Conventional Western Medication Research Articles

Effects of modified Danggui Sini Decoction as adjuvant therapy for angina pectoris in coronary heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomised controlled trials.

This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of the Chinese herbal formula modified Danggui Sini Decoction as an adjunctive treatment for angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease. We conducted a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of modified Danggui Sini Decoction in combination with conventional Western medication on angina pectoris in coronary artery disease, published up to July 2023 across eight databases, including China Knowledge International Literature screening and data extraction were performed by two researchers following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1, and meta-analysis was executed via RevMan 5.4 software. Thirteen studies encompassing 1,232 participants were incorporated. The meta-analysis revealed that combining modified Danggui Sini Decoction with conventional Western medication significantly enhanced overall clinical efficacy, reduced the duration of angina attacks, decreased the Chinese medicine syndrome score, improved inflammatory markers and cardiac function, lowered serum NT-proBNP levels, and elevated the Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores compared to the control group. Modified Danggui Sini Decoction, when used alongside conventional Western medications, shows promise in treating coronary artery disease patients with angina pectoris and may serve as a beneficial adjunctive therapy in clinical settings. Nonetheless, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, further high-caliber research is essential to substantiate these findings. https://inplasy.com/? s=202390078, identifier INPLASY 202390078.

Effect of acupoint catgut embedding combined with western medicine on patients with stable COPD: Acupoint catgut embedding treating stable COPD meta-analysis.

Although bronchodilators and glucocorticoids can reduce the symptoms of cough and asthma to a certain extent, the adverse drug reactions and recurrence after recovery still trouble clinicians. Acupoint catgut embedding is effective in preventing and treating acute recurrence and deterioration of COPD, but its clinical efficacy remains controversial. Therefore, this study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of acupoint catgut embedding combined with conventional Western medicine for COPD through meta-analysis. Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Sinomed, China Knowledge Network, VIP, and Wanfang databases were searched, with a time frame from database creation to November 2022. Meta-analysis was performed with Revman 5.3. Publication bias was assessed by Stata 15.0. Seventeen studies were listed, with a total sample size of 1516 cases. Meta-analysis showed that compared with conventional western medicine, acupoint catgut embedding combined with conventional western medicine could effectively improve the total effective rate of clinical symptoms of stable COPD [RR = 1.21, 95%CI (1.13, 1.29), P < .00001], forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) [mean difference (MD) = 0.04, 95%CI (0.00, 0.09), P = .04],the percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second predicted value [MD = 1.13, 95%CI (0.38,1.88), P = .003], acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [MD = -0.73, 95%CI (-1.04, -0.42), P < .00001], COPD assessment test score [MD = -2.39, 95%CI (-3.65, -1.13), P = .0002], the improved medical research council respiratory questionnaire score (mMRC score) [MD = -0.15, 95%CI (-0.29, -0.02),P = .03], 6-minute walk distance [MD = 28.16, 95%CI (17.31, 39.00), P < .00001], the production of inflammatory factor interleukin-8 [MD = -9.65, 95%CI (-10.44, -8.86), P < .00001], but the adverse event rate was comparable[RR = 1.39, 95%CI (0.28,6.91), P = .69]. However, there was no significant difference in forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity and TNF-α between the acupoint catgut embedding combined group and the conventional western medication group. Harbord test showed no significant publication bias. The clinical efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding combined with conventional western medicine for stable COPD is better than that of conventional western medicine, and the safety may be equivalent to that of conventional western medicine, which has the value of further research exploration.

Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Medicine for COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for COVID-19 treatment with a focus on the benefits of symptomatic relief and time-related indexes. Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP, Wanfang Data, and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry) were systematically searched from their beginning to April 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing patients using Western therapy (WT) alone and those using additional Chinese medicine (WT [Formula: see text] CM) were included. Primary outcomes included overall efficacy, lung recovery, and time to viral assay conversion. Secondary outcomes included time and rate of individual symptom recovery, laboratory indicators, and adverse events. Overall, 15 RCTs, including 1469 participants, were included in this review. WT [Formula: see text] CM significantly improved overall efficacy (risk ratio, RR [Formula: see text] 1.21; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.30; [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.01) and lung recovery (RR [Formula: see text] 1.30; 95% CI:1.19 to 1.42; [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.01) and shortened the time to viral assay conversion (weighted mean differences, WMD [Formula: see text]1.38; 95% CI: -1.98 to -0.78; [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.01) and duration of chest distress (WMD [Formula: see text] 2.41; 95% CI: -2.99 to -1.83; [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.01) compared to WT alone. There was no difference in safety between the WT [Formula: see text] CM and WT groups (RR [Formula: see text] 0.94; 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.39; [Formula: see text] 0.76). In conclusion, the synthesized evidence from 15 RCTs showed that additional Chinese medication may improve treatment efficacy, relieve symptoms, promote lung recovery, and reduce the inflammatory response against COVID-19, while not increasing the risk of adverse events compared with conventional Western medication alone.

Clinical trials of Xingnao Kaiqiao needling combined with respiratory training for post-stroke dysphagia

To observe the clinical effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao needling combined with respiratory training on swallowing function, quality of life and throat surface muscle function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia. A total of 124 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 62 cases in each group. On the basis of conventional western medication treatment, respiratory training was applied in the control group, once daily, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. On the base of the treatment as the control group, Xingnao Kaiqiao needling was applied at Neiguan (PC6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Fengchi (GB20), Wangu (GB12), Yifeng (SJ17), posterior pharyngeal wall, Shuigou (GV26) and Lianquan (CV23) in the observation group, once daily, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the Kubota water swallowing test (KWST) scale, swallowing function, swallowing-quality of life (SWAL-QOL) scale, maximum amplitude of pharyngeal surface electromyography (sEMG), and complications of dysphagia were observed and recorded. After the treatment, self-comparison showed that the KWST and swallowing function scores were significantly decreased (P<0.05), the SWAL-QOL score and sEMG were notably increased in both groups (P<0.05) in comparison with their own pre-treatment. The KWST and swallowing function scores were obviously lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05), whereas the SWAL-QOL score and sEMG were evidently higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 95.16% (59/62), which was higher than 80.65% (50/62) of the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of dysphagia complications in the observation group was 24.19% (15/62), which was lower than 50.00% (31/62) of the control group (P<0.01). Xingnao Kaiqiao needling combined with respiratory training in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia can increase the activity of throat muscles, promote the swallowing function, improve the quality of life, and reduce the incidence of dysphagia related complications.

Observation on Curative Effect and Adverse Reaction of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Treating Chronic Functional Constipation

Objective — To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of chronic functional constipation and the observation of adverse reactions in patients. Methods — A total of 88 patients with chronic functional constipation who were treated from June 2019 to March 2021 were selected as the subjects, and the patients were divided into control group with 44 patients and observation group with 44 patients according to a random number table.The control group was given conventional western medication, and the observation group was given acupuncture based treatment. The scores for clinical symptom and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups after treatment. Results — After treatment, the symptom scores of frequency of abdominal pain, incomplete sense of defecation, abdominal distension and difficulty in defecation in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). After treatment, the total incidence of adverse reactions of abdominal distension, spasmodic abdominal pain, borborygmus and dizziness in observation group was 4.55%, which was significantly lower than that in control group, 22.73% (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion — Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy is more effective than conventional western medicine therapy in treatment of chronic functional constipation,which effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients, reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions, as as result, it is worthy of promotion and universal application.

Premature ovarian failure treated with mild moxibustion and western medication

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical therapeutic effect on premature ovarian failure (POF) treated with the combination of mild moxibustion and western medication. MethodsA total of 66 patients were divided into a control group and an observation group according to random number table, 33 cases in each one. In the control group, the conventional western medication was administered. In the observation group, besides the treatment as the control group, mild moxibustion was supplemented at Guānyuán (关元CV4), Qìhăi (气海CV6), Píshū (脾俞BL20) (bilateral) and Shènshū (肾俞BL23) (bilateral). The duration of treatment was 3 menstrual cycles in either group. Before treatment and on the 9th day of menstruation after 3-menstrual cycle treatment, the number of antral follicles and ovarian volume were detected by color Doppler ultrasound respectively. Before treatment and on day 2 to 4 of menstruation after 3-menstrual cycle treatment, the levels of serum estrogen (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), interleukin-21 (IL-21) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined separately and the therapeutic effect was evaluated in two groups separately. ResultsThe effective rate was 93.94% in the observation group and was 72.73% in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the number of antral follicles and ovarian volume were increased as compared with those before treatment in the patients of two groups (both P < 0.05). After treatment, the number of antral follicles and ovarian volume in the observation group were higher than the control group (both P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum E2 and FSH were improved as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (both P < 0.05). The levels of serum E2 and FSH in the observation group were better than the control group after treatment (both P < 0.05). The levels of serum IL-21 and VEGF after treatment did not change obviously as compared with those before treatment in the control group (both P > 0.05). But in the observation group, the levels of serum IL-21 and VEGF after treatment changed apparently as compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.05) and the levels of these two indicators after treatment were better than the control group (both P < 0.05). ConclusionThe combined treatment of mild moxibustion with western medication achieves the definite therapeutic effect on POF and it increases the number of antral follicles and ovarian volume and regulates sex hormone level, which is probably related to the regulation of serum IL-21 and VEGF.

Effect of electrothermal acupuncture on moderate to severe cancer pain with yin-cold stagnation: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effectiveness and safety of electrothermal acupuncture therapy for patients of moderate to severe cancer pain with yin-cold stagnation. A total of 60 patients of moderate to severe cancer pain with yin-cold stagnation were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the control group, opioid painkillers (oxycodone hydrochloride prolonged-release tablet or morphine sulfate sustained-release tablet) were taken. On the basis of the control group, electrothermal acupuncture was applied at Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) in the observation group, 30 min each treatment, once a day for 5 days. Before and after treatment, the scores of pain numerical rating scale (NRS) and Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) were observed in the two groups. The pain remission rate, reduction of opioid painkillers and safety were compared. The variation of NRS scores in the observation group were larger than the control group 3, 5 days into treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). The variation of KPS score in the observation group was larger than the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The pain remission rate was 100.0% (30/30) in the observation group, higher than 86.7% (26/30) in the control group (P<0.05). The reduction of opioid painkillers in the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.01). There was no adverse reaction during the treatment in the two groups. On the basis of the conventional western medication for analgesia, electrothermal acupuncture could relieve pain, reduce the dose of opioid painkillers and improve the quality of life in patients of moderate to severe cancer pain with yin-cold stagnation, has a better safety.

Observation on Shao's five-needle therapy as adjuvant treatment for stroke-associated pneumonia

To compare the therapeutic effect between Shao 's five-needle therapy combined with conventional western medical treatment and the simple conventional western medical treatment on stroke-associated pneumonia. A total of 80 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. Conventional western medication treatment i.e. anti-infection combined with rehabilitation swallowing training were adopted in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, Shao 's five-needle therapy was applied at Feishu (BL 13), Dazhui (GV 14), Fengmen (BL 12), etc. in the observation group, once a day. The treatment was given for 10 days in the both groups. The levels of inflammatory indexes [white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), percentage of neutrophil (N%)] before and after treatment, the disappearance time of main clinical symptoms and signs, the scores of National Institutes of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS) and the ability of daily living (ADL) were observed, and the clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated in the both groups. Compared before treatment, the levels of WBC, CRP, N% and the NIHSS scores after treatment were decreased (P<0.05), the ADL scores were increased in the both groups (P<0.05), and the improvement of above indexes in the observation group was superior to the control group (P<0.05). The recovery time of temperature and rale, the duration of cough in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective rate was 97.5% (39/40) in the observation group, which was superior to 85.0% (34/40) in the control group (P<0.05). Shao 's five-needle therapy combined with conventional western medical treatment can effectively improve the clinical symptoms in patients with stroke-associated pneumonia, down-regulate the inflammatory indexes and improve the quality of life, the therapeutic effect is superior to the simple conventional western medical treatment.

Effect of bloodletting at tip of ear with different amounts on pain in patients with early-stage stye: a randomized controlled trial

To compare the curative effect between bloodletting at tip of ear with different amounts combined with western medication and western medication alone for early-stage stye. A total of 108 patients with early-stage stye were randomly divided into a 50 μL group (36 cases, 4 cases dropped off), a 100 μL group (36 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a western medication group (36 cases, 5 cases dropped off). The patients in the western medication group were treated with levofloxacin eye drops and levofloxacin hydrochloride eye gel. Based on the treatment of the western medication group, the patients in the 50 μL group were treated with 50 μL bloodletting (about 3 drops) at tip of ear while the patients in the 100 μL group were treated with 100 μL bloodletting (about 6 drops) at tip of ear; the bloodletting was given once a day for 3 days. After treatment, the changes of visual analogue scale (VAS) and clinical effect were observed, and the patients were followed up by telephone on the 8th day. After treatment, the VAS score in each group was reduced (P<0.01), and the score in the 50 μL group and 100 μL group was lower than that in the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the score in the 100 μL group was lower than that in the 50 μL group (P<0.05). After treatment, the cured rate was 76.5% (26/34) in the 100 μL group, 71.9% (23/32) in the 50 μL group and 51.6% (16/31) in the western medication group, and there were no significant differences among three groups (P>0.05). One week after the onset of the disease, all the patients in the 50 μL group and 100 μL group were cured, and one patient in the western medication group was not cured, and treated with routine surgery. Based on the conventional western medication treatment, bloodletting at tip of ear can significantly reduce the pain of stye, and the effect of 100 μL bleeding is better than 50 μL.

Yin-yang balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on upper limb spasticity in stroke hemiplegia

To compare the therapeutic effect of yin-yang balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training and single rehabilitation training on upper limb spasticity in patients with stroke hemiplegia. A total of 60 patients with upper limb spasticity of stroke hemiplegia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. On the basis of conventional western medication, rehabilitation training was adopted in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group, yin-yang balance penetrating acupuncture was applied from Jianyu (LI 15) to Binao (LI 14), Quchi (LI 11) to Shaohai (HT 3), Yanglingquan (GB 34) to Yinlingquan (SP 9), Xuanzhong (GB 39) to Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. of the affected side in the observation group. The treatment was given once a day, 5 days were as one course, with a 2-day interval between two courses, 4 courses were required in both groups. The classification of modified Ashworth spasticity scale (MAS), surface integrated electromyogram (iEMG) of affected upper limb and the scores of National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) of upper limb and modified Barthel index (MBI) before and after treatment were observed, the therapeutic effect was evaluated in both groups. ①After treatment, the MAS classification reduced in both groups (P<0.05), the cases of grade 0 to Ⅰ+ in the observation group were more than those in the control group (P<0.05); iEMG values of the maximum isometric voluntary contraction of affected usculus biceps brachii, musculus triceps brachii, musculus flexor carpi, musculus extensor carpi, extensor digitorum, aductor pollicis brevis were increased in both groups (P<0.05), and the variations of iEMG of above muscles on the affected side in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). ②After treatment, the scores of NIHSS were decreased (P<0.05), the scores of FMA, MBI were increased in both groups (P<0.05), and the variations of NIHSS, FMA and MBI scores were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). ③The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which was superior to 70.0% (21/30) in the control group (P<0.05). Yin-yang balance penetrating acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training can improve upper limb spasticity, heighten the motor function of upper limb and daily self care in patients with stroke hemiplegia, its therapeutic effect is superior to single rehabilitation training.

Therapeutic effect of nape cluster acupuncture combined with swallowing function training on post-stroke dysphagia

To observe the effect on swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia treated with nape cluster acupuncture and the immediate effect of acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20). A total of 60 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one.On the basis of conventional western medication treatment, swallowing function training was applied in the control group, once a day.On the base of the treatment as the control group, nape cluster acupuncture was applied at Fengchi (GB 20), Tianzhu (BL 10), Wangu (GB 12), Lianquan (CV 23), Panglianquan (Extra), Jinjin (EX-HN 12) and Yuye (EX-HN 13) in the observation group, once a day. Additionally, pricking blood was applied at Jinjin (EX-HN 12) and Yuye (EX-HN 13), 2 times a week. The treatment was given 30 min each time, a week as one course and 4 courses were required. Before and after treatment, the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) score and video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) score were compared in the two groups. The ultrasonic diagnostic device of swallowing and surface electromyography were used to observe the immediate effect on swallowing related muscles of acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20). Compared before treatment, the SSA scores were reduced after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the change of the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the VFSS scores were increased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the change of the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.05). Acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) immediately increased the amplitude of submental muscles and infrahyoid muscles in the observation group (P<0.05), the geniohyoid muscle movement time was reduced and geniohyoid muscle displacement was increased (P<0.05). On the base of the routine treatment, nape cluster acupuncture could improve swallowing function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia. Acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) could immediately affect swallowing related muscles, improve muscle amplitude and reduce swallowing time.

Efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for menopausal insomnia and its effect on serum hormone levels

To explore the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for menopausal insomnia. A total of 80 patients with menopausal insomnia were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 40 cases in each group. The patients in the control group received conventional Western medication treatment, and the patients in the observation group received TEAS on the basis of conventional Western medication treatment. The treatment for both groups lasted for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and modified Kupperman scale were evaluated, and the serum levels of estradiol (E2) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after treatment. After treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P 0.05); the PSQI and Kupperman scores in the observation group were significantly improved after treatment (both P 0.05); the serum E2 level was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the FSH level was decreased (P<0.05) in the observation group after treatment, and the between- group differences in serum levels of E2 and FSH were significant (both P<0.05). TEAS plus conventional Western medication in treating menopausal insomnia is effective, and can significantly improve the symptoms of insomnia and menopause, which may be related to the regulation of serum E2 and FSH levels.

Fire needling on dysphagia due to pseudobulbar palsy after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the clinical effect of fire needling on dysphagia due to pseudobulbar paralysis after stroke and to compare the difference in clinical effect between fire needling and swallowing function rehabilitation training. A total of 76 patients with dysphagia due to pseudobulbar paralysis after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 38 cases in each group (1 case dropped out in the control group). The both groups were based on conventional western medication treatment. Fire needle pricking was exerted at Lianquan (CV 23), Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) without needle retaining every other day in the observation group. The control group was treated with the swallowing function rehabilitation training. In both groups, treatment for 2 weeks was as one course and 2 courses of treatment with 2-day interval were required. After treatment, swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro and swallow quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) scores were observed in both groups, and the clinical effect was compared. Follow-up of swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro in 4 weeks after treatment was completed to evaluate the clinical effect. The clinical effective rates after treatment and follow-up were 92.1% (35/38) and 94.7% (36/38) in the observation group, higher than 75.7% (28/37) and 83.8% (31/37) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro and SWAL-QOL scores were increased in the two groups (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro were increased during follow-up in the two groups (P<0.05). Fire needling has a better effect than conventional rehabilitation training in the treatment of dysphagia due to pseudobulbar paralysis after stroke, which can obviously improve the swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia.

Impacts of the repetitive transcranial acupuncture stimulation on the content of serum orexin A in patients with post-stroke insomnia

To compare the effect on post-stroke insomnia between the repetitive transcranial acupuncture stimulation (rTAS) and the conventional western medication in the patients and to explore the mechanism. Ninety patients of post-stroke insomnia were randomized into a rTAS group, a medication group and a placebo group, 30 cases in each one. In the rTAS group, patients were intervened by rTAS. The acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Ningshen (Extra), emotion area, Wangu (GB 12), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zhaohai (KI 6), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3). Fast twist with small amplitude was used at Baihui (GV 20) and emotion area for 2-3 min, 200-300 r/min, once 15 min. Electroacupuncture (EA) was applied at Baihui (GV 20) and Ningshen (Extra), bilateral Wangu (GB 12), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Zhaohai (KI 6) on the same side, 10 Hz, 0.5-1 mA. The treatment was given for 40 min in the rTAS group, once a day. Diazepam was prescribed orally in the medication group before sleep, 2.5 mg a day. Starch capsule was used in the placebo group before sleep, once a day. All the treatment was given for continuous 1 month. The level of serum orexin A was observed before and after treatment. The effects were compared. The recurrence rate was recorded 3 months after treatment. The total effective rates in the rTAS group and the medication group were 86.7% (26/30) and 90.0% (27/30) repectively after treatment, which were better than 20.0% (6/30) in the placebo group (both P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of serum orexin A in the rTAS group and the medication group were lower than those before treatment (both P<0.01), which were lower than that in the placebo group after treatment (both P<0.01), without statistical significance between the rTAS group and the medication group after treatment (P>0.05). The total effective rates in the rTAS group and the medication group were 86.7% (26/30) and 86.7% (26/30) at follow-up repectively, which were better than 16.7% (5/30) in the placebo group (both P<0.01). The rTAS is safe and effective for post-stroke insomnia, which is similar to oral medication of diazepam. The decreasing serum orexin A may be one of the mechanisms.

Oriental herbal medicine and moxibustion for polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders of reproductive endocrinology in women of reproductive age. Lifestyle intervention and oral contraceptives are the first-line treatments for PCOS. Recent studies have suggested that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and mind-body therapy have the potential to alleviate the symptoms and/or pathology of PCOS and to improve the quality of life of women with PCOS. This meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively summarize the efficacy and safety of moxibustion combined with oriental herbal medicine (OHM), common CAM therapies, for treating PCOS. Four databases were searched from their inception to June 22, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs using both OHM and moxibustion as experimental intervention, and western medication (WM) as control intervention were included. Studies involving OHM plus moxibustion combined with WM as the experimental intervention were also included. The quality of included studies was assessed using risk of bias tool. Owing to the heterogeneity of reporting, meta-analysis was only performed for pregnancy rate, rate of normal biphasic basal body temperature (BBT), and total effective rate (TER). The results showed that compared to the WM group, the OHM combined with moxibustion group was associated with significantly higher pregnancy rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-2.47; I = 0%), normal biphasic BBT rate (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.34-2.05; I = 0%), and TER (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08-1.31; I = 0%). When OHM combined with moxibustion was used as an adjunctive therapy to WM, pregnancy rate (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.29-2.11; I = 0%), and TER (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13-1.61; I = 43%) were significantly higher than those of the WM group. According to current evidence, OHM combined with moxibustion might be beneficial for treating PCOS. Moreover, the treatment might improve the therapeutic effects of conventional WMs including clomiphene citrate, oral contraceptives, and/or metformin. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution, owing to poor methodological quality of the included studies. Further larger, high-quality, rigorous RCTs should be conducted in this regard.

Acupuncture at five mind points combined with modified kidney qi decoction for vascular dementia of kidney essence deficiency

To observe the effects for vascular dementia (VD) of kidney essence deficiency among acupuncture at five mind points combined with modified kidney qi decoction, simple acupuncture at five mind points and simple modified kidney qi decoction. A total of 180 VD patients were randomly assigned into a combination group, an acupuncture group and a herb group, 60 cases in each one. The conventional western medication and rehabilitation training were for all the patients. The modified kidney qi decoction was used in the herb group; acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20) and Sishencong (EX-HN 1) was applied in the acupuncture group; the above two methods were for the cases in the combination group. Acupuncture was used for 7 courses, twice a day, and 5 days as a course. The hasegawa dementia scale (HDS), the brief screening scale for dementia (BSSD) and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) were applied before and after treatment. The serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were detected before and after treatment. The effects were evaluated. The total effective rate of the combination group was 91.7% (55/60), which was better than 68.3% (41/60) in the herb group and 78.3% (47/60) in the acupuncture group (both P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of HDS, BSSD and MMSE were higher than those before treatment in the three groups (all P<0.05), and the scores in the combination group were superior to those in the other two groups (all P<0.05). SOD and CGRP increased and LPO decreased after treatment in the three groups (all P<0.05), and the results in the combination group were better (all P<0.05). . Acupuncture at five mind points combined with modified kidney qi decoction for VD is better than simple five mind acupuncture and simple modified kidney qi decoction.

Effect of joss stick moxibustion combined with pricking and cupping for acute herpes zoster and its mechanism of analgesia

To observe the effects of conventional western medication and joss stick moxibustion combined with pricking and cupping for herpes zoster in acute stage, and to explore its analgesic mechanism. Seventy patients with acute herpes zoster were randomized into an observation group (33 cases after 2 dropping) and a control group (34 cases after 1 dropping). Patients in the observation group were treated with joss stick moxibustion combined with pricking and cupping at local ashi points for 7 times, once every other day. Oral acyclovir, vitamin B1 and mecobalamin tablets were applied in the control group for continuous 14 days, and interferon injection was used for continuous 6 days, etc. The herpes evaluation indexes of blister stopping time, scab time and decrustation time as well as pain intensity were observed before and after treatment. Peripheral serum substance P (SP) content of herpes local situation was detected. The comprehensive effects were evaluated. The blister stopping time, scab time and decrustation time in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group (all P<0.05). There was no statistical significance for pain relief degree between the two groups (P>0.05). The pain beginning to ease time and duration time in the observation group were better than those in the control group (both P<0.05). The contents of SP in the two groups decreased after treatment (both P<0.01), and it was better in the observation group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group after treatment was 87.9% (29/33), and that of the control group was 85.3% (29/34), which were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The cured rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group [66.7% (22/33) vs 58.8% (20/34), P<0.05]. Joss stick moxibustion combined with pricking and cupping are effective for herpes zoster, which have quicker and good analgesic effects than conventional western medication. Its mechanism may be related to reducing the content of SP more fast and to a larger degree.

The effect of low-frequency electrical stimulation at acupoints on the plasma DA of stroke survivors with insomnia: A clinical trial

Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of low-frequency electrical stimulation at the acupoints with that of conventional Western medication among patients with post-stroke insomnia, and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods Totally 120 stroke survivors with insomnia were randomly divided into an intervention group, a medication group and a placebo group, each of 40. The intervention group received low-frequency electrical stimulation at the Dazhui and Shenshu acupoints once a day for 30 consecutive days. The medication group received 1mg estazolam capsules and the placebo group took 1mg starch capsules. The average levels of plasma dopamine (DA) of the 3 groups were compared before and after the intervention and therapeutic efficacy was estimated. Results After the intervention, the total effective rate of the intervention group was 95% (38/40). For the medication group it was 92.5% (37/40) and for the placebo group it was 17.9% (7/39). The former two treatments were significantly more effective than no treatment (the placebo). There was no significant change in the average level of plasma DA before and after the treatment in the placebo group, but significant improvement was observed in the other two groups. There was no significant difference in plasma DA between the two treatment groups after the treatment. Conclusion Low-frequency electrical stimulation at acupoints is safe and equally as effective as estazolam for treating post-stroke insomnia. Both may alleviate post-stroke insomnia by increasing plasma DA levels. Key words: Insomnia; Low-frequency electric stimulation; Acupoints; Dopamine; Randomized controlled trials

What do people with hypertension use to reduce blood pressure in addition to conventional medication – Is this related to adherence?

IntroductionPatients with chronic diseases may sometimes prefer to use alternative approaches to improve their health. Such approaches may be used solely or in combination with their conventional western medication. This survey in a primary care setting aimed to evaluate dietary substances used by patients with hypertension and to explore whether there was a relationship with adherence to conventional drug treatment. MethodsThe study group was composed of 465 patients who were registered with the Family Medicine Center in the city center in the period between April 2016 and June 2016. Socio-demographic characteristics of the patients and substances they used in addition to the drugs were recorded. ResultsThe dietary substances most commonly preferred were lemon, garlic, yoghourt, and combinations of these. Medication adherence among patients with hypertension was moderate to high with 72.25% of patients using their medications. Patients forgetting to take their antihypertensive medications were more likely to use these substances. ConclusionsPatients reported high adherence to their use of conventional medication. The most important problem was "forgetting" in low adherent patients and they mainly used lemon, garlic, and yoghourt at times of sudden blood pressure elevations. Physicians should inform the patients who struggle with hypertension about the risk of nonadherence which can result in serious morbidity and possibly mortality.

Regulative effects of the acupuncture on glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in the patients of metabolic syndrome

To observe the regulative effects of the acupuncture on glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in the patients of metabolic syndrome. Seventy-six patients of metabolic syndrome were rando-mized into an acupuncture plus western medicine group (37 cases) and a western medicine group (39 cases). In the western medicine group, the conventional western medication was used for 40 days. In the acupuncture plus western medicine group, the acupuncture was combined on the basis of the treatment as the western medicine group, the acupoints were Danzhong (CV 17), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), etc. Ten treatments were as one session. There were 3 to 5 days of intervals between the sessions and totally 30 treatments were required. The body mass index (BMI), blood lipid, blood glucose, and comprehensive therapeutic effects were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the differences were all significant in BMI, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), plasma glucose of 2 hours post glucose-load (2 hPG), fasting insulin (FINS) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (all P<0.05) in the acupuncture plus western medicine group, and the results after treatment were superior to those before treatment; the difference was not significant in BMI (P>0.05) and those were all significant statistically in TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, FBG, 2 hPG, FINS, HOMA-IR (all P<0.05) in the western medicine group, and the results after treatment were superior to those before treatment. After treatment, in comparison of the two groups, the results in the acupuncture plus western medicine group were better than those in the western medicine group. The differences were all signif-icant sta-tistically in BMI, TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, FBG, 2 hPG, FINS, HOMA-IR (all P<0.05). On the basis of the conventional western medicine, the acupuncture relieves apparently the clinical symptoms and rectifies glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in the patients of metabolic syndrome.