Prachi Bhandare, Akshay Vishwanath Kadkol, M. Yashaswini
et al.
Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder which can be triggered by host of factors including drugs. Filgrastim is a Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) analogue used to stimulate the production of white blood cells in patients on immunosuppressants developing neutropenia. EM following filgrastim usage is uncommonly reported in literature. The exact mechanism behind this reaction is not fully understood, but it is thought to be an immune-mediated response. Herein, we report this case of a 62-year-old male patient of active Pemphigus Vulgaris who developed EM following 2 doses of Filgrastim, which resolved after its discontinuation.
Christophe Raspaud, Laurence Culine, Joanne Velazquez
et al.
Objective: This large-scale survey aimed to investigate the use of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) across France. Design: Observation multicentric study. Setting: This survey study was conducted from October 10, 2022 to October 28, 2022 in medical, surgical, and obstetric clinics across France. Self-administered questionnaires specifically designed for the study were used to collect data related to subjects’ prior use of CIM (type of therapy used, reasons for use, cost, duration, who recommended the therapy) and patient demographic data. The questionnaires were made available at the admissions office, secretary’s office, or waiting rooms of clinics. Results: A total of 1178 questionnaires collected in 26 multipurpose clinics were analyzed. Two-thirds of patients (65%) reported having used at least one CIM, with a mean of four therapies used per patient. Osteopathy, massage, homeopathy, acupuncture, and psychotherapy were the most frequently reported therapies. More women than men declared using these therapies, and users were significantly younger than nonusers. Therapies were used for a variety of health conditions, but were most commonly used to treat pain (32%), anxiety (11%), cancer (9%), well-being (8%), and stress (7%). Patients mainly discussed use with family members (53%), doctors (52%), and/or partners (45%). Friends (29%), doctors (26%), or family members (18%) most commonly recommended therapies. Patients estimated spending a median of €330 over a median duration of 24 months. Depending on the therapy, 71%–92% of patients would recommend CIM to others. Conclusions: A substantial number of patients seen in French multipurpose clinics, particularly female and young adults, report using CIM. Patients have a positive opinion of these therapies, report using them long term, and devote a significant budget to them.
Abstract Cancer remains a global health challenge, with breast and prostate cancers being significant contributory factors to morbidity and mortality. Current treatments are limited by high costs, resistance, and adverse effects hence prompting the exploration of alternative therapies. This study evaluated the anticancer potential of crude extracts of ten medicinal plants commonly found in Ghana: Azadirachta indica, Vernonia amygdalina, Launaea taraxacifolia, Dissotis rotundifolia, Chromolaena odorata, Heliotropium indicum, Zingiber officinale, Carica papaya (leaves and seeds), and Solanum melongena, in breast (MCF-7) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cell lines. The plants were collected, authenticated, and processed for ethanolic extraction. Phytochemical analysis identified bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides. The cytotoxicity assays revealed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, with greater effects observed at higher concentrations than at lower concentrations. The extracts were found to be very effective even after 24 h hours, indicating their highly potent nature for these plants. Notably, extracts from Heliotropium indicum, Vernonia amygdalina, and Azadirachta indica showed significant activity, which could be attributed to their alkaloids and terpenoids, which induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds as promising candidates for anticancer drug development. These results also highlight the importance of biodiversity conservation and the integration of traditional knowledge into modern research to combat the global cancer burden. Future studies should focus on optimizing the use of these bioactive compounds, both individually and in combination, to develop more effective cancer treatments.
Bharti Gawai, Amol A. Tagalpallewar, Anil T. Pawar
et al.
Background: Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases. Alternative therapies, such as homeopathy, have gained attention for their potential in managing inflammatory conditions. Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, is well-documented for its anti-inflammatory properties in herbal medicine. However, its efficacy in homeopathic formulations remains largely unexplored. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of different homeopathic potencies of Glycyrrhiza glabra against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: normal control, LPS-induced inflammation control, dexamethasone-treated, Glycyrrhiza glabra homeopathic mother tincture (GHMT)-treated, and groups treated with Glycyrrhiza glabra homeopathic potency (G6CH, G30CH, G200CH). Anti-inflammatory effects of GHMT, G6CH, G30CH, and G200CH were evaluated against LPS-induced inflammation by measuring paw volume, serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase) in paw tissues, and histopathological changes in inflamed paw tissues. Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in paw volume in GHMT and G200CH-treated groups (p<0.0001) as compared to the inflammation control group. Additionally, the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly lowered (p<0.0001), and oxidative stress biomarkers showed significant improvement (p<0.0001) in GHMT and G200CH-treated groups. Histopathological examination further confirmed the reversal of inflammation-induced tissue changes by G. glabra homeopathic formulations, indicating its anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory potential of homeopathic formulations of Glycyrrhiza glabra, particularly GHMT and G200CH. The study suggests that these homeopathic potencies could serve as promising alternative anti-inflammatory agents, warranting further research to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Yulia A. Zurnadjyants, Anastasia S. Krasnova, Alina I. Medyannikova
This article is devoted to the analysis of consumer preferences in the context of treatment of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) using homeopathic medicines. The study covers various aspects such as patients' main motivations for choosing homeopathy, their level of satisfaction with the results of treatment, and factors influencing the use of homeopathic remedies in complex therapy. The authors of the article review data from social surveys conducted on Google Forms portal, medical research, and literature reviews to provide a comprehensive overview of current trends in the use of homeopathic remedies in the treatment of acute respiratory infections. Special attention is paid to the influence of sociocultural and educational factors on patients' decision-making regarding treatment choices.
The results of the study may be useful for health professionals, pharmacists and public health organizations, helping to better understand consumer preferences for homeopathy and to develop individualized approaches to the treatment of acute respiratory infections.
The aim of the study is to analyse consumer preferences in the use of homeopathic medicines in the complex treatment of acute respiratory viral infections.
Materials:
Questionnaires and Surveys: Development of structured questionnaires to collect information from patients about their preferences, motivations and experiences of using homeopathic medicines for ARVI. The survey was conducted anonymously on Google Forms platform, which allowed systematisation of the data obtained.
Internet resources: Analysis of discussions and reviews on medical forums and social networks related to homeopathy and treatment of acute respiratory infections.
Methods:
Statistical analysis: Processing data from questionnaires using statistical techniques such as frequency and correlation analyses.
Qualified interviews: Conducting interviews with patients, doctors to gain a deeper understanding of motivations and experiences of using homeopathic medicines.
Systematic literature review: Examining existing scientific articles and publications related to homeopathy and ARVI to obtain additional data and context.
Comparative analysis: Comparison of questionnaire results with literature review and interviews to identify trends and influence of consumer preferences on the use of homeopathic medicines.
Results. The study found that homeopathic medicines have the potential to be in demand in the comprehensive treatment of acute respiratory infections.
Scope of the findings: the results of the study may be useful for health professionals, pharmacists and public health organisations, helping to better understand consumer preferences for homeopathy and to develop individualised approaches to the treatment of ARVI.
Farwa Iftikhar, Rahmatullah Qureshi, Ayesha Siddiqa
et al.
Nanotechnology, an emerging field, holds significant promise with applications across diverse sectors, including medicine, agriculture, and the biological sciences. To address environmental concerns, the green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts is favoured. This study focuses on the formulation and characterisation of AgNPs using extracts from Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal, a medicinal plant that holds a unique phytochemical profile. The AgNPs derived from W. coagulans root (WcAgNPR) and fruit (WcAgNPF) extracts were characterised using ultraviolet and visible light (UV-Vis) spectral analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. The findings reveal that both WcAgNPR and WcAgNPF exhibit substantial antioxidant potential, with robust iron reducing capabilities and potent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. Additionally, they demonstrate strong hydrogen peroxide scavenging abilities. Notably, WcAgNPR outperforms WcAgNPF in the phosphomolybdate assay for antioxidant potential. Both AgNPs display remarkable antimicrobial efficacy, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) below 10 µg.mL-1 against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and noteworthy activity against gram-negative Escherichia coli (WcAgNPF with a MIC of 30 µg.mL-1 and WcAgNPR with a MIC of 60 µg.mL-1). These findings highlight the silver nanoparticles' significant antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, suggesting their potential for in vivo use as antimicrobial agents with minimal oxidative damage.
The Continuum theory and the Levels of Health theory propound the idea that return of efficient acute inflammation (high fever) heralds true improvement in chronic inflammatory states. We present 6 cases of atopic dermatitis (AD), which had stability in their improvement for 1 year or more, under classical homeopathy. The cases were retrospectively assessed with selected based on the Hanifin Rajka atopic dermatitis diagnostic criteria and the follow ups evaluated according to changes on SCORing Atopic Dermatitis scale (SCORAD) scale. The pictures are presented as evidence. Modified Naranjo Criteria for assessing causal attribution of clinical outcome to homeopathic intervention was used to assess the effect of homeopathy in these cases. All the cases improved and stabilised with complete skin clearance (those that relapsed within 1 year were not included). These patients had not suffered high fevers/acute inflammatory diseases since onset/aggravation of AD. Five of the 6 cases developed acute inflammatory diseases as the chronic condition improved. The last case showed return of an old, lesser pathology. The control cases – which were selected for non-improvement under classical homeopathy also showed remarkable skin clearance when there was appearance of acute inflammatory states. In this study, there is a mutually exclusive relationship between efficient acute inflammation and chronic inflammation, which is in accordance with the 2 theories considered here. Further scientific studies are necessary to establish the phenomenon at tissue level.
Background Asthma is a common chronic disease worldwide without any known cure. Despite remarkable improvement in asthma treatment, better education and guideline implementation strategies, there is growing interest in using complementary and alternative medicine, like reflexology and homeopathy. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of homeopathy and reflexology in asthma treatment is not available. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reflexology and homeopathy as adjunctive therapies in asthma. Methods In a single centre, randomised, investigator blinded, controlled study 86 asthma patients were enrolled. They were assigned to one of three study groups (conventional treatment alone or conventional treatment with addition of either homeopathy or reflexology). All patients received their asthma treatment during the study and were followed as usual by their general practitioner. The study assignment group of individual patients were blinded to the investigators, who made the clinical evaluation of asthma control. The primary outcome was the change in the asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) scores after 26 weeks. Secondary outcomes included asthma control questionnaire, EuroQol, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, morning and evening peak expiratory flow, asthma symptoms, rescue medication use, and total medication score. Results Minor improvements in the AQLQ score were observed in all three groups. However, no statistically significant changes in AQLQ scores were seen within or between groups. Likewise, secondary outcomes did not differ between groups. Conclusions In this study, the addition of homeopathy or reflexology to conventional treatment did not result in improved quality of life in asthma.
Camila Aparecida Abrahão BScN, MD, Emiliana Bomfim BScN, MSc, PhD, Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior BScN, OCN, MSc, PhD
et al.
Abrahão, CA, Bomfim E, Lopes-Júnior LC, Pereira-da-Silva, G. Complementary Therapies as a Strategy to Reduce Stress and Stimulate the Immunity of Women With Breast Cancer. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. 2019; 24. Due to an administrative error, this article was accidentally published twice in Volume 24 with different DOIs. The correct and citable version of the article remains: Abrahão, CA, Bomfim E, Lopes-Júnior LC, Pereira-da-Silva, G. Complementary Therapies as a Strategy to Reduce Stress and Stimulate Immunity of Women With Breast Cancer. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine . 2019; 24. doi: 10.1177/2515690X19834169
Alina PETRACHE MORNEA, Teodora MORAR, Svetlana MICLE
et al.
The aim of the research was to investigate the way in which homeopathic remedies and magnetic field, influence the germination experiment of Fragaria Vesca L. (wild strawberry) in vitro. Applying homeopathic treatment and magnetic field proved to make a difference in germination, growing and development of wild strawberry plants. The Dr. Schuessler’s 12 tissue salts (homeopathic treatment) had a positive influence on the germination process and the exposure to magnetic field had an inhibitory influence. These types of treatment can be an alternative for plant development without changing the quality of plants and soil.
Kinsgley Chukwunonso Agu, Nkeiruka Eluehike, Reuben Oseikhumen Ofeimun
et al.
Abstract Background Annona muricata has been used in folklore in the management of diabetes. A major strategy in decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes involves the inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes - α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Thus, this study evaluated the in vivo and in vitro inhibitory potentials of the different parts (fruit-pulp, leaf, stem-bark and root-bark) of Annona muricata. Methods A total of 120 Wistar rats were treated with methanol extracts for 28 days after which blood and tissue samples were collected for α-amylase assay. In vitro inhibitory properties of methanol, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane extracts of the various parts of the plant on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities were performed using standard procedures. The mode and mechanism of interactions between the enzymes and extracts (and isolated acetogenin) were determined using various kinetic interpolations and in silico experiments. Result The fruit-pulp and root-bark methanolic extracts better -inhibited plasma and tissue amylase in vivo. The in vitro studies revealed that the stem-bark methanolic, fruit-pulp ethyl acetate, and leaf dichloromethane extracts, better inhibited α-amylase activity compared with the standard acarbose. Also, the leaf methanol, fruit-pulp ethyl acetate, and root-bark dichloromethane extract better inhibited α-glucosidase activity. These observations were corroborated with their higher Bmax and Vmax and lower Kd values. All the extracts exhibited an “uncompetitive” type of inhibition pattern. Also, the isolated acetogenin (15-acetyl guanacone) from the fruit-pulp showed a better binding affinity compared to the standard drug, Metformin. Conclusion Better natural remedy for diabetics can be obtained from Annona muricata with minimal or no adverse side effects.
Roi Piñeiro Pérez, Esmeralda Núñez Cuadros, Belén Rodríguez Marrodan
et al.
Resumen: En la actualidad existen numerosas terapias que se practican sin ajustarse a la evidencia científica disponible. La terminología es variada y confusa, englobando términos como «medicina alternativa», «medicina natural», «medicina complementaria», «seudociencias» o «seudoterapias». El Comité de Medicamentos de la Asociación Española de Pediatría considera que ningún profesional sanitario debe recomendar tratamientos no avalados por la evidencia científica, y que las actuaciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas deben estar siempre basadas en protocolos y guías de práctica clínica. Considera que es responsabilidad y obligación de las autoridades sanitarias y del sistema judicial reglamentar y regularizar el uso de medicinas alternativas en niños, advirtiendo a los padres y a los prescriptores de las posibles consecuencias en aquellos casos en los que la evolución clínica no sea satisfactoria. Se deberían exigir las mismas responsabilidades que a la práctica de la medicina tradicional, o a los profesionales sanitarios que actúan sin ajustarse a la «lex artis ad hoc», y a los padres que no cumplen con sus deberes de custodia y protección. Este Comité considera que los Colegios Profesionales deberían reprobar o corregir a aquellos profesionales sanitarios que, bajo un reconocimiento científico obtenido por un título universitario, practiquen, impulsen o promuevan la práctica de una medicina alejada del método científico y la evidencia actual, sobre todo en aquellos casos en los que se recomiende sustituir el tratamiento convencional por una seudoterapia, y en todo caso, si ello da lugar a un empeoramiento clínico que se podría haber evitado, valorando incluso posibles sanciones. Abstract: Currently, there are some therapies that are being practiced without adjusting to the available scientific evidence. The terminology is confusing, encompassing terms such as “alternative medicine”, “natural medicine”, “complementary medicine”, “pseudoscience” or “pseudo-therapies”. The Medicines Committee of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics considers that no health professional should recommend treatments not supported by scientific evidence. Also, diagnostic and therapeutic actions should be always based on protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Health authorities and judicial system should regulate and regularize the use of alternative medicines in children, warning parents and prescribers of possible sanctions in those cases in which the clinical evolution is not satisfactory, as well responsibilities are required for the practice of traditional medicine, for health professionals who act without complying with the “lex artis ad hoc”, and for the parents who do not fulfill their duties of custody and protection. In addition, it considers that, as already has happened, Professional Associations should also sanction, or at least reprobate or correct, those health professionals who, under a scientific recognition obtained by a university degree, promote the use of therapies far from the scientific method and current evidence, especially in those cases in which it is recommended to replace conventional treatment with pseudo-therapy, and in any case if said substitution leads to a clinical worsening that could have been avoided.
Basic experimental models in Homeopathy are of major interest because they could get insightful data about the ability of high dilutions to work in a biological system. Due to the extreme difficulty in the highlighting any possible effect and trusting its reliability, methods should be particularly stringent and highly standardized. Confounders, handling process, pre-analytical errors, misleading statistics and misinterpretations may lead to experimental biases. This article tries to elucidate those factors causing bias, taking into account some recent reported evidence in the field.
José Ramón Martínez Pérez, Lianet López Ocaña, Norka Goodridge Altabás
et al.
<p><strong>Background</strong>:<strong> </strong>uterine fibroma is a health problem that affects women in reproductive age. Elective treatments based on surgery and uterine arterial embolization, although successful, are invasive and risky.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Objective</strong>:<strong> </strong>to assess the effects of a combined treatment with magnetic therapy, laser therapy and homeopathy in women with uterine myoma referred to the department of natural and traditional medicine at “Rafael Izquierdo” Teaching Polyclinic from July 2015 to March 2016.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>:<strong> </strong>an intervention study was carried out with 25 women of the 20 to 49 age group with a diagnosis of uterine myoma, in the place and during the period herein mentioned. Patients were distributed at random into two groups. The first group received a combined therapy, while the second group received hormonal treatment (medroxiprogesterone). Follow-up was conducted clinically and by ultrasound, at 3 and 6 months after the end of the treatment.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: at 6 months of treatment, the study group reduced the tumor size in 21,34 mm<sup>3</sup>, more than in the control group; the latter, at 3 months, reduced the tumor intensively in 7,7 %, while 92,3 % was moderate. At 6 months, the patients with intense reduction increased to 30,8 %. In the study group only 16,7 % reached the intense reduction of the tumor. Concerning the reduction of the uterus size there were no remarkable differences between the two groups. Clinical progress was higher in the control group.</p><strong>Conclusions</strong>:<strong> </strong>Hormonal therapy showed better clinical and ultrasonographic results; both treatments were harmless.
Dana Dharmakaya Colgan MA, MS, CYI-500, Helané Wahbeh ND, Mollie Pleet MA
et al.
This qualitative study explored and compared the subjective experiences of 102 veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 arms: ( a ) body scan, ( b ) mindful breathing, ( c ) slow breathing, or ( d ) sitting quietly. Qualitative data were obtained via semistructured interviews following the intervention and analyzed using conventional content analysis. The percentage of participants within each intervention who endorsed a specific theme was calculated. Two-proportion z tests were then calculated to determine if the differences among themes endorsed in specific groups were statistically significant. Six core themes emerged from analysis of participant responses across the 4 groups: ( a ) enhanced present moment awareness, ( b ) increased nonreactivity, ( c ) increased nonjudgmental acceptance, ( d ) decreased physiological arousal and stress reactivity, ( e ) increased active coping skills, and ( f ) greater relaxation. More participants in the mindfulness intervention groups reported improvement in PTSD symptoms when compared to participants in non-mindfulness groups. Different types of intervention targeted different symptoms and aspects of well-being. Furthermore, type of intervention may have also differentially targeted potential mechanisms of action. This article highlights the importance of employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods when investigating the dynamic process of mindfulness and may inform how practices can be tailored to the needs of the veteran with PTSD.
This paper is an attempt to understand the project of mainstreaming in India's health care system that has started with an aim to bring marginalized and alternative systems of medicine in mainstream. The project has gained much attention with the establishment of Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) in the year 2003, which is now a ministry. It has ushered some positive results in terms of growth of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries. However, it has also raised challenges around the theory and practice of mainstreaming. With an emphasis on Ayurvedic practice in Delhi Government Health Institutions, this article has tried to analyze some of those challenges and intricacies. Drawing on Weber's theory of bureaucratization and Giddens's theory of structuration, the paper asks what happens to an alternative medical system when it becomes part of the bureaucratic set-up. Along with the questions of structures, it also tries to combine the question of the agency of both patients and doctors considered to be the cornerstone of the Ayurvedic medical system. Although our study recognizes some of the successes of the mainstreaming project, it also underlines the challenges and problems it faces by analyzing three points of view (institutions, doctors, and patients).