Innovative Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Posted 2nd June 2017 by Jane Williams
Sydney, AU, Mon 13 FEB 2017; a television programme on the ABC aired a prime time expose on the Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) industry, with the intent to discredit and warn consumers away from buying products that had no validated proof of working. In reviewing the show, multiple experts argued against the use of CAMs, but not all CAMs outright.
The exceptions to the rule is where companies that invest in high quality research and subsequently publish their findings under the peer-review mechanism. But here’s the rub – most don’t.
On the same day Australian Doctor, a key medical publication, supported the use of Zinc in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) patients. Confused?
The research landscape is well understood, unfortunately CAMs aren’t, irrespective of the length of time they have been used; looking at probiotics specifically, its again further complicated. So how can one provide innovative research in the area that’s meaningful?
Concentrate on the basics:
- What is the problem you are trying to solve?
- Scope a well written and understand research proposal
- Go through the HREC procedure
- Collaborate
- Publish in reputable journals
A CAM shouldn’t be treated different to a pharmaceutical; at the end of the day, these are medicines.
Sean Hall is the CEO at Medlab Clinical Limited with 20+ years experience in the healthcare and food industries and early phase drug discovery. Sean recently spoke at the 2nd Probiotics Congress: Asia.
Did you miss it? The next meeting is on November 2 – 3 in San Diego. Take a look at the agenda.
2 Responses to “Innovative Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicines”
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Thank you for this information. I might explore these steps in the late Dr. Sebi’s honor.
Hi Beverly, let us know how you get on.