Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Review Articles

Evaluating the Efficacy of Warm Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture in Temporomandibular Disorder: A Narrative Review: Lisa Dal Pozzo, Secondo Scarsella, Maria Abad Arranz; Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(2):87-95. Published online June 23, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.06.003

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) causes jaw pain, difficulty speaking/eating, and discomfort referred to the head, neck, and shoulders. Western treatments (anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, muscle relaxants) may have side effects or may be unsuitable for older adults due to polypharmacy risks. Nonpharmacological options like physiotherapy and magnetic therapy are promising, but acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has gained attention for its efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine attributes TMD to Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and pathogenic factors (cold, wind, dampness), leading to pain and stiffness. Acupuncture reduces pain, improves jaw mobility, and decreases joint noises, and has long-term benefits and low recurrence of TMD. Techniques like warm acupuncture and electroacupuncture lower inflammation and alleviate local/distal symptoms. This review compiles studies on acupuncture’s role in TMD treatment (mono or combined therapy) and draws from Western and Chinese databases. Acupuncture offers a safe, effective alternative, particularly for patients where conventional drugs are unsuitable.

Effects of Acupuncture on Cartilage Degradation and Joint Pain in Osteoarthritis: Jae-Hwan Jang, Jaejin Han, Changsu Na, Hi-Joon Park; Perspect Integr Med. 2024;3(3):134-141. Published online October 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2024.10.002

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Osteoarthritis, resulting from joint decline, leads to various symptoms including joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, and local inflammation. These symptoms may be caused by the remodeling of the five structural phenotypes: inflammatory, subchondral bone, meniscal cartilage, atrophic, and hypertrophic phenotypes. Studies have shown that acupuncture can inhibit cartilage degradation by regulating extracellular matrix-degradation and enzyme synthesis. Notably, the efficacy of acupuncture treatment in osteoarthritis may be attributed to regulated inflammation and apoptosis of chondrocytes, as well as endogenous opioid production, and activation of the endocannabinoid systems (in the central and peripheral nervous systems), to contribute towards cartilage protection and joint pain relief. This review provides a current summary of the mechanisms of action of acupuncture in osteoarthritis, indicating that acupuncture, a therapy with fewer side effects than conventional medications, may be an effective treatment strategy for the management of osteoarthritis.

Citations

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Electroacupuncture at nerve innervation zones combined with exercise rehabilitation for early-stage knee osteoarthritis in older adults: A randomized controlled trial protocol
Huang Jin-Hao, Marwa Osama, Ge Si-Yuan, Hu Miao-Miao, Shi Tian-Hui, Dong Lu, Xu Guo-Hui
European Journal of Integrative Medicine.2026; 83: 102630. CrossRef
Effects of 650 nm laser acupuncture on cartilage, bone, and skeletal muscle in osteoarthritis
Seung-Ho Seo, Sang-Mi Kang, Yang-Hee You, Chang-Su Na
Bone Reports.2025; 26: 101864. CrossRef

Original Article

Shilajit, a Natural Phytocomplex Acts as a Neuroprotective Agent Against Amyloid Beta-induced Cytotoxicity and Inflammation: Seoyoung Kim, Changon Seo, HyeJin Park, Jin Gwan Kwon, Jin Kyu Kim, Hyoun Jong Moon, Sunki Lim, Yujeong Gho, Wang Jun Lee, Yongmun Choi, Sanghun Lee; Perspect Integr Med. 2024;3(2):114-122. Published online June 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2024.06.007

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Shilajit is a natural phytocomplex known for centuries in Ayurveda traditional medicine for its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. However, there is little published scientific evidence to support these acclaimed properties.
Methods
The safety, regarding the heavy metal content, component analysis, the neuroprotective effects and amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation of 3 samples of Shilajit derived from different geographical origins were assessed. Neuroprotective effects of Shilajit were examined using neuroblastoma cell lines (SH-SY5Y and IMR-32) and cell viability assays. The inhibitory effect on the proinflammatory cytokine derived from macrophage cells was assessed using bone marrow-derived macrophage cells in vitro and in a murine model of Aβ-induced inflammation (ex vivo analysis).
Results
The results showed that a daily dose of each Shilajit sample were within the permissible heavy metal limit established by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The 3 Shilajit samples alleviated Aβ-induced toxicity in neuronal cells. One sample derived from the Altai Mountains suppressed Aβ-induced processing of pro-interleukin (pro-IL)-1β into mature, biologically active IL-1β in macrophages. This Shilajit sample inhibited Aβ-induced production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in the brain (ex vivo analysis). In component analysis, this sample was enriched in salicyluric acid.
Conclusion
Shared and distinct properties were observed among the 3 Shilajit samples concerning their neuroprotective effects, and regarding safety, the daily dose of each Shilajit had a safe level of heavy metal content. Salicyluric acid in Shilajit may be important in mitigating Aβ-induced inflammatory cytokine but more research is necessary.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Unlocking the potential of Shilajit in Vascular Dementia behind pathology and management - A concise review
Kousik Maparu, Shamsher Singh
Brain Disorders.2025; 19: 100244. CrossRef
Clinical studies and safety evidence for human consumption of Shilajit: a herbo-mineral compound with multifaceted health benefits
Ashif Iqubal, Abdul Qadir
International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmaco.2025; 14(4): 630. CrossRef

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