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Colzato L, Elmers J, Xu X, Zhou Q, Hommel B, Beste C. Regaining control over opioid use? The potential application of auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation to improve opioid treatment in China. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13343. [PMID: 37855071 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a critical problem in China and is accompanied by depression and deficits in cognitive control. In China, the most successful intervention for OUD is the community drug rehabilitation where methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) plays a key role. Even though methadone for the treatment of OUD can be helpful, it can cause severe somatic side-effects, which limit its effectivity. Even worse, it can have detrimental effects on cognitive control, which is crucial to regain control over drug intake. Here, we consider the potential use of auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (atVNS) as an addition to MMT for opioid withdrawal treatment. Compared to other non-invasive brain stimulation methods, atVNS also targets the locus coeruleus (LC) important for noradrenaline (NA) synthesis. NA is an essential neurotransmitter impacted in opioid withdrawal and also critically involved in cognitive control processes. Its ADD-ON to MMT might be a useful mean to improve mood and enhance cognitive control processes impacted in OUD. We discuss the translational advantages of atVNS in China such as the cultural acceptance of the modality of treatment similar to electroacupuncture. Additionally, the wearability of the ear electrode and at-home self-administration without intense medical supervision makes of atVNS a useful tool to enhance clinical and cognitive outcomes especially in everyday life situation. We discuss how atVNS can be integrated in tele-medical health approaches allowing that innovative treatments can widely be disseminated and continued even in situations of restricted medical access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Colzato
- Cognitive Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Julia Elmers
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Cognitive Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bernhard Hommel
- Cognitive Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
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Nematollahi MH, Ahmadianmoghadam MA, Mehrabani M, Moghadari M, Ghorani-Azam A, Mehrbani M. Herbal therapy in opioid withdrawal syndrome: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2022; 14:152-163. [PMID: 36544511 PMCID: PMC9743811 DOI: 10.22122/ahj.2022.195961.1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Medicinal plants have revealed much attention as an alternative or complementary treatment for opioid withdrawal syndrome. The current review collects all available literature to verify the efficiency of herbal remedies in the management of symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted from January 1990 to May 2021 on four bibliographic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) using the search terms "medicinal plant", "withdrawal syndrome", "opioid", and all their equivalents. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in the English language were included for data synthesis. The search was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to verify the quality of the included clinical trials. Findings A total of 12 RCTs were collected and used for data synthesis. The results of these studies indicated that herbal medicines were effective in treating opioid withdrawal syndrome and could alleviate the withdrawal symptoms, such as abdominal constrictions, diarrhea, bone pain, perspiration, and insomnia, when compared to conventional medications such as buprenorphine, clonidine, and methadone. However, more than 30% of RCTs were found to be at high risk of bias in the areas of selection, performance, detection, attrition, and reporting. Conclusion Although several RCTs have proven that herbal remedies are effective in reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms, the findings need to be viewed more carefully. Further RCTs with more participants, longer duration, and less risk of bias are needed in the claimed cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hadi Nematollahi
- Student Research Committee, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Ahmadianmoghadam
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Department of Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Persian Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Mehrabani
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoud Moghadari
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Adel Ghorani-Azam
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Mehrbani
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Correspondence to: Mehrzad Mehrbani; Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran;
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Kruszecki C, Cameron CR, Hume AL, Ward KE. A systematic review of integrative medicine for opioid withdrawal. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 125:108279. [PMID: 34016305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The United States has been battling an opioid epidemic for decades. As substance use disorders have grown, so too has investigation into treatment options, including integrative medicine approaches, for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms (OWS). OBJECTIVES This systematic review sought to assess the use of integrative medicine approaches for the alleviation of OWS in patients dependent on opioids and to summarize the available data. METHODS The authors searched using synonyms for opioids, substance use disorder, and integrative medicine and standardized searches in Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. We also hand searched references for systematic reviews. This review did not include articles that could not be obtained as full-text publications via interlibrary loan. The review also excluded studies with interventions involving acupuncture because multiple systematic reviews on this approach already exist. In addition, we also excluded studies of therapy for opioid maintenance. We evaluated studies for inclusion based on the Jadad criteria. We compared opioid withdrawal outcomes of the studies to determine the efficacy of integrative medicine approaches. RESULTS The authors identified a total of 382 unique publications initially for possible inclusion through systematic searches. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, five studies met Jadad criteria. The authors identified an additional two studies for inclusion via hand searching. A total of seven studies included interventions consisting of passionflower, weinicom, fu-yuan pellet, jinniu capsules, tai-kang-ning, dynorphin, and l-tetrahydropalmatine. Analyzing the articles was difficult given the varied scoring methods they used to quantify opioid withdrawal symptoms and the small sample sizes in the trials. Most showed evidence that supported integrative medicine approaches for OWS, although the strength of evidence was limited because of sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS This review found evidence of multiple integrative medicine approaches for opioid withdrawal symptoms. Well-designed randomized controlled trials should assess the efficacy of integrative medicine for improvement in OWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Kruszecki
- The University of Rhode Island, College of Pharmacy, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
| | - Courtney R Cameron
- The University of Rhode Island, College of Pharmacy, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, United States.
| | - Anne L Hume
- The University of Rhode Island, College of Pharmacy, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
| | - Kristina E Ward
- The University of Rhode Island, College of Pharmacy, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
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Efferth T, Xu AL, Damiescu R, Banerjee M, Paul NW, Lee DYW. Can eastern wisdom resolve western epidemics? Traditional Chinese medicine therapies and the opioid crisis. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2021; 19:295-299. [PMID: 33789837 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The widespread use of opioids to treat chronic pain led to a nation-wide crisis in the United States. Tens of thousands of deaths annually occur mainly due to respiratory depression, the most dangerous side effect of opioids. Non-opioid drugs and non-pharmacological treatments without addictive potential are urgently required. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on a completely different medical theory than academic Western medicine. The scientific basis of acupuncture and herbal treatments as main TCM practices has been considerably improved during the past two decades, and large meta-analyses with thousands of patients provide evidence for their efficacy. Furthermore, opinion leaders in the United States favor non-pharmacological techniques including TCM for pain management to fight the opioid crisis. We advocate TCM as therapeutic option without addictive potential and without life-threatening side effects (e.g., respiratory depression) to treat chronic pain patients suffering from opioid misuse. The evidence suggests that: (1) opioid misuse cannot be satisfactorily managed with standard medication; (2) opinion leaders in the United States favor to consider non-opioid and non-pharmacological treatment strategies including those from TCM to treat acute and chronic pain conditions; (3) large meta-analyses provide scientific evidence for the clinical activity of acupuncture and herbal TCM remedies in the treatment of chronic pain. Future clinical trials should demonstrate the safety of TCM treatments if combined with Western medical practices to exclude negative interactions between both modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - An-Long Xu
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Roxana Damiescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mita Banerjee
- Obama Institute of Transnational American Studies, Department of English and Linguistics, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert W Paul
- Institute for the History, Philosophy, and Ethics of Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - David Y W Lee
- Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Shi Y, Wang F, Hu AZ, Wang QW, Wu JL, Li MH, Cui GH, Liu L, Huang SB, Zhang Y, Liu HQ, Chen Y. Effects and Mechanisms of Jinniu Capsule on Methamphetamine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Rats. OPEN CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/chem-2018-0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of Jinniu Capsule on methamphetamine (METH)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats and identify the underlying mechanisms. An intraperitoneal injection of 3 mg/kg METH was used for CPP training in rats. The effects of Jinniu Capsule following a single dose on rat CPP and repeat dosing on METH withdrawal were evaluated. Western Blot analysis was used to measure protein expression of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway to determine the mechanisms of Jinniu Capsule. A single dose of Jinniu Capsule did not influence METH-induced CPP in rats. However, repeat dosing for 7 days significantly promoted METH withdrawal. Furthermore, METH withdrawal activated the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway phosphorylation cascade, and Jinniu Capsule partly blocked this cascade. Jinniu Capsule demonstrated potential in promoting METH withdrawal in a rat CPP model, which may be related to its influence on the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shi
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No. 1120 of Lianhua Road, Futian district, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518036
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Xinxiang Medical University, No. 601 of Jinsui avenue, Hongqi district, Xinxiang, Henan, China, 453000
| | - A-Zhen Hu
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No. 1120 of Lianhua Road, Futian district, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518036
| | - Qing-Wen Wang
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No. 1120 of Lianhua Road, Futian district, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518036
| | - Jue-Lian Wu
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No. 1120 of Lianhua Road, Futian district, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518036
| | - Ming-Hua Li
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No. 1120 of Lianhua Road, Futian district, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518036
| | - Guang-Hui Cui
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No. 1120 of Lianhua Road, Futian district, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518036
| | - Li Liu
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No. 1120 of Lianhua Road, Futian district, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518036
| | - Si-Bin Huang
- Xia men 929 bioproducts Co., Ltd, Xia men, Fujian, China, 361100
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 5180515
| | - Han-Qing Liu
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No. 1120 of Lianhua Road, Futian district, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518036
| | - Yun Chen
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Drug Addiction and Medication Safety, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, No. 1120 of Lianhua Road, Futian district, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518036
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Pharmacokinetic Interaction Study of Ketamine and Rhynchophylline in Rat Plasma by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6562309. [PMID: 29951541 PMCID: PMC5989277 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6562309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: ketamine group, rhynchophylline group, and ketamine combined with rhynchophylline group (n = 6). The rats of two groups received a single intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg ketamine and 30 mg/kg rhynchophylline, respectively, and the third group received combined intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg ketamine and 30 mg/kg rhynchophylline together. After blood sampling at different time points and processing, the concentrations of ketamine and rhynchophylline in rat plasma were determined by the established ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) with carbamazepine as an internal standard (IS). The initial mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) with gradient elution. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes of m/z 238.1 → 179.1 for ketamine, m/z 385.3 → 159.8 for rhynchophylline, and m/z 237.3 → 194.3 for carbamazepine (IS) were utilized to conduct quantitative analysis. Calibration curve of ketamine and rhynchophylline in rat plasma demonstrated good linearity in the range of 1-1000 ng/mL (r > 0.995), and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 1 ng/mL. Moreover, the intra- and interday precision relative standard deviation (RSD) of ketamine and rhynchophylline were less than 11% and 14%, respectively. This sensitive, rapid, and selective UPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic interaction study of ketamine and rhynchophylline after intraperitoneal administration. The results showed that there may be a reciprocal inhibition between ketamine and rhynchophylline.
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Guo S, Manning V, Yang Y, Koh PK, Chan E, de Souza NN, Assam PN, Sultana R, Wijesinghe R, Pangjaya J, Kandasami G, Cheok C, Lee KM, Wong KE. Lofexidine versus diazepam for the treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial in Singapore. J Subst Abuse Treat 2018; 91:1-11. [PMID: 29910009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many individuals leave costly inpatient detoxification programs prematurely because of the severity of withdrawal symptoms experienced. In the absence of opioid-assisted detoxification in Singapore, diazepam is used to manage withdrawal. However since diazepam is addictive, there is a need to explore the effectiveness of alternative medications. DESIGN AND PROCEDURES The study aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of lofexidine, a non-opiate, non-addictive, alpha 2-adrenergic agonist in assisting opioid detoxification in Singapore, using a randomized, double-blind, investigator-initiated placebo-controlled trial comparing lofexidine against diazepam. Opioid dependent patients (n = 111) were randomized to receive a 10-day course of lofexidine (n = 56) or diazepam (n = 55). The primary endpoint was the Objective Opioid Withdrawal Scale (OOWS) score on days 3 and 4 and secondary outcomes were the Short Opioid Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) score, program retention rate, and ratings of opiate craving. MAIN FINDINGS The OOWS, SOWS and opiate craving scores were consistently lower in the lofexidine group relative to the diazepam group over the 14-day study period; however no statistically significant differences were found on days 3 and 4 (peak withdrawal). Changes in mean pupil size during peak withdrawal were significantly smaller in the lofexidine group and more participants in the lofexidine group remained in treatment and completed detoxification. CONCLUSIONS Lofexidine was at least as effective as diazepam in reducing the opioid withdrawal syndrome and increased treatment retention. In addition to its non-addictive and non-abuse properties, lofexidine has several clinical advantages over diazepam. The use of lofexidine is recommended when opioid-assisted medications are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Guo
- National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Victoria Manning
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Yi Yang
- National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore; Clinical Governance and Quality, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Puay Kee Koh
- National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore; Ministry of Communications and Information, 140 Hill Street, #01-01A, Old Hill Street Police Station, Singapore 179369
| | - Edwin Chan
- Singapore Clinical Research Institute, 31 Biopolis Way, #02-01, Nanos, 138669, Singapore
| | - Nurun Nisa de Souza
- Singapore Clinical Research Institute, 31 Biopolis Way, #02-01, Nanos, 138669, Singapore
| | | | - Rehena Sultana
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Road, 169856, Singapore
| | - Ruki Wijesinghe
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, 20 College Road, 169856, Singapore
| | - Julius Pangjaya
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Gomathinayagam Kandasami
- National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Christopher Cheok
- National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore; Department of General and Forensic Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Kae Meng Lee
- Resilienz Clinic, 10 Sinaran Drive #10-03, Novena Medical Center, 307506, Singapore
| | - Kim Eng Wong
- National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
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Zhu W, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Lu L. Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Drug Addiction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 135:279-295. [PMID: 28807162 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This chapter summarizes recent developments in preclinical and clinical research on Chinese herbal medicines and their neurochemical mechanism of action for the treatment of drug addiction. We searched Chinese and English scientific literature and selected several kinds of Chinese herbal medicines that have beneficial effects on drug addiction. Ginseng (Renshen) may be clinically useful for the prevention of opioid abuse and dependence. Rhizoma Corydalis (Yanhusuo) may be used to prevent relapse to chronic drug dependence. Alkaloids of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gouteng) appear to have positive effects on methamphetamine and ketamine addiction. Both Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Radix Pueraiae (Gegen) have beneficial inhibitory effects on alcohol intake. Sinomenine has been shown to have preventive and curative effects on opioid dependence. l-Stepholidine, an alkaloid extract of the Chinese herb Stephania intermedia (Rulan), attenuated the acquisition, maintenance, and reacquisition of morphine-induced conditioned place preference and antagonized the heroin-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines may be used to complement current treatments for drug addiction, including withdrawal and relapse. As the molecular mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese herbal medicines are elucidated, further advances in their use for the treatment of drug addiction are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Zhu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Huang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Institute of Mental Health, Peking University Sixth Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Beijing, China.
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Xiao LJ, Tao R. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1010:261-280. [PMID: 29098677 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5562-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) has been utilized in China for more than 2,000 years, and it has been practiced in treatment of substance addiction and non-substance addictions. TCM have efficacy in the rehabilitation of abnormal physical problems induced by chronic drug use, including improving immune function, increasing working memory, and protecting against neurological disorders. Given that TCM is potentially effective in the prevention of relapse, it has been suggested that TCM may be the ideal choice in the future for the treatment of opiate addiction. This review examines the significance of effective Chinese herbs and prescriptions for Drug Addiction, Alcohol addiction and food addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Xiao
- Department of Psychological Medicine, PLA Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ran Tao
- Department of Psychological Medicine, PLA Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Sun HQ, Chen HM, Yang FD, Lu L, Kosten TR. Epidemiological trends and the advances of treatments of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in China. Am J Addict 2014; 23:313-7. [PMID: 24724890 DOI: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2014.12116.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Revised: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) have quickly spread and been widely abused in many parts of the world, particularly in China. This review focuses on and describes the epidemiological trends and the advances of treatments of ATS in China. METHODS A descriptive study based on literature identified from searches of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1979-2013), PubMed databases, hand-picked references, and online references with emphasis on epidemiology, treatment and traditional Chinese medicine. This review covers some traditional Chinese treatments and their complementary Western approaches. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The epidemiological trends of ATS in China have led to its being 2.2 times the rate of morphine abuse and second only to marijuana abuse. The treatment programs in China have used traditional herbal approaches as well as acupuncture, often in combination with Western medications such as fluoxetine for depression associated with ATS abuse. Other herbal treatments have reversed the cardiac arrhythmias associated with ATS intoxication, and acupuncture has been used successfully for the protracted depressive and somatic symptoms of ATS withdrawal over a period of 3 months. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE These traditional Chinese treatments may be increasingly available to the world, but will remain a consistent complementary therapy for ATS in China and the Far East, where ATS has become such a prevalent problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Qiang Sun
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Albertson TE, Chenoweth J, Ford J, Owen K, Sutter ME. Is it prime time for alpha2-adrenocepter agonists in the treatment of withdrawal syndromes? J Med Toxicol 2014; 10:369-81. [PMID: 25238670 PMCID: PMC4252292 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-014-0430-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The need to treat withdrawal syndromes is a common occurrence in outpatient, inpatient ward, and intensive care unit (ICU) settings. A PubMed and Google Scholar search using alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist (A2AA), specific A2AA agents, withdrawal syndrome and nicotine, and alcohol and opioid withdrawal terms was performed. A2AA agents appear to be able to modulate many of the signs and symptoms of significant withdrawal syndromes but are also capable of significant side effects, which can limit clinical use. Non-opioid oral A2AA agent use for opioid withdrawal has been well established. Pharmacologic combination therapy that utilizes A2AA agents for withdrawal syndromes appears promising but requires further formal testing to better define which other agents, under what condition(s), and at what A2AA doses are needed. The A2AA dexmedetomidine may be useful as an adjunctive agent in treating severe alcohol withdrawal syndromes in the ICU. In general, the current data does not support the routine use of A2AA as the primary or sole agent to treat ethanol/alcohol or nicotine withdrawal syndromes. Specific A2AA agents such as lofexidine has been shown to have a primary role in non-opioid-based treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome and dexmedetomidine in combination with benzodiazepines has been shown to have potential in the treatment of severe ICU-based alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Albertson
- Department of Internal Medicine, UC Davis, 4150 V Street, Suite 3100, Sacramento, 95817, CA, USA,
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Feelemyer J, Jarlais DD, Arasteh K, Abdul-Quader AS, Hagan H. Retention of participants in medication-assisted programs in low- and middle-income countries: an international systematic review. Addiction 2014; 109:20-32. [PMID: 23859638 PMCID: PMC5312702 DOI: 10.1111/add.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a key component in overdose prevention, reducing illicit opiate use and risk of blood-borne virus infection. By retaining participants in MAT programs for longer periods of time, more noticeable and permanent changes in drug use, risk behavior and quality of life can be achieved. Many studies have documented retention in MAT programs in high-income countries, using a 50% average 12-month follow-up retention rate as a marker for a successful MAT program. This study contributes to a systematic understanding of how successful programs have been in retaining participants in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) over time. METHODS Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search to identify MAT program studies that documented changes in retention over time for participants in buprenorphine and methadone programs in LMIC. Retention was measured for participants by length of follow-up, type of MAT and treatment dosage. RESULTS There were 58 MAT program studies, with 27 047 participants eligible for inclusion in the review. Overall average retention after 12 months was 54.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 46.2, 63.7%]. Overall average retention was moderately good for both buprenorphine (48.3%, 95% CI = 22.1, 74.6%) and methadone (56.6%, 95% CI = 45.9%, 67.3%) after 12 months of treatment. Among programs using methadone there was no statistically significant difference in average retention by dosage level, and the 10 highest and lowest dosage programs obtained similar average retention levels after 12 months. CONCLUSION Medication-assisted treatment programs in low- and middle-income countries achieve an average 50% retention rate after 12 months, with wide variation across programs but little difference between those using buprenorphine versus methadone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Feelemyer
- The Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Don Des Jarlais
- The Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kamyar Arasteh
- The Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abu S. Abdul-Quader
- Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Holly Hagan
- College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Ward J, Rosenbaum C, Hernon C, McCurdy CR, Boyer EW. Herbal medicines for the management of opioid addiction: safe and effective alternatives to conventional pharmacotherapy? CNS Drugs 2011; 25:999-1007. [PMID: 22133323 DOI: 10.2165/11596830-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Striking increases in the abuse of opioids have expanded the need for pharmacotherapeutic interventions. The obstacles that confront effective treatment of opioid addiction - shortage of treatment professionals, stigma associated with treatment and the ability to maintain abstinence - have led to increased interest in alternative treatment strategies among both treatment providers and patients alike. Herbal products for opioid addiction and withdrawal, such as kratom and specific Chinese herbal medications such as WeiniCom, can complement existing treatments. Unfortunately, herbal treatments, while offering some advantages over existing evidence-based pharmacotherapies, have poorly described pharmacokinetics, a lack of supportive data derived from well controlled clinical trials, and severe toxicity, the cause for which remains poorly defined. Herbal products, therefore, require greater additional testing in rigorous clinical trials before they can expect widespread acceptance in the management of opioid addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine Ward
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), more recently known as integrative health or integrative medicine, is a diverse field comprising numerous treatments and practitioners of various levels of training. This review defines several of the main CAM modalities and reviews some of the research relevant to their clinical application. The goal is to provide healthcare providers with a basic understanding of CAM to start the incorporation of proven treatments into their clinical practice as well as guide them to working with CAM providers; ultimately, such knowledge is a fundamental part of a collaborative approach to optimal patient health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kiefer
- Clinical Faculty, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, 3670 Stone Way Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103, USA.
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