Edzard Ernst
Homeopathy: what does the âbestâ? evidence tell us?
eMJA, 2010, 192 (8), 458-460
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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 âhomeopathyâ? 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 authorsâ 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 reviewsâ 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.