Alternative Medicine Approaches Research Articles

Complementary and Alternative Treatment Methods Used by Infertile Women in Turkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aims to determine the complementary and alternative therapy (CAM) methods used among infertile women in Turkiye, the prevalence of their use and the factors affecting their use. Method: The sample of the descriptive and cross-sectional study consisted of 142 women who applied to the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Centre of a public hospital and volunteered to participate in the study. The data were collected with "Personal Information Form" and "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches Scale (CAMAS)". Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis Test were used in the evaluation of the data. Results: While the average age of the women who contributed to the study was found to be 29.77±4.83 years. When the CAM methods used by women are examined, they are mostly prayer (88.0%), prayer (namaz) (78.2%), vow (25.4%), visit to the tomb (24.6%), amulet (20.4%), black pepper (17.6%), ginseng (15.5%), astralagus (13.4%), going to a teacher and having yourself read (13.4%), shark cartilage (13.4%), turtle blood (13.4%), lead casting (4.2%), reiki (2.8%), bioenergy (2.1%) and hypnosis it was determined to be (1.4%). When the mean scores in the CAMAS subscales were examined, it was determined that the highest score was body-mind approaches (40.46±17.37). Conclusion: In line with the research findings, it was determined that the use of CAM was common among infertile women in Turkiye and the most frequently used approaches were spiritual and herbal methods. Health professionals need to evaluate infertile women about their use of CAM methods and inform women about these methods.

Physiotherapy-rehabilitation, and nursing students’ complementary therapy attitudes and level of use

BackgroundThe World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health care about traditional and complementary medicine practices. Evaluating the attitudes of physiotherapy-rehabilitation students and nursing students toward conventional and complementary practices holds significant importance in healthcare education and practice. However, it is worth noting that a limited body of research focuses explicitly on these student groups. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 446 students in the departments of physiotherapy-rehabilitation and nursing in a university's faculty of health sciences. The data were collected using the Complementary, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale (CACMAS) and the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches Scale (CAMAS). The analyses used percentages, averages, standard deviation, Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis analysis, the Scheffe post hoc test, and Pearson correlation. Results95.5 % of the students did not use complementary therapy previously; the education process of 89.7 % did not cover complementary treatment; 73.3 % stated that complementary therapy education should be given at schools; 74.2 % wanted to use complementary therapy. However, 94.2 % reported that the Ministry of Health did not know about complementary therapy regulations. The average total score was 25.44 ± 8.953 for the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches Scale and 111.29 ± 16.092 for the Complementary, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale. ConclusionThe students believed conventional and complementary therapy methods should be used for patients, and they expressed a keen interest in their professional practice after graduation.

A Case Study Based on a Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approach on an Oligoasthenoteratozoospermic Patient and its Effect on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcome

ABSTRACT A couple visited the IVF clinic to seek treatment for primary infertility. A 45-year-old quadragenarian female and her 49-year-old male partner were recommended infertility treatment after 2 years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. The woman had a recent history of dengue and chickenpox. The male partner was advised to do a semen analysis. The report showed asthenoteratozoospermia and the semen sample viscous. On the other hand, the female was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The male patient was given a 3-month medication treatment that included probiotic supplements and cranberry juice to treat bacterial infections and urinary tract infections. The male partner also advised medication, and regular semen analysis was performed after every 3 months. The treatment plan included intrauterine insemination (IUI), which increased the possibility of pregnancy. Fourteen days following the IUI and pregnancy test, the outcomes were positive. The case illustrates the difficulties in treating primary infertility by combining reproductive procedures, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Regularly monitoring semen quality and hormonal levels is crucial in assessing treatment success. The positive outcome of IUI suggests the effectiveness of the fertility treatment plan.

Chronic Stress-Induced Neuroinflammation: Relevance of Rodent Models to Human Disease.

The brain is the central organ of adaptation to stress because it perceives and determines threats that induce behavioral, physiological, and molecular responses. In humans, chronic stress manifests as an enduring consistent feeling of pressure and being overwhelmed for an extended duration. This can result in a persistent proinflammatory response in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS), resulting in cellular, physiological, and behavioral effects. Compounding stressors may increase the risk of chronic-stress-induced inflammation, which can yield serious health consequences, including mental health disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding the neuroinflammatory response in rodent models of chronic stress-a relationship that is continually being defined. Many studies investigating the effects of chronic stress on neuroinflammation in rodent models have identified significant changes in inflammatory modulators, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and toll-like receptors (TLRs), and cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. This suggests that these are key inflammatory factors in the chronic stress response, which may contribute to the establishment of anxiety and depression-like symptoms. The behavioral and neurological effects of modulating inflammatory factors through gene knockdown (KD) and knockout (KO), and conventional and alternative medicine approaches, are discussed.

Management of irritable bowel syndrome: a narrative review.

As our understanding of the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has advanced, so too has the therapeutic landscape, offering a myriad of approaches to alleviate symptoms and enhance the well-being of patients. This review paper is dedicated to a comprehensive exploration of the diverse therapeutic modalities available for managing IBS. By delving into the complexities of IBS therapeutics, our aim is to contribute to the enhancement of patient care and the overall quality of life for patients grappling with this complex condition. This review utilized information from PubMed/MEDLINE using the key search term "irritable bowel syndrome" as well as the 2020 American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and 2022 American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) society guidelines on IBS. The search was restricted to articles in the English language only and included peer-reviewed observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adult patients from April 22, 2020 to October 16, 2023. This review will start with an overview of the current guidelines for pharmacologic therapies for IBS as recommended by the ACG and the AGA, with an emphasis on clinical trials published after the most recent guidelines. It will then delve into the literature on dietary modifications, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplant, behavioral therapy, and complementary and alternative medicine approaches to IBS. It is evident that the management of IBS has transcended a one-size-fits-all approach. As the field of IBS management continues to evolve, it is imperative for physicians to stay informed and receptive to the array of therapeutic options available, ultimately providing patients with the most effective and personalized care.

Virtual reality and neurofeedback as a supportive approach to managing cancer symptoms for patients receiving treatment: A brief report of a feasibility trial.

Managing cancer symptoms while patients receive systemic treatment remains a challenge in oncology. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches like virtual reality (VR) and neurofeedback (NF) in tandem with systemic treatment might reduce symptom burden for patients. The combination of VR + NF as a CAM intervention approach is novel and understudied, particularly as it relates to supportive cancer care. The purpose of this study is to summarize our VR + NF study protocol and share preliminary results regarding study retention (across 2 treatment sessions) and preliminary impact of VR or VR + NF on patient-reported outcomes such as anxiety and pain. We utilized a parallel arm trial design to compare preliminary impact of VR only and VR + NF on cancer symptoms among patients who are actively receiving cancer treatment. Sixty-seven percent (n = 20) of participants returned to participate in a second VR session, and the rates of return were the same between the VR groups. Patients in the VR + NF group showed improvements in anxiety after both sessions, while patients in the VR only group showed significant improvements in pain and depression after both sessions. Patients in the VR + NF group showed improved pain after session 1. This study demonstrates that patients can be retained over multiple treatment sessions and that VR and NF remain promising treatment approaches with regard to impact on patient-reported outcomes like anxiety and pain.

Cellular Mass Response to Therapy Correlates With Clinical Response for a Range of Malignancies.

Cancer patients with advanced-stage disease have poor prognosis, typically having limited options for efficacious treatment, and genomics-based therapy guidance continues to benefit only a fraction of patients. Next-generation ex vivo approaches, such as cell mass-based response testing (MRT), offer an alternative precision medicine approach for a broader population of patients with cancer, but validation of clinical feasibility and potential impact remain necessary. We evaluated the clinical feasibility and accuracy of using live-cell MRT to predict patient drug sensitivity. Using a unified measurement workflow with a 48-hour result turnaround time, samples were subjected to MRT after treatment with a panel of drugs in vitro. After completion of therapeutic course, clinical response data were correlated with MRT-based predictions of outcome. Specimens were collected from 104 patients with solid (n = 69) and hematologic (n = 35) malignancies, using tissue formats including needle biopsies, malignant fluids, bone marrow aspirates, and blood samples. Of the 81 (78%) specimens qualified for MRT, 41 (51%) patients receiving physician-selected therapies had treatments matched to MRT. MRT demonstrated high concordance with clinical responses with an odds ratio (OR) of 14.80 (P = .0003 [95% CI, 2.83 to 102.9]). This performance held for both solid and hematologic malignances with ORs of 20.67 (P = .0128 [95% CI, 1.45 to 1,375.57]) and 8.20 (P = .045 [95% CI, 0.77 to 133.56]), respectively. Overall, these results had a predictive accuracy of 80% (P = .0026 [95% CI, 65 to 91]). MRT showed highly significant correlation with clinical response to therapy. Routine clinical use is technically feasible and broadly applicable to a wide range of samples and malignancy types, supporting the need for future validation studies.

Lifestylopathy: A Holistic Approach to Healthcare

In response to ongoing challenges in achieving complete recovery from diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s, alternative medicine approaches such as Lifestylopathy have emerged, aiming to complement conventional treatments and address complex health issues holistically. Lifestylopathy integrates principles from physics, chemistry, and medicine to comprehend the body at molecular and quantum levels, emphasizing preventive measures and comprehensive recovery by striking a balance between entropy (disorder) and potential energy (order). Through maintaining equilibrium between anabolic and catabolic processes and modulating neurotransmitters, Lifestylopathy regulates homeostasis, enriching potential energy while preventing entropy accumulation, thereby activating the immune system’s fight mode and bolstering resilience against diseases. This transformative approach underscores holistic well-being and the intricate interplay between potential energy and entropy, suggesting that integrating Lifestylopathy principles into healthcare practices holds promise for fostering harmony and vibrant health across individuals and societies.

Combined alternative medicine approach for the management of pyosalpinx in cattle

Combined alternative medicine approach for the management of pyosalpinx in cattle

Experience of Diabetic Patients for the Usage of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapy

Background: Diabetes is common in every community, but its management always seems to be challenging. The alternative medicine (AM) therapies in multiple ways have been widely accepted by individuals suffering from various diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge and experience of diabetic patients towards the implication of multiple AM therapies. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and experiences of diabetic patients regarding the use of various alternative medicine therapies. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, and statistical software SPSS was employed for data analysis. Results: Out of 469 diabetic patients, 123 were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, 333 had type 2 diabetes, and the remaining patients had gestational diabetes. A majority of the diabetic patients (61.3%) reported that combining alternative medicine (AM) with allopathic diabetic medicines effectively controlled their blood sugar levels. Interestingly, 64.7% of patients received recommendations from diabetologists to incorporate AM therapies into their treatment plans. Among all diabetic patients, 85.3% believed that AM therapies had no side effects. Herbal medicines/herbs were favored by 28.7% of diabetic patients, while 15.4% and 14.5% reported experiencing the effectiveness of homeopathy and yoga, respectively, for diabetic therapy. Conclusion: This comprehensive study reveals the potential of alternative medicine therapies in managing diabetes. However, it emphasizes the importance of exercising caution when relying solely on specific complementary and alternative medicine approaches during the follow-up process.

Electroacupuncture modulates glutamate neurotransmission to alleviate PTSD-like behaviors in a PTSD animal model

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Owing to the relatively low rates of response and remission with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as the primary treatment for PTSD, there is a recognized need for alternative strategies to effectively address the symptoms of PTSD. Dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission plays a critical role in various disorders, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, the regulation of glutamate levels holds great promise as a therapeutic target for the treatment of mental disorders. Electroacupuncture (EA) has become increasingly popular as a complementary and alternative medicine approach. It maintains the homeostasis of central nervous system (CNS) function and alleviates symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. This study investigated the effects of EA at the GV29 (Yintang) acupoint three times per week for 2 weeks in an animal model of PTSD. PTSD was induced using single prolonged stress/shock (SPSS) in mice, that is, SPS with additional foot shock stimulation. EA treatment significantly reduced PTSD-like behavior and effectively regulated serum corticosterone and serotonin levels in the PTSD model. Additionally, EA treatment decreased glutamate levels and glutamate neurotransmission-related proteins (pNR1 and NR2B) in the hippocampus of a PTSD model. In addition, neuronal activity and the number of Golgi-impregnated dendritic spines were significantly lower in the EA treatment group than in the SPSS group. Notably, EA treatment effectively reduced glutamate-induced excitotoxicity (caspase-3, Bax, and pJNK). These findings suggest that EA treatment at the GV29 acupoint holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach for PTSD, possibly through the regulation of NR2B receptor-mediated glutamate neurotransmission to reduce PTSD-like behaviors.

Personalised simulation of hemodynamics in cerebrovascular disease: lessons learned from a study of diagnostic accuracy.

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) poses a significant risk of subsequent stroke but current prevention strategies are limited. Mechanistic simulations of brain hemodynamics offer an alternative precision medicine approach by utilising individual patient characteristics. For clinical use, however, current simulation frameworks have insufficient validation. In this study, we performed the first quantitative validation of a simulation-based precision medicine framework to assess cerebral hemodynamics in patients with ICAD against clinical standard perfusion imaging. In a retrospective analysis, we used a 0-dimensional simulation model to detect brain areas that are hemodynamically vulnerable to subsequent stroke. The main outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC AUC) of the simulation to identify brain areas vulnerable to subsequent stroke as defined by quantitative measurements of relative mean transit time (relMTT) from dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI). In 68 subjects with unilateral stenosis >70% of the internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA), the sensitivity and specificity of the simulation were 0.65 and 0.67, respectively. The ROC AUC was 0.68. The low-to-moderate accuracy of the simulation may be attributed to assumptions of Newtonian blood flow, rigid vessel walls, and the use of time-of-flight MRI for geometric representation of subject vasculature. Future simulation approaches should focus on integrating additional patient data, increasing accessibility of precision medicine tools to clinicians, addressing disease burden disparities amongst different populations, and quantifying patient benefit. Our results underscore the need for further improvement of mechanistic simulations of brain hemodynamics to foster the translation of the technology to clinical practice.

Pharmacists’ approaches to vaccination consultations in Switzerland: a qualitative study comparing the roles of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and biomedicine

BackgroundMany community pharmacies in Switzerland provide complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches in addition to providing biomedical services, and a few pharmacies specialise in CAM. A common perception is that...

Integrating modern, alternative and complementary medicine: A holistic approach to better patient care and cost-effectiveness

This comprehensive review examines the potential benefits of combining modern conventional medicine with alternative and complementary medicine approaches for the treatment of various medical conditions. As healthcare costs continue to escalate globally, there is a pressing need for solutions that not only improve health outcomes but also offer cost-effectiveness. The current model of care often leads to overuse of pharmaceutical interventions, raising concerns about adverse effects. This article has done a scoping review to map and critically analyse the existing literature on this topic, with a focus on patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and implementation strategies. The review provides robust evidence, through critical analysis of 312 key studies, indicating significant potential in a combined approach, with specific examples drawn from conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, disc prolapse, COPD, fibromyalgia, IBS, Parkinson's disease, dementia, psychosis, anxiety, and depression. It illustrates that integrating alternative and complementary medicine with conventional methods can yield substantial cost savings, reduced side effects, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced health outcomes . The article also subsequently proposes a step-wise approach to this integration, advocating for improved cross-disciplinary communication, education, and regulatory oversight to overcome existing barriers . It contributes to the body of evidence supporting a shift from the compartmentalized view of healthcare towards a more patient-centred, holistic model. The evidence presented is compelling and timely, given the growing public interest in alternative and complementary therapies, making this a significant addition to the literature on integrated healthcare.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine for reducing fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors: Does it work?

ObjectiveFear of cancer recurrence is a significant psychosocial concern impacting the recovery and quality of life of cancer survivors. Many survivors turn to complementary and alternative medicine to manage drug side effects and alleviate anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary and alternative medicine and the fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors. MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive correlational study involved 280 cancer survivors selected through convenience sampling from oncology centers and medical offices in Kerman. Research instruments included a questionnaire on complementary and alternative medicine usage and the fear of cancer recurrence inventory. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. ResultsThe study revealed that 78.2% of participants had used at least one form of complementary and alternative medicine in the past year. Among these, 71.8% used medicinal herbs, 19.6% used nutritional supplements, 7.5% practiced relaxation and meditation, 7.1% utilized dry cupping, and 5.7% tried wet cupping. The mean score for the fear of cancer recurrence was 80.72 ± 18.46, which was close to the midpoint of the inventory score (84). Notably, fear of cancer recurrence and its associated dimensions did not exhibit significant differences between users and non-users of complementary and alternative medicine. ConclusionsThe results indicate that a substantial number of cancer survivors have utilized at least one form of complementary and alternative medicine in the past year, with medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements being the most common choices. It is essential for cancer patients to be informed about the potential effects of various complementary and alternative medicine approaches. The study found a moderate level of fear of cancer recurrence, with no discernible difference between users and non-users of complementary and alternative medicine. As a result, health managers and planners should implement effective psychological interventions and strategies to mitigate the fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors.

Identifying the active pharmaceutical ingredient from a mixture of fumaric acid esters for the treatment of psoriasis: Hints from in vitro investigations

A mixture of fumaric acid esters (FAEs) is approved for the oral therapy of psoriasis. However, for a long time the active ingredient of this mixture was unknown. We reviewed the in vitro data available for the different FAEs present in the multi compound drug and elaborate how they may contribute to possible clinical effects. Although helpful overall, many in vitro data must be viewed critically because the concentrations used in the experiments exceed the plasma levels reached in patients. The data suggest that dimethylfumarate (DMF) is the most active compound, mediating the major therapeutic effect after metabolization into monomethylfumarate (MMF) via an according receptor expressed on target cells. Identifying the active pharmaceutical ingredient within a mixture of compounds helps to subsequently eliminate unnecessary, potentially harmful compounds. This provides a promising example for an alternative precision medicine approach in clinical practice.

Vasomotor symptoms in women treated for breast cancer: complementary and alternative medicine approaches including purified cytoplasm of pollen

Vasomotor symptoms in women treated for breast cancer: complementary and alternative medicine approaches including purified cytoplasm of pollen

Honouring Old Age Ritual Celebration in Newar Culture and Medicine Wheel in Anishinaabe Culture: Exploring an Indigenous Cross-Cultural Aging Wellness as an Alternative Medicine and Healing Approach

Honouring Old Age Ritual Celebration in Newar Culture and Medicine Wheel in Anishinaabe Culture: Exploring an Indigenous Cross-Cultural Aging Wellness as an Alternative Medicine and Healing Approach

Practical Aspects of ASD Management-What Pediatricians Should Know.

The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) warrants higher levels of clinical attention to optimally manage children with ASD. There is mounting evidence that early intervention programs can help improve developmental functioning, maladaptive behaviors, and core ASD symptoms. The most thoroughly investigated and evidence-based therapies have been developmental, behavioral, and educational interventions mediated by either professionals or parents. Other commonly available interventions include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training. Pharmacological interventions, where needed, are used as an adjunct to treat severe problem behaviors and manage medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) approaches have not proven to be of any benefit, and some of them may be harmful to the child. As the child's first point of contact, the pediatrician is well-positioned to effectively guide the families to therapies that are evidence-based and safe and also collaborate with various specialists to provide seamless, coordinated care for these children so as to improve their developmental outcomes and social functioning.

Integrative Medicine in the Treatment of COVID-19: An Indian Perspective

Background: Over recent years, evidence-based modern medicine has overshadowed the use and efficacy of natural and traditional medicines. However, in the wake of the pandemic, the interest in the quest for therapeutic resources linked to traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine has substantially increased. This has further facilitated the research and development of potential therapeutic crude drugs or their formulations in the management of COVID-19 and the symptoms associated with the latter. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the various traditional medicines used as integrative medicines in alleviating symptoms attributed to the COVID-19 infection. Methods: The literature was thoroughly browsed for recent research articles, systematic reviews, case studies, and review articles on ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords like complementary medicine, alternative medicine, and holistic approach to enlist a few. Subsequently, they were thoroughly screened to include only recent studies and evidence. Additionally, the official guidelines published by the Government and other regulatory bodies were also sought to be included in the article. Study Design: The review article follows the narrative literature review method. However, the primary data was skimmed for relevance and only recent shreds of evidence, pertinent to the review were included. Results: The review elucidated the pharmacological activity of various treatment regimens in different systems of medicine, with available supportive clinical evidence. Additionally, it also underscored the importance of holistic health interventions, and how these traditional and integrative systems of medicine cater to the same. Conclusions: The recent evidence presents a broad-spectrum effect of these therapeutic interventions, primarily in the fields of mental health, mild to moderate, and even severe forms of the infection, employing various pharmacological pathways. These studies primarily include studies and statistics pertaining to the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) but may include supporting evidence from other respiratory viruses. This information may prove imperative in guiding new research, and also to design and support an integrative treatment regimen. Conclusively, any suspicion pertaining to the COVID-19 infection should be sought by following the protocols recommended by the concerned health authorities of the respective region/country.