Alternative Systems Of Medicine Research Articles

Complementary and alternative medicine use among older adults with musculoskeletal pain: findings from the European Social Survey (2014) special module on the social determinants of health.

Background:This study describes the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among older adults who report being hampered in daily activities due to musculoskeletal pain. The characteristics of older adults with debilitating musculoskeletal pain who report CAM use is also examined.Methods:Cross-sectional European Social Survey Round 7 data from 21 countries were examined for participants aged 55 years and older, who reported musculoskeletal pain that hampered daily activities in the past 12 months.Results:Of the 4950 older adult participants reporting musculoskeletal pain that hampered daily activities, the majority (63.5%) were from the West of Europe, reported secondary education or less (78.2%), and reported at least one other health-related problem (74.6%). In total, 1657 (33.5%) reported using at least one CAM treatment in the previous year. Manual body-based therapies (MBBTs) were most used, including massage therapy (17.9%) and osteopathy (7.0%). Alternative medicinal systems (AMSs) were also popular with 6.5% using homoeopathy and 5.3% reporting herbal treatments. A general trend of higher CAM use in younger participants was noted. CAM use was associated with physiotherapy use, female gender, higher levels of education, being in employment and living in West Europe. Those reporting multiple health problems were more likely to use all CAM treatments, except MBBT.Conclusion:A third of older Europeans with musculoskeletal pain report CAM use in the previous 12 months. Certain subgroups with higher rates of CAM use could be identified. Clinicians should comprehensively and routinely assess CAM use among older adults with musculoskeletal pain.

Lipid Peroxidation, Lipid Profile Changes and Antioxidant Properties of the Combination of Vernonia amygdalina and Ficus exasperata on the Blood, Liver and Kidney of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: The use of plants known to possess significant antioxidant activities have been widely recommended in the complementary and alternate system of medicine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Among the many plant used in Nigeria for the management of DM are Vernonia amygdalina and Ficus exasperata. This study was designed to assess the effect of the combination of the aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina and Ficus exasperata on blood glucose level, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats.
 Method: Twenty five rats were divided into five groups. Four groups were made diabetic by the intra-peritoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg body weight) while the fifth group served as normal control. Serum, hepatic and renal concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as well as the catalase activity were determined. The blood lipid profile and some hepatic enzymes were also studied.
 Result: The combined extract lowered lipid peroxidation, increase glutathione concentration and catalase activity in all the tissues of diabetic rats. The individual extract lowered the total cholesterol LDL-Cholesterol, coronary risk index (CRI), and atherogenic index (AI) while increasing the concentration of HDL cholesterol in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes lowered hepatic enzymes’ activities but the leaf extract significantly increased it.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that combination of the extracts showed additive effect on each other and it is highly recommended for the management of diabetes.

Knowledge, attitude and perception of complementary and alternative system of medicine in Tamilnadu and Pudhucherry, South India.

Complementary and Alternate medicine (CAM) remains as the major source of healthcare for majority of the Indian population. This widespread resource needs to be strengthened, adequately trained and effectively utilized in the national health care delivery system for delivering an integrated and effective health care system. A cross sectional study was conducted involving 200 adults in two different settings-a community setting (n=100), and a hospital setting (n=100). A semi-structured questionnaire was used. Both in the community and in the hospital, siddha (80%) was the most well-known system of medicine, followed by Yoga (72%) and Naturopathy in the study population. However, the knowledge about the various available CAM therapies still seemed to be limited. Opinion on the integrated approach along with conventional medicine was welcoming. Still more awareness about these systems is required to facilitate integrative medicine in healthcare settings.

Homeopathy in Epidemics: From Cholera to 1918 Spanish Flu (Part 2)

The 19th century saw an explosion of serious epidemic diseases, such as smallpox and scarlet fever, which led to the development of an alternative system of medicine called homeopathy. Under this system, S. Hahnemann developed a rigorous methodology based on repeated observations on the field, leading to successful results. The aim of this work is to depict the birth and evolution of his thought. The correct understanding and application of this methodology became the reference model for subsequent generations of homeopaths, who successfully treated some epidemics, such as cholera and Spanish flu. Although these results were well-documented , they were not recognized by the academic community; however, they gave a great impulse to the worldwide spread of homeopathy.

EVALUATION OF THE ACUTE AND SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY STUDIES OF BARLERIA BUXIFOLIA LINN. IN ALBINO RATS

Objective: The fundamental reason for this examination was to look at the acute and subchronic toxicity studies of chloroform and methanol extracts of Barleria buxifolia Linn. (Acanthaceae) on creature models according to the OECD rules 407 and 425, respectively.
 Methods: In acute oral toxicity, study a single oral dosages of 5000 mg/kg body weight of chloroform and methanol extracts was given individually to rats and watched them for 2 weeks for the discovery of acute changes and for its mortality any. During acute oral toxicity study period, no mortality was seen without any signs of intense changes. Further, it was executed the subchronic toxicity of extracts. Barleria buxifolia extracts (chloroform and methanol) were independently given every day at dosages of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight for 90 days to recognize the progressions any at subchronic poisonousness levels. Towards the finish of the experimentation the serum tests of trail creatures were gathered and watched for any progressions in haematological, biochemical and histopathological boundaries
 Results: All parameters of treated group were shown unaltered changes throughout the study period when compared with that of normal group. The outcomes propose that the oral organization of chloroform and methanol extracts of Barleria buxifolia did not raise any huge poisonous impacts when contrasted with that of control animals.
 Conclusion: Hence, the extracts may be safe for therapeutic use and as an alternative system of medicine.

Resilience Approach of Ayurveda: nCOV-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The coronavirus disease, nCOV-19 pandemic is exceptional and unprecedented in many aspects and it has shaken the health care system at global level. The several studies reported on nCOV-19 suggest that, immunization is the only way to fight against it. For this, Ayurveda is the most imperative as it recommends a healthy lifestyle instead of the mere prescription of medicines. Methodology: Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy is purposed with developing education, research and propagation of indigenous alternative medicine systems in India (Ministry of AYUSH). The Ministry is headed by a Minister of State, which is currently held by Shripad Yesso Naik and has recommended some measures to be followed in building strength by following the holistic approach of Ayurveda toward Swasthavritta. Thus, the present paper focuses on analysing the public perception towards Ayurveda measures using the most popular statistical techniques as ANOVA. Results: The analysis of data indicated that, the people are mesmerised by the concept of Ayurveda and are following all the possible precautions to save themselves from the effect of COVID-19. Older generation has a firm believe on the vedic science as compared to the younger generation. Conclusion: The classic of Ayurveda ‘Charaka Samhita’ describes the epidemic management and it defines immunity as the most essential to prevent diseases and arrest its progress. The foundation of Ayurveda is to building strength of mind and body to manage with different stressors, including infections. The Ayurveda concept of immunity (Bala or strength) is categorized as natural (Sahaja), chronobiologic (Kalaja), and acquired (Yuktikrut). Henceforth, we can achieve the aim of Ayurveda i.e. the Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam and Aturasya Vikar Prashamanam, against nCOV-19 pandemic.

Foliar epidermal study on selected medicinal plants used in homeopathy

Background: Homeopathy is a complementary alternative medicine system which was introduced by Samuel Hahnemann in Europe in the last part of the eighteenth century. In homeopathy, drugs are obtained from various source materials such as plants, chemicals, minerals, and animals. However, plants are the major source and about 65% of medicines homeopathic medicines obtained from plants (HPI Vol. I to XI). Authentication and identification of genuine drugs is major concern for manufacturing units/industries. The present study will help to add key parameters in the identification of drugs. Objective: The objective of this study is to characterize the foliar epidermal characteristics of selected plants used in homeopathy. Materials and Methods: The foliar epidermal studies of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb., Cannabis indica Lam., Cephalandra indica (Wight and Arn.) Naudin, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Gaultheria procumbens L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm., Justicia adhatoda L., Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L., and Ricinus communis L. Results: The study showed various characteristic features such as presence or absence of hairs or trichomes, trichomes if present were uni to multicellular, types and size of stomata, stomatal index on dorsal and ventral sides, vein-islet per mm2, vein termination per mm2, and presence or absence of idioblasts, etc. All these features will help in the identification and characterization of medicinal plants. Conclusion: The study revealed that the diversity of foliar characters of the leaf was varying from plant to plant and this variation may be a valuable tool for the authentication and identification of drug.

SCOPE OF AYURVEDA IN MODERN ERA: NEW HORIZONS

Health is elemental for good quality of life and a good healthcare system is a cornerstone of sustainable society. World health statistics 2019 summarises that, the global health status have been improved over the decades. Even though there are phenomenal achievements in global life expectancy and infectious disease management , the new outbreaks of communicable diseases and the additional burden of Non-communicable diseases stands as a flaw in the modern medical system that emerged in 18th century. It is at this point, there exists the need of bringing alternative system of medicine to the main stream for better disease prevention and management. In such a scenario- Ayurveda (the science of life) – the science coming under the umbrella of alternative system of medicine as well as the one focussing on mind ,health and spirituality becomes imperative. The current inclination for healthy diets, immunity enhancement ,rejuvenation and lifestyle management, calls for retroactive and proactive attempts to bring Ayurveda in the mainstream of health care. . In a modern era where the whole world is inclining for Ayurveda, India -the land rich for its traditions and heritage should step forward with its own indigenous system of medicine.

Chemoprophylatic, Ayurvedic, Homeopathic Approaches for COVID-19 Prophylaxis

The world is grappling for US FDA-approved therapies for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is the virus that has caused Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several pharmacological drugs are under various phases of clinical trials, and their current clinical use is primarily based on the in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 or related coronaviruses. While the efficacy of drug therapies is yet to be established, and the efficacy of the vaccine for COVID-19 is to be accomplished, we need to focus on prophylactic measures. The current article describes the chemoprophylactic, Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and Unani prophylactic approaches for combating COVID-19 based on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of AYUSH, India. The article is based on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of AYUSH, India. The proposed approaches have been supported by scientific evidence. The article also provides an outlook on the global scenario of herbal practices. In the absence of effective treatment, efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic heavily rely on non-pharmaceutical interventions such as personal preventive measures. The alternative system of medicine offers prophylactic solutions that are simple and inexpensive. These simple measures will go a long way in tackling the pandemic.

Natural phyto-based alternative medicine to combat depression amidst covid-19 pandemic

The pandemic associated with the covid-19 virus has wrecked so many plans and investments, which has led millions all over the world into forced depression. The global state of the economy has diminished in these past few months which has resulted to loss of lives, properties, jobs, and most importantly the mental state of every individual. In view of these happenings, more attention is being focused on COVID-19 virus, and state of depression of humans begin to worsen, leading to deterioration of health and well-being of the general society. The side effects caused by synthetic drugs cannot be underestimated. In this study, we discuss and evaluate different plant species which could serve as alternative medicine for the treatment of depression. However, more scientific findings are recommended to support this postulate to provide a conclusive research on plant materials serving as a good traditional system of alternative medicine for the treatment of brain-related illness such as depression.

Electrohomoeopathy Medicine in Covid-19 A Multicenter Clinical Observational Study

In December 2019, extreme acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), was first detected In Wuhan City, China and later spread to several provinces in China and simultaneously outspreaded worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a dramatic worldwide loss of human life and poses an unparalleled threat to public health, food systems and the world of work. The economic and social suffering inflicted by the pandemic is devastating millions of people are at risk of severe poverty specially in the developing country. We have several researches, review article, case study and medical journal for the explanation COVID-19. There are so many guideline recommendations issues by the WHO, various health authority and government for the prevention of COVID-19. How Electrohomoeopathy medicine used by various Electrohomoeopathy practitioners in there clinical as a prophylactic and preventive care but result was ultimate. Although, there were the collaborative appeached played an important role for fighting against virus where Ayuesh medicine and Electrohomoeopathy medicine worked in effective manner during this pandemic. Scientists all over the world, especially in India, are trying to find alternative medicines with minimal side effects. The main purpose of this research is to bring alternative medicines to the general public for the treatment of COVID-19. In this article, we are going to discuss how alternative system of medicine specially Electrohomoeopathy played a crucial role for the prevention and protection against the Corona virus. Total 56 patient included in this study who received Electrohomoeopathy medicine and concluded result. Objective: To analyze the clinical efficacy and prophylactic property of Electrohomeopathy medicine during the initial phase of COVID-19 with combination of conventional approach.

Role of natural products in alleviation of rheumatoid arthritis-A review.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RHA) is one of the most prevalent complex, chronic, inflammatory diseases, manifested by elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. Prolonged administration of NSAIDs, steroids, and DMARDs, used in the treatment of RHA, is associated with deleterious side effects. This necessitates the urge of new and safe approaches for RHA management, based on the complementary and alternative system of medicine. Documented evidences have suggested that supplementation with nutritional, dietary, and herbal components; can play a crucial role as an adjuvant, in the alleviation of the RHA symptoms, through their influence on the pathological inflammatory processes. Dietary phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids with their ability to modulate prooxidant and pro-inflammatory pathways, have been effective in delaying the arthritic disease progression. Moreover, in scientific explorations, herbs containing phenolic compounds, alkaloids, carotenoids flavonoids, spices such as ginger, turmeric, Ayurvedic formulations, different diets such as Mediterranean diet, vegan diet, beverages, and oils such as sesame oil, rice bran oil, vitamins, and probiotics are proven to modulate the action of inflammatory molecules, involved in RHA pathology. Subsequently, the purpose of this review article is to summarize various in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies in RHA, which have documented remarkable insights into the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and immunomodulatory, bone erosion preventing properties of dietary, nutritional, and herbal components with the focus on their molecular level mechanisms involved in RHA. Even though major findings were derived from in vitro studies, several in vivo and clinical studies have established the use of diet, herbal, and nutritional management in RHA treatment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Thickening of the synovial membrane, bone erosion, and cartilage destruction is known to trigger rheumatoid arthritis causing inflammation and pain in bone joints. Continuous intake of NSAIDs, steroids, and DMARD therapy are associated with detrimental side effects. These side effects can be overcome by the use of dietary, nutritional, and herbal interventions based on the complementary and alternative therapy. This concept portrays the food components and other natural components having the potential to promote health, improve general well-being, and reduce the risk of RHA.

Pharmacological Potential of the Stinging Plant Tragia Species: A Review

Tragia is well known in the botanical world a stinging plants. Apart from this, the genus also occupies an important constituent of alternative systems of medicine as well as ethnobotany. Among the various species of Tragia, the most studied and experimented species is T. involucrata. This genus is used for several ethnobotanical uses such as cancer, diarrhea, constipation, scorpion bite, rheumatism, whooping cough and diabetes. Apart from this the genus is also an important constituent of ayurvedic and siddha medicines. Owing to these properties several researches has been conducted to validate the traditional uses, finding out new uses and understanding the phytochemical profile. Alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids and tannin are present in the genus Tragia. Calcium oxalate and shellsol is responsible for the stinging property. Various species of Tragia has been validated for its important properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities. All these properties has been related to the occurrence of secondary metabolites. However the exact lead metabolite for the pharmacological properties has to be identified. Based the experimentally proved pharmacological properties, Tragia possesses significant potential on a medicinal species.

Complementary medicine utilization and practices of self-medication in the field practice areas of a medical college of district Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India

INTRODUCTION: Complementary modalities have been established globally but lack of sufficient data on their utilization patterns hinders the mainstreaming with the existing health care delivery system. The concerning issues are especially of self-medication and usage of complementary medicines with or without the usage of allopathic drugs. AIM: The study aims to find out the prevalence of complementary medicine utilization and prevalence of self-medication amongst the people in the field practice areas of the medical college. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to January 2019. The International questionnaire for the use of Complementary and alternative systems of Medicine was used to interview the 451 study participants. The results were expressed in percentages and proportions. Chi-square test was used to find out the association of sociodemographic variables with the use of complementary medicine and self-medication practices. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of utilizing the complementary medicine services were found to be 17.7%. About 14.6% and 2.9% of the study participants visited ayurvedic and homeopathic practitioners, respectively for the past 12 months. A significantly higher proportion of the rural population was utilizing the services of the complementary system of medical practitioners. Other sociodemographic variables were not found to be associated with the utilization of complementary medicine services. The prevalence of self-medication practices was found to be 25.9%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of complementary medicine utilization was lower than the prevalence of self-medication practices. Rural area study participants accessed more services of a complementary system of medical practitioners.

Integrated Medicine a solution to COVID-19 – A Case Report

More than 213 countries are effected by the global pandemic of COVID-19, which has caused death of more than 500 thousand people around the world. Even after taking all the precaution, one can still get infected with COVID-19. The whole world is working to find a vacation, where as in alternative system of medicine is focusing on Immunity Boosting helping COVID-19 effected people. The case report shows how Yoga and Ayurveda has helped a COVID-19 positive 84 year’s old man to recover.

The Tiger Penis Project

Many cultures have their own systems of alternative medicine, the effectiveness of which cannot always be proven according to contemporary scientific analysis; the use of the tiger penis to increase virility in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one such practice. While TCM may offer benefits beyond those available through mainstream western medicines, the huge demand for wild animals in TCM poses a threat to endangered species. Can a new interpretation of TCM resolve the conflict between health, culture, and environmental conservation? The Tiger Penis Project proposes the use of emerging biotechnologies to create artificial animal parts for Chinese medical applications both to prevent the further destruction of animals and traditional cultures and to provide more possibilities for the coexistence of human society and the natural environment.

Pathways to care and duration of untreated illness in patients attending a state psychiatric hospital

Background: In India, due to various factors, mentally ill often turn to a variety of carers for treatment. It results in a longer duration of untreated illness (DUI) with poor long term prognosis. Studies on pathways to care, seek to find out predictors of mentally ill person’s help-seeking behaviour. There is a dearth of literature in this subject in Kerala setting. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 consecutive first-time outpatients. The diagnosis was made according to DSM 5. A pilot-tested, semi-structured proforma was used for socio-demographic details and Encounter form by WHO for pathways to care. The analysis was done using Epi Info software. Results and discussion: Four gateways to care identified: Psychiatrist- 71.2%, faith healers – 14.8%, non-psychiatrist modern medicine doctors- 9.2%, alternate systems of medicine- 4.8%. Median DUI was seven months. Faith healers as first carers were more in BPL compared to APL families (p=0.004). Substance use disorders had longer median DUI than psychotic and anxiety disorders and mental retardation. Major neurocognitive disorder had more delays than the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders and mental retardation (p=0.000). Among first carers, longer DUI was with faith healers and alternate systems of medicine when compared to psychiatrists. (p=0.000). Those from higher socioeconomic status and a diagnosis of substance use disorder more often have a psychiatrist as the first carer. Being male was associated with lengthier pathways. Conclusion: Faith healers & alternate systems of medicine practitioners form the first portal of psychiatric care for a small yet significant proportion of the patients. Reduction in DUI in case of psychiatric disorders needs attention to this aspect also.

Identification of Molecular Network Associated with Neuroprotective Effects of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) by Quantitative Proteomics of Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease Model.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, whose treatment with modern therapeutics leads to a plethora of side effects with prolonged usage. Therefore, the management of PD with complementary and alternative medicine is often pursued. In the Ayurveda system of alternative medicine, Yashtimadhu choorna, a Medhya Rasayana (nootropic), prepared from the dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice), is prescribed for the management of PD with a favorable outcome. We pursued to understand the neuroprotective effects of Yashtimadhu choorna against a rotenone-induced cellular model of PD using differentiated IMR-32 cells. Cotreatment with Yashtimadhu choorna extract rescued rotenone-induced apoptosis and hyperphosphorylation of ERK-1/2. Quantitative proteomic analysis of six peptide fractions from independent biological replicates acquired 1,561,169 mass spectra, which when searched resulted in 565,008 peptide-spectrum matches mapping to 30,554 unique peptides that belonged to 4864 human proteins. Proteins commonly identified in biological replicates and >4 PSMs were considered for further analysis, leading to a refined set of 3720 proteins. Rotenone treatment differentially altered 144 proteins (fold ≥1.25 or ≤0.8), involved in mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum, and autophagy functions. Cotreatment with Yashtimadhu choorna extract rescued 84 proteins from the effect of rotenone and an additional regulation of 4 proteins. Network analysis highlighted the interaction of proteins and pathways regulated by them, which can be targeted for neuroprotection. Validation of proteomics data highlighted that Yashtimadhu confers neuroprotection by preventing mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis. This discovery will pave the way for understanding the molecular action of Ayurveda drugs and developing novel therapeutics for PD.

Evaluation of acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of Barleria cuspidata Heyne ex Nees

The fundamental reason for this examination was to look at the acute and sub-chronic harmfulness investigations of chloroform and methanol extracts of Barleria cuspidata Heyne ex Nees (Acanthaceae) on creature models according to the OECD rules 407 and 425 respectively. In acute oral toxicity study a solitary oral dosages of 5000 mg/kg body weight of the individual chloroform and methanol extracts was given to rodents and watched them for two weeks for the discovery of acute changes and for its mortality any. During acute oral toxicity study period no mortality were seen without any denotation of intense changes. Further, it was executed the sub-chronic toxicity of extracts. Barleria cuspidata extracts (chloroform and methanol) were independently given every day at dosages of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight for 90 days to recognize the progressions any at sub-chronic poisonousness levels. Toward the finish of the experimentation by gathering the serum tests of trial creatures and watched for any progressions in hematological, biochemical and histopathological boundaries. All parameters of treated group were shown unaltered changes throughout the study period when compared with that of normal group. The outcomes propose that the oral organization of chloroform and methanol extracts of Barleria cuspidata didn't raise any huge poisonous impacts when contrasted with that of control animals. Hence the extracts may be safe for therapeutic use and as an alternative system of medicine.

Telemedicine and Its Scope in COVID-19: Commentary

AbstractTelemedicine is a new concept that is developing with a lightning speed in developed countries. The practitioners of medicine are also using this as it has been legalised in many countries.In the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) times, when the buzzword is physical distancing, telemedicine assumes more importance. People are using this because of its easy availability, which cuts down their waiting time in the hospitals, it is easily accessible and is cost-effective. This is not only used by the modern science but also by the alternative systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, as well as by the nutritionists, physiotherapists, yoga experts and so many others who are following these audio-visual and telecommunication techniques. It has worked well to reach out to the patients and resolve their queries. It is easy to reach to so many persons via a single platform and guide them. We are here to share some of our views on telemedicine and on the approach adopted by the people across the world, and discuss how it will be implemented by the future generation for the benefits of their lives and the society.