Current and Future Directions in CAM Research at NCCAM/NIH

The mission of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is to develop the scientific evidence base regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, build CAM research capacity, and disseminate objective scientific information regarding CAM to health care providers and the general public. Data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) of 30,000 Americans continue to show that nearly 40% of Americans use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), both to treat health conditions, and to improve health and well-being. The most common reason for CAM use in treating health conditions is chronic pain – particularly back pain, headache, and arthritic or musculoskeletal pain. The CAM modalities used most often by Americans include (in order) botanical/herbal medicines or dietary supplements, chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture. NCCAM is now in the process of developing its third 5-year strategic plan. Over the past decade it has become clear that building a clinically useful evidence base regarding CAM practices requires a foundation of understanding of biological effects and mechanism derived from basic research, and translational research which is aimed at maximizing the certainty of findings gained from clinical trials. These principles will be central features of NCCAM's general research strategy as reflected in its next strategic plan. This presentation will provide an opportunity to review the current state of CAM research in the U.S., and discuss future scientific directions for the Center. Particular attention will be given to the area of research on botanical and herbal medicines, and dietary supplements.