The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point
  • About this web log

    This blog ran from 2006 to 2016 and was intended as an objective and dispassionate source of information on the latest CAM research. Since my background is in pharmacy and allopathic medicine, I view all CAM as advancing through the development pipeline to eventually become integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some will succeed while others fail. But all are treated fairly here.

  • About the author

    John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

  • Common sense considerations

    The material on this weblog is for informational purposes. It is not medical advice or counsel. Be smart, consult your health professional before using CAM.

  • Recent Posts

  • Recent Comments

    Ayurvedic herbs used to treat schizophrenia

    The Cochrane Library reviewed the literature and found 3 small studies.

    And, the results.
    Based on a total population of 250 patients the reviewers were unable to assess broad outcomes such as global state, use of services, and satisfaction with treatment. However…

    Compared to placebo…

    • 20% of people left the studies early.
    • Mental state ratings were mostly equivocal.
    • Behavior seemed unchanged.
    • Nausea and vomiting were common with brahmyadiyoga (an Ayurvedic formulation containing mandukparni, a dried whole plant of Centella asiatica).

    Compared with the antipsychotic drug (chlorpromazine; Thorazine)…

    • Herbs were associated with a greater risk of no improvement in mental state.
    • Again, nausea and vomiting were found with use of brahmyadiyoga.
    • Overall, the data seemed to favor chlorpromazine.

    The bottom line?
    Based on the few patients studied, there’s no evidence of advantage with Ayurvedic medication.

    10/18/07 22:22 JR

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