2010/04/01 by Edzard Ernst · 1 citation
Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies #Nutrition, Genetics, and Disease #Occupational and Professional Licensing Regulation
paper · doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2010.tb03585.x
openalex publication_date 2010/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence for and against the effectiveness of homeopathy. DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (generally considered to be the most reliable source of evidence) was searched in January 2010. STUDY SELECTION: Cochrane reviews with the term "homeopathy" in the title, abstract or keywords were considered. Protocols of reviews were excluded. Six articles met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Each of the six reviews was examined for specific subject matter; number of clinical trials reviewed; total number of patients involved; and authors' conclusions. The reviews covered the following conditions: cancer, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma, dementia, influenza and induction of labour. DATA SYNTHESIS: The findings of the reviews were discussed narratively (the reviews' clinical and statistical heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of currently available Cochrane reviews of studies of homeopathy do not show that homeopathic medicines have effects beyond placebo.