ARTICLE
News on Homeopathic research and salivary cortisol were slightly higher for the C group than for the P group , the differences between them were not significant . One of the more notable findings from the research was that for the group given Aconite anxiety and salivary cortisol were significantly reduced immediately pre- and post-effort .
Robert Medhurst | BNat ND DHom
Those of us who either prescribe or use homeopathic preparations on a regular basis have little doubt about their effectiveness . But for many others , the notion that a homeopathically potentised substance can have any biological effect requires good quality objective evidence . Fortunately , the evidence exists and summaries of some of the more notable recent research follow .
Human Research
1 . Nobel S , et al . The Efficacy and Safety of a Homeopathic Arnica Gel ( Arnicare ) in the Treatment of Sports . Homeopathy , 2014 , 103 , 1 , 92 . A joint US and French research team sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a homeopathic Arnica gel ( Arnicare ) in the treatment of sports-related muscular soreness and pain via the use of a randomised , double blind , placebocontrolled clinical trial . One hundred and twenty moderately trained athletes who experienced pain and stiffness after competitive sports were randomly assigned to receive either a homeopathic gel containing 7 % Arnica montana 1X , or a matching placebo , applied to the lower extremities 3 times daily shortly before and after sports until the resolution of symptoms . Pain and stiffness at different time points were assessed on a 100mm visual analogue scale after three sports sessions . The overall ( baseline adjusted ) level of stiffness during the 72 hours following the sports was significantly less in the Arnicare group than in the placebo group ( 23.7mm versus 29.1mm , P = 0.02 ). With regard to the overall level of pain , there was a similar trend that did not reach statistical significance ( 24.9mm versus 27.9mm , P = 0.17 ). Between-group differences were most pronounced 12-36 hours post-exercise . Two subjects in the arnica group experienced mild side effects ( slight tingling , itching ) that did not lead to discontinuation of the treatment .
2 . Jurcau R , Jurcau I , Vithoulkas G . The Influence of Aconitum Napellus Versus Placebo , on Anxiety and Salivary Cortisol , in Stress Induced by Intense and Short Term Physical Effort . Homeopathy , 2014 , 103 , 1 , 72 . Renowned homeopath George Vithoulkas and Romanian researchers collaborated in this study to determine the effects of homeopathically-prepared Aconite on anxiety and salivary cortisol , in peristress changes induced by intense and short-term physical effort , on sedentary subjects . Thirty people exhibiting the homeopathic prescribing symptoms for Aconite experienced stress as a result of intense and short-term physical effort , via the use of a Monark Ergomedic 839E cycle ergometer . Subjects were assigned to one of three groups . The first , the control group ( C ), who was not given anything ; the second received placebo ( P ), and the third received Aconite . These interventions were applied before the use of the cycle ergometer . Anxiety and cortisol assessments were carried out on the day following the use of the cycle ergometer . Statistical evaluations were made on the basis of the students ’ tests . Although the values for anxiety
3 . Peckham EJ , et al . Interim Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial of Homeopathic Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome . Homeopathy , 2014 , 103 , 172-177 . This English work describes the effects of homeopathic treatment in irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ). A three-armed trial was conducted which compared usual care , homeopathic treatment plus usual care , and supportive listening plus usual care for IBS . The primary outcome was change in irritable bowel symptom severity score between baseline and 26 weeks , calculated using ANCOVA . An interim ANCOVA adjusted for baseline IBS severity , age and employment status found no statistically significant differences between the three arms . However , a post-hoc test comparing homeopathic treatment plus usual care to usual care alone found a statistically significant difference in favour of homeopathic treatment . In addition , 62.5 percent of patients in the homeopathic treatment arm ( compared to 25.0 percent of those in the usual care arm ), achieved a clinically relevant change in irritable bowel symptom severity score , which indicates a promising effect for homeopathic treatment , though these results should be interpreted with caution due to the low number of participants in the study ( 93 people completed the study ).
4 . Danno K , et al . China rubra for Side-Effects of Quinine : A Prospective , Randomised Study in Pregnant Women with Malaria in Cotonou , Benin . Homeopathy , 2014 , 103 , 165-171 . A French team evaluated the impact of the homeopathic medicine , China rubra 7C , on the side-effects of quinine used as a treatment for acute malaria in pregnant women in Cotonou , Benin . Using a prospective , comparative ,
214 | vol27 | no4 | JATMS