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Teixeira MZ. Brain Wave Oscillations as an Objective Neurophysiological Biomarker of Homeopathic Subjective Well-Being. HOMEOPATHY 2024. [PMID: 38636544 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 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. AIM 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. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSIONS 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Zulian Teixeira
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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2
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Fortuoso BF, Volpato A, Rampazzo L, Glombowsky P, Griss LG, Galli GM, Stefani LM, Baldissera MD, Ferreira EB, Machado G, da Silva AS. Homeopathic treatment as an alternative prophylactic to minimize bacterial infection and prevent neonatal diarrhea in calves. Microb Pathog 2017; 114:95-98. [PMID: 29180294 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bovine neonatal diarrhea is common due low immunity in newborn calves, poor management (or absence) of sanitary barriers, and other factors. Newborn calves with diarrhea in the first days of life suffer failure to thrive and may die if left untreated. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prophylactic administration of a homeopathic product (Dia 100®) can control bovine neonatal diarrhea in calves born on a farm with substantial sanitary challenges. We counted total bacteria and protozoan parasites in fecal samples. We measured serum glucose, total protein, globulin, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides on days 1, 7 and 14 of life. Twenty newborn calves were maintained in individual stalls, and were divided in two groups: ten untreated animals (control) and ten animals treated with Dia 100®. Fecal consistency was evaluated daily. We diagnosed diarrhea in five animals in the treated group, and in all animals from the control group. Infections with Escherichia coli and Giardia duodenalis were identified as the responsible organisms. The E. coli count was low in the treatment group on day 7 of life compared with the control group. Antibiotics were given to eight animals in the control group, and to two animals in the treatment group. On day of life 7, serum levels of total protein and globulins were higher in the control group, but were lower on day 14. Serum levels of glucose and triglycerides were greater in treated animals on days 7 and 14, suggesting that the homeopathic product contributes to improvement of intestinal health and absorption and nutrients. We conclude that Dia 100® controls diarrhea with 50% of efficacy, and reduces antibiotic utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F Fortuoso
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil
| | - Andreia Volpato
- Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil
| | - Luana Rampazzo
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil
| | - Patrícia Glombowsky
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo Griss
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil
| | - Gabriela M Galli
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil
| | - Lenita M Stefani
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil
| | - Matheus D Baldissera
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Machado
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA
| | - Aleksandro S da Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Brazil.
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Lees P, Pelligand L, Whiting M, Chambers D, Toutain PL, Whitehead ML. Comparison of veterinary drugs and veterinary homeopathy: part 1. Vet Rec 2017; 181:170-176. [PMID: 28801498 PMCID: PMC5738587 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
For many years after its invention around 1796, homeopathy was widely used in people and later in animals. Over the intervening period (1796-2016) pharmacology emerged as a science from Materia Medica (medicinal materials) to become the mainstay of veterinary therapeutics. There remains today a much smaller, but significant, use of homeopathy by veterinary surgeons. Homeopathic products are sometimes administered when conventional drug therapies have not succeeded, but are also used as alternatives to scientifically based therapies and licensed products. The principles underlying the veterinary use of drug-based and homeopathic products are polar opposites; this provides the basis for comparison between them. This two-part review compares and contrasts the two treatment forms in respect of history, constituents, methods of preparation, known or postulated mechanisms underlying responses, the legal basis for use and scientific credibility in the 21st century. Part 1 begins with a consideration of why therapeutic products actually work or appear to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lees
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - L Pelligand
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - M Whiting
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D Chambers
- Hall Manor, Kelly, Lifton, Devon PL16 0HQ, UK
| | - P-L Toutain
- Toxalim, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse, France
| | - M L Whitehead
- CertSAM, MRCVS, Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 5SY, UK
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Potentized estrogen in homeopathic treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain: A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2017; 211:48-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Cerritelli F, Verzella M, Cicchitti L, D’Alessandro G, Vanacore N. The paradox of sham therapy and placebo effect in osteopathy: A systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4728. [PMID: 27583913 PMCID: PMC5008597 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000004728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placebo, defined as "false treatment," is a common gold-standard method to assess the validity of a therapy both in pharmacological trials and manual medicine research where placebo is also referred to as "sham therapy." In the medical literature, guidelines have been proposed on how to conduct robust placebo-controlled trials, but mainly in a drug-based scenario. In contrast, there are not precise guidelines on how to conduct a placebo-controlled in manual medicine trials (particularly osteopathy). The aim of the present systematic review was to report how and what type of sham methods, dosage, operator characteristics, and patient types were used in osteopathic clinical trials and, eventually, assess sham clinical effectiveness. METHODS A systematic Cochrane-based review was conducted by analyzing the osteopathic trials that used both manual and nonmanual placebo control. Searches were conducted on 8 databases from journal inception to December 2015 using a pragmatic literature search approach. Two independent reviewers conducted the study selection and data extraction for each study. The risk of bias was evaluated according to the Cochrane methods. RESULTS A total of 64 studies were eligible for analysis collecting a total of 5024 participants. More than half (43 studies) used a manual placebo; 9 studies used a nonmanual placebo; and 12 studies used both manual and nonmanual placebo. Data showed lack of reporting sham therapy information across studies. Risk of bias analysis demonstrated a high risk of bias for allocation, blinding of personnel and participants, selective, and other bias. To explore the clinical effects of sham therapies used, a quantitative analysis was planned. However, due to the high heterogeneity of sham approaches used no further analyses were performed. CONCLUSION High heterogeneity regarding placebo used between studies, lack of reporting information on placebo methods and within-study variability between sham and real treatment procedures suggest prudence in reading and interpreting study findings in manual osteopathic randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Efforts must be made to promote guidelines to design the most reliable placebo for manual RCTs as a means of increasing the internal validity and improve external validity of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cerritelli
- Clinical-based Human Research Department, COME Collaboration, Pescara
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti
- Correspondence: Francesco Cerritelli, COME Collaboration ONLUS, Via Vespucci 188, Pescara 65126, Italy (e-mail: )
| | - Marco Verzella
- Clinical-based Human Research Department, COME Collaboration, Pescara
- Accademia Italiana Osteopatia Tradizionale, Pescara
| | - Luca Cicchitti
- Clinical-based Human Research Department, COME Collaboration, Pescara
- Accademia Italiana Osteopatia Tradizionale, Pescara
| | - Giandomenico D’Alessandro
- Clinical-based Human Research Department, COME Collaboration, Pescara
- Accademia Italiana Osteopatia Tradizionale, Pescara
| | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Surveillance and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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Teixeira MZ, Podgaec S, Baracat EC. Protocol of randomized controlled trial of potentized estrogen in homeopathic treatment of chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. HOMEOPATHY 2016; 105:240-249. [PMID: 27473545 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes difficult-to-treat pelvic pain. Thus being, many patients seek help in complementary and alternative medicine, including homeopathy. The effectiveness of homeopathic treatment for endometriosis is controversial due to the lack of evidences in the literature. The aim of the present randomized controlled trial is to assess the efficacy of potentized estrogen compared to placebo in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. METHODS/DESIGN The present is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a homeopathic medicine individualized according to program 'New Homeopathic Medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude' (http://newhomeopathicmedicines.com). Women with endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and a set of signs and symptoms similar to the adverse events caused by estrogen were recruited at the Endometriosis Unit of Division of Clinical Gynecology, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo - HCFMUSP). The participants were selected based on the analysis of their medical records and the application of self-report structured questionnaires. A total of 50 women meeting the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated to receive potentized estrogen or placebo. The primary clinical outcome measure will be severity of chronic pelvic pain. Statistical analysis will be performed on the intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches comparing the effect of the homeopathic medicine versus placebo after 24 weeks of intervention. DISCUSSION The present study was approved by the research ethics committee of HCFMUSP and the results are expected in 2016. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02427386.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Zulian Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Sérgio Podgaec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edmund Chada Baracat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Planès S, Villier C, Mallaret M. The nocebo effect of drugs. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2016; 4:e00208. [PMID: 27069627 PMCID: PMC4804316 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While the placebo effect has been studied for a long time, much less is known about its negative counterpart, named the nocebo effect. However, it may be of particular importance because of its impact on the treatment outcomes and public health. We conducted a review on the nocebo effect using PubMed and other databases up to July 2014. The nocebo effect refers by definition to the induction or the worsening of symptoms induced by sham or active therapies. Examples are numerous and concerns both clinical trials and daily practice. The underlying mechanisms are, on one hand, psychological (conditioning and negative expectations) and, on the other hand, neurobiological (role of cholecystokinin, endogenous opioids and dopamine). Nocebo effects can modulate the outcome of a given therapy in a negative way, as do placebo effects in a positive way. The verbal and nonverbal communications of physicians contain numerous unintentional negative suggestions that may trigger a nocebo response. This raises the important issue of how physicians can at the same time obtain informed consent and minimize nocebo-related risks. Every physician has to deal with this apparent contradiction between primum non nocere and to deliver truthful information about risks. Meticulous identification of patients at risk, information techniques such as positive framing, contextualized informed consent, and even noninformation, is valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Planès
- Centre Régional de Pharmacovigilance Grenoble University Hospital Grenoble France
| | - Céline Villier
- Centre Régional de Pharmacovigilance Grenoble University Hospital Grenoble France
| | - Michel Mallaret
- Centre Régional de Pharmacovigilance Grenoble University Hospital Grenoble France
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Jargin SV. Hormesis and homeopathy: The artificial twins. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE RESEARCH 2014; 4:74-7. [PMID: 26401389 PMCID: PMC4566758 DOI: 10.5455/jice.20140929114417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Homeopathy claims a curative reaction from small doses of a substance, high doses of which cause symptoms similar to those the patient is suffering from. Hormesis is a concept of biphasic dose-response to different pharmacological and toxicological agents. According to this concept, a small dose of a noxious agent can exert a beneficial action. A hypothesis is defended here that hormesis as a general principle can be assumed only for the factors present in the natural environment thus having induced adaptation of living organisms. Generalizations of the hormesis phenomenon used in support of homeopathy are unfounded. Low-dose impacts may be associated with a higher risk in a state of organ sub-compensation or failure especially in the elderly patients. Practical recommendations should be based neither on the hormesis as a default approach nor on the postulates of homeopathy. All clinically relevant effects, hormetic or not, should be tested by the methods of evidence-based medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V Jargin
- Department of Public Health, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
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Glickman-Simon R, Tessier J. Guided imagery for postoperative pain, energy healing for quality of life, probiotics for acute diarrhea in children, acupuncture for postoperative nausea and vomiting, and animal-assisted therapy for mental disorders. Explore (NY) 2014; 10:326-9. [PMID: 25112585 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Pedersen CG, Johannessen H, Hjelmborg JV, Zachariae R. Effectiveness of energy healing on Quality of Life: A pragmatic intervention trial in colorectal cancer patients. Complement Ther Med 2014; 22:463-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Haresnape C. An exploration of the relationship between placebo and homeopathy and the implications for clinical trial design. JRSM SHORT REPORTS 2013; 4:2042533313490927. [PMID: 24040505 PMCID: PMC3767074 DOI: 10.1177/2042533313490927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Placebo appears to be a real neurobiological phenomenon that has evolved through the selection pressure to be able to heal ourselves. The complex language and social structures of humans means that we can attribute meaning to therapeutic encounters with culturally sanctioned authority figures and we can use our attachment to such figures to generate hope for recovery. Different mechanisms may be involved in the neurobiological aspect of placebo including anxiety, learning, conditioning as well as individual genetic variation. Examination of the published work shows that while some trials do seem to indicate a specific mode of action for homeopathic remedies other trials do not and this is an issue that needs to be addressed at the trial design stage. A clinical trial that includes both a placebo group and a non-participating control arm is the most powerful design for separating the non-specific and polymorphic placebo effect from the specific effects of trial medication. The control variables in a trial of homeopathic medication should also include the process of consultation as this may assume a meaning for the individual that can also be associated with a placebo effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Haresnape
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
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Abstract
The hypothesis in drug clinical trials is that the drug is better than a placebo in patients suffering from a disease. The unstated assumption is that the drug cures the disease or is a powerful treatment for the disease. This is an incorrect assumption. Drugs do not cure or treat diseases. The body heals itself; drugs promote this ability of the body to heal itself. Placebos are assumed to be inactive; however, placebos can also promote the ability of the body to heal itself. Placebos are actually treatments that can stimulate endogenous healing mechanisms. The possible place of placebos in health management is controversial. Clinical trial design should be altered. The hypothesis of clinical trials should be that the drug speeds up or improves the healing of the patient, putting patient healing as the first objective. Placebos should not be used as controls but could be tested as drugs in their own right. The control in clinical trials should be no treatment. Alternatively, new drugs could be compared to existing drugs in clinical trials.
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