Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of homeopathic treatments for Acute Otitis Media (AOM) in children, comparing outcomes to standard allopathic treatments. Building on promising pilot study results that suggested homeopathy's non-inferiority, this multicenter trial aims to validate these findings and assess their broader clinical applicability. Method: This open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted on children (aged 02 to 12 years), suffering from acute otitis media. Primary outcome was changes in Acute Otitis Media-Severity of Symptoms (AOM-SOS) scale and Tympanic Membrane Examination scale (TMES) over 21 days and time to improvement in pain through FPS-R (Facial Pain Scale-Revised) over 10 days. The secondary outcomes were the need for antibiotics during acute AOM and the recurrence over 12 months. Results: Intention to treat analysis was carried out on 222 children; Homeopathy(n=116)(H-group), Allopathy(n=106) (A-group). Statistically significant reduction in AOM-SOS+TMES score in H-group compared to A-group was observed at time point day 3 (mean diff.±sd: 1.67±0.47; 95% CI: 0.75 to 2.59; p=0.001), at day 7 (mean diff.±sd: 1.22±0.56; 95% CI: 0.13 to 2.31, p=0.028) favored homeopathy. However, the median time for FPS-R score to become zero by day 10 (H= 3 days, A= 4 days) was statistically insignificant (p=0.29). None of the children in the H group required antibiotics whereas it was required in 14 children(12.4%) in A group . Conclusion: Homeopathic treatment helped in managing acute otitis media in children similar to that of Allopathic treatment. Homeopathy can be a safe treatment approach in managing in this condition. Further blinded studies are warranted.

Background and objectives: Acute encephalitis syndrome is a health burden to a populous country like India. It is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, altered sensorium with or without seizures, irritability, abnormal behaviour, or unconsciousness. This study aims to augment further evidence on the effects of add-on homeopathic treatment in reducing mortality and morbidity in children. Methods: This comparative retrospective study included children hospitalized with acute encephalitis syndrome between July 2016 to December 2016. We compared the parameters of children for whom decisions on Glasgow Outcome scale and Liverpool outcome score aided by add-on homeopathy against those of children from the same year when the add-on homeopathy was not used. All the children were on conventional supportive care and treatment tailored to each child. We also counted the days until the resumption of oral feeding and the length of hospital stay. Results: Ordinal regression analysis on analyses on 622 children (IH +CSC=329; IMP only=293) was done. Odds of a shift towards increased recovery were superior in the homeopathy-added group than in the IMP group without adjustment (crude OR 2·30, 95% CI 1·66 to 3·20; p=0·0001) and with adjustment (adjusted OR 3.38, 95% CI 2·38 to 4.81; p=0·0001). There was 14.8% less mortality and 17.4% more recovery in the add-on homeopathy group compared to CSC alone. Individualized homeopathic remedies commonly used were: Belladonna (n =238), Stramonium (n =17), Opium (n = 14), Sulphur (n=11) and Hyoscyamus niger (n = 7). Conclusion : This retrospective cohort study advocates for add-on homoeopathy in children suffering acute encephalitis which can produce notable improvements in terms of mortality and morbidity. Further studies in different settings are warranted.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to understand the level of handwashing knowledge, and handwashing practices as well as to determine the availability of handwashing facilities in the schools. Materials and Methods A survey was conducted on 17th October 2019 to determine the availability of handwashing facilities along with the level of handwashing knowledge and practices among school students of Borsojai High School situated in Kamrup Metropolitan City, Guwahati, Assam. The study population consisted of randomly selected students of 9th and 10th classes during the academic year 2019 to 2020. The quantitative data were analysed using the IBM-SPSS, version 20.0. Result Fifty-six school students from classes 9 to 10th of mean age 15.53 years participated in the current study. It is evident that school-aged students have sufficient knowledge of handwashing, and they widely recognise the importance of handwashing (94.6%) to prevent diseases (39.3%) and to remove germs (48.2%). Conclusion To encourage hand hygiene in school students, parents can also be sensitised through the parents teacher meeting. This will improve the health and reduce the absenteeism from school due to infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to evaluate whether individualized homeopathic medicines have a greater adjunctive effect than adjunctive placebos in the treatment of moderate and severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS:The study was a randomized, single-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled clinical trial set in the clinical context of standard care. INTERVENTION:Patients of either sex, admitted in a tertiary care hospital, suffering from moderate or severe COVID-19 and above 18 years of age were included. In total, 150 patients were recruited and then randomly divided into two groups to receive either individualized homeopathic medicines or placebos, in addition to the standard treatment of COVID-19. OUTCOME MEASURES:The primary outcome was time taken to achieve RT-PCR-confirmed virus clearance for COVID-19. Secondary outcomes were changes in the Clinical Ordinal Outcomes Scale (COOS) of the World Health Organization, the patient-reported MYMOP2 scale, and several biochemical parameters. Parametric data were analyzed using unpaired t-test. Non-parametric data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS:In total, 72 participants of the add-on homeopathy (AoH) group showed conversion of RT-PCR status to negative, in an average time of 7.53 ± 4.76 days (mean ± SD), as compared with 11.65 ± 9.54 days in the add-on placebo (AoP) group (p = 0.001). The mean COOS score decreased from 4.26 ± 0.44 to 3.64 ± 1.50 and from 4.3 ± 0.46 to 4.07 ± 1.8 in the AoH and AoP groups respectively (p = 0.130). The mortality rate for the AoH group was 9.7% compared with 17.3% in the AoP group. The MYMOP2 scores between the two groups differed significantly (p = 0.001), in favor of AoH. Inter-group differences in the pre- and post- mean values of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, total leukocyte count, platelet count and alkaline phosphatase were each found to be statistically significant (p <0.05), favoring AoH; six other biochemical parameters showed no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION:The study suggests homeopathy may be an effective adjunct to standard care for treating moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. More rigorous, including double-blinded, studies should be performed to confirm or refute these initial findings.

Background: Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (SMCB) is characterized by recurrent mucoid or mucopurulent sputum production in absence of localized suppurative disease. This observational open label study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of homoeopathic medicine in SMCB. Methods: 1902 patients were screened from 07centres out of which 1305 were excluded. 597 patients were enrolled as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 14 pre-defined homeopathic medicines were shortlisted for prescription after repertorizing the pathological symptoms of SMCB. Outcomes were changes in symptoms score using chronic bronchitis symptom scale (CBSS) and changes in FEV1/ FVC ratio using spirometry over a period of two years. Appearance of any change (relief/ worse)/ status quo was immediately followed by placebo/ change in dilution/ change in remedy. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Results: 532 patients were analyzed under intention to treat principle using last observation carry forward method. Mean CBS score reduced from 29.86±4.5 at baseline to 12.33±7.6 at completion of 2 years. Repeated measures ANOVA, at time points 0 (baseline), 3, 6, 9, 12 , 15, 18, 21 and 24 months, showed significant reduction in CBS scores [Wilk’s Lambda 0.104, F=564, df 524; p=00001]. The FEV1 and FEV1/FVC was maintained within normal limits. 86% prescriptions included Lycopodium, Arsenicum album, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Stannum metallicum, Calcarea carbonica, Silicea, Bryonia alba. Conclusion: The result suggests effectiveness of homoeopathic treatment in early stage of SCMB patients. However, controlled trials are required for further validation.

Abstract Background Bronchial asthma is a globally significant non-communicable disease with major public health consequences for both children and adults, including high morbidity, and relatively low mortality compared with other chronic diseases. It is a chronic disorder that compels the patient to take lifelong medications including bronchodilators. Aim This study was undertaken to ascertain the effects of Blatta orientalis in centesimal potency on the treatment of bronchial asthma assessed by spirometry and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) Score. Method A prospective, non-randomised, open-label, observational study was conducted at Dr. MPK Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, from 2015 to 2016. Patients between 5 and 80 years of age suffering from dyspnoea, cough with expectoration and wheezing were screened. The convenience sampling technique was used to enrol 120 patients, after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. The patients of Bronchial asthma were treated with potentized Blatta orientalis for 6 months. Patients were diagnosed and assessed on the basis of the ACQ Score by Elizabeth Junipers and spirometry findings. Blatta orientalis was prescribed to all patients in increasing potency from 30C. The paired t-test was applied to calculate the statistical significance of the study. Result Out of 120 patients, 100 had completed the study with follow-up of 6 months. A significant difference was found in pre- and post-treatment spirometry—that is, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio—from baseline to 6 months (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: –10.27 ± 4.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –11.25 to –9.28; p = 0.00001). Also, significant difference was seen in the ACQ Score from baseline to 6 months (mean ± SD: 19.44 ± 8.69; 95% CI: 17.71–21.16; p = 0.00001). Conclusion The study findings are encouraging enough to prescribe Blatta orientalis in potency in cases of bronchial asthma. Further systematic replication is required. Conducted as randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-ups for definite conclusions.

Background: Homoeopathic medicines are known to be effective in alleviating pain and other troublesome symptoms of patients suffering from cervical spondylosis. Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of predefined homoeopathic medicines in the pain management of cervical spondylosis using the Cervical Spondylosis Pain Management Scale (CSPMS). Methods: A prospective, double-blind randomised placebo-controlled multicentric clinical trial was conducted from April 2012 to May 2013. Results: Sixty-seven cases were enrolled in the Homoeopathy group and 69 in the placebo group. One hundred and thirty-four cases that completed the follow-ups were analysed. The improvement in pain was 56.18% in the Homoeopathy group and 46.45% in the placebo group, as per CSPMS. The mean improvement between the groups was not significant: 60.36% in the Homoeopathy group and 48.66% in the placebo group. The mean score of quality of life, assessed using the 'Patient's Global Impression of Change Scale,' was 2.29 ± 1.90 quality of life in the Homoeopathy group and 2.93 ± 2.28 in the placebo group. There was 27.95% more improvement in the Homoeopathy group, as compared to the placebo group. Among the most used medicines were Rhus toxicodendron (n = 19) 28.8%, Calcarea carbonica (n = 7) 10.6%, Kalmia latifolia (n = 7) 10.6% and Paris quadrifolia (n = 8) 12.1%. Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicines are effective in management of acute pain due to cervical spondylosis.

Background and Objective: Homoeopathy is one of the various alternative systems of medicine prevalent in India. A survey was conducted during the month of January–February 2017 in a congregation at Sangam, Allahabad, to know about the awareness of general population about Homoeopathy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on patients and people visiting the health check-up camp and exhibition stall set-up during Magh Mela at Sangam, Allahabad. A self-administered questionnaire was used during the survey, devised by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Results: Of 1144 total respondents, 68.1% had knowledge about Homoeopathy. About 46.6% of respondents believed that it has no side effects and 15.1% believed that it is cost-effective. The diseases for which most of the participants have taken homoeopathic treatment were fever, common cold, constipation and diarrhoea. Conclusion: General population has knowledge about Homoeopathy, but various misconceptions are also prevalent. Awareness campaigns are needed to make people more aware about Homoeopathy and its effectiveness in various disorders.

Background: Based on the results of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy's previous study, wherein Sepia was indicated and prescribed in maximum number of cases, this study was planned to further validate efficacyof Sepia in the management of menopausal symptoms. Objectives: The study was conducted with the objectives of evaluating the efficacy of homoeopathic medicine – Sepia in the management of menopausal symptoms using 'The Greene Climacteric Scale' (GCS) and the quality of life using Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) scale. Materials and Methods: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted from April 2012 to September 2014 at four research centres of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Perimenopausal cases were screened (n = 471), and those fulfilling the eligibility criteria (n = 88) were enrolled and randomised to receive either homoeopathic intervention, i.e., Sepia (n = 44) or identical placebo (n = 44) and followed up for 6 months to assess them on predefined clinical parameters. The primary outcome was the change in the menopausal complaints assessed using GCS and the secondary outcome measure was change in UQOL scale. Results: Eighty-eight patients were considered for primary outcome analysis. The primary outcome measure, i.e., total score of GCS, when compared after 6 months, was reduced from 30.23 ± 8.1 to 7.86 ± 4.6 in Sepia group (improvement of 73.9%) and from 30.05 ± 8.9 to 12.73 ± 8.3 in placebo group (improvement of 57.63%) (P = 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between both the groups, when compared after 6 months (P = 0.001). With respect to secondary outcome, the total UQOL score was 59.09 ± 7.74 for Sepia group and 57.39 ± 7.80 for placebo group at baseline, and 62.43±7.71 for Sepia group and 63.48±7.53 for placebo group after treatment indicating slight difference in quality of life after 6 months. Conclusion: Sepia is able to allay the menopausal symptoms when prescribed on symptomatic indications as per homoeopathic principles.

Aim: To assess the prevalence and prognostic factor of Aranea diadema in a population responding well to Aranea diadema. Material and Methods: It was an open label, multicentric observational study wherein patients having minimum two known symptoms matching with the pathogenesis of Aranea diadema were prescribed the remedy in 6C, 30C, 200C, and 1M potencies. The collected data were presented in terms of descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 6806 cases were enrolled. Out of which a total of 172 cases were analysed, and demographic analysis shows male/female: 109/63; mean age 28.3 years. There were “clinical successes” in 115 cases (67.0%) and no response in 57 (33.1%) cases. The number of symptoms found prevalent in responders included proving (n = 13) and literature (n = 8). Symptoms coming from provings guide homoeopathic practitioners in prescribing their medicines, but should also be confirmed in patients responding well to these medicines. Significantly higher prevalence was observed among responders in respect of six tentatively confirmed symptoms (prevalence): Forgetfulness (0.11), white coated tongue (0.21), epistaxis (0.10), thirstlessness (0.13), seminal emissions (0. 23), and fever (0.12). Conclusion: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of symptoms in a population responding well to Aranea diadema and to compare this with the prevalence of these symptoms in other populations. If a symptom has a higher prevalence in a population responding well to Aranea it indicates the increase of likelihood of a curative action of Aranea when that symptom is present. Our “test”is not meant to diagnose an illness but to increase the accuracy of prescribing Aranea diadema.

Objective: The primary objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of homoeopathic treatment with standard allopathic regimen in acute ADL and secondary objective was to assess the reduction in frequency, duration and intensity of subsequent attacks, improvement of the quality of life of patients. Methods: The study was designed as a comparative randomized trial conducted from October 2012 to April 2014, on 112 patients at Regional Research Institute, Puri, Odisha. The ADL patients enrolled were randomized to receive either homoeopathic treatment or standard allopathic treatment for a period of six months. The outcome parameters used were ADL score and WHO QOL Bref. Results: 112 Patients were considered for primary outcome analysis as per the Intention to treat principle. (Homoeopathy= 55 and Allopathy= 57) and were analysed on 11th day of treatment. Both the treatments produced equal improvement in ADL scores. However, during the six months study period, the frequency, duration and intensity of attacks were better in Homoeopathy group compared to allopathy group. There was statistically significant improvement in Homoeopathy for Domain 4 of WHOQOL (P = 0.004) as compared to allopathy group. Medicines like Apismellifica (n = 23), Rhus toxicodendron (n = 20), Pulsatilla (n = 8), Arsenic album (n = 1), Bryonia alba (n = 1), Silicea (n = 1) and Hepar sulph (n = 1) were found most useful in the acute attacks. Conclusion: This study provides evidence to support the fact that individualized homoeopathy treatment is equally effective for ADL as the standard allopathy treatment in the management of ADL.