Objective - To evaluate the evidence for and against the effectiveness of homeopathy.Data sources -The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (generally considered to be the most reliable source of evidence) was searched in January 2010.Study selection - Cochrane reviews with the term “homeopathyâ€? in the title, abstract or keywords were considered. Protocols of reviews were excluded. Six articles met the inclusion criteria.Data extraction - Each of the six reviews was examined for specific subject matter; number of clinical trials reviewed; total number of patients involved; and authors’ conclusions. The reviews covered the following conditions: cancer, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma, dementia, influenza and induction of labour.Data synthesis - The findings of the reviews were discussed narratively (the reviews’ clinical and statistical heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis).Conclusions - The findings of currently available Cochrane reviews of studies of homeopathy do not show that homeopathic medicines have effects beyond placebo.