Volume 13, Issue 1 -

Background : The present study was designed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of plant-derived products marketed for human health benefits. Methods : The tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) was used as a proinflammatory biomarker generated by mouse macrophage RAW 264.6 cells. The in vitro tested plant products include Saskatoon berry (SKB), quercetin, purified oat beta-glucan (OBG), curcumin, and turmeric. Quantification of TNF-α in cell culture supernatants was carried out using mouse TNF-α assay kit and the cell proliferation was determined by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The cells were grown in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum and 100 U/mL penicillin and 100 µg/mL streptomycin. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a concentration of 500 ng/mL was employed to stimulate the TNF-α production in mouse macrophage cells. Results : Results showed that curcumin at 10 µM (3.7 µg/mL) level effectively attenuated the LPS-induced inflammatory response, and at 100 µM completely inhibited macrophage RAW cell growth (p<0.05). The aqueous turmeric extract caused inhibitory effect on TNF-α at 25, 50, 100, and 500 µg/mL. SKB inhibited TNF-α production at 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 µg/mL. On the other hand, at 10, 25, 500, and 1,000 µg/mL SKB promoted significant cell growth/proliferation. Quercetin at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL inhibited TNF-α, but at 500 and 1,000 µg/mL stimulated cell growth. OBG at 10, 25, and 50 µg/mL inhibited TNF-α, but in some cases OBG stimulated TNF-α At 1,000 and 10,000 µg/mL OBG proved to be extremely toxic or lethal to the macrophage cells. Conclusions : Overall, the plant products showed anti-inflammatory effects as well as cell proliferation or inhibition in the in vitro system used in this investigation. The underlying mechanisms of dualistic actions caused by plant-derived ingredients, viz., macrophage cellular growth stimulation or retardation, remain to be elucidated.

Background : The study investigated the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of Garcinia cambogia on high fat diet-fed rats. Methods : The phytochemical constituents, total polyphenol content and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were estimated in the G. cambogia extract (GE). Male Wistar rats were fed with either standard rodent diet or 30% high-fat diet and administered with GE at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight/day for 10 weeks. At the end, lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters were estimated. Results : The analyses revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, sterols, tannins, flavonoids and saponins in GE. The total polyphenol content and FRAP of GE were 82.82±7.64 mg of gallic acid equivalents and 260.49±10.18 µM FRAP per gram of the GE. High-fat feeding elevated plasma total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced HDL-C and blood antioxidants, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase. Increase in total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and decrease in the total antioxidant status (TAS) were observed in plasma, liver and kidney of fat-fed rats. Administration of GE decreased food intake, plasma TC, TAG, non HDL-C, MDA, increased HDL-C and blood antioxidants GSH, GPx, catalase. GE also reduced TOS, OSI and elevated TAS in plasma and liver of fat-fed rats. Renal OSI was significantly reduced upon GE treatment. Conclusions : Our study demonstrated that GE is effective in ameliorating high-fat-diet-induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress.

Background : Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] is an environmental contaminant and potential carcinogenic agent that causes lung injuries which leads to lung cancer. Rutin, a well-known flavonoid present in various natural sources, possesses biological activities such as anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of rutin against B(a)P-induced genotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation in Swiss albino mice. Methods : Pretreatment of rutin was given by oral gavage at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) for 7 days before the administration of a single oral dose of B(a)P (125 mg/kg b.wt.). The ameliorative effect of rutin on oxidative stress, apoptotic and inflammatory markers in lung tissues and genotoxicity was studied using an alkaline unwinding assay and DNA fragmentation. Results : B(a)P enhanced lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase, H 2 O 2 generation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity; depleted activities of anti-oxidant enzymes and glutathione content; induced DNA strand breaks and fragmentation; disrupted normal histopathological architecture and also showed abnormal expression of NF-κB, COX-2, IL-6, TNF-α and Bcl-2. Rutin pretreatment caused a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and LDH activity; increased glutathione content; restored antioxidant enzyme activity; reduced DNA strand breaks and fragmentation; modulated the expression of inflammatory, and apoptotic markers and restored the histopathological structure. Conclusions : The findings of the present study supported the protective effect of rutin against B(a)P-induced lung toxicity and genotoxicity.

Background : There is a growing awareness among teachers in the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) disciplines that a formal training in educational methodology can improve their performance as teachers and student evaluators. The Training of Trainers programs conducted by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, in the previous years have brought about a transformation among the teachers who attended those programs. Also the teachers were witness to a changing perception among students towards teachers who adapt innovative teaching/assessment strategies. This report illustrates an innovative training activity that was adapted to design a reference model that can be developed as an operational model for large-scale execution. Methods : Teachers who are under the affiliated CAM Institutions in Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, participated in a three-month ‘Short Course in Educational Methodology’. This program was delivered on distance learning mode. The course was organised into four modules. Study material was provided for each of the module in the form of a study guide and related reference articles in electronic form. There were three contact programs – Induction and Introduction that also addressed overview of entire course and the subject matter of Module 1, and this was at the beginning of the course, first contact program to address the learner needs of Modules 2 and 3 and second contact program for the contents in Module 4. The participants were engaged during the entire course duration with interactive contact programs, self-study and application of concepts in their teaching/assessment practices, submission of assignments online, and microteaching presentation and peer review. Results : The documentation and raw data generated during the course of training were used to generate an operational model for training of university teachers of health sciences faculty in general and teachers of CAM disciplines in particular. Conclusions : Establishing a model of training for university teachers who are engaged in health sciences education provides a strong platform to realise the roles of teacher, evolve as a conscientious and committed teacher and infuse their learners with passion and commitment to become competent in their professional performance.

Background : An increase in available research has highlighted that knowledge changes over time as theories are challenged and adjusted or dismissed. This is particularly important to healthcare practitioners, including massage therapists, who need to frequently review current research and adjust practice accordingly. However, when research findings related to practice are generated, there is considerable delay in implementation. Few studies measure actual knowledge of current evidence for practice. The objectives of the study reported here were to (a) describe current awareness of evidence for practice among registered massage therapists (RMTs) in Ontario and (b) identify the sources of information RMTs use to inform their awareness of current evidence and the reported importance and frequency of use for each source. Methods : An online questionnaire-based mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted. Ontario RMTs were invited to participate. This report focuses on the quantitative analysis. Results : In total, 1,762 questionnaires were included. Of seven sources of information provided, respondents rated cumulative professional experience as most important, followed by recent research studies and education. Cumulative professional experience also rated as most frequently used, followed by other RMTs and education. Conclusions : There was a tendency for respondents to agree with positive statements about MT, or disagree with negative statements, regardless of correctness. The results suggest that RMTs need to improve their awareness of the current evidence for practice. Furthermore, cumulative professional experience was ranked most frequently used. This has the potential to not include the most current research. Improving communication of research findings to RMTs might improve awareness.

Background : Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is widespread and on the increase among cancer patients. Most research to date has involved a cross-sectional snapshot of CAM use rather than an exploration into the longitudinal, nonlinear treatment trajectories that cancer patients develop. Our aim is to explore and describe different treatment and decision-making pathways that individuals develop after receipt of a diagnosis of either breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer. Methods : The study was part of a larger mixed-methods pilot project to explore the feasibility of conducting a five-year international study to assess cancer patients’ treatment pathways, including health care use and the perceived impact of different patterns of use on health outcomes over the course of one year. The results presented in this paper are based on the analysis of personal interviews that were conducted over the course of 12 months with 30 participants. Results : Five pathways emerged from the data: passive conventional, self-directed conventional, cautious integrative, aggressive integrative, and aggressive alternative. Factors that shaped each pathway included health beliefs, decision-making role, illness characteristics, and the patient–practitioner relationship. Conclusions : The results of this examination of the longitudinal treatment and decision-making trajectory provide important information to support health care professionals in their quest for individualized, targeted support at each stage of the patient pathway.

Background : Pain is a common and significant symptom in many individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The presence and severity of pain in individuals with MS has also been shown to be associated with higher levels of depression, functional impairment, and fatigue. It is common for MS patients and their caregivers to worry about narcotic addiction in the management of chronic pain. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and compare the effects of reflexology and relaxation on pain in women suffering from MS. Methods : This study was a single-blind randomized clinical trial performed on 75 patients with MS referred to the MS Clinic of Ayatollah Kashani Hospital (Isfahan, Iran). After simple non-random sampling, using the minimization method, participants were randomly assigned to the three groups of reflexology, relaxation, and control. In the experimental groups, foot reflexology and relaxation interventions (Jacobson and Benson) were performed within 4 weeks, twice a week for 40 min. The control group received routine care and medical treatment as directed by a doctor. Data were collected using the Numerical Rating Scale before, immediately after, and 2 months after interventions in all three groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 18 and descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Results : Findings obtained from analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant differences between mean pain intensity scores in the three groups preintervention and 2 months after interventions (p > 0.05). However, this difference was statistically significant immediately after the study (p < 0.05). Findings obtained from repeated measures ANOVA showed that the severity of pain significantly differed during different times in reflexology and relaxation (p < 0.05); however, this difference was not significant in the control group (p > 0.05). Furthermore, Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) revealed a significantly higher reduction in pain intensity scores in the reflexology group after the intervention, compared with the two other groups, but showed no significant differences between relaxation and control groups. There were no significant differences between the three groups 2 months after the interventions (p > 0.05). Conclusions : The results showed that both interventions are effective on relieving pain in women with MS; however, it appears that the effect of reflexology on pain reduction is greater than that of relaxation. Hence, these two methods can be recommended as effective techniques.

Background : Anapanasati is one of the meditation techniques discussed in Buddhism. In this meditation, one focuses one’s attention on bodily sensations caused by incoming and outgoing breath. This study aims to track the cumulative effect of long-term meditators (LTM) and short-term meditators (STM) using electrophotonic imaging (EPI). Methods : To execute the current study, 432 subjects (264 men and 168 women with mean age of 34.36±$$ \pm $$6.83) were recruited from two meditation centers. LTM had practiced for more than 60 months (mean of months 111±47·20,hoursperday1·71±1·20)$$ \pm 47. 20\, {\rm{hours per day}} \,\,1. 71 \pm 1. 20)$$. STM had practiced meditation from 6 months to less than 60 months (mean of months 37.17±19·44,hoursperday2·14±4·99)$$ \pm 19. 44\, \,\,{\rm{hours per day}}\,\,{\rm{}}2. 14 \pm 4. 99)$$. A cross-sectional research design was applied and data was collected using EPI. Scatter plot and Fisher discriminant model were also used for statistical presentation of values and interdependency of variables with length of practice between groups. Results : In both LTM and STM, lower values of stress (activation coefficient) were found in woman meditators as compared to men. In both groups, highly significant gender-related differences were observed in integral area parameter, which measures the overall health of an individual. Integral entropy (index of disorderliness of subtle energy in the body) was fluctuating in both groups in both directions for both genders. It was increasing in LTM group and decreasing in STM group with increasing length of practice. Conclusions : Women of LTM and STM demonstrated lesser stress than men. Both groups showed cumulative health-related improvement. Moreover, in gender-related analysis woman meditators exhibited more positive improvement in EPI parameters than men.

Mrs. Smith is an 81-year-old woman who has several medical problems. Despite these problems, however, her faith and spirituality strength give her the strength and determination to move forward in life. She stresses that, “My faith helps me cope with my illnesses.” This article describes Mrs. Smith’s roller coaster life and how faith, prayer, and hope have allowed her to continue to press forward. She interprets pain and illnesses as challenges, not obstacles. Her physician who has been treating her for about 20 years indicates that she has continued to have multiple chronic health issues and has maintained an incredibly positive spirit, particularly when traditional medicine has failed to make a difference. Spiritual care is being increasingly documented as an important component of whole person medicine. For some, religiosity and spirituality are important aspects of patient–provider relationship. God, faith, and hope are essential factors to Mrs. Smith who uses spirituality and religion daily to cope with her chronic illnesses.

Background : Although many hypotheses have been suggested, the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS) has not been fully understood. In this case series, we describe eleven cases with RLS whose symptoms subsided by the use of crystallized sucrose. This kind of sugar, known as nabat , is used in traditional Iranian medicine. Methods : Case series. Results : All patients felt relief 30–60 min after taking 100 grams of dissolved nabat . Conclusions : Sucrose seems to carry a special benefit for patients with RLS, and it provides evidence for growing literature demonstrating the different underlying mechanisms of RLS. Possible causes for this concurrence are also discussed.