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Medical Archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and... Aug 2022Poguntano () is a traditional herb commonly used as a blood glucose lowering agent in Indonesia. However, the effectiveness of the herb has not yet been established. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Poguntano () is a traditional herb commonly used as a blood glucose lowering agent in Indonesia. However, the effectiveness of the herb has not yet been established.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to review the hypoglycemic effect of Poguntano extract in lowering plasma glucose levels.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search using peer-reviewed databases for relevant articles on Poguntano extract in animal models of diabetes. The effect size was pooled using a random effect model.
RESULTS
Two animal studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. There was a significant difference in plasma glucose levels between diabetic control and rats treated with Puguntano extract (MD: 28.77; 95%CI: 6.20-51.34; p=0.01). There was no significant difference between non-diabetic control and Poguntano extract.
CONCLUSION
Poguntano extract lowers the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats compared to control.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Hypoglycemic Agents; Plant Extracts; Indonesia; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
PubMed: 36313946
DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2022.76.292-296 -
Climacteric : the Journal of the... Apr 2021A systematic literature search revealed 35 clinical studies and one meta-analysis comprising 43,759 women, of which 13,096 were treated with isopropanolic extract... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A systematic literature search revealed 35 clinical studies and one meta-analysis comprising 43,759 women, of which 13,096 were treated with isopropanolic extract (iCR). Compared to placebo, iCR was significantly superior for treating neurovegetative and psychological menopausal symptoms, with a standardized mean difference of -0.694 in favor of iCR ( < 0.0001). Effect sizes were larger when higher dosages of iCR as monotherapy or in combination with St. John's wort ( [HP]) were given (-1.020 and -0.999, respectively), suggesting a dose-dependency. For psychological symptoms, the iCR+HP combination was superior to iCR monotherapy. Efficacy of iCR was comparable to low-dose transdermal estradiol or tibolone. Yet, due to its better tolerability, iCR had a significantly better benefit-risk profile than tibolone. Treatment with iCR/iCR+HP was well tolerated with few minor adverse events, with a frequency comparable to placebo. The clinical data did not reveal any evidence of hepatotoxicity. Hormone levels remained unchanged and estrogen-sensitive tissues (e.g. breast, endometrium) were unaffected by iCR treatment. As benefits clearly outweigh risks, iCR/iCR+HP should be recommended as an evidence-based treatment option for natural climacteric symptoms. With its good safety profile in general and at estrogen-sensitive organs, iCR as a non-hormonal herbal therapy can also be used in patients with hormone-dependent diseases who suffer from iatrogenic climacteric symptoms.
Topics: 2-Propanol; Cimicifuga; Female; Hot Flashes; Humans; Menopause; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33021111
DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2020.1820477 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Apr 2024Research indicates that green tea extract (GTE) supplementation is beneficial for a range of conditions, including several forms of cancer, CVD and liver diseases;... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effects of green tea extract supplementation on body composition, obesity-related hormones and oxidative stress markers: a grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Research indicates that green tea extract (GTE) supplementation is beneficial for a range of conditions, including several forms of cancer, CVD and liver diseases; nevertheless, the existing evidence addressing its effects on body composition, oxidative stress and obesity-related hormones is inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of GTE supplementation on body composition (body mass (BM), body fat percentage (BFP), fat mass (FM), BMI, waist circumference (WC)), obesity-related hormones (leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) markers. We searched proper databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Web of Science, up to July 2022 to recognise published randomised controlled trials (RCT) that investigated the effects of GTE supplementation on the markers mentioned above. A random effects model was used to carry out a meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I index. Among the initial 11 286 studies identified from an electronic database search, fifty-nine studies involving 3802 participants were eligible to be included in this meta-analysis. Pooled effect sizes indicated that BM, BFP, BMI and MDA significantly reduced following GTE supplementation. In addition, GTE supplementation increased adiponectin and TAC, with no effects on FM, leptin and ghrelin. Certainty of evidence across outcomes ranged from low to high. Our results suggest that GTE supplementation can attenuate oxidative stress, BM, BMI and BFP, which are thought to negatively affect human health. Moreover, GTE as a nutraceutical dietary supplement can increase TAC and adiponectin.
Topics: Humans; Adiponectin; Antioxidants; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Dietary Supplements; Ghrelin; Leptin; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Tea
PubMed: 38031409
DOI: 10.1017/S000711452300260X -
International Journal For Vitamin and... Feb 2023: Teas are an essential part of traditional phytotherapy. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the clinical evidence using green tea catechins in cancer care.... (Review)
Review
: Teas are an essential part of traditional phytotherapy. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the clinical evidence using green tea catechins in cancer care. : A systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases concerning the effectiveness and risks of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on cancer patients. : Seven studies with 371 patients were included. Patients were mainly suffering from breast and prostate cancer. Dosing ranged from 28 mg to 1600 mg EGCG, intervention time from 7 days to 6 months with different applications (topical 2 studies; oral 5 studies). The studies showed heterogeneous methodological quality and results leading not to conduct a meta-analysis. There was a small decrease in prostate-specific-antigen levels in one study (N=60; T0:(mean±SD) 9.6±5.2 ng/ml, T1: 8.4±4.3 ng/ml vs. T0: 9.9±8.5 ng/ml, T1: 10.0±9.0 ng/ml; p=0.04), whereas in a second study only a trend was seen. Topical green tea was as effective as metronidazole powder in reducing the odor of fungating malignant wounds (1 study; N=30) with a consequent increase in quality of life (QoL) (p<0.001), improvement of appetite (p<0.001), malodorous control (p<0.001), social activities (p<0.001). Radiotherapy-induced diarrhea was lower in the green tea intervention group compared to placebo (1 study; N=42; week 4+5: without diarrhea p=0.002). : The studies suggest that EGCG is as effective as a local antibiotic in malodorous control and improvement of QoL of fungating malignant wounds. Green tea could be a possible complementary method for treating acute radiation-induced diarrhea. Due to limitations, further studies with higher methodological quality and larger sample sizes are needed.
Topics: Humans; Male; Antioxidants; Plant Extracts; Prostatic Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Tea
PubMed: 33593083
DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000698 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Jun 2023Several preclinical studies have focused on the beneficial effects of garlic on cardiovascular diseases, but the results were inconsistent. We performed a systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Several preclinical studies have focused on the beneficial effects of garlic on cardiovascular diseases, but the results were inconsistent. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of garlic powder tablets and aged garlic extract (AGE) in CAD patients, mainly focusing on blood pressure, coronary artery calcification, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar to identify randomized controlled trials which examined garlic's effect on CAD patients. The standardized mean difference with 95% CI was calculated using fixed-effect or random-effect models. Garlic has shown statistically significant changes of HDL (SMD = 0.18; 95% CI = -0.00 to 0.37; p = .05); LDL (SMD = -0.27; 95% CI = -0.46 to -0.08; p = .004), apolipoprotein-A (SMD = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.24 1.13; p = .002), C-RP (SMD = -0.59; 95% CI = -0.92 to -0.25; p = .0007), IL-6 (SMD = -1.08; 95% CI = -2.17 to 0.01; p = .05), homocysteine (SMD = -0.66; 95% CI = -1.04 to -0.28; p = .0007) and CAC score (SMD = -1.61; 95% CI = -2.66 to -0.57; p = .003). In the case of subgroup analysis, the overall effect was significantly effective in reducing TC, LDL levels and improving HDL levels in CV risk patients. Our study findings provide consistent evidence that intake of garlic reduces CVD risk factors. However, garlic could be considered a safe natural medicine to debilitate inflammation in CAD patients.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Garlic; Lipid Metabolism; Inflammation; Cardiovascular Diseases; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 36640154
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7729 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Sep 2024Ginkgo biloba is a traditional Chinese medicine extracted from the Ginkgophyta and is commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China. Clinical trials... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Ginkgo biloba is a traditional Chinese medicine extracted from the Ginkgophyta and is commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China. Clinical trials have demonstrated the clinical benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) preparations for patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP).
AIM OF THE STUDY
The efficacy of different GBE preparations in treating UAP may vary, leading to a lack of guidance for physicians when choosing GBE preparations. How to make choices among different GBE preparations is a topic worthy of investigation. In order to clarify the efficacy differences among different GBE preparations, provide a reference for their optimal use conditions, this study was conducted.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study included literature from eight databases from inception to November 2023. It included UAP patients, with the control group receiving conventional treatment and the treatment group receiving different GBE preparations in addition to conventional treatment. Angina efficacy, electrocardiogram (ECG) improvement, and frequency of angina were chosen as outcomes. This study employed a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis, and the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve was used for estimating the efficacy ranking.
RESULTS
A total of 98 studies involving 9513 patients and 9 interventions were included. Compared with conventional treatment, GBE preparations combined with conventional treatment had better efficacy in angina symptoms and ECG improvement. According to the SUCRA ranking, Shuxuening injection was most effective in improving angina symptoms and reducing the frequency of angina. Among oral GBE preparations, Ginkgo tablets had the best performance in improving angina symptoms and ECG manifestations, and reducing the frequency of angina. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the treatment group and the control group, and all adverse events were mild and self-limiting. Compared with oral preparations, the incidence of adverse events for injections was higher.
CONCLUSIONS
GBE preparations may alleviate angina symptoms and myocardial ischemia in the treatment of UAP with favorable safety. Shuxuening injection may be the most effective among all GBE preparations in improving angina symptoms, while Ginkgo tablets may perform best among oral formulations. The optimal use of GBE injection may be for rapidly alleviating angina symptoms and myocardial ischemia in patients with UAP, and oral formulation of GBE may be more suitable for the long-term treatment of patients with milder symptoms.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022361487, ID: CRD42022361487.
Topics: Ginkgo biloba; Humans; Plant Extracts; Angina, Unstable; Network Meta-Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Ginkgo Extract
PubMed: 38718890
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118297 -
Parasitology Research Sep 2015Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are a huge threat for millions of people worldwide, since they act as vectors for devastating parasites and pathogens. Culicidae control... (Review)
Review
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are a huge threat for millions of people worldwide, since they act as vectors for devastating parasites and pathogens. Culicidae control is of crucial importance. Mosquito eggs, larvae, and pupae are usually targeted using organophosphates, insect growth regulators, and microbial agents. Indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated bed nets are also employed. However, these chemicals have negative effects on human health and the environment, and induce resistance in a number of species. Eco-friendly tools have been recently implemented against mosquito vectors, including botanical insecticides. The majority of researches focused on larvicides (745 SCOPUS results, July 2015) and adult repellents (434 SCOPUS results), while limited efforts were conducted to identify effective ovicides of botanical origin (59 SCOPUS results). Here, I review current knowledge on the effectiveness of plant-borne ovicides against major mosquito vectors of medical and veterinary importance. The majority of researches focused on the toxicity of crude extracts, their fractions, or essential oils against three important mosquito vectors, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus. As a general trend, C. quinquefasciatus eggs were the most resistant to botanical ovicides. Five studies proposed selected compounds from plant extracts and essential oils as ovicides effective at few parts per million. However, no efforts were conducted to shed light on possible mechanisms underlying the toxicity of plant-borne ovicides. In the final section, a number of hot issues needing further research and cooperation among parasitologists, entomologists, and researchers working in natural product chemistry are outlined.
Topics: Animals; Culicidae; Insecticides; Mosquito Control; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 26239801
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4656-z -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2022Mistletoe extracts (ME) are used in integrative cancer care to improve quality of life and to prolong survival. ME are available from different producers and differ in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Mistletoe extracts (ME) are used in integrative cancer care to improve quality of life and to prolong survival. ME are available from different producers and differ in pharmaceutical processing, such as fermentation. In contrast to fermented ME, the impact of unfermented extracts on the survival of cancer patients has not yet been assessed in a meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched the databases Embase, CENTRAL, Europe PMC, Clinicaltrials.gov, Opengrey and Google Scholar, and selected controlled studies on cancer patients treated with non-fermented ME. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of intervention (NRSIs). The risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane's ROB2 and ROBINS-I; a meta-analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
Eleven RCTs and eight NRSIs met the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogeneous and their ROB2 and ROBINS-I displayed a moderate and high risk of bias, respectively. For RCTs, the pooled effect estimate of non-fermented ME on survival was HR = 0.81 (95% CI 0.69-0.95, = .01). Subgroup analyses as well as the NRSIs estimation support the robustness of the finding. When active comparators are added to the analysis, the effect estimates become non-significant.
CONCLUSION
The results may indicate a positive impact of non-fermented ME on the overall survival of cancer patients. High quality RCTs are necessary to substantiate our results.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42021233177.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Biological Products; Mistletoe; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 36324298
DOI: 10.1177/15347354221133561 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jul 2024Over years, there has been a widespread quest for effective dietary patterns and natural extracts to mitigate prostate cancer risk. However, despite numerous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Over years, there has been a widespread quest for effective dietary patterns and natural extracts to mitigate prostate cancer risk. However, despite numerous experimental studies conducted on various natural extracts, the evidence substantiating their efficacy remains largely insufficient. This dearth of compelling evidence presents a significant challenge in advocating for their widespread use as preventive measures against prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Our study endeavors to undertake a network meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of natural extracts on prostate cancer.
METHODS
Researchers systematically searched through Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases until December 2023. The main focus was on assessing primary outcomes comprising prostate-specific antigen (PSA), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). We conducted data analysis utilizing StataMP 15.0 software. Therapeutic effects were ranked based on the probability values derived from Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve (SUCRA). Additionally, cluster analysis was employed to assess the impacts of natural extracts on three distinct outcomes.
RESULTS
Following screening procedures, the 28 eligible studies were incorporated, the selected studies encompassed 1,566 prostate cancer patients and evaluated 16 different natural extract treatments. Specifically, 24 trials included PSA indicators, 10 included IGF-1 indicators, and 8 included IGFBP-3 indicators. The findings revealed that, based on the SUCRA values, the combined therapy of silybin with selenium (74%) appears to be the most effective approach for reducing serum PSA levels. Simultaneously, silybin alone (84.6%) stands out as the most promising option for decreasing serum IGF-1 levels. Lastly, concerning IGFBP-3, silybin alone (67.7%) emerges as the optimal choice. Twelve studies provided comprehensive information on adverse drug reactions/events (ADR/ADE), whereas five articles did not report any significant ADR/ADE.
CONCLUSION
The NMA suggests that, compared to placebo, utilizing silybin either alone or in combination with selenium has been shown to enhance therapeutic effects, offering potential benefits to patients with prostate cancer. This study can offer valuable insights for prostate patients considering natural extract treatments. Further evidence is required to confirm the safety profile of these treatments.
Topics: Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Network Meta-Analysis; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Plant Extracts; Biological Products
PubMed: 38608596
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155598 -
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines Jun 2018Rhododendron molle G. Don, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. This paper aimed... (Review)
Review
Rhododendron molle G. Don, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. This paper aimed to review the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of R. molle, and to discuss the tendency of future investigations on this plant. A systematic review of literature about R. molle was carried out using resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific data bases including CNKI, Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, and Web of Science. Over 67 compounds, including diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, and lignans, had been extracted and identified from R. molle. The extracts/monomers isolated from the root, flower and fruits of this plant were used as effective agents for treating pains, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, and pest, etc. In addition, diterpenes, such as rhodojaponin III, were considered as the toxic agents associated with the toxicities of this plant. These findings will be significant for the discovery of new drugs from this plant and full utilization of R. molle.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Molecular Structure; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Rhododendron
PubMed: 30047461
DOI: 10.1016/S1875-5364(18)30073-6