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Guha N, Ghosh S, Mandal S, Das AD, Palanisamy C, Maiti S, Ghosh P, Singh NK, Koley M, Saha S. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Pre-diabetes. HOMEOPATHY 2024; 113:67-79. [PMID: 37364594 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-diabetes (PD) contributes importantly to the disease burden worldwide and is a precursor to stroke, cardiovascular diseases, as well as type-2 diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE In this project, the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) was explored against placebos in the treatment of PD. METHODS A 6-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the outpatient departments of a homeopathic medical college and hospital in India. Sixty participants with PD were randomized to receive either IHMs (n = 30) or identical-looking placebos (n = 30). Concomitant care measures were advised to both groups of participants in terms of dietary advice, yoga, meditation and exercise. The primary outcome measures were fasting blood sugar (FBS) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); the secondary outcome was the Diabetes Symptom Checklist-Revised (DSC-R) score. All the outcomes were measured at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Inter-group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance models after adjusting baseline differences using analysis of co-variance on the intention-to-treat data. RESULTS Between-group differences for FBS were statistically significant, favoring IHMs against placebos (F 1,58 = 7.798, p = 0.007), but not for OGTT (F 1,58 = 1.691, p = 0.199). The secondary outcome, DSC-R total score, favoring IHMs significantly compared with placebos (F 1,58 = 15.752, p < 0.001). Calcarea Carbonicum, Thuja occidentalis and Sulphur were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harm or serious adverse events were recorded from either of the participant groups. CONCLUSION IHMs produced significantly better results than placebos in FBS and in DSC-R scores but not in OGTT. Independent replications with larger sample sizes are warranted to substantiate the findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2019/10/021711.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilanjana Guha
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Center, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Sanjukta Mandal
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Bengal Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Asansol, West Bengal, India
| | - Aakash Deep Das
- Department of Repertory, JIMS Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Shamshabad, Telangana, India
- Department of Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Drainage Canal Road, Doomurjola, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Chithra Palanisamy
- Department of Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Drainage Canal Road, Doomurjola, Howrah, West Bengal, India
- Department of Anatomy, Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Thirumangalam, Madurai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Shukdeb Maiti
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
- Laboratory Technologist, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, National Tuberculosis Elimination Program Wing, Imambara Sadar Hospital, Chuchura, Hooghly, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Priyanka Ghosh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Navin Kumar Singh
- Department of Repertory, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, under Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Banerjee A, Ganguly S, Saha S, Bhattacharyya P, Naskar S, Mukherjee D, Ghosh S, Maji P, Saha S, Shaikh AR, Ghosh P, Chatterjee C, Koley M, Mukherjee SK. Individualized homeopathic medicines in preventing the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial. Explore (NY) 2024:S1550-8307(24)00058-2. [PMID: 38631987 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pre-diabetes is a significant public health problem worldwide. India has a very high rate of progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes, 75-78 per thousand persons per year. OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicinal products (HMPs) against placebos in preventing the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes. DESIGN Six-month, double-blind, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Outpatient departments of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. PATIENTS Sixty participants with pre-diabetes. INTERVENTIONS Verum: HMPs plus yoga therapy (YT; n = 30); control: identical-looking placebos plus YT (n = 30). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of participants progressing from pre-diabetes to diabetes, measured after three and six months. Secondary outcomes comprised of fasting blood glucose (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin percentage (HbA1c%), lipid profile, liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase), urea and creatinine, and Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile version 2 (MYMOP-2); all measured after 3 and 6 months. RESULTS The proportion of participants converted from pre-diabetics to diabetics (n/N; n = diabetics, N = prediabetics) was significantly less in the verum group than control: HbA1C% (month 3: verum - 2/30 versus control - 11/30, p = 0.003; month 6: 3/30 vs. 2/30, p = 0.008), OGTT (month 3: 0/30 vs. 8/30, p = 0.015; month 6: 0/30 vs. 1/30, p = 0.008), but not according to FBS (month 3: 1/30 vs. 1/30, p = 0.779; month 6: 1/30 vs. 3/30, p = 0.469). Several secondary outcomes also revealed significant improvements in the verum group than in placebo: HbA1C% (p < 0.001), OGTT (p = 0.001), serum ALT (p = 0.031), creatinine (p = 0.012), and MYMOP-2 profile scores (p < 0.001). Sulphur, Bryonia alba, and Thuja occidentalis were the most frequently indicated medicines. Thus, HMPs outperformed placebos by successfully preventing the progression of pre-diabetes to diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials Registry - India CTRI/2022/04/042,026; UTN: U1111-1277-0021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryabrata Banerjee
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India.
| | - Subhasish Ganguly
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Sangita Saha
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Pulakendu Bhattacharyya
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Satyajit Naskar
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Debraj Mukherjee
- Dept. of Yoga and Physiotherapy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Shuvadip Ghosh
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine & Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Prosenjit Maji
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine & Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Lecturer, Dept. of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Abdur Rahaman Shaikh
- Dept. of Practice of Medicine, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Priyanka Ghosh
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Chandrima Chatterjee
- Dept. of Materia Medica, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Dept. of Homoeopathy, East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Shyamal Kumar Mukherjee
- Dept. of Community Medicine, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, 12, Gobinda Khatick Road, Tangra, Kolkata 700046, West Bengal, India
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Das SK, Basu T, Tabassum SN, Sarkar A, Ghosh S, Koley M, Saha S, Nath A, Khamrui S. Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Sciatica Pain: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Integr Complement Med 2024. [PMID: 38301139 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: Sciatica is a debilitating condition that causes pain in its distribution or in the lumbosacral nerve root that is connected to it. Although there are claims that homeopathy can reduce sciatica pain, systematic scientific proof is currently lacking. The objective of the trial was to determine whether individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) were as effective as identical-looking placebos in treating sciatica pain. Design: This is a double-blind, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: The study was conducted at Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India. Subjects: Sixty participants with sciatica pain were included in this study. Interventions: Verum (n = 30; IHMs plus concomitant care) versus control (n = 30; placebos plus concomitant care). Outcome measures: Primary-Sciatica Bothersome Index (SBI) and Sciatica Frequency Index (SFI) scores and secondary-Roland Morris Pain and Disability Questionnaire (RMPDQ), Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire (OLBPQ) scores: 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 accounting for between groups and time interactions, and additionally, by unpaired t tests comparing the estimates obtained individually every month. The level of significance was set at p < 0.025 and <0.05 two tailed for the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Group differences could not achieve significance in SBI (p = 0.044), SFI (p = 0.080), and RMPDQ scores (p = 0.134), but were significant for SF-MPQ (p = 0.007) and OLBPQ (p = 0.036). Gnaphalium polycephalum (n = 6; 10%) was the most frequently prescribed medicine. No harm, serious adverse events, or intercurrent illnesses were recorded in either of the groups. Conclusions: The primary outcome failed to demonstrate evidently that homeopathy was effective beyond placebo, and the trial remained inconclusive. Independent replications are warranted to confirm the findings. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2020/10/028617.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Kumar Das
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
- Naxalbari Rural Hospital, Darjeeling, India
| | - Trishita Basu
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Saleema Naaz Tabassum
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
- Kharibari Rural Hospital, Darjeeling, India
| | - Ashish Sarkar
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, Under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, South 24 Parganas, India
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Arunava Nath
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Pratap Chandra Memorial Homeopathic Hospital & College, Kolkata, India
| | - Srimanta Khamrui
- Vidyasagar Rural Hospital, Birsingha State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, Ghatal, Paschim Medinipur, India
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Koley M, Vimal VK, Verma AK, Pal SS, Sonkar DK, Vimal S, Singh OP, Ghosh S, Saha S. Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Hemorrhoids: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Integr Complement Med 2024. [PMID: 38301138 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and safety of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) in treating hemorrhoids compared with placebo. Design: This is a double-blind, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: The trial was conducted at the surgery outpatient department of the State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Subjects: Patients were 140 women and men, aged between 18 and 65 years, with a diagnosis of primary hemorrhoids grades I-III for at least 3 months. Excluded were the patients with grade IV hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and fistula, hypertrophic anal papillae, inflammatory bowel disease, coagulation disorders, rectal malignancies, obstructed portal circulation, patients requiring immediate surgical intervention, and vulnerable samples. Interventions: Patients were randomized to Group 1 (n = 70; IHMs plus concomitant care; verum) and Group 2 (n = 70; placebos plus concomitant care; control). Outcome measures: Primary-the anorectal symptom severity and quality-of-life (ARSSQoL) questionnaire, and secondary-the EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and EQ visual analogue scale (VAS); all of them were measured at baseline, and every month, up to 3 months. Results: Out of the 140 randomized patients, 122 were protocol compliant. Intention-to-treat sample (n = 140) was analyzed. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 two tailed. Statistically significant between-group differences were elicited in the ARSSQoL total (Mann-Whitney U [MWU]: 1227.0, p < 0.001) and EQ-5D-5L VAS (MWU: 1228.0, p = 0.001) favoring homeopathy against placebos. Sulfur was the most frequently prescribed medicine. No harm or serious adverse events were reported from either of the groups. Conclusions: IHMs demonstrated superior results over placebo in the short-term treatment of hemorrhoids of grades I-III. The findings are promising, but need to be substantiated by further phase 3 trials. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2020/03/024342.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munmun Koley
- East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, Under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, India, South 24 Parganas, India
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Arvind Kumar Verma
- Department of AYUSH, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
- State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, India
| | - Shiv Shanker Pal
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Smita Vimal
- Department of Materia Medica, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, India
| | - Om Prakash Singh
- Department of Materia Medica, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, India
| | - Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
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Mandal S, Ghosh S, Das AD, Biswas B, Palanisamy C, Guha N, Maiti S, Dutta S, Singh NK, Koley M, Saha S. Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Atopic Dermatitis in Adults: A Replication Trial with 6 Months' Follow-up. HOMEOPATHY 2023; 112:251-261. [PMID: 36882111 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory skin disease that can have a significant impact on quality of life. During the last four decades, a rising trend in AD has been observed in India. Homeopathic medicines are claimed to be beneficial in AD; however, convincing research evidence has been lacking. We compared the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) against placebos in the treatment of AD. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 6 months' duration (n = 60), adult patients were randomized to receive either IHMs (n = 30) or identical-looking placebos (n = 30). All participants received concomitant conventional care, which included the application of olive oil and maintaining local hygiene. The primary outcome measure was disease severity using the Patient-Oriented Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD) scale; secondary outcomes were the Atopic Dermatitis Burden Scale for Adults (ADBSA) and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) - all were measured at baseline and every month, up to 6 months. Group differences were calculated on the intention-to-treat sample. RESULTS After 6 months of intervention, inter-group differences became statistically significant on PO-SCORAD, the primary outcome (-18.1; 95% confidence interval, -24.0 to -12.2), favoring IHMs against placebos (F 1, 52 = 14.735; p <0.001; two-way repeated measures analysis of variance). Inter-group differences for the secondary outcomes favored homeopathy, but were overall statistically non-significant (ADBSA: F 1, 52 = 0.019; p = 0.891; DLQI: F 1, 52 = 0.692; p = 0.409). CONCLUSION IHMs performed significantly better than placebos in reducing the severity of AD in adults, though the medicines had no overall significant impact on AD burden or DLQI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjukta Mandal
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Aakash Deep Das
- Department of Repertory, JIMS Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Shamshabad, Telangana, India
- Department of Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Bikash Biswas
- Department of Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Homoeopathic Medical Officer, Rajganj State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Rajganj Government Medical College and Hospital, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Chithra Palanisamy
- Department of Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilanjana Guha
- Department of Materia Medica, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Shukdeb Maiti
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, National Tuberculosis Elimination Program Wing, Imambara Sadar Hospital, Hooghly, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Souvik Dutta
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Navin Kumar Singh
- Department of Repertory, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Prakash A, Bhowmik NC, Singh S, Sadhukhan S, Rai S, Singh S, Kumar U, Rahim F, Balamurugan D, Bhar K, Singh NK, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines for Low Back Pain in Lumbar Spondylosis: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. HOMEOPATHY 2023; 112:240-250. [PMID: 36696909 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lumbar spondylosis (LS) is a degenerative disorder of the lumbar spine. Despite substantial research efforts, no gold-standard treatment for LS has been identified. The efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) in LS has remained under-researched. In this study, the efficacy of IHMs was compared with identical-looking placebos in the treatment of low back pain associated with LS. METHODS A double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the National Institute of Homoeopathy, West Bengal, India. Patients were randomized to receive IHMs or placebos, along with standardized concomitant care for both the groups. The Oswestry low back pain and disability questionnaire (ODQ) was the primary outcome; the Roland-Morris questionnaire (RMQ) and the short form of the McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) were the secondary outcomes. Each was measured at baseline and every month for 3 months. The intention-to-treat (ITT) sample was analyzed to detect any inter-group differences using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance models overall and by unpaired t-tests at different time points. RESULTS Enrolment was stopped prematurely because of time restrictions; 55 patients were randomized (verum: 28; control: 27); 49 were analyzed by ITT (verum: 26; control: 23). Inter-group differences in ODQ (F 1, 47 = 0.001, p = 0.977), RMQ (F 1, 47 = 0.190, p = 0.665) and SF-MPQ total score (F 1, 47 = 3.183, p = 0.081) at 3 months were not statistically significant. SF-MPQ total score after 2 months (p = 0.030) revealed inter-group statistical significance, favoring IHMs against placebos. Some of the SF-MPQ sub-scales at different time points were also statistically significant: e.g., the SF-MPQ average pain score after 2 months (p = 0.002) and 3 months (p = 0.007). Rhus toxicodendron, Sulphur and Pulsatilla nigricans were the most frequently indicated medicines. CONCLUSION Owing to failure in detecting a statistically significant effect for the primary outcome and in recruiting a sufficient number of participants, our trial remained inconclusive. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2019/11/021918.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Prakash
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nitai Chand Bhowmik
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhas Singh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Block GE, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shruti Rai
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Suman Singh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Department of Homoeopathy, State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Karaila, Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Umesh Kumar
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Department of Homoeopathy, State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Tulsipur, Shrawasti, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Fathima Rahim
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dharshna Balamurugan
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Koushik Bhar
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Mangalbari Rural Hospital, Matiali Block, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Navin Kumar Singh
- Department of Repertory, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Homoeopathy, East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, Village and Post Office: Gouripur (South), Police Station Bishnupur, West Bengal, under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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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. J Integr Complement Med 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Bhattacharyya S, Chatterjee C, Saha S, Naskar S, Bhattacharya P, Alam SM, Sengupta S, Ahamed S, Shaikh AR, Koley M, Ghosh P, Mukherjee SK. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Feasibility Trial. HOMEOPATHY 2023. [PMID: 37748512 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed at examining the feasibility issues of comparing individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) with identical-looking placebos for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS Forty eligible patients participated in this double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled feasibility trial in the outpatient clinics of a homeopathic hospital in West Bengal, India. Either IHMs or identical-looking placebos were administered, along with mutually agreed-upon concomitant care guidelines. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was the primary outcome measure, and derived Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores from KOOS, EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were the secondary outcomes; all measured at baseline and after 2 months. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were estimated using an intention-to-treat approach. p-Values less than 0.05 (two-tailed) were considered statistically significant. RESULTS Enrolment/screening and trial retention rates were 43% and 85% respectively. Recruitment was difficult owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Group differences were statistically significant, favoring IHMs against placebos in all the KOOS sub-scales: symptoms (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.002), activities of daily living (p < 0.001), sports or recreation (p = 0.016), and quality of life (p = 0.002). Derived WOMAC scores from KOOS favored IHMs against placebos: stiffness (p < 0.001) and pain (p < 0.001). The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire score (p < 0.001) and EQ-5D-5L VAS scores (p < 0.001) also yielded significant results, favoring IHMs over placebos. All the effect sizes ranged from moderate to large. Sulphur was the most frequently prescribed homeopathic medication. Neither group reported any harm or serious adverse events. CONCLUSION Although recruitment was sub-optimal due to prevailing COVID-19 conditions during the trial, the action of IHMs was found to be superior to that of placebos in the treatment of knee OA. Larger and more definitive studies, with independent replications, are required to substantiate the findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2021/02/031453.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Bhattacharyya
- Department of Materia Medica, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Chandrima Chatterjee
- Department of Materia Medica, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Satyajit Naskar
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pulakendu Bhattacharya
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sk Monsur Alam
- Department of Repertory, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sumana Sengupta
- Department of Practice of Medicine, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sabir Ahamed
- Department of Surgery, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abdur R Shaikh
- Department of Practice of Medicine, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Homoeopathy, East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, West Bengal, India
| | - Priyanka Ghosh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shyamal K Mukherjee
- Department of Community Medicine, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Gupta B, Misra P, Karuppusamy A, Balamurugan D, Parewa M, Tomar M, Rai S, Vashishth H, Sadhukhan S, Singh NK, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines as Adjunctive Treatment of Pediatric Epilepsy: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. HOMEOPATHY 2023; 112:170-183. [PMID: 36513330 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological diseases, contributes to 0.5% of the total disease burden. The burden is highest in sub-Saharan Africa, central Asia, central and Andean Latin America, and south-east Asia. Asian countries report an overall prevalence of 6/1,000 and that in India of 5.59/1,000. We examined whether individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) can produce a significantly different effect from placebos in treatment of pediatric epilepsy in the context of ongoing standard care (SC) using anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). METHODS The study was a 6-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n = 60) conducted at the pediatric outpatient department of a homeopathic hospital in West Bengal, India. Patients were randomized to receive either IHMs plus SC (n = 30) or identical-looking placebos plus SC (n = 30). The primary outcome measure was the Hague Seizure Severity Scale (HASS); secondary outcomes were the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE-16) and the Pediatric Quality of Life inventory (PedsQL) questionnaires; all were measured at baseline and after the 3rd and 6th month of intervention. The intention-to-treat sample was analyzed to detect group differences and effect sizes. RESULTS Recruitment and retention rates were 65.2% and 91.7% respectively. Although improvements were greater in the IHMs group than with placebos, with small to medium effect sizes, the inter-group differences were statistically non-significant - for HASS (F 1, 58 = 0.000, p = 1.000, two-way repeated measures analysis of variance), QOLCE-16 (F 1, 58 = 1.428, p = 0.237), PedsQL (2-4 years) (F 1, 8 = 0.685, p = 0.432) and PedsQL (5-18 years) (F 1, 47 = 0.000, p = 0.995). Calcarea carbonica, Ignatia amara, Natrum muriaticum and Phosphorus were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No serious adverse events were reported from either of the two groups. CONCLUSION Improvements in the outcome measures were statistically non-significantly greater in the IHMs group than in the placebos group, with small effect sizes. A different trial design and prescribing approach might work better in future trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2018/10/016027.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharti Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pankhuri Misra
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Avaranjika Karuppusamy
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dharshna Balamurugan
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Maneet Parewa
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Maneela Tomar
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shruti Rai
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Himani Vashishth
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Navin Kumar Singh
- Department of Repertory, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Homeopathy, East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, West Bengal, under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Balamurugan D, Nayak C, Chattopadhyay A, Karuppusamy A, Ambrose MM, Kumar A, Singh NK, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Complement Med Res 2023; 30:317-331. [PMID: 37263249 DOI: 10.1159/000530180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, affecting the trunk and extensor surfaces of the limbs and scalp predominantly. Worldwide prevalence ranges between 0.1 and 11.4%, and in India between 0.4 and 2.8%; this creates a serious health burden. Psoriasis remains a frequently encountered condition in homeopathy practice, but there is a dearth of conclusive efficacy data supporting its use. METHODS This 6-month, double-blind, randomized trial was conducted on 51 patients suffering from psoriasis at the National Institute of Homoeopathy, India. Patients were randomized to receive either individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs; n = 25) in LM potencies or identical-looking placebos (n = 26). Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI; primary), psoriasis disability index (PDI), and dermatological life quality index (DLQI; secondary) were measured at baseline and every 2 months, up to 6 months. The intention-to-treat sample was analyzed using a two-way repeated measure analysis of variance. RESULTS Although intragroup changes were significant in both groups in the outcome measures, improvements were significantly higher in the IHMs group than in placebos in PASI scores after 6 months of intervention (F1, 49 = 10.448, p = 0.002). DLQI daily activity subscale scores also yielded similar significant results favoring IHMs against placebos after 6 months (F1, 49 = 5.480, p = 0.023). Improvement in PDI total (F1, 49 = 0.063, p = 0.803), DLQI total (F1, 49 = 1.371, p = 0.247), and all remaining subscales were higher in the IHMs group than placebos after 6 months, but nonsignificant statistically. Calcarea carbonica, Mercurius solubilis, Arsenicum album, and Petroleum were the most frequently prescribed medicines. CONCLUSIONS IHMs exhibited better results than placebos in the treatment of psoriasis. Further research is warranted. Einleitung Psoriasis ist eine chronisch entzündliche Hauterkrankung, die vor allem den Körperstamm und die Streckseiten der Extremitäten sowie die Kopfhaut betrifft. Die weltweite Prävalenz liegt zwischen 0,1 und 11,4% und in Indien zwischen 0,4 und 2,8%, was sie zu einer erheblichen Belastung für das Gesundheitssystem macht. In der homöopathischen Praxis ist die Psoriasis nach wie vor häufig anzutreffen, doch mangelt es an schlüssigen Wirksamkeitsdaten, die deren Anwendung stützen. Methoden Diese sechsmonatige, doppelblinde, randomisierte Studie wurde mit 51 Psoriasis-Patienten am National Institute of Homoeopathy in Indien durchgeführt. Die Patienten erhielten randomisiert entweder individualisierte homöopathische Arzneimittel (individualized homeopathic medicines, IHMs; n = 25) in LM-Potenzen oder identisch aussehende Placebos ( n = 26). Der Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI; primär), der Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) und der Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI; sekundär) wurden bei Baseline und anschließend alle zwei Monate für bis zu sechs Monate gemessen. Die Analyse der Intention-to-Treat-Stichprobe erfolgte mittels zweifaktorieller Varianzanalyse mit wiederholten Messungen. Ergebnisse Zwar waren in beiden Gruppen die gruppeninternen Veränderungen bei den Zielkriterien signifikant, doch fielen die Verbesserungen der PASI-Werte nach der sechsmonatigen Intervention in der IHM-Gruppe signifikant höher aus als in der Placebogruppe ( F1, 49 = 10,448, p = 0,002), und die Werte der DLQI-Subskala für die tägliche Aktivität zeigten nach 6 Monaten ähnliche signifikante Ergebnisse zugunsten der IHMs gegenüber Placebo ( F1, 49 = 5,480, p = 0,023). Die Verbesserungen beim PDI-Gesamt-Score ( F1, 49 = 0,063, p = 0,803), beim DLQI-Gesamt-Score ( F1, 49 = 1,371, p = 0,247) und bei den anderen Subskalen waren nach 6 Monaten in der IHM-Gruppe höher als in der Placebo-Gruppe, erreichten jedoch keine statistische Signifikanz. Calcarea carbonica, Mercurius solubilis, Arsenicum album und Petroleum waren die am häufigsten verordneten Arzneimittel. Schlussfolgerungen Die IHMs zeigten in der Behandlung der Psoriasis bessere Ergebnisse als Placebo. Weitere Untersuchungen sind erforderlich.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharshna Balamurugan
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Chintamani Nayak
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Abhijit Chattopadhyay
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Avaranjika Karuppusamy
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Maria Malathi Ambrose
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Navin Kumar Singh
- Department of Repertory, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, under Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
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Ghosh S, Ravindra RK, Modak A, Maiti S, Nath A, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines in primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. J Complement Integr Med 2023; 20:258-267. [PMID: 34085495 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Homeopathic treatment is claimed to be beneficial for primary dysmenorrhoea (PD); still, systematic research evidences remain compromised. This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IH) against placebo in the treatment of PD. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the gynecology outpatient department of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India. Patients were randomized to receive either IH (n=64) or identical-looking placebo (n=64). Primary and secondary outcome measures were 0-10 numeric rating scales (NRS) measuring intensity of pain of dysmenorrhea and verbal multidimensional scoring system (VMSS) respectively; all measured at baseline, and every month, up to 3 months. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on intention-to-treat (ITT) sample. RESULTS Groups were comparable at baseline (all p>0.05). Attrition rate was 10.9% (IH: 7, placebo: 7). Differences between groups in both pain NRS and VMSS favoured IH over placebo at all time points (all p<0.001, unpaired t-tests and two-ways repeated measures analysis of variance) with medium to large effect sizes. Natrum muriaticum and Pulsatilla nigricans (n=20 each; 15.6%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms, serious adverse events and intercurrent illnesses were recorded in either of the groups. CONCLUSIONS Homeopathic medicines acted significantly better than placebo in the treatment of PD. Independent replication is warranted. Trial registration: CTRI/2018/10/016013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Dept. of Pathology & Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Rai Khushboo Ravindra
- Dept. of Repertory , Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Amila Modak
- Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Shukdeb Maiti
- Dept. of Repertory , Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Arunava Nath
- Dept. of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Pratap Chandra Memorial Homoeopathic Hospital and College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Dept. of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Tomar M, Bhowmik NC, Singh S, Sadhukhan S, Michael J, Parewa M, Rai S, Gupta B, Vashisht H, Misra P, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Complement Med Res 2022; 30:26-36. [PMID: 36244334 DOI: 10.1159/000527523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cervical spondylosis (CS) is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine, with approximately 80-90% of people suffering from disc degeneration by the age of 50 years. This trial attempts at evaluating the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) against placebos in the treatment of CS. METHODS A 3-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the Organon of Medicine outpatient department of the National Institute of Homoeopathy, India. Patients were randomized to receive either IHMs (n = 70) or identical-looking placebos (n = 70) in the mutual context of concomitant conservative and standard physiotherapeutic care. Primary outcome measures were 0-10 Numeric Rating Scales (NRSs) for pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, weakness, and vertigo, and the secondary outcome was the Neck Disability Index (NDI), measured at baseline and every month until 3 months. The intention-to-treat sample was analyzed to detect group differences and effect sizes. RESULTS Overall, improvements were clinically significant and higher in the IHM group than the placebo group, but group differences were statistically nonsignificant with small effect sizes (all p > 0.05, two-way repeated measure analysis of variance). After 2 months of time points, improvements observed in the IHM group were significantly higher than placebo on a few occasions (e.g., pain NRS: p < 0.001; stiffness NRS: p = 0.024; weakness NRS: p = 0.003). Sulfur (n = 21; 15%) was the most frequently prescribed medication. No harm, unintended effects, or any serious adverse events were reported from either group. CONCLUSIONS An encouraging but nonsignificant direction of effect was elicited favoring IHMs against placebos in the treatment of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maneela Tomar
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Nitai Chand Bhowmik
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Subhas Singh
- National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of Indiae, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - James Michael
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Maneet Parewa
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Shruti Rai
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Bharti Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Himani Vashisht
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Pankhuri Misra
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, Under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
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Laskar B, Paul S, Chattopadhyay A, Karuppusamy A, Balamurugan D, Bhakta P, Das S, Pal S, Singh NK, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Tinea Corporis: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. HOMEOPATHY 2022; 112:74-84. [PMID: 36122589 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tinea corporis (TC; ringworm or dermatophytosis) is a superficial skin infection caused by Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton genera of dermatophytes. We compared the effects of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) in fifty-millesimal (LM) potencies against placebo in TC. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two parallel arms trial was conducted on 62 individuals suffering from TC at the National Institute of Homoeopathy, India. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either IHMs in LM potencies or identical-looking placebos for a period of 3 months. The primary outcome measure was the number of participants showing complete disappearance of skin lesions after 3 months. Secondary outcomes were a numeric rating scale (NRS) measuring intensity of itching and the Skindex-29 questionnaire (overall, and three sub-scales-degree of symptoms, psychological functioning, emotional status). All were assessed at baseline and every month, up to 3 months. The intention-to-treat sample was analyzed to detect inter-group differences using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance after adjusting for baseline differences. RESULTS The primary outcome revealed no improvement in either of the groups (χ 2 = 0.012, p = 0.999). Inter-group differences in some of the secondary outcomes favored IHMs against placebo-itching NRS (mean group difference after 3 months: -0.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.1 to -0.4; p = 0.001); Skindex-29 overall (mean group difference after 3 months: 3.2 [95% CI, -0.6 to 7.0; p = 0.009]), Skindex-29 degree of symptoms (mean group difference after 3 months: 0.9 [95% CI, -0.2 to 1.9; p = 0.007]); and Skindex-29 psychological functioning (mean group difference after 3 months: 1.7 [95% CI, 0-3.4; p = 0.002]). CONCLUSION Results were negative on the primary outcome; however, secondary outcomes included some statistically significant results favoring IHMs against placebo after 3 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2019/11/021999; UTN: U1111-1242-0070.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bakibillah Laskar
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Swapan Paul
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhijit Chattopadhyay
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Avaranjika Karuppusamy
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dharshna Balamurugan
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Puja Bhakta
- Department of Homoeopathy Pharmacy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sourav Das
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Siddhartha Pal
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Navin Kumar Singh
- Department of Repertory, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Health & Family Welfare, East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, Govt. of West Bengal, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D.N.De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Ghosh P, Ganguly S, Mukherjee SK, Dutta S, Shaikh AR, Ali SS, Singh NK, Bhattacharya P, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Treatment of Hyperuricemia: Evaluation by Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. HOMEOPATHY 2022; 112:85-96. [PMID: 36122588 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1751272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hyperuricemia (HU) is a major health issue in India and across the globe. It increases the disease burden and hampers quality of life. This study was aimed at exploring the effects of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) against placebo in the treatment of HU. METHODS This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 patients suffering from HU in the outpatient department of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. Each patient received either IHMs or identical-looking placebos, along with advice on dietary modifications irrespective of codes. Serum uric acid (SUA) level was the primary outcome measure; the HU quality of life questionnaire (HUQLQ) and the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile version 2 (MYMOP-2) were the secondary outcomes; all measured at baseline, and every month, up to 3 months. Group differences were examined by two-way (split-half) repeated-measures analysis of variance after adjusting for baseline differences. Significance level was set at p ≤0.05, two-tailed. RESULTS The intention-to-treat sample (n = 58) was analyzed. Between-group differences in SUA levels (F 1, 56 = 13.833, p <0.001), HUQLQ scores (F 1, 56 = 32.982, p <0.001) and MYMOP-2 profile scores (F 1, 56 = 23.873, p <0.001) were statistically significant, favoring IHMs against placebos, with medium to large effect sizes. Calcarea carbonica and Pulsatilla nigricans were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No serious adverse events were reported from either of the groups. CONCLUSION IHMs showed significantly better results than placebos in reducing SUA levels and improving quality of life in patients suffering from HU. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2019/10/021503; UTN: U1111-1241-1431.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Ghosh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasish Ganguly
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shyamal Kumar Mukherjee
- Department of Community Medicine, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Souvik Dutta
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abdur Rahaman Shaikh
- Department of Practice of Medicine, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sk Swaif Ali
- Department of Practice of Medicine, Mahesh Bhattacharya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, Govt. of West Bengal; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Navin Kumar Singh
- Department of Repertory, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pulakendu Bhattacharya
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Homoeopathy, East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, West Bengal, under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Ghosh S, Chattopadhyay B, Koley M, Maiti S, Gourav K, Gupta S, Saha S. Plant Extracts as Add-On Therapeutics in Homeopathy: An Open-Label, Randomized Trial Using Mother Tinctures in Prediabetes. J Integr Complement Med 2022; 28:757-767. [PMID: 35647942 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Prediabetes is a major public health concern. Different plant extracts are used in homeopathy as mother tinctures (MTs) for the treatment of prediabetes as an adjunct to individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs); however, their effectiveness remains under-researched. Design: Open-label, randomized (1:1), active-controlled, pragmatic, exploratory trial. Setting: Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India. Subjects: Eighty-nine patients with prediabetes. Interventions: Group 1 (n = 45; IHMs plus any one of the following MTs: Cephalandra indica, Gymnema sylvestre, and Syzygium jambolanum; experimental/verum) versus Group 2 (n = 44; IHMs only; control). Outcome measures: Blood parameters, including-the fasting blood sugar (FBS) level, blood sugar level 2 h after ingestion of 75 g of glucose (oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] result), and glycosylated hemoglobin percentage (HbA1c%), and symptoms, including the Diabetes Symptom Checklist-Revised (DSC-R) score; all of them were measured at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Results: Although recruitment of 140 patients was initially planned, the target sample size could not be achieved because of coronavirus disease pandemic-related restrictions. Only 89 patients could be enrolled, and the trial had to be terminated prematurely owing to the time constraints of the project. The data of 82 patients (Group 1, n = 40; Group 2, n = 42) were analyzed using a modified intention-to-treat approach. Improvements in all outcomes were greater in Group 1 than in Group 2, but without a significant difference: FBS level (F1, 80 = 4.095, p = 0.046), OGTT result (F1, 80 = 2.399, p = 0.125), HbA1c% (F1, 80 = 1.612, p = 0.208), and DSC-R score (F1, 80 = 0.023, p = 0.880). Conclusions: A promising but nonsignificant trend favored the combination of MTs and IHMs compared with IHMs alone among the patients with prediabetes, especially in FBS. Therefore, further studies are required. Clinical Trial Registration number: CTRI/2018/08/015319; secondary identifier (UTN): U1111-1218-6016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India.,Deparment of Pathology & Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Bhargab Chattopadhyay
- Amardah Primary Health Center, under Jhumjhumi Block Primary Health Center, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India.,Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India.,East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Center, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, South 24 Parganas, India
| | - Shukdeb Maiti
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India.,National Tuberculosis Elimination Program Wing, Imambara Sadar Hospital, Hooghly, India
| | - Kumar Gourav
- Deparment of Pathology & Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Sharmishtha Gupta
- West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology, Department of Science and Technology and Biotechnology, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
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Rai S, Gupta GN, Singh S, Michael J, Misra P, Gupta B, Singh S, Prakash A, Tomar M, Sadhukhan S, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. HOMEOPATHY 2022; 111:240-251. [PMID: 35299272 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acne is estimated to affect 9.4% of the global population, making it the 8th most prevalent disease worldwide. Acne vulgaris (AV) is among the diseases that directly affect quality of life. This trial evaluated the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHM) against placebo in AV. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted at the National Institute of Homoeopathy, India, 126 patients suffering from AV were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either IHM (verum) in centesimal potencies or identical-looking placebo (control). The primary outcome measure was the Global Acne Grading System score; secondary outcomes were the Cardiff Acne Disability Index and Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaires - all measured at baseline and 3 months after the intervention. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on the intention-to-treat sample. RESULTS Overall, improvements were greater in the IHM group than placebo, with small to medium effect sizes after 3 months of intervention; however, the inter-group differences were statistically non-significant. Sulphur (17.5%), Natrum muriaticum (15.1%), Calcarea phosphorica (14.3%), Pulsatilla nigricans (10.3%), and Antimonium crudum (7.1%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines; Pulsatilla nigricans, Tuberculinum bovinum and Natrum muriaticum were the most effective of those used. No harms, unintended effects, homeopathic aggravations or any serious adverse events were reported from either group. CONCLUSION There was non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy against placebo in the treatment of AV. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2018/11/016248; UTN: U1111-1221-8164.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Rai
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Gobind Narayan Gupta
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhas Singh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - James Michael
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pankhuri Misra
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Bharti Gupta
- Department of Paediatrics, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Suman Singh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Akshaya Prakash
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Maneela Tomar
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- East Bishnupur State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Chandi Daulatabad Block Primary Health Centre, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, under Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Karuppusamy A, Paul S, Chattopadhyay A, Balamurugan D, Malathi M, Kumar A, Suchiang EL, Sadhukhan S, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Treatment of Vitiligo: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial. J Integr Complement Med 2022; 28:96-102. [PMID: 35085016 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2021.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The feasibility of a definitive trial was tested to evaluate individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) for the treatment of vitiligo. Design: This was a double-blind randomized (1:1) placebo-controlled pilot trial conducted at the National Institute Homeopathy, India. Sixty patients with vitiligo were included in the study. Interventions: IHMs and identical-looking placebos at 50-millesimal (LM) potencies. Outcome measures: Feasibility issues and scores from the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI), Vitiligo-specific Quality-of-life instrument (VitiQoL), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were measured at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Results: The recruitment and retention rates were satisfactory. Mean reductions in the outcome measures were higher in the IHM group than placebo. Conclusions: Definitive efficacy trials are warranted. Clinical Trials Registry-India: CTRI/2018/10/016160; secondary identifier UTN: U1111-1221-7704.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Swapan Paul
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | | | | | - Maria Malathi
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
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Shahid S, Ghosh S, Chakraborty AS, Maiti S, Sadhukhan S, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Plantar Fasciitis: Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. HOMEOPATHY 2021; 111:22-30. [PMID: 34492725 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a chronic degenerative condition causing marked thickening and fibrosis of the plantar fascia, and collagen necrosis, chondroid metaplasia and calcification. There is little convincing evidence in support of various approaches, including homeopathy, for treating PF. This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) compared with placebo in the treatment of PF. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the outpatient departments of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India. Patients were randomized to receive either IHMs or identical-looking placebo in the mutual context of conservative non-medicinal management. The Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire, as an outcome measure, was administered at baseline, and every month, up to 3 months. Group differences (unpaired t-tests) and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on an intention-to-treat sample. The sample was analyzed statistically after adjusting for baseline differences. RESULTS The target sample size was 128; however, only 75 could be enrolled (IHMs: 37; Placebo: 38). Attrition rate was 9.3% (IHMs: 4, Placebo: 3). Differences between groups in total FFI% score favored IHMs against placebo at all the time points, with large effect sizes: month 1 (mean difference, -10.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], -15.7 to -4.2; p = 0.001; d = 0.8); month 2 (mean difference, -14.3; 95% CI, -20.4 to -8.2; p <0.001; d = 1.1); and month 3 (mean difference, -23.3; 95% CI, -30.5 to -16.2; p <0.001; d = 1.5). Similar significant results were also observed on three FFI sub-scales (pain%, disability%, and activity limitation%). Natrum muriaticum (n = 14; 18.7%) and Rhus toxicodendron and Ruta graveolens (n = 11 each; 14.7%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms, serious adverse events, or intercurrent illnesses were recorded in either of the groups. CONCLUSION IHMs acted significantly better than placebo in the treatment of PF; however, the trial being underpowered, the results should be interpreted as preliminary only. Independent replications are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2018/10/016014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Shahid
- Department of Case Taking and Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Ardhendu Shekhar Chakraborty
- Department of Case Taking and Repertory, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Shukdeb Maiti
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Case Taking and Repertory, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Dutta S, Ganguly S, Mukherjee SK, Ghosh P, Hazra P, Roy AS, Shaikh AR, Ali SS, Sadhukhan S, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines in intervening the progression of pre-hypertension to hypertension: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Explore (NY) 2021; 18:279-286. [PMID: 34147344 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pre-hypertension remains a significant public health challenge and appropriate intervention is required to stop its progression to hypertension and/or cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE To study the effects of individualized homeopathic medicines (IH) against placebo in intervening with the progression of pre-hypertension to hypertension. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized, two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Outpatient departments of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. PATIENTS Ninety-two patients suffering from pre-hypertension; randomized to receive either IH (n = 46) or identical-looking placebo (n = 46). INTERVENTIONS IH or placebo in the mutual context of lifestyle modification (LSM) advices including dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and brisk exercises. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary - systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP); secondary - Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile version 2.0 (MYMOP-2) scores; all measured at baseline, and every month, up to 3 months. RESULTS After 3 months of intervention, the number of patients having progression from pre-hypertension to hypertension between groups were similar without any significant differences in between (all P>0.05). Reduction in BP and MYMOP-2 scores were non-significantly higher (all P>0.05) in the IH group than placebo with small effect sizes. Lycopodium clavatum, Thuja occidentalis and Natrum muriaticum were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms or serious adverse events were reported from either group. Thus, there was a small, but non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy, which ultimately rendered the trial as inconclusive. [Trial registration: CTRI/2018/10/016,026; UTN: U1111-1221-8251].
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Dutta
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India.
| | - Subhasish Ganguly
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Shyamal Kumar Mukherjee
- Principal and Administrator D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Priyanka Ghosh
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Pallavi Hazra
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Aniket Singha Roy
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Abdur Rahaman Shaikh
- Dept. of Practice of Medicine, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Sk Swaif Ali
- Dept. of Practice of Medicine, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, Govt. of West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of 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; affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, affiliated to Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar University, Agra, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh), India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Dept. of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Govt. of West Bengal, India
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Manchanda R, Rutten L, Dogra A, Chakraborty P, Misra A, Chakma A, Prasad VG, Singh P, Kundu C, Koley M, Saha S. Psychometric validation of the modified Naranjo algorithm used in homeopathy for chronic cases. J Complement Integr Med 2021; 19:101-109. [PMID: 33964193 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The modified Naranjo algorithm assesses the physician assigned cause-effect relationship for homeopathic medicines. It is being adopted in homeopathy researches, but not yet validated systematically. We intended to validate the modified Naranjo algorithm by examining its psychometric properties. METHODS An online survey sought agreement of 25 experts on the 10 items of the tool on 5-point agreement scale. Next, 285 responses from collected prospectively from chronic cases enrolled under the clinical verification program of the council in 2018 were subjected to testing of construct validity using exploratory principal component analysis (PCA). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n=150) was performed to verify the goodness-of-fit of the model. Reliability was tested using internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability by kappa statistics. RESULTS Experts' responses mean values were 4 or higher (i.e. responses were relevant) and standard deviations were less than 1 (i.e. less heterogeneous). In PCA using varimax, all the items loaded above the pre-specified value of 0.4 and identified 4 components explaining 64.1% of variation. The goodness-of -fit of the 4-component CFA model was acceptable (chi-square 89.253, p<0.001). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.7) was borderline; test-retest reliability was acceptable. Kappa statistics was moderate to fair, but poor for few of the items. CONCLUSIONS Statistical evaluations indicate that the modified Naranjo algorithm is useful, but needs improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkumar Manchanda
- AYUSH, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, New Delhi, India.,Information and Communication, Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis (LMHI), Köthen, Germany.,Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Lex Rutten
- VHAN, Dutch Association of Homeopathic Physicians, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Atanu Dogra
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Parthasarathi Chakraborty
- Dr. Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, India
| | - Alok Misra
- Dr. Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, India.,Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Abhijit Chakma
- Regional Research Institute (H), Under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Agartala, India
| | - Varanasi Gayatri Prasad
- Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Gudivada, India
| | - Pramodji Singh
- Central Research Institute (Homoeopathy), Under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chittaranjan Kundu
- Dr. Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Dr. Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, India.,Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Dept. of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, India.,Homoeopathy Drug Research Institute, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Lucknow, India
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21
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Dey S, Shaikh AR, Saha S, Agrawal E, Gautam AK, Karuppusamy A, Sadhukhan S, Dutta S, Ali SS, Basu A, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Preliminary Trial. Complement Med Res 2021; 29:17-26. [PMID: 33857943 DOI: 10.1159/000516026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individualized homeopathy (IH) in atopic dermatitis (AD) remained under-researched. OBJECTIVE We aimed at evaluating efficacy of IH in AD. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, short-term, preliminary trial was conducted in an Indian homeopathy hospital. Patients were randomized to either IH (n = 30) or identical-looking placebo (n = 30) using computerized randomization and allocation. Outcomes were patient-oriented scoring of AD (PO-SCORAD; primary end point), Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, and AD burden score for adults (ADBSA; secondary end points), measured monthly for 3 months. An intention-to-treat sample was analyzed after adjusting baseline differences. RESULTS On PO-SCORAD, improvement was higher in IH against placebo, but nonsignificant statistically (pmonth 1 = 0.433, pmonth 2 = 0.442, pmonth 3 = 0.229). Secondary outcomes were also nonsignificant - both DLQI and ADBSA (p > 0.05). Four adverse events (diarrhea, injury, common cold) were recorded. CONCLUSIONS There was a small, but nonsignificant direction of effect towards homeopathy, which renders the trial inconclusive. A properly powered robust trial is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samit Dey
- Department of Repertory, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Kolkata, India
| | - Abdur Rahaman Shaikh
- D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Kolkata, India
| | - Sangita Saha
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Kolkata, India
| | - Ekta Agrawal
- Department. of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Kolkata, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Gautam
- Department. of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Kolkata, India
| | - Avaranjika Karuppusamy
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Kolkata, India
| | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Kolkata, India
| | - Souvik Dutta
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Kolkata, India
| | - Sk Swaif Ali
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Howrah, India
| | - Anamika Basu
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Howrah, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal (affiliated to the West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal), Kolkata, India,
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22
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Dey S, Hashmi S, Saha S, Mandal M, Shaikh AR, Agrawal E, Ghosh P, Sehrawat N, Koley M, Saha S. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Trial of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines for Cutaneous Warts. HOMEOPATHY 2021; 110:149-159. [PMID: 33761570 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though frequently used in practice, research studies have shown inconclusive benefits of homeopathy in the treatment of warts. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a future definitive trial, with preliminary assessment of differences between effects of individualized homeopathic (IH) medicines and placebos in treatment of cutaneous warts. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n = 60) was conducted at the dermatology outpatient department of D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal. Patients were randomized to receive either IH (n = 30) or identical-looking placebo (n = 30). Primary outcome measures were numbers and sizes of the warts; secondary outcome was the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire measured at baseline, and every month up to 3 months. Group differences and effect sizes were calculated on the intention-to-treat sample. RESULTS Attrition rate was 11.6% (IH, 3; placebo, 4). Intra-group changes were significantly greater (all p < 0.05, Friedman tests) in IH than placebo. Inter-group differences were statistically non-significant (all p > 0.05, Mann-Whitney U tests) with small effect sizes-both in the primary outcomes (number of warts after 3 months: IH median [inter-quartile range; IQR] 1 [1, 3] vs. placebo 1 [1, 2]; p = 0.741; size of warts after 3 months: IH 5.6 mm [2.6, 40.2] vs. placebo 6.3 [0.8, 16.7]; p = 0.515) and in the secondary outcomes (DLQI total after 3 months: IH 4.5 [2, 6.2] vs. placebo 4.5 [2.5, 8]; p = 0.935). Thuja occidentalis (28.3%), Natrum muriaticum (10%) and Sulphur (8.3%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms, homeopathic aggravations, or serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION As regards efficacy, the preliminary study was inconclusive, with a statistically non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy. The trial succeeded in showing that an adequately powered definitive trial is both feasible and warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2019/10/021659; UTN: U1111-1241-7340.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samit Dey
- Department of Repertory, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shifa Hashmi
- D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sangita Saha
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Mahakas Mandal
- Department of Practice of Medicine, The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abdur Rahaman Shaikh
- D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ekta Agrawal
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Priyanka Ghosh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nisha Sehrawat
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.,Independent Researcher; Champsara, Baidyabati, Hooghly, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.,Independent Researcher, Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal, India
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Sadhukhan S, Singh S, Michael J, Misra P, Parewa M, Nath A, Magotra N, Kundu N, Basu A, Ali SS, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Stage I Essential Hypertension: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial. J Altern Complement Med 2021; 27:515-521. [PMID: 33760643 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - Subhas Singh
- Director, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - James Michael
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - Pankhuri Misra
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - Maneet Parewa
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - Arunava Nath
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - Nitin Magotra
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - Nivedita Kundu
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, India
| | - Anamika Basu
- Department of Practice of Medicine, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Sk Swaif Ali
- Department of Practice of Medicine, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Department of Repertory, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
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24
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Parewa M, Burman AS, Brahma A, Rutten L, Sadhukhan S, Misra P, Gupta B, Saklani N, Michael J, Basu A, Ali SS, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Trial. Complement Med Res 2021; 28:407-418. [PMID: 33662951 DOI: 10.1159/000514524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence favoring homeopathy in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) remains scarce. The objective of this pilot trial was to test feasibility of a definitive trial in future. We also experimented whether individualized homeopathic medicines (IH) plus psychological counseling (PC) can produce significantly different effects beyond placebo plus PC in the treatment of GAD. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel arm, pilot trial was conducted on 62 GAD patients at the National Institute of Homoeopathy, India. GAD-7 questionnaire and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) were used as the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively, measured at baseline and 3 months. Patients received either IH plus PC (n = 31) or identical-looking placebo plus PC (n = 31). Intention-to-treat sample was analyzed to detect group differences using unpaired t tests. RESULTS Recruitment and retention rates were 56 and 90%, respectively. Mean age was 31.5 years; 56.5% were male. GAD-7 reductions were non-significantly higher in IH than placebo (p = 0.122). Group differences on HAM-A favored IH significantly (p = 0.018). Effect sizes were small to medium. Calcarea carbonica was the most frequently indicated medicine. No serious adverse events happened. CONCLUSIONS A small but positive direction of anxiolytic effect was observed favoring homeopathy over placebo. A definitive trial appeared feasible in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maneet Parewa
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India,
| | - Avijit Shee Burman
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, National Institute of Homoeopathy, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Arabinda Brahma
- Consultant Psychiatrist, Kolkata Police Hospital and Bharat Sevasram Sangha Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Lex Rutten
- Independent Researcher, VHAN, Dutch Association of Homeopathic Physicians, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Pankhuri Misra
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Bharti Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Nitin Saklani
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - James Michael
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Anamika Basu
- House Staff, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
| | - Sk Swaif Ali
- House Staff, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Government of West Bengal, affiliated to The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, India
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Giri M, Roy S, Nahar L, Paul S, Chattopadhyay A, Ali S, Basu A, Koley M, Saha S. Psychometric evaluation of the Bengali version of irritable bowel syndrome quality of life questionnaire: A cross-sectional study. J Clin Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/jcls.jcls_44_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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26
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Agrawal E, Gautam A, Shaikh A, Dutta S, Dey S, Mukherjee S, Saha S, Mandal S, Ghosh S, Koley M, Saha S. Factor structure of the Bengali version of atopic dermatitis burden scale for adults: A cross-sectional study. J Dermatol Dermatol Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/jdds.jdds_145_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Saha S, Chattopadhyay R, Das S, Sarkar P, Nayak C, Bhar K, Misra P, Chattopadhyay A, Ghosh P, Ganguly S, Mukherjee S, Koley M, Saha S. Development of Bengali version of a questionnaire assessing impact of hyperuricemia on quality of life. J Sci Soc 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/jss.jss_114_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Nayak C, Pattanaik N, Chattopadhyay A, Misra P, Bhar K, Michael J, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized homeopathic medicines and Urtica urens mother tincture in treatment of hyperuricemia: an open, randomized, pragmatic, pilot trial. J Complement Integr Med 2020; 18:599-608. [PMID: 33079705 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The quality of management of hyperuricemia has remained sub-optimal owing to unavoidable toxicities, limitations, and dearth of novel advances. Homeopathy has remained under-researched in hyperuricemia. We investigated the clinical effectiveness of three treatment regimens - individualized homeopathy (IH), Urtica urens mother tincture (UUMT), and both (IH + UUMT) along with lifestyle modifications in a sample of 90 patients with hyperuricemia. METHODS An open, randomized (1:1:1), 3 parallel arms (IH, UUMT, and IH + UUMT), pragmatic trial was conducted at National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata. Outcome measures were serum uric acid (primary), Gout Assessment Questionnaire version 2 (GAQ2, secondary), and Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile version 2 (MYMOP2, secondary); all measured at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months. Intention- to-treat sample was analyzed to detect group differences by unpaired t tests. RESULTS Attrition rate was 8.9% (IH: 3, UUMT: 3, IH + UUMT: 2). Groups were comparable at baseline. Reductions in serum uric acid over 3 months were comparatively higher (p=0.057) in the UUMT group than others, however, the differences were narrowed over 6 months (p=0.119). Per protocol analysis of serum uric acid level revealed similar trend of significantly higher reduction in the UUMT group than the other two (3 months: p=0.001; 6 months: p=0.007). No significant differences existed in reductions of GAQ2 scores among the three groups. Few significant differences were detected in MYMOP scores over 3 months favoring IH against others (symptom 2, p=0.001 and wellbeing score, p=0.002), and also over 6 months favoring IH + UUMT against others (symptom 1, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Although all three therapies showed similar improvements, the IH + UUMT group had more positive direction of effects than IH or UUMT alone; however, no definite conclusion could be arrived at. Further trials are warranted with larger sample size. Trial registration: CTRI/2018/05/014026.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chintamani Nayak
- Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurgaon, Gurugram, Haryana 122505, India.,Dept. of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Block GE, Sector 3, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India
| | - Nivedita Pattanaik
- Dept. of Materia Medica, Rajasthan Vidyapeeth Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Abhijit Chattopadhyay
- Dept. of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Block GE, Sector 3, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India
| | - Pankhuri Misra
- Dept. of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Block GE, Sector 3, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India
| | - Koushik Bhar
- Dept. of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Block GE, Sector 3, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700106, West Bengal, India
| | - James Michael
- Dept. of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Misra P, Nayak C, Chattopadhyay A, Palit TK, Gupta B, Sadhukhan S, Bhar K, Rai S, Parewa M, Ali SS, Basu A, Nath A, Koley M, Saha S. Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. HOMEOPATHY 2020; 110:13-26. [PMID: 32869214 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disorder, with up to an estimated 134 million Indian sufferers, and having significant impact on quality of life (QOL) and health costs. Despite the evidence favoring homeopathy in CRS being inadequate, it is highly popular. This trial attempts to study the efficacy of individualized homeopathy (IH) medicines in comparison with placebo in patients with CRS. METHODS A double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled, preliminary trial (n = 62) was conducted at the National Institute of Homoeopathy, West Bengal, India. Primary outcome measure was the sino-nasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20) questionnaire; secondary outcomes were the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale scores, and five numeric rating scales (0-10) assessing intensity of sneezing, rhinorrhea, post-nasal drip, facial pain/pressure, and disturbance in sense of smell, all measured at baseline and after the 2nd and 4th months of intervention. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on the intention-to-treat sample. RESULTS Groups were comparable at baseline. Attrition rate was 6.5% (IH: 1, Placebo: 3). Although improvements in both primary and secondary outcome measures were higher in the IH group than placebo, with small to medium effect sizes, the group differences were statistically non-significant (all p > 0.05, unpaired t-tests). Calcarea carbonica, Lycopodium clavatum, Sulphur, Natrum muriaticum and Pulsatilla nigricans were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harmful or unintended effects, homeopathic aggravations or any serious adverse events were reported from either group. CONCLUSION There was a small but non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy, which ultimately renders the trial as inconclusive. Rigorous trials and independent replications are recommended to arrive at a confirmatory conclusion. [Trial registration: CTRI/2018/03/012557; UTN: U1111-1210-7201].
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankhuri Misra
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Chintamani Nayak
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhijit Chattopadhyay
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Palit
- Department of ENT, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Bharti Gupta
- Department of Paediatrics, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Satarupa Sadhukhan
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Koushik Bhar
- Department of Materia Medica, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shruti Rai
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Maneet Parewa
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sk Swaif Ali
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Anamika Basu
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Arunava Nath
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Independent Researcher, Hooghly, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Independent Researcher, Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal, India
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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. J Complement Integr Med 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Manchanda R, Mehra P, Khurana A, Bhatia M, Fisher P, Arya B, Saha S, Koley M. Homoeopathic drug proving researches (1996–2018): A scoping review. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/ijrh.ijrh_32_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Banerjee A, Nahar L, Bhat S, Kumar A, Goenka R, Sharma P, Paul S, Chattopadhyay A, Ali S, Michael J, Koley M, Saha S. Psychometric analysis of the bengali clinical chronic obstructive pulmonary disease questionnaire. Indian J Respir Care 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/ijrc.ijrc_19_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Mir A, Chattopadhyay A, Pramanick J, Gautam A, Mir S, Koley M, Saha S. Psychometric validation of the psoriasis disability index questionnaire (Translated Bengali Version): A cross-sectional study. J Dermatol Dermatol Surg 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/jdds.jdds_38_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Naskar K, Mishra O, Chattopadhyay A, Kumar A, Banerjee A, Nahar L, Singh S, Asthana R, Luthra J, Karim M, Banerjee TS, Ali SKS, Basu A, Koley M, Saha S. Efficacy of Dioscorea villosa 6CH in treatment of dyslipidemia: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. J Pharm Negative Results 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/jpnr.jpnr_13_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Dutta S, Ganguly S, Koley M, Saha S. The Concept of 'Homeopathic Vaccines' Is Not Rational and Lacks Evidence: A Commentary on the Paper by Loeb et al, 2018. HOMEOPATHY 2019; 108:298-299. [PMID: 31505695 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1696969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Dutta
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasish Ganguly
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Independent Researcher, Hooghly, West Bengal, India
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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. J Complement Integr Med 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Sultana N, Samanta A, Koley M, Saha S. Importance of Temperament in Individualized Homeopathic Prescription: Evaluation by an Open, Randomized, Pilot Trial. HOMEOPATHY 2019; 108:240-247. [PMID: 31100756 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1685142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of temperament in the selection of an individualized homeopathic medicine has not been evaluated systematically. The current study explored this under-researched area. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective, open, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, pilot trial was performed on patients suffering from various chronic diseases. Each patient's temperament was assessed using a newly developed "temperament diagnostic questionnaire". Outcome measures were health status using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and a visual analog scale (VAS) of patient's self-rated health, measured at baseline and at 3 months. Homeopathic medicines were prescribed on the basis of individualization, randomly with or without accounting for individual temperament, and patients grouped accordingly (temperament(+) and temperament(-)). Baseline comparability of the two groups was checked, followed by analysis of group differences. A p-value < 0.01 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS Fifty protocol-compliant patients were analyzed. The two groups were comparable at baseline. Over 3 months of intervention, there was significant improvement (p < 0.01) in each group. Though improvement in the EQ-5D-5L score was greater in the temperament(+) group (mean difference, 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2 to 4.5), the change did not achieve the threshold for statistical significance (p = 0.029). Improvement in VAS score was significantly greater in the temperament(+) group than in temperament(-) patients (mean difference, 15.2; 95% CI, 4.9 to 25.4; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Considering temperament as a key element of individualized prescription may enhance health improvement from homeopathic treatment in chronic diseases. Independently replicated rigorous trials with validated scales are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION CTRI/2018/03/012433.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najne Sultana
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Amitava Samanta
- Department of Repertory, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Independent Researcher, Hooghly, West Bengal, India
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Banerjee A, Srivastava BP, Koley M, Saha S. An Open-Label Observational Trial to Evaluate the Possible Effects of Individualized Homoeopathic Medicines in Symptomatic Nasal Polyp. BJOHNS 2019. [DOI: 10.47210/bjohns.2019.v27i1.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Nasal polyps presenting with chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS) is a commonly encountered condition characterized by nasal obstruction, loss of sense of smell (anosmia), postnasal drip, headache, and sleep disorders. Possibly 60-65% of the populations suffering from CRS has predisposition to nasal polyps. Homoeopathic literature claims to offer successful treatment of nasal polyps; but scarcely subjected to systematic research.
Materials and Methods: A prospective, open, non-randomized, single arm, observational trial of pre-post comparison design was conducted on 44 patients suffering from symptomatic nasal polyps. Sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-20) and European Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires were taken as the primary and secondary outcome measures respectively; assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Individualized homoeopathic medicines were prescribed on ‘totality of symptoms’. Intention to treat sample was subjected to statistical analysis. Data distribution was examined. Non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test and post hoc parametric paired t test were used accordingly. P values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
Results: Forty four patients were enrolled; 4 dropped out. Skiagrams revealed complete regressions of polyps in 23 (58%) cases. Statistically significant improvements were observed in both the subjective patient-rated outcomes – mean reduction of SNOT-20 scores by 19.9 [sd 15.5; 95% CI 15.5 to 24.2; P < 0.001], EQ-5D-5L questionnaire score by 0.9 [sd 2.6; 95% CI 0.1 to 1.7; P = 0.029]; and EQ-5D-5L VAS by 14.4 [sd 4.7; 95% CI 12.9 to 15.9; P < 0.001].
Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicines showed promising treatment effect in symptomatic nasal polyps. Randomized trials are warranted.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Qutubuddin M, Singh SM, Nayak C, Koley M, Saha S. A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials of Homeopathy in Bronchial Asthma. Complement Med Res 2019; 26:111-117. [PMID: 30893676 DOI: 10.1159/000494621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Homeopathy is a controversial form of complementary therapy, but is widely practised to treat asthma. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the controlled trials of homeopathy in bronchial asthma. Relevant trials published between Jan 1, 1981, and Dec 31, 2016, were considered. Substantive research articles, conference proceedings, and master and doctoral theses were eligible. Methodology was assessed by Jadad's scoring, internal validity by the Coch-rane tool, model validity by Mathie's criteria, and quality of individualization by Saha's criteria. Sixteen trials were eligible. The majority were positive, especially those testing complex formulations. Methodological quality was diverse; 8 trials had "high" risk of bias. Model validity and individualization quality were compromised. Due to both qualitative and quantitative inadequacies, proofs supporting individualized homeopathy remained inconclusive. The trials were positive (evidence level A), but inconsistent, and suffered from methodological heterogeneity, "high" to "uncertain" risk of bias, incomplete study reporting, inadequacy of independent replications, and small sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Qutubuddin
- Department of Homeopathy, District Joint Hospital, Government of Bihar, Darbhanga, India,
| | - Shiv Murty Singh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, Sri Sai Nath Postgraduate Institute of Homoeopathy, Allahabad, India
| | | | - Munmun Koley
- Independent Researcher affiliated to Central Council of Homeopathy, Hooghly, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Independent Researcher affiliated to Central Council of Homeopathy, Howrah, India
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Chakraborty P, Manchanda R, Koley M, Singh D, Singh P, Singh O, Prasad V, Singh J, Nain S, Pradhan P, Ramteke S, Bawaskar R, Debata L, Saha S, Nayak C, Rutten L. Retrospective estimation of prevalence and likelihood ratio of general symptoms of 29 less frequently prescribed homoeopathic medicines by clinical verification. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/ijrh.ijrh_64_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Luthra J, Halder P, Nahar L, Sultana N, Banerjee A, Kumar A, Rai M, Mishra O, Chattopadhyay A, Saha S, Modak A, Basu A, Ali S, Banerjee J, Koley M, Saha S. Evaluation of psychometric properties of the Uterine Fibroids Symptoms and Health-related Quality of Life (UFSQOL) questionnaire: The translated Bengali version. Trop J Obstet Gynaecol 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/tjog.tjog_37_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Gupta J, Kulshreshtha D, Lamba C, Gupta P, Shinde V, Wadhwa B, Soren A, Arya JS, Koley M, Pramanik A, Parveen S, Kumar A. Homoeopathic medicine – Sepia for the management of menopausal symptoms: A multicentric, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/ijrh.ijrh_8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Nath A, De M, Singh S, Kundu N, Michael J, Sadhukhan S, Kumar D, Koley M, Saha S. The role of homoeopathic treatment in women suffering from post-caesarean backache: An open observational clinical trial. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/ijrh.ijrh_14_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Nayak C, Rutten L, Koley M, Saha S, Roy M, Abbas S, Ghosh S, Halder S, Wani G, Mir A, Bhat S, Bagchi S. Assessment of Likelihood Ratio for Four Contact Dermatitis Symptoms of Vinca Minor. HOMEOPATHY 2018; 107:209-217. [PMID: 29783275 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1654713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Contact dermatitis (CD) is a frequently occurring medical condition, for which Vinca minor (VM) is one of the recommended homeopathic medicines. However, the symptoms indicating this medicine have not yet been assessed systematically. Likelihood ratio (LR), based on Bayesian statistics, may yield better estimation of a medicine's indication than the existing method of entry of symptoms into materia medica and repertories.
Methods We investigated LRs of four CD symptoms of VM: (1) great sensitiveness of skin, with redness and soreness from slightest rubbing; (2) weeping eczema with foul, thick crusts; (3) itching amelioration in open air; and (4) CD of scalp. An observational, prospective, patient-outcome study was conducted in five different practice settings on 390 CD patients over 18 months using three outcomes—Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital Outcome Scale (GHHOS), Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), assessed at baseline, after 3 and 6 months. The LR of each of the four symptoms was estimated as per the patient-rated outcomes on GHHOS.
Results Seventy-four VM and 316 non-VM cases were analyzed. Estimated LRs were as follows: symptom 1, 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65 to 2.60); symptom 2, 1.48 (95% CI: 0.80 to 2.74); symptom 3, 1.70 (95% CI: 0.94 to 3.07); symptom 4, 1.36 (95% CI: 0.74 to 2.51). There were statistically significant reductions in SCORAD and DLQI scores over 3 and 6 months.
Conclusion There was insufficient evidence to attribute any of the four assessed symptoms clearly to VM. Though non-significant, a high LR was observed for “itching amelioration in open air” (symptom 3). Symptoms in the homeopathic materia medica for VM are perhaps over-represented. More research of this nature is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaturbhuja Nayak
- Department of Homoeopathic Materia Medica, Homoeopathy University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
- Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Janakpuri, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Lex Rutten
- VHAN, Dutch Association of Homeopathic Physicians, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Munmun Koley
- Independent Researcher, Hooghly, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Mousumi Roy
- AYUSH Health Department, Govt. Homoeo Dispensary, Chhura, Gariaband, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Sk Abbas
- Department of RBSK, Kulai Rural Hospital, Panchla, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Simantini Ghosh
- Department of Surgery, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Suman Halder
- Private Practitioner and Independent Researcher, Palashipara, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Ghulam Wani
- Department of Health & Medical Education, District Hospitals, Baramullah and Handwara, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Anaitulah Mir
- Department of Health & Medical Education, District Hospitals, Baramullah and Handwara, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Showket Bhat
- Department of Health & Medical Education, District Hospitals, Baramullah and Handwara, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Suman Bagchi
- Department of Homoeopathic Materia Medica, Homoeopathy University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, C. L. Chouksey Memorial Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Das KD, Patra S, Koley M, Saha S. Bengali questionnaire validation among geriatric population visiting homeopathic hospital and subsequent open observational trial evaluating effectiveness of homeopathic treatment. Advances in Integrative Medicine 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aimed.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Das KD, Ghosh S, Das AK, Ghosh A, Mondal R, Banerjee T, Ali SS, Ali SS, Koley M, Saha S. Treatment of hemorrhoids with individualized homeopathy: An open observational pilot study. J Intercult Ethnopharmacol 2016; 5:335-342. [PMID: 27757262 PMCID: PMC5061475 DOI: 10.5455/jice.20160608030224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Controversies and disagreement exist on conventional treatment strategies of hemorrhoids due to relapse, inefficacy, and complications. We intend to evaluate the role of individualized homeopathic treatment in hemorrhoids. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, open, observational trial, hemorrhoids patients were treated using five standardized scales measuring complaints severity and anoscopic score. It was conducted at two homeopathic hospitals in India, during from mid-July 2014 to mid-July 2015. Patients were intervened as per individualized homeopathic principles and followed up every month up to 6 months. Results: Total 73 were screened, 52 enrolled, 38 completed, 14 dropped out. Intention to treat population (n: = 52) was analyzed in the end. Statistically significant reductions of mean bleeding (month 3: −21.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −30.3, −13.3, P: < 0.00001, d = 0.787; month 6: −25.5, 95% CI −35.4, −15.6, P: < 0.00001, d = 0.775), pain (month 3: −21.3, 95% CI −28.6, −14.0, P: < 0.00001, d = 0.851; month 6: −27.6, 95% CI −35.6, −19.6, P: < 0.00001, d = 1.003), heaviness visual analog scales (VASs) (month 3: −8.1, 95% CI −13.9, −2.3, P: = 0.008, d = 0.609; month 6: −12.1, 95% CI −19.1, −5.1, P: = 0.001, d = 0.693), and anoscopic score (month 3: −0.4, 95% CI −0.6, −0.2, P: < 0.0001, d = 0.760; month 6: −0.5, 95% CI −0.7, −0.3, P: < 0.0001, d = 0.703) were achieved. Itching VASs reduced significantly only after 6 months (−8.1, 95% CI −14.6, −1.6, P: = 0.017, d = 0.586). No significant lowering of discharge VASs was achieved after 3 and 6 months. Conclusion: Under classical homeopathic treatment, hemorrhoids patients improved considerably in symptoms severity and anoscopic scores. However, being observational trial, our study cannot provide efficacy data. Controlled studies are required. Trial Reg. CTRI/2015/07/005958.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Deb Das
- Department of Homoeopathic Pharmacy, Midnapore Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Asim Kumar Das
- Department of Surgery, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Aloke Ghosh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homoeopathic Philosophy, Midnapore Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Ramkumar Mondal
- House Staff, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Tanapa Banerjee
- Internee, Netai Charan Chakrabarty Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Seikh Sajid Ali
- House Staff, Midnapore Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Seikh Swaif Ali
- Undergraduage student, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- Independent Researcher, Affiliated to Central Council of Homoeopathy, Hooghly, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Independent Researcher, Affiliated to Central Council of Homoeopathy, Howrah, West Bengal, India
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Koley M, Saha S, Arya JS, Choubey G, Ghosh A, Das KD, Ganguly S, Dey S, Saha S, Singh R, Bhattacharyya K, Ghosh S, Ali SS. Patients' preference for integrating homeopathy (PPIH) within the standard therapy settings in West Bengal, India: The part 1 (PPIH-1) study. J Tradit Complement Med 2016; 6:237-46. [PMID: 27419087 PMCID: PMC4936771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
There is lack of studies assessing the preference of Indian patients for integration of homeopathy into standard therapy settings. The objectives of this study were to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of homeopathy among Indian patients already availing homeopathy treatment and its integration into mainstream healthcare. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult patients attending the out-patients of the four government homeopathic hospitals in West Bengal, India. A self-administered 24-items questionnaire in local vernacular Bengali was developed and administered to the patients. A total of 1352 patients' responses were included in the current analysis. 40% patients thought that homeopathic medicines can be used along with standard therapy. 32.5% thought that homeopathic medicines might cause side effects, while only 13.3% believed that those might interact with other medications. Patients' knowledge ranged between 25.1 and 76.5% regarding regulations of practicing and safety of homeopathic medicine in India and abroad; while positive attitude towards the same ranged between 25.4 and 88.5%. 88.6% of the patients had favorable attitude toward integrated services. 68.2% of the patients used homeopathic medicines in any acute or chronic illness for themselves and 76.6% for their children. Preference for integrated services was significantly associated with better knowledge (P = 0.002), positive attitudes toward safety and regulations (P < 0.0001), and integration (P < 0.0001), but not with the level of practice (P = 0.515). A favorable attitude toward integrating homeopathy into conventional healthcare settings was obtained among the patients attending the homeopathic hospitals in West Bengal, India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munmun Koley
- Clinical Research Unit (Homeopathy), Siliguri, under Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Government of India, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhranil Saha
- Clinical Research Unit (Homeopathy), Siliguri, under Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Government of India, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
| | - Jogendra Singh Arya
- Clinical Research Unit (Homeopathy), Siliguri, under Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Government of India, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
| | - Gurudev Choubey
- Clinical Research Unit (Homeopathy), Siliguri, under Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Government of India, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
| | - Aloke Ghosh
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, Midnapore Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Kaushik Deb Das
- Department of Homeopathic Pharmacy, Midnapore Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasish Ganguly
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, D N De Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Samit Dey
- Department of Homeopathic Repertory, D N De Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Sangita Saha
- Department of Organon of Medicine and Homeopathic Philosophy, The Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Rakesh Singh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, The Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Kajal Bhattacharyya
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, The Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Shubhamoy Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, India
| | - Sk Swaif Ali
- Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Government of West Bengal, India
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Manchanda R, Koley M, Saha S, Sarkar D, Mondal R, Thakur P, Biswas D, Rawat BS, Rajachandrasekar B, Mittal R. Patients' Preference for Integrating Homoeopathy Services within the Secondary Health Care Settings in India: The Part 3 (PPIH-3) Study. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2016; 22:251-259. [PMID: 27215693 DOI: 10.1177/2156587216650116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Indian patients' preference for integrated homoeopathy services remains underresearched. Two earlier surveys revealed favorable attitude toward and satisfaction from integrated services. The objectives of this study were to examine knowledge, attitudes, and practice of homoeopathy and to evaluate preference toward its integration into secondary-level health care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during May to October 2015 among 659 adult patients visiting randomly selected secondary-level conventional health care setups in Kolkata, Mumbai, Kottayam, and New Delhi (India) using a self-administered 24-item questionnaire in 4 local vernaculars (Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, and Hindi). Knowledge and practice scores were compromised; attitude scores toward integration and legal regulation were high. Respondents were uncertain regarding side effects of homoeopathy and concurrent use and interactions with conventional medicines. A total of 82.40% (95% confidence interval = 79.23, 85.19) of the participants were in favor of integrating homoeopathy services. Preference was significantly higher in Delhi and lower in Kottayam. Probable strategic measures for further development of integrated models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkumar Manchanda
- 1 Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi, India
| | - Munmun Koley
- 2 Dr Anjali Chatterji Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Debabrata Sarkar
- 2 Dr Anjali Chatterji Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ramkumar Mondal
- 4 Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Prosenjit Thakur
- 5 Netai Charan Chakraborty Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Debjyoti Biswas
- 5 Netai Charan Chakraborty Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | | | | | - Renu Mittal
- 1 Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi, India
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