BACKGROUND:Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder frequently associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS), particularly in patients with the adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) phenotype. RLS can markedly aggravate abnormal sensations, insomnia, and gait dysfunction; however, conventional treatments, such as dopamine agonists or iron supplementation, are often ineffective or inappropriate, especially in patients without iron deficiency. Herein, we report the clinical effects of herbal medicines in a patient with ALD-associated refractory RLS. CASE PRESENTATION:A 50-year-old Asian man with genetically confirmed AMN-type ALD presented with a 10-year history of persistent tingling and discomfort in both lower extremities, severe RLS, insomnia, and progressive gait impairment. Despite treatment with baclofen and pramipexole, his symptoms remained refractory, with an International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (IRLS) score of 31, a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score of 4, and sleep duration limited to 2-3 h per night. The serum ferritin level was 140 μg/L, indicating adequate iron stores. Based on Korean medicine (KM) pattern identification, the herbal prescription Gunggwijohyeoleum-Jeilgagam (GJG) was administered for 21 days. Following treatment, the IRLS score decreased from 31 to 13, falling below the threshold for severe RLS, while the SPPB score improved from 4 to 6. The sleep duration increased to 5 h, and these improvements were maintained for 5 months after discontinuation without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS:GJG demonstrated potential benefit in alleviating refractory RLS-associated abnormal sensations and improving physical function in a patient with ALD. This case suggests that KM may represent a complementary therapeutic option for chronic sensory, sleep, and functional impairments in neurodegenerative disorders when conventional treatments are insufficient.
A 31-year-old euthyroid woman presented in OPD for Unani treatment at Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, New Delhi, with bilateral thyroid nodules confirmed on ultrasonography (TIRADS 3 right lobe; TIRADS 4 and TIRADS 5 left lobe; Bethesda grade 2/3) for which thyroidectomy had been informally recommended at a tertiary care referral hospital. Her Mizaj (temperament) was assessed as Safravi. Treatment comprised of Habbe Ayarij, Itrifal Ghudadi with Arqe Kasni, Majun Dabidulward, Naqooh Shahtara, and Habbe Rasaut for 12 months. Serial ultrasonography documented progressive nodular regression. All gastrointestinal and constitutional symptoms resolved within six months. Thyroid function remained normal throughout. Surgery was indefinitely postponed. This case provides preliminary evidence that Unani pharmacotherapy can achieve clinically meaningful nodular regression in MNG, deferring the need for surgical intervention. Prospective controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.
Background: Our prior research revealed that the desire for self-healing was a significant motivation for training in Ayurveda among alumni of one American university. Training led to increased self-rated health. The current study extends that work to look at a cross-section of Ayurvedic practitioners in the US in the context of a larger comparative study across the healing arts. Methods: Unfunded, anonymous online survey of a convenience sample of individuals solicited to respond via emails from the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, Maharishi International University, and others. Survey items focused on motivations for study, the related impact of training, characteristics of current practice, and measures of personal health and well-being, along with pertinent demographics. Results: Among 528 respondents, retrospectively self-rated health from training to the present increased from a mean [95% CI] of 4.5 [4.4-4.6] to 5.7 [5.6-5.8] on a 7-point adjectival scale. Perceived stress explains 5% of the variance in current self-rated health. Respondents chose to study Ayurveda to have meaningful work in helping others in combination with an interest in complementary/integrative medicine and an orientation towards health and spirituality, without great concern for prestige, social status, or income. Their current practice emphasizes helping clients learn how to heal themselves, particularly by addressing diet and lifestyle complemented with herbal therapy. Conclusion: The desire for health agency and spiritual growth are common motivations for the study of Ayurveda. Training in Ayurveda is associated with an increase in self-rated health. Study findings are pertinent to current issues among practitioners of mainstream medicine.
Introduction Branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) are premalignant pancreatic cystic lesions managed by imaging surveillance or surgical resection. No pharmacological therapy has been established to alter their natural history. Case presentation A 64-year-old Chinese man was incidentally found in April 2023 to have a pancreatic tail cystic lesion. In December 2023, concordant findings on magnetic resonance imaging with cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP) and linear-array endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) established a presumptive diagnosis of BD-IPMN: a unilocular cystic lesion (18.2 × 17.2 mm on EUS) with internal septations, smooth walls, and unequivocal communication with the main pancreatic duct, without worrisome features or high-risk stigmata. Beginning September 2023, the patient received individualized Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) decoctions for concurrent chronic gastritis and functional gastrointestinal symptoms. Over 26 months, the formulation evolved into a stabilized 17-herb prescription designated the Qing-Gan-Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Decoction (QGJPYS). Serial contrast-enhanced MRI documented cyst stability at approximately 15 mm through September 2024, reduction to 7 mm by March 2025, and non-visualization by December 2025. No anti-neoplastic agents or interventional procedures were administered. Discussion This case documents sustained radiographic resolution of a pancreatic cystic lesion with imaging-confirmed ductal communication in temporal association with CHM therapy. We emphasize that radiographic cyst disappearance is not equivalent to histological eradication of the underlying neoplastic epithelium, and that continued imaging surveillance remains clinically indicated because of the recognized field-effect risk of concomitant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The observation is hypothesis-generating and supports prospective investigation of integrative approaches in the management of low-risk pancreatic cystic neoplasms.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of chronotherapy-based auricular acupoint therapy combined with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in improving respiratory function and sleep outcomes in patients with comorbid obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia (COMISA). Methods: A total of 114 patients with COMISA were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group, an auricular acupoint group, or a chronotherapy-based auricular acupoint group (n = 38 per group). The control group received CPAP alone; the auricular acupoint group received conventional auricular acupoint therapy in addition to CPAP; and the chronotherapy-based auricular acupoint group received chronotherapy-based auricular acupoint therapy combined with CPAP. Outcomes were evaluated using polysomnographic measures and validated sleep-related assessment scales. Results: Post-treatment analyses indicated statistically significant reductions in apnea-hypopnea index, hypopnea index, apnea index, longest duration of obstructive apnea, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores across all three groups, alongside significant increases in nocturnal minimum oxygen saturation (p < 0.05). In both the auricular acupoint group and the chronotherapy-based auricular acupoint group, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores decreased significantly after treatment (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, greater improvements were observed in all outcome measures in both intervention groups (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the chronotherapybased auricular acupoint group and the auricular acupoint group in respiratory-related indices or nocturnal oxygen saturation (p > 0.05); however, PSQI, ESS, and ISI scores were significantly lower in the chronotherapybased auricular acupoint group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of chronotherapy-based auricular acupoint therapy with CPAP resulted in significant improvements in nocturnal hypoventilation, hypoxemia, sleep quality, and daytime somnolence in patients with COMISA. This integrative approach was more effective in alleviating sleep-related symptoms compared with conventional auricular acupoint therapy combined with CPAP.
Introduction Xerostomia is a frequent complication among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Existing artificial saliva formulations offer limited relief, with short-lasting effects, high cost, and absence of salivary stimulation, posing accessibility challenges for patients, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the safety of herbal artificial saliva (HAS) containing cumin and ginger in healthy volunteers and its efficacy and safety in HD patients with xerostomia. Materials and methods Phase I: Healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to the HAS group or the commercial artificial saliva (CAS) group. Safety assessments included xerostomia inventory scores, saliva salivary pH, and adverse reactions. Phase II: HD patients with xerostomia randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A used HAS 3 times daily for 2 weeks, paused for 2 weeks, and then used a placebo for 2 weeks. Group B followed the reverse procedure. Efficacy was assessed through saliva flow rates, dry mouth symptoms, quality of life evaluations, and adverse event monitoring. Results HAS was safe for use in healthy volunteers and HD patients. Among HD patients, using HAS for at least 7 days significantly improved saliva flow rates compared to the placebo group (0.06 ± 0.08 g/min vs. 0.02 ± 0.06 g/min, p = 0.04). Furthermore, after 14 days of use, the dry mouth scores were significantly lower in the HAS group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.024). Conclusion These findings suggest that HAS shows promise as a potential alternative treatment for managing xerostomia in HD patients.
Background Low back pain (LBP) has emerged as a global public health concern, resulting in significant medical costs and economic losses. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of court-type traditional Thai massage (CTTM) alone versus CTTM combined with acupuncture (CTTMA) on pain intensity (primary outcome) and lumbar flexibility (secondary outcome) in patients with LBP. Methods This study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 140 patients with LBP, who were randomly assigned to either the CTTMA (n = 70) or CTTM (n = 70) group. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), whereas the secondary outcomes were functional disability assessed by thoracolumbar spine range of motion (ROM). Results After one month of treatment and at one month follow up, both groups showed clinically significant reductions in pain scores and improvements in ROM (p < 0.05), while between group differences in all primary and secondary outcomes remained small and not significant. Conclusions There was no additional advantage observed from adding acupuncture in the treatment of patients with LBP.
In Korean medicine (KM), kidney deficiency represents age-related physiological decline theoretically linked to depression. However, its empirical predictive value in modern clinical frameworks remains underexplored. This study aimed to develop and validate a machine learning model predicting depression in middle-aged adults by integrating kidney deficiency with psychosocial variables. We analyzed baseline data from 1000 community-dwelling adults aged 50-65 from the Korean Medicine for Aging Cohort study. Depression was defined using the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF-K ≥ 5). Predictors included the kidney deficiency questionnaire (KDQ), psychosocial variables (social support), and demographics (BMI). Machine learning models were trained and selected using 5-fold cross-validation based on precision-recall area under the curve (PR-AUC). The final model was validated on an independent test set. Among participants (mean age 57.4 ± 4.2 years, 76.3% female), 164 (16.4%) met depression criteria. The optimal model was a multilayer perceptron incorporating KDQ total score, social support, and BMI. On the independent test set, this parsimonious model achieved ROC-AUC of 0.820 (95% CI: 0.752-0.879), PR-AUC of 0.521 (95% CI: 0.381-0.660), sensitivity of 0.673, and specificity of 0.757. Integrating standardized kidney deficiency assessment with key psychosocial factors provides a moderately accurate, parsimonious model for predicting depression. This study offers the first quantitative evidence for this KM construct's predictive utility, suggesting that integrative approaches considering systemic somatic decline and psychosocial health can enhance depression risk stratification in middle-aged adults.
Context Medication-overuse headache (MOH) presents a significant clinical challenge, particularly in elderly patients where conventional prophylactic medications often carry risks of adverse effects and polypharmacy. Objective To report a case of successful treatment of refractory MOH using Goshuyuto, a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, after standard Western treatments and initial Kampo approaches failed. Case Report A 79-year-old male with hypertension and diabetes presented with a chronic headache (over two months) due to daily overuse of NSAIDs and acetaminophen. Neuroimaging ruled out secondary organic causes. Based on initial "heat" patterns, Orengedokuto was prescribed but proved ineffective. A subsequent physical examination identified "coldness" in the epigastrium, leading to a prescription of Goshuyuto. Results The patient’s Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score decreased from 8.5 (at baseline) to 5.5 after two weeks and to 2.5 after two months. He achieved significant pain reduction and regained quality of life without adverse effects. Conclusion Goshuyuto may offer a safe and effective integrative approach for MOH, particularly when gastrointestinal dysfunction and thermal imbalance ("coldness") are present. This case highlights the importance of traditional abdominal examination in personalizing headache treatment.
Background Women healers have been present in most cultures over time, however, their knowledge and experiences have largely been undocumented. While there is some testimony of current women healers in popular press, their stories are noticeably absent from the academic literature. Purpose To describe lived experiences of women healers. Method This qualitative study using in depth interviews conducted from 2023-2024 is framed in a critical research paradigm and a phenomenological framework. We used purposive snowball sampling to interview 22 women healers and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Results Themes identified include: 1) description of women healers and how they think about the healing work they do, including their love of learning, 2) healers definitions of healing, 3) identity as healers, 4) healing as transformative in nature for clients and practitioners, 5) supports (supportive people, self-care, and networks) and challenges(their own fears, fear and misunderstanding from their communities, lack of time and money, and not being valued as women healers). Discussion Women healers indicate they are on a unique unfolding healing journey moved by lifelong learning and integration; the journey is inherently meaningful, spiritual and transformative in nature despite the challenges. Claiming identity as a woman healer is paradoxical and holds tension. Healers love the work they do, valuing the transformation they see in themselves and in their clients.
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are lucid events that some people have suddenly experienced in the face of imminent death. Often having been declared clinically dead, they recover with memories of emotions, images, or voices after a resuscitation process. The purpose of this study is to examine an Argentine sample of NDEs and compare individuals who experienced various NDE traits that occurred under a criterion of Medically Diagnosed Clinical Death (MDCD) with those without this criterion. The study considers cognitive-perceptual, affective, paranormal, spiritual, and existential traits. In addition, we predict a positive and significant correlation between NDEs with cognitive-perceptual features, positive/negative affectivity, paranormal, and transcendent traits. Through an online survey, a sample of individuals with MDCD (N = 196) and another without MDCD (N = 392) were recruited. The most commonly found NDE characteristics were: Out-of-body experiences (87%), New realm/dimension (85%), Return to the body (81%), Re-evaluating life (85%), Intellectual improvement (81%), Anxiety/Depression (80/77%), Peace (91%), and Extrasensory Experiences (75%) were the most common. Those with MDCD found their NDEs less disturbing if they were accompanied by medical and nursing care, which often helped them to process these experiences. The conviction that their lives have been protected by medical services may reframe the value of their NDEs.
Objectives Ascertain which acupuncture point combinations and treatment approaches are considered by practitioners to be the most effective in the treatment of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, through consensus of expert practitioners. Design A modified Delphi consensus study with mixed methods was used. Participants were asked to rate their agreement or otherwise to a list of statements, in three rounds of questionnaires, by use of a seven-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as a mean rating of ≥ 5. Main outcome measures The primary outcome of interest was identifying which acupuncture points are beneficial for treatment. The secondary outcomes measures were (a) the importance of making a differential diagnosis, (b) the role of disorders in the Chong Mai leading to Rebellious Stomach Qi, (c) the ideal frequency of treatment, (d) the utility of adjunctive therapies, and (e) themes of importance. Results Nineteen international acupuncturists were recruited to form the expert panel. Consensus was met on eleven of the 13 acupuncture points. The avoidance of “forbidden points” was supported. Participants agreed that a disorder in the Chong Mai leading to Rebellious Stomach Qi is one of the important pathologies seen. Adjunctive treatments were viewed as useful. The recommended frequency for treatment was minimum three times per week. Themes of safety, practicality, traditional Chinese medicine theory and technique, were identified. Conclusion Acupuncture techniques are reported by practitioners as effective for treating patterns associated with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Adjunctive treatments and high frequency of treatment are important to consider for treatment effectiveness.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit muscle decline and physical compromise. Probiotic supplements may mitigate muscle decline and physical impairment; however, empirical investigations remain limited. We hypothesized that probiotics improve muscle strength and physical performance by repairing intestinal leak in AD patients. METHODS:We conducted a randomized, double-blind, monocenter trial of AD patients receiving either a placebo (n = 54, 68-84 years old) or a probiotic (Vivomixx 112 billion*, one capsule daily, n = 51, 72-84 years old) for four months. We measured handgrip strength (HGS), body composition, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and plasma zonulin, a marker of intestinal permeability, in patients with AD at baseline and after 4 months. RESULTS:Four months of probiotic supplementation improved HGS, gait speed, and total SPPB scores, accompanied by reduced plasma zonulin (all p < 0.05). Patients with sarcopenia or reduced physical capacity (SPPB≤8) exhibited higher zonulin levels. Plasma zonulin was negatively associated with HGS, gait speed, and SPPB scores in univariate analyses (all p < 0.05). Multivariate models adjusting for age, cognition, body mass index, and nutritional status confirmed independent associations of zonulin with functional performance, particularly HGS and gait speed. Probiotics also reduced circulating markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. These results are derived from a male‑only cohort and may not be directly generalizable to female patients. CONCLUSION:Collectively, probiotics improve HGS and physical capacity by strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Further studies should investigate the relative molecular and cellular mechanisms.
This paper explores the connection between caring for the land and caring for ourselves, specifically as a response to, and within the context of, adverse mental health among Hawaiian farmers. After providing a brief, empirically informed overview of the farmer mental health crisis, we turn our attention to the native Hawaiians’ rich and sophisticated tradition of environmental philosophy, which is underpinned by the land-care ethic of mālama ‘āina. We show that the Hawaiian environmental ontology is relational, in that nature and people are intimately and metaphysically interconnected, and we argue that because of this metaphysical embeddedness of people within the land, in the Hawaiian worldview there is no clear distinction between land-care, community-care, and self-care. Moreover, we posit that traditional Hawaiian thought frames agricultural economics, ecology, and wellbeing as complementary concepts, rather than mutually exclusive modalities. We aim to illustrate that this holistic approach to land and community care means that Hawai‘i is perhaps uniquely positioned to address the present farmer mental health crisis and, consequently, we conclude that the reintegration of native Hawaiian philosophy into contemporary Hawaiian society would be likely to precipitate improvements in the mental health outcomes of (native and non-native) Hawaiian agricultural workers, and Hawaiian society at-large.
BACKGROUND:Labor pain is a key factor influencing women's childbirth experience, comfort, and overall satisfaction. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a non-pharmacological intervention that may reduce labor pain and improve maternal comfort. AIM:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of VR on labor pain, comfort, and birth satisfaction among women undergoing vaginal delivery. METHODS:This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a hospital in Istanbul between September 2023 and June 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups using a computer-generated randomization method. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Childbirth Comfort Scale (CCS), and the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS). In the intervention group, in addition to routine care, a virtual reality (VR) intervention with audio-visual content was administered in three sessions, each lasting 10 min, at cervical dilatation levels of 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm. The CCS and BSS were administered within 1-4 h postpartum. In the control group, only routine care was provided at the same cervical dilatation levels, and the same data collection tools were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Parametric tests, including one-way ANOVA and appropriate post hoc analyses, were performed. RESULTS:The mean age of participants was 28.18 ± 4.25 years in the intervention group and 27.55 ± 3.43 years in the control group. VAS scores at cervical dilatations of 4-5, 6-7, and 8-9 cm in the intervention group (4.60 ± 1.15; 5.97 ± 1.33, and 6.75 ± 1.42, respectively) were significantly lower than those in the control group (6.08 ± 1.67; 7.78 ± 1.62, those of 8.42 ± 1.58, respectively) (p < 0.001). Birth comfort (44.20 ± 3.62) and birth satisfaction (70.45 ± 10.49) scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (33.95 ± 3.12 and 56.27 ± 9.41, respectively). CONCLUSION:Virtual reality is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing labor pain and improving maternal comfort and birth satisfaction. Its integration into routine labor management may be recommended.
Cancer remission is often perceived as the end of the illness journey. However, for many survivors, particularly those who have experienced advanced disease, remission marks the beginning of a complex and often underrecognized phase of life. This perspective article explores the physical, psychological, and emotional challenges that persist beyond treatment, including scanxiety, fear of recurrence, and difficulties in adapting to a "new normal." It also highlights the gap in post-treatment care and the lack of structured support for survivors navigating this transition. By bringing attention to these lived experiences, this work calls for a more comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to cancer survivorship, recognizing that the end of treatment does not signify the end of the cancer experience.
One thousand custom-designed quantum noise generators (QNGs) were employed in a biofield healing experiment as exploratory sensors for a purported biofield. The devices continuously recorded random voltages in electronic components at 10 Hz, where the randomness was based on quantum tunneling and other physical sources of noise in semiconductors. Each of six healing sessions was about 30 min long, preceded and followed by short baseline periods with and without the healer present in the laboratory. Analysis of average noise levels, compared with control data, indicated significant deviations from chance expectation during the healing periods. A secondary analysis quantifying fractal complexity confirmed a significant negentropic shift specifically during the healing periods and compared to matched control sessions. This outcome is consistent with results observed in previous healing studies, suggesting that energy medicine healing is associated with a negentropic effect in the environment that can be detected as the emergence of unexpected order in quantum-based randomness.
BACKGROUND:Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic joint disease commonly observed in middle-aged and older individuals, significantly impacting their quality of life. Topical herbal oils (THOs) have emerged as a potential alternative therapy for pain management due to their natural origin and accessibility. This systemtic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the efficacy of THOs for alleviating pain in KOA patients. METHODS:PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 1, 2025. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Primary outcomes were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Study quality was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane tool for risk-of-bias assessment for randomized trials (ROB2), and the certainty of the evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach (GRADE). STATA 15.0 was used to perform analyses with a random-effects model. RESULTS:Twenty studies involving 1546 patients were included. THOs significantly relieved WOMAC pain (MD = -2.42, P < 0.001) and stiffness (MD = -0.69, P < 0.001), and improved function (MD = -6.73, P < 0.001) and total scores (MD = -9.50, P < 0.001). THOs markedly reduced VAS scores (MD = -1.49, P < 0.001). Seed oils were the most effective, with optimal effects at 12 weeks for WOMAC and 5 weeks for VAS. CONCLUSION:THOs not only significantly alleviate pain, reduce stiffness, and improve function in patients with KOA, but also demonstrate a favorable safety profile and ease of use, thereby holding considerable promise for clinical application.
Objectives This ethnobotanical study aimed to maintain the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in three villages Doloigaon, Bamakhata, and Muguria in the Bajali region of Assam. The study aimed to bridge the generational divide using traditional therapeutic methods, yet highlighting the value of medicinal plants in rural healthcare. Methods The investigation sought to close the gap among generations with conventional healing approaches while exposing the worth of medicinal plants in rural healthcare. Applying standardized questionnaires, 94 informants, including housewives, cultivators, and traditional healers, were interrogated. From September 2024 to January 2025, fieldwork went on to determine and catalog plant species that served medicinally. Results The investigation recognized 101 species of medicinal plants across different families that were utilized to treat conditions like respiratory problems, diabetes, wounds, diarrhea, and high blood pressure. Among plant taxa and use reports, skin and wound diseases had the highest ICF (0.52), followed by stomach disorders (0.51). On the other hand, the ICF (0.18) was the lowest for poisoning, insect bites, and snake bites, indicating a limited but varied traditional use of plants. These findings demonstrate how crucial ethnomedical knowledge is to basic healthcare, particularly for remote areas with minimal opportunity for modern medical services. However, urgent conservation measures must be undertaken since to the reduced use of traditional therapies as a result of modernity and urbanization. Conclusion For evidence to confirm the effectiveness of these herbs, the study emphasizes the necessity of documenting, sustainable harvesting, and combining traditional wisdom with recent pharmacological research. The developing of novel medications and the safeguarding of Assam's extensive medicinal plant legacy might gain benefit through such initiatives.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with gradual benzodiazepine dose reduction in patients with benzodiazepine-dependent insomnia (BDI) and to assess associated withdrawal outcomes. Methods: A total of 64 patients with BDI were randomly assigned to either the acupuncture plus gradual benzodiazepine reduction group (ARB, n = 32) or the placebo acupuncture plus gradual benzodiazepine reduction group (PARB, n = 32). Treatments were administered five times per week for 4 weeks, followed by an 8-week observation period. The primary outcomes were changes in Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores and the drug reduction rate of benzodiazepines (DRRB). Secondary outcomes included the rate of successful discontinuation and scores on the Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14). Results: Sixty-three patients completed the trial (ARB group, n = 32; PARB group, n = 31). Patients in the ARB group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in ISI scores compared with those in the PARB group (p = 0.005 for week 4-week 0 and week 12-week 0 comparisons). The DRRB was also significantly higher in the ARB group compared with the PARB group (p = 0.002 for week 4-week 1 and p < 0.001 for week 12-week 1). At week 12, the ARB group additionally demonstrated lower FS-14 scores and a higher rate of successful benzodiazepine discontinuation. Conclusions: Acupuncture combined with gradual benzodiazepine reduction significantly reduced insomnia severity and promoted benzodiazepine discontinuation in patients with BDI.
