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1.
Novel Approaches to Anti-atherosclerotic Therapy: Cell-based Models and Herbal Preparations (Review of Our Own Data).
Orekhov, AN, Grechko, AV, Romanenko, EB, Zhang, D, Chistiakov, DA
Current drug discovery technologies. 2020;(3):278-285
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic arterial disease characterized by vascular inflammation, accumulation of lipids in the arterial wall, and formation and growth of atherosclerotic plaques followed by ischemia. In subclinical atherosclerosis, cholesterol retention in subendothelial cells leads to induction of local inflammation, generation of foam cells and lesion formation, followed by a chain of other pathogenic events. Atherosclerotic progression can frequently be fatal, since plaque rupture may lead to thrombosis and acute events, such as myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden death. Traditional anti-atherosclerotic therapy is mainly focused on improving the blood lipid profile and does not target various stages of plaque progression. Obviously, treating the disease at initial stages is better than beginning treatment at advanced stages and, in that regard, current atherosclerosis management can be improved. Cholesterol retention is an important component of atherogenesis that precedes plaque formation. Therapeutic targeting of cholesterol retention may be beneficial for preventing further atherogenic progression. For this purpose, we suggest using herbal preparations due to good tolerability and suitability for long-lasting treatment. We developed test systems based on cultured human intimal aortic cells for rapid screening of potential anti-atherogenic drugs. With the help of these test systems, we selected several natural substances with significant anti-atherogenic activity and further use these compounds to prepare herbal preparations for anti-atherosclerotic therapy. These preparations were clinically tested and showed good safety and a potent anti-atherogenic potential.
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2.
Western herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Hawrelak, JA, Wohlmuth, H, Pattinson, M, Myers, SP, Goldenberg, JZ, Harnett, J, Cooley, K, Van De Venter, C, Reid, R, Whitten, DL
Complementary therapies in medicine. 2020;:102233
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of Western herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). DESIGN A computer-based search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, GreenFILE, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. A hand-search of the bibliographies of relevant papers and previous meta-analyses and reviews was also undertaken. Trials were included in the review if they were double-blind and placebo-controlled investigating the effects of Western herbal medicines on IBS-related symptoms or quality of life. There were no language restrictions. Eligibility assessment and data extraction were performed by two independent researchers. For herbal medicines where there was more than 1 trial of similar design, data were synthesised using relative risk of symptoms improving using the random effects model. RESULTS Thirty-three trials were identified that met all eligibility criteria. Seventeen of these evaluated peppermint essential oil, fifteen other Western herbal medicines, and one trial evaluated peppermint oil in one arm and aniseed essential oil in the other arm. Eighteen different herbal preparations were evaluated in these trials. Data suggests that a number of Western herbal medicines may provide relief of IBS symptoms. Meta-analyses suggest that peppermint essential oil is both efficacious and well-tolerated in the short-term management of IBS. Aloe vera and asafoetida also demonstrated efficacy in reducing global IBS symptoms in meta-analyses. The herbal formulas STW 5, STW 5-II and Carmint, along with Ferula assa-foetida, Pimpenella anisum oil, the combination of Curcumin and Foeniculum vulgare oil, and the blend of Schinopsis lorentzii, Aesculus hippocastanum, and peppermint essential oil also demonstrated efficacy in rigorously-designed clinical trials. CONCLUSION A number of Western herbal medicines show promise in the treatment of IBS. With the exception of peppermint essential oil, Aloe vera, and asafoetida, however, none of the positive trials have been replicated. This lack of replication limits the capacity to make definitive statements of efficacy for these herbal medicines.
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3.
The best route of administration of lavender for anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Sayed, AM, Morsy, S, Tawfik, GM, Naveed, S, Minh-Duc, NT, Hieu, TH, Ali, ZA, Shinkar, A, Doheim, MF, Hashan, MR, et al
General hospital psychiatry. 2020;:33-40
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is preliminary evidence for lavender as an anxiolytic agent through various routes of administration. Our goal is to elucidate the best route of administration for lavender as a treatment for anxiety. METHODS Thirteen electronic search engines were systematically scanned for relevant publications. The relevant articles were included after the title and abstract screening followed by the full-text screening. This study included randomized control trials reporting lavender for the treatment of anxiety. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017076711). Frequentist network meta-analysis and Bayesian meta-regression were conducted to report the best treatment modality and the effect of covariates on the effectiveness as an anxiolytic. Treatment arms were ordered according P-scores, where higher P-score indicates better treatment choice. RESULTS Forty studies were eligible for qualitative analysis, and 32 were included in quantitative analysis. Lavender aromatherapy was the best approach for the treatment of anxiety among other lavender modalities at the first week recording [Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = -0.57, 95% CI (-1.14-0.01), P-score = 0.72], in addition to achieve at the first time points [SMD = -0, 95% CI (-0.97 ̶ -0.16), P-score = 0.69], compared to placebo; however, lavender massage along with foot bath were found to be the most efficacious for anxiety treatment at the study endpoint [SMD = -1.10, 95% CI = (-7.41 ̶ 5.21), P-score = 0.65]. Furthermore, network meta-regression revealed that the duration of therapy influenced treatment, suggesting Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg (first rank probability = .116) as the favorable option for anxiety in long-term treatment. CONCLUSIONS Lavender aromatherapy is, clinically, superior in short-duration, while Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg is preferable for long-term treatment of anxiety.
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4.
Acute Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplements on Resistance Training: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover.
Ranchal-Sanchez, A, Diaz-Bernier, VM, De La Florida-Villagran, CA, Llorente-Cantarero, FJ, Campos-Perez, J, Jurado-Castro, JM
Nutrients. 2020;(7)
Abstract
The ingestion of beetroot juice (BJ) has been associated with improvements in physical performance in endurance sports, however the literature on resistance training (RT) is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of BJ compared to a placebo (PLA) on muscular endurance and movement concentric velocity during RT. Twelve healthy men performed an incremental RT test (back squat and bench press) with three sets, at 60%, 70%, and 80% of their repetition maximum (1-RM). Movement velocity variables, total number of repetitions performed until concentric failure, blood lactate, and ratings of perceived effort post-training were measured. A higher number of repetitions were recorded with BJ compared to those with PLA (13.8 ± 14.4; p < 0.01; effect size (ES) = 0.6). Differences were found at 60% 1-RM (9 ± 10; p < 0.05; ES = 0.61) and 70% 1-RM (3.1 ± 4.8; p < 0.05; ES = 0.49), however, no differences were found at 80% 1-RM (1.7 ± 1; p = 0.12; ES = 0.41). A greater number of repetitions was performed in back squat (13.4 ± 13; p < 0.01; ES = 0.77), but no differences were observed in bench press (0.4 ± 5.1; p = 0.785; ES = 0.03). No differences were found for the rest of the variables (p > 0.05). Acute supplementation of BJ improved muscular endurance performance in RT.
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5.
Efficacy and safety of Euiiyin-tang in Korean women with obesity: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.
Cheon, C, Song, YK, Ko, SG
Complementary therapies in medicine. 2020;:102423
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a global health problem and its incidence is on the rise. Euiiyin-tang is an herbal medicinal formula that is often used in the clinical treatment of obesity. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Euiiyin-tang in obesity treatment. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial was conducted. Participants with obesity were randomly assigned to receive Euiiyin-tang or placebo 3 times daily for 12-weeks. The primary outcome was weight reduction between the baseline and 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes included the rate of weight loss compared to baseline, and changes in body mass index, lipid profiles, and questionnaires related to the quality of life and diet. Safety factors, such as vital signs and laboratory parameters, were also measured. RESULTS A total of 149 participants were randomly distributed to either the Euiiyin-tang group (n = 76) or the placebo group (n = 73). Weight reduction in the Euiiyin-tang group was significantly greater than that in the placebo group (2.50 kg in the Euiiyin-tang group vs. 0.82 kg in the placebo group). The participant response rates of ≥3% weight loss compared to baseline was 36.8 % in the Euiiyin-tang group and 17.8 % in the placebo group. Body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference showed a greater change in the Euiiyin-tang group than in the placebo group (1.00, 3.23, and 2.00 in the Euiiyin-tang group vs. 0.33, 1.96, and 0.86 in the placebo group). Questionnaires, lipid profiles, and safety factors did not show significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that Euiiyin-tang has beneficial effects on weight loss. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01724099.
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6.
The landscape of hepatobiliary adverse reactions across 53 herbal and dietary supplements reveals immune-mediated injury as a common cause of hepatitis.
Zhu, J, Chen, M, Borlak, J, Tong, W
Archives of toxicology. 2020;(1):273-293
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests herbal-induced liver injury (HILI) to account for 20% of cases among the U.S. Drug-Induced-Liver-Injury-Network. To define injury patterns of HILI, we reviewed the clinical data of 413 patients exposed to 53 HDS products by considering the evidence for HILI and its grades of severity. Outstandingly, females developed HILI more rapidly (p = 0.018) and the time to recovery was significantly increased (p = 0.0153). > 90% of reported cases were severe and half of HDS products caused acute liver failure (ALF) requiring liver transplantation or resulted in fatal outcomes. Liver biopsies of 243 patients defined 13 histological features; two-thirds of products elicited immune-mediated hepatitis and included 154 Hy's law positive cases. The histological injury patterns were confirmed among unrelated patients, while accidental re-challenges evidenced culprits as causative. Furthermore, one-fifth of patients presented elevated autoantibody titres indicative of autoimmune-like HILI, and one-third of the products were linked to chronic hepatitis and cholestatic injuries not resolving within 6 months. Lastly, INR and TBL are critical laboratory parameters to predict progression of severe HILI to ALF. Our study highlights the need for a regulatory framework to minimize the risk for HILI. Better education of the public and a physician-supervised self-medication plan will be important measures to abate risk of HILI.
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7.
Evaluation of the Adjuvant Efficacy of Natural Herbal Medicine on COVID-19: A Retrospective Matched Case-Control Study.
Zhang, HT, Huang, MX, Liu, X, Zheng, XC, Li, XH, Chen, GQ, Xia, JY, Hong, ZS
The American journal of Chinese medicine. 2020;(4):779-792
Abstract
Since the outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei province, the epidemic scale has increased rapidly, and no effective antiviral drug therapy has been identified yet. This study aimed to evaluate the adjuvant efficacy of Natural Herbal Medicine (NHM) combined with Western medicine in the treatment of COVID-19. We performed a retrospective, 1:1 matched, case-control study of the first cohort of hospitalized COVID-19-confirmed cases (January 17, 2020 to January 28, 2020). A total of 22 of the 36 confirmed patients were included in this study, split into two groups of 11: the NHM group (NHM combined standard Western medicine treatment) and control group (standard Western medicine treatment alone). All patients received appropriate supportive care and regular clinical and laboratory monitoring. Main evaluation indicators included improvement of clinical symptoms such as fever, cough and diarrhea after hospitalization; pathogen nucleic acid test result of respiratory tract and fecal specimens of the patient after hospitalization, and change of chest CT examination after hospitalization. The duration of fever in the NHM group ([Formula: see text] days) was significantly shorter than that in the control group ([Formula: see text] days) ([Formula: see text]). During the whole hospitalization period, the number of cases with diarrhea in the NHM group (two cases) was less than that in the control group (eight cases) ([Formula: see text]). Compared with the control group ([Formula: see text]), the duration for improvement (DI) of chest CT in the NHM group ([Formula: see text]) was significantly shorter ([Formula: see text]). Our results suggest that NHM could improve the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients and may be effective in treating COVID-19; thus, a larger, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial should be conducted to further evaluate the adjuvant efficacy of NHM in the treatment of COVID-19.
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8.
Effects of Rice Wine Lees on Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Physically Active Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Nagai, N, Shindo, N, Wada, A, Izu, H, Fujii, T, Matsubara, K, Wada, Y, Sakane, N
The journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease. 2020;(2):95-103
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rice wine lees (RWL), a Japanese traditional fermented product, is a rich source of one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients, which may have beneficial effects on cognitive function. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the effect of the RWL on cognitive function in community-dwelling physically active older adults. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study (clinical trial number: UMIN 000027158). SETTING Community-based intervention including assessments conducted at the University of Hyogo and a public liberal arts school in Himeji City, Japan. PARTICIPANTS A total of 35 community-dwelling older adults (68-80 years) who performed mild exercise before and during the trial were assigned to either the RWL (n=17) or the placebo group (n=18). INTERVENTION Daily consumption of 50 g RWL powder, which contained one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients, or the placebo powder (made from soy protein and dextrin) for 12 weeks. Both supplements included equivalent amounts of energy and protein. MEASUREMENTS Montreal Cognitive Assessment, computerized cognitive function test, and measurements of serum predictive biomarkers (transthyretin, apolipoprotein A1, and complement C3) were conducted at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS Visual selective attention and serum transthyretin significantly improved in the RWL group, whereas there was no significant change in the placebo group. No significant group difference was observed in the remaining cognitive performance tests. CONCLUSIONS RWL supplements seem to have a few effects on cognitive function in community-dwelling physically active older adults. However, the impact was limited; therefore, further studies with sufficient sample size are warranted to elucidate this issue.
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9.
Targeting Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases by Natural Products: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Zobeiri, M, Momtaz, S, Parvizi, F, Tewari, D, Farzaei, MH, Nabavi, SM
Current pharmaceutical biotechnology. 2020;(13):1342-1353
Abstract
An increase in the prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) as a multifactorial intestinal chronic inflammation as well as the absence of a certain cure, has created an innovative era in the management of IBD by molecule/pathway-based anti-inflammatory approaches. There are credible documentations that demonstrate Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) acts as IBD regulator. Upon the activation of MAPK signalling pathway, the transcription and expression of various encoding inflammatory molecules implicated in IBD are altered, thereby exacerbating the inflammation development. The current pharmacological management of IBD, including drug and biological therapies are expensive, possess temporary relief and some adverse effects. In this context, a variety of dietary fruits or medicinal herbs have received worldwide attention versus the development of IBD. Infact, natural ingredients, such as Flavaglines, Fisetin, Myricitrin, Cardamonin, Curcumin, Octacosanol and Mangiferin possess protective and therapeutic effects against IBD via modulation of different segments of MAPK signaling pathway. This review paper calls attention to the role of MAPK signaling triggered by natural products in the prevention and treatment of IBD.
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10.
Deceleration of Disease Progress Through Ayurvedic Treatment in Nondialysis Stages IV-V Patients with Chronic Renal Failure: A Quasi-Experimental Clinical Pilot Study with One Group Pre- and Postdesign and Two Premeasurements.
Patel, M, Patel, M, Patel, K, Wischnewsky, M, Stapelfeldt, E, Kessler, CS, Gupta, SN
Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). 2020;(5):384-391
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ayurvedic treatment on deceleration of the disease progress of nondialysis patients with stage IV or V chronic renal failure (CRF). Materials and Methods: A complex oral and proctocolonic Ayurvedic multiherbal medication was administered daily for 1 month to inpatients. Thereafter, patients were treated as outpatients with oral medication for additional 5 months. Four renal function tests (RFTs) were evaluated at various time points (TPs): (1) 6 months before baseline (TP -6), (2) at baseline (TP 0), and (3) after completion of 6 months of treatment (TP +6). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Greenhouse-Geisser correction and Friedman's ANOVA by ranks were used to analyze the RFTs. For post hoc tests, the Bonferroni correction was applied. Bias-corrected effect sizes (Hedges) for the treatment were calculated. Results: Sixty-four nondialysis CRF patients with laboratory investigations of the preceding 6 months were included; 12 patients discontinued the treatment. Fifty-two patients with stage IV or V at baseline completed the study. Mean concentrations of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, and hemoglobin differed significantly between TPs (eGFR: F = 15.3, p < 0.001; serum creatinine: F = 29.3, p < 0.001; blood urea: F = 2.0, p = 0.159; hemoglobin: F = 53.9, p < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons of the mean differences between TPs are significant for eGFR, creatinine, and hemoglobin. For blood urea, a significant decrease was observed for the treatment period [15.9(↓) mg/dL, standard error 4.0; n = 52], but a nonsignificant increase was observed for the pretreatment period [16.2(↑) mg/dL, standard error 9.8] due to insufficient data for TP -6 (n = 26). The effect sizes for eGFR, creatinine, blood urea, and hemoglobin were medium (0.45, 0.53, 0.44, and 0.30). Conclusions: After 6 months of treatment, statistically and clinically significant improvements of eGFR, creatinine, blood urea, and hemoglobin and a significant shift to better CRF stages were observed. Several cardinal symptoms were also significantly reduced. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to evaluate the effects in comparison to usual care.