Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health challenge, that drives the search for safer, effective therapies. Juglans regia L. (walnut) has shown promise due to its rich phytochemical profile. This systematic review integrates evidence from 86 studies (54 preclinical, 32 clinical; 2000–2024) to evaluate its antidiabetic potential. Key bioactives juglone, flavonoids, polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids demonstrate antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitising effects. Juglone, in particular, plays a pivotal role by enhancing β-cell function, activating insulin signalling pathways and mitigating oxidative stress. Preclinical studies consistently report improved glycemic control and β-cell protection, while clinical trials suggest modest benefits in fasting glucose, HbA1c, and lipid regulation. Nonetheless, variability in formulations, small sample sizes and limited long-term data reduce consistency across studies. Defining optimal dosage, establishing safety, and evaluating interactions with standard antidiabetic agents remain critical. Collectively, the evidence suggests Juglans regia as a promising complementary therapy in diabetes management with considerable translational potential.

Sacral fractures are an extensive category of fractures caused by accidents (in young people) or mild trauma ( in elderly people with osteoporosis) or both. Intervertebral disc bulge (IVDB) is defined as the presence of disc tissue that is circumferentially 50–100% beyond the edges of the ring apophyses. A 35-year-old female patient diagnosed with sacral fracture and IVDB presented to outpatients at the Government Yoga and Naturopathy Hospital with the complaint of pain extending from her lower back region to her tail bone (coccyx), along with numbness along the lateral left thigh and difficulty placing the soles on the ground while walking for the past four months. Her pain was aggravated with prolonged sitting, and supine lying and it did not reduce with rest. She had a history of two-wheeler accident.

Pain was managed by analgesic medications and a lumbar belt. She underwent 35 days of integrated yoga and naturopathy intervention. At 35 days, pain was reduced along with disability and stress. She showed improvement in the quality of sleep (QoS) and in radiological findings via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the post-test assessments compared to the pre-test assessments. Thus, this case study suggests that yoga and naturopathy may reduce pain, stress and disability and improves fracture healing and QoS in patients with sacral fracture and IVDB. However, the generalisability of this study is limited, due to the methodology of a case study. Therefore, randomised controlled trials with a larger sample size are recommended to support the results of this study.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, symmetrical, inflammatory autoimmune disease that initially affects small joints, progressing to larger joints. Conventional management of RA often involves the use of multiple medications, which may have adverse effects. Naturopathic medicine, including hydrotherapy, offers a holistic approach to disease management. The steam bath is one of the hydrothermal modalities widely used for various conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of steam baths on pain and disease activity in patients with RA.

Materials and methods This study was conducted on 60 RA patients, aged 30–60 years. All the eligible subjects were randomly divided to a study group and a control group. The study group underwent a steam bath for 15 minutes, twice a week, for two weeks. The control group underwent routine conventional care for the same period. Assessments were taken before and after the intervention.

Results Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences in any outcome measures. Within-group analysis showed that both groups improved significantly in Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28), handgrip strength, 10m walk test (self-selected walking speed) and on the physical component of the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12). Only the study group showed significant improvement in the 10m walk test (fast) and the SF-12 mental component.

Conclusion Two weeks of steam baths may help to improve fast velocity motor function and mental health in addition to improving pain, disease activity, hand grip strength, and quality of life of patients with RA. However, further studies with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up are recommended to validate the results of the study.

Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries or dysfunctions that include a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions that affect the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilages, spinal discs, peripheral nerves, and supporting blood vessels. They are common, and their impact is pervasive all around the world. Yoga and naturopathy as a complementary system of medicine, play a vital role in the management of MSDs. Studies on yoga and naturopathy, and MSDs are limited. Thus, the objective of this study was to understand the effect of yoga and naturopathy, including a plant-based diet, on biochemical variables in patients with MSDs.

Materials and methods A single-group pre test–post test observational design was conducted with 70 subjects aged 51.13 years (±11.77) with MSD. All subjects underwent yoga and naturopathy, including a plant-based diet for a period of seven days. Biochemical variables such as hemoglobin, blood glucose (fasting and postprandial), total cholesterol (TC), urea, creatinine, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results Results showed a significant increase in hemoglobin level (p<0.001) and a significant decrease in fasting and post prandial blood glucose (p<0.001), TC (p<0.001), urea (p<0.001), creatinine (p<0.001) and ESR (p<0.001) after the intervention.

Conclusion One week of yoga and naturopathy, including a plant-based diet, might be beneficial in musculoskeletal disorders. However, randomised controlled trials are recommended to confirm these study results.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles in recent issues of medical journals. Articles selected are of a general nature for the information of practitioners of naturopathy and herbal medicine. A dominant theme is often present throughout the journals which will be reflected in the reviews.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles which have appeared in recent issues of herbal medicine journals, some of which may be held in the NHAA library.

The AJHNM-based CPD questionnaire system is a voluntary system designed to assist members in the accumulation of NHAA CPD hours. Each question refers to an article in this issue of the Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine. Hours accumulated through completion of these questions should be recorded in the NHAA CPD diary. The completion of answering each issue’s questions qualifies for four hours within the Formal Learning category. Your completed CPD diary should be returned with your membership renewal at the end of the financial year. For further information, please see the NHAA CPD Guide on the NHAA website: www.nhaa.org.au