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OBJECTIVE@#Some epidemic diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have caused many physical, psychological, and social challenges, despite the existence of treatment strategies. Many people are looking for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to prevent such diseases. The present study was performed to determine how some types of CAM were being used during the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran.@*METHODS@#The present study had a cross-sectional descriptive correlational design. All Iranian residents above 17 years old were eligible to participate in the study. A total of 782 participants completed a demographic information questionnaire, a questionnaire about their use of CAMs and a questionnaire about their satisfaction with the CAMs they used. Web-based sampling was conducted from 20 April 2020 to 20 August 2020.@*RESULTS@#Of the participants, 84% used at least one type of CAM during the COVID-19 outbreak. The most used CAMs were dietary supplements (61.3%), prayer (57.9%), and herbal medicines (48.8%). The majority of the participants (50%-66%) have used CAMs to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 or to reduce anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. CAM use was associated with sex, having children, place of residence, COVID-19 status, and source of gathering information about CAM (P < 0.05). All 32 participants who had been infected with COVID-19 used at least one type of CAM for treatment or alleviation of the disease symptoms.@*CONCLUSION@#During the COVID-19 outbreak, some types of CAM, particularly nutritional supplements, medicinal herbs, and prayer, were commonly used to prevent COVID-19 and reduce pandemic-related anxiety.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Humans , COVID-19 , Complementary Therapies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disease Outbreaks , Iran , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease. It results from the death of dopaminergic neurons. The pathophysiological mechanisms in idiopathic PD include the production of α-synuclein and mitochondrial respiratory function-affecting complex I, caused by reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the use of natural antioxidants in PD may provide an alternative therapy that prevents oxidative stress and reduces disease progression. In this review, the effects of hydroxytyrosol, Ginkgo biloba, Withania somnifera, curcumin, green tea, and Hypericum perforatum in PD animal and cell line models are compared and discussed. The reviewed antioxidants show evidence of protecting neural cells from oxidative stress in animal and cell models of PD. However, the clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals needs to be optimised and further investigated.
Subject(s)
Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cell Line , Disease Models, Animal , Models, Animal , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Oxidative Stress , Parkinson Disease/drug therapyABSTRACT
Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving exocrine glands. Current studies have found that the occurrence of the disease is closely related to genetic, environmental and neuroendocrine factors, as well as abnormal activation of T and B lymphocytes. The etiology and pathogenesis of pSS is complex, and there is a lack of specific targeted drugs. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been comprehensively investigated for their treatment effects on pSS. Through a systematic review of the literature, we summarized the TCMs used to treat pSS, and find that there are four major ways that TCMs are used, including upregulation of aquaporin proteins, suppression of cell apoptosis, suppression of the abnormal activation of B lymphocytes and suppression of the abnormal activation of T lymphocytes (balancing T helper type [Th]1/Th2 & Th17/Treg and suppressing follicular helper T [Tfh] cells). However, there are not enough data about the active constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and modern preparations of these TCMs; therefore, more investigations are needed. This paper highlights the importance of TCMs for treating pSS and provides guidance for future investigations.
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<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2)-rs7903146 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The response of insulin and insulin resistance to artichoke leaf extract (ALE) may be affected by TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study examined the effects of ALE supplementation on metabolic parameters of the TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).</p><p><b>DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS</b>This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with MetS in Sina Clinic, Khoy, Iran. The patients were randomized into ALE or placebo groups to receive either ALE (1800 mg/d as four tablets) or matching placebo for 12 weeks.</p><p><b>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES</b>Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile levels were measured before and after the study. Moreover, patients were genotyped for TCF7L2 polymorphism.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ALE supplementation decreased insulin level and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with the TT genotype of TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism (P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile response to ALE supplementation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The responses of insulin and HOMA-IR to ALE supplementation have shown an interaction with single-nucleotide polymorphism rs7903146 in TCF7L2.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial IRCT201409033320N9.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Blood Glucose , Metabolism , Cynara scolymus , Dietary Supplements , Double-Blind Method , Genotype , Insulin , Blood , Insulin Resistance , Genetics , Metabolic Syndrome , Blood , Drug Therapy , Genetics , Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts , Pharmacology , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein , GeneticsABSTRACT
Thyroid dysfunction, affecting people of all ages, not only damages human growth and energy metabolism but is also comorbid with other illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and gastrointestinal disorders. With the increasing acceptance of alternative and complementary therapies, acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical practice, has also been employed to address this problem. Analysing 29 clinical projects that were retrieved from 29 major digital databases and include 1757 patients aged 7-79 years from China, Italy, Korea, Macedonia and Russia, this narrative review offers an overview of the efficacy, and evaluated the safe and cost-effective use of acupuncture against hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and thyroid-relevant illnesses. Findings indicated reductions in patient symptoms and improvements in biomarkers where acupuncture was used alone or in combination therapy. In addition to showing the role of acupuncture as an alternative and complementary medicine or as an adjunctive therapy for curative and rehabilitative purposes, more well-designed researches are needed to achieve reliable data.
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Objectives: Dhat syndrome is a cultural bound syndrome in which affected individuals have morbid pre-occupation with semen loss in their urine and its impact on the body. Previous studies have explored the symptomatology and perception regarding seminal discharge of such patients while there is lacked of literature on the assessment by quacks and practitioner of alternative and complementary practitioners (ACMP). Therefore, in addition to objectives of previous studies, this study explores the reprehensibility of such practitioners as they may not be giving correct advice to such patients. Methods: For duration of three months, this mixed method study was conducted in Rohilkhand Medical College campus; individuals were approached both in and outside the Psychiatric Outpatient Department using purposive sampling procedure. ICD-10 diagnostic criterion was used to include affected individual in the study sample. Subsequently, a semi-structured questionnaire to document their socio-demographic data and symptomatology was used. Further, previous consultation to quack, ACMPs and allopathic practitioners other than psychiatrist and advice given to the patient by them was obtained via in-depth interview. The quantitative data was analyzed through proportions whereas qualitative data via thematic analysis. Results: There were 38 out of 110 with Dhat syndrome. Invariably, they complained of undue concern regarding debilitating effects of seminal discharge and harmful for the body. A total 21.1% had prior consultation to ACMPs and attributing it to masturbation and hot weather. Surprisingly, allopathic practitioners consulted gave incorrect advices. Conclusion: Dhat syndrome affects individuals irrespective of their social and education background. Sex education among the masses and emphasis for awareness of this syndrome among ACMPs and allopathic practitioners other than psychiatrist is necessary to reduce this cultural bound syndrome.
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Discutem-se afinidades eletivas entre três fenômenos na área da saúde: a atenção primária à saúde (APS), a abordagem psicossocial no cuidado à Saúde Mental e uso crescente das práticas integrativas e complementares (PIC). Apesar de suas diferenças, eles convergem como críticas e respostas a problemas do modelo médico hegemônico. Embora regulamentados e em implantação no Sistema Único de Saúde (as PIC de forma quase incipiente), tais fenômenos portam um caráter contra-hegemônico. Suas concepções de objeto, de meios e de fins do trabalho ou cuidado apresentam relevantes afinidades, como: centramento nos sujeitos em seus contextos sociais/familiares; abordagens ampliadas e holísticas; valorização de saberes/práticas não-biomédicos e de múltiplas formas, vivências e técnicas de cuidado; estímulo à auto-cura, participação ativa e empoderamento dos usuários; abordagem familiar e comunitária. Na organização das práticas e no relacionamento com a clientela há afinidades quanto à adequação sócio-cultural; parceria, dialogicidade e democratização das relações; trabalho territorial e construção/exploração de vínculos terapêuticos. Assinalam-se também convergências quanto aos efeitos terapêuticos e ético-políticos e discute-se o caráter relativamente desmedicalizante desses fenômenos, mais acentuado na atenção psicossocial e na procura pelas PIC. Tais afinidades significam sinergia entre os três fenômenos, ora relativamente independentes e isolados entre si. O reconhecimento e exploração dessas afinidades pela Saúde Coletiva, pelos movimentos sociais, bem como de profissionais e gestores do SUS, podem contribuir para qualificar a APS e a atenção em saúde mental e sua abertura para as PIC, ampliando as possibilidades de cuidado e fortalecendo os três fenômenos tematizados.
Subject(s)
Primary Health Care , Health Policy , Mental Health Services , Complementary TherapiesABSTRACT
El uso de la Medicina Alternativa y Complementaria (MAC) es elevado a nivel mundial, estimándose que el 3% de todos los adultos de Estados Unidos usan alguna forma de hierbas medicinales, específicamente aquellos con enfermedad hepática. Se desconoce el potencial hepatotóxico asociado con MAC, hierbas medicinales o productos de botánicoesto es debido en parte a que existe una subestimación de su uso en la población general, en parte porque hay un subreporte de casos. Con el objetivo de conocer la frecuencia del uso de MAC en los pacientes con enfermedad hepática, realizamos un estudio descriptivo tipo serie de casos en los pacientes que acudieron a la consulta de hígado del Hospital Universitario de Caracas desde febrero hasta mayo de 2005 con patología hepática de cualquier etiología. Encontramos que el 53.25% de los pacientes consumieron MAC, de éstos el 81.07% recibieron medicina alternativa a base de hierbas preparadas en forma de te o infusión y el 18.93% recibió medicina sistemática (adaptogenos). Los diagnósticos de los pacientes fueron: hepatitis C, elevación de aminotransferasas, hepatitis B, cirrosis, hígado graso, hepatopatia crónica por alcohol, HAI, LOE hepático, Hepatitis A, hepatitis por CMV.
The use of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (MAC) is high at a world-wide level, a 3% of the adult population in the United States use some form of medical herbs, specifically those with hepatic disease. The hepatotoxic potential associated with MAC is not known, in part because the use of medical herbs or botanical products is underestimated in the general population, partly because there is a sub report of cases. With the objective to know the frequency of MAC use in patients with hepatic disease, we made a descriptive study, type "series of cases" in patients who attended the Hepatic consultation at the University Hospital of Caracas from February to May of 2005 with hepatic pathology of any etiology. We found that 53,25% of the patients consumed MAC, from these, 81,07% received alternative medicine with herbs prepared in the form of tea or infusion, and 18,93% received systemic medicine (adaptogens). The diagnoses of the patients were: hepatitis C, elevation of aminotransferases, hepatitis B, cirrhosis, fatty liver, chronic alcoholic hepatic disease, HAI, hepatic mass, hepatitis A, and hepatitis by CMV.
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From March 1990 to September 2001, 24 patients with psoriasis (16 males and 8 females, 54±18 years) were admitted to our hospital to receive balneotherapy using Kusatsu hot-spring water. The psoriasis had been refractory to various treatments including steroid ointment therapy over a long period of time. The patients took a 10-minute 40-42°C hot-spring bath followed by application of vitamine D3 ointment 1-2 times daily for 37±19 days. The main components of the hot-spring water are aluminium, sulphates and chlorides, and its pH is 2.0. The skin symptoms of 20 of 24 cases (83%) were improved through the balneotherapy, while those of the remaining 4 cases were not changed. No side effects were observed. The serum levels of uric acid, GOT and GPT which are reported to be increased slightly did not correlate with the skin symptoms. The serum LDH level which is associated with the skin manifestastions in patients with atopic dermatitis also gave no useful information in the treatment of psoriasis. Although the mechanism of the improvement of skin manifestations is not clarified, balneotherapy at Kusatsu can be useful for the treatment of refractory cases of psoriasis as alternative and complementary medicine