Dry Cupping Therapy Research Articles

Reduction Blood Pressureby Neck Massage Therapy Using Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and Dry Cupping Therapy

Hypertension is a non-communicable disease which increases every year, with the increasing incidence of Hypertension will have an impact on society, namely a decrease in health status which results in a decrease in the quality of life. Management of hypertension can be done with non-pharmacological therapy, one of the non-pharmacological therapies chosen by the community, namely complementary therapy, neck massage therapy using VCO and cupping is a complementary therapy that aims to reduce hypertension. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The sample in this study 16 respondents were given neck massage therapy with VCO and 16 respondents were given dry cupping therapy. The data analysis used was the Spearman rank because the data were not normally distributed. Before being given neck massage therapy with a mean VCO, systolic blood pressure was 156.25, diastolic blood pressure was 87.50 after being given a mean value of 124.38 and diastolic 81.25 with a systolic p value of 0.000 while for diastolic blood pressure of 0.008. Whereas in the group given dry cupping therapy systolic blood pressure with a mean of 158.82 and diastole a mean of 90.59, after being given dry cupping therapy, systolic blood pressure was 124.71 while diastole was 78.82 with a systolic p value of 0.000 and diastole of 0.009. The difference in blood pressure in the two interventions for the system p value was 0.968 while for diastole the p value was 0.625, which means there was no difference between the two interventions. So it can be concluded that both neck massage therapy with VCO and dry cupping therapy can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Dry cupping therapy is not superior to sham cupping to improve clinical outcomes in people with non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomised trial

What are the effects of dry cupping on pain intensity, physical function, functional mobility, trunk range of motion, perceived overall effect, quality of life, psychological symptoms and medication use in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain? Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinding of participants and assessors. Ninety participants with chronic non-specific low back pain. The experimental group (n= 45) received dry cupping therapy, with cups bilaterally positioned parallel to the L1 to L5 vertebrae. The control group (n= 45) received sham cupping therapy. The interventions were applied once a week for 8 weeks. Participants were assessed before and after the first treatment session, and after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured with the numerical pain scale at rest, during fast walking and during trunk flexion. Secondary outcomes were physical function, functional mobility, trunk range of motion, perceived overall effect, quality of life, psychological symptoms and medication use. On a 0-to-10 scale, the between-group difference in pain severity at rest was negligible: MD 0.0 (95% CI-0.9 to 1.0) immediately after the first treatment, 0.4 (95% CI-0.5 to 1.5) at 4 weeks and 0.6 (95% CI-0.4 to 1.6) at 8 weeks. Similar negligible effects were observed on pain severity during fast walking or trunk flexion. Negligible effects were also found on physical function, functional mobility and perceived overall effect, where mean estimates and their confidence intervals all excluded worthwhile effects. No worthwhile benefits could be confirmed for any of the remaining secondary outcomes. Dry cupping therapy was not superior to sham cupping for improving pain, physical function, mobility, quality of life, psychological symptoms or medication use in people with non-specific chronic low back pain. NCT03909672.

Korean Medicine Treatment for Patients with Grade I-III Hemorrhoids (Goligher Classification): A Case Series

Background: Hemorrhoid surgery is a frequently performed surgery in Korea, second only to cataract surgery. However, it has serious complications, including bleeding, infection, anal stenosis, and urinary retention, so active conservative therapies are in need at an early stage. Case summary: Thirteen patients with anal disease complained of main symptoms of pain, bleeding, and prolapse, with additional complaints of itching and mucus discharge. An herbal medicine mixture of Eulja-tang and Hwangryeonhaedok-tang was administered twice daily, and dry cupping therapy, acupuncture, and hot pack placements were administered on pelvic and sacral regions once weekly for four weeks. The symptoms were evaluated before and each week after the treatments. The treatments had statistically significant therapeutic effects. Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment—effectively alleviating the symptoms of anal disease, such as pain, bleeding, and prolapse—may represent an alternative therapy for conservative treatments in the early stages of anal disease. Keywords: hemorrhoids, Korean medicine, Goligher classification, case series

Effectiveness of Dry Cupping Therapy in the Management of Uterine Fibroid: A Case Report

Uterine fibroid is considered as the most common pelvic tumor in women during their reproductive years. Symptomatic uterine fibroids can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, anemia, pressure symptoms and fertility issues and also have a significant influence on patient’s quality of life. These are the most common indications for hysterectomy worldwide. We report a 43-year-old woman with abnormal vaginal bleeding and dysmenorrhea due to large size of uterine leiomyoma which was candidate for myomectomy. Due to her virginity she couldn’t undergo uterine surgery. She preferred to use non-surgical treatments and presented to our traditional Persian medicine outpatient clinic. In order to control menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea, dry cupping therapy was recommended to her for three times a week. After a period of two months, dysmenorrhea and vaginal bleeding were decreased noticeably. In addition, a significant reduction in tumor size was observed. This case shows dry cupping therapy can be effective and safe in decreasing fibroid-related symptoms like dysmenorrhea and excess bleeding and also the size of fibroid. It seems that this method can be integrated with current therapeutic approaches. However, further clinical studies need to establish the efficacy and safety of dry cupping therapy for the management of uterine fibroids.

Dry Cupping Therapy for Improving Nonspecific Neck Pain and Subcutaneous Hemodynamics.

Dry cupping therapy is a noninvasive treatment commonly used to reduce pain and promote the healing process in various populations, including those with nonspecific neck pain; however, no data are available to support most of this method's true physiological benefits. To determine if dry cupping therapy decreased pain and increased subcutaneous blood flow compared with sham cupping and control conditions. Controlled laboratory study. Laboratory. A total of 32 participants (age = 22.5 ± 2.8 years, height = 173.3 ± 10.1 cm, mass = 76.6 ± 18.7 kg) with self-reported nonspecific neck pain. We used dry cupping and sham cupping interventions and a control condition. For the dry cupping intervention, 1 stationary cup was placed directly over the most painful area for 8 minutes. The sham cupping intervention followed the same procedures as the dry cupping intervention except a sham cup was applied. For the control condition, participants received no treatment. Subjective pain intensity (visual analog scale); pain-pressure threshold; subcutaneous hemodynamics, including superficial and deep oxygenated, deoxygenated, and total hemoglobin levels; and tissue saturation index. We observed differences in the visual analog scale score and the superficial and deep oxygenated and total hemoglobin levels (P values ≤ .002) immediately postintervention compared with baseline. Post hoc tests revealed that the dry cupping group had less pain than the sham cupping and control groups and higher superficial and deep oxygenated and total hemoglobin levels (P values ≤ .008). No differences were found between baseline and 24 hours postintervention. A single session of dry cupping therapy may be an effective short-term treatment method for immediately reducing pain and increasing oxygenated and total hemoglobin levels in patients with nonspecific neck pain.

Comparison of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 ratios between wet and dry cupping therapies in Persian medicine.

In Persian medicine (PM), wet-cupping therapy (WCT) is the most utilized approach. WCT is mostly done between the shoulders, which is referred to as "hejamt-e-aam" in the Persian language. CD4+T cells also refer to T helper lymphocytes play a critical role in the immune system. Naïve CD4+ T cells differentiate into at least four subsets, T helper 1 (Th1), T helper 2 (Th2), T helper 17 (Th17), and T regulatory (Treg) cells. The master regulator controlling each subset have been defined as follows, Tbet (Th1), Gata3 (Th2), RORγt (Th17), FoxP3 (Treg). The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of WCT and dry-cupping therapy (DCT) on the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Treg /Th17 in healthy individuals. Participants were divided randomly into two groups of 41 men in the WCT group and 40 men in the DCT group. Blood was taken, before, one and four weeks after the intervention. RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the expression of T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt, and Foxp3 genes were determined by using SYBR green RT-PCR technique. The results showed that WCT increased the expression ofGATA-3, RORγt, and Foxp3 transcription factor genes (p=0.009, p=0.001, and p=0.021, respectively). Although in the WCT group, the ratio of Foxp3/RORγt increased (p=0.048), but the ratio of T-bet/GATA-3 (Th1/Th2) decreased (p=0.971). Our findings indicated that WCT may regulate the T subsets of lymphocyte and reduce inflammation.

Dry cupping in the treatment of individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain: a protocol for a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind study

BackgroundLow back pain is a very prevalent condition in the population and cupping therapy has been presented as a frequently used non-pharmacological treatment in this population. However, there is a...

Pengaruh Terapi Bekam Kering Terhadap Tekanan Darah Pada Ibu Preeklampsia Postpartum

Preeklampsia selama kehamilan bisa menetap pada masa postpartum dan biasanya akan kembali normal pada minggu pertama postpartum. Angka kejadian preeklampsia atau hipertensi postpartum secara keseluruhan terjadi sekitar 57,1%. Teknik non farmakologis untuk mengatasi hipertensi telah dikembangkan, salah satunya adalah bekam kering sebagai pilihan menurunkan tekanan darah. Penelitian quasy experiment dengan non equivalent control group design. Lokasi penelitian di RSUD Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang. Waktu penelitian dimulai bulan agustus-september 2018. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 34 ibu preeklampsia postpartum dengan kriteria tekanan darah sistolik minimal 140 mmHg dan telah mendapatkan terapi MgSO4 sebelumnya. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari 17 sampel pada kelompok perlakuan dan 17 sampel pada kelompok kontrol. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan consecutive sampling. Variabel independen penelitian ini adalah terapi bekam kering, sedangkan variabel dependen adalah tekanan darah. Uji statistik yang digunakan paired t test dan uji wilcoxon untuk menganalisis perbedaan sebelum dan setelah perlakuan. uji independent sampel t-test dan uji mann whitney untuk menganalisis perbedaan antara kedua kelompok. Hasil uji beda dengan uji wilcoxon didapatkan nilai p-value pada tekanan darah sistolik dan diastolik lebih kecil dari taraf signifikansi α = 0,05, maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada perbedaan bermakna tekanan darah ibu preeklampsia postpartum sebelum dan setelah diberikan terapi bekam kering dan terapi standar. Hasil analisis mann whitney diperoleh data bahwa terdapat perbedaan bermakna pada selisih tekanan darah sistolik antara kelompok yang diberi terapi standar dan kelompok yang diberi terapi standar ditambah terapi bekam kering. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian tersebut maka terapi bekam kering bisa digunakan sebagai terapi pendamping untuk menurunkan tekanan darah pada ibu preeklampsia postpartum.

The comparison of fennel infusion plus dry cupping versus metformin in management of oligomenorrhoea in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised clinical trial

Oligomenorrhoea treatment with hormone therapy and Metformin is not usually well tolerated and is associated with a broad range of side effects. In Persian medicine, the management of oligomenorrhoea can be done with fennel and dry cupping. A clinical trial was conducted on 61 patients with oligomenorrhoea. The patients randomly received treatment for 6 months in two groups: fennel infusion plus dry cupping (Group A); versus treatment with Metformin (Group B). On the days between the two periods, the patients’ BMI, pain levels and side effects were assessed. Thirty-one patients (mean age: 26.68) in Group A, and 30 patients (mean age: 28.90) in Group B were enrolled. The mean numbers of days between the two periods after 3 and 6 months in Group A was, respectively, 32.59 and 30.69, versus 40.66 and 431.22 in Group B. The mean pain severity dropped significantly in Group A. Fennel seed infusion plus a dry cupping uses a safe and effective therapeutic intervention in the management of oligomenorrhoea. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women. Some common clinical manifestations of this syndrome include menstrual disorders such as oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea. The recommended therapeutic interventions include oral intervention, as well as metformin, which are associated with an increased risk of vascular thromboembolism, digestive complications such as nausea, and dizziness, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, the use of complementary medicine in controlling and treating PCOS is considered a valuable intervention in conventional medicine. In Persian traditional medicine, medicinal fennel (with the scientific name of Foeniculum Vulgare Mill) is commonly used in this regard. The practice of dry cupping during the monthly period that ends with ovulation is also recommended. What do the results of this study add? The present study concludes that fennel seed infusion plus a dry cupping therapy is effective and safe in reducing the days between two menstrual periods and manages oligomenorrhoea. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? A clinical study is suggested for assessing the effect of fennel seed infusion plus dry cupping on oligomenorrhoea, with a large sample size and a longer follow up time.

Dry cupping therapy and the wellness management of health travelers

Dry cupping therapy and the wellness management of health travelers

Dry cupping therapy and the wellness management of health travelers

Dry cupping therapy and the wellness management of health travelers

The effects of dry cupping therapy on muscle thickness and elasticity of upper back muscles

Introduction: Cupping is an ancient method used for various diseases in different cultures. In recent years, the use of cupping therapy has increased. Mechanically, cupping increases local blood flow (Wei et al 2013), stimulates mechanosensitive receptors, and provides pain relief (Rozenfeld & Kalichman 2016). Although the receiver of cupping therapy feels relaxed, no detailed studies have assessed how the therapy affects elastic properties of the muscles. We aimed in this study to evaluate how 10 minutes of cupping affects the thickness and stiffness of the upper back muscles (middle trapezius and paraspinals) of healthy volunteers. Ultrasound imaging (B-mode and shear wave elastography [SWE]) were used to measure the physical properties (Ryu & Jeong 2017).

Cupping Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Synthesis of Evidence

Background: This systematic review was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cupping therapy for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: The following databases were searched from their inception until June 2017: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, and 4 Chinese databases (Wan Fang Data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), VeiPu, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of cupping therapy on KOA were included in this systematic review. A quantitative synthesis of the RCTs was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Study selection and data extraction and validation were performed independently by 2 reviewers. Cochrane criteria for risk of bias were used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. Results: A total of 5 studies met our inclusion criteria. We analyzed the data from these 5 RCTs involving 535 participants. All included studies were judged to be at high risk for bias. Dry cupping therapy plus Western medicine therapy was more effective than Western therapy alone in reducing the pain scores (mean difference (MD) = -1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.40 to -1.18; p < 0.01). In addition, the study participants in the dry cupping therapy plus Western medicine therapy group showed significantly greater improvements in the pain (MD = -0.73, 95% CI -1.61 to -0.41; p < 0.01), stiffness (MD = -0.94, 95% CI -1.30 to -0.58; p < 0.01), and physical function (MD = -10.07, 95% CI -13.45 to -6.69; p < 0.01) domains of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) compared to participants in the Western medicine therapy group. Moreover, when compared with Western medicine therapy alone, a meta-analysis of 4 RCTs suggested statistically significant favorable effects of wet cupping therapy plus Western medicine on the Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI) (MD = -3.44, 95% CI -4.21 to -2.68; p < 0.01). Conclusion: There is weak evidence to support the hypothesis that cupping therapy has beneficial effects on reducing the pain intensity and improving the physical function in patients with KOA.

Traditional Dry Cupping Therapy Versus Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in the Treatment of Idiopathic Menorrhagia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Dry cupping has been used as a treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding in Iranian traditional medicine. Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating the usefulness of dry cupping on excessive menstrual blood loss in menorrhagia with a well- validated menstrual pictogram compared to medroxyprogesterone acetate. Methods: A total of 162 women with menorrhagia were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, controlled trial in Iran from 2015 to 2016. Written informed consent was obtained, then, patients were randomly allocated into dry cupping (three sessions of interrupted and kinetic dry cupping during menstrual bleeding) or medroxyprogesterone acetate (10 mg/day throughout the luteal period) groups using a random number sequence. The number of bleeding days and objective estimation of menstrual blood loss using a pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) were recorded before the intervention and at specific intervals (one and 3-months post-intervention). Results: At one and 3-months, PBAC scores were significantly lower in women treated with cupping compared with women treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate. These reductions in PBAC score were 214.9 mL with 95% CI (120.5 to 309.2) greater than medroxyprogesterone acetate at one month and 237.3 with 95% CI (143.0 to 331.7) at 3- month follow- up period. Reduction in the number of bleeding days in the cupping group for almost one day was better than the control groups at one and 3-months follow- up (Mean difference:-1.03, 95% CI (-1.78 to -0.26), P = 0.007). Conclusions: Dry cupping is an effective treatment in reducing the intensity of bleeding during the menstrual period compared to medroxyprogesterone acetate.

The effects of dry cupping on primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common gynecologic problems. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dry cupping on PD severity and dysmenorrhea-associated systemic symptoms. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 150 young single students with PD were randomly allocated to either an intervention (n = 75) or a control (n = 75) group. Data collection tools were a demographic and menstrual characteristics checklist, Andersch and Milsom's Verbal Multidimensional Dysmenorrhea Severity Scoring System, and a Dysmenorrhea-associated Systemic Symptom Scale. In the intervention group, students were provided with daily sliding dry cupping therapy from 3 days before to 3 days after the onset of menstruation for three successive menstrual cycles. In each cupping therapy session, two cups were placed on the lower back on each side of the spine and another on the suprapubic area for 10–15 min. Students in the control group did not receive cupping therapy. Data were analyzed through the Chi-square and the independent-samples Student's t-tests, the repeated measures analysis of variance, and generalized estimating equation. Results: The mean scores of dysmenorrhea severity and systemic symptoms in the intervention group significantly decreased over time, while they did not significantly change in the control group. Thus, there were significant between-group differences respecting the variations of dysmenorrhea severity and systemic symptoms over time (P = 0.03). The odds of severe dysmenorrhea and the odds of severe dysmenorrhea-associated systemic symptoms in the intervention group were, respectively, 52% (odds ratio [OR]: 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27–0.85) and 78% (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05–0.98) less than the control group. Conclusion: Dry cupping can significantly reduce the severity and the systemic symptoms of PD. Therefore, it can be used as an effective, inexpensive, and safe therapy for PD management.

Utilization of Cupping Therapy in the Treatment of Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in a Collegiate Pitcher: A Case Study

Objective: Present a clinical case detailing the effectiveness of dry cupping therapy in treating thoracic outlet syndrome. The utilization of dry cupping therapy on a 20-year-old collegiate baseball pitcher with diagnosed thoracic outlet syndrome is presented. Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome is a relatively rare musculoskeletal condition affecting 1/100,000 patients annually. Dry cupping therapy is an ancient therapeutic modality that utilizes various means of suction with the goal of decompressing myofascial layers. Treatment: Following diagnosis, patient was successfully treated in two weeks using dry cupping therapy. The patient experienced no further incidence of thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms and was able to complete the remainder of his competitive season. Uniqueness: The patient’s thoracic outlet syndrome was diagnosed at an early stage, leading to the need of clearance from a vascular specialist before returning to competition. To the author’s knowledge, there are currently no published case reports detailing the use of cupping therapy to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. Conclusion: Cupping therapy may be a viable treatment option when seeking to address tight musculature. Further research needs to be conducted to determine optimal parameters for cupping therapy as a therapeutic modality.

Dry cupping for plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dry cupping on pain and function of patients with plantar fasciitis. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-nine subjects (age 15 to 59 years old, 20 females and 9 males), randomly assigned into the two groups (dry cupping therapy and electrical stimulation therapy groups), participated in this study. The research design was a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Treatments were provided to the subjects twice a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measurements included the Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS) (at rest, first in the morning, and with activities), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), as well as the pressure pain threshold. [Results]The data indicated that both dry cupping therapy and electrical stimulation therapy could reduce pain and increase function significantly in the population tested, as all the 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) did not include 0 except for the pressure pain threshold. There was no significant difference between the dry cupping therapy and electrical stimulation groups in all the outcome measurements. [Conclusion] These results support that both dry cupping therapy and electrical stimulation therapy could reduce pain and increase function in the population tested.

DRY CUPPING IN CHILDREN WITH FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION: A RANDOMIZED OPEN LABEL CLINICAL TRIAL.

Background:As a common disease in pediatrics, constipation poses a high burden to the community. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of dry cupping therapy (an Eastern traditional manipulative therapy) in children with functional constipation.Materials and Methods:One hundred and twenty children (4-18 years old) diagnosed as functional constipation according to ROME III criteria were assigned to receive a traditional dry cupping protocol on the abdominal wall for 8 minutes every other day or standard laxative therapy (Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 40% solution without electrolyte), 0.4 g/kg once daily) for 4 weeks, in an open label randomized controlled clinical trial using a parallel design with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients were evaluated prior to and following 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of the intervention commencement in terms of the ROME III criteria for functional constipation.Results:There were no significant differences between the two arms regarding demographic and clinical basic characteristics. After two weeks of the intervention, there was a significant better result in most of the items of ROME III criteria of patients in PEG group. In contrast, after four weeks of the intervention, the result was significantly better in the cupping group. There was no significant difference in the number of patients with constipation after 4 and 8 weeks of the follow-up period.Conclusion:This study showed that dry cupping of the abdominal wall, as a traditional manipulative therapy, can be as effective as standard laxative therapy in children with functional constipation.

Clinical efficacy of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) and dry cupping therapy on intensity of pain in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.

To determine the effificacy and safety of fenugreek seed and dry cupping on intensity of pain in primary dysmenorrhea. Sixty patients with primary dysmenorrhea were enrolled in this prospective, open-labeled, randomized, standard-controlled study, conducted in the National Institute of Unani Medicine Hospital between February 2010 and April 2011. In group A (20 cases), 3 g powder of fenugreek seed (3 capsules, 1 g each) was given orally twice daily from day 1 to 3 of menstrual cycle. Group B (20 cases) received the same dose of fenugreek seed as group A along with dry cupping therapy [two 4.2-cm and one 2.5-cm cups (internal diameter)], which was applied below the umbilicus for 15 min on day 1 and day 3 of menstrual cycle for 3 consecutive months. The control group C (20 cases) was given mefenamic acid, 500 mg twice daily, on the same protocol. The reduction in menstrual pain intensity was measured with well validated Visual Analogue Scale and safety of fenugreek seed was evaluated by clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Baseline characteristics and biochemical parameters were comparable and homogenous among all groups (P>0.05). The percentage reduction in lower abdominal pain was 66.89%, 66.49%, and 62.88% in A, B and C groups respectively at the end of the treatment. No adverse drug effects were noticed. The fenugreek seed and dry cupping are effificacious, safe, cost effective, and well tolerated.

Turgut Ozal University Faculty of Medicine 6th International Student Congress

Turgut Ozal University Scientific Research Committee (TOBAT) was established in Turgut Ozal University Faculty of Medicine in 2009 to encourage young medical students and scientists to carry out novel scientific research in addition to their medical education in order to 1) establish a platform of informing the latest advancements in science, 2) present this work to colleagues and 3) meet and interact with their peers within the international medical and scientific community.&#x0D; Our committee annually organizes Turkey’s most highly-qualified medical student congress with the highest number of presenters and attendants, the International Medical Student Congress (IMSC). Over 1,500 medical students and experts attend our congress to present, learn and discuss new research in medicine. Medical students from all over Turkey present the results from their scientific work of the previous year. &#x0D; Because of the international nature of this congress, experts, scientists and attendants from other countries enrich the content and atmosphere of the congress. We also invite successful students who have trained in their own countries and who are interested in science and medicine. Students from abroad present their splendid work and also strengthen the global student network. &#x0D; The congress is covered by the media, both print and television, and has a positive impact on public opinion. The conference organization, design and coordination and the configuration of the scientific program are completed by Turgut Ozal University’s medical students with the assistance of their supervisors; which is a success in itself.&#x0D; Research and scientific work performed by students compose the main portion of the congress. The latest congress included 161 oral and 74 posters presentations. The topics covered by these presentations often show the promise of playing an important role in the future of medical research. Over the past years, topics have included the following: “CRISPR/Cas9 system”: its utilities and its possible applications, especially for tuberculosis infection; the use of synthetic biology to re-program heart coronary arteries for “the rapid treatment of myocardial infarction”; tissue engineering and its novel approaches; and, a state-of-art method for “the colon cancer therapy by using synthetic gut flora”.&#x0D; This year, for the first time, we have included a very important opportunity for the congress attendees: 20 studies of the participating scientific presentations have been selected to be published in this supplementary of the Journal of Clinical and Investigative Medicine, a journal cited in SCI and PubMed database. We believe that this opportunity has encouraged the young scientists to improve their research skills, to carry out better and more novel studies and to collaborate for effectively with each other. The selection was difficult because of the high quality of the scientific research. In this supplementary, you will find several well-documented studies on different topics including the genetic roots of Alzheimer’s disease related to the clusterin gene, novel approaches for cancer stem cell, a novel reporter protein to be used in lab as an alternative to GFP, the effects of traditional moving dry cupping therapy on sleep quality and shoulder-neck pain and the inhibition of gram negative E.coli by LALF-secreting engineered gram positive B. subtilis. By seeing the quality and breadth of these topics, the contributions and potential impact of our congress to the scientific community can be better understood.&#x0D; We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the editors of the Journal of Clinical and Investigative Medicine for their editing and their support in publishing this supplementary material. We would like also to take this opportunity to thank the Rector of Turgut Ozal University, the Dean of Faculty of Medicine, our instructors, mentors, seniors, advisors and technical staff for their kind advice and assistance in organizing this huge undertaking. &#x0D; Kind regards,&#x0D; Mustafa Semih Elitok on behalf of Turgut Ozal University &#x0D; Scientific Research Committee (TOBAT)