Effectiveness Of Complementary Medicine Research Articles

Acute Toxicity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Kaempferia galanga L. Rhizome

The Kaempferia galanga L. (KG) rhizome has a long history of being used as a variety of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, sedative, antibacterial, and anti-cancer compounds. The KG rhizomes have the potential to be an effective complementary medicine, but their use must be completely safe. This study examines the acute toxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction of KG (EAFKG) with parameters of blood chemistry value, and liver and kidney histological morphology. 40 DDY strain mice, consisting of males and females with weights ranging from 20-35 g, were used in this study. The mice are divided into four groups for each sex. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 received the EAFKG at a dose of 0.128; 0.64; 3.2; and 16 g/Kg BW, respectively, and were administered orally. Observations are carried out for 24 hours. The levels of serum creatinine, AST, and ALT were detected with a clinical spectrophotometer. According to the test results, both male and female mouse groups had no fatalities. The EAFKG rhizome is practically non-toxic (LD50 > 15 g/Kg BW). There is no significant difference in AST, ALT, and serum creatinine levels at any dose group than the control group. EAFKG administration affects liver and kidney cells at high doses but does not cause lethality.

Danggui Buxue decoction alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression by regulating β-hydroxybutyric acid metabolism and suppressing oxidative stress

Context Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) is an effective complementary medicine in alleviating myelosuppression after chemotherapy (MAC). However, its mechanism of action is elusive. Objective To illustrate that regulating β-hydroxybutyric acid (β-OHB) metabolism and suppressing oxidative stress could be a potential mechanism of action for DBD in alleviating MAC. Materials and methods After HPLC quantification and dose testing (3, 6 and 10 g/kg, gavage) of DBD, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, cyclophosphamide (CTX) (30 mg/kg CTX for 5 days, intraperitoneal administration) and CTX + DBD groups (6 g/kg DBD for 14 days, gavage). Blood cell counts, thigh bone histological examination, β-OHB levels, oxidative stress indices and HDAC1 activity were tested. The biological function of β-OHB was verified in vitro (hBMSC cells were incubated in culture mediums that contained 40 μM CTX and β-OHB in 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 mM) and in vivo (MAC rat model, 3 g/kg β-OHB for 14 days, gavage). Results Rats in the CTX + DBD group showed upregulated blood cell counts (118–243%), β-OHB levels (495 nmol/mL in blood, 122 nmol/mg in marrow supernatant) and downregulated HDAC1 activity (59%), and oxidative stress indices (60–85%). In vitro, 5 mM β-OHB improved hBMSC cell migration (123%) and proliferation (131%). In vivo, rats treated with 3 g/kg β-OHB showed upregulated blood cell counts (121–182%) and downregulated HDAC1 activity (64%) and oxidative stress indices (65–83%). Discussion and conclusions DBD, a traditional Chinese medicine, alleviates MAC by intervening in β-OHB metabolism and oxidative stress.

Swimming Training and Nanoformulation of Traditional Herbal Medicines Recovered Sensory-Motor Impairment by Modulating the Molecular Signaling Pathway in Rat Brain Tumor Models

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive tumors, health-threatening, and resistant to available treatment approaches for people worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate effects of swimming training and a supplement comprising four nanoliposome herbal extracts in a rat model with mid-brain tumor. Methods: In this experimental study, 56-male-Wistar rats (230 ± 20 g) were divided into eight groups (n = 7): Normal group, model group, model + exe group, model + lipo, model + extract, model + lipo-extract, model + extract-exe, model + lipo-extract + exe. Mid-brain tumor model was induced by injection of the C6 glioma cell line (5 × 105 cell suspension) using stereotaxic techniques in the substantia nigra area of rats. Consumption of nanoformulation of herbals extract (100 mg/kg/day), crude extract (100 mg/kg/day), and swimming training (30 min, 3 days/week) were performed for six weeks. P53, Hras, IL-10, and Casp8 were studied by bioinformatics analysis. We assessed the relative expression of genes in the mid-brain tumor via the quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) method. Beam test and sciatic functional index assessed nerve function and motor coordination. Results: In silico analysis highlighted substantial genes with significant differential expression compared to healthy status as biomarkers in pathogenesis conditions. The expression level of the P53 and Hras increased with swimming training and nanoliposomes enriched complex complement. Besides, the expression of the IL-10 and Casp8 decreased with swimming training and nanoliposomes enriched complex complement. Conclusions: Our findings show that swimming training and nanoliposome-enriched combined supplements in rats can possibly be considered effective complementary medicine for motor impairment recovery induced by the brain tumor in the substantia nigra area.

Overview of the Effect of Complementary Medicine on Treating or Mitigating the Risk of Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent chronic inflammatory disease with symptoms such as pelvic pain, which affect the physical, emotional, and social health of women in reproductive age. The current overview article aims to explore the effect of complementary medicine on the treatment or in mitigating the risk of endometriosis. This is an overview article done in Iran. Two separate researchers systematically searched 3 databases (Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register Trials) until September 2020. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR) tool. The results of two reviews suggested that physical activity, tobacco smoking, diet, coffee and caffeine intake had no effect on mitigating the risk of endometriosis or improving its treatment, but acupuncture successfully reduced pain and related marker (serum CA-125) levels. As endometriosis is an annoying disease with many complications and is hard to diagnose and treat, related studies in complementary medicine can help patients with endometriosis. Based on the relevant literature review, among the complementary medicine available for the treatment or to mitigate the risk of endometriosis, only acupuncture seems to alleviate the pain of endometriosis.

Effect of chamomile on chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: a pilot open-label controlled trial

Neutropenia is a common complication of chemotherapy in leukemic patients. An herbal formulation of chamomile was hypothesized to be effective on neutropenia. A group of healthy volunteers and two groups of patients received chamomile oral drop to be compared with a control group of neutropenic patients. Results showed an increase of white blood cells and resolution of neutropenia in all groups except for the control group. In conclusion, chamomile could be used as an effective complementary medicine for increasing the immunity of neutropenic patients (in addition to healthy individuals). Keywords: Chamomile; Leukemia; Chemotherapy; Neutropenia; Integrative Medicine; Persian Medicine

Effect of Complementary Medicine on Pain Relief and Wound Healing after Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review.

ObjectivesCesarean sections are one of the common surgical procedures around the world. Management of cesarean section side effects, including pain, hematoma, delayed wound healing, is of particular importance in maintaining maternal health and ability to care for the baby. The tendency to use complementary medicine strategies is on the rise because of the easy treatment with low side effects. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of clinical trials performed in Iran and worldwide on the effect of complementary medicine on pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section.MethodsPRISMA checklist was followed to prepare the report of this systematic review. The search process was carried out on databases on databases of Magiran, SID, Iran Medex, Scopus, Pub Med, Science direct, Medline and Cochrane library using keywords of cesarean, pain, wound healing, Herbal medicine, acupressure, massage, complementary medicine and their Persian equivalent and all possible combinations, from inception until February 2020. We used the Jadad scale to assess the quality of the searched articles. According to the Jadad scale, the articles with a score of at least 3 were included in the study.ResultsFinally, 28 clinical trials (with a sample size of 3,245) scored at least 3 on the Jadad scale were included into the analysis. This article reviewed 13 articles on medicinal herbs, 4 articles on massage, 1 article on reflexology, 2 articles on acupressure.ConclusionAccording to the present review, the use of medicinal herbs was the most common method of complementary medicine in pain relief and wound healing after cesarean section.

Effect of chamomile on chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: a pilot open-label controlled trial

Neutropenia is a common complication of chemotherapy in leukemic patients. An herbal formulation of chamomile was hypothesized to be effective on neutropenia. A group of healthy volunteers and two groups of patients received chamomile oral drop to be compared with a control group of neutropenic patients. Results showed an increase of white blood cells and resolution of neutropenia in all groups except for the control group. In conclusion, chamomile could be used as an effective complementary medicine for increasing the immunity of neutropenic patients (in addition to healthy individuals). Keywords: Chamomile; Leukemia; Chemotherapy; Neutropenia; Integrative Medicine; Persian Medicine

Evaluation of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum) Effects on Liver CYP450 2D1 Activity and Hepatic Clearance in Diabetic Rats

Objectives: The present study assessed the effects of cinnamon on the activity of the liver CYP2D1 enzyme and hepatic clearance in the rat model of type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly categorized into 8 groups. Fourteen days after induction of diabetes type 1 and 2, type 1 groups received cinnamon and insulin plus cinnamon and type 2 groups received cinnamon and metformin plus cinnamon daily for 14 days. On day 28, rats were subjected to liver perfusion by buffer containing dextromethorphan as the CYP2D1 enzyme activity probe. Perfused samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence (FL) detection to evaluate the CYP2D1 activity and hepatic clearance. Results: In the control group, enzyme activity and hepatic clearance changed from 0.0081 ± 0.00009 and 6.09 ± 0.2 mL/min to 0.0059 ± 0.0001 and 3.71 ± 0.07 mL/min in the untreated type 1 diabetic rats and to 0.0006 ± 0.0001 and 5.19 ± 0.02 mL/min in untreated type 2 ones. These pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters changed to 0.0069 ± 0.0005 and 6.27 ± 0.06 mL/min in treated type 1 and 0.0115 ± 0.0003 and 5.79 ± 0.11 mL/min in the treated type 2 rats with only cinnamon administration. Treatment with cinnamon plus insulin or metformin modulated these PK parameters to 0.0039 ± 0.00006 and 4.88 ± 0.13 mL/min in type 1 and 0.0092 ± 0.0005 and 6.13 ± 0.01 mL/min in type 2 diabetic rats. Conclusions: Cinnamon can act as an effective complementary medicine in order to normalize the metabolism and clearance processes in diabetes mellitus.

The effect of complementary medicine on maternal health promotion: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND:During the immediate post delivery period, women are particularly susceptible to distension of the bladder. Complementary and alternative medicine is becoming an established intervention modality within the contemporary health care system. However, very little is known about the impact of foot reflexology on the urinary system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the most popular type of complementary therapy (the foot reflexology) on first voiding time following elective cesarean section without urinary catheter.METHODS:This experimental study was performed on 61 pregnant women in Pastor Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, who met the inclusion criteria. Accordingly, participants were randomly allotted to either treatment or control groups. The intervention group received a single 20-min foot re?exology session at 2–3 h after the surgery. The time taken for first void was recorded by research assistant that blinded to the allocation of groups. The findings were recorded and analyzed with the SPSS software by using of Chi-square, independent t-test, Mann–Whitney, and Fisher exact methods P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.RESULTS:Using General Linear Model (GLM) for controlling of confounding variables, the results of t-test showed significant differences between two groups in terms of first voiding time (P = 0.001) following surgery.CONCLUSION:It seems that the use of foot reflexology as a nursing care plan to prevent urinary retention after cesarean section without urinary catheter does shorten first voiding time and increase maternal satisfaction.

The effectiveness of prenatal yoga on delivery outcomes: A meta-analysis

BackgroundThe efficacy of yoga on delivery outcomes remaining controversy. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of prenatal yoga on delivery outcomes. MethodsThe Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and Elsevier databases were searched from inception to January 22, 2020, and randomized, quasi-randomized and non-randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of yoga on the delivery outcomes in pregnant women were included. The methodological quality was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3. ResultsThis meta-analysis identified that yoga improved vaginal delivery, decreased premature delivery and birth weight of newborns, shorten the labor duration. ConclusionPrenatal yoga is an effective complementary medicine to improve delivery outcomes and not to increase the risk of fetus, which is worth recommending to pregnant women. But studies involved in this meta-analysis were not all of high quality. The Registration Number in PROSPERO is CRD42019132490.

The Effects of Wet Cupping Therapy on Fasting Blood Sugar, Renal Function Parameters, and Endothelial Function: A Single-arm Intervention Study.

ObjectivesDespite being recognized worldwide as an alternative therapy in treating various chronic diseases and pain, the mechanism of wet cupping is still not well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fasting blood sugar (FBS), renal function parameters, and endothelial function changes following wet cupping in healthy individuals.MethodsWe conducted a single-arm intervention study at the Clinical Lab of Community Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and included 31 healthy individuals aged between 30 and 60 years old. Wet cupping therapy was performed at five treatment points at the beginning of the study and repeated after three months. Health outcomes at baseline, one, three, and four months were assessed for FBS, renal function parameters (urea, creatinine, and uric acid), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and von Willebrand factor (vWF).ResultsForty-five percent of participants were female, and the mean age of study participants was 44.9±6.4 years. Wet cupping therapy significantly reduced FBS, serum urea, and serum creatinine at one, three, and four months compared with baseline values. Serum uric acid and SBP showed a significant reduction at one and four months compared with baseline. The vWF (a measure of endothelial function) had a 4.0% reduction at four months compared to baseline, with a mean difference of 5.3 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.20 = 8.55; p = 0.002).ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary support that repeated wet cupping therapy enhances body health status; thus, it could be an effective complementary medicine in disease prevention.

Perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng.

BackgroundInfantile colic is a self-limiting condition, characterised by spasmodic, excessive and inconsolable crying without apparent cause. Although common, there is no widely accepted conventional treatment approach for colic. Complementary medicine is often promoted as an alternative therapeutic option for infantile colic; however, there is limited research available on its use, safety and effectiveness.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic by means of the Infantile Colic Questionnaire.SettingMothers of infants who had colic were recruited from complementary medicine pharmacies, schools, baby clinics and various businesses in Gauteng, South Africa.MethodsA quantitative-descriptive design was used whereby data was collected through a randomised, cross-sectional questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 152 participants (mothers), aged between 18 and 45 years, with one or more children who suffered from symptoms of infantile colic, who had used complementary medicine as a form of treatment.ResultsResults indicated that most participants made use of both complementary and conventional medicines for their infant’s colic; the most commonly used complementary medicine products were homeopathic remedies, probiotics and herbal medicines. Some participants were, however, unfamiliar with the term ‘complementary medicine’, indicating a need for further patient education.ConclusionsThe participants perceived complementary medicines as safe and effective forms of treatment for infantile colic. However, further, larger scale studies should be conducted to validate this finding.

Effects of Complementary Medicine on Successful Breastfeeding and its Associated Issues in the Postpartum Period

Context: Breastfeeding initiation is an important event during the postpartum period. Despite the significance of exclusive breastfeeding in infant health, some common breast issues lead to the early cessation of breastfeeding. Therefore, various complementary medicine techniques are used to increase the length and quality of breastfeeding. Objectives: The current review study collected evidence on the impacts of complementary medicine on successful breastfeeding and breastfeeding-associated problems in the postpartum period. Data Sources: A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases and all randomized clinical trial, quasi-experimental, observational, and case-control studies published from 1999 to 2018. The quality of the selected papers was measured based on their adherence to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. After careful examinations, 18 papers were selected and reviewed. Results: According to the results of the current review, point massage was beneficial to prevent low milk supply postpartum. Oketani breast massage significantly increased total solids, lipids, and casein content, as well as the gross energy of breast milk and thus improved its overall quality. Reflexology enhanced breast milk supply. The Gua-Sha therapy, Oketani massage, and hollyhock leaf compress decreased the mean severity of breast engorgement. The six-step recanalization manual therapy (SSRMT) could be used as a safe and low-cost method to treat plugged milk ducts after delivery. Nipple fissures could be relieved by the use of Pistacia atlantica resin, silver impregnate medical cap, lanoline, menthol essence, and Ziziphus jujuba fruit. Conclusions: Supplementary medicine techniques are inexpensive and safe methods to resolve breastfeeding problems and empower mothers to perform successful breastfeeding. These methods can thus promote exclusive breastfeeding and decrease infant morbidity and morbidity. However, further details are needed in this area.

Bi-directional solid fermentation products of Trametes robiniophila Murr with Radix Isatidis inhibit proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells

BackgroundThe bi-directional solid fermentation product extract of Trametes robiniophila Murr (Huaier) with Radix Isatidis (TIF) has been shown to have good anti-tumor activity. However, the mechanisms of this activity are still unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate its inhibitory effect on both SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and explore the possible mechanisms of its anti-cancer effect in vitro. MethodsThe experiment comprised a control group, Radix Isatidis group, Huaier group, and TIF group. The cell viability was measured by MTT and the distribution of cell cycle and apoptosis levels were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell scratch, Transwell, and adhesion assays were used to measure the effects of the test compounds on the migration, invasion, and adhesion capability of SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The effects of TIF on the mRNA and protein expression related to apoptosis and migration were measured by using semi-quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. ResultsTIF strongly inhibited the cell proliferation of the SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a time-dependent manner and induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, TIF significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion capabilities of SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Compared with other treatments, the anticancer effect of TIF were stronger in MDA-MB-231 cells. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR suggested that TIF may upregulate the expression of p53 and caspase-3 to inhibit cell proliferation, and downregulate the expression of MMP-9/Snail and MMP-9/MMP-2 to inhibit the migration, invasion, and adhesion capabilities of SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Western blotting results showed that TIF increased the expression of p53 protein and decreased the expression of MMP-9 protein in SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells. ConclusionThe results indicated that the bi-directional solid fermentation may enhance the efficacy of Huaier in MDA-MB-231 cells and that TIF may be an effective complementary medicine for cancer treatment.

Effects of Complementary Medicine on Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common problem for pregnant women. Researchers have recently paid special attention to complementary medicine methods for the treatment of NVP. Regarding the high prevalence of NVP as well as maternal and fetal adverse effects of chemical drugs, the present study, focusing on clinical trials carried out in Iran, was conducted to assess safety and efficacy of different nonpharmacological methods in relieving NVP. This systematic review focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and assessed complementary medicine on NVP for which databases including MedLib, Magiran, Iran Medex, SID, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engines from 2000 to 2015 were searched. Those articles that gained score 3 or higher, according to Jadad criteria, were recruited for the study. In this study, 31 clinical trials assessing NVP were conducted on Iranian pregnant women. After removing ten articles, 21 articles with scores 3 and higher, according to Jedad criteria, were assessed. Out of 21 papers, 10 papers were about ginger, one was about cardamom, one was about lemon, two were about peppermint aromatherapy, six were about pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure, and one article about KID21 acupressure. Most studies have demonstrated a positive effect on reducing NVP; however, no adverse effect was reported. According to the results of this review, the majority of methods employed were effective in reducing the incidence of NVP, among which ginger and P6 acupressure can be recommended with more reliability.

Effect of Daily Caper Fruit Pickle Consumption on Disease Regression in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: a Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: Despite numerous studies on the effects of complementary medicine, to our knowledge, there is no study on the effects of Capparis spinosa on disease regression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. We compared the effects of caper fruit pickle consumption, as an Iranian traditional medicine product, on the anthropometric measures and biochemical parameters in different NAFLD patients.Methods: A 12-weeks randomized, controlled, double-blind trial was designed in 44 NAFLD patients randomly categorized for the control (n=22) or caper (n=22). The caper group received 40-50 gr of caper fruit pickles with meals daily. Before and after treatment, we assessed anthropometric measures, grade of fatty liver, serum lipoproteins and liver enzymes.Results: Weight and BMI were significantly decreased in the caper (p<0.001 and p<0.001) and control group (p=0.001 and p=0.001), respectively. Serum TG, TC and LDL.C just were significantly decreased in the control group (p=0.01, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Adjusted to the baseline measures, serum ALT and AST reduction were significantly higher in the caper than control group from baseline up to the end of the study (p<0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). After weeks 12, disease severity was significantly decreased in the caper group (p <0.001).Conclusion: Our results suggest that daily caper fruit pickle consumption for 12 weeks may be potentially effective on improving the biochemical parameters in NAFLD patients. Further, additional larger controlled trials are needed for the verification of these results.

The Relationship Between Knowledge and Attitude of Patients with Chronic Diseases Regarding Complementary Medicine

Background: Evidence shows the effectiveness of complementary medicine and its use in the treatment of chronic diseases are increasing. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitude toward complementary medicine in patients with chronic disease and referred to a hospital in an urban area of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional correlation study was conducted with 400 patients with chronic diseases referred to a hospital in an urban area of Iran. The samples were chosen using convenience sampling. The patients’ knowledge and attitudes were assessed using a researcher-made questionnaire and the holistic complementary and complementary medicine questionnaire, respectively. Results: The patients’ knowledge was the highest and lowest in the subscales of herbal medicine and energy therapy, respectively. Also, their attitudes mean regarding holistic health was better than attitude regarding scientific validity of complementary medicine (21.37 versus 15.88). There were statistically significant relationships between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.28, P < 0.001). While the relationship between knowledge regarding complementary medicine and attitude toward holistic health (r = 0.52, P < 0.001), its relationship with attitude toward the scientific validity of complementary medicine was reverse and negative (r = -.23, P < 0.001). Moreover, demographic variables such as the level of education, marital status, disease type, exercise habits, and information about the methods of complementary medicine had statistically significant relationships with the patients’ knowledge about complementary medicine. The frequency of consumption of vegetables per week (r = -0.18, P < 0.001) and the duration of disease (r = -0.16, P = 0.002) had a statistically significant reverse relationship with knowledge regarding complementary medicine. Conclusions: Knowledge regarding herbal medicine was high in patients with chronic diseases. Given a lack of sufficient knowledge and poor attitudes about other aspects of complementary medicine, patients need more education about the significance of complementary medicine and its positive effects on their health.

Add-On Complementary Medicine in Cancer Care: Evidence in Literature and Experiences of Integration.

Background: According to the literature an increasing number of cancer patients demand for complementary therapies during their disease. Research has demonstrated that some of these therapies are effective and safe as adjunctive treatments in specific symptoms of these patients. Methods: The aims of the paper are to review the main and recent papers of international literature on the effectiveness of complementary medicine (CM) therapies on side effects of anti-cancer protocols and improvement in the quality of life of oncological patients, and to describe the integration of evidence-based acupuncture, herbal medicine and homeopathy treatments in Public Cancer Network of the region of Tuscany. Results: After the review of literature and the approval of a Regional Resolution, some CM will be introduced in Cancer Departments in Tuscany to additionally treat cancer-related symptoms and side effects of conventional cancer therapy: acupuncture for nausea and post-chemotherapy and post-surgery vomiting, pain, hot flashes of iatrogenic menopause, xerostomia; homeopathy for hot flashes of iatrogenic menopause and the side effects of radiotherapy; herbal medicine for cancer-related fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, mucositis, anxiety, and depression. Conclusions: The integration of evidence-based complementary treatments allows for an effective response to the demand coming from cancer patients and combines safety and equity of access in public health systems.

Effects of Acupuncture on Alzheimer's Disease in Animal-Based Research.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and severe functional deficits in the brain. The pathogenesis and treatment of AD remain topics of investigation and significant global socioeconomic issues. The effect of complementary medicine has been investigated in managing AD. Acupuncture, a form of therapy practiced for more than 3000 years, has shown positive effects on several neurological disorders including AD. Animal studies have evaluated the specific utility and neuropathological mechanisms addressed by acupoint manipulation; however, no study has summarized the relationships among different acupoints and their therapeutic effects in the context of AD. Therefore, we reviewed the effects of acupuncture at different acupoints in animal models of AD. In general, acupuncture produced therapeutic benefits in rodent models of AD. Studies demonstrate the utility of GV20 as a valuable acupoint for electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture. GV20 stimulation suppresses Aβ generation, improves glucose metabolism, and attenuates neuropathological features in various disease models. However, a lack of sufficient evidence in preclinical and clinical studies makes these results controversial. Additional studies are required to confirm the exact utility of specific acupoints in clinically managing AD.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Schisandra chinensis for menopausal symptoms

Objectives: The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural extract from Schisandra chinensis for relief of various menopausal symptoms.Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from January 1, 2014 until January 13, 2015. We recruited women between the ages of 40 and 70 years who complained of menopausal symptoms measured by the Kupperman Index (KI). Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either an extract from Schisandra chinensis (BMO-30) or placebo. They received the treatment for 6 weeks and were followed for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the mean interval change in KI score from baseline to week 12. Secondary measures included laboratory studies and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) score for sexual and bladder problems.Results: Forty-one patients were considered eligible for enrolment, and 36 completed the study. After screening and randomization, patients were categorized into the placebo group (n = 18) and the BMO-30 group (n = 18). Total KI scores were significantly lower in the BMO-30 group than in the placebo group when evaluated with respect to group and time (p = 0.042).Conclusions: BMO-30 from Schisandra chinensis can be a safe and effective complementary medicine for menopausal symptoms, especially for hot flushes, sweating, and heart palpitations.