Gerhard Litscher

China's Tu Youyou, Nobel Laureate in Medicine 2015, and Relationships with the TCM Research Center Graz at the Medical University

For the first time in history, the Nobel Prize in Medicine 2015 was awarded to a researcher who is specialized in traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese Tu Youyou received this highest award in medicine for her excellent work in malaria research. Tu Youyou and her team found out that artemisinin, the active ingredient of the medicinal herb ‘sweet wormwood, represents an effective malaria therapy. In the following article, the research that led to this Nobel Prize is introduced. In addition, the insidious tropical disease malaria will be explained briefly. Results of the research on moxibustion using Artemisia are also presented in this article; these studies were carried out at the TCM Research Center Graz, partly in close cooperation with the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, the institution of the Nobel Prize winner.

Transcranial Yellow, Red, and Infrared Laser and LED Stimulation: Changes of Vascular Parameters in a Chick Embryo Model

Background: The use of transcranial laser or light-emitting diode (LED) therapy in the treatment of different neurological diseases is attracting increasing attention. The main goal of this study was to investigate different kinds of scientifically and commercially available laser (yellow, red, and infrared) and LED stimulation systems for the first time using a chick embryo model under a fixed human cadaver (scalp and/or skull) and without this anatomical preparation. Methods: In the present study, the extra-embryonic vasculature of a 1-week-old chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was investigated. For stimulation, four different systems were used (infrared LED and yellow, red, and infrared laser). Four measurement periods were compared: before stimulation, immediately after stimulation onset, immediately after the 10-min stimulation was turned off, and 6 min after stimulation had ended. Special image processing programs developed at the Beijing University of Science and Technology were used for data analysis. Results: The different kinds of laser induced different effects, e.g. the direct stimulation with yellow laser led to initial vasoconstriction (-17%), whereas yellow laser stimulation through a human skull resulted in an increase in blood volume. These effects could only be observed after mathematical processing of the images. Conclusion: After intensive basic research (e.g. CAM model), transcranial laser stimulation may open up new therapies for lifestyle-related diseases such as stroke, dementia, Alzheimers or possibly Parkinsons disease.

A New Method in Auricular Medicine for the Investigation of the Nogier Reflex

Background: Although there is as yet no scientific consensus on this topic, the Nogier reflex or reflex auriculo-cardiac (RAC; also vascular autonomic signal) is an important method in auricular medicine. This article introduces a new methodological approach for the detection and quantification of the RAC. Methods: A new high-resolution imaging technique for the registration of pulsatory surface changes might allow the RAC to be quantified reproducibly for the first time. The method combines an innovative microscope system (available at the Medical University of Graz), video analysis software, and special image processing software (from the Beijing University of Science and Technology). Results: Even small, pulse-dependent alterations of the skin surface could be clearly visualized. Conclusion: The pilot measurement confirmed the validity of the new methodological approach. Further investigations are necessary and in progress.

A Laser Watch for Simultaneous Laser Blood Irradiation and Laser Acupuncture at the Wrist

Background: Laser medicine in general has experienced enormous progress over the last years. The latest innovation is a so-called laser watch, a system only slightly larger than a wrist watch. Methods: The laser watch is applied to the wrist, where simultaneous and continuous acupuncture point or blood irradiation using laser light can be performed. Results: This results in new and promising therapeutic approaches for different diseases. This article introduces and briefly discusses the first pilot measurements with regard to the laser watch. Conclusion: The laser watch is practicable; however, further research is absolutely necessary before the laser watch is widely used.

Spectroscopic Measurements in Patients with Completely Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament before and after RegentK and Physiotherapy

Background: The goal of this study was to investigate acute effects of a special kind of manual therapy developed by Mohamed Khalifa (RegentK) compared to standard physiotherapy on regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) of knee tissues in patients with completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Methods: Twenty patients were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to receive either RegentK (group A; n = 10, 8 female, 2 male, mean age ± SD 31.3 ± 8.5 years) or physiotherapy (group B; n = 10, 6 female, 4 male, mean age 34.8 ± 10.2 years). The values of rSO2, assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy, were registered anterolaterally and anteromedially on both the injured and the healthy (control) knee. Results: rSO2 increased significantly (p < 0.001) after RegentK on both registration sites of the injured knee, whereas after physiotherapy only the anterolateral side showed significant increases. Interestingly, we found significant increases in rSO2 also on the control knee after RegentK; in group B, these results were insignificant. Conclusion: We conclude that manual therapy influences the hemodynamics of muscles and deeper structures. The results will also serve to quantify the effects of nonpharmacological and nonsurgical interventions (e.g. RegentK) on the microvascular circulation in deep tissue after a complete rupture of the ACL.

AKUPUNKTUR, PC UND MYOPIE – EINE AKTUELLE ÜBERSICHT@@@ACUPUNCTURE, PC AND MYOPIA – A CURRENT OVERVIEW

Acupuncture, PC and myopia: Even in the last decade these three words would probably not have been mentioned in the same breath. Since then a lot has changed and the screen work now represents more and more important and essential work. As a result of long and intense personal computer (PC) work new clinical syndromes arise. Screen work means permanent high performance not only for head, neck and hands, but also for the eyes. In addition to the disorders of the musculoskeletal system, myopia (nearsightedness) becomes an important problem. Experts mention terms such as „Office Eye Syndrome“ or „Facebook syndrome“. In only one day there are 30,000 eye movements switching from the keyboard towards the screen and back. This is of course very hard work for the eyes. Because of the concentrated work the blinking frequency decreases and thus the eye becomes dry, the tear film evaporates more and more. The constantly growing number of eye diseases as a result of too intensive PC work, increases the need for adequate treatment methods. Acupuncture might be a potential approach. In this overview current scientific research results are discussed critically and new approaches with regard to acupuncture will be taken into account.

Expertengespräch: Ernährung und Nahrungsergänzung

diese beiden Faktoren in Studien sauber erfasst, sieht man nur einen sehr geringen Unterschied zwischen angeblich «guter» Ernährung – viele Früchte, wenig Fleisch usw. – und «schlechter» Ernährung – viel Fleisch, viele gesättigte Fette, wenig Gemüse und Früchte – in Bezug auf die Gexad sundheit. Das Problem ist, dass bisxad lang nur in den wenigsten Stu dien die Bewegung sauber erfasst und so der Einfluss der Ernährung überschätzt wurde.

Zu wenig Komplementärmedizin im neuen Heilmittelgesetz

In Deutschland hat ein Gericht bereits im letzten Jahr den Vertrieb eines Nahrungsergänzungsmittels verboten, das ein Ginkgo-Extrakt enthält. Im Frühjahr 2010 hat das Landgericht Hamburg einen sofortigen Stopp für ein anderes Lebensmittel verfügt, einen Tee mit Ginkgo-Blättern. Die Entscheidung stellt nach Einschätzung des Komitees Forschung Naturmedizin einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Verbrauchersicherheit dar. Gerade in letzter Zeit werden Konsumentinnen und Konsumenten immer häufiger mit Angeboten für Produkte konfrontiert, bei denen sie nur mühsam unterscheiden können, ob es sich um Arzneimittel handelt. Hier hilft das Urteil weiter: «Auszugehend von der Erwartung eines normal informierten, durchschnittlich verständigen und situationsbedingt aufmerksamen Verbrauchers sind Ginkgo-Blätter keine Lebensmittel, sondern Arzneimittel», schreiben die Richter in der Begründung. Diese Auffassung entspricht auch der Meinung der Fachkreise. So befand z.B. eine Arbeitsgruppe des Arbeitskreises lebensmittelchemischer Sachverständiger der Länder und des Bundesgesundheitsamtes Zu wenig Komplementärxad medizin im neuen Heilmittelgesetz

Klinische Studie zur Wirkung einer äusserlich angewendeten Zubereitung mit Glukosaminsulfat, Chondroitinsulfat und Kampfer bei Kniegelenkarthrose

Glukosaminund Chondroitinsulfat sind Wirkstoffe mit geringer Toxizität, die Schmerz und Gelenksteife bei Arthrose reduzieren. Langfristige Anwendung von Glukosamin kann die Röntgenprogression von Arthrose reduzieren. Für Chondroitinsulfat wurde ein schmerzreduzierender Effekt nachgewiesen; zudem verstärkt es die Schmerzreduktion von Glukosamin. Die Abteilung für Komplementärmedizin, RMIT University, und das Zentrum für Komplementärmedizin, Monash University, beide in Melbourne, Australien, untersuchten die Wirkung einer Salbe mit Glukosaminsulfat, Chondroitinsulfat und Kampfer bei Kniegelenkarthrose in einer monozentrischen, randomisierten Pla cebokontrollierten, doppelblinden Studie [1].