Complementary Medicine Research Articles

Unveiling the Latest Breakthroughs: A Comprehensive Review of the Therapeutic Activity and Safety Profile of Aloe vera.

The use of herbal drugs as alternative and complementary medicine has increased in popularity, raising concerns about their safety profile. Aloe vera, a plant with diverse therapeutic properties, has been extensively used for centuries. This review aims to assess the therapeutic activity and safety profile of Aloe vera. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to gather relevant information from various biomedical databases. The chemical composition, mechanism of action, and therapeutic activities of Aloe vera were analyzed. Aloe vera contains numerous active components such as vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, and anthraquinones. Its mechanisms of action involve collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory effects, immune modulation, laxative properties, and antiviral activity. Aloe vera has demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits in wound healing, diabetes management, liver and kidney protection, and glycemic control. However, it is essential to consider potential side effects, such as skin irritation and allergic reactions. This review provides evidence-based information to improve patient safety and promote informed decisions regarding the use of Aloe vera as a therapeutic agent.

A bibliometric analysis of acupuncture for Parkinson's disease non-motor symptoms from 2003 to 2023.

Parkinson's disease non-motor symptoms (PD-NMS) significantly affect patients' quality of life. Acupuncture has emerged as a potential complementary therapy for PD-NMS. This study aims to investigate general research status, hotspots and trends of acupuncture as a treatment for PD-NMS. Literature on Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 2003 to 2023 was retrieved, and bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. 159 publications by 894 authors from 37 countries, 300 institutions, and 96 journals were retrieved and analyzed. The number of publications in this field is generally on the rise yearly. China was the leading contributor with 57 publications, and the United States followed with 36 publications and had the highest total citation count of 1562. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine ranked the highest with a total of 12 publications, while Harvard University had the highest average citation rate of 70 citations per publication. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine was the most prolific journal with 11 articles that had accumulated 122 citations. Park Hi-Joon was the leading contributor with seven articles and 314 citations. The keyword analysis highlighted emerging areas of interest like "deep brain stimulation" and "alpha-synuclein". Different countries, institutions, and authors should enhance cooperations, and the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture for PD-NMS should be demonstrated. This study will be helpful for better understanding the current knowledge and gaps in the areas of acupuncture as a treatment of PD-NMS.

Dealing with dichotomies in health care: Case reports

ABSTRACT Dichotomies with respect to medical orientations and public health have been common in the past and even in the present probably orchestrated by the traditional versus modern medical concepts that became eternal arena for disquiet in the healing world of many countries. In public health, the so-called technology tradition was especially dominant which assumed the power of technology and the paternalistic ‘managerial mode’ regarding disease control programs. Such a ‘managerial perversion’ has demolished the positivity of primary health care as well as the social determinants framework. It is important to consider cultural background, the belief systems and perceptions of the people in shaping the health behaviour of the people. We are presenting here two case reports on distinct scenarios in order to show the conceptual problems with respect to the notion of dichotomies and the linkages with health. These are based on our empirical explorations using qualitative methodologies. The first case is on non-communicable diseases in a tribal society in Kerala and the second one on utilization of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) among palliative cancer patients from a district in Kerala. It is seen that as new problems emerge or when people struggle with diseases as presented in the two case reports, they tend to depend on the positivity of the deeply entrenched cultural artefacts in combination with modern systems and they tend to bridge the dichotomies rationally instead of viewing them retrograde. It is necessary to examine the reasons for engaging in such syncretic health behaviour which could be popular realizations on the positive and negative features of both health orientations. This approach of the people could be used effectively for managing such health problems in the community.

The Frequency of Massage Use in Nursing Research: Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Hotspots and Global Trends

PurposeThe aim of the study was to examine the hotspots and global trends of massage in nursing research. MethodsBased on 241 articles published between 1993 and 2023 obtained from the Web of Science database, methods such as trend analysis and keyword frequency analysis were employed to analyze the evolution of research over time and identify key topics. Additionally, topic clustering of abstracts was conducted to examine thematic areas and connections within massage research. ResultsThe analysis shows that the use of massage is prominent in specific fields such as oncology, pediatrics, gynecology, and obstetrics. An analysis of the most cited articles revealed that topics such as the effects of massage on cancer pain and anxiety and the use of complementary therapies in newborns were important. It was determined that the leading authors of massage research generally work in the fields of “massage,” “nursing,” “pain,” “aromatherapy,” “anxiety” and “complementary therapies.” Collaboration between authors and countries, which is important in terms of global knowledge sharing, is almost nonexistent. ConclusionsThe results of the study show that massage research is particularly prominent in certain medical fields such as cancer and that studies on the effects of massage in these fields are important. Furthermore, the fact that the leading authors of massage research are often specialized in specific fields and that there is limited collaboration between authors plays an important role in determining the future directions of massage research and highlights the need to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.

Comparison of the Effects of Sanyinjiao Point (SP6) Acupressure with Combined SP6 and LI4 Acupressure on Labor Pain Intensity in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Childbirth is an important event and special experience in women's lives. Labor pain is the most severe pain that women undergo in their lives. Pain management during labor is crucial for the well-being of the mother and fetus. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effect of combined LI4 and SP6 acupressure with SP6 acupressure on reducing labor pain. Methods: A total of 108 primiparous women who participated in the study were randomized into three groups, combining LI4 and SP6 acupressure, SP6 acupressure, and a control group. Pain intensity was evaluated before, immediately, 1 and 2 hours after the intervention and the second stage of labor by visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: Although the pain intensity immediately after the intervention was lower in the combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group than in the other groups, the differences were not significant between the three groups (p = 0.147). The pain intensity 1 hour after the intervention and in the second stage of labor had a statistically significant difference between the three groups (p =0.006, p =0.001). The pain intensity 2 hours after the intervention was lower in the combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group than the other groups, but it was not statistically significantly different (p= 0.05). The pain intensity 1 hour after the intervention was not statistically different between the SP6 group and the control group (p= 0.095). The pain intensity 2 hours after the intervention was lower in the combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group compared to the control group, but it was not significant (p=0.06). The pain intensity in the second stage of labor was lower in the combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group and SP6 acupressure group compared to the control group (p =0.001, p = 0.017), but there was no significant difference between the SP6 acupressure group and combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group (p=1.000). Conclusion: The obtained results revealed that combination intervention is a safe, effective, noninvasive and economical method in alleviating labor pain intensity. Healthcare providers are expected to master the acupressure technique as an alternative, complementary therapy, which can be used as an alternative or additional therapy.

Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia by acupuncture combined with Chinese medicine from the perspective of modern medicine: A review.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by recurrent episodes of transient severe pain in its distribution area, with abrupt onset and termination. With the progression of the disease, patients are prone to concurrent psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which seriously affect patients' quality of life. Currently, anticonvulsant drugs are commonly used in clinical practice as the primary treatment, but long-term use of drugs is prone to drug resistance, limiting clinical application. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as alternative and complementary therapies, can make up for the deficiencies in modern medicine and are accepted by patients with the advantages of safety and effectiveness. TCM therapy works by promoting the release of endogenous opioid peptides, adjusting the level of inflammatory factors, and improving negative emotions to exert analgesic effects. This paper discusses the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with Chinese medicine in the treatment of TN from the perspective of modern medicine and provides a theoretical basis for seeking better therapeutic targets.

The Case for Data Sharing in Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Research

The Case for Data Sharing in Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Research

The willingness to transition to a more plant-based diet among omnivores: determinants and socioeconomic differences

Plant-based diets benefit individual health and the environment, yet most people eat omnivorous diets. We aim to (1) assess the role of multiple determinants for transitioning to more plant-based diets in a sample of omnivorous respondents, such as recommendations from doctors, scientists and politicians; lower costs; and increased availability, and to (2) identify which subpopulations are most receptive to which determinants. Using data from a survey on the use and acceptance of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Germany (N=4,065; N omnivorous=3,419; 84%), we find that the overall willingness to change to a more plant-based diet is low (mean=2.25 on a scale of 1 to 4). Respondents are most willing based on doctors’ recommendations (mean=2.61), and if prices for plant-based products were lower (mean=2.55), and least willing based on scientists’ and politicians’ recommendations (mean=1.86). Regression analyses reveal that men, the baby boomer cohort, and respondents with lower levels of education have a significantly lower willingness to transition to more plant-based diets. Further, recommendations from doctors, scientists, and politicians appear to be promising interventions for addressing the dietary behavior of men and older cohorts. Interventions by doctors and lower prices for plant-based products have the highest potential to induce dietary change even among the reluctant, reducing health inequalities and promoting environmentally friendly behavior.

Effects of chiropractic manipulations on behavioral and physiological parameters in healthy horses: A preliminary investigation

Human chiropractic is a well-established, evidence-based complementary medicine. Contrariwise, there is a lack of research on its impact on horses. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chiropractic treatment on healthy horses by measuring behavior, maximum temperature of the eyes (MaxTE), salivary cortisol (SC), and heart rate variability (HRV). Eight mares were selected and exposed to a 15-day habituation period. Then, they were randomly assigned to a grooming (GROOM) or chiropractic (CHIRO) session, performed by the same qualified chiropractor. The experiment was designed as a cross-over study and repeated after a 10-day washout (i.e., Week 1 and Week 2). During-CHIRO, the chiropractor treated and recorded joint hypomobility. During-GROOM, the mares were subjected to a standardized grooming session. MaxTE and SC were obtained before (T0), immediately after (T1), and one day after (T24) both sessions. In addition, before (Pre), during (During), and after (Post) both sessions, the mares were video recorded, and heart rate for HRV analysis was taken. Videos were analyzed using a specific ethogram and a Behavioral Discomfort Score (BDS) was obtained. Results showed that the mares manifested temporary signs of discomfort During-CHIRO, highlighted by an increase of ‘avoidance movements’ (p < 0.001) and ‘alert’ (p = 0.038). This was confirmed by an increase in BDS During-CHIRO (p = 0.044). No sympathetic shift was shown by MaxTE, SC, and HRV. A significant increase in the standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN) suggested a parasympathetic shift in Post-CHIRO (p = 0.040). Joint hypomobility tended to decrease between the first and second CHIRO (p = 0.09). Our results showed that equine chiropractic could be performed by a qualified veterinary chiropractor, leading to transient discomfort behavior, not accompanied by acute stress response. On the contrary, there seems to be a subsequent relaxation, demonstrated by an autonomic nervous system shift toward the parasympathetic branch. Consequently, chiropractic manipulation could be considered as an integrative treatment to improve the horses’ welfare.

“There is a way to work together”: a qualitative study on complementary medicine therapists' perceptions of their role in the Swiss healthcare system

Background and purposeComplementary medicine has been undergoing a process of regulation and professionalization in many countries where the biomedical model is dominant. However, little is known about therapists’ opinions regarding these changes. The aim of the study was thus to explore therapists’ views on the regulation of their practice and on collaboration between CM and biomedicine. Materials and methodsWe conducted this qualitative descriptive study by means of focus groups consisting of non-physician acupuncturists, naturopaths, and osteopaths in two cantons of Switzerland. A qualitative content analysis was carried out on the verbatim transcripts of the focus groups. ResultsFour main themes were identified: contributions to the healthcare system, collaboration with biomedicine, pathways to recognition, and integrative medicine. Therapists defined their role in the healthcare system in comparison to biomedicine, allowing them to highlight how they could complement it. They also noted an improved relationship with biomedicine, while highlighting the remaining barriers to optimal collaboration. Different ways were mentioned to achieve a higher level of recognition: better educating and informing physicians about CM, structured training of therapists that is federally recognized, state regulation, and development of scientific research on CM. Finally, although unfamiliar with the concept, therapists defined integrative medicine as horizontal collaboration between CM and biomedicine. ConclusionDespite the differences between the three CM practiced by the therapists, they produced fairly similar discourse regarding aspirations and concerns in the face of integration. This discourse should be considered in order to facilitate the integration of CM in the Swiss healthcare system.

Nano-based herbal Mahkota Dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa) for pre-eclampsia: A histological study on placental and blood changes

BackgroundPhaleria macrocarpa, a medicinal plant native to Indonesia, can potentially manage oxidative stress and inflammation—key factors in pre-eclampsia. This study investigates its efficacy as a complementary therapy for pre-eclampsia. Materials and MethodsSixty Wistar rats (30 male, 30 females; 120–180 g) were housed at Universitas Sumatera Utara. After a two-week acclimatization, confirmed pregnant female rats were divided into six groups: C- (normal), C+ (pre-eclampsia, untreated), C1 (Nifedipine 10 mg/kg BW), T1 (Mahkota Dewa 180 mg/kg BW), T2 (360 mg/kg BW), and T3 (720 mg/kg BW). Treatment groups received daily injections of Prednisone (1.5 mg/kg BW) and 6 % NaCl for 14 days. Pre-eclampsia was confirmed with blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg. Blood samples were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), VEGF, and sFlt-1. Placental samples were assessed for caspase-3, −8, and −10 expression using immunohistochemistry. ResultsThe nano-herbal formulation significantly reduced oxidative stress (lower MDA, higher SOD), restored angiogenic balance (lower sFlt-1, higher VEGF), and decreased apoptosis markers (caspase-3, −8, −10). ConclusionNano-herbal Mahkota Dewa shows promise as a therapeutic option for pre-eclampsia. It effectively reduces oxidative stress, improves angiogenic balance, and provides protection against placental apoptosis.

Engineered VNP20009 expressing IL-15&15Rα augments anti-tumor immunity for bladder cancer treatment

Surgical resection combined with intravesical instillation of chemotherapeutics or Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) to remove residual cancer cells is the gold standard for the clinical treatment of patients with bladder cancer. In a recent clinical trial, a new super-agonist complex of IL-15 - N803, has shown promising results when used in combination with BCG to treat patients with bladder cancer who do not respond to BCG. Herein, we used temperature-controlled pBV220 plasmid encoding Interleukin-15 and its receptor alpha subunit (IL-15&15Rα) to transform VNP20009, an attenuated salmonella typhimurium strain, obtaining engineered bacteria named 15&15Rα@VNP. After induction at 42 °C, 15&15Rα@VNP can secrete functional IL-15&15Rα stably. It was found that intravesical instillation of thermally activated 15&15Rα@VNP could inhibit the growth of bladder tumors if used alone. Moreover, the sequential intravesical instillation of epirubicin (EPI), a first-line bladder cancer drug, followed by thermally activated 15&15Rα@VNP, could achieve further improved therapeutic responses, without causing significant side effects. Therefore, this study shows that 15&15Rα@VNP can be effectively used in the treatment of bladder cancer and can be used as a complementary therapy to chemotherapy agents, promising for potential clinical translation in bladder cancer treatment.

Review on Natural Agents as Aromatase Inhibitors: Management of Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is a prevalent type of cancer that is typically hormone-dependent, caused by estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors are frequently utilised in the treatment of hormonereceptor- positive breast cancer because they prevent the enzyme aromatase from converting androgens to estrogens. Natural medicines with aromatase inhibitory characteristics have attracted interest as potential alternatives or complementary therapy to manufactured medications. This review discusses the function of natural agents as aromatase inhibitors in treating breast cancer. A variety of natural compounds have been investigated for their capacity to inhibit aromatase activity and lower estrogen levels. These agents include resveratrol from red wine and grapes, curcumin from turmeric extract and green teahigh in catechins, and other flavonoids such as genistein, luteolin and quercetin. It has been demonstrated that by decreasing estrogen synthesis, they can slow the growth of breast cancer cells that are dependent on estrogen. However, the clinical evidence supporting their efficacy and safety in breast cancer treatment is inadequate. More research is required to investigate the therapeutic potential of natural medicines, such as aromatase inhibitors, in treating breast cancer. The clinical trials are required to assess their efficacy, appropriate doses, and potential interactions with other therapies. In conclusion, natural aromatase inhibitory drugs are promising adjuncts in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Their clinical value and safety profile, however, require additional investigation.

A Protocol for a Bibliometric Analysis of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Research Preprints

Background: Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) has witnessed significant growth in interest globally. Despite its popularity, TCIM research encounters numerous challenges including funding, methodological issues, and risk of bias. Preprints (scientific manuscripts openly accessible before formal peer review) present a potential solution, and understanding the characteristics and impact of TCIM preprints could offer valuable insights.Methods: A bibliometric analysis will be conducted on all TCIM-related preprints, since inception, and posted on preprint servers with TCIM subject filters. Preprints will be sourced from servers listed in the Accelerating Science and Publication in Biology directory which allow filtering by TCIM-related categories. The preprint server and URLs, preprint server’s disciplinary scope, ownership type, screening processes, external content indexing, permanence of content, preservation of content, and comments will be extracted. The number of TCIM-related preprints yielded, and which TCIM-related term each preprint server uses will be noted. Data will be extracted from each eligible preprint: preprint server, title, DOI, preprint posted date, status of preprint, journal of final publication, final publication date, type of preprint, abstract of preprint, authors, author affiliation(s), country of corresponding author, funders, number of views, number of downloads, number of comments, number of citations, number of versions, and keywords. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the bibliometric characteristics, and trend analysis will identify publication patterns over time.Conclusion: This protocol was developed for a study to identify trends in TCIM research dissemination, and contribute to a better understanding of how preprints are being used to advance the field

The Role of Animal Assisted Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia significantly reduce the daily functioning and quality of life of individuals. Traditional treatments often fall short, thus opening interest in complementary therapies like animal assisted therapy (AAT) which encourages the human-animal bond and gives emotional and psychological support. This review evaluated the efficacy of AAT in treating mental health disorders, and understanding its mechanisms and benefits. A comprehensive literature review was conducted (using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate) focused on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the last 2 decades. Studies indicated that AAT improved mental health outcomes for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Interaction with therapy animals reduced cortisol levels, increased oxytocin, lowered blood pressure, and increased social engagement and emotional regulation. Benefits included reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and improved social functioning and quality of life. AAT offered a complementary treatment for mental health disorders, providing emotional comfort, improving mood, and serving as a nonpharmacological option for individuals. However, challenges such as individual preferences, allergies, ethical concerns for therapy animals, and logistical issues must be addressed. Future research should focus on the long-term effects and mechanisms involved to optimize the application of AAT in the clinical setting, and alternatives like robotic companion pets could also be explored.

The Effect Of Yoga Exercise On Anxiety In Third Semester Primigravida Pregnant Women

Primigravida mothers are mothers who are experiencing pregnancy for the first time. Primigravida mothers are usually not ready to face pregnancy because it is something new to experience. The unpreparedness of primigravida mothers occurs both physically and psychologically. Anxiety is a feeling of discomfort manifested by restlessness, worry or fear. This is a manifestation of psychological and physiological factors. The third trimester is a time of alertness where at this time, pregnant women understand that their child can be born at any time. Mothers also feel impatient with the birth of the baby which makes mothers alert and vigilant. Anxiety during pregnancy can trigger changes in physical activity, sleep and nutrition. This can have an impact on fetal development and changes in the mother's mood. Yoga is a complementary therapy that can be an option to overcome anxiety in pregnant women, especially primigravida mothers in the third trimester. The design of this study was One Group Pretest and Posttest with the population being all primigravida pregnant women in the third trimester who checked their pregnancy at the Matahari Clinic. This study was tested on 17 samples taken using a purposive sampling technique. The results of the study showed that there was an average decrease in anxiety of 7.0000 and a p value of 0.000, which means that yoga exercises have an effect on reducing anxiety in pregnant women. So it is expected that midwives in the clinic are expected to apply yoga exercises to overcome anxiety in pregnant women, especially primigravida pregnant women in the third trimester.

Patient factors associated with complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients at a county referral hospital, Kenya

BACKGROUND Despite numerous global reports on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), no studies have been published regarding its use at Machakos Level 5 Hospital. Therefore, this study aims to identify patient-related factors associated with CAM use among cancer patients at this Level 5 hospital in Kenya. METHODOLOGY A mixed method, cross-sectional design was implemented at Machakos level five hospital in Kenya. A Census was carried out, using a face-to-face researcher-administered questionnaire among 80 cancer patients receiving treatment at the clinic. Critically ill and mentally unstable patients were excluded. A Chi-square test assessed variable associations, considering p &lt; 0.05 as statistically significant. Logistic regression analyzed variable relationships. RESULTS Gender was significantly associated with CAM use (p=0.014). Regression analysis revealed that Male patients were 79% less likely to use CAM (OR=0.21, 95% CI 0.042-1.003, p=0.050). Patients who had received radiotherapy were likely to use CAM (p=0.032), however, on regression analysis there was no significant association. Believes that CAM improves health (χ2=9.231, p-0.010), supports conventional treatment (χ2=15.620, p-0.001), cures cancer (χ2=12.661, p-0.002), manages treatment side effects (χ2=11.045, p-0.004), relieves cancer symptoms (χ2=9.008, p-0.011), promotes self-healing (χ2=16.969, p-0.001), and gives hope (χ2=17.512, p-0.001) were significantly associated with CAM use. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION. There was a significant association between patient characteristics and CAM use among cancer patients. Improving patient-healthcare worker communication could encourage reporting of CAM usage. Further research is needed to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CAM in cancer patients.

Botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of the mangrove plant Kandelia candel (L.) Druce

Kandelia candel L. Druce (family Rhizophoraceae) is a true / major mangrove that has a wide-spread distribution along the coastal areas of the Indo-west Pacific region of the earth. It is commonly found along the coasts of India and a few South East Asian countries. Its parts have numerous applications in leather, textile, furniture industries, and is also used by the traditional health practitioners / healers to treat diabetes. It is known to be producing a variety of phytochemicals. Extracts and compounds isolated from K. candel have exhibited noteworthy biological activities. An attempt has been made to compile the up-to-date information on this mangrove plant from globally recognised scientific databases. This review would provide necessary informationtoformulate the possible application of this common mangrove in standard as well as complementary medicine.

The influence of religiosity on medical treatment choice

Religiosity can significantly influence the choice of medical treatment, as each religious belief has its own guidelines and teachings about health, illness, and healing. For example, some religions may prefer naturalistic treatments or alternative medicine, which are often not scientifically proven. On the other hand, some individuals opt for more conventional approaches, such as Western medicine. Furthermore, religious beliefs may also affect the use of certain medications or procedures, including surgeries and blood transfusions. It is important to emphasize that the choice of medical treatment should take into account not only the patient’s religiosity but also their clinical condition and specialized medical guidance. Decision-making should be conscious and responsible, always aiming for the well-being and health of the individual.

O USO DE SORO HIPERIMUNE NA CLÍNICA DE PEQUENOS ANIMAIS

The immune system is intended to defend the body against harmful invaders. Antibodies are largely responsible for defense against pathogenic antigens. The immunological defense of some conditions, both innate and acquired, may have nonspecific production and insufficient antibodies to combat them. The use of hyperimmune serum can be an alternative in defending the body against specific pathogens, a procedure which transfers antibodies ready for defense against antigens. This therapy consists of using plasma or serum extracted by centrifugation from the blood of an animal previously vaccinated or already cured of a specific disease. The serum is offered to an animal that has had a failure in the vaccination protocol or has contracted a certain disease. The objective of this study was to carry out a literature review regarding the use and application of hyperimmune serum in small animals. Also used as complementary therapy, hyperimmune serum has demonstrated excellent results in reducing free antigens in the serum of patients affected by certain pathologies. It proved to be relevant in clinically improving recovery from diseases such as distemper and parvovirus. This technique presents a promising prognosis, but there are many studies to be carried out to effectively prove the application of hyperimmune serum in the complementary treatment of certain diseases that affect dogs and cats.