Analgesic effects and hemodynamic mechanisms of perpendicular and transverse needling at Sanyinjiao(SP 6) in patients with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To explore the analgesic effects and uterine hemodynamics of perpendicular needling(PN)and transverse needling(TN) at SP 6 in patients with primary dysmenorrhea(PD).Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, patients with PD diagnosed with cold-dampness congealing pattern were randomly assigned in a ratio of 1:1 to receive PN or TN at bilateral SP 6 for 10 min.Acupuncture was performed when the menstrual pain score was over 40 mm on the first day of menstruation, as measured using the visual analog scale for pain(VAS-P). The primary outcome was average menstrual pain(VAS-P). Secondary outcomes included the pulsatility index(PI), resistance index(RI), and systolic-diastolic peaks ratio(S/D) in uterine arteries as measured using color Doppler ultrasonography;anxiety as assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA), blood pressure(BP),and heart rate(HR).Results: Forty-eight patients completed the study. The TN group exhibited a significant reduction in VAS-P scores(-5.71 mm, 95% confidence interval(CI): -8.78, -2.63, P =.001), RI values(-0.05, 95% CI:-0.09, -0.01, P=.015), and HAMA values(-2.50, 95% CI: -4.78, -0.22, P=.032) when compared with the PN group. No significant differences in PI, S/D, BP, or HR values were observed between the two groups(P >.05).Conclusion: TN at SP 6 was superior to PN in alleviating menstrual pain and anxiety in patients with PD.This analgesic effect of TN may be due to its better ability to improve uterine arterial blood flow via decreases in RI values.

Similarities and differences between kaiy in Persian medicine and moxibustion in Chinese medicine

Kaiy(medieval cautery)is an ancient method of heat therapy in traditional Persian medicine(TPM).Some of its important applications have been neglected during the medical revolution.Meanwhile,different treatment modalities that incorporate heat,including moxibustion,have progressed in traditional Chinese medicine.In this study,we reviewed the main TPM textbooks that were written specifically in the field of kaiy.We considered the traditional teachings in the context of contemporary information,gathered from the scientific literature about moxibustion and modern cauterization.Some surgical therapeutic indications of kaiy(e.g.,debridement and coagulative procedures)have been advanced by the innovation of electro-cauterization.However,those therapeutic applications that were based on the TPM humoral theory for relieving body coldness or myofascial pains—which are similar to moxibustion usages—have not received the same attention.Apart from the broad similarities of kaiy and moxibustion as thermal therapies with similar indications,there is a striking correspondence between kaiy point mapping and acupoints.Therefore,further research on different kaiy aspects is recommended.

The necessity for integrating traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine into medical education curricula in Iran

Background: The use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is increasing in both developed and developing countries. The school of Persian medicine (PM) in Iran is a comprehensive medical school that is rich in history and has its own special principles, elements, philosophy, and diagnostic and treatment options. Many complementary therapy modalities are also popular and in demand among patients and physicians. The aim of this paper is to provide logic for the policymakers in Iranian medical education to make changes in medical education curricula, particularly on integrating T&CM. Methods: We reviewed the global experience in teaching T&CM to medical students, and highlighting the strengths of PM, described why it is necessary to integrate T&CM into general medicine curricula in Iran. Results: PM is a traditional system of medicine that dates back about 7000 years. Although there are few studies about the safety and effectiveness of PM, research into it has recently been accelerated. There is a suitable opportunity for integrating T&CM with conventional medicine. Physicians should be familiar with T&CM to avoid any contraindications, interactions, and unwanted effects. Conclusion: Traditional medicine is part of Iran's heritage and. thus, needs special attention. Familiarization of physicians with T&CM can help them choose the best treatment options for their patients. To integrate T&CM into the medical education curricula of Iran, a two-credit course has been proposed for implementation across the country.

Antiviral Activity of Medicinal Plants against Human Coronavirus: a systematic scoping review of in vitro and in vivo experimentations

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the in vitro and in vivo studies of natural compounds and medicinal plants with anti-coronavirus activity.METHODS:A systematic review was performed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Animal Research:Reporting of in vivo experiments guidelines to find data for medicinal plants and natural products effective against human coronaviruses in in vitro or in vivo studies.Studies published up to September 6,2020 were included.Studies(in vitro or in vivo)reporting the effect of medicinal plants and natural products or their derivatives on human coronavirus were included RESULTS:Promising anti-coronavirus effects are seen with different herbal compounds like some diterpenoids,sesquiterpenoids,and three compounds in tea with 3 CLpro inhibiting effect of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus(SARS-Co V);Hirsutenone,Six cinnamic amides and bavachinin are PLpro inhibitors and Tanshinones are active on both 3 CLpro and PLpro.Some flavonoid compounds of Citrus fruits act on Immunoregulation and target angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 which is used by SARS-COV for entry.Virus helicase is possibly inhibited by two compounds myricetin and scutellarein.CONCLUSION:This review shows that complementary medicine have the potential for new drug discovery against coronavirus.Further research is needed before definitive conclusions can be made concerning the safety and efficacy of the use of these medicinal plants.