According to Associated Press writer Lindsey Tanner in a February
26th article, the government released a report last week which
indicated that two popular arthritis drugs did little more than
placebos to relieve mild arthritis pain. These drugs, glucosamine
and condroiton, were among the first several alternative remedies to be
put to scrutiny by government studies.
The article also noted that tests were performed on saw palmetto for
prostate problems, St. John’s Wort for depression, echinacea for the
common cold, and powdered shark cartilage for certain cancers.
Researchers decided that none of these remedies was especially
effective.
The article noted, however, that millions still swear by these
remedies, all part of a $20-billion-a-year industry. Many who’ve
tried traditional medications are convinced that they receive more
relief with these alternative remedies and would much prefer to take
these medications because they cause fewer side affects. Though the
government-funded study noted no major advantages from taking such
remedies, they also found that they cause no harm.
Doctors also recognize the placebo effect of these medicines, notes
Tanner. That means if the patient believes he’s taking something
useful, he’ll simply feel better. In discussing this effect, Dr.
Stephen Straus, director of NIH's National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine, noted that a patient’s "wishful thinking that
they're going to get better may be harnessing the body's own mechanism
for relieving pain."
Tanner also reported that nearly 1/3 of all Americans use alternative
remedies and that most of the products studied were not adversely
affected by the negative publicity.
Home
Reader Comments 
Related Links 
Recent Posts