Aim To find out if weight loss nutraceuticals can result in clinically significant weight loss.

Methods Bibliographic databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science, reference lists of eligible studies and review articles and conference proceedings were searched for randomised clinical trials of nutraceuticals for weight loss. Studies not meeting our eligibility criteria were discarded. A mean difference of 5% between-group weight loss was considered clinically significant. PROSPERO protocol identifier: CRD42021238650

Results We found that out of 196 sources of nutraceutical products, Portulaca oleracea, Garcinia cambogia, green tea, carnitine, Irvingia, pyruvate, chitosan, chromium, Gymnema sylvestre, turmeric and conjugated linoleic acid supplements had at least one reported clinical significance. None of them were consistent in showing this result and none had a meta-analysis to approve their clinical significance.

Conclusion Current randomised trials and meta-analyses studying single sourced weight loss nutraceuticals don’t strongly support their use for weight loss. P. oleracea, G. cambogia, green tea, carnitine, Irvingia, pyruvate, chitosan, chromium, G. sylvestre, turmeric and conjugated linoleic acid should further be studied to identify and develop potent bioactive agents which may result in better clinical results.

Background Nipple fissure is one of the most common breast problems in the first days postpartum. This study aims to evaluate the effect of zucchini seed oil on the severity of nipple fissures and pain in breastfeeding women.

Methods This clinical trial will include breastfeeding women with nipple fissures who will be allocated to control and intervention groups using permuted blocks of four (30 people in each group). The demographic questionnaire, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Storr scale will be used for data collection. Participants in the intervention group will use zucchini seed oil, applied 0.5–1ml or five to ten drops on the nipple and areola three times a day for 7 days, and let it remain in place for at least 1 hour if the application of the oil does not cause itching or redness. They will be further asked to apply three to four drops of their breast milk on the nipple after the other breastfeeding sessions. The control group will practise routine care; specifically, they will apply three to four drops of their breast milk on the nipple and areola after each breastfeeding session. The two groups will be asked to visit in person on the days 3 and 8 after the start of the intervention for follow-up, and the severity of pain and fissure will be recorded by the researcher. Data will be analysed using SPSS-16 software.

Discussion The results will provide rigorous scientific evidence on the use of zucchini seed oil for reducing nipple fissures and pain. If the results show a positive effect regarding the use of zucchini seed oil in the treatment of fissures, the daily use of this product by breastfeeding mothers with nipple fissures and pain can be recommended.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent progressive degenerative musculoskeletal condition. The estimated prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is approximately 10% in adult men and 13% in women. The utilisation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as hydrotherapy, mud therapy, aromatherapy, massage and acupuncture, has increased for managing KOA. A growing body of evidence suggests that aromatherapy can effectively reduce pain and improve functional disabilities in OA patients. This case series presents the short-term outcomes of three KOA patients who underwent a local application of tea tree oil (TTO) (Melaleuca alternifolia) mixed with coconut oil. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scale and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the impact of the TTO intervention. The results indicate that patients reported reduced pain and improved ability to perform daily activities following the application of TTO. These promising results justify the need for further research to better understand the effects of TTO application in patients with KOA.

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 4 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.