Does acupuncture improve sexual dysfunction? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Sexual dysfunction can adversely affect the quality of life and interpersonal relationships. nowadays, a lot of attention is paid to traditional Chinese medicine with better curative effects and less adverse events. Recent studies have implied the promising effect of acupuncture on sexual function. This systematic review evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in treating female and male sexual dysfunction. CONTENT: PubMed, Cochrane Central of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched up to 2021. No limitation to language and date. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). SUMMARY: Among 160 initially assessed papers, 13 articles were included. The findings showed that acupuncture improve sexual dysfunction in domains of desire, libido, erectile dysfunction and impotency. Most studies did not report any serious side effects from acupuncture, and only three studies reported minor adverse events. OUTLOOK: The available evidence indicate that acupuncture has positive on improvement of sexual dysfunction with no serious side effects. Although acupuncture has gained increasing popularity for the management of sexual dysfunction, high methodological quality evidence regarding its efficacy is lacking.

The Effectiveness of Herbal Medicines on Cyclic Mastalgia: A Systematic Review on Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Different drugs are used to treat mastalgia, such as danazol and bromocriptine, and both are associated with side effects, due to which most of women and healthcare providers are interested in herbal medicines. Therefore we aim to study the effectiveness of phytoestrogens on the severity of cyclic mastalgia. METHODS: To carry out the present study, English electronic resources such as the Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were used systematically and with no time limitation up to February 10, 2020. RESULTS: In total, 20 studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that herbal medicines versus the control group (standard mean difference [SMD] = - 0.585; 95% confidence interval [CI]: - 0.728-- 0.44; heterogeneity; p = 0.02; I2 = 42%), herbal medicines versus the B group (SMD = - 0.59; 95%CI: - 0.75-- 0.44; heterogeneity; p = 0.03; I2 = 42%), and its subgroups, such as phytoestrogen (SMD = - 0.691; 95%CI: - 0.82-- 0.55; heterogeneity; p = 0.669; I2 = 0%), Vitex-agnus-castus (SMD = - 0.642; 95%CI: - 0.84-- 0.44; p < 0.001; p = 203; I2 = 32%), flaxseed (SMD = - 0.63; 95%CI: - 0.901-- 0.367; p = 0.871; I2 = 0%), and evening primrose (SMD= - 0.485; 95%CI:- 0.84-- 0.12; p = 0.008; heterogeneity; p = 0.06; I2 = 56%] may have effective and helpful effects on improving cyclic breast mastalgia. Also, chamomile, isoflavone, cinnamon, and nigella sativa significantly reduced mastalgia symptoms. CONCLUSION: Herbal medicines and their subgroups may have effective and helpful effects on improving cyclic breast mastalgia. The findings of our meta-analysis must be done cautiously because low methodological quality in some evaluated studies of this systematic review.

OBJETIVO: Diferentes drogas são utilizadas para tratar a mastalgia, como danazol e bromocriptina, e ambas estão associadas a efeitos colaterais, devido aos quais a maioria das mulheres e dos profissionais de saúde está interessada em medicamentos fitoterápicos. Portanto, nosso objetivo no presente estudo é estudar a eficácia dos fitoestrogênios na gravidade da mastalgia cíclica. MéTODOS: Para a realização do presente estudo, foram utilizados recursos eletrônicos em inglês como a Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Scopus e PubMed, de forma sistemática e sem limitação de tempo até 10 de fevereiro de 2020. RESULTADOS: No total, 20 estudos foram incluídos na presente metanálise. Os resultados da metanálise mostraram que fitoterápicos versus grupo controle (SMD = - 0,585; intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%: - 0,728­- 0,44; heterogeneidade; p = 0,02; I2 = 42%), fitoterápicos versus grupo B (SMD = - 0,59; IC95%: - 0,75­- 0,44; heterogeneidade; p = 0,03; I2 = 42%) e seus subgrupos, como fitoestrogênios (SMD = - 0,691; IC95%: - 0,82­- 0,55; heterogeneidade; p = 0,669; I2 = 0%), Vitex-agnus-castus (SMD = - 0,642; IC95%: - 0,84­- 0,44; p < 0,001; p = 203; I2 = 32%), linhaça (SMD = - 0,63; IC95%: - 0,901­- 0,367; p = 0,871; I2 = 0%) e prímula (SMD = - 0,485; IC95%: - 0,84­- 0,12; p = 0,008; heterogeneidade; p = 0,06; I2 = 56%) podem ter efeitos eficazes e úteis na melhora da mastalgia cíclica da mama. Além disso, camomila, isoflavona, canela e Nigella sativa reduziram significativamente a mastalgia. CONCLUSãO: Os medicamentos fitoterápicos e seus subgrupos podem ter efeitos eficazes e úteis na melhora da mastalgia mamária cíclica. Os achados do presente estudo devem ser explantados com atenção devido ao pequeno número de estudos existentes sobre o tema, a maioria dos quais com um tamanho de amostra pequeno.

The Effectiveness of Herbal Medicines on Cyclic Mastalgia: A Systematic Review on Meta-analysis / A eficácia dos medicamentos fitoterápicos na mastalgia cíclica: Uma revisão sistemática em metanálise

Abstract Objective Different drugs are used to treat mastalgia, such as danazol and bromocriptine, and both are associated with side effects, due to which most of women and healthcare providers are interested in herbal medicines. Therefore we aim to study the effectiveness of phytoestrogens on the severity of cyclic mastalgia. Methods To carry out the present study, English electronic resources such as the Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were used systematically and with no time limitation up to February 10, 2020. Results In total, 20 studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that herbal medicines versus the control group (standard mean difference [SMD] = - 0.585; 95% confidence interval [CI]: - 0.728-- 0.44; heterogeneity; p = 0.02; I2 = 42%), herbal medicines versus the B group (SMD = - 0.59; 95%CI: - 0.75-- 0.44; heterogeneity; p = 0.03; I2 = 42%), and its subgroups, such as phytoestrogen (SMD = - 0.691; 95%CI: - 0.82-- 0.55; heterogeneity; p = 0.669; I2 = 0%), Vitex-agnus-castus (SMD = - 0.642; 95%CI: - 0.84-- 0.44; p < 0.001; p = 203; I2 = 32%), flaxseed (SMD = - 0.63; 95%CI: - 0.901-- 0.367; p = 0.871; I2 = 0%), and evening primrose (SMD= - 0.485; 95%CI:- 0.84-- 0.12; p = 0.008; heterogeneity; p = 0.06; I2 = 56%] may have effective and helpful effects on improving cyclic breast mastalgia. Also, chamomile, isoflavone, cinnamon, and nigella sativa significantly reduced mastalgia symptoms. Conclusion Herbal medicines and their subgroups may have effective and helpful effects on improving cyclic breast mastalgia. The findings of our meta-analysis must be done cautiously because low methodological quality in some evaluated studies of this systematic review.

Resumo Objetivo Diferentes drogas são utilizadas para tratar a mastalgia, como danazol e bromocriptina, e ambas estão associadas a efeitos colaterais, devido aos quais a maioria das mulheres e dos profissionais de saúde está interessada em medicamentos fitoterápicos. Portanto, nosso objetivo no presente estudo é estudar a eficácia dos fitoestrogênios na gravidade da mastalgia cíclica. Métodos Para a realização do presente estudo, foram utilizados recursos eletrônicos em inglês como a Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Scopus e PubMed, de forma sistemática e sem limitação de tempo até 10 de fevereiro de 2020. Resultados No total, 20 estudos foram incluídos na presente metanálise. Os resultados da metanálise mostraram que fitoterápicos versus grupo controle (SMD = - 0,585; intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%: - 0,728-- 0,44; heterogeneidade; p = 0,02; I2 = 42%), fitoterápicos versus grupo B (SMD = - 0,59; IC95%: - 0,75-- 0,44; heterogeneidade; p = 0,03; I2 = 42%) e seus subgrupos, como fitoestrogênios (SMD = - 0,691; IC95%: - 0,82-- 0,55; heterogeneidade; p = 0,669; I2 = 0%), Vitex-agnus-castus (SMD = - 0,642; IC95%: - 0,84-- 0,44; p < 0,001; p = 203; I2 = 32%), linhaça (SMD = - 0,63; IC95%: - 0,901-- 0,367; p = 0,871; I2 = 0%) e prímula (SMD = - 0,485; IC95%: - 0,84-- 0,12; p = 0,008; heterogeneidade; p = 0,06; I2 = 56%) podem ter efeitos eficazes e úteis na melhora da mastalgia cíclica da mama. Além disso, camomila, isoflavona, canela e Nigella sativa reduziram significativamente a mastalgia. Conclusão Os medicamentos fitoterápicos e seus subgrupos podem ter efeitos eficazes e úteis na melhora da mastalgia mamária cíclica. Os achados do presente estudo devem ser explantados com atenção devido ao pequeno número de estudos existentes sobre o tema, a maioria dos quais com um tamanho de amostra pequeno.

A Systematic Review on Use of Medicinal Plants for Male Infertility Treatment.

Objective: Male infertility is involved in about half of the casess of infertility and the only sole reason for infertility in 20%-30% of the cases. Following the recent interest in the use of medicinal plants, scientists have sought to clarify their effects on male fertility. This review aimed to summarize the results of studies available to determine the effectiveness, safety and mechanism of herbal treatments in the improvement of male fertility. Materials and methods: Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central) databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published during 2000-2020. Studies were only included if they adhered to the CONSORT checklist. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: Finally, 20 studies recruiting a total of 1519 individuals were reviewed. These studies compared the effects of eleven different medicinal plants, i.e. ginseng, saffron, Nigella sativa, palm pollen, ADOFON, TOPALAF, sesame, and Mucuna pruriens, on male fertility with those of placebo. All studies (except one) confirmed the beneficial effects of medicinal plants on the improvement of sperm and reproductive parameters and thus male infertility. Conclusion: The existing RCTs indicated the positive effects of medicinal plants on male fertility. Therefore, in order to develop a novel approach to the treatment of male infertility, further clinical trials are warranted to determine the maximum dosage and duration of treatment with herbal medicines and evaluate any potential side effects of such interventions.

Impact of phytoestrogens on treatment of urogenital menopause symptoms: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: Menopause symptoms affect the various dimensions of women's lives and they can lead to reduction of their quality of life. Phytoestrogens can be used as an approach to diminish these symptoms. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of phytoestrogens on the treatment of urogenital menopause symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library,Scopus and ProQuest were systematically searched from 2000-2020. All randomized clinical trials were included. The quality of the selected papers was evaluated by the CONSORT checklist. RESULTS: 33 eligible high-quality papers were reviewed. Various forms of phytoestrogens such as Pueraria Mirifica, fennel, Hop plant(Humuluslupulus L.), Glycine Max (L.) Merr, soy, red clover, black cohosh, ginsing, cimicifugaracemosa, genistein, diadzein, glycitein and isoflavone in the form of oral capsules and pill, food supplement, enriched powder, vaginal gel, cream and suppository could improve menopausal urogenital symptoms. The recovery rate in vaginal use of these phytoestrogens was greater than other consumptions. CONCLUSIONS: After using a variety of phytoestrogens in different forms indicators of urogenital atrophy and urinary disorders improved and women's sexual function improved after treatment. The use of phytoestrogens as a safe, low-risk compared to hormone therapy and almost accessible method for women can relieve urogenital symptoms and promote the sexual satisfaction and quality of life.

Efficacy of the Complementary and Alternative Therapies for the Management of Psychological Symptoms of Menopause: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Menopause is not a high-risk period for psychiatric illness but can cause psychological issues; the most common of which are anxiety and depression, which can impair coping and reduce women's quality of life. Thus, many women have leaned toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the relief of menopause-related symptoms. No rigorous study exists in the literature on the effects of CAMs on the psychological symptoms of menopause despite this growing patient interest. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy of CAM interventions on psychological symptoms of menopause. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) were searched from January 2000 to May 2021 using the keywords: menopause, menopausal symptoms, psychological symptoms, and complementary and alternative medicine. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for randomized clinical trials. Of the 704 articles found, 33 articles with 3,092 participants entered the final review. Aromatherapy, massage, yoga, and acupuncture, as well as some dietary and herbal supplements improved psychological symptoms during menopause based on the findings of the current study. However, the effectiveness of reflexology and exercise was debatable. However, necessary precautions should be taken when using them in clinical settings despite the positive effect of various CAM interventions on reducing psychological symptoms. More studies with a higher methodology quality are required to make better decisions about the effect of various CAM interventions on the psychological symptoms of menopause.

An overview of the phytoestrogen effect on vaginal health and dyspareunia in peri- and post-menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this overview was to evaluate the effectiveness of phytoestrogens on vaginal health and dyspareunia in peri- and post-menopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three databases including MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were from inception to August 2017. RESULT: Two systematic reviews and 11 RCTs were included in the overview. According to the findings, isoflavones increased the maturation value and attenuated the vaginal atrophy in the post-menopausal women. Topical isoflavones had beneficial effects on the vaginal atrophy. Similar efficacy was found in Pueraria mirifica and conjugated estrogen cream on dryness ( p = 0.277), soreness ( p = 0.124) and irritation ( p = 0.469), as well as discharge ( p = 0.225) and dyspareunia ( p = 0.089). However, the conjugated estrogen cream was more effective compared to Pueraria mirifica ( p > 0.005) regarding maturation index improvement. Comparison of fennel 5% vaginal cream and placebo gel showed significant difference in superficial cells ( p < 0.01), parabasal cells ( p < 0.01) and intermediate cells ( p < 0.01), whereas no difference was found between the oral fennel and placebo in terms of superficial, parabasal and intermediate cells as well as Maturation value. Administration of 80 mg red clover oil had a significant effect on superficial ( p < 0.005), intermediate ( p < 0.005) and parabasal and vaginal dryness ( p < 0.005) compared to the placebo. Flaxseed had also a trivial effect on maturation value. Genistein had a more prominent effect on the genital score. The severity of dyspareunia decreased by 27%. CONCLUSION: Phytoestrogens have various effects based on administration route and type on the vaginal atrophy.

Overview of the Effect of Herbal Medicines and Isoflavones on the Treatment of Cognitive Function.

OBJECTIVES: The current overview aimed to present the effect of herbal medicines on cognitive function among menopausal women. METHODS: Two separate authors performed systematic search of the 3 databases of (the MEDLINE Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register Trials) from inception to January 2018. Methodological quality of each study was assessed using the AMSTAR. RESULTS: According to 2 reviews, soy seems to be effective in enhancing summary cognitive function and visual memory. The effect of isoflavones on cognition was affected by treatment duration as six weeks of treatment improved some dimensions of cognitive parameters, including mental flexibility and planning, and longer treatment period (6 months) improved category digit span test, digit symbol test, and visual scanning test score. The effect of phytoestrogen on cognitive function of menopausal women might be altered age, gender, ethnicity, menopausal status, dosage, and length of treatment, types of cognitive test, location, types of soy, and types of phytoestrogen. Combination of Gingko with ginseng could not improve sustained attention, episode memory, category generation or frontal lobe function. Gingko biloba had no significant effect on planning, memory and sustained attention, except for its limited effect on mental flexibility in late menopause. In addition, other herbal medicines like black cohosh showed no effective beneficial. CONCLUSIONS: Phytoestrogen, soy and isoflavones might have a limited beneficial effect on some aspects of cognition. The phytoestrogens affecting cognition might be modified by age, gender, ethnicity, menopausal status, dosage, and length of treatment, types of cognitive test, location, types of soy, and types of phytoestrogen.

Effect of Aromatherapy on the Treatment of Psychological Symptoms in Postmenopausal and Elderly Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To critically assess the effect of aromatherapy on the psychological symptoms as noted in the postmenopausal and elderly women. METHODS: Three following databases were systematically searched: MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to January 2018. The search keywords included 'menopause' AND (aromatherapy), without language restrictions. RESULTS: In this study, 4 trials were included which fit into our systematic review. The findings demonstrated that the aromatherapy massage have significantly improved psychological symptoms in menopausal and elderly women as compared to the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.24; 95% confidence interval, -0.188 to -0.606; P < 0.001 random effect model; 3 trials, moderate to high heterogeneity, I2 = 0.76; P = 0.028). According to 1 of the trials, the aromatherapy oil massage was no more effective than the untreated group regarding their experience of symptoms such as nervousness. CONCLUSIONS: The aromatherapy may be beneficial in attenuating the psychological symptoms that these women may experience, such as anxiety and depression, but it is not considered as an effective treatment to manage nervousness symptom among menopausal women. This finding should be observed in light of study limitations.

Effects of date palm pollen on fertility: research proposal for a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Over 10-15% of couples in different countries are infertile. Male infertility is a contributing factor and the only cause of infertility in respectively 50% and 20-30% of all cases of infertility. According to previous research, micro-elements isolated from date palm pollen (DPP), e.g. estrogen and sterols, may enhance male and female fertility. DPP has also been reported to improve sperm parameters including sperm motility and viability, acrosome reaction, and lipid peroxidation. This article may justify the need for a future systematic review and meta-analysis about the effects of DPP on the reproductive system and DPP's ability to enhance fertility. It will then describe the methodology of such a study. MAIN TEXT: A comprehensive search of relevant randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials will be performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases. Two authors will independently assess the eligibility of the studies and consult the third author in cases of disagreement. The risk of bias of the randomized controlled trials and animal studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool, respectively. This study will raise no ethical issues as it will review the findings of previous research. The results are intended to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

Hypoglycemic effects of Acacia nilotica in type II diabetes: a research proposal.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder throughout the world which can negatively affect the function of various body organs. Due to their availability and few side effects, herbal medicines have been proposed as suitable alternatives in the management of diabetes. Previous studies have confirmed the anti diabetic properties of Acacia nilotica. The hypoglycemic effects of this plant have been attributed to its role in stimulating the islets of Langerhans to produce more insulin. The present paper describes a systematic review protocol for the assessment of the hypoglycemic effects of A. nilotica. MAIN TEXTS: Randomized and non-randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, performed during 1999-2016 will be included. The outcomes will be measured through FBS, GCT, GTT, and OGTT in all of studies and in addition to these tests, will be measured 2HPP and HbA1c level in human study. Well-known databases will be searched for selected key terms A. nilotica, type II diabetes and hypoglycemia. The quality assessment of the selected papers will be evaluated based on SYRCLE and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. We believe that our findings will provide details about difficulties researchers face during the design of protocols or implementation of scientific studies. Ultimately, the publication of our findings will facilitate the development of effective treatment strategies to promote the health of people with type II DM. PROSPERO registration CRD42016053141.

Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis: hop (Humulus lupulus L.) for menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: Menopause is a critical stage in every woman's life. It can cause a distressing time for women by creating various vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Phytoestrogens can potentially exert various favourable effects and alleviate VMS in postmenopausal women. The hop (Humulus lupulus L.) contains 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), the most potent phytoestrogen known to date. The hop is eight times stronger than any other herbal oestrogens. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and a meta-analysis survey of the effects of hop in the management of VMS in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Only randomised controlled clinical trials, with cluster randomisation and crossover, blinded and non-blinded designs, conducted between 2000 and 2015, will be included in this review. Quasi-experimental and observational studies as well as case reports will be excluded. The studies will be selected if their participants were aged 40-60 years, had elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and/or menstrual irregularities, and experienced discomforting VMS (at least hot flashes or night sweats). The primary outcome will be the rate of response to treatment, such as changes in frequency and intensity of symptoms in the intervention and placebo groups. 'Hop', 'Humulus', 'menopause', 'vasomotor', 'hot flashes', 'phytoestrogen' and 'night sweats' will be used as search key words. Prior to their inclusion in the review, the selected papers will be assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological validity. Any disagreements will be resolved through a third reviewer. The risk of bias will be independently determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The quality of the papers will be assessed based on the CONSORT checklist. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Results will be disseminated through traditional academic literature. Dissemination of results will occur by peer-reviewed publications. The results of our project can help reproductive health researchers when evaluating the discomforts of research procedures described in study protocols or when designing a study. Information on experiences of menopausal women involved in previous studies may also help in future research. The expected dissemination actions are effective treatment in designing strategies that aim to develop women's health and healthcare providers when offering treatment for women with vasomotor symptoms.