Homeopathy trial aims to cut drug side-effects

A landmark trial of a natural treatment for osteoarthritis could provide relief to many sufferers who cannot use conventional medicines.

A landmark trial of a natural treatment for osteoarthritis could provide relief to many sufferers who cannot use conventional medicines.Authorities believe around 15 per cent of Australians have the debilitating disease.Research coordinator Don Baker says some patients, who take the available medication, suffer from side-effects like gastric bleeding, nausea and kidney and liver dysfunction.”I am getting lots of people coming through this study,” he said.”I would say the majority of them come in because they cannot tolerate the side-effects of their medications.”Mind you, I’m getting some who just refuse to take it because they are more interested in natural products.”Mr Baker says the natural therapy being trailed is a first.”There are some other natural therapy products out there, but this would be the first time we’ve been able to offer a homeopathic product,” he said.The trial is part of a joint study between Queensland and New South Wales researchers.(Source: ABC Health, July 2004)