Centesimal Potencies Research Articles

Effects of Blatta orientalis on Treatment of Bronchial Asthma: A Prospective, Non-Randomised, Open-Label, Observational Study

Abstract Background Bronchial asthma is a globally significant non-communicable disease with major public health consequences for both children and adults, including high morbidity, and relatively low mortality compared with other chronic diseases. It is a chronic disorder that compels the patient to take lifelong medications including bronchodilators. Aim This study was undertaken to ascertain the effects of Blatta orientalis in centesimal potency on the treatment of bronchial asthma assessed by spirometry and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) Score. Method A prospective, non-randomised, open-label, observational study was conducted at Dr. MPK Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, from 2015 to 2016. Patients between 5 and 80 years of age suffering from dyspnoea, cough with expectoration and wheezing were screened. The convenience sampling technique was used to enrol 120 patients, after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. The patients of Bronchial asthma were treated with potentized Blatta orientalis for 6 months. Patients were diagnosed and assessed on the basis of the ACQ Score by Elizabeth Junipers and spirometry findings. Blatta orientalis was prescribed to all patients in increasing potency from 30C. The paired t-test was applied to calculate the statistical significance of the study. Result Out of 120 patients, 100 had completed the study with follow-up of 6 months. A significant difference was found in pre- and post-treatment spirometry—that is, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio—from baseline to 6 months (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: –10.27 ± 4.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –11.25 to –9.28; p = 0.00001). Also, significant difference was seen in the ACQ Score from baseline to 6 months (mean ± SD: 19.44 ± 8.69; 95% CI: 17.71–21.16; p = 0.00001). Conclusion The study findings are encouraging enough to prescribe Blatta orientalis in potency in cases of bronchial asthma. Further systematic replication is required. Conducted as randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-ups for definite conclusions.

To study the role of centesimal potency in reducing pain of patients with osteoarthritis of knee joint

To study the role of centesimal potency in reducing pain of patients with osteoarthritis of knee joint

Pelvic inflammatory disease treated with homoeopathic medicine Calcarea carbonica: A case Report

Introduction: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a polymicrobial infection of the upper genital tract characterised clinically by triad of symptoms and signs: pelvic pain, cervical motion with adnexal tenderness and fever. Conventional treatment is with broad-spectrum antibiotics. The alternative medicine, especially Homoeopathy, is the second choice of therapy as per the WHO. Case reports of PID in the medical literature are scant. We aim to report a case treated with homoeopathic constitutional medicine in a woman suffering from PID. Case Summary: A 29-year-old female presented with the symptoms of white discharge per vagina, constant dull pain in the lower abdomen, low backache, fever and lassitude for 2 weeks. Clinical findings and ultrasound of the whole abdomen suggested PID. Individualised homoeopathic medicine Calcarea carbonica was prescribed in centesimal potency which showed a positive role in the treatment of PID. Causal attribution of changes in her condition to the homoeopathic treatment was depicted by modified Naranjo criteria. Future observational studies and randomised control trials are suggested to ascertain the efficacy of homoeopathy in the cases of PID.

Treatment of Urinary Stones with Constitutional Homoeopathic Medicines—Two Evidence-Based Case Reports

Introduction Urolithiasis is a very common disease. Stones in any part of the urinary tract can produce symptoms and complication, but because the lower part of the ureter is the narrowest part of the urinary tract, stones get lodged easily producing pain and haematuria commonly. If we keep in mind the limitation and complication of the surgical procedure, homoeopathy can provide a real solution for such conditions. There are several ways of homeopathic prescription, such as based on keynotes, general symptoms, constitution, miasm, etc. Two cases of ureteric calculi are presented here, who were prescribed on the basis of constitutional symptoms and got good results. Case Profile In the first case, the only symptom was pain in the right flank, and as per ultrasonography (USG) report, there was 7.4 mm calculus in the lower part of the right ureter. In the second case, there were symptoms like pain in the left flank, burning urination and haematuria. The USG report confirmed 6 mm stone in the left ureterovesical junction (UVJ). After detailed case taking, both the cases were prescribed on the basis of constitutional symptoms. Lycopodium in 50 millesimal potencies (0/1–0/4) in the first case and Phosphorus in centesimal potency (1M) in the second case provided prompt relief of the symptoms within a short period. USG reports of both the cases also confirmed no stones after approximately 2 months of treatment. Conclusion Homeopathy provided good relief in two cases of ureteric calculi; constitutional medicines were found useful in combating acute ureteric colic and facilitating expulsion of stones. Because the constitutional symptoms matched, the polychrest homoeopathic medicines like Lycopodium and Phosphorus produced their best effect. But the inferences drawn from the two case reports may not be sufficient to reach a definitive conclusion. So clinical trials to establish the efficacy of constitutional remedies in the treatment of ureteric calculi are suggested.

Retrospective estimation of prevalence and likelihood ratio of general symptoms of 29 less frequently prescribed homoeopathic medicines by clinical verification

Context: Scientific assessment of proving symptoms or already recorded symptoms in patients refers to Clinical Verification (CV). There are serious shortcomings of existing methods of CV, mostly arising from qualitative observations made on absolute occurrence of symptoms instead of relative ones. This problem can be resolved by the use of the Likelihood Ratio (LR). Aim: This study aims to estimate the prevalence and LRs of general symptoms of 29 less frequently prescribed homoeopathic medicines. Methods: The study was multicentric, open and observational. Patients were enrolled as per pre-specified eligibility criteria. Alongside, presenting complaints and general symptoms were taken into account during prescription. Medicines were prescribed in centesimal potencies. LR calculation of general symptoms was based on clinician-rated outcomes as 'improved' and 'not improved' of presenting complaints and was divided into three sections: (1) when the prevalence of a symptom was available from literature, LR was calculated by assessing the prevalence of that symptom in the responder sample, (2) in the absence of so, calculation was restricted to mean prevalence data from study sample ('confined LR') and (3) 'confined LRs' were not calculated for symptoms whose prevalence were not recorded for at least five medicines and were kept for estimation in future. Results: Of 166 general symptoms of 29 medicines, LRs and confined LRs >1.5 were elicited for 6 and 49 symptoms, respectively. Conclusion: In spite of considerable caveats, it is the first insight into prevalence and LRs of general symptoms of less frequently prescribed homoeopathic medicines. Further research is warranted.

Case studies for treatment of warts with Homoeopathy

Warts are the growth of skin resulting from human papillomavirus infection. These may be single, multiple, smooth, or cauliflower-like and are generally treated by applying medicine externally or surgical excision procedure. Homoeopathy has a major role in the treatment of warts and most of the homoeopathic doctors use medicine in centesimal potencies. Five cases of warts were treated, two cases with centesimal potencies, and three cases treated with fifty millesimal potencies. Cases treated with fifty millesimal potencies responded more quickly than centesimal potencies without aggravating the complaints and without applying any external medicines. There is a possibility that fifty millesimal potencies have higher beneficial effects, in the treatment of warts, which can be explored further.

A multicentric randomized clinical trial of homoeopathic medicines in fifty millesimal potencies vis-à -vis centesimal potencies on symptomatic uterine fibroids

Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of homoeopathic medicines in fifty millesimal (LM) potencies vis-à -vis centesimal (CH) potencies on symptomatic uterine fibroids.Materials and Methods: A multicentric randomized clinical trial was conducted at six centers under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Patients were screened for symptomatic uterine fibroids with the preset inclusion and exclusion criteria. A consultant specialized in obstetrics and gynecology was engaged at each center to screen and follow-up the enrolled patients. Homoeopathic physicians engaged in the study were responsible for prescription and follow up for 12 months. The primary outcome was changes in symptoms of uterine fibroid on a visual analog scale (VAS) of 0–10 and findings through ultrasonography (USG) between LM and CH potencies. The secondary outcome was to assess the changes in uterine fibroid symptom quality of life questionnaire (UFSQOL). Data analysis was done as per intention to treat (ITT) analysis.Results: Of 216 patients enrolled in the study (LM: 108 and CH: 108), 209 patients were analyzed under modified ITT (LM: 106, CH: 103). Both LM and CH potencies were equally effective in reducing the symptoms (percentage change) due to uterine fibroid on VAS scale after 1 year of treatment (P > 0.05). The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and subdomains of UFSQOL also showed equal effectiveness in both the groups (P = 0.05). However, no difference was observed in all the USG findings except for uterine volume (P = 0.03). There was overall difference before and after homoeopathic treatment irrespective of assigned groups, i.e., LM or CH (P < 0.05) in all the above parameters. The medicines frequently prescribed were: Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Lycopodium, Sepia, Phosphorus, Calcarea carbonica, and Natrum muriaticum.Conclusion: LM and CH potencies are equally effective in giving symptomatic relief to patients suffering from symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Evaluating the usefulness of 50 millesimal potencies in the treatment of chronic diseases - A retrospective study

Introduction: The 50 millesimal potency, is not fully utilized in our day to day practice. This retrospective study was done to reveal a new horizon for the physicians who use it occasionally and an eye opener for those who have never tried it. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the usefulness of 50 Millesimal potency of indicated medicine in the treatment of chronic diseases from a retrospective study. Materials and Methods: Cases treated with 50 Millesimal potency (LM) during January-May 2014, were screened and based on eligibility criteria, 50 cases were selected to study retrospectively. Treatment outcome was analyzed based on follow-up criteria. Data were statistically analyzed with Chi-square test in GNU PSPP Software. Results: 50 Millesimal potencies have the potential to give significant improvement (P = 0.01) in the treatment of chronic diseases. There were no cases reported with aggravation. The action of LM potency is not influenced (P = 0.97) by previously used Centesimal potency. Constitutional prescription has proved to have significant (P = 0.01) association with treatment outcome with LM potency, whereas Sector prescription (P = 0.12) does not. Irrespective of age, gender, and duration of illness, 50 Millesimal potencies act advantageously. Conclusion: The data suggest that 50 Millesimal potencies have significant beneficial effects in the treatment of chronic diseases.

A study on drug utilization and prescription habits of physicians in a government homeopathic hospital in West Bengal, India

Improper prescribing habits and inappropriate drug use lead to serious health and economic consequences. This study was undertaken to evaluate drug utilization services and prescription patterns of homeopathic doctors in a government homeopathic teaching hospital in India. No standardized homeopathic drug use indicators are available. The researchers used indicators for health care setting (drug availability)-modified prescribing indicators and patient care indicators, based on World Health Organization's core drug use indicators. A cross-sectional, prospective, institutional, observational study of 2-month duration with record analysis was conducted on 600 patients visiting seven different outpatient departments (OPDs) for the first time at Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India, using the developed indicators. Overall availability of prescribed drugs was quite satisfactory (92.28%). Centesimal potencies accounted for the majority of prescriptions (74.76%). There was a poor record of diagnosis (39.17%) except in the OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics (68.48%, P < 0.01) and Dermatology (64.58%, P < 0.01). Records of investigational findings and ongoing therapies, if any, were also poor except OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Pediatrics. Structure of prescriptions was maintained satisfactorily in all the OPDs. Though tendency of using 'individualized homeopathy' predominated, there also existed the use of 'polypharmacy'. Mean consultation time was 5.9 min. Labeling was extremely poor and is an area needing improvement. The prescriptions were highly legible. This was a preliminary study, conducted for the first time in homeopathy using newly developed indicators that yield meaningful results. Further studies are necessary in order to evaluate the different factors involved and to plan future interventions to improve the quality of care in healthcare settings.

Panorama dermoscopique des alopécies

Improper prescribing habits and inappropriate drug use lead to serious health and economic consequences. This study was undertaken to evaluate drug utilization services and prescription patterns of homeopathic doctors in a government homeopathic teaching hospital in India.No standardized homeopathic drug use indicators are available. The researchers used indicators for health care setting (drug availability)-modified prescribing indicators and patient care indicators, based on World Health Organization's core drug use indicators. A cross-sectional, prospective, institutional, observational study of 2-month duration with record analysis was conducted on 600 patients visiting seven different outpatient departments (OPDs) for the first time at Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India, using the developed indicators.Overall availability of prescribed drugs was quite satisfactory (92.28%). Centesimal potencies accounted for the majority of prescriptions (74.76%). There was a poor record of diagnosis (39.17%) except in the OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics (68.48%, P < 0.01) and Dermatology (64.58%, P < 0.01). Records of investigational findings and ongoing therapies, if any, were also poor except OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Pediatrics. Structure of prescriptions was maintained satisfactorily in all the OPDs. Though tendency of using ‘individualized homeopathy’ predominated, there also existed the use of ‘polypharmacy’. Mean consultation time was 5.9 min. Labeling was extremely poor and is an area needing improvement. The prescriptions were highly legible.This was a preliminary study, conducted for the first time in homeopathy using newly developed indicators that yield meaningful results. Further studies are necessary in order to evaluate the different factors involved and to plan future interventions to improve the quality of care in healthcare settings.

Effect of individualized homoeopathic treatment in influenza like illness: A multicenter, single blind, randomized, placebo controlled study

Background: In the past decade the upsurge of influenza throughout the globe was significant and in recent years this has resurfaced showing failures of all the preventive and therapeutic measures against it. Thus, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of Influenza like illness (primary objective) and to compare the complication rate among patients receiving homoeopathic medication as compared to the patients receiving placebo and also to compare the efficacy of LM potency vis-ΰ-vis Centesimal potency (secondary objective). Material and Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, triple arm placebo controlled trial conducted at nine Institutes and Units of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) from June 2009 to December 2010. The patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomized to LM, Centesimal and Placebo groups. Homoeopathic interventions were given as per the principles of homoeopathy. Symptoms of Influenza like illness (ILI) were assessed as per validated scales. Data analysis was done using statistical package of SPSS 20.0 version. Each symptom was compared for 10 days among the allocated groups by using Kruskal wallis test and bonferroni correction for the multiple comparisons. Results: Out of 739 screened cases, 447 cases were eligible for enrolment comprising of LM (n=152), (n=147) and placebo (n=148) cases. There was a significant difference in temperature from 2 nd day onwards in LM and Centesimal groups. The significant improvement was observed in headache and myalgia on 1 st day in both the treatment groups. Likewise, significant improvement was noted in malaise on 2 nd day in both the groups; sore throat on 1 st day in LM and 2 nd day in Centesimal; fatigue on 2 nd day in LM and on 3 rd day in Centesimal group; nasal complaints on 2 nd day in LM and 1 st day in Centesimal group; chill on 3 rd day in LM group and 1 st day in Centesimal group and in sweat on 1 st day in the treatment groups. Cough improved significantly from 3 rd day in both the groups. Conclusion: The study revealed the significant effect of individualized homoeopathic treatment in the patients suffering from ILI with no significant difference between LM and Centesimal groups. The complication/sequel rate was also significantly less in the intervention groups.

Homoeopathic individualized LM-potencies versus Centesimal potencies for pain management of cervical spondylosis: A multicenter prospective randomized exploratory clinical study

Objective:Primary objective was to assess the feasibility for a further definite study to compare the effectiveness of LM-vs-CM homoeopathic potencies in reducing pain due to cervical spondylosis. Method:A multi center prospective randomized clinical pilot study was conducted by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy at its three centers during June 2009 - June 2010. Out of 148 patients screened, 56 patients were enrolled and randomized as per the pre-set inclusion criteria. However 54 patients, LM group (n=28) and CM group (n=26) were analyzed. Pain was assessed using visual analog scale. The primary end point for pain from 1 to 60 days was calculated using Area under the curve method. Secondary outcome was to assess the quality of life using WHO QoL Bref questionnaire. Medicines were prescribed to the enrolled patients on the basis of their totality of symptoms and according to principles of homeopathy. Results:AUC for pain was significantly less in the LM group [Median (IQR): 112 (86 to 299); p= 0.007] after the prescription of homeopathic medicines. Overall quality of life of the patients after homeopathic medication showed significant improvement in the WHO-BREF domains: Physical, psychological, and Environmental only. Conclusion:Homeopathic medicines in LM potencies are better than CM potencies for pain management of cervical spondylosis. Further blinded RCT can be conducted for validation of the results.

A multicentric, double-blind randomized, homoeopathic pathogenetic trial of Caesalpinia bonducella

Objective:To elicit the pathogenetic response of Caesalpinia bonducella in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human volunteers. Methodology:The drug Caesalpinia bonducella was proved by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) through randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The proving was conducted at three centres. The drug was proved in 6 & 30 centesimal potencies on 50 apparently healthy volunteers, declared eligible after their pre-trial medical examinations by the medical specialists and routine laboratory investigations. In first phase of proving, provers were given 56 doses of placebo divided in 04 doses per day for 14 days. In next two phases, 56 doses of pre-selected potencies or placebo as per the randomization were administered in divided doses same as in first phase. The symptoms manifested during the trial period were noted down by the provers and elaborated by the Proving Masters. The generated data of the drug from all three centres were compiled at provingcum- data processing cell of CCRH headquarters after de-coding. Observations:Out of 34 provers who were on actual drug trial, only 12 manifested symptoms. Drug was able to manifest symptoms in both the potencies, in more or less every part of the body. Conclusion:The pathogenetic response elicited during the proving trial, expands the scope of use of the drug Caesalpinia bonducella and will benefit the research scholars and clinicians. The generated symptoms of this drug will carry more value when verified clinically.

A multi-centric, double-blind randomized, homoeopathic pathogenetic trial of Buxus sempervirens

Objective:To elicit the pathogenetic response of Buxus sempervirens Linn. in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human volunteers. Methodology: Buxus sempervirens drug was proved by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) through randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled method. The proving was conducted at three centres during 2007-08. The drug was proved in 6 & 30 centesimal potencies on 57 apparently healthy volunteers, declared eligible after their pre-trial medical examination by the medical specialists and routine laboratory investigations. In its first phase of proving, volunteers were given 56 doses of placebo divided in 4 doses per day for 14 days. In the next two phases, 56 doses of pre-selected potencies or placebo as per the randomization were consumed in divided doses same as in first phase. The symptoms generated during the trial period were noted down by the volunteers and elaborated by the Proving Masters. The generated data of the drug from all three centres was compiled at the proving-cum-data processing cell at CCRH headquarters after de-coding. Observations:Out of 40 provers who were on actual drug trial, only 23 manifested symptoms. The drug was able to generate symptoms in both the potencies to every part of the body. Conclusion: The pathogenetic response elicited during the proving trial, expands the scope of use of the drug Buxus sempervirens and will benefit the research scholars and clinicians. The generated symptoms of this drug will carry more value when verified clinically.

Use of homeopathic preparations in phytopathological models and in field trials: a critical review

The literature on the applications of homeopathy for controlling plant diseases in both plant pathological models and field trials was first reviewed by Scofield in 1984. No other review on homeopathy in plant pathology has been published since, though much new research has subsequently been carried out using more advanced methods. To conduct an up-to-date review of the existing literature on basic research in homeopathy using phytopathological models and experiments in the field. A literature search was carried out on publications from 1969 to 2009, for papers that reported experiments on homeopathy using phytopathological models (in vitro and in planta) and field trials. The selected papers were summarized and analysed on the basis of a Manuscript Information Score (MIS) to identify those that provided sufficient information for proper interpretation (MIS>or=5). These were then evaluated using a Study Methods Evaluation Procedure (SMEP). A total of 44 publications on phytopathological models were identified: 19 papers with statistics, 6 studies with MIS>or=5. Publications on field were 9, 6 with MIS>or=5. In general, significant and reproducible effects with decimal and centesimal potencies were found, including dilution levels beyond the Avogadro's number. The prospects for homeopathic treatments in agriculture are promising, but much more experimentation is needed, especially at a field level, and on potentisation techniques, effective potency levels and conditions for reproducibility. Phytopathological models may also develop into useful tools to answer pharmaceutical questions.

Effects of homeopathic arsenic on tobacco plant resistance to tobacco mosaic virus.: Theoretical suggestions about system variability, based on a large experimental data set

Context: This research aimed at verifying the efficacy of homeopathic treatments by plant-based bioassays, which may be suitable for basic research, because they lack placebo effects and provide large datasets for statistical analyses. Objective: To evaluate the effects of homeopathic treatments of arsenic trioxide (As 2O 3) on tobacco plants subjected to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) inoculation as biotic stress. Design: Blind, randomized experiment using tobacco leaf disks. Materials and methods: Tobacco plants ( Nicotiana tabacum L. cultivar Samsun) carrying the TMV resistance gene N. TMV inoculated leaf disks were floated for 3 days in the following: • Distilled water (control) • H 2O 5 and 45 decimal and centesimal potencies • As 2O 3 5 and 45 decimal and centesimal potencies The main outcome measures is the number of hypersensitive lesions observed in a leaf disk. Results: Homeopathic treatments of arsenic induce two effects on the plant: (i) increased resistance to TMV; (ii) decrease variability between experiments (system variability). Conclusions: In this experimental model two actions of homeopathic treatment were detected: decrease in system variability and enhancement of the natural tendency of the system towards an ‘equilibrium point’.

A trial of homoeopathic treatment of leg ulcers

The clinical efficacy of homoeopathically prepared sulphur, silica and carbo-vegetabilis (SSC), administered at 6 centesimal potency (1 × 10-12 mol-1), was determined in a randomized clinical trial. The study recruited 23 patients from clinics at Southport and Formby Hospital, Southport, and Queen Victoria Hospital, Morecambe. The subjects were randomly allocated to the test group (nine patients) or control group (seven patients) and conventional medicine and nursing care was continued during the study period. Patients unwilling to be treated homoeopathically, or for whom the homoeopathic treatment would have been contraindicated, were allocated to a placebo group (seven patients). Ulcer measurements over the mean treatment period of 4.2 weeks suggested that the addition of SSC to the patients' treatments enhanced ulcer healing. Despite the short assessment period, the results were encouraging and further investigation into the efficacy of the addition of SSC into leg ulcer treatment plans is warranted.

Hepatroprotective action of potentized lycopodium clavatum L.

A high potency of Lycopodium clavatum Linn. (200th centesimal potency) is tested for its hepatoprotective action against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rat. It has been established from biochemical and histopathological studies that at least 4 doses of Lycopodium 200 can control the CCl 4-induced alteration of plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, acetylcholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin and urea. Protective action of the drug has also been confirmed by microanatomical studies on hepatic tissues.