Research In Homeopathy Research Articles

Alcohol dependence syndrome managed with homoeopathic medicine Bufo Rana – An evidence-based case report

Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is a cluster of physiological, behavioural and cognitive phenomena wherein alcohol use takes on a much higher priority for a given individual than other behaviours that once had great value. A definite diagnosis of ADS should be made with the diagnostic guidelines of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 classification of mental diseases. The harm caused by ADS constitutes a major public health problem, as it causes numerous mental and physical disorders and imposes a massive economic burden. Excessive spending on alcohol leads to debts and heavy treatment expenses, amongst other financial consequences. The conventional treatment utilises several medications for detoxification, craving reduction and withdrawal management. However, homoeopathy can provide a valid and effective treatment to help patients to break the cycle of alcohol dependence, reduce the craving and relieve the withdrawal symptoms without adverse effects. A 35-year-old male patient presented with an irresistible desire to take alcohol and withdrawal symptoms of tremors in abstinence at the outpatient department (OPD) of National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam. The condition was diagnosed as ADS as it fulfilled the diagnosis guidelines provided in the ICD-10. Initially, the patient was treated in the OPD without significant improvement. Later, the patient was admitted into the inpatient department, and after careful case-taking, the homoeopathic medicine Bufo Rana 200 was prescribed. After the remedy was administered, the alcohol craving and dependence were markedly reduced, and the symptoms of withdrawal were relieved. The alcohol dependence was assessed using the severity of the alcohol dependence questionnaire, and the score changed from 46 to 2. The causal attribution for the outcome changes was assessed using the Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy-Causal Attribution Inventory. The score was +9, close to the maximum (13), showing the positive relationship between the intervention and the outcome. Therefore, this case report strongly suggests that the homoeopathic medicine Bufo Rana has a positive role in treating ADS.

HomoeOmicsDB: A global reference platform for accelerating basic and application research in homeopathy

Homeopathy, a globally practiced alternative medicine, faces criticism due to the lack of molecular mechanisms elucidating its drug actions. To address this, researchers are examining the mechanistic action of homeopathic drugs by assessing the molecular markers of various disorders in real-time patients and/or disease models. However, there is a gap: the lack of an assembled view of publicly available molecular-level studies hampers the research on homeopathic drugs. For example, the information on the mechanistic action of Arnica montana tinctures/dilutions - anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, anti-migratory, and healing properties through gene expression and cellular assays – are scattered over published scientific literature. To bridge this gap and accelerate research, we developed the HomoeOmicsDB database (https://ciods.in/homoeomicsdb/), the first reference and molecular analysis platform for multi-omic research in homeopathy. Currently, HomoeOmicsDB hosts information on 65 homeopathic drugs' effects on the expression of around 600 genes. This information is curated from over 100 peer-reviewed published research articles involving more than 50 human and animal cell lines. For each drug, the database integrates the studied host system (body fluid, tissue, host cell/line, cell type), and its regulated expression of genes at RNA, protein, and post-translational modification levels. The information assembled in HomoeOmicsDB, might galvanize research on molecular mechanisms of other homeopathic drugs with similar clinico-physiological outcomes. Integrated with the DisGeNet database, HomoeOmicsDB entails this comparative analysis of homeopathic drug efficacy for multiple disorders in practice. This would subsequently embrace translational/re-purposing options for diseases with limited or no therapeutic alternatives. Together, HomoeOmicsDB aims to serve as a platform for reference and integration of multi-omic data relevant to homeopathic research. The evaluation of the database by the practitioners and researchers would foster greater acceptance and integration of homeopathic medicine.

Evaluating the Evidence for Homeopathy: Current Status and Outlook

Background The debate over homeopathy's efficacy remains contentious, influencing recent decisions by political and medical associations in Europe. Objective An assessment of the current level of evidence supporting homeopathic medicine. Methods We explored three key aspects of evidence-based medicine: Scientific Evidence in Conventional Medicine: We reviewed cardiology and oncology guidelines and studies to find parallels in homeopathy, focusing on study designs like cohort studies and adherence to Cochrane criteria. We also examined basic research standards for potentised substances in homeopathy. Patient Preferences: We surveyed patient preferences regarding homeopathic treatments. Clinical Expertise: We assessed correlation to therapists´s competence and perspectives on homeopathy. Results In conventional medicine, many guidelines are based on high-quality studies and meta-analyses, though the overall evidence is not as comprehensive as often assumed. This highlights the need for more high-quality research in internal medicine. In homeopathy, the number of clinical studies meeting Cochrane criteria has increased since 2001, including randomized-controlled, placebo-controlled, and double-blind studies. The scientific rigor and quality of homeopathic research have notably improved, especially in basic research. Conclusion There is a critical need for more high-standard research across all medical fields. With many European universities limiting homeopathic research, it is vital to share positive findings to encourage further studies. All three pillars of evidence - scientific research, patient preferences, and clinical expertise - support continued research in homeopathy. Research institutions are essential in advancing this important development.

Effect of homeopathic preparations applied on human blood <em>in vitro</em> expressed in chromatographic patterns

Background Classical homeopathy is based on an individualized treatment of patients. To investigate the effects of homeopathic preparations on human blood in vitro, we adapted the Kaelin blood test (ascending paper chromatography test). An emphasis was placed on potential inter-individual differences in response rate. Materials and methods: We collected blood samples into EDTA tubes from thirteen patients who were prescribed homeopathic remedies. We treated all samples with individually prescribed remedies, or with Pulsatilla, Natrium muriaticum at either 30c or 200c potency, or placebo and analysed them by means of the Kaelin blood test. We assessed the stability of the experimental set-up by conducting thirteen systematic negative control (SNC) experiments. We evaluated the scanned chromatograms using computerized image analysis. In an additional investigation, we analyzed the correlation of the chromatographic pattern features with blood parameters within sixteen untreated blood samples. Results: Two-way analysis of variance with patient and treatment as independent factors showed statistically significant interactions (p < 0.05) in all ten pattern evaluation parameters. Only three parameters revealed significant main effects (p<0.05). The robustness and stability of the experimental set-up were satisfactory, as assessed by SNC experiments. These results suggest that the response of the blood samples to the homeopathic treatments was patient-specific. We found strong correlations between pattern features and blood parameters related to hemoglobin and liver function. Conclusions: The Kaelin blood test shows promise as an experimental model for basic homeopathy research. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to evaluate its sensitivity, robustness, repeatability, and applicability in practice. With adequate validation, the Kaelin blood test could potentially evolve into a tool for monitoring treatment efficacy and guiding homeopathic remedy selection.

The importance of reporting guidelines for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy Research

As research within Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) continues to expand, there is an increasing need for standardized reporting guidelines to ensure the clarity, replicability, and utility of research findings. This editorial discusses the unique challenges that AYUSH research faces in aligning with existing health research standards and highlights the benefits of tailored reporting guidelines. Reporting guidelines can improve the transparency and consistency of AYUSH studies, facilitating their inclusion in systematic reviews and supporting informed clinical and policy decision-making. We outline key steps in developing AYUSH-specific guidelines, including stakeholder engagement, an adaptation of existing frameworks, and pilot testing, to foster methodological rigor and support the integration of AYUSH research into broader scientific discourse. Establishing structured reporting guidelines will enhance the credibility of evidence-based AYUSH research and ensure its contributions are accessible and meaningful within the global healthcare landscape.

Homeopathy in Lymphatic Filariasis: A Narrative Review

AbstractLymphatic filariasis (LF) is globally considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD), as well as the second leading cause of disability. The financial and social burden of LF is significant and has an impact on the patient's ability to work, participate in social activities, and raise a family. Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), an antifilarial medication, is currently the preferred treatment for LF. However, its use can have some short-term adverse events. So, the effective management of LF is the need of the hour for preventing disease progression and episodes of acute adenolymphangitis. This article attempts to review the available literature on homeopathic intervention, which is an alternative, cost-effective and safer therapeutic option in the treatment of LF. A comprehensive search was made for studies conducted from 1980 to 2019 in different databases and resources, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. In addition, a manual search of monographs and research studies of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) related to filariasis was conducted through the AYUSH Research Portal, Archive on Homoeopathy, and CCRH e-library. According to study design, aims and objectives, sample size, study duration, intervention, outcome parameters, and results, the literature that is currently accessible has been categorized. Out of 15 studies screened, 8 related to homeopathy on LF were selected for this review. Of these, 1 randomized open label comparative trial, 2 single-blind nonrandomized placebo-controlled trials, 4 single-arm interventional trials, and 1 retrospective observational study were found. Except one single blind placebo-controlled nonrandomized study, the outcomes of other studies were found to be in favor of homeopathy. The review shows that there may be some beneficial effects of homeopathy in the management of LF. However, there are inconsistencies, gaps in the study, and insufficient outcome measures in the included literatures, which make it impossible to draw any firm conclusions. Subsequent research endeavors ought to surmount these challenges and conform to enhanced research design and methods.

In India, most principal investigators have run very few trials over the years.

In the past, clinical trials run in India have been the subject of criticism. Among other steps to improve the trial ecosystem, for some time the government limited the number of trials that a Principal Investigator (PI) could run to three at a time. We were interested to know how many trials PIs in India tend to run at a time. We accessed the 52,149 trial records hosted by the Clinical Trials Registry-India in April 2023. Of these, we shortlisted trials that had run in India, were interventional, and involved certain interventions such as drug, biological etc. We used multiple parameters, such as email ID, phone number etc. to determine whether one name always represented the same PI and whether two names corresponded to the same PI. We then determined how many trials each PI had run. We found that 3,916 unique PI names were associated with 6,665 trials. Of these, 2,963 (75.7%) PIs had run a single study. Only 251 (6.4%) had run more than three trials. A mere 14 PIs had run 20 or more trials. The 14 PIs were affiliated with local pharma companies (6), local or global contract research organizations (4), multinational pharma companies (3) and the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (1). The maximum number of trials run by a single PI was 108. Of these, the largest number run in a single year, 2022, was 53. Each PI name needs to be connected to a unique ID that does not change with time, so that it is easier to track the number of trials that a given PI has run. The number of studies run by a given PI at a given time must not be excessive and needs to be monitored more actively. The government needs to consider whether a cap on the number of trials that a PI runs at a time is required and what infrastructure needs to be in place to facilitate higher numbers of trials. Trial registry records need to be updated more regularly. Other countries may wish to do likewise.

Multidimensional Outcome Parameters in a Cress Seedling-CuCl2 Crystallization Assay to Corroborate Specific Effects of Stannum metallicum 30x Compared to Lactose 30x.

Previously we developed a test system which yielded highly significant evidence for specific effects of a Stannum metallicum 30x preparation in a multi-center replication trial. This test system is based on cress seed germination in homeopathic or control samples, CuCl2 crystallization of the cress extract, and subsequent digital textural image analysis of the resulting crystallization patterns. The current study aimed to investigate whether three novel outcome parameters could further corroborate and possibly characterize the specific effects of Stannum metallicum 30x. To this end, (1) cress seedling length, (2) a second texture analysis parameter, entropy and (3) the local connected fractal dimension (LCFD) of crystallization patterns as a measure of complexity were considered. The stability of the experimental setup was monitored throughout the entire investigation with systematic negative control (SNC) experiments. Cress length and entropy revealed a time-modulated potency treatment effect, in the absence of a significant main treatment effect. This indicated that the effect of the potency treatment varied significantly across the different experimental days. LCFD yielded a highly significant potency treatment effect. In addition, a significant interaction of treatment with experimental day seems to indicate a modulation of this effect. No significant effects were observed in any of the evaluations of the SNC experiments, indicative of a stable experimental setup and a reliable and specific treatment effect. Neither significant nor strong correlations were found between the four parameters, indicating that they reflect different effects of Stannum metallicum 30x on the organism treated. This quadruple characterization of the biological effects of Stannum metallicum 30x provides an unprecedented opportunity for basic homeopathy research into, among others, the presumed specificity of homeopathic preparations.

The Patient Population at Homeopathic Outpatient Clinics across India: A Clinical Data Collection Study.

Even though several initiatives have been undertaken in different locations worldwide to collect clinical data in homeopathy, it is important to further investigate these aspects in the context of health care in India. The study aimed to gather and analyze patients' clinical data and to derive insights into homeopathic treatment using an internet-based software program for data storage, retrieval and repertorization. A multi-center observational study was conducted across 14 homeopathy outpatient clinics in India that are affiliated with the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH). Patient symptoms and demographic details were documented anonymously, and prescriptions were guided by repertorial suggestions from the Vithoulkas Compass software. During follow-up visits, treatment outcome was also recorded using an online assessment form. A retrospective analysis of data on patients' demographics, follow-up visits, morbidity (International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision), rubrics used, prescribed medicines and the level of improvement was achieved using Microsoft Excel-generated pivot tables. Throughout the study duration of one year a total of 2,811 patients attended the 14 outpatient clinics, of whom 2,468 were new patients with a total of 2,172 initial homeopathic prescription entries. Across the study, there were 3,491 prescriptions and 1,628 follow-up consultations for 868 follow-up patients, all of which data were thoroughly analyzed. The highest frequency of patients was in the 20-49 age group, and a higher proportion of the patients overall was female. Musculoskeletal, dermatological and respiratory complaints were the most frequently reported. The rubrics "Desire for sweets" and "Desire for spices" emerged as the most commonly used in the repertorizations. Further, Sulphur stood out as the most commonly prescribed medicine overall. With homeopathic treatment, some degree of clinical improvement was reported in 86% of the follow-up cases. Homeopathy is prescribed in CCRH outpatient clinics for a wide range of ailments in people across India, with at least some clinical improvement noted in a high proportion of those patients. The large-scale systematic data collection in these clinics has provided clear insights into the use and clinical value of homeopathy in India, with the potential to build a substantive nationwide data inventory over time.

Brain Wave Oscillations as an Objective Neurophysiological Biomarker of Homeopathic Subjective Well-Being.

Homeopathy uses the "similitude principle" to arouse a therapeutic reaction in the body against its own disorders. For this to occur optimally, the medicinal pathogenetic effects must present similarity with the totality of the individual's symptoms. To assess if this similarity has been successfully achieved, Hahnemann states that "improvement in the disposition and mind"-i.e., subjective well-being-is the most important parameter to consider. Our aim was to perform a narrative review of the literature, exploring what is known about subjective well-being as a marker of therapeutic action, and to formulate ways in which subjective well-being might be quantifiable and applied in future homeopathy research. The concept of subjective well-being has been extensively studied in the complementary and conventional medical literature. Improved well-being has been observed in clinical trials, including those in the fields of positive psychology and meditation. Positive subjective outcomes of this nature are supported by objective evidence through associated changes in brain oscillatory activity using electroencephalography and/or "brain mapping" by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neurophysiological responses in the brain have been identified in subjects after they ingested a homeopathic medicine. The concept of subjective well-being is supported by a body of literature and is a measurable entity. When viewed from the perspective of electrophysiological changes, brain activity is an objective neurophysiological biomarker with a potential to quantify individual well-being in the context of homeopathy research.

Non-Healing Abscess of Myositis Cured with Homoeopathy Treatment: An Evidence-Based Case Report

AbstractMyositis is an infectious disease that affects skeletal muscle and may appear as a diffuse inflammation or a rapidly progressive myonecrotic process that often results in abscess development. It is most common in thigh muscles. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common microorganism, accounting for 90% of cases. Pyomyositis diagnosis can be challenging due to neglect of initial symptoms, and usually presents with fever and muscle pain. Standard antibiotic treatment is the mainstay. However, it can be effectively treated with homoeopathic medicines by considering local pathology and other individualised characteristics. A 58-year-old male patient consulted with a non-healing abscess of myositis with multi-morbid conditions. Initially treated in outpatient department without any positive change, he was later admitted to inpatient department of National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam, and treated for 45 days. Merc. sol. 0/1 was given as the first prescription and repeated as required in the follow-up visits. Syphilinum 200 was given as an intercurrent remedy to address predominant syphilitic miasm. Abscess of myositis was cured, and diabetes and hypertension were under control. There was an improvement in sensorineural deafness in both ears, and his craving for alcohol was also reduced. The changes in outcome and causal attribution were assessed using the Modified Naranjo Criteria. The score was +9, close to the maximum (13), showing positive relationship between homoeopathic intervention and the outcome. This case proves the positive role of homoeopathic medicines intervention in treating non-healing abscess of myositis associated with multimorbidities.

Action Of Homoeopathy In Chronic Diseases – A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Homeopathy, as a holistic system of medicine, plays a pivotal role in the management of both acute and chronic diseases, offering a potential for permanent cure without causing harm to the patient. This retrospective analysis aims to underscore the advantages of homeopathy, focusing on common chronic ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOD), bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and low backache. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively among patients attending the general Outpatient Department (OPD 2) at the National Homeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam, Kerala, every Tuesday from January 2023 to July 2023 (7 months). Analysis of data from 1677 patients revealed patterns of frequently indicated medicines. Results: A total of 1677 patients were included in the study, revealing distinct patterns in demographics and health conditions. The age distribution (Table 1, Figure1) indicated a higher prevalence among individuals aged 51-60 years (24%), while those in the 91-100 age group showed the least representation (1%). Notably, a predominant male presence was observed, constituting 51% of the patient population(Table2, Figure2). Among the patients, 197 were new attendees, while 1480 were returning patients, highlighting the sustained engagement of individuals with homeopathic care over time (Table 3, Figure3). The most prevalent disorders encountered during the study period (Table4, Figure4) were Bronchial Asthma (10%), Acid Peptic Disease (9%), and Diabetes Mellitus (9%). The most frequently used remedies were Sulphur, Pulsatilla, Nuxvomica, and RhusToxicodendron. Conclusion: In summary, this retrospective study involving 1677 patients at the National Homeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health revealed a predominant male demographic, with a concentration of cases in the 51-60 age group. Common disorders included Bronchial Asthma, Acid Peptic Disease, and Diabetes Mellitus, while Sulphur, Pulsatilla, Nuxvomica, and Rhustox emerged as frequently indicated remedies. Notably, the study showcased a remarkable improvement in all patients, affirming the efficacy and significance of homeopathy in achieving positive therapeutic outcomes.

Insights from a Decade of 'Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy'.

Insights from a Decade of 'Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy'.

HRI London 2023: The Homeopathy Research Community Reunites after a 4-Year Hiatus, Sparking Fresh Collaborations between Researchers 'Old and New'.

The Homeopathy Research Institute's (HRI) 5th international research conference took place in the heart of London, from 16th to 18th June 2023. With 230 attendees from 27 countries, HRI's conferences remain truly international. HRI London 2023 will be remembered for its inspiring blend of 'old and new', with a programme notable for the maturity of the evidence presented by experienced names drawing on decades of work, as well as the enthusiasm and skill of up-and-coming researchers who took the floor to present their new findings. In this report, we present scientific highlights from the event.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine/Therapy for Tobacco Cessation in India: A Secondary Analysis of GATS-1 and 2.

India has nearly 267 million adult tobacco users, with a slowly improving quitting rate. Among the many approaches to quitting the habit, such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine patch or gum, and prescribed allopathic medicines. Complementary and alternative medicine/therapy (CAM), a thousand-year-old practice in India, may also prove to be a potential method in tobacco cessation; however, there is scarce literature on the extent of use of CAM among tobacco users who attempt to quit the habit. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the potential of CAM as a strategy for tobacco control in India. We undertook a secondary analysis of the data from both rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2009 and 2016). The dependent variable included in the analysis was the use of traditional medicine as a method for quitting tobacco in three types of users-smokers, smokeless tobacco users, and dual users. The prevalence of CAM use was reported, and Chi-square test was applied to find the factors significantly associated with the use of CAM among tobacco users considering a P value of 0.05 to be statistically significant. The overall prevalence of traditional medicine use for GATS-1 was observed to be more among dual users (4%), while for GATS-2, it was highest among smokers (3%). For both rounds of the GATS survey, the use of traditional medicine was found to be higher among males, rural residents, users with no education or less than primary education, and the eastern region. CAM has a promising potential for supporting tobacco cessation provided a concerted effort is undertaken to standardize pharmacopeia and establish robust clinical evidence. In addition, there is a need to create awareness, build the capacity of healthcare providers, and foster academic-industrial research in indigenous Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) systems.

Usefulness of scientific research in Homeopathy

Introduction:
 Homeopathy is being questioned mostly in developed countries, despite the growing body of basic and clinical research with positive results. Even though many meta-analyses show positive findings, there is an urge for large clinical studies to improve the perception that there is an effect. To test the awareness of homeopaths in the research needs, a survey was developed asking about usefulness, and everyday use of research findings.
 Methods:
 The respondents were identified by the degree of academic study, age, experience, kind of practice, region of practice, and scientific background. To understand the predominant thoughts, questions were asked to define whether Homeopathy should be considered and studied as science if the homeopath regularly reads scientific papers, and of what kind. Also, the definition of which kind of literature contributes the most to ameliorating the quality of medical attention, the usefulness of basic and clinical research, the source of the research budget, and the priorities for future research. The forms were created in Spanish and Portuguese, and distributed by email, mostly in South America during July and part of August 2023.
 Results:
 A total of 463 responses were analyzed. More than 90% of the respondents were practicing homeopaths and 209 were MDs, 64% participated in a scientific study in the past. When asked about developing homeopathy, 50% preferred clinical research, 19% meta-analysis, 11% basic research, 11% HPT and 6% clinical verification. Funding should be provided by public institutions, Universities, and pharmaceutical companies. When asked about prescribing 76% relied on experience transmitted by masters, 66% on their own experience, and 48% on clinical research. Clinical research was found useful in 88% of the sample. There was no clear response when asked about sources for improving clinical practice.
 Conclusion:
 Homeopaths are informed about scientific research but have no clear perception of how it may improve clinical practice.

A review on the current status of homoeopathy in the management of schizophrenia

Background: Schizophrenia is a mental condition not only affecting routine of daily of life but also the Quality of life with devastating consequences for affected individuals and their families.Objectives: This review aims to detect the current status of homoeopathy in the management of schizophrenia. Materials and Method: a search is done in search engines of Google scholar, PubMed and Cochrane, CINAHL PsycINFO, Hom-Inform. Identified articles of homoeopathy in schizophrenia is collected and summarised in this review. Result: Though there is scarcity in studies, the available data shows scope for future research in homoeopathy in schizophrenia.

Homoeopathic Pathogenetic Trial of Catharanthus roseus: A Multicentric, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

AbstractMedicinal plants have a long history of usage in traditional medicine, and Catharanthus roseus L. (G.) Don is one such plant. However, to understand its homoeopathic therapeutic effect, it was important to find the pathogenetic powers by conducting a drug proving trial. To elicit the pathogenetic response of C. roseus in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human provers, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at four centers under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. The proving trial involved 60 relatively healthy provers. All provers were given placebo in the first phase. After randomization, 40 provers in the intervention group were given C. roseus in 6C, 12C, 30C, and 200C potencies in four phases. The control group of 20 provers were administered unmedicated globules in all the phases. A maximum of 12 doses divided into 4 doses/day for 3 days were administered in all phases of the trial. The symptoms and signs manifested during the trial were noted down by the provers, elaborated by the proving masters, and the data were finally processed at the proving-cum-data processing cell of the Council. Among the 40 provers of the verum group, only 15 provers manifested 22 pathogenetic and 10 placebo symptoms, whereas 30 symptoms were reported by 12 provers in the control group. The symptoms have been manifested predominantly in 200C potency. The pathogenetic response elicited during this trial expands the scope of the use of C. roseus and needs to be further validated by a clinical verification study.

Immunological Responses of Arsenicum album 30CH to Combat COVID-19: Protocol for a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial in the Pathanamthitta District of Kerala.

COVID-19 is a recent major public health concern caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with approximately 44.6 million COVID-19-positive cases and 530,000 deaths in India (as of February 1, 2023). The COVID-19 vaccination drive in India was initiated in January 2021; however, an effective preventive strategy with high efficacy and immunological safety remains elusive. The aim of this study is to assess the immunogenic responses of Arsenicum album 30CH (AA30CH) as COVID-19 prophylaxis, including assessment of immunological markers, innate and acquired immune responses, COVID-19 symptoms, and its associated antibody responses. This randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) will include two parallel comparator groups of AA30CH and placebo with an allocation ratio of 1:1 conducted in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The placebo or AA30CH will be administered in three intervention schedules and blood samples will be collected before and after each of the intervention schedules. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 112 participants per arm (with an expected dropout of 20%) will be screened. Immunogenic responses will be evaluated by determining the antigen density and modulation in immunological markers and lymphocyte subsets CD3, CD4, CD8, CD24, CD27, CD38, CD4 interferon-γ, CD4 CD17, CD4 CD25 (activated T lymphocytes), T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (mature and immature), and natural killer cells on days 1, 5, 23,27, 45, 49, and 66. The innate and acquired immune responses will also be evaluated by a real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) array profiler (84-gene set) before and after the study interventions. The toxicity status of AA30CH in study participants will be evaluated through hepatic, renal, and hematological parameters and peripheral smears on days 1, 5, 23, 27, 45, 49, and 66. The number of participants developing COVID-19-like symptoms per National Centre for Disease Control guidelines and the number of participants testing positive for COVID-19 in RT-PCR during follow-ups in any of the three intervention schedules will be identified. Moreover, a subgroup analysis will be used to assess the COVID-19 antibody responses between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants. This RCT protocol has been approved by various committees and funded by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. The project has been implemented in collaboration with the Department of Homoeopathy, Government of Kerala. The RCT was rolled out on January 25, 2023, and enrollment was completed April 3, 2023. The immunological assays will be conducted at the Department of Biotechnology-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India. This study will represent the first evaluation of the immunological efficacy and safety of AA30CH in an RCT, which may significantly impact the use of homeopathy as an evidence-based medicine approach. Clinical Trials Registry-India CTRI/2022/08/045089; https://tinyurl.com/mryrpkvk. DERR1-10.2196/48479.

Fundamentals of Statistics and Clinical Research in Homeopathy by Lex Rutten and Martine Rutten

Fundamentals of Statistics and Clinical Research in Homeopathy by Lex Rutten and Martine Rutten