The best evidence on homeopathy
Prof. Ernst searched the Cochrane review database for the term “homeopathy” in the title, abstract, or keywords.
First, the details.
- 6 Cochrane Collaboration reviews were included in this report.
- The following conditions were covered.
- Asthma
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Induction of labor
- Influenza
And, the results.
- Most reviews were authored or coauthored by homeopaths.
- None of these articles concluded that homeopathy is an effective treatment.
The bottom line?
The author concludes that in addition to his conclusions, “Many systematic reviews of homeopathy have been published outside the Cochrane database. Most arrive at similarly negative conclusions and, in recent years, the evidence seems to have become less and less convincing.”
The Cochrane Collaboration was established in 1993 and is an international network of people helping healthcare providers, policy make well-informed decisions about human healthcare by preparing, updating and promoting the accessibility of Cochrane Reviews – over 4,000 so far, published online in The Cochrane Library.
For another point of view, the thoughts of Dana Ullman, a practitioner and outspoken advocate for homeopathic medicine in the US are here.
4/20/10 17:45 JR