Complementary Therapies In Medicine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
The role of acupuncture in managing hyperhidrosis and vasomotor sweating: Evidence, mechanisms, and gaps.
Lu G, Tong W, Zhu K … +5 more , Liu Q, Tan H, Xiao D, Pan J, Zhang H
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41765151 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hyperhidrosis and thermoregulatory disorders, including menopausal and treatment-induced hot flushes, can significantly impair quality of life. While acupuncture has been proposed as a potential n...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hyperhidrosis and thermoregulatory disorders, including menopausal and treatment-induced hot flushes, can significantly impair quality of life. While acupuncture has been proposed as a potential non-pharmacological treatment for these conditions, the quality and consistency of available evidence remain unclear. This review aims to critically assess the current literature on acupuncture for various kinds of hyperhidrosis, evaluating its clinical efficacy, mechanisms of action, and limitations. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted based on English-language, PubMed-indexed published clinical studies, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and meta-analyses investigating acupuncture as a treatment for primary hyperhidrosis, emotional sweating, paraneoplastic sweating, and hot flushes in both menopausal and breast cancer populations. Particular attention was paid to study quality, intervention protocols, and outcome durability. RESULTS: Evidence for the use of acupuncture in primary, emotional, and paraneoplastic hyperhidrosis is limited to small, often uncontrolled studies with significant methodological shortcomings. In contrast, acupuncture for menopausal and breast cancer-related hot flushes is supported by multiple RCTs and meta-analyses involving over 1000 participants, demonstrating short-term improvements in frequency and severity of symptoms. However, effects on hot flushes generally diminish after three months post-treatment. Mechanistically, acupuncture is thought to act via modulation of the autonomic nervous system and neuropeptide regulation, though precise pathways remain to be fully elucidated. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may offer short-term benefits for hot flushes in menopausal and breast cancer populations, but current evidence for its effectiveness in other kinds of hyperhidrosis remains weak and inconclusive. High-quality, standardised clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to better define its role in the integrative management of thermoregulatory disorders.
Inter-rater reliability and usability of CATHIS core for homeopathic intervention studies.
Loef M, Weiermayer P, Gaertner K … +6 more , Wrzałko D, Dutta A, Saha S, Lakshani JADS, Baumgartner S, van Haselen R
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41765150 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The Critical Appraisal Tool for Homeopathic Intervention Studies (CATHIS) core is a streamlined appraisal tool for homeopathic intervention studies focusing on credibility, coherence, and clinical relevance....
BACKGROUND: The Critical Appraisal Tool for Homeopathic Intervention Studies (CATHIS) core is a streamlined appraisal tool for homeopathic intervention studies focusing on credibility, coherence, and clinical relevance. The aim of the research project was to evaluate its inter-rater reliability, feasibility, and face validity. METHODS: In a preregistered cross-sectional study, four raters independently applied CATHIS core to 28 trials (21 randomised controlled trials, 7 non-randomised studies on interventions) drawn from reviews on insomnia and hypertension; two external reviewers provided consensus ratings. Inter-rater reliability (IRR) was estimated using percent agreement, Fleiss' κ, and Gwet's AC2 (95% CIs). Feasibility was quantified as rating time and consensus time. Associations among the three domains were explored with correlation analyses and sensitivity checks. RESULTS: IRR varied markedly by domain. Credibility showed good agreement (Fleiss' κ=0.66, 95% CI 0.57-0.74; AC2 =0.76, 0.71-0.82). Coherence yielded only poor-to-fair agreement (κ=0.28, 0.16-0.40; AC2 =0.41, 0.30-0.51). Clinical relevance was similarly limited (κ=0.32, 0.23-0.41; AC2 =0.36, 0.28-0.44). Individual ratings required on average 65.8 min, while consensus discussions averaged 17.7 min. Correlation analyses indicated heterogeneous and partly overlapping domain signals with limited interpretability. Face-validity responses reflected moderate-to-high acceptance but difficulties in consistent application. CONCLUSION: CATHIS core yielded reproducible credibility ratings but only fair and operationally fragile agreement for coherence and clinical relevance, alongside non-trivial rating burden. Taken together, the current reliability profile is insufficient for confident use in systematic reviews. Targeted refinement appears warranted before broader implementation.
Candida vulvovaginitis treatment: A comparative clinical trial of clotrimazole and prangos ferulacea (Jashir) vaginal creams.
Ghiasi L, Goudarzi F, Sadeghi H … +2 more , Gharaghani M, Hekmatzadeh SF
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Jun · PMID 41765149 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This investigation was conducted to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effectiveness of Prangos ferulacea vaginal cream with clotrimazole vaginal cream in improving clinical manifestations and laboratory ou...
OBJECTIVES: This investigation was conducted to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effectiveness of Prangos ferulacea vaginal cream with clotrimazole vaginal cream in improving clinical manifestations and laboratory outcomes of vulvovaginal candidiasis. METHODS: The research was conducted as a triple-blind randomized clinical trial involving 111 participants, who were subsequently assigned to intervention and control groups. Individuals in the control group received Clotrimazole vaginal cream, administered intravaginally at a dose of 5 g per night for one week using an applicator. The intervention arm implemented an equivalent application protocol, with the difference that the formulation consisted of Prangos ferulacea (Jashir) vaginal cream. Clinical symptoms-including itching, burning and discharge-were evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and following the intervention. Additionally, culture of vaginal secretions was performed to assess microbiological outcomes. All data processing and statistical evaluations were conducted in SPSS, adopting p < 0.05 as the criterion for statistical significance. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in clinical symptoms following the intervention (p < 0.05). The percentage of women with negative cultures increased to 89.1% in the clotrimazole group and 78.6% in the Prangos ferulacea group, as the difference between groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.13). The reduction in itching, burning, and discharge was notable in both groups, indicating effective symptom control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prangos ferulacea vaginal cream demonstrated comparable efficacy to clotrimazole in relieving the symptoms and reducing the microbial burden of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Given its herbal origin and antifungal potential, Prangos ferulacea may serve as a natural and well-tolerated alternative or complementary therapy.
Acupuncture for glucose metabolism: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Jiang X, Dong H, Yu L … +2 more , Yang X, Tang Y
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41765148 · Publisher ↗
This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of acupuncture in improving glucose metabolism in patients with metabolic disorders. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Chines...
This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of acupuncture in improving glucose metabolism in patients with metabolic disorders. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and other databases from January 2017 to October 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture to control interventions. Fourteen RCTs involving 1179 participants were included. Pooled random-effects analyses demonstrated that acupuncture was associated with greater improvements in several glycemic parameters compared with control groups: homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; MD -0.79, 95% CI -1.30 to -0.28, I²=91%), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c; MD -0.68%, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.34, I²=88%), fasting plasma glucose (FPG; MD -0.61 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.41, I²=95%), 2-hour Postprandial Plasma Glucose (P2hPG; MD -0.94 mmol/l, 95% CI -1.49 to -0.39, I²=92%) and fasting insulin (FINS; MD -3.27 mU/L, 95% CI -5.59 to -0.95). However, these pooled estimates were accompanied by substantial to considerable heterogeneity, and findings varied across stratified analyses based on control type. Subgroup analyses suggested that manual acupuncture might be more effective. The overall certainty of evidence was moderate, with heterogeneity and potential risks of selection and detection bias, identified as major limitations. Adverse events were infrequent and mild. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates a potential role for acupuncture in managing glucose metabolism, but the high heterogeneity and methodological limitations preclude definitive conclusions. Future large-scale, rigorously designed RCTs with homogeneous comparators and standardized protocols are needed to establish its efficacy and optimal role in clinical practice.
The anxiolytic effects of exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Su H, Liang Y, Zhou R … +3 more , Lv Y, He L, Yu L
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41722711 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of exercise in individuals with high anxiety or diagnosed anxiety disorders and to identify optimal exercise prescription parameters. A key methodological in...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of exercise in individuals with high anxiety or diagnosed anxiety disorders and to identify optimal exercise prescription parameters. A key methodological innovation of this work is the application of a three-level meta-analytic model, which accounts for effect-size dependency arising from multiple outcomes within studies, thereby improving the robustness and precision of the pooled estimates. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five databases: Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus. INCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) randomized controlled trial (RCT) design; (2) outcomes assessed using validated scales; (3) participants diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or identified as high-anxiety through validated scales; and (4) inclusion of both an intervention group and a control group, with the sole distinction between them being the addition of exercise in the intervention group. Analyses were performed using a three-level restricted maximum likelihood random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-seven randomized controlled trials involving 1447 participants were included. Exercise demonstrated a significant anxiolytic effect (Cohen's d = -0.42, p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis indicated that comorbid chronic conditions attenuated treatment efficacy (Cohen's d = -0.29, p < 0.01). Optimal outcomes were observed with exercise programs lasting < 12 weeks, sessions lasting 45-60 min, frequencies of > 3 times per week, and total weekly exercise durations of ≥ 180 min. In contrast, individuals without chronic conditions showed more favorable results. The most beneficial exercise regimens for this group included programs lasting < 12 weeks, sessions lasting > 60 min, frequencies of 3 times per week, and total weekly durations of > 180 min. CONCLUSION: Exercise appears to be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for alleviating anxiety symptoms. While chronic conditions may diminish the magnitude of these benefits, tailored exercise prescriptions remain promising. Nevertheless, given the heterogeneity of interventions and limited long-term follow-up across included studies, further high-quality research is needed to confirm the sustainability and generalizability of these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD420251014897.
Physical activity recommendations for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A best evidence synthesis.
Peng Y, Zhu W, Pu Y … +3 more , Wang Y, Wang Y, Luo B
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41722710 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: A gap persists between recommendations and actual implementation of physical activity management for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), largely due to the limitations in the existing evidence. The objective...
BACKGROUND: A gap persists between recommendations and actual implementation of physical activity management for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), largely due to the limitations in the existing evidence. The objective of this study was to systematically identify and synthesize the available evidence regarding physical activity management for pregnant women with GDM. METHODS: A best-evidence synthesis was performed. Structured literature searches were conducted using the 6S model across selected evidence-based healthcare databases. Evidence extraction and synthesis followed the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) development process. The JBI Levels of Evidence (2014 edition) was applied to classify evidence levels, and the JBI Grades of Recommendation (2014 edition) was used to assign recommendation levels to each included piece of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 31,527 articles were identified, of which 7,936 were duplicates. After screening 23,591 titles and abstracts, 288 full-text articles were retrieved for eligibility assessment. Ninety-seven studies underwent quality assessment. Ultimately, 26 guidelines, 6 experts' consensus, 19 systematic reviews, and 16 original studies were included for evidence extraction. Forty-seven distinct pieces of evidence were summarized across eight key aspects: assessment,exercise prescription, exercise timing, blood glucose management during exercise, sedentary and daily activities, health education, exercise promotion strategies, training, and effect evaluation. CONCLUSION: Updating the limited evidence on the strategies to reduce sedentary behavior and the benefits and risks of different exercise methods would improve a better physical activity management in pregnant women with GDM. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER: This study summarized the evidence on physical activity management in pregnant women with GDM.
Efficacy of acupuncture for chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: A randomized trial.
Wang W, Kang J, Wang X … +8 more , Zhu L, Zhou K, Zang Z, Jiao R, Zhang W, Shi J, Liu Y, Liu Z
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41713561 · Publisher ↗
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a leading cause of heel pain, yet effective treatments for chronic, recalcitrant cases are scarce. The aim of this randomized, no-treatment-controlled trial was to assess whether acupuncture (a...
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a leading cause of heel pain, yet effective treatments for chronic, recalcitrant cases are scarce. The aim of this randomized, no-treatment-controlled trial was to assess whether acupuncture (a combination of high- and low-intensity acupuncture) would reduce pain in patients with chronic recalcitrant PF compared to a waitlist control. Participants were randomly assigned (2:1:1) to high-intensity acupuncture (n = 60), low-intensity acupuncture (n = 30), or waitlist control (n = 30). The primary outcome was the proportion of responders (≥50 % reduction in worst pain intensity) at week 4 for the combined acupuncture groups versus the waitlist control group. Key secondary outcomes included responder rates for high- and low-intensity acupuncture versus waitlist control at weeks 4, 8, and 16. Of 120 randomized participants, 109 (90.8 %) completed the trial. At week 4, the proportion of responders was significantly higher in the combined groups than in the waitlist control group (56.7 % [95 %CI, 46.4 %-66.9 %] vs 33.3 % [95 %CI, 16.5 %-50.2 %]; difference: 23.3 % [95 %CI, 3.6 %-43.1 %]; P = 0.02), with a similar trend observed through week 16. A graded response to acupuncture intensity was evident: at week 16, the responder rate in the high-intensity acupuncture group was 76.7 %, compared to 36.7 % in the waitlist control group (difference: 40.0 % [95 % CI, 19.7 %-60.3 %]; P < 0.001), while the low-intensity acupuncture group had a nonsignificant 20.0 % difference (95 % CI, -4.7-44.7 %; P = 0.11). Among patients with chronic recalcitrant PF, acupuncture, particularly high-intensity acupuncture, notably reduced pain compared with waitlist control, with lasting effects up to week 16.
Impact of a 12-week calisthenic exercise regimen on glycaemic regulation and cardiovascular endurance in individuals with type 2 diabetes Mellitus. A randomized controlled trail.
Khan H, Ali K, Fahim T … +7 more , Kohli S, Ali ZA, Ali EY, Alshahrani MS, Elrefaey BH, Mansuri N, Ahmad I
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41713560 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that is becoming increasingly common and can lead to a variety of problems. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of calisthenic...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that is becoming increasingly common and can lead to a variety of problems. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of calisthenic training exercises for twelve weeks on glucose levels, cardiovascular endurance, and body composition in people with type 2 diabetes. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Forty subjects, aged between 30 and 75 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, clinically stable participated. Participants were randomized (1:1) using computer-generated sealed envelopes with assessor blinding; one pre-intervention group switch altered final allocation. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: intervention group (n = 21), calisthenic exercises for twelve weeks under the supervision of physiotherapist, and control group (n = 19), followed routine medical treatment. The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and the fasting/random glucose levels were the primary outcomes, whereas the body mass index, blood pressure, and the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) were the secondary. Statistical analysis paired and independent t-tests were utilized, and confidence intervals of 95% were utilized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Total of 40 participants who met the inclusion criteria, ages between 30-75 years, 20 subjects in each interventional and control group were assigned. Result of the study indicate that the intervention group exhibited noteworthy enhancements in HbA1c (9.60 ± 1.25-6.54 ± 0.92, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (26.51 ± 3.45-24.45 ± 2.98, p = 0.007), systolic blood pressure (136.38 ± 15.32-116.29 ± 12.47 mmHg, p < 0.001), and six-minutes' walk distance (400.00 ± 48.60 m to 517.14 ± 56.12 m, p < 0.001). The results of this study indicate that structured calisthenic exercise is an efficient, low-cost, and easily accessible method for enhancing glycemic control and cardiovascular fitness in patients who have type 2 diabetes.
Influence of acupuncture and moxibustion on postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction among patients with gastrointestinal cancer: A network meta-analysis.
Wu Y, Li X, Tan X … +2 more , Tan J, Chang X
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41707884 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate and compare the relative efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion interventions for the recovery of gastrointestinal function and the incidence of adverse reactions after...
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate and compare the relative efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion interventions for the recovery of gastrointestinal function and the incidence of adverse reactions after gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) surgery. METHODS: Eight databases were retrieved up to July 2025. The observation indicators included: time to first flatus, defecation, food intake, and bowel sound; incidence of postoperative adverse reactions (nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension and diarrhea, and ileus); and clinical efficacy rate. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Statistical analysis was conducted via Bayesian network meta-analysis implemented in R. Intervention efficacy was quantitatively ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), with relevant diagrams generated in Stata (version 18.0). RESULTS: In total, 43 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this study, involving 4019 patients, to evaluate the efficacy of 10 interventions of acupuncture and moxibustion. The network meta-analysis revealed that electroacupuncture was the most effective in shortening the time to first flatus after surgery (MD = -3.8, 95 % CI [-7.06, -0.61]) and the time to first defecation (MD = -4.97, 95 % CI [-9.61, -0.41]) (SUCRA = 75.1 %, SUCRA = 77.2 %). Parallel needling method (MD = -4.83, 95 % CI [-8.16, -1.45]) performed best in lessening the time to first postoperative bowel sound (SUCRA = 92.1 %). All interventions failed to significantly shorten the time to first food intake after surgery. In terms of clinical efficacy rate, moxibustion (MD = 1.54, 95 % CI [1.08, 2.3]) showed the best performance in ameliorating the overall clinical efficacy rate after surgery (SUCRA = 89.5 %). Thumbtack needle exerted the best effect in decreasing postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR = 6.7, 95 % CI [0.18, 269.63]) and abdominal distension and diarrhea (RR = 5.78, 95 % CI [1.07, 34.89]) (SUCRA = 76.1 %, SUCRA = 89.6 %). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, as an adjunctive therapy, has exhibited favorable efficacy and safety in treating POGD related to GICs. RCTs of high quality are warranted to further ascertain these findings in the future. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42025111427.
Effectiveness comparisons of acupoint stimulation therapies for irritable bowel syndrome: A Bayesian network meta‑analysis.
Zhou J, Narendra L, Guo Y … +6 more , Huang J, Wang J, Liang J, Zhang X, Zhao M, Xu Z
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41707883 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional disorder that significantly impacts patient health, causing physical discomfort and diminished quality of life. We aimed to compare various acupoint stim...
BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional disorder that significantly impacts patient health, causing physical discomfort and diminished quality of life. We aimed to compare various acupoint stimulation modalities for treating IBS using network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupoint stimulation interventions for IBS published from inception to November 8, 2024, without language restrictions. Two authors independently performed data extraction and assessed the risk of bias. Outcomes included symptom severity and quality of life. Bayesian NMA was conducted using STATA 14.0 and Open BUGS 3.2.3. RESULTS: We identified 12 RCTs that included three different acupoint stimulation interventions (1839 participants)-namely, acupuncture, moxibustion, and placebo. Our NMA results showed that the three acupoint stimulation intervention therapies were effective in reducing symptom severity and improving the quality of life for patients with IBS. The most effective acupoint stimulation intervention was moxibustion, which significantly reduced symptom severity (mean difference [MD] = 101.50; 95 % credible interval [CrI]: 80.36, 122.30) and improved quality of life (MD = -19.75; 95 % CrI: -28.86, -10.75) compared to conventional medication in patients with IBS. Moreover, the adverse events of all interventions were acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The NMA suggests that moxibustion was the most effective modality in alleviating symptom severity and improving quality of life in patients with IBS, followed by acupuncture.
The role of yoga in enhancing spiritual and psychological health: Evidence from a large cross-sectional study.
Tornóczky GJ, Nagy H, Karsai I … +3 more , Conceição A, Podstawski R, Szabo A
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41707882 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Research has rarely explored yoga's link to spirituality, and none have examined spiritual well-being via Fisher's four-domain model. Comparative studies with active control groups are also lacking. OBJECTIVE...
BACKGROUND: Research has rarely explored yoga's link to spirituality, and none have examined spiritual well-being via Fisher's four-domain model. Comparative studies with active control groups are also lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the relationships between spirituality, subjective well-being (SWB), and mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress) among yoga practitioners, physically active individuals, and inactive controls. METHODS: A total of 1.167 Hungarian adults (79 % females), mean age 34.52 years (SD ± 14.97), completed an online survey assessing spiritual health attitudes and behaviors, SWB, and mental health symptoms, along with the frequency of physical activity. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses showed significant group differences (Wilks' Λ =.811, F(26, 2304) = 9.77, p < .001, partial η² = .099) across the combined dependent variables. Yoga practitioners reported significantly (p < .001) higher well-being and spirituality, and lower depression, anxiety, and distress than both regular exercisers and inactive participants. Regular exercisers also demonstrated more favorable psychological outcomes than inactive individuals, though to a lesser extent than yoga practitioners. Weekly physical activity frequency was positively associated with well-being and negatively associated with mental health symptoms across groups. Correlation patterns revealed several spirituality-related variables that were uniquely and more strongly associated (p < .001 to p < .023) with health indicators in the yoga group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the mental health benefits of regular physical activity and emphasize yoga's distinct contribution to spiritual well-being. The results highlight the integrative value of embodied spiritual practices, such as yoga, in promoting psychological resilience and holistic well-being.
Corrigendum to "Therapeutic effect of focused-extracorporeal shockwave therapy on muscular and adjacent tissue stiffness and pain changes in myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial study" [Complem Ther Med 92 (2025), 103203].
Vasvit P, Klarod K, Sukkho O … +7 more , Kiatkulanusorn S, Werasirirat P, Wang XQ, Zhang YH, Namsawang J, Muanjai P, Luangpon N
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41644337 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Alsanie SA, Alhodieb FS, Askarpour M
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41644067 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), as an important herbal medicine, has been increasingly recognized for its role in mental health management, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety, and reflects the grow...
BACKGROUND: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), as an important herbal medicine, has been increasingly recognized for its role in mental health management, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety, and reflects the growing relevance of complementary and alternative medicine in addressing psychological well-being. The present study aims to investigate its effectiveness by pooling the evidence from existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Major medical databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched. Eligible studies were included. Meta-analysis, meta-regression, non-linear dose-response analysis, and subgroup analyses were conducted. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated. P-values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420251073134). RESULTS: Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. Meta-analysis revealed that supplementation with ashwagandha significantly improves stress (SMD = -5.88; 95 % CI: -8.15 to -3.60), depression (SMD = -5.68; 95 % CI: -8.43 to -2.94), and anxiety (SMD = -6.87; 95 % CI: -8.77 to -4.97). There was significant linear (coefficient = 0.005, P = 0.031) and non-linear (P-nonlinearity = 0.005) association between dosages of administered ashwagandha and stress levels. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that ashwagandha supplementation holds promising potential in alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. However, to strengthen these findings and translate them into clinical recommendations, well-designed, high-quality trials are still needed to address existing heterogeneity and to establish the most effective dosages and intervention durations.
Effect of auriculotherapy on the management of anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women in health services: Scoping review.
Marinho LRDF, Ramos MEA, Pereira VDSL … +6 more , Silva GPDD, Fonseca JFD, Silva SO, Diniz KD, Dantas RAN, Dantas DV
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41644066 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To map the scientific literature on the effects of auriculotherapy for managing anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women in health services. METHOD: The review was conducted in June 2025 by two independent rev...
OBJECTIVE: To map the scientific literature on the effects of auriculotherapy for managing anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women in health services. METHOD: The review was conducted in June 2025 by two independent reviewers. A scope search was performed across the following databases: Scopus, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), Web of Science, SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), PubMed, Cochrane Library, the CAPES Catalog of Theses and Dissertations, SAGE Open, Wanfang Data, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The review included full-text online manuscripts that addressed the research question, encompassing dissertations, theses, ministerial orders, guidelines, and scientific articles. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 12 studies published between 2013 and 2025, with a peak in 2023 (25 %), originating from Brazil and Asia. The interventions predominantly used dark mustard seeds applied to the Shen Men and Anxiety acupoints. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was the primary instrument for anxiety assessment. Most studies demonstrated a significant reduction in mean STAI scores and anxiety symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women following auriculotherapy. Key reported effects included decreased anxiety levels, reduced low back pain and fatigue, and improved sleep quality and energy levels. CONCLUSION: Auriculotherapy shows beneficial effects for managing anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women, leading to enhanced well-being and reduced anxiety levels. IMPLICATIONS: for the profession and/or patient care: Further research is necessary, particularly focusing on the postpartum period, to consolidate the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of auriculotherapy in this population.
Effects of laser acupuncture on pain and motor function in musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Liu R, Moe AAK, Zheng Z … +3 more , Alanazi H, Zoghi M, Jaberzadeh S
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 41547416 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests laser acupuncture (LA) may relieve pain and improve motor function in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), but the relationship between these outcomes is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To (1) evaluate th...
BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests laser acupuncture (LA) may relieve pain and improve motor function in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), but the relationship between these outcomes is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To (1) evaluate the effects of LA on pain and motor function outcomes in MSDs; (2) examine associations between pain modulation and motor function; and (3) explore the impact of treatment characteristics. METHODS: Ten databases were searched. Pooled effects were evaluated using Hedge's g (g) through random-effects meta-analysis models, with subgroup analyses exploring heterogeneity (I). Meta-regression was conducted to examine the influence of treatment characteristics and associations between pain and motor outcomes. GRADE approach assessed the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Nineteen studies with 1816 participants were included. LA significantly reduced pain intensity (g = 0.59, I = 68 %, GRADE = low), improved physical function (g = 0.50, I = 67 %, GRADE = low), joint stiffness (g = -0.55, I = 31 %, GRADE = moderate) and increased range of motion (g = 0.76, I = 0 %, GRADE = moderate) but not walking speed (g = 0.38, I = 65 %, GRADE = low). Meta-regression showed that LA wavelength was significantly associated with pain relief (β = -3.77) and stiffness improvement (β = -3.07). However, pain relief was not associated with improvements in motor function. CONCLUSIONS: LA offers a non-invasive and effective approach for pain management and motor function performance, with wavelength as a key moderator. Functional benefits appear independent of analgesia, suggesting a feasible alternative for patients unable to tolerate exercise-based rehabilitation.
Assessing the safety of herbal medicine use among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Boulares E, Bragazzi NL, Yin TSC … +3 more , Choi SJ, Park JH, Han D
Complement Ther Med · 2026 May · PMID 41539457 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Herbal medicines (HM) use among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients has grown tremendously despite the existence of conventional treatments. However, evidence on their safety, potential side effects, and...
BACKGROUND: Herbal medicines (HM) use among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients has grown tremendously despite the existence of conventional treatments. However, evidence on their safety, potential side effects, and interactions remains scarce. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the global prevalence of HM use among T2DM patients and assess the safety and potential interactions. METHODS: A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted until March 2024. Data were extracted and then assessed through an adapted quality appraisal tool. A meta-analysis estimated the pooled prevalence of HM use among T2DM patients and examined predictors of use. Identified herbs were classified based on safety and potential interactions with pharmacological treatments. The study followed PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Twenty-two cross-sectional studies from 19 countries were included. The global prevalence of HM use among T2DM patients was 53%, with significant regional variations. The highest prevalence of HM use among T2DM patients is in the African region, accounting for 39.8% of global HM use. Among 49 identified herbs, Opuntia ficus-indica L., Trigonella foenum graecum L., Allium sativum L., and Cinnamomum verum J. were the most commonly used. The safety classification reported 7 contraindicated herbs and 19 requiring caution, and 23 considered safe for use. Additionally, 12 herbs reported potential pharmacological interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of HM is widespread globally, multiple herbs pose safety concerns. Therefore, to preserve patients' safety, it is essential to avoid using contraindicated herbs and to seek healthcare practitioner supervision.
Physical fitness and executive functions in early childhood: A systematic review of recent evidence.
Lakicevic N, Manojlovic M, Chichinina E … +6 more , Chursina A, Tarasova K, Thomas E, Zhong Y, Bianco A, Drid P
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 41539456 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Optimizing physical fitness (PF) and developing executive functions (EFs) is of great importance in preschool children. The link between PF, obtained through repetitive physical activity, and EFs is gaining i...
BACKGROUND: Optimizing physical fitness (PF) and developing executive functions (EFs) is of great importance in preschool children. The link between PF, obtained through repetitive physical activity, and EFs is gaining increasing attention in recent years and we sought to systematically search the literature on the relationship between PF and EFs in preschool children published in the last five years. METHODS: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were databases searched for the relevant literature. Original studies written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals including healthy children aged 3-6 years who were simultaneously tested for PF and EFs were considered eligible. To ensure transparent and accurate reporting we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Investigation was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD420251072802). RESULTS: A total of 20 studies (n = 3117, age=4.9 ± 2.5 years) were included in the final analysis. Aerobic fitness was consistently associated with better EF outcomes. Body composition, muscle strength, and flexibility were not associated with aspects of EF. Agility, speed, and power were positively associated with the parameters of working memory. The dynamic component of balance was correlated with enhanced inhibitory control. The link between agility, speed, power, and the static component of balance with inhibitory control was quite inconsistent. Similarly, conflicting evidence was observed regarding the association between dynamic and static balance with working memory aspects. CONCLUSION: Aerobic fitness appears to play a significant role in enhancing EF development while the relationship between other components of PF and EFs seems less clear. Kindergartens are uniquely positioned to nurture children, making them ideal for promoting the development PF and EF through intentional, play-based, and developmentally aligned experiences.
Clinical effect and contributing factors of acupuncture for limb motor dysfunction after ischemic stroke: A systematic review and exploratory network meta-analysis.
Zhang TC, Luo ZL, Yuan J … +6 more , Liao YS, Ruan MM, Yang TT, Wang HR, Yin ZH, Zhao L
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 41539455 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of limb motor dysfunction following ischemic stroke, and to assess the influence of acupuncture intervention type and treatmen...
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of limb motor dysfunction following ischemic stroke, and to assess the influence of acupuncture intervention type and treatment dosage on therapeutic outcomes. METHODS: We conducted comprehensive searches multiple databases (e.g., PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI) and clinical trial registries for studies published up to 10 December 2024. Limb motor function, assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, was evaluated as the primary outcome. Data analysis was performed using RevMan, ADDIS, and STATA, with reviewer consistency evaluated by the intra-class correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 71 trials were included. The risk of bias assessment indicated 91.5 % of studies had some concerns. The pairwise meta-analyses indicated that the combination of acupuncture and conventional treatment was more effective than conventional treatment alone in improving limb motor dysfunction. The network meta-analysis further indicated that manual acupuncture combined with conventional treatment was the most effective acupuncture-based intervention for improving limb motor dysfunction. Meanwhile, among all acupuncture dose regimens, high-dose acupuncture plus conventional treatment was associated with the greatest therapeutic benefit. However, the GRADE evaluation showed that the certainty of the evidence ranged from low to critically low. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with conventional therapy enhances limb motor function recovery in patients after ischemic stroke. Manual acupuncture combined with conventional treatment, especially when employing higher-dose acupuncture protocols, may represent one of the most effective therapeutic approaches. Although the low certainty of evidence warrants cautious interpretation, these findings indicate a promising treatment strategy and identify key areas that require verification through subsequent rigorous studies.
Animal-assisted therapy in patients with psychotic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Peraile-Huerta AM, Jiménez-López E, Díaz-Goñi V … +6 more , Martins-de-Passos TO, Peral-Martínez F, Herráiz-Garrote S, Pérez-Moreno A, Mesas AE, Bizzozero-Peroni B
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 41534566 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To synthesize the available evidence on the effects of animal-assisted therapy on core symptom dimensions (including positive, negative, and general symptoms), specific symptom domains (including depression,...
OBJECTIVES: To synthesize the available evidence on the effects of animal-assisted therapy on core symptom dimensions (including positive, negative, and general symptoms), specific symptom domains (including depression, anhedonia, anxiety, stress) and cognitive functioning in patients with psychotic spectrum disorders. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions guidelines. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases were searched from inception to June 2025 with no language restrictions. Experimental follow-up studies implementing animal-assisted therapy in patients with psychotic disorders were included. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies (10 randomized controlled trials, a quasi-experimental controlled trial and a pre-post study) involving 408 patients (mean age range: 37.0-55.3 years; 32.6 % women) were included. Compared with control conditions, patients receiving animal-assisted therapy (predominantly dog-assisted) showed significantly greater pre-post improvements in negative symptoms (SMD = -0.51, 95 % CI: -0.95, -0.07; I = 45.2 %; n = 6). No significant effects were found for positive symptoms (SMD = -0.68, 95 % CI: -1.68, 0.32; I = 83.8 %; n = 6) or general symptoms (SMD = -0.08, 95 % CI: -0.86, 0.69; I = 72.5 %; n = 4). Sensitivity analyses restricted to dog-assisted interventions yielded similar effect estimates. Anxiety symptoms showed reductions but could not be synthesized quantitatively. CONCLUSION: Animal-assisted therapy may help alleviate symptoms in patients with psychotic disorders, particularly by reducing negative symptoms. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and clarify their clinical significance.
Barriers and facilitators to implementing exercise therapy for nonspecific low back pain in China: A qualitative study using the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR).
Fu M, Zhang Y, Zhao X … +4 more , Wang S, Xu Z, Li K, Lv C
Complement Ther Med · 2026 Mar · PMID 41520928 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) imposes a substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems globally. Although exercise therapy is a recommended first-line intervention, its implementation fa...
BACKGROUND: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) imposes a substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems globally. Although exercise therapy is a recommended first-line intervention, its implementation faces significant challenges. This study employed the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to systematically identify multi-level factors influencing the implementation of exercise interventions for NSLBP patients within the Chinese healthcare context. METHODS: A qualitative study design was utilized. Participants (n = 25) included spine surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, and patients with chronic NSLBP recruited from multiple hospitals in Jining, Shandong Province. A semi-structured interview guide, developed based on the CFIR framework, was used for data collection via face-to-face or telephone interviews. The CFIR comprises five overarching domains; however, the 'Process' domain was excluded from this study as it focused on pre-implementation factors. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis. RESULTS: The study identified 37 factors influencing implementation, mapped onto four CFIR domains. From the physician perspective (n = 18), 14 facilitators and 15 barriers were identified. Patient perspectives (n = 7) revealed 4 facilitators and 4 barriers across the same domains. Physicians acknowledged the cost-effectiveness and benefits of exercise therapy but highlighted challenges including the need for professional patient evaluation, lack of standardized protocols, insufficient insurance coverage, and limited surgeon engagement. Primary healthcare institutions expressed willingness to promote exercise therapy. Rehabilitation departments possessed advantages in facilities and expertise, while spine surgery departments faced shortages in resources, personnel, and training. At the individual level, perceptions, habits, and knowledge gaps among both physicians and patients significantly impacted implementation. CONCLUSIONS: This CFIR-guided qualitative study elucidated salient barriers and facilitators influencing exercise therapy implementation for NSLBP in China. Consequently, healthcare policymakers and managers should prioritize revising relevant policies to mitigate identified barriers and amplify facilitators. Enhanced implementation is expected to improve quality of life for chronic back pain patients and lessen the societal burden.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe