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Gaertner K, von Ammon K, Fibert P, Frass M, Frei-Erb M, Klein-Laansma C, Ulbrich-Zuerni S, Weiermayer P. Recommendations in the design and conduction of randomised controlled trials in human and veterinary homeopathic medicine. Complement Ther Med 2023; 76:102961. [PMID: 37393961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are an established research method to investigate the effects of an intervention. Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs with homeopathic interventions have identified shortcomings in design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of trials. Guidelines for RCTs in homeopathic medicine are lacking. OBJECTIVES This paper aims to fill this gap in order to enhance the quality of RCTs in the field of homeopathy. METHODS Identification of the homeopathy-specific requirements for RCTs by reviewing literature and experts' communications. Systematization of the findings using a suitable checklist for planning, conducting, and reporting RCTs, namely the SPIRIT statement, and high-quality homeopathy RCTs as examples. Cross-checking of the created checklist with the RedHot-criteria, the PRECIS criteria, and a qualitative evaluation checklist. Consideration of the REFLECT statement and the ARRIVE Guidelines 2.0 for veterinary homeopathy. RESULTS Recommendations for future implementation of RCTs in homeopathy are summarized in a checklist. Alongside, identified useful solutions to the issues encountered when designing and conducting homeopathy RCTs are presented. CONCLUSIONS The formulated recommendations present guidelines additional to those in the SPIRIT checklist, on how to better plan, design, conduct, and report RCTs in homeopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gaertner
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine IKIM, University of Bern, Freiburgstr. 46, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, DE-58313 Herdecke, Germany
| | - Klaus von Ammon
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine IKIM, University of Bern, Freiburgstr. 46, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philippa Fibert
- Department of Psychology and Pedagogic Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, UK
| | - Michael Frass
- em. Medical University of Vienna, Department of Medicine I, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute for Homeopathic Research, Columbusgasse 20, A-1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Frei-Erb
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine IKIM, University of Bern, Freiburgstr. 46, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christien Klein-Laansma
- Louis Bolk Institute, Health and Nutrition, Kosterijland 3-5, NL-3981 AJ Bunnik, the Netherlands
| | | | - Petra Weiermayer
- WissHom: Scientific Society for Homeopathy, Wallstraße 48, DE-06366 Koethen, Germany.
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Gaertner K, Loef M, Frass M, Mittal R, Khurana A, Manchanda R, von Ammon K, Frei-Erb M, Walach H, Baumgartner S. Bibliography of Homeopathic Intervention Studies (HOMIS) in Human Diseases. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:14-21. [PMID: 36190509 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Homeopathy (HOM) is a therapeutic method, which is widely used by patients and medical professionals. The medical conditions as well as the homeopathic medical products investigated vary strongly. There is an extensive amount of research, and this necessitates a bibliography that comprehensively presents the entire body of clinical evidence grouped according to medical conditions. Design: Thirty-seven online sources as well as print libraries were searched for HOM and related terms in eight languages (1980 to March 2021). We included studies that compared a homeopathic medicine or intervention with a control regarding the therapeutic or preventive outcome of a disease (classified according to International Classification of Diseases-10). The data were extracted independently by two reviewers and analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of 636 investigations met the inclusion criteria, of which 541 had a therapeutic and 95 a preventive purpose. Seventy-three percent were randomized controlled trials (n = 463), whereas the rest were non-randomized studies (n = 173). The leading comparator was placebo (n = 400). The type of homeopathic intervention was classified as multi-constituent or complex (n = 272), classical or individualized (n = 176), routine or clinical (n = 161) and isopathic (n = 19), or various (n = 8). The potencies ranged from 1X (dilution of -10,000) to 10 M (100-10.000). The included studies explored the effect of HOM in 223 medical indications. We present the evidence in an online database. Conclusions: This bibliography maps the status quo of clinical research in HOM. The data will serve for future targeted reviews, which may focus on the most studied conditions and/or homeopathic medicines, clinical impact, and the risk of bias of the included studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gaertner
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Martin Loef
- Change Health Science Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Frass
- Institute for Homeopathic Research, Vienna, Austria.,Scientific Society for Homeopathy, Koethen, Germany
| | - Renu Mittal
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi, India
| | - Anil Khurana
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajkumar Manchanda
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi, India
| | - Klaus von Ammon
- Scientific Society for Homeopathy, Koethen, Germany.,Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Frei-Erb
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany.,Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Raak CK, Scharbrodt W, Berger B, Büssing A, Schönenberg-Tu A, Martin DD, Robens S, Ostermann T. Hypericum perforatum to Improve Postoperative Pain Outcome After Monosegmental Spinal Sequestrectomy (HYPOS): Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2022; 28:407-417. [PMID: 35171041 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2021.0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery often suffer from severe radicular postoperative pain leading to the prescription of high-dose opioids. In Integrative Medicine, Hypericum perforatum is known as a remedy to relieve pain caused by nerve damage. Objectives: This trial investigated whether homeopathic Hypericum leads to a reduction in postoperative pain and a decrease in pain medication compared with placebo. Design: Randomized double blind, monocentric, placebo controlled clinical trial. Settings/Location: Department of Neurosurgery, Community Hospital Herdecke. Subjects: Inpatients undergoing lumbar sequestrectomy surgery. Interventions: Homeopathic treatment versus placebo in addition to usual pain management. Outcomes Measures: Primary endpoint was pain relief measured with a visual analog scale. Secondary endpoints were the reduction of inpatient postoperative analgesic medication and change in sensory and affective pain perception. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. Pain perception between baseline and day 3 did not significantly differ between the study arms. With respect to pain medication, total morphine equivalent doses did not differ significantly. However, a statistical trend and a moderate effect (d = 0.432) in the decrease of pain medication consumption in favor of the Hypericum group was observed. Conclusion: This is the first trial of homeopathy that evaluated the efficacy of Hypericum C200 after lumbar monosegmental spinal sequestrectomy. Although no significant differences between the groups could be shown, we found that patients who took potentiated Hypericum in addition to usual pain management showed lower consumption of analgesics. Further investigations, especially with regard to pain medication, should follow to better classify the described analgesic reduction. Clinical Trial Registration Number: German Clinical Trials Register No: DRKS00007913.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa K Raak
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany.,Integrative Neuromedicine, Community Hospital Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Wolfram Scharbrodt
- Integrative Neuromedicine, Community Hospital Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Bettina Berger
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Arndt Büssing
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Anna Schönenberg-Tu
- Integrative Neuromedicine, Community Hospital Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
| | - David D Martin
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Sibylle Robens
- Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Thomas Ostermann
- Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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4
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Nayak C, Manchanda R, Khurana A, Chalia DS, Pannek J, Chattopadhyay A, Koley M, Saha S. Clinical trials of homeopathy in urological disorders: a systematic review. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 18:23-28. [PMID: 32663171 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Homeopathy remains one of the most sought after therapies for urological disorders. The aim of this paper was to systematically review the available clinical researches of homeopathy in the said conditions. CONTENT Relevant trials published between Jan 1, 1981 and Dec 31, 2016 (with further extension up to Dec 31, 2017) was identified through a comprehensive search. Internal validity of the randomized trials and observational studies was assessed by The Cochrane Collaboration's tool and methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria respectively, homeopathic model validity by Mathie's six judgmental domains, and quality of homeopathic individualization by Saha's criteria. SUMMARY Four controlled (three randomized and one sequentially allocated controlled trial) trials were reviewed and 14 observational studies alongside - all demonstrated positive effect of homeopathy. Major focus areas were benign prostatic hypertrophy and renal stones. One of the four controlled trials had 'adequate' model validity, but suffered from 'high' risk of bias. None of the non-randomized studies was tagged as 'ideal' as all of those underperformed in the MINORS rating. Nine observational studies had 'adequate' model validity and quality criteria of individualization. Proof supporting individualized homeopathy from the controlled trials remained promising, still inconclusive. OUTLOOK Although observational studies appeared to produce encouraging effects, lack of adequate quality data from randomized trials hindered to arrive at any conclusion regarding the efficacy or effectiveness of homeopathy in urological disorders. The findings from the RCTs remained scarce, underpowered and heterogeneous, had low reliability overall due to high or uncertain risk of bias and sub-standard model validity. Well-designed trials are warranted with improved methodological robustness. FUNDING None; Registration web-link: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018081624&ID=CRD42018081624.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaturbhuja Nayak
- Homoeopathy University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.,Former Director General, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajkumar Manchanda
- Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India.,Secretary, Information and Communication, Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis, Turkey
| | - Anil Khurana
- Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepti Singh Chalia
- Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Jürgen Pannek
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland.,Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Abhijit Chattopadhyay
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- State National Homoeopathic Medical College, Lucknow, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, India.,Independent Researcher, Champsara, Baidyabati, Hooghly, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Homoeopathic Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India
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An open-label randomized pragmatic non-inferiority pilot trial comparing the effectiveness of Curare 30CH against individualized homeopathic medicines in post-stroke hemiparesis. ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Nahar L, Paul S, Chattopadhyay A, Koley M, Saha S. An open-label randomized pragmatic non-inferiority pilot trial to compare the effectiveness of Dysentery compound with individualized homeopathic medicines in irritable bowel syndrome. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 16:/j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2018-0217/jcim-2018-0217.xml. [PMID: 31199766 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2018-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastro-intestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, altered bowel function and myriad of gastro-intestinal symptoms. Dysentery compound (DC), a 'bowel nosode', is one of the homeopathic medicines to treat IBS, but remained under-researched. We hypothesized that DC would be non-inferior to individualized homeopathy (IH) in treatment of IBS. Method An open, randomized (1:1), parallel arms, pragmatic, non-inferiority, pilot trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of DC with IH medicines in 60 IBS patients. IBS Quality of Life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire was used as the outcome measure; assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Comparative analysis was carried out on the primary outcome to detect non-inferiority by one-tailed t test at alpha=5% with a prefixed margin (Δ) of 1.0 based on assumption. Results Six subjects dropped out. Groups were comparable at baseline (all p>0.01). Though intra-group changes were higher favoring IH over DC, group differences were statistically non-significant (all p>0.01). Non-inferiority was not demonstrated by DC against IH over 3 months (mean difference= -3.3, SE=5.2, lower 95% confidence limit -11.9, t= -0.453, p=0.674). No adverse events were reported from either group. Conclusion Non-inferiority of DC against IH in treatment of IBS was not demonstrated though it appeared as safe; still, being a pilot trial, no definite conclusion could be drawn. Further exploration of both efficacy and effectiveness of either of the therapies is necessary by adequately powered trials and independent replications. Trial registration: CTRI/2017/05/008480; UTN: U1111-1196-1004.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laijun Nahar
- National Institute of Homoeopathy, Homoeopathic Materia Medica, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake Kolkata, India
| | - Swapan Paul
- National Institute of Homoeopathy, Homoeopathic Materia Medica, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake Kolkata, India
| | - Abhijit Chattopadhyay
- National Institute of Homoeopathy, Homoeopathic Materia Medica, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake Kolkata, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Independent Researcher, Champsara, Baidyabati Hooghly, India
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Michael J, Singh S, Sadhukhan S, Nath A, Kundu N, Magotra N, Dutta S, Parewa M, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of individualized homeopathic treatment of insomnia: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med 2019; 43:53-59. [PMID: 30935555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insomnia is the most common sleep-related complaint associated with impaired day-time functioning, reduced quality of life, increased morbidity and substantial societal cost. We evaluated whether individualized homeopathy (IH) could produce significant effect beyond placebo in treatment of insomnia. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two parallel arms trial, 60 patients were randomized to receive either IH/verum or control/placebo (1:1). Patient-administered sleep diary (6 items; 1: latency to fall asleep, 2: minutes awake in middle of night, 3: minutes awake too early, 4: hours spent in bed, 5: total sleep time in hours, and 6: sleep efficiency) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were taken as the primary and secondary outcomes respectively, measured at baseline, and after 3 months. RESULTS Five patients dropped out (verum: 2, control: 3). Intention to treat sample (n = 60) was analyzed. Trial arms were comparable at baseline. In the verum group, except sleep diary item 3 (P = 0.371), rest of the outcomes improved significantly (all P < 0.01). In the control group, there were significant improvements in diary item 6 and ISI score (P < 0.01) and just significant improvement in item 5 (P = 0.018). Group differences were significant for items 4, 5 and 6 (P < 0.01) and just significant (P = 0.014) for ISI score with moderate to large effect sizes; but non-significant (P > 0.01) for rest of the outcomes. CONCLUSION IH seemed to produce significantly better effect than placebo. Rigorous trials and independent replications are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Michael
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India.
| | - Subhas Singh
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India.
| | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India.
| | - Arunava Nath
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India.
| | - Nivedita Kundu
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India.
| | - Nitin Magotra
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India.
| | - Susmit Dutta
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India; 82A, Pramanick Ghat Road, Kolkata 700036, West Bengal, India.
| | - Maneet Parewa
- Dept. of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India.
| | - Munmun Koley
- Village Champsara, PO Baidyabati, Hooghly 712222, West Bengal, India.
| | - Subhranil Saha
- 93/2/1, Shibpur Road, PO and PS Shibpur, Howrah 711102, West Bengal, India.
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Ghosh S, Ghosh T, Mondal R, Patra S, Das S, Ali SS, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of Arsenicum album 30cH in preventing febrile episodes following DPT-HepB-Polio vaccination - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med 2018; 36:59-62. [PMID: 29458932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the post-immunization adverse events, especially of Diphtheria-Pertusis-Tetanus (DPT), fever is a common systemic reaction. There is anecdotal support for the use of the homeopathic medicine Arsenicum album in preventing post-vaccination fever. The investigators intended to evaluate its efficacy in preventing febrile episodes following vaccination. METHODS In the community medicine out-patient of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India, between August 2014 and January 2017, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 120 children (verum: 60, placebo: 60) who presented for the 2nd and 3rd dose of DPT-HepB-Polio vaccination and reported febrile episodes following the 1st dose. Intervention used was Arsenicum album 30cH 6 doses or placebo (indistinguishable from verum), thrice daily for two subsequent days. Parents were advised to report any event of febrile attacks within 48h of vaccination, either directly or over telephone. RESULTS The groups were comparable at baseline. Children reporting fever after the 2nd dose was 29.8% and 30.4% respectively for the homeopathy group and control group respectively [Relative Risk (RR)=1.008] with no significant difference (P=0.951) between groups. Again after the 3rd dose, children reporting fever were 31.5% and 28.3% respectively for the homeopathy group and control group respectively (RR=0.956) with no significant difference (P=0.719) between groups. CONCLUSION Empirically selected Arsenicum album 30cH could not produce differentiable effect from placebo in preventing febrile episodes following DPT-HepB-Polio vaccination. [Trial registration: CTRI/2017/02/007939].
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Dept. of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Drainage Canal Road, Doomurjala, Howrah, Pin code 711104, West Bengal, India.
| | - Taraknath Ghosh
- Dept. of Community Medicine, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Drainage Canal Road, Doomurjala, Howrah, West Bengal, 711104 India.
| | - Ramkumar Mondal
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Drainage Canal Road, Doomurjala, Howrah, West Bengal, 711104, India.
| | - Supratim Patra
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal,Drainage Canal Road, Doomurjala, Howrah, West Bengal, 711104, India.
| | - Sumantra Das
- National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700106, India.
| | - Sk Swaif Ali
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Drainage Canal Road, Doomurjala, Howrah, West Bengal, 711104, India.
| | - Munmun Koley
- Independent Researcher, Affiliated to Central Council of Homoeopathy, Vill, Champsara, PO: Baidyabati, Hooghly, West Bengal, 712222, India.
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Independent Researcher, Affiliated to Central Council of Homoeopathy, 93/2/1, Shibpur Road, PO and PS: Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal, 711102, India.
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Abstract
Homeopathy is used by just over 2% of the U.S. population, predominantly for respiratory, otorhinolaryngology, and musculoskeletal complaints. Individual users who see a homeopathic provider for care are more likely to perceive the therapy as helpful than those who do not; however, only 19% of users in the United States see a provider. The rest presumably rely upon over-the-counter products. Recent clinical trials highlight several areas in which homeopathy may play a role in improving public health, including infectious diseases, pain management, mental health, and cancer care. This review examines recent studies in these fields, studies assessing costs associated with homeopathic care, safety, and regulations in the United States. Data suggest the potential for public health benefit from homeopathy, especially for conditions such as upper respiratory infections and fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Dossett
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine and Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 151 Merrimac St., 4 floor, Boston, MA, 02114 USA
| | - Gloria Y. Yeh
- Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave., CO-215, Boston, MA 02215 USA
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