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Executive Summary

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Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Eel" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Eel" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Eel" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A Review Article published in 2023 in the journal Food Chemistry Advances found that Pomegranate and its by-products, particularly the peel, contain bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial, anticancer and antiviral properties. In the methodological approach of the study, a comprehensive review was undertaken to collate information on the bioactive components found within pomegranates and their by-products (aril, seed, and peel). The study emphasized the pomegranate peel's properties owing to its high content of the bioactive compounds. The aim was to elucidate the nutritional and functional aspects of pomegranates, particularly as a functional food. The results outlined that pomegranates, especially their peel, contain bioactive compounds, including punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, punicic acid, and anthocyanins. Therefore, they have potential functional properties such as antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral characteristics. These results suggest that pomegranates could be explored to develop nutraceutical or functional food products due to their profound properties. The peel of the pomegranate, specifically, showcases significant potential for development due to its higher bioactive compound content compared to other parts of the fruit.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2023 in the journal Nutrition Journal found that Pomegranate peel extract, along with a calorie deficit diet, could improve risk factors of metabolic syndrome and reduce fatty liver in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In the first phase, the research involved the hydro-alcoholic extraction of the peel of 750 kilograms of pomegranate using the soaking method. The second phase saw patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease divided into two groups - a placebo group and a pomegranate peel capsule group. Both groups followed a diet with a 500 kcal deficit for eight weeks. Aspects like intolerance to the treatment, participants' dietary intake, their lipid and glycemic profiles, blood pressure, body composition, insulin resistance indexes and changes in fatty liver disease evaluated through elastography were monitored. Further, the study reported substantial decreases in multiple indicators such as body weight, waist circumference, body mass index, body fat index, trunk fat, blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol, fat free mass, and fasting blood sugar in the group that took pomegranate peel capsules compared to the placebo group. Meanwhile, HDL cholesterol and liver steatosis and stiffness saw improvement. No significant differences, however, were found in the insulin and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance between the two groups.

A Experimental Study published in 2022 in the journal The Anatomical Record found that Pomegranate has been found to alleviate morphological and functional changes in the thyroid glands induced by Lithium Carbonate by controlling apoptosis and oxidative stress. The study divided rats into four groups: control, lithium, lithium-pomegranate, and pomegranate. For eight weeks, the rats were treated according to their respective group assignments. Following this period, they were sacrificed, and an array of assessments were conducted on the extracted thyroid glands. These evaluations included estimated levels of thyroid hormones and markers indicating oxidative stress, along with histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural evaluations of the thyroid tissues. Observations in the group treated with lithium carbonate showed significant changes in thyroid hormone levels along with an increased expression of the oxidant marker and decreased expression of the antioxidant marker. Additionally, histological evaluation highlighted disorganization and follicle involution, a decline in both staining intensity and immunoreactivity of an antioxidant enzyme, an increase in collagen fiber content and Bax immunoreactivity, and marked distortions in follicular ultrastructure. However, in the group treated with both lithium carbonate and pomegranate, most of these changes were substantially mitigated, thereby indicating the potential protective role of pomegranate against lithium-induced alterations.

A Experimental Study published in 2022 in the journal Nutrients found that The ethanol extract from green kiwifruit peel enhances sleep duration and onset, proving to be a potential natural aid for treating sleep disorders. The study employed the electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram analysis methodologies in mice to investigate the sleep-promoting effects of the kiwifruit peel extract. Each participant mouse was administered with varying doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) of green kiwifruit peel ethanol extract (GKPEE) and their sleep duration, latency and onset were consistently observed and recorded. For comparison purposes, results were weighed against similar analyses conducted using diazepam, a traditional sedative-hypnotic drug. In terms of results, the findings indicated that acute administration of GKPEE significantly increased non-rapid eye movement sleep and decreased sleep latency, in a dose-dependent relationship. Moreover, the effects did not alter delta activity, differing significantly from diazepam outcomes. Notably, these effects prevailed even with sub-chronic administration over 15 days, with the EEG power density not revealing any noteworthy differences - an indicator of the absence of a tolerance phenomenon. Additionally, these results suggest an alternative usage of kiwifruit by-products from the food industry, providing possible environmental benefits.

A published in 2022 in the journal Foods found that Bananas and plantains contain compounds with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidative properties that hold promise for potentially reversing neurological disorders. The methodology of the study revolved around scrutinizing the bioactive properties found in bananas and plantains. Researchers pinpointed various neuroprotective mechanisms within commonly consumed fruits, specifically bananas and plantains. The study examined protein expression regulation and targeted specific gene pathways, including nuclear and tumor necrosis factors, extracellular signal-regulated and mitogen-activated protein kinases, activator protein-1, and the glial fibrillary acidic protein. In their investigations, they also considered the underutilized peel components of these fruits. The results suggest that the multitude of bioactive compounds found in both the pulp and peels of bananas and plantains perform a variety of beneficial neuroprotective activities. These range from acting as antioxidants, preventing cell death (anti-apoptotic), and reducing inflammation (anti-inflammatory), to directly influencing the functionality of the nervous system (neuromodulatory). This discovery implicates plant-based foods, specifically bananas and plantains, as potentially significant substances in combating, halting, or mitigating the pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that The underutilized pomegranate peel, full of abundant bioactive substances, could be repurposed for its potential health benefits like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardiovascular protection, and antibacterial activities. This paper conducts a miniature review of the characterization and physiological functions of the key bioactive compounds present in pomegranate peel. The exploration underscores the main phenolic compounds in the peel, illustrating substances such as tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, dietary fibers, alkaloids, minerals, and vitamins. A deep understanding of these components and their potential benefits is vital to the study and future applications. The research finds that these core components essentially function as antioxidants, either enhancing oxidative biomarkers or proactively neutralizing reactive oxygen species. By establishing these key functions, it essentially links these activities to a broader context of benefits, including but not limited to anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardiovascular protection, and antibacterial attributes, thereby indicating a potential for substantial health benefits. With comprehensive understanding and appropriate application of these substances, the pomegranate peels, often classified as waste, could find a new life as robust health-enhancing elements.

A Experimental Study published in 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that Co-fermentation of Ganpu tea with Chachi peel alters its chemical profile, reducing certain compounds while increasing others, thus enhancing its unique flavor. In the research, the effects of Chachi peel cofermentation on the chemical profile of Ganpu tea were examined using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE Orbitrap MS)-based qualitative and quantitative method combined with multivariate analysis. A total of 171 compounds were identified using a three-level strategy, including seven phenolic acids, 11 flavan-3-ols, and 27 flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides identified in pu-erh tea for the first time. The principal component analysis (PCA) of untargeted metabolomics and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models of targeted components revealed significant differences in the chemical profiles between raw pu-erh tea and Ganpu tea. The cofermentation process significantly reduced the total contents of phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, and flavonoid aglycone. However, most of the quercetin glycosides, myricetin glycosides, and vitexin increased significantly. Additionally, hesperidin, a flavonoid glycoside only found in Chachi, was detected in pu-erh tea for the first time after cofermentation. Hence, this process clearly impacts the chemical composition and content changes in pu-erh tea, suggesting that cofermentation accelerates the fermentation of pu-erh tea and improves its unique taste.

A Animal Study published in 2021 in the journal Journal of Medicinal Food found that Omega-3 fatty acids found in selected fish oils, particularly smoked eel, effectively managed dyslipidemia and reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors. The study began by inducing dyslipidemia through a high fat diet in a mouse model. After 30 days of this diet, all animals displayed hyperlipidemia. Subsequently, the diet was switched to consist of 90% standard rodent chow and 10% oil derived from different fish varieties (eel, sardine, cod liver, trout). This diet was maintained for the next 60 days. Blood glucose, total blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein were quantified at the end of the study period. Additionally, the fish oils' omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid percentages and ratio were taken into account by using gas chromatography. The results showed that incorporating fish oils in the diet considerably improved the hyperlipidemic state triggered by the high-fat diet. Specifically, eel and cod liver oil diets led to significant decreases in triglycerides. Meanwhile, all diets, apart from the standard rodent chow and sardine, resulted in noticeable decreases in blood glucose. Interestingly, smoked eel stood out as the best source for omega-3 fatty acids due to its optimal balance of omega-6 fatty acids, excellently alleviating the mixed hyperlipidemia induced by the high-fat diet.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2021 in the journal Advances in Integrative Medicine found that Pomegranate peel extract supplementation can decrease total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while boosting antioxidant status in obese women with knee osteoarthritis. The research was a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving 66 obese women aged 38 to 60 years old with knee osteoarthritis. These participants were split into two groups, the intervention group and control group, each containing 33 members. The intervention group received pomegranate peel extract capsules (500 mg) twice daily for 8 weeks including standard drug therapy while the control group was given a placebo during the same period. All participants' fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake data, and physical activity levels were collected both before the start and at the end of the trial. Results analysis showed that pomegranate peel extract supplementation brought down levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and an oxidative stress marker while enhancing levels of some antioxidant enzymes and the overall antioxidant capacity when compared to the control group. However, there were no noticeable alterations between the two groups in terms of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and body mass index by the end of the experiment.

A Clinical Study published in 2021 in the journal Molecules found that Pomegranate polyphenols have shown strong potential in preventing and treating breast cancer through various anti-cancer effects. The researchers conducted a systematic review of scientific literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar, that included articles written in English over the past two decades. They focused on the original research articles examining the potential role of pomegranate and its polyphenols in breast cancer prevention and treatment. In total, they selected 28 papers for review, including both clinical and preclinical studies. The research revealed that pomegranate polyphenols display potent anti-cancer properties through several mechanisms on breast cancer cells. These mechanisms include anti-estrogenic, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-metastatic effects. Additionally, pomegranate extracts could induce cell cycle arrest, cytotoxicity, and inhibit invasion in breast cancer cells. However, findings from two small clinical trials were contradicting. Overall, pomegranate was recognised as a promising natural strategy for managing breast cancer.

A Experimental Study published in 2021 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that Supplementation with standardized saffron extract improves depressive symptoms and social relationships in healthy individuals experiencing subclinical low mood and stress. The study employed a double-blind, randomized, parallel groups design involving 56 healthy male and female participants aged between 18 and 54. They received either 30 mg standardized saffron extract or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. The saffron's chronic effects on subjective feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression were evaluated using a series of questionnaires. The acute effects of saffron following exposure to a lab-based psychosocial stressor were determined through assessing psychological and physiological parameters. As part of the process, the level of crocetin, a compound found in saffron, was quantified in the participants' urine. The results indicated that individuals who received the saffron extract reported lower depression scores and improved social relationships after the 8-week period. A significant increase in urinary crocetin levels was observed with saffron supplementation, and these changes were found to be correlated with a decrease in depression scores. Additionally, the usual decrease in heart rate variability, a reaction commonly seen during the exposure to stressors, was found to be diminished after acute intake of saffron. The findings suggest that saffron extract can help improve subclinical depressive symptoms in healthy individuals and may increase resilience against the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2021 in the journal Journal of Functional Foods found that Enriching a regular diet with oat β-glucan can improve glycemic control, augment feelings of fullness, and positively modulate gut microbiota in individuals with type-2 diabetes. The research involved 37 subjects with type-2 diabetes, who were required to consume either oat β-glucan or microcrystalline cellulose as a control dietary supplement each day for a period of 12 weeks. The parameters assessed throughout the study included fasting glucose, insulin, a variety of hormones and peptides regulating appetite (like ghrelin, leptin, GLP-1, PYY), caloric intake, and the profile of their intestinal microbiota. The results indicated a decrease in HbA1c, insulin, C-peptide levels, as well as certain bacterial populations (Lactobacillus spp, and Butyrate-producing bacteria) in subjects who consumed β-glucan. Significant differences were observed in levels of certain hormones, namely leptin, GLP-1, and PYY, between the two groups. The intake of oat β-glucan emerged as a potential strategy to manage type-2 diabetes, by improving glycemic control, enhancing feelings of satiety, and fostering a healthier gut microbiota profile.

A published in 2020 in the journal Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods found that Mandarin peel oil induced preferential inhibition of human prostate cancer cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. The time-dependent induction of DNA breaks demonstrated in PC3 cells treated with MPO safe concentration-stimulated ROS generation and apoptotic DNA damage through increased expression of tumor suppressor p53 and Bax genes and decreased expression of Bcl2 and MDM2 genes. In contrast, non-significant changes were observed in the DNA integrity, ROS levels and expressions of the tested genes in the normal HFB4 cells treated with MPO. Thus, we concluded that MPO induced preferential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects toward cancerous PC3 with no noticeable toxic effects in normal HFB4 cells and therefore further in vivo studies are recommended to test its possible use as anticancer drugs.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2020 in the journal Nutrients found that Supplementation with a kudzu flower and mandarin peel extract dose of 1150 mg/day seems to be an acceptable option for reducing hot flashes symptoms, as well as improving bone turnover, compared with the placebo group, during the menopausal transition. The results of this randomized controlled clinical trial involving 84 peri- and post-menopausal women with moderate hot flashes support the hypothesis that kudzu flower and mandarin peel extract might be an effective intervention for achieving reductions in HFs and improvements in bone turnover markers, as compared with the placebo.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2020 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that Electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture show similar effectiveness in relieving plantar heel pain syndrome with no significant difference between the two modalities. In this research, participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive either electroacupuncture (EA) or manual acupuncture (MA) treatments. They underwent a course of 12 treatment sessions over a span of 4 weeks, followed by 24 weeks of follow-up. The study prioritized the assessment of treatment responders, who were identified as patients showcasing at least a 50% reduction from their initial worst pain intensity experienced during the initial steps in the morning after 4 weeks of treatment. The study encompassed 92 patients diagnosed with PHPS, enlisted between July 2018 and June 2019. A total of 78 patients (85% of the original group) successfully completed both the treatment and follow-up. The results highlight that after the 4-week treatment period, both the EA and MA groups experienced a decrease in heel pain and showed improved plantar function with no serious treatment-related adverse events. Interestingly, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of pain intensity relief or in any secondary outcomes after 4 weeks of treatment and at follow-up points at 16 and 28 weeks.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition found that Citrus peel flavonoids exhibit a remarkable spectrum of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiproliferation, antiangiogenesis, antioxidant, cell cycle regulation, and antimetastasis effects. This review has summarized a selection of the key preclinical and clinical studies that show an anticancer utility for citrus-derived flavonoids. This property is linked to the chemical structures of flavonoids, which can dramatically affect a range of molecular and cellular mechanisms for inhibiting cancer initiation and progression. Overall, citrus flavonoids act not only as free radical scavengers but also as modulators of several key molecular events implicated in cell survival and apoptosis.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Food Reviews International found that Bioactive compounds found in avocado waste products exhibit various biological properties, with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, we delved into the archived scientific research concerning bioactive compounds and their sources, particularly focusing on avocado waste products such as leaves, peels, and seeds. We identified the primary compounds found in these parts to include carotenoids, tocopherols, phytosterols and a group of natural organic structures known as polyphenols. In the results discussion, we found that the compounds discovered in avocado waste products have credible biological activities that have distinct health implications. The wastes extracts demonstrated antimicrobial properties, along with anti-inflammatory characteristics. Additionally, they showed potential anticancer, antidiabetic and antihypertensive capabilities. These findings infer that the bioactive compounds from avocado wastes may be successfully used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

A Experimental Study published in 2019 in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology found that Pomegranate extracts and a probiotic strain have shown a combined effect in reducing fat content and the development of fat cells, potentially useful in preventing and treating obesity. The study was conducted to uncover the prebiotic potential of water-soluble pomegranate extract, characterized by its phenolic content. This was done by the use of High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detector and Electrospray Ionization/Mass Spectra (HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS). The investigation also involved testing the effects of the pomegranate extract and probiotic GG ATCC 53103 strain (LGG) on the 3T3-L1 cell line, to shed light on their impact on fat production and storage within cells. The study appears to showcase that the combination treatment of pomegranate extract and LGG have substantial effects in lowering the creation and accumulation of fat within cells. It was observed that the combined treatment was most effective in reducing triglyceride content and intracellular lipid accumulation. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of the main transcriptional factors implicated in adipocyte differentiation were substantially lower in cells treated with this combination. These observations suggest a synergistic effect of probiotics and polyphenols contained in pomegranate extract, with the potential to influence fat cell development and offer benefits in addressing obesity.

A published in 2018 in the journal PeerJ found that Phytochemicals including phenolics and flavonoids in citrus peel extracts exhibited good antioxidant properties. Among the extracts, 70% AEC with highest total phenolic content and high total flavonoid content showed greatest antioxidant activity in all three assays. Different phenolic acids, organic acids and flavonoids were also identified from the extracts. This study indicated that C. sinensis peels contained potential antioxidant compounds which could be exploited as value added products in the food industry.

A Clinical Study published in 2017 in the journal Mindfulness found that iRest Yoga Nidra combined with acupuncture significantly improves psychological health in veterans compared to using acupuncture alone. The study employed iRest Yoga Nidra, a mindfulness approach that promotes relaxation and focused attention, along with acupuncture. Initially developed for military use, iRest was combined with acupuncture in this exploratory study to determine its effectiveness. Specifically, this was tested on veterans with a view to improving their psychological health. Throughout the study, the participants were exposed to principles such as non-judgment and observation of opposing feelings and emotions, along with the inclusion of these principles into their everyday life. The analysis of results showed that the combined therapy using iRest and acupuncture had a marked effect on psychological health. There were significant improvements in areas such as depression, psychological symptom severity, depression or tension as a result of pain, and the emotional interference with activities of daily life. Conversely, the group that had only undergone acupuncture treatment showed no significant benefits in these areas. Also significant was that the comfort shown by the treatment group was a moderate to high degree in contrast to the low comfort experienced by the group receiving only acupuncture. The overall treatment condition demonstrated considerable changes, with veterans reporting substantive decreases in the levels of mild, moderate, and severe depression. Additionally, it was indicated that the benefits of the combined treatment did not differ across factors such as age, gender, or race.

A Systematic Review published in 2012 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar heel pain comparable to that available for conventionally used interventions, such as stretching, night splints or dexamethasone. Five randomised controlled trials and three non-randomised comparative studies were included. High quality studies report significant benefits. In one, acupuncture was associated with significant improvement in pain and function when combined with standard treatment (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). In another, acupuncture point PC7 improved pain and pressure pain threshold significantly more than LI4. Other papers were of lower quality but suggest benefits from other acupuncture approaches.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2011 in the journal Climacteric found that Pumpkin seed oil supplementation may increase good cholesterol levels, lower diastolic blood pressure, and alleviate menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. In this pilot study employing a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled design, 35 women that were either naturally menopausal or had prematurely entered menopause due to benign surgical intervention partook. Over the span of 12 weeks, participants received either pumpkin seed oil or wheat germ oil (serving as the placebo) at a dosage of 2 grams daily. Measurements of serum lipids, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure and completion of a questionnaire regarding menopausal symptoms were taken before and after the supplementation period, and changes across these factors were evaluated. Following supplementation, women who received pumpkin seed oil displayed increased concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (commonly known as good cholesterol) and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, there was a notable decline in the severity of menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, headaches, and joint pain, thanks to this supplementation. Contrarily, symptoms of depression and feelings of being unloved heightened among women in the group that received wheat germ oil.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2011 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Acupuncture can provide pain relief to patients with plantar fasciitis. This study demonstrates that acupoint PC7 has a specific effect for treatment of plantar fasciitis, and that the method of acupuncture treatment is both simple and safe. Further studies comparing acupuncture treatment with an inert placebo and conventional treatment as parallel arms are recommended to further elucidate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for heel pain.

A Systematic Review published in 2010 in the journal Stroke found that Randomized clinical trials demonstrate that acupuncture may be effective in the treatment of poststroke rehabilitation. Randomized clinical trials demonstrate that acupuncture may be effective in the treatment of poststroke rehabilitation. Poor study quality and the possibility of publication bias hinder the strength of this recommendation and argue for a large, transparent, well-conducted randomized clinical trial to support this claim and implement changes to clinical practice.

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