RECENT RESEARCH
Patients / methods : The study was conducted among health sciences students from March to June , 2023 , using clinical examination and a questionnaire . All participants were assessed for a diagnosis of acne .
Results : The final sample size consisted of 367 participants , of whom 68.9 % were females and 31.1 % were males . The study revealed a high prevalence of acne ( 74.4 %). Among those with acne , 59.7 % reported using complementary and alternative medicine , with the biological forms being most frequent at 90.2 %. The reasons commonly stated for using complementary and alternative medicine were lack of severity ( 48.5 %) and the potential for internet-based selftreatment ( 33.1 %). The main sources of information were the internet ( 44.8 %) and social media ( 41.1 %). Age , gender , and the occurrence of acne on the chin were associated with complementary and alternative medicine use ( p < 0.05 ).
Conclusions : The use of complementary and alternative medicine for treating acne is widespread , with a tendency toward biological forms . Healthcare practitioners should be familiar with the patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use for the treatment of acne to better meet patient needs and concerns . Policymaking can leverage the role of online resources in addressing the use of unconventional treatment modalities .
Herbal medicine
Anand A , Shrivastava A , Singh K , Barik R , Gayakwad D , Jailani S , Shamim , Dwivedi S . Neuroprotective Efficacy and Complementary Treatment with Medicinal Herbs : A Comprehensive Review of Recent Therapeutic Approaches in Epilepsy Management . CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets . 2025 ; 24 ( 1 ): 60-73 . doi : 10.2174 / 0118715273332140240724093837 .
Central Nervous System ( CNS ) disorders affect millions of people worldwide , with a significant proportion experiencing drug-resistant forms where conventional medications fail to provide adequate seizure control . This abstract delves into recent advancements and innovative therapies aimed at addressing the complex challenge of CNS-related drug-resistant epilepsy ( DRE ) management . The idea of precision medicine has opened up new avenues for epilepsy treatment . Herbs such as curcumin , ginkgo biloba , panax ginseng , bacopa monnieri , ashwagandha , and rhodiola rosea influence the BDNF pathway through various mechanisms . These include the activation of CREB , inhibition of NFκB , modulation of neurotransmitters , reduction of oxidative stress , and antiinflammatory effects . By promoting BDNF expression and activity , these herbs support neuroplasticity , cognitive function , and overall neuronal health . Novel antiepileptic drugs ( AEDs ) with distinct mechanisms of action demonstrate efficacy in refractory cases where traditional medications falter . Additionally , repurposing existing drugs for antiepileptic purposes presents a cost-effective strategy to broaden therapeutic choices . Cannabidiol ( CBD ), derived from cannabis herbs , has garnered attention for its anticonvulsant properties , offering a potential adjunctive therapy for refractory seizures . In conclusion , recent advances and innovative therapies represent a multifaceted approach to managing drug-resistant epilepsy . Leveraging precision medicine , neurostimulation technologies , novel pharmaceuticals , and complementary therapies , clinicians can optimize treatment outcomes and improve the life expectancy of patients living with refractory seizures . Genetic testing and biomarker identification now allow for personalized therapeutic approaches tailored to individual patient profiles . Utilizing next-generation sequencing techniques , researchers have elucidated genetic mutations .
Danilov A , Frishman WH . Complementary Therapies : Tai Chi in the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease . Cardiol Rev . 2025 Jan-Feb 01 ; 33 ( 1 ): 54-57 . doi : 10.1097 / CRD . 0000000000000578
Cardiovascular disease has remained the top contributor to global mortality for decades , necessitating research into the most effective methods of its prevention and treatment . Simultaneous with an immense amount of discovery and innovation in the field of cardiology , certain therapies with traditional Chinese origins have become progressively more popular in the West in recent decades . Specifically , ancient meditative mind-body practices such as Qigong and Tai Chi may lower cardiovascular disease risk and severity through a focus on movement and meditation . Such practices are generally low-cost and modifiable , with few adverse effects . Studies have shown higher quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure after participation in Tai Chi , as well as a positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and waist circumference . Most studies in the field have various limitations , such as small sample size , lack of randomization , and inadequate control ; however , these practices show potential as an adjunct in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease . Patients unable or unwilling to partake in traditionally aerobic activities may benefit greatly from such mind-body therapies . Nonetheless , more studies are warranted for more definitive answers to the question of Tai Chi and Qigong ' s effectiveness . In this narrative review , we discuss the current evidence surrounding the effects of Qigong and Tai Chi on cardiovascular disease , in addition to the limitations and difficulties in conducting such studies .
Western herbal medicine
Braunwalder C , Ertl J , Wullschleger M , Timm E , Wolf U . Efficacy and safety of phytotherapy and anthroposophic medicine in seasonal allergic rhinitis : A Systematic Review . Int Arch Allergy Immunol . 2025 ; 186 ( 1 ): 75-86 . doi : 10.1159 / 000539645
Introduction : Seasonal allergic rhinitis ( SAR ) is a common health condition that is associated with an increased risk for bronchial asthma . Besides conventional medicine , treatments from traditional , complementary and integrative medicine are widely used by individuals with SAR . This review aims to systematically summarize evidence on
48 | vol31 | no1 | JATMS