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Abstract: Phlomis umbrosa Turcz has been used as the traditional medicine for thousands of years in China. In this paper, the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the hot plate test, the carrageenan-induced paw edema test, the xylene-induced ear swelling test, and the acetic acid-induced Evans blue leakage and leukocyte infiltration test were used to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of this plant (25, 50 and 100mg/kg i.p.). Good dose-dependent effects were obtained in most of these tests, except in the hot plate test and the acetic acid-induced Evans blue leakage test. TLC and HPLC analyses showed iridoid glucosides were the main compositions of this extract. These findings suggested that the aqueous extract of P. umbrosa has significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in clinical practice for several thousand years. TCM has played an indispensable role in the prevention and treatment of diseases, especially the complicated and chronic ones. Pharmacokinetic study on active constituents in herbal preparations is a good way for us to explain and predict a variety of events related to the efficacy and toxicity of TCM. Aim of the study: A selective and sensitive HPLC–MS/MS method was first developed and validated for the determination of luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin, quercetol, and isorhamnetin in rat plasma. Materials and methods: The LC system consisted of an Agilent Technologies Series 1200 system (Agilent, USA) equipped with an automatic degasser, a quaternary pump, and an autosampler. Chromatographic separations were performed on a Waters SunFire™ C18 column (150mm×4.6mm, 5μm), and the column temperature was maintained at 25°C and the sample injection volume was 20μL. The current LC–MS/MS assay was validated for linearity, intra-day and inter-day precisions, accuracy, extraction recovery and stability. Results: The validated method was successfully applied to monitoring the concentrations and pharmacokinetic studies of five flavone compounds in rat plasma after a single oral administration of Verbena officinalis L. extract with a dosage of 8.0mL/kg. The time to reach the maximum plasma concentration (T max1) was 0.48±2.14h for luteolin, 0.25±0.13h for kaempferol, 0.97±1.08h for apigenin, 1.04±4.25h for quercetol and 0.25±0.16h for isorhamnetin, and the maximum plasma concentration (T max2) was 3.97±1.48h, 4.05±0.46h, 4.33±0.58h, 2.99±0.48h and 4.02±0.34h. The elimination half-time (t 1/2) of luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin, quercetol and isorhamnetin was 4.02±0.81, 7.65±0.71, 3.30±0.83, 4.55±0.49 and 5.56±1.32h, respectively. Conclusions: This paper described a simple, sensitive and validated LC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin, quercetol and isorhamnetin in rat plasma after oral administration of V. officinalis L. extract, and investigated on their pharmacokinetic studies as well, with a short run time of 5min. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Authentication is fundamental for the standardization of Chinese Materia Medica. Macroscopic identification, an important method of authentication, has a long history rooted in practice and experience over generations. In ancient times, macroscopic features were used not only to identify the genuineness, but also to evaluate the quality of Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs). In many ancient documents, picturesque terms were used to describe the quality of certain specific CMMs. These traditional macroscopic descriptions used for identification are filled with characteristics, quality descriptions, and specifications of CMM that need to be confirmed by modern scientific analysis. In this paper, the essential and fundamental components of macroscopic identification are introduced. As the quality and macroscopic characteristics of CMM are traditionally thought to be closely related, modern scientific approaches to confirm the validity of these associations are discussed. This review clarifies the role of macroscopic features in the quality assessment of CMM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epimedium (Berberidaceae), is a genus of about 52 species in the family Berberidaceae, which also known as Rowdy Lamb Herb, Xianlinpi, Barrenwort, Bishop''s Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, and Yangheye or Yin Yang Huo (Chinese: ▪). Many plants have been proven to possess efficacy on sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The paper reviews the ethnopharmacology, the biological activities and the correlated chemical compounds of Epimedium species. More than 260 compounds have been isolated; among them prenyl-flavonoids are the major constituents and also important chemotaxonomic markers. Modern pharmacology studies and clinical practice demonstrated that Epimedium and its active compounds possess wide pharmacological actions, especially in strengthening yang, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immunological function modulation, anti-oxidation and anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-atherosclerosis and anti-depressant activities. Currently, effective monomeric compounds or active parts have been screened for pharmacological activity from Epimedium in vivo and in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, microdialysis combined with ultra performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was applied for the determination of ligustilide in freely moving rats'' brain. The extracellular unbound ligustilide could be detected in rat brain within the first time interval (0–20min) after nasal administration but not after oral administration. This result showed that ligustilide could quickly enter the brain after nasal administration; which implied that ligustilide may have a rapid onset of action. This work demonstrated the potential application of microdialysis combined with UPLC-MS in pharmacokinetic studies. Furthermore, the advantage that fewer animals used in the microdialysis experiment was confirmed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim of the study: Lizhong Pill, composed of Radix Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), Rhizoma Zingiberis (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.) and Radix Glycytthizae (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), is a classical herbal product for curing spleen deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and reserpine treated rats show similar signs to TCM spleen deficiency pattern. This paper is aimed to explore the regulatory effect on neuroendocrinoimmune network by Lizhong Pill in reserpine induced TCM spleen deficiency rats. Materials and methods: 100 healthy adult male SD rats, with a mean weight of 200g, were randomly divided into five groups in average: control group, reserpine treated group, atropine treated group, treatment groups with Lizhong Pill at high dose and low dose (equal to the dosage of crude drugs for 4g/kg/d and 8g/kg/d). Rats in reserpine treated group were induced by intraperitoneal injection of reserpine at 0.5mg/kgd for 4 weeks. The levels of IL-1, IL-6 and gastrin were measured with radioimmunoassay, TNF-α and IFN-γ in serum were measured with ELISA, the level of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP) in small intestine were determined with radioimmunoassay, and the TNF-α and TGF-β positive cells in small intestine were detected by immunohistological staining. Data were analyzed with SAS 9.1 software package. Results: The rats in reserpine treated group, body weight, concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-1 and TNF-α in serum, expression of TGF-β in small intestine, VIP in small intestine decreased (P <0.05), and the level of IL-6 in serum, expression of TNF-α, SP in small intestine and gastrin were increased (P <0.05). Administration of Lizhong Pill at high dose could increase the body weights at day 21, and the weights of rats in Lizhong Pill groups were much higher compared to reserpine treated group. At high dose of Lizhong Pill could increase the level of TNF-α in serum. Lizhong Pill at high dose and low dose could reverse the changes of IL-1, IL-6 and IFN-γ, gastrin, expression of TGF-β and TNF-α, VIP and SP in small intestine. Conclusions: The rats treated with reserpine, with similar signs to TCM spleen deficiency, show neuroendocrinoimmune disorders, and the restoration of the neuroendocrinoimmune disorders might be the part of mechanism of Lizhong Pill for reinforcing TCM spleen deficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tripterygium Glycosides (TG) is effective in the treatment of patients with a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical. Wilforlide A (T1) serves as a quality control standard of TG that be listed in Drug Standard of Ministry of Public Health of the People''s Republic of China. The pharmacologic actions of T1 remain to be unidentified. In this paper, we studied the anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive effect of T1, and compared it with Triptolide (TP), which believed to be the major active component of TG. Carrageenan-induced rat pedal swelling, tampon-induced rat granulation, and mice ear inhibition rate of swelling trail results show that high-dose T1 has obvious anti-inflammatory effect. Colorimetric detection contents of hemolysin, carbon elimination from plasma of mice, mice delayed hypersensitivity immune, and organ index were measured. The results show that T1 has no significant immune suppressive activity, and there has a significant difference with TP and TG. Therefore, we think the content of TP also should be controlled as a supplement standard in order to ensure safe and effective medication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Uncaria species (Gouteng in Chinese) have been used as ethnopharmacological medicines to treat ailments of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. As the main alkaloid constituent of Uncaria species, rhynchophylline has drawn extensive attention in recent years for its antihypertensive and neuroprotective activities, and its pharmacological effects are related to ethnopharmacological medicine properties of Uncaria species. Aim of the review: This review examined the pharmacological studies and mechanisms of rhynchophylline, with an emphasis on cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases linked to the ethnopharmacological uses of Uncaria species. Methods: We conducted both an electronic search and a library search of in vivo and in vitro studies. The terms and keywords for the search included rhynchophylline, Uncaria species, Gouteng, pharmacological effects, and mechanism. We focused on the papers, including ours, with studies on all related pharmacological effects and mechanisms of rhynchophylline. Results: Rhynchophylline was the main constituent of several components identified from Uncaria species. Rhynchophylline mainly acts on cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases, including hypertension, bradycardia, arrhythmia, sedation, vascular dementia, epileptic seizures, drug addiction, and cerebral ischemia. Rhynchophylline also has effects on anticoagulation, inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and has been shown to be anti-endotoxemic. The active mechanisms are related to modulation of calcium and potassium ion channels, protection of neural and neuroglial cells, and regulation of central neurotransmitter transport and metabolism. More studies are necessary to verify the pharmacological activities and determine the exact mechanisms of rhynchophylline activity. Conclusions: Rhynchophylline treatment of cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases has a strong linkage with traditional concepts and uses of Uncaria species in ethnopharmacological medicine, such as treatment for lightheadedness, convulsions, numbness, and hypertension. As a candidate drug for several cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases, rhynchophylline will attract scientists to pursue the potential pharmacological effects and mechanisms with new technologies. Relatively few clinically relevant studies of rhynchophylline have been conducted. Thus, more in vivo validations and investigations of antihypertensive and neuroprotective mechanisms of rhynchophylline are necessary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acanthopanax senticosus grows in many provinces in china and has long been used as a traditional medicine in china. This paper reports on the extraction of polysaccharides from A. senticosus and its effect of irradiation-protection. 15 Gy X-rays irradiation was delivered to rats. Polysaccharides from A. senticosus were administered before and after irradiation to examine its inhibition against irradiation-induced injury. Results indicate that in comparison with non-irradiated controls, irradiation of 15 Gy resulted in a significant reduction of rats’ body weight (BW), food and water intake, white cell counts (WC), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and increase of MDA level 10–20 days after being irradiated although after that these indexes start to slowly return to normal (p <0.05, p <0.01). Oral administration of polysaccharides from A. senticosus dose-dependently reduced the irradiation-induced injury on rats studied, showed a protective effect against irradiation-induced loss of BW, WC, food and water intake, reduce MDA level and raise antioxidase activity (SOD, GSH-Px) (p <0.05, p <0.01). It may be concluded that polysaccharides from A. senticosus possess good irradiation-protective effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper focuses on the question of why the social and political acceptance of Chinese medicine has grown in the former British colony of Hong Kong since the late 1980s. To supplement the conventional explanations for the institutionalization of alternative medicines, we propose a political process perspective that highlights the effects of political changes amidst the decolonization process in Hong Kong. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the weakening of the political position of the established elite, the opening up of political space for previously excluded groups, and the competition for support among the new political elite, all stimulated the indigenous Chinese medicine organizations to mobilize for the institutionalization of Chinese medicine. By the mid-1990s academics from leading tertiary institutions began to take over the leadership of the movement and in doing so carried it to a higher level. In the conclusion, we briefly consider the implications of this movement for the future development of alternative medicine in Hong Kong and other societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Chinese Quality of Life Instrument (ChQOL) based on the principles of diagnosis and practice in Chinese medicine has been developed. This paper describes the development of the ChQOL instrument using factor analysis and structural equation modeling. An initial pilot version of the 78 items instrument was field tested in a sample 273 subjects recruited from different areas in China. The objective of this study was to determine the factor structure and latent constructs of the ChQOL based on factor analysis. A series of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models were used to determine the final model of the ChQOL. The results showed that the application of factor analysis and structural equation modeling is an effective method to develop the new health-related quality of life instrument, ChQOL, even though the practice of Chinese medicine is quite different from the practice of conventional western medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) is a serious and chronic complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus, which brings a heavy burden to individuals and society. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered a complementary and alternative therapy for DGP patients. Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, HL) and Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, BX) combined as herb pair have been frequently used in TCM prescriptions, which can effectively treat DGP in China. In this article, a practical application of TCM network pharmacological approach was used for the research on herb pair HL-BX in the treatment of DGP. Firstly, twenty-seven potential active components of HL-BX were screened from the TCMSP database, and their potential targets were also retrieved. Then, the compound-target network and PPI network were constructed from predicted common targets, and several key targets were found based on the degree of the network. Next, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted to obtain several significantly enriched terms. Finally, the experimental verification was made. The results demonstrated that network pharmacological approach was a powerful means for identifying bioactive ingredients and mechanisms of action for TCM. Network pharmacology provided an effective strategy for TCM modern research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that is gradually increasing in prevalence. The etiology of MS remains unknown; however, it is assumed to be caused by a deterioration of autoimmune regulation. Although immunomodulatory agents are a standard treatment option in patients with MS, there is insufficient evidence about their clinical efficacy in symptomatic treatment, and many MS patients resort to complementary and alternative medicine. For this reason, we conducted a scoping review to investigate the current status of the clinical evidence related to traditional East Asian herbal medicine treatment for MS and to inform future research and treatment strategies. Method: A scoping review is an emerging methodology for knowledge synthesis that adopts the Arksey and O'Malley framework. The research question was, "What has been studied about the herbal medicine treatments administered to patients with MS?" Articles published until 2019 were identified in six databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, KoreaMed, NDSL, and OASIS) in March of 2020. Data from the included studies were charted and descriptively analyzed in relation to the study's research questions. Results: Of the 1,445 articles identified, 14 studies were included in this review. Single and serial case reports constituted the majority (42.86%), with 57.14% of studies conducted in China. A total of 20 prescriptions containing 95 herbs were used in the intervention and observational studies. Herbal medicines were effective at improving clinical symptoms of MS and reducing recurrence frequency. The main cause of MS was presumed to be oxidative stress, which enhances inflammation and, consequently, causes neuronal death. Conclusion: Herbal medicines were determined to improve the symptoms of MS and to reduce the frequency of recurrences. This study suggests that herbal medicines are promising and worth pursuing further studies but the state of current evidence is poor. Thus, further, high-quality studies included larger randomized trial are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Retrospective analysis of the effect of portable 3D gait analysis as an innovative evaluation method in the treatment with MTT on chronic ankle instability patient. Methods. From January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, 56 cases of chronic ankle instability (CAI) were extracted from the medical record system of Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital. All the patients of 56 cases accepted the medical training therapy (MTT). As outcome parameters, the alterations of the Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT), foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM), were used before the treatment and after treatment; meanwhile, the portable apparatus 3D gait analysis was used to measure the gait parameters. Conclusion. The results showed only ankle angle parameters Y -axis, maximum dorsiflexion during support period (°) had a significant difference, and the p value is 0.039. Meanwhile, the CAIT, FAAM, and most 3D gait analysis data had no significant difference. This particular statistical difference shows that CAI can be measured scientifically and objectively, although most measurement parameters have no change. These results make further reveal that the CAI patients are suffering with dynamic abnormality of ankle motion angle; this also provides us with a measurable and systematic evaluation reference plan for CAI treatment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), originated from China, is different from Western medicine in theory and practice. This study aimed to document the longitudinal trends and the patterns by demographical characteristics in the prevalence of TCM among the middle-aged and elderly Chinese population. This study used nationally representative longitudinal survey data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), covering approximately 20,000 individuals in each panel survey from 2011 to 2018. The questions regarding medication use in the questionnaire was used to identify the TCM users. The prevalence of using TCM for treating chronic diseases among the patients with chronic diseases stabilized between 2011 and 2018, while the prevalence of TCM use for any purpose among the overall population climbed from 19.03% (95% CI 18.37% to 19.69%) in 2011 to 23.91% (95% CI 23.23% to 24.60%) in 2015. Moreover, the prevalence of TCM use for nonchronic conditions among the overall population increased during the same period as well. The TCM users were more likely to be females and city dwellers. The increasing prevalence of TCM use for any purpose among the overall population reflects the increasing influence and potentials of TCM by year. With the expected rising demand in TCM for the following decades in China, more clinical trials on safety and healthcare policy regarding TCM are merited in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic pain and cognitive decline are common age-related conditions affecting a large segment of older populations. Little is known about the pathway of cognitive functioning during the course of pain management in older adults. Aims: The study aimed to examine the association between chronic body pain management and cognitive function over time among Chinese older adults. Methods: A total of 792 respondents aged 60 and above from urban and rural households in 28 provinces, 150 counties/districts, and 450 communities were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2013–2015). Cognitive function was measured in three domains: episodic memory, mental status, and global cognitive function. Difference-in-differences approach and mixed-effects linear regression models were employed to assess the association between chronic body pain management and cognitive function over time. Results: Scores of mental status were found to decline slower by 0.49 unit (SE = 0.22, p < 0.05) in respondents who received pain management using analgesics, complementary and alternative medicine, or both from 2013 to 2015 after controlling for basic demographic and health confounders. Conclusion: Chronic pain management was associated with slower decline in domain-specific cognitive function, mental status over time. Findings of the study may contribute to understanding the mechanism of change in diverse cognitive abilities attributable to pain symptoms. More research is needed to elucidate the mediating effect of pain on cognitive decline, which could lead to testing of the impact of pain management on cognitive function among older population in both clinical and community settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. In this study, the data mining method was used to screen the core Chinese materia medicas (CCMMs) against primary liver cancer (PLC), and the potential mechanisms of CCMMs in treating PLC were analyzed based on network pharmacology. Methods. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for treating PLC were obtained from a famous TCM doctor in Shenzhen, China. According to the data mining technique, the TCM Inheritance Support System (TCMISS) was applied to excavate the CCMMs in the prescriptions. Then, bioactive ingredients and corresponding targets of CCMMs were collected using three different TCM online databases, and target genes of PLC were obtained from GeneCards and OMIM. Afterwards, common targets of CCMMs and PLC were screened. Furthermore, a network of CCMMs bioactive ingredients and common target gene was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.1, and gene ontology (GO) and signaling pathways analyses were performed to explain the mechanism of CCMMs in treating PLC. Besides, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was used to identify key target genes of CCMMs, and the prognostic value of key target genes was verified using survival analysis. Results. A total of 15 high-frequency Chinese materia medica combinations were found, and CCMMs (including Paeoniae Radix Alba, Radix Bupleuri, Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Coicis Semen, Poria, and Curcumae Radix) were identified by TCMISS. A total of 40 bioactive ingredients (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol, and naringenin) of CCMMs were obtained, and 202 common target genes of CCMMs and PLC were screened. GO analysis indicated that biological processes of CCMMs were mainly involved in response to drug, response to ethanol, etc. Pathway analysis demonstrated that CCMMs exerted its antitumor effects by acting on multiple signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt, TNF, and MAPK pathways. Also, some key target genes of CCMMs were determined by PPI analysis, and four genes (MAPK3, VEGFA, EGF, and EGFR) were found to be correlated with survival in PLC patients. Conclusion. Based on data mining and network pharmacology methods, our results showed that the therapeutic effect of CCMMs on PLC may be realized by acting on multitargets and multipathways related to the occurrence and development of PLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Advanced lung cancer presents an upward trend mortality rates that need maintains treatment concurrent with chemotherapy or target therapy. Recently, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is considered and used as maintains treatment, special herbal medicines. In this paper, we reported the improvement of quality of life (QOL) in advanced lung cancer by herbal medicines. Methods: 83 advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, who were failure with first-line treatment or refused receiving chemotherapy, reported using herbal extractive medicines based complementary and alternative medicine. Senghuang capsule (SH) and Xianhe Baijiang capsule (XB), which consist of ginseng, astragalus, herba agrimoniae and herba patriniae etc, have been approved by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). Meanwhile, hyperthermia and arginine were also initiated. NRS pain, NRS2002 nutrition and ECOG score, which associated with QOL, were used to evaluate the effectiveness of CAM treatment. The results were analyzed by SPSS16.0 in t-test. RESULTS: After fifteen days treatment, 67.86%, 47.44% and 54.22% of patients' pain, nutrition status and QOL were improved, respectively. In detail, NRS pain, NRS2002 nutrition and ECOG score dropped to 2.4 ± 1.8, 2.0 ± 1.5 and 2.4 ± 1.0 compared to 4.0 ± 1.5, 2.8 ± 1.6 and 2.8 ± 0.7 (P value < 0.05), respectively. No severe hematology and digestion side-effects were observed. Conclusion: Use of herbal preparations as complementary and alternative medicine can improve the quality of life and provide moderate effectiveness in advanced lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (TWBXD) has been used widely for treating insomnia in China. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TWBXD in the treatment of insomnia. Objective. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of TWBXD for insomnia. Methods. We searched seven main databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and Wan-fang. We identified randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) for insomnia treatment involving TWBXD, TWBXD combined with conventional Western medicine, and conventional Western medicine from their inception to May 2018. The quality of literature was evaluated by Cochrane assessing tool to reduce the risk of bias. Meta-analysis and heterogeneity of results across the trials were performed. RevMan 5.3 was used to synthesize the results. Results. 14 studies involving 1,256 participants were identified in this systematic review. Methodological deficiencies existed in most of the included trials. Few studies described the generation of a random sequence in detail, the concealment of allocation, and the methods of blinding. No placebo was used in treatment. 12 trials compared TWBXD with conventional Western medicine and 2 trials compared TWBXD combined with conventional Western medicine. The results of our meta-analysis showed relative benefits in effective rates in favor of TWBXD (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67 to 4.39, P < 0.00001) and TWBXD combined with conventional Western medicine (OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.58 to 16.12, P=0.006). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores showed similar results, which favored TWBXD (Weighted Mean Difference [WMD] -1.82, 95% CI -3.00 to -0.64, P=0.003). Only 5 trials reported adverse events, whereas the other 9 trials did not provide the safety information. Conclusion. This review demonstrates that although the effects of TWBXD on insomnia were promising, they need to be interpreted with caution, due to the poor methodological quality and the small number of trials of the included studies. TWBXD seems to be generally safe, but there is insufficient evidence to make conclusions on the safety because fewer studies reported the adverse events. Further studies on a larger scale with more rigorous designs are required to evaluate the role of TWBXD in the insomnia treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of music therapy in mainland China has unique features, with its own cultural and historical characteristics. From the ancient usage of music to cure diseases to the modern standardized practices of music therapy, the history of exploring the therapeutic use of music in China goes back thousands of years. The purpose of this article is twofold: to review the development of music therapy in mainland China from a historical perspective, and to introduce recent accomplishments and future developmental trends. Evidence of the therapeutic use of music in China dating back to the earliest music theory book and a traditional Chinese medicine book indicates the relationship of music and medicine in the roots of Chinese culture. The invention of music electrotherapy, the collaboration between doctors and musicians, as well as experimental music therapy projects are just a few examples of early exploration of music therapy in China. Tian Gao is considered the pioneer in this field of study, with contributions in education, advocacy, and the application of music therapy in modern mainland China. Today, music therapy in mainland China is facing both challenges and opportunities. International conferences and trainings as well as exchange programs and opportunities to study abroad are opening doors of communication and collaboration. The political and financial support of the government as well as the introduction and popularization of different music therapy approaches will propel the music therapy profession in mainland China into a new developmental era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the politics of medicine in the People's Republic of China. It is noted that medical care in this country, most notably in rural areas, had been of degrading quality. Added to this is the fact that there are few trained medical personnel to suffice even the minimal health needs. Relative to this, improvement of the health standard of China's people had been an aim of the People's Republic of China. Cooperative medical service programs were introduced, and the value of traditional Chinese medicine, in combination with Western health techniques, were encouraged and the training of subprofessional health personnel was undertaken.

Rhamnella gilgitica Mansf. et Melch, which belongs to the rhamnus family (Rhamnaceae), is traditionally used to treat rheumatism, swelling and pain in China. However, little is known about the pharmacological activities of this plant. The anti-inflammatory activities of the 70% ethanol extract of R. gilgitica (RG) in RAW264.7 macrophages and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats are investigated in this study for the first time. The effects of RG on cell viability were determined by a MTT assay, and the effects of RG on pro-inflammatory mediators were analyzed by ELISA and Western blot. The effects of RG on paw thickness, thymus and spleen index were also examined in CFA-induced arthritic rats. RG suppressed the induction of proinflammatory mediators, including iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), NO (nitric oxide), COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and PG (prostaglandin) E2 in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. RG also inhibited the phosphorylation and degradation of IB-, as well as the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-B) p65. In addition, RG treatment significantly reduced the paw thickness in CFA-induced arthritic rats. Oral administration of RG led to a significant decrease of both the thymus and spleen index at a concentration of 100mg/mL. Taken together, these findings suggest that RG might be an agent for further development in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new steroidal glycosides ponasteroside C (1) and ponasteroside D (2) were isolated from the aerial parts ofLepidogrammitis drymoglossoides. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic techniques (IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HeLa and HCT-8 cell lines, and compounds1and2showed mild activity against all the test cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new sesquiterpenoid glycosides, lyciumionosides A–B (1–2), together with four known compounds (3–6), were isolated from the leaves ofLycium barbarum.Their structures were mainly established on the basis of MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques. The antiproliferative activities of compounds1–5were evaluated. Compound1showed highest inhibitory activity against A549 cells with IC50value of 32.6 ± 2.6 μM, compound3showed highest inhibitory activity against PC-3 cells with IC50value of 36.0 ± 2.9 μM, and compound5exhibited highest inhibitory activity against HeLa cells with IC50value of 32.3 ± 4.2 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Five diarylpentanol derivatives including two new compounds stellerasme A (1), stellerasme B (2) were isolated from the aerial parts ofStelleropsis tianschanica. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, CD, 1D and 2D NMR). All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity activity against HeLa and KB cell lines, and compound1showed selective activities against HeLa cell line with an IC50value of 7.4 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Four new dianthrone glycosides, named polygonumnolides C1-C4 (1–4), were isolated from the dried roots ofPolygonum multiflorumThunb, together with two known emodin dianthrones (5–6). Their hepatotoxicities were evaluated against L-02 cell lines. Compounds1–4showed weak hepatotoxicity against L-02 cell lines with IC50values of 313.05, 205.20, 294.20, and 207.35 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A sesquiterpene coumarin, sinkiangenorin E, consisting of a novel bicyclo[4.3.1]decane-type sesquiterpene system, was isolated from the seeds ofFerula sinkiangensis. The structure of sinkiangenorin E including the relative stereochemistry and the absolute configuration was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The new compound showed cytotoxic activity against AGS cells (IC50, 12.7 μM) and inhibiting effect against influenza A H1N1(IC50, 4.0 μM), which provided important clues for the study on the bioactivities of this type of sesquiterpene coumarins. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Crocin, the main effective component of saffron, exerts protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury during strokes. However, the effects of crocin in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and the mechanisms involved, remain unknown. Pretreated with crocin for 7 days, C57BL/6N mice were subjected to 30 min of myocardial ischemia followed by 12h of reperfusion (for cardiac function and infarct size, cell apoptosis and necrosis). Neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes were subjected to 2 h of hypoxia followed by 4 h of reoxygenation. NMCM's survival was assessed during hypoxia and reoxygenation in the presence or absence of the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine or the inducer rapamycin. Western blotting was used to evaluate AMPK, Akt, and autophagy-related proteins. Autophagosome was observed using electron microscopy. In the in vivo experiment, crocin pretreatment significantly attenuated infarct size, myocardial apoptosis and necrosis, and improved left ventricular function following ischemia/reperfusion. In vitro data revealed that autophagy was induced during hypoxia, the levels of which were intensely elevated during reoxygenation. Crocin significantly promoted autophagy during ischemia, accompanied with the activation of AMPK. In contrast, crocin overtly inhibited autophagy during reperfusion, accompanied with Akt activation. Induction and inhibition of autophagy mitigated crocin induced protection against NMCMs injury during hypoxia and reoxygenation, respectively. Our data suggest that crocin demonstrated a myocardial protective effect via AMPK/mTOR and Akt/mTOR regulated autophagy against ischemia and reperfusion injury, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improved therapeutics aimed at ameliorating the devastating effects of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), are pertinent to help attenuate their growing prevalence worldwide. One promising avenue for such therapeutics lies in botanical medicines that have been efficaciously employed in the likes of traditional medicine doctrines for millennium. Integral to this approach is the necessity of neuritogenesis and/or neuroprotection to counterbalance the deleterious effects of amyloid-β (Aβ) proteins. Senegenin, a principle saponin of Willd., which has empirically shown to improve cognition Polygala tenuifolia and intelligence, was chosen to evaluate its cytoprotective potential and possible neuritogenic and neuroprotective effects. Methods: The purpose of the present study was then to analyze morphological changes in neurite development and altered protein expression of two proteins requisite to neuritogenesis, growth associated protein 43 (Gap-43) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) in PC 12 cells. Neuritogenic analysis was conducted with immunofluorescence after incubation with Aβ (25-35) peptide, and to deduce information on cell viability and mitochondrial functionality MTT (3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was employed. Results: This study found that cells pre-incubated with senegenin for 24 h (40 µg and 20 µg/ml) before introducing Aβ attenuated Aβ-cytotoxicity, and significantly increased cell viability by 23 % and 34 % (P<0.001), respectively. In neurite outgrowth experiments, Aβ was compared to NGF positive control and senegenin treated groups which showed a drastic decrease in the quantity, average length and maximum length of neurites (P<0.001). At concentrations of 1 µg/ml (P<0.01)a n d5 µg/ml (P<0.05) senegenin triggered neuritogenesis with significant increases in total neurite number, average length and maximum length. This was additionally shown through the augmented expression of MAP2 and Gap-43. Conclusions: These results suggest that senegenin possesses cytoprotective properties, can moderate neurite outgrowth and augment MAP2 and Gap-43, thus suggesting a potential therapeutic value for in Polygala tenuifolia neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide East Asian evidence to the relationship between the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the use of biomedicine, this article examines the institutionalization of traditional East Asian medicine (EM) in China, Korea, and Japan and how it affects the relationship between EM use and biomedicine use. It uses the 2010 East Asian Social Survey. Logistic regressions specify the statistical association between EM use and biomedical physician visits. These models show that the high institutional acceptance of EM promotes the concurrent use of EM and biomedicine. In addition, since these countries feature different ways of institutionalizing EM (unification in China, equalization in Korea, and subjugation in Japan), the concurrent use is more obvious under the Chinese and the Korean system than the Japanese system. It concludes that the CAM use can be complementary to biomedicine, depending on how CAM and biomedicine are institutionalized in medical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) usage for urolithiasis patients in Taiwan and to determine the most common Chinese herbal products used for urolithiasis. Design: Retrospective review of urolithiasis patients treated with TCM treatment. Settings/Location: One million randomly selected samples in the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database between 1997 and 2008. Patients: Eighty-two thousand five hundred and fifty-one newly diagnosed urolithiasis patients. Outcome measures: The correlation between TCM treatment, demographic factors, or medical conditions. Results: A total of 62.6% of urolithiasis patients use TCM treatment. A younger age, female gender, polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities, and stone in the lower urinary tract result in a greater tendency to use TCM, after adjusting for demographic factors. Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San Extract Powder and Ji-Sheng-Shen-Qi-Wan Extract Powder are the most frequently prescribed Chinese medicine formulae. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the use of and the prescription pattern for TCM in urolithiasis patients using a random, national population-based sample. More than 62% of urolithiasis patients use TCM, and patients with polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities, and stone in the ureter are more likely to use TCM. The most frequently prescribed Chinese medicine formulae were Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San Extract Powder and Ji-Sheng-Shen-Qi-Wan Extract Powder, which were reported to retard the progression of renal failure and alleviate flank pain or tenderness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and electroacupuncture therapies for the early treatment of primary depression. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were analyzed to compare therapy combining SSRIs and electroacupuncture to SSRI therapy alone. The RCTs were identified by searching, among others, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, WANFANG DATA, and the Chinese Biological Medical Literature Database. Scores from Self-Rated Depression Scale (SDS), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Side Effect Rating Scale (SERS), and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) were analyzed and coded by two independent investigators and used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.2 software. Results: Six RCTs were analyzed. The meta-analysis revealed that the combined therapy of SSRIs and electroacupuncture were associated with superior scores on the HAMD, SDS, and SERS measures compared with SSRIs alone after 1-4 weeks of treatment: HAMD scores, mean difference (MD)1 week, 2.32 (95% confidence interval [CI]1 week, 1.47-3.16, p1 week<0.00001); MD2 weeks, 2.65 (95% CI2 weeks, 1.81- 3.50, p2 weeks<0.00001); MD4 weeks, 2.70 (95% CI4 weeks, 1.90-3.51, p4 weeks<0.00001); SDS scores: MD1 week, 3.13 (95% CI1 week, 1.22-5.03, p1 week = 0.001); MD2 weeks, 4.05 (95% CI2 weeks, 0.22-7.87, p2 weeks = 0.04); MD4 weeks, 5.02 (95% CI4 weeks, 1.61-8.43, p4 weeks = 0.004); SERS scores: MD2 weeks, 2.20 (95% CI2 weeks, 1.43-2.96, p2 weeks<0.00001); MD4 weeks, 2.12 (95% CI4 weeks, 1.42-2.83, p4 weeks<0.00001). However, two of the aforementioned outcomes were rated as medium quality because of heterogeneity, as assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that the early treatment of primary depression using both SSRI and electroacupuncture therapies is more efficient than treatments with SSRIs alone and leads to a better and earlier control of depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupoints (acu-TENS) on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Design: Prospective, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Settings/Locations: Outpatient center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Patients: Fifty patients with stable COPD enrolled in the study. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the acu-TENS group ( n=25), who underwent acu-TENS over acupoints of bilateral EX-B-1( Dingchuan), BL-13 ( Feishu), BL-23 ( Shenshu), ST-36 ( Zusanli), and the placebo acu-TENS control group ( n=25), who had the same electrode placement but no electrical output. Treatments were performed for 40-minute sessions every 2 days for 4 weeks. Outcome measures: Lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second, percentage predicted (FEV1% predicted); forced vital capacity, percentage predicted (FVC% predicted), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and oxygen saturation (SpO2), COPD assessment test (CAT), and Dyspnea Visual Analogue Scale (DVAS) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Compared to control group, FEV1% predicted was improved and CAT score was decreased significantly in the acu-TENS group after treatment ( p<0.05). The DVAS score decreased significantly in the acu-TENS group ( p=0.039), with a slight but insignificant improve in 6MWD, SpO2, and FVC% predicted after treatment. Conclusions: Acu-TENS over acupoints of bilateral EX-B-1 ( Dingchuan), BL-13 ( Feishu), BL-23 ( Shenshu), and ST-36 ( Zusanli) improved FEV1% predicted and reduced DVAS and CAT scores on patients with stable COPD. This may be a novel treatment strategy in COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To observe the effect of a Baduanjin exercise intervention on fatigue in people with fatigue-predominant subhealth (FPSH). Participants: A total of 131 participants were included in this cohort study. Those who met the inclusion criteria were grouped into the Baduanjin cohort ( n=64) or the control cohort ( n=67). Intervention: The Baduanjin cohort exercised for 30 minutes twice a day for 6 weeks; the control cohort received no treatments. The study period was 18 weeks. Outcome measures: The fatigue states of all participants were evaluated by using the Fatigue Self-Assessment Scale (FSAS) at baseline, the fourth and sixth weeks of treatment, and during post-treatment follow-ups at the end of the 12th and 18th weeks. Results: The scores for the six factors on the FSAS at baseline did not significantly differ between the two groups. In the Baduanjin cohort, the total score on the FSAS (TSF) and scores for physical fatigue (PF), mental fatigue (MF), consequence of fatigue (CF), and response of fatigue to sleep and rest (RFSAR) were significantly decreased at the end of the sixth week. These patients also had significantly decreased scores for TSF, PF, MF, and CF at baseline, at the end of the fourth and sixth weeks of the intervention, and during post-treatment follow-ups at the end of the 12th and 18th weeks. No adverse effects of treatment were reported. Conclusions: This study suggests that Baduanjin exercise has an effect on relieving fatigue in patients with FPSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Current conventional medical treatment for moderate and severe atopic eczema is not satisfactory. There is promising evidence derived from randomised clinical trials to support the clinical use of Chinese herbal medicine in the management of atopic eczema. However, the available evidence is compromised by the high risk of bias associated with most of the included trials. Therefore, well-designed and adequately powered randomised clinical trials are needed. The primary aim of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral ingestion of an oral Chinese herbal formula (Pei Tu Qing Xin granules; PTQX) in children aged between 6 and 16 years with moderate to severe atopic eczema. Methods/Design: We have designed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm, parallel clinical trial with 12 weeks of treatment and a 4-week follow-up period. A pilot study with 30 participants will be conducted at the RMIT University in Australia to determine the feasibility of the full-scale randomised clinical trial (N = 124). Eczema Area and Severity Index score will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcome measures include change in symptoms using the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index and the use of concomitant medicines. Safety parameters include report of adverse events and pathology tests during the trial period. Discussion: Key elements for conducting a high-quality randomised clinical trial have been addressed in this protocol. Findings from the proposed trial will provide critical evidence regarding Chinese herbal medicine treatment for atopic eczema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to document clinical use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for chronic conditions in all TCM hospitals in a Chinese province and to recommend treatments most in need of evaluation for use in community health centers. Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the summer of 2010. It included 119 of 132 TCM hospitals in Hubei Province, China. TCM physicians were asked to recommend specific TCM treatments for common chronic conditions. Nine types of chronic conditions recommended more than 3.7 times (mean of frequencies of chronic conditions) are included in this analysis. Frequency of each TCM treatment and the number of visits by type of chronic conditions were calculated. Results: The total number of recommendations by TCM physicians was 411. For seven types of treatments, six were recommended for musculoskeletal pain, five for soft tissue injuries, four for visceral pain and fractures, three for stroke and asthma, two for hemorrhoids, and one for hypertension. The most frequently recommended treatments for specific conditions include orally ingested herbs for visceral pain ( n=3), type 2 diabetes ( n=5), and hypertension ( n=7); herbs for external use for soft tissue injuries ( n=10), asthma ( n=6), and hemorrhoids ( n=8); acupuncture for musculoskeletal pains ( n=43) and for stroke ( n=10); and Chinese external fixation for fractures ( n=24). The number of visits for recommended treatments per year of was 671,759. The most frequently recommended treatments for specific chronic conditions have most visits, except for chronic conditions such as musculoskeletal pains, visceral pains, soft tissue injuries, and asthma. Conclusions: Patients with musculoskeletal pain have more treatment options than other patients. Herbal medicine is the option most commonly used for chronic conditions. These treatments for these conditions should be targeted for further evaluation of effectiveness and, only if found effective, considered for use in primary care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the clinical evidence of auriculotherapy for constipation treatment and to identify the efficacy of groups using Semen vaccariae or magnetic pellets as taped objects in managing constipation. Methods: Databases were searched, including five English-language databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and AMED) and four Chinese medical databases. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the review process. Critical appraisal was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: Seventeen randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria, of which 2 had low risk of bias. The primary outcome measures were the improvement rate and total effective rate. A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs showed a moderate, significant effect of auriculotherapy in managing constipation compared with controls (relative risk [RR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52- 2.79; p<0.00001). The 15 RCTs also showed a moderate, significant effect of auriculotherapy in relieving constipation (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13-1.44; p<0.0001). For other symptoms associated with constipation, such as abdominal distension or anorexia, results of the meta-analyses showed no statistical significance. Subgroup analysis revealed that use of S. vaccariae and use of magnetic pellets were both statistically favored over the control in relieving constipation. Conclusions: Current evidence illustrated that auriculotherapy, a relatively safe strategy, is probably beneficial in managing constipation. However, most of the eligible RCTs had a high risk of bias, and all were conducted in China. No definitive conclusion can be made because of cultural and geographic differences. Further rigorous RCTs from around the world are warranted to confirm the effect and safety of auriculotherapy for constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture on cognitive impairment (function) after a stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation were identified from databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Chinese Periodical Database, Wangfang Chinese Periodical Database, Chinese Bio-medicine Database, Cochrane Library, and Chinese medical literature databases) and two relevant journals ( Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion and the Journal of Shanghai Acupuncture and Moxibustion). Meta-analyses were conducted for the eligible RCTs. Results: Twenty-one trials with a total of 1421 patients met inclusion criteria. Pooled random-effects estimates of the change in the Mini-Mental State Examination were calculated for the comparison of acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation. Following 4 weeks and 8 weeks of intervention with acupuncture, the merged mean difference was 3.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06-4.21; p<.00001) and 2.03 (95% CI, 0.26-3.80; p=0.02), respectively. For the comparison of 3-4 weeks of acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation groups, the merged MD in Neurobehavioral Cognitive State Examination total scores was 5.63 (95% CI, 3.95-7.31; p<.00001). For the comparison of 8-12 weeks of acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation groups, the P300 latency merged MD was −12.80 (95% CI, −21.08 to −4.51; p<.00001), while the P300 amplitude merged MD was 1.38 (95% CI, 0.93-1.82; p<.00001). Overall, the study quality was rated as moderate on the basis of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (part 2: 8.5). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture had positive effects on cognitive function after stroke and supports the need for additional research on the potential benefits of this therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides global and Indian scenario with strengths and limitations of present health care system. Affordability, accessibility and availability of health care coupled with disproportionate growth and double burden of diseases have become major concerns in India. This article emphasizes need for mindset change from illness-disease-drug centric curative to person-health-wellness centric preventive and promotive approaches. It highlights innovation deficit faced pharmaceutical industry and drugs being withdrawn from market for safety reasons. Medical pluralism is a growing trend and people are exploring various options including modern, traditional, complementary and alternative medicine. In such a situation, knowledge from Ayurveda, yoga, Chinese medicine and acupuncture may play an important role. We can evolve a suitable model by integrating modern and traditional systems of medicine for affordable health care. In the larger interest of global community, Indian and Chinese systems should share knowledge and experiences for mutual intellectual enrichments and work together to evolve a novel model of integrative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has many postulates that explain the occurrence and co-occurrence of symptoms using syndrome factors such as yang deficiency and yin deficiency. A fundamental question is whether the syndrome factors have verifiable scientific content or are purely subjective notions. This analysis investigated the issue in the context of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Design: In the past, researchers have tried to show that TCM syndrome factors correspond to real entities by means of laboratory tests, with little success. An alternative approach, called latent tree analysis, has recently been proposed. The idea is to discover latent variables behind symptom variables by analyzing symptom data and comparing them with TCM syndrome factors. If there is a good match, then statistical evidence supports the validity of the relevant TCM postulates. This study used latent tree analysis. Setting: TCM symptom data of 3021 patients with CVD were collected from the cardiology departments of four hospitals in Shanghai, China, between January 2008 and June 2010. Results: Latent tree analysis of the data yielded a model with 34 latent variables. Many of them correspond to TCM syndrome factors . Conclusions: The results provide statistical evidence for the validity of TCM postulates in the context of patients with CVD; in other words, they show that TCM postulates are applicable to such patients. This finding is important because it is a precondition for the TCM treatment of those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of service utilization for mental health problems of the first-generation migrant population in Shenzhen, China, a city that attracts millions of unskilled rural laborers each year. Methods: Using the structured World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview, the investigators conducted face-to-face surveys between September 1, 2005, and January 30, 2006. A total of 7,134 respondents age 18 years and above finished the surveys. The main outcomes were prevalence of mental disorders according to DSM-IV criteria, as well as prevalence of mental health services used in different sectors. Results: Nine percent of the sample had ever used some type of service for mental health issues, and 6.3% used services outside of the health service sector, such as human services and complementary and alternative medicine. In addition, DSM criteria for a mental disorder over the lifetime were met by 18.1% of respondents; of the respondents with a mental disorder, 18.3% had used mental health services at least once. Migrants who were unmarried, had high family income were raised in metropolitan areas, had histories of homelessness or attempted suicide, had a psychotic disorder, or had an anxiety disorder were more likely to use services for mental health care. Conclusions: In Shenzhen, few migrants used mental health services and most used complementary and alternative medicine services. Future studies of service utilization patterns in migrant populations should give special attention to personal characteristics, such as family support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus with coronary heart disease (DM with CHD) poses a health challenge to people in China and elsewhere in the world. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), DM with CHD is classified as a type of disease called Xiaoke and Xiongbi. In Asia, TCM has been used to treat Xiaoke and Xiongbi conditions for centuries, especially in China. In this study, it was evaluated whether integrated strategies incorporating both TCM and Western medicines (iTCWM) could improve the curative efficacy of DM with CHD. Methods: An extensive search for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up to November 2011 in either English or Chinese about iTCWM for DM with CHD was conducted. All listings in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and the Wanfang database were included in the literature search. The quality of each trial was assessed using the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook 5.0. Data analysis was performed by the RevMan 5.0 provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: After an initial selection of 207 articles, 21 RCTs and quasi-RCTs were ultimately included in the analysis for this study. All of these trials were conducted in China and published in Chinese journals. The methodological quality of the trials was low in most studies. Selection bias and measurement bias were common in all of the studies. A meta-analysis was not conducted, due to the poor quality of the available studies. Conclusions: The current state of the literature regarding the utility of iTCWM for the treatment of DM with CHD is inadequate. The poor quality of the available trials makes it difficult to draw any conclusions regarding the efficacy of iTCWM for the treatment of DM with CHD. This study highlights the paucity of reliable clinical evidence for iTCWM and the need for higher quality RCTs to be conducted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]