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

    Review: CAM for fibromyalgia

    Prof. Ernst and colleagues from the UK reviewed of the evidence

    First, the details.

    • Single studies on 4 CAMs, and 3 on different approaches to homeopathic care were identified.
    • The quality of these studies was moderate.

    Homeopathy

    • The homeopathy studies were small.
    • Each reported an improvement in pain.

    Anthocyanidins, capsaicin and S-adenosylmethionine

    • Anthocyanidins are antioxidants of the flavonoid family.
    • Capsaicin is an ingredient in hot peppers.
    • S-adenosylmethionine is a nutritional supplement sold under the name SAM-e.
      • Each showed at least one significant improved outcome compared with placebo.
      • Anthocyanidins improved sleep.
      • Capsaicin reduced tenderness.

    Soy

    • No evidence supported using soy based on a single study.

    Most of these CAMs were free of major adverse effects but they were associated with dizziness, nausea and stomach upset.

    The bottom line?

    The authors were not impressed. “There is insufficient evidence on any CAM, taken orally or applied topically, for fibromyalgia.

    High quality studies are needed to support theses preliminary results.

    3/7/10 19:56 JR

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