Effects and mechanisms of medicinal plants on healing scars: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 07 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine MT Sherwin ◽  
Saeid Heidari-Soureshjani

Background: Scars can be a cosmetic disfigurement and can tremendously impact psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Some medicinal plants exert anti-scar properties via various mechanisms of action, many of which have not been clearly defined. Objective: This study will evaluate the effects of these medicinal plants with anti-scar properties and review the known underlying mechanisms related to the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars. Methods: The keywords used in the literature search included ((Wound healing OR Re-epithelialization OR Regeneration)) AND ((Medicinal plants OR Phyto* OR herb)) AND ((Cytokines OR Collagen OR Fibroblasts)). Publications indexed in the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) and PubMed databases were included in the review. Articles with no accessible full texts, non-English language articles, review articles, studies with non-positive effects, and studies that were not related to the study’s aim were excluded from the study. The agreement for exclusion required all authors to concur. Finally, after reviewing all available literature, 61 articles were included in this systematic review. Results: Currently available evidence shows that medicinal plants and their derivatives seem to have properties that can prevent hypertrophic scars. This is achieved by accelerating the scar healing process, reducing inflammatory cytokines, suppressing proliferation, and inducing apoptosis in scar fibroblasts by regulating several signaling pathways. Additionally, they can reduce collagen deposition and have antimicrobial effects at the wound site. Conclusion: Topical use of medicinal plants as complementary medicine with varying mechanisms of action can reduce scar formation. They exert these properties mainly due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, these mechanisms reduce the healing time of the wound and thus prevent the formation of hypertrophic scars. Medicinal plants can be used safely and efficiently when applied topically to improve or prevent hypertrophic scars.

Author(s):  
Hajar ZIAEI HEZARJARIBI ◽  
Najmeh NADEALI ◽  
Mahdi FAKHAR ◽  
Masoud SOOSARAEI

Background: Trichomoniasis, due to Trichomonas vaginalis, is one of the most common sexually transmitted parasitic diseases in the world such as Iran. This systematic review aimed to explore the studies evaluating the medicinal herbs with anti- T. vaginalis activity which used in Iran. Methods: Articles published in 4 Persian and 4 English databases were obtained between 2000 and 2015 including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, Barakatkns (formerly IranMedex), Elm net, and SID (Scientific Information Database). Studies out of Iran, studies on animal models and articles on other parasite species than T. vaginalis were excluded from this review. Results: Twenty-one articles including in vitro experiments, met our eligibility criteria. Thoroughly, 26 types of plants were examined against T. vaginalis. Medicinal herbs such as Artemisia, Zataria multiflora, and Lavandula angustifolia are remarkably effective on T. vaginalis. As such, use of other parts of these plants in different concentrations and timelines is recommended for future in vivo studies. Conclusion: The present systematic review provides comprehensive and useful information about Iranian medicinal plants with anti-T. vaginalis activity, which would be examined in the future experimental and clinical trials and herbal combination therapy.


Motricidade ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Ramalho ◽  
João Petrica ◽  
António Rosado

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the scientific evidence about the relationship between sedentary behaviours and various psychological outcomes in older adults. The study searches were conducted in the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, ISI Web of Knowledge and ScienceDirect. We selected 15 observational quantitative studies according to specific eligibility criteria. The data extraction was performed independently by different authors, including the evaluation of the risk of bias of the studies and the classification of the force of evidence. The results showed a tendency of showing no associations between the sedentary behaviours, the well-being and quality of life of the elderly. Concerning life satisfaction and perceived stress, it seems that active sedentary activities have positive effects on these indicators. Evidence has also suggested that some sedentary behaviours may help maintain some cognitive functions in the elderly population, namely in different types of memory. In other studies, it has been demonstrated a tendency that too much time in passive sedentary activities has been associated with depressive symptomatology. However, this review suggested that the evidence is not yet consistent in the relationship between the sedentary behaviours of the elderly and the indicators analysed, and more research is needed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 435-439
Author(s):  
Evgeni Rozenfeld ◽  
Eleanora Sapoznikov Sebakhutu ◽  
Yuval Krieger ◽  
Leonid Kalichman

Objective: To review current scientific knowledge as to the efficacy of dry needling of scars on pain and other related symptoms and explore the possible physiological mechanisms of action. Methods: A narrative review of scientific literature published in English. Results: Two randomized controlled trials found that dry needling of scars (using the classic “surrounding the dragon” technique in one study and intradermal needling in a second study) was more effective than sham or control interventions with respect to scar appearance and pain. Two case reports have suggested that scar needling generates a rapid decrease in pain and improvement of mobility in scarred tissues. Another two case reports have reported positive effects of scar needling on the wound healing process. These findings are supported by an animal study examining the effect of needling on the wound healing process and the physiological mechanisms of action underlying the technique. Conclusion: There is preliminary evidence that the “surrounding the dragon” needling technique is a beneficial treatment for patients suffering from scar pain and other scar-related symptoms and can facilitate wound healing and make this process less painful. Further high-quality studies should be conducted to verify/quantify the efficacy of this method, to better understand the underlying mechanisms of action underlying the effects of scar needling and to establish an effective intervention protocol.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carola M. E. Döpp ◽  
Hermijntje Drenth ◽  
Paul-Jeroen Verkade ◽  
Anneke F. Francke ◽  
Iris van der Heide

Abstract Background Dementia is a progressive disease that affects people’s everyday functioning, including the ability to express values, needs and wishes, which can be considered key elements of self-direction. For the purpose of this review, self-direction refers to the organization and/or coordination of your own life, including professional and other care, with the objective of having what you perceive to be a good life. The aim of this systematic review was to assess and describe interventions that aim to improve self-direction of people with dementia. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo and the Cochrane Library. Empirical studies up to April 2020 were included that used qualitative and/or quantitative methods and reported on interventions for people with dementia aimed at improving self-direction. Stepwise study selection and the assessment of methodological quality were conducted independently by two authors. Data on study and intervention characteristics, outcomes related to self-direction and well-being of people with dementia and factors influencing the feasibility were extracted systematically and described narratively. Results Ten studies were identified describing a total of nine interventions. Interventions varied in terms of goals, content, target population and duration. Overall, interventions consisted of multiple components focusing on identifying “Who am I?” (beliefs, strengths, values, goals), identifying “What is important to me?” (meaningful activities and goal setting) and/or communicating about preferences with professionals and/or caregivers. The review provides indications that people with dementia may benefit from the interventions included. Overall, positive effects were found in studies on outcomes related to self-direction and wellbeing. However, outcomes measured using quantitative methods showed inconsistent effects between the studies. Conclusions Although the methodological quality of all the studies included was ‘good’ or at least ‘fair’, the evidence base of interventions aiming to improve self-direction is still limited due to the low number of studies, the low number of participants and the frequent use of and their authors’ own non-standardized measures. Nevertheless, the review points towards positive effects on self-direction and well-being. Identifying individual beliefs, strengths, values, goals and meaningful activities can be essential components of these interventions, as well as communication about the desired care and support.


2020 ◽  
pp. 088532822098027
Author(s):  
Tiago Akira Tashiro Araujo ◽  
Matheus Cruz Almeida ◽  
Ingrid Avanzi ◽  
Julia Parisi ◽  
Abdias Fernando Simon Sales ◽  
...  

Membranes or skin dressing are common treatments for skin wound injuries, collagen being one the most effective materials for their manufacturing. Many different sources of collagen with diverse methods of extraction and processing have been used, with evidence of positive effects on the stimulation of skin wound healing. In spite of these factors, there is still limited understanding of the interaction between collagen membranes and biological tissues, especially due to the series of different types of collagen origin. In this context, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the available literature examining the effect of various collagen membranes for accelerating skin wound healing in experimental animal models and clinical trials. The present review was performed from March to May of 2020 searching in two databases (PubMed and Scopus). The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) descriptors were used: “collagen”, “dressing”, “membranes”, “skin” and “wound”. After the eligibility assessment, 16 studies were included and analyzed. The studies demonstrated that collagen was obtained predominantly from bovine and porcine sources, by acetic acid and/or enzyme dissolution. Additionally, most of the studies demonstrated that the membranes were processed mainly by freeze-drying or lyophilization methods. All the in vivo and clinical trial studies evidenced positive outcomes in the wound healing process, thus confirming that collagen membranes are one of the most efficient treatment for skin wounds, highlighting the enormous potential of this biomaterial to be used for skin tissue engineering purposes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-87
Author(s):  
Cristina Jorge ◽  
Rita Santos-Rocha ◽  
Teresa Bento

Current scientific evidence supports the recommendation to initiate or continue the practice of physical exercise in healthy pregnant women. Group exercise programs have positive effects in improving health and well-being, as well as social support. In order to understand the scientific evidence in this field, and the outcomes in maternal health, it has generated wide interest in exploring the studies carried out with more relevant group exercise programs. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of group exercise programs in improving women’s and newborns health outcomes during pregnancy. Three databases were used to conduct literature searches and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed. Seventeen studies were selected for analysis. All studies were randomized control trials conducted with pregnant women that evaluated the effect of group exercise programs on the health outcomes of mother and newborn. Most studies followed a supervised structured exercise program including a main aerobic part, resistance training, pelvic floor training and stretching and relaxation sections. The significant effects of the programs are related with improved maternal perception of health status, lower maternal weight gain, improved levels of maternal glucose tolerance, improved aerobic fitness and muscular strength, lower frequency of urinary incontinence, improved sick leave due to lumbopelvic pain, fewer cesarean and instrumental deliveries, higher newborn Apgar score and faster postpartum recovery. Exercise and health professionals should advise pregnant women that aerobic group exercise during pregnancy improves a wide range of health outcomes for the women and newborns.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Pérez-Fernández ◽  
Pablo Fernández-Berrocal ◽  
María José Gutiérrez-Cobo

Diabetes has been associated with affective disorders which complicate the management of the disease. Emotional intelligence (EI), or the ability to perceive, facilitate, understand, and regulate emotions, has shown to be a protective factor of emotional disorders in general population. The main objective of this study was to systematically review the role of the EI construct in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics and to observe how EI is related to biological and psychological variables. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, and Cochrane without time limitations, for studies examining the link between diabetes and EI. A total of 12 eligible studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria. We divided the results into four sections: (1) EI and hemoglobin glycosylated (HbA1c), (2) EI training effects, (3) differences in EI between persons with diabetes and without diabetes, and (4) EI and psychological adjustment and well-being. The results showed negative correlations between EI and HbA1c, positive effects of EI training on quality of life, anxiety, and glycemic control, no differences in EI between people with diabetes and healthy individuals, and, finally, negative correlations between EI and different psychological variables such as diabetes-related anxiety and distress, and positive correlations with quality of life, well-being, and marital satisfaction. This systematic review offers a starting point for a theoretical and practical understanding of the role played by EI in the management of diabetes and reveals that EI is a promising protective factor for biological and psychological variables in this population.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinhui Li

BACKGROUND Digital technologies have been used to support mental health services for two decades, but the COVID-19 pandemic creates a unique opportunity for greater utilization and more data-driven assessment of these digital technologies. OBJECTIVE This research aims to provide a systematic review of the characteristics and effectiveness of digital inventions that were employed to improve mental health in the real context of COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A combination of search terms was applied for automatic search of publications in the relevant databases. The key features of included studies were extracted, including the intervention, participant, and study details. RESULTS A total of 14 eligible studies were included in the final review, which were conducted across different geographic regions and among diverse cultural groups. Ten studies mainly examined the impact of digital technologies on healthy individuals, while only one study developed specific interventions for the isolated COVID-19 depressed patients in hospitals. Digital technologies identified in this study mainly include web-based interventions, smartphone or social media applications such as SMS messages, mobile games, and even video conferencing app. But only five of them were aligned with theoretical approaches from standardized psychological treatments. Most of the studies have reported positive effects of digital technologies, either on improving general mental and emotional well-being or addressing specific conditions (e.g., depression, loneliness). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review suggests that digital technologies hold promise in bridging the mental health-care gap during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for more rigorous studies to identify pertinent features that are likely to achieve more effective mental health outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William John Bingley ◽  
Anh Tran ◽  
Candice Boyd ◽  
Kari Gibson ◽  
Elise Katherine Kalokerinos ◽  
...  

Climate change anxiety is a growing problem for individual well-being the world over. However, psychological interventions to address climate change anxiety may have unintended effects on outcomes other than individual well-being, such as group cohesion and pro-environmental behavior. Reflecting this complexity, we outline a multiple needs framework of climate change anxiety interventions, which can be used to analyze interventions in terms of their effects on individual, social, and environmental outcomes. We use this framework to contextualize a systematic review of the literature detailing the effects of climate change anxiety interventions. This analysis identifies interventions centered around problem-focused action, emotion management, and enhancing social connections as those which have positive effects on the widest range of outcomes. It also identifies interventions that may have detrimental effects on one or more outcomes. We identify gaps where more research is required, including research that assesses the effects of climate change anxiety interventions on individual, social and environmental outcomes in concert. An interactive website summarizes these insights and presents the results of the systematic review in a way that is accessible to a range of stakeholders. The multiple needs framework provides a way to conceptualize the effectiveness of climate change anxiety interventions beyond their impact on individual well-being, contributing to a more holistic understanding of the effects of this global phenomenon.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (47) ◽  
pp. 132-137
Author(s):  
José Ricardo Mariano ◽  
Jhonata Teixeira de Lima ◽  
Hugo Eduardo de Miranda Peixoto ◽  
João Paulo Lyra e Silva

More and more patients seek differentiated treatments, which value the human being and bring him well being. In this context, the demand for alternative therapies that value nature, the human being and the energies present in each organism has grown. There are some possible reasons why music can produce positive effects on health, such as: music is ubiquitous, emotional, involving, distracting, generates a physical demand, is ambiguous, social, communicative, affects behavior and identity. This systematic review an overview of music therapy as an alternative that can be used in the dental office with anxiety control as the benefit of this practice.


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