Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Three Essays About Preventing Mental And Behavioral Disorders, Snehal Lopes

All Dissertations

Prevention efforts in the public health field operate at various levels, including primary prevention among those without a disease of interest, secondary prevention among persons at high risk or showing early signs of the disease, and tertiary prevention among persons with the disease. The three essays presented in this dissertation are centered around the theme of prevention, and taken together, have implications for prevention at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Specifically, the essays focus on the prevention of depressive disorders and the prevention of behavioral and mental health correlates for depression in the context of various populations (general adult, …

A Comprehensive Review On The Use Of Herbal Dietary Supplements In The Usa, Reasons For Their Use, And Review Of Potential Hepatotoxicity, Adnan Khan, Kashyap Chauhan, Heather Ross, Natali Salinas, John Magagna, Makala Wang, Patrick Zhu, Ryan Erwin, Dina Halegoua-De Marzio

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Herbal and dietary supplement (HDS) use has grown exponentially in the United States. Unfortunately, the incidence of HDS-related liver injury has proportionally increased. Despite the potential for certain HDSs to cause clinically significant liver injury, they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Recent efforts have been made to regulate HDSs but are far removed from the scrutiny of prescription medications. Scant literature exists on HDSs and their risks of causing liver injury. In this comprehensive review, we examine trends of HDS use in the United States and the pathophysiologic mechanisms of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) of certain …

Increasing Rosella Farmers Capacity By Double Diamond Design Thinking Approach, Florence Pribadi, Muliasari Kartikawati, Juli Karijati Njoto, Nurul Illahi Kusuma Sari, Farah Shania Nur

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn) is a well-known family medicinal plant (Toga). Spoilage due to the weather, and the consequent low revenue gained from selling dried rosella are two of the main challenges currently being encountered by rosella farmers. Regardless of previously practicing community engagement including regular training from local authorities, farmers are still encountering difficulties to implement the training materials, consequently experiencing loss. Method incorporated in this community engagement is the double diamond design thinking that ensures putting the farmers first in all stages. Method chosen for drying rosella was a mixed solar dryer equipped with heating lamps …

Stakeholders’ Perspectives On The Safety Of An Adaptive Riding Program For Adults Living With Dementia And Care Partners, Alicia A. Oestreich, Beth E. Fields

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

The purpose of this qualitative community-based participatory research was to explore the safety perspectives of stakeholders involved in an adaptive horseback riding program designed to enhance the quality of life of adults living with dementia and their care partners. Human–animal interactions are becoming increasingly popular therapeutic interventions; however, there is still a lack of understanding about the safety considerations for providing adults living with dementia opportunities to interact with horses and the equine environment. To advance our understanding, researchers analyzed 10 semistructured interviews and two focus groups with therapeutic riding program instructors and staff, aging network specialists, and care partners …

Perceived Stress And Salivary Biomarkers In Educators: Comparison Among Three Stress Reduction Activities, Doreen Wagner, Sharon M. Pearcey

Faculty Publications

Background: The teaching profession is a potentially stressful occupation with up to 30% of all novice teachers leaving the profession and annual teacher turnover is higher when compared with turnover of all other occupations. This study investigated the effects of a one-time stress reduction activity (meditation, yoga, or aerobic exercise) in university and K-12 educators who were part of one-day seminar on Stress Reduction.

Methods: Participants (N = 26) self-selected their stress reduction activity, completed a demographic questionnaire, educator stress self-assessment tool, and visual analogue scales indicating current stress levels. Salivary cortisol and amylase levels were measured before, immediately after, …

Phytochemicals, Acute Toxicity And Genotoxicity Of Chewing Sticks From Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides Root And Distemonanthus Benthamianus Stem, Chinwe S. Alaribe, Akolade R. Oladipupo, Anjola T. Adebesin, Omolayomi Kaska, Emuejevoke T. Toye

Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University

Dental caries has been reported to touch almost half of the world’s population, making it one of the most prevalent disease conditions in the world. Studies have shown that chewing sticks could be useful in cleaning of teeth and could offer protection against dental conditions, including caries. Given the increasing usage of chewing sticks and their unstandardized nature, in this study we investigated the acute toxicity, genotoxic effects on liver and kidney, and phytochemical constituents of chewing sticks from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides root and Distemonanthus benthamianus stem, widely used in West Africa. Chemical tests showed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, …

Evaluating Mindfulness On Loneliness In An Older Adult Population, Jessica Tieskoetter

Dissertations

Problem: Loneliness is a widespread public health concern and has negatively impacted mortality and health outcomes among older adults. This quality improvement project’s purpose was to evaluate mindfulness on loneliness and quality of life among adults aged 65 years and older, participating in a weekly befriending socialization program.

Methods: A descriptive cohort design was utilized to assess loneliness pre-and post-implementation of a mindfulness telephone line over three months. A convenience sample of 22 older adults enrolled in a befriending socialization program was used. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice framework was applied to guide the implementation of a practice change …

Jatropha Tanjorensis A Flora Of Southeast Nigeria: Isolation And Characterization Of Naringenin And Validation Of Bio-Enhanced Synergistical Activity Of Α- Tocopherol Toward Clinical Isolates Of Resistant Bacterial, Ikechukwu Kingsley Ijoma, Vincent Ishmael Egbulefu Ajiwe

Makara Journal of Science

Jatropha tanjorensis is among the rich floras of Southeast Nigeria and used by ethnic people to treat infections and manage health conditions. Ethnomedicine has long been employed in the treatment of ailments caused by bacterial pathogens. Studies showed that the incorporation of synthetic α-tocopherol to an antibacterial agent improves its activity. However, knowledge about the antibacterial-enhanced activity of plant-based α-tocopherols, especially those isolated from Jatropha tanjorensis, is limited because of the different bioactivities of synthetic and natural α-tocopherols. To determine the phytochemicals in J. tanjorensis, we carried out the structural elucidation of its leaf extracts. Naringenin and α-tocopherol …

The Effect Of Tai Chi On Dynamic Balance In Younger Adults: Implication For Physical Therapy Practice, Anthony O'Neill, Debra A. Beazley, Lori Bolgla

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on the dynamic balance in younger, active community-based adults with no history of lower extremity injury or balance problems. Methods: Fourteen subjects (4 males / 10 females; age 23.6 + 6.2 years-old; height 166.5 ± 11.1 cm; weight 75.9 ± 19.3 kg) completed a 13-week undergraduate Tai Chi course. Dynamic balance was assessed at the beginning and the end of the course using the Y-Balance test. Results: Post-hoc testing showed significant improvements in anterior (P=0.007) and posterior lateral (P=0.003) reach distances with …

Homoeopathy As An Add-On Treatment For Schizophrenia - A Case Series, S Karunakara Moorthi, Radhika P, Mohan N. Devasia

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a complex, progressive and severe mental disorder characterised by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self and behaviour. Conventional medication and cognitive behaviour therapy are used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Homoeopathy can also offer promising results in schizophrenia as evident from the previous studies. Case Summary: Five patients reported at the outpatient department of National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kerala, India, with symptoms of schizophrenia were treated with individualised homoeopathic medicine as an add-on therapy to conventional medicines. Assessment of the patients was done using three scales: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, …

The Usefulness Of Homoeopathic Medicines For Infertility – A Case Series, Bhuvaneswari Rajachandrasekar, Anita Sunny

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Infertility is the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy within 2 years of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. About 8–12% of couples of reproductive age experience infertility worldwide. Infertility may result from any underlying pathology or unexplained causes and can cause severe emotional disturbances in both partners. The complexity and cost of conventional treatment may not be affordable for a majority of people. Case Summary: Three cases of infertility with an underlying pathology successfully treated with standalone homoeopathic treatment are reported. These cases presented with a structural deformity as a cause of infertility. The patients partners were also given homoeopathic …

Individualized Homoeopathy In The Treatment Of Gallbladder Polyp With Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report, Gurudev Choubey, Indra Pratap, Abhiram Banerjee, Roja Varanasi

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Gallbladder polyps are usually asymptomatic and detected incidentally during abdominal ultrasonography (USG). Their presence, irrespective of size, is considered an indication of surgical removal. Case Summary: A 44-year-old hypertensive and diabetic male presented with severe pain in the left lower back for 1 month. Abdominal USG revealed the presence of a 4-mm size gallbladder polyp, mild hydronephrosis of the left kidney, two left renal microliths, 5.2-mm calculus in the left vesicoureteric junction, Grade-I fatty liver and Grade-I prostatomegaly. The patient was advised for cholecystectomy, but he opted for homoeopathic treatment to avoid surgery. At the first visit, homoeopathic medicine …

Acute Polymorphic Psychotic Disorder With Symptoms Of Schizophrenia – A Case Report, Deepthi Gilla, Sreeja Kr Nair, Mohan N. Nd Devasia

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Acute polymorphic psychotic disorder (APPD) with symptoms of schizophrenia is a rare psychiatric presentation with a rapidly changing and variable clinical state. There is much scope to explore the effectiveness of homoeopathy in acute psychotic disorders. Due to the rarity of its presentation, a case of APPD managed with homoeopathic medicines is reported here. Case Summary: A 49-year-old female was brought in a restrained state due to disorganized behaviour, violent anger with hurting tendency, irrelevant talk, bizarre delusions, and markedly variable perceptual disturbances. The case was diagnosed as APPD with symptoms of schizophrenia and the improvement was assessed with …

Pointers To Reporting A Case, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Role Of Carcinosinum In Autism Spectrum Disorder- A Case Series, Sreeja K R Nair, Deepthi Gilla, Mohan N. Devasia

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder having the potential to cause lifelong disability. Individualised homoeopathic remedies are found to be safe and effective in the management of ASD. Cases Summary: Three cases of ASD treated with Carcinosinum at the Child psychiatry unit of the National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam are presented to show the action of this nosode in ASD. Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA), an indigenous tool, was used for the assessment of severity at baseline and subsequent follow-up visits. Remarkable improvement was observed in these three cases. After one …

Endometriotic Cyst And Fibrocystic Disease Of The Breast Treated With Individualised Homoeopathy – A Case Report, Rajachandrasekar Bhuvaneswari, Reshma Radhakrishnan

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Endometriosis is one of the benign gynaecological disorders in childbearing women, characterised by the presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside the uterine mucosa. Fibrocystic disease of the breast is the most common and benign lesion among women of reproductive age group seeking medical advice for breast problems during a lifetime. It is characterised by hyperproliferation of connective tissue or fibrosis, which is followed by facultative epithelial proliferation in the breast tissues. Case Summary: A case of a left endometriotic ovarian cyst with multiple cystic lesions in the right breast in a 36-year-old patient successfully treated with individualised homoeopathic medicine …

Lentigo Treated By Sepia Officinalis – A Case Report, Madhumita Sadhukhan, Chittaranjan Kundu, Subhrasankha Das

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Lentigo is a benign pigmented macular lesion on the skin with a clearly defined margin. It can affect both genders, all ages and races. Solar lentigines are especially prevalent in fair-skinned adults. Sunburn may be one of the causes of lentigo. Modern medicine treats these conditions by either melanin-specific high-energy lasers or external applications. Case Summary: A 56-year-old female visited outpatient department with a complaint of lentigo on the right cheek for the past 15 years. The patient was treated with Sepia officinalis in increasing potencies (200, 1M and 10M). The treatment got completed over 9 months with significant …

Homoeopathic Medicine Gettysburg Water In Osteoarthritis: A Case Series, Chittaranjan Kundu, Zeeshan Ahmed, Subhrasankha Das

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Rheumatism alludes to various painful medical conditions which influence joints, bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. It is also called musculoskeletal disease which is portrayed by pain and a gradual diminishing in the range of motion and function, in one or more areas of the musculoskeletal structure. In a few specific diseases, there are indications of inflammation, swelling, redness and warmth in the influenced zones like in osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Cases Summary: Four cases of Osteoarthritis were treated with Gettysburg water (Get.) as a potentised homoeopathic medicine. Each case was followed up with clinical observation and reported according …

Pityriasis Versicolor In An Infant Treated With Homoeopathy: A Case Report, Pooja Gautam, Meetu Goel

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is one of the common disorders characterised by cutaneous pigmentary changes due to the colonisation of the stratum corneum by a lipophilic fungus, Malassezia. It can occur at any age but is most commonly seen in young adults and is relatively rare in children. PV is not easy to cure, as relapse after the treatment can be as high as 80% within 2 years. Case Summary: The case reported here is of PV in 6-month-old child who was treated successfully with individualised homoeopathic medicine for 6 months. Sulphur was prescribed based on the totality of symptoms. …

Dementia Treated With Individualized Homoeopathy: A Case Report, Deepthi Gilla, Mohan N. Devasia, Akhila A. L

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Dementia is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that places a significant physical, emotional, and financial burden on patients, their caregivers and society. The global burden of dementia is growing alarmingly greater in the past few decades. There is an evidence base for the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in certain psychiatric disorders, but literature is scarce on the usefulness of homoeopathy in dementia. Case Summary: A 72-year-old female patient was brought to the psychiatry outpatient unit with symptoms such as sleeplessness, irrelevant talking, irritability, weakness of memory, lack of personal hygiene, and wandering away from home. The case was diagnosed as …