Research In Homeopathy Research Articles

Book review: Prognostic factor research in Homoeopathy

Book review: Prognostic factor research in Homoeopathy

Phase-Transition-Induced Pattern Formation Applied to Basic Research on Homeopathy: A Systematic Review.

Methods based on phase-transition-induced pattern formation (PTPF) are increasingly used in medical research. Frequent application fields are medical diagnosis and basic research in homeopathy. Here, we present a systematic review of experimental studies concerning PTPF-based methods applied to homeopathy research. We also aimed at categorizing the PTPF methods included in this review. Experimental studies were collected from scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Russian eLibrary) and from experts in the research field in question, following the PRISMA guidelines. The studies were rated according to pre-defined scientific criteria. The review included 15 experimental studies. We identified seven different PTPF methods applied in 12 experimental models. Among these methods, phase-transition was triggered through evaporation, freezing, or solution, and in most cases led to the formation of crystals. First experimental studies concerning the application of PTPF methods in homeopathic research were performed in the first half of the 20th century; however, they were not continued in the following years. Only in the last decade, different research groups re-launched the idea, introducing new experimental approaches and computerized pattern evaluation techniques. The here-identified PTPF methods are for the first time proposed to be classified as one group of methods based on the same basic physical phenomenon. Although the number of experimental studies in the area is still rather limited, the long tradition in the application of PTPF methods and the dynamics of the present developments point out the high potential of these methods and indicate that they might meet the demand for scientific methods to study potentized preparations.

Healing Waters? Commentary on Two Experimental Studies and a Review of Homeopathy Research.

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary MedicineVol. 24, No. 5 Invited CommentaryHealing Waters? Commentary on Two Experimental Studies and a Review of Homeopathy ResearchDavid J. MuehsamDavid J. MuehsamNational Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Bologna, Italy.Consciousness and Healing Initiative, La Jolla, CA.Search for more papers by this authorPublished Online:1 May 2018https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0080AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View article"Healing Waters? Commentary on Two Experimental Studies and a Review of Homeopathy Research." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(5), pp. 407–408FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 24Issue 5May 2018 InformationCopyright 2018, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:David J. Muehsam.Healing Waters? Commentary on Two Experimental Studies and a Review of Homeopathy Research.The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.May 2018.407-408.http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0080Published in Volume: 24 Issue 5: May 1, 2018Online Ahead of Print:April 30, 2018PDF download

Future Directions for Homeopathy Research

The field of homeopathy research is expanding, with a wide array of different types of studies investigating various aspects of this complex and controversial topic. Good-quality research is absolutely essential; therefore, it is vital that there is debate, discussion and collaboration within the profession about the directions of future research. Mindful of this, a Delphi study was designed to gather the opinions of experts in the domains of homeopathy research and practice to identify significant and impactful research relating to homeopathy, and to ascertain future research priorities for the homeopathy profession. The Delphi technique is an iterative group communication process using a sequence of written questions and/or statements, which are distributed to a panel of expert respondents. This technique is particularly suited to working toward consensus-building in complex problems and/or emerging fields. This article will present the resulting collation of expert opinion identifying significant and impactful homeopathy research and establishing research priorities for the future. It is envisaged that this research will provide direction for future research collaborations and inform guidance for new researchers undertaking relevant Masters and PhD studies.

Highlights from 20 Years of Basic Research in Homeopathy

Highlights from 20 Years of Basic Research in Homeopathy

Opportunities and Limitations of the N-of-1 Clinical Trial Design in Homeopathy Research

Opportunities and Limitations of the N-of-1 Clinical Trial Design in Homeopathy Research

The N-of-1 Clinical Trial: A Timely Research Opportunity in Homeopathy.

The randomised controlled trial (RCT) is considered the 'gold standard' for establishing treatment efficacy or effectiveness of an intervention, but its data do not infer response in an individual patient. Individualised clinical care, a fundamental principle in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including homeopathy, seems well disposed in principle to being researched by single-patient (N-of-1) study design. Guidelines for reporting N-of-1 trials have recently been developed. To overview the current status in the literature of the N-of-1 method and its application in medicine, including CAM. To consider whether the N-of-1 trial design offers an opportunity for novel research in homeopathy. N-OF-1 TRIAL DESIGN: The N-of-1 trial applies the principles of the conventional crossover, blinded, RCT design. The treatment under study and the comparator are repeated in a randomised order, and with suitable washout time, over a defined period. N-of-1 design is constrained for use in chronic stable conditions, and for interventions that have quick onset and cessation of effect, with modest or negligible carryover. Outcome data can be aggregated and interpreted for the individual subject; they can also be pooled with data from several similar N-of-1 trials, enabling more generalisable conclusions. THE N-OF-1 TRIAL IN CAM: The typical individualisation of patient care can be accommodated in N-of-1 study design if the patient and the specific therapeutic intervention are selected within the constraints of the method. Application of the N-of-1 method in CAM has been advocated but has been mainly limited, in practice, to a small number of studies in herbal and traditional Chinese medicine. THE N-OF-1 TRIAL IN HOMEOPATHY: Individualised homeopathy can be accommodated for investigation within the same methodological constraints; less in-depth homeopathic approaches to prescribing are also amendable to investigation using the N-of-1 method. No such studies have been published. We identify three main targets in its ready applicability to homeopathy: (1) to optimise clinical care in an individual patient; (2) to investigate whether the outcomes of treatment using homeopathy differ from those of placebo; (3) to aggregate data from a series of N-of-1 trials to enable broader conclusions about a group of patients or intervention. The N-of-1 trial design offers important new investigative possibilities in homeopathy and should be explored as a means to optimise individualised health care or investigate effectiveness of the homeopathic intervention compared with placebo in individual subjects.

Chemoprofiling of homoeopathic drug Holarrhena antidysenterica L.

Background: Chemoprofiling of homoeopathic drug/tincture (HT) represents a comprehensive approach for evaluation of quality, purity, safety and efficacy of HT. This paper reflects the chemoprofiling of Homoeopathic drug Holarrhena antidysentrica L. Objective: The objective of this study is to standardise Holarrhena antidysenterica mother tincture by taking the samples from four different sources: Dr D. P. Rastogi, CRI (H) Noida (A) and three from market (labelled as B, C and D). Materials and Methods: The authentic sample of bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica supplied by the Centre of Medicinal Plants Research in Homoeopathy, Emerald, Tamil Nadu, India was used to prepare the mother tincture (as per the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India). The solvents used throughout the study, namely, ethanol, high-pressure liquid chromatography water, cyclohexane, chloromethane and diethylamine, were of analytical grade purity (MERCK Ltd.). Physicochemical properties, ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) chemoprofile of raw drug and mother tinctures were standardised and compared with market samples. Results: The present study reveals the moisture content (14.40%), total ash (4.65%), alcohol (18.0%), water extractive values (16.0%), total solids (1.47%), weight/ml (0.92 g) and alcohol content (60.6%). In UV spectroscopy, λmaxvalues were observed at 228 and 278 nm in HT. HPTLC analysis of in-house HT (A) and three market samples (B, C, D) was performed by using cyclohexane: chloromethane: diethylamine (7:3:1, v/v/v) as mobile phase. Under UV light (254, 366 nm) and in the presence of visualising agent Dragendroff, bands of active constituent were observed in all the four samples. However, excess amount of active constituents were found in in-house HT (a) rather than the market samples (B, C and D). Conclusion: The present physicochemical and phytochemical data may be considered as pharmacopoeia standards for the homoeopathic drug Holarrhema antidysentrica L.

Pre-clinical pharmacology: An important aspect in homoeopathic research

Background: Before the 20th century, research in Homeopathy was limited either for its proving in healthy human volunteers or to its clinical verification/clinical efficacy in diseased individuals. However, in recent years, there has been an increased trend in the number of pre-clinical studies aimed to evaluate the pharmacological activity produced by homeopathic medicines. The objective of this review is to make a systemic compilation of results of experimental pharmacological findings of homeopathic medicines, both in vitro and in animal models, and to present the same in a summarised form. Methods: Articles published up to March 2017 having information of in vitro and in vivo studies using homeopathic medicines were collected from the PubMed database, review articles, scientific reports, research articles, thesis, online information extracted from Medline, etc. to compile this review. The articles from the most common therapeutic areas such as antimicrobial effect, central nervous system disorders, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anticancer, wound healing, antiasthmatic and liver toxicity and other therapeutic areas such as diabetes and malaria were included in this review. Results: This review article not only provides the scientific approaches applied in Homeopathy research but also provides evidence-based information on pharmacological effects of dilutions/potencies as well as mother tincture of different homeopathic drugs. This review article also reveals the use of improved methodology, molecular techniques and analytical part adopted in recently published research articles to understand the mechanism of action of homeopathic medicines. Conclusion: Homeopathy has substantial scope in pre-clinical research where therapeutic and biological effects of homeopathic medicines with proper mechanism of action can be traced out with the use of modern molecular techniques in in vivo and in vitro experiments.

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.

HRI Malta 2017-Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy: HRI's Third International Research Conference in Malta.

The third international conference on "Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy" organised by the Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI) was held on the inspiring and historic island of Malta from 9th to 11th of June, 2017. One hundred and two abstracts underwent peer review by the HRI Scientific Advisory Committee and external experts to produce the programme of 36 oral presentations and 37 posters, presented by researchers from 19 countries. The 2.5-day programme covered a diverse range of topics, including quantitative and qualitative clinical research, basic research, veterinary research, and provings. These intensive plenary and parallel sessions were interspersed with multiple opportunities for delegates to discuss and exchange ideas, in particular through interactive panel discussions and a pre-conference workshop. The continuing commitment of the homeopathy research community to generate high-quality studies in this rapidly evolving field was clear. In this conference report, we present highlights from this memorable event.

HRI Malta 2017: Homeopathy Research-Past, Present and Future.

HRI Malta 2017: Homeopathy Research-Past, Present and Future.

Generalisability of prognostic factor research: further analysis of data from the IIPCOS2 study

Prognostic factor research is important as it helps in refining diagnosis, taking clinical and therapeutic decisions, enhances the design and analysis of intervention trials and helps to identify targets for new interventions that aim to modify the course of a disease. Prognostic factor research in homeopathy can be done by applying Bayes' theorem. This paper considers Bayes' theorem; Likelihood Ratio, conditional probability and research in subpopulations of a condition with examples. We analysed the likelihood ratios for 11 homeopathic medicines for the symptom 'cough' and other upper respiratory tract symptoms, based on data from the IIPCOS2 study. This yielded useful information since several medicines, including Belladonna, had LR >1 for cough, indicating that cough is not an indication for this medicine. The implications for improving homeopathic prescribing are discussed.

M1 homeopathic complex trigger effective responses against Leishmania (L) amazonensis in vivo and in vitro

Leishmaniasis is a term referring to a range of clinical conditions caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, Trypanosomatidae family, Kinetoplastida order that is transmitted by the bite of certain species of mosquitoes Phlebotominae subfamily. These parasites infect hosts wild and domestic mammals, considered as natural reservoirs and can also infect humans. Leishmania are obligate intramacrophage protozoa that have exclusively intracellular life style. This suggests that the amastigotes possess mechanisms to avoid killing by host cells. Cutaneous leishmaniasis, the most common form of the disease, causes ulcers on exposed parts of the body, leading to disfigurement, permanent scars, and stigma and in some cases disability. Many studies concluded that the cytokines profile and immune system of host have fundamental role in humans and animals natural self-healing. Conventional treatments are far from ideals and the search for new therapeutic alternatives is considered a strategic priority line of research by the World Health Organization. A promising approach in the field of basic research in homeopathy is the treatment of experimental infections with homeopathic drugs prepared from natural substances associations highly diluted, which comprise a combination of several different compounds considered as useful for a symptom or disease. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of M1, a complex homeopathic product, in macrophage-Leishmania interaction in vitro and in vivo. It was used RAW cells lineage and BALB/c mice as a host for the promastigotes of L. amazonensis (WHOM/BR/75/Josefa). Several biochemical and morphological parameters were determined. Together, the harmonic results obtained in this study indicate that, in general, the highly diluted products trigger rapid and effective responses by living organisms, cells and mice, against Leishmania, by altering cytokines profile, by NO increasing (p<0.05), by decreasing parasitic load (p<0.001), and modifying classical maturation and biogenesis of parasitophorous vacuoles (p<0.001). M1 complex decreased endocytic index (p<0.001), and the % of infected macrophages (p<0.05), preventing the development of lesions (p<0.05) caused by L. amazonensis by increasing Th1 response (p<0.05). Therefore the M1complex can be a good candidate for a complementary therapy to conventional treatments, since all the parameters observed in vitro and in vivo improved. It could be an interesting clinical tool in association to a classical anti-parasitic treatment, maybe resulting in better quality of life to the patients, with less toxicity.

Future directions for research in homeopathy – results of an expert meeting

Future directions for research in homeopathy – results of an expert meeting

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.

Significance of animal model research in homoeopathy

Significance of animal model research in homoeopathy

Comparative standardization study for determination of reserpine in Rauwolfia serpentina homoeopathic mother tinctures manufactured by different pharmaceutical industries using HPTLC as a check for quality control

Background: Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz (Apocynaceae) (Indian snakeroot), popularly known as Sarpagandha (Sanskrit), is used for the treatment of insanity, fever, snake bites, anxiety and in neuropsychiatric conditions. The antihypertensive actions of Reserpine are a result of its ability to deplete catecholamines (amongst other monoamine neurotransmitters) from peripheral sympathetic nerve endings which are normally involved in controlling heart rate, force of cardiac contraction and peripheral vascular resistance. Objective: Comparative study of Reserpine content in R. serpentina homoeopathic mother tinctures manufactured by different pharmaceutical industries and in-house mother tinctures applying high-performance thin-layer chromatography investigative techniques to facilitate the use of correct species. Materials and Methods: The authentic samples of roots of R. serpentina were supplied by Centre of Medicinal Plants Research in Homoeopathy, Emerald, Tamil Nadu, India. Authentic plant material was used to prepare the mother tincture (as per Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India). Reserpine (C33H40N2O9,M.P. 360°C, purity >99% w/w by high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]) was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich as a standard reference. The solvents for the study, namely, ethanol, HPLC water, toluene, ethyl acetate, diethylamine and chloroform were of analytical grade purity (MERCK Ltd.,), used throughout. Results: Five samples of mother tinctures were used for the study, in-house mother tinctures (labelled: D and E) of R. serpentina shows a higher amount of Reserpine content than the marketed samples (labelled: A, B and C). Conclusion: It may be concluded that mother tinctures prepared by authentic plants showed the excess amount of Reserpine rather than that of mother tinctures procured from the market.

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.