Traditional Complementary Medicine Research Articles

Determining the Traditional Complementary Medicine Methods Used by Mothers Against Common Child Health Problems: Descriptive Study

Determining the Traditional Complementary Medicine Methods Used by Mothers Against Common Child Health Problems: Descriptive Study

Investigating The Relationship Between Midwifery Students’ View on Traditional/Complementary Medicine and Health Perception: A Descriptive Study

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the view of midwifery students on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and their health perception.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the midwifery department of the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university in the Black Sea Region between October 4th and November 22nd, 2021 (n=304). Descriptive information form, Complementary, Alternative and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale (CACMAS), and Health Perception Scale were used to collect the data. SPSS 23.0 statistical program was used for conducting data analysis and the data were presented using mean, standard deviation, number, and percentage values. Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the variables.
 Results: A total of 304 female students participated in this study with a mean age of 20.98 ± 2.18 years. Among them, 68.4% of the students had a family income below the minimum wage, 77.6% had a nuclear family, and 50.3% lived in the city center. Cupping (blood letting 83.8%) was the most frequent CAM practice, and acupuncture (55.9%) was the most common practice for women’s health. Mean score of the students was 111.5 ± 19.1 of 189 points on the CACMAS and 52.7 ± 7.08 points on the Health Perception Scale. No significant correlation was found between the scores of the CACMAS and Health Perception Scale (p > 0.05).
 Conclusion: Students’ views on traditional complementary medicine and health perceptions were found to be high. It is necessary to increase the awareness of students on these topics.

Bütüncül Tamamlayıcı ve Alternatif Tıbbın (BTAT) Sağlık Turizmi ile Bütünleştirilmesinde Sağlık Hizmeti Yöneticilerinin BTAT Bilgi Düzeyleri ve Tutumları: Trakya Bölgesi Örneği

Bu çalışmada; geleneksel tamamlayıcı tıbbın sağlık turizmi ile ilişkilendirilmesi, Trakya Bölgesindeki sağlık hizmeti yöneticilerinin BTAT’a yönelik bilgi düzeylerinin ve tutumlarının ortaya konulması, demografik özelliklerinin etki düzeylerinin belirlenmesi ve yöntemlere yönelik tutumlarının BTAT bilgi düzeylerine göre farklılık gösterip göstermediğinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma tanımlayıcı (Descriptive) türde bir araştırmadır. Araştırma Edirne, Kırklareli ve Tekirdağ illerindeki 7 kamu hastanesi ve 10 özel hastanedeki 143 sağlık hizmeti yöneticisiyle gerçekleştirilmiştir. Verilerin toplanmasında “Tamamlayıcı ve Alternatif Tıp (TAT) Bilgi Formu ve Bütüncül Tamamlayıcı ve Alternatif Tıbba Karşı Tutum Ölçeği (BTATÖ)” kullanılmıştır. Sayı, ortalama, yüzde dağılım ve standart sapma değerleri tanımlayıcı veriler için saptanmış ve Kolmogorov Smirnov-Shapiro Wilks ve Kruskall Wallis Testlerinden faydalanılmıştır. 
 Çalışmada, yöneticilerinin %31,5’nin, 46-50 yaş aralığında, %39,9’u kadın, %60,1 erkek olduğu, %72,7’si kamu, %27,3’ü özel kurumda çalıştıkları tespit edilmiştir. Yöneticilerin, %97,2’sinin TAT eğitimi/kursu almadıkları, %61,5’nin TAT’ la ilgili eğitim verilmesini istedikleri, %61,5’inin bitkisel tedavileri, %52,4’nün masaj, %48’inin müzik tedavi ve %63,6’sı akupunkturu biraz bildikleri saptanmıştır. Yöneticilerin, %68,5’i yöntemler hakkında bilgiyi internetten, %37,2’si televizyondan edindikleri ve yöntemlere yaklaşımlarında cinsiyet ve kurum türüne farkın olmadığı belirlenmiştir. BTATÖ alt boyutu TAT’ a göre yaşları 34-40 olanlar ile 51 ve üzeri olanlar arasında fark saptanmıştır.

Efficacy of Traditional Herbal Medicine Treatment Based on Pattern Identification for Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by various clinical symptoms and reduced quality of life. The standard dopaminergic therapy for PD has limitations such as drug wear-off, drug-related side effects, and drug-resistant PD symptoms. Traditional oriental medicine, which is a personalized approach based on pattern identification (PI), has been reported to relieve symptoms, halt disease progression, and improve the quality of life in patients with PD. This comprehensive systematic review will be conducted to gather clinical studies related to complementary traditional herbal therapies based on PI for idiopathic PD and assess its effectiveness. Clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials in English, Korean, and Chinese databases related to the efficacy of herbal medicine based on PI for PD will be searched in computer retrieval. In addition, the subdivided PI for each clinical manifestation of PD will be investigated. Two researchers will independently screen and select studies, extract data, and assess bias risk. The risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. After screening the studies, a meta-analysis will be performed. The primary outcome will be the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale to measure clinical symptom reduction. Secondary outcomes will consist of other validated scales to evaluate the improvement of PD, including improvement of clinical symptoms and quality of life. The quality of evidence will be evaluated through the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation pro. Complementary traditional medicine is a personalized medicine that classifies individual states based on PI. We expect that the results of this review will provide evidence for the efficacy of traditional herbal medicine based on PI for the treatment of PD. This protocol has been registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY) 2021 (registration number INPLASY2021100020).

The Examination of the Use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Practices by Turkish Citizens and Syrians Under Temporary Protection

As of the mid-twentieth century, rapid advances in disease diagnosis and treatment had increased the use of complementary and alternative therapies.
 
 Material and Method: This study was conducted among Syrians under temporary protection aged 18 and over and Turkish citizens in the province of Elazig, located in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The number of people to be sampled was calculated as 295. The study included the same number of Turkish citizens as the control group. 
 
 Results: Participants learned about Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Applications most frequently from family. The first three methods mostly used by Syrians under temporary protection were the use of herbal products with 93.9%, bloodletting therapy and cupping therapy with 46.8%. Among Turkish citizens, the first three mostly used methods were the use of herbal products with 88.1%, cupping therapy with 13.6%, and bloodletting therapy with 10.5%. While 98.0% of Turkish individuals reported experiencing side effects from traditional complementary medicine practices, 46.1% of Syrians under temporary protection reported experiencing side effects. 
 
 Conclusion: Participants learned about Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Practices most frequently from family members. Access to information on this subject should be facilitated. Awareness-raising studies should be carried out, especially in the use of herbal products.

Kütahya İlinde Aile Sağlığı Merkezine Başvuran Hasta Yakınlarının Tıp Dışı Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Uygulamalara İlişkin Görüşleri: Tanımlayıcı Araştırma

Objective: This study aims to examine knowledge-behaviours of patient relatives, who applied to the Gaybi Efendi Family Health Centre (FHC) in Kütahya, towards traditional-complementary practices. Material and Methods: Study sample consists of the relatives of the patients who are treated at Gaybi Efendi FHC in Kütahya. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a face-to-face questionnaire was applied to 330 patients' relatives, the study was conducted between October and December 2019. In the relevant dates, individuals who received service from the relevant institution in three months formed the population, those who agreed to participate in the study formed the sample. Results: The majority of participants included in the study were students, homemakers. 71.7% of the participants were women, 87.7% of them did not receive training in traditional-complementary medicine, 60.7% of them reported that traditional-complementary practices could be used without consulting a doctor, 51.6% of them said that traditional- complementary practices could be used for simple diseases, 42.1% of them said that traditional-complementary practices delay getting medical treatment, 36.4% of them said scientific evidence is necessary in traditional-complementary practices. University graduates, students and women were found to be more sensitive to the thought that scientific evidence is needed for traditional practices (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was found out that the groups with low education, withextended families, males had insufficient correct information about traditional practices and they need training. The problem arose that those without social security tended to these practices without consulting a doctor, and the misdirection of low-income people to these practices revealed the necessity of multidisciplinary planning on the subject.

Determination of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors towards Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Patients Applying to Pamukkale University Medical Faculty Hospital Polyclinics

Objective: The aim of research was to investigate the attitudes and behaviors towards traditional and complementary medicine methods, the use of which has increased in recent years, in individuals admitted to the hospital.Material-Method: The descriptive study was performed by applying a questionnaire to 276 people. The questionnaire included questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about traditional complementary medicine methods, and the Complementary, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 15. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskall-Wallis H tests were used in the comparison of traditional and complementary medicine attitudes and behaviors with sociodemographic characteristics. p&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant.Results: 33% of respondents had applied at least one traditional complementary medicine method. The most commonly used methods were cupping (n=40), phytotherapy (n=34) and acupuncture (n=17). The mean score of scale was found to be 109.05±15.44. The mean score of the individuals aged 45 and over is higher than the other ages and is 102.7±17.2 (p&amp;lt;0.048). A statistically significant difference was found between the use of at least one traditional and complementary method and the variables of age, marital status, place of residence for the longest time, and perceived health (p&amp;lt;0.05).Conclusion: TCM methods are known to the majority of people who visit polyclinics. Their attitudes towards traditional and complementary medicine are quite close to positive. Physicians should question whether their patients use traditional methods.

Acupuncture and Phytotherapy Applications in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Phytotherapy, medicinal and aromatic plants, algae, fungi and lichens, or their extracts, such as gum, balsam and resin, extracts, essential oils, candles and fixed oils with herbal preparations prepared in various forms (tea, capsule, tablet, syrup, drop , lozenges, sachets, etc.) to be protected from diseases, to treat diseases or to support treatment. Phytotherapy; It is based on scientific research and clinical studies. Historically, it has been the primary support of doctors in the treatment of diseases. Objective:We offer here; In addition to the treatment of obesity with acupuncture and phytotherapeutically artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) and thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale FH Wigg.) using antidepressants for many years, the treatment of obesity with impaired obesity and elevated liver enzymes. It is a case where a positive decrease is achieved in liver enzymes by giving mix extract. Methods: Yin-tan, Memory, Kid-3, Liv-3, St-36,24,25 in body acupuncture, Shen-men, stomach, larynx, jerome, kidney points were pinned in ear acupuncture. When patients who apply to the outpatient clinic need phytotherapeutic support, liver enzymes are routinely checked. Results:The patient lost both weight and liver enzymes. Conclusions and Recommendations: The biggest disadvantage of these preparations is their uncontrolled and high-dose use. It is most appropriate to give this kind of support treatments by people who are trained and licensed in this regard, especially under the control of a doctor. For this purpose, the Department of Traditional Complementary Medicine provides the development of physicians and pharmacists who have received phytotherapy training.

INCREASING FITNESS WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBS

Background: Fitness is the state of the body does not experience significant fatigue after doing routine activities. While in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fitness is defined as the good circulation of Qi-energy and Xue-blood that can cause the function of the organs of Zhang Fu to run well. Physical predisposition is influenced by various factors and assessed in various ways, one of which is by measuring VO2 max calculated by doing cooper test that is running for 12 minutes on the track 400 meters. A person’s VO2 max level indicates the level of physical fitness. Based on the examination that has been done, the patient is exposed to excessive heat pathogens in the Stomach, there are humid pathogens in the body, and Qi and Xue are not sufficient. Purpose: To find out the effect of acupuncture therapy and herbal administration in complementary traditional medicine on improving fitness. Methods: To improve fitness is done acupuncture therapy and herbal therapy. Acupuncture therapy is performed at the Zusanli point (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao point (SP 6). Herbal therapy given during treatment is infusion of leaves Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica (L). Urb) and Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.). To improve fitness, acupuncture therapy was performed 12 times in 4 stages of therapy. For herbal therapy infusa leaves Gotu Kola fresh as much as 2.5 grams and 2 grams of Liquorice, taken daily 3 times a day. Results: Acupuncture and herbal therapy that has been done for 26 days showed good results. This is evidenced by the results of copper test VO2 max increased 44.3% and no more complaints felt by patient. Conclution: Acupuncture therapy at the point of Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6) accompanied by gotu kola herbs (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb) and liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) can improve fitness.

A Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&amp;CM) Use and Its Association with Diabetic Control among Diabetic Patient in SingleCenter

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a major global health concern worldwide with increasing trend as reported in the National Health Morbidity Survey 2015. Due to the fact that diabetes mellitus is a life long chronic illness and incurable, it contributes to the increased tendency of seeking Traditional Complementary Medicine (TCM). The objective of this study is to measure the prevalence of CM use among diabetic patients and its association with diabetic control. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was performed at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, between July to August 2018. 136 Type II adult diabetic patients in medical ward and diabetic clinic were interviewed regarding the use of CM, and their blood investigations results were collected from patients' medical records. A data collection form was used as the study instrument. Descriptive statistic was used to measure the prevalence while Fisher exact test and Independent t-test were used to find associations between CM usage with study background and diabetic control. Results: Low prevalence of Traditional Complementary Medicine use (16.9%) was found with retired group of respondents was identified to be the predominant group (p-value=0.025). Majority of patients used CM as an additional treatment for diabetes (60.9%). Friends, family members and advertisement were the main influential factors in starting and using CM. A significant difference in eGFR value was reported between inpatient and outpatient CM users with a p-value of 0.001. No positive association was observed for HbA1c level. Conclusion: 1 in every 6 diabetic patients in HTAA, Kuantan were using Traditional Complementary Medicine along with conventional diabetic medications in which retirees were the major group identified. eGFR was the diabetic control parameter that had been found to have a significant association with diabetic inpatients and outpatient CM users in this study.

Development and validation of traditional & complementary medicine (TCM) scales for nurses: Using structural equation modelling (SEM)

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop and validate scales to assess attitudes towards patient’ s use of TCM (APUTCM) and to measure a communicative competence in TCM (CCTCM) among nurses.MethodsThe instrument development process was conducted from Sep 2013 to Jul 2014, using the following steps: 1) item development; 2) internal review and refinement; 3) face and content validation; 4) instrument administration to a development sample; and 5) evaluation of validity and reliability. A convenience sample was used to recruit registered and advanced practice nurses who worked in different regions throughout Taiwan. A total of 755 respondents completed the online questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using the software of SPSS Version 21.0 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 24.0.ResultsThe scale-level indexes (S-CVI) of content validity for both scales were over 80%. The reliabilities for the 13-item APUTCM scale and for the five-item CCTCM scale were 0.88 and 0.84, respectively. The model suitability for both scales was assessed, and the findings revealed suitable parameters for all indicators: GFI = 0.954, AGFI = 0.932, CFI = 0.959, RMSEA = 0.62, and chi-square/df = 3.891 for APUTCM; and GFI = 0.992, AGFI = 0.969, CFI = 0.992, RMSEA = 0.63, and chi-square/df = 4.04 for CCTCM. The convergent and divergent validity of scores on both scales provided evidence in the expected direction.ConclusionThis scale development study provides preliminary evidence that suggests that the 13-item APUTCM and the five-item CCTCM are reliable and valid scales for assessing attitudes toward patient’s TCM use and communicative competence in TCM.

BALI DALAM PENGEMBANGAN PENGOBATAN TRADISIONAL KOMPLEMENTER (Kajian Yuridis Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 15 Tahun 2018 Tentang Penyelenggaraan Pelayanan Kesehatan Tradisional Komplementer)

Traditional medicine by the people in several regions in Indonesia is very diverse. Communities in a particular area have different ways and techniques in traditional medicine, this is because culture and understanding and also the biodiversity found in the environment in which they live and the local wisdom they have is the cause of the emergence of various cultural products. Given that Bali has a culture related to the understanding of traditional medicine since ancient times, inherited from generation to generation, it has the potential to carry out complementary traditional medicine that has local wisdom. Usadha was populist in Bali carried out by a balian. There are several types of balian that are contained in the palm bodon ejection in accordance with the field and purpose. Normatively, the government has issued Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 15 of 2018 concerning the Implementation of Complementary Traditional Health Services as a basis for implementing complementary traditional medicine. There are provisions that need to be studied and criticized so that they do not have the potential to hinder if Bali carries out complementary traditional medicine services in the future.

A review of Panax ginseng as an herbal medicine

Panax ginseng is categorized as parental herb tribe to Asian people, particularly to Korea and China and it is widely used as an alternative remedy in Eastern Asia countries since many years ago. Based on traditional practice and recent research on this ancient herb, all parts of the ginseng contain pharmacologically active elements; however, it has been found that the main ingredient comes from its roots has a numerous compounds and chemicals that can exert the pharmacological properties such as lowering blood glucose, lowering hypertension, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic agents, anti-stress, improve vitality, sexual dysfunctions, and promote healing process; thus, it is also called as modern tonic traditional complementary medicine. However, some modern research has identified that it can cause severe side effects such as mental disorder, hypertensions, bleeding allergy reactions, and renal toxicity. Therefore, the use of this herb among public is not recommended because there is not definite dose for human.

Women Supporting Patients, Men Curing Cancer: Gender-Related Variations Among Israeli Arab Practitioners of Traditional Medicine in Their Treatment of Patients with Cancer

The use of complementary traditional medicine (CTM) is prevalent among patients with cancer. An understanding of cultural and religious values is needed to design an effective patient-centered supportive treatment program. To examine gender-related demographic and professional characteristics; treatment goals and approaches; and attitudes toward integration among Arab practitioners of CTM. Male and female Arab CTM practitioners treating patients with cancer were located by snowballing through practitioner and clientele networks. Participants underwent semi-structured, in-depth interviews which were analyzed thematically, with a focus on gender-related issues. A total of 27 Arab CTM practitioners participated in the study (17 males, 10 females). Female practitioners were found to be treating women exclusively, with male practitioners treating both genders. Female practitioners tend to be younger, unmarried, urban-based and non-Muslim. Male practitioners set out to "cure" the cancer, while female practitioners focus on symptoms and quality of life. Male practitioners employ a more schematic and structured therapeutic approach; female practitioners a more eclectic and practical one. Male practitioners employ a collectivist approach, involving family members, while female practitioners interact exclusively with the patient. Finally, male CTM practitioners see integration as a means for recognition, increasing their power base. In contrast, female practitioners perceive integration as a foothold in fields from which they have previously been shut out. A number of gender-related issues can have a significant impact on CTM therapy among Arab patients. Further research is needed in order to understand the implications of these differences.

The Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine Among Breast Cancer Patients: Implications for The Clinician

Traditional Chinese Medicine or Traditional Complementary Medicine (TCM) is commonly used in our culture. There are several concerns regarding its use in patients undergoing conventional treatments for breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of TCM use among our breast cancer patients, and to identify patients who were most likely to choose TCM. A total of 300 patients on active follow-up with Breast Service at Tan Tock Seng Hospital were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. A total of 35% (104 of 296) of patients reported using TCM. The majority of the patients were introduced to TCM by family and friends following the diagnosis of breast cancer. All except 3 patients continued with recommended conventional therapy although most did not inform their clinicians of TCM use. None of the patients reported any serious adverse events and 75% of them perceived a benefit from TCM use. Younger patients and those of Chinese ethnicity were more likely to use TCM (P <0.01 and P = 0.03 respectively). There was no significant difference in the dialect group, religious beliefs and educational level between the 2 groups (P >0.05). TCM use is common among our breast cancer patients, particularly the younger women. However, most patients do not inform their clinicians of TCM use while on recommended conventional therapies. It is therefore important for clinicians to initiate discussions regarding TCM use in order to be aware of potential unwanted drug interactions.

English

Influenza virus belongs to&nbsp;Orthomyxoviridae&nbsp;family which is considered amongst the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to the lack of effective drugs and efficient vaccines, exploring for alternative or complementary traditional medicine seems to be crucial in order to prevent the spread of this important threat. In traditional medicine, garlic is one of the most common herbs used in the treatment of various diseases and ailments especially those associated with the respiratory system.&nbsp;In our previous study, we demonstrated significant antiviral activity of garlic extract (GE) on influenza infection using hemagglutination (HA),&nbsp;methyl tetrazolium&nbsp;(MTT) cytotoxity assay and RT-PCR. Current study was designed to evaluate immunofluorescent assay as a reliable and rapid diagnostic test for this infection. &nbsp;An&nbsp;in vitro&nbsp;assay was carried out by infecting MDCK cells with H1N1 influenza A virus (100TCID50) in the presence/absence of non-toxic concentration of garlic extract (10 &micro;g/ml). The cells were then subjected to fluorescent staining and the fluorescent intensities were evaluated by randomly counting and averaging the 16 fields of each well. The antiviral activity quantification was provided by calculating the proportion of infected cells in which the production of influenza A virus fluorescent antigens was blocked. It was found that rapid direct fluorescent assay has the ability to detect the effect of garlic extract on the replication of influenza A virus at the first steps of infection. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Influenza virus, garlic extract (GE),&nbsp;fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)

1141 ACCEPT (ASIAN CONSTRAINTS AND CONCERNS IN ED PERCEPTIONS AND TREATMENTS) THE RESULT OF ASIAN'S PERSPECTIVE ON ED AS A MEDICAL CONDITION AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS TREATMENT WITH PDE5-I AND TCM

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction/Andrology: Evaluation I1 Apr 20121141 ACCEPT (ASIAN CONSTRAINTS AND CONCERNS IN ED PERCEPTIONS AND TREATMENTS) THE RESULT OF ASIAN'S PERSPECTIVE ON ED AS A MEDICAL CONDITION AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS TREATMENT WITH PDE5-I AND TCM Kor Woi Tiang, Yan Ning Neo, Keng Lim Ng, Azad Hassan Razack, and Eng Geap Lee Kor Woi TiangKor Woi Tiang Brisbane, Australia More articles by this author , Yan Ning NeoYan Ning Neo Edinburgh, United Kingdom More articles by this author , Keng Lim NgKeng Lim Ng Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia More articles by this author , Azad Hassan RazackAzad Hassan Razack Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia More articles by this author , and Eng Geap LeeEng Geap Lee Bandar Sunway, Malaysia More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.1251AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The attitude and perception towards Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and its treatment options are not well understood, especially in culturally diverse Asia. ACCEPT study conducted in Malaysia, aimed to identify the acceptance level of ED as a medical condition and views on treatment with Phosphodiesterase5-Inhibitors (PDE5-I) vs. Traditional Complementary Medicine (TCM). METHODS Patients attended non-urological clinics in a tertiary teaching hospital were recruited to complete non-validated questionnaires. Participants' opinion of ED as medical, psychological or lifestyle conditions and its associations with cardiac co-morbidities were analyzed. Subjects' views on PDE5-I and TCM in relation to safety, and acceptance were also studied. Sub-analysis of cohort's race, gender, age, income, educational levels and sexual activeness were demonstrated. ACCEPT was conducted in Malaysia as the population represents diversity in Asia. RESULTS Amongst 3372 subjects recruited (2032 males, 1340 females), 75%, 68% and 75% believed ED is a medical, lifestyle and psychological condition, respectively. Overall, 59%, 53% and 50% of participants did not associate ED with respective hyperlipidemia, heart disease and hypertension; while 83% related it to depression. A total of 89% thought ED is treatable with PDE5-I with 82% efficacy; while TCM had 62% treatability and 73% effectiveness on ED. PDE5-I is considered safe in 73% against 57% for TCM, while 33% and 30% believed the options are linked to sudden death, respectively. Forty five percent of the participants assumed PDE5-I to be addictive versus 38% on TCM. PDE5-I is considered trustworthy by 75% of all and 74% are willing to accept it as first line treatment, compared to 54% trusting TCM with 49% acceptability. CONCLUSIONS The acceptance of ED as a medical condition may enable clinician to identify cardiac risk factors at early stages and also determine treatment-seeking behavior in men. ACCEPT study identified conflicting perceptions of ED as medical, as well as lifestyle and psychological conditions. Overall, the association of ED with depression is significantly higher than cardiac risk factors. Despite relatively short availability of PDE5-I in Asia, compared to TCM, our data revealed favorable perception of PDE5-I on efficacy, safety, trustworthiness and acceptability. However, TCM is still widely regarded as an important treatment option. The sub-analysis of the cohort may enable targeted awareness on certain populations. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e462-e463 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kor Woi Tiang Brisbane, Australia More articles by this author Yan Ning Neo Edinburgh, United Kingdom More articles by this author Keng Lim Ng Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia More articles by this author Azad Hassan Razack Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia More articles by this author Eng Geap Lee Bandar Sunway, Malaysia More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

A screening platform for identification of anti-diabetic compounds in plants used in traditional complementary medicine

Diabetes is a major health problem due to a massive growth in the number of type 2 diabetes patients. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, and hence, treatment with thiazolidinedione (TZD) insulin sensitizing drugs is often prescribed. TZDs bind to and activate the nuclear receptor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)γ, a master regulator of fat cell formation. TZDs significantly improve insulin sensitivity and restore glycemic control, but unfortunately, the use of TZDs is accompanied by a number of side effects such as weight gain due to fat accumulation. Some of the side effects result from the use of full PPARγ agonists that recruit a “non-desirable“ complement of so-called co-activators to PPARγ, and it appears that certain partial PPARγ agonists may recruit a more “beneficial“ complement of co-activators. Many types of Traditional Complementary Medicine (TCM) have been used against conditions resembling type 2 diabetes and the aims of the present work were (i) to establish a platform for systematic screening of selected classes of TCM for compounds that function as partial PPARγ agonists without promoting fat cell differentiation and (ii) to investigate the possibilities for improving the content of potential anti-diabetic compounds in plants by cultivation and breeding. American ginseng is known for its anti-diabetic effects. By using the platform we have performed a systematic screening of several types of ginseng extracts and purified ginsenosides and demonstrated that they have characteristics that warrant further investigations of their effects on glucose (and lipid) homeostasis. We have furthermore shown that the content of ginsenosides can be improved by selection and breeding. Also herbs such as thyme and oregano, not normally considered as “anti-diabetic“ plants contain bioactive compounds that activate PPARγ in vitro, and hence may affect glucose homeostasis.