International consensus on fasting terminology.

Although fasting is increasingly applied for disease prevention and treatment, consensus on terminology is lacking. Using Delphi methodology, an international, multidisciplinary panel of researchers and clinicians standardized definitions of various fasting approaches in humans. Five online surveys and a live online conference were conducted with 38 experts, 25 of whom completed all 5 surveys.

Echinacea Reduces Antibiotics by Preventing Respiratory Infections: A Meta-Analysis (ERA-PRIMA).

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions, primarily due to the risk for secondary bacterial infections. In this study, we examined whether could reduce the need for antibiotics by preventing RTIs and their complications, and subsequently investigated its safety profile. A comprehensive search of EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane DARE and clinicaltrials.

A combination of Tropaeolum majus herb and Armoracia rusticana root for the treatment of acute bronchitis.

Background: Tropaeolum majus herb (nasturtium) and Armoracia rusticana root (horseradish) produce three different isothiocyanates as secondary metabolites, which exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory functions in humans.

Purpose: Combined in the medicinal product ANGOCIN® Anti-Infekt N, the two natural components demonstrated promising effects against acute bronchitis.

Study Design: A randomized, two-armed, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase IV study revealed the healing fostering effect of the two herbal plant components METHODS: This study included 384 patients, with 195 in the treatment and 189 in the placebo group.

For the Long-Term Prevention of Viral Respiratory Tract Infections During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Randomized, Open, Controlled, Exploratory Clinical Study.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is effective in preventing severe Covid-19, but efficacy in reducing viral load and transmission wanes over time. In addition, the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants increases the threat of uncontrolled dissemination and additional antiviral therapies are urgently needed for effective containment. In previous studies demonstrated strong antiviral activity against enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

as a Potential Force against Coronavirus Infections? A Mini-Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Adults and Children.

has been shown to broadly inhibit coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. This review discusses the available clinical evidence from randomized, blinded and controlled human studies. Two RCTs capturing incidence of viral respiratory tract infections during preventative treatment were identified including coronavirus infections.

Seven-day fasting as a multimodal complex intervention for adults with type 1 diabetes: Feasibility, benefit and safety in a controlled pilot study.

Objectives: Intermittent as well as prolonged fasting are receiving considerable attention and appear favorable in conditions such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatic diseases. Fasting for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is generally considered too risky. However, the ability and possibility to change from carbohydrate- to ketone-based fuel supply might be relevant for individuals with T1D.

The Relevance of Complementary and Integrative Medicine in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Review of the Literature.

During the COVID-19 pandemic people are facing risks of adverse health effects due to the restrictions implemented such as quarantine measures, reduced social contact, and self-isolation. In this qualitative review, we collected data on potential preventive and therapeutic health benefits of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) that might be useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have reviewed the scientific literature to summarize CIM practices that could be beneficial for improving physical and mental health and well-being of the population under the current pandemic circumstances.

Short-term fasting accompanying chemotherapy as a supportive therapy in gynecological cancer: protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background/objectives: A few preliminary studies have documented the safety and feasibility of repeated short-term fasting in patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, there is a lack of data from larger randomized trials on the effects of short-term fasting on quality of life, reduction of side effects during chemotherapy, and a possible reduction of tumor progression. Moreover, no data is available on the effectiveness of fasting approaches compared to so-called healthy diets.

Effects of dietary protein-load and alkaline supplementation on acid-base balance and glucose metabolism in healthy elderly.

Background/objectives: Metabolism is controlled by macro- and micronutrients. Protein-rich diets should lead to latent acidosis at tissue level with further negative implications. Food supplements with alkaline salts are available and popular pretending to prevent these changes.

Ketosis in patients undergoing medically supervised therapeutic fasting-results from an observational trial.

Background/aim: Medically supervised fasting has long tradition and broad acceptance in some European countries. The exact amount to which ketone bodies are produced as well as their possible contribution to beneficial effects in this procedure are open.

Methods: Open-label observational trial with in-patients undergoing medically supervised fasting with supplementation of approximately 40 g/d carbohydrates as part of an established routine care.

[Fasting: the Switch of Life-report on the 18th International Congress of the Medical Association for Fasting and Nutrition (ÄGHE)].

The international congress of the German Medical Association for Fasting and Nutrition (ÄGHE e. V.) was held in cooperation with the Maria Buchinger Foundation for the 18th time in June 2019 in Überlingen at Lake Constance.

The Effectiveness of Leech Therapy in Chronic Low Back Pain.

Background: Leech therapy has been found to be effective in the treatment of a number of chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Leeches are also often used empirically to treat chronic low back pain, but data from clinical trials have been lacking to date. We therefore conducted the first randomized trial of leech therapy for chronic low back pain.

[Significance of hawthorn extract in general practice - a current positioning].

Background: Traditionally, hawthorn extract has been used for preventive and curative support in mild forms of age-related cardiovascular problems. There are now solid data demonstrating pre-clinical effects and mechanisms of action on a molecular-biological and cellular level that appear to be of particular interest in influencing vascular ageing and in arterial vascular disorders.

Method: The review presents the results of a meeting of experts that took place to work out a current assessment of the therapeutic suitability of hawthorn extract in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The effects of short-term fasting on quality of life and tolerance to chemotherapy in patients with breast and ovarian cancer: a randomized cross-over pilot study.

Background: This pilot trial aimed to study the feasibility and effects on quality of life (QOL) and well-being of short-term fasting (STF) during chemotherapy in patients with gynecological cancer.

Methods: In an individually-randomized cross-over trial patients with gynecological cancer, 4 to 6 planned chemotherapy cycles were included. Thirty-four patients were randomized to STF in the first half of chemotherapies followed by normocaloric diet (group A;n = 18) or vice versa (group B;n = 16).

Partial Body UV Exposure in Chronic Kidney Disease and Extrarenal Vitamin D Metabolism.

Background/aim: Exposure of the skin to sunshine is the major natural source of vitamin D. In order to imitate this natural production of vitamin D for patients with chronic kidney disease, hemodialysis patients were exposed three times a week to radiation of the front part of both legs to normalize the vitamin D status.

Patients And Methods: Partial body UVB irradiation was performed during the routine dialysis session.

A non-interventional, observational study of a fixed combination of pepsin and amino acid hydrochloride in patients with functional dyspepsia.

Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent and diverse symptoms and pathophysiology that remains unexplained following routine clinical investigation. Enzynorm®f is a pharmaceutical preparation comprising fixed amounts of pepsin of biological origin and organically bound acid in the form of amino acid hydrochloride. It is traditionally used as a mild agent to support gastric function and to stimulate the stomach's proteolytic activities in FD.

A nonrandomized controlled clinical pilot trial on 8 wk of intermittent fasting (24 h/wk).

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether intermittent fasting (IF) is an effective preventive measure, and whether it is feasible for healthy volunteers under every day conditions.

Methods: A nonrandomized controlled clinical trial on IF was performed with healthy volunteers over a period of 8 wk, and a subsequent 4-mo follow-up. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 8 wk, and after 6 mo.

Effects of A One-week Fasting Therapy in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Syndrome - A Randomized Controlled Explorative Study.

There is increasing experimental evidence for beneficial effects of calorie restriction and intermittent fasting in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In humans, prolonged fasting is established as a health-promoting complementary treatment in Europe and claimed to improve metabolism by a complex hormetic response. We aimed to investigate effects of a one-week fasting period compared to usual care in T2DM by means of a pilot trial.

Results of a randomized, prospective, double-dummy, double-blind trial to compare efficacy and safety of a herbal combination containing herba and radix with co-trimoxazole in patients with acute and uncomplicated cystitis.

Objectives: To demonstrate non-inferiority of an herbal combination (horseradish root and nasturtium herb) to an antibiotic (co-trimoxazole) in acute uncomplicated cystitis.

Design: Randomized, prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, phase III clinical study, using block randomization of 4 blocks (size 2).

Setting: Twenty-six centers in Germany, from May 2011 to June 2013.

UV Irradiation and Pleiotropic Effects of Vitamin D in Chronic Kidney Disease - Benefits on Cardiovascular Comorbidities and Quality of Life.

Background: Vitamin D3 can be metabolized in the skin to 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D because the skin expresses vitamin D-25-hydroxylase, 25(OH)D-1-alpha-hydroxylase, and the vitamin D receptor. The aim of this review was to discuss the pleiotropic effects after serial suberythemal UVB irradiation with a sun-simulating UV spectrum in end-stage kidney disease patients.

Patients And Methods: Fourteen hemodialysis patients, with a mean age of 51 (range 41-57) years, were whole-body UV irradiated over 6 months.

Vitamin D Status in Chronic Kidney Disease - UVB Irradiation Is Superior to Oral Supplementation.

Background: In chronic kidney disease (CKD) a deficiency of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is common. The aim of this review was to compare vitamin D status after oral supplementation of vitamin D3 to that of serial suberythemal irradiation in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients.

Patients And Methods: Ninety-five patients, with a mean age of 62 (range=35-82) years, were treated with a mean dose of 35,000 (20,000-60,000) IU vitamin D3 per week for a period of 18 months.