Articles tagged with Alternative Medicine
A new study from University of Alberta researcher Sunita Vohra examines the use of alternative therapies among pediatric cardiac patients in Canada. The study found that 64% of patients at Stollery Children's Hospital reported using complementary and alternative medicine products, with most having no regrets about their choices.
Trade formalization in urban areas is expected to increase medicinal tree species cultivation, benefiting poor smallholder farmers. The study found that most traders prefer wild-sourced materials due to perceived higher potency, but farm-grown options are gaining acceptance.
Repeat sternotomy is a low-risk surgical option for octogenarian patients who have had previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The study found similar results in terms of operative morbidity and mortality between repeat sternotomy and primary sternotomy and surgical aortic valve replacement.
The guideline states that certain forms of medical marijuana in pill or oral spray form may help reduce patients' reported spasticity symptoms, pain due to spasticity, and frequent urination. However, long-term safety of medical marijuana use is not known, and potential side effects include seizures, dizziness, and psychological problems.
The book provides a three-step process to help readers solve relationship issues in their own way, without the need for face-to-face therapy. By understanding their partner's perspective and accepting each other's flaws, couples can achieve lasting change through acceptance and specific changes.
Research finds that indigenous cultures' medicinal plant use is linked to their environment, making them vulnerable to climate change and globalization. The study highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge to mitigate the impact of environmental changes on these communities.
A large-scale randomized control trial shows Schema Therapy to be significantly more effective than Clarification-Oriented Psychotherapy and treatment as usual in treating a range of personality disorders. The therapy resulted in higher recovery rates, greater declines in depression, and lower dropout rates.
Researchers found that cognitive therapy reduced psychotic symptoms and improved personal and social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia who had stopped taking antipsychotics. The therapy involved reappraising psychotic experiences and modifying unhelpful thought patterns.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that oral garlic did not provide significant relief for women with vaginal thrush. The research involved 63 women who took either garlic tablets or a placebo for two weeks, with no notable reduction in Candida levels observed.
A study by BUSM found that the majority of family medicine residency program directors believe complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is essential for resident training, but few have specific learning goals or adequate evaluation methods in place. The study also highlighted significant differences between strong and weak CAM/IM p...
A new study finds desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) to be a safe and effective alternative to standard T4 therapy for hypothyroid patients. DTE caused modest weight loss and nearly half of the study patients preferred it over L-T4.
A study published in Medical Mycology found that nearly 5 million asthmatics with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) could significantly benefit from antifungal treatment. Clinical studies have shown a response rate of 60% with oral antifungal drugs, improving symptoms and asthma control.
A phase III trial shows mirabegron reduces incontinence episodes and daily urinations, improving urgency and nocturia in adults with overactive bladder. The study also confirms the drug's balanced efficacy and safety profile, making it a potential alternative for patients with inadequate antimuscarinic therapy.
Herbal and complementary medicines can effectively treat postmenopausal symptoms without the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Soy, red clover, and black cohosh have been shown to ease hot flush symptoms and other menopausal issues, making them viable alternatives for women seeking non-pharmacological treatment options.
A Harvard researcher has found that using traditional, natural medicines can provide significant economic benefits, with households in Madagascar receiving between $30 and $45 per year. The study suggests that if Americans relied on these remedies, they could save up to 63% of their annual healthcare bill.
Bioorthogonal chemistry allows doctors to administer separate ingredients that combine to produce medicine inside patients' bodies. This emerging field has the potential to revolutionize drug development and diagnosis by enabling targeted treatment of diseases.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a critical process in understanding the degeneration of brain cells sensitive to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that targeting this process could lead to alternative therapies for treating AD, including drugs that protect neurons from degeneration.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that massage reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle after intense exercise. The research provides evidence that massage could be a valuable treatment option for individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases or musculoskeletal injuries.
Researchers identified two substances in licorice root that kill major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Licoricidin and licorisoflavan A were found to be effective antibacterial substances, potentially treating or preventing oral infections.
A study by the Missouri Botanical Garden found that over 24% of water extracts and 76% of alcoholic extracts from Peruvian medicinal plant species contained elevated toxicity levels. This highlights the need for proper preparation methods to account for varying toxicity levels in traditional remedies.
A new NIH-funded study confirms that saw palmetto extract does not reduce urinary problems associated with prostate enlargement. The study found no significant improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), regardless of dose.
Researchers found that bitter cumin seeds are a rich source of phenolic antioxidants, which can mop up free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity is correlated with the total phenol content of the seeds, suggesting that multiple phenolic compounds may be responsible for its effects.
A new study by the University of Cincinnati reveals that urban adolescents with asthma who use integrative medicine like prayer or relaxation experience improved mental and physical health outcomes. The research found that spiritual struggles contribute uniquely to a patient's quality of life, beyond demographic variables.
Researchers found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who chose a positive color on a color chart were nine times more likely to respond to hypnotherapy. The study suggests the use of this test as a predictor for responders.
Researchers investigate genetic predictors of stroke in pediatric sickle cell disease patients, validating biomarkers and identifying new risk factors. Additionally, a potential breakthrough may inhibit malaria transmission, offering hope for controlling the disease.
A systematic review found that Tai Chi is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved mood and self-esteem. However, the quality of the studies was generally modest, highlighting the need for more high-quality randomized trials to confirm these findings.
Researchers found pacemaker reuse associated with a 4% decrease in overall complications compared to new device implantation. No increased risk of infection or device malfunction was observed.
A new oral treatment has been shown to be effective in 95% of cases against head lice, providing a real therapeutic alternative to conventional anti-lice lotions. The study used oral Ivermectin administered at 400 μg per kilogram and found significant improvements compared to traditional malathion lotion treatments.
A new therapeutic approach to treating hypertension may be possible using an enzyme called ACE2, which breaks down angiotensin II in the system. This approach could provide a more complete and effective suppression of the renin-angiotensin system, treating not just hypertension but also other medical conditions.
The EU has funded a 3-year project called CAMbrella to study complementary medicine, with TUM university hospital coordinating the 12-nation initiative. The network will focus on building international cooperation and fostering patient needs, legal conditions, and terminology.
The Lancet South Africa series proposes three strategies to address public sector workforce needs, affordable national health insurance, and competent leadership. The authors also discuss the decline in clinical research activity and capacity, as well as health inequities in South Africa, highlighting the need for jobs and cooperation ...
The PROTECT AF study found that percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a viable option for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The device-based approach showed non-inferior efficacy to long-term warfarin therapy, but higher safety event rates.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a novel therapy using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that blocks the abnormal brain waves believed to cause migraine aura. The study found that TMS therapy is effective in treating migraine sufferers who cannot tolerate medication, offering a potential new treatment option.
Researchers found frankincense oil to discriminate between normal and cancerous bladder cells, kill cancer cells, and suppress growth by arresting cell cycle progression. The oil may represent an inexpensive alternative therapy for patients with bladder cancer.
A national survey found primary care physicians are more likely to inquire about complementary alternative medicine (CAM) use in children with autism. The study also revealed a desire for specific CAM education tailored to this population. CAM therapies have become increasingly common among children with autism, highlighting the need f...
The article highlights the importance of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) in healthcare reform, advocating for universal coverage and evidence-based methods. CAM encourages a holistic view of health, promoting whole-systems approaches and multifactorial integrative therapies.
A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology shows that Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is as effective as anti-depressant medication in preventing relapse and enhancing quality of life for people with long-term depression. The study found that MBCT provides a cost-effective alternative to prescript...
A study found that non-white medical students are less likely to adopt complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, while white students view these therapies more positively. The survey of medical students measured attitudes towards CAM during four years of medical training.
Researchers have developed a quadruple therapy regimen that shows promise in treating peptic ulcer disease, achieving an eradication rate of 68.8% in a study of 51 patients. The new treatment combines omeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and furazolidone, with only 31.4% of patients experiencing adverse effects.
Researchers found that administering a traditional Chinese medicine Dachengqi Decoction combined with Glauber's salt improved treatment outcomes for patients with severe acute pancreatitis and abdominal compartment syndrome. The study suggested that this therapeutic protocol can lower IAP, relax symptoms of ACS, slow disease progressio...
Research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that the berries of Solanum villosum have potential for keeping mosquitoes at bay. The study found that S. villosum was particularly effective at eliminating Stegomyia aegypti larvae, which can spread diseases like dengue fever.
Researchers at UVA discovered that applying a moderate static magnetic field after an inflammatory injury can significantly reduce swelling. The study suggests that magnets could be used as an alternative to ice packs and compression for everyday sprains and bruises, with potential benefits for worker productivity and quality of life.
A study published in JCSM found that 58% of OSAHS patients reported ever using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, with a high interest in future use. This highlights the importance of considering CAM options for these patients and underscores the need for further research on their effectiveness.
Research reveals nearly half of people with diabetes use alternative therapies, which can interact with conventional medications and affect blood sugar levels. Healthcare professionals must be included in discussions about these therapies to document their use and identify potential problems.
ChemGenex's lead compound Ceflatonin demonstrates clinical activity against Gleevec-resistant CML patients with the T315I Bcr-Abl mutation. A significant reduction in T315I levels and complete disappearance of the mutation were observed, indicating a potential therapeutic alternative for these patients.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows naprapathy to be more effective in reducing back and neck pain, with 57% of patients reporting significant improvement after 12 weeks. The therapy combines manual manipulation and muscle treatments, offering a potential alternative to conventional medical advice.
Researchers found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) was an effective method to minimize destruction of periodontal tissue and provided improved dentin hypersensitivity. PDT may be a preferable alternative to antibiotic therapy, which is becoming increasingly important due to rising antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have successfully regenerated tooth root and periodontal ligaments using stem cells harvested from wisdom teeth. The technique shows promise for clinical application in human patients, offering an alternative to dental implants for those who don't have sufficient jaw bone.
A national survey of 31,044 adults found that approximately 4.5% of those with insomnia reported using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. CAM therapies were used by 65% of respondents who sought biological methods, such as herbal medicines and diet interventions.
A recent analysis found that over 17% of adults in the US reported trouble sleeping or insomnia, with 4.5% using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. The most common types of CAM used were biologically based therapies and mind-body therapies.
Researchers at Kent State University found that guided imagery significantly reduced patients' chronic pain experiences, making it easier to control. The study, published in Pain Management Nursing, suggests alternative therapies like guided imagery can complement medication therapy for effective pain management.
A study found that 34.9% of people over 65 with anxiety or depression used complementary or alternative medicine, compared to 26.5% without mental symptoms. However, fewer than 20% used CAM to treat their condition, a surprising finding.
A Stanford survey of 781 US women aged 40-60 found that nearly all reported experiencing menopausal symptoms, with many turning to herbal products and soy supplements instead of hormone therapy. Despite risks associated with hormone therapy, the study highlights the need for physicians to learn more about alternative therapies.
A patient on warfarin developed life-threatening internal bleeding after consuming chamomile tea and lotion. Chamomile's synergistic effect with warfarin highlights the potential dangers of mixing herbal remedies with prescribed medications.
A study found that 45% of heart patients use complementary or alternative medicines, but only 39% believe their doctors should know. Physicians must educate patients on risks and provide safe alternatives to prevent life-threatening interactions with prescribed cardiac medications.
The updated guidelines focus on prolonging life, reducing morbidity, and improving quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure. New neurohormonal antagonists, ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are key components of therapy.
Transcatheter occlusion of PFO and left atrial appendage eliminates key sources of cardiac embolism, preventing strokes. Alternative to blood thinning therapy, this procedure is safe and effective in preventing stroke, with a lower recurrence rate compared to standard treatment.
Researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is as effective as electro-shock therapy in alleviating severe depression. However, TMS has fewer side effects, particularly memory impairment. Patients treated with TMS showed significant improvement in mood without affecting the hippocampus.
A recent OHSU study suggests that ginkgo biloba may improve attention in MS patients with cognitive impairment, with minimal side effects. The study found that patients taking ginkgo performed better on a test measuring attention and executive functions compared to those receiving a placebo.
A Georgetown University researcher reveals hidden sponsorship of articles and lectures in medical journals, compromising patient care. A public database is needed to disclose conflicts of interest.