BACKGROUND: A growing body of research is exploring the role of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis, highlighting an increasing emphasis on non-pharmacological interventions. Although more patients are turning to supplements to manage osteoarthritis, their actual effectiveness remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the available evidence concerning the efficacy of various dietary supplements in osteoarthritis treatment. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science for studies on the use of various dietary supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis from the creation of each database until Jan 20, 2025. INCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) Research object: osteoarthritis. (2) Intervention measures: patients in the treatment group received dietary supplements, while the control group received placebos. (3) Research type: randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Two researchers independently examined the literature and retrieved data based on predefined criteria. The information gathered included the first author, year of publication, sample size, participant demographics, length of the follow-up period, intervention and control measures, and inclusion indications. RCTs comparing dietary supplements to placebo with the pain and function subscales of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) among patients with osteoarthritis were included. The optimal dietary supplement was identified based on the total ranking by summing the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) of these two scores. Furthermore, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to confirm the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: Overall, 23 studies covering 21 dietary supplements and involving 2455 participants met the inclusion criteria. In the WOMAC pain score, the SUCRA of passion fruit peel extract was 91% (mean difference [MD]: -9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-16.0, -2.3]), followed by methylsulfonylmethane (89%), undenatured type II collagen (87%), collagen (84%), and Lanconone (82%). The SUCRA (99%) of passion fruit peel extract (MD: -41.0; 95% CI: [-66.0, -16.0]) ranked first in terms of the WOMAC function score, followed by Lanconone (95%), collagen (86%), ParActin (84%), and Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (83%). The top three total rankings are passion fruit peel extract (95.0%), Lanconone (88.5%), and collagen (85.0%). However, the GRADE revealed low evidence quality. CONCLUSION Passion fruit peel extract was the best supplement for improving WOMAC pain and function scores in patients with osteoarthritis, followed by Lanconone and collagen. However, further large-scale, well designed RCTs are required to substantiate these promising findings. Please cite this article as: Chen CS, Wen L, Yang F, Deng YC, Ji JH, Chen RJ, Chen Z, Chen G, Gu JY. Effects of dietary supplements on patients with osteoarthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 357-369.
Humans ; Dietary Supplements ; Osteoarthritis/drug therapy* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Female ; Humans ; Uterine Neoplasms/pathology* ; Carcinoma, Endometrioid/pathology* ; Endometrial Neoplasms/pathology* ; Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology*

Breast ; Carcinoma ; Humans ; Mixed Tumor, Malignant

In this study, the compound search was completed through SciFinder and CNKI databases, and the drug-like properties were screened in FAFdrugs4 and SEA Search Server databases. In addition, based on the target sets related to acute myocardial ischemia(AMI) searched in disease target databases such as OMIM database, GeneCards database and DrugBank, a network diagram of chemical component-target-pathway-disease was established via Cytoscape to predict the potential active components of Corydalis Herba, a traditional Tibetan herbal medicine which derived from the aerial parts of Corydalis hendersonii and C. mucronifera against AMI. A protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed through the STRING database and the core targets in the network were predicted. And the enrichment analyses of core targets were completed by DAVID database and R software. Furthermore, a molecular docking method was used to verify the binding of the components with core targets using softwares such as Autodock Vina. The present results showed that there were 60 compounds related to AMI in Corydalis Herba, involving 73 potential targets. The GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 282 biological processes(BP), 49 cell components(CC) and 78 molecular functions(MF). KEGG was enriched into 85 pathways, including alcoholism pathway, endocrine resistance pathway, calcium signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway and adrenergic signaling transduction pathway of myocardial cells. The results of network topology analysis showed that the key components of anti-AMI of Corydalis Herba might be tetrahydropalmatine, etrahydrocolumbamine, N-trans-feruloyloctopamine, N-cis-p-coumaroyloctopamine, N-trans-p-coumaroylnoradrenline and N-trans-p-coumaroyloctopamine, and their core targets might be CDH23, SCN4 B and NFASC. The results of molecular docking showed that the key components of Corydalis Herba had stable binding activity with the core targets. This study provides reference for further elucidation of the pharmacological effects of Corydalis Herba against AMI, subsequent clinical application, and development.
Corydalis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Medicine, Tibetan Traditional ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Myocardial Ischemia/drug therapy* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Indigenous knowledge and traditional culture for sustainable use of native plants in Juenang cultural region of Rangtang county, Aba Zang and Qiang Prefecture of Sichuan province, have been characterized in this paper followed the principles and methods of ethnobotany. The results indicate that 38 species from 27 families(including 6 species of fungi) are ethnobotanically used commonly in this area. Of 38 species of the native plants, 13 species from 12 families are collected for eatables and vegetables, 12 families and 16 species of indigenous plants for medicinal and edible use, 4 species from 4 families for decoration, 4 species from 4 families used for building materials or firewood, and 1 species from 1 families used for religious folklore. Under the influence of Juenang culture and Tibetan culture, indigenous knowledge such as instinctive reverence and gratitude for nature, protection ecological environment and habitats, and moderate use of natural resources(especially wild bioresource), have been gotten passed on from generation to generation in Juenang culture region of Rangtang county, which is of great significance to the protection of local bioresources and environment, including ethnic medicinal plants, and also to provide practical guidance for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration in those alpine ecological vulnerable areas.
Biodiversity ; China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ethnobotany ; Fungi/classification* ; Humans ; Knowledge ; Phytotherapy ; Plants, Medicinal/classification*

Ethnomedicine is the precious wealth left by ethnic minorities in their struggle against diseases. It is similar to traditional Chinese medicine in a narrow sense and has the characteristics of multi-component,multi-target and multi-channel synergy. Under the guidance of the theory of ethnomedicine,the combination of ethnomedicine and network pharmacology will help to understand the essence of the prevention and treatment of ethnomedicines in a dynamic and holistic manner. This paper reviews the research progress of network pharmacology applied in ethnomedicine,analyses the problems and challenges existing in the application of network pharmacology in ethnomedicine research at present,such as inaccurate data and information,lack of network analysis platform for effective analysis of dose-effect relationship of chemical constituents and weak basic research of ethnomedicine,and puts forward corresponding prospects.
Ethnopharmacology ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Medicine, Traditional

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of modified Yuejuwan and Ganmai Dazao Tang (YJGZ) on glutamate-induced cell injury of mouse hippocampal neuron cell line (HT22). Method: The HT22 cell was cultured aseptically, and the cell injury model was established with high concentration of glutamate acid, YJGZ aqueous extract and drug-containing serum were prepared. Then experiment was divided into normal group, model group, YJGZ drug-containing serum groups (1%, 5%, 10%), YJGZ aqueous extract group (166 mg·L^-1), and nimodipine group (100 μmol·L^-1). Methye thiazolye telrazlium (MTT) was used to detect the cell survival rate of each group, the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of hippocampal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B protein (NR2B), cyclic adenosine response element binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated cyclic adenosine response element binding protein (p-CREB), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK),and phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase (p-ERK). Result: As compared with normal group, the cell survival rate was significantly decreased in model group (P<0.01), LDH release rate was significantly increased (P<0.05), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was increased (P<0.05), expression of NR2B protein was increased (P<0.05), and the protein expression levels of CREB, p-CREB, ERK and p-ERK were decreased (P<0.05). As compared with model group, YJGZ aqueous extract group and nimodipine group can significantly improve the survival rate of HT22 cells under glutamate model conditions (P<0.01), reduce cell damage, reduce LDH release rate and intracellular ROS levels (P<0.05,P<0.01), decrease the expression level of NR2B protein (P<0.05), and increase the protein expression levels of CREB, p-CREB, ERK and p-ERK (P<0.05). However, the survival rate of HT22 cells was not increased in the YJGZ-containing serum group as compared with model group. Conclusion: YJGZ aqueous extract has a significant protective effect on glutamate-induced HT22 cell injury.

BACKGROUNDPlasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and cytokines play an important role in occurrence and recovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and function of pDC and serum cytokine network profiles in patients with acute or chronic HBV infection.

METHODSThe healthy individuals (HI group), hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic HBV patients in immune tolerance (IT) phase (IT group), HBeAg-positive chronic HBV patients (CHB group), and acute HBV patients (AHB group) were enrolled in this study. The frequency of cluster of differentiation antigen 86 (CD86) + pDC and the counts of CD86 molecular expressed on surface of pDC were tested by flow cytometer. The quantitative determinations of cytokines, including Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt-3L), interferon (IFN)-α2, IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-6, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β2, were performed using Luminex multiplex technology.

RESULTSIn this study, there were 13 patients in HI group, 30 in IT group, 50 in CHB group, and 32 in AHB group. Compared with HI group, HBV infected group (including all patients in IT, CHB and AHB groups) had significantly higher counts of CD86 molecular expressed on the surface of pDC (4596.5 ± 896.5 vs. 7097.7 ± 3124.6; P < 0.001). The counts of CD86 molecular expressed on the surface of pDC in CHB group (7739.2 ± 4125.4) was significantly higher than that of IT group (6393.4 ± 1653.6, P = 0.043). Compared with IT group, the profile of cytokines of Flt-3L, IFN-γ, and IL-17A was decreased, IFN-α2 was significantly increased (P = 0.012) in CHB group. The contents of IL-10, TGF-β1, and TGF-β2 in AHB group were significantly increased compared with IT and CHB groups (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrated that the function of pDC was unaffected in HBV infection. The enhanced function of pDC and IFN-α2 might involve triggering the immune response from IT to hepatitis active phase in HBV infection. Acute patients mainly presented as down-regulation of the immune response by enhanced IL-10 and TGF-β.

Objectives: To compare the effect of 2 different occlusion devices for treating cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients combining patent foramen ovale (PFO) and large right-to-left shunt (RLS). Methods: A total of 123 CS patients combining PFO and large RLS treated in our hospital from 2013-05 to 2016-08 were enrolled. All patients received percutaneous PFO interventional closure, based on different occlusion devices, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder group, n=80 and Amplatzer PFO occluder group, n=43. CS diagnosis was confirmed by 3 experienced neurologists via medical imaging examination; PFO and large RLS were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography and right heart contrast echocardiography. The baseline features, clinical symptoms, operation and follow-up data were reviewed to observe the efficacy of 2 occlusion devices. Results: Each group had 1 patient suffered from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after the operation; 1 patient in Cardi-O-fix PFO occluder group had inguinal hematoma. No stroke recurrence, no death during follow-up period; the residual shunt was similar between 2 groups. Conclusions: PFO occlusion was beneficial for preventing stroke recurrence in CS patients combining PFO and large RLS. The safety and efficacy were similar in Cardi-O-fix and Amplatzer PFO occlusion devices.

Background: Cytokines play an important role in occurrence and recovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of cytokines concentration and its correlation to alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA), hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg), and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in the development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: Thirteen healthy individuals (HI), 30 chronic HBV-infected patients in immune tolerant (IT) phase, and 55 CHB patients were enrolled between August 2015 and May 2017. The peripheral blood samples were collected from all individuals. The levels of interferon (IFN)-α2, interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, HBV-DNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg and liver function were measured. The quantitative determinations of cytokines levels, including IFN-α2, IL-10, and TGF-β1 were performed using Luminex multiplex technology. The correlation of cytokines to ALT, HBV-DNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg was analyzed by linear regression analysis. Results: IFN-α2 levels were similar between HI and IT groups (15.35 [5.70, 67.65] pg/ml vs. 15.24 [4.07, 30.73] pg/ml, Z = -0.610, P = 0.542), while it elevated significantly in CHB group (35.29 [15.94, 70.15] pg/ml vs. 15.24 [4.07, 30.73] pg/ml; Z = -2.522, P = 0.012). Compared with HI group (3.73 [2.98, 11.92] pg/ml), IL-10 concentrations in IT group (5.02 [2.98, 10.11] pg/ml), and CHB group (7.48 [3.10, 18.00] pg/ml) slightly increased (χ = 2.015, P = 0.365), and there was no significant difference between IT and CHB group (Z = -1.419, P = 0.156). The TGF-β1 levels among HI (3.59 ± 0.20 pg/ml), IT (3.62 ± 0.55 pg/ml), and CHB groups (3.64 ± 0.30 pg/ml) were similar (χ = 2.739, P = 0.254). In all chronic HBV-infected patients (including patients in IT and CHB groups), the elevation of IFN-α2 level was significantly associated with ALT level (β= 0.389, t = 2.423, P = 0.018), and was also negatively correlated to HBV-DNA load (β = -0.358, t = -2.308, P = 0.024), HBsAg (β = -0.359, t = -2.288, P = 0.025), and HBeAg contents (β = -0.355, t = -2.258, P = 0.027). However, when both ALT level and cytokines were included as independent variable, HBV-DNA load, HBsAg, and HBeAg contents were only correlated to ALT level (β = -0.459, t = -4.225, P = 0.000; β = -0.616, t = -6.334, P = 0.000; and β = -0.290, t = -2.433, P = 0.018; respectively). Conclusions IFN-α2 elevation was associated with ALT level in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, in CHB patients, only ALT level was correlated to HBV-DNA, HBsAg and HBeAg contents.
Adult ; Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Antigens, Surface ; Case-Control Studies ; Cytokines ; blood ; DNA, Viral ; Female ; Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; analysis ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; blood ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult