Safety of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Treatments and Practices

Abstract

Abstract Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and treatments is increasing around the world due to perceived health benefits, low cost and relatively low risk. The current literature on the safety and reported adverse, and especially toxic, effects of CAM treatments and practices was reviewed. A literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, NIH, CINAHL, Science Direct and WHO databases for meta-analyses, case studies, and case reports published in English in the year 2016 was conducted to obtain data on the safety of CAM therapies and any reported adverse effects or contaminants. In this review, adverse effects of herbal dietary supplements (HDS) are organized by the different physiological systems affected. As expected, hepatotoxicity was the most frequently associated adverse effect with the HDS since the vast majority are consumed orally. Many examples of unintentional and intentional contamination of HDS, the latter most prevalent with sexual and performance enhancing HDS, were recorded. The adverse effects reported for mind–body therapies were fewer in number and severity as compared to HDS. The increasing use of CAM therapies and instances of toxicity and other adverse effects underscore the need for a better reporting and monitoring system for CAM. Safety of CAM practices and treatments is not prospectively regulated. In many cases, there is a lack of information until complaints against a particular product or practice are brought to governmental authorities. Healthcare providers should familiarize themselves with CAM practices and their benefits and risks to best care for their patient population.