Am J Chinese Med
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effects of auricular acupressure on weight loss and serum lipid levels in overweight adolescents.
Auricular acupressure is widely used to reduce body weight. The current study was designed to test the efficacy of auricular acupressure on weight reduction and serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), high density lipids (HDL) and low density lipids (LDL) in an eight-week, randomized controlled trial of three groups of 84 adolescents aged 18-20 with a body mass index (BMI) of 23 or higher. The control group received tape treatment only and the other two experimental groups were administered acupressure using either Japanese Magnetic Pearls or vaccaria seeds. ⋯ All three groups showed significant increases in TC, TG, HDL, and LDL. In conclusion, the current study shows that auricular acupressure employing Japanese Magnetic Pearls or vaccaria seeds can decrease BMI, with the vaccaria seed method showing the greatest reduction. Auricular acupressure did not result in decreased TC, TG, HDL, or LDL in the current eight-week protocol.
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The fruits of Cornus officinalis have been used in traditional oriental medicine for treatment of inner ear diseases, such as tinnitus and hearing loss. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of C. officinalis on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in HEI-OC1 auditory cells. ⋯ In addition, pre-treatment with ursolic acid significantly attenuated the decrease of activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), but superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was not significantly affected by ursolic acid. These results indicate that ursolic acid protects hydrogen peroxide-induced HEI-OC1 cell damage through inhibition of lipid peroxidation and induction of antioxidant enzymes, CAT and GPX, and may be one of the active components responsible for these effects of C. officinalis fruits.
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Acupuncture treatment has been accepted worldwide. Many clinical trials have been conducted especially in analgesia. The present review includes almost all the important trials since 1970. ⋯ Therefore, the real effect of acupuncture can be investigated well. We conclude that acupuncture is a proven treatment for relieving pain. This conclusion is based on specific effects of acupuncture rather than placebo.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Acupuncture stimulation improves balance function in stroke patients: a single-blinded controlled, randomized study.
The disturbance of balance function is one of main etiology resulting in falling down in stroke patients. A number of studies report that acupuncture may improve the motor function of stroke patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture on balance function. ⋯ Following AS, the time taken to reach a standing position from a seated position, as well as the time taken to walk 6 meters was decreased equally in both the experimental and control groups. The muscle strength of the hip flexor and knee extensor were increased in the paralyzed and non-paralyzed sides of patients in the experimental group, but not in the control group. The results of the present study suggest that acupuncture stimulation may induce an immediate effect that improves balance function in stroke patients.
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We explored the effects and mechanisms of Rhodiola rosea extract supplementation on swimming-induced fatigue in rats. The concentrations of active components in Rhodiola rosea have been determined by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer. The Rhodiola rosea extract supplementation in water for 2-4 weeks was evaluated in male Wistar rats with 90-min unloaded swimming exercise and 5% body weight loaded swimming up to fatigue. ⋯ Rhodiola rosea supplementation significantly increased the swimming time in a dose-dependent manner and reduced swimming-enhanced serum BUN, GOT and GPT levels. The ratio of red and white muscle fibers was not altered after chronic Rhodiola rosea extract supplementation. Chronic Rhodiola rosea supplementation significantly improved exhaustive swimming-induced fatigue by the increased glycogen content, energy supply of lipogenic enzyme expressions and protective defense mechanisms.