Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine

Published by De Gruyter

Volume 13 Issue 4 -

Issue of Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine

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Contents
Journal Overview

Publicly Available November 17, 2016

Frontmatter

Page range: i-iii

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Review

Publicly Available July 9, 2016

New horizon in the treatment of sepsis: a systematic review of alternative medicine

Sarah Mousavi, Alireza Ghannadi, Mohsen Meidani

Page range: 317-332

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Abstract

Background Despite great advancement in treatment of sepsis, mortality of sepsis remains unacceptably high, even with the modern antibiotic and intensive care technologies. Considering the key role of immune dysfunction in sepsis pathophysiology, different treatments were evaluated, but failed to improve survival of patients. Natural remedies have been tested in various studies to overcome sepsis. In this study, we aim to review some of the evidence from clinical, in vitro and in vivo studies about the effect of alternative medicine on sepsis management. Methods The following databases were searched up to March 2014: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid and Google Scholar using combination of Mesh term. All in vitro and in vivo studies, also clinical trials, published in English, which evaluated alternative medicine in management of sepsis were included. Results Out of 95 relevant studies, the inclusion criteria were met for 79 cases. Among them, 18 studies were performed on humans. The most herbal medicine, including Xubijing (n=10) and then Rhubarb (n=3). Most of the reviewed botanical medicines modulate the immune system. Reduction of mortality was also reported in studies. Conclusions Modulation of immune system, anti-inflammatory activities and improvement of survival were the action of herbal medicine. A monovalent approach is not enough for treatment of sepsis, we recommend further studies to identify active component of herbal and use them in combination. Also an animal model of sepsis does not exactly mimic human sepsis, so more clinical studies should be performed. With no new drug on the horizon, herbal medicine will be promising for treatment of sepsis.

Medical Education

Publicly Available July 23, 2016

Medical student attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in medical education: a critical review

Paul Joyce, Jon Wardle, Chris Zaslawski

Page range: 333-345

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Abstract

Background This paper aims to remedy a gap in the knowledge by presenting the first critical review of the literature on major themes relating to medical students perceptions and attitudes towards the exponentially growing field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Methods After a comprehensive database search of the literature, 21 papers were chosen as suitable for the review. The results from these papers were tabled and discussed. Results The results indicated that medical students lacked knowledge of CAM and are generally positive towards CAM education (especially in the preclinical years, if it provided evidence of efficacy and post-placement). Medical students thought that CAM should generally be incorporated into the medical curriculum mainly so they can confidently undertake referral to CAM practitioners. Being able to communicate with future patients about their CAM use was a major motivation for medical students to learn about CAM and a factor for medical student support of further incorporation of CAM content in the medical curricula. Educational exposure to CAM in many forms and in many papers was shown to significantly affect medical student attitudes to CAM. This may be reflective of the fact that, outside direct CAM training, there may be limited accessible opportunities for medical students and if integration is to occur, educational exposure is most important. Conclusions The rise of CAM as a social and clinical phenomenon necessitates consideration of further inclusion of these topics in the medical curriculum, if future physicians are to be able to fully discharge their role as care providers in an increasingly medically pluralistic world. However, the inclusion of CAM needs to be done in an objective and critical manner, which is relevant to the learner.

July 12, 2016

Advancing medical education: connecting interprofessional collaboration and education opportunities with integrative medicine initiatives to build shared learning

Kate Templeman, Anske Robinson, Lisa McKenna

Page range: 347-355

Abstract

Background Improved teamwork between conventional and complementary medicine (CM) practitioners is indicated to achieve effective healthcare. However, little is known about interprofessional collaboration and education in the context of integrative medicine (IM). Methods This paper reports the findings from a constructivist-grounded theory method study that explored and highlighted Australian medical students’ experiences and opportunities for linking interprofessional collaboration and learning in the context of IM. Following ethical approval, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 medical students from 10 medical education faculties across Australian universities. Results Medical students recognised the importance of interprofessional teamwork between general medical practitioners and CM professionals in patient care and described perspectives of shared responsibilities, profession-specific responsibilities, and collaborative approaches within IM. While students identified that limited interprofessional collaboration currently occurred in the medical curriculum, interprofessional education was considered a means of increasing communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals, helping coordinate effective patient care, and understanding each healthcare team members’ professional role and value. Conclusions The findings suggest that medical curricula should include opportunities for medical students to develop required skills, behaviours, and attitudes for interprofessional collaboration and interprofessional education within the context of IM. While this is a qualitative study that reflects theoretical saturation from a selected cohort of medical students, the results also point to the importance of including CM professionals within interprofessional collaboration, thus contributing to more person-centred care.

Preclinical Studies

August 30, 2016

Anti-adenovirus activity, antioxidant potential, and phenolic content of black tea (Camellia sinensis Kuntze) extract

Ali Karimi, Mohammad-Taghi Moradi, Somayeh Alidadi, Leila Hashemi

Page range: 357-363

Abstract

Background Adenovirus (ADV) causes a number of diseases in human, and to date, no specific antiviral therapy is approved against this virus. Thus, searching for effective anti-ADV agents seems to be an urgent requirement. Many studies have shown that components derived from medicinal plants have antiviral activity. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate in vitro anti-ADV activity and also antioxidant potential and total phenolic compounds of black tea ( Camellia sinensis ) crude extract. Methods In this study, the hydroalchoholic extract of black tea was prepared and its anti-ADV activity was evaluated on HEp2 cell line using MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] assay. The 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) and 50 % cytotoxicity concentration (CC 50 ) of the extract were determined using regression analysis. Its inhibitory effect on adsorption and/or post-adsorption stages of the virus replication cycle was evaluated. To determine antioxidant activity, total phenol content, and flavonoids content of the extract, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, Folin–Ciocalteu method, and aluminum chloride colorimetric method were used, respectively. Results The CC 50 and the IC 50 of the extract were 165.95±12.7 and 6.62±1.4 µg/mL, respectively, with the selectivity index (SI) of 25.06. This extract inhibited ADV replication in post-adsorption stage. The IC 50 of DPPH radical was 8±1.41 μg/mL, compared with butylated hydroxytoluene, with IC 50 of 25.41±1.89 μg/mL. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extract were 341.8±4.41 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram and 21.1±2.11 mg/g, respectively. Conclusions Having SI value of 25.06 with inhibitory effect on ADV replication, particularly during the post-adsorption period, black tea extract could be considered as a potential anti-ADV agent. The antiviral activity of this extract could be attributed to its phenolic compounds.

August 2, 2016

Biochemical fingerprint and pharmacological applications of Barleria noctiflora L.f. leaves

Sangilimuthu Alagar Yadav, Sathishkumar Ramalingam, Anitha Jebamalairaj, Ravi Subban, Karpagavalli Mennakshi Sundaram

Page range: 365-376

Abstract

Background Antioxidant and antihistamine agents from Barleria noctiflora L.f. as natural source due to the existing modern medicine give various adverse effects to overcome these problems with natural products. Methods B. noctiflora leaves extract was fractionated with column chromatography; the homogenized fractions were monitored with thin layer chromatography (TLC) and characterized by using UV–visible, FT-IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and mass spectrometry spectral studies. The volatile phytoconstituents of B. noctiflora extract were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Phytoconstituents from B. noctiflora leaves extract were screened for their antioxidant and antihistamine potential in vitro (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid radical decolouration assay, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity) and in silico (molecular docking), respectively. Results Antioxidant and antihistamine barlerinoside has been isolated and characterized from the leaves of B. noctiflora L.f. Barlerinoside revealed their free-radical scavenging ability on OH − , OH • , NO − , O 2 − and H 2 O 2 radicals and found high percentage inhibition against OH − radical at the IC 50 value of 50.45±2.52 µg. The methanol (MeOH) extract of B. noctiflora leaves contains cyclotene; N,N-dimethylglycine; tetrahydrocyclopenta [1,3] dioxin-4-one; phenol, 2-methoxy-; benzofuran, 2-methyl-; 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-α- d -glucopyranose; 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol; 1,3;2,5-dimethylene- l -rhamnitol; levoglucosan and bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-ene-2,5-dione as being the major compounds. Among phytoconstituents present in the extract, the hexestrol; 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester; 1-(3,6,6-trimethyl-1,6,7,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-1-yl) ethanone; megastigmatrienone; furan interacted with histamine H 1 receptor and bind at GLU-177 and ASP-178 with high binding energy score −13.95, −13.41, −12.56, −12.03, and −11.72 kcal/mol, respectively, and the expected hydrolysed products of compound-1a and compound-1b from barlerinoside showed −8.91 and −8.68 kcal/mol binding energy against the histamine H 1 receptor. This showed that the active ligands exactly bind with active binding site of the protein. Conclusions We can conclude that isolated barlerinoside from B. noctflora L.f. has potent antioxidant activity against synthetic free radicals and antihistamine activity against histamine H 1 receptor.

September 2, 2016

Alleviation of 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis in rats by vitamin E via targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory markers

Abdulrahman Khazim Al-Asmari, Abdul Quaiyoom Khan, Sarah A. Al-Asmari, Abdulqadir Al-Rawi, Saud Al-Omani

Page range: 377-385

Abstract

Background Intestinal mucositis is a major concern related with cancer therapy. It is well established that overproduction of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators plays vital role in the pathogenesis of mucositis. The aim of the study was to investigate the modulatory effect of vitamin E (vit. E) on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis by targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. All four-group animals received normal standard diet and water throughout the experimental period which last up to 10 days. Rats were gavaged with vit. E (300 mg/kg b. wt.) daily for 10 days (day 1–10) and were given intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (150 mg/kg b. wt.) or saline (control) on day 8 to induce mucositis. Results We found that vit. E supplementation ameliorated 5-FU-induced lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase activity, activation of nuclear factor κB, expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and mucin depletion. Vit. E administration also attenuated 5-FU-induced histological anomalies such as neutrophil infiltration, loss of cellular integrity, villus and crypt deformities. Conclusions Findings of the study suggest that vit. E inhibits 5-FU-induced mucositis via modulation of oxidative stress, activation of redox sensitive transcription factor and its downstream targets.

July 12, 2016

A comparative study of the antacid effect of raw spinach juice and spinach extract in an artificial stomach model

Vandana Sanjeev Panda, Priyanka Mangesh Shinde

Page range: 387-391

Abstract

Background Spinacia oleracea known as spinach is a green-leafy vegetable consumed by people across the globe. It is reported to possess potent medicinal properties by virtue of its numerous antioxidant phytoconstituents, together termed as the natural antioxidant mixture (NAO). The present study compares the antacid effect of raw spinach juice with an antioxidant-rich methanolic extract of spinach (NAOE) in an artificial stomach model. Methods The pH of NAOE at various concentrations (50, 100 and 200 mg/mL) and its neutralizing effect on artificial gastric acid was determined and compared with that of raw spinach juice, water, the active control sodium bicarbonate (SB) and a marketed antacid preparation ENO. A modified model of Vatier’s artificial stomach was used to determine the duration of consistent neutralization of artificial gastric acid for the test compounds. The neutralizing capacity of test compounds was determined in vitro using the classical titration method of Fordtran. Results NAOE (50, 100 and 200 mg/mL), spinach juice, SB and ENO showed significantly better acid-neutralizing effect, consistent duration of neutralization and higher antacid capacity when compared with water. Highest antacid activity was demonstrated by ENO and SB followed by spinach juice and NAOE200. Spinach juice exhibited an effect comparable to NAOE (200 mg/mL). Conclusions Thus, it may be concluded that spinach displays significant antacid activity be it in the raw juice form or as an extract in methanol.

July 14, 2016

Diuretic activity and toxicity study of the aqueous extract of Cola nitida seed on markers of renal function and electrolytes in rats

Mirian Nnemdi Ashibuogwu, Olukayode Isaac Adeosun, Rufus Ojo Akomolafe, Douglas Olaniyi Sanni, Olaoluwa Sesan Olukiran

Page range: 393-404

Abstract

Background Cola nitida is a plant, conventionally used in Africa in the treatment of various ailments such as migraine, morning sickness and indigestion. The aim of the present study was to explore the diuretic activity of the aqueous extract of C. nitida seed (AECONS) and alteration caused by its subchronic administration on the structure and function of the kidney of male Wistar rats. Methods The study was divided into diuretic and subchronic studies. Twenty-five male Wistar rats weighing between 140 and 180 g were divided into five groups of five rats each. The first 24 h of this study investigated the possible diuretic activity of C. nitida seed. Group I (the control) received 25 mL/kg of normal saline. Group II (the standard) received 20 mg/kg/day of furosemide. Groups III, IV, V received 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg/day of AECONS, respectively, and orally. Urine volume, pH, specific gravity and electrolytes were estimated in the samples of urine collected after 6 h of the study. From the second day onward and up to a period of 4 weeks, the rats in each group were given normal saline, furosemide and AECONS once daily as was done on the first day. At the end of the 4-week treatment period, blood and urine samples were collected for the determination of creatinine, urea, Na + , K + and Cl − concentrations. Results The results of the diuretic study showed that the AECONS at all doses used and furosemide produced a significant increase in urine output with respect to the control group. AECONS also induced a significant increase in the urine concentrations of Na + , K + , Cl − in the experimental and standard groups when compared with the control group, except for group III which showed no significant variation in K + concentration. In the subchronic study, AECONS caused a significant increase in the urine levels of Na + , K + , Cl − in the experimental and standard groups when compared with the control rats. The plasma Na + concentration of groups IV and V was significantly lower than that of the control group. Photomicrographs of the kidneys of the experimental and standard groups revealed no significant alterations in the histology of their kidney tissues. Conclusions It is concluded that AECONS induced diuresis which is associated with increased Na + , K + and Cl − loss in rats without any significant alteration in the structure of their kidneys.

Clinical Studies

July 12, 2016

The effects of the Bali Yoga Program (BYP-BC) on reducing psychological symptoms in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: results of a randomized, partially blinded, controlled trial

Dominique Lanctôt, Gilles Dupuis, Roger Marcaurell, Annélie S. Anestin, Madan Bali

Page range: 405-412

Abstract

Background Several cognitive behavioral interventions have been reported to reduce psychological symptoms in breast cancer (BC) patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of a yoga intervention in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in BC patients. Methods This study was a randomized, partially blinded, controlled trial comparing a standardized yoga intervention to standard care. It was conducted at three medical centers in Montreal, Canada. Eligible patients were women diagnosed with stage I–III BC receiving chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive yoga intervention immediately (experimental group, n=58) or after a waiting period (n=43 control group). The Bali Yoga Program for Breast Cancer Patients (BYP-BC) consisted of 23 gentle Hatha asanas (poses), 2 prayanamas (breathing techniques), shavasanas (relaxation corpse poses) and psychoeducational themes. Participants attended eight weekly sessions lasting 90 min each and received a DVD for home practice with 20- and 40-min sessions. Participants in the wait list control group received standard care during the 8-week waiting period. Results A total of 101 participants took part in the final intention-to-treat analyses. The repeated measures analyses demonstrated that depression symptoms increased in the control group (p=0.007), while no change was reported in the BYP-BC group (p=0.29). Also, depression symptoms decreased in the WL control group after receiving the BYP-BC intervention (p=0.03). Finally, there was no statistical significance in terms of anxiety symptoms (p=0.10). Conclusions Results support the BYP-BC intervention as a beneficial means of reducing and preventing the worsening of depression symptoms during chemotherapy treatment.

July 23, 2016

DLBS3233, a combined bioactive fraction of Cinnamomum burmanii and Lagerstroemia speciosa, in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients inadequately controlled by metformin and other oral antidiabetic agents

Askandar Tjokroprawiro, Sri Murtiwi, Raymond R. Tjandrawinata

Page range: 413-420

Abstract

Background DLBS3233, a combined bioactive fraction of Cinnamomum burmanii and Lagerstroemia speciosa , has preclinically demonstrated its beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism through the upregulation of insulin-signal transduction. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of an add-on therapy with DLBS3233 in type-2 diabetes mellitus subjects inadequately controlled by metformin and other oral antidiabetes. Methods This was an open and prospective clinical study for 12 weeks of therapy, involving type-2 diabetes mellitus patients who had been treated with two oral antidiabetic agents for at least 3 months prior to screening, yet, with HbA 1c level was still beyond 7.0 %. DLBS3233 was given orally at the dose of 100 mg once daily in addition to their baseline oral antidiabetes medication. The primary end point was the reduction of HbA 1c level; and the secondary end points were changes of fasting and 1-h postprandial glucose, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, adiponectin, and lipid profile, from their respective baseline. Results After 12 weeks of treatment, the HbA 1c level was reduced by 0.65±1.58 % (p=0.001) from baseline (9.67±2.11 %); while the 1-h-PG level was reduced by –1.45±3.89 mmol/L (p=0.021) from baseline (15.29±4.49 mmol/L). Insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and adiponectin level were improved to a considerable extent. DLBS3233 did not adversely affect body weight, liver, and renal function. Most adverse events observed were tolerably mild and they all had been resolved by the end of the study. Conclusions The add-on oral antidiabetes therapy with DLBS3233 at the dose of 100 mg once daily helped type-2 diabetes mellitus patients to improve their glycemic control, enhance insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and adiponectin level. In addition, DLBS3233 treatment concomitantly with other oral antidiabetic agents was proven safe and tolerable in type-2 diabetes subjects.

Online Only: Congress Abstracts

(available at DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2016-0102)

Publicly Available October 26, 2016

2016 INCAM Research Symposium: Expanding Person-Centred Care through Integrative Health Research

Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel, Ontario (Canada), 18–19 November 2016

Heather Boon, Isabelle Gaboury, Lynda G. Balneaves, Teresa Tsui, Jeremy Y. Ng, Natalie Bozinovski

Page range: eA1-eA27

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Abstract

The following are abstracts of research presentations given at the 9 th INCAM Research Symposium. The theme for this year’s conference was “Expanding Person-Centred Care through Integrative Health Research”, which was held on November 18 and 19, 2016 at the Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel in Ontario, Canada. The abstracts are grouped under the categories of oral or poster presentation based on their presentation at the Symposium. For more information, please visit: http://www.iscmr.org/content/canadian-chapter-—-public.

About this journal

Objective
Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (JCIM) focuses on evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of complementary medical (CM) whole systems, practices, interventions and natural health products, including herbal and traditional medicines. The journal is edited by Ed Lui of the University of Western Ontario.

Topics

Quality, efficacy, and safety of natural health products, dietary supplements, traditional medicines and their synthetic duplicates
Efficacy and safety of complementary therapies
Evidence-based medicine and practice, including evidence of traditional use
Curriculum development, educational system and competency of complementary health programs
Methodologies on research and evaluation of traditional medicines and herbal products
Integrative medicine: basic and clinical research and practice
Innovation in CAM Curriculum
Educational Material Design

Article formats
Research Articles, Review Articles, Mini Reviews, Discussion/Opinion Papers, Short Communications, Editorials