National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine perspectives for complementary and alternative medicine research in cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) was established in 1998 by the US Congress to conduct and support basic and applied research and research training and disseminate information with respect to identifying, investigating, and validating complementary and alternative therapies. Because of limited appropriations, NCCAM prioritizes its research programs according to the relative use of a modality, the evidence supporting its value and safety, and opportunities to advance the relevant fields of science. While NCCAM's top priority is supporting clinical trials of alternative therapeutics, increasingly it is supporting basic and preclinical research. To accomplish its mission, NCCAM encourages the research community to undertake high-quality and rigorous research in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In the area of cardiovascular diseases, NCCAM is supporting clinical trials, specialized centers, research training, and investigator-initiated projects. Virtually all aspects of CAM modalities are open for investigation. Current NCCAM projects are investigating Tai Chi (Taiji) exercise, hawthorn, phytoestrogens, biofeedback, Ayurvedic herbals, acupuncture, qigong, Reiki, meditation, spirituality, Ginkgo biloba, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid chelation therapy, and special diets.