New Database Portal for Complementary Medicine
The Karl und Veronica Carstens Foundation is launching a free database portal for complementary medicine, naturopathy and homeopathy. In total, 96,000 items of scientific literature, among them more than 30,000 clinical research papers and more than 9,000 basic research publications, can now be searched for free – a service unique in form and scale for scientists, practitioners, therapists and students.
Anyone planning a research paper or a thesis in complementary medicine or simply intending to have an overview of the current evidence will now have free access to what is probably the largest data collection in this field in Europe. A one-time registration is all that is required for the Carstens Foundation to provide its complete record of scientific literature as well as registered studies, experiments and case histories for free online search. This is possible through a new database portal at carstens-stiftung.de/databases.
One URL – Three Databases
The portal gives access to three regularly updated databases:
HomBRex (Homeopathic Basic Research experiments) currently contains 2,200 experiments dealing with basic research in homeopathy. This database allows users to search for chemical-physical experiments, as well as for experiments with biological models. As a distinguishing feature, HomBRex is the only scientific database worldwide providing detailed information on experimental parameters.
In CORE-Hom (Clinical Outcome REsearch in Homeopathy) users can access 1,200 randomized double-blind trials, observational studies, outcome studies and larger case studies with detailed information. This database has been developed in collaboration with the British HRI (Homeopathy Research Institute).
In addition to data on human research, the new database portal also features a section on veterinary homeopathy in the form of HomVetCR (Clinical Research on Veterinary Homeopathy): 445 clinical trials and case histories are included. Again, extensive details are available for every entry.
Extra Service for Expert Circles
As well as enabling users to conduct their own search of the database, the Carstens Foundation also offers scientists, practitioners, therapists and students free support in searching. It is also possible to consult the reference library on-site in Essen, Germany, by appointment. Photocopies of articles and other items from the library's holding can be obtained for a small charge.
The Carstens Foundation : Nature and Medicine (Essen, Germany) is promoting the integration of complementary medicine, naturopathy and homeopathy in medical care since 1982. Its main aim is to fund research, to support junior scientists and practitioners, and to provide scientifically validated information concerning the application and usefulness of complementary medicine, naturopathy and homeopathy.