Complementary Medicine Research Projects
European projects
Completed projects (2)
CAMbrella – A pan-European research network for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Investigators: Wolfgang Weidenhammer/George Lewith/Benno Brinkhaus in collaboration with other European partners
Funded by: Framework 7 €1.5 million (€78,966 Southampton)
Status: Study in progress
Abstract: View / Close
The goal of this collaboration is to develop a roadmap for future European research in CAM that is appropriate for the health care needs of EU citizens, and acceptable to the EU parliament as well as their national research funders and healthcare providers. We will enable meaningful reliable comparative research and communication within Europe and create a sustainable structure and policy. CAMbrella is focussed on academic research groups which do not advocate specific treatments. The Advisory Board represents the main CAM stakeholders including consumers, practitioners, clinical providers, and manufacturers of CAM medicinal products.
The specific objectives are to develop an EU network involving centres of research excellence for collaborative research, to develop consensus-based terminology widely accepted in Europe to describe CAM interventions, to create a knowledge base that facilities our understanding of patient demand for CAM and its prevalence, to review the current legal status and policies governing CAM provision in the EU and, to explore the needs, beliefs and attitudes of the EU citizens with respect to CAM. Based on this information we will create a roadmap that will enable a sustainable and prioritised EU research roadmap for CAM.
We will achieve this in 3 years by creating dialogue between researchers from 12 EU member and associated states. We will set up a mechanism that will allow fruitful and thoughtful discussion throughout the EU. To facilitate this coordinating action the project will be delivered in 9 independent but interrelated work packages whose members meet regularly. It will be coordinated by a Management Board and directed by a Scientific Steering Committee with support of an Advisory Board. The outcomes generated will be disseminated through our website, peer review publications and a final conference, with emphasis on current and future EU policies, addressing the different target audiences with an interest in CAM.
GP-TCM—Good Practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in the Post-genomic Era
Investigators: Kings College London, George Lewith is assisting on one of the ten working groups
Funded by: Framework 7 €1 million
Status: Study in progress
Abstract: View / Close
In contrast to the reductionist approach of Western medicine that is based on modern anatomy, cell and molecular biology, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses a unique theory system and an individualised and holistic approach to describe health and disease, based on the philosophy of Yin-Yang balance and an emphasis on harmony of functions.
These two medicine systems disagree with each other in many situations as both of them may observe health from their limited perspective. “GP-TCM” aims to inform best practice and harmonise research of the safety and efficacy of TCM, especially Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) and acupuncture, in EU Member States using a functional genomics approach through exchange of opinions, experience and expertise among scientists in EU Member States and China.
In 10 proposed work packages, we will take actions to review the current status, identify problems and solutions in the quality control, extraction and analysis of CHM. While these fundamental issues are addressed, discussion forums emphasising the use of functional genomics methodology in research of the safety, efficacy and mechanisms of CHM and acupuncture will be the core of this Coordination project. It will include the application of the technique in cell-based models, animal models and in clinical studies.
Guidelines about good practice and agreed protocols in related research areas will be published to promote future TCM research in all the EU member states; online tools and research resources will be made available to EU member states; EU member states and additional China partners will be invited to join this network; the European Society of TCM Research will be established during this project and kept running autonomously to continue the guidance and coordination of EU-China collaboration in TCM research.
