Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy
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A review on immunomodulatory response of homoeopathic medicines through cytokine induction as evidenced in in vivo and in vitro studies
Get PDFBackground: This review discusses the importance of inter-individual variations in Homoeopathy and role of immune modulation through cytokine induction behind these variations in symptoms. Objectives: To analyse the effects of homoeopathic drugs in modulation of cytokine synthesis to find the individualised immunological mechanisms of these drugs. Methods: The PubMed database was searched for studies which analysed effects of homoeopathic medicines on cytokine synthesis. Full texts of shortlisted studies after scrutiny of abstracts, were analysed for study design, homoeopathic medicines used, cytokines analysed and results. Results: The PubMed search yielded 21 studies. After analysis of abstracts of 21 studies, 10 were shortlisted, which included 7 in vivo and 2 in vitro studies. One study had both in vivo and in vitro interventions. Majority of in vivo studies used rat and exposure to immunological challenge before administration of homoeopathic medicine. The cytokines studied were interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor alpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12. The two in vitro studies evaluated effects of Saussurea lappa and Mercurius solubilis on lymphocytes and macrophage culture, respectively. Out of 10 studies analysed, 8 showed homoeopathic medicines can modulate cytokine synthesis either by increasing or decreasing the cytokine synthesis, in a statistically significant manner. Conclusion: The studies were heterogeneous regarding the antigenic challenge given to stimulate immune cells and only 50% of studies clearly mentioned random allocation of animals in groups. Though majority of studies showed that homoeopathic medicines can modulate cytokine synthesis, the mechanism of cytokine modulation remained unexplored
An online cross-sectional survey on knowledge, attitudes, practices and perspectives of homoeopathic practitioners towards COVID-19
Get PDFBackground: In the light of pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), identification of level of epidemic preparedness and understanding of homoeopathic practitioners is required to utilise their services in mainstream healthcare effectively. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify knowledge, attitudes and practices of homoeopathic physicians about COVID-19. Methodology: An online cross-sectional survey was undertaken in the midst of the epidemic in India when services of homoeopathic doctors were under consideration. The ten knowledge questions were scored and analysed to identify differences with sociodemographic variables. Responses to the ten questions on attitudes and practices were analysed to identify differences in the domains, differing significantly in knowledge scores. Results: Out of 3901 responses received over 2 days, 3595 were included for analysis. Knowledge scores significantly differed with qualification (graduates – 8.60 ± 1.38, post-graduates – 8.84 ± 1.29 and other qualifications – 8.56 ± 1.31) and years of practice (\u3c10 years – 8.57 ± 1.38 and \u3e10 years – 8.84 ± 1.30). Gender was not identified as a variable to affect knowledge scores significantly. Attitudes and practices were also identified to be more favourable in participants with more than 10 years\u27 experience. Conclusion: Homoeopathic physicians have largely been able to maintain a high level of currency of knowledge, purely on their own accord. Specific aspects related to patient care and practices need to be further enhanced. Practitioners affirmed that homoeopathic medicines need to be validated on a group of patients before mass treatment/prevention can be identified for which immediate access to patients is required
A case report of prurigo nodularis responsive to Homoeopathy
Get PDFIntroduction: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic, benign neurodermatitis. The exact cause is unknown. In majority, cases of PN do not have a complete resolution of the nodules even with treatment. Case Summary: Here, a diagnosed case of PN of an 18 year old female with a history of 1 year old eczematous lesion is presented. On the basis of the totality of symptoms, homoeopathic medicine Natrium muriaticum was prescribed and gradually the patient showed stable improvement in the domain of signs and symptoms and reached remission by the end of 4 months. There was no recurrence over the next 1 year. This case report evidently suggests that Homoeopathy can serve as a possible treatment option for the management of PN cases
Ferrum phosphoricum 3X and Ferrum metallicum 3X in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in children: Randomized parallel arm study
Get PDFBackground: Anaemia in children has significant adverse health consequences and is a major public health problem. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify efficacy of Ferrum phosphoricum 3X (FP) and Ferrum metallicum 3X (FM) in changing haemoglobin (Hb) levels in school-going children, 12–14 years of age with Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA). Materials and Methods: School children were screened for Hb levels using a portable haemoglobinometer at Noida, Kottayam, Guwahati and Imphal. Children with Hb levels ≤11.9 g% and ≥8 g% were investigated for IDA by measuring serum ferritin level and other parameters. Children enrolled were divided into two categories, i.e., mild (Hb 11–11.9 g%) and moderate anaemia (Hb between 8 and 10.9 g%). Children in both the groups were randomised into FP and FM groups and prescribed accordingly for 3 months. Hb levels were repeated after 3 months. Results: 2,878 children were screened and 792 (27.5%) were identified to have Hb between ≤11.9 g% and ≥8 g%. 102 (mild anaemia: FP-30; FM-29, moderate anaemia: FP-21, FM-22) were enrolled after investigations and consent. Significant increase in Hb was seen in children with moderate anaemia in FP group (9.95 ± 0.749–10.97 ± 1.51). Increase in Hb in other groups was not significant. Conclusion: Percentage of children with low iron reserves and having true IDA was \u3c4%. FP has a potential to improve Hb levels in children with no side effects
Evidence-based Homoeopathy: A case report of nodular episcleritis
Get PDFIntroduction: Nodular episcleritis (NE) is a variety of episcleritis characterised by inflammation of subconjunctival connective tissue leading to development of a localised raised congested nodule with mild pain and tenderness. It can last for weeks with a tendency to recur and is often considered as an allergic reaction to endogenous toxins. Conventional treatment includes the use of topical steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which give a temporary relief. Case Summary: The case of a 62-year-old male patient suffering from NE in the right eye for 15 days not responding to conventional treatment is reported here. Homoeopathic Mercurius solubilis 30C prescribed on the basis of totality of symptoms resolved NE within a week with no recurrence for 1 year and 4 months. This case report with photographic evidence shows the effectiveness of Mercurius solubilis 30C in non-rheumatoid nodular episcleritis
