Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious patients.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
Reconnecting the Brain with the Rest of the Body in Musculoskeletal Pain Research
In this commentary, the author argues that musculoskeletal pain research is often siloed into separate specialties like neuroscience, physical therapy, orthopedics, and rheumatology. This separation creates gaps in know…
Nutrition Provides the Essential Foundation for Optimizing Mental Health
This review article explores the critical link between nutrition and mental health, written to guide psychologists in their clinical practice. The authors outline how a whole-foods diet supports brain function through v…
Psychological and biological resilience modulates the effects of stress on epigenetic aging
Chronic stress is linked to negative health outcomes, and this study explored its connection to accelerated biological aging. Researchers evaluated 444 adults, measuring their cumulative stress, biological age using an…
Cannabinoids in Breast Cancer: Differential Susceptibility According to Subtype
This narrative review explores how different subtypes of breast cancer respond to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Research suggests that estrogen receptor-negative cells may be more susceptible to these compounds than ho…
The Molecular Targets of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Cancer and Inflammation
This narrative review examines how cannabinoids influence inflammation and cancer by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. The researchers describe how endogenous, plant-derived, and synthetic compounds ta…
Resveratrol Ameliorates Aortic Calcification in Ovariectomized Rats via SIRT1 Signaling
This animal study on rats investigated how the phytoestrogen resveratrol affects aortic calcification following menopause. Researchers found that resveratrol, similar to estrogen, reduced calcium deposition in arterial…
Intermittent and periodic fasting, longevity and disease
This narrative review explores how intermittent fasting (IF) and periodic fasting (PF) may influence longevity and healthspan by acting on cellular aging processes. The authors describe how fasting periods ranging from…
Fasting-mimicking diet blocks triple-negative breast cancer and cancer stem cell escape
This study investigates how a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) affects triple-negative breast cancer and its stem cells. Researchers found that FMD lowers blood glucose and inhibits growth signaling in cancer stem cells, wh…
The multiple effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) patients with anxiety and depression behaviors
This study investigated the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) who also experience anxiety and depression. The results suggest that FMT may alleviate both…
Cell-to-Cell Communication by Host-Released Extracellular Vesicles in the Gut: Implications in Health and Disease
This narrative review explores how small sacs called extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as messengers between cells in the gastrointestinal tract. These vesicles transport proteins, lipids, and genetic material that influ…
Changes in fecal short-chain fatty acids following fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
This clinical study investigated how fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) affects short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers found that levels of butyric acid increase…
Direct impact of commonly used dietary emulsifiers on human gut microbiota
This laboratory study examined how 20 common dietary emulsifiers affect human gut microbiota using an ex vivo model. The researchers found that several additives, particularly carrageenans and various gums, altered bact…
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid markedly alleviates liver fibrosis and inflammation in mice
This study investigated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), the non-psychoactive precursor to THC, for its effects on liver fibrosis and inflammation in mice and cell cultures. The researchers found that Δ9-THCA r…
Resveratrol Enhances the Cytotoxic Activity of Lymphocytes from Menopausal Women
This in vitro study investigated how resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in grapes and other plants, affects the immune system of postmenopausal women. Researchers isolated lymphocytes from 13 women and co-cultured…
Implementation Science Methodologies for Complementary and Integrative Health Research
This narrative review from the NCCIH describes the importance of implementation science in bridging the gap between clinical research and real-world medical practice. Even when therapies like acupuncture or yoga are sho…
Dynamic changes of intestinal flora in patients with irritable bowel syndrome combined with anxiety and depression after oral administration of enterobacteria capsules
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) via oral capsules on patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and comorbid anxiety and depression. The findings s…
Gut Microbiota Extracellular Vesicles as Signaling Molecules Mediating Host-Microbiota Communications
This review article discusses how small membrane-bound sacs called microbiota-released extracellular vesicles (MEVs) act as messengers between the gut microbiome and the host body. These vesicles carry a variety of biol…
Layers of interstitial fluid flow along a "slit-shaped" vascular adventitia
In this animal study on rabbits, researchers investigated how interstitial fluid, the fluid between cells, moves along the outermost layer of blood vessels. Using imaging techniques like MRI and fluorescent dyes, the sc…
Binding of Androgen- and Estrogen-Like Flavonoids to Their Cognate (Non)Nuclear Receptors: A Comparison by Computational Prediction
This computational study investigated how six common flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables bind to the body's estrogen and androgen hormone receptors. Using advanced docking simulations, researchers found that subst…
The Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on the Symptoms and the Duodenal Neurogenin 3, Musashi 1, and Enteroendocrine Cells in Patients With Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This clinical study investigated how fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) affects patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). Researchers analyzed duodenal biopsies to observe changes in stem cells and hormone-pro…
Vitamin C-An Adjunctive Therapy for Respiratory Infection, Sepsis and COVID-19
In this literature review, the authors examine vitamin C as a potential adjunctive therapy for respiratory infections, sepsis, and COVID-19. They highlight the vitamin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulat…
Fasting-mimicking diet plus chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment
This clinical trial investigated whether a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) combined with chemotherapy could improve outcomes for breast cancer patients. The overall results were negative, meaning the study did not find a s…
Antiviral Mechanisms of Vitamin C: A Short Communication Consensus Report
This 2020 publication is a consensus report from a large group of authors, summarizing agreed-upon points regarding vitamin C. Based on the title, the report details the various mechanisms by which vitamin C may exert a…
Vitamin D insufficiency as a potential culprit in critical COVID-19 patients
In this systematic review, researchers analyzed data from six studies to explore the association between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 severity. They found that patients with a poor prognosis had significantly lower ser…
Collagen supplementation for skin health: A mechanistic systematic review
This systematic review evaluates the impact of collagen supplementation on skin health and aging parameters. By analyzing ten clinical trials, researchers found that oral intake of both intact and hydrolyzed collagen co…
Endocannabinoids release after Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. A brief review
This brief review examines how Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) may influence the body's endocannabinoid system, which is crucial for pain regulation and emotional well-being. By analyzing existing research, the…
Healthy fats and exclusion-zone size
This study investigated whether healthy fats can contribute to the formation of exclusion-zone (EZ) water, also known as the fourth phase of water. Researchers tested substances such as ghee, coconut oil, and lard to se…
Alterations of Extracellular Matrix Mechanical Properties Contribute to Age-Related Functional Impairment of Human Skeletal Muscles
This study investigated why muscles become stiffer with age by comparing individual muscle fibers to bundles of fibers that include the extracellular matrix (ECM). Researchers found that while the stiffness of individua…
The Five Diaphragms in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: Myofascial Relationships, Part 2
This conceptual review article continues an examination of the "five diaphragms" concept within osteopathic manipulative medicine. The paper focuses on the myofascial connections along the front and sides of the body, e…
Propolis-induced exclusion of colloids: Possible new mechanism of biological action
This laboratory study investigates how propolis (bee glue) interacts with water to create an exclusion zone (EZ)—a layer of water that repels solutes and microorganisms. The researchers found that surfaces coated with p…
Mini-Review on the Roles of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Selenium in the Immune System against COVID-19
This mini-review discusses how vitamin C, vitamin D, and selenium may affect the immune system in relation to COVID-19. Research suggests that deficiencies in these micronutrients are common in patients with acute respi…
A Review of the Theoretical Fascial Models: Biotensegrity, Fascintegrity, and Myofascial Chains
In this review article, the authors discuss three theoretical models used to understand how fascia functions in the body. The biotensegrity model is mechanical and considers the solid fascia, while the fascintegrity mod…
Ascorbate as Prophylaxis and Therapy for COVID-19—Update From Shanghai and U.S. Medical Institutions
This 2020 report describes how a medical panel in Shanghai evaluated the use of intravenous (IV) ascorbate, or vitamin C, for patients with severe COVID-19. The panel reviewed existing studies and preliminary data from…
Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection by earthing
This observational study investigated the effects of 'earthing'—direct physical contact with the ground—in 59 people with COVID-19. Participants engaged in earthing for 15 minutes to 3 hours daily. The author reported t…
Long-term resveratrol supplementation improves pain perception, menopausal symptoms, and overall well-being in postmenopausal women: findings from a 24-month randomized, controlled, crossover trial
This 24-month randomized controlled crossover trial investigated the effects of daily resveratrol supplementation in 125 postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that taking 75 mg of resveratrol twice daily may reduce…
The Five Diaphragms in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: Myofascial Relationships, Part 1
This review article outlines the osteopathic concept of the body's "five diaphragms": the tentorium cerebelli, tongue, thoracic outlet, respiratory diaphragm, and pelvic floor. According to the osteopathic respiratory-c…
The role of cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer
This review article summarizes current knowledge on how cannabinoids and their receptors modulate tumor diseases. Research suggests that cannabinoids may influence cancer progression by stimulating programmed cell death…
Manipulation of the Fascial System Applied During Acute Inflammation of the Connective Tissue of the Thoracolumbar Region Affects Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Interleukin-4 Levels: Experimental Study in Mice
This animal study investigated the effects of manual fascial manipulation on acute inflammation in the connective tissue of mice's lower backs. Researchers induced inflammation and then applied a specific manipulation p…
Cannabidiol (CBD): a killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
This laboratory study investigated how cannabidiol (CBD) affects synovial fibroblasts, the cells responsible for joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers found that CBD can reduce the viability of these ce…
Repositioning Vitamin C as a Promising Option to Alleviate Complications associated with COVID-19
This narrative review explores the potential of Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) for managing complications associated with COVID-19. The authors highlight its known functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and i…
Do Interventions with Diet or Dietary Supplements Reduce the Disease Activity Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
This systematic review examined randomized controlled trials to determine if diet or dietary supplements can reduce disease activity in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers found moderate-strength evidence…
Low-frequency mechanical vibration induces apoptosis of A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells
Researchers are exploring mechanical vibration as a potential cancer therapy that avoids harming healthy cells. In this lab study, a brief, low-frequency vibration was applied to a line of human skin cancer cells (A431)…
Om vikten av att stärka immunförsvaret under covid-19
This memo summarizes the state of knowledge on strengthening the immune system in the elderly to better manage COVID-19. The authors focus on findings that highlight the importance of maintaining adequate levels of spec…
Effects of vitamin C on oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle soreness, and strength following acute exercise: meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials
This meta-analysis compiled results from 18 randomized clinical trials to investigate the effects of vitamin C supplementation following a single bout of exercise. The researchers found that vitamin C reduced certain ma…
The Cranial Bowl in the New Millennium and Sutherland's Legacy for Osteopathic Medicine: Part 2
This narrative review, the second in a series, discusses how modern scientific research challenges some of the original concepts of cranial osteopathy. The authors examine the mechanical characteristics of cranial struc…
Establishment of a Novel Porcine Model to Study the Impact of Active Stretching on a Local Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation
This animal study used a novel porcine model to investigate how active stretching affects controlled inflammation in the connective tissue of the back. Researchers trained pigs to perform a specific stretch twice daily…
Is the VITAMINS RCT indicating potential redundancy between corticosteroids and vitamin C?
Known only by its title, this article appears to be a commentary or analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) known as VITAMINS. The title poses a question about whether there might be a "redundancy," or overlappi…
Cannabinoids in Medicine: Cancer, Immunity, and Microbial Diseases
This narrative review explores how cannabinoids, including those from plants and those produced naturally by the body, influence health through the endocannabinoid system. The authors describe how these compounds intera…
Mechanical stimulation of human dermal fibroblasts regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines: potential insight into soft tissue manual therapies
This lab study investigated how mechanical forces, similar to those in manual therapy, affect human skin cells. Researchers first applied a repetitive strain to cultured dermal fibroblasts to simulate an overuse injury,…
A Potential Involvement of Anandamide in the Modulation of HO/NOS Systems: Women, Menopause, and "Medical Cannabinoids"
This animal study using an estrogen-deficient rat model investigated how the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) affects cardiovascular health during menopause-like conditions. Researchers found that estrogen loss reduced…
Cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of fibromyalgia
This narrative review examines the use of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for treating fibromyalgia, a complex condition that often responds poorly to standard therapies. The authors note that while high-quality randomiz…
Effects of resveratrol or estradiol on postexercise endothelial function in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women
This randomized pilot study investigated how a single dose of resveratrol or estradiol affects endothelial function in postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that while both substances can improve the blood vessels'…
Sustained Cerebrovascular and Cognitive Benefits of Resveratrol in Postmenopausal Women
This randomized controlled trial investigated how daily resveratrol supplementation affects brain health in postmenopausal women over a 12-month period. Participants took either 75 mg of trans-resveratrol twice daily or…
Continuous Ascorbate Infusions in the Management of Patients with Advanced Colon Cancer
This study analyzed data from a previous clinical trial involving 17 patients with late-stage colon cancer. The patients received continuous intravenous infusions of vitamin C (ascorbate) over 6-8 weeks. Researchers fou…
The immediate effect of IASTM vs. Vibration vs. Light Hand Massage on knee angle repositioning accuracy and hamstrings flexibility: A pilot study
This pilot study compared the immediate effects of three different soft tissue techniques on the hamstrings of 16 healthy men. The techniques were instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), vibration massage,…
Overview of the possible role of vitamin C in management of COVID-19
In this 2020 review, the authors examine the possible role of vitamin C in managing COVID-19. They note that the body's vitamin C levels often drop during an acute infection due to increased metabolic demands. Because v…
The Cranial Bowl in the New Millennium and Sutherland's Legacy for Osteopathic Medicine: Part 1
In this review article, the first of a two-part series, the authors examine the foundational assumptions of cranial osteopathy. They argue that a theoretical model must evolve with new scientific information to avoid be…
A Closer Look at Anandamide Interaction With TRPV1
This study used advanced molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how anandamide, an endocannabinoid, interacts with the TRPV1 ion channel, which is central to pain perception. The researchers observed that anandam…
Flavonoids and Other Polyphenols Act as Epigenetic Modifiers in Breast Cancer
This narrative review explores how dietary flavonoids and other polyphenols may influence breast cancer through epigenetic mechanisms. Research suggests that compounds found in green tea, soy, and berries can affect gen…
Movement Caused by Electrical Stimulation of the Lumbosacral Region in Standing Horses
This study investigated how electrical stimulation (ES) affects movement in the lower back and pelvis of standing horses compared to manual techniques. While both methods successfully triggered movement in the lumbosacr…