Popular herbal remedy for hot flushes is no better than placebo

Is extended-release guaifenesin no better than a placebo?

In this issue of RESPIRATORY CARE, Hoffer-Schaefer et al1 report the results of a double-blind randomized placebocontrolled trial examining the effects of guaifenesin on both the volume and physical properties of sputum in patients with acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Guaifenesin has been marketed as an FDA-approved over-thecounter (OTC) expectorant medication with annual sales of ap...

Review: placebo is better than no treatment for subjective continuous outcomes and for treatment of pain.

Main results 114 trials published from 1946–98 were included in the analysis. The typical placebo for drugs was a lactose tablet; for physical interventions, the procedure done with a machine turned off; and for psychological interventions, an attention placebo. 40 clinical conditions were investigated. Meta-analysis showed that placebo did not differ from no treatment for binary outcomes (32 t...

Femal, a herbal remedy made from pollen extracts, reduces hot flushes and improves quality of life in menopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study.

BACKGROUND The fact that hormone replacement therapy has been claimed to increase the risk of breast cancer has made it relevant to search for new non-hormonal treatments of menopausal symptoms. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate whether Femal, a herbal remedy made from pollen extracts, alleviates the symptoms of the menopause, especially hot flushes. DESIGN A randomized, double-blind,...

Dolev-Yao is no better than Machiavelli

Herbal Remedy is Natural and Safe.