Effect of Arnica D30 in marathon runners. Pooled results from two double-blind placebo controlled studies.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the homeopathic medicine Arnica D30 has an effect on muscle soreness and cell damage after marathon running. METHODS: The subjects were 82 marathon runners from two separate randomised double-blind placebo controlled trials participating in the Oslo Marathon in 1990 and 1995. Five pills of Arnica D30 or placebo were given morning and evening. Treatment started on the evening before the marathon and continued on day of the race and the three following days. The runners assessed muscular soreness on a visual analogue scale. Muscle enzymes, electrolytes and creatinine were measured before and after the marathon. RESULTS: Muscle soreness immediately after the marathon run was lower in the Arnica group than in the placebo group (P = 0.04). Cell damage measured by enzymes was similar in the Arnica and the placebo group. CONCLUSION: These pooled results suggest that Arnica D30 has a positive effect on muscle soreness after marathon running, but not on cell damage measured by enzymes.

Effect of Arnica D30 in marathon runners. Pooled results from two double-blind placebo controlled studies

Objective: to examine whether the homeopathic Arnica D30 has an effect on muscle soreness and cell damage after marathon running. Methods: the subjects were 82 marathon runners from two separate randomised double-blind placebo controlled trials participating in the Olso Marathon in 1990... (AU)

Effect of homoeopathy on pain and other events after acute trauma: placebo controlled trial with bilateral oral surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether homoeopathy has any effect on pain and other inflammatory events after surgery. DESIGN: Randomised double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial with "identical" oral surgical procedures performed on two separate occasions in 24 patients. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment started 3 hours after surgery with either homoeopathy or placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative pain and preference for postoperative course assessed by patients on visual analogue scales. Measurements of postoperative swelling and reduction in ability to open mouth. Assessment of bleeding after surgery. RESULTS: Pain after surgery was essentially the same whether treated with homoeopathy or placebo. Postoperative swelling was not significantly affected by homoeopathy, but treatment tended to give less reduction in ability to open mouth. No noticeable difference was seen in postoperative bleeding, side effects, or complaints. Thirteen of the 24 patients preferred the postoperative course with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: No positive evidence was found for efficacy of homoeopathic treatment on pain and other inflammatory events after an acute soft tissue and bone injury inflicted by a surgical intervention. Differences in the order of 30% to 40% would have been needed to show significant effects.

[Effect of Arnica D 30 during hard physical exertion. A double-blind randomized trial during the Oslo Marathon 1990]. / Effekt av Arnica D 30 ved hard fysisk anstrengelse. En dobbeltblind randomisert undersøkelse under Oslo Maraton 1990.

The effect of Arnica Montana on stiffness, restitution time and cell damage during hard physical exercise was evaluated in a randomized double blind trial during the Oslo Marathon. 36 participants were randomized: one group received Arnica 10(-30) five pills twice daily for five days, starting the day before the event. The other group received placebo pills. Blood tests were carried out before and immediately after finish, and after 48 and 72 hours. Stiffness was evaluated on a visual analogue scale after finish and on the next three days. There was no difference between the groups as regards ALAT, ASAT, GT, LD, creatinine, haptoglobin or magnesium. CK increased in both groups, but to a higher level in the placebo group. The difference was greatest on the second day (p = 0.07). A feeling of stiffness was more pronounced in the placebo group on all four occasions (p = 0.06 and 0.07 on day 2 and 3). There was no indication that Arnica reduced the time of restitution.

[Homeopathy--the past or a part of future medicine?]. / Homøopati--fortid eller del av fremtidens medisin?

The exact mechanism for the effect of homeopathic remedies is still an enigma. Research shows in vitro effects of homeopathy, as well as differences between the effects of simple dilutions and so called homeopathic potencies. Some of the (relevant) publications are widely disputed. More than 100 controlled clinical trials in humans have been published, but the quality of the majority of the studies is not acceptable. However, some good quality studies do show an effect of homeopathic medicine. We therefore recommend further studies and propose a model for study design. No serious side effects have been reported from homeopathic medicine.