Search results for "complementary and alternative medicine"

Morfofisiología del diafragma torácico en las medicinas china y occidental

2016

Resumen Las autoras creen que el analisis comparativo de diversos temas entre la medicina china y la occidental supone una aportacion al progresivo —y deseado— avance hacia la mutua comprension y sinergia entre ambas disciplinas. La descripcion occidental del diafragma toracico sugiere ciertas lineas de confluencia respecto al enfoque chino: anatomicamente aportan sugerentes paralelismos las referencias de insercion muscular e inervacion del diafragma, asi como su biodinamica respiratoria, elementos coincidentes con la posicion de diversos puntos de acupuntura toracicos que presentan, ademas, posibles semejanzas en sus funciones fisiologicas reguladoras a diversos niveles, con las que la me…

Meridianos distintos (Jīng Bié) y sistema linfático, comparación anatómica y funcional

2016

The analysis of possible meeting points between Chinese and Western medicine makes an addition to the gradual progress towards mutual understanding and synergy of both disciplines. The description of trajectories and functions of the Divergent Channels seems to suggest certain parallels regarding western anatomy and lymph system function. From the anatomical perspective, the trajectory of the JīngBie resembles the arrangement and energy flux direction to the lymph system. Besides, the position of the main JīngBie points, such as “Departure points” and “Window of Heaven points” tends to match regions with a high presence of lymph nodes. Also, the JīngBie functions resemble the physiology of …

Meridianos tendinomusculares (Jīng Jīn) y tejido fascial, comparativa anatómica y funcional

2016

The description of the pathways of the Jīng Jīn meridians is based on empirical observations carried out more than 2000 years ago, and though historical records have shown their possible anatomical basis, nowadays these energetic pathways lack a solid scientific base from the biomedical standpoint. Nonetheless, the comparison between the pathways and function of the Jīng Jīn with the new insights regarding contributions to anatomy and physiology of the fascial system brought from western medicine allows for meeting points and closer relations between the two areas of knowledge. Physiologically, both the Jīng Jīn and the fascial system participate in common structural, biomechanical, integra…

Indicaxanthin from Opuntia Ficus Indica (L. Mill) impairs melanoma cell proliferation, invasiveness, and tumor progression.

2018

Abstract Background: A strong, reciprocal crosstalk between inflammation and melanoma has rigorously been demonstrated in recent years, showing how crucial is a pro-inflammatory microenvironment to drive therapy resistance and metastasis. Purpose: We investigated on the effects of Indicaxanthin, a novel, anti-inflammatory and bioavailable phytochemical from Opuntia Ficus Indica fruits, against human melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. Study Design and Methods: The effects of indicaxanthin were evaluated against the proliferation of A375 human melanoma cell line and in a mice model of cutaneous melanoma. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, apoptosis by Annexin V-Fluorescein Isothio…

Epimagnolin A, a tetrahydrofurofuranoid lignan from Magnolia fargesii, reverses ABCB1-mediated drug resistance.

2018

Abstract Background Epimagnolin A is an ingredient of the Chinese crude drug Shin-i, derived from the dried flower buds of Magnolia fargesii and Magnolia flos, which has been traditionally used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion, empyema, and sinusitis. The pharmacokinetic activity of epimagnolin A remains to be evaluated. Purpose In this study, we examined the possible interactions of epimagnolin A with human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCB1, a membrane protein vital in regulating the pharmacokinetics of drugs and xenobiotics. Study design/methods The interaction of epimagnolin A with ABCB1 was evaluated in calcein, ATPase, and MTT assays by using Flp-I…

New Pharmacological Opportunities for Betulinic Acid

2017

AbstractBetulinic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoid usually isolated from birch trees, but present in many other botanical sources. It is found in different plant organs, both as a free aglycon and as glycosyl derivatives. A wide range of pharmacological activities has been described for this triterpenoid, including antiviral and antitumor effects. In addition, several other interesting properties have been identified in the fields of immunity and metabolism, namely antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Taken together, these latter three properties make betulinic acid a highly interesting prospect for treating metabolic syndrome…

Biological activities of polyphenols-enriched propolis from Argentina arid regions

2015

Background: Propolis is a bioactive natural product collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera) fromplant sources. Purpose: This studywas undertaken to determine the effect of propolis extracts from arid region of Argentina, on the activity/expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes, and as potential free radical scavenger, antifungal and anthelmintic agent as well as to get a first insight into the polyphenolic profile of the active fractions.Study design/methods: Two propolis samples were collected in different time from hives located in Tucumán, Argentina. They are representative of the collection time of the raw material for phytotherapeutical purposes. Ethanolic extracts from both propolis wer…

Bridged Epipolythiodiketopiperazines from Penicillium raciborskii, an Endophytic Fungus of Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja

2016

Three new epithiodiketopiperazine natural products [outovirin A (1), outovirin B (2), and outovirin C (3)] resembling the antifungal natural product gliovirin have been identified in extracts of Penicillium raciborskii, an endophytic fungus isolated from Rhododendron tomentosum. The compounds are unusual for their class in that they possess sulfide bridges between α- and β-carbons rather than the typical α-α bridging. To our knowledge, outovirin A represents the first reported naturally produced epimonothiodiketopiperazine, and antifungal outovirin C is the first reported trisulfide gliovirin-like compound. This report describes the identification and structural elucidation of the compounds…

Diabetes and Metabolism Disorders Medicinal Plants: A Glance at the Past and a Look to the Future 2018

2018

Novel molecular mechanisms for the adaptogenic effects of herbal extracts on isolated brain cells using systems biology.

2018

Abstract Introduction Adaptogens are natural compounds or plant extracts that increase adaptability and survival of organisms under stress. Adaptogens stimulate cellular and organismal defense systems by activating intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways and expression of stress-activated proteins and neuropeptides. The effects adaptogens on mediators of adaptive stress response and longevity signaling pathways have been reported, but their stress-protective mechanisms are still not fully understood. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to identify key molecular mechanisms of adaptogenic plants traditionally used to treat stress and aging-related disorders, i.e., Rhodiola r…