Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy
Not a member yet
697 research outputs found
Sort by
Homoeopathy for the management of Asthma - A review of Council′s Clinical Research
Objective: To conduct a review of the Clinical Research work of the Council in the field of asthma. Methods: A comprehensive manual search of Council′s publications pertaining to asthma was conducted to identify publications on the research work undertaken by the Council including CCRH Quarterly Bulletins (1982 to 2005), Clinical Research studies series and Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy (IJRH). Relevant research was categorized by study type and appraised according to study design with their clinical outcomes. Results: Only 20 publications pertaining to Asthma were found and 10 were selected consisting of observational studies and drug oriented studies. Conclusion: The positive outcome in controlling acute episodes of asthma, reducing the frequency and intensity of subsequent episodes and weaning of bronchodilators and other allopathic drugs have been reported. As only observational studies have been conducted, further pragmatic trials including randomized control studies are desirable
A multicentric observational study to evaluate the role of homoeopathic therapy in vitiligo
Background: Vitiligo has an immense psychological impact on the affected individual and a reason for low self-esteem. Considering the disappointing outcomes, A multicentric open clinical study was undertaken by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, at five institutes and units in India from October 2005 to September 2010. Aims and Objectives: This observational study aimed to see the usefulness of homoeopathic therapy in the management of vitiligo. Materials and Methods: 432 patients of all age groups suffering from vitiligo were enrolled in the study. Out of that, 169 patients completed 2 years of follow-up and were considered for analysis. Homoeopathic medicines, based on the totality of symptoms and repertorization were prescribed. The analysis of the cases was based on the Vitiligo Symptom Score (VSS) and photographs of the patients. Result was analyzed using statistical method of SPSS version 20. Results: The changes in the mean VSS at intervals of every 6 months was found to be statistically significant. Homoeopathic treatment was found to be useful in relieving vitiligo in varying degrees in 126 patients, out of which 4 (2.94%) cases showed marked improvement, 15 (11.03%) cases showed moderate improvement, 77 (56.62%) cases showed mild improvement, and 30 patients although improved, fell in the category of not significant improvement group (below 25% improvement). Ten homoeopathic medicines were found useful in the study of which Sulphur (n = 27), Arsenicum album (n = 19), Phosphorus (n = 19), and Lycopodium clavatum (n = 10) were the most commonly indicated and useful medicines
Homoeopathic Drug Proving: Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Background: The methodology of Drug Proving has evolved considerably since the times of Dr. Hahnemann. Standardisation of a proving process and quality of proving studies has been a major consideration for research over the years. Proving guidelines have been developed by various international bodies such as Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Committee of United States (HPCUS), European Commission of Homoeopathy (ECH) and Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis (LMHI). Drug proving has been a major research activity of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH). CCRH had over the years devised its own methodology for drug proving. A protocol for the drug proving program of the Council has been developed by harmonising the CCRH methodology with that detailed in internationally developed guidelines. Methodology: This is a generic protocol, which will be applicable for drugs being proved by the Council. These will be multi-centric, prospective, parallel arm, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. It is recommended to have at least 30 provers who can complete the total duration of proving. The Investigational Proving Substance (IPS) will be proved in two potencies. Inter- Prover and Intra- Prover placebo control will be maintained. Proving symptoms generated will be analysed on pre-defined criteria, and characteristic symptoms of the IPS will be identified. Discussion: The protocol aims at combining the possible methods to increase the quality and to minimize bias in the study, at the same time ensuring that the IPS is proved sufficiently to evolve a pathogenesis which can then further be subjected for appropriate clinical response in patients. The protocol is open for discussion and readers are invited to send their comments and reviews on the protocol
Homoeopathy in the management of Dyslipidemia: A short review
The importance of high serum total cholesterol and high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as a risk factor for coronary artery diseases is well established. Statin is the first-line of treatment for dyslipidemia and there are known side effects of statin therapy. This study reviews the existing information available in Homoeopathy (research and traditional knowledge) for managing dyslipidemia. No rigid inclusion has been kept due to scarcity of evidence-based literature. Preclinical and clinical studies (case records to controlled trials) are included. A comprehensive search from major biomedical databases including National Medical Library (PubMed), AYUSH PORTAL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was conducted using the search term “dyslipidemia,” “atherosclerosis,” “arteriosclerosis,” “atheroma” along with “Homoeopathy.” In addition, efforts were made to search authoritative texts of authors, such homoeopathic Materia Medica, repertory, etc. Relevant research was categorized by study type and appraised according to study type and design. Four preclinical, three observational studies, and two case records were identified. From literary search, medicines commonly used in Materia Medica and drugs of Indian origin were noted. There are positive leads in managing patients suffering from dyslipidemia. However, more well-designed studies are warranted to generate effectiveness/efficacy of Homoeopathy
Dose-dependent effect of homoeopathic drug Zinc sulphate on plant growth using Bacopa monnieri as model system
Background: Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients in plants required in very low quantity for plant growth and development. In higher concentration, it is known to to reduce the rate of photosynthesis, So homoeopathic preparations tested to see it role on plan growth. Objective: To analyse the effect of homoeopathic preparation of Zinc sulphate on plants through in-vitro assay using Bacopa monnieri as a model plant system. Materials and Methods: Six homoeopathic potencies (1X to 6X) of Zinc sulphate were used on a decimal scale along with the control (MS basal agar medium). The samples were evaluated by adding fixed amount (100 μl) in the media as well as by dipping the explants in the test sample overnight. At the completion of the incubation period (14 days) the fresh and dry weight, number and length of the roots, number and length of the shoots and the number of leaves were analysed. Results: It was observed that Zinc sulphate showed growth inhibition at potencies from 1X to 5X, whereas at potency 6X, it exhibited growth promotion effect, when compared with the control. Conclusion: Homoeopathic drug (Zinc sulphate) exhibited growth promotion at higher potency (6X) and growth inhibition at lower potencies (1X to 5X) on Bacopa monneiri
Homoeopathy in polycystic ovarian syndrome: A randomized placebo-controlled pilot study
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an emerging health problem in young females characterized by ovarian dysfunction and hyperandrogenism. Existing information indicates a positive role of homoeopathy but more rigorous studies are desirable. This protocol has been developed to undertake a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic intervention using established diagnostic criteria.Methods/Design: It will be a multi-centric, randomized, placebo controlled pilot study with a 6-month intervention and follow up period. Minimum 60 cases fulfilling the eligibility criteria will be enrolled and randomized to receive either the homoeopathic intervention or the identical placebo. Both the arms follow lifestyle modification for weight reduction. Primary endpoint will be the establishment of regular menstrual cycle along with improvement in either ultrasonology or hirsutism/acne. Secondary endpoints will be to compare the changes in total and individual domain scores of PCOS questionnaire at monthly interval and the changes in ultrasound of polycystic ovaries. For the primary outcome and each of the secondary outcomes, both per protocol and modified intention to treat analysis will be done.Discussion: This pilot study has been planned considering the varied presentation of PCOS as per international diagnostic criteria and accordingly the composite endpoints have been kept for evaluation. The outcome of this pilot study will help in planning a definite study
Effectiveness of train the trainer module in delivery of HIV prevention messages for Homoeopathy and Ayurveda practitioners
Introduction: A 2-day training program was developed to train Homoeopathy and Ayurveda practitioners to impart HIV/AIDS prevention messages to their clients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this training program based on train the trainer modality. Materials and Methods: Ten primary participants were enrolled in each one day and two day training program. Both the groups were instructed to impart further training to 10 participants each. The knowledge of and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were measured in primary participants before and immediately after training and at the end of 3 months and in secondary participants before and immediately after training by a 21-item questionnaire. Results: In 1-day group, the pre-training and post-training assessments were completed by all the 10 participants, where as the 3 month assessment was completed by only seven participants. In this group, mean overall knowledge score was 15.9 which increased to 17 post training and reduced to 16.7, 3 months post training. In 2-day group, the pre-training and post training assessments were completed by 10 participants, where as the 3 month assessment was completed by nine participants. In this group, the pre-training score of 17.4 increased to 19.8 immediately after training and decreased to 18.4, 3 months after training. From the 1-day group and two day group, seven and nine participants respectively, conducted secondary trainings. In case of secondary trainees, the cognitive knowledge scores showed a statistically significant difference before and after trainings in both the groups. Conclusion: The training module on HIV/AIDS was useful in enhancing the knowledge of physicians of Homoeopathy and Ayurveda on cognitive and transmission related aspects of the disease and on its ethical, social and legal implications. With such training programs the homoeopathic and ayurvedic practitioners can play a vital role in prevention of HIV infection by undertaking appropriate patient education and counselling