Herb remedies during pregnancy: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials.
Summary of "Herb remedies during pregnancy: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials."
Abstract Objective: The use of herbal remedies has been documented both among various patient groups and in the general population to promote health. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the benefits of herb use during pregnancy. Methods: A systematic literature search that covering the period between January 1990 and September 2010 was performed using various electronic databases. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were included. Paper quality was evaluated using the Jadad scale. Results: Of the 511 articles identified, 14 RCTs were eligible. Ginger was the most investigated remedy and was consistently reported to ameliorate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy better than placebo; its efficacy in doing so was noted to be equal to that of vitamin B6 and dimenhydrinate. A single trial also supported the use of Hypericum Perforatum for wound healing. Cranberry, however, was not efficacious in the treatment of urinary tract infections; finally, raspberry leaf did not shorten the first stage of labor, and garlic did not prevent pre-eclampsia. Conclusions: Despite the widespread, popular use of herbal remedies during pregnancy, too few studies have been devoted to specific clinical investigations. With the exception of ginger, there is no data to support the use of any other herbal supplement during pregnancy.
Affiliation
Mother-Infant Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the
ISSN: 1476-4954
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22928540
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/14767058.2012.722732
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Drug Utilization Review
Formal programs for assessing drug prescription against some standard. Drug utilization review may consider clinical appropriateness, cost effectiveness, and, in some cases, outcomes. Review is usually retrospective, but some analysis may be done before drugs are dispensed (as in computer systems which advise physicians when prescriptions are entered). Drug utilization review is mandated for Medicaid programs beginning in 1993.
Materia Medica
Materials or substances used in the composition of traditional medical remedies. The use of this term in MeSH was formerly restricted to historical articles or those concerned with traditional medicine, but it can also refer to homeopathic remedies. Nosodes are specific types of homeopathic remedies prepared from causal agents or disease products.
Ethical Review
A formal process of examination of patient care or research proposals for conformity with ethical standards. The review is usually conducted by an organized clinical or research ethics committee (CLINICAL ETHICS COMMITTEES or RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEES), sometimes by a subset of such a committee, an ad hoc group, or an individual ethicist (ETHICISTS).
Concurrent Review
Review of the medical necessity of hospital or other health facility admissions, upon or within a short time following an admission, and periodic review of services provided during the course of treatment.
Clinical Audit
A detailed review and evaluation of selected clinical records by qualified professional personnel to improve the quality of patient care and outcomes. The clinical audit was formally introduced in 1993 into the United Kingdom's National Health Service.
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