Mahesh Bhattacharya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital

AbstractAs a consequence of gradual emergence of anti-microbial resistance, the anti-biogram profile of the microbe Salmonella typhi has undergone substantial changes. Patients frequently use homeopathy for the flu and other serious illnesses. Although the use of Baptisia tinctoria (BT) is extensively described in homeopathic literature and in phytomedicine, scientific exploration has never been done. In this study, we have made an effort to understand the anti-typhoidal effect of BT at different concentrations. S. typhi (ATCC 6539) from a freshly prepared stock culture was used in this experiment. We also procured an international strain of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922 strain) which was taken as control. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates were determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and interpretative criteria (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards 2000) using antibiotic discs (Hi Media Laboratory. Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India), namely cefotaxime (30 μg), ceftazidime (30 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), tetracycline (30 μg), chloramphenicol (30 μg), streptomycin (10 μg), ampicillin (10 μg), gentamicin (10 μg), kanamycin (30 μg), nalidixic acid (30 μg) and trimethoprim (5 μg). BT in its 6CH potency showed the greatest growth inhibition zone, not just amidst the homeopathic potency gradient. It has shown the highest growth inhibition zone of 28mm, more than any conventional antibiotic. Ethanolic extract of BT can be considered to combat against array of infections caused by S. typhi species alongside that it can also be considered as adjuvant with conventional antibiotics for better result.

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 in FBS were statistically significant, favored IHMs against placebos (F-1,F-58 = 7.798, p = 0.007) but not for OGTT (F-1,F-58 = 1.691, p = 0.199). The secondary outcome, DSC-R total score, favored IHMs significantly compared with placebos (F-1,F-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.

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.

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.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of homeopathic medicine in the treatment of various types of warts. Material and Methods: In each case, medicine was selected after taking the detailed case history and performing analysis, evaluation, and repertorization using Kent’s Repertory. The similimum was selected after Materia medica differentiation. A single medicine was prescribed per the law of homeopathy. Two doses of the selected medicine were administrated followed by placebo as per law of minimum. During the follow-up, there was no change in the potency. Results: The first and second cases were of filiform wart. They were treated with Hepar sulph and Arsenicum alb, respectively. The third case was of verruca vulgaris wart, which was treated with Natrum muriaticum. The fourth case was of a cutaneous horny wart that was also treated with Natrum muriaticum. All four cases were cured within 40–45 days with no adverse effects. Conclusion: The well-chosen homeopathic remedy was very effective in all four cases in this series; the patients reported reduction of symptoms along with improved general well-being. Individualized homeopathic treatment plays a very important role in such cases. Further, study is suggested for evaluating a larger spectrum of remedies in treating cases of warts.