Japanese Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Online ISSN : 1348-7930
Print ISSN : 1348-7922
ISSN-L : 1348-7922
Volume 5, Issue 1
Displaying 1-9 of 9 articles from this issue
Review
  • Hideki ISHIKAWA
    2008 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 1-8
    Published: 2008
    Released on J-STAGE: March 12, 2008
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    The author reviews and comments on the present state of safety evaluation and efficacy of functional foods in Japan: Dietary experience has been of great importance in food safety; however, when doses/concentrations of functional foods or their components considerably exceed levels in ordinary foods, safety can no longer be guaranteed. In the author’s view, such products thus need to be treated like drugs. In addition, when researching the efficacy of functional foods, randomized controlled trials are key, and findings obtained from observational epidemiology should also be taken into account.
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  • Koichi OKAMURA
    2008 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 9-18
    Published: 2008
    Released on J-STAGE: March 12, 2008
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    In order to achieve not merely a temporary or fragmented application of oriental (traditional) medicine to western modern dental treatment but also to ensure its position as a complementary, continuing therapeutic technology, a mutually beneficial co-existence is required.
    Oriental medicine is considered a “tailored” medicine and a key factor is defining the target patient’s Syo (sho). Even if treatment as currently offered in clinical practice is western-derived, it is still possible to grasp the patient’s condition more solidly by introducing this concept of Syo (sho).
    Based on the above, a logically consistent and relatively systematized Chinese medicine may play a convenient and effective role in conventional medical practice. When the cultural and topographic roles of Japan are re-examined in light of Chinese medicine’s historical background however, a harmonious symbiosis between a systematized traditional oriental medicine and an efficient, technologically oriented western medicine seems difficult to establish. Nevertheless, it is the author’s hope that a new wave of medical (dental) treatment successfully combining the two may emerge from Japan in the 21st century.
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  • Hajime OHIGASHI
    2008 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 19-26
    Published: 2008
    Released on J-STAGE: March 12, 2008
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Chemoprevention is currently regarded as one of the most promising avenues of cancer control. In the search for chemopreventive dietary plants and phytochemicals, the author has explored anti-tumor promotimg phytochemicals of vegetables and fruits in several Asian countries, using an inhibition test of tumor promoter-induced Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activation. Extensive in vitro screening tests have found several dietary plants from subtropical zones to possess high potential. In particular, plants in families commonly ingested for purposes other than their nutritive value (i.e. as flavors, condiments, and occasionally traditional medicines) were shown to contain potent anti-tumor promoters. Of more than 50 in vitro anti-tumor promoters identified thus far, cancer preventive properties of 4 compounds from zingiberaceous (1′-acetoxychavicol acetate and zerumbone) and rutaceous (auraptene and nobiletin) plants have been further studied. The results of animal model experiments as well as modes of action, including anti-inflammation associated activities, are described. The present status of chemoprevention with food phytochemicals is also discussed.
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  • Hiroshi BANDO
    2008 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 27-36
    Published: 2008
    Released on J-STAGE: March 12, 2008
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Currently, music therapy (MT) is a focus within complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). MT is divided into two categories: recreational music (covering a broad field) and medical music therapy. It is not sufficient that the patient simply feel better; the evaluation methodology itself should be improved. MT can also be categorized as passive (ie, listening) and active (singing and/or playing instruments). Common MT subjects in Japan are infants, patients with psychiatric disorders or dementia, and the aged. Recently, combination therapy of MT and other CAM therapies has become more common and is gaining official recognition at a policy level. As MT is further developed, it is expected to play an increasingly important role in CAM in the future. Research in evidence- and narrative-based MT is also expected to progress.
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  • Hirotaka HAYASHI, Satoshi OHNO, Shintaro HASHIMOTO, Takanari ARAI, Nob ...
    2008 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 37-47
    Published: 2008
    Released on J-STAGE: March 12, 2008
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Of “foods for specified health use (FOSHU)”, approximately 90 kinds are presently indicated as “appropriate for hypertension”. In this review we describe their safety and effectiveness.
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Original Article
  • —A Preliminary Pilot Study—
    Hiroki TSUKAHARA, Takashi KOIKEDA, Takanari ARAI, Hirotaka HAYASHI, Sa ...
    2008 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 49-56
    Published: 2008
    Released on J-STAGE: March 12, 2008
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    An exploratory open-label human clinical study was performed in healthy adults with shoulder stiffness to evaluate the efficacy of Astaxanthin by means of measuring blood flow change in the shoulders and subjective questionnaires on physical conditions, including alleviation of stiffness before and after treatment. Two capsules containing 3 mg Astaxanthin each (6 mg in total) were administered once daily (6 mg a day) on days 1 to 28 (4 weeks) to 13 patients (3 men/10 women). All patients were assessed for efficacy and the study demonstrated significant improvements in physical conditions such as shoulder stiffness, physical fatigue, sense of mental irritation, sense of coldness in hands and feet, eye fatigue and eye bleariness. Significant increases of blood flow in shoulders were observed at the end of treatment using laser-doppler graphics. Blood tests conducted to confirm safety before and at the end of treatment showed no clinical differences, and no adverse side effects were reported. In conclusion, Astaxanthin appeared to safely alleviate stiff shoulders and improve other physical conditions during a 4-week open-label study.
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  • Kanemitsu YAMAYA, Katsuhiko SUZUKI, Kazunori NOSAKA, Kishiko OGAWA, Mi ...
    2008 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 57-63
    Published: 2008
    Released on J-STAGE: March 12, 2008
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of resistance training in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
    Methods: Ten patients in the absence of metastasis undertook a 20-week progressive resistance training (2 times/week) consisting of 12 different upper and lower body exercises using training machines. Body composition, muscle function, physical performance, bone mineral density, serum biochemical data, plasma insulin and blood markers of prostate cancer were assessed at baseline and after training at weeks 10 and 20.
    Results: Training significantly increased muscle strength and muscle endurance capacity (p<0.001) and decreased plasma insulin levels without affecting blood markers of prostate cancer.
    Conclusion: Results suggest that resistance training is beneficial for prostate cancer patients with ADT to reduce the side effects of ADT and improve the activity of daily living and quality of life.
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