[Anthroposophic medicine: a critical analysis].
BACKGROUND
Anthroposophic medicine (AM) is popular in Europe. This review is an attempt to critically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AM. The aim is to contribute to a critical discussion of this subject.


METHODS
Selective literature review aided by systematic reviews in particular areas of AM.


RESULTS
The effectiveness of single aspects or the total concept of AM has not been scientifically proven. The safety of AM is at least in some areas questionable.


CONCLUSIONS
These data cast significant on about the usefulness of AM.
Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, UK. Edzard.Ernst@pms.ac.uk
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Ernst
D000328:Adult; D000887:Anthroposophy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D014784:Mistletoe; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012449:Safety
D028321:Plant Preparations