to show the cell wall disruption of MRSA by usnic acid.Docking results clearly indicated the enhanced binding potential of usnic acid (Glide XP G Score: 10.968; Glide energy −64.869) with PBP2a which is better than the energy range of reference compound, oxacillin (Glide XP G Score: 6.596; Glide energy −53.285) and roughly comparable to the co-crystallized ligand ceftaroline (Glide XP G Score: 12.20; Glide energy −70.322). Cefteroline is known to be more active against MRSA compared to oxacillin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of usnic acid against the clinical isolates of MRSA and reference strain (NCTC-6571) were in the range of 32–128 μg/ml. The high affinity of usnic acid to bind with PBP2a which is demonstrated via in-silico studies is further confirmed by the impressive inhibitory activity of usnic acid on MRSA clinical isolates.

Audit of delayed presentation in breast cancer from a tertiary centre in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Context: Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in women in developing countries, compounded by delayed presentation. Determining the contemporary reasons for delayed presentation in our environment, is necessary to properly guide enlightenment campaigns, enhance their effectiveness and improve patient survival.Subjects and Methods: A 1-year audit of consecutive histologically-confirmed breast cancer patients presenting to University of Benin Teaching Hospital was done. Socio-demographic data, time to presentation with reasons, stage at presentation were obtained in a proforma and analyzed.Results: 92% of patients had delayed presentation. 270 patients with complete records were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 47.6±11.0years, most were between 40 – 49 years (32.2%). Most patients in the study were married (75.6%), of lower class (52.2%) and had tertiary education (55.9%). Delay of 12 – 15months occurred most (54.8%) with advanced stage disease (Stages 3/4; 73%). Use of alternative medicine accounted for most of the delay (48.9%) while fear of mastectomy (30.4%), financial (6.7%) and referral problems (6.7%) were other common reasons.Conclusion: Delay in presentation is common in our breast cancer patients. Use of alternative medicine, fear of mastectomy, financial issues were common reasons for delay. There should be proper regulation of alternative medical practice to forestall bogus claims of cancer treatment. More affordable and accessible screening centres, insurance coverage of cancer care, alongside enlightenment about effect of delayed presentation and appropriate cancer care in religious houses, amongst traditional rulers and other custodians of cultural practices are required to help mitigate negative beliefs resulting in delayed presentation.

An evidence based efficacy and safety assessment of the ethnobiologicals against poisonous and non-poisonous bites used by the tribals of three westernmost districts of West Bengal, India: Anti-phospholipase A2 and genotoxic effects.

To explore the ethnobiological wisdom of the tribals of three western districts of West Bengal, India against poisonous and non-poisonous bites and stings, a quantitative approach was adopted. These age-old yet unexplored knowledge can be utilized in finding lead-molecules against poisonous and non-poisonous animal-bites. Further, an evidence-based approach is needed to assess the venom-neutralization ability of plants by experimental studies. During 2008-2009 and 2012-2017, 11 ethnomedicinal surveys were carried out to explore the use of medicinal flora and fauna via conducting open semi-structured interviews with 47 traditional healers (THs) or informants. The retrieved dataset was statistically evaluated using seven quantitative-indexes: use-value (UV), informants'-consensus-factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL), relative-importance (RI), cultural importance-index (CI), index of agreement on remedies (IAR) and cultural agreement-index (CAI). Anti-phospholipaseA2 (PLA2) properties of selected plant extracts were also examined. In addition, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the water extract of the plants showing high FL as well as significant PLA2 inhibitory potential were investigated using Allium cepa root tip assay. A total of 41 traditional-formulations (TFs) containing 40 plant species (of 39 genera from 28 families) and 3 animal species were prescribed by the THs. Fabaceae exhibited most number of medicinal plants. Piper nigrum (1.78) and Apis cerana indica and Crossopriza lyoni (both 0.21) exhibited the highest UV among the plants and the animals respectively. Stinging of centipede and dog/cat/hyena bite displayed highest ICF (1.00 each). Among the plants, the maximum RI (0.91) and CI (4.98) values were observed for Aristolochia indica. IAR (1.00) was recorded maximum for Achyranthes aspera, Gloriosa superba, Lycopodium cernuum, Smilax zeylanica and Streblus asper. Maximum CAI value was noted for Piper nigrum (5.5096). Among the animals, Apis cerana indica (0.31) and Crossopriza lyoni (1.52) displayed the highest RI and CI values respectively. Crossopriza lyoni (0.99) and Apis cerana indica (1.3871) exhibited maximum IAR and CAI values respectively. Plants showing higher FL exhibited higher anti-PLA2 activity via selective inhibition of human-group PLA2. In addition, Allium cepa root tip assay has indicated the safety and/or toxicity of the plant parts prescribed by the THs. Root water extracts of Aristolochia indica and Gloriosa superba exhibited significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Three western districts of West Bengal is the natural abode for many tribal and non-tribal communities. A noteworthy correlation was established between the plants used against poisonous-bites and their anti-PLA2 activity. A few plant parts used by the THs also exhibited high toxicity. Such alternative medical practices serve as the only option in these underprivileged and backward areas during medical-exigencies.

Argumentative time work for legitimizing homeopathy: Temporal reasons for the acceptance of an alternative medical practice

In Romania, as elsewhere, there is persistent controversy surrounding homeopathy wherein various parties try to draw the boundaries of legitimate medical practice. The literature on complementary and alternative medicine features little discussion on the temporal dimensions of controversies surrounding these therapies, focusing mainly on the temporalities of the lived experience of treatment. Yet time is a powerful resource for challenging and gaining legitimacy. In order to capture the use of time as a resource for legitimating or contesting homeopathy, we advance the theory of time work by examining the rhetorical role of different temporalities in this dispute. We find that proponents and users of homeopathy appeal to temporal properties of treatment, such as the longer duration of consultation, and of healing, namely, a specific sequence of symptoms and reactions, stories of failed biomedical treatments followed by successful homeopathic interventions, and stories of durable efficacy. Critics invoke the temporal properties of science, especially a cumulative record of failed attempts to prove homeopathic efficacy beyond placebo, or to causally account for its putative effects. Argumentative time work also involves manipulation of temporal modalities, in which homeopathy is legitimized both through continuity with the past and through breaking away from the past, with an eye to a promised future. At the same time, critics of homeopathy invoke temporal modalities to cast homeopathy as a relic of an unscientific past. This research illustrates the value of "argumentative time work" as a conceptual tool in examining public controversies.

2406 Cinnamon-Induced Acute Hepatitis

INTRODUCTION: There is no denying the increasing interest in alternative medical practices in the United States, especially in regards to supplement use. According to a recent survey, 33.2% of adults in the US used complementary health approaches, and 17.7% reported using a supplement. As the use of supplements rises, it is imperative that physicians recognize the potential adverse effects. One example of this is the popular practice of using cinnamon supplementation to improve glycemic control in Diabetes. However, less attention has been given to a potential adverse effect of cinnamon use. Coumarin is a compound found in cinnamon and its metabolite are hepatotoxic. Our patient presented with hepatitis triggered by the use of a seemingly innocent supplement. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 51 year old male with a past medical history of hyperlipidemia presented with 10 days of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, jaundice and dark urine. He denies tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use. Home medications are aspirin and atorvastatin. Only new medication is cassia cinnamon supplements for the past month. Physical exam was significant for scleral icterus, jaundice, abdominal distention, and tenderness to palpation in the RUQ. Lab work revealed a CBC within normal limits, and elevated LFTs. Acute hepatitis panel, ANA, anti-smooth muscle antibody, anti-mitochondrial antibody, ferritin, HIV, HSV, EBV, and CMV were negative. An ultrasound of the abdomen was unremarkable. His atorvastatin and cinnamon supplements were held. An MRCP was obtained and was unremarkable. His symptoms and LFTs improved and he was discharged home after two days of hospitalization with instructions to hold the atorvastatin until his liver function tests normalized, and to discontinue the cassia cinnamon. The acute hepatitis was determined to be due to the cassia cinnamon supplementation with concomitant statin use. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates the importance of a thorough history when evaluating a patient. Special attention must be paid to over the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements. Often times patients will not volunteer this information when asked about what medications they take, so they must be specifically prompted. Given the increasing popularity of alternative and “natural” medical practices, it is also imperative that physicians stay up to date on the potential adverse effects. Emphasis needs to be placed on scientific investigation into potential risks and benefits of popular alternative medical practices.