Core Viewpoint - The alternative medicine industry in the U.S. is a $34 billion market, gaining mainstream acceptance despite concerns about its efficacy and potential for exploitation [1][2]. Industry Overview - Alternative medicine includes practices like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and herbal supplements, with 42% of hospitals offering some form of alternative therapy due to patient demand [1][2]. - The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has spent approximately $1.6 billion on research into alternative therapies since its establishment in 1999, often finding that many popular treatments lack scientific support [4][5]. Efficacy of Popular Treatments - Studies funded by NCCIH have shown that several widely used alternative treatments, such as ginkgo biloba for memory enhancement and St. John's wort for depression, do not outperform placebos [7][8]. - Research on garlic for cholesterol management and saw palmetto for prostate enlargement also revealed no significant benefits compared to placebo treatments [9][10][11]. Regulatory Environment - The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act allows dietary supplements to be sold without prior FDA approval, leading to a lack of regulation and potential misinformation about their effectiveness [3]. - The NCCIH may conduct post-market evaluations, but ineffective products are not recalled or relabeled, leaving consumers unaware of misleading claims [3]. Conclusion - The distinction between effective and ineffective treatments is crucial, as only those proven effective through rigorous testing should be considered valuable [16].