Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2003 Mar; 15(2): 151-5.

Complementary medicine.

Ernst E.

Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, United Kingdom. Edzard.Ernst@pms.ac.uk

Complementary medicine has become an important subject for rheumatologists, not least because many patients try complementary treatments. Recent clinical trials yield promising results. In particular, evidence suggests that several herbal medicines and dietary supplements can alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clearly, rigorous testing of complementary treatments is possible, and considering their popularity, should be encouraged.