November 2007

Lancet article slams homeopathy and causes stir

An article that appeared in the Nov. 16 issue of Lancet, the British medical journal, has caused an uproar in the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) arena. Homeopathy and other forms of CAM have been under attack in Britain for some time.

The article, titled “Benefits and Risks of Homeopathy,” suggests the results from five large meta-analyses on homeopathy show no statistically significant benefit when compared to placebo.

The Faculty of Homeopathy, which is part of the British Homeopathic Association, said in a letter:

“The Faculty of Homeopathy welcomes balanced reporting and discussion of homeopathy. However, the article ‘Pressure grows against homeopathy in the UK’ and the accompanying Commentary in this week’s Lancet (16 Nov.) are good examples of how those opposed to homeopathy are creating a climate that stifles the very discussion and debate they claim to want.

“Patients around the world experience tangible benefit from homeopathic treatment and have done so for over 200 years. The Faculty of Homeopathy believes it is essential that all those practising homeopathy are properly trained and regulated. The General Medical Council regulates the practice of our doctor membership. An equivalent system must apply to nonmedical homeopaths in order to protect patients and set high standards for responsible practice.

“But even more crucially, we need to ensure that patients are given a choice so that they can give informed consent to the treatment most appropriate to their needs. This will only happen if homeopathy continues to be properly integrated into our healthcare system….”

The Boiron Group, a manufacturer of homeopathic remedies, disputed the commentary. In a press release, it said, “(The) author has misinterpreted results of clinical trials on homeopathic medicines. … A thorough review of the studies’ research evidence indicates positive principle conclusions in favor of homeopathy over placebo.”

The press release identified five favorable studies. (To read the press release and studies, visit www.ChiroEco.com/boiron.)

Sources: Faculty of Homeopathy, www.trusthomeopathy.org; The Boiron Group, www.boiron.com

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