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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2014Background Garlic is alleged to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties that relieve the common cold, among other beneficial effects. There is widespread usage of... (Review)
Review
Background Garlic is alleged to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties that relieve the common cold, among other beneficial effects. There is widespread usage of garlic supplements. The common cold is associated with significant morbidity and economic consequences. On average, children have six to eight colds per year and adults have two to four.Objectives To determine whether garlic (Allium sativum) is effective for the prevention or treatment of the common cold, when compared to placebo, no treatment or other treatments.Search methods We searched CENTRAL (2014, Issue 7),OLDMEDLINE (1950 to 1965),MEDLINE (January 1966 to July week 5, 2014), EMBASE(1974 to August 2014) and AMED (1985 to August 2014).Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials of common cold prevention and treatment comparing garlic with placebo, no treatment or standard treatment.Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently reviewed and selected trials from searches, assessed and rated study quality and extracted relevant data.Main results In this updated review, we identified eight trials as potentially relevant from our searches. Again, only one trial met the inclusion criteria.This trial randomly assigned 146 participants to either a garlic supplement (with 180 mg of allicin content) or a placebo (once daily)for 12 weeks. The trial reported 24 occurrences of the common cold in the garlic intervention group compared with 65 in the placebo group (P value < 0.001), resulting in fewer days of illness in the garlic group compared with the placebo group (111 versus 366). The number of days to recovery from an occurrence of the common cold was similar in both groups (4.63 versus 5.63). Only one trial met the inclusion criteria, therefore limited conclusions can be drawn. The trial relied on self reported episodes of the common cold but was of reasonable quality in terms of randomisation and allocation concealment. Adverse effects included rash and odour. Authors' conclusions There is insufficient clinical trial evidence regarding the effects of garlic in preventing or treating the common cold. A single trial suggested that garlic may prevent occurrences of the common cold but more studies are needed to validate this finding. Claims of effectiveness appear to rely largely on poor-quality evidence.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Common Cold; Disulfides; Exanthema; Garlic; Humans; Odorants; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sulfinic Acids
PubMed: 25386977
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006206.pub4 -
La Clinica Terapeutica 2023The legume tree known as carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and over the centuries its pods had been traditionally used mostly as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The legume tree known as carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and over the centuries its pods had been traditionally used mostly as animal feed. However, it has gained great attention in human nutrition due to the molecular compounds it contains, which could offer many potential health benefits: for example, carob is renowned for its high content of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, in traditional medicine it is credited with the ability to control glucose metabolism and gut microbiome. Modern science has also extensively acknowledged the numerous health advantages deriving from its consumption, including its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Due to its abundant contents of pectin, gums, and polyphenols (such as pinitol), carob has garnered significant attention as a well-researched plant with remarkable therapeutic properties. Notably, carob is extensively used in the production of semi-finished pastry products, particularly in ice cream and other creams (especially as a substitute for cocoa/chocolate): these applications indeed facilitate the exploration of its positive effects on glucose metabolism. Our study aimed at examining the effects of carob extract on intestinal microbiota and glucose metabolism. In this review, we conducted a thorough examination, comprising in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials to appraise the consequences on human health of polyphenols and pectin from different carob species, including recently discovered ones with high polyphenol contents. Our goal was to learn more about the mechanisms through which carob extract can support a balanced gut flora and improve one's glucose metabolism. These results could influence the creation of novel functional foods and dietary supplements, to help with the management and prevention of chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Polyphenols; Glucose; Fabaceae; Pectins
PubMed: 37994761
DOI: 10.7417/CT.2023.2484 -
Nutrients Dec 2023Withania somnifera (WS), a popular medicinal plant of the Solanaceae family, contains active ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Withania somnifera (WS), a popular medicinal plant of the Solanaceae family, contains active ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-stress activities. However, its precise mechanisms of action and optimal use as a supplement are not yet fully understood. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the impact of WS supplementation on cortisol levels in stressed humans by analyzing clinical trials conducted prior to May 2023.
METHODS
The assessment was carried out following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) by exploring the databases of EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, CENTRAL, and Scopus.
RESULTS
Of the 4788 articles identified, only 9 studies met the selection criteria. The selected studies varied in terms of design, results, formulations, dosages, and treatment duration (30-112 days), and involved subjects with varying degrees of stress. WS supplementation decreases cortisol secretion with no significant adverse effects. Nonetheless, none of the studies evaluated the potential impact of cortisol reduction on adrenal function and long-term effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Brief-term supplementation with WS appears to have a stress-reducing effect in stressed individuals. However, since the long-term effects of WS supplementation are not yet fully understood, WS supplements should be used under medical supervision.
Topics: Humans; Plant Extracts; Withania; Hydrocortisone; Plants, Medicinal; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38140274
DOI: 10.3390/nu15245015 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2015Mailuoning is widely used in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke in China. Animal experimental studies and clinical pharmacological research indicate that mailuoning... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Mailuoning is widely used in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke in China. Animal experimental studies and clinical pharmacological research indicate that mailuoning might improve blood circulation, prevent ischaemic injury, and protect heart and brain tissue. This review was last published in 2009. As new data have become available, it is necessary to reassess the evidence from randomised controlled trials.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effects and safety of mailuoning agents (injection or oral liquid) in the treatment of people with acute ischaemic stroke.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (May 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL;2014, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to May 2014), Embase (1980 to May 2014), AMED (1985 to May 2014), the Chinese Stroke Trials Register (June 2014), the China Biological Medicine Database (CBM-disc; 1979 to June 2014), China Science and Technology Journal database (CSTJ; 1979 to June 2014), Wanfang Data Chinese databases (1979 to June 2014), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1979 to June 2014). We searched clinical trials and research registers, handsearched 10 Chinese journals including relevant conference proceedings, scanned reference lists, and contacted the pharmaceutical company that manufactures mailuoning. We also attempted to contact trial authors to obtain further data.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing mailuoning with placebo or mailuoning plus other treatment compared with that other treatment in people with acute ischaemic stroke.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality, and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 21 trials, involving 1746 participants, in this update; six trials were new. The included trials did not report the numbers of dead and dependent participants at the end of at least three months' follow-up. Of the 12 trials that reported adverse events, five events occurred in two trials. There was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group. We assessed 20 trials to be of a poor quality: When analysing these trials together, mailuoning was associated with a significant increase in the number of participants with an improved neurological deficit (risk ratio (RR) 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23 to 0.42) and showed a significant improvement of neurological deficit with the European Stroke Scale (ESS) (mean difference (MD) (fixed) 8.29, 95% CI 3.44 to 13.15). One placebo-controlled trial, assessed to be of a better methodological quality, failed to show a significant improvement of neurological deficit at the end of three months' follow-up (MD (fixed) 2.49, 95% CI -1.45 to 6.43) or in quality of life. One trial, which reported cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment as a continuous scale, showed a significant improvement of cognitive function (MD (fixed) 2.68, 95% CI 1.82 to 3.54). Two trials assessed activities of daily life: One trial showed a significant improvement, but the other did not.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review did not provide sufficient evidence to support the routine use of mailuoning for the treatment of people with acute ischaemic stroke. High-quality large-scale randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of mailuoning.
Topics: Brain Ischemia; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Phytotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Stroke
PubMed: 25574904
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007028.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2018Acute sinusitis is a common reason for primary care encounters. It causes significant symptoms including facial pain, congested nose, headache, thick nasal mucus, fever,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Acute sinusitis is a common reason for primary care encounters. It causes significant symptoms including facial pain, congested nose, headache, thick nasal mucus, fever, and cough and often results in time off work or school. Sinusitis treatment focuses on eliminating causative factors and controlling the inflammatory and infectious components. The frozen, dried, natural fluid extract of the Cyclamen europaeum plant delivered intranasally is thought to have beneficial effects in relieving congestion by facilitating nasal drainage, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of topical intranasal Cyclamen europaeum extract on clinical response in adults and children with acute sinusitis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, which includes the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE, Embase, and trials registers (ClinicalTrials.gov; WHO ICTRP) in January 2018. We also searched the reference lists of included studies and review literature for further relevant studies and contacted trial authors for additional information.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing Cyclamen europaeum extract administered intranasally to placebo, antibiotics, intranasal corticosteroids, or no treatment in adults or children, or both, with acute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis was defined by clinical diagnosis and confirmed by nasal endoscopy or by radiological evidence.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
We included two randomised controlled trials that involved a total of 147 adult outpatients with acute sinusitis confirmed by radiology or nasal endoscopy who were assigned to Cyclamen europaeum nasal spray or placebo study arms for up to 15 days. The risk of selection and detection bias was unclear, as allocation concealment and blinding of outcome assessors were not reported in either study. Attrition was high (60%) in one study, although dropouts were balanced between study arms.Neither study reported our two primary outcomes: proportion of participants whose symptoms resolved or improved at 14 days and 30 days. No serious adverse events or complications related to treatment were reported; however, more mild adverse events such as nasal and throat irritation, mild epistaxis, and sneezing occurred in Cyclamen europaeum group participants (50%) compared to placebo group participants (24%) (risk ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval 1.35 to 3.29); moderate-quality evidence.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of Cyclamen europaeum for people with acute sinusitis is unknown. Although no serious side effects were observed, 50% of participants who received Cyclamen europaeum reported adverse events compared with 24% of those who received placebo.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cyclamen; Humans; Nasal Polyps; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rhinitis; Sinusitis
PubMed: 29750825
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011341.pub2 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2022To systematically review studies that evaluated the effects of plant extracts on dentin bonding strength. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, VIP, CNKI, Wanfang... (Review)
Review
To systematically review studies that evaluated the effects of plant extracts on dentin bonding strength. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, VIP, CNKI, Wanfang and The Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to September 2021 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). studies that compared the performance of dental adhesives with and without the plant extracts participation were included. The reference lists of the included studies were manually searched. Two researchers carried out study screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, independently and in duplicate. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3. A total of 62 studies were selected for full-text analysis. 25 articles used the plant extracts as primers, while five added the plant extracts into adhesives. The meta-analysis included 14 articles of studies investigating the effects of different plant extract primers on dentin bonding strength of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives, respectively. The global analysis showed statistically significant difference between dental adhesives with and without plant extract primers. It showed that the immediate bond strength of dental adhesives was improved with the application of plant extract primers. The application of proanthocyanidin (PA) primers have positive effect on the immediate bonding strength of dental adhesives irrespective of etch-and-rinse or self-etch modes.
PubMed: 35284411
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.836042 -
Nutrients Apr 2020For millennia, naturopaths and physicians have used (reishi mushroom) for its diverse therapeutic properties, as recorded in the oldest Chinese herbal encyclopedia.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
For millennia, naturopaths and physicians have used (reishi mushroom) for its diverse therapeutic properties, as recorded in the oldest Chinese herbal encyclopedia. Indeed, a radioprotective effect has been reported in the isolated components of its extracts. A systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) was conducted in March 2020, searching databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, along with Clinical Trials. The inclusion criteria were ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo studies, with full texts in English, conducted to determine the radioprotective benefits of , or reports in which ionizing radiation was used. From a total number of 1109 records identified, 15 full text articles were eligible, none of them were clinical trials. In vivo studies reveal the efficiency of aqueous extracts of polysaccharides and triterpenes in mice exposed to -rays. In plasmid, they can reduce radiation damage as an increment of the open circular form, as well as increase the DNA extension, as shown in vitro studies. Ex vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of β-glucan of aqueous extract of , nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.
Topics: Animals; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fungal Polysaccharides; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Mice; Phytotherapy; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Protective Agents; Reishi; Triterpenes
PubMed: 32325828
DOI: 10.3390/nu12041143 -
PloS One 2023In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for vocal nodules, concerning qualitive overall efficacy and quantitative improvement on quality... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for vocal nodules, concerning qualitive overall efficacy and quantitative improvement on quality of voice. Four English and four Chinese databases were searched up to December 10th, 2022. Risk of bias among the included trials were evaluated by the Cochrane ROB tool. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted based on the Cochrane systematic review method by using RevMan 5.4 Software, and trial sequential analyses were performed by TSA 0.9. Meta-influence analyses, subgroup-analyses, meta-regression, and evaluation of publication bias were performed for exploration of heterogeneity by Stata V.14. Quality of the results was accessed through the GRADE-pro GDT. Cluster analyses and correlation coefficient were performed by R 4.1.3. Finally, 15 trials involving 1,888 participants were included. Results showed that compared with western medicine alone or Chinese herbal medicine alone, acupuncture alone yielded significantly (p<0.05) higher clinical effective rate and more improvement on scores of voice analyses. However, reduction on scores of grade, roughness, and breathiness and voice handicap index during follow-ups, and results of clinical effective rate suggested that acupuncture was inferior to voice training. In addition, meta-regression and sub-group analyses firstly revealed advanced efficacies of acupuncture when performed with local and remote acupoints, compared with local acupoints only. Acupuncture specified adverse event was denied in six trials while it was not mentioned in other nine trials. Results of cluster analyses and correlation coefficient showed that Kai yin yi hao and He gu (LI-4) were the most frequently applied matching-acupoints in trials. In conclusion, compared with western medicine (level of evidence: low ⨁⨁◯◯, GRADE C) and Chinese herbal medicine (level of evidence: moderate ⨁⨁⨁◯, GRADE B), acupuncture is safe and of better efficacy for patients with vocal nodules, while there is also need for RCTs with improvements on designing and interventions in experimental and controls.
Topics: Male; Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Acupuncture Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Acupuncture Points; Publication Bias
PubMed: 37922255
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288252 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2023Berberine is a potential drug that can effectively treat cardiovascular diseases, including premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
Berberine is a potential drug that can effectively treat cardiovascular diseases, including premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of berberine for PVCs.
METHODS
The literature was searched using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to October 1, 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was adopted to assess the quality of evidence.
RESULTS
Ten RCTs with 896 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that compared to antiarrhythmic drugs (AD), berberine (BE) combined with AD had a higher effective rate (RR = 1.26; 95% CI:1.12, 1.42; = 0.0001) with no significant incidence of adverse reactions (RR = 0.93; 95% CI:0.33, 2.57; = 0.88), and BE alone had no significant difference in effective rate (RR = 0.91; 95% CI:0.77, 1.07; = 0.23), and a lower incidence of adverse reactions (RR = 0.38; 95% CI:0.15, 0.97; = 0.04) and recurrence rate (RR = 0.40; 95% CI:0.18, 0.88; = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that BE is an effective and safe adjunctive method for PVCs. In addition, BE is recommended for patients with PVCs who had severe adverse reactions after administrating AD as an alternative therapy.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Berberine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; China
PubMed: 37855412
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2248167 -
Veterinary Research Forum : An... 2023The purpose of this review was to assess the use of plant essential oils and extracts (PEOE) in the development of antimicrobial edible films for dairy application... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this review was to assess the use of plant essential oils and extracts (PEOE) in the development of antimicrobial edible films for dairy application through a systematic review and meta-analysis. All studies published in multiple databases were explored via PRISMA protocol on November 1, 2022. According to the results, the interquartile range of pathogen reduction potential of essential oil (EO) in dairy products, irrespective of EO, film and product type, was 0.10 - 4.70 log CFU g per % concentration. The findings from 38 articles indicate that among all EOs or their compounds, Boiss in protein film, thyme in protein film, Boiss EO in protein film, -cinnamaldehyde in carbohydrate film and lemongrass EO in protein film had extraordinary pathogen reduction potential on important foodborne pathogens. In the case of plant extract, fish gelatin film with extract, whey protein isolate film loaded with oregano EO and carboxymethyl cellulose film with clove EOs had the highest antimicrobial effect on mesophilic bacteria (9.50 log CFU g per % concentration), yeast-mold (2.63 log CFU g per % concentration) and mesophilic/ psychrophilic counts (> 9.06 log CFU g per % concentration), respectively. is the primary species of interest; whereas, mesophiles and mold-yeast populations were the most investigated microbiota/mycobiota in cheese with PEOE-incorporated film. In light of these findings, the choice of PEOE at appropriate concentrations with the selection of appropriate edible film may improve the safety, sensory, and shelf life of dairy products.
PubMed: 37181858
DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2022.1986122.3730