scholarly journals Scientific Evidence Supporting the Beneficial Effects of Isoflavones on Human Health

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3853
Author(s):  
Saioa Gómez-Zorita ◽  
Maitane González-Arceo ◽  
Alfredo Fernández-Quintela ◽  
Itziar Eseberri ◽  
Jenifer Trepiana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Structure ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Alternative Therapy ◽  
Common Adverse Effect ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Treatment Of Osteoporosis ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Great Heterogeneity ◽  
Breast And Prostate Cancer

Isoflavones are phenolic compounds with a chemical structure similar to that of estradiol. They are present in several vegetables, mainly in legumes such as soy, white and red clover, alfalfa and beans. The most significant food source of isoflavones in humans is soy-derived products. Isoflavones could be used as an alternative therapy for pathologies dependent on hormonal disorders such as breast and prostate cancer, cardiovascular diseases, as well as to minimize menopausal symptoms. According to the results gathered in the present review, it can be stated that there is scientific evidence showing the beneficial effect of isoflavones on bone health and thus in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis on postmenopausal women, although the results do not seem entirely conclusive as there are discrepancies among the studies, probably related to their experimental designs. For this reason, the results should be interpreted with caution, and more randomized clinical trials are required. By contrast, it seems that soy isoflavones do not lead to a meaningful protective effect on cardiovascular risk. Regarding cancer, scientific evidence suggests that isoflavones could be useful in reducing the risk of suffering some types of cancer, such as breast and endometrial cancer, but further studies are needed to confirm these results. Finally, isoflavones could be useful in reducing hot flushes associated with menopause. However, a limitation in this field is that there is still a great heterogeneity among studies. Lastly, with regard to isoflavone consumption safety, it seems that they are safe and that the most common adverse effect is mild and occurs at the gastrointestinal level.

scholarly journals Systematic review and meta-analysis of shenqi fuzheng and chemotherapy combination in the treatment of breast cancer

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 793
Author(s):  
Ying Li ◽  
Na Han ◽  
Zhuo Chen ◽  
Xing Li
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Treatment Efficiency ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Great Heterogeneity

<p class="Abstract">This review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of injection of shenqi fuzheng with chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer in China. The study included 20 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving 1,609 patients. It was shown that shenqi fuzheng could improved the treatment efficiency, Kamofsky Performance Status (KPS), weight and autoimmune; reduced fatigue, gastrointestinal reaction and the toxicity of bone marrow; protected liver, kidney and heart from damage by chemotherapy. However, the quality of all the studies was relatively low and there was great heterogeneity between various studies. Further well-designed research is needed to estimate the beneficial effects of shenqi fuzheng.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: Is There Any Scientific Evidence for Their Effectiveness as Disease-Modifying Drugs in Knee Osteoarthritis Preclinical Studies?—A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2021

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1608
Author(s):  
Silvia Fernández-Martín ◽  
Antonio González-Cantalapiedra ◽  
Fernando Muñoz ◽  
Mario García-González ◽  
María Permuy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chondroitin Sulfate ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Disease Modifying Drugs ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Bone Changes ◽  
Great Heterogeneity ◽  
Experimental Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been proposed due to their physiological and functional benefits in the management of osteoarthritis in companion animals. However, the scientific evidence for their use is still controversial. The purpose of this review was to critically elucidate the efficacy of these nutraceutical therapies in delaying the progression of osteoarthritis, evaluating their impact on the synovial knee joint tissues and biochemical markers in preclinical studies by systematically reviewing the last two decades of peer-reviewed publications on experimental osteoarthritis. Three databases (PubMed, Scopus and, Web of Science) were screened for eligible studies. Twenty-two articles were included in the review. Preclinical studies showed a great heterogeneity among the experimental designs and their outcomes. Generally, the evaluated nutraceuticals, alone or in combination, did not seem to prevent the subchondral bone changes, the synovial inflammation or the osteophyte formation. However, further experimental studies may be needed to evaluate their effect at those levels. Regarding the cartilage status and biomarkers, positive responses were identified in approximately half of the evaluated articles. Furthermore, beneficial effects were associated with the pre-emptive administrations, higher doses and, multimodality approaches with some combined therapies. However, additional studies in the long term and with good quality and systematic design are required.

scholarly journals The effect of music on parameters of fear, pain and anxiety during dental care: an integrative review

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Dalila De Borba Agliati ◽  
Paulo Oliva De Borba ◽  
Raul Antonio Cruz ◽  
Myrian Camara Brew ◽  
Flávio Renato Reis De Moura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Postoperative Recovery ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Observational Study Design ◽  
Reduction Of Pain

OBJECTIVE: Integrative review on the influence of music on parameters of fear, pain and anxiety during dental care.METHODS: Search for articles on the databases MEDLINE, PubMed, LILACS, Scielo and Google Scholar, using the terms “music”, “dentistry”, “music therapy”, “fear”, “pain”, “anxiety” and “music therapy and dentistry”. Inclusion criteria were: randomized clinical trials with primary data surveys that were related only to dentistry. The exclusion criteria were: any other experimental and observational study design, literature reviews and studies in which it was not possible to identify a relation with the subject.RESULTS: Of the 11 randomized trial studies reviewed, all observed beneficial effects in patients who were listening to music during dental care. Studies have shown a reduction of pain during orthodontic treatment, reduction of postoperative recovery time and reduction of anxiety level in pediatric patients.CONCLUSION: It was possible to observe that the use of music is recommended as an accessory therapy in dental care. Nevertheless, for the professional’s success in the treatment of fear, pain and anxiety, dialogue with the patient is essential, giving simple explanations and demonstrations, thus reducing the anxiety caused by the unknown and, in this way, controlling fear and pain. However, it is necessary to carry out more research in this field, in order to obtain better scientific evidence regarding music therapy applied to dental practice.

scholarly journals Can Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhance Functionality in Older Adults? A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2981
Author(s):  
Andrés Pino-Esteban ◽  
Álvaro Megía-García ◽  
David Martín-Caro Álvarez ◽  
Hector Beltran-Alacreu ◽  
Juan Avendaño-Coy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Sham Stimulation ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Potential Benefits

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, easy to administer, well-tolerated, and safe technique capable of affecting brain excitability, both at the cortical and cerebellum levels. However, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently assessed in all population segments or clinical applications. This systematic review aimed at compiling and summarizing the currently available scientific evidence about the effect of tDCS on functionality in older adults over 60 years of age. A search of databases was conducted to find randomized clinical trials that applied tDCS versus sham stimulation in the above-mentioned population. No limits were established in terms of date of publication. A total of 237 trials were found, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Finally, nine studies were analyzed, including 260 healthy subjects with average age between 61.0 and 85.8 years. Seven of the nine included studies reported superior improvements in functionality variables following the application of tDCS compared to sham stimulation. Anodal tDCS applied over the motor cortex may be an effective technique for improving balance and posture control in healthy older adults. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the most effective protocols and to clarify potential benefits for older adults.

scholarly journals Benefits of Dog-Assisted Therapy in Patients with Dementia Residing in Aged Care Centers in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1471
Author(s):  
Eva Vegue Parra ◽  
Jose Manuel Hernández Garre ◽  
Paloma Echevarría Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Alternative Therapy ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Inventory ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Institutionalized Patients ◽  
Experimental Group

(1) Background: Currently, the scientific evidence on the benefits of assisted therapy with dogs in dementia is not clear. In this study, we want to evaluate such benefits through a randomized controlled clinical trial in multiple centers across the country. (2) Methods: The participants were people over 65 years old with dementia, residing in senior centers in Spain (n = 334). The experimental group underwent assisted therapy with dogs based on the Comprehensive Cognitive Activation Program in Dementia, for 8 months, with weekly sessions of 45 min. Data were collected at the commencement, middle, and end of the program, to evaluate the aspects using the Mini-Examination Cognitive, the modified Bartell Index, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. (3) Results: The results show significant improvements in the experimental group versus the control group in the affective (T1 = p 0.000; T2 = p 0.000) and behavioral (T1 = p 0.005; T2 = p 0.000) aspects, with the affective aspect displaying greater progress in participants with additional depressive (p = 0.022) or anxiety (p = 0.000) disorders, shorter institutionalization periods (r = −0.222, p = 0.004), and those undergoing complementary psychotherapy (p = 0.033) or alternative therapy (p = 0.011). (4) Conclusions: Dog therapy is effective in improving the affective and behavioral aspects of institutionalized patients with dementia.

scholarly journals The effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockers on SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults: a systematic review of studies and meta-analyzes

2021 ◽  
pp. 26-33
Author(s):  
М. V. Leonova
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Ace Inhibitor ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Duration Of Hospitalization ◽  
Severity Of The Disease

The article discusses the role of immune dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection, the participation of ACE2 for the penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus into cells and the possible role of RAAS blockers, which have a direct effect on the pathological activity of the RAAS, in the development of and the severity of the disease. It is noted that the beneficial organoprotective effects of ACE inhibitors and ARBs may protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their withdrawal may lead to clinical decompensation in patients at high risk of cardiovascular risk. Since then, a number of observational cohort studies have been carried out to address the main questions: does the use of an ACE inhibitor or ARB increase the risk of contracting the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and whether the use of RAAS blockers is associated with worse outcomes of COVID-19 disease. The article provides an overview of the scientific evidence on the relationship between the use of RASS blockers and COVID-19 infection. Several cohort studies and two meta-analyzes found no association between prior use of an ACE inhibitor/ARB and the risk of COVID-19 infection (RR 0.96–0.99). In studies on the study of clinical and laboratory features of the action of RAAS blockers in COVID-19, a significantly larger number of subpopulations of T-lymphocytes CD3+ and CD8+, lower concentrations of biomarkers (C-reactive protein, ferritin, IL-6, procalcitonin), as well as a lower viral load. In clinical outcomes, with the use of an ACE inhibitor/ARB, there was a lower incidence of severe/critical forms, and a shorter duration of hospitalization. In large cohort studies with >1000 patients, the use of an ACE inhibitor/ARB was not associated with an increase in the risk of death in patients with COVID-19 (RR < 1.0), and some studies showed a 37–67% decrease in RR. Meta-analyzes also confirmed the absence of the effect of RAAS blockers on the risk of mortality, and in the population of patients with hypertension, a significant reduction in the risk of mortality and severe course of COVID-19 was revealed. Most international associations of specialists, as well as the Russian Cardiological Society, are recommended to continue the use of RAAS blockers in patients with cardiovascular diseases and not to be canceled in case of COVID-19 disease. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to generate new evidence.

scholarly journals A Clinical Perspective of Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diets: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samir Giuseppe Sukkar ◽  
Maurizio Muscaritoli
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Caloric Content ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Ketogenic Diets ◽  
Morbid Conditions

Low carbohydrates diets (LCDs), which provide 20–120 g of carbohydrates per day, have long been used as therapeutic options in the treatment of severe obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and other morbid conditions, with good results in terms of weight loss and control of the main metabolic parameters, at least in the short and medium term. According to the caloric content and the macronutrient composition, we can classify LCDs in hypocaloric, normoproteic diets [such as the Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) or the protein-sparing modified fasting (PSMF)], hypocaloric, hyperproteic and hyperlipidic diets (e.g., Atkins, Paleo diets…) and normocaloric, normo-/hyperproteic diets (eucaloric KD), the latter mainly used in patients with brain tumors (gliomas) and refractory epilepsy. In addition to LCD diets, another interesting dietary approach which gained attention in the last few decades is fasting and its beneficial effects in terms of modulation of metabolic pathways, cellular processes and hormonal secretions. Due to the impossibility of using fasting regimens for long periods of time, several alternative strategies have been proposed that can mimic the effects, including calorie restriction, intermittent or alternating fasting, and the so-called fasting mimicking diets (FMDs). Recent preclinical studies have shown positive effects of FMDs in various experimental models of tumors, diabetes, Alzheimer Disease, and other morbid conditions, but to date, the scientific evidence in humans is limited to some opens studies and case reports. The purpose of our narrative review is to offer an overview of the characteristics of the main dietary regimens applied in the treatment of different clinical conditions as well as of the scientific evidence that justifies their use, focusing on low and zero-carb diets and on the different types of fasting.

scholarly journals An Overview of the Various Uses of Ephedra distachyaL. from the Past to the Present

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-86
Author(s):  
Mansureh Ghavam ◽  
Zeinab Soleimaninejad
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Ephedra Distachya ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Review Study

Background: Nowadays, many people believe in traditional medicines and use them for different diseases. Knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional medicine has been practiced for centuries through trial and error, and many important treatments for the disease have been passed down from one generation to the next. Ephedra is a valuable plant and has been used to treat diseases since ancient times. Accordingly, this study aims to comprehensively introduce Ephedra distachya L. in traditional medicine. Methods: In this review study, databases such as Google Scholar, SID, Scopus, and books on medicinal plants in Persian and English languages were searched to collect data. The keywords included "ephedra", "traditional medicine", "goat’s beard", and "medicinal plants". Results: Many resources highlighted the importance of using ephedra due to its useful properties. Experimental studies in traditional medicine show the effect of this plant in the prevention of diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis. Conclusion: Considering the beneficial effects of ephedra and scientific evidence about its effects, further studies are needed to better understand the use of this plant in traditional medicine.

scholarly journals Invasive techniques in physical therapy: A literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 125-125
Author(s):  
Baraja-Vegas L. ◽  
Troyano Ruiz M. ◽  
Martí Rubio E. ◽  
Galvéz García J.
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Skin Barrier ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Journal Citation Reports ◽  
Impact Index ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Invasive Techniques

Abstract Background Invasive techniques in physical therapy is a term used to refer to a group of techniques in which the physical agent used for the treatment of different pathologies crosses the skin barrier. The aim of this study was to examine the scientific evidence on the invasive techniques that are most used in physical therapy, by reviewing the literature available on this subject. Material and Methods A literature search was performed on the EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), PEDro and TRIP databases. The selected studies were: randomized clinical trials (RCTs), systematic reviews of RCTs and meta-analyses of RCTs. Studies had to be published between 2008 and 2018, conducted on men and women over the age of 18 and in English or Spanish. Results In total, 64 studies were retrieved, which were read and scrutinized to confirm whether they were relevant for the present study. Finally, after the various screening processes, a sample of 21 articles was obtained. The level of evidence was analyzed as well as the level of recommendation according to the Oxford scale, together with an impact index according to the Journal Citation Reports (JCR). Seventeen of the studies were meta-analyses and systematic reviews of RCTs, and one systematic review of cohort studies was included. Conclusion After the analysis of the selected articles and the conclusions, invasive techniques in physical therapy are confirmed to be relatively safe and effective for different pathologies, especially when performed in depth and when the local twitch response (LTR) is sought.

scholarly journals Rose Mentioned in the Works of Scientists of the Medieval East and Implications in Modern Science

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1701200
Author(s):  
K. Hüsnü Can Başer
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Modern Science ◽  
Rosa Damascena ◽  
Ibn Sina ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Cognitive Power ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Ancient Texts

Fragrant roses (e.g., Rosa damascena, R.gallica, R. centifolia) have been mentioned in ancient texts written by scientists of the Medieval East such as Al-Kindi (9th CE), Al-Dinawari (9th CE), Rhazes (9th CE), Az-Zahrawi (10th CE), Ibn Sina (11th CE), Al-Mizza (14th CE), and Ad-Dimasqi (14th CE). The great physician Ibn Sina emphasized the beneficial effects of rose fragrance on the heart and the brain. He praised rose water's effects on mind and spirit, and its beneficial effects on brain function and cognitive power. Modern studies have provided scientific evidence for this information.

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