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Dongre P, Majumdar A. Network pharmacology analysis of Chandraprabha Vati: A new hope for the treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2024; 15:100902. [PMID: 38821011 PMCID: PMC11177199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug research is increasingly using Network Pharmacology (NP) to tackle complex conditions like Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), which is characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Single-action drugs are inadequate to treat MetS, which is marked by a range of complications including glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. OBJECTIVES To analyze Chandraprabha vati using Network Pharmacology to assess its potential in alleviating MetS-related complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS The genes related to MetS, inflammation, and the target genes of the CPV components were identified using network pharmacology tools like DisgNET and BindingDB. Followed by mapping of the CPV target genes with the genes implicated in MetS and inflammation to identify putative potential targets. Gene ontology, pathway enrichment analysis, and STRING database were employed for further exploration. Furthermore, drug-target-protein interactions network were visualized using Cytoscape 3.9.1. RESULTS The results showed that out of the 225 target genes of the CPV components, 33 overlapping and 19 non-overlapping genes could be potential targets for MetS. Similarly, 14 overlapping and 7 non-overlapping genes could be potential targets for inflammation. The CPV bioactives target genes were found to be involved in lipid and insulin homeostasis via several pathways revealed by the pathway analysis. The importance of CPV in treating MetS was supported by GO enrichment data; this could be due to its potential to influence pathways linked to metabolism, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS These results offer a promising approach to developing treatment and repurposing CPV for complex conditions such as MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Dongre
- Department of Pharmacology, Bombay College of Pharmacy, Kalina, Santacruz (E), Mumbai, 400098, India
| | - Anuradha Majumdar
- Department of Pharmacology, Bombay College of Pharmacy, Kalina, Santacruz (E), Mumbai, 400098, India.
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Philips CA, Theruvath AH, Ravindran R, Augustine P. Complementary and alternative medicines and liver disease. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0417. [PMID: 38563584 PMCID: PMC10990366 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) include conventional medical treatments. Patients worldwide use CAM at alarming rates; thus, reports of CAM-related DILI have been on the rise. The clinical presentations include asymptomatic liver test abnormalities, acute hepatitis with or without jaundice, acute cholestatic liver disease (bland or with hepatitis), acute liver failure, severe hepatitis with features of portal hypertension, and acute decompensation of known or unknown cirrhosis that can lead to acute-on-chronic liver failure. Acute hepatitis with or without necrosis, hepatocellular and canalicular cholestasis, herb-induced or CAM-triggered autoimmune hepatitis, granulomatous hepatitis, severe steatohepatitis, and vanishing bile duct syndrome are common liver biopsy findings in CAM-DILI. The presence of preexisting liver disease predicts severe liver injury, risk of progression to liver failure, and decreased transplant-free survival in patients with CAM-DILI. This review discusses global epidemiology and trends in CAM-DILI, clinical presentation, assessment and outcomes, commonly emerging threats in the context of hepatotoxic herbs, pragmatic assessment of "liver beneficial" herbs and health care myths, patient communication, regulatory framework, and future directions on research in CAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac Abby Philips
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (AYUSH) and the Liver, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Arif Hussain Theruvath
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (AYUSH) and the Liver, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Resmi Ravindran
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (AYUSH) and the Liver, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Philip Augustine
- Gastroenterology and Advanced G.I Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
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Mazzoleni B, Ferrari G, Savioni F, Gravante F, Lopane D, Dacomi A, Coldani C, Tomaiuolo G, Cattani D, Anastasi G, Mancin S. Non-pharmacological strategies to alleviate dysgeusia in patients undergoing chemotherapy: A systematic review. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 70:102569. [PMID: 38593535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dysgeusia is a common side effect in oncology patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies in treating dysgeusia in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. METHODS Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search across five databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and the British Nursing Database. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools to assess the quality of the included studies. A harvest plot was used to synthesise evidence about the differential effects of population-level interventions. RESULTS Nine studies of non-pharmacological strategies to manage dysgeusia were included. These studies encompassed a variety of interventions, including oral applications and supplements, instrumental techniques, and educational programs. The review identified promising interventions such as cryotherapy and Miraculine supplementation, which showed potential in mitigating taste alterations. Instrumental techniques like photobiomodulation therapy and complementary and integrative medicine approaches, including acupuncture and herbs, were also found to be beneficial. Educational and self-management strategies emerged as effective interventions for empowering patients to manage dysgeusia. Despite the diversity of interventions and the limitations of the included studies, such as small sample sizes and geographical differences, these findings underscore the potential of non-pharmacological strategies in managing dysgeusia. CONCLUSION The results support the integration of these strategies into clinical practice, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to improve patient care. Further research should prioritize rigorous studies to enhance evidence and explore long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mazzoleni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Gravante
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Unit, Local Health Autority of Caserta, Caserta, Italy
| | - Diego Lopane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dacomi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Coldani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Tomaiuolo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Cattani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliano Anastasi
- Department of Trauma, AOU G. Martino University Hospital, Messina, Italy
| | - Stefano Mancin
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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Lee EL, Harrison J, Barnes J. Exploring the Use of Traditional Medicines, Natural Health Products and Conventional Medicines: Development and Testing of the New Zealand 'All-Medicines' Questionnaire. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2024; 11:13-32. [PMID: 37936052 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-023-00389-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) are popular healthcare choices among consumers globally. The latest national data on the use of TCAM practitioners in New Zealand (NZ) were collected over a decade ago. Robust data on the use of natural health products (NHPs) and TCAM practices alongside conventional medicines are not yet available in NZ. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to develop and test a bespoke questionnaire (All-MedsNZ) that included comprehensive data collection elements exploring NHPs' and conventional medicines' use. METHODS This was a questionnaire design study involving expert panel feedback, and engagement with TCAM users, in the development process. This work comprised questionnaire development (stage 1) followed by a questionnaire-testing study (stage 2). The questionnaire was developed on the basis of literature review findings and the research team's expertise. The questionnaire content was then validated by an expert panel comprising practitioners in TCAM and conventional medicine. Then, a two-phase study was utilised to test the questionnaire. Phase 1 involved participants (NHP users) completing the web-based questionnaire and providing feedback by answering probing questions added throughout the questionnaire to evaluate users' comprehension of the questions and to identify issues with the questionnaire. In phase 2, selected participants were interviewed online to gain in-depth insights into issues identified in phase one. Based on these findings, the questionnaire was revised. RESULTS The expert panel (n = 9) confirmed the questionnaire had high face and content validity; most original questions were retained. In the questionnaire-testing study, 95 and 27 participants completed the phase 1 and 2 studies, respectively. Most questions achieved a high response rate of ≥ 90%, and participants had no major issues understanding and answering the questionnaire. Problematic questions were those relating to providing product barcodes and photographs, and information on product costs. Most of the NHPs data entered by participants included the brand/generic name, manufacturer/company name, main ingredient(s) and dose form. Generally, these NHP-related data were of acceptable quality. However, information on the main ingredient(s) of products entered by participants was less satisfactory: approximately one-third of the 143 NHPs recorded in the study had the main ingredient(s) missing or incorrectly stated. Interviews with participants reiterated the issues identified in the phase 1 study. The low response rates for some of the questions were partly due to participants' unpreparedness (i.e. not having NHPs/medicines on hand) to complete the questionnaire. In addition, a lack of clarity for the term 'natural health practitioner' led to confusion among some participants. CONCLUSION Overall, no major design-, method- or questionnaire-related issues were identified in this development and testing work. The questionnaire demonstrated adequate face and content validity and acceptability among participants. The data collected were reasonably complete and of sufficient quality for analysis. Future studies should pilot the revised All-MedsNZ questionnaire with a larger, nationally representative sample to ascertain its feasibility and utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lyn Lee
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Jeff Harrison
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Joanne Barnes
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, 85 Park Rd, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
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Naja F, Abbas N, Khaleel S, Zeb F, Osaili TAH, Obaid RS, Faris M, Radwan H, Ismail LC, Hassan H, Hashim M, AlZubaidi H. Beyond pillbox: a national cross-sectional study on the attitudes, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding complementary and alternative medicine. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:107. [PMID: 38418995 PMCID: PMC10902973 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to promote the safe and effective use of complementary and alternative medicine, their potential role remains largely untapped. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine products among community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates and explore the correlates of knowledge in the study sample. METHODS Using a stratified random sampling frame, a national survey of community pharmacists was conducted in the United Arab Emirates. In a face-to-face interaction, participants completed a multi-component questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographic and general characteristics; knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine products and usage; attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine. Based on participants' answers, scores were calculated with higher scores indicating more positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices. RESULTS 373 community pharmacists participated in the study (response rate: 83%). For the knowledge questions, more than 50% of community pharmacists correctly answered the functions of complementary and alternative medicine, however lower percentages were noted for the side effects and drug interactions questions. Most community pharmacists had positive attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine, except for particular aspects such as efficacy, where 40% agreed that complementary and alternative medicine is only effective in treating minor complaints. As for practices, while more than 70% of participants counseled patients on complementary and alternative medicine use, only 47% reported the toxic effects when encountered. Multiple linear regressions showed that community pharmacists working in independent pharmacies, those with fewer years of experience, and those who did not receive complementary and alternative medicine education during their academic degree had lower knowledge scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study showed that community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates have good knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine functions and generally positive attitudes and practices, with few gaps identified in each. Together, these findings provide critical evidence for the development of targeted interventions to promote the role of community pharmacists towards safe and effective complementary and alternative medicine use in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Naja
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O.Box 110236, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nada Abbas
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sharfa Khaleel
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Falak Zeb
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tareq A H Osaili
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Reyad Shaker Obaid
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - MoezAlIslam Faris
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hadia Radwan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haydar Hassan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamzah AlZubaidi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- School of Medicine, Deakin Rural Health, Deakin University Faculty of Health, Warrnambool, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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Martín-Riobóo E, Turégano-Yedro M, Banegas JR. Evidence on the use of alternative substances and therapies in hypertension. HIPERTENSION Y RIESGO VASCULAR 2024; 41:40-57. [PMID: 38123388 DOI: 10.1016/j.hipert.2023.11.001] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Review of some of the best-known biological and non-biological complementary/alternative therapies/medicines (CAM) and their relationship with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension (HT). SEARCH STRATEGY Narrative review assessing a recent series of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials published in recent years, focusing on the effects of CAM on BP and HT. SELECTION OF STUDIES We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar, obtaining a total of 4336 articles, finally limiting the search to 181 after applying filters. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS Some studies on biological therapies show some usefulness in BP reduction with an adequate benefit-risk balance, although there is a scarcity of high-quality trials that support these results. Some mind-body therapies have shown hypothetical benefit; in contrast, others lack robust evidence. CONCLUSIONS Although some therapies present a reasonable risk-benefit ratio, they should in no case replace pharmacological treatment when indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martín-Riobóo
- Especialista en Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, UGC Poniente, Distrito Sanitario Córdoba-Guadalquivir, Córdoba, IMIBIC, Hospital Reina Sofía Córdoba, Spain.
| | - M Turégano-Yedro
- Especialista en Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, Centro de Salud Casar de Cáceres, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J R Banegas
- Especialista en Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid/IdiPaz y CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
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Rolland C, Lardon A, Bussières A. Sur la scène des consultations en chiropraxie : une lecture de la relation de soin. SANTE PUBLIQUE (VANDOEUVRE-LES-NANCY, FRANCE) 2024; 36:57-67. [PMID: 38834525 DOI: 10.3917/spub.242.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The caregiver-patient relationship has been the subject of numerous studies in the field of medicine, but has received little attention in the context of chiropractic care, particularly in France. PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH This ethnographic and sociological study aims to gain a better understanding of the characteristics of the chiropractic relationship in chiropractic care through the observation of consultations followed by interviews with both patients and caregivers. These observations were carried out in the Franco-European Chiropractic Institute’s two outpatient clinics and in three private practices. RESULTS The data were collected between October 2022 and March 2023. Most of the patients treated their health as an asset to be preserved or even improved, and had a good knowledge of their body as a tool for work and/or sports performance. They turned to chiropractic care to find relief from their pain and a form of care combining technical and interpersonal skills. Chiropractic care is based on manual therapy, combined with a dimension of self-management by the patient. Follow-up of the exercises and advice given by chiropractors varies greatly from patient to patient, from diligent application to non-application, and with everything in between. CONCLUSION Trust is the foundation of all care, and even more so in manual therapy, because of the way the hands act on the body. To establish a working alliance with the patient, the chiropractor has to adapt his or her professional ethos and accept compromises regarding the treatment plan envisaged. Cooperation between a patient and a chiropractor is based on trust, the negotiation of objectives, and the division of tasks between the two parties.
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Schils A, Lechon AS, Rondeaux S, Souard F, Van Laethem JL, Pochet S, Mathieu V, De Vriese C. Cancer patients' behaviors and attitudes toward natural health products. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:442. [PMID: 38057795 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural health products (NHPs), including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements, are the most common complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients. Our survey determined the attitudes and behaviors of cancer patients toward natural complementary therapies that should be considered to implement an integrative approach in the future. METHODS Our survey was conducted in four hospitals in Belgium. Questionnaires were posted online from October 2020 to October 2021 for cancer patients. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A [Formula: see text] test was applied to study the type of NHP consumed according to diagnosis time. Fischer's exact test compared patients who had changed their consumption since diagnosis and those who had not. RESULTS Out of 349 questionnaires collected, only 59 met all inclusion criteria. 83.1 % of the patients agreed that conventional medicine (CM) could benefit from complementary therapies, but they did not estimate (72.3 % of the patients) that those latter are more effective than conventional medicine. More than half of the patients used five or more NHPs. The most frequent NHPs consumed daily were vitamins (64.4 %), followed by other products (i.e., probiotics, gemmotherapy, birch sap and omega 3/6) (42.4 %) and herbs (40.7 %). Almost all patients started taking NHPs before their cancer diagnosis, but 72.7 % have changed their consumption significantly (p = 0.009) since their diagnosis. Boosting the immune system (79.7 %) and limiting conventional treatment side effects (76.9 %) were the most common reasons for NHPs' use. 74.4 % of the patients did not take complementary therapies to delay or avoid conventional treatment. CONCLUSIONS The combination and high diversity of NHPs consumption highlight the importance of educating patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) about the risk of drug interactions associated with these natural products. Most cancer patients are more interested in using this non-mainstream medicine to complement their conventional treatment than as an alternative. Knowing the patients' reasons and understanding patients' attitudes toward NHPs will be essential for HCPs to address NHPs' use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Schils
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe 9040, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne-Sophie Lechon
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe 9040, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Rondeaux
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe 9040, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florence Souard
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe 9040, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Luc Van Laethem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Pochet
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe 9040, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronique Mathieu
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe 9040, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carine De Vriese
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutics, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe 9040, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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Okawa Y, Ideguchi N, Yamashita H. Relationship between health literacy and attitudes toward acupuncture: A web-based cross-sectional survey with a panel of Japanese residents. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292729. [PMID: 37862311 PMCID: PMC10588898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between health literacy of Japanese people, their attitudes toward acupuncture, and their behavior in choosing this therapy is currently unclear. Therefore, for this study, we conducted a web-based survey to address this unknown relationship. A questionnaire comprising four categories (health status, health literacy, previous acupuncture experience, and attitudes toward acupuncture) was administered to 1,600 Japanese participants. For this study, we performed cross-tabulation and path analysis to examine the relationship between each questionnaire item. The mean score of participants' health literacy was 3.41 (SD = 0.74), and older, educated, female participants tended to have higher health literacy. The respondents perceived acupuncture to be effective for chronic low back pain, tension-type headache, and knee pain due to osteoarthritis (40.0%, 38.7%, and 21.8%, respectively). Contrastingly, acupuncture was perceived as far less effective for postoperative nausea/vomiting and prostatitis symptoms (8.3% and 8.7%, respectively). Of the total study respondents, 34.4% reported that they would try acupuncture only if recommended by clinical practice guidelines, and 35.6% agreed that acupuncture is safe. The path analysis showed that attitudes toward acupuncture were significantly influenced by the participants' health literacy, number of information sources, and previous acupuncture experience. However, it was also found that experience with acupuncture was not directly associated with health literacy. Although the Japanese population with higher health literacy is more likely to perceive acupuncture positively, they do not necessarily have sufficient relevant knowledge of the clinical evidence. Therefore, their decision to receive acupuncture may be more dependent on personal narratives rather than clinical evidence. Thus, future challenges lie in individual education of the population on how to choose a reliable health information source, and organizational efforts to provide more reliable health information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuse Okawa
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
- Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences Acupuncture Information Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norio Ideguchi
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yamashita
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
- Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences Acupuncture Information Center, Osaka, Japan
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Sabarathinam S, Dhanasekaran D, Ganamurali N. Insight on sarcopenic obesity and epicatechin as a promising treatment option. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2023; 17:102856. [PMID: 37742361 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Sarcopenic Obesity (SO) in the elderly population is a complex and multifactorial condition which refers to the loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function associated with aging, while obesity involves excessive adipose tissue accumulation. The simultaneous occurrence of these two conditions presents a unique set of challenges to public health and clinical management. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the use of epicatechin (EC) in the treatment of SO and its related complications. METHOD A survey of studies related to preclinical and clinical evidence of Epicatechin in sarcopenic obesity and its complications was performed in the following database Medline, Scopus, ProQuest, Embase, Web of Science, and Google scholar. Followed by structural activity relationship and pharmacokinetic profile of Epicatechin was discussed in this paper. RESULTS The main pharmacological effect of Epicatechin is myostatin inhibition activity which has been described by both in vitro and in vivo studies earlier. The SO is directly correlated with the alteration of Myostatin. The pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that epicatechin can be a potential candidate in the management of SO and its related complication. CONCLUSION The present review describes the pharmacokinetic profile and structural activity of epicatechin respective to SO and its related complications. The goal of this review is to update the scientific community on the therapeutic potential of epicatechin in SO and age-related factors. Conduction of clinical and pre-clinical trials, also drug dosage optimization may provide with insights on the use of epicatechin in SO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarvesh Sabarathinam
- Drug Testing Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India; Clinical Trial Unit, Metabolic Ward, Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India; Certificate Programme-Analytical Techniques in Herbal Drug Industry, Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| | - Dhivya Dhanasekaran
- Certificate Programme-Analytical Techniques in Herbal Drug Industry, Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Nila Ganamurali
- Certificate Programme-Analytical Techniques in Herbal Drug Industry, Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
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11
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Silva LDS, Sousa AFD, de Carvalho DHF, Kalinke LP. Non-pharmacological therapies for cancer patients in Portugal and Brazil: an experience report. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2023; 57:e20230091. [PMID: 37738314 PMCID: PMC10516480 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2023-0091en] [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: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the experience of nurses from a center in Portugal and two in Brazil regarding the use of non-pharmacological therapies in cancer patients. METHOD This is a professional experience report. RESULTS In the Portuguese institution, a group of nurses has been performing massage therapy, reflexology, postural teaching, thermotherapy, relaxation, guided imagery, Reiki, music therapy, aromatherapy, among others, for 17 years, with significant results in pain and vital signs with satisfactory perceptions. In Brazil, the clinical application is incipient, clinical studies with auriculotherapy, relaxation with guided imagery and floral therapy are taking place, with significant results for physical symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life improvement. CONCLUSION In both countries, nurses have made efforts to implement non-pharmacological therapies. While in the Portuguese reality they have been formally institutionalized in care, in Brazil the therapies take place with voluntary work and through intervention research. This report can encourage the translation of autonomous practice to clinical studies for proposing evidence of therapies in Integrative Oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonel dos Santos Silva
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Programa de Pós-graduação em Enfermagem, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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12
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Mathew JS, Philips CA. Drug Interactions and Safe Prescription Writing for Liver Transplant Recipients. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:869-877. [PMID: 37693257 PMCID: PMC10483006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression optimization is central to graft function in liver transplant recipients. Post-transplantation patients develop new onset or worsening metabolic syndrome, are prone to atypical infections, and are at higher risk of developing cardiac and brain-related clinical events. In this context, liver transplant recipients are at risk of using multiple comedications alongside immunosuppressants. It is imperative for the transplant physician to understand the various drug-drug interactions that potentially reduce or promote toxicity of immunosuppression, as well as associated synergistic or antagonistic effects on extrahepatic organ systems. This comprehensive review discusses drug-drug interactions in liver transplant recipients and the impact and role of complementary and alternative medicines among individuals on immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johns S. Mathew
- Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Multi-organ Transplant Surgery, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala 683112, India
| | - Cyriac A. Philips
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology & Monarch Liver Laboratory, The Liver Institute, Center for Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala 683112, India
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13
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Youn B, Cha J, Cho S, Jeong S, Kim H, Ko S. Perception, attitudes, knowledge of using complementary and alternative medicine for cancer patients among healthcare professionals: A mixed-methods systematic review. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19149-19162. [PMID: 37676102 PMCID: PMC10557909 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the rapid increase in the prevalence of cancer worldwide, the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased among cancer patients. This review aimed to understand the perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals toward using CAM for cancer patients. METHODS A mixed-methods systematic review was undertaken in four databases. Inclusion criteria were primary studies reporting perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals for using CAM for cancer patients were eligible. A mixed-methods convergent synthesis was carried out, and the findings were subjected to a GRADE-CERQual assessment of confidence. RESULTS Forty-two studies were chosen. The majority of the studies were quantitative and had less than 100 participants. Most publications were from European countries, and oncology was the highest among the specialties. The review found the following themes: feasibility of having negative adverse effects, low expectations of using CAM among HCPs, potential positive effects of using CAM, specific CAM training may be helpful, no concrete regulations to promote CAM practice, and poor physician-patient communication. CONCLUSIONS Nurses had more positive views than other professions; oncologists were concerned regarding herb-drug interactions; integration of CAM into the healthcare system was favorable; HCPs felt the need to participate in specific CAM training; and HCPs agreed that CAM education should be provided more regularly. Future studies should explore the studies views of cancer patients and details of in-depth evidence of CAM in oncology settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo‐Young Youn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean MedicineKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Jie‐Won Cha
- Department of Applied Korean Medicine, Graduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Sungsu Cho
- Department of Korean Medicine, Graduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - So‐Mi Jeong
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Hyo‐Jung Kim
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate SchoolKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Seong‐Gyu Ko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean MedicineKyung Hee UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
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14
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Lazarević LB, Knežević G, Purić D, Teovanović P, Petrović MB, Ninković M, Živanović M, Stanković S, Branković M, Lukić P, Opačić G, Žeželj I. Tracking variations in daily questionable health behaviors and their psychological roots: a preregistered experience sampling study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14058. [PMID: 37640927 PMCID: PMC10462719 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41243-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
People resort to various questionable health practices to preserve or regain health - they intentionally do not adhere to medical recommendations (e.g. self-medicate or modify the prescribed therapies; iNAR), or use traditional/complementary/alternative (TCAM) medicine. As retrospective reports overestimate adherence and suffer from recall and desirability bias, we tracked the variations in daily questionable health behaviors and compared them to their retrospectively reported lifetime use. We also preregistered and explored their relations to a wide set of psychological predictors - distal (personality traits and basic thinking dispositions) and proximal (different unfounded beliefs and biases grouped under the term irrational mindset). A community sample (N = 224) tracked daily engagement in iNAR and TCAM use for 14 days, resulting in 3136 data points. We observed a high rate of questionable health practices over the 14 days; daily engagement rates roughly corresponded to lifetime ones. Both iNAR and TCAM were weakly, but robustly positively related. Independent of the assessment method, an irrational mindset was the most important predictor of TCAM use. For iNAR, however, psychological predictors emerged as relevant only when assessed retrospectively. Our study offers insight into questionable health behaviors from both a within and between-person perspective and highlights the importance of their psychological roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Lazarević
- Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - G Knežević
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - D Purić
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - P Teovanović
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M B Petrović
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Ninković
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Živanović
- Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - S Stanković
- Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Branković
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Media and Communication, Singidunum University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - P Lukić
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - G Opačić
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - I Žeželj
- Faculty of Philosophy, Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, University of Belgrade, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
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15
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Pyykkönen M, Aarva P, Ahola S, Pasanen M, Helin K. Use of complementary and integrative health in Finland: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:279. [PMID: 37542306 PMCID: PMC10401804 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04088-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population based studies have shown large differences in the estimated prevalence of complementary and integrative health (CIH) usage between studies. This is in part due to there being no golden standard definition for CIH. In Finland, an updated and internationally comparable study on the prevalence of CIH usage is needed. In the present study, a modified Finnish version of the International Questionnaire to Measure Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-QFI) was utilised to examine prevalence of use of different CIH modalities and their experienced helpfulness in the general Finnish population. METHODS Respondents aged 16 and above were invited to take part in this descriptive cross-sectional study through an online panel in December 2022. The usage of CIH and the experienced helpfulness were calculated with SPSS (v28) as the proportion of users per each modality. The data were weighted based on gender, age and place of residence. RESULTS A total of 3244 respondents completed the survey. CIH was used by 51.1% (95%CI: 49.4-52.8) of the respondents in the 12 months prior to the survey. Self-help practices were the most used category of CIH (28.8%; 95%CI: 27.3-30.4). The prevalence of usage of CIH natural remedies excluding vitamins and minerals was 27.0% (95%CI: 25.5-28.6). CIH providers were visited by 20.4% of the respondents (95%CI: 19.0-21.8). Getting help for a long-term illness or improvement of well-being were often mentioned as the most important reason for the use of different CIH modalities. CIH was generally used more by women compared to men. The large majority found the modalities they used helpful. CONCLUSIONS The results increase current understanding on CIH usage in Finland. As the majority of users experience CIH as helpful, there is a need to study CIH in the context of public health policies. The estimates of CIH usage are highly dependent on what is considered as CIH, and this should be paid attention to in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Pyykkönen
- Socon - Social and Health Consultants Ltd, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Pauliina Aarva
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Salla Ahola
- Faculty of Management and Business, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Kaija Helin
- Finnish Society for Integrative Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
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Kemnitz M, Antonini M, Delmas P. Relationship among symptoms, quality of life, and complementary and alternative medicines use among patients undergoing hemodialysis in French-speaking Switzerland. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:174. [PMID: 37259062 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04001-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic renal disease is considered a main public health problem due to its high prevalence in the population. The solution of choice currently available is kidney transplantation but when this option is not available, blood purification treatments, notably haemodialysis (HD), are necessary. The presence of chronic renal disease combined with this demanding medical procedure leads to a hard symptomatology. To face this situation, HD patients often resort to complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) as they perceive that the healthcare professionals aren't paying enough attention to their quality of life. Given this background, we aim to describe the prevalence and the type of the CAM used among HD patients and their possible relations with patients' symptomatology and quality of life. METHODS We interviewed 88 patients, undergoing hemodialysis in three hemodialysis centers in French-speaking Switzerland, about the presence of symptoms, their quality of life, and the possible use of CAM. Cluster analysis was used to create patients' profiles about CAM use and regression analysis to explore the links between symptoms' presence, patients' quality of life, and CAM use. RESULTS Our results show a large use of CAM: almost two HD patients out of three uses at least one CAM. Using cluster analysis, we were able to identify five patients' profiles: non-users (37.5% of our sample), users of herbal medicine (20.5%), users of prayer-based practices (18.2%), people mainly using massages (9.1%), and a residual group including the users of other CAMs, with a predominance of meditation (14.8%). As expected, we observe a negative relation between the number of declared symptoms and patients' quality of life. Contrarily, we observe no relation between the use of CAM and the presence of symptoms. Our results show a positive relationship between the use of CAM and patients' overall perception of health as well as the psychological dimension of their quality of life. No relationship is observed with other dimensions of quality of life, notably the physical dimension. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggests that CAMs aren't used as a substitute of official medicine but as a parallel support to HD patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Antonini
- La Source School of Nursing, University of Applied Arts and Sciences Western Switzerland - HES-SO, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Philippe Delmas
- La Source School of Nursing, University of Applied Arts and Sciences Western Switzerland - HES-SO, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Ouoba K, Lehmann H, Zongo A, Pabst JY, Semdé R. Current Status and Challenges of Pharmacovigilance of Traditional Medicines in French-Speaking West African (UEMOA) Countries. Pharmaceut Med 2023:10.1007/s40290-023-00478-8. [PMID: 37212957 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-023-00478-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) countries are characterised by a high prevalence of informal use of medicinal plants and traditional medicines by their population for health care, requiring the establishment of pharmacovigilance, in order to monitor the associated health risks. However, the state of implementation of pharmacovigilance for traditional medicines in UEMOA countries is not known. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the state of implementation of pharmacovigilance for traditional medicines in the eight UEMOA countries, describing the relevant community provisions, assessing the integration of traditional medicines monitoring into national pharmacovigilance systems and identifying related national challenges. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study using questionnaires, conducted between 1 May and 31 August 2022. A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to officials responsible for the issue within UEMOA and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO). A second online questionnaire was specifically sent to the pharmacovigilance focal points of the eight UEMOA countries. Questionnaires were designed using the WHO indicators for pharmacovigilance. The face-to-face questionnaire collected two types of data, namely community policies and regulations on pharmacovigilance and technical and financial support from sub-regional organisations to countries. The online questionnaire sent to countries collected four categories of data on the study issue: structural data, process data, impact data and data on national challenges. RESULTS As a community provision, WAHO has a harmonised regulatory framework for phytovigilance. The monitoring of traditional medicines is not effectively implemented in the pharmacovigilance systems of UEMOA countries. Only two reports of adverse events due to traditional medicines have so far been recorded in the Union. The countries have neither funding nor sufficient human resources for pharmacovigilance in general. Monitoring of traditional medicines in the unregulated market, training of stakeholders, risk communication, and integration of traditional health practitioners in reporting systems are the main challenges of countries for the development of pharmacovigilance for traditional medicines. CONCLUSION The effective compliance of WAHO's harmonised phytovigilance regulatory framework by UEMOA countries and addressing the challenges identified by the countries constitute the basis for the development of pharmacovigilance for traditional medicines within UEMOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kampadilemba Ouoba
- Laboratory of Drug Development, Centre for Training, Research and Expertise in Drug Sciences, Doctoral School of Sciences and Health, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
- EA7307, Centre for International and European Studies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, 74, route du Rhin, 67400, Illkirch, France.
| | - Hélène Lehmann
- EA4487, Centre for Research in Law and Legal Perspective, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lille, 3 rue du Professeur-Laguesse, BP 53, 59006, Lille, France
| | - Arsène Zongo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé (SP-POS), Centre de recherche du CHU de Quebec, 1050 chemin Ste-Foy, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Yves Pabst
- EA7307, Centre for International and European Studies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, 74, route du Rhin, 67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Rasmané Semdé
- Laboratory of Drug Development, Centre for Training, Research and Expertise in Drug Sciences, Doctoral School of Sciences and Health, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Carrillo-Mora P, Rodríguez-Barragán MA, Quinzaños-Fresnedo J, Del Refugio Pacheco-Gallegos M, Soto-Lara M, Velázquez-Ortega M, Villarreal-Azamar MF, Aguirre-Medina IJ, Rubalcava-Gracia-Medrano M. Alternative and complementary medicine in neurological disorders and neurological disability patients: Prevalence, factors, opinions and reasons. Complement Ther Med 2023; 72:102920. [PMID: 36646394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study is aimed to investigate the prevalence of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), types of CAMs used, as well as reasons and factors found in patients with neurological diseases or neurological disability. METHODS An anonymous, self-administered survey was designed to collect information about demographics, personal medical history, CAM usage habits, and different opinions about CAM vs. conventional medicine (CM). The survey was applied by non-medical personnel in a rehabilitation hospital to patients older than 18 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of neurological disorder or neurological disability. RESULTS 453 patients were included, 59.7 % were female. Mean age: 49 years (SD: 18.2). 200 patients (44.2 %) had a history of chronic diseases. Depression was found in 139 patients (30.7 %). Neurological disorders were: peripheral neuropathy: 97 (21.4 %), headache or migraine: 78 (17.2 %), neurodegenerative diseases: 69 (15.2 %) and stroke: 58 (12.8 %). 60.2 % (n = 273) had some degree of disability. Prevalence of CAM use was 36 % (n = 163). Most common CAMs were: Biological therapies: 133 (71.1 %), energy-based therapies: 63 (33.7 %) and body manipulation therapies: 51 (27.3 %). Reasons to use CAM were: "to complement the pharmacological treatment" (45 = 27.6 %), and "treatment failure with CM" (43 = 26.4 %). Finally, older age (p = 0.0280) and having a chronic disease (p = 0.0229) or depression (p < 0.001) were the factors associated with the current use of CAM. CONCLUSION One third of patients with neurological pathologies use CAM, the most popular type of CAM is biologic therapies. As in other pathologies, CAM use was associated with older age, history of depression, and chronic diseases. Therefore, it is suggested that physicians routinely ask patients about the use of CAM, if they need more information about CAM, and even verify the possibility of drug interactions or adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Carrillo-Mora
- División de Neurociencias Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico.
| | - Marlene A Rodríguez-Barragán
- División de Rehabilitación Neurológica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico
| | - Jimena Quinzaños-Fresnedo
- División de Rehabilitación Neurológica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico
| | | | - María Soto-Lara
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, Mexico
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Xiong Y, Liu C, Li M, Qin X, Guo J, Wei W, Yao G, Qian Y, Ye L, Liu H, Xu Q, Zou K, Sun X, Tan J. The use of Chinese herbal medicines throughout the pregnancy life course and their safety profiles: a population-based cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100907. [PMID: 36813231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.100907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese herbal medicines have been long used among pregnant populations in China. However, despite the high susceptibility of this population to drug exposure, it continued to remain unclear about how often they were used, to what extent they were used at different pregnancy stages, and whether their use was based on sound safety profiles, particularly when used in combination with pharmaceutical drugs. OBJECTIVE This descriptive cohort study aimed to systematically investigate the use of Chinese herbal medicines throughout pregnancy and their safety profiles. STUDY DESIGN A large medication use cohort was developed by linking a population-based pregnancy registry and a population-based pharmacy database, which documented all prescriptions at both outpatients and inpatients from conception to 7 days after delivery, including pharmaceutical drugs and processed Chinese herbal medicine formulas that were approved by the regulatory authority and prepared under the guidance of national quality standards. The prevalence of the use of Chinese herbal medicine formulas, prescription pattern, and combination use of pharmaceutical drugs throughout pregnancy were investigated. Multivariable log-binomial regression was performed to assess temporal trends and further explore the potential characteristics associated with the use of Chinese herbal medicines. Of note, 2 authors independently conducted a qualitative systematic review of patient package inserts of the top 100 Chinese herbal medicine formulas used to identify their safety profiles. RESULTS This study included 199,710 pregnancies; of those pregnancies, 131,235 (65.71%) used Chinese herbal medicine formulas, including 26.13% during pregnancy (corresponding to 14.00%, 8.91%, and 8.26% in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy) and 55.63% after delivery. The peak uses of Chinese herbal medicines occurred between 5 and 10 weeks of gestation. The use of Chinese herbal medicines significantly increased over the years (from 63.28% in 2014 to 69.59% in 2018; adjusted relative risk, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.13), which was particularly great during pregnancy (from 18.47% in 2014 to 32.46% in 2018; adjusted relative risk, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.77-1.90). Our study observed 291,836 prescriptions involving 469 Chinese herbal medicine formulas, and the top 100 most used Chinese herbal medicines accounted for 98.28% of the total prescriptions. Of those, a third (33.39%) were dispensed at outpatient visits; 6.79% were external use, and 0.29% were administered intravenously. However, Chinese herbal medicines were very often prescribed in combination with pharmaceutical drugs (94.96% overall), involving 1175 pharmaceutical drugs with 1,667,459 prescriptions. The median of pharmaceutical drugs prescribed in combination with Chinese herbal medicines per pregnancy was 10 (interquartile range, 5-18). The systematic review of drug patient package inserts found that the 100 most frequently prescribed Chinese herbal medicines contained a total of 240 herb constituents (median, 4.5); 7.00% were explicitly indicated for pregnancy or postpartum conditions; 43.00% were reported with efficacy or safety data from randomized controlled trials. Information was lacking about whether the medications had any reproductive toxicity, were excreted in human milk, or crossed the placenta. CONCLUSION The use of Chinese herbal medicines was prevalent throughout pregnancy and increased over the years. The use of Chinese herbal medicines peaked in the first trimester of pregnancy and was very often used in combination with pharmaceutical drugs. However, their safety profiles were mostly unclear or incomplete, suggesting a strong need for postapproval surveillance for the use of Chinese herbal medicines during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiquan Xiong
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan)
| | - Chunrong Liu
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan)
| | - Mingxi Li
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan)
| | - Xuan Qin
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan)
| | - Jin Guo
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan)
| | - Wanqiang Wei
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan)
| | - Guanhua Yao
- Xiamen Health Commission, Xiamen, China (Dr Yao and Dr Qian)
| | - Yongyao Qian
- Xiamen Health Commission, Xiamen, China (Dr Yao and Dr Qian)
| | - Lishan Ye
- Xiamen Health and Medical Big Data Center, Xiamen, China (Ms Ye, Mr Liu, and Mr Xu)
| | - Hui Liu
- Xiamen Health and Medical Big Data Center, Xiamen, China (Ms Ye, Mr Liu, and Mr Xu)
| | - Qiushi Xu
- Xiamen Health and Medical Big Data Center, Xiamen, China (Ms Ye, Mr Liu, and Mr Xu)
| | - Kang Zou
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan)
| | - Xin Sun
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan).
| | - Jing Tan
- Chinese Evidence-based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); NMPA Key Laboratory for Real World Data Research and Evaluation in Hainan, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan); Sichuan Center of Technology Innovation for Real World Data, Chengdu, China (Dr Xiong, Ms Liu, Ms Li, Ms Qin, Ms Guo, Mr Wei, Mr Zou, Dr Sun, and Dr Tan).
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Häsler Gunnarsdottir S, Sommerauer L, Schnabel T, Oostingh GJ, Schuster A. Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Bark Extracts from Common European Trees in Light of Dermal Applications. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12010130. [PMID: 36671331 PMCID: PMC9854852 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant species have developed effective defense strategies for colonizing diverse habitats and protecting themselves from numerous attacks from a wide range of organisms, including insects, vertebrates, fungi, and bacteria. The bark of trees in particular constitutes a number of components that protect against unwanted intruders. This review focuses on the antioxidative, dermal immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties of bark extracts from European common temperate trees in light of various skin pathogens, wound healing, and the maintenance of skin health. The sustainability aspect, achieved by utilizing the bark, which is considered a byproduct in the forest industry, is addressed, as are various extraction methods applied to retrieve extracts from bark.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lukas Sommerauer
- Department of Forest Products Technology & Timber Constructions, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Markt 136a, 5431 Kuchl, Austria
- Salzburg Center for Smart Materials, c/o Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Jakob-Haringer-Straße 2a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Material Sciences and Process Engineering, Institute of Physics and Materials Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter-Jordan-Straße 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Schnabel
- Department of Forest Products Technology & Timber Constructions, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Markt 136a, 5431 Kuchl, Austria
- Faculty of Furniture Design and Wood Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, B-dul. Eroilor nr. 29, 500036 Brasov, Romania
| | - Gertie Janneke Oostingh
- Biomedical Sciences, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Urstein Sued 1, 5412 Puch, Austria
| | - Anja Schuster
- Biomedical Sciences, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Urstein Sued 1, 5412 Puch, Austria
- Correspondence:
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Differences in the Perception of Dietary Supplements between Dietary Supplement/Medicine Users and Non-Users. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194114. [PMID: 36235766 PMCID: PMC9572052 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Some patients use dietary supplements and medicines concomitantly, with an inappropriate perception of their safety and efficacy. To clarify the perception between dietary supplement and medicine users and non-users, we conducted an internet survey. In this survey, 38.9% of participants used dietary supplements, 32.6% used prescription medicines, and 14.7% used dietary supplements and prescription medicines concomitantly. Then, we conducted a further survey on four groups, dietary supplement and prescription medicine users, dietary supplement only users, prescription medicine only users, and non-users (500 each). Dietary supplement users had favorable outcomes in terms of both the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements compared to dietary supplement non-users. This perception of dietary supplements was independent from medicine use. The awareness of the Health Food Network consumer navigation site, which provides information about dietary supplements for consumers, was the highest among dietary supplement and prescription medicine users, but it was still low (2.2%). In conclusion, consumers who use dietary supplement and prescription medicine concomitantly have favorable outcomes for their safety and efficacy and a low awareness of their interaction. There is a need to provide information, especially regarding the risk of interaction, that takes into account the consumer's situation.
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