Treatment of Post-mastectomy Lymphedema with Herbal Medicine: An Innovative Pilot Study.

Background: Lymphedema of the arms or legs is a difficult clinical problem yet devoid of effective treatment. Lymphedema is the result of obstructed lymphatic flow secondary to chronic infection, parasitic infestation, or postsurgical obstruction (eg, after axillary dissections). We arranged this clinical trial to investigate whether patients with limb lymphedema can benefit from a standard dose of plus to improve the symptomatology, functional capacity, and quality of life (QOL).

A randomized placebo controlled trial of an innovative herbal formula in the prevention of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with borderline hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and Gegen (Radix puerariae) (D&G) are two herbs frequently used for the treatment of angina and other cardiac symptoms in Chinese materia medica. Recent studies have demonstrated their cardio-protective and anti-atherosclerosis effects. Earlier we have conducted two clinical trials in 2004 and 2007 which demonstrated such effects in extremely high risk patients.

Healing effect of a two-herb recipe (NF3) on foot ulcers in Chinese patients with diabetes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Background: In the present study, we examined the effect of a two-herb traditional Chinese medicine (NF3), comprised of Astragali Radix and Radix Rehmanniae, on the healing of diabetic foot ulcer and the possible molecular mechanisms involved.

Methods: This was a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Sixteen diabetic patients were randomized to receive either placebo or NF3 for 6 months.

Gene expression profiling on the molecular action of danshen-gegen formula in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia.

The Danshen-Gegen formula (DG) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula which has long been used to treat cardiovascular disease. DG was found to be a cardiovascular tonic in our recent research. However, a comprehensive investigation of the molecular mechanism of DG in cardiovascular disease has not been performed.

A herbal formula for prevention of influenza-like syndrome: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of a herbal formula in the prevention of influenza or influenza-like syndrome among elderies residing in old-people's home in Hong Kong. The secondary objectives are to investigate the quality of life (QOL) and symptomology changes among the herbal users and to evaluate the safety of this formula.

Methods: In ten old people's home or community centres in New Territories, Hong Kong, 740 eligible subjects agreed to join the study and were randomized to receive a herbal formula or a placebo on alternate days over 8 weeks.

A randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose escalation study of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation (Dang Gui Buxue Tang) for moderate to severe menopausal symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Objective: This study is a phase II clinical trial that aims to investigate the dose-response relationship of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation, Dang Gui Buxue Tang (DBT), with short-term menopausal symptoms and quality of life in local postmenopausal women.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose escalation trial was performed in 60 postmenopausal women experiencing severe hot flashes and night sweats. The participants were randomized to receive DBT preparations at 1.

An innovative herbal product for the prevention of osteoporosis.

Objective: To prevent the deterioration of osteopenia, a triple herb product Bo-gu Ling ( , ELP) was created for a clinical trial on post-menopausal women suffering from osteopenia.

Methods: The design of the clinical trial was of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled nature. A total of 150 women aged 40-60 years, who were after menopause for at least 1 year and their lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) must be lower than 0.

The effects of Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud. on embryonic development: in vivo and in vitro studies.

Aim Of The Study: Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud. was commonly used to treat miscarriages clinically.

Acupuncture: Complications are preventable not adverse events.

If adverse effects are understood as "something that happened unexpectedly" while receiving drug treatment, there is no difference between adverse effects and complications. However, acupuncture is a process different from the use of drugs. While acupuncture procedures should not be taken for granted as safe, complications causing harm are usually, according to the authors, the result of negligence, and should be differentiated from other adverse effects.

Treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis using Shi-Bi-Lin, a Chinese herbal formula.

Aim Of The Study: Shi-Bi-Lin (SBL) is modified from the classic formula Cang-Er-Zi-San which has been used to treat chronic rhinitis, paranasal sinusitis and allergic rhinitis by herbal practitioners. The present study aimed at patients with moderate to severe perennial allergic rhinitis. SBL which has been shown effective in treating a guinea-pig model of allergic rhinitis, was evaluated for its efficacy and safety.

Patient recruitment for clinical trials on traditional Chinese medicine: Challenges, barriers, and strategies.

Background And Objective: Failure to recruit sufficient numbers of participants is a major barrier to the completion of randomized controlled trials in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical trials. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the commonly used strategies for the recruitment of patients in TCM clinical trials, to identify the most common reasons for attrition and refusal, and to identify barriers and potential solutions to the difficulties.

Methods And Results: There are four stages in the actual recruitment process, which included introducing the project to the potential patients, explaining how to implement the project, assessing and intensifying the understanding and facilitating patient decision-making.