Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
12:04
Assessment of the Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Effects of Substances in Human Precision-cut Lung Slices
Published on: May 9, 2018
14.6K
Scientific Papers and Patents on Substances with Unproven Effects. Part 2
1Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Clementovski per 6-82, Moscow 115184, Russian Federation.
Recent Patents on Drug Delivery & Formulation
|August 20, 2019
Summary
This review examines substances like phytoestrogens and flavonoids, questioning their efficacy in evidence-based medicine. It highlights the importance of rigorous research for unproven therapies to avoid bias and ensure patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Pharmacology
- Evidence-based medicine
Background:
- Many substances with unproven effects are integrated into evidence-based medicine.
- This review critically evaluates several such examples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review substances proposed for practical use despite lacking proven effects.
- To discuss the ethical implications of using unproven therapies and the necessity of high-quality research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of various substances and concepts.
- Analysis of scientific evidence and potential biases for each case.
Main Results:
- Critique of hormesis in homeopathy, phytoestrogens, glycosaminoglycans, flavonoids, acetylcysteine, and stem cells.
- Discussion on the ethical use of placebos and the definition of pseudo-placebos.
Conclusions:
- Placebo therapies can be beneficial and ethical if devoid of adverse effects.
- Therapeutic methods with unproven effects require high-quality, unbiased research.
- Biased information in medicine should be avoided.
Related Concept Videos
03:50The Scientific Method
65.1K
Chemistry is an empirical science. Scientists often pose questions to understand the chemistry in everyday life and seek answers to these questions. To achieve this, scientists follow a definitive series of steps that together make up the Scientific Method. This approach involves making observations, asking questions, building a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and forming a conclusion.
65.1K
01:32The Scientific Method
259.2K
The scientific method is a detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists. This iterative approach involves formulating a question based on observation, developing a testable potential explanation for the observation (called a hypothesis), making and testing predictions based on the hypothesis, and using the findings to create new hypotheses and predictions.
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...
259.2K
02:40The Scientific Method
64.8K
Research is what makes the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are observable realities, and opinions are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In the scientific community, facts can be established only using evidence collected through empirical research.
64.8K
02:31Scientific Laws and Theories
87.2K
Scientific Laws
87.2K
01:25Deleterious Substances in Aggregate
538
Deleterious substances in aggregates can be detrimental to the quality and durability of concrete. These substances include organic impurities like loam, which interfere with cement hydration and are usually present in the sand. These prevent a good bond between aggregate and cement paste. Organic impurities can be detected using the colorimetric test, where the darkness of a solution after agitation indicates the level of organic content.
Another type of impurity is clay and fine material that...
Another type of impurity is clay and fine material that...
538
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
405
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
405