Homeopathic Complex Research Articles

Evaluation of a homeopathic and phytotherapic complex (Lymdiaral®) in the clinical management of breast oedema following cancer treatment

Evaluation of a homeopathic and phytotherapic complex (Lymdiaral®) in the clinical management of breast oedema following cancer treatment

Effect of a homeopathic complex medicine on state and trait anxiety and sleep disorders: an observational study

Effect of a homeopathic complex medicine on state and trait anxiety and sleep disorders: an observational study

Role of a homeopathic complex (VC 15 forte®) in fatigue induced by radiotherapy treatment

Role of a homeopathic complex (VC 15 forte®) in fatigue induced by radiotherapy treatment

Comparative evaluation of a homeopathic complex medication versus conventional treatment in prevention and treatment of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in paediatrics

Comparative evaluation of a homeopathic complex medication versus conventional treatment in prevention and treatment of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in paediatrics

Morphometry of white muscle fibers and performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings treated with methyltestosterone or a homeopathic complex

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), are widely used in fish farming, hormonal treatments are used to increase productivity. Studies of the characteristics of the fiber types are important in species that have well developed muscle mass, such as Nile tilapia. A total of 4800 post-larval fish were randomly assigned by tank to receive one of three treatments: Control (30°GL alcohol), Homeopathic complex (Homeopatila RS) or Hormone (17-α-methyltestosterone) supplemented in the feed for 28 days. Survival and morphological parameters were measured at day 45. At day 45, the survival rates were 54.1% (Control), 87.8% (Homeopathy), 50.3% (Hormone). The mean final weight for Homeopathy was statistically significantly lower (1.07 g) than the other two groups: Control (1.81 g) and Hormone (2.04 g). Mean total lengths were Control (4.75 cm), Hormone (4.49 cm), statistically significantly different from Homeopathy (3.83 cm). Average partial length, trunk length, height and body width were significantly lower for Homeopathy than Control or Hormone (p<0.05) Homeopathy treated fish had significantly greater muscle fiber diameter than the other two groups. Fish treated with the homeopathic complex had improved survival and muscle fiber hypertrophy, but were smaller (probably related to increased survival and overcrowding) compared to fingerlings treated with synthetic hormone or control.

Effects of two homeopathic complexes on bovine sperm mitochondrial activity

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two homeopathic complexes Ubichinon compositum® (Ubi comp) and Coenzyme compositum ad us. vet.® (CoQ10 comp) on bovine sperm mitochondrial activity. Sperm viability, acrosomal integrity and sperm chromatin structure were estimated to detect the possible side effect of complexes on other sperm parameters. Mitochondrial activity was significantly enhanced by both Ubi comp (P<0.01) and CoQ10 comp (P<0.05). No effects were detected in other tested sperm parameters. The tested homeopathic complex medicines stimulate the mitochondrial activity of bovine sperm without effects on their viability, acrosomal integrity or chromatin structure. The possibility that this translates into improved fertilization capacity in artificial insemination should investigated.

Treatment of Vertigo with a Homeopathic Complex Remedy Compared with Usual Treatments

The increasing interest in alternative medical practices has led to a number of controlled studies on herbal and homeopathic agents. This paper presents the results of a meta-analysis of four recent clinical trials evaluating the homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel (VH) compared with usual therapies (betahistine, Ginkgo biloba extract, dimenhydrinate) for vertigo in a total of 1388 patients. Two trials were observational studies and the other two were randomised double-blind controlled trials. The duration of treatment (6-8 weeks) and dosage were comparable in all studies. Treatments were evaluated for the variables "number of vertigo episodes", "intensity of episodes" and "duration of episodes". As the studies differed in the age of patients and in the baseline values of vertigo, the individual reductions of number, intensity and duration of episodes were adjusted on equal age and baseline values (total means). An analysis of variance (with studies as random effects) showed no relevant influence of studies on the adjusted reductions and no relevant interaction between studies and treatment effects. The meta-analysis of all four trials showed equivalent reductions with VH and with control treatment: mean reduction of the number of daily episodes 4.0 for VH and 3.9 for control (standard error 0.11 for both groups); mean reduction of the duration (on a scale 0-4) for VH 1.1 and for the control 1.0 (standard error 0.03 for both groups); mean reduction of the intensity (on a scale 0-4) for VH 1.18 and for the control 1.8 (standard error 0.03 for both groups). In the non-inferiority analysis from all trials, VH was non-inferior in all variables. The results show the applicability of meta-analyses on the data from studies with homeopathicdrugs and support the results from the individual studies indicating good efficacy and tolerability of VH in patients with vertigo.

Advances in homeopathy and immunology: a review of clinical research

The present paper reviews the clinical research carried out over the past three decades to evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathy for the treatment of respiratory allergies, common upper respiratory tract infections, otorhinolaryngologic complaints, and rheumatic diseases. We include in the analysis both randomised and non-randomised trials, assigning them different weightings in the final balance of evidence, on the basis of semi-quantitative criteria. Overall, the literature concerning a total of 83 original studies suggests that homeopathy may have significant effects in some conditions, e.g. Galphimia glauca (low homeopathic dilutions/dynamizations) in allergic oculorhinitis, Anas barbariae (high homeopathic dilution/dynamization) in influenza-like syndromes, classical individualised homeopathy in otitis, in allergic complaints and in fibromyalgia, and a few low-potency homeopathic complexes in sinusitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, arthritis. The evidence for individualised homeopathic therapy in the field of upper respiratory tract infections and for homeopathic immunotherapy in respiratory allergies is more conflicting. Pragmatic equivalence trials suggest that, in primary care, homeopathic treatment is not inferior to conventional treatment. A larger number of observational studies and of clinical trials -- conducted in a methodologically correct manner without altering the treatment setting-- are needed before sure conclusions concerning the application of homeopathy for specific diseases can be drawn.

Treatment with at homeopathic complex medication modulates mononuclear bone marrow cell differentiation.

A homeopathic complex medication (HCM), with immunomodulatory properties, is recommended for patients with depressed immune systems. Previous studies demonstrated that the medication induces an increase in leukocyte number. The bone marrow microenvironment is composed of growth factors, stromal cells, an extracellular matrix and progenitor cells that differentiate into mature blood cells. Mice were our biological model used in this research. We now report in vivo immunophenotyping of total bone marrow cells and ex vivo effects of the medication on mononuclear cell differentiation at different times. Cells were examined by light microscopy and cytokine levels were measured in vitro. After in vivo treatment with HCM, a pool of cells from the new marrow microenvironment was analyzed by flow cytometry to detect any trend in cell alteration. The results showed decreases, mainly, in CD11b and TER-119 markers compared with controls. Mononuclear cells were used to analyze the effects of ex vivo HCM treatment and the number of cells showing ring nuclei, niche cells and activated macrophages increased in culture, even in the absence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Cytokines favoring stromal cell survival and differentiation in culture were induced in vitro. Thus, we observe that HCM is immunomodulatory, either alone or in association with other products.

An exploratory double-blind randomised placebo controlled trial in rheumatoid arthritis to evaluate whether the effects of homeopathy are attributable to the consultation process, or the homeopathic remedy

Background We evaluated the efficacy of homeopathic intervention as an adjuvant treatment in the management of stable rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An exploratory randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial using 5 treatment arms was designed to identify if any clinical benefits were due to the homeopathic consultation, the remedy or both. Methods Eighty-three RA patients with active stable disease who were receiving conventional therapy for the preceding 3 months were randomized to homeopathic consultation or no consultation. Those receiving consultation were further randomised to individualised homeopathy, complex homeopathy or placebo. Those having no consultation received a homeopathic complex or placebo (individualised homeopathy can only be prescribed within consultation). Treatment was 24 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up. Co-primary outcomes: A 20% global improvement [American College of Rheumatology, ACR20 criteria] and patient global assessment (PGA). Secondary outcomes: Disease Assessment Score (DAS28), tender and swollen joint count, morning stiffness, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), visual analogue scales (VAS) of pain, physician and patient global assessment of treatment, and inflammatory markers. Analysis was by intention to treat using longitudinal analytical methods comparing changes from baseline to end of treatment, to identify consultation, treatment and interaction effects. Results Seventy-seven patients were included in the ITT analysis. There was no significant difference for either of the two primary outcomes. Patients receiving consultation demonstrated significant improvement in DAS28 score [mean difference=−0.70 (SE 0.251), 95% CI 0.208, 1.192, p =0.005], swollen joint count [mean difference=−2.47, 95% CI 0.151, 0.719, p =0.003] and functional status [mean HAQ score difference −0.02, 95% CI −0.046, −0.001, p =0.038] as compared to those not receiving a consultation. Patients receiving individualised homeopathy significantly increased positive mood compared to homeopathic complex or placebo [mean score difference 7.45, 95% CI 1.51, 13.38, p =0.015]. Interaction effects confirmed that receiving individualised homeopathy (with consultation) resulted in significant improvement in DAS28, joint swelling, functional status, joint tenderness and mood. Adverse events were minor with no treatment group differences observed. Conclusion The primary outcomes are negative. The secondary outcomes show that the homeopathic consultation mediates moderate clinically relevant benefit in relatively stable RA and that the addition of individualised remedy to consultation provides further clinical benefit for patient's subjective experience of their RA. These findings appear robust and warrant further exploration in a cost-effectiveness study

CAM-orientated therapy for age-related vertigo in cases of suspected arteriosclerosis

Many elderly patients with comorbid conditions such as hypertension or lipid disorders suffer from vertigo and dizziness, one of the 10 symptoms that are most commonly seen in general medical practice. The prevalence of these symptoms increases with age. Patients reported feeling unsteady, to stagger, or to have tendencies to fall. Overall, these symptoms interfere with patients’ ability of coping with everyday tasks. In up to 80% of patients, no vestibular findings are apparent, meaning that the feeling of vertigo is likely to be related to circulatory problems, orthostatic disorders or psychological causes. Symptomatic treatment with customary allopathic vertigo medication may cause side effects and interaction with other prescribed medications. These interactions most often occur with sedatives, antidepressants, anaesthetics, diuretics, anticoagulants, barbiturates and alcohol. Given the high prevalence of symptoms of vertigo and dizziness (ICD-Classification R42) in non-hospitalised elderly people, and taking into account the clinically relevant side effects of allopathic medication, the effectiveness and tolerability of the homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel in the treatment of vertigo and dizziness in daily clinical practice (general medicine) were studied. In the context of outpatient treatment, patients suffering from vertigo (age>50, with suspected arteriosclerosis by history or with documented hypertension, lipid disorders and other risk factors) were enrolled in a non-interventional study design. The observational cohort study, with a maximum duration of nine months, was carried out in 183 practices with an initial group of 2141 participants, mainly between the ages of 70 and 80. The determination of dosage and daily monotherapy regime were the responsibility of the physician, mostly daily doses of 3×1 or 3×2 tablets were taken. The study shows a decrease in the daily duration of vertigo- and dizziness attacks, as well as an improvement of symptoms, which eased the coping with everyday tasks. Following the conclusion of the study, physicians and patients were both satisfied with the results, overall. Furthermore, the likelihood in both groups to prescribe or take this homeopathic complex preparation again was very high. Therefore, the prescription of the homeopathic complex preparation Vertigoheel can be seen as a safe and effective long-term treatment for patients diagnosed with unspecific symptoms of dizziness and vertigo in an outpatient setting. In summary, elderly patients who present with vertigo- and dizziness symptoms should be investigated with particular attention to possible neurootological causes of vertigo. If the symptoms – as is the case for most patients – do not belong to vestibular or neurological causes, treatment recommendations for allopathic drugs are limited, due to their side effects. The findings of the presented non-interventional study show the favourable long-term effect of a CAM-orientated approach. Given the high prevalence of vertigo and dizziness and the serious impact of orthopaedic trauma following falls, this warrants further studies in the management of unspecific symptoms of dizziness and vertigo in elderly people. CAM-orientated treatment approaches might be a welcome therapeutic option in these studies.

Homeopathic Treatment ofArabidopsis thalianaPlants Infected withPseudomonas syringae

Homeopathic basic research is still in the screening phase to identify promising model systems that are adapted to the needs and peculiarities of homeopathic medicine and pharmacy. We investigated the potential of a common plant-pathogen system, Arabidopsis thaliana infected with the virulent bacteria Pseudomonas syringae, regarding its response towards a homeopathic treatment. A. thaliana plants were treated with homeopathic preparations before and after infection. Outcome measure was the number of P. syringae bacteria in the leaves of A. thaliana, assessed in randomized and blinded experiments. After a screening of 30 homeopathic preparations, we investigated the effect of Carbo vegetabilis 30x, Magnesium phosphoricum 30x, Nosode 30x, Biplantol (a homeopathic complex remedy), and Biplantol 30x on the infection rate in five or six independent experiments in total. The screening yielded significant effects for four out of 30 tested preparations. In the repeated experimental series, only the homeopathic complex remedy Biplantol induced a significant reduction of the infection rate (p = 0.01; effect size, d = 0.38). None of the other four repeatedly tested preparations (Carbo vegetabilis 30x, Magnesium phosphoricum 30x, Nosode 30x, Biplantol 30x) yielded significant effects in the overall evaluation. This phytopathological model yielded a small to medium effect size and thus might be of interest for homeopathic basic research after further improvement. Compared to Bion (a common SAR inducer used as positive control), the magnitude of the treatment effect of Biplantol was about 50%. Thus, homeopathic formulations might have a potential for the treatment of plant diseases after further optimization. However, the ecological impact should be investigated more closely before widespread application.

Effects of a homeopathic complex in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus L.) on performance, sexual proportion and histology

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the homeopathic complex Homeopatila RS (REAL Homeopathy, Brazil), in the performance, sexual proportion and gills and liver histology of the Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus L.). 4,800 post-larvae were treated for 45 days, in 12 tanks (500 L), in a closed environment, with density of 400 larvae per tank. Three treatments were given: alcohol 30%, negative control (C); hormonal, positive control, 17 alpha-methyltestosterone (H); homeopathic, Homeopatila RS, in ethanol (HH), with four replications. Mean values for length, weight, liver somatic index, condition factor, survival rate, average values of histological alterations and sexual proportion were determined. Analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in growth, survival rate, liver somatic index and average values of hepatic histological alterations between treatments. It was concluded that the addition of Homeopatila RS to the diet of Nile tilapias, during the phase of gonadal differentiation, did not induce any alteration in the sexual proportion. Homeopathically treated fish were significantly smaller, but had significantly greater survival than the other two groups, there was no significant difference in final total biomass. The homeopathically treated fish had a lower liver/somatic index with less hepatic lipid inclusions than the other groups.

Efficacy of a homeopathic preparation in control of post-operative pain—A pilot clinical trial

Summary Background Despite modern surgical technique and anaesthesia, post-operative pain following ambulatory surgery remains an important cause of delayed hospital discharge, readmission, and post-operative visits to primary care physician. Traumeel S® is a homeopathic complex preparation widely used in German speaking Europe for trauma and orthopaedic pain. Methods We performed an open, quasi-randomized triple-arm clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of two regimens of Traumeel S® in minimizing post-operative pain and analgesic consumption following elective Hallux valgus surgery. A total of 30 patients were assigned to the single injection, the injection + oral intake (PO) or the control group. Repeated measures of maximal pain at rest during 13 days post-operative were evaluated using a linear mixed effects model. The total consumption of analgesics was also compared between the three groups. Results The single injection and injection + PO groups experienced lower pain scores as compared to the control group (p = 0.02 and 0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference between the single injection group and the injection + PO groups. Similarly, the mean total consumption of analgesics was lower in the single injection and the injection + PO groups than in the control group but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion In this pilot study, Traumeel S® demonstrated efficacy in minimizing post-operative pain following repair of H. valgus. These promising results should be validated in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial.

Effect of a Homeopathic complex on oestrus induction and hormonal profile in anoestrus cows

This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a homeopathic complex in the management of true anoestrus in crossbred cows. Six anoestrus cows were treated with a homeopathic complex ( Calcarea phosphorica 30c, Aletris farinosa 30c, Pulsatilla 30c, Aurum muriaticum natronatum 30c, Sepia 30c and Phosphorus 30c in equal proportion, 15 pills twice daily orally for 10 days). Six animals acted as control without any treatment. Treatment was 100% effective in inducing oestrus in anoestrus cows with mean interval of 27.5±5.3 days. All animals conceived and overall conception rate was 54.5% with 1.83 services per conception. In the homeopathic complex treated group, increased serum oestradiol concentration (20.88±5.60 to 27.80±7.28 pg/ml) was observed compared to the pretreatment (11.71±2.06 pg/ml) and control value (10.43±1.77 to 13.94±3.14 pg/ml). The homeopathic complex medicine may be effective and economical in the treatment of true anoestrus condition in cows.

Immunology and Homeopathy. 3. Experimental Studies on Animal Models

A search of the literature and the experiments carried out by the authors of this review show that there are a number of animal models where the effect of homeopathic dilutions or the principles of homeopathic medicine have been tested. The results relate to the immunostimulation by ultralow doses of antigens, the immunological models of the ‘simile’, the regulation of acute or chronic inflammatory processes and the use of homeopathic medicines in farming. The models utilized by different research groups are extremely etherogeneous and differ as the test medicines, the dilutions and the outcomes are concerned. Some experimental lines, particularly those utilizing mice models of immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of homeopathic complex formulations, give support to a real effect of homeopathic high dilutions in animals, but often these data are of preliminary nature and have not been independently replicated. The evidence emerging from animal models is supporting the traditional ‘simile’ rule, according to which ultralow doses of compounds, that in high doses are pathogenic, may have paradoxically a protective or curative effect. Despite a few encouraging observational studies, the effectiveness of the homeopathic prevention or therapy of infections in veterinary medicine is not sufficiently supported by randomized and controlled trials.

Immunology and Homeopathy. 4. Clinical Studies—Part 2

The clinical studies on the effectiveness of homeopathy in respiratory allergy (18 randomized trials and 9 observational studies) are described. The literature of common immunologic disorders including also upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and otorhinolaryngology (reported in part 1), is evaluated and discussed. Most of initial evidence-based research was addressed to the question of whether homeopathic high dilutions are placebos or possess specific effects, but this question has been often equivocal and is still a matter of debate. The evidence demonstrates that in some conditions homeopathy shows significant promise, e.g. Galphimia glauca (low dilutions/potencies) in allergic oculorhinitis, classical individualized homeopathy in otitis and possibly in asthma and allergic complaints, and a few low-potency homeopathic complexes in sinusitis and rhinoconjunctivitis. A general weakness of evidence derives from lack of independent confirmation of reported trials and from presence of conflicting results, as in case of homeopathic immunotherapy and of classical homeopathy for URTI. The suitable methods to evaluate homeopathy effectiveness, without altering the setting of cure, are also analyzed.

Behandlung von Entzündungen im Bereich der oberen Atemwege – Vergleich eines homöopathischen Komplexpräparates mit Xylometazolin

Introduction: The primary objective of treatment of inflammatorydiseases of the upper respiratory tract (rhinitis,uncomplicated sinusitis) with local decongestantsis to relieve obstruction and to improve associated symptoms.Restoration of unrestricted respiration anddrainage of the nasal sinuses reduce the risk of furthercomplications (i.e. chronicity). Objective: To determinewhether the therapeutic effects of the homeopathic complexremedy Euphorbium compositum nasal drops SNare comparable to those of xylometazoline with respectto efficacy and tolerability. Methods: Open, multicenter,prospective, active-controlled cohort study in patientswith inflammatory processes and diseases of the upperrespiratory tract. The primary outcome was to demonstratenon-inferiority of the homeopathic complex remedyto xylometazoline. Results: Clinically relevant reductionsin the intensities of disease-specific symptoms wereobserved with both therapies. Non-inferiority of thehomeopathic complex remedy to xylometazoline couldbe shown for all studied variables and in no case did thelower boundary of the 95% confidence interval cross thethreshold of 0.5 score points. Tolerability was good withfor both therapies. Conclusions: This cohort study indicatesa comparable efficacy and tolerability profile of thehomeopathic complex remedy Euphorbium compositumnasal drops SN and the reference substance xylometazolinein patients with inflammatory processes and diseasesof the upper respiratory tract.

Histopathological and immunophenotyping studies on normal and sarcoma 180-bearing mice treated with a complex homeopathic medication

Canova is a homeopathic complex medicine, used as an immune modulator. We studied its effects in normal and sarcoma 180-bearing mice. Three control groups were also evaluated. The mice were examined at daily intervals and the tumours observed histologically. Peripheral blood was analysed by flow cytometry. A delay in the development, and a reduction in size of the tumours, and increased infiltration by lymphoid cells, granulation tissue, and fibrosis surrounding the tumour were observed with active treatment compared to control. All animals from the treated group survived, 30% of control groups died. In 30% of treated animals, a total regression of the tumour was confirmed using light microscopy, no regression was found in the control groups. Treatment with Canova increased total numbers of leukocytes and lymphocytes. Among lymphocytes, TCD4, increased in normal-treated group and B and NK cells in S180-treated groups. The results reflect enhanced immune response of the host after treatment with Canova.

Evaluation of a homeopathic complex in the clinical management of udder diseases of riverine buffaloes

We report an uncontrolled observational study of the treatment of udder diseases of buffalo, using a homeopathic complex medicine. Mastitis is an economically important disease of buffaloes. In India economic losses due to mastitis are estimated at US$526 million annually. Conventional veterinary treatment relies on costly antibiotics; cure rate is only 60% in field conditions with a problem of milk residues. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a homeopathic complex in the management of clinical udder health problems of riverine buffaloes. Cases of subclinical mastitis were excluded from the study. A total of 102 mastitic quarters (fibrosed—40, nonfibrosed—62) and five cases each of blood in milk and udder oedema in lactating buffaloes were treated with a homeopathic complex consisting of Phytolacca 200c, Calcarea fluorica 200c, Silicea 30c, Belladona 30c, Bryonia 30c, Arnica 30c, Conium 30c and Ipecacuanha 30c. The diagnosis of udder diseases and recovery criterion was based on physical examination of udder and milk and CMT/WST score. Bacteriological analysis and somatic cell count were not performed. Treatment was 80 and 96.72% effective in cases of fibrotic mastitis and nonfibrosed mastitis respectively. Recovery period was 21–42 days (fibrosed) and 4–15 days (nonfibrosed). Udder oedema and blood in milk responded favourably in 2–5 days. Cost of treatment was US$ 0.07 per day. The homeopathic complex medicine may be effective and economical in the management of udder health problems of buffaloes. Definitive conclusions are premature due to the limited number of observations and lack of control group.