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PubMed2006

Laboratory research in homeopathy: pro.

Homeopathy is a holistic method of treatment that uses ultralow doses of highly diluted natural substances originating from plants, minerals, or animals and is based on the principle of "like cures like." Despite being occasionally challenged for its scientific validity and mechanism of action, homeopathy continues to enjoy the confidence of millions of patients around the world who opt for this mode of treatment. Contrary to skeptics' views, research on home-opathy using modern tools mostly tends to support its efficacy and advocates new ideas toward understanding its mechanism of action. As part of a Point-Counterpoint feature, this review and its companion piece in this issue by Moffett et al (Integr Cancer Ther. 2006;5:333-342) are composed of a thesis section, a response section in reaction to the companion thesis, and a rebuttal section to address issues raised in the companion response.

Biomedical Research↗
PubMed2006

Laboratory research in homeopathy: con.

Alternative medical approaches to human diseases such as cancer are becoming increasingly popular, but reports on their success rates have been highly variable. Homeopathy is an alternative medical practice often applied to less critical human diseases but one that has also been applied sporadically to the treatment of cancer. Animal studies on the use of homeopathy to treat experimental cancer are few and the evidence provided to date is far from conclusive. The debate presented here concerns the utility of animal studies on cancer treatment with homeopathic preparations. As part of a Point-Counterpoint feature, this review and its companion piece in this issue by Khuda-Bukhsh (Integr Cancer Ther. 2006;5:320-332) are composed of a thesis section, a response section in reaction to the companion thesis, and a rebuttal section to address issues raised in the companion response.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of classical homeopathy in generalized anxiety disorder.

BACKGROUND: Homeopathy is commonly used for the treatment of medical and psychological conditions. Such prevalent use, however, is not supported by robust, methodologically sound research. This study evaluates the effect of homeopathic treatment in generalized anxiety disorder, a prevalent mental disorder characterized by an enduring pattern of excessive apprehension and distress and by mental and bodily complaints. METHOD: Forty-four patients with DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 10-week trial of individually tailored homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic therapy was administered by an expert who followed the traditional routines of homeopathic diagnosis and prescription. Thirty-nine subjects completed the study (20 in the active treatment group and 19 in the placebo group). Subjects' symptoms were rated before treatment and after 5 and 10 weeks of treatment, with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) as main outcome measure. Additional measures of outcome included the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Psychological General Well-Being Index, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a Visual Analogue Scale of subjective distress. RESULTS: Significant (p <.05) improvement in most measures, including the HAM-A, was observed in both the active treatment and placebo groups, yet no group effect was observed. CONCLUSION: The effect of homeopathic treatment on mental symptoms of patients with generalized anxiety disorder did not differ from that of placebo. The improvement in both conditions was substantial. Improvement of such magnitude may account for the current belief in the efficacy of homeopathy and the current increase in the use of this practice.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Homeopathy in the perspective of scientific research].

A significant portion of the traditional concepts of homeopathy (similia principle, experimentation on healthy humans, the cure of whole person, the use of minimum doses or high dilution/potency of medicines) are amenable to investigations conducted according to criteria accepted by biomedical science. Even though many randomized and controlled clinical studies seem to demonstrate the efficacy of some homeopathic medicines and their superiority to placebo, other trials have given negative results. A definite clear answer is not yet possible due to the scarce quality of some published reports, to lack of reproduction by independent investigators and to the uncertainty regarding the methodologies to be used for testing the claims of homeopathy. As regards the possible physiopathological, biophysical and pharmacological explanations for the action of homeopathic remedies, there are models which tend to set the similia principle as a general expression of the action-reaction principle, within the context of dynamic systems theory. The clarification of the more controversial aspects regarding dilution/potency of medicines remains tied to several promising developments in physics of condensed matter, in chaos theory and in biophysics.

Biophysical Phenomena↗
PubMed2000

[The combination of reflexotherapy and homeopathy in treating patients with facial nerve neuropathy].

Used in a multiple-modality treatment of 103 patients presenting with facial nerve neuropathy were infrared laser puncture and homeopathy. The former treatments were administered with the aid of the apparatus [symbol: see text] 001 at wave-length 890 nm, average power 15 mW/cm2. Homeopathy therapy was with those drug preparations meant to deal with constitutional and symptomatic problems. As many as 103 patients with facial nerve neuropathy derived apparent benefit from treatment, which fact was confirmed by electrophysiological findings as was by those from acupuncture diagnosis techniques.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed1990

Homeopathy: from Hahnemann to the present.

The foundations and philosophical underpinnings of homeopathy are discussed within the framework of a nineteenth century medical controversy. During this era, Hahnemannian doctrine rose in response to the need for conservative healing practices yet faced a decline as key spokesmen of orthodox medicine successfully articulated its shortcomings. These historical events relegated homeopathy to the status of an eclectic medical art. Its greatest discoveries and contributions, such as the medicinals founded by Hahnemann and the attitude of patient education have become incorporated into modern day medical practice.

History, 18th Century↗
PubMed1992

[Inadvertent child health neglect by preference of homeopathy to conventional medicine].

The effectiveness of alternative medicine, especially homeopathy, has not been proven by prospective, double-blind, controlled studies. However, homeopathy has been gaining in popularity in Israel. 4 children of religious parents are presented, who were treated by homeopathic medical practitioners for cervical streptococcal lymphadenitis, acute lymphatic leukemia, bacterial pneumonia and atopic dermatitis, respectively. The parents of the latter 3 children rejected the correct medical diagnoses, as well as any medical treatment offered by other medical practitioners. All of the children had severe, unusual, but preventable complications. "Alternative" medicine, especially homeopathic practice, is dealt with from medical, social and comparative law aspects. The 4 cases are considered examples of a special kind of child neglect, inadvertent child health neglect because of false beliefs or lack of knowledge. The government is called upon to prevent this kind of child neglect by education of the public and the enactment of appropriate laws and their enforcement. This should be done even if the right to choose one's health treatment system and practitioner is preferred to the right not to be offered ineffective treatment.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed2004

[History of homeopathy in Hungary, 1820-1871].

This paper analyses the development of homeopathy in Hungary between 1820 and 1871. A brief account of the spread of this new method during the 1820s is followed by a history of the foundation of homeopathic hospitals in the first half of the 19th century and the publication of homeopathic self-help books for lay-persons. The attempts to establish an homeopathic association and an university chair of homeopathy which were to succeed ultimately are discussed. The homeopaths conflicts with allopaths and the difficult situation presented to homeopaths after the revolution of 1848/1849 are analysed. The paper concludes with a short representation of five of the most famous homeopaths in Hungary during the period under discussion.

History, 19th Century↗
PubMed2006

William Henderson (1810-72) and homeopathy in Edinburgh.

William Henderson was appointed professor of general pathology at Edinburgh University and physician-in-ordinary to the ERI. He produced several papers on clinical and pathological aspects of aortic and heart disease and contributed to the differentiation of typhus and typhoid fevers. He became a homeopathist and was at the centre of a controversy surrounding the introduction of homeopathy to Edinburgh in the 1840s. This involved the Faculty of Medicine, the RCPE and medical societies as well as medical personalities, prominent among whom were Professor Sir James Y Simpson, Professor Sir Robert Christison and Professor James Syme. Many Scottish medical graduates were involved in the introduction of homeopathy to the British Isles. Glasgow is one of only four UK cities still to have a homeopathic hospital.

History, 19th Century↗
PubMed1994

Using homeopathy in midwifery practice.

Homeopathy (from the Greek homois 'similar' and pathos 'suffering') is based on the Law of Similars which states that the symptoms caused by too much of a substance are the symptoms that can be cured by a small dose of the same substance. Appropriately trained, and working within the Scope of Professional Practice midwives could use homeopathic remedies for acute situations and indeed for some of the conditions for which they would normally summon medical aid. Midwives need to know when to refer mothers to a fully qualified homeopath rather than attempting to treat a condition themselves. Short homeopathy courses designed specifically for midwives are now being developed by some colleges.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Homeopathy and conventional medicine in the management of pregnancy and childbirth].

Among alternative methods of healing, homeopathy is the most frequent. Few studies on the efficacy of homeopathic interventions exist which withstand scientific scrutiny. Nevertheless, some evidence supports the efficacy of homeopathy in certain indications, including obstetrics. The practice of preventive antepartum care of pregnant women, adopted at the beginning of this century, has reduced perinatal mortality and the rates of low birth weight and preterm births. The attention of conventional prenatal and obstetric care has been focused on early identification and appropriate management of specific pregnancy risks, such as maternal chronic illness, previous pregnancy complications or intercurrent illnesses. An ongoing monitoring system on studies of perinatal care by Chalmers et al. established the effectiveness of screening for maternal risk factors, of interventions to prevent early pregnancy terminations, of instructions and social support for pregnant women and specific monitoring during childbirth. Studies on homeopathic interventions in obstetrics report positive influence of homeopathic remedies on uterine contractility and the evolution of childbirth. The only study comparing homeopathic and conventional therapy in women with increased risk for contraction abnormalities found few differences between the treatments, except fewer hemorrhages and decreased abnormal contractions in patients treated with homeopathic remedies. Methodological difficulties in comparing homeopathic and conventional medical intervention require specific research designs, taking into account the different theoretical and practical approaches of the two disciplines.

Female↗
PubMed1994

[Homeopathy--arguments for].

A presentation of the background of homeopathy is followed by a discussion of its possibilities and limitations--also in the field of geriatrics. The high-potency problem is discussed. The results of experimental and clinical studies on the effect and efficacy of homeopathic preparations are presented. Finally, the reasons for the poor acceptance of homeopathy by clinical medicine are analysed.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[Is homeopathy more than a placebo?].

Homeopathy can be characterized by three axioms "treating like with like" (law of similars), "increasing effects with increasing potency" (potentization) and "effects on the basis of ultra-high dilutions" (beyond-molecular effects), where it is unlikely that the dilutions contain a single molecule of the original substance. On the basis of these tenets and the clinical evidence further research priorities are developed. Current reviews indicate small homeopathic verum effects, even after adjustment for internal validity and publication-bias. However, the results remain disputable, because reproducibility isn't assured by independent examiners. For further validation, independent replication of studies with high quality, including specially treatment with high-potencies according to law of similars, seem to be important. The prerequisites for a homeopathy-specific study methodology (inclusion of populations according to their homeopathic diagnosis) still are not fulfilled today. There is neither convincing evidence for specific drug pictures by placebo-controlled drug provings, nor is the reliability of homeopathic diagnosis proven. By reason of extensive, individual interviews, preceeding every classical homeopathic remedy finding, placebo-effects could play an important therapeutical role. The relevance of homeopathic placebo-effects should be explored against other sham treatments and an untreated group.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed2005

To which extent should potency choice in homeopathy be "regulated": has European legislation gone too far?

Despite ongoing controversy, homeopathy has become increasingly accepted as a "medical reality" by patients and doctors alike. This process has been accompanied by an increased quality of manufacturing, education, research, and regulation of homeopathy. This paper argues that European regulation may now have gone too far by indiscriminately prescribing that homeopathic medicines should be used in a potency of D4 and higher. Low potencies and tinctures are an important and integral part of the homeopathic heritage. The regulatory environment therefore appears to be hampering one of its own principal aims: the availability of safe and high-quality homeopathic products that practitioners, patients and consumers want and need.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed2003

Ultramolecular homeopathy has no observable clinical effects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proving trial of Belladonna 30C.

AIMS: To investigate if ultramolecular homeopathy has any clinical effects. This was assessed using the proving of the homeopathic remedy Belladonna given at an ultramolecular dose (30C), as a model. A proving states that when a homeopathic remedy is given to a healthy person, they will experience symptomatic effects specific to that remedy. If ultramolecular doses are clinically active, the Belladonna 30C group should experience more true Belladonna proving symptoms than the placebo group. METHODS: Healthy subjects (n = 253), aged 18-30 years, took part in this double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study. Total study duration was 4 weeks. Subjects were randomized before 1 week placebo run-in. They received 2 weeks of treatment intervention (Belladonna 30C or placebo) and were followed up for 1 week. Subjects recorded any symptoms experienced during the total study period on a daily basis using a structured questionnaire. Symptom diaries were analysed blind to determine if each subject had proved or not (based on predefined criteria). The main outcome was the proportion of subjects who had proved in each treatment group. RESULTS: No significant group differences in proving rates were observed [Belladonna provers N = 14 (13.9%); placebo provers N = 15 (14.3%); mean difference -0.4%, 95% confidence interval -9.3, 10.1] based on intention to treat analysis. Primary outcome was not affected by seasonality or the individual's attitude to complementary medicine. CONCLUSION: Ultramolecular homeopathy had no observable clinical effects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Immunology and homeopathy. 4. Clinical studies-part 1.

The evidence-based research of the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in common immunologic disorders is reviewed. In part 1, we introduce methodological issues of clinical research in homeopathy, and criteria utilized to evaluate the literature. Then 24 studies (12 randomized and 12 non-randomized) on common upper respiratory tract infections and otorhinolaryngologic complaints are described. In part 2, the focus will be on allergic diseases and the effectiveness of homeopathy will be globally evaluated and discussed using the criteria of evidence-based medicine.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Individualised homeopathy as an adjunct in the treatment of childhood asthma: a randomised placebo controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Homeopathy is frequently used to treat asthma in children. In the common classical form of homeopathy, prescriptions are individualised for each patient. There has been no rigorous investigation into this form of treatment for asthma. METHODS: In a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial the effects of individualised homeopathic remedies were compared with placebo medication in 96 children with mild to moderate asthma as an adjunct to conventional treatment. The main outcome measure was the active quality of living subscale of the Childhood Asthma Questionnaire administered at baseline and follow up at 12 months. Other outcome measures included other subscales of the same questionnaire, peak flow rates, use of medication, symptom scores, days off school, asthma events, global assessment of change, and adverse reactions. RESULTS: There were no clinically relevant or statistically significant changes in the active quality of life score. Other subscales, notably those measuring severity, indicated relative improvements but the sizes of the effects were small. There were no differences between the groups for other measures. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides no evidence that adjunctive homeopathic remedies, as prescribed by experienced homeopathic practitioners, are superior to placebo in improving the quality of life of children with mild to moderate asthma in addition to conventional treatment in primary care.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2003

Complexity science and homeopathy: a synthetic overview.

Homeopathy is founded on 'holistic' and 'vitalistic' paradigms, which may be interpreted--at least in part--in terms of a framework provided by the theory of dynamic systems and of complexity. The conceptual models and some experimental findings from complexity science may support the paradoxical claims of similia principle and of dilution/dynamization effects. It is argued that better appreciation of three main properties of complex systems: non-linearity, self-organization, and dynamicity, will not only add to our basic understanding of homeopathic phenomena but also illuminate new directions for experimental investigations and therapeutic settings.

Homeopathy↗