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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2015The reduced production of thyroid hormones is the main feature of the clinical state termed hypothyroidism. In Chinese philosophical and medical theory, it results from... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The reduced production of thyroid hormones is the main feature of the clinical state termed hypothyroidism. In Chinese philosophical and medical theory, it results from Yang deficiency. Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) are thought to restore Yang and have been used in China to treat hypothyroidism for many years.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of CHM for hypothyroidism.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database on Disc, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure for randomised clinical trials (RCTs). The date of the last search was September 2014 for all databases. We also searched for ongoing trials in trial registers.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We considered RCTs of CHM alone or combined with thyroid hormone therapy compared with no treatment, placebo or thyroid hormone therapy. We also planned to compare different formulae of CHM with each other, alone or combined with thyroid hormone therapy. Hypothyroid individuals had to be diagnosed by the standard criteria valid at the time of the beginning of the trial regardless of the cause of hypothyroidism.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were not performed because no study could be included.
MAIN RESULTS
We found no RCTs and therefore could not establish the effects of CHM on hypothyroidism.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Currently, there is no evidence available from RCTs on CHM for the treatment of hypothyroidism. We also did not find any ongoing registered trial.
Topics: Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Phytotherapy; Yang Deficiency
PubMed: 25914906
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008779.pub2 -
Brazilian Journal of Medical and... Nov 2015Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the "coconut tree" and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used... (Review)
Review
Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the "coconut tree" and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used medicinal plants therapeutically, and minerals, plants, and animals have traditionally been the main sources of drugs. The constituents of C. nucifera have some biological effects, such as antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Our objective in the present study was to review the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of C. nucifera to guide future preclinical and clinical studies using this plant. This systematic review consisted of searches performed using scientific databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciVerse, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Some uses of the plant were partially confirmed by previous studies demonstrating analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihelminthic, antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic activities. In addition, other properties such as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiseizure, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, nephroprotective, and anti-osteoporosis effects were also reported. Because each part of C. nucifera has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of the plant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated.
Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anticonvulsants; Antihypertensive Agents; Bone and Bones; Cocos; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents
PubMed: 26292222
DOI: 10.1590/1414-431X20154773 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Oct 2016To assess the effect and safety of Shengxuening (SXN), extract from excrement of bombyxin, in the treatment of renal anemia, compared to ferrous succinate and ferrous... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect and safety of Shengxuening (SXN), extract from excrement of bombyxin, in the treatment of renal anemia, compared to ferrous succinate and ferrous sulfate.
METHODS
According to the participant, intervention, comparison, outcomes, study design (PICOS) principles, we searched the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Database, Wanfang Database (From establishment to December 2014). Two reviewers selected articles independently according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of included studies was assessed by using the Cochrane Handbook. All statistical analyses were conducted by using Revman (vision 5.2) software.
RESULTS
A total of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were enrolled in the review. The results revealed that, when compared with blank group, SXN significantly improved the hemoglobin (P >) levels [MD = 6.29, 95% CI (1.65-10.94), P < 0.0008] and albumin (ALB) [MD = 10.98, 95% CI (6.97-14.99), P < 0.00001]. In addition, SXN could significantly increase the P > levels [MD = 10.98, 95% CI (6.97, 14.99), P < 0.00001]. Compared with other oral medicine SXN could improve the P > levels effectively [MD = 8.49, 95% CI (2.40, 14.58), P = 0.006]. And the subgroups analysis shown that compared with ferrous-sulfate there were significant differences [MD = 17.4, 95% CI (15.06, 19.73), P < 0.000 01] and the result of ferrous-succinate had significant differences [MD = 5.34, 95% CI (2.12, 8.56), P = 0.001] too. Compared with Intravenous iron groups, there were statistical differences [MD = - 5.04, 95% CI (- 9.59, - 0.50), P = 0.03]. In the safety analysis, the rate of adverse reactions in SXN groups and control groups were 19.3% and 3.7%, respectively (P < 0.000 01). Due to our studies were of poor methodological quality, and the sample size were small, the results were influenced by bias.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that the SXN had better effect and was safer in the treatment of RA than ferrous succinate and ferrous sulfate.
Topics: Anemia; Animals; Bombyx; China; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Neuropeptides; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29932629
DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(16)30077-2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2018Antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medication is used extensively to treat people with chronic mental illnesses. Its use, however, is associated with adverse effects, including... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medication is used extensively to treat people with chronic mental illnesses. Its use, however, is associated with adverse effects, including movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia (TD) - a problem often seen as repetitive involuntary movements around the mouth and face. This review, one in a series examining the treatment of TD, covers miscellaneous treatments not covered elsewhere.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether drugs, hormone-, dietary-, or herb-supplements not covered in other Cochrane reviews on TD treatments, surgical interventions, electroconvulsive therapy, and mind-body therapies were effective and safe for people with antipsychotic-induced TD.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Study-Based Register of Trials including trial registers (16 July 2015 and 26 April 2017), inspected references of all identified studies for further trials and contacted authors of trials for additional information.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included reports if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) dealing with people with antipsychotic-induced TD and schizophrenia or other chronic mental illnesses who remained on their antipsychotic medication and had been randomly allocated to the interventions listed above versus placebo, no intervention, or any other intervention.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We independently extracted data from these trials and we estimated risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assumed that people who left early had no improvement. We assessed risk of bias and created 'Summary of findings' tables using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 31 RCTs of 24 interventions with 1278 participants; 22 of these trials were newly included in this 2017 update. Five trials are awaiting classification and seven trials are ongoing. All participants were adults with chronic psychiatric disorders, mostly schizophrenia, and antipsychotic-induced TD. Studies were primarily of short (three to six6 weeks) duration with small samples size (10 to 157 participants), and most (61%) were published more than 20 years ago. The overall risk of bias in these studies was unclear, mainly due to poor reporting of allocation concealment, generation of the sequence, and blinding.Nineteen of the 31 included studies reported on the primary outcome 'No clinically important improvement in TD symptoms'. Two studies found moderate-quality evidence of a benefit of the intervention compared with placebo: valbenazine (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.86, 1 RCT, n = 92) and extract of Ginkgo biloba (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.96, 1 RCT, n = 157), respectively. However, due to small sample sizes we cannot be certain of these effects.We consider the results for the remaining interventions to be inconclusive: Low- to very low-quality evidence of a benefit was found for buspirone (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84, 1 RCT, n = 42), dihydrogenated ergot alkaloids (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.97, 1 RCT, n = 28), hypnosis or relaxation, (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.94, 1 study, n = 15), pemoline (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.77, 1 RCT, n = 46), promethazine (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.55, 1 RCT, n = 34), insulin (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.96, 1 RCT, n = 20), branched chain amino acids (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.00, 1 RCT, n = 52), and isocarboxazid (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.71, 1 RCT, n = 20). There was low- to very low-certainty evidence of no difference between intervention and placebo or no treatment for the following interventions: melatonin (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.12, 2 RCTs, n = 32), lithium (RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.79 to 3.23, 1 RCT, n = 11), ritanserin (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.43, 1 RCT, n = 10), selegiline (RR 1.37, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.94, 1 RCT, n = 33), oestrogen (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.83, 1 RCT, n = 12), and gamma-linolenic acid (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.45, 1 RCT, n = 16).None of the included studies reported on the other primary outcome, 'no clinically significant extrapyramidal adverse effects'.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review has found that the use of valbenazine or extract of Ginkgo biloba may be effective in relieving the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia. However, since only one RCT has investigated each one of these compounds, we are awaiting results from ongoing trials to confirm these results. Results for the remaining interventions covered in this review must be considered inconclusive and these compounds probably should only be used within the context of a well-designed evaluative study.
Topics: Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; Adult; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Dihydroergotoxine; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Ginkgo biloba; Humans; Hypnosis; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Relaxation Therapy; Tetrabenazine; Valine
PubMed: 29552749
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000208.pub2 -
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Dec 2022Strongyloidiasis could be a significant global health issue undervalued in several countries, which is caused by spp. Challenges stemming from the use of anthelmintic... (Review)
Review
Strongyloidiasis could be a significant global health issue undervalued in several countries, which is caused by spp. Challenges stemming from the use of anthelmintic chemotherapy, such as the development of resistance, the progressive cost of medicines, environmental toxicity of chemicals, and residuals in beast products have increased interest in promoting alternative means of control for the use of plant-based parasite control methods. A study on herbal extracts may offer a less expensive yet equally effective alternative for the prevention and treatment of helminthic multi-resistance. We systematically searched the Web of Sciences, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus databases to explore original publications related to medicinal plants and in English on September 29, 2021. The keywords of medicinal plant, traditional medicine, plant extract, herbal medicine, herbal extract, natural drug, , strongyloidiasis, infection, and helminth were used in our search. Researchers can make use of this review as a quick reference. In this study, we have summarized recent advancements and published investigations on herbal and naturally derived medicines in treating strongyloidiasis undertaken by several researchers worldwide. These medicinal herbs, as well as the active and significant compounds they contain, such as alkaloids, phenolic derivatives, tannins, and terpenes, have been outlined in recent articles. Various studies on herbal remedies to treat strongyloidiasis have been undertaken to date, but further research is still required on moderately effective and low harmful substances.
PubMed: 36457765
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01532-z -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2016Intermittent claudication (IC) is pain caused by chronic occlusive arterial disease that develops in a limb during exercise and is relieved with rest. Most drug... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Intermittent claudication (IC) is pain caused by chronic occlusive arterial disease that develops in a limb during exercise and is relieved with rest. Most drug treatments of IC have a limited effect in improving walking distance. Padma 28, a Tibetan herbal preparation, has been used to treat IC, but there is debate as to whether Padma 28 produces a clinical benefit beyond the placebo effect. This is an update of a review first published in 2013.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether Padma 28 is effective, compared with placebo or other medications, in increasing pain-free and maximum walking distance for patients with intermittent claudication.
SEARCH METHODS
For this update the Cochrane Vascular Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (September 2015), the Cochrane Register of Studies ((CENTRAL) (2015, Issue 8)) and clinical trials databases.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials of Padma 28 compared with placebo or other pharmacological treatments in people suffering from IC.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
All review authors independently assessed the selected studies and extracted the data. Risk of bias was evaluated independently by two review authors. Depending on the data provided in the individual trials, we extracted mean or median walking distance at the end of the trial, or change in walking distance over the course of the trial, or both. Where not provided, and whenever possible, the statistical significance of differences in these parameters between treatment and placebo groups in individual trials was calculated. Where possible, data were combined by meta-analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
No new trials were identified in the search for this review update. In total five trials involving 365 participants were included in this review. All trials compared Padma 28 with placebo for at least 16 weeks of follow-up. Pain-free and maximum walking distances both increased significantly in the groups treated with Padma 28, with no significant change in the placebo group. In general, the studies presented results comparing the treatment arms before and after treatment but made no comparisons between the Padma 28 and placebo groups. Pooled data of maximum walking distance after treatment with Padma 28 and placebo from two studies (193 participants) indicated a higher maximum walking distance (mean difference (MD) 95.97 m, 95% confidence interval (CI) 79.07 m to 112.88 m, P < 0.00001, very low quality evidence) in the Padma 28 group compared with placebo. The clinical importance of these observed changes in walking distance is unclear as no quality of life data were reported. There was no effect on ankle brachial index (ABI): change in ABI values between baseline and six months follow up MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.05, 1 study, 56 participants, P = 0.72, very low quality evidence). Mild side effects, especially gastrointestinal discomfort, tiredness and skin eruption, were reported but this outcome was not different between the Padma 28 and placebo groups (odds ratio 1.09, 95% CI 0.42 to 2.83, four studies, 231 participants, P = 0.86, very low quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Some evidence exists from individual trials to suggest that Padma 28 may be effective in increasing walking distances, at least in the short term (four months), in people with IC. Side effects do not appear to be a problem. However, the longer term effects of treatment are unknown and the clinical significance of the improvements in walking distance are questionable. Moreover, the quality of the evidence is limited by the small sample size of the available trials, limited reporting of statistical analyses that compared treatment groups, and relatively high withdrawal rates that were linked to the outcome. That is, patients were withdrawn if they failed to improve walking distance. There was also evidence of publication bias. We therefore feel there is currently insufficient evidence to draw conclusions regards the effectiveness of Padma 28 in the routine management of IC. Further well-designed research would be required to determine the true effects of this herbal preparation.
Topics: Humans; Intermittent Claudication; Placebo Effect; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Time Factors; Walking
PubMed: 27021597
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007371.pub3 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2017Litsea coreana H. Lév. (Lauraceae) is used as an ethnic herb or beverage in China. Substantial studies indicate that it contains a variety of compounds and shows... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Litsea coreana H. Lév. (Lauraceae) is used as an ethnic herb or beverage in China. Substantial studies indicate that it contains a variety of compounds and shows diverse bioactivities with no toxicity.
OBJECTIVE
This review analyzes and summarizes the ethnopharmacological applications, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms of L. coreana.
METHODS
Related literature (from 1998 to 2016) was obtained and compiled via searching databases including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI and PubMed. Keywords (Litsea coreana, hawk tea, eagle tea and laoying cha) were used to select the articles.
RESULTS
Studies indicate that L. coreana contains characteristic polysaccharides, polyphenols, essential oils, and numerious flavonoids, which exhibit remarkable bioactivities, such as hepatoprotection, hyperglycaemia, anti-inflammation, antioxidation and antibacterial, through multiple molecular mechanisms.
CONCLUSION
This paper provides a systematic review on the phytochemicals and pharmacological activities of L. coreana which should be useful for further study and application of this medicinal herb.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Hypoglycemic Agents; Litsea; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley
PubMed: 28301985
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2017.1302482 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a class of natural drugs with multiple components and significant therapeutic effects through multiple targets. It also originates... (Review)
Review
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a class of natural drugs with multiple components and significant therapeutic effects through multiple targets. It also originates from a wide range of sources containing plants, animals and minerals, and among them, plant-based Chinese medicine also includes fungi. Fungal traditional Chinese medicine is a medicinal resource with a long history and widespread application in China. Accumulating evidence confirms that polysaccharide is the main pharmacodynamic material on which fungal TCM is based. The purpose of the current systematic review is to summarize the extraction, isolation, structural identification, biological functions, quality control and medicinal and edible applications of polysaccharides from fungal TCM in the past three years. This paper will supplement and deepen the understanding and application of polysaccharides from fungal TCM, and propose some valuable insights for further research and development of drugs and functional foods.
Topics: Animals; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Polysaccharides; Quality Control; China
PubMed: 37836659
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196816 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2018Sickle cell disease, a common recessively inherited haemoglobin disorder, affects people from sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Mediterranean basin, Indian... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Sickle cell disease, a common recessively inherited haemoglobin disorder, affects people from sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Mediterranean basin, Indian subcontinent, Caribbean and South America. It is associated with complications and a reduced life expectancy. Phytomedicines (medicine derived from plants in their original state) encompass many of the plant remedies from traditional healers which the populations most affected would encounter. Laboratory research and limited clinical trials have suggested positive effects of phytomedicines both in vivo and in vitro. However, there has been little systematic appraisal of their benefits. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2004, and updated in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the benefits and risks of phytomedicines in people with sickle cell disease of all types, of any age, in any setting.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN), the Allied and Complimentary Medicine Database (AMED), ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).Dates of most recent searches: Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 10 April 2017; ISRCTN: 26 July 2017; AMED: 24 August 2017; ClinicalTrials.gov: 02 August 2017; and the WHO ICTRP: 27 July 2017.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised or quasi-randomised trials with participants of all ages with sickle cell disease, in all settings, comparing the administration of phytomedicines, by any mode to placebo or conventional treatment, including blood transfusion and hydroxyurea.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Both authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
Two trials (182 participants) and two phytomedicines Niprisan (also known as Nicosan) and Ciklavit were included. The Phase IIB (pivotal) trial suggests that Niprisan was effective in reducing episodes of severe painful sickle cell disease crisis over a six-month period (low-quality evidence). It did not affect the risk of severe complications or the level of anaemia (low-quality evidence). No serious adverse effects were reported. The single trial of Cajanus cajan (Ciklavit) reported a possible benefit to individuals with painful crises (low-quality evidence), and a possible adverse effect (non-significant) on the level of anaemia (low-quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
While Niprisan appeared to be safe and effective in reducing severe painful crises over a six-month follow-up period, further trials are required to assess its role in the management of people with sickle cell disease and the results of its multicentre trials are awaited. Currently no conclusions can be made regarding the efficacy of Ciklavit. Based on the published results for Niprisan and in view of the limitations in data collection and analysis of both trials, phytomedicines may have a potential beneficial effect in reducing painful crises in sickle cell disease. This needs to be further validated in future trials. More trials are required on the safety and efficacy of phytomedicines used in managing sickle cell disease.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anemia; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Antisickling Agents; Cajanus; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29446825
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004448.pub6 -
Nutrients Mar 2024Herbal medicines are used by patients with IBD despite limited evidence. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Herbal medicines are used by patients with IBD despite limited evidence. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating treatment with herbal medicines in active ulcerative colitis (UC). A search query designed by a library informationist was used to identify potential articles for inclusion. Articles were screened and data were extracted by at least two investigators. Outcomes of interest included clinical response, clinical remission, endoscopic response, endoscopic remission, and safety. We identified 28 RCTs for 18 herbs. In pooled analyses, when compared with placebo, clinical response rates were significantly higher for (IN) (RR 3.70, 95% CI 1.97-6.95), but not for (CL) (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.99-2.58) or (AP) (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71-1.26). There was a significantly higher rate of clinical remission for CL (RR 2.58, 95% CI 1.18-5.63), but not for AP (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.86-2.01). Higher rates of endoscopic response (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.26) and remission (RR 19.37, 95% CI 2.71-138.42) were significant for CL. CL has evidence supporting its use as an adjuvant therapy in active UC. Research with larger scale and well-designed RCTs, manufacturing regulations, and education are needed.
Topics: Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Plants, Medicinal; Plant Extracts; Combined Modality Therapy; Commerce
PubMed: 38612967
DOI: 10.3390/nu16070934