>>Recent attempts to resolve the controversy surrounding homoeopathy have resulted in over 180 clinical trials to date. Against this background, and combined with results of three similar studies, these findings further strengthen the evidence that homoeopathy shows some therapeutic effect over placebo, say the authors. In an accompanying commentary, Tim Lancaster at the Institute of Health Sciences in Oxford and Andrew Vickers at the Sloane-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York emphasise the importance of high quality randomised trials in the evaluation of homoeopathy. They suggest that the new challenge "is to do the large trials that really could change thinking." << -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- http://www.eurekalert.org/releases/BMJ.966430211.html EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: 17 AUGUST 2000 AT 19:00 ET US Contact: Emma Wilkinson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 44-20-7383-6529 BMJ-British Medical Journal Does homoeopathy have a therapeutic effect? Paper: Randomised controlled trial of homoeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial series Commentary: Larger trials are needed Much scepticism exists about the effectiveness of homoeopathy, but the time may have come to confront the idea that homoeopathic treatment differs from placebo - a chemically inert substance given in place of a drug - according a new study published in this week's BMJ. Researchers in Glasgow randomly treated 50 patients suffering from nasal allergies with either a homoeopathic preparation or placebo. Each day, for four weeks, patients measured their nasal air flow and recorded symptoms such as blocked, runny or itchy nose, sneezing and eye irritation. Both groups reported improvement in symptoms but, on average, patients who received homoeopathy had significantly greater improvement in nasal air flow - 28% compared with 3% among those in the placebo group. Recent attempts to resolve the controversy surrounding homoeopathy have resulted in over 180 clinical trials to date. Against this background, and combined with results of three similar studies, these findings further strengthen the evidence that homoeopathy shows some therapeutic effect over placebo, say the authors. In an accompanying commentary, Tim Lancaster at the Institute of Health Sciences in Oxford and Andrew Vickers at the Sloane-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York emphasise the importance of high quality randomised trials in the evaluation of homoeopathy. They suggest that the new challenge "is to do the large trials that really could change thinking." ### Contacts: [Paper] David Reilly, Academic Departments, Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital, Glasgow G12 0XQ Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Commentary] Tim Lancaster, Clinical Reader in General Practice, Department of Primary Health Care, Institute of Health Sciences, Oxford OX3 7LF Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert F. Tatman Information Technology Consultant [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jenkintown, PA, USA *Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.* <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
