Council For Research In Homoeopathy Research Articles

World Homoeopathy Day 2020: Connecting digitally during the adversities of COVID-19 lockdown

The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), with support from the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, organised its first Webinar on World Homoeopathy Day on 10 April 2020 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of Homoeopathy, Dr Samuel Hahnemann. Considering the need of hour and utilising the advancements of digital platforms, the CCRH decided to organise this webinar focusing on the role of Homoeopathy in COVID-19, for the homoeopathic fraternity and to unite them digitally. The webinar was inaugurated by Shri. Shripad Naik, Minister of State (IC), Ministry of AYUSH; Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Sh. PK Pathak, Additional Secretary; and Sh. Roshan Jaggi, Joint Secretary from the Ministry of AYUSH, also graced the occasion with their live addresses. Keynote speaker Prof. George Vithoulkas, Director, International Academy of Classical Homeopathy, Dr Robbert V Haselen, Member, Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia of United States, and Prof. Aaron To, Director, Living Homoeopathy, Hong Kong, also joined in as valued speakers. Significant deliberations were also made by Dr V. K. Gupta, Chairman, Scientific Advisory Board, CCRH, Dr Anil Khurana, Director General In-charge, CCRH; Dr Raj K Manchanda, Director, Directorate of AYUSH, Government of Delhi; Dr S R K Vidyarthi Director, Ministry of AYUSH; and Dr Subhas Singh, Director, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata. The Council humbly thanks them for their generosity and sparing their valuable time for this event at a short notice.

Asclepias curassavica—A Multicentric, Randomised, Double-Blind Homoeopathic Pathogenetic Trial

Abstract Objective To elicit the pathogenetic response of the drug Asclepias curassavica in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human beings. Methodology Drug Asclepias curassavica was proved by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy through randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled method. The study was conducted at four centres. The drug was proved in two potencies (6C and 30C) on 67 apparently healthy volunteers who were selected after conducting pre-trial medical examination by the medical specialists and routine laboratory investigations. In the first phase, volunteers were given 56 doses (04 doses per day for 14 days) of placebo. In the next two phases, 56 doses (04 doses per day for 14 days) of each potency or placebo were consumed. The symptoms generated during the trial period were noted by the volunteers and elaborated by the Proving Masters. The data obtained from all the four centres was compiled at proving-cum-data processing cell at CCRH headquarters after de-coding. Observations Out of the 44 provers who were on actual drug trial, 21 manifested symptoms. Drug was able to produce symptoms in both the potencies more or less related to every part of the body. Conclusion The pathogenetic responses elicited during the proving trial expands the scope of use of the drug Asclepias curassavica and will benefit the research scholars and clinicians. These symptoms will carry more value when verified clinically.

Homoeopathic medicine – Sepia for the management of menopausal symptoms: A multicentric, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background: Based on the results of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy's previous study, wherein Sepia was indicated and prescribed in maximum number of cases, this study was planned to further validate efficacyof Sepia in the management of menopausal symptoms. Objectives: The study was conducted with the objectives of evaluating the efficacy of homoeopathic medicine – Sepia in the management of menopausal symptoms using 'The Greene Climacteric Scale' (GCS) and the quality of life using Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) scale. Materials and Methods: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted from April 2012 to September 2014 at four research centres of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Perimenopausal cases were screened (n = 471), and those fulfilling the eligibility criteria (n = 88) were enrolled and randomised to receive either homoeopathic intervention, i.e., Sepia (n = 44) or identical placebo (n = 44) and followed up for 6 months to assess them on predefined clinical parameters. The primary outcome was the change in the menopausal complaints assessed using GCS and the secondary outcome measure was change in UQOL scale. Results: Eighty-eight patients were considered for primary outcome analysis. The primary outcome measure, i.e., total score of GCS, when compared after 6 months, was reduced from 30.23 ± 8.1 to 7.86 ± 4.6 in Sepia group (improvement of 73.9%) and from 30.05 ± 8.9 to 12.73 ± 8.3 in placebo group (improvement of 57.63%) (P = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between both the groups, when compared after 6 months (P = 0.001). With respect to secondary outcome, the total UQOL score was 59.09 ± 7.74 for Sepia group and 57.39 ± 7.80 for placebo group at baseline, and 62.43±7.71 for Sepia group and 63.48±7.53 for placebo group after treatment indicating slight difference in quality of life after 6 months. Conclusion: Sepia is able to allay the menopausal symptoms when prescribed on symptomatic indications as per homoeopathic principles.

Exploring the predictive value of specific symptom as prognostic factor: Assessment of group-confined likelihood ratio for symptom ‘Headache’ in 20 lesser-known drugs

Aim: Assessment of group-confined likelihood ratio (GCLR) for the symptom ‘Headache’ from among 20 lesser-known remedies clinically verified by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy during the period 2012–2018. Materials and Methods: Analysis of data of the clinical verification study, which was a multicentric, open-label, observational clinical study conducted at 13 study sites of the council. The 50 medicines that completed the drug proving programme of the council were clinically verified in ascending potencies of 6C, 30C and 200C. Of these, 20 lesser-known medicines allowed analysis of the prevalence and LR of the symptom ‘Headache'. These 20 medicines were ordered according to the prevalence of headache, and LR >1 gave an indication what medicines were more related to headache than others. Results: The symptom ‘Headache’ was recorded in a part of the population: 4582 patients where 20 lesser-known medicines were prescribed. Of these medicines, 8 have a GCLR >1, indicating that the symptom headache could indicate these medicines out of the assessed group of 20. Only 5 had statistically significant confidence interval: Allium sativum, Formicum acidum, Gymnema sylvestre, Avena sativa and Persea americana. Among these, two medicines, Allium sativum and Formicum acidum, have significantly higher GCLR. Conclusion: Of 20 lesser-known homeopathic medicines, two could be considered for the further evaluation of the relationship with headache. These findings should be confirmed in properly organised prognostic factor research in a larger population, not restricted to specific medicines, that enables proper comparison.

A study protocol on comparative randomised controlled trial of Homoeopathy -vs- allopathy in acute otitis media and its recurrence in Children

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common acute infections in children, and injudicious prescription of antibiotics may lead to increase of antibiotic-resistant cases. Homoeopathic treatment may provide a safer and more effective treatment. Objective: Earlier, a pilot study conducted by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) on eighty patients at a single centre showed non-inferiority results. This study shall be undertaken to substantiate the earlier findings. Methods: This will be an open-label, non-inferiority, randomised controlled (parallel arm) trial to be conducted on children in the age group of 2–12 years, suffering from AOM. The trial will include 240 children; each participant shall be randomly selected to receive either individualised homoeopathic medicine or symptomatic allopathic medicine. In case a child does not have ≥50% improvement with assigned treatment on day 3, he/she shall be given antibiotics. Children shall be treated/followed up for a period of 1 year to check recurrence, if any, in both the groups. The primary outcomes are changes in the Tympanic Membrane Examination Scale and Acute Otitis Media-Severity of Symptoms scale, time to improvement in pain through the Facial Pain Scale-Revised between the groups and recurrence (number of episodes, intensity and duration) of AOM between the groups at 1 year. Discussion: The study will consolidate the findings observed during a pilot study conducted by the CCRH at Jaipur, India. It is proposed to compare the role of individualised homoeopathy over allopathy in the treatment of AOM and to assess its role in controlling the recurrence.

A survey regarding awareness and beliefs about Homoeopathy among general population during Magh Mela at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Background and Objective: Homoeopathy is one of the various alternative systems of medicine prevalent in India. A survey was conducted during the month of January–February 2017 in a congregation at Sangam, Allahabad, to know about the awareness of general population about Homoeopathy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on patients and people visiting the health check-up camp and exhibition stall set-up during Magh Mela at Sangam, Allahabad. A self-administered questionnaire was used during the survey, devised by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Results: Of 1144 total respondents, 68.1% had knowledge about Homoeopathy. About 46.6% of respondents believed that it has no side effects and 15.1% believed that it is cost-effective. The diseases for which most of the participants have taken homoeopathic treatment were fever, common cold, constipation and diarrhoea. Conclusion: General population has knowledge about Homoeopathy, but various misconceptions are also prevalent. Awareness campaigns are needed to make people more aware about Homoeopathy and its effectiveness in various disorders.

Homoeopathic drug proving of Mangolia grandiflora: A randomised double blind placebo-controlled trial

Objective: This study was carried out to elicit the pathogenetic response of the drug Magnolia grandiflora in homoeopathic potencies on apparently healthy human beings. Materials and Methods: Drug Magnolia grandiflora was proved by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) through a double-blind placebo-controlled method. The study was conducted at three centres. The drug was proved in two potencies (6C and 30C) on 48 apparently healthy volunteers who were selected after conducting pre-trial medical examinations by the medical specialists and routine laboratory investigations. In the first phase, volunteers were given 56 doses (4 doses per day for 14 days) of placebo. In the next two phases, 56 doses (4 doses per day for 14 days) of each potency or placebo were consumed. Out of 48 provers, 32 were given the actual drug and 16 were given placebo. The symptoms generated during the trial period were noted by the volunteers and elaborated by the proving masters. The data obtained from all the three centres were compiled at the Proving-Cum-Data Processing Cell at CCRH headquarters after decoding. Results: Out of the 32 provers who were on the actual drug trial, 21 manifested symptoms. The drug was able to produce symptoms in each potency in most of the parts of the body. Conclusion: New and proved pathogenetic responses elicited during the proving trial expand the scope of use of the drug Magnolia grandiflora and will benefit the research scholars and clinicians. These symptoms will carry more value when verified clinically.

An open-label pilot study to identify the usefulness of adjuvant homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of cerebral stroke patients

Background: Stroke, the third leading cause for neurological morbidity and mortality has a global annual incidence of 0.2–2.5/1000 population. The clinical sequelae of stroke are often devastating with hemiparesis, depression, walking difficulties and aphasia. It is essential to take measures halting the progression of stroke. Homoeopathic literature mentions many medicines for stroke. Till a pilot study was undertaken to study the usefulness of Homoeopathy as an adjuvant therapy to standard conventional care in stroke patients. Materials and Methods: An open-label pilot study was conducted at Princess Durru Shehvar Children's and General Hospital, Hyderabad, in coordination with Extension Clinical Research Unit of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Fifty patients presenting with episodes of cerebral stroke of the different period were assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Score, prior homoeopathic treatment and after 6 months of treatment. Results: Of 50 patients, 10 patients had stroke more than 1 year and suffering with sequelae, 27 patients had stroke episode between 1 month and 1 year and 13 patients had a stroke episode within 4 weeks. The reduction in NIHSS score after 6 months of treatment was statistically significant in all three groups. The useful medicines found were Causticum (n = 11), Arnica montana (n = 7), Nux vomica (n = 6), Lycopodium (n = 6) and Lachesis (n = 3). Neither patient had worsening signs nor any new infarcts during the study. Conclusion: This pilot study showed encouraging results. Further randomised control trials are suggested to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic medicines in stroke.

National convention on world homoeopathy day: Enhancing quality of research in homoeopathy

A national convention on World Homoeopathy Day was held to commemorate the 262nd birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann on 9th–10th April, 2017 at National Agricultural Science Complex, Pusa, New Delhi, India. The theme of the convention was ‘Enhancing Quality of Research in Homoeopathy’ inspired by the World Health Organization Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023 for achieving Universal Health Coverage. Organised by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, an autonomous research organisation of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, the convention witnessed 11 oral presentations and focused group discussions held in parallel in the main and side hall, respectively. On this occasion, Awards of Excellence such as Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Teacher and Researcher Award, Young Scientist Award and Best Research Paper Award were also given.

Homoeopathic pathogenetic trial of Withania somnifera: A multicentric, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Homoeopathic drug proving being the first step in finding the pathogenetic powers of a drug is an integral part of Homoeopathic system of medicine. Objective: To elicit the pathogenetic response of Withania somnifera in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human provers. Materials and Methods: A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at four centres under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Proving was conducted on 63 relatively healthy provers. All the provers were given 12 doses of placebo divided into 4 doses/day for 3 days during the first phase of the trial. After randomisation, 43 provers in the intervention group were given W. somnifera in 6C and 30C potencies in two phases. In the placebo group, 20 provers were administered unmedicated globules. The symptoms and signs manifested during the trial were noted down by the provers, elaborated by the proving masters and the data compilation on W. somnifera was done at proving-cum-data processing cell. Results: Out of 43 provers who were on actual drug trial, only 15 provers manifested 39 symptoms. The symptoms have been manifested predominantly in 30C potency. Among the objective findings, the drug has shown its effect on kidney, ovaries and helminthic infestation. Conclusion: The pathogenetic response elicited during this trial expands the scope of the use of W. somnifera and needs to be further validated by clinical verification study.

Combined Effects of Constitutional and Organopathic Homeopathic Medicines for Better Improvement of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Cases

Genesis of the Problem: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a histological diagnosis associated with unregulated proliferation of connective tissue, smooth muscle and glandular epithelium. BPH may compress the urethra and result in bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). BPH and BOO have a significant impact on the health of older men and health-care costs. Voiding symptoms have often been attributed to the physical presence of BOO [1, 2].The homoeopathic literature states that a number of constitutional and organopathic medicines are effective in treating patients suffering from BPH. However, the systematic studies on it are too scanty as evidences and the claims are not well-documented [1, 2]. So many arguments are done on this issue of homeopathic medicines [3]. Hence, the objective of the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of either Constitutional medicines (CM) or Organopathic medicines (OM) prescribed alone or Constitutional medicines followed by Organopathic medicines (BCOM) to the patients suffering from BPH. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Dr. A.C. Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India from April 2005 toApril 2008 with financial support of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Govt. of India. Patients were diagnosed as suffering from BPH on the basis of obstructive symptoms, digital rectal characteristics, ultrasonography (for prostate size and residual urine volume, RUV) and uroflowmetry (UFM). All total 180 patients (60 per group) completed treatment and were included in final analysis. Patients were prescribed with constitutional medicines such as Thuja, Conium, Sulph, Lycopodium, Iodium, Pulsatilla, Merc. sol., Bar. carb., Nat.mur., Lyssin, Tuberculinum, Calc. carb. Lachesis, Gelsemium, Lyssin, Tuberculinum, Carcinosin and Staphysagria or organopathic medicines such as Sabal ser., Hydrangea., Chimaphilla., Solidago, Senecio., Triticum., Ferr. pic. and Pic. acid as per their symptoms. Outcome assessment was done on the basis of IPSS, USG and UFM findings, however, clinical images of only ultrasound for RUV and UFM for urine flow rate are presented in the current article. Results and Discussion: In the representative figures of thee patients remarkable improvement were observed in three groups with homeopathic medicines. Figure A, C and E, represent UFM of the patients in OM, CM and BCOM group, respectively before treatment. Figure B, D and F, represent UFM of the above corresponding patients in OM, CM and BCOM group, respectively after treatment. Similarly, Figure A’, C’ and E’, represent UFM of the patients in OM, CM and BCOM group, respectively before treatment. Figure B’, D’ and F’, represent UFM of the above corresponding patients in OM, CM and BCOM group, respectively, after treatment. In all cases, although substantial increase in flow rate and decrease in RUV were observed, the results were more significant in BCOM group in comparison to the other two groups. Therefore, both OM and CM are advised to treat the patients with BPH cases rather than with only OM or CM.

Homoeopathic research in vitiligo: Current scenario

Objective: The objective of the study was to conduct a review of the existing literature on homoeopathic research conducted on Vitiligo. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive online and manual search of research studies on vitiligo through Homoeopathy was conducted to identify publications in international search databases and library of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy published during the period from 2006 to 2016. Relevant research was categorised by study type and appraised according to study design with their clinical outcomes. Results: In this review, 11 articles related to Homoeopathy on vitiligo were identified, of which four clinical observational studies and three case reports were assessed. Conclusion: Studies identify a positive role of Homoeopathy in vitiligo were repigmentation has been reported. The treatment, however, is prolonged and needs to be based on homoeopathic principles of totality and individualized treatment. Further, a larger number of studies on convincing evidence-based parameters including validated scales are essential requirements to document the usefulness of Homoeopathy in vitiligo.

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.

A multicentric, double-blind randomized, homoeopathic pathogenetic trial of Allium sativum

Background: Homoeopathic drug proving is an integral part of Homoeopathic System of Medicine. It is the first step in finding out the pathogenetic powers of a drug. Objective: To elicit the pathogenetic response to Allium sativum in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human provers. Materials and Methods: A multi-center randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted at two centers of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH). Proving was conducted on 33 healthy provers after the pretrial medical examination. All the provers were given 12 doses of placebo divided in 4 doses/day for 3 days during the first phase of the trial. After randomization, in the intervention group (21 provers), Allium sativum (A. sativum) was proved in 6C and 30C potencies, in two phases. In the placebo group, 12 provers were administered placebo in the same manner. The symptoms manifested during the trial period were noted down by the provers and then elaborated by the proving masters. The generated data on A. sativum were then compiled and analyzed at proving-cum-data processing cell at CCRH headquarters. Results: Out of 21 provers who were on actual drug trial, only nine provers 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 A. sativum and will benefit the research scholars and clinicians. The generated symptoms of this drug will carry more value when verified clinically.

Formic acid : A multicentric observational homoeopathic clinical verification trial

Aims: This study was done to clinically verify the symptomatology of Formic acid by ascertaining the symptoms improved during verification and to incorporate new findings (if any) to the known symptomatology of Formic acid. Methods: A multicentric observational clinical verification study was conducted at nine research centers of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy to verify the proving symptoms of rarely used medicine, Formic acid. Two hundred and seventy participants having symptomatological similarity with Formic acid were included and prescribed in 6C, 30C, 200C, and 1M potencies, as per need of each case. The data were compiled in a specially designed Excel spreadsheet for further analysis. The collected data were presented in terms of descriptive statistics. Prevalence of the symptoms in the responding and nonresponding population was compared using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Results: Out of 266 followed up patients, 215 cases responded (80.8%) with 95% confidence interval of 0.75-0.85. The number of symptoms verified was as follows: proving symptoms (n = 11) and new observations (n = 22). The widely emerged new general symptoms, i.e., clean tongue, disturbed sleep, loose stool, tastelessness, and profuse sweat may be worth consideration during prescription of Formic acid. Conclusions: The proving symptoms of Formic acid could be verified clinically, but the correlation of patient-specific symptom needs cautious interpretation. Further replication on larger sample and estimation of likelihood ratio in real-time clinical practice are needed.

International convention on World Homoeopathy Day: Integrating Homoeopathy in health care delivery

An International Convention on World Homoeopathy Day was held to commemorate the 261 st birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann on 9 th -10 th April 2016, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India. The theme of the Convention was Integrating Homoeopathy in Healthcare for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Convention made for an ideal platform for extensive deliberations on the existing global scenario of Homoeopathy, with particular reference to India, strategy building and formulation of national policies for worldwide promotion, safety, quality, and effectiveness of medicines, evolving standards of education, international cooperation, and evidence-based practice of Homoeopathy. Organized jointly by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous research organization of Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis (LMHI), the Convention witnessed presentations of more than 100 papers during 21 technical sessions held in parallel in four halls, each named after homoeopathic stalwarts, viz., Hahnemann, Boenninghansen, Hering, and Kent.

A multicentric observational study to evaluate the role of homoeopathic therapy in vitiligo

Background: Vitiligo has an immense psychological impact on the affected individual and a reason for low self-esteem. Considering the disappointing outcomes, A multicentric open clinical study was undertaken by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, at five institutes and units in India from October 2005 to September 2010. Aims and Objectives: This observational study aimed to see the usefulness of homoeopathic therapy in the management of vitiligo. Materials and Methods: 432 patients of all age groups suffering from vitiligo were enrolled in the study. Out of that, 169 patients completed 2 years of follow-up and were considered for analysis. Homoeopathic medicines, based on the totality of symptoms and repertorization were prescribed. The analysis of the cases was based on the Vitiligo Symptom Score (VSS) and photographs of the patients. Result was analyzed using statistical method of SPSS version 20. Results: The changes in the mean VSS at intervals of every 6 months was found to be statistically significant. Homoeopathic treatment was found to be useful in relieving vitiligo in varying degrees in 126 patients, out of which 4 (2.94%) cases showed marked improvement, 15 (11.03%) cases showed moderate improvement, 77 (56.62%) cases showed mild improvement, and 30 patients although improved, fell in the category of not significant improvement group (below 25% improvement). Ten homoeopathic medicines were found useful in the study of which Sulphur ( n = 27), Arsenicum album ( n = 19), Phosphorus ( n = 19), and Lycopodium clavatum ( n = 10) were the most commonly indicated and useful medicines.

Report on World Homoeopathy Summit organized by Global Homeopathy Foundation

The Global Homeopathy Foundation (GHF) organized the World Homoeopathy Summit (WHS) at Birla Matoshree Sabhaghar, Mumbai, 400020, India on 11-12 April, 2015. Ministry of AYUSH, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Central Council of Homoeopathy and Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia Laboratory were the institutional collaborators. Homoeopathic Medical Association of India, Indian Homoeopathic Medical Association and the Indian Chapter of Liga Medicorum Homeopathica Internationalis supported the event. The WHS was aimed at enhancing research aptitudes of young homoeopaths, increasing clinical proficiency of practitioners, encouraging scientists from pure and applied sciences to associate in fundamental research and also inviting government as well as non government institutions to patronize research in Homoeopathy. About 800 delegates from across the country, mainly practitioners, teaching faculties, postgraduate students, Ph.D. scholars and scientists attended the summit. Scientific sessions on nature of homoeopathic medicine, Evidence and Mechanism of its action were presented by molecular biologists, engineers, physicists, immunologists, pharmacologists, chemists, nano-technologists, zoologists, homeopaths and conventional doctors from some of the premium Universities. The conference ended with panel discussion moderated by Dr. Raj K. Manchanda and Dr. Rajesh Shah. It was recommended to encourage more scientific research and better documentation in Homoeopathy and to review the existing approaches in practice.

Report on National Conference on Ethics, Copyrights, and Plagiarism in Research and Publications

Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India partnered with Society for Social Development and Peoples Action (SDPA) to organize a National Conference on Ethics, Copyrights and Plagiarism in Research & Publications at AYUSH- Sabhagar, New Delhi on 8th August 2015. The conference was aimed at raising awareness about copyright infringement, enhancing knowledge about Intellectual Property Right issues/laws etc and guiding participants to prevent plagiarism. The conference was attended by 125 delegates including Medical and library professionals, researchers and students from ten states across the country. Four scientific sessions on Intellectual property rights- changing concerns, IPR issues in Research & Publications, IPR laws and judicial institution, Internet & Challenges to IPR were held; key speakers of the sessions being Prof. Alka Chawla, Dr. Somen Chakraborty and Dr. Deepankar Mukherjee respectively. The conference concluded with a set of recommendations collated from the papers presented, speeches delivered and individual feedback from the participants. Dr. Raj K. Manchanda in his closing remarks thanked the organising team of both SDPA and CCRH. He further assured to organize events on copyright subjects every year for benefit of all.

Assessing the therapeutic usefulness of Ricinus communis: A multicentric observational clinical verification study

Introduction: Clinical verification is an ongoing research programme of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, under which many symptoms of Indian and rarely used drugs in Homoeopathy have been clinically verified. Objectives: To clinically verify the symptomatology of Ricinus communis as observed during its proving conducted by Council and also to ascertain the clinical symptoms relieved in the process of verification. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twenty-five patients from all age-groups and both sexes were enrolled from the outpatient departments (OPDs) of the institutes and units of the Council following the exclusion and inclusion criteria as per protocol and obtaining written consent. The presenting signs and symptoms were recorded in a predefined case recording proforma and if Ricinus communis was found very closely similar to the symptoms of the patient, the patients were enrolled in the study. The medicine was prescribed in different potencies as per the need of the case and in accordance with homoeopathic principles. The progress was noted in a follow-up sheet to determine the effects of the medicine, in relieving the symptoms of the patient. Result: Forty eight out of fifty three symptoms obtained from proving of Ricinus communis could be clinically verified. The characteristic indications were left-sided affinity, aggravation from sun, amelioration in open air, dryness of mucous membrane of gastrointestinal tract, dissatisfaction leading to irritability and anger. The usefulness of the medicine was mostly marked in relieving headache, coryza, aphthae, gastritis, diarrhoea, constipation and acne. All the verified symptoms indicated the scope of its therapeutic action. Conclusion: Ricinus communis can be considered as an important medicine for the management of acne, aphthae, backache, colic, constipation, coryza, cough, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, fever, gastritis, headache and irritability.