METHODS: We conducted a randomised, double blinded, two-armed parallel study comparing 20 g/day of Tualang Honey versus 20 g/day Honey Cocktail among postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years. The cardiovascular parameters and anthropometrics measurements were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months of the intervention.
RESULTS: 100 subjects were successfully randomised into the groups. There was a significant decrease in the diastolic blood pressure from 77.92 mmHg at baseline to 73.45 mmHg at 12 months (F-statistic = 2.55, p-value = 0.047) in the Tualang Honey group compared to Honey Cocktail. There was also a significant decrease in the fasting blood sugar from 6.11 mmol/L at baseline to 5.71 mmol/L at 12 months (F-statistic = 4.03, p-value = 0.021) in the Tualang Honey group compared to the Honey Cocktail group. The body mass index remained unchanged at 27 kg/m2 (F-statistic = 1.60, p-value = 0.010) throughout 12 months of the intervention in the Honey Cocktail group.
CONCLUSION: Subjects who received Honey Cocktail showed remarkable effects on body mass index. However, Tualang Honey supplementation showed superior effect in lowering diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood sugar compared to Honey Cocktail. Further studies are required to ascertain the underlying mechanism(s) of Tualang Honey and Honey Cocktail on each observed parameter.
METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were performed. Only randomized placebo-controlled human studies that examined the effects of carnitine supplementation on liver function, lipid profile, body mass index, body weight, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance up to September 2019 were included. Fixed effects or random-effects models were applied to compute the pooled effect size. Heterogeneity assessments were performed using Cochran's Q test and I-squared statistics. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Jaded scale.
RESULTS: A total of 5 articles were selected, including 334 individuals (167 in control and 167 in intervention groups). The results demonstrated that carnitine supplementation significantly reduced homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD: -0.91; 95 % CI: -1.11, -0.72; p
METHODOLOGY: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and PubMed (1985-January 2022) and trial registries for relevant randomised clinical trials were used. Relevant and published randomised clinical trials were reviewed and evaluated. The primary outcomes were anthropometry measurements, which were weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentages. The secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life, psychological impact, lipid profile measurement, presence of adverse events, and changes in blood pressure and blood glucose. We assessed the data for risk of bias, heterogeneity, sensitivity, reporting bias, and quality of evidence.
RESULTS: 15 studies are included, involving 1161 participants. The analysis performed is based on three comparisons. For the first comparison between yoga and control, yoga reduces the waist circumference (MD -0.84, 95% CI [-5.12 to 3.44]), while there is no difference in body weight, BMI, or body fat percentages. In the second comparison between yoga and calorie restriction, yoga reduces body weight (MD -3.47, 95% CI [-6.20 to -0.74]), while there is no difference in waist circumference, BMI, or body fat percentage. In the third comparison between yoga and exercise, yoga reduces the body weight (MD -7.58, 95% CI [-11.51 to -3.65]), while there is no difference in waist circumference or BMI. For the secondary outcomes, yoga intervention reduces total cholesterol (MD -17.12, 95% CI [-32.24 to -2.00]) and triglycerides (MD -21.75, 95% CI [-38.77 to -4.73]) compared to the control group, but there is no difference compared to the calorie restriction and exercise group. There is no difference in the rest of the outcomes, which are LDL, HDL, quality of life, psychological impact, adverse events, blood pressure, and blood glucose. However, findings are not robust due to a high risk of bias and low-quality evidence.
CONCLUSION: From our review, there were methodological drawbacks and very low to moderate quality of evidence across all comparisons, and hence, it is inconclusive to say that yoga can significantly improve anthropometric parameters. More well-designed trials are needed to confirm and support the beneficial effects of yoga.
METHODS: Electronic databases including CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE were searched up to April 2018 for relevant RCTs. Journal and conference proceedings were also searched. Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data, assessed the risks of bias in included trials and graded the quality of evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted for studies presenting similar outcomes.
RESULTS: Ten RCTs involving 1164 participants were included. These RCTs varied in terms of patients' grade of haemorrhoids, length of trials, and outcome assessed. Most of the studies did not describe adequately the process of randomisation and allocation concealment. The pooled analysis of data from three studies indicated that there was significant difference between groups for the bleeding outcome, favoring the MPFF group (RR 1.46; 95% CI 1.10-1.93; p = 0.008). Except for bleeding, the current evidence did not show MPFF has significant effects on all the other outcomes examined when compared with placebo. Even then, the quality of evidence for bleeding was judged as low due to the small number and inconsistent results among the included studies.
CONCLUSION: This review highlights the need for further rigorous research if MPFF was to be routinely used for the treatment of haemorrhoid symptoms.
METHOD: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SCOPUS and conference proceedings were searched for relevant trials to June 2019. We included randomized controlled trials comparing pomegranate with placebo. The outcomes examined were effects on lipids level. Two authors screened titles for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality of the trials using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. We used a random effects model to pool data and stratified trials to examine sources of statistical heterogeneity. To assess the quality of the evidence, we used the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
RESULTS: Seventeen trials recruiting 763 subjects met the inclusion criteria. These trials varied in terms of the dosage form of pomegranate used, subjects recruited and trials duration. Meta-analyses of data did not show pomegranate produced a significant effect on the lipids level examined. The quality of evidence for all outcomes was low due to the imprecision of the pooled effect and the inconsistency within the included trials. The limited data on safety suggest only mild, transient and infrequent adverse events with the short-term use of pomegranate.
CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not show pomegranate has significant effects on serum lipid levels. The quality of evidence is poor to support the increasing use of pomegranate for hyperlipidaemia.
METHODS: We carried out a systematic search of all available RCTs up to June 2019 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Pooled weight mean difference (WMD) of the included studies was estimated using random-effects model.
RESULTS: A total of 27 articles were included in this meta-analysis, with walnuts dosage ranging from 15 to 108 g/d for 2 wk to 2 y. Overall, interventions with walnut intake did not alter waist circumference (WC) (WMD: -0.193 cm, 95 % CI: -1.03, 0.64, p = 0.651), body weight (BW) (0.083 kg, 95 % CI: -0.032, 0.198, p = 0.159), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: -0.40 kg/m,295 % CI: -0.244, 0.164, p = 0.703), and fat mass (FM) (WMD: 0.28 %, 95 % CI: -0.49, 1.06, p = 0.476). Following dose-response evaluation, reduced BW (Coef.= -1.62, p = 0.001), BMI (Coef.= -1.24, p = 0.041) and WC (Coef.= -5.39, p = 0.038) were significantly observed through walnut intake up to 35 g/day. However, the number of studies can be limited as to the individual analysis of the measures through the dose-response fashion.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results from this meta-analysis suggest that interventions with walnut intake does not alter BW, BMI, FM, and WC. To date, there is no discernible evidence to support walnut intake for improving anthropometric indicators of weight loss.
METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2017 to October 2017, on 121 cancer patients in oncology and hematology clinics and daycare of a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Study data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire.
RESULTS: The prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients was found to be 61.2 %. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CAM use was associated with change in outlook on life after development of cancer. The most frequently used types of CAM were vitamins and Islamic medical practices. Majority of patients were guided by family and friends' suggestions towards using CAM. Most patients expected CAM to cure their disease. The percentage of patients who disclosed CAM use to the doctors was slightly higher than those who did not disclose CAM use.
CONCLUSION: The use of CAM was found to be remarkably high. Rate of non-disclosure of CAM use was high indicating the need for enhancement of doctor- patient relationship for effective patient's care. Future research is needed with large sample of patients to provide better representation of the population and to help understand patients' beliefs and perception more.
METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were systematically searched from their inceptions until 10 December 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing individuals who underwent resistance training and control participants. We applied a random-effects model to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD).
RESULTS: 33 trials reported IGF-1 level as an outcome measure. The pooled estimate demonstrated a significant increase in IGF-1 (WMD: 10.34 ng/ml, 95 % CI: 4.93, 15.74, p = 0.000, I2 = 90.3 %) after resistance training compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the increase in IGF-1 levels following resistance training was only statistically significant in treatment duration ≤16 weeks (WMD: 8.04 ng/ml), participants aged more than 60 years old (WMD: 9.84 ng/ml); and in women (WMD: 17.27 ng/ml). Subsequent analysis of the relationship between participants' age with plasma IGF-1 alterations revealed a U shape correlation in non-liner dose response, in which resistance training resulted in a declined IGF-1 level up to 40 years of age. Beyond 40 years old, the IGF-1 level was increased following resistance training.
CONCLUSION: We have successfully demonstrated that resistance training was associated with an increased IGF-1 level among those who received the training for ≤16 weeks, among participants older than 60 years old, and among women. Further studies are warranted to clarify the mechanisms underlying the influence of resistance training on IGF-1.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was conducted to analyze data on the utilization of T&CM services within public hospitals. Secondary data on 822 patients' satisfaction with services offered at 15 T&CM units was analyzed to examine the overall levels of satisfaction with T&CM services in public hospitals in Malaysia.
RESULTS: Overall, 99.4% of patients were satisfied with T&CM services and most patients (91.8%) felt that T&CM treatment positively impacted their health. Overall satisfaction was not affected by lower levels of satisfaction with subcategories of service, such as the number of treatment sessions received (90.7% satisfied), date to the next appointment (90.7% satisfied), and the absence of adverse effects of treatment received (87.1% satisfied). There were no significant associations between the socioeconomic status of the respondents and the level of satisfaction reported; however, respondents with a monthly salary of Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 1000 to RM 3000 were more than twice as likely to be strongly satisfied with services received (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.19-3.78).
CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high level of satisfaction among patients who had received T&CM treatment at public hospitals in Malaysia. High satisfaction with T&CM treatment validates the integrative management approach adopted in patient care within the public hospitals in Malaysia.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at a tertiary care centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia among parents of children with AE aged ≤ 12 years using validated questionnaires including Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ-General) and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) scale.
RESULTS: In total, 173 parents were recruited. The prevalence of CAM use over the last 12-month period was 46.8 %. The most commonly used CAM was Ruqyah (Islamic prayer), followed by Malay herbs, virgin coconut oil, nutritional therapy and homeopathy. AE severity from parental perspective was the major predictor of CAM use based on multiple logistic regression analysis. Parents of children with 'clear or almost clear' (adjusted OR 0.06; 95 % CI 0.01-0.54; p = 0.012) and 'mild' (adjusted OR 0.15; 95 % CI 0.03-0.85; p = 0.032) eczema were less likely to use CAM than those with 'very severe eczema'.
CONCLUSION: CAM use was prevalent among children with AE. Its use was significantly associated with AE severity from a parental perspective. Healthcare providers may need to enquire parents about CAM use for their child during routine clinic appointment.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
SETTING: Self-administered online survey was carried out between January and June 2021 in China.
RESULTS: A total of 1132 complete responses were received from a nationwide sample. A considerable proportion viewed TCM to be more effective than Western medicine for treating COVID-19 (67.1 %) and stated that it is safer to use TCM (63.5 %) and easier to access TCM for treating COVID-19 (63.5 %). A total of 16.4 % (95 %CI 14.3-18.7) reported ever self-medicating with TCM to resolve COVID-19 symptoms and 12.2 % (95 % CI 10.3-14.2) ever using TCM to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lianhua Qingwen capsule/granule (53.2 %), Ganmao granule (50.5 %) and Banlangen granule (44.6 %) were most commonly used to resolve COVID-19 symptoms whereas Banlangen granule (60.1 %) was commonly used for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Older age participants, from rural areas, with chronic diseases, higher socioeconomic status, and a positive attitude towards TCM were more likely to self-medicate using TCM to resolve COVID-19 symptoms.
CONCLUSION: Self-medication with TCM during the COVID-19 pandemic for symptom control or prevention is prevalent. The findings of the user behavioural profile and types of TMCs commonly used in this study provide beneficial information for the development of strategies to improve public health-seeking behaviour and the performance of the country's healthcare system in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DESIGN: Single-blind, controlled, randomized cross-over study. Patients received 5-day aromatherapy treatment using either ginger essential oil or fragrance-matched artificial placebo (ginger fragrance oil) which was instilled in a necklace in an order dictated by the treatment group sequence.
SETTING: Two oncology clinics in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: VAS nausea score, frequency of vomiting and HRQoL profile (EORTC QLQ-C30 scores).
RESULTS: Sixty female patients completed the study (age=47.3±9.26 years; Malay=98.3%; on highly emetogenic chemotherapy=86.7%). The VAS nausea score was significantly lower after ginger essential oil inhalation compared to placebo during acute phase (P=0.040) but not sustained for overall treatment effect (treatment effect: F=1.82, P=0.183; time effect: F=43.98, P<0.001; treatment×time effect: F=2.04; P=0.102). Similarly, there was no significant effect of aromatherapy on vomiting [F(1, 58)=0.29, P=0.594]. However, a statistically significant change from baseline for global health status (P<0.001) was detected after ginger essential oil inhalation. A clinically relevant 10 points improvement on role functioning (P=0.002) and appetite loss (P<0.001) were also documented while patients were on ginger essential oil.
CONCLUSION: At present time, the evidence derived from this study is not sufficiently convincing that inhaled ginger aromatherapy is an effective complementary therapy for CINV. The findings for HRQoL were however encouraging with significant improvement in several domains.