In the chondrocyte cell line, MSE at 5-100 μg/mL significantly decreased the PGE2 and COX-2 production by 44-93% and 17-65%, respectively. Again, oxyresveratrol at both concentrations could significantly inhibit PGE2 production by 50-92% but it inhibited COX-2 only at high concentration. In addition, MSE and oxyresveratrol was shown to significantly inhibit MMP-13 production by 14-57% and 16-56%, depending on their concentrations. The MSE demonstrates the potential to be used as an alternative treatment for reducing inflammation and preventing cartilage degradation. Its component, oxyresveratrol, may exert these effects to some extent. © 2019 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University.  https://www.selleckchem.com/products/mivebresib-abbv-075.html  Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.Image 103. © 2019 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.Eschscholtzia californica Cham. and Valeriana officinalis L. have long been used for the management of sleep disorders and anxiety. Use of a fixed combination of these two plant extracts (Phytostandard® d'Eschscholtzia et de Valériane, PiLeJe Laboratoire, France) was investigated in an observational study. Adults with adjustment insomnia according to the criteria of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and with an insomnia severity index (ISI) score >7 enrolled by GPs took a maximum of four tablets of the eschscholtzia and valerian combination every night for four weeks. Within one month, ISI score decreased by approximately 30% (from 16.09 ± 3.67 at inclusion (V1) to 11.32 ± 4.78 at 4 weeks (V2); p  less then  0.0001). Night sleep duration significantly increased between the first and the fourth week of supplement intake, sleep efficiency increasing from 78.4% ± 12.5 to 84.6% ± 10.2 (p = 0.002). There was no improvement in sleep latency. The number of awakenings decreased by approximately 25% and their total duration by approximately 25 min. Anxiety score significantly decreased by 50% from 13.9 ± 7.3 at V1 to 6.7 ± 6.3 at V2 (p  less then  0.0001). The supplement was well tolerated. These results suggest that the tested combination of eschscholtzia and valerian extracts could be beneficial for the management of insomnia in adults and deserves further investigation. © 2019 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.The use of medicinal leech therapy (MLT) is the subject of many articles describing basic pharmacological principles, application procedures, or efficacy and safety of the broad range of therapeutic indications. This review is focused on the information gap between Eastern and Western medicine when medicinal leech therapy is used in wound healing. Impaired wound healing has serious consequences for patients' health in a variety of clinical conditions. Western, Persian and Indian medicine seem to apply different therapeutic approaches when using medicinal leech therapy for healing wounds. A range of review articles, single case reports and case series on the use of medicinal leech therapy in wound healing have been inspected. The various reports indicate that medicinal leech therapy has potential benefits for patients experiencing venous congestion of the skin and tissues, as well as varied types of ulcers. Such therapy is proven to have thrombolytic, anti-coagulant, blood and lymph enhancing, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. The specifics of these approaches are expected to stimulate further research on the use of medicinal leech therapy in wound healing. Although the use of medicinal leech therapy to relieve venous congestion following reconstructive and plastic surgery is well-known in Western medicine, its use in promoting wound healing in various ulcer forms, in the context of Ayurveda/Unani/Persian medicine, seems largely restricted to Asian- and Arabic spheres. The true value of medicinal leech therapy in wound healing should be elucidated by further investigations applying modern, evidence-based research methods. © 2019 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.The aim of this review study is to present an integrated and systematic approach to meridian channels and Ashi acupuncture points based on scientific evidence. We herein establish a framework of basic medical science to explain meridian channels based on the(1) Concepts of Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) approach using physics and physiology (i) the physical theory of pulse sound and cardiovascular physiology resonance of harmonic sounds and the specific frequencies arising from heartbeats, which form pathways of different meridian channels to enhance microcirculation; (ii) standing wave hypothesis to explain meridian channels; (iii) Ashi acupuncture or trigger points caused by ischemia due to inappropriate harmonic resonance of standing waves; and (2)the TCM concept strengthened by BIOCERAMIC technology (i) 'wave-induced flow characteristics of meridians'; (ii) the 'Propagated sensation along meridian' phenomenon; (iii) clinical observations of the different chief complaints of candidates in which sensation was induced along specific meridian channels; (iv) generates 'biofield' phenomenon composed of virtual channels of interconnecting 'feet-hands-ears' to different internal organs/tissues that support the principles of reflexology. © 2020 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.Background In recent years, there has been a surge in non-conventional therapies for Peyronie's disease (PD). With increasing interest in these novel therapies, we conducted a narrative review to explore the efficacy and safety of these treatments to provide clarity for patients and providers. Methods A literature search was conducted to find studies describing non-conventional treatments of PD. These treatments were defined as those within the standard of care, including intralesional therapies and surgical options. Results A total of 14 studies were found. Non-conventional therapies included platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), combination therapy of PRP and HA, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), stem cell therapy (SCT), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and H-100. Most studies were limited to animal models and reported modest improvements in angulation and erectile function. Complication rates and cost of each treatment were infrequently reported. Conclusions There is limited evidence supporting non-conventional therapies for PD.