Herbal Medicine for Low Back Pain:

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Hi All,

 

See this, from Bruce Ferguson to VBMA:

 

Gagnier JJ, van Tulder M, et al (2006) Herbal Medicine for Low Back Pain:

A Review. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 19(2): CD004504. (Provincal

Medical Centre, 5955 Ontario St., Unit 307, Windsor, Ontario, Canada,

N8S1W6. <j.gagnier). Summary: In a review of studies

related to the use of herbal medicine for the treatment of non-specific low-

back pain, after analyzing the available data, reviewers concluded that 3

herbs Harpagophytum Procumbens (Devil's Claw), Salix Alba (White Willow

Bark), & Capsicum Frutescens (Cayenne) were more effective than placebo

in alleviating pain. Researchers identified randomized, controlled trials

involving adults who were given herbal medicines or placebo to treat acute,

sub-acute or chronic non-specific low-back pain by searching various

electronic databases, reviewing reference lists, & contacting experts in the

field. Of 10 studies selected for this review, 2 high quality trials involving

Harpagophytum Procumbens (Devil's Claw) found that Devil's Claw

standardized to 50-100mg harpagoside/d brought about short-term

improvements in pain & was effective as rescue medication, as compared

to a placebo. In another trial, treatment with Devil's Claw demo nstrated

relative equivalence to treatment with 12.5 mg/d rofecoxib (Vioxx) in terms

of alleviating pain. Two trials involving White Willow Bark found that White

Willow Bark standardized to 120 or 240mg salicin brought about short-term

improvements in pain & was effective as rescue medication, as compared

to placebo. Three trials of low quality involving topical application of

Capsicum Frutescens (Cayenne) found Cayenne to be more effective than

placebo, & as effective as a homeopathic ointment, in terms of relieving

pain. The evidence demonstrates that Devil's Claw, White Willow Bark, &

Cayenne are 3 independent herbal treatments that may help to alleviate

non-specific low-back pain more effectively than placebo. Additional clinical

trials comparing each of these herbal therapies to conventional treatments

are warranted.

 

Best regards,