RECENT RESEARCH
Acupuncture and TCM
Groiss S , Somvilla I , Daxböck C . et al . Bei Mu Gua Lou San facilitates mucus expectoration by increasing surface area and hydration levels of airway mucus in an air-liquid-interface cell culture model of the respiratory epithelium . BMC Complement Med Ther . 2023 ; 23 , 414 https :/ doi . org / 10.1186 / s12906-023-04251-x
Background : Bei Mu Gua Lou San ( BMGLS ) is an ancient formulation known for its moisturizing and expectorant properties , but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown . We investigated concentration-dependent effects of BMGLS on its rehydrating and mucusmodulating properties using an air-liquidinterface ( ALI ) cell culture model of the Calu-3 human bronchial epithelial cell line and primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells ( NHBE ), and specifically focused on quantity and composition of the two major mucosal proteins MUC5AC and MUC5B .
Methods : ALI cultures were treated with BMGLS at different concentrations over three weeks and evaluated by means of histology , immunostaining and electron microscopy . MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA levels were assessed and quantified on protein level using an automated image-based approach . Additionally , expression levels of the major mucus-stimulating enzyme 15-lipoxygenase ( ALOX15 ) were evaluated .
Results : BMGLS induced concentrationdependent morphological changes in NHBE but not Calu-3 ALI cultures that resulted in increased surface area via the formation of herein termed intra-epithelial structures ( IES ). While cellular rates of proliferation , apoptosis or degeneration remained unaffected , BMGLS caused swelling of mucosal granules , increased the area of secreted mucus , decreased muco-glycoprotein density , and dispensed MUC5AC . Additionally , BMGLS reduced expression levels of MUC5AC , MUC5B and the mucus-stimulating enzyme 15-lipoxygenase ( ALOX15 ).
Conclusions : Our studies suggest that BMGLS rehydrates airway mucus while stimulating mucus secretion by increasing surface areas and regulating goblet cell differentiation through modulating major mucus-stimulating pathways .
Wang M , Liu W , Ge J , Liu S . The immunomodulatory mechanisms for acupuncture practice . Front Immunol . 2023 ; 14:1147718 . doi : 10.3389 / fimmu . 2023.1147718 . PMID : 37090714 ; PMCID : PMC10117649 .
The system physiology approaches that emerge in western countries in recent years echo the holistic view of ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ) practices that deal with the root , rather than only the symptoms of diseases . Particularly , TCM practices , including acupuncture , emphasize the mobilization of self-healing mechanisms to bring back body homeostasis . Acupuncture has been practiced for over two thousand years to modulate body physiology via stimulation at specific body regions ( acupoints ). With the development of various research on acupuncture therapy , its regulatory effect on the immune system has been gradually recognized , especially on immunological diseases , including infectious and allergic diseases . In this study , we reviewed the immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture and systematically integrates existing research to respectively elucidate the modulatory mechanisms of acupuncture on the innate immune system , adaptive immune system , and well-known neuroanatomical mechanisms , including intact somatosensory-autonomic reflex pathway . With the advances made in recent systems physiology studies , we now have a great opportunity to gain insight into how acupuncture modulates immunity , and subsequently improves its efficacy .
Aromatherapy
Amitani H , Nishi R , Sagiyama K . et al . The effect of lavender aroma for anxiety disorder : a study protocol for a multicenter , double-masked , randomized , placebo-controlled clinical trial . BMC Complement Med Ther . 2023 ; 23 , 397 . https :// doi . org / 10.1186 / s12906-023-04231-1
Background : Anxiety disorder is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder . Benzodiazepines , which are often used for anxiety in patients with anxiety disorder , have various side effects . Lavender , one of the most commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy , has the potential to reduce benzodiazepine use for anxiety disorders .
Methods : This study is a multicenter , double-masked , randomized , placebocontrolled clinical trial . The study will recruit patients aged 20 – 59 years old with generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder among anxiety disorders . The bottle containing the test solution ( lavender aroma essential oil or distilled water ) will be given to the patients . Patients will carry the bottles with them in their daily life and use the drops on tissue paper when anxious . The primary endpoint is the number of times anxiolytics used in 28 days .
Discussion : If the use of benzodiazepines could be reduced by sniffing lavender aroma , which is inexpensive and safe , it would contribute not only to the risks associated with benzodiazepine use but also to the health care economy and could even be added as a standard treatment .
Trial registration : University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry ( UMIN-CTR ), ID : UMIN000034422 Registered 17 January 2019 .
Amidu SB , Boamah VE , Ekuadzi E et al . Gut-Brain-axis : effect of basil oil on the gut microbiota and its contribution to the anticonvulsant properties . BMC Complement Med Ther . 2023 ; 23 , 393 . https :// doi . org / 10.1186 / s12906-023-04211-5
Background : Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and it is characterized by seizures . Research suggests the involvement of the Gut- Brain axis in epilepsy . This study seeks to determine the role of the gut microbiota in the anticonvulsant effect of basil oil ( BO ) using antibiotic-depleted and altered germ-free mice against naïve mice in Pentylenetetrazole ( PTZ )
232 | vol29 | no4 | JATMS