Evaluating the Role of Alternative Medicines – A Critical Review of Therapies and Research

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 1-15
    By

    Mohd. Wasiullah,

  • Piyush Yadav,

  • Prakriti Maurya,

  • Syed Zafar Abbas,

  1. Principal, Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Academic Head, Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. [email protected], Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  4. Scholar, Department of Pharmacy, Prasad Institute of Technology, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Alternative medicine encompasses healthcare practices outside conventional medicine, including acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, herbal medicine, yoga, and more. Despite growing popularity, alternative therapies often lack rigorous proof of effectiveness and long-term safety. This review examines various branches of alternative medicine, their benefits, and challenges. The paper discusses Ayurveda, homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, herbal medicines, mind-body therapies, and manipulative and body-based therapies. It highlights the pros and cons of alternative medicine, including holistic approaches, patient empowerment, and reduced side effects, but also notes concerns scientific evidence, regulation, and potential interactions with conventional treatments. The review explores the application of alternative medicine in managing various diseases, such as diabetes, inflammation, cancer, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, anxiety, sleep disorders, menopause, and autism spectrum disorder. Finally, it addresses current market trends, safety and regulatory issues, and challenges facing alternative medicine, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research, training, and integration into modern healthcare.

Keywords: Alternative medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy, acupuncture naturopathy, herbal

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Medicine ]

How to cite this article:
Mohd. Wasiullah, Piyush Yadav, Prakriti Maurya, Syed Zafar Abbas. Evaluating the Role of Alternative Medicines – A Critical Review of Therapies and Research. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Medicine. 2025; 15(01):1-15.
How to cite this URL:
Mohd. Wasiullah, Piyush Yadav, Prakriti Maurya, Syed Zafar Abbas. Evaluating the Role of Alternative Medicines – A Critical Review of Therapies and Research. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Medicine. 2025; 15(01):1-15. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjom/article=2025/view=195856



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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 14/12/2024
Accepted 24/12/2024
Published 29/01/2025
Publication Time 46 Days
Total Visits: 62


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