Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research

Clinical Role of Acupressure in Preventing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Scoping Review

S. O. Oyeleke, A. A. Adebayo, D. O. Oladokun, O. Ikotun — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remain one of the most distressing and prevalent complications following anaesthesia and surgery, affecting approximately 30% of unselected surgical patients and up to 80% of individuals with multiple Apfel risk factors. Despite significant advances in pharmacological prophylaxis, residual risk persists, particularly among high-risk groups, and the side-effect profiles and costs of conventional antiemetics limit their universal applicability. Acupressure at the Pericardium 6 (PC6, Neiguan) point offers a non-invasive, low-cost, and nursing-friendly adjunctive intervention that warrants systematic evaluation.

Objective: To map and synthesise current evidence on PC6 acupressure for the prevention of PONV, appraise proposed neurophysiological mechanisms, compare efficacy with standard antiemetic agents, and propose evidence-informed implementation strategies relevant to diverse resource settings, with particular emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Five electronic databases—MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, and African Journals Online (AJOL)—were systematically searched from inception to 31 December 2023. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating PC6 stimulation for PONV prevention in adults aged 18 years or older. Two independent reviewers screened records, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Narrative synthesis prioritised Cochrane reviews and recent network meta-analyses.

Results: The search yielded 1,247 records, of which 42 sources met inclusion criteria (12 systematic reviews/meta-analyses and 30 landmark RCTs). The 2015 Cochrane review comprising 59 RCTs (n=7,667) demonstrated that PC6 stimulation significantly reduced nausea (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.60–0.77) and vomiting (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.51–0.71) versus sham, with a number needed to treat for an additional benefit (NNTB) of 5 for nausea at 60% baseline risk. No significant difference was found between PC6 and single-agent antiemetics (ondansetron, dexamethasone, droperidol). The 2025 Cochrane network meta-analysis of 77 trials confirmed an additive benefit when PC6 was combined with antiemetics, yielding 135–247 fewer PONV events per 1,000 patients compared with sham. African data show pooled PONV incidence of 25.0% for nausea and 23.7% for vomiting, with lower rates reported in Nigerian obstetric cohorts using regional anaesthesia. Adverse events were minor (skin irritation 1–3%).

Conclusions: PC6 acupressure is safe, inexpensive, and supported by moderate-quality evidence. It is non-inferior to single pharmacologic agents and provides incremental benefit in multimodal regimens. Integration into perioperative pathways is warranted, especially in high-risk patients and resource-constrained settings.

Antihypertensive and Hypolipidemic Effect of Ethyl-acetate Fraction of Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. Stem Bark Extract on L-NAME Induced Hypertension in Rats

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Hypertension is a major health problem worldwide due to its high prevalence and its association with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the folkloric claim regarding the potential of Adenium obesum extracts and column fractions in the management of hypertension lacks scientific substantiation or refutation.

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the hypolipidemic, and antihypertensive properties of A. obesum stem bark extracts and fractions at dosages of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight in rats.

Methods: Secondary metabolites were screened using standard methods, antihypertensive activity was assessed using tail cuff method for systolic and diastolic blood pressure also Cardio check was used to quantify for TC, HDL, LDL and VLDL of hypertensive rats. Additionally, the extract was assayed for DPPH radical scavenging activities and characterized for Phenolics and Flavonoids using HPLC.

Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, gums and resins, saponins, steroids, tannins, phytosterols, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. The quantitative phytochemical analysis demonstrated that the ethylacetate extract had the highest flavonoid content (108 ± 2.5 mg of QE/g), followed by the aqueous and powdered extracts (107 ± 0.50 mg of QE/g and 103 ± 1.60 mg of QE/g, respectively). The LD₅₀ of the ethanol extract was found to be >5000 mg/kg, indicating low toxicity. The DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed that the ethyl acetate fractions exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 94.6 ± 20.7 µg/ml. The study demonstrated significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in week 3 (116.37±13.6mmHg) and (120.77±5.47mmHg) when administered 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg of ethylacetate extract respectively and reduced diastolic blood pressure at week 3 (80.50±9.63mmHg) when administered 300mg/kg of ethylacetate extract. This study also demonstrated that the administration of A. obesum stem bark extract at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight significantly exhibited a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels, along with a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein levels in ethylacetate fraction (1.91 ±0.04Mmol/L) at 300mg/kg compared to standard drug 15mg/kg (1.72 ± 0.09Mmol/L) HPLC analysis revealed the presence of several compounds with potential antihypertensive activity, including gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin, caffeic acid, valeric acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, quercetin, and many others.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that A. obesum stem bark extract may be effective in reducing hypertension, hyperlipidemia and associated oxidative stress.

Ameliorative Effects of Ethanol Seed Extract of Persea americana (Avocado) on Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress Markers in Male Wistar Rats with Carrageenan-induced Inflammation

Nwankwo Emilia Chika, Meludu Samuel Chukwuemeka, Ugwu Chidiebere Emmanuel — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background/Aim: Synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, may be associated with adverse effects that affect metabolic and cardiovascular functions. This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of ethanol seed extract of Persea americana on lipid profile and oxidative stress markers in male Wistar rats with carrageenan-induced inflammation.

Methods: Seventy-five male Wistar rats weighing 100-120 g were assigned to five groups of 15 rats each. Group 1 served as the normal control and was not induced with inflammation. Groups 2-5 received a single subplantar injection of 0.2 ml of 1% carrageenan into the right hind paw to induce inflammation. Group 2 served as the negative control, groups 3 and 4 were treated orally with 3000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg ethanol seed extract of Persea americana, respectively, and group 5 received 20 mg/kg ibuprofen. Blood samples were collected at baseline, day 14 and day 28. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde were determined using standard biochemical methods.

Results: Carrageenan induction was associated with increased total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and malondialdehyde, with reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity in the negative control group. Treatment with 3000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg ethanol seed extract of Persea americana significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and malondialdehyde, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity over the 28-day period. Ibuprofen showed less favourable changes in lipid parameters, although oxidative stress markers improved.

Conclusion: Ethanol seed extract of Persea americana improved inflammation-associated dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. These findings suggest potential complementary value, although further safety and mechanistic studies are required