Abstract:
BACKGROUND:Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasingly popular with cancer patients and yet information provision or discussion about CAM by health professionals remains low. Previous research suggests that patients may fear clinicians' 'disapproval' if they raise the subject of CAM, and turn to other sources to acquire information about CAM. However, little empirical research has been conducted into how cancer patients acquire, and, more importantly evaluate CAM information before deciding which CAM therapies to try. METHODS:Qualitative study, comprising semi-structured interviews with 43 male cancer patients of varying ages, cancer type and stage of illness, 34 of whom had used CAM. They were recruited from a range of NHS and non-NHS settings in Bristol, England. RESULTS:As a result of the lack of CAM information from health professionals, men in this study became either 'pro-active seekers' or 'passive recipients' of such information. Their main information resource was the 'lay referral' network of family, friends and acquaintances, especially females. 'Traditional' information sources, including books, magazines, leaflets and the media were popular, more so in fact than the internet. Views on the internet ranged from enthusiasm or healthy scepticism through to caution or disinterest. CAM information was generally regarded as 'empowering' as it broadened treatment and self-care options. A minority of participants were information averse fearing additional choices that might disrupt their fragile ability to cope. There was general consensus that CAM information should be available via the NHS, to give it a 'stamp of approval', which combined with guidance from informed health professionals, could help patients to make 'guided' choices. However, a small minority of these men valued the independence of CAM from the NHS and deliberately sought 'alternative' information sources and treatment options. Men were selective in identifying particular therapies to use and sceptical about others, basing their choices on forms of 'evidence' that were personally meaningful: personal stories of individuals who had been helped by CAM; the long history and enduring popularity of some therapies; the plausibility of the mechanism of action; a belief or trust in individual therapies or their providers; scientific evidence. Scientific evidence ranked low in the men's personal decision-making about CAM, while it was recognised as important for NHS support for CAM. CONCLUSION:These male cancer patients valued the support and guidance of 'trusted individuals' in making choices about CAM. Trusted health professionals could also play a significant role in helping patients to make informed choices. Any such dialogue must, however, acknowledge the different standards of evidence used by patients and clinicians to evaluate the benefits or otherwise of CAM therapies. Such open communication could help to foster an environment of mutual trust where patients are encouraged to discuss their interest in CAM, rather than perpetuate covert, undisclosed use of CAM with its attendant potential hazards.
journal_name
BMC Complement Altern Medjournal_title
BMC complementary and alternative medicineauthors
Evans M,Shaw A,Thompson EA,Falk S,Turton P,Thompson T,Sharp Ddoi
10.1186/1472-6882-7-25subject
Has Abstractpub_date
2007-08-04 00:00:00pages
25issn
1472-6882pii
1472-6882-7-25journal_volume
7pub_type
杂志文章abstract:BACKGROUND:Flavonoids, which have been identified in a variety of plants, have been demonstrated to elicit beneficial effects on memory. Some studies have reported that flavonoids derived from Erythrina plants can provide such beneficial effects on memory. The aim of this study was to identify the flavonoids present in...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-288
更新日期:2014-08-05 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Decision-making during pregnancy regarding different options of care can be difficult, particularly when risks of intervention versus no intervention for mother and baby are unclear. Unbiased information and support for decision making may be beneficial in these situations. The management of normal pregnanci...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章,评审
doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0663-y
更新日期:2015-05-07 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Dyslipidemia is one of the most frequently implicated risk factors for development of atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the efficacy of amla (Emblica officinalis) extract (composed of polyphenols, triterpenoids, oils etc. as found in the fresh wild amla fruit) in patients with dyslipidemia. METHODS:A to...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章,多中心研究,随机对照试验
doi:10.1186/s12906-019-2430-y
更新日期:2019-01-22 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:The effect and safety of catgut implantation at acupoints o treat allergic rhinitis (ICD-10 code J30.4) remain controversial. Here, we used a sham catgut implantation group to determine whether catgut implantation at acupoints is an effective and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis. METHODS:A randomized do...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章,随机对照试验
doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1400-x
更新日期:2016-11-10 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) is used extensively by breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with Tamoxifen (TAM). Thus, the present study investigated the effects of GbE in female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats bearing chemically-induced mammary tumors and receiving TAM. METHODS:Animals bearing mammary tumors ...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-93
更新日期:2013-05-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Senecio serratuloides DC is used in folk medicine for treating hypertension, skin disorders, internal and external sores, rashes, burns and wounds. This study aimed at investigating the antihypertensive effects of the hydroethanol extract of S. serratuloides (HESS) in N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-019-2463-2
更新日期:2019-02-28 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Previous study showed that extracts from Croton macrostachyus (Euphorbiaceae) exhibit analgesic effects in acute pain models. The present study evaluates the antinociceptive properties of the methanol/methylene chloride extract (MECM) of the stem bark of this plant using mice models of persistent inflammator...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0816-z
更新日期:2015-08-25 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:In the U.S., complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is most prevalent among reproductive age, educated women. We sought to determine general attitudes and approaches to CAM among obstetric and gynecology patients and physicians. METHODS:Obstetrician-gynecologist members of the American Medical Ass...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-8-35
更新日期:2008-06-26 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Although Ojeok-san (OJS), an oriental herbal formula, has been used in Asian countries including Korea, China and Japan to treat the common cold and illnesses including fatigue and gastrointestinal disorders, there is little information of its safety and toxicity in vivo and in vitro. METHODS:In the present...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0582-y
更新日期:2015-03-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Although integrative medicine is gaining increasing attention and is claiming more and more its place in modern health care, it still plays a marginal role in conventional maternity care. The present study aims to examine the patterns of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use and the demand for int...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2249-y
更新日期:2018-06-15 00:00:00
abstract:CORRECTION:After the publication of this article [1] it came to our attention that Harquin Simplice Foyet was incorrectly included as Harquin Simplice Harquin Foyet. The corrected name is included in the author list. The original article was updated. ...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章,已发布勘误
doi:10.1186/s12906-017-2069-5
更新日期:2017-12-28 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:The Cree of Eeyou Istchee (James Bay area of northern Quebec) suffer from a high rate of diabetes and its complications partly due to the introduction of the western lifestyle within their culture. As part of a search for alternative medicine based on traditional practice, this project evaluates the biologic...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-019-2550-4
更新日期:2019-06-18 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the prevalence has increased significantly in recent decades to epidemic proportions in China. Individually, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed, mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf and American ginseng (Panax quinquefoli...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1848-3
更新日期:2017-07-05 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Records have shown that Combretum adenogonium Steud. Ex A. Rich (Combretaceae) is used in traditional medicine systems of several tribes in Tanzania. This study focused on the investigation of antibacterial activity, anti-HIV-1 protease activity, toxicity properties and classes of phytochemicals in extracts ...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-163
更新日期:2012-09-26 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Brown adipocytes are known to promote energy expenditure and limit weight gain to combat obesity. Averrhoa bilimbi, locally called belimbing buluh (DBB), is mainly used as an ethnomedicine in the treatment of metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity. The present study aims to...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-019-2640-3
更新日期:2019-09-05 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:There are reports of improved metabolic outcomes due to consumption of germinated brown rice (GBR). Many of the functional effects of GBR can be linked to its high amounts of antioxidants. Interestingly, dietary components with high antioxidants have shown promise in the prevention of neurodegenerative disea...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-177
更新日期:2013-07-17 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Ethnomedicines are used by hunters for themselves and their hunting dogs in Trinidad. Plants are used for snakebites, scorpion stings, for injuries and mange of dogs and to facilitate hunting success. RESULTS:Plants used include Piper hispidum, Pithecelobium unguis-cati, Bauhinia excisa, Bauhinia cumanensis...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-1-10
更新日期:2001-01-01 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Exposure to carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs), a well-known industrial production, promotes pulmonary toxicity through inflammation and oxidative stress. Recent studies show that some polyphenols exert their antioxidant properties through regulation of protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) and NADPH oxidase (Nox) sign...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2278-6
更新日期:2018-07-09 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Galetin 3,6-dimethyl ether (FGAL) is a flavonoid isolated from aerial parts of Piptadenia stipulacea. Previously, FGAL was shown to inhibit both carbachol- and oxytocin-induced phasic contractions in the rat uterus, which was more potent with oxytocin. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the tocolyt...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-017-2007-6
更新日期:2017-12-02 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Suxiao Jiuxin Pill (SX), a traditional Chinese medicine, on acute myocardial ischemia induced by coronary occlusion in anesthetized dogs. METHODS:Acute myocardial ischemia model was established by ligating the left anterior descending artery to redu...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0908-9
更新日期:2015-10-19 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Abalone has long been used as a valuable food source in East Asian countries. Although the nutritional importance of abalone has been reported through in vitro and in vivo studies, there is little evidence about the potential anti-tumor effects of abalone visceral extract. The aim of the present study is to ...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-60
更新日期:2010-10-20 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Breast cancer remains a leading cause of death in women worldwide. Although breast cancer therapies have greatly advanced in recent years, many patients still develop tumour recurrence and metastasis, and eventually succumb to the disease due to chemoresistance. Citral has been reported to show cytotoxic eff...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2115-y
更新日期:2018-02-13 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) was reported to play a role in improving diabetic nephropathy (DN), however, the underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether AS-IV ameliorates DN via the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). METHODS:DN model w...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-019-2728-9
更新日期:2019-12-05 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn. (Mimosaceae) is largely used in ethno-medically across Africa, and mainly employed for the treatment of asthma in Ivory Coast and Gabon. The paper analyses the relaxation induced by the methanolic extract of D. cinerea (Edici) in the guinea-pig trachea preparations (G...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-23
更新日期:2011-03-17 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Complementary and alternative medicines are increasingly used by the general population. A survey was conducted to ascertain the knowledge of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) amongst paediatric physicians, and whether seniority increases the likelihood of its use being considered in consultatio...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-7-38
更新日期:2007-11-29 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Rhodiola crenulata is traditionally used as a folk medicine in Tibet for preventing high-altitude illnesses, including sudden cardiac death (SCD). The cardio-protective effects of Rhodiola crenulata root extract (RCE) against hypoxia in vivo have been recently confirmed. However, the way in which RCE produce...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1524-z
更新日期:2017-01-07 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl (Thymelaceae) originates from Papua Island, Indonesia and grows in tropical areas. The different parts of the fruit of P. macrocarpa were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. METHODS:Phaleria macrocarpa fruit were divided into pericarp, ...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-110
更新日期:2011-11-09 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Protein tyrosine phosphatase expressed in insulin-sensitive tissues (such as liver, muscle, and adipose tissue) has a key role in the regulation of insulin signaling and pathway activation, making protein tyrosine phosphatase a promising target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity and re...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1296-5
更新日期:2016-08-26 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Increased platelet aggregation is implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and anti-platelet strategy may contribute to its therapy. Panaxatriol saponin (PTS), the main components extracted from Panax notoginseng, has been shown to be efficacious in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke in...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1160-7
更新日期:2016-06-08 00:00:00
abstract:BACKGROUND:Euphorbia hirta linn., is a species of Euphorbiaceae family. They are known as asthma plant, barokhervi. The plant E. hirta is famous for its medicinal importance among the tribal population. It is a common practice to use the whole to heal wounds. Several pharmacological properties including antiseptic, ant...
journal_title:BMC complementary and alternative medicine
pub_type: 杂志文章
doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1930-x
更新日期:2017-08-24 00:00:00