Research Methodology
Evidence-Based Approach
At NaturalBridge, we follow rigorous scientific standards to evaluate traditional medicines and their modern pharmaceutical counterparts. Our evidence classification system ensures transparency about the strength of research behind each recommendation:
- Strong Evidence: Multiple well-designed clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or approved therapeutic uses by major health authorities.
- Moderate Evidence: Limited clinical trials with positive findings, strong pre-clinical evidence, or consistent traditional use with some supporting modern research.
- Preliminary Evidence: Promising initial research, primarily in laboratory studies and animal models, with limited human data available.
We systematically evaluate all evidence across multiple dimensions:
- Study design and methodology quality
- Sample sizes and statistical power
- Replicability of findings across multiple studies
- Biological plausibility of mechanisms
- Safety profiles and adverse effect reporting
- Publication in peer-reviewed journals
Transparency in Research
NaturalBridge is committed to transparency in all aspects of our research process:
- Complete reference lists with DOI links to original studies when available
- Clear indication of evidence quality for each claim made
- Disclosure of limitations and gaps in current research
- Recognition of both positive and negative findings
- Regular updates as new research emerges
We believe that integrative medicine is best served by honest, evidence-based evaluation that acknowledges both the strengths and limitations of traditional and modern approaches.