Neuroscientific research on music-based activities has grown rapidly, shedding light on the health benefits of music across various domains. However, the molecular mechanisms by which music influences neuroplasticity in humans remain largely unexplored. This review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise existing research on molecular neuroplasticity in humans, with a specific focus on the effects of receptive and active music-based interventions (MBIs) and musical training. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus), for articles published between 2000 and December 2023. From an initial return of 3239 records, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized into three categories of music experiences: (1) receptive MBIs, (2) active MBIs, and (3) musical training. Both active and receptive MBIs were found to enhance neuroplasticity. Specifically, music listening was associated with relaxation and improved immune function, marked by the upregulation of genes related to neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity, while active MBIs consistently enhanced peripheral neurotrophic factors in both healthy and patient populations. Among musicians, neurogenetic alterations linked to music perception and production, neurogenesis, and neurotransmission were identified, with multiple studies highlighting the roles of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Alpha Synuclein (SNCA), and GATA2 (GATA Binding Protein 2) genes. Collectively, both MBIs and musical training induce neuroplastic changes by modulating neurogenetics, enhancing neurotrophins, altering hormonal levels, and reducing stress in humans. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying music's effects on the human brain, which could have implications for advancing therapeutic interventions for neuropsychological disorders.

Herbal medicine and nutritional supplements are suggested to treat premenstrual somatic and psycho-behavioural symptoms in clinical guidelines; nonetheless, this is at present based on poor-quality trial evidence. Hence, we aimed to design a systematic review and meta-analysis for their effectiveness in alleviating premenstrual symptoms. The published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were extracted from Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus and PROSPERO databases. The risk of bias in randomized trials was assessed by Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The main outcome parameters were analysed separately based on the Premenstrual Symptom Screening Tool and PMTS and DRSP scores. Secondary parameters of somatic, psychological, and behavioural subscale symptoms of PSST were also analysed. Data synthesis was performed assuming a random-effects model, and standardized mean difference (SMDs) was analysed using SPSS version 28.0.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). A total of 754 articles were screened, and 15 RCTs were included (n = 1211 patients). Primary results for participants randomized to an intervention reported reduced PSST (n = 9), PMTS (n = 2), and DSR (n = 4) scores with (SMD = −1.44; 95% CI: −1.72 to −1.17), (SMD = −1.69; 95% CI: −3.80 to 0.42) and (SMD = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.02 to 4.69) verses comparator with substantial heterogeneity. Physical (SMD = −1.61; 95% CI = −2.56 to −0.66), behavioural (SMD = −0.60; 95% CI = −1.55 to 0.35) and mood (SMD = 0.57; 95% CI = −0.96 to 2.11) subscale symptom groupings of PSST displayed similar findings. Fifty-three studies (n = 8) were considered at low risk of bias with high quality. Mild adverse events were reported by four RCTs. Based on the existing evidence, herbal medicine and nutritional supplements may be effective and safe for PMS.

Among the different anthropogenic stimuli humans are exposed to, the psychological and cardiovascular effects of auditory stimuli are less understood. This study aims to explore the possible range of change after a single session of auditory stimulation with three different ‘Modes’ of musical stimuli (MS) on anxiety, biomarkers of stress, and cardiovascular parameters among healthy young individuals. In this randomized control trial, 140 healthy young adults, aged 18–30 years, were randomly assigned to three MS groups (Mode/Raga Miyan ki Todi, Malkauns, and Puriya) and one control group (natural sounds). The outcome measurements of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), salivary cortisol (sCort), blood pressure, and heart rate variability (HRV) were collected at three time points: before (M1), during (M2), and after the intervention (M3). State anxiety was reduced significantly with raga Puriya (p = 0.018), followed by raga Malkauns and raga Miyan Ki Todi. All the groups showed a significant reduction in sAA. Raga Miyan ki Todi and Puriya caused an arousal effect (as evidenced by HRV) during the intervention and significant relaxation after the intervention (both p < 0.005). Raga Malkauns and the control group had a sustained rise in parasympathetic activity over 30 min. Future studies should try to use other modes and features to develop a better scientific foundation for the use of Indian music in medicine.

COVID-19 is an emerging viral disease affecting more than 200 countries worldwide and it present with varied clinical profile throughout the world. Without effective drugs to cure COVID-19, early identification and control of risk factors are important measures to combat COVID-19. This study was conducted to determine the clinical profile and risk factors associated with mortality among COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care hospital in South India. This record-based longitudinal study was conducted by reviewing the case records of COVID-19 patients admitted for treatment from June 2020 to September 2020 in a tertiary care centre in South India. The clinical details, discharge/death details, were collected and entered in MS Excel. Potential risk factors for COVID-19 mortality were analysed using univariate binomial logistic regression, generalized linear models (GLM) with Poisson distribution. Survival curves were made using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was used to test the equality of survivor functions between the groups. Out of 854 COVID-19 patients, 56.6% were men and the mean (standard deviation) age was 45.3(17.2) years. The median survival time was significantly lesser in male COVID-19 patients (16 days) as compared to female patients (20 days). Increasing age, male gender, patients presenting with symptoms of fever, cough, breathlessness, smoking, alcohol consumption, comorbidities were significantly associated with mortality among COVID-19 patients. Patients with older age, male gender, breathlessness, fever, cough, smoking and alcohol and comorbidities need careful observation and early intervention. Public health campaigns aimed at reducing the prevalence of risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, smoking and alcohol use are also needed.

Music is an aesthetic stimulus that evokes a subjective experience in every individual involved with it. Music as a modality to reduce anxiety and stress has been researched scientifically across the world, but evidence regarding Indian musical scales (ragas) is meager. Healthy individuals were randomly divided into four groups where three groups—A (Ahir Bhairav), B (Kaunsi Kanada), and C (Bhimpalas)—received a music intervention (10 min) while Group D was the control group. Anxiety was scored using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was done using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). All three scales reduced STAI scores significantly, with Scale B causing the maximum reduction in the score. After adjusting for the pre-trait scores, it was observed that age (p = .002) and gender (p = .018) affected the post-trait scores. A regression analysis on gender showed a significant association of trait scores in Group C (p = .01; odds ratio [OR] = 0.125). Scales A and C had more beneficial effects in females while Scale B was beneficial among males. Thus, listening to any of the three chosen Indian scales reduced anxiety. Listening to music does have therapeutic implications for anxious and stressed individuals.