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1.
Functional recovery in human partial thickness skin wounds after application of multicomponent hydrolipidic film (MAS063DP): A prospective, open-label, comparative clinical trial.
Lin, ET, Lin, BS, Tsai, LC, Chen, WK, Wang, YJ, Chiang, HM, Chang, CC
Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society. 2021;(1):87-96
Abstract
Acute and minor skin wounds are common in daily life. However, in clinical practice, after initial management in the acute phase, the wounds are managed mainly through observation, and the patients are usually lost to follow-up. Considering a multicomponent hydrolipidic dressing (MAS063DP) long-known for its safe application in eczema and recently in laser-induced wounds, we aimed to evaluate its ability in functional recovery of impaired skin integrity during wound healing. Sixteen patients (N = 16) were enrolled and completed (n = 8 vs n = 8) this prospective, open-label, vehicle-controlled clinical trial with 12-week follow-up. Transepidermal water, skin viscoelasticity and bioimpedance analysis were measured initially, at the 1st, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Improvements in these parameters were greater in the MAS063DP group (from 31.4 ± 9.0 to 16.4 ± 4.3 g/m2 h, P < .001; from 77 ± 16% to 88 ± 9%, P < .05; from 4182 ± 3823 to 2644 ± 1772 Ω) than in the white petrolatum group. No significant adverse events occurred, and all participants were more satisfied with the intervention. In this study, MAS063DP can restore skin integrity and reinstitute physiologic function as a feasible and safe intervention more markedly than management through observation during the healing process by providing protective hydrolipidic layer on the skin with simultaneous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities from its key ingredients such as glycyrrhetinic acid, Vitis vinifera, telmesteine, and vitamins C and E.
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2.
Miconia albicans and Curcuma longa herbal medicines positively modulate joint pain, function and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis: a clinical study.
Gomes, TPO, Souza, JIN, Somerlate, LC, Mendonça, VA, Lima, NM, Carli, GP, Castro, SBR, de Jesus A S Andrade, T, Dias, JVL, Oliveira, MAL, et al
Inflammopharmacology. 2021;(2):377-391
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the analgesic and modulating effect of Curcuma longa and Miconia albicans herbal medicines in knee's osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. This longitudinal study evaluated 24 patients with OA. The patients were divided into three groups: ibuprofen (1200 mg/day), C. longa (1000 mg/day) and M. albicans (1000 mg/day). The medications were applied orally for 30 days. The synovial fluid of the knee joint was collect at the first (day 0) and the last medical (day 30) consultation. The groups treated with herbal medicines presented the same results when compared to Ibuprofen. The comparison of the means of Total WOMAC for M. albicans before and after treatment presented a statistically significant difference (mean day 0 = 57.19; mean day 30 = 31.02) as well as variation of Total WOMAC for C. longa (mean day 0 = 54.79; mean day 30 = 37.08). The WOMAC Total and the VASP were compared, it was found that there was a significant decrease in the means in the C. longa and M. albicans groups, as well as in the Ibuprofen group after treatment. The study demonstrated that the treatment of knee OA with C. longa or M. albicans positively interferes with patients pain and functionality, decreased WOMAC and VASP scores, leading to functional improvement of these patients. This is the first clinical study demonstrating the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on knee osteoarthritis from M. albicans comparable to Ibuprofen drug.
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3.
[EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN OIL EXTRACT OF ROSEHIP IN THE PREVENTION OF EPITHELITIS DUE TO RADIOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER].
Borda Rodríguez, M, Andueza Iriarte, M
Revista de enfermeria (Barcelona, Spain). 2016;(1):49-52
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epithelitis is a frequent side effect in radiotherapy treatments (RT). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of Rosehip Oil (ARM, Repavar®) in the prevention of epithelitis in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS An interventionist, prospective, exploratory, controlled and open clinical study. Between May and October 2013, 28 patients were included in the study. After signing the informed consent form, the patients were provided with ARM to apply this twice daily from the beginning of the treatment. All of them had a prescribed dose of IMRT ≥ 60 Gy. They were evaluated weekly by nurses on the ward. A photographic monitoring of the skin with a registered grade of epithelitis and with signs of pain or other was carried out. The control group was formed of 34 consecutive patients with HNC treated with IMRT months prior to the study, whose skin treatment had been different products. RESULTS Both groups were comparable (age, sex, region and RT dose). In the study group (ARM), the number of treatments per patient (p = 0.3) and the natural days for treatment per patient (p = 0.38) were less; also, the number of patients who required treatments and who suffered from radiodermitis of III-IV grade, were less. It is probable that the limited specimen size may have influenced in the statistics. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of ARM in the prevention of severe epithelitis in patients with HNC treated with RT is, at least, as effective (or more effective) as other and more common skin treatments. A randomized study would be required to confirm these findinas.
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4.
A prospective open-label study to assess the efficacy and safety of a herbal medicinal product (Sinupret) in patients with acute rhinosinusitis.
Passali, D, Loglisci, M, Passali, GC, Cassano, P, Rodriguez, HA, Bellussi, LM
ORL; journal for oto-rhino-laryngology and its related specialties. 2015;(1):27-32
Abstract
AIMS: We present a multicenter, prospective, open-label study to assess the efficacy and safety of a phytomedicine. The aim of the research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 14 days of treatment with Sinupret for acute rhinosinusitis. Sinupret is a herbal preparation used to restore and maintain the physiological function of the membranes in the sinus cavity. METHODS Sixty patients with acute rhinosinusitis based on the EPOS guidelines were enrolled in the study. Thirty patients were treated with Sinupret Forte, while 30 patients were treated with intranasal fluticasone furoate. The criteria for the evaluation of efficacy were the major symptom scores according to the investigator and the Health-Related Quality of Life score. The criteria used to evaluate safety were the number of patients with adverse events, the patients' vital signs, and laboratory safety. RESULTS All patients considered showed significant improvements in symptoms. Among the patients treated with Sinupret, none had an adverse event, while 3 patients treated with fluticasone furoate had minor adverse events. The patients' vital signs and laboratory values were normal. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that this phytomedicinal preparation has a significant level of efficacy in acute rhinosinusitis and that treatment is safe.
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5.
Postprandial cell defense system responses to meal formulations: stratification through gene expression profiling.
Drew, JE, Farquharson, AJ, Horgan, GW, Duthie, SJ, Duthie, GG
Molecular nutrition & food research. 2014;(10):2066-79
Abstract
SCOPE Cell defenses regulating homeostatic control of postprandial stress are influenced by interindividual variation, food composition and health status. This study investigates effects of food composition on individual postprandial responses and associations with health. METHODS AND RESULTS Volunteers (n = 16) consumed four food formulations (50% unsaturated/saturated fat, with/without beetroot extract 10 g/100 g) on separate occasions. GeXP assay measured whole blood postprandial gene expression profiles of 28 cell defense markers at baseline and postprandial time points 1, 2, 4, 6, 24 h. Plasma markers of metabolic lipids, hormones, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and DNA damage/repair were also assessed. SIRT 1, UCP2, HO1, GSS, PTGS2, TP53, CDKN2A, PPIA, SOCS3, and APE1 expression profiles revealed distinct stratified subgroups associated with plasma HDLs, TNF-α and postprandial responses of SOCS3, and PPIA. Leptin, IL6, and DNA strand breaks revealed differing responses to fat type consumed. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates postprandial immune, inflammatory, redox, metabolic, and DNA repair responses that are largely independent of fat type consumed (unsaturated/saturated) or addition of beetroot extract, in apparently healthy individuals. However, postprandial responses can be characterized by regulation of gene expression associated with markers linked to health status and are subject to interindividual variation that can influence postprandial responses.
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6.
[Gastrointestinal motility disorders. Effective phytotherapy alternatives to MCP (metoclopramide)].
MMW Fortschritte der Medizin. 2014;(19):80-1
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7.
Double-blind placebo and active (caffeine) controlled study to examine the effects of the herbal nutritional supplement beverage "Wake up" on vigilance and function after lunch.
Kassis, O, Katz, N, Ravid, S, Pillar, G
The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ. 2013;(8):419-23
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-lunch dip is a well-known phenomenon that results in a substantial deterioration in function and productivity after lunch. OBJECTIVES To assess whether a new herbal-based potentially wake-promoting beverage is effective in counteracting somnolence and reduced post-lunch performance. METHODS Thirty healthy volunteers were studied on three different days at the sleep clinic. On each visit they ate a standard lunch at noontime, followed by a drink of "Wake up," 50 mg caffeine, or a placebo in a cross-over double-blind regimen. At 30 and 120 minutes post-drinking, they underwent a battery of tests to determine the effects of the beverage. These included: a) a subjective assessment of alertness and performance based on a visual analog scale, and b) objective function tests: the immediate word recall test, the digit symbol substitution test (DSST), and hemodynamic measurements. The results of the three visits were compared using one-way analysis of variance, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS In all performance tests, subjective vigilance and effectiveness assessment, both Wake up and caffeine were significantly superior to placebo 30 minutes after lunch. However, at 2 hours after lunch, performance had deteriorated in those who drank the caffeine-containing drink, while Wake up was superior to both caffeine and placebo. Blood pressure and pulse were higher 2 hours after caffeine ingestion, compared to both Wake up and placebo. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that a single dose of Wake up is effective in counteracting the somnolence and reduced performance during the post-lunch hours. In the current study it had no adverse hemodynamic consequences.
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8.
[Improvement of symptoms in mild hyperthyroidism with an extract of Lycopus europaeus (Thyreogutt® mono)].
Eiling, R, Wieland, V, Niestroj, M
Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946). 2013;(3-4):95-101
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extracts of Lycopus europaeus are used clinically for the control of vegetative and irritative symptoms in mild hyperthyroidism. This study assessed the effects and safety of an extract of Lycopus europaeus (Thyreogutt® mono tablets or drops) in a general practice setting. METHODS The study was conducted as an open post-marketing surveillance study consisting of three cohorts, i.e. a prolective assessment in patients receiving Thyreogutt® mono for 4 weeks, a retrolective documentation of data from patients who had received at least one course (4 weeks) of Thyreogutt® mono therapy during the previous 2 years, and a control cohort receiving no drug treatment. Assessments comprised symptoms of mild hyperthyroidism, laboratory tests of thyroid function and adverse events surveillance. Response was defined as normal thyroid hormone values at the end of therapy or a reduction of at least 20% in the number of symptoms after treatment. Responder rates were calculated. RESULTS Four hundred and three patients with mild symptomatic hyperthyroidism were observed. The prolective assessment included 146 patients, the retrolective assessment 171 patients, and the control cohort 86 untreated patients. The responder rate was 72.6% in the prolective assessment and 96.5% in the retrolective assessment whereas the responder rate in the untreated control cohort amounted to 41.2%. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The extract of Lycopus europaeus was well tolerated and associated with a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement of the symptoms in mild hyperthyroidism. The improvement was markedly better in both Thyreogutt® mono cohorts than in the control cohort.
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9.
EGCG-rich green tea extract stimulates sRAGE secretion to inhibit S100A12-RAGE axis through ADAM10-mediated ectodomain shedding of extracellular RAGE in type 2 diabetes.
Huang, SM, Chang, YH, Chao, YC, Lin, JA, Wu, CH, Lai, CY, Chan, KC, Tseng, ST, Yen, GC
Molecular nutrition & food research. 2013;(12):2264-8
Abstract
The receptor for advanced glycation of end products (RAGE) plays a critical role in the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) is one of the RAGE variants, which acts as a decoy domain receptor and competes with RAGE, thus contributing to prevention of T2D. In this study, we conducted clinical trials of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) rich green tea extract (300-900 mg/day) to investigate the effect of EGCG on relationship between S100A12 RAGE ligand and diverse sRAGE in T2D. Moreover, mechanism of sRAGE production also confirmed in vitro. Our data indicated that EGCG could stimulate sRAGE circulation but inhibited RAGE ligand in T2D, and ADAM10-mediated ectodomain shedding of extracellular RAGE was mainly involved in EGCG-stimulated sRAGE circulation. The present evidence indicates that EGCG has a potential to block S100A12-RAGE axis by stimulating sRAGE production through ADAM10-mediated ectodomain shedding of extracellular RAGE. Therefore, EGCG contributes to nutritional strategies for diabetes, not only because of its efficient antioxidant activity to scavenge free radicals, but also because of its ability stimulating sRAGE release in the circulation. Additionally, ADAM10-induced ectodomain shedding of extracellular RAGE leading to sRAGE circulation should be a potential of passive mechanism of sRAGE production to block S100A12-RAGE axis-related pathogenesis of proinflammation and diabetes.
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10.
Effects of Allium sativum (garlic) on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.
Ashraf, R, Khan, RA, Ashraf, I, Qureshi, AA
Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences. 2013;(5):859-63
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effects of garlic on blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. Patients (n=210) with stage 1 essential hypertension were divided into 7 groups named as A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Each group comprised of 30 patients. Each patient in group A, B, C, D and E has received garlic tablets at the dose of 300/mg. 600/mg, 900/mg, 1200/mg and 1500/mg in divided doses per day respectively for 24 weeks while Group F & group G were given tablet atenolol and placebo respectively. Blood pressure readings were recorded at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Present study showed significant decrease in both Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure in both dose and duration dependent manner. In each garlic treated group, significant reduction in SBP and DBP (p<0.005) were observed when compared with atenolol (P<0.005) and placebo.