Abstract The reclassification of hemp’s legal status has resulted in a proliferation of retail cannabidiol (CBD) products. Preliminary research is emerging on CBD’s effect on pain, anxiety, depression, and addiction, but CBD is not a cure-all and there is an urgent need for more robust clinical trials. A pharmaceutical CBD product currently exists as an adjunct treatment for epilepsy disorders. However, several patients are experimenting with unregulated retail CBD products as an alternative treatment for a variety of medical conditions. The use of these retail CBD products is not without risks. Given the paucity of medical guidelines, this article provides an update for physicians and other healthcare practitioners on CBD and its potential side effects, drug interactions, and other safety concerns.
Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine the attitudes of nurses towards the use of T&CM practices in children.Material-Method: This study was designed in a cross-sectional-comparative descriptive design. The study fieldwork was conducted between May and August 2023. Nurses working in a hospital providing secondary health care in eastern Turkey were included in the study. Demographic data of nurses and their attitudes towards holistic complementary and alternative medicine were analysed.Results: It was determined that the mean age of the participants was 33.92 years and 69% of them worked in a state hospital. It was also found that 25.4% of the nurses had used T&CM before, and the most used T&CM method was cupping or leeching with 38.5%. Of those who participated in the study and had previously used T&CM practices, 63.5% reported that they recovered with these practices and 84.6% reported that they recommended the method they used to others. It was determined that 51% of the nurses thought that T&CM practices could be used in children and the most common T&CM method that was thought to be used in children was homeopathy with 50.7%. Conclusion: It was determined that pediatric nurses had a more positive attitude towards T&CM. It was observed that nurses thought that T&CM interventions could be used safely in the treatment of children. Since information about T&CM is obtained from newspapers, magazines, or media programmes, it is thought that integrating T&CM into nursing education curricula may be effective in raising awareness.
Patricia de Moraes Mello Boccolini, Karine de Lima Sírio Boclin, Islândia Maria Carvalho de Sousa
et al.
Abstract Background In recent decades, it has been possible to observe an increase in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) usage globally for both disease prevention and health promotion purposes. we aim to estimate the prevalence of CAM use and analyze associated factors in Brazil. Methods Observational study with data from the 2019 National Health Survey that evaluated a sample of Brazilian adults. The outcome was CAM use, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, medicinal plants and herbal medicines, meditation, and yoga in the last 12 months. A logistic regression model with a 99% confidence interval was used to assess factors associated with CAM use. Results The prevalence of CAM use in 2019 was 5.2% (CI99% = 4.8–5.6%), the most used modalities: medicinal plants and herbal medicines, with a prevalence of 3.0% (CI99% = 2.7–3.33) followed by: acupuncture 1.4% (CI99% = 1.3–1.6) homeopathy 0.9% (CI99% = 0.7–1.0), meditation 0.7% (CI99% = 0.6–0.8) and yoga 0.4% (CI99% = 0.4–0.5). We observed important geographical differences in CAM use in Brazil, with a higher prevalence in the North Region, 3.7% (CI99% = 2.81–4.75), where herbal medicines were more frequent the in the other regions. After estimating an adjusted model, women, older people, and people with a higher level of education and per capita income were the ones who used all types of CAM the most. The practice of yoga stands out among women 3.6% (CI99% = 2.49–5.28) and among individuals with higher per capita income 7.5% (CI99% = 2.97–18.93); meditation among individuals with higher educational level 13.4% (CI99% = 6.41–28.33) and acupuncture for those who declared regular or poor health 1.9% (CI99% = 1.51–2.39). Conclusions We recommend that the Ministry of Health expand CAM access to Unified Health System users and promote health professionals’ conscious and guided use for the Brazilian population.
Efosa G. Ewere, Ngozi P. Okolie, Jessie I. Ndem
et al.
Abstract Background Arsenic is a carcinogenic heavy metal that contaminates the environment, predisposing the exposed populace to its detrimental health effects. This study investigated the liver protective effect of ethanol leaf extract of Irvingia gabonensis (ELEIG) in sodium arsenite (SA)-exposed Wistar rats and its nitric oxide (NO.) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-scavenging properties in vitro. Methods Eleven experimental groups made up of five (5) rats each (weight range 100 - 161 g) were used in this study. Group 1 (normal control) had normal rat chow and water. Group 2 received 4.1 mg/kg body weight (kgbw) of SA. Groups 3–8 received SA and graded doses of ELEIG and groups 9-11 had varied doses of ELEIG. Treatment, which spanned 14 days, was by oral gavage. Concentrations of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT) and concentrations of total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL) were determined using standard procedures. Standard methods were also used to determine the in vitro NO. and H2O2-scavenging properties of the extract. Results Exposure to SA orchestrated significant (p ˂ 0.05) increases in CAT, MDA, AST, ALT, ALP and GGT and significant (p ˂ 0.05) decreases in SOD and GPx, relative to control. There were insignificant (p ˃ 0.05) differences in TBIL and DBIL concentrations, compared with control. Simultaneous and post-treatment with ELEIG at graded doses, alleviated the noxious effects of SA. In addition, ELEIG scavenged NO. and H2O2 in concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion The results suggest that ELEIG possesses potent antioxidant property and combats SA-induced hepatic oxidative stress/toxicity in Wistar rats.
Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus is one of the silent killer diseases affecting millions of people globally and some of the key enzymes in managing this disease are α-amylase and α-glucosidase This study was designed to investigate the possible molecular interactions between various bioactive compounds of Senecio biafrae leaf on α-amylase and α-glucosidase (enzymes) receptors an important target protein in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods This study involved the investigation of the of gallic acid, chlorogenic, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol (ligands) for Lipinski’s rule of five using Molinspiration, ADMET profiles using admetSAR server and molecular docking of 3D structures of the six bioactive compounds and metformin against α-amylase and α-glucosidase were carried out using AutoDockVina. Results The results revealed that caffeic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol obey Lipinski’s rule of five. All the ligands demonstrated high gastrointestinal tract absorption except rutin and chlorogenic acid, only one can serve as a P-glycoprotein substrate and three of the ligands used can act as cytochrome P450 inhibitors isoforms. All the ligands had a high binding affinity than metformin (the standard drug used). Conclusion In can be concluded that some of the bioactive compounds (especially caffeic acid) in Senecio biafrae leaf have antidiabetic activity, which they may serve as a potential antidiabetic drug in the management of diabetes mellitus than metformin.
When arterial serum pH remains near the lower pH limit of 7.35 for protracted periods of time, a low-grade, sub-clinical form of acidosis results, referred to in this review as chronic, sub-clinical, systemic metabolic acidosis (CSSMA). This narrative review explores the scientific basis for CSSMA, its consequences for health, and potential therapeutic interventions. The major etiology of CSSMA is the shift away from the ancestral, alkaline diet which was rich in fruit and vegetables, toward the contemporary, acidogenic ‘Westernized’ diet characterized by higher animal protein consumption and lack of base forming minerals. Urine pH is reduced with high dietary acid load and may be a convenient marker of CSSMA. Evidence suggests further that CSSMA negatively influences cortisol levels potentially contributing significantly to the pathophysiology thereof. Both CSSMA and high dietary acid load are associated with the risk and prognosis of various chronic diseases. Clinical trials show that CSSMA can be addressed successfully through alkalizing the diet by increasing fruit and vegetable intake and/or supplementing with alkaline minerals. This review confirms the existence of a significant body of evidence regarding this low-grade form of acidosis as well as evidence to support its diverse negative implications for health, and concludes that CSSMA is a condition warranting further research.
The process of medical education in general is a complex and demanding one, which can significantly improve upon based on the findings of research activities. Educational research is a formal and systematic approach to get deeper insights of the educational process, and with an aim to study and resolve educational problems, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the medical training. The generated evidence is crucial to bring about curricular reforms and significantly plays an important role in the development of a professional. In conclusion, promotion of educational research should be looked upon as the way to ensure better health professions education and to improve the accountability of the medical colleges towards the needs of the community. In-fact, educational research is the approach to gain valuable insights into the complexities of medical teaching and assessment and improve the overall process through timely curricular reforms.
Alisa Johnson PhD, Lynae Roberts MA, Gary Elkins PhD
Menopause is associated with problematic symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep problems, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and declines in cognitive functioning. Many women seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for symptom management. This article critically reviews the existing literature on CAM treatments most commonly used for menopausal symptoms. Electronic searches were conducted to identify relevant, English-language literature published through March 2017. Results indicate that mind and body practices may be of benefit in reducing stress and bothersomeness of some menopausal symptoms. In particular, hypnosis is a mind-body intervention that has consistently shown to have a clinically significant effect on reducing hot flashes. Evidence is mixed in regard to the efficacy of natural products and there are some safety concerns. Health care providers should consider the evidence on CAM in providing an integrative health approach to menopausal symptom management.
Neeraj Kumar Agrawal, Nitin Kothari, Uma Gupta
et al.
Background: Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing globally and it is much of concern for research nowadays. Although CAM has been practiced in India for thousands of years, there is no literature available on the extent of use, knowledge, attitude, and perception of utilizing CAM services among medical students.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the extent of use, knowledge, attitude, and perception of utilizing CAM services among medical students.
Materials and Methods: It was cross-sectional, observational, and questionnaire-based study, conducted on 387 medical students of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-years MBBS at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, India. The data were recorded and analyzed and expressed in number and percentage.
Results: Of the studied subjects, 95.3% had awareness about CAM while 77.3% of participants belief on CAM. About 64.9% student believed that CAM has fewer side effects, but 81.1% agreed that it is effective therapy somewhere. Only 19.4% of students used CAM therapy for the chronic problem, but the majority have taken it for acute conditions. The safety (78.6%) is the main reason to use, and Ayurveda (50.4%) and Homeopathy (35.7%) were the two most common CAMs used in the past. The positive attitude of students toward the inclusion of CAM and Yoga in the medical curriculum was 67.7% and 81.4%, respectively.
Conclusions: This study showed most of the students believed in CAM and used in the past. They agreed with the inclusion of CAM courses in the medical curriculum. Majority of students suggested that more research is required in CAM. [Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol 2019; 9(9.000): 893-898]
Therapeutics. Pharmacology, Pharmacy and materia medica
Arjun Singh PhD, DIM, DAAC, Sarada Ota BAMS, MD (Ayu.), Narayan Srikanth BAMS, MD (Ayu.)
et al.
Rasa Shastra is an exclusive branch of ayurveda that uses processed metals and minerals in various combinations. Though the formulations are time tested, safety and quality concerns are being raised since the past two decades. In view of this, it becomes mandatory to generate quality control profiles of such formulations by following available parameters. Considering this, we attempted to develop standard manufacturing procedures of Maha Yogaraja Guggulu and generate preliminary physicochemical profiles using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The results from high-performance thin-layer chromatography revealed presence of organic constituents from plant material. X-ray diffraction indicated that the prepared drug contained cinnabar (mercury sulfide; Rasa sindhura ), cassiterite (tin oxide; Vanga bhasma ), litharge (lead oxide; Naga bhasma ), and iron dioxide and magnetite (di-iron oxide; Loha and Mandura bhasma ). The observations of the present study are preliminary and first of its kind that may be considered as baseline data for future studies.
The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea against hyperglycemic, oxidative damage and inflammation in the serum of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In the present study, the rats were divided into the following groups of 8 animals each: control, untreated diabetic, 3 Portulaca oleracea (100, 200, 400 mg/kg/d)–treated diabetic groups. At the end of the 4-week period, glucose, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were measured. STZ caused an elevation in the serum levels of glucose, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α with reduction in the levels of GSH and TAS ( P < .01). Portulaca oleracea ameliorated glucose, MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, GSH, and TAS levels in diabetic groups versus to the untreated groups ( P < .05). Taken together, Portulaca oleracea prevented hyperglycemia by preventing the oxidative stress and inflammation.
Context: Preeclampsia (PE) is a common complication of pregnancy associated with high morbidity. Antiangiogenic factors are raised in PE, which may affect thyroid secretion. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the association between thyroid hormonal status in PE and the severity of PE and also any correlation between albumin levels and thyroid status. Materials and Methods: Cases include forty women between 30 and 38 weeks of gestation with PE. Forty healthy normotensive pregnant women in third trimester constituted the control group. Thyroid profile (free triiodothyronine [FT3], triiodothyronine [T3], free thyroxine [FT4], thyroxine [T4], and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH]) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Analysis and Results: Mean, median, standard deviation for quantitative variables were compared by Student's t-test. Percentage values were compared using Chi-square test. ANOVA tests and post hoc analysis were done. Odds ratio was used to assess risk for hypothyroidism. TSH was significantly high in PE (3.76 ± 1.55) than controls (2.30 ± 0.94 mIU/L). Mean FT3 in PE was 2.12 ± 0.55 and in controls was 2.43 ± 0.47 pg/ml. FT4 in cases was 1.16 ± 0.24 and in controls was 1.33 ± 0.27 ng/dL, suggestive of hypothyroidism. The mean serum albumin was significantly lesser (3.11 ± 0.39 g/dL) in PE. Conclusion: Preeclamptics had 11 times, severe preeclamptics 31.5 times while mild preeclamptics had five times more risk for hypothyroidism. Risks for hypothyroidism increase with the severity of PE.
Jennifer Matthews MS, Jennifer L. Huberty PhD, Jenn A. Leiferman PhD
et al.
Depression affects up to 23% of pregnant women and is associated with adverse physical/mental health outcomes for both the mother and baby. Depressed pregnant women may be more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors that contribute to an increased risk for chronic disease. Little is known regarding depressed pregnant women’s perceptions, uses of, and interests in complementary health approaches. Study participants (mean age 28.7 ± 6.8; n = 1032) included pregnant women ≥8 weeks gestation who responded to a survey assessing physical and mental health and wellness practices. Of those completing the survey, depressed pregnant women (n = 272) had significantly higher levels of anxiety ( P < .001) and stress ( P < .001) and had poorer sleep quality ( P < .001), mindfulness ( P < .001), and social support ( P < .001) compared to nondepressed pregnant women (n = 760). A majority (84%) of depressed pregnant women would consider using a complementary health approach for weight and/or stress management during pregnancy, and more than 50% were interested in yoga.
Abin Chandrakumar, Abin Xavier, Augustine Xavier
et al.
Introduction: The recent outbreaks of Hepatitis A in Kerala are suggestive of decrease in endemicity as most adults were not exposed during the childhood. In allopathic system of medicine, there is no established treatment for Hepatitis A and hence most people tend to rely on the alternate systems of medicine. The study was aimed at identifying the burden of Hepatitis A in the locality and to uncover the degree of dependence of the people on traditional systems of medicine.
Methods: The study spanned over 7 months and was conducted in Malappuram district of Kerala. A simple questionnaire having closed-ended questions was prepared and circulated among the physicians in the area. Demographic and other relevant details were obtained from the patients and the medicine system relied on was scrutinized.
Results: Of the 348 patients enrolled, majority of the patients were between the age of 10–30 years. The study revealed that females were more affected than males. Similarly people in rural areas were greater than those from urban areas. Most patients (73.28%) relied on Ayurvedic treatment after one week of onset of symptoms.
Discussion and conclusion: The preparations such as triphala which has great efficacy in treatment has to be further studied to establish the pathways and mechanism through which it acts. A collaborative effort between government, modern medicine and alternate medicine system can be highly effective in reducing the outbreaks of such epidemics through proper preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Context: Autoimmunity against the thyroid gland is one of the most important causes for thyroid dysfunction. Anti-thyroid antibody test is an important tool in the evaluation of autoimmune thyroid disorders. Aims: To study the prevalence of thyroid hormone dysfunction and positive anti-TPO antibody titers in patients being evaluated for thyroid-related disorders. Settings and Design:This retrospective cross-sectional study was done in Father Muller Medical College. Materials and Methods: The TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone), FT 4 (Free thyroxine), and anti-TPO titer reports of 74 subjects undergoing evaluation for thyroid-related disorders were analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical significance was estimated by P value. Results: About two-third (60%) of hypothyroid patients showed raised TPO antibody titer. The titer was significantly higher in hypothyroid subjects when compared to the euthyroid subjects, and a majority of the hypothyroid subjects had a titer at least twice the upper limit of normal. Two of the three subjects with hyperthyroidism also had elevated anti-TPO titers. Conclusions: The commonest cause of hypothyroidism in our study subjects was autoimmune-related thyroid disease. Anti-TPO antibody estimation is a very useful test for establishing the etiological diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid diseases in our population. In situations where there is a diffuse non-progressive goiter, anti-TPO antibody estimation can substitute for an invasive FNAC.