Complementary Medical Therapies Research Articles

Traditional Chinese medicine decoctions and Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of depression: Efficacies and mechanisms.

Depression is a major mental disorder and it is currently recognized as the second-leading cause of disability worldwide. However, the therapeutic effect of antidepressants remains unsatisfactory. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used for centuries, including commonly-used complementary and alternative medical therapies for depression. Recent clinical trials have been carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of TCM, and to explore the mechanisms of action in relation to the treatment of depression. To summarize frequently used TCM decoctions and Chinese patent medicines (CPM) for treating depression, review their clinical therapeutic effects in treating depressive disorders, consider their possible mechanisms, and characterize the relationships between their efficacy and mechanisms. We performed a computerized literature search using the electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases, with the keywords "depression", "traditional Chinese medicine decoction", "Chinese patent medicine", "application", "mechanism", and their combinations, from January 1, 2000 to August 8, 2022 (inclusive). A total of 51 papers were identified. We reviewed studies on six each TCM decoctions and CPMs, which demonstrated their significant clinical efficacy for treating depression and examined their mechanisms of action. The anti-depressive effects were related to: 1) increased monoamine neurotransmitter levels, 2) inhibiting hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, 3) regulating hippocampal neurons and neurotrophic factors, 4) regulating immune cytokines, 5) counteracting excitatory amino acid toxicity, and 6) regulating microbe-gut-brain axis function. TCM plays an increasingly important role in the management of depression by enhancing the therapeutic effects and alleviating the side effects of antidepressant chemicals.

Disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection after scarification wet cupping therapy: a case report and literature review

BackgroundCupping therapy is a complementary and alternative medical therapy used especially in pain management. It is generally considered a safe procedure, but complications, including life-threatening infection, may still occur. Understanding these complications is essential to safe and evidence-based use of cupping in practice.Case presentationHere we report a rare case of disseminated Staphylococcus aureus infection after cupping therapy. After wet cupping, a 33-year-old immunocompetent woman developed fever, myalgia, and a productive cough accompanied by acute liver and kidney injury, iliopsoas abscess, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient was treated successfully with cefmetazole plus levofloxacin after microbiological and antimicrobial sensitivity testing.ConclusionsThough rarely reported, clinicians, practitioners of cupping therapy, and patients should be aware of the risk of infection after cupping therapy. High hygiene standards are recommended for cupping therapy, even in immunocompetent individuals.

Acupuncture driven depression treatment: a noninvasive approach with acupuncture and oriental medication

In this article and memorandum, authors are presenting a short review of acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as driving factor and as a Complementary and Alternative Medical (CAM) therapy as a noninvasive treatment of depression by influencing QI as vital energy that circulates through the body all time. This therapy or treatment in general, is involves inserting thin needles into the skin of patient at very specific points on the body to stimulate the central nervous system. Practitioners of acupuncture technique are firmly ae believing that a QI deficiency is linked to spleen and that rest and eating certain foods can treat the imbalance. According to TCM, QI energy is an invisible energy that is a vital energy, which determines a person’s health and it flows through a network of 12 major energy meridians or pathways. The authors in this short review are investigating how acupuncture can influence this invisible energy in support of balancing neutrons and perceptrons waves within brain by synchronizing them, which enhance and improves reduction of depression within a patient as a noninvasive approach.

Role of individualised homoeopathic approach in management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A prospective observational study

ADHD is estimated to affect about 6-7% of people aged 18 and under, but such statistics are widely believed to be underestimated, due to poor diagnosis and low reporting rates. If ignored, untreated children of ADHD can have problems into adulthood .The stimulating (eg. Amphetamines, Dexedrine etc.) & the non-stimulating (eg. Strattera), medications which the modern medicine offers for treating ADHD, leaves behind deleterious effects as a result of which the parents are opting for Complementary & alternative medical (CAM) therapies for such childhood problems. Homoeopathy plays a vital role in managing such childhood disorders.Aims and Objective: To study the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines in managing Attention Deficit -Hyperactivity Disorder in Children (5-12 yrs of Age) based on homoeopathic principles of Individualization.Methodology: 30 patients were selected from various geographical locations, where patients were already diagnosed by a Psychiatrist. Detailed history about the child was received, which started from the day of conception, along with mother’s history during antenatal period, child’s behaviour in infancy and in childhood duration, developmental milestones, past history, family history, and objective signs were noted down by the parents and by me. To determine the outcome of the treatment, regular follow ups were taken and the status of each patient was canalized with the help of symptom intensity score (based on CGI-P). Centesimal scale potencies were administered to the cases according to the symptoms & susceptibility of the patient.Results: 0ut of 30 patients of ADHD, 26 patients were male (86.66%) and 4 patients were female (13.34%). Maximum no. of patients out of those 30 cases were found between age group of 7 to 8 years of age i.e 8 patients (26.6%). In cases of 30 patients of ADHD most commonly used potency was 1M i.e. in 18 cases (50%).In cases of 30 patients of ADHD, after giving homoeopathic treatment maximum no. of patients i.e. 21(70%) were improving, 3 patients had significant improvement (10%),3 patients (10%) were Status quo, and 3patients (10%) patients had left treatment.Conclusion: Auxiliary therapies play a major role in neurobehavioural disorders& from my study I conclude that Homoeopathy can make the process of healing faster when it is combined with auxiliary therapies. The 30 cases on which I have worked were already on auxiliary therapy for considerable period of time and after introduction of Homoeopathic medication the process of improvement was evidently faster.

Safety and efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with end-stage liver disease.

The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) increases in patients with end-stage liver disease, with part of them receiving the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a treatment option. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), a standard of care after PCI, could result in catastrophic consequences in this population. Before PCI and the start of DAPT, it is recommended to assess patient bleeding risk. Based on novel findings, liver cirrhosis does not necessarily lead to a significant increase in bleeding complications. Furthermore, conventional methods, such as the international normalized ratio, might not be appropriate in assessing individual bleeding risk. The highest bleeding risk among cirrhotic patients has a subgroup with severe thrombocytopenia (< 50 × 109/L) and elevated portal pressure. Therefore, every effort should be made to maintain thrombocyte count above > 50 × 109/L and prevent variceal bleeding. There is no solid evidence for DAPT in patients with cirrhosis. However, randomized trials investigating short (one month) DAPT duration after PCI with new drug-eluting stents (DES) in a high bleeding risk patient population can be implemented in patients with cirrhosis. Based on retrospective studies (with older stents and protocols), PCI and DAPT appear to be safe but with a higher risk of bleeding complications with longer DAPT usage. Finally, novel methods in assessing CAD severity should be performed to avoid unnecessary PCI and potential risks associated with DAPT. When indicated, PCI should be performed over radial artery using contemporary DES. Complementary medical therapy, such as proton pump inhibitors and beta-blockers, should be prescribed for lower bleeding risk patients. Novel approaches, such as thromboelastography and “preventive” upper endoscopies in PCI circumstances, warn clinical confirmation.

Weight loss among pregnant women hospitalized because of hyperemesis gravidarum: Is there a lack of nutrition intervention?

Nutrition therapy is a key component in the management of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The aim of this study was to describe sociodemographic, anthropometric, and nutrition aspects of pregnant women hospitalized because of HG and raise a discussion about the nutrition care provided. This is a retrospective descriptive study that includes 26 pregnant women with confirmed diagnosis of HG who were hospitalized because of this condition in a tertiary hospital. Data of interest were collected from official medical records and analyzed to obtain measures of central tendency and dispersion, as well as frequencies. The studied individuals had a mean age of 25.7 years and a low level of education, and 65% of them were single mothers. They registered a low weight gain (2.8 kg) during pregnancy and in the course of their hospitalization, during which they lost an average of 1.7 kg, showing a decline in nutrition status during this period. Although the average intake of oral diet (OD) was 55% during hospital stay and only 5% of the studied population met caloric needs through OD, the prescription of complementary medical nutrition therapy (oral supplements, enteral or parenteral nutrition) was scarcely observed in this sample. Despite the negative impact that HG can impose on the mother's nutrition status and the known benefits that complementary nutrition therapies can provide, few nutrition interventions have been carried out to improve this situation. That indicates an urgent need for implementation or reviewing of nutrition assistance protocols for HG patients.

Visual Diagnosis: Abnormal Behavior in a 2-month-old Boy.

Visual Diagnosis: Abnormal Behavior in a 2-month-old Boy.

A rare case of liver failure due to consumption of mahogany seeds

The use of complementary and alternative medical therapies is increasing worldwide. Many of these products have biological activity that can lead to severe toxicity or interact with prescribed medications. We present here a case of 68-year-old female, a known diabetic and hypertensive on treatment, who presented with symptoms of liver failure. This was associated with the consumption of mahogany seeds (sky fruit). She was investigated for other causes of liver failure, which turned out negative. It is important to recognize such possible complications during these therapies and promptly withdraw the offending agent.

A Review for Existing Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has always been a frustrating disability for families and no official effective medical interventions has been found to cure this disorder yet. With more attention from the general public both nationally and internationally, more and more families and therapists showed preference to implement complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies. This review aims to provide more information about potential CAM that has been applied and their effectiveness.

What a Pain in the Neck: A 2-month-old with Abnormal Behavior

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medical therapies are growing in popularity in the United States. Neck adjustment is an alternative treatment for torticollis that is growing in popularity particularly in social media. Manipulation of the neck has been associated with coronary artery dissection in adults but has not been studied fully in the pediatric population. Case Report: A 2-month-old male presented to the pediatric emergency department (ED) with abnormal behavior, decreased alertness, and new onset seizures. Four days prior to presentation, parents noted increased fussiness and inconsolable crying. Parents also described periods when he would flex his arms and legs for a few seconds. Patient was afebrile with …

Current Evidence for Acute Pain Management of Musculoskeletal Injuries and Postoperative Pain in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes.

Sports-related injuries in young athletes are increasingly prevalent with an estimated 2.6 million children and adolescents sustaining a sports-related injury annually. Acute sports-related injuries and surgical correction of sports-related injuries cause physical pain and psychological burdens on pediatric athletes and their families. This article aims to evaluate current acute pain management options in pediatric athletes and acute pain management strategies for postoperative pain after sports-related injuries. This article will also elucidate which areas of pain management for pediatric athletes are lacking evidence and help direct future clinical trials. We conducted a literature search through PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to provide an extensive review of initial and postoperative pain management strategies for pediatric sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. The current knowledge of acute pain management for initial sports-related injuries, postoperative pain management for orthopedic surgeries, as well as complementary and alternative medical therapies in pediatric sports-related injuries is presented. Studies evaluating conservative management, enteral and nonenteral medications, regional anesthesia, and complementary medical therapies are included. Adequate pain management is important for sports injuries in children and adolescents for emotional as well as physical healing, but a balance must be achieved to provide acceptable pain relief while minimizing opioid use and side effects from analgesic medications. More studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of nonopioid analgesic medications and complementary therapies in pediatric patients with acute sports-related injuries.

The Pathway to Research into Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies in Neurology

The Pathway to Research into Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies in Neurology

Pain Management in the Pediatric Palliative Care Population.

The purpose of this integrative review was to identify, review, synthesize, and analyze the current literature related to pain management in the pediatric palliative care population from infancy through adolescence. The literature was searched for the terms palliative, pediatric, and pain in PubMed, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied HeALTH LITERATUre (CINAHL) Complete, and Google Scholar. The search was limited to papers in English that had been published from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2016. These searches resulted in 918 articles, of which 29 met inclusion criteria. These 29 articles were reviewed and reported. Four broad themes emerged: patient and family experience, pain assessment, pharmacological pain management, and nonpharmaceutical interventions. Gaps in current research have been identified, such as investigating pediatric pain scales for the palliative care population and new complementary and alternative medical therapy and other interventions. More research is needed to bring innovative pain management interventions to the attention of pediatric caregivers. A better understanding of current research on pain in the pediatric palliative care population can improve patient care and lead to better research in this specialty field.

Evidence-Based Non-Pharmacological Therapies for Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is the second most common rheumatologic pain disorder after osteoarthritis with a multisystem presentation. While the treatment of FM in a clinical setting incorporates both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities, the present investigation reviews evolving literature on cognitive behavioral and complementary medical therapies. The recent medical literature on FM was reviewed between 2012 and 2017 via MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, with an emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and evidence-based treatment guidelines. Cognitive behavioral therapy continues to play a significant role in the non-medical therapy of FM. It is especially helpful in high catastrophizing patients as evidenced by recent studies that note changes in the brain on functional magnetic resonance imaging. Mindfulness meditation can be helpful in improving pain symptoms and pain perception. No particular diet is found to have a meaningful impact in FM; however, various diets including low fermentable oligo- di -monosaccharides and polyols diet, gluten free, and hypocaloric may be helpful in ameliorating gastrointestinal distress in select patient populations. Current literature does not support the routine use of acupuncture for improving pain or quality of life in FM; however, given its benign side effect profile, it should not be discouraged. Goals for symptom management and pain control should be set early, and patient engagement remains critical in the management of this complex pain presentation. While low quality evidence exists for most non-pharmacologic treatment modalities for FM, CBT and mindfulness meditation show promise for future investigation.

Anxiety: a Primer for the Pediatrician

This paper focuses on the assessment and treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders targeted at pediatricians. It reviews the prevalence, role of the pediatrician in differentiating anxiety disorders from age-appropriate fears or normative responses to stressors, use of assessment tools, evidence-based treatment, and provides psychoeducation resources for children, parents, and clinicians. It reviews considerations for treatment modality and evidence for use of cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychopharmacology. First-line treatment of mild severity anxiety disorders is guided by well-established evidence and supported by randomized controlled trials that includes psychoeducation and psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). When anxiety is moderate to severe in intensity or impairment, initiation of psychopharmacology is considered in combination with CBT. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have the most evidence in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials and are recommended as first line for anxiety disorders, starting with low doses. It is important to discuss and monitor for potential adverse effects. Complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies are often used by youth, though there is limited evidence for benefit in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, and potential risks need to be considered. Pediatric anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents and can result in significant impairment and morbidity. Pediatricians have an important role in identifying and facilitating treatment for youth with anxiety disorders, and CBT and psychopharmacology, particularly SSRIs, have the most evidence. However, accessing CBT for many families remains challenging. Pediatricians can provide psychoeducation and resources as a first step and initiate medications if indicated. Further research into integration of mental healthcare in pediatric settings could increase access to CBT and decrease morbidity. In addition, more randomized controlled trials and comparison studies for medications, CAM therapies, and combination treatments for pediatric anxiety disorders are needed.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don inhibits migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells via suppression of PI3K/AKT and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways.

Metastasis is one of the most aberrant behaviors of cancer cells. Patients with cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), have a higher risk of tumor recurrence and cancer-related mortality once metastasis is diagnosed. Existing treatment strategies fail to cure cancer mostly due to the onset of metastasis. Therefore, metastasis remains a challenge in cancer treatment. Some complementary and alternative medical therapies using traditional Chinese medicine have been demonstrated to be clinically effective in cancer treatment. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) is a promising medicinal herb. It was previously reported that the ethanol extract of SB (EESB) is able to promote apoptosis, and inhibit cell proliferation and angiogenesis in human colon cancer cells. However, the anticancer effect of SB and the underlying mechanism require further investigation, particularly its role against metastasis. To further elucidate the antimetastatic effect of SB, MTT and Transwell assays were used in the present study to evaluate the effect of EESB on the proliferation, migration and invasion of the CRC cell line HCT-8. In addition, western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cadherins and other metastasis-associated proteins. EESB significantly reduced HCT-8 cell viability and attenuated the migration and invasion ability of HCT-8 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EESB decreased the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3/10, MMP-9 and MMP-13, and proteins in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathways, but not the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors E-cadherin and N-cadherin. In conclusion, the results suggested that SB inhibits CRC cell metastasis via the suppression of PI3K/AKT and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways, which may represent a mechanism by which SB exerts an anticancer effect.

Nurses' knowledge, clinical practice and attitude towards unconventional medicine: Implications for intercultural healthcare

ObjectiveThe aim of this hospital-based, cross-sectional study was to examine nurses' knowledge, personal and professional practices and attitude towards complementary and alternative medical therapies in urban Ghana. MethodUsing convenience sampling technique, cross-sectional data were collected from 210 registered and practicing nurses with self-administered questionnaire based on the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ). Descriptive statistics and the associations between variables were calculated using Pearson's Chi-square test and/or Fisher's exact test with p < 0.05. ResultsThe mean score of nurses' knowledge on CAM therapies was low (mean ± SD, 38.39 ± 10.11; possible range, 18–72) which was built on nurses' personal experiences. Nurses, therefore, lacked the confidence to recommend CAM therapies to patients. Despite the isolated cases of non-herbal supplements, relaxation techniques, massage and prayer healing, the study found an overall low personal use of CAM (mean ± SD, 32.97 ± 10.78; possible range, 18–72) among nurses over the last 12 months. Yet, nurses exhibited a positive attitude towards CAM (mean ± SD, 72.7 ± 12.5, possible range, 67–110). We observed significant associations among nurses' CAM knowledge and education [χ2 (2) = 6.69, p = 0.035] and religion [χ2 (2) = 7.96, p = 0.019]; nurses' personal use of CAM and income [χ2 (2) = 16.07, p < 0.001] and religion [χ2 (2) = 18.65, p < 0.001]; and nurses' clinical CAM use and income [χ2 (2) = 7.01, p = 0.030]. ConclusionDespite the overall positive attitude towards CAM therapies, Ghanaian nurses do not perceive themselves to have sufficient knowledge of CAM. Integrating CAM education into the nurses' training curriculum can improve CAM knowledge and professional practice among nurses, and in turn, enhance evidence-based patient care within the framework of intercultural healthcare system in Ghana.

Using propensity score matching to evaluate the effect of complementary medicine on clinical and embryologic outcomes of in vitro fertilization.

To evaluate associations between using complementary medical therapies (CMTs) and embryologic and clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The present prospective questionnaire-based cohort study enrolled women aged 18-44years undergoing their first, second, or third IVF cycle using their own oocytes at a large IVF clinic in Israel between February 1, 2013, and July 31, 2015. Clinical and embryologic data were obtained from patient records and patients completed a self-administered questionnaire that included details of any CMTs used to treat infertility. Propensity score matching was used and the proportion of top-quality embryos was compared between CMT users and non-users. The study enrolled 400 participants and 134 (33.5%) reported using CMT to treat infertility. In an unmatched analysis, reduced endometrium thickness was observed among CMT users (P=0.020); differences were not observed for embryologic or other clinical parameters. Following propensity score matching, reduced endometrial thickness (P=0.046), and a lower proportion (P=0.046) and number (P=0.040) of top-quality embryos were observed among CMT users in comparison with patients who did not use CMTs. Using CMTs was associated with inferior clinical and embryologic outcomes; using CMTs during IVF treatment could contribute to adverse outcomes.

Epidemiology of complementary and alternative medicine therapy use in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivorship patients in Australia.

In addition to prescribed conventional medicines, many allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors also use complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM), however, the frequency and types of CAMs used by allogeneic HSCT survivors remain unclear. Study participants were adults who had undergone an allogeneic HSCT between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2012. Participants completed a 402‐item questionnaire regarding the use of CAM, medical complications, specialist referrals, medications and therapies, infections, vaccinations, cancer screening, lifestyle, and occupational issues and relationship status following stem cell transplantation. A total of 1475 allogeneic HSCT were performed in the study period. Of the 669 recipients known to be alive at study sampling, 583 were contactable and were sent study packs. Of 432 participants who returned the completed survey (66% of total eligible, 76% of those contacted), 239 (54.1%) HSCT survivors used at least one form of CAM. These included dietary modification (13.6%), vitamin therapy (30%), spiritual or mind–body therapy (17.2%), herbal supplements (13.5%), manipulative and body‐based therapies (26%), Chinese medicine (3.5%), reiki (3%), and homeopathy (3%). These results definitively demonstrate that a large proportion of HSCT survivors are using one or more form of CAM therapy. Given the potential benefits demonstrated by small studies of specific CAM therapies in this patient group, as well as clearly documented therapies with no benefit or even toxicity, this result shows there is a large unmet need for additional studies to ascertain efficacy and safety of CAM therapies in this growing population.

Acupuncture and Acupuncture-Related Therapies Are Well-Tolerated and Can Effectively Provide Pain Relief in the Pediatric Population

Abstract Introduction: Acupuncture, a complementary and alternative medical therapy, has become a viable treatment option for patients in Western society during the last few decades. Objective: The aim of this research was to analyze acupuncture and acupuncture-related therapies (ARTs) performed in a pediatric population. Materials and Methods: A 3-year retrospective review was performed on all inpatient and outpatient pediatric acupuncture services. Results: During the 3-year study period, 174 patients were seen 1090 times. The average patient age was 13.9 years. Patients were seen an average of 6.3 times. Of these encounters, 95.6% occurred in the clinic and 4.4% occurred in the hospital. Headache or migraine was the most common diagnosis. Acupuncture and ARTs performed included: 96% acupuncture body needling; 90% electroacupuncture; 49% laser therapy; 32% auricular acupuncture; and 27% moxibustion. Active pain was present in 72% of the patients encountered. The average pain score was 5.5 prior to inter...