Articles tagged with Alternative Medicine
The CANOPY study, led by UCSF professor Robin Carhart-Harris, will track 3,000 people worldwide who use psychedelics in various settings, collecting data on mood, well-being, and brain activity. The project aims to disentangle the effects of psychedelics from individual, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
A randomized controlled trial found that Tai Chi Qigong and an exercise class improved sleep quality in older male cancer survivors, with no significant difference between the two. While the changes were modest, the study suggests that a more diverse range of participants and future studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Traditional Chinese medicine trials must meet international standards to generate credible evidence, including clinical questions, experienced trialists, and adequate sample sizes. The trials should be conducted in multiple hospital locations, including Western centers, to build confidence among Western doctors and patients.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that kudzu supplement significantly reduced binge drinking days in adults with alcohol use disorder. The supplement, taken before anticipated heavy drinking, led to a 36% decrease in binge drinking days, even after treatment ended.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that tiny changes in pupil size and blinking patterns can reveal an individual's mental workload during virtual reality tasks. This could lead to wearable systems that automatically adapt therapy in real-time, offering personalized pain relief for millions living with chronic pain.
Researchers analyzed 1,678 reincarnation reports and found a striking correlation between unexpected deaths and shorter time between death and rebirth. The association persisted even among families that did not believe in reincarnation, suggesting a systematic phenomenon not readily accounted for by existing psychosocial frameworks.
Researchers at Aston University have engineered vegan honey alternatives with antimicrobial properties similar to mānuka honey, a natural product known for its antibacterial activity. The vegan honey formulations were tested against a culture of a highly drug-resistant bacterium, with promising results.
A new Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to support the use of medical cannabis for insomnia, with most studies showing little to no improvement in sleep quality and daytime functioning. However, some studies suggested a potential for adverse effects, such as dry mouth and dizziness.
The review highlights the importance of balancing mechanical support, biological activity and controlled degradation in bone regeneration. Silk fibroin-PLA composite scaffolds have shown improved cell responses, osteogenic activity, mechanical performance and tissue repair in experimental models.
The Lancet series brings arts and cultural engagement into mainstream global health, synthesizing evidence on the benefits of music, dance, and other cultural activities for mental and physical health. The series calls for equitable access to arts engagement, its inclusion in population-level prevention, and stronger community pathways.
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions by a third and heart attack risk by more than a quarter, with long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Digital programmes can be just as effective as traditional centre-based services, making rehabilitation more accessible.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are conducting a clinical trial to examine the potential benefits of pecans on brain health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study aims to investigate whether daily consumption of pecans can delay or mitigate mild cognitive symptoms and improve brain health.
A statewide evaluation will assess the implementation and impact of California's traditional health care practices benefit, covering culturally grounded healing approaches for substance use disorders. The project aims to identify best practices for strengthening access to traditional healing and improving care for Native communities.
A new Cochrane review of 8 randomized controlled trials involving over 500 adults found little to no benefit from widely-used back braces in managing chronic low back pain. The research suggested that the use of lumbar supports may be more common in lower-income countries where active treatment alternatives are less accessible.
A new app, WeCareAdvisor, has shown promise in improving the quality of life for dementia caregivers by providing a systematic approach to manage behavioral symptoms. Caregivers who used the app reported significant reductions in distress and behavioral symptoms, as well as improved well-being.
A new book by University of Virginia Health System expert Daniel J. Cox outlines a practical alternative to medication for managing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The GEM program emphasizes smart eating, physical activity, and listening to the body to regulate blood sugar levels.
A longitudinal study of 21,990 US adults found participants' most intense psychedelic experience on the Fourth of July reported decreased support for partisan violence. In contrast, experiences coinciding with national party conventions or Election Day led to increased support.
A systematic review found that creatine monohydrate may reduce depressive symptoms in people taking standard antidepressants, with two trials showing significant benefits. However, three trials showed no effect, and the evidence is not yet settled due to limitations such as small sample sizes and biased patient enrollment.
A new study by Flinders University reveals that targeting specific pain receptors in the bladder can reduce debilitating effects of cystitis. The research suggests that activating certain cannabinoid receptors could provide relief from bladder pain and urinary urgency associated with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
Researchers found that over-the-counter probiotics contain only 36 unique species of bacteria, with most common species being forms of Lactobacillus. The analysis suggests a lack of consistency in the combination of species used to support gut health and vaginal health claims.
Avishek Choudhury, a WVU researcher, has won the NSF CAREER award to study how healthcare providers' trust in artificial intelligence changes over time. His goal is to humanize algorithms behind AI and improve decision-making quality and patient safety.
A five-minute session of proximal intercessory prayer significantly reduced pain and anxiety in primary care patients compared to a music control group. The study suggests that in-person intercessory prayer may offer a practical complement to conventional care for underserved populations.
A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.
A new study found that nearly 1,200 TBI respondents used psychedelics to treat or manage physical health conditions, with 208 participants using them to manage brain injury-related symptoms. Researchers reported a 90% self-reported symptom improvement rate.
A clinical trial aims to evaluate whether laser therapy reduces vaginal dryness caused by breast cancer treatment. The study, REVITALIZE, plans to enroll approximately 250 women with a history of breast cancer who experience moderate to severe vaginal dryness.
Dr. Gobbi challenges the global drug-development system, stating that promising treatments for mental illness are failing to reach patients due to venture capital and profit motives. Her research focuses on cannabis, melatonin, and psychedelics, with a goal of improving public-health decisions and treatment outcomes.
The review explores global integration models, identifies challenges, and proposes strategies for an inclusive healthcare future. Key challenges include epistemological and methodological differences, lack of standardization, and regulatory barriers.
A comprehensive review of 82 studies found no evidence of Ginkgo biloba's benefit for cognitive impairment, but suggests a possible benefit for dementia. The supplement was not associated with an increased risk of serious harm compared to placebo.
Researchers found that psilocybin reduced novelty-seeking in control mice, but heightened it in anorexia model mice. Inflammation levels were also altered, contradicting expectations based on human studies. The study's findings have implications for understanding anorexia nervosa and the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics.
Scientists at Northwestern University have determined the three-dimensional structures of rye pollen's cancer-fighting molecules, secalosides A and B. This breakthrough opens the door to exploring how these molecules interact with the immune system and could inspire new approaches to cancer therapy.
UVA experts Bruce Greyson and Marieta Pehlivanova argue that the NEPTUNE model leaves many unanswered questions about near-death experiences. Despite its sophistication, the model selectively ignores scientific evidence and fails to address key aspects of NDEs.
The study found that S. birrea extract reversed behavioral alterations caused by monosodium glutamate, reduced oxidative stress parameters, and counteracted malondialdehyde levels. These results support the potential of S. birrea as a neuroprotective agent for preventing and treating cognitive deficits.
Researchers have identified antimicrobial peptides as a safe alternative to traditional antibiotics for treating oral diseases. These peptides can inhibit bacterial growth, regulate inflammation, and promote tissue repair, making them a game-changer in oral medicine.
A global survey led by UC Irvine researchers found that 70% of oncology professionals use or recommend integrative approaches to manage cancer symptoms. However, these services remain underused due to cost, lack of insurance coverage, and limited training opportunities, particularly in low-income countries.
A systematic review synthesizes clinical and preclinical evidence on psilocybin's effects on obsessive-compulsive behaviours, revealing consistent anti-compulsive effects in human patients and validated animal models. Single doses of psilocybin led to rapid symptom reductions in clinical populations.
A study from University of Utah Health found that combining psilocybin group therapy with mindfulness training significantly reduced depression in healthcare workers. Nearly half of participants experienced complete remission of depression after just two weeks.
Psychedelic substances profoundly alter our perception of time, inducing temporal distortions that offer unprecedented insights into consciousness. By suppressing the default mode network and modulating multiple brain regions, psychedelics provide unique windows into brain function and mental health treatment.
A new RNA-based therapy targeting Marfan syndrome shows promise in treating the genetic disorder, which can lead to aortic aneurysms and be fatal. The therapy, developed by Mizzou researcher Dunpeng Cai, aims to correct mutated RNA for those with Marfan syndrome.
The review synthesizes clinical evidence on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, and existential distress. It identifies consistent patterns across diverse clinical applications and highlights the therapeutic potential of MDMA, including its oxytocin-mediated ...
A gold-standard randomised-controlled trial found that specialised singing programmes can improve the symptoms and quality of life of people with lung disease, particularly those with chronic breathlessness. The SINFONIA study showed a significant improvement in quality of life for patients with COPD and ILD.
A portable device using machine learning can detect signs of concussions in real-time, providing a more objective way to assess injuries. The Mizzou Point-of-Care Assessment System combines a force plate, depth camera and interface board to track movement, balance and reaction times.
New research shows that music therapy significantly decreases heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and patient-ventilator asynchronies for patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention that complements conventional treatments.
A study funded by the NIH found that acupuncture treatment significantly improved physical function and reduced pain in older adults with chronic low back pain, compared to usual medical care. The study showed a modest but positive effect of acupuncture on disability scores, anxiety symptoms, and pain intensity.
A recent study found that two-thirds of clinical trial participants experienced complete remission from major depressive disorder five years after psilocybin-assisted therapy. The treatment also showed significant and large reduction in depression symptoms, with many participants reporting improved well-being measures.
A study by Dr. Esther Sternberg highlights the importance of social engagement, intellectual stimulation, purposeful activity, humor, and spiritual exploration in achieving exceptional cognitive and social functioning in advanced age. Dr. Reichlin's example challenges conventional assumptions about aging trajectories.
The global integration of traditional and modern medicine has been shown to improve patient outcomes by enhancing symptom management, quality of life, and treatment adherence. Effective integration relies on robust regulatory frameworks governing practitioner licensing, quality control, pharmacovigilance, and research.
Professor Gregor Hasler's pioneering research reveals how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself and break free from depression, PTSD, and addiction. His discoveries have the potential to fundamentally alter international approaches to mental health treatment.
A comprehensive review of 248 meta-analyses and 200 clinical trials found that most complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for autism showed weak or poor-quality evidence, making their effects unreliable. The study also highlighted the lack of safety assessments for these treatments, which can be misleading.
Research reveals neuroglia play active role in brain function, driving disease progression through atrophy and functional decline. Therapeutic strategies targeting neuroglial signaling may prevent damage following brain injury or protect against neurodegenerative processes.
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Missouri has made a groundbreaking discovery using patient's own cartilage cells to aid in healing after hip surgery. The research team successfully cultured and expanded cartilage cells, or chondrocytes, in the lab, paving the way for future clinical applications.
A review of 64 over-the-counter products found that omega-3s, St John's Wort, probiotics, and vitamin D have substantial evidence for treating depression. Other promising products include folic acid, lavender, zinc, tryptophan, and lemon balm. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
A new study reveals how nymphaeol A, a bioactive compound in propolis, behaves within complex biological membranes. The molecule spontaneously inserts into the membrane, altering its structure and increasing fluidity, which may enhance its therapeutic effectiveness.
A new study reveals that US Muslims show moderate openness to psychedelics in mental health therapy, with higher education correlating with favorable attitudes. Providing education about psychedelic therapies may help lower barriers to considering this treatment.
Dr. Stephen Ross's groundbreaking studies using psilocybin therapy have demonstrated rapid, substantial, and sustained improvements in psychological symptoms for patients with advanced cancer, substance use disorders, and major depressive disorder. His research has the potential to challenge conventional psychiatric medication approaches.
Researchers review nanozymes derived from Chinese herbs, including their catalytic properties, biomedical applications, and potential challenges in developing herbzymes for practical use. The review highlights three main types of herbzymes: herb carbon dot enzymes, polyphenol-metal nanozymes, and herb extract nanozymes.
A pioneering research brings psychedelic medicine into gastroenterology, exploring psilocybin's effects on treatment-resistant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr. Erin E. Mauney's study modulates interoception and uses integrated therapy sessions with neuroimaging to track brain changes.
Dr. Deanna Kaplan's innovative voice-capture app, Fabla, captures unstructured voice narratives to study how clinical interventions influence daily life. The platform has found applications across diverse health domains, including veteran experiences and healthcare provider burnout.
WANG Qi's research bridges TCM and digital technology, creating a digital constitution collection platform for objective diagnostics and a 'TCM Constitution Knowledge Graph' linking TCM with modern diseases. This work secures TCM's evolving role in contemporary healthcare through rigorous data + clinical iteration.
A new smartphone app, ECHAS, can help people determine if they are suffering from a heart attack or stroke and need medical attention. The app, developed by experts at UVA Health and other leading institutions, proved effective in identifying patients with cardiac and neurological emergencies.