1
|
Lo CW, Sum KWR, Leung FLE, Yang Y, Chan KL, Lam KK, Lau KW, Sum CH, Lin WL, Ho SH, Lin ZX. Efficacy of soothing cream gel in the range of motion and chronic pain at the shoulder and elbow: protocol of a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085856. [PMID: 38969378 PMCID: PMC11227787 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085856] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Upper limb problems have a significant impact on the global population leading to pain and restricted joint mobility, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Traditional treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, often come with undesirable side effects, prompting patients to seek alternative therapies. In this trial, we hypothesise that soothing cream gel (SCG) will improve range of motion and chronic pain in the shoulder and elbow. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of SCG in improving the range of motion and chronic pain in the shoulder and elbow. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial is conducted to compare the effects of SCG and placebo gel. SCG contains Vitis vinifera essence, Melaleuca viridiflora essential oil, etc, and is manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practice standards. The placebo gel will be processed with similar appearance, texture and scent but will lack active ingredients. 70 participants with upper limb problems will be recruited from four study sites, including clinical centres and a sport department at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Participants will be randomly assigned to either treatment group or placebo group for 2 weeks. Primary outcome will be the range of motion in the upper limb, assessed by a goniometer, to measure active flexion and abduction for the shoulder, and active flexion and extension for the elbow. The primary efficacy analyses will be based on the full analysis set following the intention-to-treat principle. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The trial has obtained approval from the joint CUHK-New Territories East Cluster (CRE-2023.142), and the patient enrolment commenced in July 2023. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to participation. Study results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conference. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05799391.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cho Wing Lo
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kim Wai Raymond Sum
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Yijian Yang
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kam Leung Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Koon Kit Lam
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kam Wai Lau
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Him Sum
- Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Ling Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shing Hin Ho
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee HJ, Lee S, Ryu HY, Shim SM. Safety evaluation of kaempferol glycosides-rich standardized roasted goji berry leaf extract. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 140:105382. [PMID: 36944407 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105382] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Goji berry leaf (GL) has been used for medicinal foods for its pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidative and anti-obesity activities. Nevertheless, toxicological information on GL is limited for developing health functional ingredient. The aim of the research was to evaluate the single dose acute, 14-day repeated oral toxicity, and genotoxicity of standardized roasted GL extract (rGL) rich in kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-glucoside. Tested rGL was found to be stable as kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-glucoside, showing 0.7-2.1% of analytical standard variance. According to the single dose toxicity for 14 days, the lethal dose of rGL was determined to be ≥ 2000 mg/kg. Repeated doses of 0-1000 mg/kg of rGL per day for 14 days did not show any toxicity signs or gross pathological abnormalities. No genotoxic signs for the rGL treatment appeared via bacterial reverse mutation up to 5000 μg/plate. There was no significant increase in chromosomal aberration of rGL irrespective of metabolic activation by using CHO-K1 cells (p > 0.05). Regarding carcinogenic toxicity, chromosomal aberrations were not induced at 2000 mg of rGL/kg by using the in vivo bone marrow micronucleus test (p > 0.05). Results from the current study suggest that rGL could be used as a functional ingredient to provide various effects with safety assurance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jeong Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Somin Lee
- Department of Bio Technology, Korea Conformity Laboratories, 145 Gaetbeol-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 219998, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Yeol Ryu
- Department of Bio Technology, Korea Conformity Laboratories, 145 Gaetbeol-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 219998, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Mi Shim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Recent trends of natural based therapeutics for mitochondria targeting in Alzheimer’s disease. Mitochondrion 2022; 64:112-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
4
|
Lam M, Khoshkhat P, Chamani M, Shahsavari S, Dorkoosh FA, Rajabi A, Maniruzzaman M, Nokhodchi A. In-depth multidisciplinary review of the usage, manufacturing, regulations & market of dietary supplements. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
5
|
Herbal Medicinal Products from Passiflora for Anxiety: An Unexploited Potential. ScientificWorldJournal 2020; 2020:6598434. [PMID: 32765195 PMCID: PMC7387951 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6598434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicines containing Passiflora species have been widely used to treat anxiety since ancient times. The species Passiflora incarnata L. is included in many Pharmacopoeias, and it is the most used species in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, there are around 600 species of the genus Passiflora and probably other species that can be used safely. Thus, this article was based on a search into the uses of the main species of the genus Passiflora with anxiolytic activity and its main secondary metabolites and some pharmacological studies, patents, and registered products containing Passiflora. Furthermore, the Brazilian Regulatory Health Agency Datavisa, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom, and the European Medicines Agency websites were consulted. The results showed that Passiflora species have health benefits but clinical trials are still scarce. The complexity of Passiflora extracts creates challenges for the development of herbal medicines. P. incarnata is the most studied species of the genus and the most used in natural anxiolytic herbal medicine formulations. However, there are hundreds of Passiflora species potentially useful for medicinal and nutraceutical purposes that are still little explored.
Collapse
|
6
|
Welling MT, Liu L, Hazekamp A, Dowell A, King GJ. Developing Robust Standardised Analytical Procedures for Cannabinoid Quantification: Laying the Foundations for an Emerging Cannabis-Based Pharmaceutical Industry. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2019; 2:1-13. [PMID: 34676328 PMCID: PMC8489335 DOI: 10.1159/000496868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The plant genus Cannabis is a prolific producer of unique pharmaceutically relevant metabolites, commonly referred to as cannabinoids. Robust and standardised methods for the quantification of cannabinoids within botanical and drug forms is a critical step forward for an emerging Cannabis-based pharmaceutical industry, which is poised for rapid expansion. Despite a growing body of analytical methods for the quantification of cannabinoids, few have been validated using internationally accredited guidelines. Moreover, standardised methods have yet to be developed for application at various stages of manufacture as well as for different levels of processing and refinement. Validation parameters for establishing robust standardised methods for cannabinoid quantification within Cannabis-based drug forms are critically discussed. Determining an appropriate level of specificity (discrimination) among heterogeneous botanical matrices as well as evaluating accuracy (recovery) and inter-laboratory precision (reproducibility) within strict and volatile regulatory environments are potential obstacles to the establishment of robust analytical procedures. We argue that while some of these challenges remain unique to Cannabis, others are common to botanical-based drug development and manufacture. In order to address potential barriers to analytical method standardisation, a collaborative research initiative inclusive of academic and commercial stakeholders is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T. Welling
- Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lei Liu
- Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Arno Hazekamp
- Hazekamp Herbal Consulting BV, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ashley Dowell
- Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Graham J. King
- Southern Cross Plant Science, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Khan RA. Natural products chemistry: The emerging trends and prospective goals. Saudi Pharm J 2018; 26:739-753. [PMID: 29991919 PMCID: PMC6036106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The role and contributions of natural products chemistry in advancements of the physical and biological sciences, its interdisciplinary domains, and emerging of new avenues by providing novel applications, constructive inputs, thrust, comprehensive understanding, broad perspective, and a new vision for future is outlined. The developmental prospects in bio-medical, health, nutrition, and other interrelated sciences along with some of the emerging trends in the subject area are also discussed as part of the current review of the basic and core developments, innovation in techniques, advances in methodology, and possible applications with their effects on the sciences in general and natural products chemistry in particular. The overview of the progress and ongoing developments in broader areas of the natural products chemistry discipline, its role and concurrent economic and scientific implications, contemporary objectives, future prospects as well as impending goals are also outlined. A look at the natural products chemistry in providing scientific progress in various disciplines is deliberated upon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riaz A. Khan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Manav Rachna International University, National Capital Region, Faridabad, HR 121 004, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lüde S, Vecchio S, Sinno-Tellier S, Dopter A, Mustonen H, Vucinic S, Jonsson B, Müller D, Veras Gimenez Fruchtengarten L, Hruby K, De Souza Nascimento E, Di Lorenzo C, Restani P, Kupferschmidt H, Ceschi A. Adverse Effects of Plant Food Supplements and Plants Consumed as Food: Results from the Poisons Centres-Based PlantLIBRA Study. Phytother Res 2016; 30:988-96. [PMID: 26948409 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Plant food supplements (PFS) are products of increasing popularity and wide-spread distribution. Nevertheless, information about their risks is limited. To fill this gap, a poisons centres-based study was performed as part of the EU project PlantLIBRA. Multicentre retrospective review of data from selected European and Brazilian poisons centres, involving human cases of adverse effects due to plants consumed as food or as ingredients of food supplements recorded between 2006 and 2010. Ten poisons centres provided a total of 75 cases. In 57 cases (76%) a PFS was involved; in 18 (24%) a plant was ingested as food. The 10 most frequently reported plants were Valeriana officinalis, Camellia sinensis, Paullinia cupana, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Mentha piperita, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ilex paraguariensis, Panax ginseng, and Citrus aurantium. The most frequently observed clinical effects were neurotoxicity and gastro-intestinal symptoms. Most cases showed a benign clinical course; however, five cases were severe. PFS-related adverse effects seem to be relatively infrequent issues for poisons centres. Most cases showed mild symptoms. Nevertheless, the occurrence of some severe adverse effects and the increasing popularity of PFS require continuous active surveillance, and further research is warranted. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Lüde
- National Poisons Centre, Tox Info Suisse, Associated Institute of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Vecchio
- Pavia Poison Center and National Toxicology Information Centre-Toxicology Unit IRCCS Maugeri Foundation and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Aymeric Dopter
- Nutrivigilance, Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Harriet Mustonen
- Poison Information Centre, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Slavica Vucinic
- National Poison Control Centre, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Dieter Müller
- GIZ-Nord Poisons Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Karl Hruby
- Austrian Poisons Information Centre, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Chiara Di Lorenzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Restani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Hugo Kupferschmidt
- National Poisons Centre, Tox Info Suisse, Associated Institute of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Ceschi
- National Poisons Centre, Tox Info Suisse, Associated Institute of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sponchiado G, Adam ML, Silva CD, Soley BS, de Mello-Sampayo C, Cabrini DA, Correr CJ, Otuki MF. Quantitative genotoxicity assays for analysis of medicinal plants: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 178:289-296. [PMID: 26680588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Medicinal plants are known to contain numerous biologically active compounds, and although they have proven pharmacological properties, they can cause harm, including DNA damage. AIM OF THE STUDY Review the literature to evaluate the genotoxicity risk of medicinal plants, explore the genotoxicity assays most used and compare these to the current legal requirements. MATERIAL AND METHODS A quantitative systematic review of the literature, using the keywords "medicinal plants", "genotoxicity" and "mutagenicity", was undertakenQ to identify the types of assays most used to assess genotoxicity, and to evaluate the genotoxicity potential of medicinal plant extracts. RESULTS The database searches retrieved 2289 records, 458 of which met the inclusion criteria. Evaluation of the selected articles showed a total of 24 different assays used for an assessment of medicinal plant extract genotoxicity. More than a quarter of those studies (28.4%) reported positive results for genotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates that a range of genotoxicity assay methods are used to evaluate the genotoxicity potential of medicinal plant extracts. The most used methods are those recommended by regulatory agencies. However, based on the current findings, in order to conduct a thorough study concerning the possible genotoxic effects of a medicinal plant, we indicate that it is important always to include bacterial and mammalian tests, with at least one in vivo assay. Also, these tests should be capable of detecting outcomes that include mutation induction, clastogenic and aneugenic effects, and structural chromosome abnormalities. In addition, the considerable rate of positive results detected in this analysis further supports the relevance of assessing the genotoxicity potential of medicinal plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graziela Sponchiado
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Caroline Dadalt Silva
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Bruna Silva Soley
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Almeida Cabrini
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Michel Fleith Otuki
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Centro Politécnico, Curitiba, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Regulated differently than drugs or foods, the market for botanical dietary supplements continues to grow worldwide. The recently implemented U.S. FDA regulation that all botanical dietary supplements must be produced using good manufacturing practice is an important step toward enhancing the safety of these products, but additional safeguards could be implemented, and unlike drugs, there are currently no efficacy requirements. To ensure a safe and effective product, botanical dietary supplements should be developed in a manner analogous to pharmaceuticals that involves identification of mechanisms of action and active constituents, chemical standardization based on the active compounds, biological standardization based on pharmacological activity, preclinical evaluation of toxicity and potential for drug-botanical interactions, metabolism of active compounds, and finally, clinical studies of safety and efficacy. Completing these steps will enable the translation of botanicals from the field to safe human use as dietary supplements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard B. van Breemen
- UIC/NIH Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research,
Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chinou I. Monographs, list entries, public statements. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 158 Pt B:458-462. [PMID: 25193681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
RESULTS According to Directive 2004/24/EC which amended the basic legislation laid down in Directive 2001/83/EC a new European legislation on herbal medicinal products was developed, in order to harmonize the use of herbal medicinal products in Member States of the European Union. CONCLUSIONS The objective of this legislation was to ensure the future existence of such products and to consider particular characteristics during the assessment of their quality, efficacy and safety, having defined two categories for herbal medicines: i) well-established use herbal medicinal products, which can be granted a marketing authorization; and ii) traditional herbal medicinal products which can be granted a registration based on their longstanding safe and efficient use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Chinou
- University of Athens, Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural, Products, University Campus of Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Miroddi M, Calapai G, Navarra M, Minciullo PL, Gangemi S. Passiflora incarnata L.: ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 150:791-804. [PMID: 24140586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus comprises approximately 520 species belonging to the Passifloraceae family. The majority of these species are vines found in Central or South America, with rare occurrence in North America, Southeast Asia and Australia. The genus Passiflora incarnata has long been used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety in Europe, and it has been used as a sedative tea in North America. Furthermore, this plant has been used for analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-asthmatic, wormicidal and sedative purposes in Brazil; as a sedative and narcotic in Iraq; and for the treatment of disorders such as dysmenorrhoea, epilepsy, insomnia, neurosis and neuralgia in Turkey. In Poland, this plant has been used to treat hysteria and neurasthenia; in America, it has been used to treat diarrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, neuralgia, burns, haemorrhoids and insomnia. Passiflora incarnata L. has also been used to cure subjects affected by opiate dependence in India. This review aims to provide up-to-date information about the pharmacology, clinical efficacy and clinical safety of Passiflora incarnata L. based on the scientific literature. In particular, the methodological accuracy of clinical trials is analysed in accordance with current consolidated guidelines on reporting the clinical efficacy of herbal medicine, offering new insight into opportunities for future research and development. METHODS A bibliographic investigation was performed by examining the available data on Passiflora incarnata L. from globally accepted scientific databases and search engines (Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science, SciFinder and Google Scholar). We selected studies, case reports, and reviews addressing the pharmacology and safety of Passiflora incarnata. RESULTS Although numerous Passiflora incarnata L. derivative products have been commercialised as alternative anxiolytic and sedative remedies based on their long tradition of use, their supposed efficacy does not appear to be adequately corroborated by the literature, with clinical studies often featuring inadequate methodologies and descriptions of the products under investigation. This medicinal plant has shown a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities in preclinical experiments, including anxiolytic, sedative, antitussive, antiasthmatic, and antidiabetic activities. The plant has a good safety profile. The clinical trials that we included in this review were designed to evaluate and in some cases confirm promising observations of preclinical pharmacological activity, and the methodological limits of these studies are characterised here. CONCLUSION In conclusion, clinical studies on the effects of products containing herbal preparations based on Passiflora incarnata reveal crucial weaknesses such as poor details regarding the drug extract ratio, limited patient samples, no description of blinding and randomisation procedures, incorrect definition of placebo, and lack of intention to treat analysis. In conclusion, the results of this review suggest that new clinical trials should be conducted using a more rigorous methodology to assess the traditional putative efficacy of Passiflora incarnata L.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Miroddi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|