Homoeopathic Literature Research Articles

A Case of FIBROADENOMA Cured with Individualized Homoeopathic Medicine- Evidence Based Homoeopathy

Introduction: Fibro-adenomas are the most common benign tumor of female breast having distinct clinical and Histopathological findings. This case report of fibroadenoma highlights clinical presentation along with proper investigation reports like ultrasound, individualized homoeopathic treatment provided and ongoing follow-up. Palpable mass, nodular swelling, pain, redness and changes in the breast appearance along with fibrous and glandular tissue components are emphasized for proper diagnosis. Homoeopathic literature shows that case of fibro-adenoma had been successfully treated with individualized homoeopathic medicine. Individualized homoeopathic approach to breast fibro-adenoma ensures improved outcomes in mental, emotional as well as physical wellbeing. Case summary: The case report presented here wasa 23 year old female patient, from Repertory OPD, Homoeopathy Hospital, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, Shillong. The patient was treated with individualized homoeopathic medicine (Phosphorous30, 200) for one year, with significant improvement and progressively decreases in size of tumor.

Estimation of the Likelihood Ratio of Different Symptoms for Six Homeopathic Medicines: Prognostic Factor Research.

Arsenicum album, Causticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla nigricans, Rhus toxicodendron and Sulphur are frequently prescribed homeopathic medicines; however, their symptoms, as mentioned in different homeopathic literature works, have rarely been investigated systematically. Likelihood ratio (LR), based on Bayesian statistics, may reflect a better estimation of the strengths of symptoms than the existing entries in the homeopathic literature. A prospective, longitudinal, analytical patient outcome study was conducted in the outpatient departments of D. N. De Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, on 1,954 patients over 21 months. The outcomes were recorded at each follow-up using the Outcome Related to Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL) +4 to -4 scale. The average period of treatment for each participant was 3 months. The LRs of four symptoms for each of the six selected medicines were calculated. One hundred and two different remedies were prescribed. The prevalence, LR + , and LR - , with respective 95% confidence intervals, of different symptoms were reported. The study found that the following symptoms had particularly high LR+ scores: "intense sympathy for the suffering of others" (Causticum, LR+ = 12.0); "dyspepsia from business anxiety" (Nux vomica, LR+ = 27.4); "burning pain relieved by heat" (Arsenicum album, LR+ = 29.6); "envy" (Pulsatilla nigricans, LR+ = 13.2); "desire for milk" (Rhus toxicodendron, LR+ = 7.5); "very selfish, no regard for others" (Sulphur, LR+ = 20.6). The findings corroborated well with the presentation of the symptoms in different homeopathic materia medica and repertories. ORIDL scores of +2 or greater were identified most prominently for Pulsatilla nigricans (n = 138) and Sulphur (n = 119). There was adequate evidence to attribute all the assessed symptoms to the medicines investigated. Further studies with a larger population are warranted to tackle the possible confirmation bias.

An In Vitro Study to Evaluate the Synergy of Baptisia tinctoria against Salmonella typhi

AbstractAs a consequence of gradual emergence of anti-microbial resistance, the anti-biogram profile of the microbe Salmonella typhi has undergone substantial changes. Patients frequently use homeopathy for the flu and other serious illnesses. Although the use of Baptisia tinctoria (BT) is extensively described in homeopathic literature and in phytomedicine, scientific exploration has never been done. In this study, we have made an effort to understand the anti-typhoidal effect of BT at different concentrations. S. typhi (ATCC 6539) from a freshly prepared stock culture was used in this experiment. We also procured an international strain of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922 strain) which was taken as control. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates were determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and interpretative criteria (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards 2000) using antibiotic discs (Hi Media Laboratory. Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India), namely cefotaxime (30 μg), ceftazidime (30 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), tetracycline (30 μg), chloramphenicol (30 μg), streptomycin (10 μg), ampicillin (10 μg), gentamicin (10 μg), kanamycin (30 μg), nalidixic acid (30 μg) and trimethoprim (5 μg). BT in its 6CH potency showed the greatest growth inhibition zone, not just amidst the homeopathic potency gradient. It has shown the highest growth inhibition zone of 28mm, more than any conventional antibiotic. Ethanolic extract of BT can be considered to combat against array of infections caused by S. typhi species alongside that it can also be considered as adjuvant with conventional antibiotics for better result.

Enhanced osteogenic differentiation potential of Arnica montana and Bellis perennis in C3H10T1/2 multipotent mesenchymal stem cells.

Arnica montanaandBellis perennisare two medicinal plants that are thought to accelerate bone repair in homoeopathic literature. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells with the ability to differentiate and regenerate bone or osteogenesis.Hence, we aimed to determine the role ofArnica montanaandBellis perennison the osteogenic differentiation of the C3H10T1/2 stem cell line. The cell proliferation ofArnica montanaandBellis perenniswas evaluated by MTT assay. Osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 was induced by the addition of β-glycerophosphate, ascorbic acid and dexamethasone in the differentiation medium over 3 weeks. Cells were treated with Arnica montana andBellis perennis individually as well as in combination. The osteogenic differentiation potential ofArnica montana andBellis perennis to differentiate C3H10T1/2 into osteoblasts was measured by alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining and the expression of Osteocalcin using immunostaining and qRT-PCR. Arnica montana and Bellis perennis could enhance C3H10T1/2 cell proliferation at 1600µg. Further, the compound showed the ability to augment osteogenesis as confirmed by increased expression of alkaline phosphatase and enhanced calcium accumulation as seen by the Alizarin Red staining and quantification. Enhanced osteogenesis was further supported by the increased expression of osteocalcin in the treated cells with individual and combined doses of Arnica montana and Bellis perennis. Therefore, the findings provide additional support for the positive impact of Arnica montana and Bellis perennis on bone formation. Our findings suggest that homoeopathic compoundsArnica montanaandBellis perenniscan augment osteogenesis individually as well as in combination.

Homoeopathic management of essential hypertension: A narrative review

Objectives: Hypertension (HTN) or elevated blood pressure is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risk of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. HTN in an adult is said to be present when clinical systolic and diastolic blood pressure exceed 140 mm and 90 mm of hg, respectively. An estimated 1.28 billion people aged 30–79 years have HTN worldwide, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries (World Health Organization). Homoeopathy can be useful in managing HTN and its complications, for which a proper knowledge of treatment modalities available in homoeopathy is essential. Materials and Methods: An intensive search of articles, publications, and writings, both online and offline, dealing with the management of essential HTN through homoeopathy was conducted between November 2021 to January 2022. Databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and various other published books, literature, and anecdotes in homoeopathy were explored, collecting data on the role of homoeopathy in essential HTN. Emphasis was on words such as homoeopathy, HTN, and blood pressure. Results: Management of essential HTN through homoeopathy can be broadly divided into two categories. First, drugs or medicines given in homoeopathic literature, such as Materia Medicas and Repertories, whose choice of administration in HTN depends on the classical methods of prescription, and secondly, drugs or medicines obtained from research outcomes on HTN. Conclusion: In homoeopathic therapeutics, many medicines are available and used in cases of essential HTN. Recently, research activities targeted toward managing HTN through homoeopathy have increased, and data have been generated. Even then, the available data till now are not sufficient in bringing homoeopathy equivalent or near to the conventional system of medicine in managing HTN demands; in turn, more research works in homoeopathy with statistical rigour.

Corns of feet: Can homoeopathy be a better alternative? A narrative review

Hyperkeratotic lesions of the foot (including corns and calluses) have been reported to affect 30-65% of people aged 65 or older. Modern medicine has no options other than surgical removal, which is invasive and painful and causes scarring and destruction of the surrounding normal tissue. Surgical removal also poses a high risk of recurrence. Objectives: This article is an attempt to find a better and more gentle alternative for the treatment of corns and throw light on the scope of homoeopathy in this condition, as homoeopathy is known to have fewer side effects. Material and Methods: Existing homoeopathic literature and published research studies on the subject were reviewed. The conventional treatment protocol was also reviewed to assess its efficacy and shortcomings, as was the scope of homoeopathic treatment in foot corns. Results: Despite foot corn being a fairly common condition, very few options allow long-term resolution. While homoeopathic literature has numerous medicines for this condition, minimal documentation exists of successfully treated cases. Conclusion: Homoeopathy is a viable and effective option for gently treating corn using individualised medicines. Conducting clinical studies with larger sample sizes and well-drafted protocols are necessary to provide evidence supporting the efficacy of homoeopathy.

Original research article: Study of effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in treatment of malaria

Background: One of India's biggest public health issues is malaria. Malaria is frequently linked to poverty, but it also contributes to it and hinders economic growth. The risk affects approximately half of the world's population (3.3 billion), making it the sixth largest cause of mortality globally.Objectives: The study's goal was to determine the function of a set of predetermined homoeopathic medications in the treatment of malaria.Methods: Out of 180 assessed cases, 36 individuals in all were enrolled. The research included patients who had the typical clinical signs and symptoms of malaria and had tested positive for the malaria parasite in a blood test. Based on typical malaria symptoms, experimental medications were chosen from the mainstream homoeopathic literature. Using a student t test calculator online, statistical analysis was performed. p value less than 0.05 recognized as a significant.Results: Of 36 individuals who tested positive for malaria, the majority (41.66%) had temperatures over 102°F. Just 8 patients had palpable spleens. (22.22%) In 21 individuals, mild body & muscular aches were detected. (58.33%). 22 individuals had mild fatigue and moderate sweating. (20) and (61.11%), respectively. Thirteen individuals (36%) reported experiencing nausea and vomiting. The mean MSS score at the beginning of the treatment was 12.2±1.6, and at the conclusion it was 6.9±3.4 (p 0.05). ESR value decreased as well and results were statistically significant. According to indications, the most often given medications were arsenic album (n=12, 33.33%)

Efficacy of individualized homoeopathic medicine in wrist ganglion: an evidence based case series

AIM - The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Individualized Homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of dorsal wrist ganglion. OBJECTIVES- Through four evidence-based cases treated with individualized homoeopathic medicines. BACKGROUND- Ganglions are a small cystic tumor containing viscid fluid and are non- malignant growths that usually forms near the joints and tendons of the hand and wrist. They are harmless and non- cancerous growth, mostly asymptomatic. Pain, tenderness, annoyance with cosmetic appearance associated with some cases. Though homoeopathic literature enlists many medicines for wrist ganglion, there is paucity of evidence based published studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS- The patients presented with the complaints of firm to hard swelling at the dorsum of hand. After meticulous case taking, analysis and evaluation of the symptoms followed by Repertorization of the characteristics, the similimum was selected. A single, simple medicine with minimum dose was administered in each case followed by placebo. During entire period of treatment RESULT- Four cases were treated with Phosphorus 200, Calcarea carbonica 1M, Phosphorus 1M and Sulphur 200 respectively. Single dose of medicines was administered as per cardinal principles of homoeopathy and waited for 3 months. Striking improvement in symptomatology was noted after the course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS- Homoeopathic medicines selected on the basis of strict individualization showed promising result in all four cases. Patients reported reduction of symptoms as well as general well being following the treatment. Further studies with sound methodology is suggested to evaluate the efficacy of larger spectrum of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of wrist ganglion.

Reviewing the therapeutic value of Bambusa Arundinacea: Bamboo

Many major medications used today are derived from medicinal plants. Humans have traditionally employed bamboo in a variety of ecological and medical applications. Bamboo is one of the precious plant resources of the earth. A tall, thorny tree Bambusa arundinacea, is a highly reputed medicinal tree commonly referred to as bamboo, a member of Graminae family found throughout India, moist parts of India. Various parts of the plant such as the leaves, root, shoot and seeds possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anthelminthic, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-apoptosis, cardiovascular properties, astringent activity and activities that improve endothelial function, are well documented. It is also used in Homoeopathy for the management of symptoms related to rheumatic conditions like Ankylosing spondylitis, Cervical and Lumbar spondylosis and female hormone complaints. This study includes a review of different available homoeopathic literature for a better evaluation and understanding of the therapeutic values of the recently proven drug Bambusa arundinacea.

Lichen Spinulosus: Successfully Treated with Individualised Homoeopathic Treatment – A Case Report

AbstractLichen spinulosus (LS) is a rare skin disorder that belongs to the family of Follicular Keratotic disorder, primarily seen in children. Its prevalence is more in boys, rarely in adults. The aetiology of this condition is still indefinite, but genetic predominance was noted. The skin lesions are follicular hyperkeratotic papules grouped into large patches, mainly on the neck and buttocks, abdomen and the extensor surface of arms and legs. The individual lesions are flat to conical projections, 1 to 3 mm in diameter, which bears a hair-like horny spine, protruding approximately 1 to 2 mm above the surface, which are the characteristics of this disease. This case of an 8-year-old boy was reported in the outpatient department of our institute and diagnosed as LS. This case report aims to show the importance of individualised prescription based on the totality of symptoms (TOS) in homoeopathic treatment; even the name of the disease is not mentioned in the homoeopathic literature. From the constructed TOS and constitution of the patient, Calcarea Phosphoricum 200C medicine was prescribed, which improved this condition successfully without using any topicals.

Liver cirrhosis with homoeopathic perspective

Liver cirrhosis is an emerging enigma of today's world. Even youth are not spared from this evil disease. Cirrhosis is the resultant or the last stage change in structural unit of liver and it's surrounding which eventually disrupt the harmonious processings of liver functions. In this article an accustomed idea regarding liver and the chronicity of liver disease is mentioned along with the factual concept of homoeopathy in the all three pillar aspects which is organon, repertory as well as materia medica. The homoeopathic literature is being tried to put under the same head covering liver and it's homoeopathic approach.

A review: Bronchial asthma in pediatric age group and its homoeopathic management

In India and around the globe, asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic childhood disorders and a major public health concern. It is most common in children aged 6-7, next in children aged 12- 13, and finally in children aged 14-16. The frequency was considerably higher among individuals with a family history of asthma, smoking habits, and where there was lack of smoke outlet in the house. By using identical homoeopathic treatments, it has shown higher overall results as compared to conventional treatment for bronchial asthma in treating acute episodes as well as intensity and frequency of recurrences. There are many medications which are documented in Homoeopathic literature that are based on disease pathology. This review article addresses different Homoeopathic remedies for bronchial asthma.

Fibrocystadenosis with co-morbidity alleviated with homoeopathy: A case report

The most prevalent benign breast disease, known as fibrocystic breast disease, affects millions of women worldwide. The function, assessment, and treatment of this condition are all influenced by specific hormonal factors. The treatment used in modern medicine are Analgesics, metformin, prime rose oil and surgical removal, yet no permanent relief can be obtained. According to the homoeopathic literature, illnesses such as mastitis, tumor, and fibroadenoma have been effectively treated with homoeopathic medicine, and relatively few case reports concerning fibrocystadenosis have been published. Patient with fibroadenosis has a chance to develop certain co-morbidities like Pcos, fatty liver, etc. A study conducted by Ilknugur Inegol Gumus et al. discovered a statistically significant link between PCOS and fibrocystic breast disease 1. The case presented here concerns fibrocystadenosis in a 27-year-old female who was treated with individualised homoeopathic therapy and had no recurrence after a year. Bryonia was administered as a constitutional remedy following Repertorisation and based on the totality of symptoms. Before and after cyst resolution, investigatory techniques such as mammography and ultrasonography were performed. Since the case shows the disappearance of fibrocystic changes in the left breast and all other general complaints are better so we can conclude the patient is on the path to cure. As the fibrocystic changes in right breast is still there, further treatment and follow-ups will show the final result. Increased long-term efficacy data are required to develop a more efficient cure for fibrocystadenosis.

Scope of Homoeopathic medicines in Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)

Backgroud: Internet gaming disorder is a pattern of excessive and prolonged Internet gaming that results in a cluster of cognitive and behavioural symptoms.
 Objective: To find out the group of homoeopathic drugs that may be indicated in Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD).
 Methods: Reviewing the Homeopathic literature, Reviewing the studies done on IGD, Finding the group of medicines indicated in IGD
 Results: Polychrest Homeopathic medicines Stramonium, Belladonna, Nux vomica, Vertrum album, Pulsatilla, Ignatia, Calcarea carbonicum, Platinum, Aurum metallicum, Natrum muriaticum and Lycopodium were selected
 Conclusion: This study is a step towards profiling of Homoeopathic medicines for IGD. Further studies for clinical verification of these medicines on IGD can be undertaken.

Dental caries and homoeopathic management: A review

Dental caries is one among the predominant oral diseases amongst children in the world and the burden of dental caries still remains a global community health challenge, affecting a child’s dentition commencing from the first stage of life. The dental caries disease develops due to the multifaceted interaction between three essential factors: the microorganisms (dental plaque), the substrate (fermentable carbohydrates in a food), and the host susceptibility (teeth and saliva). When the dental caries is left untreated, the process can develop quickly and it significantly impair the primary and secondary dentition. The untreated caries in addition to the subsequent deprived dental aesthetics have emotional and social adverse effects upon children’s oral health-related quality of life due to its negative effects happening on self-esteem. Diagnosing caries and identifying caries patients is one of the greatest challenges in dentistry during initial stages of the disease. The role of Homoeopathic treatment in managing, the dental caries in children has to be undertaken, as there are many remedies mentioned in Homoeopathic literature which are based on the pathology of the disease. This review article gives some of the Homoeopathic therapeutics of dental caries.

Assessing the magnitude of reporting bias in trials of homeopathy: a cross-sectional study and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo assess the magnitude of reporting bias in trials assessing homeopathic treatments and its impact on evidence syntheses.DesignA cross-sectional study and meta-analysis. Two persons independently searched Clinicaltrials.gov, the EU Clinical...

A Homoeopathic Journey of Epidemic/ Pandemic Diseases from Hahnemannian Epoch to COVID-19

As evidenced in Hahnemann's writings, Epidemic diseases were successfully managed by homoeopathic system of medicine. In the footnote 17 of aphorism 33, Organon of medicine, where in Hahnemann explained the prevention of scarlet fever using Belladonna. Thereafter, many homoeopaths successfully managed several epidemics, at different points of time and at different parts of the globe. Even though Hippocrates used the notional axiom, Genius Epidemicus, Hahnemann utilized it successfully for the management of epidemics. In this review, all the available homoeopathic literature was searched to find out the historical evidence of the homoeopathic medicines which were successfully utilized during epidemics and pandemics. Presently, the entire world is facing novel COVID-19, as a pandemic disease since its emergence from Wuhan in late 2019. The conventional systems of medicines across the world have been trying to control the pandemic, but none have succeeded. Vaccinations are introduced for prevention of COVID-19, only on Emergency Usage Approvals, as the real data about their efficacy and the collateral damage induced by them, is yet to be studied. However, globally many homoeopaths have reported to have managed COVID-19 disease with different homoeopathic medicines. There have been different approaches towards the prevention, management and treatment of this pandemic, which have been subject of intense scrutiny and discussion, all over. The present review is aimed not only to bring forward the success stories of homoeopathy during the past epidemics, but also about homoeopathy being utilized for prevention, as well as treatment in the current pandemic.

Evidence-Based Homoeopathic Treatment of Acute Herpes Zoster (Shingles): A Case Report

AbstractHerpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, occurs due to reactivation of varicella zoster. It is manifested by unilateral, painful, vesicular rashes following a dermatome. Homoeopathy is well known for its tremendous results in chronic cases. This article presents the evidence-based significant result of single homoeopathic remedy in an acute case of HZ within a short time period without any post-herpetic neuralgia which usually follows the HZ for months. Three to four doses of Hypericum 30 CH provided significant relief within a day and complete recovery within 10 days. Modified Naranjo score is 9, indicating definite causal attribution. This case proves that by selecting appropriate similimum, promising and positive results are achieved by homoeopathy, be it acute or chronic cases in a safe and gentle way. No such existing homoeopathic literature provides any characteristic information particularly related to HZ in Hypericum. So, future research and clinical trials could be beneficial for better validation of Hypericum as a therapeutic for HZ.

Phlyctenular Conjunctivitis Treated with Homoeopathy: A Case Report

AbstractPhlyctenular conjunctivitis (PC) is characterised by formation of a whitish nodule on bulbar conjunctiva near or at the limbus with a localised conjunctival congestion. It is considered as an allergic reaction to endogenous bacterial protein. Conventional treatment includes use of topical steroids in simple PC, but if there is some degree of secondary infection or corneal involvement then combined steroid-antibiotics are used though there are high chances of recurrence. Homoeopathic literature has medicines listed for PC. The case reported was a female aged 60 years suffering from PC in right eye since 5 days and had no relief from local conventional treatment. She had complaints of redness, foreign body sensation and whitish discharge from the eye. Phlycten was at 6 o'clock position below the limbus with much conjunctival congestion around it and in the lower fornix. Homoeopathic Hepar sulphuris 30C resolved nodule within a week but the patient had itching of eye at the inner canthus, especially in the morning. Homoeopathic Natrum muriaticum 30C helped to resolve conjunctival congestion in the fornix and itching of eye within a week. Both medicines were prescribed on the basis of local signs and symptoms. There was no recurrence in the last 5 months. This case report with ocular photographs during follow-up provides documentary evidence about effectiveness of homoeopathy in PC.

Comparison of aluminum toxicology and homeopathic Alumina: a mixed methods study

Toxicology forms part of homeopathy. The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, incorporated many toxicological symptoms in his Materia Medica. These symptoms are part of the information homeopathic practitioners relay on to choose the appropriate medication for their patients. This medication is administered in form of ultra-high dilutions. Hahnemann also developed Materia Medica on the base of provings done with high diluted substances only – simply because these substances did not have a known toxicology at his time. Alumina is one of these substances. Today we possess a reliable toxicology of aluminum and its compounds. The objective of this study was to determine the grade of concordance between homeopathic (highly diluted) Alumina and aluminum toxicology. A striking concordance will add to evidence of homeopathically potentized substances. 
 
 The present was a literature-based investigation conducted from a phenomenologist stance. The design is a novel one. Symptoms of aluminum intoxication were obtained from case reports published in scholarly journals. 70 original research articles containing case-reports of 5 aluminum-induced diseases served for the extraction of over 300 symptoms. These symptoms were compared to Hahnemann´s Alumina proving symptoms. 
 
 A review of modern investigations of the toxic effects of aluminum showed that the conventional medical paradigm and basic science are just starting to explore the huge number of noxious effects the metal has on human, animal and plant health. Qualitative explorations of the relevant homeopathic literature (toxicology in homeopathy and Alumina in randomized controlled trials) resulted in the finding that toxicology plays a minor role in modern homeopathy and that Alumina has been poorly investigated. 
 
 The result of the quantitative part of this study – the comparison of proving and toxicology obtained from clinical cases – shows an uneven picture. It leads to only partly significant concordances between symptoms from both sources which are strong in core areas of Alumina´s remedy action while the overall comparison shows a coincidence of 50.76% (39.76% for symptoms probably produced by UHDs). 
 
 This study has to be seen as a pilot for a literature-based proof of the evidence of homeopathic potencies. There remains much to be done, especially in the realm of homeopathic proving and its design. Hahnemann´s procedure – to rely on sensible provers – should be reconsidered. The reproving of Alumina should be envisaged.
 
 Keywords: Homeopathy, proving, toxicology, homeopathic pathogenetic trial (HPT), Alumina, aluminum