Alternative medicine is defined by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) as any approach to health other than "mainstream" or conventional, orthodox Western medicine. Although there is considerable disagreement with this definition, especially in other parts of the world, for the purpose of this article we will use their definition. Chiropractic, herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, and acupuncture are but a few of the disciplines considered to be "alternative."
During the last decade the harsh criticism levied at the chiropractic profession has been attenuated by some sound research, usually in the form of clinical trials. The other alternatives to medicine are also working to establish a scientific basis to their discipline. To date, they have not been as successful as chiropractic in establishing credibility. Let us briefly review some of the controlled clinical trials that were published during the last 12 months.
Search: For alternative medicine the strongest databases are Chirolars (MANTIS), Amed, and Medline (in that order). The search argument for online searching can be developed in a number of ways. An effective approach would be to list the medical subject headings for each discipline (e.g., homeopathy [or] naturopathy [or] herbal medicine); restrict the year to 1995-1996; and further restrict the publication type to either controlled clinical trials (or) randomized controlled clinical trials.
The following are a few of the citations/abstracts that were produced with this search. For additional information or questions about locating the literature, call 1-800-28-FACTS.
1. Matusiewicz R. Wirksamkeit von Engystol N bei Bronchialasthma unter kortikoidabhangiger Therapie. Biologische Medizin Oct 1995; 24(5): 242-246.
In the search for less harmful methods in the treatment of corticoid-dependent bronchial asthma, a double blind randomized study with Engytsol N was carried out in 40 patients. Twenty patients received one ampoule Engystol N subcutaneously at intervals of 5-7 days. The remaining 20 patients received placebo. The study period lasted from June 1993 until December 1993.
2. Abelson M, George M, Garofalo, Weintraub D. An Effective Treatment for Allergy Sufferers. Biological Therapy: Journal of Natural Medicine Jan 1996; XIV(1): 161-164.
One to two drops of Similasan Eye Drops #2 administered q.i.d. for two weeks appears to significantly reduce the hyperemia and itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Our evaluation of safety showed this compound to be non-irritating. Recognizing the need for further investigation to elucidate these findings, we are conducting a double-masked, parallel group controlled crossover study in the same models.
3. Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, Manor O, Regev L, Schlesinger M, Mumcuoglu M. Inhibition of Several Strains of Influenza Virus in Vitro and Reduction of Symptoms by an Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra L.) During an Outbreak of Influenza B Panama. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Win 1995; 1(4): 361-369.
A standardized elderberry extract, Samucol (SAM), reduced hemagglutination and inhibited replication of human influenza viruses type A/Shangdong 9/93 (H3N2), A/Beijing 32/92 (H3N2), A/Texas 36/91 (H1N1), A/Singapore 6/86 (H1N1), type B/Panama 45/90, B/Yamagata 16/88, B/Ann Arbor 1/86, and of animal strains from Norther European swine and turkeys, A/Sw/Ger 2/81, A/Tur/Ger 3/91, and A/Sw/Ger 8533/91 in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. A placebo-controlled, double blind study was carried out on a group of individuals living in an agricultural community (kibbutz) during an outbreak of influenza B/Panama in 1993. Fever, feeling of improvement, and complete cure were recorded during 6 days. Sera obtained in the acute and convalescent phases were tested for the presence of antibodies to influenza A, B, respiratory syncytial, and adenoviruses. Convalescent phase serologies showed higher mean and mean geometric hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers to influenza B in the group treated with SAM than in the control group. A significant improvement of the symptoms, including fever, was seen in 93.3% of the cases in the SAM-treated group and within 2 days, whereas in the control group 91.7% of the patients showed improvement within 6 days (p<0.001). A complete cure was achieved within 2 to 3 days in nearly 90% of the SAM-treated group and within at least 6 days in the placebo group (p<0.001). No satisfactory medication to cure influenza type A and B is available. Considering the efficacy of the extract in vitro on all strains of influenza virus tested, the clinical results, its low cost, and absence of side-effects, this preparation could offer a possibility for safe treatment for influenza A and B.
4. De Klerk E, Blommers J, Kuik D, Feenstra L, Bezemer P. Effects of Individually Chosen Homeopathic Medicines on Recurrent URTI in Children: A Clinical Trial-I. Study Methodology. British Homeopathic Journal Jan 1996; 85: 4-14.
The effects of homeopathic medicines on children suffering from recurrent upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) were studied in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at the paediatric outpatients department of the university hospital of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam from 1987 to 1992.
The study was designed to meet both the requirements of proper homeopathic practice and the current standards of a clinical trial. The purpose of a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial is to identify the effects of the agents under investigation by equalizing the effects of other factors that may influence outcome. The object of the trial, eligibility criteria, follow-up period, treatments and concurrent interventions, data collection and effect measures are discussed in the light of homeopathic thinking.
The following was measured for each patient: PEVR, FVC, FEV 1, granulocyte function and several clinical parameters. The results show that Engystol N is able to improve various clinical parameters in steroid-dependent bronchial asthma and allows for a reduction of the steroid doses. Therefore, Engystol N is considered to be an effective and side-effect free drug in the therapy of bronchial asthma.
Ronald Rupert, MS, DC
Extension Faculty Consultant
Department of Research
Cleveland Chiropractic College
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