Background Homeopathy is gaining popularity globally, despite a lack of convincing evidence of its efficacy. For example, a 2015 review by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) found no discernible convincing effects beyond placebo. However, a concern was that publication bias and outcome reporting bias could have influenced the results of the included systematic reviews. Objectives To study (i) the rates of non‐publication and (ii) rates and types of alteration of planned outcomes of homeopathy studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. Methods We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for all homeopathy trials completed more than 2 years ago. We then checked the trial's publication status by examining the publication field in ClinicalTrials.gov, searching PubMed and finally Google Scholar. We also checked whether the registered primary outcome matched the published primary outcome. Results We found 35 registered homeopathy trials, from 11 countries, completed at least 2 years ago. Of these 35, we found 16 (46%) publications in MEDLINE and Google Scholar. In four (of 16), the primary outcome measures had been switched or modified. Conclusions Of all homeopathy trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, only 46% appear to have published within 2 years of completion, of which a quarter altered their primary endpoint. Further research is warranted on the nature and reasons for non‐publication.
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 3-4 p. 180-182 Summaries and Commentaries Tai chi for chronic pain conditions: what does the meta-analysis tell us? X Yu, X Yu cherries.yu@gmail.com School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorCED Lim, CED Lim celim@unswalumni.com School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorC Zaslawski, C Zaslawski c.zaslawski@uts.edu.au School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorYW Cheng, YW Cheng Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaSearch for more papers by this author X Yu, X Yu cherries.yu@gmail.com School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorCED Lim, CED Lim celim@unswalumni.com School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorC Zaslawski, C Zaslawski c.zaslawski@uts.edu.au School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorYW Cheng, YW Cheng Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, ChinaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 24 April 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12267Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume21, Issue3-4December 2016Pages 180-182 RelatedInformation
The value of armchairs in providing mechanical massage and mental relaxation programmes is not established for workplace health promotion
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 1 p. 60-61 Summaries and Commentaries Complementary therapies for bladder pain S Chrubasik, S Chrubasik sigrun.Chrubasik@klinikum.uni-freiburg.de University of Freiburg, Freiburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorT Verghese, T Verghese School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UKSearch for more papers by this author S Chrubasik, S Chrubasik sigrun.Chrubasik@klinikum.uni-freiburg.de University of Freiburg, Freiburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorT Verghese, T Verghese School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 16 May 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12235Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume21, Issue1March 2016Pages 60-61 RelatedInformation
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 3-4 p. 171-175 Summaries and Commentaries Homeopathy for wound healing? A question of scientific honesty S Chirumbolo, S Chirumbolo salvatore.chirumbolo@univr.it Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, ItalySearch for more papers by this author S Chirumbolo, S Chirumbolo salvatore.chirumbolo@univr.it Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, ItalySearch for more papers by this author First published: 24 April 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12284Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume21, Issue3-4December 2016Pages 171-175 RelatedInformation
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 3-4 p. 178-179 Summaries and Commentaries The effectiveness of Kirtan Kriya meditation or music therapy for subjective cognitive decline R Perry, R Perry rachel.perry@bristol.ac.uk University of Bristol, Bristol, UKSearch for more papers by this authorKE Innes, KE Innes West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USASearch for more papers by this authorTK Selfe, TK Selfe West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USASearch for more papers by this author R Perry, R Perry rachel.perry@bristol.ac.uk University of Bristol, Bristol, UKSearch for more papers by this authorKE Innes, KE Innes West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USASearch for more papers by this authorTK Selfe, TK Selfe West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 24 April 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12264Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume21, Issue3-4December 2016Pages 178-179 RelatedInformation
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 3-4 p. 150-151 Summaries and Commentaries Evidence is insufficient to support fire-needle moxibustion in patients with knee osteoarthritis H Lee, H Lee erc633@khu.ac.kr Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Centre, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South KoreaSearch for more papers by this author H Lee, H Lee erc633@khu.ac.kr Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Centre, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South KoreaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 24 April 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12269 Note: All efforts are made to invite authors of original papers to comment on the reviewer's commentary. If the authors cannot be contacted, or do not respond within the given deadline, the summary/commentary is published without their response. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume21, Issue3-4December 2016Pages 150-151 RelatedInformation
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 3-4 p. 166-167 Summaries and Commentaries Ramulus mori (mulberry twig) alkaloids vs. acarbose for type 2 diabetes S Chrubasik-Hausmann, S Chrubasik-Hausmann sigrun.chrubasik@klinikum.uni-freiburg.de Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this author S Chrubasik-Hausmann, S Chrubasik-Hausmann sigrun.chrubasik@klinikum.uni-freiburg.de Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this author First published: 24 April 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12282Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume21, Issue3-4December 2016Pages 166-167 RelatedInformation
Background Homeopathy is gaining popularity globally, despite a lack of convincing evidence of its efficacy. For example, a 2015 review by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) found no discernible convincing effects beyond placebo. However, a concern was that publication bias and outcome reporting bias could have influenced the results of the included systematic reviews. Objectives To study (i) the rates of non‐publication and (ii) rates and types of alteration of planned outcomes of homeopathy studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. Methods We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for all homeopathy trials completed more than 2 years ago. We then checked the trial's publication status by examining the publication field in ClinicalTrials.gov, searching PubMed and finally Google Scholar. We also checked whether the registered primary outcome matched the published primary outcome. Results We found 35 registered homeopathy trials, from 11 countries, completed at least 2 years ago. Of these 35, we found 16 (46%) publications in MEDLINE and Google Scholar. In four (of 16), the primary outcome measures had been switched or modified. Conclusions Of all homeopathy trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, only 46% appear to have published within 2 years of completion, of which a quarter altered their primary endpoint. Further research is warranted on the nature and reasons for non‐publication.
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 2 p. 94-96 Summaries and Commentaries Is it acupuncture or not? Testing acupuncture injection of vitamin K3 for dysmenorrhoea DH Gorski, DH Gorski Professor of Surgery gorskid@med.wayne.edu Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USASearch for more papers by this authorRC Wade, RC Wade Columbia University, New York, NY, USASearch for more papers by this author DH Gorski, DH Gorski Professor of Surgery gorskid@med.wayne.edu Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USASearch for more papers by this authorRC Wade, RC Wade Columbia University, New York, NY, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 11 October 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12247 All efforts are made to invite authors of original papers to comment on the reviewer's commentary. If the authors cannot be contacted, or do not respond within the given deadline, the summary/commentary is published without their response. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume21, Issue2June 2016Pages 94-96 RelatedInformation
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 2 p. 112-113 Summaries and Commentaries Does Kundalini yoga affect post-traumatic stress disorder symptomology and overall well-being? A Gilbey, A Gilbey a.p.gilbey@massey.ac.nz Massey University, Palmerston North, New ZealandSearch for more papers by this author A Gilbey, A Gilbey a.p.gilbey@massey.ac.nz Massey University, Palmerston North, New ZealandSearch for more papers by this author First published: 11 October 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12250Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume21, Issue2June 2016Pages 112-113 RelatedInformation
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 2 p. 99-100 Summaries and Commentaries The evidence for acupuncture related techniques for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is promising, but not conclusive H Lee, H Lee erc633@khu.ac.kr Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Centre, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South KoreaSearch for more papers by this author H Lee, H Lee erc633@khu.ac.kr Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Centre, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South KoreaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 11 October 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12256Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume21, Issue2June 2016Pages 99-100 RelatedInformation
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 1 p. 68-68 Correspondence Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.): a potential treatment for mustard lung Amirhossein Sahebkar, Amirhossein Sahebkar amir_saheb2000@yahoo.com sahebkara@mums.ac.ir Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, 9177948–564 IranSearch for more papers by this authorYunes Panahi, Yunes Panahi Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 19945–546 IranSearch for more papers by this author Amirhossein Sahebkar, Amirhossein Sahebkar amir_saheb2000@yahoo.com sahebkara@mums.ac.ir Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, 9177948–564 IranSearch for more papers by this authorYunes Panahi, Yunes Panahi Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 19945–546 IranSearch for more papers by this author First published: 16 May 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12224 FACT encourages readers to air their views and comments on complementary-medicine related topics. Letters should be no more than 400 words and addressed to the Editorial Office. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume21, Issue1March 2016Pages 68-68 RelatedInformation
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 1 p. 42-43 Summaries and Commentaries No effect of valerian against insomnia D Larhammar, D Larhammar dan.larhammar@neuro.uu.se Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SwedenSearch for more papers by this author D Larhammar, D Larhammar dan.larhammar@neuro.uu.se Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SwedenSearch for more papers by this author First published: 16 May 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12242Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume21, Issue1March 2016Pages 42-43 RelatedInformation
Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 21, Issue 1 p. 62-63 Summaries and Commentaries ‘Inner Power’ amino acid jelly in the treatment of cancer-related fatigue: a missed opportunity M Baum, M Baum michael@mbaum.freeserve.co.uk University College London, London, UKSearch for more papers by this author M Baum, M Baum michael@mbaum.freeserve.co.uk University College London, London, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 16 May 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/fct.12240Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume21, Issue1March 2016Pages 62-63 RelatedInformation
AbstractBackgroundComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular among individuals with a variety of addictions.ObjectiveTo critically evaluate the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) of the effectiveness of CAM for addictions.MethodsTen electronic databases were searched from their inception to January 2015. Systematic reviews of any type of CAM with any type of addiction‐related outcome were considered eligible. The Oxman criteria for assessing the methodological quality of the included SRs were used.ResultsTwenty‐seven SRs met the inclusion criteria. Most of them were of high methodological quality (mean=4.66, SD=5.20). Twelve SRs arrived at equivocal conclusions (of these, seven were of high quality), four drew positive conclusions (three of which were of high quality), and 11 arrived at negative conclusions (of which six were of high quality). A wide variety of addictions were examined, including alcohol, amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates (heroin, morphine, opium), tobacco and various (unspecified) drugs. A diversity of CAM modalities was also used such as acupuncture (and related techniques), herbal medicine, hypnotherapy, meditative/mindfulness techniques, music therapy, spirituality and yoga.ConclusionA large number of SRs exist in the area of addiction. The evidence from SRs examining the effectiveness of various CAM interventions for myriad addictions is highly ambiguous or negative.
