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Ghosh S, Palanisamy C, Das AD, Mandal S, Guha N, Maiti S, Ghosh P, Singh NK, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Menopausal Syndrome: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:649-664. [PMID: 37222798 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Menopausal symptoms are systemic symptoms that are associated with estrogen deficiency after menopause. Although widely practiced, homeopathy remains under-researched in menopausal syndrome in terms of quality evidence, especially in randomized trials. The efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) was evaluated in this trial against placebos in the treatment of the menopausal syndrome. Design: Double-blind, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India. Subjects: Sixty women with menopausal syndrome. Interventions: Group 1 (n = 30; IHMs plus concomitant care; verum) versus group 2 (n = 30; placebos plus concomitant care; control). Outcome measures: Primary-the Greene climacteric scale (GCS) total score and menopause rating scale (MRS) total score, and secondary-the Utian quality of life (UQOL) total score; all of them were measured at baseline and every month up to 3 months. Results: Intention-to-treat sample (n = 60) was analyzed. Group differences were examined by two-way (split-half) repeated-measure analysis of variance, primarily taking into account all the estimates measured at monthly intervals, and secondarily, by unpaired t tests comparing the estimates obtained individually every month. The level of significance was set at p < 0.025 two-tailed. Between-group differences were nonsignificant statistically-GCS total score (F1, 58 = 1.372, p = 0.246), MRS total score (F1, 58 = 0.720, p = 0.4), and UQOL total scores (F1, 58 = 2.903, p = 0.094). Some of the subscales preferred IHMs significantly against placebos-for example, MRS somatic subscale (F1, 56 = 0.466, p < 0.001), UQOL occupational subscale (F1, 58 = 4.865, p = 0.031), and UQOL health subscale (F1, 58 = 4.971, p = 0.030). Sulfur and Sepia succus were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harm or serious adverse events were reported from either group. Conclusions: Although the primary analysis failed to demonstrate clearly that the treatment was effective beyond placebo, some significant benefits of IHMs over placebo could still be detected in some of the subscales in the secondary analysis. Clinical trial registration number: CTRI/2019/10/021634.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Chithra Palanisamy
- Department of Case Taking and Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India; Affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences
| | - Aakash Deep Das
- Department of Case Taking and Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India; Affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences
- Department of Repertory, JIMS Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, The Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences, Shamshabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sanjukta Mandal
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Bengal Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Asansol, West Bengal, India
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilanjana Guha
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Center, Varanasi, India
| | - Shukdeb Maiti
- National Tuberculosis Elimination Program Wing, Imambara Sadar Hospital, Chinsurah, Hooghly, West Bengal
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Priyanka Ghosh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Navin Kumar Singh
- Department of Repertory, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Howrah, West Bengal, India
- East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, Under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Mallangi J, Chaudhuri J, Varanasi R, Oberai P. Multimorbidity in a 35-Year-Old Female Patient Treated with Homeopathy: A Case Report. HOMEOPATHY 2022; 112:135-142. [PMID: 36183699 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1749594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background Multimorbidity, a prevailing trend in the primary care population of all ages, is a challenge for health care systems that are largely configured for single disease management. Homeopathy has shown competence in the management of chronic diseases, whether they occur as a single ailment or as a multimorbidity.
Case History A 35-year-old female patient presenting with hemorrhoids, low back pain, hypothyroidism, fibroadenosis breasts (bilateral), and fibroid uterus was given homeopathic treatment for 33 months at Nandigama AYUSH Lifestyle Disorders Clinic, Andhra Pradesh. She was prescribed the homeopathic medicines Lachesis mutus and Thyroidinum at different time intervals based on the totality of symptoms.
Results Following treatment, a reduction in the size of the uterine fibroid and complete regression of breast lumps in ultrasonography were noted. The modified Naranjo criteria total score was 10 out of 13. Further, significant improvement in symptoms and laboratory parameters, such as triiodothyronine (T3), tetra-iodothyronine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), indicated that a well-chosen homeopathic medicine may be beneficial in managing multimorbidity.
Conclusion This case study reveals a positive role of homeopathic treatment in multimorbidity. More case studies and well-designed controlled should be used to further investigate homeopathic intervention in multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayasubhashini Mallangi
- Department of Materia Medica, Guru Mishri Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Jalna, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jyotika Chaudhuri
- Clinical Research Unit, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, India
| | - Roja Varanasi
- Clinical Research Unit, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Oberai
- Clinical Research Unit, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, India
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Glas KL. Individualised Homeopathic Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in the First Trimester and of COVID-19 in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy-A Case Report. HOMEOPATHY 2022; 111:202-209. [PMID: 35213902 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are common physiological disturbances, causing physical, social and psychological symptoms in the affected women. Though it is difficult to draw absolute conclusions on whether or not pregnant women are at high risk of acquiring severe consequences from corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), clinical experience has shown them to be potentially vulnerable to other coronaviruses. Lack of specific conventional therapy for these conditions called for a complementary and individualised homeopathy approach in the presented case. METHODS The homeopathic medical management of early symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) and the beginning of COVID-19 symptoms shortly before a scheduled Caesarean section is described. No ongoing specific treatments were discontinued. The connection between intervention with individualised homeopathy and clinical improvement was assessed by two independent reviewers using the MOdified NARanjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH) inventory. RESULTS There was improvement of NVP symptoms in early pregnancy and in later-onset COVID-19 symptoms following an individually prescribed unipotent homeopathic medicine, Sepia officinalis, after tele-consultation during lockdown. The agreed MONARCH score was +8 points, suggesting that homeopathy contributed to clinical improvement. CONCLUSION Individualised homeopathy may be a helpful complementary medical approach for managing symptoms associated with NVP and COVID-19 during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Lucija Glas
- Medical Counselling and Homeopathic Treatment, Slamnikarska cesta 3B, 1230 Domžale, Slovenia.,General Practice and COVID Dispensary, Health Care Center Litija, Partizanska pot 8A, 1270 Litija, Slovenia
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Macías-Cortés E. Menopause is more than Hot Flashes: What is Missing in Homeopathic Research? A Narrative Review. HOMEOPATHY 2021; 111:79-96. [PMID: 34634835 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1733971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menopausal complaints are frequently treated with homeopathy in daily practice worldwide. Recently, vasomotor symptoms have been understood to have implications as predictors of other important and long-term outcomes, causing increased risk of mortality and/or disability. METHODS A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted to investigate whether homeopathic treatments for menopausal women with vasomotor symptoms have a positive effect on other important health outcomes associated with menopause, such as cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive impairment, metabolic and mood disorders, or osteoporosis. RESULTS Though observational studies have shown encouraging results in reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes in women treated with homeopathy, few randomized controlled trials have shown positive results. In most of the studies using homeopathy, the primary outcome is reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes, and other menopausal complaints are assessed secondarily as a part of the symptoms evaluated in the menopausal scales. Quality of life improves with homeopathic treatments for hot flashes, but there is scarce evidence of the effect of homeopathy on other health outcomes associated with menopause. Limited evidence exists in the case of menopausal women treated with individualized homeopathy for depression and metabolic disorders. CONCLUSION A more comprehensive approach for treating menopause in routine homeopathic practice constitutes a valuable opportunity to increase knowledge and high-quality research in this field. Future homeopathic research for menopause should be focused on well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trials as well as on pragmatic trials to show whether homeopathic treatments for vasomotor symptoms can also improve outcomes that are well-known to increase the risk of mortality and/or disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Macías-Cortés
- Homeopathy Outpatient Service, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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