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Groß C, Seifert R. Critical analysis of Echinacea preparations marketed in Germany. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03634-2. [PMID: 39607548 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03634-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024]
Abstract
Colds are the most common cause of incapacity to work in 2023 and therefore have a significant impact on the German economy. Echinacea preparations are considered a non-specific immune stimulant that is used as a phytotherapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of colds. In the 2021 ZEIT ranking of the best-selling pharmacy-only medicines in Germany, four Echinacea preparations were among the top ten, and they experienced a new hype during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In this study, 22 Echinacea monopreparations, which are approved as herbal medicinal products, were analyzed based on their package inserts. The preparations used in clinical studies were compared with the preparations available on the market with regard to the criteria of plant species used, plant part used, preparation (extract or pressed juice), drug-extract ratio, single dose administered, standardization of the preparations, prior performance of an ingredient analysis, galenics, dosage, duration of administration, and daily dose administered. The analysis revealed that the preparations available on the market are very heterogeneous. The composition can vary considerably in terms of ingredients. For customers, these products appear homogeneous in terms of their presentation on the market. The legal framework conditions promote this situation. The clinical studies are also unable to adequately reflect the market situation. New studies based on market reality, with an analysis of ingredients in the preparations used, a standardized study design, and the inclusion of hematological and biochemical parameters in the evaluation should improve this situation. Days of incapacity for work as an outcome parameter could be well suited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Groß
- Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Roland Seifert
- Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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2
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Singh RG, Garcia-Campayo V, Green JB, Paton N, Saunders JD, Al-Wahsh H, Crowley DC, Lewis ED, Evans M, Moulin M. Efficacy of a yeast postbiotic on cold/flu symptoms in healthy children: A randomized-controlled trial. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03331-z. [PMID: 38942887 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children attending school/daycare are at high risk of acute respiratory tract infections. EpiCorTM postbiotic, derived from yeast fermentate, has been demonstrated to improve immune function in adults, reducing the incidence of cold/flu-like or allergy symptoms. As such, studies are warranted in children as available pharmaceutical options have unwanted side effects. METHODS Two-hundred and fifty-six children aged 4-12 years attending school/daycare were randomized to either EpiCor or Placebo for 84 days during the 2022-2023 flu season in Ontario, Canada. The Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale (CARIFS) and study diary assessed the incidence and severity of cold/flu symptoms and the use of cold/flu medications. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS Total CARIFS severity scores, 'sore throat' and 'muscle aches or pains' symptom scores in the EpiCor group were significantly lower compared to Placebo during incidences of cold/flu (P ≤ 0.05). Participants taking Placebo were 1.73 times more likely to use cold/flu medication compared to those receiving EpiCor (P = 0.04). The incidence of cold/flu symptoms was not significantly different between groups. EpiCor was found to be safe and well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS EpiCor supplementation resulted in significantly lower cold/flu symptom severity and less cold/flu medication usage than Placebo demonstrating a beneficial effect on immune function in children. IMPACT Children are at high risk of acquiring cold/flu infections and safe and efficacious mitigating regimens are lacking. Children supplemented daily with 500 mg EpiCorTM postbiotic derived from yeast fermentate had significantly lower overall cold/flu symptom severity, and severity of sore throat and muscle aches or pains over the 84-day supplementation period. EpiCor supplementation resulted in decreased use of traditional cold/flu medication. Daily supplementation with 500 mg of EpiCor for 84 days was safe and well tolerated by healthy children aged 4-12 years attending school or daycare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Neil Paton
- Cargill Limited c/o Cargill Inc., Wayzata, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Malkanthi Evans
- KGK Science Inc., London, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Chow JYL, Goldwater MB, Colagiuri B, Livesey EJ. Instruction on the Scientific Method Provides (Some) Protection Against Illusions of Causality. Open Mind (Camb) 2024; 8:639-665. [PMID: 38828432 PMCID: PMC11142631 DOI: 10.1162/opmi_a_00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
People tend to overestimate the efficacy of an ineffective treatment when they experience the treatment and its supposed outcome co-occurring frequently. This is referred to as the outcome density effect. Here, we attempted to improve the accuracy of participants' assessments of an ineffective treatment by instructing them about the scientific practice of comparing treatment effects against a relevant base-rate, i.e., when no treatment is delivered. The effect of these instructions was assessed in both a trial-by-trial contingency learning task, where cue administration was either decided by the participant (Experiments 1 & 2) or pre-determined by the experimenter (Experiment 3), as well as in summary format where all information was presented on a single screen (Experiment 4). Overall, we found two means by which base-rate instructions influence efficacy ratings for the ineffective treatment: 1) When information was presented sequentially, the benefit of base-rate instructions on illusory belief was mediated by reduced sampling of cue-present trials, and 2) When information was presented in summary format, we found a direct effect of base-rate instruction on reducing causal illusion. Together, these findings suggest that simple instructions on the scientific method were able to decrease participants' (over-)weighting of cue-outcome coincidences when making causal judgements, as well as decrease their tendency to over-sample cue-present events. However, the effect of base-rate instructions on correcting illusory beliefs was incomplete, and participants still showed illusory causal judgements when the probability of the outcome occurring was high. Thus, simple textual information about assessing causal relationships is partially effective in influencing people's judgements of treatment efficacy, suggesting an important role of scientific instruction in debiasing cognitive errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Y. L. Chow
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney
| | | | - Ben Colagiuri
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney
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Gancitano G, Mucci N, Stange R, Ogal M, Vimalanathan S, Sreya M, Booker A, Hadj-Cherif B, Albrich WC, Woelkart-Ardjomand K, Kreft S, Vanden Berghe W, Hoexter G, Schapowal A, Johnston SL. Echinacea Reduces Antibiotics by Preventing Respiratory Infections: A Meta-Analysis (ERA-PRIMA). Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:364. [PMID: 38667040 PMCID: PMC11047471 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions, primarily due to the risk for secondary bacterial infections. In this study, we examined whether Echinacea could reduce the need for antibiotics by preventing RTIs and their complications, and subsequently investigated its safety profile. A comprehensive search of EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane DARE and clinicaltrials.gov identified 30 clinical trials (39 comparisons) studying Echinacea for the prevention or treatment of RTIs in 5652 subjects. Echinacea significantly reduced the monthly RTI occurrence, risk ratio (RR) 0.68 (95% CI 0.61-0.77) and number of patients with ≥1 RTI, RR = 0.75 [95% CI 0.69-0.81] corresponding to an odds ratio 0.53 [95% CI 0.42-0.67]. Echinacea reduced the risk of recurrent infections (RR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.46-0.80), RTI complications (RR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.36-0.54) and the need for antibiotic therapy (RR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.39-0.93), with total antibiotic therapy days reduced by 70% (IRR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.11-0.74). Alcoholic extracts from freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea were the strongest, with an 80% reduction of antibiotic treatment days, IRR 0.21 [95% CI 0.15-0.28]. An equal number of adverse events occurred with Echinacea and control treatment. Echinacea can safely prevent RTIs and associated complications, thereby decreasing the demand for antibiotics. Relevant differences exist between Echinacea preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Gancitano
- 1st Carabinieri Paratrooper Regiment “Tuscania”, Italian Ministry of Defence, 57127 Livorno, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Rainer Stange
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Mercedes Ogal
- Pediatric Clinic Brunnen, 6440 Brunnen, Switzerland;
| | - Selvarani Vimalanathan
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; (S.V.); (M.S.)
| | - Mahfuza Sreya
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; (S.V.); (M.S.)
| | - Anthony Booker
- Research Group for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1B 2HW, UK; (A.B.); (B.H.-C.)
- Research Group ‘Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy’, UCL School of Pharmacy, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Bushra Hadj-Cherif
- Research Group for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1B 2HW, UK; (A.B.); (B.H.-C.)
| | - Werner C. Albrich
- Division of Infectious Disease, Infection Prevention and Travel Medicine, Cantonal Hospital, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Karin Woelkart-Ardjomand
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Samo Kreft
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubliana, Slovenia;
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Godehard Hoexter
- Statistical Consulting Godehard Hoexter, 79100 Freiburg, Germany;
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Bansal K, Sundram S, Malviya R. Herbal Components Inspiring Current Lifestyle Disease Treatment: Role of Nutraceuticals. Curr Drug Res Rev 2024; 16:111-127. [PMID: 37183457 DOI: 10.2174/2589977515666230512142020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Nutraceuticals are the foods that are used to prevent and cure diseases. Food and nutrients are essential for the body's normal function and aid in the maintenance of an individual's health and prevent various diseases. Nutraceuticals are medicinal foods that aid in the maintenance of health, the enhancement of immunity, and the prevention and treatment of specific diseases. The markets of nutraceuticals are one of the fastest-growing industry segments. The prime reason for this accelerated market growth lies in the fact that nutraceuticals are low cost, can prevent diseases to occur, hence, can save the health care cost, have more nutritional value, and many others. Nutraceuticals can be classified on different foundations based on what they promise, natural sources, and nutraceutical food available in the market. This article will discuss those classifications in detail along with the role of nutraceuticals in lifestyle diseases, regulations, market trends, and prospects of nutraceuticals. The article will also highlight the concern areas which play as the limiting factor in the nutraceuticals industry growth like lack of quality control, lack of data on its working, and many other things.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushboo Bansal
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, U.P., India
| | - Sonali Sundram
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, U.P., India
| | - Rishabha Malviya
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, U.P., India
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Wang H, Chen Y, Wang L, Liu Q, Yang S, Wang C. Advancing herbal medicine: enhancing product quality and safety through robust quality control practices. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1265178. [PMID: 37818188 PMCID: PMC10561302 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1265178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This manuscript provides an in-depth review of the significance of quality control in herbal medication products, focusing on its role in maintaining efficiency and safety. With a historical foundation in traditional medicine systems, herbal remedies have gained widespread popularity as natural alternatives to conventional treatments. However, the increasing demand for these products necessitates stringent quality control measures to ensure consistency and safety. This comprehensive review explores the importance of quality control methods in monitoring various aspects of herbal product development, manufacturing, and distribution. Emphasizing the need for standardized processes, the manuscript delves into the detection and prevention of contaminants, the authentication of herbal ingredients, and the adherence to regulatory standards. Additionally, it highlights the integration of traditional knowledge and modern scientific approaches in achieving optimal quality control outcomes. By emphasizing the role of quality control in herbal medicine, this manuscript contributes to promoting consumer trust, safeguarding public health, and fostering the responsible use of herbal medication products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongting Wang
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Anhui Innovative Center for Drug Basic Research of Metabolic Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Cunqin Wang
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Screening and Re-evaluation of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicines in Southern Anhui, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drugs, Anhui Innovative Center for Drug Basic Research of Metabolic Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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Eccles R. Common cold. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1224988. [PMID: 37426629 PMCID: PMC10324571 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1224988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The common cold is a unique human disease, as it is arguably the most common disease and because of the large number of respiratory viruses causing colds it is one of the most complex of human diseases. This review discusses the respiratory viruses and notes that all these viruses may cause the illness complex recognised as the common cold. The common cold is discussed as part of the "iceberg concept" of disease which ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe illness and death. The factors influencing the incidence of colds are discussed: crowding and sociability, stress, smoking and alcohol, immune status, sex, age, sleep, season, chilling, nutrition and exercise. The mechanism of symptoms related to the innate immune response is explained and symptomatic treatments are tabulated. Morbidity associated with common cold is discussed and possible vaccines.
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Abstract
Acute rhinopharyngitis, usually called common cold, is a widespread disease, mainly in childhood and adolescence. The use of common cold relievers is, therefore, prevalent as documented by the market data. A well-established tradition considers natural remedies an effective and safe way to relieve the common cold. Hundreds of products for treating the common cold contain non-pharmacological components. Nevertheless, a few studies investigated the role of non-pharmacologic remedies for the common cold. The current study reported the most common non-pharmacological remedies for the common cold, including herbal medicines and other substances. As ancient people used traditional herbs to treat and prevent the common cold, various herbs are widely used to clear viral infections. The herbal agents include polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, glucosides, and alkaloids. Moreover, other non-pharmacological agents are widely used in real-life. Many multi- or monocomponent dietary supplements or medical devices contain these substances and are available in the market as tablets, syrups, drops, nasal or oral sprays, and nebulization solutions. Many products are available in the market. However, there is some evidence only for some substances. Consequently, further rigorous studies should confirm natural products' efficacy and safety to relieve the common cold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Ciprandi
- Outpatients Department, Allergy Clinic, Casa di Cura Villa Montallegro, Genoa, Italy -
| | - Maria A Tosca
- Department of Pediatrics, Allergy Center, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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9
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Hawke K, King D, van Driel ML, McGuire TM. Homeopathic medicinal products for preventing and treating acute respiratory tract infections in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 12:CD005974. [PMID: 36511520 PMCID: PMC9746041 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005974.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are common and may lead to complications. Most children experience between three and six ARTIs annually. Although most infections are self-limiting, symptoms can be distressing. Many treatments are used to control symptoms and shorten illness duration. Most treatments have minimal benefit and may lead to adverse events. Oral homeopathic medicinal products could play a role in childhood ARTI management if evidence for their effectiveness is established. This is an update of a review first published in 2018. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of oral homeopathic medicinal products compared with placebo or conventional therapy to prevent and treat ARTIs in children. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (2022, Issue 3), including the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Specialised Register, MEDLINE (1946 to 16 March 2022), Embase (2010 to 16 March 2022), CINAHL (1981 to 16 March 2022), AMED (1985 to 16 March 2022), CAMbase (searched 16 March 2022), and British Homeopathic Library (searched 26 June 2013 - no longer operating). We also searched the WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov (16 March 2022), checked references, and contacted study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included double-blind randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or double-blind cluster-RCTs comparing oral homeopathy medicinal products with identical placebo or self-selected conventional treatments to prevent or treat ARTIs in children aged 0 to 16 years. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS In this 2022 update, we identified three new RCTs involving 251 children, for a total of 11 included RCTs with 1813 children receiving oral homeopathic medicinal products or a control treatment (placebo or conventional treatment) for ARTIs. All studies focused on upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), with only one study including some lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Six treatment studies examined the effect on URTI recovery, and five studies investigated the effect on preventing URTIs after one to four months of treatment. Two treatment and three prevention studies involved homeopaths individualising treatment. The other studies used predetermined, non-individualised treatments. All studies involved highly diluted homeopathic medicinal products, with dilutions ranging from 1 x 10-4 to 1 x 10-200. We identified several limitations to the included studies, in particular methodological inconsistencies and high attrition rates, failure to conduct intention-to-treat analysis, selective reporting, and apparent protocol deviations. We assessed three studies as at high risk of bias in at least one domain, and many studies had additional domains with unclear risk of bias. Four studies received funding from homeopathy manufacturers; one study support from a non-government organisation; two studies government support; one study was co-sponsored by a university; and three studies did not report funding support. Methodological inconsistencies and significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity precluded robust quantitative meta-analysis. Only four outcomes were common to more than one study and could be combined for analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were generally small with wide confidence intervals (CI), and the contributing studies found conflicting effects, so there was little certainty that the efficacy of the intervention could be ascertained. All studies assessed as at low risk of bias showed no benefit from oral homeopathic medicinal products, whilst trials at unclear or high risk of bias reported beneficial effects. For the comparison of individualised homeopathy versus placebo or usual care for the prevention of ARTIs, two trials reported on disease severity; due to heterogeneity the data were not combined, but neither study demonstrated a clinically significant difference. We combined data from two trials for the outcome need for antibiotics (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.76; low-certainty evidence). For the comparison of non-individualised homeopathy versus placebo or usual care for the prevention of ARTIs, only the outcome recurrence of ARTI was reported by more than one trial; data from three studies were combined for this outcome (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.72; low-certainty evidence). For the comparison of both individualised and non-individualised homeopathy versus placebo or usual care for the treatment of ARTIs, two studies provided data on short-term cure (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.09 to 19.54) and long-term cure (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.10 to 9.96; very low-certainty evidence). The studies demonstrated an opposite direction of effect for both outcomes. Six studies reported on disease severity but were not combined as they used different scoring systems and scales. Three studies reported adverse events (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.16 to 4.03; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Pooling of five prevention and six treatment studies did not show any consistent benefit of homeopathic medicinal products compared to placebo on ARTI recurrence or cure rates in children. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as low to very low for the majority of outcomes. We found no evidence to support the efficacy of homeopathic medicinal products for ARTIs in children. Adverse events were poorly reported, and we could not draw conclusions regarding safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Hawke
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David King
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Treasure M McGuire
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Mater Pharmacy, Mater Health South East Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
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Vieira SF, Gonçalves VMF, Llaguno CP, Macías F, Tiritan ME, Reis RL, Ferreira H, Neves NM. On the Bioactivity of Echinacea purpurea Extracts to Modulate the Production of Inflammatory Mediators. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13616. [PMID: 36362404 PMCID: PMC9659013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory diseases are the focus of several clinical studies, due to limitations and serious side effects of available therapies. Plant-based drugs (e.g., salicylic acid, morphine) have become landmarks in the pharmaceutical field. Therefore, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of flowers, leaves, and roots from Echinacea purpurea. Ethanolic (EE) and dichloromethanolic extracts (DE) were obtained using the Accelerated Solvent Extractor and aqueous extracts (AE) were prepared under stirring. Their chemical fingerprint was evaluated by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the reduction in intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), of the different extracts were evaluated using non-stimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Interestingly, AE were able to stimulate macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor -TNF-α, interleukin -IL-1β, and IL-6), and to generate ROS/RNS. Conversely, under an inflammatory scenario, all extracts reduced the amount of pro-inflammatory mediators. DE, alkylamides-enriched extracts, showed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, E. purpurea extracts demonstrated generally a more robust anti-inflammatory activity than clinically used anti-inflammatory drugs (dexamethasone, diclofenac, salicylic acid, and celecoxib). Therefore, E. purpurea extracts may be used to develop new effective therapeutic formulations for disorders in which the immune system is either overactive or impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara F. Vieira
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Virgínia M. F. Gonçalves
- TOXRUN—Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Carmen P. Llaguno
- Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Felipe Macías
- Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria Elizabeth Tiritan
- TOXRUN—Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Helena Ferreira
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno M. Neves
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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Crawford C, Brown LL, Costello RB, Deuster PA. Select Dietary Supplement Ingredients for Preserving and Protecting the Immune System in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:4604. [PMID: 36364865 PMCID: PMC9655067 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune health products represent approximately 10% of all US dietary supplement sales. Claims made on products to support or boost the immune system are attractive to the otherwise healthy consumer who may or may not be experiencing certain life stressors. The purpose of this systematic review is to critically evaluate the purported benefits and/or potential harms of select dietary supplement ingredients frequently listed on the labels of products having immune health or related market claims. With a focus on resilience, research questions were related to whether dietary supplement ingredients are efficacious in preserving and protecting immune health in healthy individuals; and when faced with a stressor, whether taking a supplement prophylactically can assist in maintaining health and resisting or bouncing back more quickly. Thirty-nine randomized controlled studies involving populations including children, adults and seniors exposed to stressors, such as air travel, intense exercise, academic stress, and/or exposure to winter weather, met eligibility criteria. The studies included eight of the 27 supplement ingredients identified through a market-driven scoping review. Those ingredients used in single ingredient products were echinacea, elderberry, garlic, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc. Whereas some studies may point to evidence for benefit, specific gaps preclude the authors from making firm statements with regard to the overall evidence-base for these products and ingredients and in answering the research questions. As we move toward a vision of health promotion and resilience rather than a sole focus on disease prevention and treatment, further work in this area of dietary supplements is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Crawford
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - LaVerne L. Brown
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Rebecca B. Costello
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Patricia A. Deuster
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
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12
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Wang GN, Li YP, Yuan SK, Zhang H, Ren J, Ren X, Liu JX. The intestinal absorption mechanism of chicoric acid and its bioavailability improvement with chitosan. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09955. [PMID: 35874082 PMCID: PMC9304723 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chicoric acid (CA), an active phenolic acid of Echinacea purpurea (Linn.) Moench, has been demonstrated to exhibit antioxidative, antiviral and immunological activities. A prior study showed that CA is a water-soluble compound with low bioavailability. The current study was performed to study the intestinal absorption mechanism of CA and improve its bioavailability using natural biodegradable chitosan. A Caco-2 monolayer cell model was established to characterise the mechanisms involved in the intestinal absorption of CA. The bioavailability improvement of CA was studied in Sprague–Dawley rats after oral (20 mg/kg) administration of 0.5% chitosan. In vitro, the results showed that the absorption transport of CA was fairly poor, with Papp values of 8.2 × 10−8 to 2.1 × 10−7 cm/s in the absorption direction and 1.5 × 10−7 to 2.6 × 10−7 cm/s in the secretory direction. The permeability was increased by EDTA and chitosan in both directions. Moreover, the transport through the intestinal monolayer was H+ dependent, and P-glycoprotein and OATP2B1 transporters were involved in the intestinal transport of CA. In vivo, the absorption of CA was increased and accelerated with chitosan in rats because the bioavailability was 1.74-fold that of the prototype drug. The above mentioned results indicated that CA was a poor absorption drug and that paracellular and carrier-mediated trancellular transport both participated in its transport route. Chitosan is an excellent absorption enhancer for CA. The transport characteristics uncovered in this study lay the groundwork for further studies directed toward the development and utilisation of its new formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Nan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Yi Peng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Si Kun Yuan
- Baoding Institute for Food and Drug Control, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Hu Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Juan Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Xin Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Ju Xiang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
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13
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Rathinasabapathy T, Sakthivel LP, Komarnytsky S. Plant-Based Support of Respiratory Health during Viral Outbreaks. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:2064-2076. [PMID: 35147032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c06227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses are linked to major epidemic events that have plagued humans through recorded history and possibly much earlier, ranging from common colds, influenza, and coronavirus infections to measles. However, difficulty in developing effective pharmaceutical solutions to treat infected individuals has hindered efforts to manage and minimize respiratory viral outbreaks and the associated mortality. Here we highlight a series of botanical interventions with different and often overlapping putative mechanisms of action to support the respiratory system, for which the bioactive pharmacophore was suggested and the initial structure-activity relationships have been explored (Bupleurum spp., Glycyrrhiza spp., Andrographis spp.), have been proposed with uncertainty (Echinacea spp., Zingiber spp., Verbascum spp., Marrubium spp.), or remained to be elucidated (Sambucus spp., Urtica spp.). Investigating these metabolites and their botanical sources holds potential to uncover new mediators of the respiratory health outcomes as well as molecular targets for future break-through therapeutic interventions targeting respiratory viral outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thirumurugan Rathinasabapathy
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Research Campus, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081, United States
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, 400 Dan Allen Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Lakshmana Prabu Sakthivel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Engineering, Anna University BIT Campus, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India
| | - Slavko Komarnytsky
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Research Campus, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081, United States
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, 400 Dan Allen Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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14
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Hunter J, Arentz S, Goldenberg J, Yang G, Beardsley J, Myers SP, Mertz D, Leeder S. Zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections in adults: a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047474. [PMID: 34728441 PMCID: PMC8578211 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the benefits and risks of zinc formulations compared with controls for prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in adults. METHOD Seventeen English and Chinese databases were searched in April/May 2020 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and from April/May 2020 to August 2020 for SARS-CoV-2 RCTs. Cochrane rapid review methods were applied. Quality appraisals used the Risk of Bias 2.0 and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS Twenty-eight RCTs with 5446 participants were identified. None were specific to SARS-CoV-2. Compared with placebo, oral or intranasal zinc prevented 5 RTIs per 100 person-months (95% CI 1 to 8, numbers needed to treat (NNT)=20, moderate-certainty/quality). Sublingual zinc did not prevent clinical colds following human rhinovirus inoculations (relative risk, RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.21, moderate-certainty/quality). On average, symptoms resolved 2 days earlier with sublingual or intranasal zinc compared with placebo (95% CI 0.61 to 3.50, very low-certainty/quality) and 19 more adults per 100 were likely to remain symptomatic on day 7 without zinc (95% CI 2 to 38, NNT=5, low-certainty/quality). There were clinically significant reductions in day 3 symptom severity scores (mean difference, MD -1.20 points, 95% CI -0.66 to -1.74, low-certainty/quality), but not average daily symptom severity scores (standardised MD -0.15, 95% CI -0.43 to 0.13, low-certainty/quality). Non-serious adverse events (AEs) (eg, nausea, mouth/nasal irritation) were higher (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.69, NNHarm=7, moderate-certainty/quality). Compared with active controls, there were no differences in illness duration or AEs (low-certainty/quality). No serious AEs were reported in the 25 RCTs that monitored them (low-certainty/quality). CONCLUSIONS In adult populations unlikely to be zinc deficient, there was some evidence suggesting zinc might prevent RTIs symptoms and shorten duration. Non-serious AEs may limit tolerability for some. The comparative efficacy/effectiveness of different zinc formulations and doses were unclear. The GRADE-certainty/quality of the evidence was limited by a high risk of bias, small sample sizes and/or heterogeneity. Further research, including SARS-CoV-2 clinical trials is warranted. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020182044.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hunter
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Arentz
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joshua Goldenberg
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Guoyan Yang
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Stephen P Myers
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dominik Mertz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Leeder
- The Menzies Centre for Health Policy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Pietrusiewicz M, Kopa-Stojak PN, Pawliczak R. Pharmacist's recommendations of over-the-counter treatments for the common cold - analysis of prospective cases in Poland. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:216. [PMID: 34717562 PMCID: PMC8556806 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01561-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common cold is a frequent illness in northern hemisphere between late autumn and early spring. Patients suffering from it frequently turn to pharmacists instead of physicians in order to receive medical advice and treatment. We studied its treatment advised by pharmacists in Poland, as well as evidence for the efficacy of their recommendations by utilizing a self-developed questionnaire and a study of existing literature. METHODS The data were collected by 27 pharmacists who worked in four large network community pharmacies in Lodz, Poland. The study took place from December 2019 to February 2020. Data were recorded only if the patient asked for pharmacy counselling for over-the counter (OTC) products due to common cold self-diagnosis and a product was sold. Pharmacists' recommendations were compared with the results of a literature review of best evidence to determine appropriateness of the pharmacists' decisions. RESULTS In four out of five cases the pharmacists recommended products contained paracetamol. In addition, in one out of three patient encounters they advised nasal decongestant, inosines and/or OTC mucolytics. There was a significant relationship between fever and recommendation frequency of some analgesics, inosines, mucolytics and sore throat products (OR > 1, p < 0.05); rhinorrhea and recommendation frequency of paracetamol, inosines, anti-histamines and alpha-mimetics (OR > 1, p < 0.05); cough and recommendation frequency of paracetamol, inosines, mucolytics and sore throat products (OR > 1, p < 0.05); and fatigue and recommendation frequency of paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, inosines and sore throat products (OR > 1, p < 0.05). The pharmacist recommendations were based on patients' symptoms, product price, pharmaceutical company promotion and the financial incentive. In many cases their recommendations were not in line with current best practice recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the most common rationale for pharmacist recommendation on anti-common cold treatment was to take a "shotgun" approach. Pharmacists commonly made recommendations for products that lack strong evidence for efficacy (i.e. anti-viral agents) and are potentially unnecessary, based on presentation of the symptom. Reasons for this situation include lack of training, lack of time to evaluate the patient, lack of awareness of evidence as well as drug company marketing and financial incentives (i.e. fulfilling sale plans and target sale bonuses). TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was a non-interventional, observational research trial. The study registration was not required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rafal Pawliczak
- Department of Immunopathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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16
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Shao T, Verma HK, Pande B, Costanzo V, Ye W, Cai Y, Bhaskar LVKS. Physical Activity and Nutritional Influence on Immune Function: An Important Strategy to Improve Immunity and Health Status. Front Physiol 2021; 12:751374. [PMID: 34690818 PMCID: PMC8531728 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.751374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) and nutrition are the essential components of a healthy lifestyle, as they can influence energy balance, promote functional ability of various systems and improve immunity. Infections and their associated symptoms are the common and frequent challenges to human health that are causing severe economic and social consequences around the world. During aging, human immune system undergoes dramatic aging-related changes/dysfunctions known as immunosenescence. Clinically, immunosenescence refers to the gradual deterioration of immune system that increases exposure to infections, and reduces vaccine efficacy. Such phenomenon is linked to impaired immune responses that lead to dysfunction of multiple organs, while lack of physical activity, progressive loss of muscle mass, and concomitant decline in muscle strength facilitate immunosenescence and inflammation. In the present review, we have discussed the role of nutrition and PA, which can boost the immune system alone and synergistically. Evidence suggests that long-term PA is beneficial in improving immune system and preventing various infections. We have further discussed several nutritional strategies for improving the immune system. Unfortunately, the available evidence shows conflicting results. In terms of interaction with food intake, PA does not tend to increase energy intake during a short time course. However, overcoming nutritional deficiencies appears to be the most practical recommendation. Through the balanced nutritious diet intake one can fulfill the bodily requirement of optimal nutrition that significantly impacts the immune system. Supplementation of a single nutrient as food is generally not advisable. Rather incorporating various fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins and probiotics may ensure adequate nutrient intake. Therefore, multi-nutrient supplements may benefit people having deficiency in spite of sufficient diet. Along with PA, supplementation of probiotics, bovine colostrum, plant-derived products and functional foods may provide additional benefits in improving the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Shao
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Henu Kumar Verma
- Department of Immunopathology, Institute of lungs Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Helmholtz Zentrum, Munich, Germany
| | - Babita Pande
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Science, Raipur, India
| | - Vincenzo Costanzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Weibing Ye
- College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Yuyan Cai
- Department of Physical Education, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - L V K S Bhaskar
- Department of Zoology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India
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17
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Chiappini E, Santamaria F, Marseglia GL, Marchisio P, Galli L, Cutrera R, de Martino M, Antonini S, Becherucci P, Biasci P, Bortone B, Bottero S, Caldarelli V, Cardinale F, Gattinara GC, Ciarcià M, Ciofi D, D'Elios S, Di Mauro G, Doria M, Indinnimeo L, Lo Vecchio A, Macrì F, Mattina R, Miniello VL, Del Giudice MM, Morbin G, Motisi MA, Novelli A, Palamara AT, Panatta ML, Pasinato A, Peroni D, Perruccio K, Piacentini G, Pifferi M, Pignataro L, Sitzia E, Tersigni C, Torretta S, Trambusti I, Trippella G, Valentini D, Valentini S, Varricchio A, Verga MC, Vicini C, Zecca M, Villani A. Prevention of recurrent respiratory infections : Inter-society Consensus. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:211. [PMID: 34696778 PMCID: PMC8543868 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01150-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) are a common clinical condition in children, in fact about 25% of children under 1 year and 6% of children during the first 6 years of life have RRIs. In most cases, infections occur with mild clinical manifestations and the frequency of episodes tends to decrease over time with a complete resolution by 12 years of age. However, RRIs significantly reduce child and family quality of life and lead to significant medical and social costs.Despite the importance of this condition, there is currently no agreed definition of the term RRIs in the literature, especially concerning the frequency and type of infectious episodes to be considered. The aim of this consensus document is to propose an updated definition and provide recommendations with the intent of guiding the physician in the complex process of diagnosis, management and prevention of RRIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chiappini
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Francesca Santamaria
- Departement of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pavia IRCCS San Matteo foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Marchisio
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Cutrera
- Respiratory Unit, Academic Pediatric Department, Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio de Martino
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Antonini
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Becherucci
- Family Pediatrician, Local Health Unit, Lastra a Signa, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Biasci
- Family Pediatrician, Local Health Unit, Livorno, Italy
| | - Barbara Bortone
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sergio Bottero
- Airway Surgery Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Caldarelli
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Fabio Cardinale
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hospital Giovanni XXIII, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Martina Ciarcià
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Ciofi
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sofia D'Elios
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Mauro
- Pediatric Primary Care, National Pediatric Health Care System, Caserta, Italy
| | - Mattia Doria
- Family Pediatrician, Local Health Unit, Chioggia, Venice, Italy
| | - Luciana Indinnimeo
- Pediatric Department "Sapienza", University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lo Vecchio
- Departement of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Macrì
- Department of Pediatrics "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Mattina
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Odontoiatric Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Michele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman and Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Guido Morbin
- Family Pediatrician, Local Health Unit, Trento, Italy
| | - Marco Antonio Motisi
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Novelli
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Panatta
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Pasinato
- Family Pediatrician, Local Health Unit, Torri di Quartesolo, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Katia Perruccio
- Pediatric Oncology Hematology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Piacentini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinic, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Pifferi
- Department of Pediatrics Pulmonology and Allergology Section University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pignataro
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Sitzia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Tersigni
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Torretta
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Trambusti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Trippella
- Meyer University Hospital, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Diletta Valentini
- Department of Pediatric and Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandro Valentini
- Family Pediatrician, Local Health Unit, Colle Val d'Elsa, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Maria Carmen Verga
- Family Pediatrician, Local Health Unit Salerno, Vietri sul Mare, Salerno, Italy
| | - Claudio Vicini
- Department of Head-Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head-Neck and Oral Surgery Unit, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - Marco Zecca
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Villani
- Department of Pediatric and Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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18
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Borujerdi R, Adeli SH, Mohammadbeigi A, Aliasl F, Asghari A, Hormati A, Dehnavi HM, Hoseini F, Asghari M. Effects of Iranian Polyherbal Syrup (Zufa syrup) on oxygen saturation and clinical symptoms in suspected patients with COVID-19: a triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Med Gas Res 2021; 12:44-50. [PMID: 34677151 PMCID: PMC8562395 DOI: 10.4103/2045-9912.325991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an urgent need for investigating potential treatments. Traditional medicine offers many potential remedies that have been historically used and have the advantage of bypassing the cultural obstacles in the practice of medicine. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of Zufa syrup in the treatment of suspected patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. This triple-blind randomized controlled trial recruited patients with evidence of COVID-19 on chest computed tomography without an indication of hospital admission from March 2020 until April 2020. Participants were assessed by a physician and completed a pre-specified form to assess the duration and severity of symptoms. Patients were randomized to receive Zufa syrup (a combination of herbal medicines: Nepetabracteata, Ziziphus jujube, Glycyrrhizaglabra, Ficuscarica, Cordia myxa, Papaver somniferum, Fennel, Adiantumcapillusveneris, Viola, Viper‘s-buglosses, Lavender, Iris, and sugar) or identical-looking placebo syrup at a dose of 7.5 mL (one tablespoon) every 4 hours for 10 days. After applying the eligibility criteria, 116 patients (49.1% male) were randomized to trial arms with a mean age of 44.3. During the follow-up, Cough, dyspnea, headache, myalgia, anorexia, anxiety, and insomnia improved gradually in both groups, and showed no difference between Zufa syrup and placebo. Oxygen saturation and pulse rate had stable trends throughout the follow-up and were similar between study arms. No patient required hospital admission or supplemental oxygen therapy during the study period. To conclude, in patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, Zufa syrup did not show any difference in symptomatology over a 10 days’ period when compared with placebo. Due to potential effects of medicinal plants in the treatment of respiratory infections, further studies are warranted to clarify their role in COVID-19. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Qom University of Medical Science (Ethics committee reference number IR.MUQ.REC.1398.165) on March 10, 2020 and was registered in Iranian Clinical Trial Center (approval ID: IRCT20200404046934N1) on April 13, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Borujerdi
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Seyed Hasan Adeli
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Mohammadbeigi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aliasl
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Akram Asghari
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hormati
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Disease Research Center, Qom University of Medical Science, Qom, Iran
| | - Hosein Moradi Dehnavi
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Farhad Hoseini
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Majid Asghari
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
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19
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Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. An investigation into the anxiety-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of Echinacea angustifolia (EP107™): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Affect Disord 2021; 293:229-237. [PMID: 34217960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The acute anxiolytic effects of the echinacea angustifolia extract (EP107TM) have been demonstrated in two previous human trials. The goals of this study were to examine the anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects of echinacea angustifolia over a longer duration with a larger sample size. METHODS In this 6-week, 3-arm, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, 108 adults with mild-to-moderately severe anxiety were recruited and randomised to receive either a placebo, 20 mg, or 40 mg of echinacea angustifolia, twice daily. Outcome measures included the Clinically Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale (CUXOS), Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS). RESULTS Based on data collected from 104 participants, both doses of echinacea were associated with overall reductions in anxiety, although improvements were not different from the placebo. However, both doses of echinacea were associated with greater improvements in the PANAS positive and negative affect scores, and SF-36 emotional wellbeing score compared to the placebo. LIMITATIONS The positive improvements associated with echinacea were only identified via the secondary outcome measures and, therefore, require validation in future trials. CONCLUSIONS The echinacea angustifolia extract (EP107TM) administered for 6 weeks at a dose of 40 and 80 mg daily was not associated with greater improvements in anxiety in adults with mild-to-moderately severe anxiety compared to the placebo. However, there were greater improvements in positive and negative affect, and emotional wellbeing, suggesting antidepressant effects. Further studies using clearly-defined populations and validated outcome measures will be useful in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Lopresti
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6023, Australia; College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Stephen J Smith
- Clinical Research Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6023, Australia; College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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20
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Interventions for preventing influenza: An overview of Cochrane systematic reviews and a Bayesian network meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2021; 19:503-514. [PMID: 34544670 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza places a heavy public health burden in numerous countries every year. In addition to vaccines, there are some interventions that are effective in preventing influenza. OBJECTIVE This overview of systematic reviews (SRs) aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of interventions for influenza prevention. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020, Issue 1 for relevant Cochrane SRs using the keywords "common cold," "influenza," and "flu." INCLUSION CRITERIA Cochrane SRs that investigated the prevention of influenza were included. Participants included the general population without influenza or influenza-like symptoms, who were treated with preventative interventions and compared to individuals receiving no treatment or placebo. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently screened citations against pre-defined inclusion criteria and extracted data. The methodological quality of these SRs was evaluated using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-II (AMSTAR-II) guidelines. The primary outcome of our analysis was the incidence of influenza, and the secondary outcomes were the incidence of influenza-like illness and hospitalization. In addition to the narrative summary of SR findings, we also pooled data from homogeneous trials among these SRs and produced evidence mapping. We conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the effect across interventions and used the Cochrane approach to grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) to assess the quality of evidence. RESULTS Eleven Cochrane SRs were included, covering five medications, eleven vaccinations and four complementary therapies. Among these SRs, 73% scored "high" quality on AMSTAR-II rating. We found that eight interventions, including amantadine, garlic, and six different vaccines, were beneficial for reducing the incidence of influenza compared to placebo, while oseltamivir, zanamivir, Ganmao capsule, Echinacea, and another three types of vaccine were probably beneficial. Ganmao capsule ranked highest for influenza prevention in the network meta-analysis, followed by amantadine, garlic, and vaccines of all types. Monovalent inactivated parenteral vaccine was found to be beneficial in reducing the incidence of influenza-like illness. None of the interventions reduced the hospitalization rate. CONCLUSION High-quality evidence showed that garlic or vaccine had advantages in preventing influenza, and that vitamin C is not effective. The effect of other interventions needs to be further verified with high-quality evidence.
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Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:583211. [PMID: 34512404 PMCID: PMC8426550 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
"Medicinal cannabis" is defined as the use of cannabis-based products for the treatment of an illness. Investigations of cannabis compounds in psychiatric and neurological illnesses primarily focus on the major cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which are hypothesised to benefit multiple illnesses manifesting cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration and neuro-inflammation, as well as chronic pain, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively. The cannabis plant contains >500 compounds, including terpenes responsible for the flavour and fragrance profiles of plants. Recently, research has begun providing evidence on the potential use of certain plant-derived terpenes in modern medicine, demonstrating anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of these compounds. This review examined the effects of two key terpenes, pinene and linalool, on parameters relevant to neurological and psychiatric disorders, highlighting gaps in the literature and recommendations for future research into terpene therapeutics. Overall, evidence is mostly limited to preclinical studies and well-designed clinical trials are lacking. Nevertheless, existing data suggests that pinene and linalool are relevant candidates for further investigation as novel medicines for illnesses, including stroke, ischemia, inflammatory and neuropathic pain (including migraine), cognitive impairment (relevant to Alzheimer's disease and ageing), insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Linalool and pinene influence multiple neurotransmitter, inflammatory and neurotrophic signals as well as behaviour, demonstrating psycho-activity (albeit non-intoxicating). Optimising the phytochemical profile of cannabis chemovars to yield therapeutic levels of beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids, such as linalool, pinene and CBD, could present a unique opportunity to discover novel medicines to treat psychiatric and neurological illnesses; however, further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Weston-Green
- Neurohorizons Laboratory, Molecular Horizons and School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Clunas
- Neurohorizons Laboratory, Molecular Horizons and School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlos Jimenez Naranjo
- Neurohorizons Laboratory, Molecular Horizons and School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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22
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Ozturk GZ, Toprak D, Sagsoz O, Ardic C. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Family Physicians on Antimicrobial Therapy for Acute Respiratory Tract Infections - A Study from Istanbul, Turkey. EURASIAN JOURNAL OF FAMILY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.33880/ejfm.2021100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, practice of family physicians regarding an-timicrobial therapy in acute respiratory tract infections.
Methods: After receiving the ethics committee approval, the data were collected by online questionnaire from a phone application with 304 physicians. Questions about socio-demographic features and knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotics use were asked. Using SPSS, we did the statistical analyses with appropriate procedures.
Results: Among the participants, 127 (41.8%) were specialists, and 177 (58.2%) were gen-eral practitioners. The specialists gave correct answers about tonsillopharyngitis and bron-chiolitis significantly more often than the general practitioners did. The antibiotic choices for acute otitis media were not in compliance with the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, and between the groups, there was no significant difference in terms of initial antibiotic choice. The self-reported antibiotic prescription rate was 25%. In 10%, the most common perceived reason for inappropriate antibiotic prescription was pressure from patients.
Conclusion: There remains considerable misuse of antibiotics by primary care physicians for acute respiratory tract infections. Education of physicians and patients regarding acute respiratory tract infections may be needed to lower the rate of inappropriate antibiotic pre-scriptions.
Keywords: public health practice, practice patterns, primary healthcare
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cuneyt Ardic
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine
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23
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Alhazmi HA, Najmi A, Javed SA, Sultana S, Al Bratty M, Makeen HA, Meraya AM, Ahsan W, Mohan S, Taha MME, Khalid A. Medicinal Plants and Isolated Molecules Demonstrating Immunomodulation Activity as Potential Alternative Therapies for Viral Diseases Including COVID-19. Front Immunol 2021; 12:637553. [PMID: 34054806 PMCID: PMC8155592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.637553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants have been extensively studied since ancient times and numerous important chemical constituents with tremendous therapeutic potential are identified. Attacks of microorganisms including viruses and bacteria can be counteracted with an efficient immune system and therefore, stimulation of body's defense mechanism against infections has been proven to be an effective approach. Polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and lactones are the important phytochemicals, reported to be primarily responsible for immunomodulation activity of the plants. These phytochemicals may act as lead molecules for the development of safe and effective immunomodulators as potential remedies for the prevention and cure of viral diseases. Natural products are known to primarily modulate the immune system in nonspecific ways. A number of plant-based principles have been identified and isolated with potential immunomodulation activity which justify their use in traditional folklore medicine and can form the basis of further specified research. The aim of the current review is to describe and highlight the immunomodulation potential of certain plants along with their bioactive chemical constituents. Relevant literatures of recent years were searched from commonly employed scientific databases on the basis of their ethnopharmacological use. Most of the plants displaying considerable immunomodulation activity are summarized along with their possible mechanisms. These discussions shall hopefully elicit the attention of researchers and encourage further studies on these plant-based immunomodulation products as potential therapy for the management of infectious diseases, including viral ones such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan A. Alhazmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sadique A. Javed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahnaz Sultana
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al Bratty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz A. Makeen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkarim M. Meraya
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waquar Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syam Mohan
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal M. E. Taha
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asaad Khalid
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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24
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Ogal M, Johnston SL, Klein P, Schoop R. Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. Eur J Med Res 2021; 26:33. [PMID: 33832544 PMCID: PMC8028575 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-021-00499-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In children, up to 30% of viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) develop into bacterial complications associated with pneumonia, sinusitis or otitis media to trigger a tremendous need for antibiotics. This study investigated the efficacy of Echinacea for the prevention of viral RTIs, for the prevention of secondary bacterial complications and for reducing rates of antibiotic prescriptions in children. Methods Echinaforce® Junior tablets [400 mg freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea alcoholic extract] or vitamin C [50 mg] as control were given three times daily for prevention to children 4–12 years. Two × 2 months of prevention were separated by a 1-week treatment break. Parents assessed respiratory symptoms in children via e-diaries and collected nasopharyngeal secretions for screening of respiratory pathogens (Allplex® RT-PCR). Results Overall, 429 cold days occurred in NITT = 103 children with Echinacea in comparison to 602 days in NITT = 98 children with vitamin C (p < 0.001, Chi-square test). Echinacea prevented 32.5% of RTI episodes resulting in an odds ratio of OR = 0.52 [95% CI 0.30–0.91, p = 0.021]. Six children (5.8%) with Echinacea and 15 children (15.3%) with vitamin C required 6 and 24 courses of antibiotic treatment, respectively (reduction of 76.3%, p < 0.001). A total of 45 and 216 days of antibiotic therapy were reported in the two groups, respectively (reduction of 80.2% (p < 0.001). Eleven and 30 events of RTI complications (e.g., otitis media, sinusitis or pneumonia) occurred with Echinacea and vitamin C, respectively (p = 0.0030). Echinacea significantly prevented influenza (3 vs. 20 detections, p = 0.012) and enveloped virus infections (29 vs. 47 detections, p = 0.0038). Finally, 76 adverse events occurred with Echinacea and 105 events with vitamin C (p = 0.016), only three events were reported possibly related with Echinacea. Conclusions Our results support the use of Echinacea for the prevention of RTIs and reduction of associated antibiotic usage in children. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02971384, 23th Nov 2016. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40001-021-00499-6.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter Klein
- d.s.h. Statistical Services GmbH, Rohrbach, Germany
| | - Roland Schoop
- A Vogel AG, Grünaustrasse 4, 9325, Roggwil, TG, Switzerland.
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25
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Nagoor Meeran M, Javed H, Sharma C, Goyal SN, Kumar S, Jha NK, Ojha S. Can Echinacea be a potential candidate to target immunity, inflammation, and infection - The trinity of coronavirus disease 2019. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05990. [PMID: 33585706 PMCID: PMC7870107 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an ongoing public health emergency. The pathogenesis and complications advanced with infection mainly involve immune-inflammatory cascade. Therefore, the therapeutic strategy relies on immune modulation, reducing infectivity and inflammation. Given the interplay of infection and immune-inflammatory axis, the natural products received attention for preventive and therapeutic usage in COVID-19 due to their potent antiviral and anti-immunomodulatory activities. Recently, Echinacea preparations, particularly E. purpurea, have been suggested to be an important antiviral agent to be useful in COVID-19 by modulating virus entry, internalization and replication. In principle, the immune response and the resultant inflammatory process are important for the elimination of the infection, but may have a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and may play a role in the clinical spectrum of COVID-19. Considering the pharmacological effects, therapeutic potential, and molecular mechanisms of Echinacea, we hypothesize that it could be a reasonably possible candidate for targeting infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19 with recent recognition of cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) mediated mechanisms of bioactive components that make them notable immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent. The plausible reason for our hypothesis is that the presence of numerous bioactive agents in different parts of plants that may synergistically exert polypharmacological actions in regulating immune-inflammatory axis in COVID-19. Our proposition is to scientifically contemplate the therapeutic perspective and prospect of Echinacea on infection, immunity, and inflammation with a potential in COVID-19 to limit the severity and progression of the disease. Based on the clinical usage for respiratory infections, and relative safety in humans, further studies for the evidence-based approach to COVID-19 are needed. We do hope that Echinacea could be a candidate agent for immunomodulation in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.F. Nagoor Meeran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayate Javed
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelvani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Division of Hematology/Nephrology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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26
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Seifert G, Jeitler M, Stange R, Michalsen A, Cramer H, Brinkhaus B, Esch T, Kerckhoff A, Paul A, Teut M, Ghadjar P, Langhorst J, Häupl T, Murthy V, Kessler CS. The Relevance of Complementary and Integrative Medicine in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Review of the Literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:587749. [PMID: 33363186 PMCID: PMC7761649 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.587749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic people are facing risks of adverse health effects due to the restrictions implemented such as quarantine measures, reduced social contact, and self-isolation. In this qualitative review, we collected data on potential preventive and therapeutic health benefits of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) that might be useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have reviewed the scientific literature to summarize CIM practices that could be beneficial for improving physical and mental health and well-being of the population under the current pandemic circumstances. It must be noted that this review is not SARS-CoV-2 specific and we explicitly do not intend to make any SARS-CoV-2 specific health claims in this article. Methods and Findings: A qualitative, non-systematic literature review was conducted in Medline to identify literature describing preventive and therapeutic CIM approaches for strengthening mental and physical health. For a variety of CIM approaches clinical evidence was identified, indicating beneficial effects. CIM approaches include specific dietary measures and selected micronutrients, physical activity, techniques from Mind-Body Medicine, single botanicals or botanical compounds, and spending time in nature among others. The effects of CIM measures on conditions like obesity and hypertension are of special relevance here, as these conditions are considered as risk factors for a severe course of COVID-19. Moreover, a possibly direct effect of CIM approaches on immune functions and clinical parameters in respiratory tract infections, such as influenza, were identified. The findings of this review could be helpful for clinicians, patients, and the general population during the current pandemic when discussing and/or considering CIM options. Conclusions: CIM offers a variety of preventive and therapeutic options for strengthening physical and mental resilience, which could also be useful in the current COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence of CIM approaches with a potential benefit in the COVID-19 pandemic in different areas is worth to be analyzed. While this qualitative review has several obvious limitations, it might serve as useful starting point for further research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Seifert
- Department of Paediatric Oncology/Haematology, Otto-Heubner Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (OHC), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,*Correspondence: Georg Seifert
| | - Michael Jeitler
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Stange
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Michalsen
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Cramer
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Benno Brinkhaus
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Esch
- Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, University Clinic for Integrative Health Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Annette Kerckhoff
- Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, University Clinic for Integrative Health Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Anna Paul
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Teut
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pirus Ghadjar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jost Langhorst
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Klinikum Bamberg, Chair for Integrative Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Häupl
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vijay Murthy
- Faculty of Medicine, Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Christian S. Kessler
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Koenig HG. Maintaining Health and Well-Being by Putting Faith into Action During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:2205-2214. [PMID: 32409989 PMCID: PMC7224109 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01035-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and fear adversely affect the physiological systems that protect individuals from infection. This article comments on the role that religious faith and practice can play in helping individuals remain free from infection by the coronavirus and in helping to moderate the effects of infection if that should occur. The author provides six recommendations to help individuals maintain spiritual, mental, and physical resilience during these anxious times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold G Koenig
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3400, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China.
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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28
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Silveira D, Prieto-Garcia JM, Boylan F, Estrada O, Fonseca-Bazzo YM, Jamal CM, Magalhães PO, Pereira EO, Tomczyk M, Heinrich M. COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:581840. [PMID: 33071794 PMCID: PMC7542597 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.581840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current recommendations for the self-management of SARS-Cov-2 disease (COVID-19) include self-isolation, rest, hydration, and the use of NSAID in case of high fever only. It is expected that many patients will add other symptomatic/adjuvant treatments, such as herbal medicines. AIMS To provide a benefits/risks assessment of selected herbal medicines traditionally indicated for "respiratory diseases" within the current frame of the COVID-19 pandemic as an adjuvant treatment. METHOD The plant selection was primarily based on species listed by the WHO and EMA, but some other herbal remedies were considered due to their widespread use in respiratory conditions. Preclinical and clinical data on their efficacy and safety were collected from authoritative sources. The target population were adults with early and mild flu symptoms without underlying conditions. These were evaluated according to a modified PrOACT-URL method with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine as reference drugs. The benefits/risks balance of the treatments was classified as positive, promising, negative, and unknown. RESULTS A total of 39 herbal medicines were identified as very likely to appeal to the COVID-19 patient. According to our method, the benefits/risks assessment of the herbal medicines was found to be positive in 5 cases (Althaea officinalis, Commiphora molmol, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedera helix, and Sambucus nigra), promising in 12 cases (Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, Justicia pectoralis, Magnolia officinalis, Mikania glomerata, Pelargonium sidoides, Pimpinella anisum, Salix sp, Zingiber officinale), and unknown for the rest. On the same grounds, only ibuprofen resulted promising, but we could not find compelling evidence to endorse the use of paracetamol and/or codeine. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests that several herbal medicines have safety margins superior to those of reference drugs and enough levels of evidence to start a clinical discussion about their potential use as adjuvants in the treatment of early/mild common flu in otherwise healthy adults within the context of COVID-19. While these herbal medicines will not cure or prevent the flu, they may both improve general patient well-being and offer them an opportunity to personalize the therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dâmaris Silveira
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Jose Maria Prieto-Garcia
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Fabio Boylan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Omar Estrada
- Biophysics and Biochemistry Center, Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | | | | | - Edson Oliveira Pereira
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Michal Tomczyk
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, School of Pharmacy, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
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Di Sotto A, Vitalone A, Di Giacomo S. Plant-Derived Nutraceuticals and Immune System Modulation: An Evidence-Based Overview. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E468. [PMID: 32842641 PMCID: PMC7563161 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulators are agents able to affect the immune system, by boosting the immune defences to improve the body reaction against infectious or exogenous injuries, or suppressing the abnormal immune response occurring in immune disorders. Moreover, immunoadjuvants can support immune system acting on nonimmune targets, thus improving the immune response. The modulation of inflammatory pathways and microbiome can also contribute to control the immune function. Some plant-based nutraceuticals have been studied as possible immunomodulating agents due to their multiple and pleiotropic effects. Being usually more tolerable than pharmacological treatments, their adjuvant contribution is approached as a desirable nutraceutical strategy. In the present review, the up to date knowledge about the immunomodulating properties of polysaccharides, fatty acids and labdane diterpenes have been analyzed, in order to give scientific basic and clinical evidence to support their practical use. Since promising evidence in preclinical studies, limited and sometimes confusing results have been highlighted in clinical trials, likely due to low methodological quality and lacking standardization. More investigations of high quality and specificity are required to describe in depth the usefulness of these plant-derived nutraceuticals in the immune system modulation, for health promoting and disease preventing purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Di Sotto
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Annabella Vitalone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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Koehler H, Puchalski K, Ruiz G, Jacobs B, Langland J. The Role of Endophytic/Epiphytic Bacterial Constituents in the Immunostimulatory Activity of the Botanical, Astragalus membranaceus. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 93:239-250. [PMID: 32607085 PMCID: PMC7309664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus is a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine being one of the oldest medicinal herbs listed in the material medica of Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese herbalists have used Astragalus to help the human body fight a variety of diseases. Modern herbalists utilize Astragalus primarily as an immunostimulant to prevent common infection and aid in the recovery following infection. Historically, the biological activities associated with Astragalus have been accounted for, at least in part, to several constituents present in the botanical including saponins and polysaccharides. We propose that in addition to these constituents, compounds from endophytic (or epiphytic) bacteria present in (or on) the roots of Astragalus may have an important biological role. Lipopolysaccharides and lipoproteins are major components of Gram-negative bacteria and highly potent activators of the innate immune response. Our data supports a direct correlation between the level of immune gene induction and the level of lipopolysaccharides/lipoproteins present in the Astragalus extract. We demonstrate that extracts from Astragalus specifically activate Toll-like and NOD-like receptors involved in the recognition and response to bacterial constituents and that removal of the lipopolysaccharide/lipoprotein from the Astragalus extract reduced the level of this response. The results support that many immune enhancing botanicals have established a symbiotic relationship with Gram-negative bacteria and that the immune enhancing effect of these botanical extracts on the body may not only be due to endogenous plant compounds, but endophytic (or epiphytic) bacterial components as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Koehler
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Keely Puchalski
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, Tempe, AZ
| | - Guillermo Ruiz
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, Tempe, AZ
| | - Bertram Jacobs
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Institute, Tempe, AZ
| | - Jeffrey Langland
- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, Tempe, AZ,Arizona State University, Biodesign Institute, Tempe, AZ,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Jeffrey Langland, Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Tempe, AZ; ORCID iD: 0000-0002-3653-8844;
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purposes of the review are as follows: (1) to define acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and their phenotypes, (2) to highlight the ARS management according to international guidelines, (3) to compare the physicians' management with the ARS guideline recommendations, and (4) to report ARS socioeconomic burden. RECENT FINDINGS Bacterial and non-bacterial ARS have similar symptoms, although they can be discriminated by using a combination of specific signs and symptoms. The prescription of antibiotics should be limited to clearly suspected bacterial ARS. There is an overuse of diagnosis tools and treatment prescriptions. The total cost per ARS episode in Europe is over €1000. ARS is mainly an inflammatory disease triggered by viral infection, and few cases end up developing bacterial infection. In most of the cases, it is a self-resolving disease which diagnosis is mainly clinical and the treatment symptomatic. The incidence of complications is low and independent of antibiotic use. There is a high socioeconomic burden associated to ARS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Jaume
- Servei d'Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital Comarcal d'Inca, Carretera Vella de Llubí, 07300, Inca, Illes Balears, Spain.
| | - Meritxell Valls-Mateus
- Servei d'Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Joaquim Mullol
- Unitat de Rinologia i Clínica de l'Olfacte, Servei d'Otorinolaringologia, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Immunoal.lèrgia Respiratòria Clínica i Experimental, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red en Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain.
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Schapowal A, Dobos G, Cramer H, Ong KC, Adler M, Zimmermann A, Brandes-Schramm J, Lehmacher W. Treatment of signs and symptoms of the common cold using EPs 7630 - results of a meta-analysis. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02904. [PMID: 31844762 PMCID: PMC6888731 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides preparation EPs 7630 in the common cold (CC) was assessed by performing meta-analyses of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Five trials with a total of 833 patients were included. All trials had a treatment period of ten days with visits at days 3, 5, and 10 after baseline and used a ten-symptom Cold Intensity Score (CIS) as the primary outcome. Significant differences favoring EPs 7630 were observed for total CIS reduction (day 5: MD = -2·30; 95%CI = -4·12,-0·49; day 10: MD = -1·16; 95%CI = -2·22,-0·10), proportion of patients with substantial improvement (day 5: RR = 1·73; day 10: RR = 1·06) and complete remission (day 5: RR = 2·52; day 10: RR = 2·13). Subjects treated with EPs 7630 missed fewer days at work, used less paracetamol and had an improved sleep quality. No serious adverse reactions to EPs 7630 were reported. The results support the efficacy of EPs 7630 in adults with CC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gustav Dobos
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Am Deimelsberg 34a, 45276 Essen, Germany
| | - Holger Cramer
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Am Deimelsberg 34a, 45276 Essen, Germany
| | - Kian Chung Ong
- KC Ong Chest & Medical Clinic, 3 Mount Elizabeth #12-03, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
| | - Martin Adler
- Institute of Integrative Medicine Siegen, University of Münster, Lärchenweg 27, 57078 Siegen, Germany
| | - Andrea Zimmermann
- Clinical Research, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Willmar-Schwabe-Straβe 4, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Juliette Brandes-Schramm
- Clinical Research, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Willmar-Schwabe-Straβe 4, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Walter Lehmacher
- Emeritus, University of Cologne, Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, Kerpener Straβe 62, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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Eng YS, Lee CH, Lee WC, Huang CC, Chang JS. Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Formulas Against Acute Airway Viral Infections as Examples. Molecules 2019; 24:E3505. [PMID: 31569633 PMCID: PMC6804036 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24193505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely used worldwide. Herbs and TCM formulas contain numerous active molecules. Basically, they are a kind of cocktail therapy. Herb-drug, herb-food, herb-herb, herb-microbiome, and herb-disease interactions are complex. There is potential for both benefit and harm, so only after understanding more of their mechanisms and clinical effects can herbal medicine and TCM be helpful to users. Many pharmacologic studies have been performed to unravel the molecular mechanisms; however, basic and clinical studies of good validity are still not enough to translate experimental results into clinical understanding and to provide tough evidence for better use of herbal medicines. There are still issues regarding the conflicting pharmacologic effects, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse and clinical effects of herbal medicine and TCM. Understanding study validation, pharmacologic effects, drug interactions, indications and clinical effects, adverse effects and limitations, can all help clinicians in providing adequate suggestions to patients. At present, it would be better to use herbs and TCM formulas according to their traditional indications matching the disease pathophysiology and their molecular mechanisms. To unravel the molecular mechanisms and understand the benefits and harms of herbal medicine and TCM, there is still much work to be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shin Eng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Chien Hsing Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Wei Chang Lee
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 0708, Taiwan.
| | - Ching Chun Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Jung San Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
- Department of Renal Care, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
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Authors' response to letter to the editor: "Meta-analysis on vitamin C and the common cold in children may be misleading". Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 75:1749-1750. [PMID: 31463576 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-019-02734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Meta-analysis on vitamin C and the common cold in children may be misleading. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 75:1747-1748. [PMID: 31377890 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-019-02733-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Feleszko W, Marengo R, Vieira AS, Ratajczak K, Mayorga Butrón JL. Immunity-targeted approaches to the management of chronic and recurrent upper respiratory tract disorders in children. Clin Otolaryngol 2019; 44:502-510. [PMID: 30920131 PMCID: PMC6850198 DOI: 10.1111/coa.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), including rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, tonsillitis and otitis media (OM), comprise of 88% of total respiratory infections, especially in children. Therefore effective prevention and treatment of RTIs remain a high priority worldwide. Preclinical and clinical data highlight the rationale for the use and effectiveness of immunity‐targeted approaches, including targeted immunisations and non‐specific immunomodulation in the prevention and management of recurrent upper RTIs. Objective of review The idea of this review was to summarise the current evidence and address key questions concerning the use of conservative and immunity‐targeted approaches to recurrent and chronic URTIs, with a focus on the paediatric population. Search strategy/Evaluation method Literature searches were conducted in March 2017 and updated in September 2017 using: Academic Search Complete; CENTRAL; Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition; MEDLINE; clinicaltrials.gov; and Cochrane databases. In total, 84 articles were retrieved and reviewed. Two independent researchers focused on primary and secondary endpoints in systematic reviews, meta‐analyses and randomised, controlled trials, using immunity‐directed strategies as the control group or within a subpopulation of larger studies. Existing guidelines and interventional/observational studies on novel applications were also included. Results Children are particularly susceptible to RTIs due to the relative immaturity of their immune systems, as well as other potential predisposing factors such as day care attendance and/or toxic environmental factors (eg increased pathogenic microbial exposure and air pollutants). Recurrent URTIs can affect otherwise healthy children, leading to clinical sequelae and complications, including the development of chronic conditions or the need for surgery. Available pre‐clinical and clinical data highlight the rationale for the use and effectiveness of immunity‐targeted approaches, including targeted immunisations (flu and pneumococcal vaccines) and non‐specific immunomodulation (bacterial lysates), in the prevention and management of recurrent croup, tonsillitis, otitis media, recurrent acute rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis. Conclusions In this review, we summarise the current evidence and provide data demonstrating that some immunity‐targeted strategies, including vaccination and immunomodulation, have proved effective in the treatment and prevention of recurrent and chronic URTIs in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Feleszko
- Department of Paediatric Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ricardo Marengo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Audiology, CEMIC Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Karol Ratajczak
- Department of Paediatric Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - José Luis Mayorga Butrón
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, National Institute of Pediatrics, Cuicuilco, Mexico.,Master of Science Program, Postgraduate Unit, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Mexico, Cuicuilco, Mexico
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Min J, She B, Zhang X, Mao B, Chen Y. Binafuxi granules in the treatment of common cold with heat syndrome based on traditional Uighur medicine: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Trials 2019; 20:187. [PMID: 30922355 PMCID: PMC6440128 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3290-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The common cold is a highly prevalent illness with significant impact on society and health care. Common cold with heat syndrome (CCHS) is one of the most common types based on syndrome differentiation by traditional Uighur medicine (TUM), which is widely used in Central Asia. The study is designed to explore the efficacy, safety and optimal therapeutic dosage of Binafuxi granules in treating CCHS. Methods This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial. Participants (n = 240) will be enrolled from five centers across China and randomly assigned to the high-dose group, low-dose group or placebo control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. All eligible patients will receive test drugs twice daily for 3 days. The primary outcome is the time to fever relief. Secondary outcomes include the time to fever clearance, duration of primary symptoms and each symptom and change in TUM symptom score. Discussion This is the first placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of a Uighur medicine in treating common cold. It will provide robust evidence on the efficacy and safety of Binafuxi granules in the treatment of CCHS. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IIR-17013379. Registered on 14 November 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3290-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Min
- Pneumology Group, Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin She
- Pneumology Group, Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Pneumology Group, Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Mao
- Pneumology Group, Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Pneumology Group, Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
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Hijazi MA, Shatila H, El-Lakany A, Aboul Ela M, Kharroubi S, Alameddine M, Naja F. Beliefs, practices and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding complementary and alternative medicine: national cross-sectional study in Lebanon. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e025074. [PMID: 30852542 PMCID: PMC6429928 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide patients with evidence-based information in order to ensure effective and safe use of Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products. OBJECTIVE Assess beliefs, practices and knowledge related to CAM products among community pharmacists in Lebanon. DESIGN, METHODS AND SETTING Using stratified random sampling, a nationally representative survey was conducted among community pharmacists in Lebanon. Through face-to-face interviews, pharmacists completed a multicomponent questionnaire consisting of four sections: (1) sociodemographic characteristics; (2) beliefs related to regulation of CAM products, role of media in promoting their safe use, availability of resources and continuing education; (3) practices including selling CAM products, providing advice for patients and reporting adverse effects and (4) knowledge about specific CAM products, their uses, side effects and interactions. RESULTS A total of 341 pharmacists agreed to participate (response rate: 86%). Only pharmacists with complete data were included in this study (n=310). Pharmacists agreed that CAM products are effective (63.8%) and that they should be exclusively sold in pharmacies (80.3%), but disagreed that commercially marketed CAM products are well regulated (63.5%) and that media plays a positive role in educating users about these products (55.8%). As for practices, 64.5% of pharmacists were always or often advising patients on safe use; however, 74.2% of participants rarely or never reported adverse effects. Regarding knowledge, although the majority of pharmacists were aware of the uses of CAM products, fewer knew about their side effects and their interactions with drugs. After adjustment for covariates, receiving education/training on CAM products during university was the sole predictor of higher knowledge score (ß=0.68, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.07). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed positive beliefs of pharmacists in Lebanon towards CAM products and indicated important gaps in their practice and knowledge. Deliberate efforts to enhance the education of pharmacists are warranted to ensure the safe integration and use of CAM products in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Ali Hijazi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hibeh Shatila
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdalla El-Lakany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maha Aboul Ela
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samer Kharroubi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Alameddine
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Strategy & Institutional Excellence, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences College of Medicine, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Naja
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Baars EW, Zoen EBV, Breitkreuz T, Martin D, Matthes H, von Schoen-Angerer T, Soldner G, Vagedes J, van Wietmarschen H, Patijn O, Willcox M, von Flotow P, Teut M, von Ammon K, Thangavelu M, Wolf U, Hummelsberger J, Nicolai T, Hartemann P, Szőke H, McIntyre M, van der Werf ET, Huber R. The Contribution of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Reduce Antibiotic Use: A Narrative Review of Health Concepts, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:5365608. [PMID: 30854009 PMCID: PMC6378062 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5365608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this narrative review was to explore the potential contributions of CAM to reduce antibiotic use. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews with a specific, limited set of search terms and collected input from a group of expert CAM researchers to answer the question: What is known about the contribution of CAM health and health promotion concepts, infection prevention, and infection treatment strategies to reduce antibiotic use? Results. The worldview-related CAM health concepts enable health promotion oriented infection prevention and treatment aimed at strengthening or supporting the self-regulating ability of the human organism to cope with diseases. There is some evidence that the CAM concepts of health (promotion) are in agreement with current conceptualization of health and that doctors who practice both CAM and conventional medicine prescribe less antibiotics, although selection bias of the presented studies cannot be ruled out. There is some evidence that prevention and some treatment strategies are effective and safe. Many CAM treatment strategies are promising but overall lack high quality evidence. CONCLUSIONS CAM prevention and treatment strategies may contribute to reducing antibiotic use, but more rigorous research is necessary to provide high quality evidence of (cost-)effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik W. Baars
- Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3-5, 3981 AJ Bunnik, Netherlands
- University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Faculty of Healthcare, Zernikedreef 11, 2333 CK Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eefje Belt-van Zoen
- University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Faculty of Healthcare, Zernikedreef 11, 2333 CK Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - David Martin
- University of Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, 58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Harald Matthes
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Luisenstr. 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Georg Soldner
- Medical section of the Goetheanum, Rüttiweg 45 4143 Dornach, Switzerland
| | - Jan Vagedes
- ARCIM institute, Im Haberschlai 7, 70794 Filderstadt, Germany
| | | | - Olga Patijn
- Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3-5, 3981 AJ Bunnik, Netherlands
| | - Merlin Willcox
- University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Paschen von Flotow
- Sustainable Business Institute, Zehnthofstr. 1, 65375 Oestrich-Winkel, Germany
| | - Michael Teut
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Luisenstr. 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus von Ammon
- University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 46, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Madan Thangavelu
- European Ayurveda Association e.V., In den Forstwiesen 27, D- 56745 Bell, Germany
| | - Ursula Wolf
- University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 46, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Ton Nicolai
- Eurocam, Rue du Trône 194, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Hartemann
- University of Lorraine, School of Medicine, 7 avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54500 Vandoeuvre-Nancy, France
| | - Henrik Szőke
- University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Vasvári Pál str. 4., Hungary
| | - Michael McIntyre
- Midsummer Clinic, Church Westcote, Chipping Norton, Oxon, Ox7 6SF, UK
| | - Esther T. van der Werf
- Taylor's University, School of Medicine, 1, Jalan Taylor's, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
- University of Bristol, Bristol Medical School, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Roman Huber
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Breisacher Str. 115b, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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Chow JYL, Colagiuri B, Livesey EJ. Bridging the divide between causal illusions in the laboratory and the real world: the effects of outcome density with a variable continuous outcome. COGNITIVE RESEARCH-PRINCIPLES AND IMPLICATIONS 2019; 4:1. [PMID: 30693393 PMCID: PMC6352562 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-018-0149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Illusory causation refers to a consistent error in human learning in which the learner develops a false belief that two unrelated events are causally associated. Laboratory studies usually demonstrate illusory causation by presenting two events-a cue (e.g., drug treatment) and a discrete outcome (e.g., patient has recovered from illness)-probabilistically across many trials such that the presence of the cue does not alter the probability of the outcome. Illusory causation in these studies is further augmented when the base rate of the outcome is high, a characteristic known as the outcome density effect. Illusory causation and the outcome density effect provide laboratory models of false beliefs that emerge in everyday life. However, unlike laboratory research, the real-world beliefs to which illusory causation is most applicable (e.g., ineffective health therapies) often involve consequences that are not readily classified in a discrete or binary manner. This study used a causal learning task framed as a medical trial to investigate whether similar outcome density effects emerged when using continuous outcomes. Across two experiments, participants observed outcomes that were either likely to be relatively low (low outcome density) or likely to be relatively high (high outcome density) along a numerical scale from 0 (no health improvement) to 100 (full recovery). In Experiment 1, a bimodal distribution of outcome magnitudes, incorporating variance around a high and low modal value, produced illusory causation and outcome density effects equivalent to a condition with two fixed outcome values. In Experiment 2, the outcome density effect was evident when using unimodal skewed distributions of outcomes that contained more ambiguous values around the midpoint of the scale. Together, these findings provide empirical support for the relevance of the outcome density bias to real-world situations in which outcomes are not binary but occur to differing degrees. This has implications for the way in which we apply our understanding of causal illusions in the laboratory to the development of false beliefs in everyday life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Y L Chow
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Ben Colagiuri
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Evan J Livesey
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Vorilhon P, Arpajou B, Vaillant Roussel H, Merlin É, Pereira B, Cabaillot A. Efficacy of vitamin C for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection. A meta-analysis in children. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 75:303-311. [PMID: 30465062 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-018-2601-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is a common infection in children, generally caused by viral respiratory infection. Vitamin C is currently proposed as prophylaxis for URTI. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of vitamin C administration in children for the prevention and reduced duration of URTI through a systematic literature review. METHODS Review of the literature conducted between October 2017 and January 2018 in the main medical databases (CENTRAL, Medline and Embase) and by a gray literature approach. The selection criteria were: double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing vitamin C use to placebo in children aged 3 months to 18 years without chronic infection. Efficacy was assessed in terms of incidence, duration and severity of symptoms of URTI. A meta-analysis was conducted where possible. RESULTS Eight RCTs, including 3135 children aged 3 months to 18 years, were selected. Quantitative analysis showed no difference between vitamin C administration and placebo (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% CI [0.54-1.03], p = 0.07, I2 = 74%). Vitamin C administration was found to decrease the duration of URTI by 1.6 days (standardized mean differences = -0.30 [-0.53; -0.08], p = 0.009, I2 = 70%). Children under 6 years of age benefit from more effective vitamin C supplementation associated with echinacea. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Although no preventive effects were found, vitamin C intake reduced the duration of URTI. Considering the frequency of URTI, the inappropriate prescription of antibiotics, and the safe nature of vitamin C, its supplementation is justified, especially in children under 6 years of age and those who present a high frequency of URTI. There is a sound rationale for further trials with greater statistical power among children of this age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Vorilhon
- Department of General Practice, Clermont Auvergne University, Faculty of Medicine, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France. .,Clermont Auvergne University, CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Institut Pascal, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France. .,Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Clermont-Ferrand, Université d'Auvergne, 28, place Henri Dunant, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Bastien Arpajou
- Department of General Practice, Clermont Auvergne University, Faculty of Medicine, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hélène Vaillant Roussel
- Department of General Practice, Clermont Auvergne University, Faculty of Medicine, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Clinical Investigation Center, INSERM-CIC 1401, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, 58 Rue Montalembert, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,UPU ACCePPT, Clermont Auvergne University, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Étienne Merlin
- Pediatrics, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Pediatrics, INSERM-CIC 1405, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, 1 place Lucie & Raymond Aubrac, 63003, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Biostatistics Unit (Clinical Research and Innovation Department), Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, 58 Rue Montalembert, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Aurélie Cabaillot
- Department of General Practice, Clermont Auvergne University, Faculty of Medicine, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Clermont Auvergne University, Inserm 1107, Neuro-Dol, Observatoire Français des Médicaments Antalgiques (OFMA), 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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van Driel ML, Scheire S, Deckx L, Gevaert P, De Sutter A. What treatments are effective for common cold in adults and children? BMJ 2018; 363:k3786. [PMID: 30305295 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.k3786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie Scheire
- Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Deckx
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Philippe Gevaert
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An De Sutter
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Hawke K, van Driel ML, Buffington BJ, McGuire TM, King D. Homeopathic medicinal products for preventing and treating acute respiratory tract infections in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 9:CD005974. [PMID: 30196554 PMCID: PMC6513540 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005974.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are common and may lead to complications. Most children experience between three and six ARTIs annually. Although these infections are self-limiting, symptoms can be distressing. Many treatments are used to control symptoms and shorten illness duration. Most have minimal benefit and may lead to adverse effects. Oral homeopathic medicinal products could play a role in childhood ARTI management if evidence for effectiveness is established. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of oral homeopathic medicinal products compared with placebo or conventional therapy to prevent and treat acute respiratory tract infections in children. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (2017, Issue 11) including the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Specialised Register, MEDLINE (1946 to 27 November 2017), Embase (2010 to 27 November 2017), CINAHL (1981 to 27 November 2017), AMED (1985 to December 2014), CAMbase (searched 29 March 2018), British Homeopathic Library (searched 26 June 2013 - no longer operating). We also searched the WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers (29 March 2018), checked references, and contacted study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Double-blind, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or double-blind cluster-RCTs comparing oral homeopathy medicinal products with identical placebo or self-selected conventional treatments to prevent or treat ARTIs in children aged 0 to 16 years. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We included eight RCTs of 1562 children receiving oral homeopathic medicinal products or a control treatment (placebo or conventional treatment) for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Four treatment studies examined the effect on URTI recovery, and four studies investigated the effect on preventing URTIs after one to three months of treatment, followed up for the remainder of the year. Two treatment and two prevention studies involved homeopaths individualising treatment. The other studies used predetermined, non-individualised treatments. All studies involved highly diluted homeopathic medicinal products.We found several limitations to the included studies, in particular methodological inconsistencies and high attrition rates, failure to conduct intention-to-treat analysis, selective reporting, and apparent protocol deviations. We assessed three studies as at high risk of bias in at least one domain, and many had additional domains with unclear risk of bias. Three studies received funding from homeopathy manufacturers; one support from a non-government organisation; two government support; one was cosponsored by a university; and one did not report funding support.Methodological inconsistencies and significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity precluded robust quantitative meta-analysis. Only four outcomes were common to more than one study and could be combined for analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were generally small with wide confidence intervals (CI), and the contributing studies found conflicting effects, so there was little certainty that the efficacy of the intervention could be ascertained. All studies assessed as at low risk of bias showed no benefit from oral homeopathic medicinal products; trials at uncertain and high risk of bias reported beneficial effects.We found low-quality evidence that non-individualised homeopathic medicinal products confer little preventive effect on ARTIs (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.57). We found low-quality evidence from two individualised prevention studies that homeopathy has little impact on the need for antibiotic usage (N = 369) (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.76). We also assessed adverse events, hospitalisation rates and length of stay, days off school (or work for parents), and quality of life, but were not able to pool data from any of these secondary outcomes.There is insufficient evidence from two pooled individualised treatment studies (N = 155) to determine the effect of homeopathy on short-term cure (OR 1.31 favouring placebo, 95% CI 0.09 to 19.54; very low-quality evidence) and long-term cure rates (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.10 to 9.67; very low-quality evidence). Adverse events were reported inconsistently; however, serious events were not reported. One study found an increase in the occurrence of non-severe adverse events in the treatment group. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Pooling of two prevention and two treatment studies did not show any benefit of homeopathic medicinal products compared to placebo on ARTI recurrence or cure rates in children. We found no evidence to support the efficacy of homeopathic medicinal products for ARTIs in children. Adverse events were poorly reported, so conclusions about safety could not be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Hawke
- The University of QueenslandPrimary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine288 Herston Road, HerstonBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia4006
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- The University of QueenslandPrimary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine288 Herston Road, HerstonBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia4006
- Bond UniversityCentre for Research in Evidence‐Based Practice (CREBP)Gold CoastQueenslandAustralia4229
- Ghent UniversityDepartment of Family Medicine and Primary Health CareCampus UZ 6K3, Corneel Heymanslaan 10GhentBelgium9000
| | - Benjamin J Buffington
- Wide Bay Hospital and Health ServiceDepartment of PaediatricsBundabergQueenslandAustralia4670
| | - Treasure M McGuire
- The University of QueenslandSchool of PharmacyPharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence20 Cornwall Street, WoolloongabbaBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia4102
- Mater Health ServicesMater Pharmacy Services (Practice & Development)South BrisbaneAustralia4101
- Bond UniversityFaculty of Health Sciences and MedicineUniversity Drive, RobinaGold CoastQueenslandAustralia4229
| | - David King
- The University of QueenslandPrimary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine288 Herston Road, HerstonBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia4006
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Self-Care for Common Colds: The Pivotal Role of Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea in Three Main Immune Interactive Clusters (Physical Barriers, Innate and Adaptive Immunity) Involved during an Episode of Common Colds-Practical Advice on Dosages and on the Time to Take These Nutrients/Botanicals in order to Prevent or Treat Common Colds. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:5813095. [PMID: 29853961 PMCID: PMC5949172 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5813095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining a normal healthy immune defense system lowers the incidence and/or the severity of symptoms and/or the duration of common cold (CC). Physical barriers and innate and adaptive immunity have been involved during a CC episode. Vitamins C and D, zinc, and Echinacea have evidence-based efficacy on these immune system barriers. This review includes 82 eligible studies to consider the preventive role of these nutrients in immune clusters and in CC to provide advice on dosage and assumption of these nutrients. Regarding vitamin C, regular supplementation (1 to 2 g/day) has shown that vitamin C reduces the duration (in adults by 8%, in children by 14%) and the severity of CC. Considering zinc, the supplementation may shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33%. CC patients may be instructed to try zinc within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. As for vitamin D, the supplementation protected against CC overall, considering baseline levels and age. Patients with vitamin D deficiency and those not receiving bolus doses experienced the most benefit. Regarding Echinacea, prophylactic treatment with this extract (2400 mg/day) over 4 months appeared to be beneficial for preventing/treating CC. In conclusion, the current evidence of efficacy for zinc, vitamins D and C, and Echinacea is so interesting that CC patients may be encouraged to try them for preventing/treating their colds, although further studies are needed on this topic.
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Hawke K, van Driel ML, Buffington BJ, McGuire TM, King D. Homeopathic medicinal products for preventing and treating acute respiratory tract infections in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 4:CD005974. [PMID: 29630715 PMCID: PMC6513633 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005974.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are common and may lead to complications. Most children experience between three and six ARTIs each year. Although these infections are self limiting, the symptoms can be distressing. Many treatments are used to control symptoms and shorten the duration of illness. They often have minimal benefit and may lead to adverse effects. Oral homeopathic medicinal products could play a role in the treatment of ARTIs for children if evidence for effectiveness is established. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of oral homeopathic medicinal products compared with placebo or conventional therapy to prevent and treat acute respiratory tract infections in children. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (2017, Issue 11), which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Specialised Register, MEDLINE (1946 to 27 November 2017), Embase (2010 to 27 November 2017), CINAHL (1981 to 27 November 2017), AMED (1985 to December 2014), CAMbase (searched 29 March 2018), British Homeopathic Library (searched 26 June 2013 - no longer operating). We also searched the WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers (29 March 2018), checked references, and contacted study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Double-blind, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or double-blind cluster-RCTs comparing oral homeopathy medicinal products with identical placebo or self selected conventional treatments to prevent or treat ARTIs in children aged 0 to 16 years. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We included eight RCTs of 1562 children receiving oral homeopathic medicinal products or a control treatment (placebo or conventional treatment) for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Four treatment studies examined the effect on recovery from URTIs, and four studies investigated the effect on preventing URTIs after one to three months of treatment and followed up for the remainder of the year. Two treatment and two prevention studies involved homeopaths individualising treatment for children. The other studies used predetermined, non-individualised treatments. All studies involved highly diluted homeopathic medicinal products.We found several key limitations to the included studies, in particular methodological inconsistencies and high attrition rates, failure to conduct intention-to-treat analysis, selective reporting, and apparent protocol deviations. We assessed three studies as at high risk of bias in at least one domain, and many had additional domains with unclear risk of bias. Three studies received funding from homeopathy manufacturers; one reported support from a non-government organisation; two received government support; one was cosponsored by a university; and one did not report funding support.Methodological inconsistencies and significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity precluded robust quantitative meta-analysis. Only four outcomes were common to more than one study and could be combined for analysis. Odds ratios (OR) were generally small with wide confidence intervals (CI), and the contributing studies found conflicting effects, so there was little certainty that the efficacy of the intervention could be ascertained. All studies assessed as at low risk of bias showed no benefit from oral homeopathic medicinal products; trials at uncertain and high risk of bias reported beneficial effects.We found low-quality evidence that non-individualised homeopathic medicinal products confer little preventive effect on ARTIs (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.57). We found low-quality evidence from two individualised prevention studies that homeopathy has little impact on the need for antibiotic usage (N = 369) (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.76). We also assessed adverse events, hospitalisation rates and length of stay, days off school (or work for parents), and quality of life, but were not able to pool data from any of these secondary outcomes.There is insufficient evidence from two pooled individualised treatment studies (N = 155) to determine the effect of homeopathy on short-term cure (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.09 to 19.54; very low-quality evidence) and long-term cure rates (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.10 to 9.96; very low-quality evidence). Adverse events were reported inconsistently; however, serious events were not reported. One study found an increase in the occurrence of non-severe adverse events in the treatment group. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Pooling of two prevention and two treatment studies did not show any benefit of homeopathic medicinal products compared to placebo on recurrence of ARTI or cure rates in children. We found no evidence to support the efficacy of homeopathic medicinal products for ARTIs in children. Adverse events were poorly reported, so conclusions about safety could not be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Hawke
- The University of QueenslandPrimary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine288 Herston Road, HerstonBrisbaneAustralia4006
| | | | | | | | - David King
- The University of QueenslandPrimary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine288 Herston Road, HerstonBrisbaneAustralia4006
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van de Hei S, McKinstry S, Bardsley G, Weatherall M, Beasley R, Fingleton J. Randomised controlled trial of rhinothermy for treatment of the common cold: a feasibility study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019350. [PMID: 29593018 PMCID: PMC5875674 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of rhinothermy for the common cold. DESIGN Open label, randomised, controlled feasibility study. SETTING Single-centre research institute in New Zealand recruiting participants from the community. PARTICIPANTS 30 adult participants with symptoms of a common cold, presenting within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive either 35 L/min of 100% humidified air at 41°C via high flow nasal cannulae, 2 hours per day for up to 5 days (rhinothermy), or vitamin C 250 mg daily for 5 days (control). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of screened candidates who were randomised. Secondary outcomes included: proportion of randomised participants who completed the study; modified Jackson scores from randomisation to 10 days after initiation of randomised regimen; time until feeling 'a lot better' compared with study entry; time until resolution of symptoms or symptom score at 10 days postrandomisation; proportion of organisms identified by PCR analysis of nasal swabs taken at baseline; the patterns of use of the rhinothermy device; estimated adherence of the control group; and rhinothermy device tolerability. RESULTS In all 30/79 (38%, 95% CI 27% to 50%) of potential participants screened for eligibility were randomised. Rhinothermy was well tolerated, and all randomised participants completed the study (100%, 95% CI 88% to 100%). The reduction from baseline in the modified Jackson score was greater with rhinothermy compared with control at days 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, with the maximum difference at day 4 (-6.4, 95% CI -9.4 to -3.3). The substantial clinical benefit threshold for modified Jackson score was a 5-unit change. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that an RCT of rhinothermy compared with low-dose vitamin C in the treatment of the common cold is feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12616000470493; Results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne van de Hei
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
- University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Steven McKinstry
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
- Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - George Bardsley
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
- Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mark Weatherall
- Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
- University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Richard Beasley
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
- Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - James Fingleton
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
- Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
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Öncel S. Soğuk Algınlığı Ve Klinik Yaklaşımlar. KOCAELI ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2018. [DOI: 10.30934/kusbed.348505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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49
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Andrew R, Izzo AA. Principles of pharmacological research of nutraceuticals. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:1177-1194. [PMID: 28500635 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Andrew
- Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Angelo A Izzo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Heated, humidified air has long been used by people with the common cold. The theoretical basis is that steam may help congested mucus drain better and that heat may destroy the cold virus as it does in vitro. This is an update of a review last published in 2013. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of inhaling heated water vapour (steam) in the treatment of the common cold by comparing symptoms, viral shedding, and nasal resistance. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (to February 2017), MEDLINE (1966 to 24 February 2017), Embase (1990 to 24 February 2017), and Current Contents (1998 to 24 February 2017). We also searched World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) (8 March 2017) and ClinicalTrials.gov (8 March 2017) as well as reference lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials using heated water vapour in participants with the common cold or experimentally induced common cold were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Three review authors independently screened titles and abstracts for inclusion of potential studies identified from the search. We recorded the selection process in sufficient detail to complete a PRISMA flow diagram. We used a data collection form for study characteristics and outcome data that was developed and used for previous versions of this review. Two review authors independently extracted data, and a third review author resolved any disagreements. We used Review Manager 5 software to analyse data. MAIN RESULTS We included six trials from five publications involving a total of 387 participants. We included no new studies in this 2017 update. The 'Risk of bias' assessment suggested an unclear risk of bias in the domain of randomisation and a low risk of bias in performance, detection, attrition, and reporting.It was uncertain whether heated, humidified air provides symptomatic relief for the common cold, as the fixed-effect analysis showed evidence of an effect (odds ratio (OR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16 to 0.56; 2 studies, 149 participants), but the random-effects analysis showed no significant difference in the results (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.95). There is an argument for using either form of analysis. No studies demonstrated an exacerbation of clinical symptom scores. One study conducted in the USA demonstrated worsened nasal resistance, but an earlier Israeli study showed improvement. One study examined viral shedding in nasal washings, finding no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.04 to 5.19). As judged by the subjective response to therapy (i.e. therapy did not help), the number of participants reporting resolution of symptoms was not significantly higher in the heated humidified group (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.18; 2 studies, 124 participants). There was significant heterogeneity in the effects of heated, humidified air on different outcomes, therefore we graded the quality of the evidence as low. Some studies reported minor adverse events (including discomfort or irritation of the nose). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The current evidence does not show any benefits or harms from the use of heated, humidified air delivered via the RhinoTherm device for the treatment of the common cold. There is a need for more double-blind, randomised trials that include standardised treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Singh
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and ResearchDepartment of PediatricsSector 12ChandigarhIndia160012
| | - Manvi Singh
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and ResearchDepartment of PediatricsSector 12ChandigarhIndia160012
| | - Nishant Jaiswal
- Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and ResearchICMR Advanced Centre for Evidence‐Based Child HealthSector 12ChandigarhIndia160012
| | - Anil Chauhan
- Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and ResearchICMR Advanced Centre for Evidence‐Based Child HealthSector 12ChandigarhIndia160012
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