MedWorm: Complementary Medicine Top 20

Translation and validation of the German version of the Bournemouth Questionnaire for Neck Pain.

Chiropractic and Osteopathy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The German BQN is a valid and reliable outcome measure that has been successfully translated and culturally adapted. It is shorter, easier to use, and more responsive to change than the NDI and NPAD.Key WordsBournemouth Questionnaire; Outcome Assessment; Neck Pain; Chiropractic; Validity of Results (Source: Chiropractic and Osteopathy)

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Dehydrocorydaline inhibits breast cancer cells proliferation by inducing apoptosis in mcf-7 cells.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:02 +0100

In this study, its anti-tumor potential was investigated with breast cancer line cells MCF-7 in vitro. The anti-proliferative effect of dehydrocorydaline was determined by MTT assay and the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ Ψ m) was monitored by JC-1 staining. DNA fragments were visualized by Hoechst 33342 staining and DNA ladder assay. Apoptotic related protein expressions were measured by Western blotting. Dehydrocorydaline significantly inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation in a dose- dependent manner, which could be reversed by a caspase-8 inhibitor, Z-IETD-FMK. Dehydrocorydaline increased DNA fragments without affecting ΔΨm. Western blotting assay showed that dehydrocorydaline dose-dependently increased Bax protein expression and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression. Furthermore, deh...

Frequently asked questions about quality and regulation of herbal products

Alliance for Natural Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:06:55 +0100

ANH-Intl addresses consumer confusion over herbal medicines and food supplements (Source: Alliance for Natural Health)

An improved acute gouty arthritis rat model and therapeutic effect of rhizoma dioscoreae nipponicae on acute gouty arthritis based on the protein-chip methods.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:02 +0100

Authors: Yao L, Dong W, Lu F, Liu S Abstract Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae (RDN) is an herbal medicine. In the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the function of RDN is to expel wind and remove dampness. Inflammatory mechanisms play an important role in the pathological process and prognosis of acute gouty arthritis (AGA). The aim of this study was to determine the specially expressed proteins through testing the proteins of the synovium in rats with AGA. The animal model of AGA was set up by Monosodium urate crystal (MSU) combined with hypoxanthine (HX), which was ameliorated in our previous experiment. Blood samples for measurement of serum uric acid were collected prior to sacrifice. Outcomes were assessed (two days after injection) by histological stain and protein...

How to Make It to the Final Whistle

Al Sears, MD Natural Remedies — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:25 +0100

Did you watch the Super Bowl? We even got to see it in Africa. It’s such a huge event around the world now… almost as big as the World Cup for soccer, the rest of the world’s version of football. I Was Sure I Was a Goner… I’d heard in the news that chimpanzees in [...] (Source: Al Sears, MD Natural Remedies)

How I Got Ready for the African Jungle

Al Sears, MD Natural Remedies — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:00:08 +0100

I’ve been to some of the most remote and rugged places on Earth. But the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest here in Africa really lives up to its name. It is the densest jungle I’ve ever encountered. I just got back from my first-ever gorilla trek. I was told it would take all day to hike [...] (Source: Al Sears, MD Natural Remedies)

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Mountain Ginseng Extract Exhibits Anti-Lung Cancer Activity by Inhibiting the Nuclear Translocation of NF-κB.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:02 +0100

Authors: Hwang JW, Oh JH, Yoo HS, Lee YW, Cho CK, Kwon KR, Yoon JH, Park J, Her S, Lee ZW, Jang IS, Choi JS Abstract Administration of mountain ginseng (MG) extract can restore advanced cancer to a normal state. To elucidate the mechanism by which MG extract prevents the progression of lung cancer, the processes of proliferation and death of lung cancer cells (A549) were examined after treatment with MG extract. Butanol-extracted MG (BX-MG) showed a high inhibitory effect (IC(50) = 2 mg/ml) by attenuating proliferation and inducing apoptosis in lung cancer cells. By HPLC-UV analysis of BX-MG, ginsenosides, Rb1 was identified as the most abundant ginsenoside, followed by Rg1, Re, Rc and Rb2. BX-MG induced caspase-3 dependent apoptosis by inhibiting NF-κB. In addition, BX-MG activat...

The Five Eras of Chiropractic & the future of chiropractic as seen through the eyes of a participant observer.

Chiropractic and Osteopathy — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article examines the chiropractic profession's history by dividing it into five Eras and suggests that there are three options available for the future of the profession. One: maintaining the status quo. Two: uniting under an evidence based scientific approach as partners in the health care delivery system that has buried the "one-cause, one-cure" sacred cow. The steps required to achieve this outcome are outlined. Three: openly dividing the profession into evidence based practitioners and subluxation based practitioners. Adopting this option would allow each branch of the profession to move forward in the health care delivery system unhindered by the other.It is unclear which option the profession will choose and whether the profession is mature enough to follow option two remains t...

2 Hz Electro-Acupuncture at Yinlingquan (SP9) and Ququan (LR8) Acupoints Induces Changes in Blood Flow in the Liver and Spleen.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:02 +0100

Authors: Chou WC, Liu HJ, Lin YW, Cheng CY, Li TC, Tang NY, Hsieh CL Abstract According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, channels and collaterals within the body provide pathways through which qi and blood travel, and each channel or collateral is linked with a specific organ. The Yinlingquan (spleen 9, SP9) and Ququan (liver 8, LR8) acupoints represent the sea points of the spleen and liver meridians, respectively, from which qi and blood flow into their specific visceral organs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in blood flow/perfusion in the liver and spleen resulting from the application of 2 Hz electro-acupuncture (EA) to the Yinlingquan (SP9) or Ququan (LR8) acupoints. A total of 18 Spragrue-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three...

The contribution of traditional healers' clinics to public health care system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The study conducted showed that for the majority of patients interviewed traditional healers' clinics were one of the options to solve their health problems that indicated the considerable contribution of these clinics to the public health care system in Addis Ababa. Nevertheless, in this study the contribution of traditional healers' clinics to the public health system would have been better shown if individuals who are not users of the traditional healers' clinics were included in the interview. However, the study might be useful as a base line data for future evaluation of the significance of traditional healers' clinics for public health system and the services rendered in these clinics. (Source: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine)

Mulberry Leaf Extract Stimulates Glucose Uptake and GLUT4 Translocation in Rat Adipocytes.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:02 +0100

Authors: Naowaboot J, Pannangpetch P, Kukongviriyapan V, Prawan A, Kukongviriyapan U, Itharat A Abstract Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf tea is promoted for its health benefits and the control of diabetes in Asian nations. The blood glucose lowering activity of mulberry leaf extract (MA) has been proven; however, the molecular basis underlying this effect remains unclear. The aim of the present work is to elucidate its mechanism of the antihyperglycemic action, by examining the effect of MA on glucose uptake and the translocation of glucose transporter 4 protein (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane of adipocytes isolated from diabetic rats. The incubation of adipocytes with 5-45 μg/ml MA resulted in 31-54% increase of glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner. This glucose uptake enhancin...

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Management of people with acute low-back pain: a survey of Australian chiropractors

Chiropractic and Osteopathy — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The intention of chiropractors surveyed in this study shows low adherence to two recommendations from an evidence-based guideline for acute LBP. Quality of care for these patients could be improved through effective implementation of evidence-based guidelines. Further research to find cost-effective methods to increase implementation is warranted. (Source: Chiropractic and Osteopathy)

Clinical outcomes of traditional chinese medicine compound formula in treating sleep-disordered breathing patients.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:02 +0100

In conclusion, the TCM compound formula based on SZ + NUH could be a safe and effective option for SDB treatment. PMID: 22298445 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Chinese Medicine)

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Hypoglycemic Fraction from Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mice.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:02 +0100

Authors: Roman-Ramos R, Almanza-Perez JC, Fortis-Barrera A, Angeles-Mejia S, Banderas-Dorantes TR, Zamilpa-Alvarez A, Diaz-Flores M, Jasso I, Blancas-Flores G, Gomez J, Alarcon-Aguilar FJ Abstract Type 2 diabetes is characterized by oxidative stress and a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, which also play roles in the pathogenesis of this disease and the accompanying vascular complications by increasing the production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (C. ficifolia) is an edible Mexican plant whose hypoglycemic activity has been demonstrated in several experimental and clinical conditions. Recently, D-chiro-inositol has been proposed as the compound responsible for the hypoglycemic effects; however, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory...

Prevalence of pain-free weeks in chiropractic subjects with low back pain - a longitudinal study using data gathered with text messages

Chiropractic and Osteopathy — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: It was uncommon that chiropractic subjects treated for non-specific LBP experienced an entire week without any LBP at all over 18 weeks. When this occurred, it was most commonly reported for brief periods only. Hence, recovery in the sense that patients become absolutely pain free is rare, even in a primary care population. (Source: Chiropractic and Osteopathy)

Comparative Root Protein Profiles of Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera).

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:02 +0100

Authors: Nagappan A, Karunanithi N, Sentrayaperumal S, Park KI, Park HS, Lee do H, Kang SR, Kim JA, Senthil K, Natesan S, Muthurajan R, Kim GS Abstract Ginsenosides and withanolides are the secondary metabolites from Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera, respectively. These compounds have similar biological properties. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis was utilized to reveal the protein profile in the roots of both plants, with the aim of clarifying similarly- and differentially-expressed proteins. Total proteins of Korea ginseng (P. ginseng) and Indian ginseng (W. somnifera) roots were separated by 2-DE using a pH 4-7 immobilized pH gradient strip in the first dimension and 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the second dimension. The pro...

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Cimicifuga foetida L. Inhibited Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus in HEp-2 and A549 Cell Lines.

The American Journal of Chinese Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:06:02 +0100

Authors: Wang KC, Chang JS, Chiang LC, Lin CC Abstract Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) causes serious pediatric infection of the lower respiratory tract without effective therapeutic modality. Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang (SMGGT; Shoma-kakkon-to) has been proven to be effective at inhibiting HRSV-induced plaque formation, and Cimicifuga foetida is the major constituent of SMGGT. We tested the hypothesis that C. foetida effectively inhibited the cytopathic effects of HRSV by a plaque reduction assay in both human upper (HEp2) and lower (A549) respiratory tract cell lines. Its ability to stimulate anti-viral cytokines was evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). C. foetida dose-dependently inhibited HRSV-induced plaque formation (p < 0.0001) before and after vir...

Contractile Effect of Radish and Betel Nut Extracts on Rabbit Gallbladder

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:34:43 +0100

This study justifies the traditional use of radish and betel nut in different gastrointestinal disorders. (Source: Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine)

Benefits of Reiki Therapy for a Severely Neutropenic Patient with Associated Influences on a True Random Number Generator

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:37:49 +0100

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Dec 2011, Vol. 17, No. 12: 1181-1190. (Source: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine)

NCCAM's Advisory Council Welcomes Six New Members

NCCAM Featured Content — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:14:14 +0100

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) welcomes six new members to the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The council serves as the principal advisory body to NCCAM, the lead federal agency for research on complementary medicine, and a component of the National Institutes of Health. (Source: NCCAM Featured Content)