The efficacy of a Persian herbal formulation on functional bloating: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBloating is a common gastrointestinal complaint which is difficult to treat.ObjectiveThis study investigated the efficacy and compliance of a formulation called KAASER comprised of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague seed, Zingiber officinale Roscoe. rhizome and Piper nigrum L. berry in the treatment of functional bloating.Design, setting, participants and interventionA total of 106 patients with functional bloating, between 20 and 50 years of age, participated in this double-blind randomized controlled trial. Patients were divided into 3 parallel groups that received 500 mg of placebo, dimethicone or KAASER, three times a day for 2 weeks.Main outcome measuresThe frequency and severity of bloating were primary outcomes, while the frequencies of eructation, defecation, borborygmus and early satiation were secondary outcomes. All parameters were evaluated at the beginning (week 0), and also weeks 2, 4 and 10 of the study, through self-report checklists with a scoring system.ResultsAmong the 84 patients who completed the study, the frequency and severity of bloating (P < 0.001), the frequencies of eructation, defecation and borborygmus (P = 0.03) were significantly improved in the group receiving KAASER (36 patients) compared with the dimethicone (35 patients) and placebo (35 patients) groups, during the 3 phases of follow-up. These significant differences persisted through the 2 and 8 weeks of follow-ups after cessation of medication (week 4 and 10). In early satiation, no significant differences were observed among the 3 groups.ConclusionThe results showed that KAASER can be effectively used to treat patients suffering from bloating. Bloating, eructation, defecation and borborygmus in the KAASER group remained significantly improved after 2 and 8 weeks of cessation of medication, making this mechanism an interesting area for further investigation.Trial registrationRegistration trial IRCT2015100324327N on Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials.     

中医药随机、双盲、安慰剂对照临床试验的质量控制探讨

随机、双盲、对照试验作为公认的干预性试验的金标准,也是评价中药疗效及安全性等最符合需要的研究方式。而对临床试验方案的优化设计、研究实施过程中的严格管理,是保证临床试验质量的关键。本课题组从中医药临床试验中方案优化设计、双盲法的实现、安慰剂、研究用中药的质量管理、提高受试者依从性等方面进行了探索,以严格控制中医药临床试验的质量,提供可靠的循证医学证据。     

Effects of a Plantago ovata-based herbal compound in prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy: A double-blind,randomized, controlled crossover trial

BackgroundOral mucositis (OM) is one of the most common complications of mucotoxic cancer therapy. Mucositis induces clinically significant pain, increases the risk of infections and affects the patients’ quality of life.ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of an herbal preparation from Plantago ovata hydrocolloid in the prevention and treatment of OM, in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with a regimen including adriamycin.Design, setting, participants, and interventionsThis research was a double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover trial. The herbal compound consisted of a mixture of 500 mg of P. ovate husk in 30 mL water plus three drops of vinegar per dose, which was used as a mouthwash. Phytochemical and physicochemical tests of the compound were also performed. Twenty-eight patients who developed mucositis during the chemotherapy screening cycle were randomized to the herbal compound (n = 14) and placebo (n = 14) groups. They received herbal compound or placebo three times per day during their next chemotherapy cycle (cycle 1 of treatment). Patients were crossed over during cycle 2 of treatment and received the alternative therapy. An oral care protocol was prescribed to all patients in cycles 1 and 2 of the treatment.Main outcome measuresThe patients were visited at baseline, the end of the first and second weeks of the screening cycle, and the end of the first and second weeks of each of two treatment cycles. The degree of mucositis was used as the main treatment outcome. Other indexes, such as the severity of pain, xerostomia grade and the quality of life were also measured.ResultsCompared with the placebo, the herbal compound significantly reduced the degree of mucositis, the severity of pain and the xerostomia grade; it also improved the patients’ quality of life (P < 0.05). Comparison between the screening cycle and placebo treatment group showed that the oral care protocol had a significant effect in the reduction of OM (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe oral care protocol and the herbal compound based on P. ovata are effective ways for preventing and treating OM in patients undergoing mucotoxic cancer therapy.Trial registrationIranian registry of clinical trials IRCT20180923041093N1.     

Efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine for lumbar disc herniation: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Objective

This is a review of the effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) used alone to treat lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

METHORDS

A literature search of the following electronic databases from their inception to February 2013 was conducted: Chinese Biomedical databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Randomized controlled trials where CHM had been used to treat LDH were selected. Data extraction, quality assessment, and data analysis were carried out by two independent reviewers.

Results

Of the 2415 studies identified, eight with complete data on 1146 patients were selected. The methodological quality was poor in all trials. Five studies reported that CHM was better than Western Medicine [OR=2.81, 95% CI (1.27, 6.18); OR=3.34, 95% CI (1.92, 5.79); OR=2.22, 95% CI (1.08, 4.57); OR=6.67, 95% CI (1.34, 33.28); and OR=1.94, 95% CI (1.23, 3.06)]. Two studies reported that the clinical outcome was better in CHM groups than in physiotherapy and placebo groups, [OR=3.02, 95% CI (1.08, 8.46); and OR=2.67, 95% CI (1.26, 5.64), respectively], whereas one study reported no difference between CHM and physiotherapy groups. One study reported that CHM resulted in higher Japanese Orthopedic Association scores [MD=7.78, 95% CI (6.67, 8.89)] than in a control group and another that participants treated with CHM had lower Visual Analogue Scale scores [MD= − 0.72, 95% CI (− 0.86, − 0.58)] than those in a control group. Three studies reported that the adverse effects of CHM and Western Medicine did not differ significantly [OR=0.10, 95% CI (0.01, 1.85); OR=0.19, 95% CI (0.01, 4.07); and OR=0.07, 95% CI (0.00, 1.32)].

Conclusion

CHM may be more effective than other interventions for LDH; however, methodological weaknesses in the studies assessed in this review prevent a definitive conclusion. More high-quality large-scale studies are required to clarify this matter.     

Qiming granule in treating type 2 diabetic kidney disease patients:study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background:Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is a chronic renal microvascular complication associated with abnormal glucose metabolism.According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory,Qi and Yin deficiency with blood stasis(the name of TCM symptoms,its main clinical features are fatigue,dry mouth,red or pale tongue,weak pulse,etc.)is the primary TCM syndrome of DKD,and Qiming granule(QMG)is suitable for the treatment of Qi and Yin deficiency with blood stasis syndrome.In view of this,we designed a randomized controlled trial to assess whether QMG is efficacious and safe in treating DKD patients.Methods:This protocol is for a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,parallel group,six-centre clinical trial.A total of 180 participants will be randomized into the QMG group or placebo group,with a 1:1 ratio.The study will last for 50 weeks,including a 2-week run-in period,24 weeks of intervention,and 24 weeks of follow-up.The experimental intervention will be QMG,and the control intervention will be a placebo.The primary outcome will be the 24h urinary albumin excretion ratio and the change in the albumin-to-creatinine ratio.The secondary outcome will be evaluation of renal function,fundus changes,management of blood lipids,TCM symptom improvement and safety assessments.Adverse events will be recorded during the trial.Discussion:This study is a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness and safety of QMG for DKD patients.The findings of this study will help to provide evidence-based recommendations in treating DKD patients.Trial registration:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR-TRC-12002953.Registered 23 December 2012.     

Lavender and dodder combined herbal syrup versus citalopram in major depressive disorder with anxious distress: A double-blind randomized trial

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by anxious distress is a chronic and disabling disorder. Its conventional drug therapies often have low patient compliance due to drug-related side effects. In Persian medicine, lavender-dodder syrup is one formula often recommended for such disorders.ObjectiveThis study compares the effects of lavender-dodder syrup to the standard drug, citalopram, for treating MDD with anxious distress.Design, setting, participants and interventionThis six-week, double-blind, randomized, clinical trial was carried out in a psychiatric outpatient clinic. During the six-week intervention period, patients in citalopram group received citalopram tablets 20 mg/d plus 5 mL placebo syrup every 12 h; patients in group B received placebo tablets once daily plus 5 mL of lavender-dodder herbal syrup every 12 h.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome measures, depression and anxiety, were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression/Anxiety Rating Scales, and were scored at the beginning of the study and at weeks three and six. Secondary outcome measures including response to treatment and remission rates were also compared between the two groups.ResultsFifty-six participants with MDD and anxious distress were randomly assigned to two groups. Mean depression scores significantly decreased in citalopram and herbal groups at weeks three and six (time effect: P < 0.001), although the observed changes were not significantly different between the groups (intervention effect: P = 0.61). Mean anxiety scores were not significantly different between the two groups at week three (P = 0.75). However, at the end of week six, the observed decrease was significantly higher in the herbal syrup group than the citalopram group (intervention effect: P = 0.007).ConclusionThe herbal syrup is an effective and tolerable supplement for treating MDD with anxious distress.Trial registration number: IRCT2016102430459N1 on Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials.     

中药敷贴联合按摩点穴治疗老年功能性便秘的随机对照临床研究

目的观察中药敷贴联合按摩点穴治疗老年功能性便秘的临床疗效。方法将68例符合罗马Ⅲ诊断标准的老年功能性便秘患者随机分为治疗组（35例）和对照组（33例）,分别采用中药敷贴联合按摩点穴、麻仁软胶囊治疗。两组疗程均为20天。随访3个月,通过便秘症状评估量表积分变化情况评价临床疗效。结果治疗组总有效率为94.29%,对照组为84.85%;组间临床疗效比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。两组治疗后各项症状积分及总积分均明显降低（P〈0.05）;组间治疗后比较,排便时间和腹胀积分差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。治疗组随访时排便间症状积分增加（P〈0.05）,其余症状积分及总积分与治疗后差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;对照组随访时各项症状积分及总积分与治疗后比较,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。组间随访时比较,各项症状积分及总积分差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论中药敷贴联合按摩点穴疗法对老年人功能性便秘具有较好的临床疗效。     

Effects of the use of bioceramic wraps in patients with lower limb venous ulcers: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundVenous ulcer represents the most advanced stage of chronic venous insufficiency. It is an important public health problem and has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life due to chronic pain, inability to work, need for hospitalization and frequent outpatient follow-up.ObjectiveWe investigated the treatment benefits of far-infrared ceramic (cFIR), in a 90-day study of lower limb venous ulcers and looked at ulcer healing scores, quality of life, serum bio-markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense enzymes.Design, setting, participants and interventionsThis is a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted in the Vascular Surgery Service of a hospital located in the northwest region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We included patients with lower limb venous ulcers who were randomized to use either a bioceramics wrap or a placebo wrap for 90 days.Main outcome measuresThe following evaluations were conducted at baseline and after 15, 30, 60 and 90 days: ulcer healing score, quality of life, and serum markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity.ResultsPatients (n = 24) with lower limb venous ulcers were randomized into two treatment groups. cFIR decreased the ulcer size on day 30 (P = 0.042) and 90 (P = 0.034) and the total ulcer healing scale scores on day 30 (P = 0.049) and 90 (P = 0.02) of the treatment, when compared to baseline. Additionally, cFIR improved tissue type (epithelial tissue) on day 60 (P = 0.022) when compared to baseline evaluation.ConclusioncFIR clinically improved ulcer healing in patients with lower limb venous ulcers.Trial registrationRBR-8c7xzn on ReBEC.     

Efficacy and safety of Wuling capsule,a single herbal formula,in Chinese subjects with insomnia: A multicenter,randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Wuling Capsule is a single herbal formula from mycelia of precious Xylaria nigripes (Kl.) Sacc and its pharmacological function have a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system. The aim of the study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Wuling capsule in treatment of insomnia.

Materials and methods

We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants received either placebo (n=92) or Wuling capsule (n=94) for 4 weeks and a follow-up period for 2 weeks.

Results

Compared between pre-treatment and post-treatment, the global Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores in both Wuling capsule group and placebo group improved significantly (P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference between Wuling capsule group and placebo group (P>0.05). Scores of clinical global impressions scale (CGI-I) at each week in Wuling capsule group was similar to those in placebo group (P>0.05). Compared between pre-treatment and post-treatment, scores of the four components of world health organization on quality of life brief scale (WHOQOL-BREF) in both Wuling capsule group and placebo group improved significantly (P<0.01). However, there were no difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The rate of adverse events was 10.10% in Wuling group, and 6.73% in placebo group (P>0.05).

Conclusions

Wuling capsule can improve insomnia when compared with pre-treatment for 4 weeks and be a well tolerated by all the patients at the 6 weeks of study period. However, there are no significant in the results of the variables tested when compared with placebo control. Further additional rigorous randomized clinical trials are still required.     

针灸治疗便秘随机对照临床研究文献Meta分析

目的:评价针灸治疗便秘的有效性。方法:计算机检索重庆维普、中国知网、万方、PubMed数据库关于针灸治疗便秘的临床研究文献,选择符合要求的随机对照试验(RCT)、临床对照试验(CCT)文献进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入15篇文献,合计1 052例便秘病例,分析发现针灸治疗便秘的治愈率优于常规药物组(RR=1.92,95%可信区间1.61～2.30,Z=7.18,P<0.000 01);针灸治疗便秘的总有效率对照常规药物组有统计学差异(RR=1.26,95%可信区间1.18～1.34,Z=7.26,P<0.000 01);在对腹痛、排便时间及症状总积分的比较中,发现针灸治疗组与对照组比较差异具有统计学意义(腹痛:WMD=-0.22,95%可信区间-0.32～-0.12,Z=4.28,P<0.000 1;排便时间:WMD=-0.47,95%可信区间-0.79～-0.15,Z=2.85,P<0.004;症状总积分:WMD=-0.41,95%可信区间-0.79～-0.03,Z=2.13,P=0.03)。结论:针灸治疗便秘有效,对照常规药物有一定的优势,但由于便秘疗效的判定指标比较单一,且纳入文献中RCT、CCT文献数量过少,特别是高质量、大样本、多中心的随机临床研究文献报道极少,因此上述结果还需要做深入研究。     

Core muscle functional strength training for reducing the risk of low back pain in military recruits: An open-label randomized controlled trial

Background: Core muscle functional strength training(CMFST) has been reported to reduce injuries to the lower extremity. However, no study has confirmed whether CMFST can reduce the risk of low back pain(LBP).Objective: This study identified the effects of CMFST on the incidence of LBP in military recruits.Design, setting, participants and intervention: We performed a prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled study in a population of young healthy male naval recruits from a Chinese basic c...     

Treatment duration of wrist-ankle acupuncture for relieving post-thyroidectomy pain: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Treatment duration of wrist-ankle acupuncture(WAA) is uncertain for post-thyroidectomy pain relief.Objective: This study evaluated the effect of different WAA treatment duration on post-operative pain relief and other discomforts associated with thyroidectomy.Design, setting, participants and intervention: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single research site in Guangzhou, China. A total of 132 patients receiving thyroidectomy were randomly divided into the control...     

Homeopathy for COVID-19 in primary care: A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial (COVID-Simile study)

Background: Different homeopathic approaches have been used as supportive care for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) cases, but none has been tested in a clinical trial.Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the homeopathic medicine, Natrum muriaticum LM2, for mild cases of COVID-19.Design, setting, participants, and interventions: A randomized, double-blind, two-armed, parallel, singlecenter, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from June 2020 to April 2021 in S?...     

Curative effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic persistent asthma: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Objective

To compare the curative effects of heat-sensitive moxibustion with conventional drugs on chronic persistent asthma and seek a valuable therapy to replace Western Medicine.

Methods

The participants in this multi-center, randomized, and controlled study were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n=144), treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion (50 sessions) and group B (n=144), treated with Seretide (salmeterol 50 µg/fluticasone 250 µg, twice a day). The scores of asthma control test (ACT), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and attack frequency were measured after 15, 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. Patients followed up 3 and 6 months after treatment.

Results

There was a significant difference (P= 0.0002) in the ACT score and lung function between the two groups after 3 months of treatment and (P=0.000 03) during the follow-up visits. In addition, heat-sensitive moxibustion reduced attack frequency in the period from inclusion to the 6-month follow-up visit.

Conclusion

This study shows that heat-sensitive moxibustion may have a comparable curative effect to Seretide(salmeterol/fluticasone) on asthma.     

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials with herbal medicine on chronic rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease with evidence to show that its incidence and prevalence are increasing. Medicinal plants are commonly used to treat CRS. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of herbal preparations for treatment of the patients with CRS. Cochran, Embase, ISI, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched until August 1, 2016. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Four randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review. Various medicinal plants were studied in each article. Inclusion and exclusion criteria, and outcome measures varied among different articles. The results of this trials showed that this special medicinal plants may be effective in the treatment of CRS. No serious reactions were reported during the administration of herbal remedies in the 4 studies. However, trials with a well‐designed approach are needed to study the actual safety and efficacy of herbs in the treatment of CRS.     

Chinese herbal medicine for subacute thyroiditis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials found in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and three Chinese databases were selected. RevMan 5.2 software was used to analyze the data with relative risk or mean difference, expressed with 95% of confidence interval. The quality of trials was assessed and graded the quality of evidence with GRADE profiler software.

Results

Twenty one studies were included. CHM was superior to Western Medicine (include prednisone and NSAIDs) in abating fever, relieving thyroid pain, recovering blood sedimentation, improving thyroid function, and preventing hypothyroidism (P<0.05), while no statistical differences were found in eliminating goiter and reducing relapse rate. CHM plus Western Medicine were superior to Western Medicine in abating fever, relieving thyroid pain, eliminating goiter, and reducing relapse rate, while no statistical differences (P>0.05) were found in recovering blood sedimentation and improving thyroid function. The incidence of adverse reactions in treatment group was lower than that in control group (relative risk was 0.12 and 95% confidence interval was 0.03-0.51). The methodological quality of trials is generally poor with a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

CHM (particularly CHM combined with Western Medicine) used to treat subacute thyroiditis may improve clinical symptoms and signs, reduce relapse rate, and alleviate the side effects of hormones. Due to poor methodological quality of included trials, further more high-quality studies are warranted to confirm the effectiveness and safety of CHM.     

Effects of the pestle needle therapy,a type of acupoint stimulation,on post-hemorrhoidectomy pain: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHemorrhoids are one of the most common conditions that lead to surgery, and until now surgical hemorrhoidectomy has been the major effective treatment. Post-operative pain from hemorrhoidectomy has been experienced by thousands of patients and remains a major inconvenience of the operation.ObjectiveThis study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the pestle needle therapy, an acupoint stimulation method, for relief of post-hemorrhoidectomy pain.Design, setting, participants and interventionsThis was a single-center, patient-assessor-blinded and randomized controlled trial with 154 patients receiving Milligan hemorrhoidectomy surgery. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group at a ratio of 1:1. The treatment group received the pestle needle therapy, with manual stimulation at Yaoshu (DU2), Mingmen (DU4), Changqiang (DU1), Chengshan (BL57), Erbai (EX-UE2) and the perianal points (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11o’clock around the lesion); while the control group received a sham treatment with very light pressure. Three sessions of treatment were performed at 30 min, 4 h and 12 h after the surgery, and each lasted for 15 min.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was post-operative pain measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 12 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes included the VAS scores measured at 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48 h after surgery, the analgesic dose, the time and the VAS score of the patients’ first defecation after surgery, as well as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA) evaluated before discharge.ResultsThe mean pain score of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (3.10 ± 1.27 vs 4.82 ± 1.29; P < 0.001) at 12 h after surgery. Compared with the control group, patients in the treatment group needed a smaller dose of analgesic within the first 24 hours after surgery (P = 0.002); and their HAMA scores before discharge were lower (4.07 ± 2.40 vs 5.10 ± 2.45, P = 0.009). Compared to the treatment group, patients in the control group had a greater time to the first defecation after surgery ([52.34 ± 15.72] h vs [27.08 ± 13.68] h; P < 0.001), but there was no difference in their VAS scores at the first defecation (P = 0.092).ConclusionThe pestle needle therapy was effective for relieving pain, reducing anxiety and improving bowel function after hemorrhoidectomy, and it is worthy of clinical application.     

Effects of Chinese herbs in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis: a randomized controlled trial

Objective

To research the curative effect of Chinese herbs for clearing away heat, promoting diuresis, nourishing the kidney, and consolidating essence in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) with internal accumulation of damp-toxin using randomized controlled observations on large samples. To seek the mechanism of the therapy and its scope of indications.

Methods

Overall, 186 children with HSPN were randomly divided into two groups: treatment group (n=126) treated with Chinese herbs for clearing heat and promoting diuresis and a control group (n=60) treated with Western Medicine. The treatment was carried out for three courses of 4 weeks each. We recorded changes in patient urine routines, 24 h urinary protein, blood-coagulating series, immunoglobulin and T-cell subgroups, and improvements in main symptoms. We evaluated the alleviation of clinical symptoms and the improvement of proteinuria, hematuria, and other laboratory test results. Finally, we analyzed the patient population suitable for this therapy according to the relationship between the grouping of patient body weight and curative effect.

Results

Damp-heat syndrome improved in the treatment group, with a significant difference in total effective rate after a 4-week treatment (χ²= 13.5220, P=0.0002) and in curative rate after a 12-week treatment (χ²=6.3410, P=0.0118), compared to those in the control group. The curative effect in the treatment group was greater than that in the control group but there was no statistical difference between the two groups. The curative effect after a 4-week treatment of patients in the treatment group weighing 30 kg or less based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) signs and urinary protein was significantly greater than that in the control group. However, there was no statistical difference in the curative effect on urinary red cells and various indexes after a 12-week treatment between the two groups.

Conclusion

Therapy for clearing away heat, promoting diuresis, nourishing the kidney, and consolidating essence using TCM is effective in children with HSPN from internal accumulation of damp-toxin. The therapy is especially suitable for patients weighing 30 kg or less. The curative effect may be related to the improvement of immune function and blood-coagulation.     

Effects of So-cheong-ryong-tang and Yeon-gyo-pae-dok-san on the common cold: randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial

Aim of the study

So-cheong-ryong-tang (SCRT) and Yeon-gyo-pae-dok-san (YPS) extracts are widely used in treatment of the common cold. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of SCRT and YPS on the common cold.

Methods

Four hundred eighty participants with symptoms of the common cold within 48 h were recruited for this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SCRT extract and YPS extract were put in gelatin capsules and orally administered 3 times a day. The pattern of participants was determined according to the Questionnaire for Common Cold Pattern Identification (QCCPI), and the severity of illness was assessed by Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 Korean version (WURSS-21-K) every 7 days.

Results

The test and control groups were not significantly different in gender, age, smoking history, and baseline score of WURSS-21-K at the time of enrollment. SCRT treatment significantly decreased the total WURSS-21-K score on the 6th and 7th day (p < 0.05) of the enrollment compared with the placebo group. YPS treatment decreased the total WURSS-21-K score on the 5th and 6th day (p < 0.05 vs. the placebo group) of the enrollment. In the patients with Wind-cold pattern cold, SCRT significantly decreased the total WURSS-21-K score from 4th to 8th day (p < 0.05), and YPS significantly decreased the total WURSS-21-K score from 4th to 6th day (p < 0.05). For the Wind-heat pattern cold, neither SCRT nor YPS group showed significant difference from the placebo group. SCRT and YPS did not significantly decrease the time to complete resolution of the cold symptoms.

Conclusions

SCRT and YPS have beneficial, albeit limited, effects on common cold patients, especially those with the Wind-cold pattern cold.     

Laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure improves low-back pain and quality of life in nurses: A randomized controlled trial

Background:Low-back pain (LBP) in nurses is a major health concern that affects their quality of life and ability to work, with consequences for their economic status.Objective:This study evaluates the effect of low-level laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure (LAA) on pain intensity, pain interference and quality of life in nurses with LBP.Design, setting, participants and interventions:This randomized controlled trial recruited a convenience sample of hospital-based nurses from ...