An Evidence-based Systemic Review of Glucosamine Conducted by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration

Catherine Ulbricht PharmD, Massachusetts General Hospital
Ethan Basch MD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Samuel Basch MD, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, NY
Renn Crichlow MD, Harvard Medical School
Edzard Ernst MD, University of Exeter
David Kroll PhD, Duke University
Mary McGarry RPh, University of Kansas
Michael Smith M.R.PharmS, ND, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Nancy Tannous PharmD, Northeastern University
Ed Tessier PharmD, MPH, BCPS, Springfield College, University of Massachusetts
Candy Tsourounis PharmD, University of California, San Francisco
Mamta Vora PharmD, Northeastern University

Abstract

Review Methodology: Systematic Aggregation, Analysis, and Review of the Literature.

Search Strategy: To prepare each Natural Standard monograph, electronic searches are conducted in nine databases, including AMED, CANCERLIT, CINAHL, CISCOM, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, HerbMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Medline, and NAPRALERT. Search terms include the common name(s), scientific name(s), and all listed synonyms for each topic. Hand searches are conducted of 20 additional journals (not indexed in common databases), and of bibliographies from 50 selected secondary references. No restrictions are placed on language or quality of publications. Researchers in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are consulted for access to additional references or ongoing research.

Selection Criteria: All literature is collected pertaining to efficacy in humans (regardless of study design, quality, or language), dosing, precautions, adverse effects, use in regnancy/lactation, interactions, alteration of laboratory says, and mechanism of action (in vitro, animal research, human data). Standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria are utilized for selection.

Data Analysis: Data extraction and analysis are performed by health care professionals conducting clinical work and/or research at academic centers, using standardized instruments that pertain to each monograph section defining inclusion/exclusion criteria and analytic techniques, including validated measures of study quality). Data are verified by a second reviewer.

Review Process: Blinded review of monographs is conducted by multidisciplinary research-clinical faculty at major academic centers with expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics, pharmacology, toxicology, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research, and clinical practice. In cases of editorial disagreement, a three-member panel of the Editorial Board addresses conflicts, and consults experts when applicable. Authors of studies are contacted when clarification is required.

Submitted: July 29, 2004 · Accepted: October 4, 2004 · Published: January 14, 2005

Recommended Citation

Ulbricht, Catherine PharmD; Basch, Ethan MD; Basch, Samuel MD; Crichlow, Renn MD; Ernst, Edzard MD; Kroll, David PhD; McGarry, Mary RPh; Smith, Michael M.R.PharmS, ND; Tannous, Nancy PharmD; Tessier, Ed PharmD, MPH, BCPS; Tsourounis, Candy PharmD; and Vora, Mamta PharmD (2005) "An Evidence-based Systemic Review of Glucosamine Conducted by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration," Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Vol. 2 : Iss. 1, Article 1.
DOI: 10.2202/1553-3840.1008
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jcim/vol2/iss1/1

 
 
 
 

ISSN: 1553-3840 ©1999-2009 The Berkeley Electronic Press™ All rights reserved.

To submit, subscribe, recommend this journal to your library, or sign up for email alerts, please visit: http://www.bepress.com/jcim