Suffering dizziness and vertigo severely impacts the lives of thousands of Australians, but new research from Southern Cross University could be a game changer.
Researchers from the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) at Southern Cross University say a unique Chinese herbal medicine blend could hold the answer and are calling for adults aged 18 – 75 with recurring dizziness or vertigo to take part in a clinical trial.
Lead investigator Dr Janet Schloss says the trial will be accessible to as many Australians as possible via telehealth and online.
‘More than a third of adults over 50 are impacted by dizziness and vertigo which is quite staggering. If we can find a natural preventative, it really could be a game changer,’ said Dr Schloss.
The 12-week, Australia-wide clinical trial will examine whether a Chinese herbal medicine supplement can help prevent dizziness and vertigo episodes from occurring. The trial will also assess if the supplement can reduce the severity and duration of dizziness and vertigo symptoms if they do occur.
Dr Schloss says more than 170 people will be recruited into the trial, and the effectiveness of the natural product will be assessed against placebo.
‘We know that recurring dizziness and vertigo can impact the social, functional and psychological well-being of sufferers and their quality of life, with it being linked to isolation, depression and reduced independence,’ she said.
‘The anecdotal accounts of this product’s ability to prevent dizziness and vertigo for 6-12 months is very exciting. If this herbal combination performs well in this clinical trial, it could make an enormous difference to many people.’
Interest growing
Co-researcher Dr Mark Shoring, Principal Investigator and Chinese Medicine Practitioner, says the public is becoming more aware and interested in the potential benefits of natural medicines.
‘Previous research has shown the efficacy of specific Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations and this trial funded by Australian natural products company CMOL Pharmaceuticals Australia is twofold, assessing whether this combination of natural herbs can both prevent and reduce dizziness and vertigo,’ said Dr Shoring.
Generally healthy people aged 18-75 years with recurrent dizziness or vertigo, who are willing to take a 2-week herbal supplement course and have fortnightly telehealth appointments, can sign up for the trial at scu.edu.au/dizzytcm or email dizzytcm@scu.edu.au
Participants who complete the trial will receive a $100 gift voucher.
The National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) at Southern Cross University creates, promotes and advocates a strong culture of incorporating evidence-based science into healthcare education and clinical practice.
This research has been approved by Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee 2024/015
