Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability globally, with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) being a primary contributor. While surgical interventions are common, conservative management is often preferred for cases with minimal symptoms. This case series explores the effectiveness of Integrated Naturopathy and Yoga (INY) as a conservative approach in managing five cases of Grade 3 LDH, characterised by large herniations but minimal clinical symptoms. Each patient was initially advised to undergo surgery by multiple healthcare providers. However, after opting for INY, which includes counseling, lifestyle modifications, postural care, exercise, and various elemental therapies, the patients experienced significant improvement without surgical intervention. The series highlights the natural regression of herniated discs, supported by existing evidence, and the potential role of INY in healing and preventing complications. The absence of neurological deficits was key in determining the suitability of non-surgical management. Despite the promising results, limitations such as the small sample size and lack of post-treatment MRI assessments are acknowledged. This series emphasises the potential of INY as a minimalistic, non-invasive, and holistic alternative for managing LDH. Future research is needed to further explore INY protocols and validate these findings with larger, controlled studies.

Introduction Hypertension remains a major global health challenge and contributes substantially to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moringa oleifera has been widely investigated for its potential antihypertensive properties through multiple bioactive compounds and vascular mechanisms.

Methods This study is a systematic review of published evidence evaluating the effects of Moringa oleifera on blood pressure outcomes. Eligible studies included in vivo animal models of hypertension that reported systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure measurements following Moringa oleifera intervention.

Results A total of 16 in vivo animal studies were included in this review. Most studies demonstrated significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure following Moringa oleifera administration in hypertensive rat models. The proposed antihypertensive mechanisms involved improved endothelial function through enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability, modulation of endothelin-related pathways, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and potential inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity.

Conclusion Current evidence from experimental animal studies indicates that Moringa oleifera demonstrates promising antihypertensive potential through multiple vascular and biochemical mechanisms.

Scaevola spinescens (S. spinescens) is a plant endemic to Australia with a longstanding history of medicinal use in traditional Australian Indigenous communities. S. spinescens is presented in this narrative review as an instructive case study, tracing its endorsement by health authorities in Western Australia (WA) for use in cancer patients from the 1960s to the 1990s, leading to its subsequent classification as a Schedule 4 poison.

Drawing on traditional Australian Indigenous medicinal use, phytochemical and toxicological studies, and emerging preliminary pharmacological research, the review suggests that the persistence of regulatory controls applied to S. spinescens is better explained by historical context and reputational legacy, rather than demonstrated toxicity or lack of biological activity. As such, it is argued that the continued application of restrictive regulatory controls in WA merits re-examination. Furthermore, by comparing the therapeutic hallmarks of S. spinescens with those of Artemisia annua, the review lays the foundation for the plant’s reframing from a cancer remedy to a plant that offers a range of therapeutic actions and capacity to help our patients in a variety of health contexts.

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