Kritische Research

[Robert Medhurst]

Homeopath and author Robert Medhurst presents extracts of studies that demonstrate homeopathy’s effectiveness in people, animals and plants.

The practise of homeopathy has been referred to in the past as both an art and a science. As an art, it’s applied using the creative skill of the prescriber to heal.

As a science, it’s applied according to the traditional scientific method, that is, by very careful observation, measurement and experiment, in the form of homeopathic provings. The science of homeopathy is continually being validated by the use of experimental research. Here are some notable extracts recently published in peer-reviewed journals.

Human Research

Nigwekar AM, et al. Subjective pain relief experienced in Musculoskeletal System (MSS) Disorders by elderly patients on homoeopathic medicines: An observational study. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2021;5(1):155-8. An observational cohort study was done via secondary data analysis of 278 patients visiting a homeopathic hospital for a period of 10 years to observe the subjective relief from homeopathic medicines in musculoskeletal disorders.7.32% of patients reported 25% relief, 35% of patients had 50% relief, 17% of patients were better by 75%, 14% of patients were free of pain and had improved ease in mobility, while 16% of patients reported no relief. Homeopathic medicines like Kali Carb (27.3%), Silicea (21.2%), and Calcarea Flour (13.7%) were the most indicated remedies in the elderly patients with these complaints and centesimal scale

(30C – 38% of patients & 200C – 59% of the patients) was the most common potency scale used.

Kariyil JT. A clinical study on homoeopathic medicines in pain management of haemorrhoids in adult age group. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2021;5(2):71-4.

Using purposive sampling, a prospective, observational study was carried out in 30 people with haemorrhoids who were treated by individualised homeopathy. Each case was followed for 6 months and an outcome assessment was done by scores before and after the study. Statistical analysis was done using a t-test where the result was t (29) = 24.80, p< 0.05 which shows there was a significant improvement in pain.

Singh R, et al. Role of homoeopathic medicines in cases of frozen shoulder. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2021;5(2):166-9. A prospective, observational study was done in the outpatient department of the Dr. Girendra Pal Homoeopathic Hospital in Jaipur. 35 patients suffering from frozen shoulder were enrolled as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and treated with individualised homeopathic medicines along with physiotherapy. Shoulder pain and disability index was used for pre and post treatment assessment. Homeopathic medicines provided significant benefit to patients suffering from frozen shoulder, difference of mean = 1.72857, t (34) = 13.965, P = 0.005.

Paired sample t- test result shows, disability improved by homeopathic medicine, difference of mean = 1.73714, t (34) =11.707, P = 0.005.

Dubey A, et al. Analysis of homoeopathic genus epidemicus for COVID-19 patients in Gujarat: A retrospective cohort study. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2021;5(4),

Part D. Authors conducted a retrospective case series study, collecting data from the Parul Sewashram Hospital, Vadodara and 4 constituent homeopathic medical colleges of Parul University in Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Vadodara, on 280 patients with symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19 infection or close contact with confirmed patients, who were treated with individualised homeopathy. They included data through checklist questionnaires on the day of case the analysis and 10-15 days after starting treatment.

268 cases were mild and moderate; 12 were serious. Severe cases were excluded from the analysis, 268 mild and moderate cases were analysed, and clear general clinical images with mental, general and peculiar symptoms were obtained. The most commonly prescribed medications were Bry, Ars, Phos and Gels, while the best responders were Sulph, Puls and Bry. The time to complete recovery after homeopathic treatment was 3 to 14 days, depending on the medication used. The use of 200C potencies was associated with a faster complete recovery rate.

Nisha CN, et al. Prevalence of covid-19 in patients taking Arsenicum album 30C as a prophylactic: A cross-sectional analytical study. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2022;6(2):5-8. This study was done to compare the prevalence of COVID-19 in patients taking the homeopathic prophylactic remedy Arsenicum album 30C and those not taking any other prophylactic remedy. The correlates of COVID -19 in study participants were assessed and the symptom distribution in COVID-19 positive cases in study and control groups were compared. 341 participants were selected for the study by consecutive sampling. Data collection was done through a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The comparison of prevalence and covariates was done by Chi-square test and analysis of covariates was done by logistic regression. The overall prevalence of COVID-19 among the study subjects was 30.2%. In logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI was found to be 0.17. After adjusting for all covariates, it is found that in those taking Arsenicum album 30C as a prophylactic there was an 83% less chance of getting COVID-19 infection.

Niranjan M.: Early diagnosis and treatment outcomes with individualized Homoeopathic medicine: A single blind, simple randomized placebo controlled study. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2022:6(2):70-6. 90 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were randomised to individualised homeopathic treatment with centesimal potencies

(Group – I), millesimal potencies (Group – II) or control (Group – III) for 2 years and monitored for response to change in the Disease Activity Scores in 28 joints (DAS28). Chi-square test for comparison of centesimal potency and placebo the chi-square was 32.593 with 1 degree of freedom. The two tailed P value was less than 0.0001.

Hence the result was a statistically significant difference (P< 0.4212, Cl=95%) in the treatment of RA. Similarly for the millesimal potency and placebo the chi-square was 41.567 and hence the result was significant. For the centesimal and millesimal potencies the square was 0.647 with two tailed P value of 0.4212 and hence the result was

non-significant. What this showed was that centesimal and millesimal potencies were equally effective in the treatment of RA.

In Vitro Research

de Souza APM, et al. Homeopathy: a possible weapon against multidrug-resistant bacteria to antibiotics. Int J High Dilution Res. 2014;13(47):114-114. This study evaluated the action of the different homeopathic medicines against the growth of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) “in vitro”. Doses of 150, 250 and 350 μL of the homeopathic medicines Silicea, Hepar sulf, Belladonna, Arnica montana, Merc-solubilis and nosode of Staph aureus, in 6C, 12C, and 30C potencies had been placed in 3mL culture liquid. Added to this blend was 10 μL of a diluted bacterial solution 1/10, and these were incubated at 37°C, and the growth

in the tubes was evaluated in spectrophotometric of 600 nm. The results demonstrated that, for the Staph aureus, significant bacterial growth inhibition was observed in about 70 to 90% of the growth “in vitro”, provided by the homeopathic medicines Hepar sulf 30C, Belladonna 6C and 30C, in the Staph aureus nosode 6C and 30C and Silicea 6C, with regard to the control with alcohol 30%. The MRSA presented inhibition from 40% to 20% of the bacteria growth “in vitro” related to the control with alcohol 30%, with the same medicines used before.

Passeti TA, et al. Action of methicillin on the growth “in vitro”of bacteria Staphyloccocus aureus methicillin-resistance previously homeopathic treatment. Int J High Dilution Res. 2015;14(2):57-8. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI 2014) standards were followed according to the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In 5 mL of cation adjusted Mueller Hinton (CAMH) broth, it was added 420 μl of 30% alcohol or Belladonna and S.aureus nosode in the dilutions 6C, 12C and 30C. Then a 20μl of bacterial suspension of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was added to 0.5 McFarland range and diluted to 1/10.

The tubes were incubated in an oven at 37⁰C for 3 hours. The plates were previously prepared with 50μl per well of serial dilutions of the antibiotic oxacillin in concentrations of 128 μg/mL to 0.5 μg/mL in CAMH broth. Then it was added 50 μl per well of bacterial cultures. The plate was incubated in an oven at 37⁰C for 24 hours and the bacterial growth measured in a spectrophotometer 600nm. The point of the MIC of oxacillin for S. aureus is 4 μg/mL, according to CLSI 2014 criteria. Authors did not observe the total inhibition of bacterial growth when incubated with the homeopathic medicine and oxacillin. In evaluation of the spectrophotometer culture, they observed significant changes in the growth, compared to the control (30% alcohol). Cultures treated with Belladonna 6C and the antibiotic in the dilution 4 μg/mL showed a decrease of 40% of the growth, while in the 30C the drop was of 75%. Cultures treated with the S.aureus nosode 30C and the antibiotic at 4 μg/mL dilution, showed a decrease of 60% in bacterial growth in vitro. The results suggest that bacterial cultures the S. aureus (MRSA) incubated with the homeopathic medicines would be more susceptible to oxacillin’s antimicrobial action.

Animal Research

Coelho CdeP, et al. Pilot study: evaluation of homeopathic treatment of Escherichia coli infected swine with identification of virulence factors involved. Int J High Dilution Res. 2014; 13(49):197-206. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was isolated from 4 piglets with diarrhoea, their clinical signs were used to select the adequate homeopathic medicine, China officinalis (China). Newborn piglets were divided in 4 groups (n=11 or 12): control group treated with the routinely used antimicrobial agent (ceftiofur 4 mg 1 ml/piglet for 3 days); one group with homeopathic medicine China 30C; one group treated with a homeopathic nosode prepared from locally isolated E. coli; and one group was treated with association of China and nosode. All isolated samples of E. coli were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify virulence factors in each group. There was no difference in the number of animals with diarrhoea between groups treated with homeopathic medicine and control; weight gain was greater in groups treated with homeopathic medicine alone and associated with nosode compared to control (p<0.05). Cost of homeopathic treatment was lower compared to ceftiofur.

Plant Research

Mondal S, et al. Natrum mur 200c promotes seed germination and increases total protein, chlorophyll, rubisco and sugar in early seedlings of cowpea under salt stress.

Int J High Dilution Res. 2012;11(40):128-128. The purpose of this study was to determine whether potentised Natrum mur could alleviate salt stress in germinating seeds

of cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp. Water-soaked seeds were kept over moist filter paper in covered petri dishes which were divided into 5 groups: unstressed and untreated control in sterile distilled water, in 100mM sodium chloride solution, seeds pre-treated with Natrum mur 200C and then kept in sterile distilled water, seeds

pre-treated with Natrum mur 200C and then transferred to 100mM NaCl solution and (5) seeds pre-treated with 90% ethanol. Both Natrum mur 200C and its diluent medium (90% ethanol) were diluted with distilled water 1:100 before use for treatment. Natrum mur 200C increased the rate of seed germination, seed water content and growth of seedlings. The drug also enhanced chlorophyll, soluble and insoluble sugar, rubisco and total protein content as compared to the untreated salt stressed group. Treatment with Natrum mur 200C increased salt tolerance in the seedlings as compared to the untreated salt stressed group. All the data were analysed by ANOVA and the significance level was not less than 1%.

[Robert Medhurst]

Homeopath, naturopath and author Robert Medhurst shares abstracts of research showing effectiveness of homeopathy in people, animals, plants and in the test tube.

As a credible alternative or complement to orthodox medicine, for many people homeopathy still has a lot to prove (no proving pun intended). The notion that an exceedingly small dose of material, homeopathically potentised or not, can ameliorate disease or its symptoms can be difficult to accept without a reasonable volume of solid evidence. Fortunately for the open-minded, good quality evidence that attests to the benefits of homeopathy exists and following are abstracts from some recent examples published in peer-reviewed journals.

Human Research

Lobo BJ. The efficacy of Hamamelis 30 in the management of varicose veins and its complications using revised venous clinical severity score tool and peripheral venous Doppler study. J Intgr Stand Homoeopathy. 2021;4(2):49-54. A prospective uncontrolled experimental study with purposive sampling on 32 people with varicose veins was performed. The venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and Doppler test before and after treatment with homeopathic Hamamelis 30C was provided. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied and the change in the median VCSS was found to be statistically significant. P-value of the pre score was 5.53 ± 4.15 and that of the post score was 3.45

± 2.36 with a mean change of 2.09 ± 2.87 and 37.69% improvement with P-value of 0.000 < 0.01. The Doppler study showed no significant change or improvement.

Phansalkar SK, et al. A randomized control study for evaluating the efficacy of individualized homoeopathic medicine as an adjuvant therapy in mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. J Intgr Stand Homoeopathy. 2021;4(2):40-8. This was a prospective trial of 50 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases, wherein Group A received standard treatment along with indicated homeopathic medicine (experimental group) and Group B received the standard treatment and placebo (control group). The indicated homeopathic medicine as an adjuvant reduced subjective distress in a statistically significant proportion. It also reduced oxygen requirement, shortened hospital stay, promoted early recovery, and reduced worsening of the patients and shifting into the intensive care unit (ICU). By day 4 of treatment, subjective symptoms in 56% of patients in the experimental group were completely resolved, compared to 15% in the control group. The oxygen requirement on day 4 reduced by 46.2% in the experimental group, remaining unchanged in the control group. None of the patients in the experimental group needed shifting to the ICU compared to 16.7% in the control group. The average hospital stay was 6 days in the experimental group, compared to 9 days in the control group.

Biswas B, et al. Role of individualized homoeopathic medicine in the treatment of gout – An observational study. J Intgr Stand Homoeopathy. 2021;4:75-9. This was an observational study conducted using secondary data from hospital records, pathology reports, and the socio-demographic data from computerised records in Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. 150 patients were included in the study. Gout was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and laboratory reports. All patients were prescribed homeopathic medicines along with dietary management. The patients were prescribed Lycopodium (n=22, 14.67%), Colchicum (n=17, 11.38%), Natrum sulph (n=18, 12%) or Nitric acid (n=14, 9.38%) on the basis of totality and symptoms and individualisation. Improvement was assessed in 4 different categories: marked, moderate, mild or no improvement. The patients improved clinically as well as pathologically. Uric acid (UA) reduction was marked in 26 (17.33%) patients, moderate in 67 (44.67%) patients and mild in 25 (16.67%) patients. 83.33% of patients reported reduction in physical discomfort and continued to do well after treatment.

Sharma B. To evaluate the role of individualized homeopathic treatment in haemorrhoids: An observational study. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2019;3(3):32-4. 50 people suffering from haemorrhoids were treated with individualised homeopathy over a period of 6 months. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software for Windows, Version 21.0. Chicago: SPSS. The data was recorded after 3rd and 6th month. The significance level was set at P<0.05. 34 patients (68%) given homeopathic Sulphur after 3 months had a reduction in bleeding, 24 patients (48%) given Sulphur had a reduction in pain, 18 patients (36%) given Sulphur had a reduction in heaviness and 25 patients (50%) given sulphur had a reduction of itching. Sulphur use after 6 months was associated with a reduction of bleeding in 38 (76%) patients, a reduction of pain in 26 (52%) patients, a reduction of heaviness in 18 (36%) patients, and a reduction of itching in 28 (56%) patients. Homeopathic Nux vomica use after 3 months was associated with a reduction

of bleeding in 29 (58%) patients, a reduction of pain in 25 (50%) patients, a reduction of heaviness in 20 (40%) patients and reduction of itching in 25 (50%) patients.

Nux vomica use after 6 months was associated with a reduction in bleeding in 31 (62%) patients, a reduction of pain in 28 (56%) patients, a reduction of heaviness in 20 (40%) patients and reduction of itching in 28 (56%) patients.

Deep A, et al. Homoeopathic management of hyperuricemia in primary gout: Randomized single blind placebo controlled study. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2020;4(1):73-7. A prospective study was conducted with an objective to evaluate improvement in the serum uric acid (SUA) level and visual analogous scale (VAS) score of pain after homeopathic treatment. The experimental group received the indicated homeopathic medicine while control group received identical placebo. Both groups were assessed for SUA and VAS score from baseline to end of every 3 months. Data from 91 patients were analysed at the end of study. In the medicinal group, SUA was reduced to 4.96 ±1.99 from 8.61±.69 with mean reduction of 3.66 ± 2.10 and reduction of VAS score was 1.65± 1.87 from 7.1±.83, with mean reduction of 5.46 ± 2. 00. In placebo group SUA was reduced to 7.60 ±.86 from 8.1± 69 with mean reduction of .51±.81 with VAS score reduction to 5.47±1.44 from 6.60 ±.98 with mean reduction of 1.14 ± 1.49. As per these results, the mean score reduction in the medicinal group was higher than in placebo, and the difference was statistically significant (p<.0001).

Mohanty N, et al. Homoeopathy in the treatment of migraine: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2020;4(3):104-8. 60 people suffering from migraine headaches were treated with individualised homeopathic medicines (test group) or placebo (control group). For intensity assessment the Headache Impact Test (HIT 6) was used. HIT scores were recorded before and after treatment. The duration of the study was 6 months. The paired t-test was applied to observe the difference in groups and found statistically significant, indicating that homeopathic medicines were effective in the treatment of migraine in this study (p<0.0001).

The most frequent prescribed homeopathic medicine was Natrum muriaticum. Onosmodium and Prunus spinosa were also frequently prescribed in acute conditions.

Less indicated remedies were Lachesis, Sulphur, Silicea, Pulsatilla, Lycopodium, Spigelia and Sanguinaria.

In Vitro Research

Valle AC, et al. In vitro antitumor activity in breast cancer cells (SKBR3 and PMC42) of Ruta graveolens in homeopathic dilution. J Integrated Standardized Homoeopathy. 2022;5(3):63-6. The breast cancer cell lines SKBR3 and PMC42 were treated with Ruta graveolens 35X (Ruta) and the in vitro effects on cell viability was evaluated by MTT cytotoxicity assay. In the SKBR3 cells, Ruta at a concentration of 8μl/ml induced a significant reduction in cell viability when compared to the untreated control. Treatment with Ruta 35X in the PMC42 cells reduced cell viability from the highest concentrations of 20μl/ml, 30 μl/ml, 40 μl/ml and 50 μl/ml.

Potrich FB, et al. Highly diluted compounds effects on B16-F10 melanogenesis, reactive species production and tumorigenesis. Int J High Dilution Res. 2012;11(40):177-8. Cutaneous melanoma is a highly malignant tumour derived from skin epidermis pigment-producing melanocytes. During melanin biosynthesis and other tumourigenic process, oxygen and nitrogen reactive species are produced and might be critically involved in melanogenesis. Reactive species play key roles in the regulation of many types cell proliferation, including melanoma cells. Authors evaluated the effects of the homeopathic combinations M8 (Aconitum napellus 20X, Arsenicum album 18X,Asafoetida 20X, Calcarea carbonica 16X, Conium maculatum 17X, Ipecacuanha 13X, Phosphorus 20X, Rhus toxicodendron 17X, Silicea 20X, Sulphur 24X, Thuja occidentalis19X) and

M1 (Chelidonium majus 20X, Cinnamon 20X, Echinaceae purpurea 20X, Gelsemium sempervirens 20X plus all M8 compounds) on cell proliferation, melanogenesis and reactive species. To do this, melanin content was measured in B16-F10 cells after 96 hours of treatment with highly diluted compounds, as well as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. Furthermore, cell proliferation was investigated by crystal violet and cell viability by trypan blue exclusion method after 48 hours of treatment. M1 and M8 treatment led to statistically significant increase in B16-F10 melanin content and a decrease in nitrite concentration, a nitric oxide derivative. Superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide production was not changed, but a decrease in cell proliferation after treatment was observed. Nitrogen oxide (NO) is known to be involved in tumour progression. NO treated B16-F10 cells exhibited higher metastatic capacity and endogenous NO has anti-apoptotic effects. Thereby, low NO levels could account cell proliferation reduction and in vivo tumourigenesis reduction. It is speculated that melanocytes are programmed to survive in order to preserve their photo-protective role, thus in a compensatory manner the cell may synthesize melanin in response to cell proliferation reduction.

Animal Research

Brandão ALdP, et al. Evaluation of Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) on milk parameters in the dairy cow. Int J High Dilution Res. 2012;11(40):138-9.

Authors investigated the response of dairy cows after M8 (Calcarea carbonica 16X, Aconitum napellus 20X, Arsenicum album 18X, Asafoetida 20X, Conium maculatum 17X, Ipecacuanha 13X, Phosphorus 20X, Rhus toxicodendron 17X, Silicea 20X, Sulphur 24X, and Thuja occidentalis19X) treatment. The study was performed as a randomised, observer double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial, with a stratified design, using lactation number and somatic cell count (SCC) as stratification factors. The study sample consisted of 42 lactating dairy cows in one high producing dairy, divided into two experimental groups. Exclusion criteria were cows with clinical mastitis or receiving any other medical treatment. Pre-and post-milking teat disinfection was practiced in the herd. All cows were clinically examined, with udder and milk samples being appraised according to Rosenberger (1990). During 3 months one group received daily M8 treatment, the other placebo. Oral administration of 5 ml/day/cow was performed using an automatic dosage dispenser. Monthly, milk production, SCC, fat and total protein content were carefully recorded for each animal by an official milk recording program. SCC was log transformed for analysis. ANOVA and Tukey test were used to compare the averages. The Bartlett test was used for homogeneity of variance evaluation. There were no significant differences (p=0.435) among the groups in the initial evaluation (values of SCC x103: Placebo 67±80; Treatment 111±153). After 3 months, the M8 treated group showed a decrease (68±47, p= 0.047) in SCC when compared with control group (392 ±687). Fat and protein did not differ between groups and time analysed. Milk production decreased in the placebo group during time (Before: 35.0 ±6.7 kg; After: 28.7 ±4.3kg), whereas the treatment group did not change total amount (Before: 28.7±6.5kg; After: 26.4 ±5.7kg; p> 0.05).

Plant Research

Singh PK, et al. Effectiveness of homoeopathic drug Zincum metallicum 6C on plant growth of Raphanus sativus in natural environment. Int J Homoeopathic Sciences. 2020;4(3):151-4. 30 plants of Raphanus sativus received Zincum metallicum 6C (ZM) (20 drops in 1 litre of water) while 30 plants of Raphanus sativus receiving normal water. Data collection was done every day up to germination at the same time of day. After 1 week the plants were thinned leaving only 35 plants per group. After 50 days the entire plant was measured for mass, only 30 samples were included in final analysis. The mean whole plant length of group receiving ZM was 74.9 cm while the mean whole plant length of control group was 67.95 cm. the mean whole plant mass of group receiving ZM was 270.6g while the mean whole plant mass of control group was 250.57. The mean mass of root (gm) of group receiving ZM was 179.43 while the mean mass of root (gm) of control group was 162.21. The mean mass of shoot system of group receiving ZM was 88.35 while the mean mass of shoot system of control group was 35.39.

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