-
Annals of Palliative Medicine Oct 2021The Compound Danshen Dripping Pills have been widely used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but there is a lack of systematic review of reports on this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills combined with western medicine in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
The Compound Danshen Dripping Pills have been widely used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but there is a lack of systematic review of reports on this topic. To explore the efficacy of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills combined with western medicine in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, we conducted a meta-analysis.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials published in the Chinese Medical Literature Database (CBM), Embase, PubMed, and Medline databases from January 2010 to August 2021 were searched. After screening the qualified literature, literature quality was evaluated by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Meta-analysis was performed on outcome measures including effective rate, visual field gray value, hemangioma volume, hemorrhagic plaque area, and visual acuity after diabetic retinopathy treatment with Compound Danshen Dripping Pills using Revman 5.3 analysis software to comprehensively evaluate the utility of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills.
RESULTS
A total of 167 documents were preliminarily searched, and 8 studies involving 524 patients were included for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that the statistical value of the effective rate of diabetic retinopathy treatment in the intervention group and control group was OR =5.00, 95% CI: 2.84, 8.83, P<0.0001. The statistical value of visual field gray value comparison was MD =-0.93, 95% CI: -0.98, -0.89, P<0.00001. The statistical value of hemangioma volume was MD =-3.16, 95% CI: -3.48, -2.84, P<0.00001. The statistical value of hemorrhagic plaque area comparison was MD =-0.65, 95% CI: -0.97, -0.32, P<0.0001. The statistical value of visual acuity comparison was MD =0.15, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.19, P<0.00001.
DISCUSSION
The Compound Danshen Dripping Pills combined with western medicine are effective and safe in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Topics: Camphanes; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Retinopathy; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Panax notoginseng; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Salvia miltiorrhiza
PubMed: 34763458
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-2563 -
Annals of Translational Medicine Sep 2021Sanqi injection and safflower yellow injection were Chinese traditional medicine injections for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and were used to treat acute...
BACKGROUND
Sanqi injection and safflower yellow injection were Chinese traditional medicine injections for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and were used to treat acute cerebral infarction patients in public hospital widely. The aim of this study was to compare and analyze the published reports of efficacy and safety of Sanqi injection and safflower yellow injection for the treatment of acute cerebral infarction. The cost-effectiveness of these drug formulations was also evaluated.
METHODS
China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, SinoMed, VIP, PubMed, Embase, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM) were searched with the restrictions keywords in Chinese and English between 2006 and 2019 to obtain RCTs. A meta-analysis and a meta-regression analysis were undertaken in Reviewer Manager 5.3 software to compare the efficacy and safety of Sanqi and safflower yellow injection. This study used a decision tree model to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the two treatments. The TreeAge Pro software was used to comprehensively evaluate the economics of these medications.
RESULTS
Twelve papers were all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which Sanqi injection was applied in the control group, while safflower yellow injection was applied in the experimental group and the quality of them were good. The results of the 12 papers were compared, and the total effective rate of the treatment group (91.18%) was significant and showed no significant difference with the control group (74.83%) (RR =1.24, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.30, P<0.00001). From the perspective of pharmacoeconomics, compared with Sanqi group, the ICER of safflower yellow injection is 3,885.75 RMB. The sensitivity analysis results were consistent with the basic analysis results, indicating that the basic analysis results were relatively stable.
CONCLUSIONS
Comparing with Sanqi injection, safflower yellow injection and related combination therapy can improve the total effective rate and are safer with fewer adverse reactions. It is also more cost-effective than the use of Sanqi injection.
PubMed: 34733959
DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-782 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Dec 2021Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) includes female orgasmic disorder, female sexual interest or arousal disorder, and genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder. FSD... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) includes female orgasmic disorder, female sexual interest or arousal disorder, and genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder. FSD affects 40% of women worldwide, but it is understudied and likely undertreated. Natural products are frequently used by women to treat FSD, but scientific evidence of their efficacy is lacking.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the study of the efficacy of natural products on FSD.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies on natural products in the treatment of FSD.
METHODS
The literature search included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial databases for studies published from January 2000 to February 2020. The quality and the level of evidence of the studies were assessed. The association between natural products and FSD was summarized using standardized mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
A total of 536 studies were identified, with 20 of them meeting the criteria. According to this meta-analysis, Tribulus terrestris showed a significant positive effect in improving overall female sexual function (SMD = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.46 - 1.79, p = 0.001) and individual sexual arousal (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.22 - 1.84, p = 0.013), sexual desire (SMD = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.52 - 1.63, p ≤ 0.001) and sexual orgasm (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.02 - 1.00, p = 0.040) domains compared to placebo. Panax ginseng was found to be effective in treating sexual arousal (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.11 - 0.97, p = 0.014) and sexual desire (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.27 - 0.90, p < 0.001) compared to placebo. Meanwhile, other natural products reviewed in this study, such as Trifolium pretense, did not differ significantly from placebo in terms of improving FSD.
CONCLUSION
Preliminary evidence suggests that Tribulus terrestris and Panax ginseng may be effective as alternative treatments for FSD in a clinical setting.
Topics: Biological Products; Female; Humans; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 34638031
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153760 -
Cells Aug 2021Despite the progressive advances, current standards of treatments for peripheral nerve injury do not guarantee complete recovery. Thus, alternative therapeutic...
Despite the progressive advances, current standards of treatments for peripheral nerve injury do not guarantee complete recovery. Thus, alternative therapeutic interventions should be considered. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are widely explored for their therapeutic value, but their potential use in peripheral nerve regeneration is underappreciated. The present systematic review, designed according to guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, aims to present and discuss the current literature on the neuroregenerative potential of CAMs, focusing on plants or herbs, mushrooms, decoctions, and their respective natural products. The available literature on CAMs associated with peripheral nerve regeneration published up to 2020 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. According to current literature, the neuroregenerative potential of , , , , and are the most widely studied. Various CAMs enhanced proliferation and migration of Schwann cells , primarily through activation of MAPK pathway and FGF-2 signaling, respectively. Animal studies demonstrated the ability of CAMs to promote peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery, which are partially associated with modulations of neurotrophic factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and anti-apoptotic signaling. This systematic review provides evidence for the potential use of CAMs in the management of peripheral nerve injury.
Topics: Animals; Biological Products; Complementary Therapies; Humans; Nerve Regeneration; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Peripheral Nerves; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 34571842
DOI: 10.3390/cells10092194 -
Arab Journal of Urology 2021: To systematically review and discuss the current evidence from placebo-controlled clinical trials that investigated the use of alternative medicines and herbal... (Review)
Review
: To systematically review and discuss the current evidence from placebo-controlled clinical trials that investigated the use of alternative medicines and herbal remedies in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED). : A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-based systematic review using specific keyword combinations was conducted on the PubMed and Scopus databases. Randomised controlled trials investigating herbal medicine in at least one group and using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as an outcome in patients primarily diagnosed with ED were included for review. : Following the literature search, screening and eligibility analysis, a total of 42 articles were included. The 42 articles were categorised as single herb extractions ( = 14), combination herbal formula ( = 5), combination of herbal formula and non-herbal nutraceuticals ( = 7), non-herbal nutraceuticals ( = 5), acupuncture and moxibustion ( = 2), diet and nutrition ( = 3), exercise ( = 5), and topical treatments ( = 1). Based on the results, Korean ginseng, Pygnogenol and Prelox, , L-arginine, acupuncture and lifestyle interventions were the more predominantly investigated treatments interventions for ED. : , Pygnogenol, Prelox and have promising evidence as herbal products, alongside L-arginine as a nutritional supplement, for ED based on IIEF outcomes, and warrant further clinical investigation. The mechanisms of action remain unclear, but each of these appears to in part increase nitric oxide synthesis. Importantly, improved diet and exercise should be considered, particularly in patients with obesity or diabetes mellitus.
PubMed: 34552783
DOI: 10.1080/2090598X.2021.1926753 -
Nutrients Aug 2021Adaptogens are synthetic compounds (bromantane, levamisole, aphobazole, bemethyl, etc.) or plant extracts that have the ability to enhance the body's stability against... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Adaptogens are synthetic compounds (bromantane, levamisole, aphobazole, bemethyl, etc.) or plant extracts that have the ability to enhance the body's stability against physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption. Extracts from , , , , and are considered to be naturally occurring adaptogens and, in particular, plant adaptogens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of plant adaptogens in the past and now, as well as to outline the prospects of their future applications. The use of natural adaptogens by humans has a rich history-they are used in recovery from illness, physical weakness, memory impairment, and other conditions. About 50 years ago, plant adaptogens were first used in professional sports due to their high potential to increase the body's resistance to stress and to improve physical endurance. Although now many people take plant adaptogens, the clinical trials on human are limited. The data from the meta-analysis showed that plant adaptogens could provide a number of benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and immune protection. In the future, there is great potential to register medicinal products that contain plant adaptogens for therapeutic purposes.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Female; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Stress, Physiological; Young Adult
PubMed: 34445021
DOI: 10.3390/nu13082861 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2021To assess the efficacy and safety of PNS on antiplatelet therapy in the treatment of AIS. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of PNS on antiplatelet therapy in the treatment of AIS.
METHODS
We searched 7 literature databases and 2 clinical studies databases for randomized controlled studies (RCTs) evaluating PNS as an adjuvant therapy for AIS. Relevant studies were retrieved and screened, and data were extracted independently by two reviewers. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool. Meta-analysis was carried out with the Rev Man 5.4 software.
RESULTS
Of 8267 records identified, 43 RCTs met our inclusion criteria ( = 4170 patients). Patients assigned to PNS with conventional treatments (CTs) had improved functional independence at 90 days compared with those assigned to CTs alone ( = 1.87, 95% = 1.37, to 2.55, < 0.0001). Patients who received PNS combined with CTs showed significantly high improvements in neurological function among individuals with AIS on the neurologic deficit score (NDS) ( = -5.71, 95% = -9.55 to -1.87, =0.004; = -3.94, 95% = -5.65 to -2.23, < 0.00001). The results also showed PNS contributed to a betterment in activities of daily living (ADL) on the Barthel index ( = 4.86, 95% = 2.18, to 7.54, < 0.00001; = 13.92, 95% = 11.46 to 16.38, < 0.00001; = 7.16, 95% = 0.60, to 13.72, < 0.00001). In addition, PNS, compared with CTs alone, could significantly improve overall response rate (ORR) ( = 1.20, 95% = 1.16, to 1.24, < 0.00001; = 1.15, 95% = 1.08, to 1.24, < 0.0001), hemorheological parameters, maximum platelet aggregation rate (MPAR) ( = -6.82, 95% = -9.62 to -4.02, < 0.00001), platelet parameters ( = 4.85, 95% = 1.82 to 7.84, =0.002; = -0.79, 95% = -1.09 to -0.48, < 0.00001), and serum CD62P ( = -0.21, 95% = -0.29 to -0.13, < 0.00001). The incidence of adverse reactions in PNS was lower than that in the control group ( = 0.62, 95% = 0.39 to 0.97, =0.04). Adverse reactions in the PNS were mild adverse reactions.
CONCLUSION
PNS may be effective and safe in treating AIS on ameliorating neurological deficit, improving activities of daily living function, and enhancing antiplatelet effects. However, more high-quality evidence is needed before it can be recommended for routine antiplatelet therapy in patients with AIS.
PubMed: 34335808
DOI: 10.1155/2021/4694076 -
The World Journal of Men's Health Apr 2022The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of ginseng on erectile dysfunction. We searched multiple electronic databases from their inceptions to 30 January...
The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of ginseng on erectile dysfunction. We searched multiple electronic databases from their inceptions to 30 January 2021 without restrictions by language. We included randomized or quasirandomized controlled trials that evaluated the use of any type of ginseng as a treatment for erectile dysfunction compared to placebo or conventional treatment. The authors independently screened the literature, extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and rated the certainty of evidence (CoE) according to the GRADE approach. We included nine studies, and all compared ginseng to placebo. Ginseng appears to have a trivial effect on erectile dysfunction when compared to placebo based on the Erectile Function Domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 instrument (mean difference [MD] 3.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79 to 5.25; I²=0%; 3 studies; low CoE). Ginseng may have little to no effect on adverse events compared to placebo (risk ratio [RR] 1.45, 95% CI 0.69 to 3.03; I²=0%; 7 studies; low CoE). While ginseng may improve men's self-reported ability to have intercourse (RR 2.55, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.69; I²=23%; 6 studies; low CoE), it may have a trivial effect on men's satisfaction with intercourse based on the Intercourse Satisfaction Domain of the IIEF-15 (MD 1.19, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.97; I²=0%; 3 studies; low CoE). No study reported quality of life as an outcome.
PubMed: 34169686
DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210071 -
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... Apr 2021The ecological environment is closely related to the growth and quality of authentic medicinal materials. Ginseng is very strict with its natural environment and grows...
The ecological environment is closely related to the growth and quality of authentic medicinal materials. Ginseng is very strict with its natural environment and grows mostly in the damp valleys of forests, and the appearance and chemical composition of ginseng under different growth environments are very different. This article reviews the effects of different ecological factors(including light, temperature, altitude, moisture, soil factors, etc.)on the appearance and chemical composition(mainly ginsenosides) of ginseng. Through systematic review, it is found that soil physical factors are the most important ecological factors that affect the appea-rance of ginseng, and soil bulk density plays a key role; temperature affects ginsenosides in ginseng medicinal materials The dominant ecological factors for the accumulation of chemical ingredents; strong light, high altitude, high soil moisture, low soil nutrient and strong acid soil can influence the accumulation of secondary metabolites in ginseng. Environmental stress can also stimulate the formation and accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. Appropriate low temperature stress, high or low water stress, acid or alkali stress can also promote the accumulation of ginsenosides. This article systematically reviews the ecological factors that affect the appearance and chemical composition of ginseng, and clarifies the dominant ecological factors and limiting factors for the formation of ginseng's appearance and quality, as well as beneficial environmental stress factors, in order to provide a theoretical basis for ginseng ecological planting and ginseng quality improvement.
Topics: Forests; Ginsenosides; Panax; Plants, Medicinal; Soil
PubMed: 33982500
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20210123.102 -
International Journal of Medical... 2021Sexual dysfunction is a common condition in the opioid substitution therapy (OST) population. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment for sexual... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Sexual dysfunction is a common condition in the opioid substitution therapy (OST) population. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment for sexual dysfunction in the OST population. We searched for interventional studies from Medline, PubMed, and Scopus. Three independent authors conducted a risk-of-bias assessment (RoB 2). A total of seven studies (five randomized-controlled trials, two quasi-experimental), including 473 patients with sexual dysfunction, were identified. Among these, three bupropion (n=207), one trazodone (n=75), two rosa Damascena (n=100), and one ginseng (n=91) studies had reported significantly improve various sexual functioning domains in both genders. In a meta-analysis, bupropion significantly increased male sexual function with standardized mean difference of 0.53; 95% confidence interval of 0.19-0.88; P < 0.01; I=0. The adverse effects were minor for all agents, and no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups in randomized-controlled trials. These agents have a promising future as therapy for sexual dysfunction in the OST population. However, given the limited sample size and number of studies, further studies should be conducted to confirm the use of these agents.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; Bupropion; Humans; Opiate Substitution Treatment; Panax; Plant Extracts; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Trazodone; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33967614
DOI: 10.7150/ijms.57641