Alternative Medicine Practices Research Articles

Effects of chamomile oil inhalation on sleep quality in young adults with insomnia: A randomized controlled trial.

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying sleep, or both. Aromatherapy is a commonly used complementary and alternative medicine practice by persons with insomnia. Previous studies have shown that use of chamomile oil during massage therapy improves the quality of sleep (QoS). However, to our knowledge, no randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of chamomile oil inhalation on the treatment of insomnia. The present study evaluated the effect of chamomile oil inhalation on QoS and insomnia severity in persons with insomnia. A total of 80-participants ages 18-35 with insomnia were randomly allocated to aromatherapy group (AG; n = 40) or a control group (CG; n = 40). Those in the AG group received chamomile oil inhalation, while those in the CG engaged in their normal routine for 10minutes a day, daily for 15 days. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were administered before and after the intervention. Within-group analysis showed a significant reduction both in PSQI and ISI scores among those in the AG (P < 0.001 for both scores), whereas the CG reported a significant reduction in PSQI score (P = 0.033) and no significant changes in ISI score (P = 0.068). The between groups analysis after the intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in PSQI and ISI scores in the AG group (P < 0.001 for both) compared to the CG. No participant in either group reported adverse events during or after the study. Fifteen days of chamomile oil inhalation before bedtime reduced insomnia severity and enhanced the quality of sleep for young adults suffering from insomnia. Further studies are needed to replicate the results of this study using an active control group.

The Out-of-pocket Expenses of People With Tinnitus in Europe.

Despite the high frequency of tinnitus and its impact on wellbeing, little is known about its economic burden, and, to our knowledge, no data are available on out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses. In 2022, a survey was conducted on OOP costs of tinnitus. We enrolled 679 participants with slight, moderate, and severe tinnitus in Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, and Spain. We estimated annual OOP expenses for tinnitus-related healthcare visits, treatments, medications, and alternative medicine practices. Prevalence of tinnitus in the general population, obtained from a representative survey we conducted in Europe in 2017-2018, was used to generalize costs for people with any tinnitus at the national level. OOP expenses were 368€ (95% confidence intervals [CI], 78€-690€), 728€ (95% CI, 316€-1,288€), and 1,492€ (95% CI, 760€-2,688€) for slight, moderate, and severe tinnitus, respectively, with annual expenditure of 565€ for people with any tinnitus: 209€ for healthcare visits; 93€ for treatments; 16€ for drugs; 64€ for hearing supporting systems; and 183€ for acupuncture, homeopathy, and osteopathy. Individuals with slight, moderate, and severe tinnitus expressed a willingness to invest 1.6, 4.3, and 7.0 times their monthly income, respectively, to achieve complete relief from tinnitus. This study offers for the first time insights into the OOP expenses incurred by individuals with tinnitus. OOP expenses exhibited substantial variations based on severity status, accounting for more than 17 billion € in the countries considered. In terms of financial burden, these findings align tinnitus to the recognized leading disabilities, including back pain and migraine.

Implementation of the Cupping Health Program of KKN Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo as an Effort to Increase Public Health Awareness of Muhammadiyah Barengkrajan Branches

Cupping therapy, a traditional alternative medicine practice, has garnered increasing interest as a holistic health approach. Despite its historical significance, there remains a lack of comprehensive awareness and understanding of its benefits within various communities. Previous studies have not adequately addressed the implementation and public perception of cupping therapy in local contexts, particularly among underserved populations. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a cupping health program conducted by the Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo University KKN group in the Barengkrajan community, focusing on enhancing public awareness and accessibility to alternative health services. Through direct therapy sessions led by qualified professionals and educational initiatives, the program achieved high participant satisfaction rates and a notable increase in interest towards alternative therapies. This program uniquely combines practical cupping therapy with educational outreach, providing a model for similar community health interventions. The findings suggest that structured cupping programs can significantly improve community health perceptions and utilization of alternative therapies, warranting further exploration and development to integrate such practices into broader public health strategies. Highlights: High participant satisfaction demonstrated the effectiveness of direct therapy sessions. Educational initiatives significantly increased community interest in alternative therapies. The program serves as a model for integrating traditional practices into modern health strategies. Keywords: cupping therapy, alternative medicine, public health, community awareness, health intervention

Ethnobotanical Assessment of Herbal Medicine Practices for Cancer Treatment among Traditional Medicine Practitioners in Kenya

Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) play a vital role in healthcare delivery across Africa, including Kenya. They frequently use herbal remedies to address various ailments, including cancer. However, this practice raises global public health concerns due to the lack of adherence to established policies and guidelines, which poses risks to users. In low-income countries like Kenya, where conventional cancer treatments are often prohibitively expensive, many patients turn to herbal remedies. This situation underscores the need for standardization and monitoring of traditional medicine practices to mitigate risks associated with contamination, improper dosage, and misdiagnosis. Additionally, there is a significant gap in the systematic documentation and scientific validation of these practices. This study aimed to explore the ethnobotanical knowledge and practices of TMPs in Kenya regarding herbal medicine for cancer treatment. The specific objectives were to: Assess the medicinal plants used by TMPs, assess the Practice TMPs' in cancer treatment and Determine TMPs' compliance with WHO guidelines for cancer treatment. A cross-sectional study design, guided by the plant use value theory, was employed. Using purposive sampling, 53 TMPs from five counties were selected in proportion to the county TMP populations. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, observational check list, and Key Informant Interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 28, including descriptive statistics, means, standard deviations, figures, and proportions, presented through graphs and tables. The study identified 58 unique plants from 14 families. Roots were the most commonly used plant parts (20.6%) for cancer management. Decoctions were the primary preparation method (35%), while poultices were the least used (14.7%). Oral administration was the predominant method. TMPs most frequently treated prostate and throat cancers (20.7%), followed by breast cancer (17.2%). Most new patients (76.9%) were referred by others, with minimal use of modern advertising methods such as social media. Women sought TMP services more than men. Most practitioners (92.3%) planned to pass their knowledge to their descendants. However, compliance with WHO guidelines was low, at only 27%. The study highlights the extensive use of herbal remedies by TMPs in Kenya but also reveals significant issues in practice. There is minimal formal supervision and monitoring of traditional medicine practices, and most TMPs lack formal training, relying instead on inherited knowledge. Awareness and adherence to WHO guidelines are notably low.The health act policy no. 21 of 2017 which empowered the department of Health to provide policies and regulatory institutions that guide the practice of traditional and alternative medicine needs to be implemented by Government. Furthermore, TMPs need to be trained by WHO on best practices of usage of herbal medicines in cancer treatment, the regulatory bodies in Ministry of Health under surveillance therein should provide guidance on registration, licensing and standards, and ensure compliance of TMPs.

Examining Users’ Assessment of Indigenous Beliefs and Practices of Alternative Medicine in Nde Division, Cameroon

Despite the prevalence of conventional medical services, alternative medicine (AM) remains a vital component of healthcare-seeking choices in many communities across Africa The persistence of indigenous beliefs and practices in healthcare decisions among the population of Nde Division, Cameroon, despite the availability of conventional Western medicine, poses a complex challenge for healthcare providers seeking to deliver effective and culturally sensitive care. This study addresses the phenomenon by exploring the role of indigenous beliefs and practices in shaping healthcare choices, using a mixed-methods approach, which combines questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaire findings reveal a significant reliance on alternative medicine, with 79.59% of participants who believe in the efficacy of Indigenous healing traditions and 80% from the semi-structured interviews, who use alternative medicine due to cultural and spiritual beliefs. The strong reliance on AM is also influenced by economic, social, cultural, and individual factors. Concerns around the safety and efficacy of AM highlight the need for more education, regulation, and integration with conventional healthcare, ultimately informing the development of culturally sensitive healthcare approaches.

Study of Subacute Toxicity in Wistar Rats Challenged with Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn

Phyllanthus amarus, a widely used plant in complementary and alternative medicine practice in Southern Nigeria, is used in treating and managing numerous metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. This study is designed to assess the subacute toxicity of P. amarus in Wistar rats using body and relative organ weight, renal function, in-vivo antioxidant status and organ histology indices as a baseline. The twenty adult male rats weighing 120.00 ± 6.18 g were apportioned into four groups with five rats per group. Group A (Control) received 1.0 mL of distilled water, group B received 1000 mg/kg group C received 1500 mg/kg and group D received 2000 mg/kg body weight of the crude ethanol extract. The extract from P. amarus was administered orally once daily at 8:30 am using an oral cannula attached to a 2 mL syringe. Subacute toxicity was evaluated after 14 days. The findings showed no visible and noticeable overt signs of toxicity throughout the experimental period, non-significant adverse change in body and relative organ weight, renal function and organ histopathology of the rats in the treated and control groups. However, P. amarus significantly improved in-vivo antioxidant status while significantly reducing the level of malondialdehyde, a biological indicator of oxidative stress in the living system.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Practices: A Narrative Review Elucidating the Impact on Healthcare Systems, Mechanisms and Paediatric Applications.

While research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the general population is expanding, there remains a scarcity of studies investigating the efficacy and utilisation of CAM practices, specifically in the paediatric population. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of the parental utilisation of CAM in their dependents is estimated to reach up to 80%. This literature review identified broad, heterogeneous, and inconclusive evidence regarding CAM's applications and effectiveness, primarily attributed to variance in sociodemographic factors and differences in national healthcare systems. Additionally, the review identified a lack of consensus and polarised positions among mainstream professionals regarding the mechanisms of action, applications, and effectiveness of CAM. This narrative review presents varied results concerning the efficacy of most CAM therapies and their applications; however, some evidence suggests potential benefits for acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and massage in improving physical and mental health. Moreover, the available evidence indicates that meditation may enhance mental health, while reiki may only influence patients' perceptions of comfort. In light of the intricate and multifaceted nature of herbal medicine, it is imperative to assess its efficacy on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific compounds and procedures involved. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for health professionals, offering guidance for personalised healthcare approaches that consider the values and beliefs of patients, thereby facilitating integrated, evidence-based practices aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare services and patient satisfaction.

Anticancer potential of decursin, decursinol angelate, and decursinol from Angelica gigas Nakai: A comprehensive review and future therapeutic prospects.

Many naturally derived compounds are currently used in oncotherapy. Besides official medicine, complementary and alternative medicine practices, including old herbal remedies, are widely used and accepted as additional tools in cancer treatment. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN), a medicinal herb in Asia, has roots historically used in medicine. This review focuses on key bioactive compounds from AGN roots - decursin, decursinol angelate (DA), and decursinol (DOH). Exploring their source, biosynthesis, and therapeutic mechanisms, the review highlights their role in cancer treatment. Biotechnological strategies for enhanced production and semisynthetic derivatives with anticancer properties are discussed. The study emphasizes the promising pharmacological potential of decursin, DA, and DOH in various therapeutic applications, particularly cancer treatment. The review also underscores innovative approaches to increase production and explores semisynthetic derivatives as a promising avenue for future natural product-based drug discovery. This concise overview provides valuable insights into the potential of AGN-derived compounds in the field of natural product-based therapeutics.

Regulatory Frameworks for Integrated Medicine Management in USA, Europe, Japan, and China

Integrated Medicine Management (IMM) is an all-encompassing healthcare approach that merges conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. The primary objective of IMM is to address the underlying causes of illnesses and promote overall health and wellness of patients. As the utilization of complementary and alternative therapies becomes increasingly prevalent, the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and effective integration of these therapies into conventional healthcare systems is growing rapidly. Regulatory framework of IMM varies between countries, considering the facts that each country has its own unique approach to manage the integration of complementary and alternative therapies. In this article, we aim to explore the regulatory frameworks for IMM in four major markets, i.e. the United States (US), European Union (EU), Japan, and China. In the US, IMM regulation is centralized among different Federal agencies, however states have varying degrees of oversight. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating dietary supplements and herbal products, while state medical boards oversee the practice of alternative medicine. Additionally, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides research and education on complementary and alternative therapies. Conversely, the regulation of IMM is more centralized in EU, where the European Medicines Agency (EMA) oversees the approval of herbal and homeopathic medicines, and the European Commission provides guidelines for the use of complementary and alternative therapies in healthcare. In Japan, the regulation of IMM is tightly controlled by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), which approves traditional herbal medicines and acupuncture needles, and mandates practitioners to be licensed. China recognizes traditional medicine alongside with Western medicine. The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM) oversees the regulation of traditional medicine and promotes its integration with Western medicine.

The Effects of Physiotherapists' Attitudes Towards Complementary And Alternative Medicine on Their Perspectives To Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective: This study aims to investigate how the perspectives of physiotherapists on complementary and alternative medicine practices influence their strategies for chronic low back pain. Material-Method: The study included 162 physiotherapists. Participants' attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine were assessed using Complementary, Alternative, and Traditional Medicine Attitude Scale. Physiotherapists' attitudes and beliefs related to chronic low back pain were evaluated using Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale. Results: Positive significant correlations were observed between Complementary, Alternative, and Traditional Medicine Attitude Scale-Total Score and Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Factor 1 (r=0.204, p=0.009) and Factor 2 (r=0.174, p=0.027).Significant correlation was found between Complementary, Alternative, and Traditional Medicine Attitude Scale-Philosophical congruence with complementary and alternative medicine subscore and Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Factor 1 (r=0.319, p=0.000) and Factor 2 (r=0.286, p=0.000).Complementary, Alternative, and Traditional Medicine Attitude Scale-Holistic balance subscore showed significant correlation with Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Factor 1 (r=0.222, p=0.005) and Factor 2 (r=0.155, p=0.049). Conclusion: Physiotherapists with more positive attitude towards complementary and alternative medicine practices tend to lean towards biomedical approach to chronic low back pain. Increasing physiotherapists' knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine practices and evidence-based interventions may influence their approaches to chronic low back pain.

Lysine-Rich Polypeptide Modulates Forkhead Box O3 and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-Protein Kinase B Pathway To Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer.

The PI3K/AKT/FOXO3 pathway is one of the most frequently involved signaling pathways in cancer, including breast cancer. Therefore, we synthesized a novel lysine-rich polypeptide (Lys-PP) using de novo assembly method and evaluated its anticancer effect. We characterized the structural and physicochemical properties of Lys-PP using various techniques. Later, we used integrated approaches such as in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analysis to confirm the anticancer and therapeutic effect of Lys-PP. First, RNA sequencing suggests Lys-PP disrupted the central carbon metabolic pathway through the modulation of prolactin signaling. Additionally, docking analysis also confirmed the significant association of PI3K/AKT and FOXO3 pathway to induce an apoptotic effect on cancer. Second, Lys-PP exhibited a significant cytotoxicity effect against MDA-MB-231 but no cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 and HEK-293, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of Lys-PP-induced apoptosis by an increase in FOXO3a protein expression and a decrease in PI3K/AKT pathway was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and fluorescent microscopy. Later, immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin and eosin staining on MDA-MD-231 showed increased FOXO3a expression and cell death in the xenograft mice model. Further, liver function, metabolic health, or lipid profile upon Lys-PP showed the absence of significant modulation in the biomarkers except for kidney-related biomarkers. Overall, our comprehensive study provides the first evidence of Lys-PP antibreast cancer action, which could serve as a potential treatment in an alternative or complementary medicine practice.

Prevalence of Dietary Modification and Supplement Use in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Receiving Systemic Therapy.

Many patients diagnosed with cancer adopt dietary changes and supplement use, and a growing body of evidence suggests that such modifications can affect outcomes to cancer therapy. We sought to assess the prevalence of these practices and the surrounding physician-patient dialogue among patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. An online survey was administered by Kidney Cancer Research Alliance (KCCure), interrogating dietary modification patterns, supplement usage, out-of-pocket expenditure related to supplements, and patients' views toward alternative medicine practices. Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving combination therapy were actively solicited. In total, 289 unique responses were collected. The most common first-line treatments were nivolumab/ipilimumab (32.4%) and axitinib/pembrolizumab (13.1%). Within the cohort, 147 (50.9%) started using supplements following diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma; the most utilized supplements were probiotics, cannabidiol (CBD) oil/marijuana, and Vitamin C, reported by 70 (47.6%), 61 (41.4%), and 54 (36.7%), respectively. Dietary modifications following cancer diagnosis were reported by 101 (34.9%) respondents, of which 19.8% followed the Mediterranean diet and 18.8% adopted a ketogenic diet. Most respondents (71.3%) noted that they consistently report supplement usage to their physicians. A substantial proportion of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma utilize dietary modification and supplements as an adjunct to antineoplastic therapy. Considering the widespread adoption of these practices and the reported effects on cancer treatment, it is crucial for healthcare providers to engage in discussions with patients regarding supplement use.

Understanding the root of healing and beyond: Exploring the way forward for Alternative Medicine in Nigeria

Complementary and alternative medicine involves medical practices rooted in traditional methods such as herbal remedies and spiritual beliefs. Historical factors influence the practice of alternative medicine in Nigeria. This study examines cultural perceptions, practices, challenges, and integration strategies for alternative medicine in the Nigerian healthcare system. Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, faces significant health challenges, necessitating robust healthcare systems. Despite having over 80,000 registered doctors, there is a low doctor-to-population ratio of 4,000 to 5,000 people per doctor. Traditional healers practicing under partial regulation significantly contribute to healthcare delivery by using indigenous herbal and spiritual therapies. Challenges in integrating alternative medicine include standardization, limited scientific evidence, stigma, funding constraints, and barriers to access of services . Integration efforts involve creating inclusive healthcare systems that combine traditional and modern approaches, prioritize equitable access, and respect for cultural diversity, developing standardized training, generating scientific evidence, and increasing public awareness. Collaboration among stakeholders, such as healers, healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and communities, is essential for successful integration and improved healthcare outcomes. The Nigerian healthcare system can benefit from integrating alternative medicine and promoting holistic and culturally sensitive practices. Overcoming these challenges requires cooperation, evidence-based strategies, and investments in research, leading to more effective healthcare delivery, improved health outcomes, and reduced disparities nationwide. Countries on integration journeys should prioritize collaboration, establish clear regulations, raise public awareness, and invest in research to support the effectiveness and safety of alternative medicine.

Knowledge, perception, attitude, and practice of complementary and alternative medicine by health care workers in Garki hospital Abuja, Nigeria

BackgroundHealthcare workers are currently making efforts to offer services that cater to the holistic care needs of their patients. Previous studies have shown that some healthcare workers encounter challenges when advising patients about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), even though its use is widespread. Many health care workers may not have received formal education or training in CAM and consequently are unable to address their patients’ questions about it. This study explored the knowledge, perception, attitude and practice of CAM by healthcare workers in Garki Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsThis was an institution-based cross-sectional study, design and a convergent parallel, mixed methods design was used for data collection. Five (5) healthcare workers were purposively selected as participants for the key informant interviews, while two hundred and fifty (250) selected using a simple random sampling method completed the questionnaire. The data collection instruments used were a key informant interview guide and a 35-item self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed with a 4-item scale with a maximum score of 8. Perceptions and attitudes were assessed using Likert scales with a maximum score of 45 and 20, respectively. Practice was assessed with a 6-item scale with a maximum score of 18. Qualitative data was analysed using framework analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data acquired from both methods were integrated to form the findings.ResultsThe average age of respondents for the quantitative study was 34.0 ± 7.8 years, and they were predominantly females (61.2%) with one to ten years of work experience (68.8%). The mean knowledge, perception and attitude scores were 1.94 ± 1.39, 13.08 ± 2.34 and 32.68 ± 6.28, respectively. Multiple linear regression result showed that knowledge (t = 2.025, p = 0.044) and attitude (t = 5.961, p = 0.000) had statistically significant effects on the practice of CAM. Qualitative data revealed that the majority of the participants perceive CAM favourably, provided it is properly introduced into mainstream medicine with evidence of safety and research to prove its efficacy.ConclusionThe study has shown the gaps in knowledge and the practices of CAM by conventional medical practitioners. This has implications for their ability to counsel and refer patients who may require CAM therapies. Policy, research and programmatic initiatives that seek to enhance their knowledge of CAM, and improve collaboration with CAM practitioners are recommended.

TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE BELIEFS INVENTORY IN ADULTS: A METHODOLOGICAL STUDY

Aims: This study was conducted to establish the Turkish validity and reliability of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Beliefs Inventory (CAMBI) used to measure adults' beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine practices. Methods: The study was designed as a methodological study. The population of the study consisted of individuals receiving services from a family health center in Ankara. The sample consisted of 354 individuals who agreed to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum) of the data obtained in the study were calculated. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted to test validity. The reliability of the scale was assessed through item-total correlation, item analysis, Cronbach α, and test-retest correlation. Results: The results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed that there is only one factor with an eigenvalue above 1, explaining 73.11% of the total variance. Additionally, fit indices obtained from the results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis yielded a χ2/df fit index of 3.214, a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.079, a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.901, and an Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index (AGFI) of 0.854. The Cronbach’s α value of the scale in our study was 0.97. Conclusion: The adapted Turkish version of the 16-item scale has been determined to be a measurement tool that adheres to validity and reliability criteria. It serves as an assessment instrument usable by healthcare professionals to evaluate adult individuals' beliefs regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods.

Investigation of Attitudes Towards Complementary Alternative Medicine in Young Adulthood

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the attitudes of individuals aged 18-24 towards complementary alternative medicine. Material-Method: The sample of the cross-sectional study, which is one of the analytical research types, consisted of 178 individuals between the ages of 18-24, at least primary education level, having technological devices and able to use internet networks. Descriptive statistics, independent groups t test, ANOVA, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis, Tukey tests and regression analysis were used in the evaluation of the data. The significance level was taken as 0.05 in the interpretation of the results. Results: In the study, it was found that those who had a large family type, who thought that complementary or alternative medicine practices were beneficial, who recommended these practices to their close environment or friends, and who found complementary medicine practices more beneficial than the treatments applied in health institutions positively affected the scale mean scores (p

What routes makes Essential Oils effective in Aromatherapy? A current perspective study

Aromatherapy, the therapeutic application of essential oils extracted from plants, has emerged as a prominent practice in complementary and alternative medicine. Essential oils, renowned for their aromatic compounds, are utilized in a variety of therapeutic modalities to enhance physical, emotional, and mental health. Understanding the administration routes of essential oils is crucial for maximizing their therapeutic potential and ensuring safety. The method of administration—whether inhalation, topical application, or ingestion—significantly influences the absorption, distribution, and efficacy of the bioactive compounds in essential oils. For instance, inhalation directly interacts with the olfactory system, potentially impacting mood and stress levels, while topical application facilitates localized effects and transdermal absorption, providing targeted therapeutic benefits. Ingestion, though less common, requires careful consideration due to the potent nature and potential toxicity of essential oils. This paper emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate administration route based on desired outcomes and safety considerations. It also explores the concept of synergy, where the interaction of multiple essential oil constituents can enhance therapeutic effects, exemplified by the compounds in lavender and eucalyptus oils. This study highlights the challenges in aromatherapy research, including the need for standardization, quality assurance, and rigorous methodological approaches to validate the therapeutic efficacy of essential oils.

The impact of wet cupping on haematological and inflammatory parameters in a sample of Jordanian team players

Background/objectiveThe practice of complementary and alternative medicine has significantly gained acceptance worldwide, such as Al-Hijama, also known as cupping therapy. Despite the growing popularity of therapeutic cupping among athletes, little is known about the impact of cupping therapy on sports fields. The current study was designed to explore the effect of wet cupping therapy on the haematological and inflammatory parameters in Jordanian national team players. MethodsThe procedure was carried out at a specialized centre for cupping in Amman on the morning of the 19th Rajab. The data were obtained from 14 healthy male participants aged between 21 and 22 years. The haematological and inflammatory parameters were assessed by comparing venous blood components before and after four weeks of wet cupping. ResultsComplete blood count (CBC) analysis of venous blood samples four weeks after wet cupping showed a significant increase in the values of total white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, lymphocytes, red blood cells (RBCs), haematocrit, and haemoglobin as compared with venous blood samples before cupping. Blood film examination of venous blood samples post-cupping revealed normocytic normochromic RBCs; WBCs and platelets were unremarkable. Analysis of inflammatory markers post cupping showed a significant decrease in the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) but no differences in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR). ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that wet cupping has an indispensable influence on haematological and immunological parameters in athletes, where it reinforces cellular immunity, generates younger blood cells, and reduces inflammation markers. It is probable, therefore, that cupping improves sports performance and achievement. The evidence from this research adds to a growing body of literature on cupping therapy in sports.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVEMEDICINE USAGE AMONG PATIENTS WITH TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS INEASTERN PROVINCE, SAUDI ARABIA2022-2023

Introduction: Complementary and Alternative Medicineisbeing used along with evidence-based medicine among diabetic patients. In Saudi Arabia, itwas widely utilized among diabetic patients, and this was coupled with the high prevalence of diabetes.This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of complementary and alternative medicine among diabetic patients in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among patients with type 2 diabetes attending primary healthcare centers in Eastern Province between the years 2022 to 2023. A self-administered questionnaire translated from English into Arabic was distributed. Results: Total of 381 diabetic patients, 54.1% were females and 46.2% were aged between 41 to 60 year-old. Poor knowledge of the basic facts of complementary and alternative medicine was found in 50.1% of the patients while 17.3% had moderate knowledge and the remaining 32.5% hada good knowledge level. Regarding the attitude, 40.7% showed positive attitudes, 48.6% neutral, and only 10.8% considered having negative attitudes. The prevalence of patients who were using complementary and alternative medicine products for the treatment of diabetes was 40.9%. Conclusion: Despite the lack of knowledge among diabetic patients regarding the basic facts of complementary and alternative medicine, a considerable proportion of them were using it and were seen to have an optimistic attitude regarding its beneficial effects. Identifying opportunities to foster the balanced use of complementary and alternative medicinethrough evidence-based guidelines and patient-centered approaches is warranted.

Doğal Tüketilebilir Bazı Mantar Türlerinin Fenolik İçeriklerinin ve Antioksidan Aktivitelerinin Araştırılması

In recent years, edible mushroom species have become a part of the daily human diet due to their high protein content. These mushrooms have also gained popularity in alternative medicine practices due to their chemical composition and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to determine the biologically important antioxidant activities and total phenolic content of four different mushroom species, each with its unique appearance and habitat: Amanita caesarea (Aca), Clitocybe geotropa (Cge), Cordyceps militaris (Cmi) and Lentinula edodes (Led). The antioxidant activities of the mushroom species were determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method, and the percentage inhibition and IC50 values were reported. The analysis of inhibition values at various concentrations revealed that both Cmi and Aca mushrooms demonstrated higher antioxidant activity when compared to Led and Cge mushrooms across all tested concentrations. Moreover, the phenolic content of the methanolic extracts, quantified in gallic acid equivalents (GAE), were determined to be 37.04±0.35, 52.04±0.41, 19.33±0.11, and 21.63±0.15 mg GAE/g for Cmi, Aca, Led, and Cge, respectively. In conclusion, a direct correlation was noted between the overall phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of the various mushroom species.