Fernanda Maria Simões da Costa Fujino, Ana Paula Ribeiro, Denise Castanho Antunes
et al.
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have a multifactorial etiology and are associated with psychosocial factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Sleep quality also influences general health and is associated with obesity and NCDs. Homeopathy, as a medical specialty, is effective in managing these conditions because of its comprehensive approach to individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of homeopathic treatment on sleep quality and levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational, longitudinal, and prospective study on individuals over 18 years of age with homeopathic medical follow-up for 6 months in the public healthcare service of Guarulhos, São Paulo. METHODS: Participants were evaluated initially (T0) and after 3 (T1) and 6 months (T2) using validated questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale), following all ethical precepts. The scores were compared over time and correlated with each other (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 49 years. Initially, 81% of the participants had sleep disorders and severe or extremely severe levels of stress (33.78%), anxiety (28.38%), and depression (27.03%). A total of 26 patients were present at the three evaluation points, which were included as the participants of the study. Homeopathic treatment significantly improved sleep quality and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Sleep quality and anxiety were strongly (r = 0.53, P = 0.005) and weakly (r = 0.25, P = 0.021) correlated with stress, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the short term, homeopathic treatment had a positive impact on the sample, suggesting that this therapy can be used to prevent NCDs.
Background:
Preterm labor is the primary challenge in prenatal health care, leading to a high rate of mortality. As a result, in pregnant women with preterm labor, we use nitroglycerine transdermally as a tocolytic agent. The main objective of this study was to determine the best effective tocolytic agents for preterm laboring ladies to optimize their benefits. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the impact of using nitroglycerin dermal patch as a tocolytic for the management of preterm labor and to assess its side effects.
Methodology:
A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ACPM Medical College, Dhule. The study was done 6 months from January 2022 to June 2022. Fifty women were enrolled in the study after informed written consent. Nulliparous and multiparous pregnancies with a gestation age of between 24 and 34 weeks were considered in the inclusion criteria, while women in active labor were excluded from the study.
Results:
In the present study, treatment of women with preterm labor, where transdermally used nitroglycerine patch, was found successful in 78% of women with preterm labor, while in 22% of women, results were not achieved.
Conclusion:
In our study, nitroglycerine patch proved to be the drug of choice for acute uterine relaxation in women with preterm labor. This prospective study supports that the transdermal patch of nitroglycerine may be a promising, safe, effective, cost-effective, and noninvasive method of tocolysis.
Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the foremost potential severe disorders, with frequent episodes of complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway during sleep. Therefore, several attempts to find an effective pharmacotherapy by repurposing several drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) were recently considered as alternative therapeutic strategy. So, in this review, we will present non-conventional pharmacological approaches for managing OSA via either repurposing selected natural products or traditional medicine. Evidence acquisition Scientific databases and literature reviewed in the last twenty years were screened using different keywords related to OSA; exclusion criteria were applied based on the accessibility and the ability of the sources to follow evidence-based approaches. The eligible resources were classified into two main categories: clinical-based studies and preclinical studies. The findings of these studies were analyzed and discussed in light of current evidence derived from recent studies. Findings Several natural components and traditional formulas were found to regulate several molecular targets involved in OSA pathogenesis, supported by several in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Also, natural products subjected to clinical trials give promising results. Still, there are some limitations, such as involving a small number of patients depending on subjective yet acceptable scores rather than objective scores, a lack of positive control groups, or a small number of patients. Conclusion Therapeutic protocols should consider non-conventional polypharmacological strategies targeting all OSA aspects. Hence, there is an opportunity to reposition some well-defined natural products, such as cinnamic acid derivatives, isoflavones, and lignans, as several evidences from in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical trials support their potential efficacy in the management of OSA.
The expansion of science communication underscores the increasing importance of understanding what constitutes good science communication. This question concerns the public’s understanding and engagement with science. The scholarly discussion has shifted from the traditional deficit model to a more dialog-oriented approach yet remains normatively anchored. There is a pivotal lack of attention to the audience’s perspective regarding the question of what good science communication is. Moreover, different formats of science communication have hardly been researched thus far. Therefore, this paper introduces a multi-dimensional scale to capture the audience’s assessment of specific science communication formats. We utilized a multi-step process to identify relevant criteria from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The instrument integrates 15 distinct quality dimensions, such as comprehensibility, credibility, fun, and applicability, structured according to different quality levels (functional, normative, user-, and communication-oriented). It considered theory-driven and practice-experienced categories and was validated through confirmatory factor analyses conducted on a German representative sample (n = 990). For validation, the scale was applied to a science blog post and a science video on homeopathy. After employing a seven-step process, we conclude that the newly devised scale effectively assesses the perceived quality of both blog and video science communication content. The overall assessment aligns with common target variables, such as interest and attitudes. The results regarding the different quality subdimensions provide a nuanced understanding of their contribution to the perceived overall quality. In this way, the scale aids in enhancing science communication in accordance with audience perceptions of quality. This marks the inaugural introduction of a comprehensive measurement instrument tailored to gauge quality from the audience’s standpoint, rendering it applicable for utilization by both researchers and practitioners.
Chennattu M. Pareeth, Nair Meera, Prabha Silpa
et al.
Abstract Background The plant Kingiodendron pinnatum (DC.) Harms, belonging to the family Fabaceae is endemic to the Western Ghats of India and is commonly used for various ailments, especially by the tribes. K. pinnatum is occasionally used as a substitute for Saraca asoca in Asokarishta, a well-known uterine tonic in Ayurveda. Recent studies revealed a pharmacological similarity between the plants. S. asoca is reported to have anti-cancer properties, but there are no reports on K. pinnatum except for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, the study is aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of the plant. Methods Cytotoxicity of methanolic bark extract of the plant was analysed on different cancer cell lines by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) cell-induced solid and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell-induced ascites tumour models in mice were used to study the antitumor potential. Phytochemical screening of the extract was also performed. Results The extract was found cytotoxic to DLA, EAC, HCT15, MDA-MB-231, T47D and PC3 with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 50.09, 74.74, 67.02, 119.22, 149.04 and 194.5 μg/mL, respectively. In the solid tumour model, a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in tumour weight of 0.7 ± 0.15 g was observed in 500 mg/kg b.wt. extract treated group compared to the control group (3.6 ± 0.24 g) by oral administration for 30 days. In the ascites tumour model, a high survival rate of 28.2 ± 8.72 days (P < 0.01) was found by the extract treatment compared to the control animals. Phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols, saponins, tannins, steroids and terpenoids were detected in the extract. Conclusion Results obtained by the cytotoxic and anti-tumour studies revealed the anticancer potential of K. pinnatum. The plant exhibits more cytotoxicity towards cancer cell lines of the reproductive system such as the breast and prostate.
Introduction: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) significantly, cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. As a result, proper ADR monitoring is required. Considering the consequence of this area, the Ministry of AYUSH has introduced a Pharmacovigilance programme for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy (ASU&H) drugs. Every Ayurveda Practitioner’s (AP) immense responsibility is to detect and report ADR.
Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Pharmacovigilance among AP in Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a Government Hospital, Wardha, Maharashtra during March to May 2022. Total 38 Ayurveda Doctors of Wardha city having Bachelor of Ayurvadic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), MD degree, either working in private clinics and hospitals or as medical officers were enrolled in the study. A validated questionnaire was prepared on Google form, circulated through WhatsApp to the doctors, and asked them to fill and submit it within seven days. The collected data were analysed using MS Excel 2007 and expressed in percentages (%).
Results: Thirty (78.94%) male, and 08 (21.05%) female doctors possessing BAMS degrees (68.42%) and postgraduate degrees (37.57%), with practice experience between 5 to 30 years participated in the study. Present study revealed that 32 (84.21%) of the BAMS doctors from Wardha city believed that Ayurveda drugs do not cause ADRs, and only 06 (21.05%) have encountered ADRs in their practice, of which only 02 (5.26%) reported an ADR.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that AP are well aware about ADR but lacking in the knowledge of its reporting. There is a strong need to organise sensitisation and awareness programmes to implement the pharmocovigilance effectively.
Stroke-related numbness and weakness (SRNW) are resultant symptoms of post-stroke sufferers. Existing research has supported the use of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang (HGWT) particularly for SRNW; however, their mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of HGWT components targeting SRNW-related proteins through a computational molecular docking approach. Target proteins associated with SRNW were identified through DrugBank database and Open Targets database. Chemical compounds from each herb of HGWT were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Autodock Vina was utilized and the cut-off criterion applied for protein-ligand complexes was a binding affinity score of ≤ -9.5 kcal/mol; selected protein-ligand complexes were identified using 3D and 2D structural analyses. The protein targets PDE5A and ESR1 have highlighted interactions with compounds (BS040, DZ006, DZ058, DZ118, and HQ066) which are the key molecules in the management of SRNW. PDE5A have bioactivity with the amino acid residues (Val230, Asn252, Gln133 and Thr166) throughout PDE5A-cGMP-PKG pathways which involved reduction in myofilament responsiveness. ESR1 were predicted to be critical active with site residue (Leu346, Glu419 and Leu387) and its proteoglycans pathway involving CD44v3/CD44 that activates rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and ankyrin increasing vascular smooth muscle. In conclusion, HGWT may provide therapeutic benefits through strong interactions between herbal compounds and target proteins of PDE5A and ESR1. Further experimental studies are needed to unequivocally support this result which can be valuable to increase the quality of life of post-stroke patients. Keywords Herbal medicine, Complementary and alternative medicine, Natural product, Post-stroke, Computational analysis
S. Mukherjee, Subhasish Ganguly, Satadal Das
et al.
Abstract Introduction There is some evidence that homeopathic treatment has been used successfully in previous epidemics, and currently some countries are testing homeoprophylaxis for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is a strong tradition of homeopathic treatment in India: therefore, we decided to compare three different homeopathic medicines against placebo in prevention of COVID-19 infections. Methods In this double-blind, cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled, four parallel arms, community-based, clinical trial, a 20,000-person sample of the population residing in Ward Number 57 of the Tangra area, Kolkata, was randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio of clusters to receive one of three homeopathic medicines (Bryonia alba 30cH, Gelsemium sempervirens 30cH, Phosphorus 30cH) or identical-looking placebo, for 3 (children) or 6 (adults) days. All the participants, who were aged 5 to 75 years, received ascorbic acid (vitamin C) tablets of 500 mg, once per day for 6 days. In addition, instructions on healthy diet and general hygienic measures, including hand washing, social distancing and proper use of mask and gloves, were given to all the participants. Results No new confirmed COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in the target population during the follow-up timeframe of 1 month—December 20, 2020 to January 19, 2021—thus making the trial inconclusive. The Phosphorus group had the least exposure to COVID-19 compared with the other groups. In comparison with placebo, the occurrence of unconfirmed COVID-19 cases was significantly less in the Phosphorus group (week 1: odds ratio [OR], 0.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06 to 0.16; week 2: OR, 0.004; 95% CI, 0.0002 to 0.06; week 3: OR, 0.007; 95% CI, 0.0004 to 0.11; week 4: OR, 0.009; 95% CI, 0.0006 to 0.14), but not in the Bryonia or Gelsemium groups. Conclusion Overall, the trial was inconclusive. The possible effect exerted by Phosphorus necessitates further investigation. Trial registration: CTRI/2020/11/029265.
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance has been regarded as a global public health concern and is expected to play an important role in the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals. It is quite alarming that resistance has been reported across the globe and we are reaching that stage in which common infections will become intractable. Acknowledging all these aspects, it is quite certain that we all don't have much time and there is an immense need to formulate a plan, implement holistic strategies and supplement the same with adequate financial support to minimize the impact on the future generations. It is quite obvious that these measures cannot be sustainable unless there is a strong political leadership and cooperation from all the sectors. In conclusion, antimicrobial resistance is a global concern and is a complex challenge to deal with. Thus, it is the need of the hour to formulate a One Health response to benefit the current and future generations of people.
Milon Mondal, Md Solayman Hossain, Nittananda Das
et al.
Abstract Background The purpose of the current study is to identify the phytochemicals as well as to determine the level of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial and in vivo analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal activity of leaf methanolic extract of Colocasia affinis Schott (LMCA). Methods To appraise the antioxidant activities the extensively used total phenol, flavonoid, total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and DPPH scavenging assay have been used. Cytotoxic potential was determined by brine shrimp lethality test whereas antimicrobial activity was assessed by disc diffusion method. Acetic acid induced writhing and formalin induced paw licking methods were employed to evaluate analgesic activity. To gauge anti-inflammatory activity, xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan induced paw edema methods were used. Castor oil induced diarrhea and magnesium sulfate induced enteropooling methods were used to figure out antidiarrheal activity evaluation. Results Phytochemical screening affirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins in the extract. LMCA contains marked amount of total phenol (3.89 ± 2.36 mg/g), total flavonoid (905.50 ± 2.12 mg/g) and total antioxidant (245.83 ± 2.36 mg/g). Remarkable cupric reducing power and ferric reducing power capability were observed. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, the extract showed moderate scavenging potential (IC50 395.97 μg/ml), whereas IC50 value of standard ascorbic acid was 32.75 μg /ml. The extract showed a significant result in cytotoxicity test. In disk diffusion antimicrobial assay LMCA manifested broad spectrum of activity. In acetic acid induced writhing test, the highest dose (1000 mg/kg) showed 57.69% inhibition of abdominal constrictions compared to Diclofenac Sodium (74.62%). In case of formalin induced analgesic activity test the extract exhibited preeminent effect (LMCA 1000 mg/kg showed 58.64% inhibition). The extract inhibited 86.36% xylene induced ear edema (at dose 1000 mg/kg) where Aspirin inhibited 88.81%. In carrageenan induced test LMCA 1000 mg/kg manifested eloquent inhibition of inflammation at 6th hour (50.59%). The highest dose 1000 mg/kg of LMCA showed significant (80.95%) reduction in diarrhea and noticeable reduction of intestinal fluid secretion (24.29%). Conclusion To recapitulate, it is suggested that the leaf of Colocasia affinis Schott might be a potential source of useful bioactive molecules.
Abstract Introduction This study focuses on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of non-individualised homeopathic treatment (NIHT) in which the control (comparator) group was other than placebo (OTP). Objectives To determine the comparative effectiveness of NIHT on health-related outcomes in adults and children for any given condition that has been the subject of at least one OTP-controlled trial. For each study, to assess its risk of bias and to determine whether its study attitude was predominantly ‘pragmatic’ or ‘explanatory’. Methods Systematic review. For each eligible trial, published in the peer-reviewed literature up to the end of 2016, we assessed its risk of bias (internal validity) using the seven-domain Cochrane tool, and its relative pragmatic or explanatory attitude (external validity) using the 10-domain PRECIS tool. We grouped RCTs by whether these examined IHT as alternative treatment (study design 1a), adjunctively with another intervention (design 1b), or compared with no intervention (design 2). RCTs were sub-categorised as superiority trials or equivalence/non-inferiority trials. For each RCT, we designated a single ‘main outcome measure’ to use in meta-analysis: ‘effect size’ was reported as odds ratio (OR; values > 1 favouring homeopathy) or standardised mean difference (SMD; values < 0 favouring homeopathy). Results Seventeen RCTs, representing 15 different medical conditions, were eligible for study. Three of the trials were more pragmatic than explanatory, two were more explanatory than pragmatic, and 12 were equally pragmatic and explanatory. Fourteen trials were rated ‘high risk of bias’ overall; the other three trials were rated ‘uncertain risk of bias’ overall. Ten trials had data that were extractable for analysis. Significant heterogeneity undermined the planned meta-analyses or their meaningful interpretation. For the three equivalence or non-inferiority trials with extractable data, the small, non-significant, pooled effect size (SMD = 0.08; p = 0.46) was consistent with a conclusion that NIHT did not differ from treatment by a comparator (Ginkgo biloba or betahistine) for vertigo or (cromolyn sodium) for seasonal allergic rhinitis. Conclusions The current data preclude a decisive conclusion about the comparative effectiveness of NIHT. Generalisability of findings is restricted by the limited external validity identified overall. The highest intrinsic quality was observed in the equivalence and non-inferiority trials of NIHT.
Background: homeopathy is a therapeutic system where organic, mineral, or vegetal substances are administrated which can produce the same symptoms in healthy person that the disease to treat.
Objective: to analyze the backgrounds of homeopathy, some research that try to demonstrate its effectiveness and the main ideas of the detractors of this theory.
Methods: this bibliographic review was conducted through search Scholar Google by typing these words: homeopathy, homeopathy remedies and water´s memory. Thirty original articles and 15 bibliographic reviews were chosen for the word homeopathy; 26 original articles and 12 bibliographic reviews for the combination of words homeopathy remedies, as well as 30 original articles and 10 bibliographic reviews for the combination of words water´s memory. Those 123 references were analyzed to check the ones that would be useful for the achievement of the article’s objective, choosing those that appear as bibliographical references.
Development: the theory of homeopathy, the diseases’ causes and the way to prepare homeopathic medicine are tackled. Also some research about homeopathy in the world is analyzed, where the existence of favorable results to homeopathic products can be noticed. Besides, possible mechanisms of action of homeopathy are explained and some reasons for which some people are septic with homeopathic medicine are showed.
Conclusions: Research about homeopathy must continue.
DeCS:HOMEOPATHY; MEDICAMENTOUS DISEASE IN HOMEOPATHY; HOMEOPATHY BROADCASTING; VITAL FORCE IN HOMEOPATHY; REVIEW LITERATURE AS TOPIC.
Mohammad Setayesh MD, Amir Reza Sadeghifar MD, Nozar Nakhaee MD
et al.
This study compared the therapeutic effect of flax seed oil topical gel and hand splint in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. This study was a randomized clinical trial. Forty-nine patients, 96 hands, with mild to moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were divided into 2 groups randomly. One group was treated by topical gel and the other group by hand splint. Intensity of symptoms and function before and after intervention was measured via Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. After intervention, the ANCOVA showed a significant difference between the symptom and function scores of the 2 groups. In both cases, recovery was higher in the gel group ( P < .001). The topical use of flax seed oil gel is more effective in the improvement of symptoms and function of patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome as compared with hand splint, and it can be introduced as an effective treatment.
Hemophilia is one of the most common inherited disorders. There are mainly two types: hemophilia A and B. They are both X-linked disorders; therefore, they are mostly expressed in male patients. Common forms of presentation are bleeding from trauma site, following circumcision, and into joints. However, a case of a 7-month-old male child who presented with severe anemia and febrile illness that was treated for severe malaria is reported, but further review revealed a right axillary hematoma, and his clotting studies showed prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, and therefore the diagnosis of hemophilia was made.
Joyce Miller BS, DC, PhD, Monica Christine Beharie MChiro, Alison M. Taylor RM
et al.
This service evaluation investigated an interdisciplinary allied professional health care strategy to address the problem of suboptimal breastfeeding. A clinic of midwives and chiropractors was developed in a university-affiliated clinic in the United Kingdom to care for suboptimal feeding through a multidisciplinary approach. No studies have previously investigated the effect of such an approach. The aim was to assess any impact to the breastfeeding dyad and maternal satisfaction after attending the multidisciplinary clinic through a service evaluation. Eighty-five initial questionnaires were completed and 72 (85%) follow-up questionnaires were returned. On follow-up, 93% of mothers reported an improvement in feeding as well as satisfaction with the care provided. Prior to treatment, 26% of the infants were exclusively breastfed. At the follow-up survey, 86% of mothers reported exclusive breastfeeding. The relative risk ratio for exclusive breastfeeding after attending the multidisciplinary clinic was 3.6 (95% confidence interval = 2.4-5.4).
Mohammad Tahvilzadeh PharmD, PhD Candidate, Mannan Hajimahmoodi PharmD, PhD, Roja Rahimi PharmD, PhD
Date palm pollen (DPP) is the male reproductive dust of palm flowers used as dietary supplement especially as aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer in both women and men from ancient times. Although there are few clinical trials evaluating the beneficial effects of DPP in humans, various experimental studies have been conducted on the reproductive effects of DPP. Among the compounds isolated from DPP are amino acids, fatty acids, flavonoids, saponins, and estroles. The present review summarizes comprehensive information concerning the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of DPP and its application in fertility disorders.