Issues in clinical trials in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Clinical trials in Ayurveda: Analysis of clinical trial registry of India

Ayurveda is one of the complementary and alternative systems of medicine requiring generation of high quality evidence for rational practice. Evidence can be generated from study designs and the present study is an attempt to critically assess the registered studies in the field of Ayurveda from clinical trial registry of India. We found low number of trials conducted with more focus required on the quality of these studies to contribute to high quality evidence.

Regulation of herbal medicine use based on speculation? A case from Sri Lanka

Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown aetiology is a significant public health problem in Sri Lanka. The final report by the WHO mission recommended regulation of herbal medicines containing aristolochic acid, which is an established nephrotoxin. The use of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has a history of more than 2500 years in Sri Lanka. Aristolochia species are rarely used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Sri Lanka. Before regulating the analysis of herbal preparations using Aristolochia, collecting data from CAM practitioners regarding the use of Aristolochia is necessary. Analysis of Ayurveda pharmacopeia shows the doses used are negligible and some preparations are used for external applications.