Insights & Discussion
Chinese medicine presents unique advantages in managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) through immune regulation, intestinal flora regulation, and improvement of intestinal barrier function.
In their research, the researchers conducted a systematic review of studies that assessed the effects and mechanics of Chinese medicine in treating IBD. They performed a literature search on various peer-reviewed and clinical databases, including reputable international and Chinese sources. The keywords used for this comprehensive search included "inflammatory bowel disease", "Ulcerative colitis", "Crohn's disease", and "Chinese medicine". Only articles from the period of 1997-2021 that met their exclusion criteria were chosen for the review.
The compiled research illuminates recent progression in using Chinese medicine to treat IBD. Certain studies specifically look at how Chinese medicine impacts immune regulation, intestinal flora regulation, and the enhancement of intestinal barrier function in IBD patients. This information could serve as a key reference for further exploration regarding the potential of classical multi-herbal Chinese medicine in treating IBD.
Chinese medicine's unique immune regulation, intestinal flora regulation, and improved intestinal barrier function offer new approaches to managing chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
The study involved a comprehensive review of literature from peer-reviewed and clinical databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Springer LINK, Wan-fang database, the Chinese Biomedicine Database, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Keywords such as inflammatory bowel disease (including Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) and Chinese medicine were used, focusing on studies conducted between 1997 and 2021, while excluding those that did not meet specific criteria.
The review primarily focused on the pathogenesis of IBD and how Chinese medicine plays a role in its treatment, particularly in immune regulation, intestinal flora regulation, and improvement of intestinal barrier function. The collective findings present exciting progress in understanding how multi-herbal Chinese medicine can potentially contribute to the treatment of IBD.
Discover Related Insights
Goji berries, notably their polysaccharides, exhibit protective effects against inflammatory bowel disease through the preservation of healthy gut microbiota.
2022 Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition Prebiotic effects of goji berry in protection against inflammatory bowel disease Sun Q, Du M, Kang Y, Zhu MJ
Review Article Goji Berry Gut Microbiota Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The review encompassed an in-depth analysis of current literature specially focusing on the role of goji berry and its important functional constituents in countering Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The core attentiveness of the research is directed towards understanding the interplay between goji berries, particularly their polysaccharides, and gut microbiota. The goji berries’ protective effects were evaluated, focusing on how they curb disruption in gut microbiota, a common facet in IBD.
The review concluded that goji berries, especially their polysaccharides, demonstrated appreciable benefits in averting gut microbiota disturbances seen with IBD, thus protecting against this condition. These natural substances, present in goji berries, function as prebiotics, which maintain a balanced gut microbial ecosystem. The research further revealed that proper functioning of gut microbiota and their metabolites was a crucial element in mediating these beneficial effects against IBD, thus cementing the role of dietary interventions in managing diseases linked with gut health.
Acupuncture can regulate both innate and adaptive immunity of IBD patients, including the balance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells, and also modulate intestinal flora.
2022 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine A Review on the Immunomodulatory Mechanism of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Liu Z, Jiao Y, Yu T, Wang H, Zhang Y, Liu D, et al.
Review Article Acupuncture Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The methodology of the research revolved around a review of existing studies related to the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) via acupuncture. The broad scope of exploration focused on the effects of acupuncture on the immunomodulatory mechanism inherent in these patients. The review pursued a detailed study of how acupuncture directly influenced both the innate and adaptive immunity systems in IBD patients as well as its regulation on their intestinal flora.
The results discussion revealed that acupuncture had multiple immunomodulatory effects on IBD patients. On one hand, it influenced their innate immunity by regulating elements such as their intestinal epithelial barriers, toll-like receptors, NLRP3 inflammasomes, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. On the other hand, it affected their adaptive immunity by modulating the balance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells. Furthermore, an interesting revelation from the study was that acupuncture could also significantly regulate the intestinal flora of the patients.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescriptions (CHMPs) have demonstrated to be potentially effective in managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with a comprehensive, holistic approach.
2022 Phytomedicine Holism of Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions for inflammatory bowel disease: A review based on clinical evidence and experimental research Zhang S, Luo H, Tan D, Peng B, Zhong Z, Wang Y
Review Article Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In their methodology, the authors reviewed both preclinical and clinical researches to evaluate the effectiveness of CHMPs in treating IBD. They performed screenings of articles that highlighted the use of CHMP as a treatment option for IBD, giving them an insight into the complexity of the disease and the sophistication of CHMP treatments. Subsequently, they conducted an umbrella review of multiple meta-analyses linked to CHMPs to comprehend the efficacy of these herbal prescriptions in a clinical setting; they narrowed down from 1174 records to 12 substantial references for the review.
In discussing their results, the authors analyzed a variety of 14 CHMPs that have a historical usage background and discussed their respective mechanisms of action. They delve into the inherent characteristics of the herbs used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the CHMPs. Recognizing the holistic nature being integral to CHMP, the authors discussed how the implementation of omics, studying the gut microbiome, and network pharmacology can enhance the understanding of CHMPs' bioactions in treating IBD.
Acupuncture is shown to be a beneficial supplementary treatment for chronic abdominal pain, improving patients' quality of life and cutting healthcare costs.
2021 Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Pain Berger AA, Liu Y, Jin K, Kaneb A, Welschmeyer A, Cornett EM, et al.
Review Article Abdominal Pain Inflammatory Bowel Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The research explores the utilization of acupuncture to treat chronic abdominal pain, a condition widespread and chiefly affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This type of pain is defined by three episodes of severe abdominal pain over a span of three months. While its causes are still being looked into, it is believed to be an outcome of the chronicity of acute pain or chronic pain syndromes. A wide array of treatments for these conditions exist but often fall short of fully controlling the symptoms. Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine based on the concept of rebalancing the patient's Qi, or Ying/Yang balance, is being investigated as a complementary method.
In terms of results, acupuncture has proven effective in providing additional alleviation of symptoms, leading to improved quality of life and reduced disability for patients affected by chronic abdominal pain. While it's not a curative solution, it aids in minimizing symptoms and enhancing overall life quality. It is also considered a safe and inexpensive alternative that may result in significant healthcare savings. Notably, it's not recommended for all patients; its benefits seem to be more pronounced in a select group.
Acupuncture has shown promise as a complementary approach in treating chronic abdominal pain, providing symptom relief and improving quality of life.
2021 Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Pain Berger AA, Liu Y, Jin K, Kaneb A, Welschmeyer A, Cornett EM, et al.
Review Article Abdominal Pain Inflammatory Bowel Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The methodology revolves around applying acupuncture, a form of integrative medicine from traditional Chinese medicine, to patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain. This pain is defined as having three severe abdominal pain instances over three months, often caused by chronic acute pain or chronic pain syndromes, primarily IBS and IBD. Despite existing treatments, these often fail to control the symptoms completely, leaving room for complementary methods like acupuncture. This practice is based on rebalancing a patient's Qi, or Ying/Yang balance, previously shown effective in treating various conditions.
The results reveal that acupuncture can serve as a crucial adjunct in managing chronic abdominal pain. It is not a cure, but it significantly aids in symptom reduction and quality of life improvement. Particularly for those affected by IBS and IBD, acupuncture offers extra relief from lingering symptoms, thereby improving quality of life, decreasing disability, and potentially contributing to healthcare cost savings. Acupuncture has emerged as a safe, inexpensive, and beneficial approach for selected patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain.
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