Significant Treatment Outcome https://greenmedinfo.com/category/keywords/Significant%20Treatment%20Outcome%20 en Acupuncture was effective as an alternative or complementary treatment of knee osteoarthritis. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupuncture-was-effective-alternative-or-complementary-treatment-knee-osteoart n/a PMID:  Medicines (Basel). 2018 Feb 5 ;5(1). Epub 2018 Feb 5. PMID: 29401732 Abstract Title:  Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Study. Abstract:  Background: Osteoarthritis is a widespread chronic disease seen as a continuum of clinical occurrences within several phases, which go from synovial inflammation and microscopic changes of bone and cartilage to painful destructive changes of all the joint structures. Being the most common joint disease, it is the leading cause of disability in working individuals above 50 years of age. In some cases, conventional treatments produce just a mild and brief pain reduction and have considerable side-effects. Contemporary Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a model of systems biology based on a logically accessible theoretical background. It integrates several therapeutic approaches, among them acupuncture, which has shown effective results in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis, minimizing pain, improving functionality and consequently leading to a better quality of life. Methods: The present case study included two patients with clinical signs of osteoarthritis and diagnosis of medial pain, as defined by the Heidelberg Model of TCM. Over 6 weeks, those patients were treated with acupuncture, with a frequency of one session a week. The sessions lasted for thirty minutes and were based on the needling of 4 local acupoints. Before and after each session, pain and mobility assessments were performed. Results: The results were positive, with significant reduction of pain and increased knee joint flexion amplitude and mobility. Conclusion: Acupuncture was effective as an alternative or complementary treatment of knee osteoarthritis, with high levels of improvement within a modest intervention period. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupuncture-was-effective-alternative-or-complementary-treatment-knee-osteoart#comments Osteoarthritis: Knee Acupuncture Analgesics Acupuncture Analgesics Osteoarthritis: Knee Significant Treatment Outcome Human Study Sat, 10 Feb 2018 07:48:12 +0000 greenmedinfo 159683 at https://greenmedinfo.com Alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, vitamins, micronutrients and a vegetarian diet combined with DMPS led to complete recovery from ALS in this case report. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/alpha-lipoic-acid-selenium-vitamins-micronutrients-and-vegetarian-diet-combine n/a PMID:  Complement Med Res. 2017 ;24(3):175-181. Epub 2017 Jun 12. PMID: 28641283 Abstract Title:  [Healing of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report]. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease leading to death within 3-5 years in most cases. New approaches to treating this disease are needed. Here, we report a successful therapy. CASE REPORT: In a 49-year-old male patient suffering from muscle weakness and fasciculations, progressive muscular atrophy, a variant of ALS, was diagnosed after extensive examinations ruling out other diseases. Due to supposed mercury exposure from residual amalgam, the patient's teeth were restored. Then, the patient received sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfate (DMPS; overall 86× 250 mg in 3 years) in combination with α-lipoic acid and followed by selenium. In addition, he took vitamins and micronutrients and kept a vegetarian diet. The excretion of metals was monitored in the urine. The success of the therapy was followed by scoring muscle weakness and fasciculations and finally by electromyography (EMG) of the affected muscles. First improvements occurred after the dental restorations. Two months after starting therapy with DMPS, the mercury level in the urine was increased (248.4 µg/g creatinine). After 1.5 years, EMG confirmed the absence of typical signs of ALS. In the course of 3 years, the patient recovered completely. CONCLUSIONS: The therapy described here is a promising approach to treating some kinds of motor neuron disease and merits further evaluation in rigorous trials. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/alpha-lipoic-acid-selenium-vitamins-micronutrients-and-vegetarian-diet-combine#comments Alpha-Lipoic Acid Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Selenium Dietary Modification: Vegetarian Mercury Significant Treatment Outcome Human: Case Report Sat, 01 Jul 2017 02:06:25 +0000 greenmedinfo 149892 at https://greenmedinfo.com Cannabidiol treatment significantly reduces the incidence of diabetes in NOD mice. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/cannabidiol-treatment-significantly-reduces-incidence-diabetes-nod-mice PMID:  Autoimmunity. 2006 Mar ;39(2):143-51. PMID: 16698671 Abstract Title:  Cannabidiol lowers incidence of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. Abstract:  Cannabidinoids are components of the Cannabis sativa (marijuana) plant that have been shown capable of suppressing inflammation and various aspects of cell-mediated immunity. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabidinoid has been previously shown by us to suppress cell-mediated autoimmune joint destruction in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. We now report that CBD treatment significantly reduces the incidence of diabetes in NOD mice from an incidence of 86% in non-treated control mice to an incidence of 30% in CBD-treated mice. CBD treatment also resulted in the significant reduction of plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. Th1-associated cytokine production of in vitro activated T-cells and peritoneal macrophages was also significantly reduced in CBD-treated mice, whereas production of the Th2-associated cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, was increased when compared to untreated control mice. Histological examination of the pancreatic islets of CBD-treated mice revealed significantly reduced insulitis. Our results indicate that CBD can inhibit and delay destructive insulitis and inflammatory Th1-associated cytokine production in NOD mice resulting in a decreased incidence of diabetes possibly through an immunomodulatory mechanism shifting the immune response from Th1 to Th2 dominance. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/cannabidiol-treatment-significantly-reduces-incidence-diabetes-nod-mice#comments Cannabidiol Diabetes Mellitus: Type 1: Prevention Immunomodulatory Interferon Gamma Reducer Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha Inhibitor Risk Reduction Significant Treatment Outcome Animal Study Wed, 02 Dec 2015 22:58:42 +0000 greenmedinfo 122031 at https://greenmedinfo.com Comprehensive yogic practices are an effective modality for improving health and performance at high altitudes. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/comprehensive-yogic-practices-are-effective-modality-improving-health-and-perf PMID:  Altern Ther Health Med. 2016 Sep ;22(5):53-9. PMID: 27622961 Abstract Title:  Yoga Practice Improves Physiological and Biochemical Status at High Altitudes: A Prospective Case-control Study. Abstract:  UNLABELLED: Context• High altitude (HA) is a psychophysiological stressor for natives of lower altitudes. Reducing the morbidity and optimizing the performance of individuals deployed in an HA region has been attempted and reported with varied results. Objective • The present study intended to explore the effectsof comprehensive yogic practices on the health and performance of Indian soldiers deployed at HAs. Design • The research team designed a prospective, randomized, case-control study. SETTING: The study was done at Karu, Leh, India, at an altitude of 3445 m. Participants• Fully acclimatized soldiers in the Indian army were randomly selected from those posted to HA regions (ie, altitudes>3000 m). Intervention• The soldiers were divided into 2 groups of equal size. The first group, the control group, carried out the routine activities for physical training in the Indian army. The second group, the intervention group practiced a comprehensive yoga package, including physical asanas, pranayama, and meditation, and did not perform the physical training that the first group did. Both groups were monitored during their activities. Outcome Measures • A wide and comprehensive range of anthropometrical, physiological, biochemical, and psychological parameters were measured: (1) height and weight; (2) body fat percentage (BFP); (3) heart rate (HR); (4) respiratory rate (RR); (5) systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DPB); (6) peripheral saturation of oxygen; (7) end tidal CO2 (EtCO2); (8) chest expansion; (9) pulmonary function; (10) physical work capacity (VO2Max); (11) hematological variables;(12) lipid profile; (13) serum urea; (14) creatinine; (15) liver enzymes; (16) blood glucose; and (17) anxiety scores. Measurements were made at baseline and postintervention. Results • Two-hundred soldiers took part in the study. The yoga group showed a significant improvement in health indices and performance as compared with the control group. They had lower weights, BFPs, RRs, DBPs, and anxiety scores. They also had a significantly higher EtCO2, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and VO2Max. Also, the yoga group showed a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and blood urea as compared with their preyoga levels and with the exercise group. Conclusions • Practice of yoga facilitates improvements in health and performance at HAs and is superior to routine training with physical exercises. Comprehensive yogic practices are an effective modality for improving health and performance at HAs. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/comprehensive-yogic-practices-are-effective-modality-improving-health-and-perf#comments Altitude Sickness Yoga Significant Treatment Outcome Human Study Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:12:35 +0000 greenmedinfo 135157 at https://greenmedinfo.com GcMAF shows therapeutic potency in the treatment of Multiple sclerosis. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/gcmaf-shows-therapeutic-potency-treatment-multiple-sclerosis n/a PMID:  Anticancer Res. 2016 Jul ;36(7):3771-4. PMID: 27354653 Abstract Title:  Case Report: GcMAF Treatment in a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis. Abstract:  BACKGROUND/AIM: Gc protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) has various functions as an immune modulator, such as macrophage activation, anti-angiogenic activity and anti-tumor activity. Clinical trials of second-generation GcMAF demonstrated remarkable clinical effects in several types of cancers. Thus, GcMAF-based immunotherapy has a wide application for use in the treatment of many diseases via macrophage activation that can be used as a supportive therapy. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be an autoimmune disorder that affects the myelinated axons in the central nervous system (CNS). This study was undertaken to examine the effects of second-generation GcMAF in a patient with MS. RESULTS: This case study demonstrated that treatments of GcMAF in a patient with MS have potent therapeutic actions with early beneficial responses, especially improvement of motor dysfunction. CONCLUSION: GcMAF shows therapeutic potency in the treatment of MS. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/gcmaf-shows-therapeutic-potency-treatment-multiple-sclerosis#comments Gc protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF) Multiple Sclerosis Immunomodulatory Gc protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF) Immunomodulatory Multiple Sclerosis Significant Treatment Outcome Human: Case Report Mon, 19 Jun 2017 19:03:46 +0000 greenmedinfo 149335 at https://greenmedinfo.com Ginger and cinnamon extracts had potential therapeutic effects on G. lamblia infection in albino rats as a promising alternative therapy to the commonly used antigiardial drugs. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/ginger-and-cinnamon-extracts-had-potential-therapeutic-effects-g-lamblia-infec PMID:  Iran J Parasitol. 2014 Oct-Dec;9(4):530-40. PMID: 25759734 Abstract Title:  Ginger and cinnamon: can this household remedy treat giardiasis? Parasitological and histopathological studies. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Giardia lamblia is one of the most common protozoal infections in human especially children. Metronidazol (MTZ) is the drug of choice for treatment of giardiasis; its chemical composition possesses major threats and is becoming less sensitive. This study aimed to search for natural extracts alternative to MTZ. METHODS: In-vivo effects of dichloromethane extracts of ginger and cinnamon in doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day separately were studied on 30 experimentally infected albino rats divided into 6 groups (5 rats each). Plant extracts were started on the 6th day post infection for 7 successive days. The study was evaluated by fecal cyst and intestinal trophozoite counts, histopathology, scanning and transmission electron microscopic examinations of the small intestinal mucosa. RESULTS: Ginger and cinnamon caused reduction of fecal cyst and trophozoites counts. Histopathology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after exposure to each extract revealed evident improvement of intestinal mucosal damage produced by G. lamblia infection and direct structural injury to the trophozoites. However, these results were more obvious after exposure to cinnamon extracts. CONCLUSION: We confirmed the potential therapeutic effects of ginger and cinnamon extracts on G. lamblia infection in albino rats as a promising alternative therapy to the commonly used antigiardial drugs. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/ginger-and-cinnamon-extracts-had-potential-therapeutic-effects-g-lamblia-infec#comments Cinnamon Giardiasis Ginger Antigiardial agents Antioxidants Antiprotozoal Agents Plant Extracts Significant Treatment Outcome Animal Study Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:47:21 +0000 greenmedinfo 118315 at https://greenmedinfo.com Iodinated activated charcoal surprisingly and significantly improved lung function of patients with moderate COPD. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/iodinated-activated-charcoal-surprisingly-and-significantly-improved-lung-func n/a PMID:  Respir Med. 2014 Jun ;108(6):905-9. Epub 2014 Mar 12. PMID: 24742364 Abstract Title:  Oral iodinated activated charcoal improves lung function in patients with COPD. Abstract:  The effect of 8 weeks treatment with oral iodinated activated charcoal (IAC) on lung function of patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was examined in a double blind randomized placebo controlled parallel group study with 40 patients. In the IAC group, patients showed a statistically significant improvement of FEV1 baseline by 130 ml compared to placebo, corresponding to 8.2% improvement (p = 0.031*). Correlation statistics revealed that the improvement of FEV1 baseline was significantly correlated both to FEV1 post-bronchodilator (p = 0.0020**) and FEV1 post-exercise (0.033*) values. This demonstrates that the improved baseline lung function by IAC did not inhibit a further beta2-adrenoceptor relaxation, and thus that patients did not reach a limit for maximal improvement of the lung function after IAC treatment. Eight patients in the IAC group developed abnormal thyroid hormone levels transiently during the treatment. This side effect was not correlated to improvement of lung function (p = 0.82). No serious adverse effects directly related to the treatment were recorded. In summary, this study demonstrates that iodinated activated charcoal surprisingly and significantly improved lung function of patients with moderate COPD. The underlying mechanism of action is unclear, but is likely to be different from the drugs used today. The immediate conclusion is that further studies are now justified in order to determine clinical efficacy of IAC in COPD and explore possible mechanisms of action. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/iodinated-activated-charcoal-surprisingly-and-significantly-improved-lung-func#comments Activated Charcoal Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Iodine Activated Charcoal Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Iodine Significant Treatment Outcome Human Study Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:08:58 +0000 greenmedinfo 149341 at https://greenmedinfo.com Oral activated charcoal was beneficial in patients with uremic pruritus. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/oral-activated-charcoal-was-beneficial-patients-uremic-pruritus n/a PMID:  Nephron. 1995 ;70(2):193-6. PMID: 7566302 Abstract Title:  Oral activated charcoal in patients with uremic pruritus. Abstract:  Twenty-three chronic uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis and suffering from severe pruritus were treated with activated powdered charcoal (6 g daily p.o.). In 10 patients pruritus disappeared completely, and in 10 other patients a partial effect was observed. The favorable results persisted for several weeks after discontinuation of the treatment. Only 3 cases were totally unresponsive. No relevant undesirable side effects were observed with the exception of 1 case who showed treatment intolerance. It is concluded that activated charcoal per os is a safe, effective, and low-cost therapy for patients with uremic pruritus, but its mechanism of action is unknown. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/oral-activated-charcoal-was-beneficial-patients-uremic-pruritus#comments Activated Charcoal Kidney Diseases Pruritus Activated Charcoal Kidney Diseases Pruritus Significant Treatment Outcome Human Study Mon, 19 Jun 2017 22:22:02 +0000 greenmedinfo 149338 at https://greenmedinfo.com The use of processed honey and royal jelly could ameliorate cancer-related fatigue. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/use-processed-honey-and-royal-jelly-could-ameliorate-cancer-related-fatigue PMID:  Electron Physician. 2016 Jun ;8(6):2475-82. Epub 2016 Jun 25. PMID: 27504161 Abstract Title:  Effect of Processed Honey and Royal Jelly on Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is experienced by 50% to 90% of cancer patients and can severely affect their quality of life and functional capacity. Several randomized trials have recommended various ways to alleviate the symptoms of CRF with or without recourse to medications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of processed honey and royal jelly on the symptoms of CRF in cancer patients who are undergoing hormone therapy, chemotherapy, chemo-radiation, or radiotherapy. METHODS: Fifty-two participants from the patients who visited the oncology clinic of Shohada-e-Tajrish hospital in Tehran (Iran) between May 2013 and August 2014 were selected and divided into two groups. The study group (26 patients) received processed honey and royal jelly, while the control group received pure honey. Both groups were instructed to consume their 5mL supplement twice daily for 4 weeks. Both groups were assessed at the beginning of the study, after 2 weeks, and then at the end of 4 weeks of treatment. Fatigue was measured using a visual analogue fatigue scale (VAFS) and fatigue severity scale (FSS). The results were compared between the two arms of study, and equality of probability distributions was assessed using a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. RESULTS: The mean age of the 52 patients was 54.84. After two and four weeks of treatment with processed honey and royal jelly, VAFS and FSS due to treatment was better in the study group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, our study provided support for the use of processed honey and royal jelly to ameliorate CRF. The positive results of this study warrant further studies in this field. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Registry Center (http://www.irct.ir) with the registration code: IRCT2015081423426N1. FUNDING: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/use-processed-honey-and-royal-jelly-could-ameliorate-cancer-related-fatigue#comments Fatigue: Cancer-Associated Honey Royal Jelly Significant Treatment Outcome Human Study Wed, 10 Aug 2016 18:52:09 +0000 greenmedinfo 132120 at https://greenmedinfo.com These results confirm the clinical benefit of cannabis extracts on spastic hypertonia. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/these-results-confirm-clinical-benefit-cannabis-extracts-spastic-hypertonia n/a PMID:  J Neurol Sci. 2016 Nov 15 ;370:263-268. Epub 2016 Aug 28. PMID: 27772772 Abstract Title:  Cortical and spinal excitability in patients with multiple sclerosis and spasticity after oromucosal cannabinoid spray. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (THC:CBD) oromucosal spray (Sativex®) has been recently approved for the management of treatment-resistant multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity. Although the symptomatic relief of Sativex® on MS-spasticity has been consistently demonstrated, the pathogenetic implications remain unclear and the few electrophysiological studies performed to address this topic yielded controversial results. We therefore aimed to investigate the mechanisms underpinning the modulation of spastic hypertonia by Sativex®, at both central and spinal levels, through an extensive neurophysiological battery in patients with MS. METHODS: Nineteen MS patients with treatment-resistant spasticity were recruited. Before and after 4weeks of treatment with Sativex® patients were clinically assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and underwent a large neurophysiological protocol targeting measures of excitability and inhibition at both cortical [e.g., intracortical facilitation (ICF), short (SICI) and long (LICI) intracortical inhibition, cortical silent period (CSP)] and spinal level [e.g., H-reflex, H/M ratio and recovery curve of the H-reflex (HRC)]. A group of 19 healthy subjects served as controls. RESULTS: A significant reduction of the MAS score after 4weeks of Sativex® treatment was detected. Before treatment, an increase in the late facilitatory phase of HRC was recorded in patients compared to the control group, that normalised post treatment. At central level, SICI and LICI were significantly higher in patients compared to healthy subjects. After therapy, asignificant strengthening of inhibition (e.g. reduced LICI) and a non-significant facilitation (e.g. marginally increased ICF) occurred, suggesting a modulatory effect of Sativex® on different pathways, predominantly of inhibitory type. Sativex® treatment was well tolerated, with only 3 patients complaining about dizziness and bitter taste in their mouth. DISCUSSION: Our results confirm the clinical benefit of Sativex® on spastic hypertonia and demonstrate that it might modulate both cortical and spinal circuits, arguably in terms of both excitation and inhibition. We suggest that the clinical benefit was likely related to a net increase of inhibition at cortical level that, in turn, might have influenced spinal excitability. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/these-results-confirm-clinical-benefit-cannabis-extracts-spastic-hypertonia#comments Cannabinoids Cannabis Multiple Sclerosis Plant Extracts Significant Treatment Outcome Human Study Thu, 27 Oct 2016 13:44:52 +0000 greenmedinfo 136332 at https://greenmedinfo.com This study suggests that chiropractic care may reduce frequency of headaches in patients with chronic tension-type and cervicogenic headache. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/study-suggests-chiropractic-care-may-reduce-frequency-headaches-patients-chron n/a PMID:  J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2015 Nov-Dec;38(9):637-643. Epub 2015 Nov 6. PMID: 26548737 Abstract Title:  A Randomized Pragmatic Clinical Trial of Chiropractic Care for Headaches With and Without a Self-Acupressure Pillow. Abstract:  OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if the addition of a self-acupressure pillow (SAP) to typical chiropractic treatment results in significantly greater improvement in tension-type and cervicogenic headache sufferers. METHODS: A pragmatic randomized clinical trial was conducted in a chiropractic college teaching clinic. Thirty-four subjects, including tension-type and cervicogenic headache sufferers, 21 to 60 years of age, male or female, completed the study. Group A (n = 15) received typical chiropractic care only (manual therapy and exercises), and group B (n = 19) received typical chiropractic care with daily home use of the SAP. The intervention period was 4 weeks. The main outcome measure was headache frequency. Satisfaction and relief scores were obtained from subjects in the SAP group. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the intergroup comparisons. RESULTS: Owing to failure of randomization to produce group equivalence on weekly headache frequency, analysis of covariance was performed showing a trend (P = .07) favoring the chiropractic-only group; however, this was not statistically significant. Group A obtained a 46% reduction of weekly headache frequency (t = 3.1, P = .002; d = 1.22). The number of subjects in group A achieving a reduction in headaches greater than 40% was 71%, while for group B, this was 28%. The mean benefit score (0-3) in group B of the use of the SAP was 1.2 (.86). The mean satisfaction rating of users of the SAP was 10.4 (2.7) out of 15 (63%). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that chiropractic care may reduce frequency of headaches in patients with chronic tension-type and cervicogenic headache. The use of a self-acupressure pillow (Dr Zaxx device) may help those with headache and headache pain relief as well as producing moderately high satisfaction with use. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/study-suggests-chiropractic-care-may-reduce-frequency-headaches-patients-chron#comments Headache Acupressure Chiropractic treatment Prophylactic Agents Significant Treatment Outcome Human Study Tue, 16 Aug 2022 02:52:18 +0000 greenmedinfo 262058 at https://greenmedinfo.com