[Omeo33] Art 0397 - Homeopathy, 2003, 92 (2), 84-91

[Gino Santini]

The research evidence base for homeopathy: a fresh assessment of the literature
RT Mathie

Background. The claims made for the clinical effects of homeopathy 
are controversial. The results of several meta-analyses of clinical 
trials are positive, but they fail in general to highlight specific 
medical conditions that respond well to homeopathy.
Aims. This review examines the cumulative research from randomised 
and/or double-blind clinical trials (RCTs) in homeopathy for 
individual medical conditions reported since 1975, and asks the 
question: What is the weight of the original evidence from published 
RCTs that homeopathy has an effect that is statistically 
significantly different from that in a comparative group?
Method. Analysis of the 93 substantive RCTs that compare homeopathy 
either with placebo or another treatment.
Results. 50 papers report a significant benefit of homeopathy in at 
least one clinical outcome measure, 41 that fail to discern any 
inter-group differences, and two that describe an inferior response 
with homeopathy. Considering the relative number of research articles 
on the 35 different medical conditions in which such research has 
been carried out, the weight of evidence currently favours a positive 
treatment effect in eight: childhood diarrhoea, fibrositis, hayfever, 
influenza, pain (miscellaneous), side-effects of radio- or 
chemotherapy, sprains and upper respiratory tract infection. Based on 
published research to date, it seems unlikely that homeopathy is 
efficacious for headache, stroke or warts. Insufficient research 
prevents conclusions from being drawn about any other medical 
conditions.
Conclusions. The available research evidence emphasises the need for 
much more and better-directed research in homeopathy. A fresh agenda 
of enquiry should consider beyond (but include) the 
placebo-controlled trial. Each study should adopt research methods 
and outcome measurements linked to a question addressing the clinical 
significance of homeopathy's effects.

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