Administration, Topical

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative interventions are becoming increasingly utilized as adjuncts to conventional treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). While the number of studies continues to grow, the vastness of the subject coupled with the relatively poor quality and small size of the studies limit their usefulness to clinicians. PURPOSE: Our aim was to comprehensively review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of complementary and alternative therapies for AD.

BACKGROUND: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been increasingly used for atopic eczema. A previous version of this Cochrane review published in 2004 found some evidence of a possible benefit for oral ingestion of CHM for eczema, but the results were inconclusive and the evidence needs to be updated. We have expanded the scope of this review to include an assessment of the topical and oral effects of CHM for eczema. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of oral ingestion and topical applications of CHM for the management of eczema in children and adults.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative interventions are becoming increasingly utilized as adjuncts to conventional treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). While the number of studies continues to grow, the vastness of the subject coupled with the relatively poor quality and small size of the studies limit their usefulness to clinicians. PURPOSE: Our aim was to comprehensively review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of complementary and alternative therapies for AD.

The effects of topical administration of an alcohol extract of the leaves of an evergreen plant, Terminalia chebula, on the healing of rat dermal wounds, in vivo, was assessed. T. chebula treated wounds healed much faster as indicated by improved rates of contraction and a decreased period of epithelialization. Biochemical studies revealed a significant increase in total protein, DNA and collagen contents in the granulation tissues of treated wounds. The levels of hexosamine and uronic acid in these tissues, also increased upto day 8 post-wounding.

BACKGROUND: Infection is a major problem in the management of wounds. Even though the development of synthetic antimicrobial agents persists, drug resistance and toxicity hinder their way. Many plants with multi-potent pharmaceutical activities may offer better treatment options, and Triphala (dried fruits of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica) are potential formulations evaluated for healing activity on infected wound as it possesses numerous activities.

Despite considerable progress, the treatment of erectile insufficiency is often difficult due to its usually multifactorial aetiology and to the fact that the 3 components of a satisfying sex life are: 1) Sufficient penile rigidity with no other associated sexual dysfunction, 2) an adapted mental state, 3) a loving relationship with the partner. All of these parameters must be taken into account to ensure a lasting success, hence the need for a global approach rather than an approach localized to the organ.

A 24-hr inhalation of 1,1,1-tricholoroethane (methylchloroform), 3,000 ppm, reduced pentobarbital hypnosis and increased hexobarbitaloxidation by the 9,000 x g liver supernatant fraction in male mice. On the other hand, an ip injection of methylchloroform, l ml/kg, increased the duration of pentobarbital hypnosis and reduced hexobarbital metabolism by the liver microsomal enzymes. The potentioating effect of methylchloroform on pentobarbital hypnosis as diminished when it was diluted with olive oil, but was markedly enhanced when diluted with dimethysusoxide (DMSO) before injection.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a review of the literature and make known expert opinion regarding the treatment of vulvodynia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experts reviewed the existing literature to provide new definitions for vulvar pain and to describe treatments for this condition. RESULTS: Vulvodynia has been redefined by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease as vulvar discomfort in the absence of gross anatomic or neurologic findings. Classification is based further on whether the pain is generalized or localized and whether it is provoked, unprovoked, or both.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia are frequent and are a major management problem, especially for patients with severe cognitive impairment. Preliminary reports have indicated positive effects of aromatherapy using select essential oils, but there are no adequately powered placebo-controlled trials. We conducted a placebo-controlled trial to determine the value of aromatherapy with essential oil of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) for agitation in people with severe dementia.

Essential oils have the potential to initiate allergic reactions due to their volatile and skin absorbent nature. Practitioners and aromatherapy teachers need to be aware of the potential for allergies and be equipped to deal with them if they should arise. Two cases are presented of potentially serious reactions that occurred within a learning situation along with a brief literature critique about allergic reactions to essential oils.