Project description:BackgroundCancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is primarily managed by chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Traditional medicine is widely used worldwide due to availability, affordability, wide applicability and accessibility. While potential for traditional medicines in management of cancer is well-documented, there is limited literature that collates traditional knowledge and contemporary herbal medicine practice. To collate available evidence on herbal medicines used in the management of all cancers from traditional world-wide sources, and the management of lung and colorectal cancers in contemporary practice. Medicinal plants with anti-cancer properties were identified following JBI methodology for scoping reviews through searches of the following sources: Trove, Archive.Org, and Henriette's herbal medicine page (traditional texts), book list available from World Naturopathic Federation white paper (contemporary naturopathic texts), and in PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, AMED and JSTOR (case studies). Of the 1973 citations retrieved, 38 traditional texts, 3 contemporary naturopathic texts and 10 case studies were included in the review. The traditional texts (n = 110) noted the highest number of different anti-cancer herbal species, followed by case reports (n = 52) and contemporary texts (n = 13). This review identified various herbal medicines used to treat cancer traditionally which is distinct to those found in contemporary use. Moreover, this review identified the use of herbs from other native medical systems around the world in the contemporary naturopathic practice and individual case management. The evidence presented in the review could be utilized in pre-clinical settings to research traditional preparations of herbs.
Project description:Background/aimsTraditional Herbal Medicines (THM) have been being used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for a long time, but clinical evidence is still scarce. We evaluated different THM prescriptions for GERD in adults.MethodsData added to nine online databases from their inception to November 30, 2019, were systematically searched. All relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included and were combined with Bayesian network analysis. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool and GRADE profiler version 3.6 were respectively employed to evaluate the quality of evidence of outcomes.ResultsSeventeen publications involving 1441 participants were retrieved. The results of our analysis suggested that Jianpi therapy+proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and Ligan Hewei therapy respectively ranked first in overall clinical efficacy and efficacy under gastroscope; Ligan Hewei therapy+PPIs was the optimum intervention in the improvement of acid regurgitation and heartburn.ConclusionThis research indicates that Ligan Hewei therapy and Jianpi therapy, or these therapies separately combined with PPIs, should be recommended as appropriate complementary and alternative treatments based on the specific characteristics of GERD. However, additional well-designed RCTs with high methodological quality are still needed for future research.
Project description:BackgroundStroke is a condition with high morbidity and mortality, and 75% of stroke survivors lose their ability to work. Stroke is a burden to the family and society. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese herbal patent medicines in the treatment of patients after the acute phase of a stroke.MethodsWe searched the following databases through August 2016: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), China Science Periodical Database (CSPD), and China Biology Medicine disc (CBMdisc) for studies that evaluated Chinese herbal patent medicines for post stroke recovery. A random-effect model was used to pool therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal patent medicines on stroke recovery. Network meta-analysis was used to rank the treatment for each Chinese herbal patent medicine.ResultsIn our meta-analysis, we evaluated 28 trials that included 2780 patients. Chinese herbal patent medicines were effective in promoting recovery after stroke (OR, 3.03; 95% CI: 2.53-3.64; P < .001). Chinese herbal patent medicines significantly improved neurological function defect scores when compared with the controls (standard mean difference [SMD], -0.89; 95% CI, -1.44 to -0.35; P = .001). Chinese herbal patent medicines significantly improved the Barthel index (SMD, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53-0.94; P < .001) and the Fugl-Meyer assessment scores (SMD, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.34-0.86; P < .001). In the network analysis, MLC601, Shuxuetong, and BuchangNaoxintong were most likely to improve stroke recovery in patients without acupuncture. Additionally, Mailuoning, Xuesaitong, BuchangNaoxintong were the patented Chinese herbal medicines most likely to improve stroke recovery when combined with acupuncture.ConclusionsOur research suggests that the Chinese herbal patent medicines were effective for stroke recovery. The most effective treatments for stroke recovery were MLC601, Shuxuetong, and BuchangNaoxintong. However, to clarify the specific effective ingredients of Chinese herbal medicines, a well-designed study is warranted.
Project description:BACKGROUND:Ethnobotanical studies are recognized as effective methods of finding locally important plants for discovery of crude drugs. Siddha medicinal system is prevailed in south Indian states principally in Tamil Nadu and gaining recognition as alternative medicine among the indigenous communities for their primary healthcare needs. OBJECTIVES:The study was aimed to explore and document folk medicinal plant knowledge among the local people in Puliyankudi village of Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An ethnobotanical study was carried out during February 2016 to January 2017 among the local people in study area. Traditional healers, traders, local vendors and local people who are practicing herbal medicines were approached for documentation of folk medicinal uses. Acquired results were further analyzed with descriptive statistical methods such as use value (UV) and informant consensus factor (ICF). RESULTS:During the survey, a total 116 plant species from 49 families and 103 genera were recorded to treat 73 types of ailments. Among the plant parts used for preparation of medicine, leaves (73 reports) are often used and predominant method of preparation of medicine is paste (56 reports). Limonia acidissima was reported by all the interviewed informants with an UV of 0.98 and kidney problems have highest ICF value of 0.91. CONCLUSION:Plants with highest use values in the study indicates possible occurrence of valuable metabolites and should be investigated for associated pharmacological activities which leads to development of potential new drugs to treat various ailments.
Project description:BackgroundJapanese Kampo medicine is a traditional medicine with roots in ancient Chinese medicine. Because traditional physicians had been abolished in Japan, the present mainstream of Kampo treatment is that physicians who learned modern Western medicine prescribe Kampo extract products based on Western medical diagnosis. This situation is different from that in other east Asian countries, and the physicians require scientific clinical evidence.MethodsClinical studies were searched from literature databases, clinical trial registry sites, and "Evidence Reports of Kampo Treatment (EKAT)" published by the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine.ResultsAt the approval of Kampo products, scientific clinical evidence was not required because they have a long-period experience as a decoction. However, in the 1990s, Kampo products became a subject for national reevaluation; double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trials. At the time, a methodological foundation for conducting clinical assessments of Kampo medicines was established. From 2000 onwards, with the evidence-based medicine era, the field of Kampo medicine also saw many randomized controlled trials, and their evidence was collected and published as EKAT. In the 2010s, post-marketing clinical trials of Kampo products also had to be conducted in this environment due to the need for ethical and scientific assurance. Currently, there are numerous clinical trials of Kampo products being conducted with high-grade trial designs.ConclusionThe situation of Kampo clinical studies reflects the unique history and position of Kampo medical system and Kampo products in Japan.
Project description:BackgroundIn Ghana, the government has integrated herbal medicine into the formal healthcare system in response to widespread use of traditional remedies. However, empirical evidence supporting the contribution of integrated healthcare to malaria control remains limited. This study employed a phenomenological qualitative research design to explore the experiences of medical doctors and pharmacists from the coastal, forest and savannah regions of Ghana regarding the integration of modern and herbal medicine in the treatment and control of malaria. Donabedian's framework for evaluating the quality of healthcare served as the foundational theoretical framework for this research.MethodsData were collected through individual in-depth interviews involving 26 participants and analysed using a framework analytical approach.ResultsThe findings revealed that inadequate political commitment to the practice of integration has led to several challenges, including the high cost of herbal anti-malaria medications, limited promotional activities surrounding integration, a shortage of qualified medical herbalists, inconsistent supply chains for herbal anti-malaria treatments, and a lack of standardisation in herbal medicine practices. Participants had divergent views regarding the impact of integration on malaria control; while medical doctors believed that the intervention has not significantly contributed to reducing malaria prevalence in Ghana, pharmacists viewed the presence of herbal clinics within government hospitals as an effective and sustainable alternative for treating malaria.ConclusionReflecting on these results, it is imperative for policymakers to explore strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of an integrated health system, thereby increasing the contribution of herbal medicine towards achieving a malaria free nation. Future research could benefit from including policymakers, heads of health directorates, and community members, regarding the role of public health interventions in addressing health inequities in Ghana.
Project description:Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites are progressively used in the treatment of diseases as a complementary medicine. Inflammation is a pathologic condition that includes a wide range of diseases such as rheumatic and immune-mediated conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular accident, and etcetera. We introduce some herbs which their anti-inflammatory effects have been evaluated in clinical and experimental studies. Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Borago officinalis, evening primrose, and Devil's claw are some of the introduced medicinal herbs in this review. Since the treatment of inflammation is not a one-dimensional remedy, this review tries to reach a multidimensional therapeutic approach to inflammation with the help of herbal medicine and modification in lifestyle.
Project description:BackgroundHypercholesterolemia is an important key contributory factor for ischemic heart disease and is associated with age, high blood pressure, a family history of hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes. Chinese herbal medicines have been used for a long time as lipid-lowering agents.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of Chinese herbal medicines on hypercholesterolemia.Search strategyWe searched the following databases: The Cochrane Library (issue 8, 2010), MEDLINE (until July 2010), EMBASE (until July 2010 ), Chinese BioMedical Database (until July 2010), Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (until July 2010), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (until July 2010), Chinese VIP Information (until July 2010), Chinese Academic Conference Papers Database and Chinese Dissertation Database (until July 2010), and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (until July 2010).Selection criteriaWe considered randomized controlled clinical trials in hypercholesterolemic participants comparing Chinese herbal medicines with placebo, no treatment, and pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions.Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We resolved any disagreements with this assessment through discussion and a decision was achieved based by consensus. We assessed trials for the risk of bias against key criteria: random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting and other sources of bias.Main resultsWe included 22 randomized trials (2130 participants). The mean treatment duration was 2.3 ± 1.3 months (ranging from one to six months). Twenty trials were conducted in China and 18 trials were published in Chinese. Overall, the risk of bias of included trials was high or unclear. Five different herbal medicines were evaluated in the included trials, which compared herbs with conventional medicine in six comparisons (20 trials), or placebo (two trials). There were no outcome data in any of the trials on cardiovascular events and death from any cause. One trial each reported well-being (no significant differences) and economic costs. No serious adverse events were observed. Xuezhikang was the most commonly used herbal formula investigated. A significant effect on total cholesterol (two trial, 254 participants) was shown in favor of Xuezhikang when compared with inositol nicotinate (mean difference (MD) -0.90 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.13 to -0.68) .Authors' conclusionsSome herbal medicines may have cholesterol-lowering effects. Our findings have to be interpreted with caution due to high or unclear risk of bias of the included trials.
Project description:Age is the leading risk factor for acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the oldest known compendium of Chinese materia media, lists herbal medicines that were believed to exert neither fast acting pharmacological effects nor discernible toxicity, but to promote general health and longevity. In modern terms, these herbal medicines could be considered as complementary health care products for prevention rather than treatment of diseases. In the present study, we examined whether a selection of 13 such herbal medicines exhibited neuroprotective activity.The antioxidant capacity of the herbal extracts was determined using three non-cellular assays measuring the total phenol content (FCR assay), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Cytotoxic effects of the herbal extracts were assayed in cultured mouse cortical neurons and their neuroprotective activities were studied using staurosporine-induced apoptosis of the cultured neurons.Most of the herbal extracts showed negligible toxic effects at 100 ?g/ml. However, Polygonum multiflorum and Rhodiola rosea exhibited some neurotoxicity at this concentration. Extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Schizandra chinensis, and Polygonum cuspidatum inhibited staurosporine-induced apoptosis by 30 - 50% in a dose-dependent manner. The neuroprotective effects of Polygonum cuspidatum were predominantly due to its major ingredient, resveratrol. The effective herbal extracts showed various levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity, which was significantly correlated with their neuro- protective activity. However, P. multiflorum and R. rosea extracts proved to be the exception as they exhibited a high level of antioxidant capacity, but did not exhibit neuroprotective effects in cell-based assay.This in vitro study provides evidence for neuroprotective activity of some Chinese herbal medicines traditionally used to promote healthy ageing and longevity. Our results provide a justification for further study of these herbal extracts in neurodegenerative animal models to assess their safety and effectiveness as a basis for subsequent clinical trials. These herbal medicines might potentially offer a novel preemptive neuroprotective approach in neurodegenerative diseases and might be developed for use in persons at risk.