Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (EVID-BASED COMPL ALT)

Publications in this journal

• Article: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of the Triple Stimulation Technique in the Assessment of Electroacupuncture for Motor Function Recovery in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

  Feng Tan, Xuewen Wang, Hui-qin Li, Lin Lu, Ming Li, Ji-huang Li, Meifeng Fang, Di Meng, Guo-Qing Zheng
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The objective of this randomized controlled pilot study was to objectively assess electroacupuncture for motor function recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke using the triple stimulation technique (TST). The patients received either electroacupuncture plus western conventional medication (WCM) (n=32) or single WCM (n=31) for 14 days. The total clinical effective rate was statistically significant superior in electroacupuncture group to that in WCM group (P<0.01). Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA) score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and TSTratio were statistically significant in electroacupuncture group than that in WCM group (P<0.01). There was positive correlation between TSTratio and NIHS score both before and after treatment (P＜0.01), and negative correlation between TSTratio and FAM score both pre-treatment and post-treatment (P＜0.01). Compared between the two groups or between pre-treatment and post-treatment, adverse events, electrocardiogram, liver function and kidney function showed no statistically significant difference (P> 0.05). In conclusion, electroacupuncture was beneficial for the motor function recovery of patients with acute ischemic stroke and was generally safe. TST can be used for quantitative evaluation of electroacupuncture for motor function recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke because it can objectively analyze the injury and recovery of corticospinal tract impairments. Further large, rigorous designed trials are warranted.
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 05/2013;
• Article: Hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaves against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage in rats

  F. Yahya, S.S. Mamat, M.F.F. Kamarolzaman, A.A. Seyedan, K.F. Jakius, N.D. Mahmood, M.S. Shahril, Zarizal Suhaili, Norhafizah Mohtarrudin, Deny Susanti, Muhammad Nazrul Somchit, Lay Kek Teh, Mohd. Zaki Salleh, Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 05/2013; 2013(10):1-10.
• Article: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in animal model of focal cerebral ischemia

  Rui-li Wei, Hai-juan Teng, Bo Yin, Yang Xu, Yue Du, Fang-pin He, Ke-tan Chu, Ben-yan Luo, Guo-Qing Zheng
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) is a well-known Chinese herbal prescription for ischemic stroke. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide the current evidence for neuroprotective effects of BHD and its possible mechanisms in animal models of focal ischemia. A systematic literature search, through October 2012, was performed using six databases. The outcome measures assessed were infarct size and/or neurological score. Fifty-six studies with 1270 animals that met the inclusion criteria were identified. The median score for methodologic quality was 3.37 with a range of 2 to 6. Compared with vehicle or no treatment controls, BHD gave a 37% improvement in outcome for all doses ranging from 1.0 g/kg to 60 g/kg at each time point that BHD was administered (P<0.01). Efficacy was higher in mouse models that utilized suture occlusion and temporary ischemia. The neuroprotective effects of BHD are involved in multiple mechanisms and act upon multiple cell types. In conclusion, BHD possesses substantial neuroprotective effects in experimental stroke probably as a result of the multi-target therapy strategy typically utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. Future research should examine the presence of possible experimental bias and an in-depth study of herbal compound preparations.
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 05/2013;
• Article: Inhibition of Neuroinflammation in LPS-Activated Microglia by Cryptolepine

  Olumayokun A Olajide, Harsharan S Bhatia, Antonio C. P. de Oliveira, Colin W Wright, Bernd L. Fiebich
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Cryptolepine, an indoloquinoline alkaloid in Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, has anti-inflammatory property. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of cryptolepine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced neuroinflammation in rat microglia and its potential mechanisms. Microglial activation was induced by stimulation with LPS, and the effects of cryptolepine pretreatment on microglial activation and production of proinflammatory mediators, PGE2/COX-2, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase and nitric oxide/iNOS were investigated. We further elucidated the role of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the mitogen-activated protein kinases in the antiinflammatory actions of cryptolepine in LPS-stimulated microglia. Our results showed that cryptolepine significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), nitric oxide, and PGE2. Protein and mRNA levels of COX-2 and iNOS were also attenuated by cryptolepine. Further experiments on intracellular signalling mechanisms show that IκB-independent inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation contributes to the anti-neuroinflammatory actions of cryptolepine. Results also show that cryptolepine inhibited LPS-induced p38 and MAPKAPK2 phosphorylation in the microglia. Cell viability experiments revealed that cryptolepine (2.5 and 5 μM) did not produce cytotoxicity in microglia. Taken together, our results suggest that cryptolepine inhibits LPS-induced microglial inflammation by partial targeting of NF-κB signalling and attenuation of p38/MAPKAPK2.
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 05/2013; 2013.
• Article: Resveratrol Impedes the Stemness, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, and Metabolic Reprogramming of Cancer Stem Cells in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma through p53 Activation

  Yau-Huei Wei
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are able to self-renew and are refractory to cancer treatment. To investigate the effects of resveratrol on CSCs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we employed a behavior selection strategy to isolate CSCs based on radioresistance, chemoresistance, and tumor sphere formation ability. These NPC CSCs displayed stem cell properties and underwent metabolic shift to predominately rely on glycolysis for energy supply. Intriguingly, we found that resveratrol turned off the metabolic switch, increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and depolarized mitochondrial membranes. These alterations in metabolism occurred concomitantly with the suppression of CSC properties including resistance to therapy, self-renewal capacity, tumor initiation capacity, and metastatic potential inNPC CSCs.We found that resveratrol impeded CSC properties through the activation of p53 and this effect could be reversed by knockdown of p53. Furthermore, resveratrol suppressed the stemness and EMT through reactivating p53 and inducing miR-145 and miR-200c, which were downregulated in NPC CSCs. In conclusion, we demonstrated that resveratrol employed the p53 pathway in regulating stemness, EMT, and metabolic reprogramming. Further investigation of the molecular mechanism of p53 activation by resveratrol may provide useful information for the development of novel therapies for cancer treatment through targeting to CSCs.
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 05/2013;
• Article: A review on anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hepatoprotective activity of eco-friendly Punica granatum peel waste

  Sushil Kumar Middha, Talambedu Usha, Veena Pandey
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Over the past decade, Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is entitled as a wonder fruit because of its voluminous pharmacological properties. In 1830, P. granatum fruit was first recognized in United States Pharmacopeia, the Philadelphia edition introduced the rind of the fruit, the New York edition the bark of the root and further 1890 edition the stem-bark was introduced. There are significant efforts and progress made in establishing the pharmacological mechanisms of peel (pericarp or rind), and the individual constituents responsible for them. This review provides an insight on the phytochemical components that contribute for anti-hyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, anti-hype rlipidemic effect 2 and numerous other effects of wonderful, economic and eco-friendly pomegranatepeel extract (PP).
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 04/2013;
• Article: A review on anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hepatoprotective activity of eco-friendly Punica granatum peel waste

  Talambedu Usha Sushil Kumar Middha, veena pande
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 04/2013; 201.
• Article: Pharmacometrics of 3-methoxypterostilbene: a component of traditional Chinese medicinal plants

  Martinez SE, Sayre CL, Davies NM
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 04/2013;
• Article: Populus balsamifera Extract and Its Active Component Salicortin Reduce Obesity and Attenuate Insulin Resistance in a Diet-Induced Obese Mouse Model

  Despina Harbilas, Diane Vallerand, Antoine Brault, Ammar Saleem, John T. Arnason, Lina Musallam, Pierre S. Haddad
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Populus balsamifera L. (BP) is a medicinal plant stemming from the traditional pharmacopoeia of the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (CEI—Northern Quebec). In vitro screening studies revealed that it strongly inhibited adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting potential antiobesity activity. Salicortin was identified, through bioassay-guided fractionation, as the active component responsible for BP’s activity. The present study aimed to assess the potential of BP and salicortin at reducing obesity and features of the metabolic syndrome, in diet-induced obese C57Bl/6 mice. Mice were subjected to high fat diet (HFD) for sixteen weeks, with BP (125 or 250 mg/kg) or salicortin (12.5 mg/kg) introduced in the HFD for the last eight of the sixteen weeks. BP and salicortin effectively reduced whole body and retroperitoneal fat pad weights, as well as hepatic triglyceride accumulation. Glycemia, insulinemia, leptin, and adiponectin levels were also improved. This was accompanied by a small yet significant reduction in food intake in animals treated with BP. BP and salicortin (slightly) also modulated key components in signaling pathways involved with glucose regulation and lipid oxidation in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. These results confirm the validity of the CEI pharmacopoeia as alternative and complementary antiobesity and antidiabetic therapies.
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 04/2013;
• Article: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Qigong for the fibromyalgia syndrome

  Romy Lauche, Holger Cramer, Winfried Häuser, Gustav Dobos, Jost Langhorst
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Objectives The fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition with only few evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies available. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of Qigong for fibromyalgia syndrome. Methods The Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Psycinfo and CAMBASE databases were screened in December 2012 to identify randomized controlled trials comparing Qigong to control interventions. Major outcome measures were pain, quality of life; and secondary outcomes included sleep quality, fatigue, depression and safety. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results Seven trials were located with a total of 395 FMS patients. Analyses revealed low quality evidence for short-term improvement of pain, quality of life and sleep quality; and very low quality evidence for improvement of fatigue after Qigong for FMS, when compared to usual care. No evidence was found for superiority of Qigong compared to active treatments. No serious adverse events were reported. Discussion This systematic review found that Qigong may be a useful approach for FMS patients. According to the quality of evidence only a weak recommendation for Qigong can be made at this point. Further high quality RCTs are required for the conclusive judgment of its long-term effects.
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 04/2013;
• Article: Evaluation of the Bronchorelaxant, Genotoxic, and Antigenotoxic Effects of Cassia alata L.

  M. Ouédraogo, F. L. Da, A. Fabré, K. Konaté, C. I. Dibala, H. Carreyre, S. Thibaudeau, J.-M. Coustard, C. Vandebrouck, J. Bescond, R. G. Belemtougri
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Aqueous-ethanolic extract of Cassia alata (AECal) and its derived fractions obtained through liquid-liquid fractionation were evaluated for their bronchorelaxant, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects .Contractil eactivit yo frats ’trachea si nth epresenc eof tested materials, as well as its modification swit hdiffere ntinhibito rsa ndblocker s,w asisometrical lyrecorde d. Theantigenotoxic potential of AECal was evaluated on cyclophosphamide- (CP-) induced genotoxicity in the rat. Animals were pretreated with the extract, then liver comet assay was performed. AECal and its chloroformic fractions (CF-AECal) relaxed the contraction induced by Ach, but both were significantl yles spoten ti ninhibitin gcontractio ninduce db yKC l(3 0mM ;8 0mM) .Propranolol ,indomethacin, L-NAME, methylene blue, and glibenclamide did not modify the relaxant effec to fCF-AECal .TE Aaltere dth erespons eo ftrachea to CF-AECal. CF-AECal caused a rightward shif twithou taffecti ngthe 𝐸 max in cumulative concentration-response curves of Ach only at low concentrations. In animals pretreated with the extract, the percentage of CP-induced DNA damage decreased. Our results suggest that (1) muscarinic receptors contribute at least in part to the relaxant effect so fCF-AECal ;(2 )CF-AECa linterferes with membrane polarization; and (3) AECal is not genotoxic in vivo and contains chemopreventive phytoconstituents offering protection against CP-induced genotoxicity.
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 04/2013; Volume 2013,.
• Article: Exploring Antiurolithic Effects of Gokshuradi Polyherbal Ayurvedic Formulation in Ethylene-Glycol-Induced Urolithic Rats

  A.L.Shirfule
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Gokshuradi Yog (GY) is a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation used traditionally for several decades in India for the treatment of urolithiasis. The aim of the present study was to determine the underlying mechanism of GY action in the management of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. The effect of Gokshuradi polyherbal aqueous extracts (GPAEs) was studied on various biochemical parameters involved in calcium oxalate formation by employing in vitro and in vivo methods. GPAE exhibited significant antioxidant activity against 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical and inhibited lipid peroxidation in the in vitro experiments. The rat model of urolithiasis induced by 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1% ammonium chloride (AC) in water caused polyuria, weight loss, impairment of renal function, and oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in untreated control groups. However, GPAE- (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) treated groups caused diuresis accompanied by a saluretic effect and revealed significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activities along with decreased oxalate synthesizing biochemical parameters at higher doses. This study revealed the antiurolithic effect of GPAE mediated possibly through inhibiting biochemical parameters involved in calcium oxalate formation, along with its diuretic and antioxidant effects, hence supporting its use in the treatment of calcium oxalate urolithiasis.
  Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 03/2013; 2013.