Acupuncture for Mental Health

2026, Apr

Chaihu Shugan San exerts antidepressant effects by driving microglial M2 polarization via inhibition of the IL-1β/JNK signaling pathway

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

The 95% ethanol extract of CSS (CSS-95) demonstrated robust antidepressant activity by modulating neurotransmitter levels, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines. CSS-95 inhibited microglial M1 polarization, promoted M2 polarization, and inhibited the IL-1β/JNK signaling pathway, contributing to its antidepressant effects.

Ren H, Liu K, Li J, Wang J, Wang H, Zhang T, Liu L, Gao Y, Qiang F, Qu Z, Zou X Full Article

2026, May

Chaihu-Shugan San ameliorates perimenopausal obesity with depression by coordinately targeting hepatic PGC-1α/CYP8B1/PPARγ signaling and gut barrier integrity

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

CHSGS treatment significantly alleviated obesity, anxiety, depression, hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and glucose intolerance in the POD mouse model by modulating the PGC-1α/CYP8B1/PPARγ pathway and enhancing intestinal barrier integrity.

Chen Q, Liu J, Wang J, Yin T, Wu Y, Zhang T, Yu F Full Article

2026, Jun

Chaihu Shugan San alleviates depression-like behavior in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress by targeting α2δ-1-NR1 complex in hypothalamus

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Wei X, Hou L, Ban Z, Zang S, Zhang Y, Wang M, An F, Liu Y, Li DP, Wang Y, Gao Y Full Article

2026, Jun

Chaihu Shugan San exerts antidepressant effects in female mice by suppressing hippocampal IL-6 and activating the cAMP-CaMKII-BDNF pathway

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

CSS alleviated depressive-like behaviors in female mice by suppressing hippocampal IL-6 and activating the cAMP-CaMKII-BDNF neuroplasticity-related pathway, with CaMKII playing a critical role in this process.

Liu X, Luo B, Gao L, Zhang L, Li X, Lu Q, Zhang J, Zhu J, Qian J, Shan C, Luo T, Liang YY, Liu Y, Han W Full Article

2026, Jan

Zhichi Suanzaoren Decoction alleviates perimenopausal insomnia via restoring astrocytic primary cilia and modulating Wnt/GSK-3β/GR signaling axis

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

ZSD significantly improved sleep and reduced anxiety, increased hippocampal GABA levels, decreased serum stress hormone levels, protected hippocampal neurons, and reduced neuroinflammation through the inhibition of Wnt signaling by promoting Foxj1 expression.

Zhang Z, Liu Y, Zhao B, Fu H, Wang J, Zhang MJ, Zhang Y, Hu L, Zhang X Full Article

2026, Feb

Revealing the mechanism of suanzaoren tang against insomnia via integrated metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

Suanzaoren Tang modulates the gut microbiota-metabolome-brain axis and glial cell activity, restoring neurotransmitter balance, attenuating oxidative stress, and suppressing neuroinflammation in an insomnia model in rats induced by PCPA.

Fang H, Wang YH, Yang L, Che YH, Liu FL, Liu H Full Article

2026, Jul

Suanzao Ren Decoction Alleviates Anxiety‐Like Behavior and Cognitive Dysfunction in Chronic Unpredictable Stress Rats by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Autophagy

Brain and Behavior

Suanzao Ren Decoction significantly improved anxiety behavior, cognitive function, and histopathological changes in the hippocampus of CUS rats, possibly by inhibiting oxidative stress and autophagy processes.

Luo T, Xiang G, Liu Q Full Article

2026, Jan 30

Clinical evaluation of Suanzaoren decoction for sleep disturbance and cancer-related fatigue in patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy: A retrospective study

Medicine

Patients who received SZRD had significantly lower PSQI scores and reduced fatigue levels compared to the control group, with some improvements in objective sleep parameters observed as well.

Yang H, Zhou L, Huang Y, Yang T Full Article

2026, Jan

Suanzaoren decoction improving chronic insomnia with little effects on functional connectivity within the sensorimotor network

Brain Research

CID patients exhibited abnormal SMN-related intrinsic function and associated biological correlates, with aberrant SMN activity being a distinctive neuroimaging feature of CID. Estazolam affected SMN activity, while SZRD had little influence on SMN-related alterations.

Yao P, Guo Z, Han Y, Yan H, Lin W, Han Z, Liu M, Chen M, Li J, Guo X, Cui LB, Guo W, Lv D Full Article

2026, May

Altered Effective Connectivity of Precuneus Subregions and Associated Gene Profiles in Chronic Insomnia Disorder Patients Before and After Treatment

Brain and Behavior

The bidirectional effective connectivity between the precuneus and regions in the sensory-motor and visual networks in chronic insomnia disorder patients reflect hyperarousal states and compensatory responses, with traditional Chinese medicine tending to alleviate hyperarousal and benzodiazepines inducing adaptive regulation.

Guo Z, Zhang L, Han Y, Yan H, Yao P, Lv D, Yuan Y, Zhao J, Chen L, Guo W Full Article

2026, Nov

Altered default mode network homogeneity in chronic insomnia disorder: modulation by modified suanzaoren decoction and estazolam, and machine learning classification

Brain Research

CID patients showed abnormal NH in DMN nodes compared to healthy controls, with treatment leading to increased NH in certain regions, and a unique effect of MSZRD on a prefrontal regulatory hub.

Wei S, Zhang L, Chen X, Han Y, Lv D, Yao P, Chen L, Yuan Y, Zhao J, Ou Y, Guo Z, Guo W Full Article

2026, Mar 18

The Role of Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Attenuating Anxiety and Stress Symptoms in PTSD: A Systematic Review

Current Neuropharmacology

Wal A, Chellammal HSJ, Verma R, Vig H, Mishra S, Wal P, Kumar A, Ashesh AM, Gasmi A Full Article

2026, Jun 28

Potential Targets for Scalp Acupuncture and Brain Stimulation in Mental Disorders: Evidence From Large-Scale Meta-Analyses

Alpha Psychiatry

The analyses successfully delineated scalp targets for nine mental disorders, suggested novel regions as potential therapeutic targets, and identified critical overlapping targets in comorbid mental disorders.

Li Y, Feng Y, Wu Y, Kong Q, Zhang B, Liu Y, Yu S, Liu J, Cao J, Jeong P, Cui F, Kong J Full Article

2026, Jul 07

Combining electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for psychiatric disorders in women victims of domestic violence: An assessor‐blinded, randomised controlled trial

General Psychiatry

The EA + TEAS group had significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms, PTSD, perceived stress, insomnia, and improvements in quality of life compared to the care as usual (CAU) group, with higher rates of clinical response and remission at the endpoint.

Yang S, Mok WC, Cheung DST, Tiwari A, Cheng CPW, Chen H, Qin Z, Chan MY, Hu X, Yu KC, Chan PY, Li W, Liu SN, Gu MQ, Yang X, Lee D, Sin SH, Zhang ZJ Full Article

2026, Jan 16

The efficacy of acupuncture treatment for fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Frontiers in Medicine

Acupuncture intervention in FMS patients resulted in significantly lower VAS scores, FIQ scores, and number of pain points, as well as improvements in depression and fatigue.

Ye Z, Xue C, Liu Q, Li X, Yu T, Wei H Full Article

2026, Feb

Efficacy of Acupuncture in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

Journal of Pain Research American Society of Pain & Neuroscience

Acupuncture significantly improved pain and stiffness in the short term, with benefits remaining statistically significant during long-term follow-up. Additional benefits were observed in quality of life, mental health, work ability, anxiety, depression, and energy in the short term. Acupuncture with electrical stimulation provided further benefits in reducing fatigue and number of tender points (NTP), while high-session-frequency acupuncture was associated with improved physical function.

Jin L, Zhou Y, Li L, Song F, Zhou Y Full Article

2025, Aug

Comparative Effects of Two Acupuncture Protocols in the Management of Chronic Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nature and Science of Sleep

Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for improving sleep and daytime functioning in patients with chronic insomnia, and the protocol using HT7, BL15, LR3, and BL18 may provide additional benefits in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Li L, Xia M, Chen X, Wang F, Li J, Zhao N, Liu Z, Chen Y Full Article

2025, Jul

Electroacupuncture at ST36/SP6 Restores Surgical Stress‐Induced Impairment of Dendritic Cell Maturation via GR/GILZ Signaling in Mice

Immunity, Inflammation and Disease

Application of electroacupuncture at the Zusanli and Sanyinjiao acupoints mitigates the suppressive effects of surgical stress on dendritic cell maturation through the glucocorticoid receptor and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper signaling pathway during surgery.

Jiang M, Liu C, Zhang Y, Li S, Li Y, Zhou C Full Article

2025, Mar 10

Comparison of the effect of teaching coping skills and acupressure on premenstrual stress: a randomized controlled trial

Discover Mental Health

Coping skills training and acupressure reduced premenstrual stress symptoms, with coping skills training promoting more logical responses and reduced anxiety, depression, physical problems, and social problems, while acupressure provided a non-invasive complementary option for young women.

Mirghafourvand M, Abdolalipour S, Mohamadi Bolbanabad A, Manouchehri B Full Article

2025, Feb 16

Chaihu Shugan San Exerts Antidepressant Effects by Regulating Glucocorticoid Metabolism in CUMS Rats and Network Pharmacology Provides Complementary Mechanistic Insights

ACS Omega

Chaihu Shugan San improved depressive symptoms in rats by regulating glucocorticoid metabolism, restoring glucocorticoid signaling, reducing inflammation, and modulating related signaling pathways, with effects in the liver and prefrontal cortex that were stronger than those of fluoxetine.

Xu Y, Han X, Zhu Y, Deng B, Li L, Du Y, Qin Y, Lv Y, Zhai X Full Article

2025, Apr

Efficacy and Potential Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Formula Chaihu Shugan Powder on Animal Models of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics

The study concluded that CSP has significant effects on various behaviors related to depression in animal models, such as forced swimming test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), and body weight.

Wu L, Deng Y, Yu L, Peng W, Li Y, Feng Y, Chen L, Huang P, Chen B Full Article

2025, Apr

Ferulic acid in Chaihu Shugan San modulates depression-like behavior, endothelial and gastrointestinal dysfunction in rats via the Ghrl-Edn1/Mecp2/P-mTOR/VEGFA pathway: A multi-omics study

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

CSS and FA significantly mitigate acute forced swimming-induced abnormalities in rats, ameliorate depression, endothelial dysfunction, and gastrointestinal dysregulation, along with inflammation and oxidative stress-related biomarker levels. FA's antioxidative mechanisms within endothelial cells are also highlighted.

Xu M, Zhang Q, Zhou L, Cai Y, Liu H, Zhao Q, Tian J, Huang Y, Ren P, Huang X Full Article

2025, May

Chaihu-Shugan-San alleviates post-stroke depression in mice: Mechanistic insights into exosome-mediated neuroprotection

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

CSS treatment significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors in the PSD mouse model by modulating exosome-mediated signaling, reversing abnormal miRNA expression, reducing neuroinflammation, and improving synaptic function.

Wu Q, Xie Z, Cao X, Hu D, Sheng L, Guo X, Yan D, Ding C, Li C, Xiao J, Liu C, Wu K, Gong Y, Fan Q, Wang Q, Liu J, Liu Y Full Article

2025, Jul

Regulation of inflammation by Chaihu-Shugan-San: Targeting the IL-17/ NF-κB pathway to combat breast cancer-related depression

Phytomedicine

CSS treatment significantly improved depression-like behaviors and retarded tumor growth in mice, with outcomes indicating that CSS inhibits the IL-17/ NF-κB pathway, facilitates the transformation of microglia from M1 to M2 phenotype, and reduces neuroinflammation by targeting IL-17.

Qu Z, Li H, Qiang F, Liu K, Wu S, Li J, Zou X Full Article

2025, Dec

Combined cell membrane solid-phase chromatography and microdialysis-based metabolomics to explore the material basis of Chaihu Shugan San against post-stroke depression

Fitoterapia

The study concluded that 8 specific binding components of CSS were identified to protect HT22 cells and increase BDNF levels, with glutathione metabolism potentially being a key pathway for CSS anti-PSD.

Nie C, Pei D, Huang J, Chen S, Deng Q, Zeng K, Zhou X, Liu W, Zhu L, Zhang Y Full Article

2025, Sept

Chaihu Shugan San formula alleviates psychological stress-induced ovarian cancer susceptibility by inhibiting ubiquitin degradation of TLR2 in macrophages

Phytomedicine

Psychosocial stress promotes lipid peroxidation in macrophages, leading to ubiquitin degradation of TLR2, impairing macrophage phagocytosis and increasing ovarian cancer susceptibility. CHSGS disrupts TLR2 degradation by MARCH6, restoring macrophage function. Baicalin in CHSGS alleviates stress-induced impairment of macrophage phagocytosis by inhibiting TLR2/MARCH6 binding.

Wu F, Liu Y, Luo GQ, Huang DH, Liang WL, Cao SX, Niu J, Kurihara H, Zhang XH, Li YF, Jin W, Luo X, Wu YP, He RR, Liang L Full Article

2025, Jan

Mechanistic insights into Suanzaoren Decoction's improvement of cardiac contractile function in anxiety-induced cardiac insufficiency

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Suanzaoren Decoction (SD) was found to exert anxiolytic effects and mitigate cardiac insufficiency by enhancing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and reducing cardiomyocyte damage and inflammation. The therapeutic mechanism involves modulation of the Ca/CaMKII/MEF2 and GATA4 signaling pathways.

Zhang Y, Jin Y, Zhao N, Wang T, Wang X, Li Z, Yan Y Full Article

2025, Oct 24

Suanzaoren Decoction Alleviates Anxiety- and Depression-Like Behaviors Induced by Chronic Restraint Stress via Regulating Pyramidal Neuron Activity in Basolateral Amygdala of Mice

Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine

Chen C, Gao Y, Fang Q, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Wu J, Chen H, Wang L, Chen L Full Article

2025, Jun 06

Exploring the neuroprotective mechanisms of Jiawei Suanzaoren decoction in depression: insights from network pharmacology and molecular docking

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

Ma R, Zhang W, Chen L, Tong L Full Article

2025, Jan 29

Jiawei Suanzaoren decoction for the treatment of perimenopausal insomnia: clinical observation and experimental study

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Jiawei Suanzaoren Tang showed significant clinical therapeutic effects on perimenopausal yin deficiency and fire excess type insomnia, with improvements in sleep condition and hormone levels. Mechanistically, it may regulate neuroactive ligand receptor interactions to improve sleep and affect hormone levels and receptor expression in the hypothalamus.

Chen LQ, Zhou YC, Ning F, Zhu MJ Full Article

2025, May 18

Altered cerebral functional activity and its associated genetic profiles underlying chronic insomnia disorder before and after treatment

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry

Patients with chronic insomnia disorder showed altered functional activity in specific brain regions, with pharmacotherapy leading to changes in activity levels in the left middle occipital gyrus; altered neural activity in default mode, frontoparietal, and visual networks may play a role in pathogenesis and treatment mechanisms of chronic insomnia disorder.

Zhang L, Guo Z, Han Y, Yan H, Lv D, Yao P, Zhao J, Chen L, Guo W Full Article

2025, Aug

Prediction of treatment efficacy in the suanzaoren decoction and estazolam for chronic insomnia disorder, along with brain function and cognitive changes before and after treatment, and potential gene expression profiles

Asian Journal of Psychiatry

The study found that both suanzaoren decoction and estazolam improved sleep duration and efficiency in patients with chronic insomnia disorder. Suanzaoren decoction showed decreased ReHo values in certain brain regions, while estazolam did not produce significant changes. Machine learning models successfully predicted changes in sleep quality scores, and genes associated with the imaging results were identified.

Li T, Han Y, Yan H, Lv D, Yao P, Chen L, Yuan Y, Zhao J, Guo W, Guo Z, Lang B Full Article

2025, Jul 24

Clinical efficacy of modified suanzaoren decoction compared to esazolam tablets in the treatment of chronic insomnia disorder

Frontiers in Psychiatry

Yao P, Guo X, Guo Z, Lin W, Liu M, Chen M, Li J, Cui LB, Lv D Full Article

2025, Dec

Comparative Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: A Network Meta-Analysis

Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment

The study concludes that non-pharmacological interventions, especially exercise combined with psychotherapy, acupuncture, and exercise alone, show promise in improving symptoms of postpartum depression, with exercise combined with psychotherapy being the most effective.

Zhu Y, Yang W, Li N, Yang J, Yang J, Zheng Y, Chen W, Yang Y, Liu Y, Zhao Y Full Article

2025, May 21

Effectiveness of acupuncture on clinical outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Acupuncture showed statistically significant differences in pain intensity, functional status, and depression symptoms compared to pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy interventions, but the differences were not clinically important in patients with FM with low to very low-quality evidence.

Araya-Quintanilla F, Cuyul-Vásquez I, Méndez-Rebolledo G, Álvarez-Bueno C, Serrat M, Gutiérrez-Espinoza H Full Article

2024, Aug 17

Electroacupuncture negatively regulates the Nesfatin-1/ERK/CREB pathway to alleviate HPA axis hyperactivity and anxiety-like behaviors caused by surgical trauma

Chinese Medicine International Society for Chinese Medicine

Electroacupuncture alleviates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity and anxiety-like behaviors caused by surgical trauma by inhibiting the hypothalamic Nesfatin-1/extracellular regulated protein kinases/cAMP-response element binding protein pathway.

Zheng J, Wang Y, Zhang C, Zhang A, Zhou Y, Xu Y, Yu J, Tian Z Full Article

2024, Jan 15

The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health

Ice application to the SP6 point during the first stage of childbirth reduced labor pain and anxiety and increased comfort without causing adverse events, indicating that it is a safe and effective midwifery intervention.

Türkmen H, Çetinkaya S, Kiliç H, Tuna SD, Şirvanci M, Mutlu H Full Article

2024, Apr

Restoring brain health: Electroacupuncture at GB20 and LR3 for migraine mitigation through mitochondrial restoration

Brain Circulation

Electroacupuncture at GB20 and LR3 may treat migraine by alleviating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing pain-related behaviors, modulating migraine-associated mediators, and mitigating mitochondrial damage and reactive oxygen species accumulation.

Luo J, Feng L, Wang L, Fang Z, Lang J, Lang B Full Article

2024, Jun

Tianma-Gouteng pair ameliorates the cognitive deficits on two transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

TGP demonstrated neuroprotective effects against AD by ameliorating anxiety-like behavior, recognition memory deficits, and spatial learning ability, reducing Aβ accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation, and decreasing neuroinflammation in both transgenic mouse models.

Zhong M, Xu QQ, Hu Z, Yang W, Lin ZX, Xian YF Full Article

2024, May 11

Rapid Antidepressant-Like Potential of Chaihu Shugan San Depends on Suppressing Glutamate Neurotransmission and Activating Synaptic Proteins in Hippocampus of Female Mice

Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine

Chaihu Shugan San produced rapid antidepressant effects by improving behavioral deficits in female mice exposed to chronic mild stress, through rapid suppression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and activation of synaptic proteins.

Lu C, Gao Z, Xing S, Wang H, Huang Y, Zhou H, Wu L Full Article

2024, Dec

Chaihu-Shugan-San Ameliorated Osteoporosis of Mice with Depressive Behavior Caused by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress via Repressing Neuroinflammation and HPA Activity

Drug Design, Development and Therapy

Chronic stress-induced depression resulted in bone disorders progressing to osteoporosis, while Chaihu-Shugan-San benefited skeletal tissue by ameliorating neuroinflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis overactivity in depressed mice.

He MC, Xia SH, Pan H, Zhou TT, Wang XL, Li JM, Li XM, Zhang Y Full Article

2024, Mar

Effect of Chaihu-Shugan-San on functional dyspepsia and gut microbiota: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS) was found to be more effective than a placebo in treating FD, improving dyspepsia symptoms, increasing gastric emptying rate, relieving anxiety and depression, and modulating the bacterial community structure in FD patients.

Wang Y, Jia Y, Liu X, Yang K, Lin Y, Shao Q, Ling J Full Article

2024, Jun 28

Effectiveness and safety of Chaihu-Shugan-San for treating depression based on clinical cases: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Medicine

CSS combined with antidepressants was found to be more effective and safer for treating depressed patients compared to traditional antidepressants. Mendelian randomization suggested a causal relationship between amitriptyline and body mass index.

Zhang X, Zhao Q, Wang Y, Mao Y, Sun Y, Bian X Full Article

2024, Oct 04

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine compound “Chaihu Shugan Powder” in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome

Medicine

Chaihu Shugan Powder (CSP) has 75 identified common targets relevant to the treatment of PMS, with 17 specific signaling pathways elucidated as potential molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects.

Chu Z, Gao M, Wang J, Yuan G, Wang M, Gao D Full Article

2024, Dec 27

Research progress on Chaihu Shugan San in treating perimenopausal syndrome: A review

Medicine

Chaihu Shugan San (CSS) has been confirmed to have a significant effect on the treatment of PMS based on numerous clinical experiments and pharmacological studies, providing potential guidance for clinical application and future research.

Zhang X, Luo L, Wang C, Lv W, Duan Y, Kong L Full Article

2024, Jan

Research on the mechanism of antidepressive effect of Suanzaoren Decoction through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

SZRD treatment significantly reversed depression-like behaviors in rats, decreased inflammatory factors, increased expression of BDNF, SYP, PSD95, inhibited TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, and may regulate antidepressant effects by modulation of these pathways.

Du Y, Yan T, Wu B, He B, Jia Y Full Article

2024, Jan

Screening the components in multi-biological samples and the comparative pharmacokinetic study in healthy and depression model rats of Suan-Zao-Ren decoction combined with a network pharmacology

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

A total of 115 components were identified in healthy rats and 101 in model rats, with main metabolic pathways including dehydrogenation, oxidation, and conjugation reactions. Network pharmacological study identified 10 components and 10 core targets related to key pathways, showing differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of active components between healthy and depressed rats.

Du Y, Wang J, Jiang L, Li J, Li J, Ren C, Yan T, Jia Y, He B Full Article

2024, Jan 01

Suanzaoren decoction exerts its antidepressant effect via the CaMK signaling pathway

Translational Neuroscience

Zhang X, Guo J, Zhang C, Wang W, Du S, Tian X Full Article

2024, Oct 11

Integrated gut microbiome and metabolomic analyses elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of Suanzaoren decoction in insomnia and depression models

Frontiers in Neuroscience

Suanzaoren Decoction improved insomnia symptoms in rat models with low-dose administration and alleviated depressive behaviors with high-dose administration by modulating gut microbiome dysbiosis and restoring metabolic imbalances.

Zhang H, Gao T, Zhao F, Wang N, Li Z, Qin X, Liu Y, Wang R Full Article

2024, Jan

Jiawei-Xiaoyao pill elicits a rapid antidepressant effect, dependent on activating CaMKII/mTOR/BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Zhang H, Sun Y, Huang Z, Wu Z, Ying Y, Liu R, Lin J, Li C, Chen G Full Article

2024, Jun

Uncovering the effect and mechanism of Jiawei Xiaoyao Wan in treating breast cancer complicated with depression based on network pharmacology and experimental analysis

Phytomedicine

Bai Y, Niu L, Song L, Dai G, Zhang W, He B, San W, Li S Full Article

2024, Dec

A refined formula derived from Jiawei-Xiaoyao pill exerts rapid antidepressant-like effects in LPS-induced depression by reducing neuroinflammation and restoring neuroplasticity signaling

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Wu Z, Yin Y, Liu R, Li X, Sun Y, Yau S, Wu L, Liu Y, Adzic M, Zhang H, Chen G Full Article

2024, Jan

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanistic Insights of Anshen Dingzhi Prescription on Breast Cancer-Related PTSD Through Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Integrative Cancer Therapies

The results showed that ADP treatment led to decreased symptoms of PTSD, improved sleep quality, reduced depression and anxiety levels, increased quality of life, and had positive effects on serum cortisol, TNF-α, IL-1β, and BDNF levels. The overall treatment efficacy was better in the treatment group compared to the control group, with lower incidence of adverse effects.

Zhang H, Zhu Y, Zhu G, Yang S Full Article

2024, Nov

Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Brief Telehealth Intervention for Individuals With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services

ABT significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety, and improved trauma-related cognition, suggesting that acupuncture combined with a brief telehealth-based treatment program (BREATHE) is beneficial for individuals with PTSD.

Lu W, Chen Y, Gao N, Wang K, Srijeyanthan J, Beninato J, Oursler J, Lin KWR, Ben-Ari TZ, Ray S, Caldwell B Full Article

2024, Oct 15

Associations Between Sleep Disorders and Treatment Response in Service Members With Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms: A Secondary Outcome Analysis

Military Medicine

Results showed that the presence of sleep disorder symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea, and insomnia influenced the response to post-traumatic stress symptoms treatment in post-deployment military service members.

Abanes JJ, Raiciulescu S Full Article

2024, Dec 02

Acupuncture and related therapies for anxiety and depression in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency and diminished ovarian reserve: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Frontiers in Psychiatry

Huang S, Zhang D, Shi X, Zhang Y, Wang X, She Y, Liang C, Li X, Zaslawski C Full Article

2024, Sept

Inadequate Evidence for Acupuncture as an Alternative or Adjunct to Antidepressants/Psychotherapy for Postpartum Depression: A Bayesian Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment

Acupuncture, psychotherapy, and antidepressants showed comparable efficacy in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in PPD patients, with acupuncture combined with psychotherapy offering superior safety profile. However, the quality of evidence was low due to bias and small sample sizes.

Zhao FY, Li L, Xu P, Zhang WJ, Kennedy G, Zheng Z, Wang YM, Yue LP, Ho YS, Fu QQ, Conduit R Full Article

2023, Jan 18

The effects of acupuncture on clinical efficacy and steady-state visual evoked potentials in insomnia patients with emotional disorders: A randomized single-blind sham-controlled trial

Frontiers in Neurology

Acupuncture had good clinical effects in patients with insomnia and mood disorders, improving sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and treatment effectiveness while significantly regulating abnormally excited brain potentials.

Zhang L, Deng Y, Hui R, Tang Y, Yu S, Li Y, Hu Y, Li N Full Article

2023, Nov 21

The Impact and Correlation of Anxiety and Depression on Pressure Pain Threshold of Acupoints in Patients with Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pain Research and Management

Anxiety and depression can affect the pressure pain thresholds of some acupoints in patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, potentially providing a reference for acupoint selection in acupuncture treatment of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease with emotional disorders.

Liao C, Tan Y, Wang K, Wen X, Hu X, Huang Y, Li Y Full Article

2023, Sept

Moxibustion for medical personnel with negative emotion and insomnia during COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized, controlled trial

Integrative Medicine Research Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine

Moxibustion at the Sanyinjiao acupoint may improve anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep quality, and quality of life in healthcare workers during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic without significant adverse effects.

Li X, Li X, Wang X, Yin X, Li S, Wu J, Ren X, Zhang W, Mi Y, Xu S Full Article

2023, Aug

Reporting quality and risk of bias assessment of animal research on Chaihu-Shugan-San for depression: A systematic review

Heliyon

The included animal studies exhibited methodological defects and imprecise reporting, with substantial unclear and high risks of bias.

Zhu X, Liu Q, Cao M, Feng Z Full Article

2023, Jul

Screening the effective components of Suanzaoren decoction on the treatment of chronic restraint stress induced anxiety-like mice by integrated chinmedomics and network pharmacology

Phytomedicine

SZRD exerted anxiolytic and sedative effects in a mouse model of anxiety induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS) by improving neurotransmitter levels, increasing serum corticosterone and corticotropin-releasing hormone, and affecting sleep patterns. A total of 110 components were identified in SZRD, with 20 absorbed in the blood, and 21 serum biomarkers were found to be involved in various metabolic pathways. A multivariate network was constructed to depict the prescription-effective components-targets-pathway of SZRD in treating anxiety.

Yan Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Wang H, Qin X, Zhai K, Du C Full Article

2023, Dec

Suanzaoren decoction improves depressive-like behaviors by regulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis via inhibiting TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 inflammation signal pathway

Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy

SZRD treatment effectively ameliorated depressive-like behaviors in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice, reduced activation of the TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in the brain and colon, inhibited histopathological damage in the hippocampus and colon, and reduced dysbiosis of the intestinal flora in depressive mice.

Du Y, He B, Wu B, Yan T, Jia Y Full Article

2023, Oct 06

Modified Suanzaoren decoction in treating post-stroke cognitive impairment with comorbid insomnia symptoms: A clinical trial

Medicine

Modified Suanzaoren decoction was found to be more effective than zolpidem in improving cognitive function, depression state, and reducing cortisol levels in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment and comorbid insomnia symptoms.

Zhu M, Pan G, Luo F, Sui S, Zhang Y Full Article

2023, Jun 01

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological traditional Chinese medicine combined with conventional therapy in treating fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Frontiers in Neuroscience

Non-pharmacological TCM combined with conventional therapy was more effective in alleviating pain and improving health status than conventional therapy alone in fibromyalgia patients, although concerns remain over safety and clinical application.

Cai L, Chen Z, Liang J, Song Y, Yu H, Zhu J, Wu Q, Zhou X, Du Q Full Article

2023, Oct 09

Effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials

International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases

TCE significantly alleviated pain, improved quality of life, improved qualities of sleep, and relieved depression in patients with FMS.

Du M, Hou X, Lu S, Kang T, Li Y, Wang R Full Article

2023, Sept

Effects of Pueraria lobata root and Glycine max (L.) Merrill extracts fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the depressive-like behavior in ovariectomized mice via upregulation of hippocampal BDNF

Journal of Functional Foods

Fermented P. lobata root extract (FPE), fermented G. max (L.) Merrill extract (FGE), and a mixture of the two extracts (FPE-FGE) can be used as a raw material for the development of dietary supplements for menopausal women as they increase ERβ expression and alleviate depressive-like behavior through the regulation of BDNF and neurotransmitters.

Ha J, Jang HM, Choi I Full Article

2023, May

Effect of Guizhi Fuling Wan in primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

The study concludes that GFW significantly alleviated the severity of menstrual pain in PD patients with the heat-burning blood-stasis syndrome, as evidenced by a significant decrease in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain intensity, Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale (CMSS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores compared to the placebo group. No significant differences were observed in Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores between the two groups, and no serious adverse events were reported.

Luo Y, Mao P, Chen P, Li C, Fu X, Zhuang M Full Article

2023, Mar

Acupuncture as an Adjunct Treatment to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Sleep Medicine Clinics

The study concludes that there is growing evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating insomnia and comorbid conditions, and further research is needed to explore its potential as an adjunct to CBT-I.

Kutana S, Mao JJ, Garland SN Full Article

2023, Feb 06

Acupuncture for comorbid depression and insomnia in perimenopause: A feasibility patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, and sham-controlled clinical trial

Frontiers in Public Health

Acupuncture is safe and can contribute to clinically relevant improvements in comorbid PMD and PMI, with satisfactory short-and medium-term effects. Whether the anti-depressive benefit of acupuncture is specific or non-specific remains to be determined. No evidence was found for any longer-term benefit of acupuncture compared to sham at 16 weeks. Further research is required to elucidate mechanisms underlying the short to medium term effects of acupuncture.

Zhao FY, Zheng Z, Fu QQ, Conduit R, Xu H, Wang HR, Huang YL, Jiang T, Zhang WJ, Kennedy GA Full Article

2023, Feb 16

Acupuncture and moxibustion in patients with cancer-related insomnia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Frontiers in Psychiatry

Acupuncture and moxibustion are effective and relatively safe in treating CRI. However, the methodological quality of the included studies was generally poor, and further high-quality RCTs are needed to strengthen the evidence base.

Ou Y, Lin D, Ni X, Li S, Wu K, Yuan L, Rong J, Feng C, Liu J, Yu Y, Wang X, Wang L, Tang Z, Zhao L Full Article

2022, Jan 17

Proteomics Study Reveals the Anti-Depressive Mechanisms and the Compatibility Advantage of Chaihu-Shugan-San in a Rat Model of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Chaihu-Shugan-San treats depression through multiple targets and pathways, including regulation of differentially expressed proteins and neurotransmitter transmission cycles, while its compatibility advantages over Shu Gan and Rou Gan may involve 22 uniquely affected proteins and the gamma-aminobutyric acid pathway.

Zhu X, Li T, Hu E, Duan L, Zhang C, Wang Y, Tang T, Yang Z, Fan R Full Article

2022, Oct 19

Chaihu-shugan-san alleviates depression-like behavior in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress by altering the gut microbiota and levels of the bile acids hyocholic acid and 7-ketoDCA

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Chaihu-Shugan-San increases intestinal Parabacteroides distasonis abundance, elevates circulating secondary bile acids, and alters hippocampal genes involved in bile acid transport and neurotrophic signaling, with the gut microbiota-brain axis contributing to its antidepressant effects through modulation of bile acid metabolism.

Ma C, Yuan D, Renaud SJ, Zhou T, Yang F, Liou Y, Qiu X, Zhou L, Guo Y Full Article

2022, Dec

Novel hypnotics of Japanese traditional herbal medicines to caffeine-induced insomnia in Drosophila by using Newly-developed automated sleep and rhythm analysis system (AutoCircaS)

Gene

The study concluded that AutoCircaS is effective in detecting caffeine-induced insomnia in flies under different conditions and identified certain traditional herbal medicines that can improve sleep disturbances in Drosophila.

Inoue E, Suzuki T, Nakayama T, Yoshimura T, Sudo K, Shimizu Y, Iwaki Y, Kawasaki H, Ishida N Full Article

2022, May

Sansoninto attenuates aggressive behavior and increases levels of homovanillic acid, a dopamine metabolite, in social isolation-reared mice

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

SST attenuated stress-induced aggressive behavior in socially isolated mice, increased levels of homovanillic acid, and toned down dopaminergic signaling, suggesting its potential use in treating aggressive behavior in individuals with neurotic symptoms.

Watanabe T, Iba H, Moriyama H, Kubota K, Katsurabayashi S, Iwasaki K Full Article

2022, Apr

Jia Wei Xiao Yao San ameliorates chronic stress-induced depression-like behaviors in mice by regulating the gut microbiome and brain metabolome in relation to purine metabolism

Phytomedicine

Ji S, Han S, Yu L, Du L, You Y, Chen J, Wang M, Wu S, Li S, Sun X, Luo R, Zhao X Full Article

2022, Jul 18

Integrated Plasma Metabolomics and Gut Microbiota Analysis: The Intervention Effect of Jiawei Xiaoyao San on Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency Liver Cancer Rats

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Li Z, Zhao Y, Cheng J, Xu L, Wen X, Sun Y, Xia M, He Y Full Article

2022, Aug 11

Efficacy of Dry Needling and Acupuncture in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health International Society Doctors for the Environment

Both acupuncture and dry needling therapies were found to be effective in reducing pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, stiffness, quality of sleep, and quality of life in patients with FM in the short term, but there was no direct comparison between the two techniques.

Valera-Calero JA, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Navarro-Santana MJ, Plaza-Manzano G Full Article

2022, May 05

Evidence and Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Coronary Heart Disease Patients With Anxiety or Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) exhibited an obvious efficacy in treating coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with anxiety or depression, especially for improving the symptom of angina pectoris. The most active compounds of CHM could simultaneously act on the pathological targets of CHD, anxiety, and depression. Multiple effective components and multiple targets were the advantages of CHM compared with WM.

Wang B, Teng Y, Li Y, Lai S, Wu Y, Chen S, Li T, Han X, Zhou H, Wang Y, Lu Z, Li H, Ding Y, Ma L, Zhao M, Wang X Full Article

2022, Dec 27

A Chinese Classical Prescription Chaihu Shugan Powder in Treatment of Post-Stroke Depression: An Overview

Medicina

CHSG shows promising clinical efficacy and mechanisms of action in treating PSD, providing a potential alternative to traditional antidepressant medications.

Gao Z, Wang Y, Yu H Full Article

2022, Jan 01

A comprehensive review on potential pharmacological activities of Morinda citrifolia Linn. for the treatment of central nervous system disorders

Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results

The study concluded that Noni fruit extracts have antidepressant effects by inhibiting MAO enzymes, antipsychotic activity by inhibiting dopaminergic receptors, anxiolytic activity when combined with benzodiazepine and MMC in mouse models, nootropic activity by inhibiting acetylcholine esterase enzyme, anticraving activity against alcohol dependence, and neuroprotective activity in reducing brain damage caused by reperfusion injury.

Asiya Begum, Vijayapandi Pandy, Jithendra Chimakurthy, Rama Rao Nadendla Full Article

2022, Apr

The association study of chemical compositions and their pharmacological effects of Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu), a potential traditional Chinese medicine for treating depression

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Cyperi Rhizoma (CR) could be a significant potential herbal medicine to develop antidepressant drugs with lower side effects.

Lu J, Li W, Gao T, Wang S, Fu C, Wang S Full Article

2022, Apr

Potential Mechanisms and Clinical Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Depression

Current Neuropharmacology

In summary, substantial evidence from animal and human researches supported the beneficial effect of acupuncture in depression.

Yang NN, Lin LL, Li YJ, Li HP, Cao Y, Tan CX, Hao XW, Ma SM, Wang L, Liu CZ Full Article

2022, Jun 27

Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction Combined with Mirtazapine in the Treatment of Persistent Depression: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction combined with mirtazapine effectively treats persistent depressive disorder (PDD), and its curative effect is better than that of TCM alone.

Xin Li, Xiuyu Li, Man Gong, Chaoqun Li, Jing Li, Chao Zhou, Tingting He Full Article

2022, Jul 14

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Functional Dyspepsia With Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Neuroscience

The current evidence shows that CHM treatment has great potential and safety in alleviating the symptoms of FD and improving the psychological disorders of anxiety and depression in patients with FD.

Luo X, Wang L, Fang S, Qing X, Jiang T, Yang Y, Su X, Wei W Full Article

2022, Jan 20

Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine Xiao Yao San in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Our study showed that Xiao-Yao-San (XYS) was effective in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional constipation (FC), which could reduce the overall symptom score,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores of patients and reduce the recurrence rate. Therefore, XYS may be a potential candidate for the treatment of FGIDs.

Liu Q, Shi Z, Zhang T, Jiang T, Luo X, Su X, Yang Y and Wei W Full Article

2022, Jan 19

Major Plant in Herbal Mixture Gan-Mai-Da-Zao for the Alleviation of Depression in Rat Models

Plants

The present study confirmed the antidepressant-like effects of Gan-Mai-Da-Zao (GMDZ). Additionally, licorice (Gan Cao) may play a key role in the effectiveness of GMDZ.

Li YX, Cheng KC, Hsu CT, Cheng JT, Yang TT Full Article

2022, Apr 15

The Role of Acupuncture in the Management of Insomnia as a Major or Residual Symptom Among Patients With Active or Previous Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Psychiatry

There is a low to moderate level of evidence supporting acupuncture as a safe and effective remedy alternative to or adjuvant to conventional pharmacotherapy (antidepressant and/or hypnotic) in improving insomnia and other depression symptoms among patients with active depression. Furthermore, the patients' complaint of disrupted sleep continuity is most likely to benefit from acupuncture. The benefit of acupuncture on residual insomnia associated with previous or partially remitted depression is limited. Future acupuncture studies need to consider applying optimal dosage and addressing deficiencies in trial quality.

Zhao FY, Kennedy GA, Spencer SJ, Conduit R, Zhang WJ, Fu QQ, Zheng Z Full Article

2022, May

Comparative effectiveness of multiple acupuncture therapies for primary insomnia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trial

Sleep Medicine

With moderate to low certainty of evidence, multiple acupuncture therapies showed impressive insomnia improvement, especially acupoints catgut embedding (ACE), auricular acupressure or auricular acupuncture plus manual acupuncture (AP + MA), and electroacupuncture plus acupoint application (EA + APA).

Lu Y, Zhu H, Wang Q, Tian C, Lai H, Hou L, Liu Y, Gao Y, Liu M, Yang F, Ni X, Lin L, Niu J, Tian J, Ge L Full Article

2022, May 13

The Role and Clinical Observation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Relieving Senile Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International

Our current study has indicated that TCM may play a central role in relieving senile insomnia and may be effective when treating insomnia.

Luan X, Zhang X, Zhou Y Full Article

2022, Sept 30

Effectiveness of Acupuncture, Mind and Body Practices, and Natural Products for Insomnia: an overview of systematic reviews

Journal of Pharmacopuncture

This overview confirmed that complementary therapies positively affected the PSQI scores in patients with insomnia. However, better-designed primary studies are needed to strengthen the relevant evidence in the future. A more stringent assessment of multiple systematic reviews 2 must be followed when performing SR and MA.

Yeo JJ, Lee JW, Kim KS, Hyun MK Full Article

2022, Oct 28

The efficacy of acupuncture with Lingguibafa acupoint selection in the treatment of insomnia: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis

Medicine

Acupuncture with Lingguibafa acupoint selection (LAS) is significantly associated with improvements in several sleep parameters, primarily evident on the PSQI score.

Ji H, Zhang K, Lu Y, Kong X, Ma X Full Article

2022, Aug

Screening Traditional Chinese Medicine Combination for Co-Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Major Depressive Disorder by Network Pharmacology

Natural Product Communications

Taken as a whole, the current study indicates a TCM combination with positive advantages in the combined treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) .

Huang Z, Fang Y, Wang X, Wang Q, Wang T Full Article

2022, Jan 31

A network pharmacology approach to predict potential targets and mechanisms of “Ramulus Cinnamomi (cassiae) – Paeonia lactiflora” herb pair in the treatment of chronic pain with comorbid anxiety and depression

Annals of Medicine

This study preliminarily predicted and verified the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of “Gui Zhi–Shao Yao” herb pair for treating CP with comorbid AD and MD from a holistic perspective. In vivo and in vitro experiments will be required to further investigate the mechanisms.

Pan HT, Xi ZQ, Wei XQ, Wang K Full Article

2022, Apr 06

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Xiao Yao San as a Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The available evidence suggests that oral Xiaoyao San (XYS) alone or in combination with anxiolytic agents is more effective and safer than anxiolytic treatment alone when used for the treatment of anxiety disorders (AD).

Lin J, Ji Y, Si J, Wang G, Li X, Shen L Full Article

2022, Apr 01

Potential Mechanisms and Clinical Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Depression

Frontiers in Pharmacology

In summary, substantial evidence from animal and human researches supported the beneficial effect of acupuncture in depression.

Yang, Na-Na; Lin, Lu-Lu; Li, Yue-Jie; Li, Hong-Ping; Cao, Yan; Tan, Chun-Xia; Hao, Xiao-Wan; Ma, Si-Ming; Wang, Lu; Liu, Cun-Zhi Full Article

2022, Sept 27

Effectiveness of Taijiquan in treating insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

Frontiers in Psychiatry

The results of the study showed that Taijiquan significantly improved sleep quality in healthy adults and patients with chronic diseases, which suggests that Taijiquan may be considered as an alternative behavioral therapy in the treatment of insomnia. In the future, more high-quality, well-controlled randomized trials are needed to better inform clinical decisions.

Han D, Cheng J, Qu J, Wen X, Liu X, Chen Y, Wen Y, Liu Z, Liu H, Huang Y Full Article

2022, Sept

The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

The pooled estimation of this systematic reiew and meta-analysis revealed that lavender significantly reduces individuals’ stress. Therefore, it seems that the use of lavender can be considered as a part of a stress management programs, especially in student groups.

Ghavami T, Kazeminia M, Rajati F Full Article

2022, Oct 03

Tongue Acupuncture for the Treatment of Poststroke Aphasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

For the SRs of acupuncture for depression, the selection of ROB assessment tools needs to be optimized. The reporting quality is poor, and the overall ROB of RCTs is high. Therefore, the results may not be reliable.

Yang S, Li L, Jiang R, Ding H, Xu F, Ge L, Kuang P, Wang Z Full Article

2022, Oct 11

Observation on the Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Non-Drug Therapy in the Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Computer Artificial Intelligence System

Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience

TCM non-drug therapy (acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, and auricular point pressing beans) can significantly improve the PSQI score of patients after treatment and improve the degree of anxiety and depression of patients, with significant effect, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Zhuang J, Wu J, Fan L, Liang C Full Article

2022, Nov

Acupuncture for cancer-related conditions: An overview of systematic reviews

Phytomedicine

Evidence from SRs showed that acupuncture is beneficial to cancer survivors with cancer-related pain, fatigue, insomnia, improved quality of life, nausea and vomiting, bone marrow suppression, menopausal symptoms, arthralgia, and dysphagia, and may also be potential for lymphoedema, gastrointestinal function, and xerostomia.

Zhang X, Hou W, Pu F, Wang X, Wang Y, Yang M, Cheng K, Wang Y, Robinson N, Liu J Full Article

2022, Dec 09

Efficacy of acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis

Medicine

Acupuncture can effectively relieve the anxiety symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder patients with fewer side effects.

Li M, Liu X, Ye X, Zhuang L Full Article

2022, Jul

Effect of acupuncture on IVF-related anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Reproductive BioMedicine Online

Acupuncture is a drug-free and safe treatment that may benefit those who are burdened with IVF-related anxiety.

Hullender Rubin LE, Smith CA, Schnyer RN, Tahir P, Pasch LA Full Article

2022, Jan 14

Can acupuncture improve sleep quality and anxiety among women during perimenopause?

Medicine

This study will provide new evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and depression in perimenopausal women, and provide additional options for clinicians and patients to improve insomnia and anxiety.

Ping Y, Liang C, Fan X, Zhang L, Ying D, Wang Z Full Article

2022, Aug

Research progress on classical traditional chinese medicine formula xiaoyaosan in the treatment of depression

Frontiers in Pharmacology

This review highlights the current evidence supporting the use of Xiaoyaosan as an antidepressant and provides an overview of the potential mechanisms involved.

Chen J, Lei C, Li X, Wu Q, Liu C, Ma Q, Chen J. Full Article

2022, Dec 31

Effect of Acupuncture on Physical Symptoms and Quality of Life in Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder: a Single-Arm Longitudinal Study

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies Medical Association of Pharmacopuncture Institute

Acupuncture may improve not only psychiatric symptoms but also physical symptoms and QoL in patients with treatment-resistant mood disorders. Further studies are required for confirmation of the preliminary data collected thus far.

Matsuura Y, Hongo S, Taniguchi H, Yasuno F, Sakai T Full Article

2022, Dec 12

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for depression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Research in Nursing & Health

Acupuncture, either in isolation or as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment, has clinical benefits and can be considered a safe option for managing depression.

Chen B, Wang CC, Lee KH, Xia JC, Luo Z Full Article

2022, Jun 23

Efficacy of Acupuncture, Intravenous Lidocaine, and Diet in the Management of Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Healthcare

The acupuncture showed a significant effect in the management of fibromyalgia patients. It reduced pain, depression, and enhanced the quality of life. While physiotherapy showed a significant improvement in the quality of life only. In contrast, intravenous lidocaine and diet showed no significant differences when compared with sham/placebo.

Almutairi NM, Hilal FM, Bashawyah A, Dammas FA, Yamak Altinpulluk E, Hou JD, Lin JA, Varrassi G, Chang KV, Allam AES Full Article

2021, Sept 30

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Stress Response during Intubation and Extubation in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation maintains hemodynamic stability, reduces the stress response during intubation and extubation, improves the quality of anesthesia recovery, and decreases postoperative complications in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Yu Z, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Zhao X, Wei H, He S, Liu J, Liu T Full Article

2021, Nov 12

Computational Network Pharmacology–Based Strategy to Capture Key Functional Components and Decode the Mechanism of Chai-Hu-Shu-Gan-San in Treating Depression

Frontiers in Pharmacology

The proposed computational network pharmacology model accurately screened the core group of functional components and inferred potential therapeutic mechanism chains, while the core components were supported by in vitro experiments, providing a basis for optimizing and analysing traditional Chinese medicine formulas.

Wang K, Li K, Chen Y, Wei G, Yu H, Li Y, Meng W, Wang H, Gao L, Lu A, Peng J, Guan D Full Article

2021, Mar

Influence of progestational stress on BDNF and NMDARs in the hippocampus of male offspring and amelioration by Chaihu Shugan San

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

Chaihu Shugan San could ameliorate hippocampal neural development in offspring damaged by anxiety-like progestational stress in female rats by regulating estrogen receptor alpha, estrogen receptor beta, and progesterone receptor expression in the ovaries of female rats and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2A, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B expression in the hippocampus of their offspring.

Xu Y, Wang X, Wang M, Liu Y, Xue Z, Chen J Full Article

2021, Aug 14

Chaihu-Shugan-San (Shihosogansan) alleviates restraint stress-generated anxiety and depression in mice by regulating NF-κB-mediated BDNF expression through the modulation of gut microbiota

Chinese Medicine International Society for Chinese Medicine

Chaihu-Shugan-San alleviated restraint stress-induced anxiety and depression by regulating gut inflammation and microbiota and inducing nuclear factor kappa B-involved brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.

Han SK, Kim JK, Park HS, Shin YJ, Kim DH Full Article

2021, Nov

Soporific effect of modified Suanzaoren Decoction on mice models of insomnia by regulating Orexin-A and HPA axis homeostasis

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

MSZRD can shorten sleep latency, prolong sleep duration, improve circadian rhythm disorder, increase 5-HT levels and 5-HTR1A protein content, decrease DA and NE levels, elevate GABA concentration, decrease Glu/GABA ratio, reduce CORT, ACTH, CRH levels, decrease Orexin-A content, decrease OX2R expression, and improve histopathological changes in hypothalamus in insomnia mice.

Dong YJ, Jiang NH, Zhan LH, Teng X, Fang X, Lin MQ, Xie ZY, Luo R, Li LZ, Li B, Zhang BB, Lv GY, Chen SH Full Article

2021, Jan

Network Pharmacology‐Based and Molecular Docking‐Based Analysis of Suanzaoren Decoction for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease with Sleep Disorder

BioMed Research International

Liu Y, Yu L, Zhang J, Xie D, Zhang X, Yu J Full Article

2021, Nov

Effects of Acupuncture and Acupressure on Burnout in Health Care Workers: A Randomized Trial

Journal of Trauma Nursing

Auricular seed acupressure was found to be associated with a reduction in burnout and secondary traumatic stress in health care workers, leading to improved professional quality of life and caring ability.

Afrasiabi J, McCarty R, Hayakawa J, Barrows J, Lee K, Plouffe N, Schomberg J Full Article

2021, Jun

Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

The study found that although there were no significant differences between the groups, participants who inhaled Lavandula angustifolia essential oil showed improved overall sleep pattern, quality, and sleep efficiency, as well as decreased sleep onset latency, depression levels, hot flashes, and postmenopausal symptoms.

dos Reis Lucena L, dos Santos-Junior JG, Tufik S, Hachul H Full Article

2021, Oct 08

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of depression: A systematic review of clinical research

The Anatomical Record

The results showed that acupuncture as an adjunct to antidepressants or as a single treatment can exert a positive impact on patients' depressive symptoms. Compared with antidepressants, acupuncture has the advantages of fast onset and long-term efficacy in the treatment of depression, and can enhance the efficacy of antidepressants.

Zhang Z, Li S, Meng H, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wu M, Chen Y, Rong P, Wang Y Full Article

2021, Aug 13

Acupuncture Reduced the Risk for Insomnia in Stroke Patients: A Propensity-Score Matched Cohort Study

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

Acupuncture treatment reduced the risk of insomnia in stroke patients. Future research be conducted with increased sample sizes and further elaboration on the specific acupuncture protocols that were used.

Qiu X, Han NS, Yao JX, Yu FR, Lin YY, Zhuang X Full Article

2021, Apr 26

Comparative Utility of Acupuncture and Western Medication in the Management of Perimenopausal Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

A low to moderate level of evidence supports that acupuncture could be a safe alternative to or adjuvant to hypnotic drugs in improving sleep quality and quantity and other menopause-related symptoms among women with perimenopausal insomnia (PMI). This finding suggests that acupuncture may be a useful addition to treatment for PMI.

Zhao, F.-Y., Fu, Q.-Q., Kennedy, G. A., Conduit, R., Wu, W.-Z., Zhang, W.-J., & Zheng, Z. Full Article

2021, Jan

Meta analysis on acupuncture for postpartum depression

World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies

Acupuncture treatment for postpartum depression is effective compared with western medication. However, more high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials larger sample sizes are still needed to verify the result.

WANG, J., TAN, L., MEI, Q., ZHENG, Q., YANG, S., & MEI, Z. Full Article

2021, May 24

Efficacy and Safety of Scalp Acupuncture for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Scalp acupuncture is effective and safe in the treatment of insomnia, which is worthy of clinical application. However, due to the limited number of included literature, the methodology of some studies is slightly low and the quality of literature is slightly poor. In the future, we need to design rigorous, large sample, multiple center randomized controlled study to further verify the conclusion of this study.

Fu-gui Liu, Ai-hua Tan, Chao-qun Peng, Yun-xia Tan, Ming-chao Yao Full Article

2021, Jun 10

Acupuncture for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Frontiers in Oncology

Current evidence suggests that acupuncture might improve BC treatment-related symptoms measured with PROs including QoL, pain, fatigue, hot flashes, sleep disturbance and anxiety. However, a number of included studies report limited amounts of certain subgroup settings, thus more rigorous, well-designed and larger RCTs are needed to confirm our results.

Zhang Y, Sun Y, Li D, Liu X, Fang C, Yang C, Luo T, Lu H, Li H, Zhang H, Liang Q, Wu J, Huang L, Xu R, Ren L, Chen Q Full Article

2021, May 28

Acupuncture as an Independent or Adjuvant Management to Standard Care for Perimenopausal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Psychiatry

This article highlighted acupuncture alone or combined with standard care was effective in reducing depression in pre-menopausal symptoms.

Zhao FY, Fu QQ, Kennedy GA, Conduit R, Zhang WJ, Zheng Z Full Article

2021, Apr 01

Tai Chi for the Prevention of Falls Among Older Adults: A Critical Analysis of the Evidence

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

High-quality evidence suggests that Tai Chi is an effective intervention for preventing falls in community settings; however, there is unclear evidence for long-term care facilities and an absence of evidence for hospital settings. When compared directly with other exercise interventions, Tai Chi may offer a superior strategy for reducing falls through its benefits on cognitive functioning. Using data from the current Cochrane review, a new synthesis is presented suggesting that 71–81% of community-dwelling older adults are adherent to class-based Tai Chi interventions. The practical opportunities and challenges for practitioners are discussed.

Nyman SR Full Article

2021, Jan 27

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on the Physical and Mental Health of the Elderly: A Systematic Review

Physical Activity and Health

Tai Chi chuan has a potential effect on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of COVID-19. Its potential mechanisms include reducing anxiety, relieving depression and stress, enhancing pulmonary and cardiovascular function, enhancing immunity and improving quality of life.

Xianjian C, Datao X Full Article

2021, Feb

Efficacy of acupuncture for urinary incontinence in middle-aged and elderly women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Based on this study, acupuncture intervention of stress urinary incontinence in middle-aged and elderly women can improve the clinical effectiveness, reduce the urine leakage in pad test and ICIQ-SF score. More high-quality studies with large sample size are required for further verification.

Yang N, Ge X, Ye J, Liu Q, Wu Y, Yan H, Han X. Full Article

2021, Feb

Effects of acupuncture on the relief of anxiety and/or depression during in vitro fertilization: A systematic review and meta-analysis

European Journal of Integrative Medicine

The study indicated high efficacy of acupuncture treatments for IVF patients. The systematic review highlighted that patients were more likely to have reduced anxiety levels and improvements of release in hormones such as cortisol and neurotransmitters such as nore- pinephrine . Therefore increases the chances of fertility and pregnancy.

Ye JY, He YJ, Zhan MJ, Qu F Full Article

2021, Jan 30

Effectiveness of acupuncture on anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Annals of General Psychiatry International Society of Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology

The study suggest that acupuncture therapy showed beneficial effects in reducing anxiety in patients with anxiety disorder. It indicated that acupuncture is more effective than western medicine. It also further suggests that acupuncture works better in earlier stages.

Yang, Xy., Yang, Nb., Huang, Ff. et al. Full Article

2020, Jul 22

Electroacupuncture alleviates polycystic ovary syndrome-like symptoms through improving insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress via enhancing autophagy in rats

Molecular Medicine

Electroacupuncture treatment ameliorates insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress by enhancing autophagy through inactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin/4E-binding protein 1 signaling pathway in a polycystic ovary syndrome-like rat model.

Peng Y, Guo L, Gu A, Shi B, Ren Y, Cong J, Yang X Full Article

2020, Jan

Antidepressant‐Like Effects and Cognitive Enhancement of Coadministration of Chaihu Shugan San and Fluoxetine: Dependent on the BDNF‐ERK‐CREB Signaling Pathway in the Hippocampus and Frontal Cortex

BioMed Research International

Chaihu Shugan San and its coadministration with fluoxetine alleviated depressive symptoms and improved cognitive function in chronic unpredictable mild stress rats, potentially by regulating the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein signaling pathway in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, with coadministration producing greater antidepressant effects than either treatment alone.

Yan L, Xu X, He Z, Wang S, Zhao L, Qiu J, Wang D, Gong Z, Qiu X, Huang H Full Article

2020, Aug 01

Serum metabolomics reveals the intervention mechanism and compatible regularity of Chaihu Shu Gan San on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression rat model

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Chaihu Shu Gan San produced significant antidepressant activity by regulating serum metabolites and five key metabolic pathways, with the holistic formula showing greater efficacy than its individual functional units, likely because of synergistic effects among its herbal ingredients.

Zhang H, Huang H, Song H, Chin B, Zheng H, Ruan J, Wu F, Cheng B, Wu J, Liu X, Liang Y, Song F, Chen Z, Tang C, Lu S, Guo H, Zou Z, Su Z Full Article

2020, Jan

A Comparison Study of Chaihu Shugan San and Fluoxetine on Antidepression and Regulating Blood Rheology Effects with Chronic Restrained Stress Rats

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Chaihu Shugan San was superior to fluoxetine in improving the appearance and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function of depressed rats, while both treatments similarly improved blood rheology and alleviated the hypercoagulable state through the platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A pathway; Chaihu Shugan San additionally improved blood status by restoring hepatic coagulation-anticoagulation balance and endothelial function.

Qian M, Peng R, Yue C, Yang Z, Zhu H, Liu B, Xie M Full Article

2020, Jun 22

Antidepressant-Like Effects of Chaihu Shugan Powder (柴胡疏肝散) on Rats Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress through Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Apoptosis

Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine

Chaihu Shugan Powder can improve depression-like behavior in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress, possibly by suppressing CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein and caspase-12-mediated apoptosis in the hippocampus.

Sun K, Jin Y, Mei Z, Feng Z, Liu J, Cao M, Wu Z Full Article

2020, Mar 12

Untargeted metabolomic study on the insomnia effect of Suan‐Zao‐Ren decoction in the rat serum and brain using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with data processing analysis

Journal of Separation Science

The Suan-Zao-Ren decoction treatment improved the metabolic phenotype of insomnia in rats by affecting biomarkers related to phenylalanine and tryptophan metabolism among others.

Du Y, Wu B, Xiao F, Yan T, Li Q, Jia Y, Bi K, He B Full Article

2020, Jan

Soporific Effect of Modified Suanzaoren Decoction and Its Effects on the Expression of CCK‐8 and Orexin‐A

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Modified Suanzaoren decoction (MSZRD) showed soporific and gastroprotective effects, potentially mediated by the differential expression of CCK-8 and Orexin-A.

Zhan LH, Dong YJ, Yang K, Lei SS, Li B, Teng X, Zhou C, Luo R, Yu QX, Jin HY, Lv GY, Chen S Full Article

2020, Jan

Efficacy and Safety of Jiawei Suanzaoren Decoction Combined with Lorazepam for Chronic Insomnia: A Parallel‐Group Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Song MF, Chen LQ, Shao QY, Hu LL, Liu WJ, Zhang YH Full Article

2020, May 01

The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in the Management of Labor Pain and Anxiety: A Systematic Review

Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences

Aromatherapy, using methods such as inhalation, massage, and footbath with essential oils like lavender, has shown positive effects in reducing both labor pain and anxiety, supporting its role as a complementary and alternative medicine during childbirth.

Mahbubeh Tabatabaeichehr , Hamed Mortazavi Full Article

2020, Jan

Comparative Effectiveness of Cheonwangbosimdan (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan) Versus Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Pilot Trial

Integrative Cancer Therapies

There is no difference between treatment and control groups, but both groups showed tendency to alleviate cancer insomnia symptoms. However, treatment group score was highly lowered than control group score. The study can contribute to more attentive care for insomnia in cancer patients.

Moon SY, Jerng UM, Kwon OJ, Jung SY, Lee JY, Yoon SW, Shin WC, Byun JI, Lee JH Full Article

2020, Dec 04

Acupuncture Treatment Reduces Incidence of Parkinson's Disease in Patients With Depression: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

The cumulative incidence of PD was significantly lower in the acupuncture cohort than in the non-acupuncture cohort. The results suggest that acupuncture treatment significantly reduced the development of PD in patients with depression; however, a future study should be conducted to provide more objective evidence.

Huang CH, Lin MC, Hsieh CL Full Article

2020, Sept 01

Compare the effect of aromatherapy using lavender and Damask rose essential oils on the level of anxiety and severity of pain following C-section: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine

The findings suggested that inhalation aromatherapy can reduce the severity of overt anxiety and pain after C-section, with Damask rose essential oil showing a larger effect than lavender.

Abbasijahromi A, Hojati H, Nikooei S, Jahromi HK, Dowlatkhah HR, Zarean V, Farzaneh M, Kalavani A Full Article

2020, Jul 10

Botanical and Traditional Uses and Phytochemical, Pharmacological, Pharmacokinetic, and Toxicological Characteristics of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen: A Review

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This article reflected the chemical components of red date with its high efficacy to produce antioxidant effects. Therefore suggests it to be highly effective in improving learning and memory, anti-inflammation, blood pressure and lipid lowering, antiaging, and even antitumor.

Su-Rong He, Chong-Bo Zhao, Jing-Xia Zhang, Jing Wang, Bo Wu, Chun-Jie Wu, Full Article

2020, Oct

An Herbal Formulation of Jiawei Xiaoyao for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial

Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology

The Jiawei Xiaoyao (JX) pill was superior to the placebo in terms of improving the Gastrointestinal Symptom Score (GIS) in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) but did not significantly improve depression or anxiety symptoms.

Chen G, Feng P, Wang S, Ding X, Xiong J, Wu J, Wang L, Chen W, Chen G, Han M, Zou T, Li L, Du H Full Article

2020, Nov 27

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

This overview suggests that acupuncture is a promising complementary treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Huang J, Shen M, Qin X, Wu M, Liang S, Huang Y Full Article

2020, Dec 27

Gastrodia elata Blume (Tianma): Hope for Brain Aging and Dementia

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The human brain, with its high-level cognitive functions, requires a large degree of flexibility and adaptability for appropriate learning and memory and is very vulnerable to cerebrovascular injuries, such as ischemia or stroke, which can cause NDs and dementia. Tianma has been shown in human clinical studies to be effective against VD [40], and various pre-clinical studies have demonstrated at the molecular and cellular levels its potential as an efficacious anti-aging elixir.

Heese K Full Article

2020, May 6

Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

This review indicates that acupuncture plus drug therapy have a more beneficial effect for AD patients than drug therapy alone on general cognitive function in the short and medium term and on ADLs in the medium term.

Wang, Y. Y., Yu, S. F., Xue, H. Y., Li, Y., Zhao, C., & Jin, Y. H. Full Article

2020, Jun 25

Effect of Acupuncture on Chronic Pain with Depression: A Systematic Review

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture has a promising application prospect due to its unique advantages for the treatment of chronic pain with depression comorbidity, which can be used in patients suffering from some certain chronic pain with depression comorbidity with poorer response to the conventional medication or suffering from serious side effects. High-quality RCTs are needed to support the current clinical application of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain with depression comorbidity and to broaden the clinical application.

Yan B, Zhu S, Wang Y, Da G, Tian G Full Article

2020, Dec 17

Does acupuncture combined with antidepressants have a better therapeutic effect on post-stroke depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society

Acupuncture combined with antidepressants showed a more favourable effect on the treatment of PSD than antidepressants alone. However, given the limited methodological quality, more high-quality RCTs conducted based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines are necessary.

Kun Zhang, Guangwei Cui, Yuan Gao, Weidong Shen Full Article

2020, Dec

Long-Term Beneficial Effects of Acupuncture with Reduced Risk of Depression Development Following Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment

The systematic review and meta-analysis also concluded that the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture is highly effective alone and combined with antidepressant medication.

Liao CC, Lin CL, Liao KR, Li JM Full Article

2020, Nov 1

The effects of acupuncture versus sham/placebo acupuncture for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

Based on the outcomes included in this study, the efficacy of acupuncture was superior to that of placebo acupuncture in treating insomnia. Types of acupuncture therapy and placebo may underestimate the efficacy of acupuncture in different ways.

Zhang J, He Y, Huang X, Liu Y, Yu H Full Article

2020, May 13

Effect of Acupuncture on Pregnancy-Related Insomnia and Melatonin: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Nature and Science of Sleep

Acupuncture was shown to significantly improve the sleep quality in pregnant women, possibly through increasing melatonin secretion, and could be recommended as a low-cost and low-risk alternative treatment to pharmacological therapies.

Foroughinia S, Hessami K, Asadi N, Foroughinia L, Hadianfard M, Hajihosseini A, Pirasteh N, Vossoughi M, Vafaei H, Faraji A, Kasraeian M, Doroudchi M, Rafiee Monjezi M, Roozmeh S, Bazrafshan K. Full Article

2020, Jan 20

Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Perimenopausal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This study indicated that acupuncture has more stable long-term effects than antidepressants and hormone replacement therapy. Patients also showcased to have less negative side effects of antidepressants .

Xiao X, Zhang J, Jin Y, Wang Y, Zhang Q Full Article

2020, Dec 02

Advances in Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Currently, there are many methods for treating CFS with TCM, showing its advantages. On one hand, treatments according to syndrome differentiation are diverse and involve herbal decoctions and proprietary Chinese medicines. External treatments include moxibustion, acupuncture, tuina, cupping, and other treatments. Combination therapies include two or more external treatments combined and internal and external treatments combined, which are often better than monotherapies and can remedy deficiencies. However, the clinical manifestations of CFS are different. Although fatigue is the main manifestation, there are individual differences in the appearance of insomnia or muscle pain in some patients. Treatments according to syndrome differentiation can provide patients with individualized treatments. On the other hand, TCM often has the advantages of simplicity, effectiveness, convenience, and a lower cost.

Zhang X, Wang M, Zhou S Full Article

2020, Dec 10

Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture for Insomnia Disorder: A Multicenter, Randomized, Assessor-Blinded, Controlled Trial

Nature and Science of Sleep

Ten sessions of electroacupuncture can improve the sleep quality of patients with insomnia without serious adverse effects. Thus, it can be recommended as an effective, safe, and well-tolerated intervention.

Lee B, Kim BK, Kim HJ, Jung IC, Kim AR, Park HJ, Kwon OJ, Lee JH, Kim JH. Full Article

2020, Jan

The Effects of Acupuncture on Cancer-Related Fatigue: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Integrative Cancer Therapies

This article showcased the efficacy of acupuncture treatments for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Patients reported to have higher motivation and energy levels. The results also showed lower stress levels and general improvements with quality of life.

Jang A, Brown C, Lamoury G, Morgia M, Boyle F, Marr I, Clarke S, Back M, Oh B Full Article

2020, Jan

Placebo effect of acupuncture on insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Annals of Palliative Medicine

Compared to the sham groups, acupuncture significantly decreased the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score. In addition, a significant difference was detected in the change of Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores between acupuncture and sham acupuncture. The authors concluded that acupuncture treatment of insomnia is efficacious, not because of its placebo effect.

Liu C, Xi H, Wu W, Wang X, Qin S, Zhao Y, Zheng S, Wan Q, Xu L. Full Article

2019, Sept

A mechanical acupuncture instrument mitigates the endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress of ovariectomized rats

Integrative Medicine Research Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine

Acupuncture at Sanyinjiao showed a significant antidepressant-like effect in ovariectomized rats by mitigating endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in the amygdala.

Seo SY, Kang SY, Kwon OS, Bang S, Kim SP, Choi KH, Moon JY, Ryu Y Full Article

2019, Jul

Chaihu-Shugan-San and absorbed meranzin hydrate induce anti-atherosclerosis and behavioral improvements in high-fat diet ApoE-/- mice via anti-inflammatory and BDNF-TrkB pathway

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

Chaihu-Shugan-San and meranzin hydrate reduced atherosclerosis and depression-like behaviors, partly by suppressing proinflammatory factors and enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling, indicating that meranzin hydrate may be a potential preventive phytochemical compound for atherosclerosis and depression comorbidity.

Li L, Yu AL, Wang ZL, Chen K, Zheng W, Zhou JJ, Xie Q, Yan HB, Ren P, Huang X Full Article

2019, Sept 25

Mechanism of Chaihu Shugan Powder (柴胡疏肝散) for Treating Depression Based on Network Pharmacology

Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine

This network pharmacology study reveals that Chaihu Shugan Powder may treat depression through 121 active ingredients and 15 depression-related targets involved in neural plasticity, neuronal function, neurotransmitter regulation, inflammatory mediator regulation, calcium signaling, cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions.

Liu Y, Hu D, Fan Q, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Ni M, Wang Y, Zhang L, Sheng L Full Article

2019, Jul 16

Is acupuncture an effective postherpetic neuralgia treatment? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Pain Research American Society of Pain & Neuroscience

Acupuncture may reduce pain intensity, relieve anxiety and improve quality of life in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Further randomised trials with larger sample sizes and of higher methodological quality are needed to confirm these results.

Pei, W., Zeng, J., Lu, L., Lin, G., & Ruan, J. Full Article

2019, Jan 22

GABA and 5-HT Systems Are Involved in the Anxiolytic Effect of Gan-Mai-Da-Zao Decoction

Frontiers in Neuroscience

The present data show that GMDZ decoction possesses strong anxiolytic-like effects in the EPM, LDB, and OF tests but did not alters locomotor activity and motor coordination. The antagonism experiments suggest that the mode of action for GMDZ is via the GABAergic and serotonergic systems.

Chen HS, Gu LJ, Yang YX, Guo JY Full Article

2019, Jan 20

The effects of acupuncture on the secondary outcomes of anxiety and quality of life for women undergoing IVF: A randomized controlled trial

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Acupuncture may reduce anxiety at embryo transfer. Quality of life did not differ between the groups. Women experience reduced emotional well-being 3 months following the IVF cycle, highlighting ongoing unmet psycho-social needs.

Smith CA, de Lacey S, Chapman M, Ratcliffe J, Norman RJ, Johnson NP, Fahey P Full Article

2019, Jun 26

The Effects of Aromatherapy on Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review

Journal of Nursing Research

This systematic review may serve as a reference for healthcare workers in caring for postpartum women. Aromatherapy may be applied as a noninvasive complementary intervention to promote physio-psychological comfort in postpartum women.

TSAI SS, WANG HH, CHOU FH Full Article

2019, Jun 17

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Alzheimer's Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Current Medical Science Huazhong University of Science and Technology

In most of the studies assessed in the current meta-analysis, acupuncture alone was better than conventional western medicines for the treatment of AD.

Huang, Q., Luo, D., Chen, L. et al. Full Article

2019, Sept

Acupuncture using pattern-identification for the treatment of insomnia disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Integrative Medicine Research Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine

Acupuncture using pattern identification led to significantly improved total effectiveness rate compared to medication. With regard to PSQI, as compared to the control group, acupuncture using pattern identification was similar to medication. However, this study has limitations of high risk of bias, not using a standardized pattern-diagnosis-treatment and not comparing with standarized acupuncture without pattern identification.

Kim SH, Jeong JH, Lim JH, Kim BK Full Article

2019, Feb 12

The Effects of Acupuncture on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission in Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of the Literature

Frontiers in Psychiatry

We conclude that the treatment effects of acupuncture may be underpinned by its intervention in the dysregulated glutamate system. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to clarify the possible mechanisms of acupuncture in these neuropsychiatric disorders and to establish protocols for treatment guidelines.

Tu CH, MacDonald I, Chen YH Full Article

2019, Mar 20

Effectiveness of Acupuncture Used for the Management of Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International

Our meta-analysis suggested that acupuncture treatment may reduce HAMD scores, while no significant effects on EPDS, clinical response, and serum estradiol levels were observed.

Li W, Yin P, Lao L, Xu S Full Article

2019, Jun 24

Acupuncture for Chronic Pain-Related Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for CPRI, and this treatment can be recommended for the management of patients with CPRI. Due to the low quality and small sample size of the included studies, more rigorously designed RCTs with high quality and large sample size are recommended in future.

Fushui Liu, Jianyu You, Qi Li, Ting Fang, Mei Chen, Nana Tang, Xiaojun Yan Full Article

2019, Sept

Traditional Chinese acupuncture and postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association Chinese Medical Association, Taipei

Patients in the acupuncture group had significantly better performances assessed by the Hamilton Depression Scale than those in the control group. In addition, significantly better performance in the effective rate was observed in the acupuncture group than in the control group. Traditional Chinese acupuncture seems to be effective in improving some symptoms of PPD.

Tong P, Dong LP, Yang Y, Shi YH, Sun T, Bo P Full Article

2018, Apr 11

An estradiol-independent BDNF-NPY cascade is involved in the antidepressant effect of mechanical acupuncture instruments in ovariectomized rats

Scientific Reports

The study indicates that mechanical acupuncture instrument stimulation at the Sameumgyo acupoint produces antidepressant effects in ovariectomized rats through an estradiol-independent brain-derived neurotrophic factor-neuropeptide Y cascade in the hippocampus.

Seo SY, Moon JY, Kang SY, Kwon OS, Kwon S, Bang S, Kim SP, Choi KH, Ryu Y Full Article

2018

The effect of acupressure at spleen 6 acupuncture point on the anxiety level and sedative and analgesics consumption of women during labor: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial

Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research

Compression of the Spleen 6 acupoint was an effective complementary method for decreasing maternal anxiety and analgesic consumption, especially pethidine.

Alipour Z, Samadi P, Lamyian M Full Article

2018

Chaihu-Shugan-San exerts an antidepressive effect by downregulating miR-124 and releasing inhibition of the MAPK14 and Gria3 signaling pathways

Neural Regeneration Research

Chaihu-Shugan-San exerted antidepressant-like effects by downregulating miR-124, releasing inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 and glutamate receptor subunit 3 signaling pathways, and promoting hippocampal synapse formation.

Fan DH, Cao MQ, Liu Q, Sun NN, Wu ZZ Full Article

2018, Jul

Chaihu-shugan san inhibits inflammatory response to improve insulin signaling in liver and prefrontal cortex of CUMS rats with glucose intolerance

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

Chaihu-shugan san ameliorated depressive-like behaviors and improved glucose tolerance in chronic unpredictable mild stress rats by inhibiting the liver-brain inflammation axis through suppression of the toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation protein 88, nuclear factor-kappa B pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, improvement of insulin signaling, and up-regulation of microRNA-155.

Jia KK, Pan SM, Ding H, Liu JH, Zheng YJ, Wang SJ, Pan Y, Kong LD Full Article

2018, Jan

Sansoninto, a traditional herbal medicine, ameliorates behavioral abnormalities and down-regulation of early growth response-1 expression in mice exposed to social isolation stress

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

Fujiwara H, Tsushima R, Okada R, Awale S, Araki R, Yabe T, Matsumoto K Full Article

2018, Jun

The investigation of immunoprotective and sedative hypnotic effect of total polysaccharide from Suanzaoren decoction by serum metabonomics approach

Journal of Chromatography B

The study concluded that total polysaccharide from Suanzaoren decoction can inhibit insomnia triggered by immunodeficiency stimulation by regulating various metabolic pathways.

Niu X, He B, Du Y, Sui Z, Rong W, Wang X, Li Q, Bi K Full Article

2018, Jun 14

Reversal of reserpine-induced depression and cognitive disorder in zebrafish by sertraline and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Zhang S, Liu X, Sun M, Zhang Q, Li T, Li X, Xu J, Zhao X, Chen D, Feng X Full Article

2018, Apr

Efficacy and Safety of Tremella fuciformisin Individuals with Subjective Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medicinal Food Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition

The individuals in the TF group demonstrated greater improvements in total scores on the subjective memory complaint questionnaire, as well as in short-term memory and executive functions, compared to those in the placebo group. Exploratory analysis showed significant group-by-visit interactions on specific brain regions.

Ban S, Lee SL, Jeong HS, Lim SM, Park S, Hong YS, Kim JE Full Article

2018, Aug 08

Acupuncture modulates stress response by the mTOR signaling pathway in a rat post-traumatic stress disorder model

Scientific Reports

Results suggest that acupuncture exerts antidepressant and anxiolytic effects on PTSD-related symptoms by increasing protein synthesis required for synaptic plasticity via the mTOR pathway in the hippocampus. Acupuncture may be a promising treatment for patients with PTSD and play a role as an alternative PTSD treatment.

Oh JY, Kim YK, Kim SN, Lee B, Jang JH, Kwon S, Park HJ Full Article

2018, Jan

Antidepressant-like effects of Gan-Mai-Dazao-Tang via monoamine regulatory pathways on forced swimming test in rats

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

In conclusion, the antidepressant-like effects of Gan-Mai-Da-Zao-Tang (LWJ) might be mediated by the regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters.

Huang HL, Lim SL, Lu KH, Sheen LY Full Article

2018, Feb 17

Treatment of depression with Chai Hu Shu Gan San: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 randomized controlled trials

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

This review found that Chai Hu Shu Gan San has some advantages in treating depression, especially post-stroke depression and post-partum depression.

Sun Y, Xu X, Zhang J, Chen Y Full Article

2018, Sept 20

Effects of Acupuncture on the Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

To conclude, the evidence for acupuncture to increase the success rate of ART is unclear. Thus, physicians should apply the evidence to make decisions about acupuncture for infertile women under ART with caution in clinical practice and consider the actual situation, combined with the patient’s value preferences and economic factors.

Xi, J., Chen, H., Peng, Z., Tang, Z., Song, X., & Xia, Y. Full Article

2018, Oct 3

Acupuncture versus antidepressants in the management of postpartum depression: A systematic review

British Journal of Midwifery

Acupuncture in postpartum depression was at least as effective as fluoxetine hydrochloride, supporting the notion that acupuncture may be a safe and effective option.

Akari Komori, David Arthur, Samara Radford, Hsiewe Ying Tan, Li Zheng, Mira An, Rika Umeda, and Zhen Zheng Full Article

2018, Feb

Acupuncture Therapy in a Group Setting for Chronic Pain

Pain Medicine American Academy of Pain Medicine

Acupuncture therapy offered in the group setting was effective in reducing pain severity, pain interference, and depression in patients with chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain or osteoarthritis. Benefit persisted through the 24-week measure despite no additional treatment. This finding has potentially important implications for improving access to effective acupuncture treatment for patients with limited financial resources.

Benjamin Kligler, Arya Nielsen, Corinne Kohrherr,, Tracy Schmid, Eve Waltermaurer, Elidania Perez, Woodson Merrell Full Article

2018, Mar 04

Acupuncture for depression

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane

We found low-quality evidence suggesting that acupuncture (manual and electro-) may moderately reduce the severity of depression by end of treatment. Acupuncture may be associated with a small reduction in the severity of depression of 1.69 points on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) by end of treatment.

Smith CA, Armour M, Lee MS, Wang LQ, Hay PJ Full Article

2018, Dec 11

Acupuncture in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

This review have showed effectiveness of acupuncture in IBD with history and methodology of acupuncture. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, impaired gastrointestinal tract , depression/anxiety, and hypersensitivity have significantly improved. Patients also reported a better overall quality of life of patients.

Gengqing Song, MD, Claudio Fiocchi, MD, Jean-Paul Achkar, MD Full Article

2018, Feb 23

Acupuncture for adults with overactive bladder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Medicine

The combined results showed that electroacupuncture (EA) may be more effective than sham electroacupuncture (sham EA) in improving the 24-hour nocturia episodes and EA may enhance tolterodine for relieving voiding symptoms and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Acupuncture might have effect in decreasing the number of micturition episodes, incontinence episodes, and nocturia episodes.

Zhao Y, Zhou J, Mo Q, Wang Y, Yu J, Liu Z. Full Article

2018, Oct 1

Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society

The result of this meta-analysis demonstrated that the acupuncture group had a significantly greater overall effective rate compared with the control group. Moreover, acupuncture significantly increased oestradiol levels compared with the control group. Acupuncture appears to be effective for postpartum depression with respect to certain outcomes.

Li S, Zhong W, Peng W, Jiang G Full Article

2018, Nov

A systematic review of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for postpartum depression

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

Low quality evidence suggested that CHM alone or combined with antidepressants as add-on therapy may reduce symptoms of depression compared to placebo or antidepressants on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). There was no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and antidepressants. Adverse events were rare. CHM reduced PPD symptoms greater than placebo or antidepressants. Acupuncture was neither superior nor inferior to antidepressants.

Yang L, Di YM, Shergis JL, Li Y, Zhang AL, Lu C, Guo X, Xue CC Full Article

2017, Sept 12

Randomized single-blind multicenter trial comparing the effects of standard and augmented acupuncture protocols on sleep quality and depressive symptoms in patients with depression

Psychology, Health & Medicine

The augmented acupuncture protocol was more effective than the standard acupuncture protocol in treating depression and improving sleep quality in patients with depression.

Wen X, Wu Q, Liu J, Xu Z, Fan L, Chen X, He Q, Ma R, Wu Y, Jiang S, Xu S, Fu W Full Article

2017

Effect of Acupressure, Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Women With Pregnancy-Related Anxiety and Previous Depression: A Preliminary Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine Research

The oriental treatments may be useful for pregnant women who need perinatal mental health care.

Suzuki S, Tobe C Full Article

2017, May

Effect of Acupressure on Early Complications of Menopause in Women Referring to Selected Health Care Centers

Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research

Acupressure along with conventional menopausal care reduced the number and severity of hot flashes, the number of night sweats, and state-trait anxiety severity, and was presented as a complementary medicine method for improving early menopausal complications.

Armand M, Ozgoli G, Giti RH, Majd HA Full Article

2017, Oct

Chaihu-Shu-Gan-San regulates phospholipids and bile acid metabolism against hepatic injury induced by chronic unpredictable stress in rat

Journal of Chromatography B

Chaihu-Shu-Gan-San inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis and regulated phospholipid and bile acid metabolism, thereby protecting rats against chronic unpredicted mild stress-induced hepatic injury.

Jia H, Yu M, Ma LY, Zhang H, Zou Z Full Article

2017, Aug 19

Sansoninto as evidence-based remedial medicine for depression-like behavior

Journal of Natural Medicines

Sansoninto (SAT) extract showed stronger effects compared to other candidates, and its oral administration ameliorated behavioral impairments in mouse models, exhibiting anti-depression-like effects through up-regulation of BDNF in the hippocampus and activation of signaling cascades including MAPK, CREB, and CaMK II, suggesting its potential as a new medicine for depression-like behavior.

Sawamoto A, Okuyama S, Amakura Y, Yamada R, Yoshimura M, Nakajima M, Furukawa Y Full Article

2017, Aug 29

The Effect of Mindfulness and Acupuncture on Psychological Health in Veterans: an Exploratory Study

Mindfulness

The combined treatment of iRest plus acupuncture resulted in significant psychological benefits for Veterans, particularly in reducing depression, psychological symptom severity, and emotional interference with life activities, with clinically meaningful changes noted. Additionally, the combined treatment was equally beneficial across different demographic factors such as age, gender, and race.

Wheeler MS, Glass CR, Arnkoff DB, Sullivan P, Hull A Full Article

2017, Sept

Recommendations of the Spanish Menopause Society on the consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by postmenopausal women

Maturitas European Menopause and Andropause Society

The study concluded that LCO3-PUFAs have various beneficial effects in postmenopausal women, including a decrease in triglycerides, antiarrhythmic effects, reduction in blood pressure, improvement in depressive and psychotic symptoms, and no increased risk of cancer.

Sánchez-Borrego R, von Schacky C, Osorio MJA, Llaneza P, Pinto X, Losa F, Navarro MC, Lubián D, Mendoza N Full Article

2017, Jul 01

Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?

Mental Health Clinician

The favorable safety and efficacy profile of SLO makes it a reasonable alternative to consider in patients with anxiety disorders.

Malcolm BJ, Tallian K Full Article

2017, Mar 09

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Adults with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Trauma & Dissociation International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation

The included low-quality studies suggest that acupuncture effectively treats PTSD symptoms post-intervention, especially with longer follow-up (up to 6months) and no significant evidence on depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality.

Grant S, Colaiaco B, Motala A, Shanman R, Sorbero M, Hempel S Full Article

2017, Jun 19

Complementary and alternative therapies for restless legs syndrome: An evidence-based systematic review

Sleep Medicine Reviews

The severity of primary RLS symptoms can be significantly ameliorated by exercise training, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation, pneumatic compression devices, light therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and acupuncture.

Xu XM, Liu Y, Jia SY, Dong MX, Cao D, Wei YD. Full Article

2017, Aug 30

The effect of acupuncture treatment for insomnia in chronic hemodialysis patients

Journal of Physics Conference Series

Acupuncture treatment effectively improved the quality of sleep and the quality of life for these chronic hemodialysis patients.

J A Widjaja, C Simadibrata, A Srilestari, M B H Marbun Full Article

2017, Jun

Single-blind, randomized, pilot study combining shiatsu and amitriptyline in refractory primary headaches

Neurological Sciences

Shiatsu proved to have efficacy in reducing headache for patients on anti-depressants. Patients who received shiatsu had more than 50% reduction in days with headache per month. Compared to patients who had shiatsu or amitriptyline (anit-depressant drug) alone.

Villani V, Prosperini L, Palombini F, Orzi F, Sette G. Full Article

2017, Jan

Acupuncture for chronic pain and depression in primary care: a programme of research

Programme Grants for Applied Research NHS National Institutes for Health Research

We have provided the most robust evidence from high-quality trials on acupuncture for chronic pain. The synthesis of high-quality IPD found that acupuncture was more effective than both usual care and sham acupuncture. Acupuncture is one of the more clinically effective physical therapies for osteoarthritis and is also cost-effective if only high-quality trials are analysed.

MacPherson H, Vickers A, Bland M, et al. Full Article

2017, Jan

Acupuncture, Counselling or Usual Care for Depression (ACUDep): a randomised controlled trial

Programme Grants for Applied Research NHS National Institutes for Health Research

Our evidence on acupuncture compared with usual care and counselling compared with usual care shows that both treatments are associated with a statistically significant reduction in symptoms of depression in the short to medium term, with no reported serious adverse events related to treatment. Acupuncture is cost-effective compared with counselling or usual care alone, although the ranking of counselling and acupuncture depends on the relative costs of delivering these interventions.

MacPherson H, Vickers A, Bland M, et al. Full Article

2016, Jul 19

Acupuncture for insomnia after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

This clinical article showed high efficacy of acupuncture in treating insomnia post-stroke. Patients mainly experienced hyperactivities of sympathetic nervous system which resulted in disturb sleep patterns. Acupuncture reduced other post-stroke insomnia symptoms such as anxiety, depression and side effects from antipsychotic drugs. It was effective improving overall quality of sleep and lifestyle.

Lee SH, Lim SM Full Article

2016, Aug 26

Acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane

This research article showcased that acupuncture treatments have beneficial effects on improving dependency, motor and cognitive functions , with no obvious serious adverse events. The clinical trials also evaluated improvements on reduction of pain and spasticity and increased sleep quality and mental health.

Yang A, Wu HM, Tang JL, Xu L, Yang M, Liu GJ. Full Article

2016, Jun

A systematic review of acupuncture for sleep quality in people with insomnia

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

Acupuncture compared to sham/placebo and pharmacotherapy showed statistically significant results. However, the evidence is limited by bias in the included studies and heterogeneity. Well-designed studies are needed to confirm the results identified in this review.

Shergis JL, Ni X, Jackson ML, Zhang AL, Guo X, Li Y, Lu C, Xue CC Full Article

2016, Jan 16

Acupuncture for Managing Cancer-Related Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

Integrative Cancer Therapies

There is a low level of evidence that acupuncture may be superior to sham acupuncture, drugs or hormones therapy.

Choi TY, Kim JI, Lim HJ, Lee MS. Full Article

2015, Jan

Prescription of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Pattern-Based Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Depression: A Systematic Review

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

We found that Xiaoyao decoction was the most frequently used herbal formula for the treatment of liver qi depression and liver depression with spleen deficiency, while Chaihu Shugan decoction was often used for liver depression and qi stagnation. Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) and Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense DC.) were commonly used across different TCM patterns regardless of the prescribed Chinese herbal formulas. The rationale underlying herb selection was seldom provided. Due to the limited number of studies on TCM pattern-based treatment of depression and their low methodological quality, we are unable to draw any conclusion regarding which herbal formulas have higher efficacy and which TCM patterns respond better to CHM.

Yeung WF, Chung KF, Ng KY, Yu YM, Zhang SP, Ng BFL, Ziea ETC Full Article

2015, Jun

The Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Patients With Alzheimer Disease

Medicine

Acupuncture may be more effective than drugs and may enhance the effect of drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) in terms of improving cognitive function. Acupuncture may also be more effective than drugs at improving AD patients’ ability to carry out their daily lives. Moreover, acupuncture is safe for treating people with AD.

Zhou, J., Peng, W., Xu, M., Li, W., & Liu, Z. Full Article

2015, Nov

Practice of traditional Chinese medicine for psycho-behavioral intervention improves quality of life in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Oncotarget

The systematic review study showed the efficacy of Chinese Medicine in improving the quality of lives in cancer patients. The study highlighted patients to have reduced functional impairments, pain relief, depression remission, reduced time to flatulence following surgery and sleep improvement.

Tao W, Luo X, Cui B, Liang D, Wang C, Duan Y, Li X, Zhou S, Zhao M, Li Y, He Y, Wang S, Kelley KW, Jiang P, Liu Q. Full Article

2015, Dec

Updated clinical evidence of Chinese herbal medicine for insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Sleep Medicine

Overall, oral CHM used as a monotherapy or as an adjunct to conventional therapies appears safe, and it may improve subjective sleep in people with insomnia. However, the typical effect of CHM for insomnia cannot be determined due to heterogeneity. Further study focusing on individual CHM formula for insomnia is needed. The development of a comparable placebo is also needed to improve the successful blinding in RCTs.

Xiaojia Ni, Johannah Linda Shergis, Xinfeng Guo, Anthony Lin Zhang, Yan Li, Chuanjian Lu, Charlie Changli Xue Full Article

2015, Oct 12

Effects of Acupressure on Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society

Acupressure seems to be effective in providing immediate relief of pretreatment anxiety among adults, and has a medium effect size. However, conflicting results were found for the improvements on physiological indicators. More rigorous reporting, including allocation concealment procedure, is needed to strengthen the results.

Au DWH, Tsang HWH, Ling PPM, Leung CHT, Ip PK, Cheung WM Full Article

2015, Jul

Schizophrenia and Depression: A systematic Review of the Effectiveness and the Working Mechanisms Behind Acupuncture

Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing

From the evidence found in this study, acupuncture seems to be an effective add-on treatment in patients with depression and, to a lesser degree, in patients with schizophrenia, but large well-designed studies are needed to confirm that evidence.

Bosch P, van den Noort M, Staudte H, Lim S. Full Article

2014, Jul 8

A Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture Use in the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment After Stroke

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Society for Acupuncture Research

This meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture had positive effects on cognitive function after stroke and supports the need for additional research on the potential benefits of this therapeutic approach.

Fang Liu, Zhuang-Miao Li, Yi-Jing Jiang, and Li-Dian Chen. Full Article

2014, Nov

Cost-effectiveness analysis of acupuncture, counselling and usual care in treating patients with depression: the results of the ACUDep trial

PLOS One Public Library of Science

The clinical results of the trails demonstrated that acupuncture and counselling significantly reduced depression measures at 3 and 6 months when compared with routine care. It was also reported to have improvement over the 12 month period. It also further showcase that acupuncture is cost-effective (in the UK) compared with counselling or usual care alone.

Spackman, E., Richmond, S., Sculpher, M., Bland, M., Brealey, S., Gabe, R., Hopton, A., Keding, A., Lansdown, H., Perren, S., Torgerson, D., Watt, I., & MacPherson, H. Full Article

2014, Dec

Randomized effectiveness trial of a brief course of acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder

Medical Care American Public Health Association

Acupuncture was effective for reducing PTSD symptoms. Limitations included small sample size and inability to parse specific treatment mechanisms. Acupuncture is a novel therapeutic option that may help to improve population reach of PTSD treatment.

Engel CC, Cordova EH, Benedek DM, Liu X, Gore KL, Goertz C, et al. Full Article

2013, Feb

Acupuncture for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Prospective Clinical Trials

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This systematic review indicated the efficacy of acupuncture for PTSD patients. Patients reported to have better outcomes compared to drug therapy in particular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). There were less side effects for non-SSRI group and considered a safe treatment for long term therapy.

Young-Dae Kim, In Heo, Byung-Cheul Shin, Cindy Crawford, Hyung-Won Kang, Jung-Hwa Lim, Full Article

2013, Jan

Acupuncture for the treatment of insomnia

International Review of Neurobiology

A number of studies have demonstrated that acupuncture may modulate a wide range of neuroendocrinological factors following stimulation of acupoints. Evidence has suggested that the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treatment of insomnia is potentially mediated by a variety of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine, melatonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and β-endorphin.

Kaicun Zhao Full Article

2013, Jan

Acupuncture for Treating Anxiety and Depression in Women: A Clinical Systematic Review

Medical Acupuncture American Academy of Medical Acupuncture

With respect to six reviewed studies, there is high-level evidence to support the use of acupuncture for treating major depressive disorder in pregnancy.

Sniezek DP, Siddiqui IJ. Full Article

2012, Dec

Chinese herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Sleep Medicine Reviews

Due to the poor methodological quality of the studies and the small number of trials included in meta-analyses, the current evidence is insufficient to support the efficacy of CHM for insomnia. The frequency of adverse events associated with CHM was similar to that of placebo, but lower than with Western medication.

Wing-Fai Yeung, Ka-Fai Chung, Maggie Man-Ki Poon, Fiona Yan-Yee Ho, Shi-Ping Zhang, Zhang-Jin Zhang, Eric Tat-Chi Zie, Vivian Taam Wong Full Article

2011, Sept 07

Acupuncture for autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane

This review found that acupuncture might result in improvement in some outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the high heterogeneity of the result did not provide a firm conclusion.

Cheuk DKL, Wong V, Chen WX Full Article

2011, Dec

Acupuncture treatment for depression—A systematic review and meta-analysis

European Journal of Integrative Medicine

Current evidence from this meta-analysis of randomized trials shows that acupuncture is effective in reducing severity of depression and that TCM- and electro acupuncture may have similar effect as current usual care.

Trine Stub, Terje Alræk, Jianping Liu Full Article

2010, Apr

Efficacy of acupuncture in management of premenstrual syndrome: A systematic review

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

The study highlighted a significant difference in reduction of PMS symptoms for acupuncture treatment compared with pharmacologic treatment. Patients found acupuncture to have less side effects than taking pharmacologic treatment (such as progesterone, antidepressants or pyridoxine).

Seung-HunChoaJongwooKimb Full Article

2010, Dec

Acupuncture for treating temporomandibular disorder: retrospective study on safety and efficacy

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies Medical Association of Pharmacopuncture Institute

This article not just highlight the importance of acupuncture in relieving pain for TMJ disorders. It also showcase how acupuncture reduces stress and sleep quality, factors that have been demonstrated as risk factors for TMD and pain in general.

Noiman M, Garty A, Maimon Y, Miller U, Lev-Ari S. Full Article

2009, Nov

Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Society for Acupuncture Research

Acupuncture appears to be effective in treatment of insomnia. Meta-analyses showed a beneficial effect of acupuncture compared with no treatment and real acupressure compared with sham acupressure on total scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Acupuncture was superior to medications regarding the number of patients with total sleep duration increased for >3 hours. Acupuncture plus medications showed better effect than medications alone on total sleep duration. Similarly, acupuncture plus herbs was significantly better than herbs alone on increase of sleep rates. There were no serious adverse effects with related to acupuncture treatment in the included trials.

Cao H, Pan X, Li H, Liu J. Full Article