Optimization of placebos for double-blind clinical trials. Experience with a phytopharmaceutical.
The maintenance of double-blind conditions in placebo-controlled trials depends on the quality of the placebo preparation. The placebo should match the active substance-containing preparation as closely as possible, but it must not contain any substances that might themselves be pharmacologically active. Active substances characterized by a particular colour, taste, smell or other easily perceptible properties constitute a challenge to researchers. The way of developing a placebo that matches a phytopharmaceutical to a satisfactory extent is described and discussed.
Knipschild
P G
PG
Department of Epidemiology, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Hoerr
R
R
Oschmann
R
R
van Rossum
E
E
van Dongen
M C
MC
D000368:Aged; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010919:Placebos; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D000096983:Ginkgo Extract
D002491:Central Nervous System Agents; D005419:Flavonoids; D010919:Placebos; D010936:Plant Extracts; C063170:Ginkgo biloba extract; D000096983:Ginkgo Extract