Browsing by Author "Kenneth C. Ugoeze"

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    Acupuncture: A Potential Therapy for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
    (Chitkara University Publications, 2023-11-10) Deepak Kajla; Maneesh Mohan; Kenneth C. Ugoeze
    Background: Acupuncture, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, is increasingly recognized as a complementary therapy for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Purpose: This review aims to explore recent advancements in acupuncture’s application for treating specific neurological and psychiatric conditions and to highlight its therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms. Methods: The review synthesizes findings from extensive research and scientific studies, incorporating insights from modern neuroimaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). It also examines the efficacy of combined modalities, such as laser and electroacupuncture. Results: Acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in managing neurological conditions such as stroke, neuropathic pain, and neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing cerebral blood flow, promoting neuroplasticity, and providing neuroprotection. Its application in psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has shown promising outcomes. These therapeutic effects are mediated through mechanisms involving the autonomic nervous system, decreased inflammation, and neurotransmitter regulation. Combining acupuncture with modalities like laser and electroacupuncture has expanded treatment options and enhanced efficacy. Conclusion: Recent advancements underscore acupuncture’s promise as an effective adjuvant therapy for neurological and psychiatric conditions. However, challenges remain in standardizing procedures and refining study designs to better define specific mechanisms and optimize therapeutic parameters. Continued research is essential to establish acupuncture as a reliable treatment option for improving patient outcomes.
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    The Effect of Modification Methods on the Properties of Lentinus Tuber Regium Powders
    (Chitkara University Publications, 2019-05-10) Kenneth C. Ugoeze; Nkemakolam Nwachukwu; Precious C. Anyino
    The current work considered the influence of methods of modification on the physical characteristics of Lentinus Tuber Regium (LTR) powders. The sclerotia of the LTR was pulverized to 250.0 μm and coded as native Lentinus Tuber Regium (NLTR-A). A 500.0 g of NLTR-A was submerged in 3.5 % w/v sodium hypochlorite and stirred continuously for 30.0 min. The resultant slurry was washed severally with purified water until it was neutral to litmus. The mass was dried in an oven at 60.0 °C for 2.0 h, pulverized (250.0 μm) and was noted as the modified Lentinus Tuber Regiumpowder (MLTR-B). Another 500.0 g of NLTR-A was extracted with 70.0 % v/v ethanol in a Soxhlet extractor. The resultant powder was dried at 60.0 o C for 2.0 h, micronized (250.0 μm) and coded as the modified Lentinus Tuber Regium powder (MLTR-C). Additional 500.0 g of NLTR-A was submerged in 600.0 mL of 0.5 N sodium hydroxide in a 1.0 L beaker and shaken constantly for 30.0 min. The subsequent material was splashed with purified water until the material was neutral to litmus. The mass was freed from water and introduced into 200.0 mL of 0.5 N hydrochloric acid. It was agitated for 30.0 min in a water bath at 100.0 °C. It was flooded in purified water until it was neutral to litmus. The product was dried to constant weight at 60.0 °C and pulverized (250.0 μm). The product was coded as the modified Lentinus Tuber Regium powder (MLTR-D). Generally, NLTR-A, MLTR-B, MLTR-C and MLTR-D were investigated for their organoleptic, solubility, pH, moisture studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), flow parameters and densities. The results showed that both the native and the modified powders were insoluble in water and most organic solvents. The pH of the derived powders was consistently higher. SEM and XRD revealed morphological differences in each of the derived powders, though, all the powders were non-crystalline. The respective modification methods brought about an improvement in the hydrophilic and flow properties of the modified powders when compared to the native form of LTR