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Effectiveness of aloe vera in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and pre-diabetes: An overview of systematic reviews.
Araya-Quintanilla, F, Gutiérrez-Espinoza, H, Cuyul-Vásquez, I, Pavez, L
Diabetes & metabolic syndrome. 2021;(6):102292
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The effects of aloe vera are inconsistent and unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of aloe vera in metabolic profiles. METHODS An electronic search of systematic reviews (SRs) was performed in seven databases up to June 2021. RESULTS Four SRs met the eligibility criteria. In T2DM, SMD for FBG = -5.61 (p < 0.001). For HbA1c, MD = -0.95 (p = 0.02). In pre-diabetes, SMD for FBG = -1.41 (p = 0.02). For HbA1c, MD = -0.31 (p = 0.02). For TG, MD = -4.99 (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION There exist a moderate to high quality of evidence in favor of the effects of aloe vera in patients with T2DM and pre-diabetes.
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Clinical Efficacy and Transcriptomic Analysis of Congrong Shujing Granules () in Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Syndrome of Shen (Kidney) Essence Deficiency.
Chen, SY, Xiao, SJ, Lin, YN, Li, XY, Xu, Q, Yang, SS, Huang, LH, Cai, J
Chinese journal of integrative medicine. 2020;(6):412-419
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Congrong Shujing Granules ( , CSGs) in treating patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome of Shen (Kidney) essence deficiency, and to investigate the potential mechanism involving efficacy through a transcriptome sequencing approach. METHODS Eligible PD patients with syndrome of Shen essence defificiency were randomly assigned to a treatment group or a control group by a random number table, and were treated with CSGs combined with Western medicine (WM), or placebo combined with WM, respectively. Both courses of treatment lasted for 12 weeks. The Unifified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score, the PD Question-39 (PDQ-39) score, CM Syndrome Scale score, and drug usage of all patients were evaluated before and after treatment. Safety was evaluated by clinical laboratory tests and electrocardiographs. Blood samples from 6 patients in each group were collected before and after the trial and used for transcriptomic analysis by gene ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Differentially expressed genes were validated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS A total of 86 PD patients were selected from the Third Affifiliated People's Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2017 and December 2017. Finally, 72 patients completed the trial, including 35 in the treatment group and 37 in the control group. When compared with the control group after treatment, patients in the treatment group showed signifificant decreases in UPDRS sub-II score, PDQ-39 score, CM syndrome score, and Levodopa equivalent dose (P<0.05). During the treatment course, no signifificant changes were observed in safety indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). A possible mechanism of clinical effificacy was proposed that involved regulating cell metabolism-related processes and ribosome-related pathways. Treatment with CSGs had shown to affect relevant gene loci for PD, including AIDA, ANKRD36BP2, BCL2A1, BCL2L11, FTH1P2, GCH1, HPRT1, NFE2L2, RMRP, RPS7, TGFBR1, WIPF2, and COX7B. CONCLUSIONS CSGs combined with WM can be used to treat PD patients with CM syndrome of Shen essence defificiency with a good safety. The possible mechanism of action and relevant gene loci were proposed. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IOR-16008394).
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Exploring the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine on Korean obese women with or without metabolic syndrome risk factors: A study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, multi-center, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Ko, Y, Kim, HJ, Kim, H, Choi, JB, Kwon, YD, Jung, WS, Jang, BH, Kim, N, Song, YK, Ko, SG
Medicine. 2020;(28):e21153
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of obesity among women is increasing. Obesity is associated with various metabolic syndromes; conventional treatments are limited and may induce serious adverse events due to polytherapy regimens. Currently, demands for complementary and alternative medicine that has a proven safety profile for the treatment of obesity with or without metabolic risk factors are increasing.Our team of preclinical experts reported a significant anti-obesity effect of the Korean herbal medicine, Galgeun-tang (GGT). Thus, we designed this trial to explore the effects of GGT among obese women to accumulate optimal clinical evidence.Obesity is not only a component of metabolic syndrome and a factor associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease but is also related to insulin resistance. Previous research has confirmed that an increasing body mass index is highly related with increased risk of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese individuals. The effectiveness of the Korean medicine herbal formula, GGT on obesity has been previously reported. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of GGT for weight loss among obese Korean women with or without high risk for metabolic syndrome. METHODS/DESIGN This study is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial. A total of 160 participants will be randomly distributed in 2 groups, the GGT group or the placebo group in a 1:1 ratio using a web-based randomization system. Each group will be administered GGT or placebo 3 times a day for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint is to assess the change in weight from baseline. The secondary endpoints are the following: the changes in body composition measurements, anthropomorphic measurements, obesity screening Laboratory tests, patient self-reported questionnaires, and economic evaluation outcomes. Adverse events will also be reported. DISCUSSION The findings of this study will confirm methodologies regarding the efficacy and safety of GGT for weight loss among obese Korean women with or without metabolic risk factors.
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Anti-hyperglycemic effect of the immature endosperm of sugar palm (Borassus flabellifer) fruit on type 2 diabetes mellitus patients-a case study.
Rahman, SS, Yasmin, N, Kamruzzaman, M, Islam, MR, Karim, MR, Rouf, SM
Diabetes & metabolic syndrome. 2020;(5):1317-1322
Abstract
AIM: This study aimed to investigate the nutrient contents and the anti-hyperglycemic effect of the immature endosperm of sugar palm (IESP) (Borassus flabellifer L.) fruit on type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS This is a short type case study where patients (n = 30) with T2DM were randomly selected and fed IESP (100 mL) twice a day after a regular meal and continued this experiment up to 4th weeks. RESULT The mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) level was markedly reduced from 1st week (15.74 mmol/L) to 4th week (10.53 mmol/L) among the patients who had normal body mass index (18.5-24.9). Only 16.67% diabetic patients had irregular FBG levels where 10% were in the previous stages after finishing the experimental period, and exceptionally in the case of 6.67% diabetic patients, this therapeutic juice was unsuccessful because of their irregular intake of insulin. The IESP was more effective on female (p ≤ 0.001) patients than males (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION The IESP could be considered as anti-hyperglycemic fruit, and this might be due to its nutrient contents, especially phytochemicals, fiber, sodium, potassium, copper, and zinc.
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Effect of Daesiho-tang on obesity with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.
Han, K, Kwon, O, Park, HJ, Jung, SY, Yang, C, Son, CG
Trials. 2020;(1):128
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty acid disease has become an important public health problem. Daesiho-tang (DST) is an herbal medicine widely used to treat obesity, metabolic syndrome and liver diseases. This pilot study will assess the feasibility of using DST in obese patients with a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prior to undertaking a full-scale clinical trial. METHODS/DESIGN This is a study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, stratified, placebo-controlled pilot trial. We will recruit a total of 60 participants with NAFLD who have a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. They will take either DST or placebo (3 g, three times daily) for 12 weeks with a 4-week follow-up period. The effects of DST will be evaluated by the mean change in body weight as the primary measurement and other secondary parameters (body composition, anthropometric measurements, blood tests, hepatic fat quantification through transient elastography and a physical symptoms questionnaire). Faecal samples will be collected before and after the intervention for a gut microbial analysis. DISCUSSION In anticipation of conducting further large-scale trials, in this study we will explore the effect of DST on weight loss and obesity-related markers, along with NAFLD-related clinical parameters, in obese patients with NAFLD. Furthermore, it will provide insight into the DST pharmacological mechanism of action through a gut microbiome analysis. TRIAL REGISTRATION Korean Clinical Trial Registry, KCT0003554. Registered on 25 February 2019.
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A comprehensive review of clinical studies with herbal medicine on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Moini Jazani, A, Nasimi Doost Azgomi, H, Nasimi Doost Azgomi, A, Nasimi Doost Azgomi, R
Daru : journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. 2019;(2):863-877
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BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent medical condition characterized by both metabolic and reproductive disorders. Different pharmaceutical treatments have been proposed for PCOS. However, side effects of long-term treatments and their probable low efficacy have made complementary and alternative treatments a valuable option. Recent reports have indicated the increased use of complementary treatments. Herbal medicine, as part of complementary medicine, was find introduced in traditional Persian and Chinese medicine. Medicinal herbs have used for a long time in the treatment of gynecological and infertility problems of PCOS patients. In this study, we aimed to review herbal medicines used for PCOS worldwide. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were searched for clinical trials and Randomized Controlled Trials based on related keywords. Data were collected from 1990 to 2019. RESULTS According to a multitude of studies, a wide spectrum of herbs can be used to improve various aspects of PCOS. Herbs such as Cinnamomum verum, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., and Vitex agnus-castus can impact on menstrual and ovulatory dysfunctions, obesity, insulin resistance, lipid-metabolism dysfunction, and androgen excess-related conditions. CONCLUSION Some plants as natural remedies may have beneficial effects on improving different aspects of PCOS; but further studies are needed to investigate their mechanisms and safety.
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Herbal medicines for metabolic diseases with blood stasis: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ko, MM, Jang, S, Jung, J
Medicine. 2019;(8):e14543
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BACKGROUND Herbal medicines have the potential to be alternative treatments for metabolic diseases. This systematic review will assess the efficacy of herbal medicines in treating metabolic diseases with blood stasis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will search MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, 2 Korean medical databases (OASIS, NDSL), a Chinese database (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CNKI), and a Japanese database (J-STAGE) for relevant literature. We will include all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs evaluating the effectiveness of herbal medicine. Participants of both sexes and of any age with clinically diagnosed metabolic disease with blood stasis will be included. Primary outcomes will include Blood-stasis syndrome score, TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C. Secondary outcomes will Blood pressure, FBS. ECG, prevalence rate of heart disease, and response rate. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias. DISCUSSION The findings of this study will provide a summary of the current state of evidence regarding the effectiveness of types of herbal medicine in managing metabolic disease with blood stasis. In addition, this review will be expected to provide a base for clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of herbal medicine for treatments of metabolic disease with blood stasis. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018090179.
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Red Yeast Rice Plus Berberine: Practical Strategy for Promoting Vascular and Metabolic Health.
McCarty, MF, O'Keefe, JH, DiNicolantonio, JJ
Alternative therapies in health and medicine. 2015;:40-5
Abstract
Lovastatin, the progenitor of the statin family, is in fact a naturally occurring compound produced by the yeast Monascus purpureus. Red yeast rice (RYR), a traditional Chinese food made by fermenting rice with M purpureus, is an herbal medicine that has been used for 1200 y as a therapy for problems related to circulation and digestion. RYR contains a range of compounds known as monacolins, of which monacolin K-renamed lovastatin by pharmaceutical researchers-was found to be the most potent inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis. Standardized extracts of RYR, providing 10 mg of monacolins daily, have been shown to lower elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by approximately 20%. In a large secondary prevention trial in China, RYR was found to be markedly protective with respect to cardiovascular events and total mortality. Yet RYR very rarely induces the myopathy and hepatic damage commonly seen with prescription statin therapy. The Chinese herbal compound berberine, used to treat diabetes and congestive heart failure in China, has been shown to increase hepatic expression of LDL receptors and, hence, to lower LDL cholesterol, by extending the half-life of LDL receptor messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). This effect is complementary to the increased transcription of this mRNA promoted by statin therapy. Because berberine is well tolerated aside from transient gastrointestinal (GI) upset in some people and, in particular, has not been reported to cause myopathy or hepatic damage, the combination of RYR and berberine may have the potential to achieve reductions in LDL cholesterol comparable with those achieved with prescription statin therapy, but without the associated risks such as muscle damage and diabetes. Moreover, berberine, via its ability to activate adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK), which it shares with the drug metformin, can lower triglycerides, improve metabolic syndrome, aid glycemic control in diabetics, and act directly on the vasculature to promote vascular health. It may also have the potential to reduce risk for various cancers, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, nonalcoholic fatty-liver disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, although such predictions are highly speculative. Whereas statin therapy modestly increases risk for type 2 diabetes, berberine likely has the opposite effect. These considerations suggest that combined administration of RYR and berberine may provide a broader range of health protection than is afforded by prescription statin therapy, with lower risks for serious adverse effects compared with statins. Randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of optimal intakes of RYR and berberine on serum lipids and other vascular risk factors are needed.
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Anticancer effects of traditional Chinese herbs with phlegm-eliminating properties - An overview.
Xiu, LJ, Sun, DZ, Jiao, JP, Yan, B, Qin, ZF, Liu, X, Wei, PK, Yue, XQ
Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2015;:155-61
Abstract
ETHONOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cancer is considered to be the second leading cause of human death. It is unsatisfactory that in the past decades, the treatment for cancer has not progressed as fast as it was expected, as only 50% of newly diagnosed patients could be cured even today. The development of cancer is a multifactorial process, involving tumor cells themselves, the interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironments, as well as the interactions between tumor cells and the host's immunity. Focusing on any single goal may bring limited benefits. AIM AND METHODS OF THE STUDY Phlegm-eliminating herbs, which can reduce phlegm and eliminate pathological metabolites, are commonly used to treat cancer in China. However, the underlying molecular targets and efficacy of herbal medicines in cancer treatment still remain unclear. In this study, we reviewed the potential anticancer mechanisms of some phlegm-eliminating herbs and their active ingredients from the articles through such scientific databases as MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. RESULTS We found that the anticancer mechanisms of phlegm-eliminating herbs and ingredients include inducing apoptosis, anti-proliferation, preventing tumor invasion and metastasis, and reducing resistance to chemotherapy. In addition, some phlegm-eliminating herbs and their ingredients have anti-inflammatory and anti-metabolic syndrome effects. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the phlegm-eliminating herbs and ingredients are potential candidates for anticancer treatment and cancer prevention by playing a comprehensive role.
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Preliminary evidence that cinnamon improves menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Kort, DH, Lobo, RA
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 2014;(5):487.e1-6
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of cinnamon on menstrual cyclicity and metabolic dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). STUDY DESIGN In a prospective, placebo controlled, double-blinded randomized trial, 45 women with PCOS were randomized (1:1) to receive cinnamon supplements (1.5 g/d) or placebo for 6 months. Menstrual cyclicity (average cycles/month) during the 6 months study period was compared between the 2 groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Changes in menstrual cyclicity and insulin resistance between baseline and the 6 month study period were compared between the 2 groups using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS The 45 women were randomized, 26 women completed 3 months of the study, and 17 women completed the entire 6 months of the study. During the 6 month intervention, menstrual cycles were more frequent in patients taking cinnamon compared with patients taking placebo (median, 0.75; interquartile range, 0.5-0.83 vs median, 0.25; interquartile range, 0-0.54; P = .0085; Mann Whitney U). In patients taking cinnamon, menstrual cyclicity improved from baseline (+ 0.23 cycles/month 95% confidence interval, 0.099-0.36), yet did not improve for women taking placebo. (P = .0076, Wilcoxon signed rank). Samples (n = 5) of serum from the luteal phase in different patients within the cinnamon group were thawed and ovulatory progesterone levels (>3 ng/mL) confirmed. Luteal phase progesterone levels (>3 ng/mL, n = 5) confirmed ovulatory menses. Measures of insulin resistance or serum androgen levels did not change for either group. CONCLUSION These preliminary data suggest that cinnamon supplementation improves menstrual cyclicity and may be an effective treatment option for some women with PCOS.