Cytotoxic Effects of Combinative ZnPcS4 Photosensitizer Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Cannabidiol (CBD) on a Cervical Cancer Cell Line.

The most prevalent type of gynecological malignancy globally is cervical cancer (CC). Complicated by tumor resistance and metastasis, it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in South Africa. Early CC is managed by hysterectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and more recently, immunotherapy. Although these treatments provide clinical benefits, many patients experience adverse effects and secondary CC spread. To minimize this, novel and innovative treatment methods need to be investigated. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an advantageous treatment modality that is non-invasive, with limited side effects. The Cannabis sativa L. plant isolate, cannabidiol (CBD), has anti-cancer effects, which inhibit tumor growth and spread. This study investigated the cytotoxic combinative effect of PDT and CBD on CC HeLa cells. The effects were assessed by exposing in vitro HeLa CC-cultured cells to varying doses of ZnPcS4 photosensitizer (PS) PDT and CBD, with a fluency of 10 J/cm2 and 673 nm irradiation. HeLa CC cells, which received the predetermined lowest dose concentrations (ICD50) of 0.125 µM ZnPcS4 PS plus 0.5 µM CBD to yield 50% cytotoxicity post-laser irradiation, reported highly significant and advantageous forms of cell death. Flow cytometry cell death pathway quantitative analysis showed that only 13% of HeLa cells were found to be viable, 7% were in early apoptosis and 64% were in late favorable forms of apoptotic cell death, with a minor 16% of necrosis post-PDT. Findings suggest that this combined treatment approach can possibly induce primary cellular destruction, as well as limit CC metastatic spread, and so warrants further investigation.

The In-Vitro Effect of Homeopathically Prepared Rubus idaeus and 680 nm Laser Irradiation on Cervical Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cancer in women and is the most common in those aged 15 to 44 years. Medicinal plant extracts have been used as homeopathic preparations for health benefits. Rubus idaeus (RI) is used to treat disorders of the female genital tract and produces cytotoxic effects. However, the use of homeopathically prepared RI in combination with low level laser therapy has not previously been explored. AIM: The study aims to investigate the in-vitro effects of homeopathically prepared RI alone and in combination as a potential photosensitizer with Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) at fluencies of 5, 10, and 15 J/cm2. METHODS: HeLa CC cells were treated with RI (D3, D6, and 30cH homeopathic preparations). Cells were then treated with RI IC50 and 680 nm laser diode at 5, 10, and 15 J/cm2 fluencies, and the results compared with untreated control cells. Trypan blue viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) proliferation assays were used to analyze the cellular dose-responses along with inverted microscopy, Hoechst staining and Annexin-V/PI staining. RESULTS: RI D3 alone demonstrated an ability to reduce cellular viability to 59% and also to reduce ATP levels. The subsequent combined treatment protocol of RI D3 with all fluencies of laser demonstrated an increase in cellular ATP and increased LDH levels compared with the control. CONCLUSION: The increased ATP and LDH levels observed in the combined treatment protocol of 680 nm laser and RI D3 at fluencies of 5, 10 and 15 J/cm2, show that the Warburg effect might have been induced in the CC cells - an increase in glucose uptake and the preferential production of lactate, even in the presence of oxygen. More research, including work on other cell lines, needs to be conducted to identify if RI and perhaps a different wavelength of laser irradiation could have potential in inducing cell death in cancer cells.

Enhancement of Conventional and Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Cervical Cancer with Cannabidiol.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Conventional treatments include surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy, however these are invasive and may cause severe side effects. Furthermore, approximately 70% of late-stage CC patients experience metastasis, due to treatment resistance and limitations. Thus, there is a dire need to investigate alternative therapeutic combination therapies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative CC treatment modality that has been clinically proven to treat primary CC, as well as to limit secondary metastasis. Since PDT is a non-invasive localized treatment, with fewer side effects and lessened resistance to dose repeats, it is considered far more advantageous. However, more clinical trials are required to refine its delivery and dosing, as well as improve its ability to activate specific immune responses to eradicate secondary CC spread. Cannabidiol (CBD) isolates have been shown to exert in vitro CC anticancer effects, causing apoptosis post treatment, as well as inducing specific immune responses, which obstruct tumor invasion and angiogenesis, and so hinder CC metastatic spread. This review paper discusses the current conventional and alternative PDT treatment modalities for CC, as well as their limitations over the last 10 years. It has a particular focus on the combinative administration of CBD with these treatments in order to prevent CC secondary migration and so possibly encourage future research studies to focus on this synergistic effect to eradicate CC.

A Review of Preclinical Research on the Effects of Photodynamic Therapy and Homeopathic Medicine on Cancer Cells.

CONTEXT: Cancer occurs as a consequence of the dysregulation of genes during cell division, resulting in an increased proliferation rate and loss of vital checkpoints in cells. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) makes use of photosensitizers, oxygen, and light at visible wavelengths to stimulate formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and trigger apoptosis of cancer cells. Homeopathic remedies commonly affect genes, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Bcl2, thereby stimulating cancer-cell death. OBJECTIVE: The study intended to examine and summarize the latest findings in preclinical, in vitro, and in vivo studies on the mechanisms of homeopathy and PDT in cancer therapy. DESIGN: The research team conducted a literature review using extensive databases made available by the University of Johannesburg Library. The databases used, included, Science Direct, Ebsco Host and Pubmed. SETTING: This study took place at the Laser Research Centre, University of Johannesburg. RESULTS: Studies demonstrated an ability for both homeopathic remedies and photodynamic therapy to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by interfering with mitochondrial pathways leading to a release of cytochrome-c, the production of reactive oxygen species and by interfering with cancer cell genes by upregulating p53 and Bax and down-regulating TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: Both homeopathy and PDT demonstrate antineoplastic effects; however; more research needs to be conducted before any conclusions can be made.

Knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine by nursing students at a University in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The increased popularity of complementary medicine has created the need for patients to receive accurate information from nurses who are front-line healthcare providers. Studies have demonstrated that patients are more likely to discuss other medication and therapy use with nurses, rather than with general practitioners or other health professionals. It is, therefore, important to determine nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward the use of complementary medicine. SETTING: The study was conducted with Baccalaureus Curationis (nursing) students registered at a large public university in Gauteng, South Africa. METHODS: This research utilised a quantitative approach with a prospective, descriptive survey design. A convenience sample comprising registered Baccalaureus Curationis nursing students (n = 202) was utilized. Participants completed a 34-item, paper-and-pencil questionnaire to determine their knowledge, personal use and attitude toward complementary medicine modalities. RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by 126 nursing students with 119 questionnaires included for analysis. Despite a reported lack of knowledge regarding complementary medicine and limited personal use, participants had an overall positive attitude towards complementary medicine. Almost half of the participants reported enquiring about its use in history taking and were willing to refer patients to a complementary medicine practitioner. CONCLUSION: A positive attitude towards complementary medicine modalities might suggest a willingness from students to improve their knowledge of the various modalities and to refer to a complementary medicine practitioner when indicated.

Perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng.

BACKGROUND: Infantile colic is a self-limiting condition, characterised by spasmodic, excessive and inconsolable crying without apparent cause. Although common, there is no widely accepted conventional treatment approach for colic. Complementary medicine is often promoted as an alternative therapeutic option for infantile colic; however, there is limited research available on its use, safety and effectiveness. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic by means of the Infantile Colic Questionnaire. SETTING: Mothers of infants who had colic were recruited from complementary medicine pharmacies, schools, baby clinics and various businesses in Gauteng, South Africa. METHODS: A quantitative-descriptive design was used whereby data was collected through a randomised, cross-sectional questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 152 participants (mothers), aged between 18 and 45 years, with one or more children who suffered from symptoms of infantile colic, who had used complementary medicine as a form of treatment. RESULTS: Results indicated that most participants made use of both complementary and conventional medicines for their infant's colic; the most commonly used complementary medicine products were homeopathic remedies, probiotics and herbal medicines. Some participants were, however, unfamiliar with the term 'complementary medicine', indicating a need for further patient education. CONCLUSIONS: The participants perceived complementary medicines as safe and effective forms of treatment for infantile colic. However, further, larger scale studies should be conducted to validate this finding.

Perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng

Background: Infantile colic is a self-limiting condition, characterised by spasmodic, excessive and inconsolable crying without apparent cause. Although common, there is no widely accepted conventional treatment approach for colic. Complementary medicine is often promoted as an alternative therapeutic option for infantile colic; however, there is limited research available on its use, safety and effectiveness. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic by means of the Infantile Colic Questionnaire. Setting: Mothers of infants who had colic were recruited from complementary medicine pharmacies, schools, baby clinics and various businesses in Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative-descriptive design was used whereby data was collected through a randomised, cross-sectional questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 152 participants (mothers), aged between 18 and 45 years, with one or more children who suffered from symptoms of infantile colic, who had used complementary medicine as a form of treatment. Results: Results indicated that most participants made use of both complementary and conventional medicines for their infant's colic; the most commonly used complementary medicine products were homeopathic remedies, probiotics and herbal medicines. Some participants were, however, unfamiliar with the term 'complementary medicine', indicating a need for further patient education. Conclusions: The participants perceived complementary medicines as safe and effective forms of treatment for infantile colic. However, further, larger scale studies should be conducted to validate this finding

Pilot Study on the Homeopathic Treatment of Binge Eating in Males.

Context • Frequent binge eating is often a symptom of an underlying eating disorder, such as bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge eating disorder (BED). The role of homeopathy in the treatment of binge eating remains poorly explored. Objective • The study intended to measure the efficacy of individualized homeopathic treatment for binge eating in adult males. Design • This case study was a 9-wk pilot using an embedded, mixed-methods design. A 3-wk baseline period was followed by a 6-wk treatment period. Setting • The setting was the Homeopathic Health Clinic at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa. Participants • Through purposive sampling, the research team recruited 15 Caucasian, male participants, aged 18-45 y, who were exhibiting binge eating. Intervention • Individualized homeopathic remedies were prescribed to each participant. Primary Outcome Measures • Participants were assessed by means of (1) a self-assessment calendar (SAC), recording the frequency and intensity of binging; (2) the Binge Eating Scale (BES), a psychometric evaluation of severity; and (3) case analysis evaluating changes with time. Results • Ten participants completed the study. The study found a statistically significant improvement with regard to the BES (P = .003) and the SAC (P = .006), with a large effect size, indicating that a decrease occurred in the severity and frequency of binging behavior during the study period. Conclusions • This small study showed the potential benefits of individualized homeopathic treatment of binge eating in males, decreasing both the frequency and severity of binging episodes. Follow-up studies are recommended to explore this treatment modality as a complementary therapeutic option in eating disorders characterized by binge eating.

The effect of Driver Resonator frequency treatment (385 kHertz) on Candida albicans cell viability and recovery in the presence and absence of nutrients.

BACKGROUND: The Driver Resonator is a registered electro-medical device used by a number of medical health professionals. The device was developed for the elimination and/or reduction of pathogens by means of electrical impulses to the human body. There is currently no evidence available to determine the direct effect of the frequencies of the Driver Resonator on specific pathogens. METHODOLOGY: A growth curve was constructed to determine three different growth phases of Candida albicans. Using data obtained from the growth curve, C. albicans cells were harvested during the selected growth phases and treated with the Driver Resonator at a frequency of 385 kHz. The cells were treated for 10 minutes at time intervals of 0, 2, and 4 hours, and samples were taken after each treatment to determine the number of viable cells. To investigate the effect that nutrients might have on the cells' ability to recover after treatment, the Driver Resonator treatment was applied to cells suspended in nutrient broth as well as cells suspended in phosphate-buffered saline. RESULTS: The Driver Resonator had no significant effect on C. albicans cell viability and recovery in the absence or presence of nutrients when the cells were in the mid-exponential, late-exponential, and stationary phases of growth. CONCLUSION: These results support further testing of the starting cell concentration and the effect this might have on the efficiency of Driver Resonator. It should be remembered that the human body is a complex system. The electrodes of the Driver Resonator were specifically adapted for this study by the manufacturer to test the effect of the equipment on the C. albicans and not the human body. The laboratory results may not accurately reflect the results that might occur when the prescribed frequency is applied to the human body as the Driver Resonator is intended to do.