Alternative Medicine Therapies Research Articles

Investigation of Cytotoxic, Antimetastatic and Apoptotic Activities of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) Extracts: Comparison with MCF-7 and MCF-12A Cells

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is an important medicinal plant due to its composition of several bioactive substances, high antioxidant activity, rich inulin content and produces functional food ingredients. Complementary alternative medicine therapies become more popular for cancer treatments because of higher efficiency, lower cost and minimum side effects. This study reported anti-cancer efficiency of both shell and tuber extract of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) on different breast cell lines with the purpose of discovering new alternative medicine therapies. Cytotoxic effects of JA were evaluated by XTT method by using different concentrations on different incubation times (24h, 48h and 72h). Invasion, adhesion and apoptotic studies were performed with IC50 values for 48h and 72h. JA extracts do not show cytotoxic activity on healthy human breast cell, while they induce tumoral cell death with dose and time-dependent manner. The most effective doses of tuber and shell extracts were 108.8 µM and 134.2 µM at 48h and 20 µM ve 5 µM at 72h, respectively. It demonstrated robust anti-metastatic activity on MCF-7 cell lines because it inhibited adhesion, and invasion, significantly. TMRE and AnnexinV/7AAD staining were used for determine to mitochondrial membrane potential and nuclear morphology, respectively The results were found consistent with each other. Overall, this paper which first in literature demonstrates the anti-cancer efficacy of the JA both tuber and shell extract which can be proposed as a potent candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.

Usefulness of Biodecoding as a complement in the treatment of different diseases

Introduction: Biodecoding is an integrative and holistic method that allows us to know through the symptoms what the emotional origin of a disease may be.Aim: Determine, from the consultation of scientific literature texts, the usefulness of biodecoding as a complement to the treatment of different diseases.Methods: A narrative bibliographic review was carried out; for the bibliographic search information collected from the Google scholar, Scopus and Medigraphic databases was used.Results: Deppresion, anxiety and high blood pressure are among the diseases in which the effectiveness of this method has been demonstrated the most.Conclusion: This therapy has proven to be effective whether used alone or combined with other alternative and complementary medicine therapies.

The antidepressive mechanism of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in mice with depression-like behaviors

Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine therapies for depression. Integrated Chinese-western therapies have been extensively applied in numerous diseases due to their superior efficiency in individual treatment. We used the meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and bioinformatics studies to identify the putative role of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in depression. Depression-like behaviors were mimicked in mice after exposure to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The underlying potential mechanism of this combination therapy was further explored based on in vitro and in vivo experiments to analyze the expression of COX-2, PGE2, and IL-22, activation of microglial cells, and neuron viability and apoptosis in the hippocampus. The antidepressant effect was noted for the combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine in mice compared to a single treatment. COX-2 was mainly expressed in hippocampal CA1 areas. Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine reduced the expression of COX-2 and thus alleviated depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation in mice. A decrease of COX-2 curtailed BV-2 microglial cell activation, inflammation, and neuron apoptosis by blunting the PGE2/IL-22 axis. Therefore, a combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine inactivates the COX-2/PGE2/IL-22 axis, consequently relieving the neuroinflammatory response and the resultant depression.

The efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding therapy for depression: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Depression is a common public health problem, characterized by persistent low mood, lack of pleasure and exhaustion. Conventional treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy have some limitations, including variable efficacy, adverse side effects and high costs. Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) therapy, as a subtype of acupuncture, has gained increasing clinical application due to its long-term effects, higher patient compliance, and cost-effectiveness. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ACE for depression. Electronic searches will be conducted in 12 databases (both in English and Chinese databases), encompassing from inception to April 2022, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involve ACE for treating depression will be included. The primary outcome measures will include the response rate, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Scale (TCMSSS). The secondary outcome measure will include Quality of Life scale score (QoL) and the incidence of adverse events. Results will be presented as risk ratios for dichotomous data and mean differences for continuous data. Two reviewers will independently conduct study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The methodological quality of eligible studies will be evaluated according to the criteria specified by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Version 5.1.0). Meta-analysis will be performed by RevMan 5.3 software. Due to the limitations, a safer, high-efficacy and non-pharmacological intervention with minimal side effects is required for treating depression. ACE has the advantages of longer-lasting effects, improved patient compliance, and reduced treatment costs. This protocol represents a meta-analysis and systematic review, aiming to present the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of ACE for depression. It seeks to provide clinicians with a theoretical basis and valuable references for complementary and alternative medicine therapies in their treatment approaches. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, Identifier CRD42022325966.

A comprehensive review of Yoga's impact on Immunomodulatory Functions and Microbiome in Obesity

The issue of food security is often viewed through the lens of scarcity, but an equally critical concern is the global rise of obesity resulting from excessive energy intake and insufficient expenditure. Affluent societies, driven by food trends favoring energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets coupled with sedentary lifestyles, grapple with the burgeoning problem of overweight and obesity. India, too, faces a surge in obesity, contributing to lifestyle-related and metabolic disorders. Multiple factors, including diet, genetics, environment, and notably, a lack of physical activity, contribute to this health crisis. Obesity, marked by low-grade inflammation, significantly impacts immune function. Research indicates alterations in the intestinal immune system, fostering a pro-inflammatory environment linked to metabolic disorders associated with obesity. True health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, transcending the mere absence of disease. Lifestyle elements like environment, sleep, diet, and exercise play pivotal roles in maintaining good health. Yoga, emerging as a prominent Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy, holds promise for enhancing physiological and psychological health. In addressing obesity and modulating immune functions, non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical interventions, like yoga, offer viable solutions. Studies attest to yoga's positive impact on inflammatory markers in the obese, yet a comprehensive understanding of its effects on immunomodulation and the gut microbiome in obesity within the context of Indian and Yogic systems warrants deeper exploration. Incorporating such holistic approaches into daily routines could provide effective strategies for combating obesity and promoting overall well-being.

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.

Comparison of two methods of complementary medicine on postoperative pain and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial.

Postoperative pain and anxiety are unpleasant situations that are often experienced by women undergoing cesarean section. Since the routine methods of pain relief after surgery is still inadequate, the need for complementary treatments is felt. Foot Reflexology (FR) and Auricular Acupressure (AA) are two of the most popular and safe procedures of complementary and alternative medicine therapies. So, this study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of reflexology and AA on postoperative pain and anxiety. This three-group randomized clinical trial study was performed on 101 pregnant women, admitted to Mashhad Omolbanin hospital, for a cesarean section, in 2015. In the intervention groups, 2-3 h after the operation, AA or FR was performed for 20 min. Routine care was provided for the control group. Pain and anxiety were evaluated by VAS and Spielberger anxiety questionnaire before and 1 and 2 h after the intervention. The results showed that immediately after the intervention, pain intensity was significantly lower in both AA and FR groups (P < 0.001) compared with the control group. In addition, 2 h after the interventions, pain intensity was significantly lower in the AA group compared with the control group (P = 0.006). However, no significant differences were observed between the FR and the control groups (P = 0.095). In addition, 1 and 2 h after the intervention, anxiety was significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.033 and P = 0.018), respectively. The results of the Tukey test showed that this difference was only between FR and control groups (P = 0.025 and P = 0.017), respectively. AA is more effective in reducing post-cesarean pain while FR effectively reduces post-cesarean anxiety. Therefore, these complementary medicine treatments as easy and noninvasive methods are recommended to be used during labor for improving maternal outcomes.

A Review on Prevalence, economic and Safety about over the counter drugs (OTC)

This review article focuses on two main topics: the use and impact of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and the management of osteoarthritis (OA). For OTC medications, the article highlights their increasing prevalence and economic significance from 2020 to 2023. The prevalence of OTC medication usage rose significantly from 37.7% in 2020 to 85.4% in 2023, with a similar upward trend in economic impact, reaching 79.6% in 2023. The safety of these medications is compared with other agents, particularly multivitamins, which are deemed safer and more effective. The article examines a variety of OTC medications including those for colds, allergies, digestive issues, pain, and more, concluding that in 2023, OTC medications are not only more commonly used but also carry significant economic weight. It critically reviews various treatment options, advocating for a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach. This includes patient education, pharmaceuticals, alternative medicine, surgery, and physical therapy, among others. The article emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, prevention, and a tailored treatment plan. It advocates for healthcare professionals to have a comprehensive understanding of OA management, stressing the importance of combining different therapies for optimal patient outcomes.

Managing depression with complementary and alternative medicine therapies: a scientometric analysis and visualization of research activities.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) interventions may prove to be an attractive option for the treatment of depression. The aim of this scientometric analysis is to determine the global scientific output of research regarding managing depression with CAM and identify the hotspots and frontiers within this theme. Publications regarding the utilization of CAM for treating depression were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection from 1993 to 2022, and analyzed and visualized by Bibliometrix R-package, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. A total of 1,710 publications were acquired. The number of annual publications showed an overall rapid upward trend, with the figure peaking at 179 in 2021. The USA was the leading research center. Totally 2,323 distinct institutions involving 7,638 scholars contributed to the research theme. However, most of the cooperation was limited to within the same country, institution or research team. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine was the most productive periodical. The CAM therapies of most interest to researchers were acupuncture and body-mind techniques, such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Systematic review and meta-analysis are commonly used methods. "Inflammation," "rating scale" and "psychological stress" were identified as the most studied trend topics recently. Managing depression with evidence-based CAM treatment is gaining attention globally. Body-mind techniques and acupuncture are growing research hotspots or emerging trending topics. Future studies are predicted to potentially investigate the possible mechanisms of action underlying CAM treatments in reducing depression in terms of modulation of psychological stress and inflammation levels. Cross-countries/institutes/team research collaborations should be encouraged and further enhanced.

Effects of Herbal Products on Menorrhagia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context: Menorrhagia is an important healthcare challenge. Complementary and alternative medicine therapies are strategies with potential positive effects on menorrhagia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to systematically assess the effects of herbal products on menorrhagia. Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Barekat Gostar, Scientific Information Database (SID), Magiran, and IranDoc international and Iranian databases, in addition to the Google Scholar search engine, were searched without any time or language limitation (updated until 02.07.2022). Eligible studies were combined through the random-effects model based on their sample sizes, mean scores, and standard deviations. Data analysis was performed at a significance level of less than 0.05 using STATA software (version 14.0). Results: Nineteen trials on 1715 women (856 and 859 subjects in the control and intervention groups, respectively) were reviewed. After the intervention, menstrual bleeding severity in the first, second, and third cycles (P &lt; 0.001) and the number of menstrual days in the first (P &lt; 0.001), second (P &lt; 0.001), and third (P = 0.487) menstrual cycles significantly decreased in the herbal products group. There were no significant between-group differences regarding the bleeding severity at the pretest (P &lt; 0.001) and in the third cycle (P &lt; 0.001) and the number of menstrual days at the pretest (P = 0.131) and in the second (P &lt; 0.001) and third cycles (P = 0.014). However, the bleeding severity in the intervention group was significantly less than the control group in the first (P &lt; 0.001) and second cycles (P &lt; 0.001), and the number of menstrual days in the intervention group was significantly less than the control group in the first cycle (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Herbal products are effective in significantly reducing bleeding severity and the number of menstrual days among women with menorrhagia, and their effects reduce over time.

A Spectrum of Solutions: Unveiling Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Manage Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes difficulty while socializing and communicating and the performance of stereotyped behavior. ASD is thought to have a variety of causes when accompanied by genetic disorders and environmental variables together, resulting in abnormalities in the brain. A steep rise in ASD has been seen regardless of the numerous behavioral and pharmaceutical therapeutic techniques. Therefore, using complementary and alternative therapies to treat autism could be very significant. Thus, this review is completely focused on non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions which include different diets, supplements, antioxidants, hormones, vitamins and minerals to manage ASD. Additionally, we also focus on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, herbal remedies, camel milk and cannabiodiol. Additionally, we concentrate on how palatable phytonutrients provide a fresh glimmer of hope in this situation. Moreover, in addition to phytochemicals/nutraceuticals, it also focuses on various microbiomes, i.e., gut, oral, and vaginal. Therefore, the current comprehensive review opens a new avenue for managing autistic patients through non-pharmacological intervention.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Yoga, Naturopathy, and Conventional Medical Treatment in Managing Low Back Pain

Yoga, regarded as an art, science, and philosophy, encompasses various dimensions of human existence, including the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. Its potential for enhancing life's purpose and nobility is noteworthy. Patient expectations in the context of treatment outcomes, particularly for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies, remain inadequately explored. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of three distinct interventions—Yoga, Naturopathy, and Conventional medical management—in alleviating pain, reducing disability, enhancing spinal mobility, and improving the quality of life in individuals with low back pain. Ninety participants were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly divided into three groups. The first group (group 1) received Yoga intervention, the second group (group 2) received Naturopathy treatments, and the third group served as the control (conventional medications). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Flexion Test-Finger to Floor Test (FTFT) results, and Quality of Life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and after a 10-day intervention period for all groups. Overall comparisons between the groups, utilizing ANOVA, revealed marked differences in pain severity, disability index, daily functional capacity, and Quality of Life (QoL) improvements following respective interventions. Substantial improvements were also noted within the yoga and naturopathic medicine groups across multiple variables.

Numerical Modeling and Simulation of Non-Invasive Acupuncture Therapy Utilizing Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Diode.

Acupuncture is one of the most extensively used complementary and alternative medicine therapies worldwide. In this study, we explore the use of near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide acupuncture-like physical stimulus to the skin tissue, but in a completely non-invasive way. A computational modeling framework has been developed to investigate the light-tissue interaction within a three-dimensional multi-layer model of skin tissue. Finite element-based analysis has been conducted, to obtain the spatiotemporal temperature distribution within the skin tissue, by solving Pennes' bioheat transfer equation, coupled with the Beer-Lambert law. The irradiation profile of the LED has been experimentally characterized and imposed in the numerical model. The experimental validation of the developed model has been conducted through comparing the numerical model predictions with those obtained experimentally on the agar phantom. The effects of the LED power, treatment duration, LED distance from the skin surface, and usage of multiple LEDs on the temperature distribution attained within the skin tissue have been systematically investigated, highlighting the safe operating power of the selected LEDs. The presented information about the spatiotemporal temperature distribution, and critical factors affecting it, would assist in better optimizing the desired thermal dosage, thereby enabling a safe and effective LED-based photothermal therapy.

The Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Chronic Subjective Tinnitus through the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Scores.

Tinnitus affects millions of adults. Many therapies, including complementary and alternative medicine and tinnitus retraining therapies, have been trialed, but an effective option, particularly for chronic subjective tinnitus (CTS), is still lacking. This study investigated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg. per day for two months) on two groups of patients using a questionnaire. One group (A) was affected by tinnitus associated with likely cochlear dysfunction and metabolic syndrome, and the other (B) was composed of subjects with acoustic nerve lesions. All the patients were asked to complete the Italian version of the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) to determine the overall degree of perceived annoyance at the beginning and end of therapy. Pure tone averages for speech frequencies and for high frequencies were computed, and psychoacoustic pitch and loudness matches were determined for each subject before and after treatment. The pure tone audiometry, pitch, loudness, and THI scores of both groups were reported. In group A, statistically significant differences were observed for the "functional" and "emotional" subscales. The total score of THI and the loudness of tinnitus were also significantly reduced. No statistically significant differences were observed in group B. These findings suggest a possible contribution of the antioxidant effect to the organ of Corti in subjects with metabolic syndrome and CST.

Research for the Development of an Integrated Medical System for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Based on an Analysis of Questionnaire Survey in Doctor and Patient Groups

Objective: In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted for doctors and patients to obtain basic data necessary for the development of an integrated medical system for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).Methods: Questionnaires were developed separately for doctors and patients through an expert group meeting. The survey subjects were recruited online and offline, and finally, responses from 231 doctors and 59 patients were used for statistical analysis.Results: The most important parts in the treatment of IPF for both doctors and patients were the “improvement of respiratory symptoms,” “improvement of quality of life,” and “prevention of disease progression.” Antifibrotic agents were prescribed at a high rate, and 100% of the specialists in Western medicine (WM) and 45.8% of patients reported experiencing side effects. As for the additional payment costs that patients considered as affordable for an integrated medical system, “under 50,000 won (about 38$)” was reported the most in both doctor and patient groups. With regard to the reasons for their reluctance to recommend an integrated medical system for IPF, specialists in WM responded highly to “uncertain evidence for treatment effectiveness.” Regarding complementary and alternative medicine therapies that can be beneficial in patients with IPF, “lifestyle management,” “diet management,” “herb,” “relaxation therapy,” and “psychotherapy” were ranked high in both doctor and patient groups.Conclusions: In this study, a questionnaire survey on IPF was conducted to review actual treatment status, analyze shortcomings, and identify considerations for the development of an integrated medical system for IPF in the future.

Treatment of Mood and Depressive Disorders With Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Efficacy Review.

There has been a steady increase in people with symptoms of depression over the past several years (since 2011). The further increase in stress and depression in the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by an increase in unmet mental health needs. Many have turned to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies such as bright-light therapy, yoga, meditation, and dietary supplements like St. John's wort or folic acid. The reliability of evidence for use of CAM therapies for depression has remained low. There are few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the current literature and poor methodology in many of the trials that are available. This state of the science review examines current published guidelines, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and RCTs regarding use of CAM therapies in the management of depression.

Current Therapeutic Trends for Tinnitus Cure and Control: A Scoping Review.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03910-2.

Research status and prospects of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorders.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and has a predilection for children. Its symptoms, such as lifelong social communication deficits and repetitive sensory-motor behaviors, put a huge burden on the patient's family and society. Currently, there is no cure for ASD, and some medications that can improve its symptoms are often accompanied by adverse effects. Among many complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, acupuncture has shown promising application potential, but after years of practice, it has not been recognized as the preferred CAM therapy for ASD. Therefore, we analyzed and discussed the clinical study reports of acupuncture in the treatment of ASD in the past 15 years from the aspects of study subjects, group setting, intervention modalities, acupoint selection, outcome evaluation, and safety. The data accumulated at present are not sufficient to support the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in ASD and to justify its use in clinical practice. They provide, however, initial evidence of possible effectiveness and encourage further investigation in order to reach firm conclusions. Based on a comprehensive analysis, we believed that following the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), screening the optimal combination of acupoints applying a rigorous scientific study design, and performing the related functional experiments may be the effective way to convincingly test the hypothesis that acupuncture may be beneficial in ASD patients. The significance of this review is to provide a reference for researchers to carry out high-quality clinical trials of acupuncture in the treatment of ASD from the perspective of the combination of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

Alternative medicine therapies in neurological disorders: Prevalence, reasons and associated factors. A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to identify the prevalence of CAM use in patients with neurological disorders, and also to know most frequent types of CAM used. Five databases: PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, Latindex and Scielo (in English and Spanish) were searched from January 2010 to May 2021. Only original cross-sectional, retrospective and cohort studies were included, whose primary objective was to describe the frequency of CAM use in neurological disorders and/or the related factors to its use in adults. Based on the data, a descriptive analysis was performed, covering the characteristics of studies, measuring methods, prevalence, types and related factors. To control the risk of bias, a quality assessment of each study was performed using STROBE checklist. For the final analysis, 40 studies were included. Most common pathologies observed in the studies were multiple sclerosis, headache, stroke, Parkinson and epilepsy. The STROBE score of studies ranged from 13 to 22 points, with an average of 18.2. Prevalence of CAM use was highly variable from one study to another (16% in stroke patients, to 100% in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal cord injury patients). Biological therapies (dietary supplements and herbal medicine) were the most commonly CAM types used. The associated factors identified were female sex, an age between 40 and 50 years, and higher socioeconomic level. Not all studies investigated about the results of CAMs but these ranged from 35% to more than 80% of reporting positive effects. The prevalence of CAM use in neurological diseases is highly variable (16%-100%); the most used type of CAM was biological therapies and the associated factors were female sex, age between 40 and 50 years old and high socioeconomic level.

Complementary and alternative medicine in the (symptomatic) treatment of acute tonsillitis in children: A systematic review.

Acute tonsillitis (including tonsillopharyngitis) in childhood is a common disease with a peak of illness in school-age. Most of these cases have a viral origin and antibiotic therapy is not indicated, therefore, effective symptomatic therapy is required. For this reason, complementary, alternative and integrative medicine therapies might be a solution. The aim of this review is to demonstrate study status of such therapies. The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, OVID, CAMbase, CAM-QUEST® and Anthromedics were systematically screened for studies investigating complementary, alternative and integrative therapy approaches in paediatric cohorts. Studies were analyzed by therapy approach, study design, cohort and outcome, using the PRISMA 2020 checklist. The systematic literature search resulted in 321 articles. Five publications corresponded to the search criteria and were assigned to the following specific therapeutic categories: herbal medicine (3), homeopathy (1) and ayurvedic medicine (1). Clinical trials were found for the herbal compounds BNO 1030 (Impupret®) and EPs® 7630 (Umckaloabo), the homeopathic complex Tonzolyt® and the ayurvedic medicine Kanchnara-Guggulu and Pratisarana of Tankana‑Madhu. Antimicrobial effects of essential oils and carvacrol as single agents as well as in combination with erythromycin were analysed in an in vitro study. Clinical studies indicate an improvement of symptoms and a good tolerability of all investigated remedies of complementary, alternative and integrative medicine in the treatment of tonsillitis in childhood. Nevertheless, quality and quantity of the studies were insufficient to make a reliable conclusion regarding effectiveness. Therefore, more clinical trials are urgently needed to achieve a meaningful result.