Complementary and Integrated Medicine Research Group – University of Southampton

The Complementary and Integrated Medicine Research Unit is based within the School of Medicine at the University of Southampton, and is part of the Primary Medical Care group, one of only seven elite UK departments selected by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research in 2009.

We are recognized as one of the UK’s leading centers for primary research into Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Integrated Health, driven by a commitment to evidence-based inquiry and patient-centered care.

Our team brings decades of combined experience across a wide range of natural therapies, including modern investigations into herbal antifungals, immune-supportive botanicals, cold sore relief, and anti-aging and longevity supplements.

As interest continues to grow in natural health products such as topical antifungal treatments, immune-supportive herbal supplements, cold sore remedies, and cellular health compounds like NMN and NAD+ boosters, our group is uniquely positioned to offer objective, evidence-based insights into their safety, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic benefits.

We employ a wide range of research methodologies to study these emerging therapies:

  • Mixed Method Design

  • Clinical Trial Design

    • Dose Ranging

    • Pilot, Exploratory, and Phase III Trials

  • Qualitative Methodologies

    • Grounded Theory

    • Thematic and Framework Analysis

  • Economic Evaluation

  • Survey Research & Questionnaire Validation

Mission Statement

Our mission is to rigorously explore the role of natural and complementary therapies—from anti-fungal topicals to immune-boosting greens and longevity-focused nutrients—and evaluate how they can be safely and effectively integrated into modern healthcare. We aim to investigate both their clinical outcomes and real-world relevance using a holistic, patient-centered, and scientifically robust approach.

Name Title Role
Fiona Barlow Mrs Fiona Barlow PhD student
Dr Felicity Bishop Dr Felicity Bishop Research Fellow
Sarah Brien Dr Sarah Brien Senior Research Fellow
Dr Caroline Eyles Dr Caroline Eyles Research Fellow
Andrew Flower Dr Andrew Flower Research Fellow
Sue Hall Mrs Sue Hall PhD student
Clare Hill Miss Clare Hill PhD student
Dr Val Hopwood Dr Val Hopwood Research Fellow
Vicky Irwin Miss Vicky Irwin Research Acupuncturist
George Lewith Professor George Lewith Professor of Health Research
Clare McDermott Miss Clare McDermott Research Fellow