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Spotlight on Clinical Trials
The clinical trials below are among the many NCCAM-sponsored trials recruiting, or planning to start recruitment soon, at press time. To see others, go to nccam.nih.gov/clinicaltrials/alltrials.htm.
Milk thistle.
© Alternative Nature Herbals
Phase I/II Trials of Silymarin for Chronic Liver Diseases
This study will investigate different dosages of silymarin (the active ingredient in milk thistle) as a therapy for the following chronic liver diseases:
- In Phase I (the phase for which recruitment is taking place), chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- In Phase II, chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Silymarin has a history as CAM to treat various disorders, including those in the liver. This rigorous study will test whether it is effective and safe for the above diseases. The study is cosponsored with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Principal investigators' institutions: University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Pittsburgh (data center)
More information: Go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and enter "NCT00389376" in the search box.
Acupuncture, Reproductive Hormones, Ovulation, and PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and the most common cause of irregular menstrual cycles and infertility due to lack of ovulation. Based on evidence from several small studies, acupuncture might represent an alternative to hormonal treatment for women with PCOS. This controlled study will test whether acupuncture restores ovulation and helps normalize ovarian hormones.
Principal investigator's institution: University of Virginia, Charlottesville
More information: Link at nccam.nih.gov/research/extramural/awards/2006
© iStockphoto.com/sjlocke
Craniosacral Therapy in Migraine
Treating migraine continues to be a major challenge, despite new drug therapies. Limited clinical experience suggests that craniosacral therapy (CST) might be effective in treating headache, including migraine. This study will gather preliminary data on the usefulness of CST as a complementary therapy for migraine and examine the feasibility of a larger, randomized clinical trial.
Principal investigator's institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
More information: Link at nccam.nih.gov/research/extramural/awards/2006
Readers who do not have access to the Internet may inquire about clinical trials through the NCCAM Clearinghouse.
