Introduction: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) remains a challenging gastrointestinal disorder with limited treatment options. Qimei Granules, a modified formulation derived from the classical Wumei Pill, were developed to relieve clinical symptoms of CP. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Qimei Granules in treating CP patients with Jueyin disease. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 102 diagnosed CP patients with the cold-heat complex syndrome of Jueyin disease were recruited to receive standard Western CP treatment, supplemented with either Qimei Granules or a placebo for six weeks. Primary outcomes included improvement in major symptoms, TCM syndrome scores, and overall clinical efficacy. Secondary outcomes included pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function and nutritional status. Safety was evaluated based on liver and kidney function indicators and adverse event monitoring. Results: Qimei Granules significantly improved abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and diarrhea in patients with CP (clinical efficacy rate of 74.4% vs. 47.1%, P<0.05). TCM syndrome scores were also significantly improved (P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were significantly reduced after treatment with Qimei Granules (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in serum amylase, lipase, or hemoglobin levels between the control and intervention groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the clinical efficacy of Qimei Granules in alleviating core symptoms in CP patients with the cold-heat pattern of Jueyin disease. Based on TCM theoretical principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment and supported by the specific components of Qimei Granules that address mixed cold and heat manifestations, this formula is recommended for CP patients with Jueyin disease.
Background: Contemplative traditions describe inter-hand sensations as “prana,” yet these remain underexplored experimentally. This study examined whether a structured embodied attention practice elicits higher reproducible inter-hand sensory experiences and investigated their associations with affective state, environmental context, and physiological parameters in healthy individuals. Methods: In this participant-blinded randomized controlled trial, 107 healthy young adults (mean age 20.7 ± 1.3 years) were allocated to either an embodied attention intervention derived from pranic healing practices or a structurally matched sham condition across four standardized sessions. Intensity and spatial extent of perceived inter-hand sensations, mood introspection, nature connectedness, and physiological parameters were measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear mixed-effects models, correlation and regression analyses, and qualitative content analysis of participant-reported experiences. Results: Intervention group reported significantly higher inter-hand sensory intensity across sessions (p ≤ 0.05) and greater spatial extent in three sessions (p ≤ 0.05). Sensory measures showed large treatment effects (ηp² = .145–.155) and good internal consistency (α = .74–.81). Both groups indicating increased calmness. A small but significant decrease in forehead temperature was observed post-intervention (p ≤ 0.001). Hierarchical regression showed positive affect (β = 0.37, p = 0.005) and nature connectedness (β = 0.26, p = 0.043) predicted perceived sensory intensity, explaining 21% variance. Qualitative findings revealed recurring sensations like attraction, pressure, and vibration, more frequent in the intervention group. Conclusions: Focused embodied attention practice in pranic healing consistently enhanced inter-hand sensory intensity and spatial extent, accompanied by mild forehead temperature reduction. Mood state and nature connectedness influenced these experiences, suggesting interactions among attentional, interoceptive, affective, and psychophysiological processes.
BACKGROUND:Adaptogens are primarily plant-derived bioactive compounds that enhance the body's resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stressors, thereby showing promise in managing stress-related disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and ageing, among others. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and clinical relevance of adaptogens, particularly in neurological and inflammatory disorders, and identifies limitations and future research directions. SUMMARY:This narrative review included peer-reviewed literature from PubMed and Scopus using keywords such as "adaptogens," "stress response," "HPA axis," "neuroprotection," and names of specific adaptogens. Both in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as human clinical trials, were considered. Studies indicate that adaptogens modulate multiple molecular pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, Nuclear Factor - kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase 9 (MAPK), and antioxidant defence systems, exerting neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, endocrine-regulating, antifatigue, and mood-enhancing effects. Prominent adaptogens include Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, and Eleutherococcus senticosus. Though pre-clinical findings are promising, clinical trials are often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and heterogeneity in herbal preparations. KEY MESSAGES:Adaptogens demonstrate significant potential in stress management and as adjunctive therapy for chronic diseases. However, further large-scale, standardized clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy, elucidate mechanisms, and support integration into mainstream medicine.
INTRODUCTION:External applications historically are a part of healthcare and nursing. They encompass therapeutic interventions based on naturopathy that act on the skin and nervous system through direct or indirect touch. PROBLEM STATEMENT:Despite having been in use for many years, there is still no standard definition. METHODS:To address this gap, a definition was developed as part of an integrative literature review and agreed upon using the Policy Delphi method. RESULTS:The resulting definition comprises three key sections: 1) the characteristics of external applications, 2) their mechanisms of action, and 3) the various types of application. The findings show that external applications are complex interventions that influence physiological, psychological and social aspects of human beings and can be used in a targeted manner in professional nursing and healthcare settings. CONCLUSION:The definition developed provides a basis for further research, integration into nursing practice, and for training and quality assurance measures.
