Namrata Majumdar, Sayeri Mukhopadhyay, Dipratim Das
et al.
Glomus tumors (GTs) are extremely uncommon benign tumors that are frequently excruciatingly painful. They are most frequently found in the subungual region of the fingertips and frequently go undiagnosed. Common symptoms include severe pain on touch, paroxysmal discomfort, and cold intolerance. For diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging is helpful. Surgical excision of the tumor demonstrates remarkable recovery. We report the successful management of a young woman with severe chronic pain in her fingernails caused by a GT in the left ring finger that had been misdiagnosed as chronic paronychia for the past 5 years.
Shabnam Salekzamani PhD, Saman Baharomid MD, Sina Pakkhesal PharmD
et al.
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Caffeine, as the most widely consumed psychoactive substance, has been suggested to have potential effects on the clinical course and disability levels of MS patients. This study aimed to review the current evidence on the effects of coffee/caffeine in patients with MS. Methods This study followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PRISMA 2020 statement. Clinical evidence regarding the effects of caffeine/coffee in MS patients was considered. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase in October 2023, and updated via handsearching in March 2024. JBI's critical appraisal tools were utilized to scrutinize the risk of bias. Results Out of 297 screened records, eight studies were eventually found to meet our inclusion criteria. The sample size of the studies varied between 12 and 1372 and the study designs were retrospective cohort, RCT, single-blind crossover trial, single-arm pilot study (each one study), and cross-sectional (four studies). No significant association between the level of disability and coffee/caffeine intake has been reported, although it was reported to be associated with cognitive improvements. Discussion Evidence indicates an association between coffee/caffeine consumption, and improved cognitive outcomes in patients with MS, while there is no considerable relationship with the disease disability. Considering the limitations of the evidence, such as the small number of studies, and great diversity in study designs, the findings of this study should translate to clinical practice with caution.
M. Frass, P. Lechleitner, Christa Gründling
et al.
, In the Additional Details of Endpoints or Study Design section of this report, it was reported that “ Eight of the randomized patients had to be excluded because of sensitizing EGFR mutations or ALK translocations reported immediately after randomization (four in the homeopathy group, four in the control group). ” In the parenthetical note, “ control group ” should have been “ placebo group ” . This error does not affect the results of this study, but in the interest of clarity, the online version of this article has been corrected.
Abstract Background/Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease; its clinical profile and natural history are evolving. Each well-recorded case in homeopathic practice is important for deciding the future course of action. This study aims at identifying clinically useful homeopathic remedies and their prescribing symptoms using the prognostic factor research model. Methods This was an open-label, multi-centric, observational study performed from April 2020 to July 2020 at various public health care clinics. The data were collected prospectively from clinical practice at integrated COVID-19 care facilities in India. Good-quality cases were selected using a specific set of criteria. These cases were analyzed for elucidating prognostic factors by calculating the likelihood ratio (LR) of each frequently occurring symptom. The symptoms with high LR values (>1) were considered as prescribing indications of the specific remedy. Results Out of 327 COVID-19 cases reported, 211 met the selection criteria for analysis. The most common complaints were fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, myalgia, fever, dry mouth and throat, increased thirst, headache, decreased appetite, anxiety, and altered taste. Twenty-seven remedies were prescribed and four of them—Arsenicum album, Bryonia alba, Gelsemium sempervirens, and Pulsatilla nigricans—were the most frequently used. A high LR was obtained for certain symptoms, which enabled differentiation between the remedies for a given patient. Conclusion Homeopathic medicines were associated with improvement in symptoms of COVID-19 cases. Characteristic symptoms of four frequently indicated remedies have been identified using prognostic factor research, findings that can contribute to accurate homeopathic prescribing during future controlled research in COVID-19.
Edward Jenner Tettevi, Mahmoud Maina,
David Larbi Simpong
et al.
Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder is the most common form of dementia globally. Several studies have suggested alteration in the gut microbiota and HSV-1 infection as contributing factors to the development of the disease. As at now, there are no AD attenuating agents and AD pharmacotherapy is focused on managing symptoms while plants used in ethnomedicine remain potential sources of drugs for the treatment of the condition. Here, we reviewed published databases for African ethnomedicinal plants and functional foods of African origin that are used in the management of AD-related phenotypes, treatment of herpes simplex virus −1 (HSV-1) and/or improvement of gut microbiota. A total of 101 unique plant species and 24 different types of traditionally prepared African functional foodstuff were identified. Of the 101 identified plant species, 50 species serve as functional foodstuffs. Twenty-three (23) of the ethnomedicinal plant families were successfully identified for the treatment and management of AD-related phenotypes and age-related dementia. Eighteen (18) African plant species from 15 families were also identified as potent remedies for HSV-1; while many African wild fruits (3 species), roots and tubers (7 species), leafy vegetables (14 species), and seaweeds (26 species) were functional foods for modifying AD-related phenotypes. It was concluded that African medicinal plants are potential sources of both AD attenuating agents and phytocompounds that may be used against HSV-1 infection and alteration of gut microbiota. Additionally, a number of African functional foods are important sources of prebiotics and probiotics.
Abstract Background Hong Kong is geographically located in the province of Guangdong which, after Hubei, has been the region of China second-most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the pathognomonic symptoms of the named disease, homeopathic symptoms are always more helpful for homeopathic prescriptions. Aim This study reports and summarizes the homeopathic symptoms observed in 18 confirmed/suspected epidemiologically related cases in cluster outbreaks of COVID-19 in Hong Kong in early 2020. Methods Homeopathic symptoms from this case series were collected from 18 consecutive patients who, in addition to their concurrent conventional treatment or traditional Chinese medicine, actively sought help from homeopathy as an adjunctive measure for symptomatic relief from COVID-19. Cases were categorized according to outbreak clusters, focusing mainly on the homeopathic symptoms. In the analysis, frequency of all homeopathic medicines, common rubrics in all the cases, common rubrics in each of the top-ranked remedies, and differentiating symptoms for each top-ranked remedy were determined. Results Homeopathic symptoms of 18 cases, each identified as mild and belonging to one of six separate clusters, are reported. Eighteen common symptoms screened out of 79 selected rubrics constituted two sets of homeopathic symptom pictures: Bryonia alba (n = 4) and Gelsemium sempervirens (n = 12). Eight and seven differentiating features, respectively, were identified for Bryonia alba and Gelsemium sempervirens. Conclusion The common symptoms of 18 mild COVID-19 cases constituted two sets of homeopathic symptom pictures, indicating Bryonia alba or Gelsemium sempervirens; they were indicated in 4 and 12 cases, respectively, out of the 18 in total.
AbstractA clear definition of its subject and correct application of its tenets are the basis of any science. Conversely, the want of a unanimous understanding of its constituting principles by the homeopathic community is undermining its scientific practice, research and discussion. To facilitate these, first and foremost the Principle of Similars, similia similibus curentur, has to be clarified and assessed in terms of its theoretical meaning, historical development, and epistemological status. Hahnemann's conceptions, explanations, and appraisals were not static but evolved and hardened over the years, especially from 1796 to 1810. While initially he related similia similibus to an imitation of similar cures by nature and proposed it as an opposition to contraria contrariis, he later generalised it to the treatment of any disease. Whilst originally he considered it to be a hermeneutical principle, or a hint towards a curative remedy, Hahnemann later dogmatised it as the only truth. Considering advances in epistemology and theory of medicine, however, the Principle of Similars may not be assessed as a final truth or natural law to be empirically verified or falsified for good, but rather as a practical maxim, guiding the artist of healing in his/her curing of diseases rationally and individually.
Abstract Background The spices, cinnamon and turmeric have both culinary and pharmaceutical applications. Earlier studies proved their effect on reducing the symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes, a major lifestyle disease affecting millions world over. In our work, we prepared a bi-herbal extract of cinnamon and turmeric and studied its effect to alleviate the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in rat model. Method The phenolic rich bi-herbal extract was given to diabetes induced male wistar rats for 28 days at two different concentrations (50 and 150 mg/Kg bwt.). The changes in blood glucose level were monitored at weekly interval. At the end of the experiment, blood serum was collected and used for the estimation of lipid profile, Glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total Protein (TP), Albumin, Urea and Creatinine levels. Result The serum analysis revealed that administration of the bi-herbal extract at 150 mg/Kg bwt. significantly reduced the blood glucose level (152.60 ± 40.2 mg/dL; p < 0.05) of diabetic animals as compared to diabetic control (335.40 ± 67.3 mg/dL; p < 0.05) at the end of 4 weeks. The treatment also resulted in the reduction of total cholesterol and LDL-cholestrol levels as compared to diabetic control animals. The histopathological examination of tissues showed the improvement in pancreatic architecture and restoration of tissue integrity in liver and kidney. Conclusion The study concludes that methanol extract of combination of cinnamon and turmeric has good hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and organ protective potential in diabetic rats which could be developed into functional food supplementation for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Olubanke O. Ogunlana, Babatunde O. Adetuyi, Miracle Rotimi
et al.
Abstract Background Diabetes, a global cause of mortality in developing countries is a chronic disorder affecting the metabolism of macromolecules and has been attributed to the defective production and action of insulin characterized by persistent hyperglycemic properties. This global disorder harms organs of the body such as the liver, kidney and spleen. Medicinal plants such as Hunteria umbellate have been shown to possess hypoglycemic, antioxidative and anti-diabetic properties owing to the high concentration of active phytochemical constituents like flavonoids and alkaloids. The present study seeks to evaluate the hypoglycemic activities of ethanolic seed extract of Hunteria umbellate on streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats. Methods Thirty (30) female experimental rats were randomly divided into five groups with six rats per group and were administered streptozotocin (STZ) and Hunteria umbellate as follows. Group 1 served as control and was given only distilled water, group 2 rats were administered 60 mg/kg STZ; Group 3 was administered 60 mg/kg STZ and 100 mg/kg metformin; group 4 rats were administered 60 mg/kg STZ and 800 mg/kg Hunteria umbellate, group 5 rats 60 mg/kg STZ and 400 mg/kg Hunteria umbellate. The fasting blood glucose level of each rat was measured before sacrifice. Rats were then sacrificed 24 h after the last dose of treatment. Results The results showed that Hunteria umbellate significantly reversed STZ-induced increase in fasting blood glucose and increase in body and organs weight of rats. Hunteria umbellate significantly reversed STZ-induced decrease in antioxidant enzyme in liver, kidney and spleen of rats. Hunteria umbellate significantly reversed STZ-induced increase in oxidative stress markers in liver, kidney and spleen of rats. Conclusion Collectively, our results provide convincing information that inhibition of oxidative stress and regulation of blood glucose level are major mechanisms through which Hunteria umbellate protects against streptozotocin-induced diabketes rats.
The branch of medicine and provision of clinical care is quite complex and challenging owing to the involvement of a number of stakeholders and parameters. The available global estimates suggest that the incidence of adverse events is one the rise and it has been identified as one among the 10 most frequent reasons for death and disability worldwide. Considering that significant developments have been made in modern medicine, it is quite unacceptable. The ideal and cost-effective approach that is expected to make it as a long-term behavior among the future generation of doctors, is by exposing the undergraduate medical students to patient safety curriculum during their training period. At present, the need of the hour is to design a comprehensive patient safety curriculum and as it is a novel topic, we can adopt Kern's six-step approach for the same. In conclusion, patient safety is an integral aspect of clinical medicine and being a health care professional, it is our primary responsibility to not only deliver quality assured care but also take care of patient safety. Thus, it is high time that steps are taken at the medical college level to design a formal patient safety curriculum and then implement the same in collaboration with the Curriculum Committee and the Medical Education Unit.
In this paper, I examine the philosophical foundations of the regulation of edible things with particular emphasis on interpretations of the ontological relationship between the categories of 'food' and 'drugs.' To illustrate the diversity of possible approaches to the regulation of food and drugs and their correlative ontological commitments, I focus on two different examples: the United States Food and Drug Administration's Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) and the development of India's Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH). In my examination of these two regulatory bodies, my goal is not to provide a universal or absolute answer as to how the food-drug relationship ought to be interpreted or codified within regulatory policy. Rather, I aim to provide support for the following claims: (1) these regulatory policies are undergirded by philosophical assumptions regarding the ontological relationship between the categories of food and drugs, (2) the regulatory structure of the US Food & Drug Administration rests on a dichotomous interpretation of the food-drug relationship, (3) India's Ministry of AYUSH rests on an interpretation of the food-drug relationship that understands the categories of 'food' and 'drugs' as overlapping with one another, and (4) each of these approaches to the regulation of edible things has unique advantages and disadvantages that ought to be recognized and evaluated in developing and revising policy for the regulation of edible things.
Gunnar F. Kwakye, Jennifer Jiménez, Jessica A. Jiménez
et al.
Atropa belladonna, commonly known as belladonna or deadly nightshade, ranks among one of the most poisonous plants in Europe and other parts of the world. The plant contains tropane alkaloids including atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which are used as anticholinergics in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs and homeopathic remedies. These alkaloids can be very toxic at high dose. The FDA has recently reported that Hyland's baby teething tablets contain inconsistent amounts of Atropa belladonna that may have adverse effects on the nervous system and cause death in children, thus recalled the product in 2017. A greater understanding of the neurotoxicity of Atropa belladonna and its modification of genetic polymorphisms in the nervous system is critical in order to develop better treatment strategies, therapies, regulations, education of at-risk populations, and a more cohesive paradigm for future research. This review offers an integrated view of the homeopathy and neurotoxicity of Atropa belladonna in children, adults, and animal models as well as its implications to neurological disorders. Particular attention is dedicated to the pharmaco/toxicodynamics, pharmaco/toxicokinetics, pathophysiology, epidemiological cases, and animal studies associated with the effects of Atropa belladonna on the nervous system. Additionally, we discuss the influence of active tropane alkaloids in Atropa belladonna and other similar plants on FDA-approved therapeutic drugs for treatment of neurological disorders.
Objectives: The last systematic review of physicochemical research performed on homeopathic preparations was published in 2003. The aim of the study is to update and expand the current state of knowledge in the area of physicochemical properties of homeopathic preparations. In part 1 of the study, we aim to present an overview of the literature with respect to publication quality and methods used. In part 2, we aim to identify the most interesting experimental techniques. With this, we aim to be in a position to generate meaningful hypotheses regarding a possible mode of action of homeopathic preparations. Methods: A two-step procedure was adopted: (1) an extensive literature search, followed by a bibliometric and quality analysis on the level of publications and (2) a thorough qualitative analysis of the individual physicochemical investigations found. In this publication, we report on step (1). We searched major scientific databases to find publications reporting physicochemical investigations of homeopathy from its origin to the end of 2015. Publications were assessed using a scoring scheme, the Manuscript Information Score (MIS). Information regarding country of origin of the research and experimental techniques used was extracted. Results: We identified 183 publications (compared to 44 in the last review), 122 of which had an MIS ≥5. The rate of publication in the field was ∼2 per year from the 1970s until 2000. Afterward, it increased to over 5.5 publications per year. The quality of publications was seen to increase sharply from 2000 onward, whereas before 2000, only 12 (13%) publications were rated as “high quality” (MIS ≥7.5); 44 (48%) publications were rated as “high quality” from 2000 onward. Countries with most publications were Germany (n = 42, 23%), France (n = 29, 16%), India (n = 27, 15%), and Italy (n = 26, 14%). Techniques most frequently used were electrical impedance (26%), analytical methods (20%), spectroscopy (20%), and nuclear magnetic resonance (19%). Conclusions: Physicochemical research into homeopathic preparations is increasing both in terms of quantity and quality of the publications.
Abstract Background Homeopathy is controversial due to its use of very highly diluted medicines (high potencies/dynamisations). Methods We used a multi-technology approach to examine dilutions of two commonly used homeopathic medicines: an insoluble metal, Cuprum metallicum, and a soluble plant tincture, Gelsemium sempervirens, for the presence of nanoparticles (NPs) of original substance. The homeopathic medicines tested were specially prepared, according to the European pharmacopoeia standards. We compared the homeopathic dilutions/dynamisations with simple dilutions and controls. Results Using Mass Spectrometry (Single Particle-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) we could not find the expected copper in the 4cH potentisation and could not confirm the results previously obtained by Chikramane et al (2010). For Gelsemium medicines, using sensitive chromatography (HPLC-UV) up to a dilution level of 6 dH (3cH = dilution 10e-6), there was no significant difference in alkaloid content between a simple dilution and a homeopathic potency. For higher potentisations, however, NP tracking analysis findings revealed the presence of particles in all samples (except for pure water). The measurements showed large differences in particle quantities, mean particle sizes and standard deviations of the mean sizes between manufacturing lines of different starting material. There was always more material in potentised medicines than in potentised pure water. Gelsemium yielded the largest quantity of material (36 times more than that from copper at the same potentisation, 30 cH). The shapes and the chemical composition of the material are differentiable between different medicines and controls. Conclusion Potentisation influences specifically the nature of NPs detected. This material demonstrates that the step-by-step process (dynamised or not) does not match with the theoretical expectations in a dilution process. The Avogadro/Loschmidt limit is not relevant at all. It was not possible to reproduce the findings of Chikramane et al (2010) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with copper. Copper NPs could not be detected at 4cH and above.
Praveen Oberai, Roja Varanasi, M. Padmanabhan
et al.
Abstract Background Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is endemic to certain parts of India, with limited treatment options. In our initial exploratory comparative observational study of 151 patients with AES, there was significantly reduced mortality with adjunctive homeopathy compared to institutional management protocol (IMP). The present randomized placebo-controlled trial brings more statistical rigor to this research program. Methods This study was conducted at a pediatric unit from 2013 to 2015. Children aged > 6 months and ≤ 18 years and receiving IMP were randomized to receive adjunctive homeopathy (n = 325) or placebo as control (n = 323). The primary effectiveness analysis was based on Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Morbidity was assessed using the Liverpool Outcome Score for Assessing Children at Follow-up. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results A total of 612 children were analyzed (Homeopathy [H] = 304; Control [C] = 308). The primary outcome, GOS, differed significantly between H and C groups. There was 14.8% death/neuro-vegetative state in the H group compared to 29.8% in the C group. Relative risk was 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36 to 0.68), with absolute risk reduction of 15.0% (95% CI: 8.6 to 21.6%). Number needed to treat to prevent one additional death/neuro-vegetative state was 6.6 (95% CI: 4.6 to 11.6). Proportional-odds analysis also revealed a greater effect in the H group: odds ratio, 0.40 (95% CI: 0.27 to 0.60). The most frequently used medicines were Belladonna (n = 116), Stramonium (n = 33), Arsenicum album (n = 25), Sulfur (n = 18), Opium (n = 17), and Nux vomica (n = 10). Conclusion Adjunctive homeopathic medicines may improve clinical outcomes associated with AES. Further randomized and controlled studies, using double-blinded trial design, are recommended to discover if the current findings may be corroborated.
S. M. Mushiur Rahman, Md. Atikullah, Md. Nahinul Islam
et al.
Abstract Background The study was designed to investigate the qualitative phytochemical constituents and evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and anti-diarrhoeal activities of methanol (MHAL) and ethyl acetate (EAHAL) extract of Hemigraphis alternata leaves in Swiss albino mice. Methods Qualitative phytochemical constituents of MHAL and EAHAL were determined by different tests such as Molisch’s test, Fehling test, Mayer’s test, Frothing test, FeCl3 test, Alkali test, Salkowski’s test, Keller-killiani test and CuSO4 test. In addition, Xylene induced-ear edema test and Cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation test had been performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, Formalin-induced paw licking test, Acetic acid-induced writhing tests and Castor oil induced antidiarrheal test had been performed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and anti-diarrhoeal activities respectively. Results These crude extracts were figured the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, triterpenoids, fat and fixed oils. No mortality, behavioral changes or sign of any toxicity were observed up to the dose as high as 4000 mg/kg in mice. During anti-inflammatory test, MHAL 400 mg/kg and EAHAL 200 mg/kg & 400 mg/kg were significantly reduced ear weight differences and granuloma formation in mice. Highest percentage inhibition was offered by EAHAL 400 mg/kg dose (35.15 ± 11.78% and 34.76 ± 11.30%) in both anti-inflammatory tests respectively. In anti-nociceptive experiments, all extracts were significantly reduced paw licking and abdominal writhing of mice. Highest percentage inhibition was offered by EAHAL 400 mg/kg dose (88.21 ± 2.23% and 54.00 ± 2.38%) in both anti-nociceptive tests respectively. In addition, both extracts were showed significant inhibition of percentage of diarrhea in anti-diarrhoeal models except EAHAL 200 mg/kg dose and the apex percentage inhibition is offered by MHAL 400 mg/kg dose (67.73 ± 5.77%). Conclusion These results confirm that the leaves extract of Hemigraphis alternata are nontoxic and may provide a source of plant compounds with anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and anti-diarrhoeal activities.
Carlos Morales-Vallecilla, Nicolas Ramírez, David Villar
et al.
A questionnaire study was conducted among 131 veterinarians practicing in the city of Medellin, Colombia, to assess views on pain evaluation and management in dogs and cats. When pain recognition and quantification abilities were used as a perceived competence of proper pain assessment, only 83/131 (63.4%, confidence interval (CI) 0.55–0.72) were deemed to have satisfactory skills, with the rest considered to be deficient. There were 49/131 (37.4) veterinarians who had participated in continuing education programs and were more confident assessing pain, with an odds ratio (±standard error) of 2.84 ± 1.15 (p = 0.01; CI 1.27–6.32). In addition, the odds of using pain scales was 4.28 ± 2.17 (p < 0.01, CI 1.58–11.55) greater if they had also participated in continuing education programs. The term multimodal analgesia was familiar to 77 (58.7%) veterinarians who also claimed to use more than one approach to pain control. Nevertheless, homeopathy was the preferred alternative approach in 71/77 (92%). There were major misconceptions on side effects and/or contraindications for use of opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by most veterinarians. In addition, the lack of multimodal analgesia by at least 40% of the practitioners, combined with heavy reliance on weak analgesics (i.e., tramadol) or those with no proven record of efficacy (homeopathic remedies), denotes major deficits in education at the undergraduate level and a need for additional continuing education designed to fulfill the gaps in knowledge identified in this study, and overcome ideological convictions not supported by scientific evidence.
L. Spigelblatt, G. Laîné-Ammara, I. Pless
et al.
OBJECTIVE Alternative medicine (AM) is of growing interest to the general public. Although several studies have been published concerning its use in adults, the use by children is less well known. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency with which alternative medicine is employed in a pediatric population that also uses conventional medicine. A second goal is to investigate the sociodemographic factors that influence the choice of these forms of therapy. METHODS Parents of children consulting the general outpatient clinic of a university hospital completed a self-administered questionnaire asking about previous use of AM for themselves or their children. RESULTS Based on 1911 completed questionnaires, 208 children (11%) previously consulted one or more AM practitioners. Chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathy, and acupuncture together accounted for 84% of use. Children who used AM differed significantly from those who only used conventional medicine in that they were older than the nonusers, their mothers were better educated, and their parents also tended to use AM. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that AM is an aspect of child health care that no longer can be ignored. Being aware of these practices will enable physicians to discuss alternative therapies with parents in order to ensure the continuity of essential conventional treatments.