Arnica
Comfrey
Homeopathy
Materia Medica
Bryonia
Calendula
A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy. (1/13)
Homeopathy remains one of the most controversial subjects in therapeutics. This article is an attempt to clarify its effectiveness based on recent systematic reviews. Electronic databases were searched for systematic reviews/meta-analysis on the subject. Seventeen articles fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Six of them related to re-analyses of one landmark meta-analysis. Collectively they implied that the overall positive result of this meta-analysis is not supported by a critical analysis of the data. Eleven independent systematic reviews were located. Collectively they failed to provide strong evidence in favour of homeopathy. In particular, there was no condition which responds convincingly better to homeopathic treatment than to placebo or other control interventions. Similarly, there was no homeopathic remedy that was demonstrated to yield clinical effects that are convincingly different from placebo. It is concluded that the best clinical evidence for homeopathy available to date does not warrant positive recommendations for its use in clinical practice. (+info)Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery. (2/13)
Homeopathic arnica is widely believed to control bruising, reduce swelling and promote recovery after local trauma; many patients therefore take it perioperatively. To determine whether this treatment has any effect, we conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial with three parallel arms. 64 adults undergoing elective surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized to take three tablets daily of homeopathic arnica 30C or 6C or placebo for seven days before surgery and fourteen days after surgery. Primary outcome measures were pain (short form McGill Pain Questionnaire) and bruising (colour separation analysis) at four days after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were swelling (wrist circumference) and use of analgesic medication (patient diary). 62 patients could be included in the intention-to-treat analysis. There were no group differences on the primary outcome measures of pain (P=0.79) and bruising (P=0.45) at day four. Swelling and use of analgesic medication also did not differ between arnica and placebo groups. Adverse events were reported by 2 patients in the arnica 6C group, 3 in the placebo group and 4 in the arnica 30C group. The results of this trial do not suggest that homeopathic arnica has an advantage over placebo in reducing postoperative pain, bruising and swelling in patients undergoing elective hand surgery. (+info)A novel melanin inhibitor: hydroperoxy traxastane-type triterpene from flowers of Arnica montana. (3/13)
We isolated a novel inhibitor of melanin biosynthesis from the flowers of Arnica montana L. (Compositae), and identified it as a traxastane-type triterpene (3beta,16beta-dihydroxy-21alpha-hydroperoxy-20(30)-taraxastene) [1] by means of 1D or 2D-NMR and liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS). Compound [1] at the concentration of 0.53 muM completely inhibited melanin accumulation in cultured B16 melanoma cells. It is one of the most potent among known plant inhibitors of melanin biosynthesis in cultured cells, being 50 times more potent than 4-methoxyphenol, which is used as an anti-pigmentation agent. Its mechanism of action is considered to involve inhibition of transcriptional factor MITF-M (melanocyte-type isoform of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor), which would lead to a decrease of tyrosinase and related genes. We confirmed that compound [1] decreased the protein levels of tyrosinase and its related proteins in B16 melanoma cells. Further study revealed that a similar hydroperoxy triterpene also suppressed the melanin pigment accumulation of B16 melanoma cells. These results indicate that the hydroperoxy group may play an important role in the suppression of the melanin accumulation by compound [1]. (+info)Origins and widespread distribution of co-existing Polyploids in Arnica cordifolia (Asteraceae). (4/13)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Polyploidy is a central force structuring genetic diversity in angiosperms, but its ecological significance and modes of origin are not fully understood. This work investigated the patterns of coexistence and molecular relatedness of polyploids in the perennial herb, Arnica cordifolia. METHODS: The local- and broad-scale distributions of cytotypes were analysed using flow cytometry. Samples were collected from both roadside and understorey habitats to test the hypothesis of niche separation between triploids and tetraploids. The nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and plastid rpl16 spacer, trnL intron plus trnL-trnF spacer and trnK 3' intron regions were sequenced. KEY RESULTS: Broad-scale sampling established that both triploids and tetraploids were common throughout the range of the species, pentaploids were rare, and diploids were not found. Local-scale sampling revealed coexistence of both triploids and tetraploids within the majority of sites. Triploids and tetraploids were equally represented in the understorey and roadside habitat. Triploids were more variable than tetraploids, but both cytotypes shared polymorphisms in ITS. CONCLUSIONS: Coexistence of cytotypes appears to be the norm in A. cordifolia, but habitat differentiation (roadside vs. understorey) is not supported as a coexistence mechanism. Molecular analyses supported multiple events creating triploids but revealed a lack of variation in the tetraploids. Additionally, sequence polymorphisms in ITS suggested a hybridization event prior to polyploidization. (+info)No effect of a homoeopathic combination of Arnica montana and Bryonia alba on bleeding, inflammation, and ischaemia after aortic valve surgery. (5/13)
(+info)In vitro and in vivo analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of weak and strong contact allergens. (6/13)
(+info)Potential of the homeopathic remedy, Arnica Montana 30C, to reduce DNA damage in Escherichia coli exposed to ultraviolet irradiation through up-regulation of nucleotide excision repair genes. (7/13)
OBJECTIVE: To examine to what degree an ultra-highly diluted homeopathic remedy, Arnica Montana 30C (AM-30C), used in the treatment of shock and injury, can modulate the expression of nucleotide excision repair genes in Escherichia coli exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. METHODS: E. coli were cultured to their log phase in a standard Luria-Bertani medium and then exposed to sublethal doses of UV irradiation at 25 and 50 J/m(2) for 22.5 and 45 s, respectively. The UV-exposed bacteria were then supplemented with either AM-30C (drug) or placebo (P-30C). The drug-treated and placebo-treated bacteria were subjected to assay for DNA damage and oxidative stress 90 min after UV exposure. Several protocols like comet assay, gel electrophoresis for DNA ladder and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and biomarker measurement like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were conducted. The mRNA expressions of the excision repair genes like ultraviolet repair uvrA, B and C genes (or also known as excision repair genes) were estimated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: The UV-exposed bacteria showed DNA damage and oxidative stress, as revealed by an increase in ROS generation, and a decrease in SOD, CAT and GSH activities. As compared to placebo, the AM-30C-treated bacteria showed less DNA damage and oxidative stress as manifested by a decrease in ROS generation, and an increase in SOD, CAT and GSH activities. AM-30C also up-regulated the expression of repair genes as compared to the control. CONCLUSION: AM-30C helped repair the DNA damage through up-regulation of repair genes and also ameliorated the oxidative stress through the reduction of ROS generation and suitable modulation of anti-oxidative stress enzymes. (+info)NF-kappaB p65 repression by the sesquiterpene lactone, Helenalin, contributes to the induction of autophagy cell death. (8/13)
(+info)Arnica (Arnica montana) is a plant that is native to the mountains of Europe and North America. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various medical conditions, particularly those involving inflammation and pain. The flowers of the Arnica plant contain several active compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones, helenalin, and dihydrohelenalin, which are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties.
Arnica is often applied topically as a cream, ointment, or salve to treat conditions such as bruises, sprains, muscle aches, and joint pain. It is thought to work by stimulating the flow of blood to the affected area, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. Arnica may also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects.
However, it's important to note that Arnica can be toxic if taken internally in large doses or for extended periods of time. It should not be used on broken or damaged skin, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using it altogether. As with any medication or herbal remedy, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before using Arnica to ensure its safe and appropriate use.
Comfrey is a plant species (Symphytum spp.) that has been used in traditional medicine for its alleged healing properties, particularly for treating inflammation and promoting wound healing. However, it's important to note that the use of comfrey has been associated with serious health risks, including liver damage and cancer.
The active constituents of comfrey include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and tannins, among others. Allantoin is believed to have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, while rosmarinic acid has antioxidant properties. However, comfrey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver and other organs.
Due to these risks, the use of comfrey for medicinal purposes is not recommended by many health organizations, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Topical creams and ointments containing comfrey may be available over-the-counter in some countries, but they should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
In summary, while comfrey has been used historically for its medicinal properties, its use is not recommended due to the potential health risks associated with its toxic compounds.
Homeopathy is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) system, developed in the late 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, based on the principle of "like cures like." This concept suggests that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can be used in very dilute quantities to treat similar symptoms in illness. The dilutions are so extreme that no molecules of the original substance remain, leading to significant controversy and skepticism over any potential therapeutic effect. Homeopathic remedies are typically made from plants, minerals, or animals, and are often highly individualized for each patient based on their specific symptoms, mental and emotional state, and overall constitution. Despite its widespread use, homeopathy lacks robust scientific evidence supporting its efficacy beyond placebo effects, and it is not considered a mainstream medical practice in most countries.
"Materia Medica" is a term that comes from the Latin language, where "materia" means "substance" or "material," and "medica" refers to "medical." In a medical context, Materia Medica historically refers to a collection of detailed descriptions of substances that are used for medicinal purposes.
It is essentially a comprehensive reference book that describes the properties, actions, uses, dosages, potential side effects, and contraindications of various drugs or medicinal agents. The information in a Materia Medica is typically based on historical use, experimental pharmacological data, clinical trials, and other scientific research.
Modern Materia Medica has evolved to become more specialized, with separate references for different types of medicinal substances, such as botanical (herbal) medicine, homeopathic remedies, or conventional pharmaceuticals. These resources are often used by healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, to guide their prescribing decisions and ensure the safe and effective use of medications for their patients.
"Bryonia" is the medical term for a homeopathic remedy that is derived from the Bryonia alba or Bryonia dioica plants, which are types of wild vines also known as "white bryony" and "red bryony," respectively. The remedy is made from the plant's root, and it is used in homeopathic medicine to treat a variety of symptoms, particularly those that are worse with motion or touch and are accompanied by a desire for coolness and isolation. Some of the conditions that may be treated with Bryonia include respiratory illnesses, digestive disorders, and joint pain. It's important to note that homeopathic remedies are highly diluted and are not evaluated for safety or effectiveness by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
Calendula, also known as pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), is a plant that is part of the Asteraceae/Compositae family. It is often used in herbal medicine and has been utilized for various medicinal purposes due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Calendula extracts or ointments are sometimes applied topically to help heal wounds, burns, rashes, and other skin irritations. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using calendula for medicinal purposes, as it may interact with certain medications or have adverse effects in some individuals.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but there seems to be a mistake in your question. "Pacific States" is not a recognized medical term or concept. The term "Pacific" usually refers to the Pacific Ocean or regions near it, and "states" typically refers to political divisions like countries or states within a country. If you're referring to a specific medical term that includes these words, could you please provide more context or clarify your question? I'm here to help!