Articles

Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the methanol extracts of the leaves and stems of Calpurnia aurea

In South Africa, Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth is used to destroy lice and to relieve itches, to destroy maggots and to treat allergic rashes, particularly those caused by caterpillars. Antioxidants play an import...

Authors: Adeolu A Adedapo, Florence O Jimoh, Srinivas Koduru, Anthony J Afolayan and Patrick J Masika

Patient satisfaction and side effects in primary care: An observational study comparing homeopathy and conventional medicine

This study is part of a nationwide evaluation of complementary medicine in Switzerland (Programme Evaluation of Complementary Medicine PEK) and was funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. The main...

Authors: Florica Marian, Kerstin Joost, Krishan D Saini, Klaus von Ammon, André Thurneysen and André Busato

In vivo effects of Pain Relieving Plaster on closed soft tissue injury in rabbit ears

Soft tissue injury imposes major public health burdens worldwide. The positive effect of China's Tibetan medicine and the Lamiophlomis rotata-based herbal Pain Relieving Plaster (PRP) on healing closed soft tissu...

Authors: Yong-Zhi Wang, Chun-Yu Guo, Hong-Gang Zhong, Wan-Nian Zhang, De-Long Wang, Xuan Wang and Fu-Hui Dong

Pharmacokinetic and metabolic effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in healthy volunteers receiving the HIV protease inhibitor indinavir

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among HIV-infected patients to reduce the toxicity of antiretroviral therapy. Ginseng has been used for treatment of hyperglycemia and insulin resi...

Authors: Adriana SA Andrade, Craig Hendrix, Teresa L Parsons, Benjamin Caballero, Chun-Su Yuan, Charles W Flexner, Adrian S Dobs and Todd T Brown

Kihi-to, a herbal traditional medicine, improves Abeta(25–35)-induced memory impairment and losses of neurites and synapses

We previously hypothesized that achievement of recovery of brain function after the injury requires the reconstruction of neuronal networks, including neurite regeneration and synapse reformation. Kihi-to is c...

Authors: Chihiro Tohda, Rie Naito and Eri Joyashiki

Mapping patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer: An explorative cross-sectional study of individuals with reported positive "exceptional" experiences

While the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients is common and widespread, levels of commitment to CAM vary. "Committed" CAM use is important to investigate, as it may be ass...

Authors: Johanna Hök, Carol Tishelman, Alexander Ploner, Anette Forss and Torkel Falkenberg

Use of complementary and alternative medicine and self-tests by coronary heart disease patients

Coronary heart disease patients have to learn to manage their condition to maximise quality of life and prevent recurrence or deterioration. They may develop their own informal methods of self-management in ad...

Authors: Sheila Greenfield, Helen Pattison and Kate Jolly

Complementary and alternative medicine use and cost in functional bowel disorders: A six month prospective study in a large HMO

Functional Bowel Disorders (FBD) are chronic disorders that are difficult to treat and manage. Many patients and doctors are dissatisfied with the level of improvement in symptoms that can be achieved with sta...

Authors: Miranda AL van Tilburg, Olafur S Palsson, Rona L Levy, Andrew D Feld, Marsha J Turner, Douglas A Drossman and William E Whitehead

Knowledge and beliefs concerning evidence-based practice amongst complementary and alternative medicine health care practitioners and allied health care professionals: A questionnaire survey

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has become an important competency in many allied and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) health care practitioners' professional standards of proficiency.

Authors: Julie Hadley, Ismail Hassan and Khalid S Khan

Animal-based remedies as complementary medicines in Santa Cruz do Capibaribe, Brazil

The use of animal products in healing is an ancient and widespread cross-cultural practice. In northeastern Brazil, especially in the semi-arid region, animals and plants are widely used in traditional medicin...

Authors: Rômulo RN Alves, Helenice N Lima, Marília C Tavares, Wedson MS Souto, Raynner RD Barboza and Alexandre Vasconcellos

A scoping review of research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the mass media: Looking back, moving forward

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become more common in Western developed countries in recent years, as has media reporting on CAM and related issues. Correspondingly, media reports a...

Authors: Laura C Weeks and Tina Strudsholm

Clinically relevant safety issues associated with St. John's wort product labels

St. John's wort (SJW), used to treat depression, is popular in the USA, Canada, and parts of Europe. However, there are documented interactions between SJW and prescription medications including warfarin, cycl...

Authors: Kevin A Clauson, Marile L Santamarina and Jennifer C Rutledge

Antimicrobial activity of two South African honeys produced from indigenous Leucospermum cordifolium and Erica species on selected micro-organisms

Honey has been shown to have wound healing properties which can be ascribed to its antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity can be effective against a broad spectrum of bacterial species especially t...

Authors: Nicolaas J Basson and Sias R Grobler

Exploring consumer and pharmacist views on the professional role of the pharmacist with respect to natural health products: a study of focus groups

Natural health products (NHPs) such as herbs, vitamins and homeopathic medicines, are currently available for sale in most Canadian pharmacies. However, most pharmacists report that they have limited knowledge...

Authors: Della Kwan, Heather S Boon, Kristine Hirschkorn, Sandy Welsh, Tannis Jurgens, Lynda Eccott, Shirley Heschuk, Glenn G Griener and Jillian C Cohen-Kohler

Protective effects of a compound herbal extract (Tong Xin Luo) on free fatty acid induced endothelial injury: Implications of antioxidant system

Tong-Xin-Luo (TXL) – a mixture of herbal extracts, has been used in Chinese medicine with established therapeutic efficacy in patients with coronary artery disease.

Authors: Lin Zhang, Yiling Wu, Zhenhua Jia, Yun Zhang, Hu Ying Shen and Xing Li Wang

Bioprotective properties of seaweeds: In vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity against food borne bacteria in relation to polyphenolic content

For many years chemical preservatives have been used in food, to act as either antimicrobials or antioxidants or both. In general, consumers regard additive-free foods as safer since preservatives can cause he...

Authors: Kasi Pandima Devi, Natarajan Suganthy, Periyanaina Kesika and Shanmugaiahthevar Karutha Pandian

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changes and saliva production associated with acupuncture at LI-2 acupuncture point: a randomized controlled study

Clinical studies suggest that acupuncture can stimulate saliva production and reduce xerostomia (dry mouth). We were interested in exploring the neuronal substrates involved in such responses.

Authors: Gary Deng, Bob L Hou, Andrei I Holodny and Barrie R Cassileth

Randomised controlled study in the primary healthcare sector to investigate the effectiveness and safety of auriculotherapy for the treatment of uncomplicated chronic rachialgia: a study protocol

Uncomplicated chronic rachialgia is a highly prevalent complaint, and one for which therapeutic results are contradictory. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of treatment ...

Authors: Jorge Vas, Inmaculada Aguilar, M Ángeles Campos, Camila Méndez, Emilio Perea-Milla, Manuela Modesto, Paloma Caro, Francisco Martos and Antonio J García-Ruiz

Physician and patient attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine in obstetrics and gynecology

In the U.S., complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is most prevalent among reproductive age, educated women. We sought to determine general attitudes and approaches to CAM among obstetric and gyneco...

Authors: Mandi L Furlow, Divya A Patel, Ananda Sen and J Rebecca Liu

Treatments of pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women: adverse effects of standard treatment, acupuncture and stabilising exercises on the pregnancy, mother, delivery and the fetus/neonate

Previous publications indicate that acupuncture is efficient for the treatment of pelvic girdle pain, PGP, in pregnant women. However, the use of acupuncture for PGP is rare due to insufficient documentation o...

Authors: Helen Elden, Hans-Christian Ostgaard, Monika Fagevik-Olsen, Lars Ladfors and Henrik Hagberg

Patient satisfaction of primary care for musculoskeletal diseases: A comparison between Neural Therapy and conventional medicine

The main objective of this study was to assess and compare patient satisfaction with Neural Therapy (NT) and conventional medicine (COM) in primary care for musculoskeletal diseases.

Authors: Joelle Mermod, Lorenz Fischer, Lukas Staub and André Busato

Integrative medicine: a tale of two clinics

Integrative medicine (blending the best of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional medicine) is becoming increasingly popular.

Authors: Heather S Boon and Natasha Kachan

Erratum to: A systematic review of how homeopathy is represented in conventional and CAM peer reviewed journals

Authors: Timothy Caulfield and Suzanne DeBow

The use of Traditional Medicine by Ghanaians in Canada

Research into health and health-care seeking behaviour amongst immigrant populations suggests that culturally-based behaviours change over time towards those prevalent in the host culture. Such acculturation o...

Authors: Kofi B Barimah and Edwin R van Teijlingen

Effectiveness of acupuncture, special dressings and simple, low-adherence dressings for healing venous leg ulcers in primary healthcare: study protocol for a cluster-randomized open-labeled trial

Venous leg ulcers constitute a chronic recurring complaint that affects 1.0–1.3% of the adult population at some time in life, and which corresponds to approximately 75% of all chronic ulcers of the leg. Multi...

Authors: Jorge Vas, Manuela Modesto, Camila Mendez, Emilio Perea-Milla, Inmaculada Aguilar, Jesus Manuel Carrasco-Lozano, Vicente Faus and Francisco Martos

Craniosacral therapy for migraine: Protocol development for an exploratory controlled clinical trial

Migraine affects approximately 20% of the population. Conventional care for migraine is suboptimal; overuse of medications for the treatment of episodic migraines is a risk factor for developing chronic daily ...

Authors: John D Mann, Keturah R Faurot, Laurel Wilkinson, Peter Curtis, Remy R Coeytaux, Chirayath Suchindran and Susan A Gaylord

Acanthus montanus: An experimental evaluation of the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunological properties of a traditional remedy for furuncles

Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) is a shrub widespread in Africa, the Balkans, Romania, Greece and Eastern Mediterranean. It is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of urogeni...

Authors: Charles O Okoli, Peter A Akah, Nkemjika J Onuoha, Theophine C Okoye, Anthonia C Nwoye and Chukwuemeka S Nworu

Validation of a questionnaire measuring the regulation of autonomic function

To broaden the range of outcomes that we can measure for patients undergoing treatment for oncological and other chronic conditions, we aimed to validate a questionnaire measuring self-reported autonomic regul...

Authors: M Kröz, G Feder, HB von Laue, R Zerm, M Reif, M Girke, H Matthes, C Gutenbrunner and C Heckmann

How do parents of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) perceive their therapies?

Complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies are commonly used by pediatric patients with chronic medical conditions. Little is known about parents' perceptions of these therapies. This study describe...

Authors: Kelly Rouster-Stevens, Savithri Nageswaran, Thomas A Arcury and Kathi J Kemper

Attitudes towards fibromyalgia: A survey of Canadian chiropractic, naturopathic, physical therapy and occupational therapy students

The frequent use of chiropractic, naturopathic, and physical and occupational therapy by patients with fibromyalgia has been emphasized repeatedly, but little is known about the attitudes of these therapists t...

Authors: Jason W Busse, Abhaya V Kulkarni, Parminder Badwall and Gordon H Guyatt

Nitric oxide pathway-mediated relaxant effect of aqueous sesame leaves extract (Sesamum radiatum Schum. & Thonn.) in the guinea-pig isolated aorta smooth muscle

Sesamum radiatum Schum. & Thonn. (Pedaliaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant, which belongs to the family Pedaliaceae and genus Sesamum. Sesame is used in traditional medicine in Africa and Asia for many disease...

Authors: André B Konan, Jacques Y Datté and Paul A Yapo

Correcting non cephalic presentation with moxibustion: study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial in general practice

Non cephalic presentation in childbirth involves various risks to both the mother and the foetus. The incidence in Spain is 3.8% of all full-term pregnancies. The most common technique used to end the gestatio...

Authors: Jorge Vas, José Manuel Aranda, Mercedes Barón, Emilio Perea-Milla, Camila Méndez, Carmen Ramírez, Inmaculada Aguilar, Manuela Modesto, Ana María Lara, Francisco Martos and Antonio J García-Ruiz

Effect of exercise therapy on lipid profile and oxidative stress indicators in patients with type 2 diabetes

Yoga has been shown to be a simple and economical therapeutic modality that may be considered as a beneficial adjuvant for type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study investigated the impact of Hatha yoga and convent...

Authors: Lorenzo A Gordon, Errol Y Morrison, Donovan A McGrowder, Ronald Young, Yeiny Terry Pena Fraser, Eslaen Martorell Zamora, Ruby L Alexander-Lindo and Rachael R Irving

Electroacupuncture activates corticotrophin-releasing hormone-containing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalammus to alleviate edema in a rat model of inflammation

Studies show that electroacupuncture (EA) has beneficial effects in patients with inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the mechanisms of EA anti-inflammation, using a rat model of complete Freund's a...

Authors: Aihui Li, Lixing Lao, Yi Wang, Jiajia Xin, Ke Ren, Brian M Berman, Ming Tan and Ruixin Zhang

Prospective investigation of complementary and alternative medicine use and subsequent hospitalizations

The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has been estimated to be as high as 65% in some populations. However, there has been little objective research into the possible risks or bene...

Authors: Tyler C Smith, Besa Smith and Margaret AK Ryan

The effect of acupuncture duration on analgesia and peripheral sensory thresholds

Acupuncture provides a means of peripheral stimulation for pain relief. However, the detailed neuronal mechanisms by which acupuncture relieves pain are still poorly understood and information regarding optima...

Authors: Albert Y Leung, Susan J Kim, Gery Schulteis and Tony Yaksh

Complementary and alternative medicine use among women at increased genetic risk of breast and ovarian cancer

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is well documented among breast cancer patients and survivors, but little evidence is available to describe rates and patterns of use among women at increased g...

Authors: Christine M Mueller, Phuong L Mai, Jaime Bucher, June A Peters, Jennifer T Loud and Mark H Greene

Motivations for consulting complementary and alternative medicine practitioners: A comparison of consumers from 1997–8 and 2005

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and especially CAM practitioners, has continued to rise in recent years. Although several motivators of CAM use have been identified, little is known about ...

Authors: Fuschia M Sirois

Evaluation of behavioural and antioxidant activity of Cytisus scoparius Link in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress

Various human diseases have oxidative stress as one of their component. Many herbs have been reported to exhibit properties that combat oxidative stress through their active constituents such as flavonoids, ta...

Authors: Jayabalan Nirmal, Chidambaram Saravana Babu, Thanukrishnan Harisudhan and Muthiah Ramanathan

Patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use amongst outpatients in Tokyo, Japan

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been increasing rapidly throughout the world during the past decade. The use of CAM in the general Japanese population has been previously reported t...

Authors: Satoshi Hori, Iordan Mihaylov, Joana C Vasconcelos and Malcolm McCoubrie

A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis

Allergies cause a considerable burden to both sufferers and the National Health Service. There is growing interest in acupuncture as a treatment for a range of conditions. Since acupuncture may modulate the im...

Authors: Jonathan Roberts, Aarnoud Huissoon, Janine Dretzke, Dechao Wang and Christopher Hyde

Study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial in general practice investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture against migraine

Migraine is a chronic neurologic disease that can severely affect the patient's quality of life. Although in recent years many randomised studies have been carried out to investigate the effectiveness of acupu...

Authors: Jorge Vas, Ángel Rebollo, Emilio Perea-Milla, Camila Méndez, Carlos Ramos Font, Manuel Gómez-Río, Manuel Martín-Ávila, Justo Carbrera-Iboleón, M Dolores Caballero, M Ángeles Olmos, Inmaculada Aguilar, Vicente Faus and Francisco Martos

Does pharmaceutical advertising affect journal publication about dietary supplements?

Advertising affects consumer and prescriber behaviors. The relationship between pharmaceutical advertising and journals' publication of articles regarding dietary supplements (DS) is unknown.

Authors: Kathi J Kemper and Kaylene L Hood

Mosquito larvicidal activities of Solanum villosum berry extract against the dengue vector Stegomyia aegypti

Vector control is facing a threat due to the emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides. Insecticides of botanical origin may serve as suitable alternative biocontrol techniques in the future. Although ...

Authors: Nandita Chowdhury, Anupam Ghosh and Goutam Chandra

Factors and common conditions associated with adolescent dietary supplement use: an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Little is known about the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use in American adolescents. We conducted this study to analyze the prevalence of DS use and factors associated with this use in a national popul...

Authors: Paula Gardiner, Catherine Buettner, Roger B Davis, Russell S Phillips and Kathi J Kemper

Eurythmy Therapy in clinical studies: a systematic literature review

We aimed to overview the current literature on eurythmy therapy (EYT) which is an integral part of Anthroposophic Medicine. EYT can be described as a movement therapy in which speech movements are transposed i...

Authors: Arndt Büssing, Thomas Ostermann, Magdalena Majorek and Peter F Matthiessen

The use of biomedicine, complementary and alternative medicine, and ethnomedicine for the treatment of epilepsy among people of South Asian origin in the UK

Studies have shown that a significant proportion of people with epilepsy use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM use is known to vary between different ethnic groups and cultural contexts; howeve...

Authors: Penny J Rhodes, Neil Small, Hanif Ismail and John P Wright

Adult vaccination coverage levels among users of complementary/alternative medicine – results from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)

While many Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners do not object to immunization, some discourage or even actively oppose vaccination among their patients. However, previous studies in this area...

Authors: Shannon Stokley, Karen A Cullen, Allison Kennedy and Barbara H Bardenheier

Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus supernatants on body weight and leptin expression in rats

Lactobacillus extracts and supernatants have been used as probiotics in human and veterinary medicine for their ability to enhance wound healing and immunity. Previous data from our laboratory demonstrated that

Authors: Renato Sousa, Jaroslava Halper, Jian Zhang, Stephen J Lewis and Wan-I O Li

Self-care and adherence to medication: a survey in the hypertension outpatient clinic

Self-care practices for patients with hypertension include adherence to medication, use of blood pressure self-monitoring and use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) The prevalence of CAM use and ...

Authors: Faekah Gohar, Sheila M Greenfield, D Gareth Beevers, Gregory YH Lip and Kate Jolly