Complementary and Alternative Medicine Medical Journal Abstracts
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The use of placebo interventions in clinical practice
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Dec 2012
The use of placebo interventions in clinical practice
Although a considerable number of mostly quantitative surveys have investigated the frequency and circumstances of the use of placebo interventions in clinical practice, it remains rather unclear what role placebo interventions really have outside clinical and laboratory research and why they are used. In this article..Introduction of the German case tariff fee system and its effects on patient satisfaction in inpatient naturopathy
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Dec 2012
Introduction of the German case tariff fee system and its effects on patient satisfaction in inpatient naturopathy
Introduction: For certain indications, methods of classical naturopathy are now being used in German hospitals originally dedicated to the treatment of acute conditions using orthodox medicine. Because the hospital sector currently represents the focal point of German healthcare, both professionally and economically,..Randomised controlled trials of homeopathy in humans: characterising the research journal literature for systematic review
Homeopathy
Dec 2012
Randomised controlled trials of homeopathy in humans: characterising the research journal literature for systematic review
Introduction: A new programme of systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in homeopathy will distinguish important attributes of RCT records, including: placebo controlled versus other-than-placebo (OTP) controlled; individualised versus non-individualised homeopathy; peer-reviewed (PR) versus non..Mechanism of the Inhibitory Effect of Electroacupuncture on Experimental Arrhythmias
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies
Dec 2012
Mechanism of the Inhibitory Effect of Electroacupuncture on Experimental Arrhythmias
Clinical observations reported that acupuncture can alleviate several kinds of arrhythmias. To explore its efficacy and mechanism, we have studied the electroacupuncture (EA) inhibition on experimental arrhythmias in rabbits since 1980s and analyzed its mechanism. These studies were mostly conducted in the Department..Effects of woodland walking on salivary stress markers cortisol and chromogranin A
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Dec 2012
Effects of woodland walking on salivary stress markers cortisol and chromogranin A
Objective: We investigated the effect of walking through woodland on salivary endocrinological stress markers, cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA). Design: From 20 healthy males, saliva samples were collected immediately before and after the walk, and 20min and 40min after that. In addition, using visual analog scales,..Naturopaths and Western herbalists’ attitudes to evidence, regulation, information sources and knowledge about popular complementary medicines
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Dec 2012
Naturopaths and Western herbalists’ attitudes to evidence, regulation, information sources and knowledge about popular complementary medicines
Background: The practice of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine (WHM) was built on traditional evidence but may be undergoing change with the advent of scientific evidence. The aims of this research were to provide a better understanding of practitioners’ attitudes towards evidence, information sources,..Public health ethics for complementary and alternative medicine
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Dec 2012
Public health ethics for complementary and alternative medicine
CAMbrella (2010–2012), a EU-funded project on complementary and alternative medicine focused on, amongst other topics, EU citizens’ needs and attitudes to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Three important themes relating to this topic were identified: citizens’ access to CAM in European countries,..Phenolic composition and in vitro activity of the Brazilian fruit tree Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Dec 2012
Phenolic composition and in vitro activity of the Brazilian fruit tree Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.
Introduction: Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) is a plant found in the region of Araripe (Ceará State, Brazil) and is widely used in folk medicine. The present work aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and synergistic–antibiotic activity of a hydroethanol leaf extract (LECC) and a methanol fraction..Efficacy of cranial electric stimulation for the treatment of insomnia: A randomized pilot study
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Dec 2012
Efficacy of cranial electric stimulation for the treatment of insomnia: A randomized pilot study
Objectives: This pilot study examined the potential efficacy of cranial electric stimulation for the treatment of insomnia. Design: The researchers tested the hypothesis through a randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled clinical trial. The researchers approached eligible subjects who scored 21 or above on the..Homeopathic treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a case series
Homeopathy
Dec 2012
Homeopathic treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a case series
Objective: Observational, prospective study to describe the homeopathic management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by a group of French physicians. Method: Women with PMS for >3 months were prescribed individualized homeopathic treatment. The intensity of 10 clinical symptoms of PMS was scored individually at inclusion..Testing the nanoparticle-allostatic cross-adaptation-sensitization model for homeopathic remedy effects
Homeopathy
Dec 2012
Testing the nanoparticle-allostatic cross-adaptation-sensitization model for homeopathic remedy effects
Key concepts of the Nanoparticle-Allostatic Cross-Adaptation-Sensitization (NPCAS) Model for the action of homeopathic remedies in living systems include source nanoparticles as low level environmental stressors, heterotypic hormesis, cross-adaptation, allostasis (stress response network), time-dependent sensitization..Persistent undifferentiated arthritis successfully treated with the Japanese herbal medicine “Eppikajutsuto”
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Dec 2012
Persistent undifferentiated arthritis successfully treated with the Japanese herbal medicine “Eppikajutsuto”
Objective: Undifferentiated arthritis (UA) is a rheumatic disease that is difficult to handle because there are still no standard guidelines for the treatment of patients with persistent UA. We encountered 3 patients with persistent UA successfully treated with the Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine “Eppikajutsuto”...H3N2 homeopathic influenza virus solution modifies cellular and biochemical aspects of MDCK and J774G8 cell lines
Homeopathy
Dec 2012
H3N2 homeopathic influenza virus solution modifies cellular and biochemical aspects of MDCK and J774G8 cell lines
Background: Influenza viruses cause highly contagious acute respiratory illnesses with significant mortality, especially among young children, elderly people, and individuals with serious medical conditions. This encourages the development of new treatments for human flu. Biotherapies are diluted solutions prepared..Clinical verification in homeopathy and allergic conditions
Homeopathy
Dec 2012
Clinical verification in homeopathy and allergic conditions
Background: The literature on clinical research in allergic conditions treated with homeopathy includes a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) for hay fever with positive conclusions and two positive RCTs in asthma. Cohort surveys using validated Quality of Life questionnaires have shown improvement in..Effect of the oral administration homeopathic Arnica montana on mitochondrial oxidative stress
Homeopathy
Dec 2012
Effect of the oral administration homeopathic Arnica montana on mitochondrial oxidative stress
Objective: To analyze the effect of homeopathic Arnica on mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by Ca2+ plus inorganic phosphate and/or Fe2+-citrate-mediated lipid peroxidation through changes in oxygen consumption rates. Methods: Mitochondria were isolated by differential centrifugation from the livers of adult male..Dynamized follicle-stimulating hormone affects the development of ovine preantral follicles cultured in vitro
Homeopathy
Dec 2012
Dynamized follicle-stimulating hormone affects the development of ovine preantral follicles cultured in vitro
Objective: To evaluate the effect of dynamized follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the survival, activation and growth of ovine preantral follicles (PFs) in vitro. Methods: Ovarian fragments were cultured for 1 or 7 days in alpha minimum essential medium (α-MEM+) control in the absence or presence of alcohol (Al..α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Senna surattensis
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies
Dec 2012
α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Senna surattensis
In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ethanolic extract of the leaves of Senna surattensis (EESS) on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. We also studied the in vitro antidiabetic activity of S. surattensis using the glucose uptake by isolated rat hemidiaphragm model. In vitro studies using mammalian..Traditional Korean medicine practitioners’ attitudes toward evidence based medicine: A qualitative study
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Nov 2012
Traditional Korean medicine practitioners’ attitudes toward evidence based medicine: A qualitative study
Introduction: Practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are willing to use EBM as guidance for their practice. Through semi-structured interviews with physicians of traditional Korean medicine (TKM), this study sought to identify the barriers to the implementation of EBM in CAM, and solutions...Acupuncture for neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Nov 2012
Acupuncture for neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Data up to September 2012 were from 7 databases. Randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for neurogenic bladder after SCI were included...How patients choose osteopaths: A mixed methods study
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Nov 2012
How patients choose osteopaths: A mixed methods study
Objectives: To explore how patients choose individual osteopaths to consult; to test whether patients’ preferences for osteopaths depend on gender, the osteopath's qualifications, and the cost of treatment; to explore patients’ perspectives. Design: An explanatory mixed methods design incorporating a quasi-experimental..Is craniosacral therapy effective for migraine? Tested with HIT-6 Questionnaire
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Nov 2012
Is craniosacral therapy effective for migraine? Tested with HIT-6 Questionnaire
Objective: To determine whether or not craniosacral therapy alleviates migraine symptoms. Methods: A cross-over experimental design was used with twenty participants, aged between 20 and 50 years, who suffered from at least two migraine attacks per month. Participants were randomly assigned to two equal-sized groups, A..Assessment of general public perceptions toward traditional medicines used for aphrodisiac purpose in state of Penang, Malaysia
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jul 2012
Assessment of general public perceptions toward traditional medicines used for aphrodisiac purpose in state of Penang, Malaysia
The study aims to evaluate general public perceptions regarding the use of Traditional and Complementary Medicines (TCM) for aphrodisiac purposes. A questionnaire based, cross-sectional study was undertaken. Respondents were selected in the state of Penang, Malaysia. A total of 392 respondents were included in the..Reflexology has an acute (immediate) haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers: A double-blind randomised controlled trial
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jul 2012
Reflexology has an acute (immediate) haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers: A double-blind randomised controlled trial
Reflexologists claim that massage to specific points of the feet increases blood supply to internal organs. This study measured changes in cardiovascular parameters in subjects receiving reflexology to areas of their feet thought to correspond to the heart (intervention) compared with other areas which are not..Diaphragmatic breathing exercise as a therapeutic intervention for control of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jul 2012
Diaphragmatic breathing exercise as a therapeutic intervention for control of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Present study aims to evaluate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing on anthropometry, blood pressure, glycemic control and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes on standard care in comparison with standard care alone. Study involved 123 patients who were assigned to receive either standard care or with..Comparing the effects of ice massage and acupressure on labor pain reduction
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jul 2012
Comparing the effects of ice massage and acupressure on labor pain reduction
Background: Childbirth is arguably one of the most painful experiences women undergo during their lives. This study aimed to compare the effects of ice massage, acupressure and placebo in reducing the intensity of labor pain in pregnant women from selected hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Methods: A quasi-experimental study..Reported treatment strategies for reflexology in cardiac patients and inconsistencies in the location of the heart reflex point: An online survey
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jun 2012
Reported treatment strategies for reflexology in cardiac patients and inconsistencies in the location of the heart reflex point: An online survey
Background: Reflexology texts are inconsistent with regard to the location of the heart point and contradictory with regard to the correct reflexology approach to cardiac patients. We aimed to determine the impact of these inconsistencies on the practice of Association of Reflexologists (AoR) members. Method: Online..Providing therapies to the opposite sex: Views of complementary therapists working in clinical and private practice settings
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jun 2012
Providing therapies to the opposite sex: Views of complementary therapists working in clinical and private practice settings
Aim: The study explored the experiences of working with the opposite sex as a therapists in a cancer care centre (CCC). Methodology: Therapists (n = 17) participated in three focus groups. Audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and analysed. Results: Themes and sub-themes were identified; these related to maintaining..The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman – A pilot study
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jun 2012
The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman – A pilot study
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if aromatherapy improves anxiety and/or depression in the high risk postpartum woman and to provide a complementary therapy tool for healthcare practitioners. Design: The pilot study was observational with repeated measures. Setting: Private consultation room in a..The rise and fall of complementary medicine in National Health Service hospitals in England
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jun 2012
The rise and fall of complementary medicine in National Health Service hospitals in England
Whilst Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has never been systematically integrated into National Health Service (NHS) provision, there has been some limited evidence of a developing presence of CAM in NHS hospital based nursing and midwifery. This paper reports on a qualitative study that sought to document..Complementary and alternative treatment use for autism spectrum disorders
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jun 2012
Complementary and alternative treatment use for autism spectrum disorders
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have rapidly become one of the more frequent reasons for seeking diagnosis and treatment. Depending on health care services available, the standard treatment options are often limited; many parents turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches. CAM treatments and some..BCQs: A Body Constitution Questionnaire to assess Stasis in traditional Chinese medicine
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Jun 2012
BCQs: A Body Constitution Questionnaire to assess Stasis in traditional Chinese medicine
Aim of the Study: Stasis body constitution is crucial in making diagnosis and treatment decisions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice. A reliable tool to assess clinical aspects of Stasis is critically needed in order to maximize its clinical value in TCM and its integrative use with modern medicine (MM)...A prospective case series exploring the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Jun 2012
A prospective case series exploring the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections
Background: Recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) are common in women and are associated with considerable morbidity and health care costs. Antibiotic prophylaxis is currently successful but infections commonly reoccur and bacterial resistance is an increasing problem. Preliminary data suggests that Chinese herbal..Physiological changes in energy healers during self-practice
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Jun 2012
Physiological changes in energy healers during self-practice
Objective: The physiological status of energy healers during self-practice (activating the healing state without the presence of a recipient) has rarely been examined. This study assessed self practice-related changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in Reiki Masters and advanced Reconnective Healers. Design:..Influence of combined administration of herbal complexes and warfarin on international normalized ratio in stroke and anoxic brain damage patients: A retrospective study
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Jun 2012
Influence of combined administration of herbal complexes and warfarin on international normalized ratio in stroke and anoxic brain damage patients: A retrospective study
Aim of the Study: Warfarin is commonly used for preventing thromboembolic diseases. Care is taken when administering warfarin, since combined therapy with other substances can affect the prothrombin time international normalized ratio (INR). Whether warfarin interacts with herbal medicines remains controversial. This..Bee venom acupuncture for chronic low back pain: A randomised, sham-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Jun 2012
Bee venom acupuncture for chronic low back pain: A randomised, sham-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial
Aim: The aim of this trial was to determine whether bee venom acupuncture (BVA) is more effective than a sham control in reducing pain and disability in subjects suffering from chronic low back pain. Participants and Methods: The trial design was a randomised, sham-controlled, triple-blind, two-group parallel clinical..Inpatient satisfaction with TCM medication counseling services provided by pharmacists
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Jun 2012
Inpatient satisfaction with TCM medication counseling services provided by pharmacists
Background: TCM has been widely used to manage health around the world. Integrating TCM medication and western medicine into health care system is supported by WHO. The practices of integration mainly are contingent on the levels of physicians and pharmacists who have been trained in both. Integrating pharmacists into..Patient experience of acupuncture provision in a GP practice
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Jun 2012
Patient experience of acupuncture provision in a GP practice
Patient experience of acupuncture at a GP surgery was evaluated over 18 months. Patients were referred for six acupuncture treatments of 45 min by 10 practising GPs. Measure Your Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP), was completed before the first treatment and at the start of the final consultation. A patient experience..The effect of olive oil on prevention of striae gravidarum: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Jun 2012
The effect of olive oil on prevention of striae gravidarum: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Objectives: Striae gravidarum (SG) is one of the cutaneous physiological changes during pregnancy with a high prevalence. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of olive oil in prevention of SG. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Health care centers and three Hospitals affiliated to Tehran..Interobserver Reliability of Tongue Diagnosis Using Traditional Korean Medicine for Stroke Patients
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Dec 2011
Interobserver Reliability of Tongue Diagnosis Using Traditional Korean Medicine for Stroke Patients
Observation of the tongue, also known as tongue diagnosis, is an important procedure in diagnosis by inspection in Traditional Korean medicine (TKM). We investigated the reliability of TKM tongue diagnosis in stroke patients by evaluating interobserver reliability regarding tongue indicators as part of the project..Chinese Herb and Formulas for Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis and Anti-platelet Therapies
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Dec 2011
Chinese Herb and Formulas for Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis and Anti-platelet Therapies
Atherothrombosis, which directly threatens people's health and lives, is the main cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Platelets play a key role in the development of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) and contribute to cardiovascular events. Oral antiplatelet drugs are a milestone in the therapy of..Anti-proliferative and Proapoptotic Effects of Labisia pumila Ethanol Extract in Human Melanoma HM3KO Cells
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Dec 2011
Anti-proliferative and Proapoptotic Effects of Labisia pumila Ethanol Extract in Human Melanoma HM3KO Cells
The present study was to determine the anticancer potential of Labisia pumila in in vitro models. Results from the study revealed that ethanol extract of L. pumila was more cytotoxic against HM3KO cells while having reduced effects on nonmalignant cells as compared to aqueous and hexane extracts. Thus, ethanol extract..Effects of a Chinese Herbal Medicine, Guan-Jen-Huang (Aeginetia indica Linn.), on Renal Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Oct 2011
Effects of a Chinese Herbal Medicine, Guan-Jen-Huang (Aeginetia indica Linn.), on Renal Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis.
Aeginetia indica Linn. (Guan-Jen-Huang, GJH), a traditional Chinese herb, has the potential to be an immunomodulatory agent. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of GJH in the treatment of renal cancer. Concentration-effect curves for the influence of GJH on cellular proliferation showed a biphasic..Computational pharmaceutical analysis of anti-Alzheimer's Chinese medicine Coptidis Rhizoma alkaloids
Molecular medicine reports
Oct 2011
Computational pharmaceutical analysis of anti-Alzheimer's Chinese medicine Coptidis Rhizoma alkaloids
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease, affecting over 20 million people worldwide. Until recently, two major hypotheses were proposed regarding the molecular mechanism of pathogenesis: the cholinergic hypothesis and the amyloid cascade hypothesis. At present, acetylcholinesterase..Antiatherogenic and Anti-Ischemic Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicine Xinkeshu via Endothelial Protecting Function
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Oct 2011
Antiatherogenic and Anti-Ischemic Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicine Xinkeshu via Endothelial Protecting Function
Including herbal medicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular worldwide. The traditional Chinese medicine xinkeshu has been widely used to treat coronary heart disease in China. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect and probable mechanism of xinkeshu tablet to atherosclerotic..Treatment of memory loss with herbal remedies
Current treatment options in neurology
Sep 2011
Treatment of memory loss with herbal remedies
Increased rates of dementia throughout the world are creating an emergent need for successful preventive and treatment strategies. Despite a lack of any significant scientific basis, herbal remedies and other types of “complementary and alternative medicine” (CAM) are being aggressively marketed for both prophylactic..Evidence for the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
Rhematology
Jun 2011
Evidence for the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
Objective: To critically evaluate the evidence regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) taken orally or applied topically (excluding fish oil) in the treatment of RA. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of RA using CAMs, in comparison with other treatments or placebo, published in English up to..The use of complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy: a longitudinal study of Australian women.
Birth
May 2011
The use of complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy: a longitudinal study of Australian women.
Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine is increasingly prevalent in contemporary Western societies. The objective of this study was to explore trends and patterns in complementary and alternative medicine practitioner consultations and the use of complementary and alternative medicine consumption..
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