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Evidence-based Complementary and... 2021To investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) body constitution and ischemic stroke (IS). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) body constitution and ischemic stroke (IS).
METHODS
Literature search was conducted in databases including Wanfang database, Chongqing VIP, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Embase, and PubMed from inception to November 16, 2020. Observational studies evaluating the association between TCM body constitution and IS were included for analysis. The distribution of body constitutional types in IS patients was pooled into meta-analysis. The correlation between constitution and IS was presented by the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI through the comparison between IS and the general population.
RESULTS
41 studies involving 11,211 participants were included. Among the nine constitution types, qi-deficiency constitution (QDC), phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC), and blood stasis constitution (BSC) are the common types, accounting for 25% [0.22, 0.29], 23% [0.20, 0.29], and 17% [0.13, 0.22], respectively, in IS patients. The proportion of PDC and QDC among IS patients is 2.34 times and 3.47 times higher than that in the general population, respectively (OR and 95% CI: 2.34 [1.39, 3.94], 3.47 [1.61, 7.50], respectively).
CONCLUSION
PDC and QDC are the common constitutions in IS patients and may have a potential correlation with the incidence of IS. Due to the low or moderate quality of included studies, more well-designed prospective studies are warranted to further evaluate the relationship between TCM constitutions and IS.
PubMed: 34257683
DOI: 10.1155/2021/5524925 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2020Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (known as chuanbeimu in Chinese, FCB) is a famous folk medicine which has been widely used to relieve cough and eliminate phlegm for... (Review)
Review
Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (known as chuanbeimu in Chinese, FCB) is a famous folk medicine which has been widely used to relieve cough and eliminate phlegm for thousands of years in China. The medicine originates from dried bulbs of six species of which are distributed in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Increasing attention has been paid to FCB because of its excellent medicinal value such as being antitussive, expectorant, analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative. During the past years, a large number of research studies have been conducted to investigate the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of FCB. A range of compounds have been isolated and identified from FCB, including alkaloids, saponins, nucleosides, organic acids, terpenoids, and sterols. Among them, alkaloids as the main active ingredient have been illustrated to exert significant therapeutic effects on many diseases such as cancer, acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes. Due to the excellent medical value and low toxicity, FCB has a huge market all over the world and triggers a growing enthusiasm among researchers. However, there is still a lack of systematic review. Hence, in this work, we reviewed the FCB-based articles published in Sci Finder, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, and other databases in the recent years. The traditional uses, sources, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of FCB were discussed in the review, which aims to provide a reference for further development and utilization of FCB.
PubMed: 33273948
DOI: 10.1155/2020/1536534 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022This meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Chinese medicine (TCM), which nourished qi, promoted blood circulation, and expelled phlegm...
Effectiveness and safety of treating carotid atherosclerotic plaques with the method of nourishing qi, promoting blood circulation and expelling phlegm: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Chinese medicine (TCM), which nourished qi, promoted blood circulation, and expelled phlegm (YQHXZT), in treating carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) from an immunological perspective. The incidence of CAS has been increasing and tends to be younger. Although western medicine is effective, there are some limitations. TCM has certain advantages over the multichannel and multitarget treatment strategies in slowing down the process of CAS. However, there is no comprehensive review in this field. Nine databases were searched from January, 2012, to September, 2022. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the RCTs, research quality evaluation and data extraction were conducted, and a meta-analysis of the articles was performed. The GRADE was used to assess the quality of the evidence. Fourteen RCTs involving 1,191 patients were identified. The results indicated that the experimental group was more effective in improving carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT)[SMD = -0.97, 95%CI(-.30,-0.65), < 0.00001], reducing carotid plaque area [SMD = -1.98, 95%CI(-3.06,-0.89), = 0.0003], lowering hs-CRP [SMD = -1.33, 95%CI(-1.59,-1.06), < 0.00001] and LDL-C levels [SMD = -0.60, 95%CI(-0.83,-0.38), < 0.00001]. Moreover, the experimental group was superior to peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSV) [SMD = -0.37, 95%CI(-0.59,-0.16), = 0.0007], clinical efficacy [RR = 1.64, 95% CI (1.39, 1.94), < 0.00001] and plaque area efficacy [RR = 1.36, 95% CI (1.22, 1.52), < 0.0001]. The adverse reactions were not statistically significant in the two groups [RD = -0.01, 95% CI (-0.04.0.01), = 0.17]. The results of grade evaluation suggested that the outcome indicators LDL-C, hs-CRP, plaque area efficacy, PSV, and adverse events were moderate. CIMT, plaque reduction area, and TCM clinical efficacy were low-quality. The combination of YQHXZT can alleviate the process of CAS by inhibiting the thickening of CIMT, reducing plaque area and lowering hs-CRP and LDL-C levels. The mechanism may possibly be related to reducing lipid deposition and inhibiting the inflammatory response. Besides, the combination did not increase the risk of adverse effects. However, more well-designed RCTs are needed in the future. CRD42022360529, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.
PubMed: 36438842
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1059737 -
BMJ Open Respiratory Research Jun 2023Emerging evidence in both developed and developing countries indicate that occupational health hazards and diseases among construction workers constitute a significant...
BACKGROUND
Emerging evidence in both developed and developing countries indicate that occupational health hazards and diseases among construction workers constitute a significant public health challenge. While occupational health hazards and conditions in the construction sector are diverse, a burgeoning body of knowledge is emerging about respiratory health hazards and diseases. Yet, there is a notable gap in the existing literature in terms of comprehensive syntheses of the available evidence on this topic. In light of this research gap, this study systematically reviewed the global evidence on occupational health hazards and related respiratory health conditions among construction workers.
METHODS
Using meta-aggregation, guided by the Condition (respiratory health conditions), Context (construction industry) and Population (construction workers) (CoCoPop) framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, literature searches were conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar for relevant studies on respiratory health conditions affecting construction workers. Four eligibility criteria were used in scrutinising studies for inclusion. The quality of the included studies was assessed based on Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal tool, while the reporting of the results was guided by the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guidelines.
RESULTS
From an initial pool of 256 studies from the various databases, 25 studies published between 2012 and October 2022 were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. In all, 16 respiratory health conditions were identified, with cough (ie, dry and with phlegm), dyspnoea/breathlessness and asthma emerging as the top three respiratory conditions among construction workers. The study identified six overarching themes of hazards that are associated with respiratory health conditions among construction workers. These hazards include exposure to dust, respirable crystalline silica, fumes, vapours, asbestos fibres and gases. Smoking and extended period of exposure to the respiratory hazard were found to increase the risk of contracting respiratory diseases.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review indicates that construction workers are exposed to hazards and conditions that have adverse effects on their health and well-being. Given the considerable impact that work-related health hazards can have on the health and socioeconomic well-being of construction workers, we suggest that the implementation of a comprehensive occupational health programme is essential. Such a programme would extend beyond the mere provision of personal protective equipment and would incorporate a range of proactive measures aimed at controlling the hazards and mitigating the risk of exposure to the occupational health hazards.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Construction Industry; Respiratory Tract Diseases
PubMed: 37364917
DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001736 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Sep 2021Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have become a severe threat for human health worldwide, however, optimal therapeutic options are still developed. Zhilong...
A systematic review on Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: Pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have become a severe threat for human health worldwide, however, optimal therapeutic options are still developed. Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule (ZL capsule) is mainly composed of Astragalus membranaceus, Leech, Earthworm, Cinnamomum cassia and Sargentodoxa cuneata, having functions of replenishing qi and activating blood, dispelling wind and reducing phlegm. It is an expanded application on the basis of traditional uses of above TCMs, acquiring a satisfactory curative effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases over twenty years.
AIM OF THE STUDY
To comprehensively summarize the main components of ZL capsule, understand the mechanisms of ZL capsule, and conclude clinical regimens of ZL capsule for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We selected network pharmacology technology to analyze main active compounds and predict underlying mechanism of ZL capsule against atherosclerosis. Molecular docking was performed to simulate the interaction pattern between the active components of ZL capsule and putative targets. Further, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Google Scholar were used to search literatures, with the key words of "Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule", "cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases", "atherosclerosis", "clinical study" and their combinations, mainly from 2000 to 2020.
RESULTS
Both network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking and animal experiments studies confirmed that mechanisms of ZL capsule plays the role of anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis and promoting angiogenesis in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by multi-components acting on multi-targets via multi-pathways. Over 1000 clinical cases were benefited from the treatment of ZL capsule, suggesting a holistic concept of "the same therapy for different myocardial and cerebral diseases".
CONCLUSIONS
For the first time, this systematic review may supply meaningful information for further studies to explore material basis and pharmacodynamics of ZL capsule and also provide a basis for sharing the "Chinese patent medicine" for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Topics: Animals; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Molecular Docking Simulation
PubMed: 34044079
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114234 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Feb 2015To assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicine (CPM) with the principle of tonifying Qi, promoting blood circulation by removing blood stasis, and... (Review)
Review
Chinese patent medicine for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on principles of tonifying Qi, promoting blood circulation by removing blood stasis, and resolving phlegm: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicine (CPM) with the principle of tonifying Qi, promoting blood circulation by removing blood stasis, and resolving phlegm (TQ-PBC-RP) in the management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
METHODS
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified from electronic databases and print was conducted. RCTs testing CPMs with TQ-PBC-RP against any type of controlled intervention in patients with stable COPD and assessing clinically relevant outcomes were included. Methodological quality was evaluated with the risk of bias tool according to systematic review handbook 5.0.2. Quality of evidence was estimated by the rating approach developed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group.
RESULTS
Thirteen eligible RCTs with 12 oral CPMs were tested. Significant differences between groups in favor of CPMs were not reported in all trials. Most trials included were deemed to be of low methodological quality with poor evidence quality. Because of large data heterogeneity, statistical pooling was not performed for all outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The effectiveness of CPM in the treatment of stable COPD is not supported by evidence. Currently, evidence from RCTs is scarce and methodologically weak. Considering the popularity of CPMs among patients undergoing COPD, rigorously designed trials are warranted.
Topics: Blood Circulation; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Qi; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 25842721
DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30001-7 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Dec 2023Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidtex Miq. is a well-known perennial herb that is used in traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea. G. littoralis has the effects of... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidtex Miq. is a well-known perennial herb that is used in traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea. G. littoralis has the effects of treating the lungs with heat, nourishing yin and blood, and acting as an expectorant. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions containing G. littoralis have various clinical applications, such as clearing heat, relieving coughs, treating hepatic fibrosis, resolving phlegm, and treating esophagitis.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and productive review of G. littoralis, mainly including traditional application, ethnopharmacology, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, and quality control.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literature search was conducted through the Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, and WanFang DATA by using the keywords "Glehnia littoralis", "Radix Glehniae", "Bei Shashen", "Clinical application", "Chemical composition", "Quality control" and "pharmacological action". In addition, information was collected from relevant ancient books, reviews, and documents (1980-2022).
RESULTS
G. littoralis is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with great clinical value and rich resources. More than 186 components, including coumarins, lignans, polyacetylenes, organic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, have been isolated and identified from G. littoralis. The pharmacological activities of more than half of these chemicals are yet unknown. Polyacetylenes and coumarins are the most important bioactive compounds responsible for pharmacological activities, such as antiproliferative, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitussive, immune regulation and analgesic. In this study, the progress in chemical analysis of G. littoralis, including thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS), and HPLC-MS, were summarized.
CONCLUSION
In this paper reviewed the previous literature regarding ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological, and quality evaluation of the processing of G. littoralis was reviewed, providing potential reference information for future investigation and clinical applications. However, research on the relationship between chemical constituents and traditional uses of G. littoralis is lacking, and the comprehensive pharmacological effects and mechanisms of G. littoralis require further detailed exploration. In addition, an efficient method for chemical profiling is still unavailable to obtain potent bioactive markers for quality control. Perfect quality standards, which are also the basis for further drug development of G. littoralis, are urgently needed to ensure its quality and clinical application.
Topics: Ethnopharmacology; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Medicine, Traditional; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37369334
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116831 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Jul 2023Most observational population-based studies identify respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by nasal/nasopharyngeal swab reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (RT-PCR) only. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Most observational population-based studies identify respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by nasal/nasopharyngeal swab reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (RT-PCR) only. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to quantify specimen and diagnostic testing-based underascertainment of adult RSV infection.
METHODS
EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched (January 2000-December 2021) for studies including adults using/comparing >1 RSV testing approach. We quantified test performance and RSV detection increase associated with using multiple specimen types.
RESULTS
Among 8066 references identified, 154 met inclusion. Compared to RT-PCR, other methods were less sensitive: rapid antigen detection test (RADT; pooled sensitivity, 64%), direct fluorescent antibody (DFA; 83%), and viral culture (86%). Compared to singleplex PCR, multiplex PCR's sensitivity was lower (93%). Compared to nasal/nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR alone, adding another specimen type increased detection: sputum RT-PCR, 52%; 4-fold rise in paired serology, 44%; and oropharyngeal swab RT-PCR, 28%. Sensitivity was lower in estimates limited to only adults (for RADT, DFA, and viral culture), and detection rate increases were largely comparable.
CONCLUSIONS
RT-PCR, particularly singleplex testing, is the most sensitive RSV diagnostic test in adults. Adding additional specimen types to nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR testing increased RSV detection. Synergistic effects of using ≥3 specimen types should be assessed, as this approach may improve the accuracy of adult RSV burden estimates.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Sensitivity and Specificity; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Nasopharynx; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 36661222
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad012 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2021and its main ingredient nobiletin (NOB) have received widespread attention in recent years due to their antitumor effects. The antitumor effect of is related to the... (Review)
Review
and its main ingredient nobiletin (NOB) have received widespread attention in recent years due to their antitumor effects. The antitumor effect of is related to the traditional use, mainly in its Chinese medicinal properties of soothing the liver and promoting qi, resolving phlegm, and dispelling stagnation. Some studies have proved that and NOB are more effective for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is related to the syndrome of stagnation of liver qi. From the perspective of modern biomedical research, NOB has anticancer effects. Its potential molecular mechanisms include inhibition of the cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. and NOB can also reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs and reverse multidrug resistance (MDR). However, more research studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms. The modern evidence of and NOB in breast cancer treatment has a strong connection with the traditional concepts and laws of applying in Chinese medicine (CM). As a low-toxic anticancer drug candidate, NOB and its structural changes, , and compound prescriptions will attract scientists to use advanced technologies such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to study its potential anticancer effects and mechanisms. On the contrary, there are relatively few studies on the anticancer effects of and NOB . The clinical application of and NOB as new cancer treatment drugs requires verification and further anticancer mechanism research. This review aims to provide reference for the treatment of breast cancer by Chinese medicine.
PubMed: 34257674
DOI: 10.1155/2021/2847466 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Oct 2022Licorice, as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, possessing the efficacies of invigorating spleen and replenishing qi, heat-clearing and detoxicating,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Licorice, as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, possessing the efficacies of invigorating spleen and replenishing qi, heat-clearing and detoxicating, phlegm-resolving and cough suppressant, relieving spasm and pain, and hamonizing actions of various medicines.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The goal of this systematic review, which includes meta-analysis and network pharmacology in preclinical studies, is to investigate the multiple efficacies of licorice on ulcerative colitis (UC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched several databases, e.g., Web of Science, Elsevier ScienceDirect and PubMed until Januanry 2022 for literature collection, and the Review Manager 5.3 was used to analyze the data. To synthesize the retrieved data, the fixed and random-effects models were utilized, respectively, and network pharmacology was applied to confirm the mechanisms.
RESULTS
Based on the result of meta-analysis, it suggested that the treatments of licorice extract and its active compounds showed strong therpeutic effects, which not only reflected the declining histological score, a index of the colitis severity [SMD = -2.86, 95% CI (-3.65, -2.08); P < 0.00001], but also reversed colonic shortness [WMD = 1.67, 95% CI (1.16, 2.19); P < 0.00001] between experimental UC model and licorice-treatment groups. In addition, it suggested the significant reduction of TNF-α level [SMD = -2.70, 95% CI (-3.23, -2.16); P < 0.00001], which acted as a crucial role in inflammatory response. Furthermore, from the results of network pharmacology, it indicated that anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, immunomodulatory effect and microbiota homeostasis were the predominant therapeutic mechanisms of licorice extract and its active compounds treating UC.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review with meta-analysis and network pharmacology demonstrates an efficient role of licorice extract and its active compounds in preclinical studies of UC, which provides supporting evidence for clinical trial implementation. However, there exist some limitations, such as technique quality decificency, missed reports due to negative outcome, failure to calculate sample size, and the risk of bias.
Topics: Colitis, Ulcerative; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Glycyrrhiza; Humans; Network Pharmacology; Plant Extracts; Triterpenes
PubMed: 35671864
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115444