Care dependency, intolerance of uncertainty, and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine among patients receiving home healthcare services.

Effect of complementary therapies on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient outcomes treated with noninvasive ventilation: A systematic review.

Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) has gained popularity among patients experiencing pain, used alongside conventional medical treatments. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of pain clinicians and researchers on CAIM interventions. An anonymous, online survey was distributed to 46,223 authors who had published pain-related research in MEDLINE-indexed journals. The survey included multiple-choice questions and open-ended sections to gather detailed opinions. A total of 1024 participants responded, 900 of which were eligible to participate; most identified as either pain researchers (n = 435/900, 48.33%) or both researchers and clinicians (n = 398/900, 44.22%). Many held senior positions (n = 549/892, 61.55%). Among the CAIM modalities, mind-body therapies such as meditation, yoga, and biofeedback were viewed as the most promising for pain prevention, treatment, and management, with 68.47% (n = 569/831) of participants endorsing these approaches. While (n = 341/777, 43.89%) of the respondents believed that most CAIM therapies are safe, only 25.55% (n = 198/775) disagreed with the idea that such therapies are effective. There was broad agreement on the need for more research into CAIM therapies, with 45.88% (n = 356/776) agreeing and 42.53% (n = 330/776) strongly agreeing that further investigation is valuable. Additionally, many respondents supported the inclusion of CAIM training in clinician education, either through formal programs (n = 361/778, 46.40%) or supplementary courses (n = 409/776, 52.71%). Mind-body therapies received the most positive feedback, while biofield therapies were met with the most skepticism. These findings highlight the interest in CAIM among pain researchers and clinicians and emphasize the need for more research and education tailored to this area.

Palliative care teams treat patients with intractable pain and debilitating symptoms on a daily basis. Nurses play a significant role in the assessment and intervention of patients with chronic pain, and the complicated constellation of symptoms with which they present are often quite challenging to manage. Complementary therapy with acupuncture has proven to be helpful, but to date, there is little research examining the efficacy of auricular acupuncture in treating the acute-on-chronic symptoms associated with life-limiting illness in hospitalized patients. This observational, nonrandomized, pragmatic study of 101 participants examined auricular acupuncture's impact on pain and symptom management, as well as pre- and post-intervention opioid utilization, when applied by volunteer physicians within an inpatient palliative care program. This study demonstrated statistical improvement in pain, nausea, dyspnea, and anxiety scores. Nurses and other providers trained in auricular acupuncture can provide a nonpharmacological intervention that improves pain and related symptoms for patients with serious illness.

ABSTRACT Endometriosis is a common but complex disease that predominantly affects women, with biological, psychological, and social impacts across multiple domains. For regional women, their geographical location can create a unique barrier to obtaining endometriosis healthcare. This systematic literature review sought to analyse literature on regional Australian women's experiences of endometriosis-related healthcare. Databases selected for this review were Scopus, Medline, PubMed and CINAHL. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method peer-reviewed studies were included in the search. Following assessment of inclusion and exclusion criteria and the assessment of quality, nine articles were included in the review. PRISMA standards inform reporting methods of this review. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of studies reviewed. Thematic analysis revealed prominent themes of diagnosis, women as experts, treatment, and ongoing healthcare, which are consistent with general experiences of endometriosis healthcare across Australia. However, existing literature was found to overlook regional-specific endometriosis-related healthcare experiences in Australia. Findings suggest that regionally focused research is needed into endometriosis-related healthcare experiences, and that social work can act to address barriers to healthcare for endometriosis across practice and research settings. IMPLICATIONS Women’s experiences with endometriosis healthcare can be exacerbated by living in a regional area. Australian women seek complementary and alternative medicine approaches when taking agency over their endometriosis healthcare journey. Regional women’s endometriosis-related healthcare experiences are poorly represented in the literature, and further research is needed to ensure that lived experiences inform healthcare, practice and policy. Inequity in endometriosis healthcare is a social justice issue for regional women that needs increased social work attention.

Self-propelled Janus platinum mesoporous-silica nanoparticles for enhanced endodontic treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by hormonal imbalances, ovarian dysfunction, and metabolic irregularities. Jiawei Zaoqi Decoction (JWZQD), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulation, has shown potential as a multi-targeted therapeutic intervention for PCOS. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of JWZQD in managing PCOS. We employed a multi-model approach integrating clinical data, animal models, and mechanistic assays. Clinical efficacy was evaluated in a cohort of PCOS patients, while a letrozole- induced rat model combined with a high-fat diet was used to assess reproductive and metabolic outcomes. Network pharmacology, Gene Ontology, KEGG enrichment, and protein-protein interaction analyses were applied to identify key targets and pathways. Granulosa-cell experiments under oxidative stress and insulin stimulation were performed for functional validation. JWZQD administration significantly decreased serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels, improved insulin, and restored estrous cyclicity in PCOS patients and rats. Histology and ultrasound revealed reduced cystic follicles and normalized ovarian stroma. Bioinformatic analyses identified cellular senescence and AGE-RAGE signaling as core pathways, with quercetin and fisetin emerging as critical bioactive compounds. In vitro, quercetin and fisetin suppressed senescence markers (p21, p53, γH2AX) and rescued granulosa-cell proliferative capacity, confirming the network predictions. These findings provide mechanistic insight into how JWZQD ameliorates PCOS, highlighting its multi-targeted regulation of endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian functions. Importantly, our results suggest that targeting granulosa-cell senescence may represent a novel therapeutic strategy. JWZQD mitigates PCOS by modulating AGE-RAGE-mediated granulosa-cell senescence through its active compounds quercetin and fisetin. This study supports the clinical potential of JWZQD as an alternative or complementary therapy for PCOS.

Investigating complementary and alternative medicine in Norwegian hospitals: a cross-sectional study with process evaluation.

Managing multiple symptoms in home-based palliative care (HBPC) is challenging. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been widely used to alleviate symptoms in patients with cancer receiving palliative care, but their role in HBPC for nonmalignant diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) remains underexplored. We report the case of an 86-year-old woman with end-stage PD who received HBPC. She suffered from seborrheic dermatitis, constipation, and dyspnea, which significantly impaired her quality of life. Conventional treatments provided limited relief, prompting the integration of acupuncture and herbal medicine as complementary therapies. Over a two-month HBPC period, she experienced notable symptom improvement, including alleviation of skin conditions, relief from constipation, and reduction in dyspnea. Notably, acupuncture was administered until her final moments, contributing to a peaceful and comfortable end of life without severe respiratory distress. This case suggests that acupuncture and herbal medicine may serve as valuable adjunctive therapies for managing symptoms in patients with PD receiving HBPC. Notably, their integration into end-of-life care may help alleviate terminal dyspnea and support a peaceful death. These findings warrant further research and policy support to establish their role in palliative care for neurodegenerative diseases.

Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that is generally experienced by women of reproductive age due to increased prostaglandin synthesis. This condition can reduce academic performance and daily activities. The use of NSAIDs causes side effects, so a nutritional intervention approach is needed, one of which is mineral consumption. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of minerals as complementary and alternative treatments for primary dysmenorrhea. Literature search through PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases with primary keywords dysmenorrhea, magnesium, calcium, zinc, pain reduction, menstrual pain and obtained 6 articles that met the criteria. Several types of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, boron, and zinc are effective in reducing pain intensity through prostaglandin inhibition, regulation of uterine muscle contractility, and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Mineral consumption has the potential to be a non-pharmacological complementary therapy for treating primary dysmenorrhea. Further clinical studies are needed to strengthen clinical recommendations.

Neonatal jaundice is a common condition characterized by elevated serum bilirubin levels. Although usually benign, inadequate management may result in severe complications such as bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus. Phototherapy is the standard treatment; however, concerns regarding potential short- and long-term adverse effects have motivated the investigation of oral adjuvants as complementary therapies to accelerate bilirubin clearance and reduce phototherapy exposure. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251071886). Randomized controlled trials published between 2010 and 2025 were included, evaluating full-term neonates (35-42 weeks, 2-4 kg) without Rh incompatibility. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central, Embase, and Web of Science. Of 193 identified records, 18 RCTs met eligibility criteria. The oral adjuvants assessed included probiotics, phenobarbital, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), oral calcium, zinc sulfate, fenofibrate, and clofibrate. Lactobacillus reuteri demonstrated greater 24-hour reductions in total serum bilirubin (TSB) compared to controls, whereas Bifidobacterium strains primarily reduced phototherapy duration. Phenobarbital did not outperform phototherapy alone and was associated with longer hospitalization. UDCA showed substantial bilirubin reductions, although findings were heterogeneous. Zinc supplementation did not demonstrate consistent significant benefit. Fenofibrate produced statistically significant decreases in TSB across trials and showed the most consistent efficacy. Clofibrate also reduced bilirubin levels but with methodological variability and limited comparative data. Oral adjuvants combined with phototherapy may enhance bilirubin reduction in term neonates, particularly fenofibrate. However, heterogeneity and potential bias limit definitive conclusions, emphasizing the need for large, multicenter randomized trials.

Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by degeneration of the plantar fascia due to repetitive mechanical stress that causes microtears, tissue irritation, and persistent heel pain, which can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life. Although conventional treatments are widely used, acupuncture has increasingly been explored as a complementary therapy for pain management. This study aimed to describe the implementation of acupuncture care for a patient with plantar fasciitis at the Bumi Sehat Acupuncture Clinic in Ubud, Gianyar, Bali. A qualitative case study design was applied to document the clinical management process of acupuncture treatment. The study involved a 55-year-old male patient who underwent six acupuncture treatment sessions during April 2025. Data were collected through the traditional four diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including observation, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation, and were recorded using a structured client data sheet. The patient was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis associated with Cold-Bi syndrome. The therapeutic approach included acupuncture point stimulation combined with moxibustion to remove meridian obstruction, warm the channels, and promote the circulation of Qi and blood. Clinical evaluation across treatment sessions demonstrated progressive improvement in symptoms, including a gradual reduction in plantar pain, decreased heel elevation during walking, improved functional mobility, and resolution of calf stiffness and sleep disturbance. By the fifth treatment session, the patient reported complete relief from pain and regained normal walking ability, which was maintained at the sixth session without recurrence. These findings suggest that structured acupuncture care may contribute to pain reduction and functional recovery in patients with plantar fasciitis. The study provides clinical insight into the application of acupuncture as a complementary therapeutic option in the management of plantar fasciitis.

Background Inflammatory dermatoses have a varied prevalence and appearance in diverse skin tones. The under-representation of people with skin of colour in medical education and clinical trials is widely acknowledged. However, there has been limited research on experiences from a patient perspective. Aim To explore the experiences of eczema, acne and psoriasis in adults with skin of colour in the UK. Design and Setting A qualitative study of 20 people with eczema, acne and psoriasis and skin of colour, recruited using online methods. Methods Participants took part in online, one-to-one, semi-structured interviews. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was used to code and organise the data. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate themes using an iterative approach. Results Participants were mostly female (65%), Asian/Asian British ethnicity (45%) and had eczema (55%). We identified eight themes: (i) delayed or missed diagnosis; (ii) preferences regarding healthcare professionals; (iii) lack of online information and social media use; (iv) misunderstanding in cultural communities; (v) concerns about treatment and lack of research in skin of colour; (vi) complementary and alternative medicine use; (vii) experiences and impact of dyspigmentation; and (viii) challenges with structural racism. Conclusions The themes generated highlight the unique experiences and challenges faced by UK adults with eczema, acne and psoriasis. The findings can help guide diagnostic approaches, culturally sensitive communication and treatment discussions for patients with skin of colour. Further research is needed in this under-represented group.

Paramedics face unique occupational hazards, including high operational demands, trauma exposure, and shift work, all of which impact mental well-being. Suboptimal sleep is also common in this workforce and closely linked to adverse mental health outcomes. This scoping review synthesizes evidence to date on interventions to support paramedic mental well-being including sleep-based interventions. This review was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7VSD9). Systematic database searches were conducted in October 2024 for original research published after 2004. Data were narratively synthesised, and findings reported following established guidelines. Nineteen sources were included, involving 1,067 participants across seven countries. Seventeen interventions were examined, predominantly via randomized controlled trials (58%), utilizing a total of 43 different measurement scales to evaluate mental health and sleep outcomes. Interventions included psychological (37%), sleep, fatigue and/or shift work (32%), and complementary and alternative medicine (32%) approaches which primarily focussed on the individual-level (94%). Studies were limited by sample sizes, design and quality, limited long term follow-up, and low baseline symptoms. This review highlights a critical gap in robust, evidence-based, system-level interventions to address poor sleep and mental well-being in paramedics. Future research should prioritise co-designed, context-sensitive approaches, ideally integrated within organisational structures to ensure relevance and accessibility.

Managing postoperative pain (POP) effectively is key to improving surgical recovery. Common medications (e.g., opioids) often cause adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, sedation, and respiratory depression. Electroacupuncture (EA) may be an effective alternative or complementary strategy for POP relief. To systematically examine studies evaluating EA as a neuromodulatory technique for managing POP. We performed a systematic review of studies published within the last 5 years. We searched 7 databases: Scopus, Sage Journals, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Lilacs, and ScienceDirect. Of 1,789 identified articles, 18 met inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped by whether they reported statistically significant effects, additional recovery-related outcomes, or no meaningful findings. Most studies provided Level 2 evidence. The reviewed research was conducted in various international clinical and academic institutions, although setting details were inconsistently reported. Participants included patients recovering from different types of surgery. Populations varied by age and surgical procedure and reporting on adverse events or dropouts was not uniform. The intervention assessed was EA. Treatment parameters varied among the studies. Pain intensity was the primary outcome, measured using standard scales (e.g., visual analog and numeric rating scales). Secondary outcomes included reductions in pain medication use and other recovery metrics. Most studies demonstrated a significant reduction in pain following EA treatment. Overall, EA appeared to enhance pain control and support recovery. Evidence supports EA as a potential adjunct for POP management. High-quality studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and refine its use. Electroacupuncture, Postoperative Pain, Systematic Review, Analgesia, Opioid-Sparing, Opioid Consumption, Integrative Medicine, Complementary Therapies.

Vitiligo is challenging to treat and may have a substantial impact on quality of life. Despite the exponential growth in the development of new "traditional" vitiligo treatments, many vitiligo patients choose to employ medical products and practices that are used with or instead of standard medical care (complementary and alternative medicine or CAM). In this study, CAMs and camouflage were discussed together and referred to as over-the-counter products (OTCs). Using an observational cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate the motivations and demographic factors of individuals with vitiligo who use OTCs, to identify the most utilized OTCs in this population, and to assess side effects and perceived efficacy of the utilized OTCs. We performed an international observational cross-sectional study between July 2021 and June 2022. An anonymous digital questionnaire was distributed to adults (aged ≥ 18 years) who had been diagnosed with vitiligo by a healthcare provider via e-mails from the Global Vitiligo Foundation to vitiligo support groups and through postings on the MyVitiligoTeam social media network. Participants were presented with a predefined list of OTC products and an open-ended option was also provided. Of the 224 respondents, half were aged 45-64, most were female (69.6%), and the majority were White (56.3%). A total of 41.1% of participants used OTCs, either exclusively (19.2%) or with prescribed therapies (22%), while 58.9% used only prescribed therapies. The top reasons for using OTCs were dissatisfaction with conventional therapy, concerns about side effects, inconvenience, and cost. The most commonly used OTCs were camouflage, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, zinc, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin C. Camouflage was reported as the most helpful OTC. Mild side effects were reported by 6.3% of users. This study highlights the widespread use of OTCs in managing vitiligo, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to be familiar with commonly used OTCs. Patients using OTCs raised concerns about conventional treatments, which should be considered in management discussions and drug development. Camouflage was the most beneficial OTC in this study, and it should be included in management plans. A better understanding of OTCs could improve treatment strategies and patient satisfaction.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a prevalent health issue, particularly among women, and are commonly treated with antibiotics. However, increasing antimicrobial resistance has led to growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a non-antibiotic approach to UTI prevention and management. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of Jordanian adults regarding the use of CAM therapies, including herbal remedies and natural products, for the prevention and treatment of UTIs. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, awareness of UTI risk factors, sources of CAM information, and perceptions toward CAM use. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. A total of 429 participants completed the survey. Nearly half had a medical-related background, and 46.9% reported a personal or familial history of UTIs. While 54.3% preferred antibiotics for treatment, 42.7% used herbal remedies such as parsley and green tea. Awareness of key risk factors like low water intake (87.9%) and urine retention (90.2%) was high, but knowledge gaps persisted regarding hormonal and behavioral risk factors. Participants with medical education had significantly higher awareness scores (p < 0.001). Most participants perceived CAM as a culturally accepted practice. CAM therapies are widely used and culturally accepted in Jordan for UTI management. However, public education and professional guidance are essential to ensure their safe use.

Recently, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been actively employed for patients experiencing symptoms unresponsive to Western medical treatments like drug therapy. The natural compounds carotenoids and astaxanthin (AST) have demonstrated various beneficial biological actions for human health in several studies. Given their broad pharmacological activities and reduced toxicity, ASTs possess significant potential as resources for the development of natural analgesic drugs. Given recent studies showing that AST can modulate neuronal excitability, including nociceptive sensory transmission through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and the n-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor, and inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 cascade, AST holds promise as a CAM, particularly as a therapeutic agent for nociceptive and pathological pain. Based on the in vivo research findings from our laboratory presented in this review, we have confirmed that carotenoid ASTs possess: (i) an intravenous anesthetic effect on both nociceptive and inflammatory pain comparable to existing analgesics such as ketamine; and (ii) an anti-inflammatory effect on chronic pain with an efficacy almost equivalent to that of the commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) celecoxib. Therefore, these findings suggest that, as natural compounds, ASTs contribute to the relief of nociceptive and inflammatory pain, implying their potential for clinical application.

Background and purposeOsteoarthritis is a public health issue in an aging society with no radical cure. Complementary therapies such as Tai Chi might be beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis.MethodsThe present meta-analysis summarized current evidence on the effectiveness of Tai Chi in patients with osteoarthritis. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for RCTs published from inception up to March 2020. The primary outcome was the pain score on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). For pooled outcomes, standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsWe identified 13 trials with data from 817 patients. The results indicated that patients who practiced Tai Chi exercise showed more significant improvements in pain (SMD, -1.40; 95% CI, -2.17 to -0.63; P < 0.001), physical function (SMD, -1.54; 95% CI, -2.28 to -0.81; P < 0.001), and stiffness (SMD, -1.19; 95% CI, -1.94 to -0.44; P < 0.001) than the control group. Subgroup analysis data were consistent with the overall findings. Meta-regression showed that Tai Chi sessions, publication year, sample size, and Jadad score did not affect the therapeutic effects of Tai Chi. Tai Chi had a significant impact on the physiological and psychological health of patients with knee osteoarthritis.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis provides moderate-to-high quality evidence that Tai Chi has a clinically significant beneficial impact on knee osteoarthritis, with effect sizes exceeding minimal clinically important differences for pain and function.

Jatropha curcas (J. curcas), a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is a tropical medicinal plant that has been used in African Traditional Medicine for the treatment of asthma and related allergic airway diseases. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of Jatropha curcas leaf extract on ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation in Wistar rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract was carried out using standard procedures, and oral median lethal dose (LD50) was determined using Lorke’s method. Allergic airway inflammation was induced in Wistar rats via ovalbumin sensitization and challenge over 28 days. Rats were divided into six groups: normal control, ovalbumin control, three groups treated with J. curcas extract at 35, 70, and 140 mg/kg, and a positive control receiving prednisolone (10 mg/kg). Post-treatment, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for leukocytes and cytokines, and lung tissues were examined histologically. Phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, saponins, glycosides, steroids, and anthraquinones. Acute oral toxicity test revealed an LD50 exceeding 5000 mg/kg, indicating that the extract is relatively safe. Anti-inflammatory activity evaluation showed that J. curcas at 140 mg/kg dose significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced eosinophil counts and IL-13 levels, which was comparable to that of prednisolone group. the extract also showed a dose-dependent reduction in IL-4 and IL-5 levels. Histopathological examination revealed protection against alveolar necrosis and tracheal hyperplasia at higher doses. Overall, the extract demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory and airway-protective effects, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy for allergic airway diseases. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these findings.