The Application of Far-Infrared in the Treatment of Wound Healing: A Short Evidence-Based Analysis
Far-infrared (FIR) radiation therapy has been used for soothing effect in wound treatment. Studies have shown that FIR could enhance wound healing processes in rat models. Although these research results supported that FIR may play an important for wound healing, it had no consensus in clinical practices. It is suggested that more persuasive systemic clinical researches are needed to explore the effectiveness of FIR therapy for wound healing. (Source: Complementary Health Practice Review)
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Lin, Y.-H., Li, T.-S. Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research

Sweet Marjoram: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities
This article summarizes comprehensive information concerning traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of sweet marjoram. (Source: Complementary Health Practice Review)
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Bina, F., Rahimi, R. Tags: Topical Review Articles Source Type: research

Prevention and Treatment of Influenza, Influenza-Like Illness, and Common Cold by Herbal, Complementary, and Natural Therapies
In recent years viral respiratory tract infections, especially influenza viruses, have had a major impact on communities worldwide as a result of unavailability of effective treatment or vaccine. The frequent alterations in the antigenic structures of respiratory viruses, particularly for RNA viruses, pose difficulties in production of effective vaccines. The unavailability of optimal medication and shortage of effective vaccines suggests the requirement for alternative natural therapies. Several herbal remedies were used for prevention and treatment viral respiratory illnesses. Among those that were found effective includ...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Mousa, H. A.-L. Tags: Topical Review Articles Source Type: research

Efficacy of Curcuma for Treatment of Osteoarthritis
The objective of this review is to identify, summarize, and evaluate clinical trials to determine the efficacy of curcuma in the treatment of osteoarthritis. A literature search for interventional studies assessing efficacy of curcuma was performed, resulting in 8 clinical trials. Studies have investigated the effect of curcuma on pain, stiffness, and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Curcuma-containing products consistently demonstrated statistically significant improvement in osteoarthritis-related endpoints compared with placebo, with one exception. When compared with active control, curcuma-containing...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Perkins, K., Sahy, W., Beckett, R. D. Tags: Topical Review Articles Source Type: research

Antileishmanial and Immunomodulatory Activity of Allium sativum (Garlic): A Review
Leishmaniasis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoa belonging to Leishmania genus. The current drugs for treatment of leishmaniasis possess many disadvantages; therefore, researchers are continuously looking for the more effective and safer drugs. The aim of this study is to review the effectiveness, toxicities, and possible mechanisms of pharmaceutical actions of different garlic extracts and organosulfur compounds isolated from garlic against Leishmania spp. in a variety of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials reports. All relevant databases were searched using the terms "Allium sativum," "Garlic," "Allicin," ...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Foroutan-Rad, M., Tappeh, K. H., Khademvatan, S. Tags: Topical Review Articles Source Type: research

Development, Validation, and Verification of a Self-Assessment Tool to Estimate Agnibala (Digestive Strength)
The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a self-assessment tool to estimate Agnibala. The developed tool was evaluated for its reliability and validity by administering it to 300 healthy volunteers of either gender belonging to 18 to 40-year age group. Besides confirming the statistical validity and reliability, the practical utility of the newly developed tool was also evaluated by recording serum lipid parameters of all the volunteers. The results show that the lipid parameters vary significantly according to the status of Agni. The tool, therefore, may be used to screen normal population to look fo...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Singh, A., Singh, G., Patwardhan, K., Gehlot, S. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Antidiabetic Mechanisms of Rosa canina Fruits: An In Vitro Evaluation
Rosa canina fruits have been used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications. The aim of current study was to evaluate the in vitro mechanism of action of R canina in managing diabetes mellitus. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay were performed on pancreatic β-cells, βTC6. The protective activity of the extract on streptozotocin-induced death in βTC6 cells was studied. The effect of R canina on the metabolism of glucose in HepG2, a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, was evaluated. The effect of the extract on glucose diffusion across the dialysis membrane, which is a c...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Fattahi, A., Niyazi, F., Shahbazi, B., Farzaei, M. H., Bahrami, G. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

The Effect of Topical Rosa damascena (Rose) Oil on Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
The study aimed to assess the efficacy of topical rose oil in women with pregnancy-related low back pain. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 120 women with pregnancy-related low back pain. Patients were allocated to 3 parallel groups to receive topical rose oil (in the carrier of almond oil), placebo (carrier oil), or no intervention. All groups were followed for 4 weeks. All participants were evaluated by Visual Analog Scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaires to assess the pain intensity and its impact on daily activities before and after the intervention. Significant decrease in pain int...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Shirazi, M., Mohebitabar, S., Bioos, S., Yekaninejad, M. S., Rahimi, R., Shahpiri, Z., Malekshahi, F., Nejatbakhsh, F. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

The Effect of Black Tea (Camellia sinensis (L) Kuntze) on Pediatrics With Acute Nonbacterial Diarrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial
We aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal effect of black tea in pediatric patients with acute nonbacterial diarrhea. This single-blind randomized clinical trial study was performed on 2 to 12-year-old patients, with acceptable criteria for acute nonbacterial diarrhea in Shiraz, Iran. In total, 120 patients took part in this study. Blocked randomization method was used to allocate them into 2 groups of intervention (black tea tablet + standard treatment) and control group (standard treatment; 60 patients in each). Frequency of defecation, volume, and consistency of stool were registered on arrival and 24 hours later. We used ...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Doustfatemeh, S., Imanieh, M. H., Mohagheghzade, A., Zarshenas, M. M., Torkamani, Z., Yousefi, G., Farahangiz, S., Salehi, A. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Hypotensive Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Morinda citrifolia L. Leaves and Fruit in Dexamethasone-Induced Hypertensive Rat
The effect of ethanolic extract of Morinda citrifolia leaves and fruit on blood pressure in dexamethasone-induced hypertension rat was evaluated. Total phenolic content of Morinda citrifolia leaves ethanolic extract (MCLEE) and Morinda citrifolia leaves ethanolic extract (MCFEE) was 1.789 ± 0.116 and 1.677 ± 0.051 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram sample, respectively. Rutin level in MCLEE was 0.92 ± 0.19%, and scopoletin level in MCFEE was 0.46 ± 0.05%. MCLEE, MCFEE, and its extract combination significantly decreased the blood pressure of hypertensive rats. The combination group showed hi...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Wigati, D., Anwar, K., Sudarsono, , Nugroho, A. E. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standardized root extract of Ashwagandha through a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 52 subjects under chronic stress received either Ashwagandha (300 mg) or placebo twice daily. Primary efficacy measures were Perceived Stress Scale and Food Cravings Questionnaire. Secondary efficacy measures were Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, serum cortisol, body weight, and body mass index. Each subject was assessed at the start and at 4 and 8 weeks. The treatment with Ashwagandha resulted in signific...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., Joshi, K. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Perceptions, Uses of, and Interests in Complementary Health Care Approaches in Depressed Pregnant Women: The PAW Survey
Depression affects up to 23% of pregnant women and is associated with adverse physical/mental health outcomes for both the mother and baby. Depressed pregnant women may be more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors that contribute to an increased risk for chronic disease. Little is known regarding depressed pregnant women’s perceptions, uses of, and interests in complementary health approaches. Study participants (mean age 28.7 ± 6.8; n = 1032) included pregnant women ≥8 weeks gestation who responded to a survey assessing physical and mental health and wellness practices. Of those completing the...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Matthews, J., Huberty, J. L., Leiferman, J. A., McClain, D., Larkey, L. K. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Brief Online Mindfulness Training: Immediate Impact
Conclusion. Online training reaches diverse health professionals and is associated with immediate improvements in mindfulness. Additional research is warranted to compare the long-term cost-effectiveness of different doses of online and in-person mindfulness training on clinician burnout and quality of care. (Source: Complementary Health Practice Review)
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Kemper, K. J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Nutrition and Lifestyle Intervention on Mood and Neurological Disorders
This group study explored how an intervention of diet and lifestyle, including a vegan diet, fruit and vegetable juicing, nutritional supplements, regular exercise, and destressing techniques, would affect 27 subjects with anxiety, depression, poor memory, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, history of stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Several subjects had overlapping conditions. Videotaped testimonials were obtained describing subjective results. Testimonials stated multiple benefits across all conditions addressed by the study, with subjects often reporting substantial benefits. These results dem...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Null, G., Pennesi, L., Feldman, M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

A Traditional Mouthwash (Punica granatum var pleniflora) for Controlling Gingivitis of Diabetic Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Punica granatum var pleniflora mouthwash in treatment of diabetic gingivitis. In a double-blind randomized clinical trial 80 patients with diabetes mellitus and gingivitis were assigned to Golnaar and chlorhexidine 0.2% groups. After using mouthwashes for 2 weeks; participants underwent tooth scaling and the last visit was 2 weeks after scaling. The primary outcome measures were plaque, modified gingival and gingival bleeding indices, and pocket depth. Both interventions had significant improvement on all of the gingival and plaque indices (P < .001 for all indices). There...
Source: Complementary Health Practice Review - December 4, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Sedigh-Rahimabadi, M., Fani, M., Rostami-chijan, M., Zarshenas, M. M., Shams, M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research