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El Sayed SM. Al-Hijamah (Prophetic Wet Cupping Therapy) is a Novel Adjuvant Treatment for Viral Hepatitis That Excretes Viral Particles and Excess Ferritin Percutaneously, Synergizes Pharmacotherapy, Enhances Antiviral Immunity and Helps Better HCC Prevention and Treatment: A Novel Evidence-Based Combination with Prophetic Medicine Remedies. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1527-1546. [PMID: 37727876 PMCID: PMC10505647 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s409526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis progresses to liver cirrhosis and HCC. Several challenges are facing Sovaldi treatment to viral C hepatitis, eg, viral resistance, difficulty to treat all genotypes, and inability to access treatments in low-income countries. Also, current treatments to Hepatitis B are still challenging. Ideal treatments to viral hepatitis should decrease the viral load, enhance antiviral immunity and repair the viruses-induced tissue damage. That is still beyond reach. High serum ferritin in viral hepatitis correlates with chronicity, increased necro-inflammation, hepatotoxicity, progression to cirrhosis, progression to HCC, unresponsiveness to treatments and viremia. Previously, Al-hijamah (wet cupping therapy of prophetic medicine) significantly cleared thalassemic children of causative pathological substances (CPS), eg, excess ferritin, free radicals and serum lipids. Moreover, Al-hijamah significantly increased the antioxidant power and potentiated the natural antiviral immunity, eg, increasing CD4 count, CD8 count and CD4/CD8 ratio. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: "If there is a benenvolence (benefit) in any of your medicines, benefit will be in shrtat mihjam (Al-hijamah), honey drink, and a stinge of fire compatible with disease and I do not like to cauterize". Likewise, the author suggests Al-hijamah as a novel promising adjuvant treatment for viral hepatitis (B and C) for percutaneous excretion of CPS as hepatitis viral particles, excess ferritin, inflammatory mediators, free radicals, and antigen-antibody complexes. Published reports proved that Al-hijamah exerted tissue-protective effects, and cleared blood through the fenestrated skin capillaries in a pressure-dependent and size-dependent manner (a kidney-like manner). That collectively may decrease the viral load for better HCC prevention and supports the evidence-based Taibah theory (Taibah mechanism). Same therapeutic benefits apply to other viral illnesses as AIDS. Even after HCC development, Al-hijamah is quite mandatory for excretion and clearance of CPS that favor malignancy, eg, lactate (Warburg effect), growth factors, metalloproteinases, and others. Al-hijamah-induced immune potentiation benefits HCC patients. Combining Al-hijamah with other natural antioxidant remedies of prophetic medicine, eg, nigella sativa, costus, natural honey, Zamzam water and others will maximize the therapeutic benefits. In conclusion, Al-hijamah and other prophetic medicine remedies are recommended adjuvants to current pharmacological treatments to viral hepatitis and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Mohamed El Sayed
- Al-Hijamah Clinic, Medical University Center, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, Taibah College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Prophetic Medicine Course & Research, Taibah College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
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El Sayed SM. Biochemical Origin of the Warburg Effect in Light of 15 Years of Research Experience: A Novel Evidence-Based View (An Expert Opinion Article). Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:143-155. [PMID: 36911533 PMCID: PMC9997657 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s397593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells strongly upregulate glucose uptake and glycolysis to produce vital biomolecules for cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis as ATP, lipids, proteins, nucleotides, and lactate. The Warburg effect is tumours' unique glucose oxidation to give lactate (not pyruvate) even in the presence of oxygen. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NADH.H) is used in glycolysis via glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Both catalyse reversible biochemical reactions to produce 1,3-diphosphoglycerate and lactate, respectively. In this expert opinion and based on published evidence, the author suggests that: "In transformed cells and hyperglycolytic cancer cells, the Warburg effect (permanent conversion of pyruvate to lactate) occurs secondary to a vicious cycle and a closed circuit between GAPDH and LDH (reaction of carcinogenesis) causing increased endogenous oxidative stress and subsequent carcinogenesis. Mitochondrial defects in cancer cells cause hyperglycolysis resulting in NADH.H accumulation (produced during GAPDH step) that obligatorily drives LDH to become an irreversible reaction in the direction of lactate formation (Warburg effect) but not pyruvate formation. Likewise, LDH oxidizes NADH.H producing excessive NAD+ that secondarily drives GAPDH reaction to be irreversible to produce NADH.H and so on. Pyruvate is an antioxidant while lactate is pro-oxidant, causing increased endogenous oxidative stress in cancer cells, tumour's hypoxia and obligatory hyperglycolysis with NADH.H overproduction (GAPDH step) to be consumed in the LDH step for lactate production and NAD+ generation (utilized by GAPDH) and so on". This confirms Warburg's origin of cancer cells. Best anticancer applications based on this hypothesis are: breaking this closed vicious circle using siRNA to target GAPDH and LDH, avoiding strong oxidants (as many cancer chemotherapeutics), and using strong antioxidants for causing antioxidant-oxidant antagonism or antioxidant-lactate antagonism to inhibit the Warburg effect. Strong natural antioxidants of prophetic medicine (related to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) such as Zamzam water, Nigella sativa, costus, Ajwa date fruit, olive oil, Al-hijamah and natural honey are strongly recommended to prevent and antagonize the Warburg effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Mohamed El Sayed
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, Taibah College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.,Prophetic Medicine Course and Research, Taibah College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
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Hassan N, Suleman R, Al-Azzani W, Jaber H, Mahdi A. Microparticle clearance theory: An update to the potential mechanisms of action of cupping therapy. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Chiu YC, Manousakas I, Kuo SM, Shiao JW, Chen CL. Influence of quantified dry cupping on soft tissue compliance in athletes with myofascial pain syndrome. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242371. [PMID: 33211769 PMCID: PMC7676738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to develop a quantitative dry cupping system that can monitor negative pressure attenuation and soft tissue pull-up during cupping to quantify soft tissue compliance. METHODS Baseball players with myofascial pain syndrome were recruited to validate the benefits of cupping therapy. Nine of 40 baseball players on the same team were diagnosed with trapezius myofascial pain syndrome; another nine players from the same team were recruited as controls. All participants received cupping with a negative pressure of 400 mmHg for 15 minutes each time, twice a week, for 4 weeks. Subjective perception was investigated using upper extremity function questionnaires, and soft tissue compliance was quantified objectively by the system. RESULTS During the 15-minute cupping procedure, pressure attenuation in the normal group was significantly greater than that in the myofascial group (p = 0.017). The soft tissue compliance in the normal group was significantly higher than that in the myofascial group (p = 0.050). Moreover, a 4-week cupping intervention resulted in an obvious increase in soft tissue lift in the myofascial pain group (p = 0.027), although there was no statistical difference in the improvement of soft tissue compliance. Shoulder (p = 0.023) and upper extremity function (p = 0.008) were significantly improved in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION This quantitative cupping monitoring system could immediately assess tissue compliance and facilitate the improvement of soft tissues after cupping therapy. Hence, it can be used in athletes to improve their functional recovery and maintain soft tissues health during the off-season period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chun Chiu
- Department of Orthopedics, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ioannis Manousakas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shyh Ming Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Wen Shiao
- Center for General Education, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Liang Chen
- Department of Physical Therapy, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Das R, Datta S, Kaviraj A, Sanyal SN, Nielsen P, Nielsen I, Sharma P, Sanyal T, Dey K, Saha S. A decision support scheme for beta thalassemia and HbE carrier screening. J Adv Res 2020; 24:183-190. [PMID: 32368356 PMCID: PMC7186556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The most effective way to combat β-thalassemias is to prevent the birth of children with thalassemia major. Therefore, a cost-effective screening method is essential to identify β-thalassemia traits (BTT) and differentiate normal individuals from carriers. We considered five hematological parameters to formulate two separate scoring mechanisms, one for BTT detection, and another for joint determination of hemoglobin E (HbE) trait and BTT by employing decision trees, Naïve Bayes classifier, and Artificial neural network frameworks on data collected from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. We validated both the scores on two different data sets and found 100% sensitivity of both the scores with their respective threshold values. The results revealed the specificity of the screening scores to be 79.25% and 91.74% for BTT and 58.62% and 78.03% for the joint score of HbE and BTT, respectively. A lower Youden’s index was measured for the two scores compared to some existing indices. Therefore, the proposed scores can obviate a large portion of the population from expensive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis during the screening of BTT, and joint determination of BTT and HbE, respectively, thereby saving significant resources and cost currently being utilized for screening purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Das
- Department of Hematology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Saikat Datta
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Anandaloke Hospital, Siliguri 734001, India
| | - Anilava Kaviraj
- Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, India
| | - Soumendra Nath Sanyal
- Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, DK 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Peter Nielsen
- Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, DK 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Izabela Nielsen
- Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, DK 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Prashant Sharma
- Department of Hematology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Tanmay Sanyal
- Department of Zoology, Krishnagar Government College, Krishnagar 741101, India
| | - Kartick Dey
- Department of Mathematics, University of Engineering & Management, Kolkata 700160, India
| | - Subrata Saha
- Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, DK 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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Bashiri H, Bozorgomid A, Shojaeimotlagh V. Efficacy of Hijamat (wet cupping therapy) in Iranian patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a controlled clinical trial. Turk J Med Sci 2020; 50:354-359. [PMID: 31999405 PMCID: PMC7164754 DOI: 10.3906/sag-1907-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to be the most prevalent chronic liver disease all over the world. The incidence of this disease has dramatically increased during the last decade. Studies have shown a strong relationship between the level of ferritin and the severity of NAFLD. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of adding Hijamat, as an iron reducing procedure, to standard lifestyle modification on the improvement of insulin resistance and liver enzymes in patients with NAFLD. Materials and methods One hundred and twenty NAFLD patients participated in a randomized, controlled, single-blind trial design of study. The control group received counselling for nutrition and physical activity for a period of 6 months. The treatment group received the above items plus Hijamat for 3 times during 1 month. Ultrasound images of liver, HOMA-IR, and laboratory data including ALT, AST were assessed pre- and postintervention. Results At the end of the study, a significant decrease was demonstrated in the serum level of HOMA-IR (–1.30 ± 0.88 vs –.02 ± 0.47, P < 0.001) and serum levels of ALT (–6.50 ± 4.92 vs –2.38 ± 3.92, P < 0.001) and AST (–2.78 ± 4.29 vs –1.30 ± 2.33, P = 0.021) in the Hijamat group were compared to the control group. Ultrasound images of the liver improved in 23.3% of the patients in the Hijamat group, while the rate of improvement in the control group was 10% (P = 0.050). Hijamat therapy was safe and tolerable in this trial. Conclusions Hijamat resulted in a relative improvement in fatty liver severity and improved HOMA-IR and liver enzymes more than lifestyle modification alone in patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homayoon Bashiri
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran,Department of Internal Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Arezoo Bozorgomid
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Vahid Shojaeimotlagh
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
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El-Shanshory M, Hablas NM, Shebl Y, Fakhreldin AR, Attia M, Almaramhy HH, Baghdadi H, Ayat M, Albeihany A, El-Dardear A, Ibrahim HA, Mahmoud HS, Nabo MMH, El Sayed SM. Al-hijamah (wet cupping therapy of prophetic medicine) significantly and safely reduces iron overload and oxidative stress in thalassemic children: a novel pilot study. J Blood Med 2018; 9:241-251. [PMID: 30588142 PMCID: PMC6300367 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s170523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thalassemia is a major health problem due to iron overload, iron deposition and oxidative stress-induced tissue damage. Here, we introduce Al-hijamah (a minor surgical excretory procedure) as a novel percutaneous iron excretion therapy. Al-hijamah is a wet cupping therapy of prophetic medicine, and prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, strongly recommended Al-hijamah, saying: “The best of your treatment is Al-hijamah”. Aim of the study Our study aimed at investigating the safety, iron chelation, pharmacological potentiation and oxidant clearance effects exerted by Al-hijamah to thalassemic children. Patients and methods Ethical committee’s approval and patients’ written agreement consents were obtained. We treated 20 thalassemic children (15 males and five females aged 9.07±4.26 years) with iron chelation therapy (ICT) plus Al-hijamah (using sterile disposable sets and in a complete aseptic environment) vs a control group treated with ICT only. This clinical trial was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov registry under the name “Study of the Therapeutic Benefits of Al-hijamah in Children with Beta Thalassemia Major” (identifier no NCT 02761395) on 30 January 2016. Results Al-hijamah was quite simple, safe, effective, tolerable (with no side effects) and time-saving procedure (30–60 minutes). A single session of Al-hijamah significantly reduced iron overload (P<0.001) in all thalassemic children. Al-hijamah significantly decreased serum ferritin by 25.22% (from 3,778.350±551.633 ng/mL to 2,825.300±558.94 ng/mL), significantly decreased oxidative stress by 68.69% (P<0.05; serum malondialdehyde dropped from 42.155±12.42 to 13.195±0.68 nmol/L), exerted pharmacological potentiation to ICT and significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (P<0.001) by 260.95% (from 13.195±0.68 nmol/L to 42.86±12.40 nmol/L through excreting reactive oxygen species). Moreover, therapeutic indices for evaluating Al-hijamah were promising. Conclusion Al-hijamah is a novel, safe, effective percutaneous iron excretion therapy through percutaneous iron excretion with minimal blood loss in agreement with the evidence-based Taibah mechanism. Al-hijamah is an effective outpatient hematological procedure that is safer than many pediatric procedures such as catheterization, hemofiltration and dialysis. Increasing the number of cups during Al-hijamah session or the number of sessions reduces iron overload more strongly. Medical practice of Al-hijamah is strongly recommended in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Shanshory
- Prophetic Medicine Course and Research, Taibah College of Medicine, Medina, Saudi Arabia, .,Department of Pediatrics, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Tanta Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Nahed M Hablas
- Department of Pediatrics, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Tanta Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Shebl
- Department of Pediatrics, Tanta University Faculty of Medicine, Tanta Gharbia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed R Fakhreldin
- Department of Pediatrics, Aswan Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Attia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Tanta Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Hamdi H Almaramhy
- Department of Surgery, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussam Baghdadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia,
| | - Mongi Ayat
- Prophetic Medicine Course and Research, Taibah College of Medicine, Medina, Saudi Arabia, .,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia,
| | - Amal Albeihany
- Department of Hematology, King Fahd Hospital, Ministry of Health, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amr El-Dardear
- Prophetic Medicine Course and Research, Taibah College of Medicine, Medina, Saudi Arabia, .,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hoda Ali Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Tanta Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Manal Mohamed Helmy Nabo
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, King Fahad Hospital, Ministry of Health, Medina, Saudi Arabia.,Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatrics Department, Sohag Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Salah Mohamed El Sayed
- Prophetic Medicine Course and Research, Taibah College of Medicine, Medina, Saudi Arabia, .,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia, .,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt,
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Khalil MK, Al-Eidi S, Al-Qaed M, AlSanad S. Cupping therapy in Saudi Arabia: from control to integration. Integr Med Res 2018; 7:214-218. [PMID: 30271709 PMCID: PMC6160619 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cupping therapy or Hijamah is a leading traditional practice after spiritual healings and herbal medicine in Saudi Arabia. Wet cupping is by far the most common type of cupping therapy. Hijamah in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries is a model of religious influences, interconnectivity, and cross-cultural influences between different civilizations. Accordingly, differentiating the cupping practiced in Saudi Arabia, and other Muslims societies from that practiced in other countries like China, by Korea only by the technique or cupping sites is an underestimation of the differences. In Saudi Arabia, the profile or characteristics of cupping therapy user is distinct from the profile of other traditional medicine users by being more educated, with higher job rank and not affected by nationality or gender. After an era of unregulated practice, cupping therapy is currently regulated and monitored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Ministry of Health (NCCAM/MOH) of Saudi Arabia. Regulations and licensing include practitioners, practice place, and cupping equipment. After regulation, cupping is mainly offered by the private sector and paid directly by the client as insurance does not cover it. In the private sector, licensed cupping service is usually provided as a parallel and not an integrated service. However, there are few models of integrated cupping clinic in universities, academic institutions, and governmental hospitals. Further health system research is needed to develop more models of integrated cupping service pending for the healthcare transformation which is going on in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed K.M. Khalil
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine – Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman Al-Eidi
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine – Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshary Al-Qaed
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine – Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saud AlSanad
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine – Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Umar NK, Tursunbadalov S, Surgun S, Welcome MO, Dane S. The Effects of Wet Cupping Therapy on the Blood Levels of Some Heavy Metals: A Pilot Study. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2018; 11:375-379. [PMID: 29958995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Heavy metals have been recognized as toxins for centuries. Cupping therapy has been shown to aid in the excretion of accumulated fluids and toxins from the interstitial fluid. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of wet cupping therapy on blood levels of heavy metals. METHODS Thirteen healthy male individuals [mean age ± standard deviation, 28.47 ± 6.18] participated in this study. Venous blood samples were collected 5 min before and 30 days after the wet cupping therapy. Five points of the posterior neck and bilateral perispinal areas of the neck and thoracic spine were selected for cupping therapy. The levels of aluminium (Al), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS The levels of heavy metals (Al, Zn, and Cd) after cupping therapy were significantly lower than the levels before therapy. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that wet cupping therapy has an excretory effect on the kidney. Wet cupping therapy may clear blood from excess heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafisa K Umar
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Nigeria.
| | | | - Serdar Surgun
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Nigeria.
| | - Menizibeya O Welcome
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Nigeria.
| | - Senol Dane
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Nigeria.
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Abstract
Iron-overload syndromes may be hereditary or acquired. Patients may be asymptomatic early in the disease. Once heart failure develops, there is rapid deterioration. Cardiac hemochromatosis is characterized by a dilated cardiomyopathy with dilated ventricles, reduced ejection fraction, and reduced fractional shortening. Deposition of iron may occur in the entire cardiac conduction system, especially the atrioventricular node. Cardiac hemochromatosis should be considered in any patient with unexplained heart failure. Screening for systemic iron overload with serum ferritin and transferin saturation should be performed. If these tests are consistent with iron overload, further noninvasive and histologic confirmation is indicated to confirm organ involvement with iron overload. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is superior to other diagnostic tests since it can quantitatively assess myocardial iron load. Therapeutic phlebotomy is the therapy of choice in nonanemic patients with cardiac hemochromatosis. Therapeutic phlebotomy should be started in men with serum ferritin levels of 300 μg/l or more and in women with serum ferritin levels of 200 μg/l or more. Therapeutic phlebotomy consists of removing 1 unit of blood (450 to 500 ml) weekly until the serum ferritin level is 10 to 20 μg/l and maintenance of the serum ferritin level at 50 μg/l or lower thereafter by periodic removal of blood. Phlebotomy is not a treatment option in patients with anemia (secondary iron-overload disorders) nor in patients with severe congestive heart failure. In these patients, the treatment of choice is iron chelation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilbert S Aronow
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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Abstract
Wet cupping (Al-hijamah) is a therapeutic technique practiced worldwide as a part of the Unani system of medicine. It involves bloodletting from acupoints on a patient’s skin to produce a therapeutic outcome. A thorough review of research articles on wet cupping with relevance to proteomics field that are indexed by Google Scholar, PubMed, and/or Science Direct databases was performed. Eight original research articles were summarized in this paper. Overall, wet cupping did not have a significant effect on C-reactive protein, Hsp-27, sister chromatid exchanges, and cell replication index. In contrast, wet cupping was found to produce higher oxygen saturation, eliminate lactate from subcutaneous tissues, remove blood containing higher levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and produce higher activity of myeloperoxidase. The proteomic effects of wet cupping therapy have not been adequately investigated. Thus, future studies on wet cupping that use systemic and sound protocols to avoid bias should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer A Almaiman
- Department of Applied Medical Sciences, Community College of Unaizah, Qassim University, Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail.
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Ramezani S, Pordel M, Davoodnia A. Synthesis, spectral, DFT calculations and antibacterial studies of Fe(III) complexes of new fluorescent Schiff bases derived from imidazo[4',5':3,4]benzo[1,2‐
c
]isoxazole. Appl Organomet Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/aoc.4178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ramezani
- Department of Chemistry, Mashhad BranchIslamic Azad University Mashhad Iran
| | - Mehdi Pordel
- Department of Chemistry, Mashhad BranchIslamic Azad University Mashhad Iran
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Bordbar M, Pasalar M, Safaei S, Kamfiroozi R, Zareifar S, Zekavat O, Haghpanah S. Complementary and alternative medicine use in thalassemia patients in Shiraz, southern Iran: A cross-sectional study. J Tradit Complement Med 2017; 8:141-146. [PMID: 29322002 PMCID: PMC5755989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in thalassemia patients in south of Iran. The survey was done using a validated questionnaire which was distributed among 122 thalassemia patients. Only 108 questionnaires were completed and turned back (response rate 88.5%). Patients referred to an outpatient thalassemia clinic in Shiraz, southern Iran for blood transfusion. The mean age of the patients was 22.9 ± 7.9 years (range 4–45 years) with female/male ratio 1.84. Seventy four (68.5%) of the responders used CAM at least once during their life, and about half of them used it concurrently with their conventional treatments. The most reported CAM product was mint juice (50%). The most common reason of CAM use was increased general health. The most common information source about CAM was physicians who were the most trusted source as well. CAM is frequently being used in thalassemia patients to ensure their sense of well-being and help them overcome the complications of their illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehdi Pasalar
- Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Safaei
- Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Iran
| | - Roza Kamfiroozi
- Amir Oncology Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sohelia Zareifar
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Omidreza Zekavat
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sezaneh Haghpanah
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Anatomical Features of the Interscapular Area Where Wet Cupping Therapy Is Done and Its Possible Relation to Acupuncture Meridians. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2016; 9:290-296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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15
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Cupping: The common wealth of world traditional medicine. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s1003-5257(17)30055-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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16
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Mehta P, Dhapte V. Cupping therapy: A prudent remedy for a plethora of medical ailments. J Tradit Complement Med 2015; 5:127-34. [PMID: 26151023 PMCID: PMC4488563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM; bǔ chōng yǔ tì dài yī xué) have played an important role in human health and welfare. Many therapeutic approaches in healthcare outside the realm of conventional medicine persist in various parts of the world. There is considerable scientific and commercial potential in CAM, which needs to be explored precisely. Cupping therapy ( bá guàn liáo fǎ), one of the CAM, is practiced across the world. This therapy is believed to act by correcting imbalances in the internal bio field, such as by restoring the flow of "Qi (qì)". Cupping involves applying a heated cup to generate a partial vacuum that mobilizes the blood flow and promotes effective healing. This review outlines various tools and techniques of cupping therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Mehta
- Department of Quality Assurance, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Vividha Dhapte
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
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17
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Sahin C, Pala C, Kaynar L, Torun YA, Cetin A, Kurnaz F, Sivgin S, Sahin FS. Measurement of hair iron concentration as a marker of body iron content. Biomed Rep 2015; 3:383-387. [PMID: 26137241 DOI: 10.3892/br.2015.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to define the possible association between blood parameters and hair iron concentration in patient groups showing a difference in body iron content. The study population comprised subjects with iron deficiency anaemia and transfusion-related anaemia with different body iron contents and a healthy control group. All the cases included in the study were examined with respect to hair iron concentration, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation and erythrocyte markers in the total blood count with ferritin values. Differences in hair iron concentration were evaluated between the groups. Correlation analysis was applied to define the association between the laboratory values used as markers of body iron content and hair iron concentration. A statistically significant difference was determined in hair iron 56Fe and 57Fe concentrations between the group with transfusion-related anaemia, the iron deficiency anaemia group and the healthy control group (P<0.001). In addition, a positive correlation was determined between hair iron 56Fe and 57Fe concentrations and serum iron, ferritin level, transferrin saturation, mean erythrocyte volume and mean erythrocyte haemoglobin values and a negative correlation with TIBC. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed a statistically significant difference in the hair iron concentrations of the patient groups with different body iron content and these values were correlated to the laboratory markers of body iron content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Sahin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Muğla Sitki Kocman University, Orhaniye, Muğla 48000, Turkey
| | - Cigdem Pala
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Melikgazi, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Leylagul Kaynar
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Melikgazi, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Altuner Torun
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Education and Research Hospital, Kayseri, Kayseri 38010, Turkey
| | - Aysun Cetin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Melikgazi, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kurnaz
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Melikgazi, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Serdar Sivgin
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Melikgazi, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Fatih Serdar Sahin
- Graduate School of Health Sciences Stem Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Melikgazi, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
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18
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El Sayed SM, Baghdadi H, Abou-Taleb A, Mahmoud HS, Maria RA, Ahmed NS, Helmy Nabo MM. Al-hijamah and oral honey for treating thalassemia, conditions of iron overload, and hyperferremia: toward improving the therapeutic outcomes. J Blood Med 2014; 5:219-37. [PMID: 25382989 PMCID: PMC4222535 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s65042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron overload causes iron deposition and accumulation in the liver, heart, skin, and other tissues resulting in serious tissue damages. Significant blood clearance from iron and ferritin using wet cupping therapy (WCT) has been reported. WCT is an excretory form of treatment that needs more research efforts. WCT is an available, safe, simple, economic, and time-saving outpatient modality of treatment that has no serious side effects. There are no serious limitations or precautions to discontinue WCT. Interestingly, WCT has solid scientific and medical bases (Taibah mechanism) that explain its effectiveness in treating many disease conditions differing in etiology and pathogenesis. WCT utilizes an excretory physiological principle (pressure-dependent excretion) that resembles excretion through renal glomerular filtration and abscess evacuation. WCT exhibits a percutaneous excretory function that clears blood (through fenestrated skin capillaries) and interstitial fluids from pathological substances without adding a metabolic or detoxification burden on the liver and the kidneys. Interestingly, WCT was reported to decrease serum ferritin (circulating iron stores) significantly by about 22.25% in healthy subjects (in one session) and to decrease serum iron significantly to the level of causing iron deficiency (in multiple sessions). WCT was reported to clear blood significantly of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, uric acid, inflammatory mediators, and immunoglobulin antibodies (rheumatoid factor). Moreover, WCT was reported to enhance the natural immunity, potentiate pharmacological treatments, and to treat many different disease conditions. There are two distinct methods of WCT: traditional WCT and Al-hijamah (WCT of prophetic medicine). Both start and end with skin sterilization. In traditional WCT, there are two steps, skin scarification followed by suction using plastic cups (double S technique); Al-hijamah is a three-step procedure that includes skin suction using cups, scarification (shartat mihjam in Arabic), and second skin suction (triple S technique). Al-hijamah is a more comprehensive technique and does better than traditional WCT, as Al-hijamah includes two pressure-dependent filtration steps versus one step in traditional WCT. Whenever blood plasma is to be cleared of an excess pathological substance, Al-hijamah is indicated. We will discuss here some reported hematological and therapeutic benefits of Al-hijamah, its medical bases, methodologies, precautions, side effects, contraindications, quantitative evaluation, malpractice, combination with oral honey treatment, and to what extent it may be helpful when treating thalassemia and other conditions of iron overload and hyperferremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Mohamed El Sayed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt ; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussam Baghdadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Abou-Taleb
- Department of Pediatrics, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Hany Salah Mahmoud
- World Federation of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Cairo Regional Headquarter, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham A Maria
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tanta Faulty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Nagwa S Ahmed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Manal Mohamed Helmy Nabo
- Department of Pediatrics, Sohag Teaching Hospital, Sohag, Egypt ; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Maternity and Children Hospital, King Abdullah Medical City, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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