On February 4, 2011, NCCAM released its third strategic plan, Exploring the Science of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Third Strategic Plan 2011–2015. The plan presents a series of goals and objectives to guide NCCAM in determining priorities for future research in complementary and alternative medicine. NCCAM Exploring the Science of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Third

For postmenopausal women with osteopenia (low bone mineral density), practicing tai chi and/or taking green tea polyphenols appears to be safe. Further, practicing tai chi by itself or in combination with green tea polyphenol supplements may improve quality of life; however, taking green tea supplements by themselves has no significant improvement in quality of life. This is

Drinking cranberry juice is no better than placebo for preventing the recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to researchers at the University of Michigan. The study, supported by NCCAM and published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, was conducted among college-aged women, since they have the highest incidence of UTIs annually. NCCAM Study Shows Cranberry Juice

The National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NACCAM) is charged with the responsibility of advising, consulting with, and making recommendations to the Director, NCCAM, on matters relating to the research activities and functions of the Center. The role and responsibilities of the council members include secondary review of grant applications in light of

People try many different CAM therapies in their efforts to fight colds. According to estimates based on the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), colds ranked eighth among adults and third among children as a medical condition prompting CAM use. Although there are vaccines to prevent the flu, prescription drugs to treat it, and over-the-counter

The placebo effect is a beneficial health outcome resulting from a person’s anticipation that an intervention—pill, procedure, or injection, for example—will help them. A clinician’s style in interacting with patients also may bring about a positive response that is independent of any specific treatment. According to a recent study published in the journal PLoS One,

Echinacea is an herb that has traditionally been used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and other infections. According to the 2007 NHIS, echinacea was the most commonly used natural nonvitamin/nonmineral supplement among children, and the third most commonly used supplement among adults. These products vary widely, using different echinacea species, plant parts, and preparations.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Man Up Now capsules, marketed as a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement, because they contain a variation of an active drug ingredient found in Viagra that can dangerously lower blood pressure. NCCAM FDA Warns Consumers To Avoid Man Up Now Capsules