Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Effect Of A Mindfulness State Induced By Marconi Union’S Weightless On Perceived Loneliness: A Pilot Study, Ayman Khatib, Richard Jermyn, Judith Lightfoot

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Loneliness is associated with increases in risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, there is an urgent need for treatments that can help reduce loneliness. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness techniques may help reduce the experience of loneliness. Digital sound therapy that incorporates biofeedback can help individuals enter a mindfulness state with minimal effort by simply listening to sound. One song titled Weightless by Marconi Union has been called the most relaxing song in the world with the capacity to reduce anxiety by 65% and equivalent to midazolam6. We hypothesize that watching the “Weightless” …

The Anxiolytic Effects Of Ashwagandha Supplementation In Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Anxiety, Jessica Mitchell, Andrea Iannuzzelli, Wendy Aita

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: The neuroendocrine system activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during stress,1 and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have atypical stress responses linked to HPA axis dysregulation.2 Prolonged activation of this system increases cortisol secretion, the body’s primary stress hormone.3 Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a traditional herbal remedy believed to reduce stress by modulating the HPA axis and lowering cortisol levels.5

HYPOTHESIS: Following four weeks of Ashwagandha supplementation, the treatment group is expected to exhibit reduced cortisol levels, improved Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores, and decreased stress-related behaviors, reflecting its anxiolytic effects.

METHODS: Forty-two adult participants with ASD and …

Exploring Mindfulness Meditation In Managing Elevated Blood Pressure And Heart Rate In Debilitating Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Han Jie Liu, Krish Patel, Zachary Coren, Youssef Daoud, Zeshan Fahim, Shikhar Rastogi, Justin Le, Avinash Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US, with elevated blood pressure (BP) significantly contributing to its progression. Mindfulness meditation has emerged as a high-value preventative care strategy for managing BP and heart rate (HR); however, its specific effects on managing BP and HR in individuals with debilitating CVD remain poorly understood. This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in this population. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we employed a tailored Boolean string to search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane …

Effectiveness Of Mind-Body Therapy Techniques In The Management Of Chronic Pain, Esha Sharma, Kalyna Leshchuk, Maria Cox, Kaitlyn Koo, Emily Sarett, Sarah Chen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In this review, we aim to determine whether mind-body therapies—defined here as mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)—can effectively improve pain management in adults with chronic lower back pain, particularly when compared to standard opioid treatments alone or used in conjunction with them. Our hypothesis posits that mind-body therapies serve as valuable supplements to current opioid-based treatment plans, potentially improving not only pain outcomes but also overall quality of life and psychological well-being.

By synthesizing findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, this review builds on existing literature by narrowing the treatment scope and …

Impact Of Water Quality On The Nutritional And Phytochemical Properties Of Culinary Herbs, Genesis Arroyo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Water quality significantly affected food safety, especially since contaminated water impacted crop growth and the nutrient composition of foods. Nitrates occur naturally in vegetables. However, when introduced into the food supply through water contamination, excessive levels disrupted the natural physiological processes of vegetables and other agricultural plants. These excessive levels eventually led to nutrient imbalances, decreased phytochemical concentrations, and potential health risks such as the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds in humans. This study evaluated the effects of nitrates on the nutritional outcomes of food crops, focusing on commonly used culinary herbs. While synthesizing findings from relevant peer-reviewed articles, I …

The Ancient Remedy For Modern Ailments: Analysis Of Manual, Laser, And Electro-Acupuncture Therapy Usage On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Yue Chen, Austin J. Wong, Alexander King

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In the United States, while acupuncture is still primarily used as a complementary therapy, consumer interest and usage are steadily increasing. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist, can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness in fingers, and thus impaired hand function, possessing significant burdens to patients suffering from this chronic disease. Multiple acupuncture applications exist such as electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure; very few comprehensive studies have been done in comparing their effectiveness in treating CTS.

In this study, we aim to conduct a literature review with the primary …

The Effectiveness Of Ras Treatment In Improving Gait Patterns In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Literature Review, Vivian Huang, Andrea Hunt, Alicia Chopyk

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving the loss of dopaminergic neurons leading to symptoms such as tremor and gait disturbance. This results in the classic shuffling gait: stooped posture, variation in stride length, variation in cadence, reduced gait velocity, inability to maintain a steady rhythm, and an increased fear of falling. This study’s objective is to review the current literature on the use of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS)Ⓡ as a treatment option for PD. Previous research has looked at RASⓇ as a potential non-pharmacologic treatment because researchers hypothesize that listening to music produces an external rhythm that the …

Case Report: Herba Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed) Toxicity With Severe Muscle Spasms And Elevated Creatine Kinase And Creatinine, Tucker A. Ledo, Dhara Patel, Wayne Tamaska, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Here we present the case of a 33-year-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a complaint of severe muscle spasms of a ten-hour duration. He noted that he took a supplement which he purchased over the internet called Epimedium, also known as Horny Goat Weed, for the purpose of improving his mood and sense of energy and reducing his sense of anxiety. He noted that he started this supplement one month prior to ED presentation, coincident with the first episodes of muscle cramps. In the ED, he had elevations of his CK and creatinine and required hospital …

To Heal A Mind: A Comparison Of Functional And Conventional Treatments In Major Depressive Disorder, Gillian Chambers

Senior Honors Theses

Incidence of major depressive disorder is increasing year over year, with little able to be done to halt the spread of the condition. However, there are many treatment possibilities considered unconventional by the healthcare system. This thesis examines the respective benefits and risks, in comparison to one another, between conventional pharmacological treatment and functional, holistic treatment of depression. This was done via integrative review of available clinical literature, synthesizing evidence on both conventional and functional treatments for depression, as dictated by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). Exploratory search methods revealed 758 records fulfilling inclusion criteria, which were screened and narrowed down …

Functional Mocktails, Amber Barrer

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Aims: Mocktails are alcohol-free beverages that emulate alcohol-containing cocktails. Americans are increasingly seeking these non-alcoholic beverage alternatives. As mocktails have increased in popularity, so have anecdotal health claims. Research has shown that the consumption of teas, herbs, roots, and juices provide health benefits. However, these have not been studied as a mocktail beverage. Functional mocktails may provide various health benefits due to their antioxidant properties, serving as an enjoyable alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Methods: A recipe book of 20 functional mocktails were created. The recipe book includes referenced research on the health benefits, antioxidative properties, recommended dosing, and …

An Examination Of The Role Of Recreational Therapy In Forensic And Correctional Settings, Sarah R. Fischer

All Dissertations

The estimated prevalence of adults, age 18 and older, with serious mental illness (SMI) in the United States is approximately 6% (NIMH, 2022a). Having a mental illness places individuals at higher risk for arrest and incarceration (NAMI, n.d.b) where they receive treatment, including recreational therapy (RT) in state hospitals, jails or prisons. The purpose of this multi-method study was to gain a better understanding of the role of RT in treating adults with SMI in forensic and correctional settings. A non-standardized 122-item cross-sectional survey (n=49) was used to identify what interventions recreational therapists are using, for what intended outcomes; and …

Informed Practices And Resources For Facilitating Community-Based Writing Groups, Cassandra M. Normand

Journal of Creative Writing Studies

Community-based writing groups have been found to positively impact attendees’ well-being; however, little research examines informed practices that beginning group facilitators can utilize to facilitate groups. This study interviewed 23 professionals from across the U.S. and compiled main themes for effectively facilitating writing groups. The four themes are as follows: 1). Creating a brave, caring atmosphere is key, 2). Networking is critical, 3). There are individual, group, and organizational challenges, 4). Understanding the facilitator’s role is essential. Through an in-depth discussion of themes, the researcher encourages others to start their own writing groups in their communities.

Optimization Of Reaction Conditions For Synthesizing Kasa-Targeting Drug Candidates For Tuberculosis Treatment, Megan A. Baxter

Research and Creativity Symposium

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, with increasing drug resistance pressing for the development of novel treatments. KasA, a key enzyme in mycobacterial fatty acid biosynthesis, is a promising drug target for TB treatment. This research focuses on the design and synthesis of potential KasA inhibitors, specifically optimizing reaction conditions to efficiently produce 1-methyl-6-aminoindazole. This molecule is an intermediate in the synthesis of drugs targeting TB. Characterization of synthesized compounds is performed using NMR, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography to confirm structure and purity. The first step involved optimizing the solvent and base for the methylation of nitroindazole. We …

Analysis Of Differentially Expressed Genes (Deg) And Upstream Regulator Proteins Indicates That Inhibition Of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (Tgfb1) Is A Potential Target For Acne Inversa, Weri Veranita, Siva Fauziah, Siti Nurbaya

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Acne inversa (AI) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring, primarily in intertriginous areas. This study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for managing acne inversa based on the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG). The expression targets of these genes were then validated for their potential as biomarkers, and upstream regulator proteins (URPs) were identified from the resulting DEG. DEG analysis on the GEO dataset GSE122592 (acne inversa vs. healthy donor skin) revealed five DEG that can serve as biomarkers for acne inversa, with a sensitivity and specificity of (100%). These DEG—IL10, GZMB, …

The Impact Of Diet On Preeclampsia: An Observational Study Of Nutritional Influence, Trinity G. Moye, Alyssa Cunningham

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition typically diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation in women with no prior history of hypertension. Characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, increased liver enzymes, and affecting the arteries carrying blood to the placenta, preeclampsia affects the health of both the mother and the fetus. Preeclampsia is disproportionately prevalent in certain populations, specifically among Black women, with various factors contributing to the higher susceptibility including socioeconomic status, education, and health distrust. These factors have been historically structured against Black women in American society. This study aims to reveal how dietary habits can play a role …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

Taraxacum Officinale Effect On The Reduction Of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Il-6 And Tnf-A, Bailee Bad Heart Bull, Kat Kraemer, Kira Mccallum, Ruth Teeple

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a ubiquitous plant found in every continent except Antarctica. Despite its condemnation as a weed, it has been used for centuries in traditional European, Indian, and Chinese herbal medicine for its purported digestive and diuretic properties. Its leaves contain antioxidants and bioactive compounds like taraxasterol, which have been reported to reduce reactive oxygen species production and inhibit nitric oxide production. There have been claims that taraxasterol can reduce inflammation by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines; a cytokine is a small protein released by immune cells that helps regulate inflammation, immune responses, and cell communication. Our …

Supporting Elementary Educators Through A Nervous System Regulation And Social-Emotional Learning Skills Workshop Intervention: An Musc Capstone Project, Lily Morgan

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Teachers have a great influence on developing children’s emotional intelligence, regulatory capacity, and occupational engagement. These professionals also happen to report some of the highest rates of stress, mental health challenges (Agyapong, B. et al, 2022), and burnout (Xie, M., et al, 2022). Providing teachers with education and support on nervous system regulation, social-emotional learning skills, and related topics can improve their ability to manage job stress, enhance modeling and interactions with students, and improve their quality of life. This project aimed to enhance knowledge, provide access to resources, and serve to support elementary educators at an inner-city school in …

Supporting Maternal Mental Health In The Postpartum Period With The Use Of Home Resource Kit, Nicole Craig

Theses and Graduate Projects

Postpartum mental health disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, can affect a significant proportion of new mothers for centuries. This paper explores the development, implementation, and evaluation of an at-home mental health resource kit designed to support maternal mental health while navigating the stresses of new motherhood. Utilizing Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring as a theoretical framework, the study assesses the effectiveness of integrative therapies such as aromatherapy, mindful meditation, and educational resources in managing postpartum stress. Data collected through pre- and post-surveys and roundtable discussions provide insights into the benefits and limitations of these interventions. The findings indicate …

Food For Thought: The Impact Of The Gut-Brain Axis On Mental Health, Emily S. Miiller

Honors Thesis

Research regarding the role of the human microbiome has grown over the years as professionals develop a better understanding of the gut-brain axis. New studies and expanding knowledge on the relationship between the nervous system and gut microbiome promote a deeper understanding of the impact of diet on mental health. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance between the gut and the brain. Incorporating nutritional modulators, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins, is crucial for supporting the gut-brain axis by influencing neurotransmitter production, managing inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. On the other hand, …