Abstract
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has attracted much attention in recent years and has become a significant topic of debate within the healthcare sector. Many patients suffering from serious conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and lower back pain seek alternative therapies including CAM biological products. Clinicians and healthcare practitioners need to be aware of the available clinical evidence relating to CAM-based therapies when advising patients and recommending options. This review presents the recent clinical data investigating the efficacy of CAM therapies for disease management among these groups of patients. A number of cancer drugs are listed which have been developed from natural sources and which have recently gained approval from the EMA and FDA based on clinical trials. Reasons for using CAM and the most frequently used CAM therapies are mentioned as well as the degree of improvement of quality of life based on patients’ experiences.
Highlights
According to National Institutes of Health, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as a group of heterogeneous group of medical and healthcare systems, substances, supplements and procedures that do not count to be a part of mainstream of conventional medicine (Baruah, Borua et al 2016)
The use of CAM is very well documented by a substantial proportion of patients suffering from serious diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes and lower back pain
This review has provided valuable insights into the prevalence of CAM use, the most commonly used CAM modalities, and clinical studies approving its efficacy among these groups of patients
Summary
According to National Institutes of Health, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as a group of heterogeneous group of medical and healthcare systems, substances, supplements and procedures that do not count to be a part of mainstream of conventional medicine (Baruah, Borua et al 2016). These include medication-based therapies in which herbal or mineral products are used and nonmedication practices such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, massage, chiropractic and osteopathy (Hyodo, Amano et al 2005). Evidence from recently published clinical studies is cited in evaluating the effectiveness of CAM therapies among these groups of patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
