Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 8−13% of reproductive-aged women, with a higher prevalence among Indian women. This case report aimed to evaluate the effect of castor oil packs on autonomic function, as assessed by the pupillary light reflex, in a patient with PCOS.

Methodology A 20-year-old female patient presented with irregular menstruation, acne, weight gain, difficulty losing weight severe menstrual cramps since menarche and was diagnosed with PCOS. The patient underwent a one-month intervention involving the application of castor oil packs to the lower abdomen. The pupillary light reflex (PLR) was measured using infrared videography before and after the intervention. Factors suggestive of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity were classified accordingly.

Results After the one-month castor oil pack intervention, a notable increase in pupillary constriction was observed in Absolute constriction amplitude 2−1.6mm, duration of constriction 600−900ms, maximum constriction velocity 4−5.2mm/s, suggesting a shift toward parasympathetic dominance. This positive change aligns with decreased pain, increased vagal modulation, and decreased sympathetic activity, indicating improved psychological self-regulation.

Conclusion The findings of this case report support the potential therapeutic impact of castor oil packs on PCOS, offering insights into their role in promoting relaxation, decreasing pain, and improving autonomic balance. Larger-scale studies are warranted to validate and extend these preliminary observations, emphasising the value of non-pharmaceutical interventions in the management of PCOS and associated symptoms.

Background Cold throat compress is a naturopathic hydrotherapy intervention that may shift sympathovagal balance towards parasympathetic dominance. However, there is a lack of evidence on the impact of throat compression on cardiovascular autonomic function.

Objective To evaluate the immediate effect of cold throat compression on heart rate variability and blood pressure in healthy individuals.

Method This study adopts a single-blinded, randomised controlled design. Subjects will be recruited by using a convenient sampling technique and randomised into two groups. The study group will undergo a cold throat compress and the control group will undergo a dry throat compress.

Outcome measures Primary and secondary outcome variables, heart rate variability and blood pressure, will be assessed immediately before and after the intervention using BIOPAC MP 160 and non-invasive semi-automated electronic blood pressure monitor (Omron) respectively.

Conclusion The results will indicate the effect of cold throat compression on heart rate variability and blood pressure in healthy individuals.

Trial Registration Clinical trial registry of India (CTRI/2023/08/056680).

Background Annona muricata (soursop) is rich in vitamins and flavonoids that reportedly benefit humans. However, there is a scarcity of clinical studies that confirm these benefits in humans. Phenolic compounds and xanthine oxidase inhibitors reduce serum uric acid (SUA) production, accumulation, and renal excretion of SUA.

Objectives Exploring the effects of soursop-containing preparations on SUA levels in individuals with hyperuricemia.

Methods We analysed controlled clinical trials filtered from PubMed, the New England Journal of Medicine, PubMed Central, Cochrane, and citation searches using specific keywords. We investigated all studies conducted between 2017 and 2023 that included control groups and pre- and post-intervention measurements. The risk of bias was assessed for the non-randomised intervention studies and modified Jadad scores were used to measure the quality of each included study. The mean difference (MD) and heterogeneity were calculated using the Hartung-Knapp-adjusted random effects model for the analysis of covariance in the Recovered Effect Estimates Meta-Analysis using the metafor package in R.

Results This novel meta-analysis included 15 studies with 937 participants aged 20–90 years. Most participants consumed preparations containing soursop at least once per week. Soursop significantly reduced SUA (MD: -1.14[-1.82 to -0.45], p=0.0031; I-squared = 98.03%, p<0.0001). However, this reduction was not statistically significant for preparations containing only soursop leaves (MD: -1.15[-2.73 to 0.43], p=0.1130; I-squared=95.81%, p<0.0001).

Conclusion Intake of soursop-containing preparations is beneficial for individuals with high uric acid levels, particularly those with limited access, resistance or allergies to uric acid medications.

Lumbar spondylosis is a degenerative disease of lumbar disc and facet joints. Prevalence of lumbar spondylosis is associated with ageing and incidence is high among sports people. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were considered to be the first line of drugs to treat lumbar spondylosis, however, many people experience gastro-intestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects from this type of treatment. Aromatherapy is one of the widely used therapeutic practices within the fields of yoga and naturopathy. Three cases with lumbar spondylosis were treated with topical application of tea tree oil. Outcome measures included Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21(DASS-21). All the outcome measures showed improvement after the intervention. We conclude that topical application of tea tree oil may be an effective intervention in treatment of cases of lumbar spondylosis. However, this case series warrants further investigations using more rigorous methods to validate the findings.

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