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Research: MARTIN and ERNST,
Listed in Issue 113
Abstract
MARTIN and ERNST, Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, UK, have reviewed (18 references) controlled clinical trials of herbal treatment for fungal infections.
Background
Traditional medicine has made use of many different plant extracts for treating fungal infections. Some of these have been tested for in vitro antifungal activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate antifungal herbal preparations that have been tested in controlled clinical trials.
Methodology
Four electronic databases were searched for controlled clinical trials of antifungal herbal medicines. Data were extracted in a standardized manner by two independent reviewers and reviewed narratively.
Results
7 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Tea tree oil preparations were tested in four randomized clinical trials and some positive outcomes were attributed to the intervention in all trials. Solanum species (two trials) and oil of bitter orange preparations (one trial) were compared with conventional treatments. In all cases encouraging results were reported.
Conclusion
The most thoroughly clinically tested herbal medicine is tea tree oil, which holds some promise. All herbal remedies require further investigation in rigorous clinical trials.
References
Martin KW, Ernst E. Herbal medicines for treatment of fungal infections: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Mycoses 47 (3-4): 87-92, Apr 2004.
