Homeopathy as Praxis: Integration of Homeopathy as Supportive Care into Daily Life in Early Breast Cancer Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Homeopathy is one of most widely used non-conventional supportive care methods used by women with breast cancer. This article aims to describe the routines and practices related to homeopathy as supportive care used by women with non-metastatic breast cancer in France. METHODS: This qualitative study used Grounded Theory. Participants were women with early breast cancer and healthcare professionals (General Practitioner homeopaths & oncologists). Inclusion depended on specific criteria and the aim of theoretical sampling until data saturation. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups following evolving topic guides. Transcribed interviews underwent in-depth thematic analysis. Inclusion, interviewing, transcription and coding occurred iteratively. Data was reported according to COREQ guidelines. RESULTS: The therapeutic agency of homeopathy was distributed to different actors and ritualized material activities highly involving the patient. The choice of remedy was mostly delegated by patients to General Practitioner homeopaths (GPH) during consultations. Individualization, that is to say adaptation to the patient, differed from other modes of access to homeopathy (self-medication and oncologists). Self-medication was mostly limited to known products in a limited time frame. However, we identified a supported self-medication using trusted homeopathic protocols. Following homeopathic prescriptions involves a high level of commitment on behalf of the patient and follows different rules for homeopathy intake. This knowledge was either acquired earlier for users or discovered along breast cancer treatment for non-users. Taking homeopathy involved small daily actions for intake of different products at different times of the day. New users used strategies to ease the integration of homeopathy into their daily life. The stance toward such rules differed among patients. Some followed rules to optimize their effects while others simplified the rules and took those rituals as part of homeopathy benefits. CONCLUSION: Homeopathy as supportive care in breast cancer is distributed toward different actors and ritualized activities. Homeopathy is a supported practice where GPH played a role in the prescription. Health Literacy in homeopathy played a role to ease its integration into daily life and identify the potential benefits. The high involvement of patients in their homeopathic treatment is a form of treatment reappropriation and empowerment.

A Case of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Successfully Treated during Homeopathic Supportive Care in Oncology.

INTRODUCTION: A 32-year-old patient with colon cancer consulted for homeopathic supportive care (HSC). She had also suffered from recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) for 20 years. Could homeopathy treat these two very different issues with the same medicine? THE PATIENT'S MAIN CONCERNS: Though the main reason for the consultation was a fear of the side effects of chemotherapy, the presence of Escherichia coli-induced RUTIs affected the patient's quality of life. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The repertory listing highlighted Pulsatilla as the patient's homeopathic constitutional medicine. It was prescribed both for HSC and also for RUTI. In association with Arsenicum album and Nerves, Pulsatilla enabled a good tolerance to chemotherapy, with rapid recovery from peripheral neuropathies. In combination with Colibacillinum, Pulsatilla provided relapse-free curing of the RUTIs. The MOdified NARanjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH) Inventory score was +9. CONCLUSION: The one individual's two different clinical complaints were treated with a constitutional homeopathic medicine, Pulsatilla, which covered the whole case. However, in HSC, the use of the constitutional remedy alone is rarely sufficient: it was reinforced by individualised symptomatic medication, organotherapy and isotherapy. For RUTI, isopathic and tubercular miasmatic treatments were each helpful. For both complaints, individualised homeopathy gave rapid, long-lasting and effective results.

Menopause: Questions and Answers for Improving Homeopathic Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: Medical attention for menopausal women is frequently delivered by health care providers (general practitioners, gynecologists or homeopathic physicians) who are not specialized in post-reproductive care. Homeopathy has been used for treating menopausal complaints for more than two centuries. Therefore, it is important to improve clinical knowledge in this field among homeopathic physicians. Nowadays, there is a special interest in the study of menopause-related chronic conditions due to the impact on women's quality of life. The aim of this review is to address the important key points of the menopause, clinical assessment, and available tests for evaluating menopausal women, as well as some general topics regarding homeopathic clinical practice for menopause. METHODS AND RESULTS: A literature search regarding menopause and current guidelines and recommendations was performed. To be practical and concise, the information is presented in the form of questions and answers. Currently, there is an international classification of woman's reproductive aging that can be useful for clinical and research purposes in homeopathy. A comprehensive homeopathic approach is mandatory for evaluating women with a healthy menopause, but also for those experiencing co-morbidities. In an integrative health care system, several assessment resources can be incorporated into the homeopathic consultations. Clinical and laboratory examinations for detecting metabolic disorders (dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes and hypertension, among others), mood disorders, cognitive impairment and osteoporosis are available in many clinical settings. Screening for gynecological cancers is an international recommendation at this stage. All data obtained from homeopathic consultations would help to integrate well-documented case reports. This would give the possibility to generate hypotheses to design high-quality clinical research. CONCLUSION: Improving homeopathic clinical practice for menopause is useful for both clinical and research purposes. The international recommendations for evaluating menopausal women should be incorporated in homeopathic clinical practice, mainly in clinical settings where homeopathy is integrated in outpatient services.

Quantitative assessment of antioxidant potential of selected homeopathic preparations in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES: Antioxidant property like radical scavenging is a primary target to elucidate the efficacy mechanism of a drug against diseases linked to oxidative stress such as cancer, metabolic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. In alternative therapies, homeopathy is one of the preferred choices by patients and clinicians due to its potential to cure chronic and complex illnesses. However, the efficacy of homeopathic preparations at high diluted potencies attracts rational criticism due to insufficient scientific knowledge supporting the mechanism of action. Therefore, an attempt was made to estimate the total phenolic content (TPC) and radical scavenging activity of clinically prescribed homeopathic drugs. METHODS: With gallic acid as a reference control, mother tinctures (MTs) and different potencies of Eucalyptus globulus (EG), Syzygium jambolanum (SJ), Ruta graveolens (RG), and Thuja occidentalis (TO) were used to perform Folin-Ciocalteu test, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. RESULTS: The results showed TPC of MTs equivalent to µg/mL of gallic acid viz; EG (4,872.5 ± 133.2), SJ (8,840.5 ± 14.8), RG (985.6 ± 39.1), and TO (341.5 ± 19.5) with significant ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging potential. Whereas 30C and 200C potencies of each homeopathic drug showed undetectable phenolic content and insignificant radical scavenging potential compared to vehicle control, i.e., alcohol 90% (2.0 ± 1.5). CONCLUSIONS: The reported efficacy of 30C and 200C potencies of homeopathic medicines against oxidative stress-related illnesses might be due to mechanisms other than radical scavenging. Furthermore, the assays studied can be helpful in drug standardization and quality control of MTs that are used as starting material in homeopathic preparations.

Homeopathy effects in patients during oncological treatment: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: In this systematic review we included clinical studies from 1800 until 2020 to evaluate evidence of the effectiveness of homeopathy on physical and mental conditions in patients during oncological treatment. METHOD: In February 2021 a systematic search was conducted searching five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Medline) to find studies concerning use, effectiveness and potential harm of homeopathy in cancer patients. RESULTS: From all 1352 search results, 18 studies with 2016 patients were included in this SR. The patients treated with homeopathy were mainly diagnosed with breast cancer. The therapy concepts include single and combination homeopathic remedies (used systemically or as mouth rinses) of various dilutions. Outcomes assessed were the influence on toxicity of cancer treatment (mostly hot flashes and menopausal symptoms), time to drain removal in breast cancer patients after mastectomy, survival, quality of life, global health and subjective well-being, anxiety and depression as well as safety and tolerance. The included studies reported heterogeneous results: some studies described significant differences in quality of life or toxicity of cancer treatment favouring homeopathy, whereas others did not find an effect or reported significant differences to the disadvantage of homeopathy or side effects caused by homeopathy. The majority of the studies have a low methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: For homeopathy, there is neither a scientifically based hypothesis of its mode of action nor conclusive evidence from clinical studies in cancer care.

UNA NUEVA EXPLICACIÓN DE LA HOMEOPATÍA / A NEW EXPLANATION OF HOMEOPATHY

Este artículo cubre los conceptos básicos de un nuevo modelo de homeopatía que se basa en la termodinámica química. La equivalencia entre el compuesto que causa la enfermedad en una persona saludable y el compuesto que causa la enfermedad en una persona enferma, lo que llevó a esta interpretación del nuevo modelo de homeopatía, está bien considerado. Se han considerado el mecanismo de curación, la Ley de los Similares y la Ley de los Infinitesimales. Este artículo también analiza los conceptos básicos del mecanismo de dilución y su influencia en la concentración final de moléculas de remedio en soluciones homeopáticas. El número máximo de pasos sucesivos que impliquen una molienda vigorosa y se consideró la dilución donde todavía es posible la existencia de una concentración terapéutica.

Tis article covers the basics of a new model of homeopathy that is grounded in chemical thermodynamics. Te equivalence between the disease-causing compound in a heathy person and the disease-causing compound in an ill person, which led to this interpretation of the new model of homeopathy, is well considered. Te mechanism of curing, the Law of Similars, and the Law of Infinitesimals were considered. Tis article also discusses the basics of the dilution mechanism and its influence on the final concentration of remedy molecules in homeopathic solutions. Te maximum number of succession steps involving vigorous grinding and dilution where the existence of a therapeutic concentration is still possible was considered

Non-invasive Resolution of Pathological Ovarian Masses with Homeopathic Treatment-A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian masses may be either physiological or pathological. Physiological ovarian masses are non-neoplastic. Pathological masses grow more than 7 cm and persist beyond 3 months; they do not resolve spontaneously, and invasive surgery with removal of reproductive organs is the conventional treatment. It usually results in further co-morbidities and hampers the quality of life of the patient. OBJECTIVES: This case series of pathological left ovarian masses demonstrates the role of homeopathic treatment in each of two multiparous women where the right ovary was surgically removed previously for similar pathology and in an adolescent girl with increased tumor marker CA-125. METHODS: Three cases of women with pathological ovarian masses in the left ovary, and advised invasive surgery by attending gynecologists, were treated with homeopathic medicines at the outpatient department of the National Homeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam, Kerala, from 2017 to 2020. Each case was followed up with clinical and ultrasonographic evidence and reported according to the criteria set out in the HOM-CASE guidelines. RESULT: Complete resolution of the ovarian masses was observed in all three cases, evidenced by ultrasonography, with normalizing CA-125 values also observed in the case of endometrial cyst. The patients improved within 4 to 15 months of treatment using Thuja and other individualized homeopathic medicines. The MONARCH score was calculated as +7/13, +9/13, and +9/13 for the three cases, respectively, indicating a positive causal attribution of homeopathy in the resolution of these pathological ovarian masses. CONCLUSION: This case series suggests that individualized homeopathy, and notably Thuja, can be useful in the treatment of pathological ovarian masses.

In Vitro Assessment of Cytoprotective Effects of CANOVA against Cell Death Induced by the Anti-malarial Artesunate - A Preliminary Experiment.

BACKGROUND: Artesunate (ATS) is a semi-synthetic compound derived from artemisinin, which is widely accepted in the treatment of malaria. However, there is evidence that ATS, under certain in vitro conditions, induces several impairments to normal cell functions. Canova (CA) is a Brazilian homeopathic formulation indicated for patients with depressed immune system. CA shows both in vitro and in vivo protective effects against mutagenic/carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, we aimed to assess in vitro the cytoprotective effects of CA against the cytotoxicity of ATS in Vero cells. METHODS: Viability of Vero cells exposed to ATS was assessed by MTT assay, whereas the anti-cytotoxic effect of CA was evaluated by apoptosis and necrosis quantification with fluorescent dyes. RESULTS: After 24 hours of ATS treatment, a reduction in cell viability was observed at 32 and 64 µg/mL, the latter being statistically significant (p < 0.05) in relation to the negative control. The concentration of 64 µg/mL was chosen for the subsequent experiments. ATS significantly induced both apoptosis and necrosis in Vero cells in relation to controls (p < 0.01). We also observed a statistically significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells observed in the CA 16% + ATS co-treatment compared with ATS treatment (p < 0.01). Treatment with CA alone also had no influence on either type of cell death. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that ATS is cytotoxic in the assessed conditions. However, such cytotoxicity was attenuated when the cells were treated simultaneously with ATS and CA.

Pituitary Microadenoma Treated with Individualized Homeopathic Medicine: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary adenomas are common benign tumors of the pituitary gland with an overall estimated prevalence of 16.7%. As per the revised World Health Organization (WHO) classification, these tumors are identified by their histological subtypes and are designated by their pituitary cell lineage instead of the hormone they produce. The lactotroph adenoma is the most common subtype of hormone-producing pituitary adenoma. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, but complications are encountered. So far, there is no reported study evaluating individualized homeopathic intervention in pituitary adenoma in peer-reviewed journals. METHODS: This case study describes a case of functional lactotroph microadenoma with history of failed surgical treatment and heavy intrasellar hemorrhage occurring during the surgery. Phosphorus was prescribed as an individualized homeopathic medicine on the basis of symptoms-hemorrhagic complication during surgical procedure and aggravation of headache thereafter. RESULTS: There was a marked subjective improvement along with complete tumor regression, as evidenced by repeat magnetic resonance imaging scans. The Modified Naranjo Criteria total score was +10 out of a possible +13, providing some evidence to attribute the clinical outcome with the homeopathic intervention. CONCLUSION: This case study reconfirms the association between increased frequency of headaches and pituitary hemorrhage among cases of lactotroph adenoma. It also suggests that individualized homeopathic treatment may be helpful in pituitary adenomas with increased risk of complications such as intrasellar hemorrhage.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha in Dogs with Early-Stage Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiopathy in middle-aged dogs. When the dog is asymptomatic and has an enlarged left atrium, treatment is beneficial; however, some allopathic drugs are very costly and may produce side effects. To extend the duration of this asymptomatic phase, complementary therapies such as herbal medicine and homeopathy are available. Although herbal therapy with extract of Crataegus oxyacantha is beneficial, there is a risk of adverse reactions-unlike with homeopathy, where the risk is minimized with the administration of ultra-diluted doses. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha, as mother tincture (MT) and in 6 cH homeopathic formulation, in treating the initial phase of heart failure due to MMVD in a veterinary clinic setting. METHODS: A total of 30 dogs with MMVD, 7 years or older and weighing up to 10 kg, were randomized into three groups as follows: Crataegus 6 cH, Crataegus MT, and hydroalcoholic solution (placebo). Animals were evaluated through echocardiography parameters, laboratory blood tests, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after initiation of therapy, for statistical analysis and monitoring of the blinded study. RESULTS: Patients who received Crataegus 6 cH showed a reduction in SBP 60 days after treatment, while those receiving Crataegus MT exhibited a reduction 90 days after the therapy was initiated. There was a significant linear regression when evaluating the effect of treatment with Crataegus 6 cH on SBP measurements over the evaluation intervals (linear equation: SBP = 176.57 mm Hg - 0.21x, where x represents days of treatment). There was an increase in both fractional shortening and isovolumetric relaxation time for those patients receiving the homeopathic formulation. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with Crataegus was beneficial for hypertensive and cardiopathic dogs with MMVD, extending the duration of the asymptomatic phase. The reduction in SBP occurred more swiftly in the 6 cH group than in the MT-treated dogs.

In Vitro Assessment of Homeopathic Potencies of Hydrastis canadensis on Hormone-Dependent and Independent Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Conventional treatment such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiotherapy has decreased the mortality rate among cancer patients but has also revealed long-term side effects. Drug resistance and toxicity to normal cells compound the problems associated with the use of modern medicines. Hence, complementary or alternative treatment options are being explored. The current study, using different homeopathic potencies of Hydrastis canadensis, was conducted to distinguish between any effects they might have on hormone-dependent and independent breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of homeopathic medicine Hydrastis on hormone-dependent (MCF 7) and hormone-independent (MDA-MB-468) breast cancer cells was assessed using viability and colony-forming assays after 48 or 72 hours of treatment. Flow cytometry-based Annexin V-PI (propidium iodide), caspase 3 and cell cycle analysis was performed following treatment of cells with mother tincture or various potencies of Hydrastis (1C, 2C, 30C, 200C). RESULTS: Different potencies of Hydrastis displayed selective cytotoxic effects against MCF 7 cells, but only marginal effects against MDA-MB-468. The maximum cytotoxicity was established in the case of 1C following 72 hours of treatment. Treatment of breast cancer cells revealed an increase in the G0/G1 cell population, along with an increase in the caspase 3 levels and induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Hydrastis may have a selective cytotoxic effect against hormone-dependent breast cancer MCF 7 cells, leading to cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, which could be the plausible reason for the induction of apoptosis. The results need to be validated in vivo.

Comentario al artículo La Medicina Natural y Tradicional como tratamiento alternativo de múltiples enfermedades / Commentary to the Article Natural and Traditional Medicine as an Alternative Treatment for Several Diseases

Después de realizar una lectura minuciosa al artículo La Medicina Natural y Tradicional como tratamiento alternativo de múltiples enfermedades de Plaín Pazos y otros1 consideramos positivo el enfoque dado en el artículo sobre el uso y la importancia de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional (MNT). Sin embargo, discrepamos cuando se le da el carácter de tratamiento alternativo de múltiples enfermedades a la MNT desde el título del artículo. La MNT, como bien se plantea en la revisión antes mencionada, tiene sus orígenes en la medicina oriental y se constituye por un conjunto de modalidades, técnicas o procedimientos preventivos, diagnósticos, terapéuticos y rehabilitadores, validados científicamente, por la tradición y por investigaciones, que están integrados al Sistema Nacional de Salud y es un tratamiento ante diferentes entidades nosológicas, no como alternativas ni complementarias, sino como conducta a seguir para lograr el equilibrio del organismo en la persona. La medicina oriental por muchos años fue un secreto para occidente y, una vez que se dio a conocer, se ha diseminado por todo el mundo, pero para lograr entender sus principios tiene que verse desde sus conceptos originales, sin tratar de llevarlos a los cánones de la medicina occidental, mientras que se continúe con esta brecha en el conocimiento, se seguirá viendo la MNT como una medicina alternativa. En occidente una persona enferma recibe tratamiento para sanar su enfermedad. La medicina oriental, en cambio, se basa en la cura de la persona y no de la enfermedad, considerada un desbalance de energías. Estas dos visiones absolutamente distintas hoy caminan hacia la integración. Mientras la medicina occidental se abre a la acupuntura y otras técnicas, la oriental utiliza nuevas tecnologías para diagnosticar. La nomenclatura que se utiliza unánimemente, como consenso en toda la literatura que se relaciona con la fitoterapia, se coloca inicialmente el nombre vulgar de la planta en cuestión, seguido de su nombre científico en latín, como se conoce universalmente,2 lo cual no se ve reflejado en la investigación a la que se hace referencia. La homeopatía es una de las manifestaciones de la Medicina Natural, que en la actualidad algunos ministerios de salud, como el de España, la consideran una pseudociencia al igual que el Iridoanálisis, que no es más que el análisis del iris teniendo como apoyo un mapa iridiano donde se reflejan cada uno de los órgano del cuerpo, sirviéndole al profesional como un método orientador y nunca diagnóstico que puede simplificar en muchos casos los excesivos exámenes complementarios, este método puede incluso dar señales de posibles enfermedades que tardarían mucho tiempo en manifestarse, fue utilizado por los médicos que atendieron a las víctimas del desastre de Chernóbil para, de una forma rápida, clasificar a los afectados según su gravedad. Las clasifican pseudoterapias o pseudociencias basándose en la poca cantidad de investigaciones de tipo de ensayo clínico, metaanálisis, entre otros, que demuestren su eficacia terapéutica.3 La poca socialización de investigaciones está dada por no considerar la MNT como tratamiento establecido dentro de la medicina occidental, a pesar de que son múltiples los profesionales que utilizan y ponen en práctica las diferentes formas de la MNT, basta con hacer una simple exploración en Google o cualquier buscador, para encontrar cientos de links que llevan hasta clínicas, consultas, folletos, sitios web especializados en esta materia, entre otras opciones. No faltan quienes magnifican las limitantes que tienen, como también las puede tener alguna terapéutica de la medicina occidental. En Cuba, el Ministerio de Salud Pública mantiene como una de sus directrices el incremento de la aplicación de la MNT con el uso de las modalidades definidas en la Resolución Ministerial No. 261 del 24 de agosto del 2009, así como la inclusión para el análisis de su comportamiento en los objetivos de trabajo del Ministerio de Salud y en los lineamientos del Partido Comunista de Cuba (objetivo 3.2 y el lineamiento 131-132).4 La MNT es un punto de partida que ofrece a los profesionales de la salud herramientas para brindar una atención de calidad, en cualquier situación relacionada con el binomio salud-enfermedad tanto personas enfermas, como personas que están tomando decisiones sobre su salud y personas sanas que desean mantenerse o modificar conductas de riesgo para intuir lo relacionado con sus cuidados, por lo que se considera debe aceptarse para el desarrollo y fortalecimiento de la salud pública cubana. En Cuba, las aportaciones de la MNT pueden contribuir a mejorar las condiciones de vida de la población, si se toma en cuenta que los principales problemas de salud son las enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles que requieren de cambios en el estilo de vida para disminuir las complicaciones y evitar que aumente la población con alguna discapacidad. Esto sería posible si el personal de salud, a través del conocimiento alcanzado con la implementación de programas y estrategias en el ámbito asistencial y educativo, retoma las diferentes modalidades de la MNT para lograr una mejor calidad de vida en los pacientes, siendo un reto para la salud pública en Cuba ante los cambios económicos, políticos y sociales del presente siglo(AU)

Fibronectin Gene Up-regulation by Arnica montana in Human Macrophages: Validation by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Arnica montana L. (Arnica m.) is a popular traditional medicine, used for its therapeutic properties in healing traumas, but little is known about its biological action on tissue formation and repair. This new work tested the effects of Arnica m. homeopathic dilutions on human macrophages, key cells in tissue defence and repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Macrophages derived from the THP-1 cell line were differentiated with interleukin-4 to induce a 'wound-healing'-like phenotype, and treated with various dilutions of Arnica m. centesimal (100 times) dilutions (2c, 3c, 5c, 9c, and 15c) or control solvent for 24 hours. RNA samples from cultured cells were analysed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in five separate experiments. RESULTS: Arnica montana at the 2c dilution (final concentration of sesquiterpene lactones in cell culture = 10-8 mol/L) significantly stimulated the expression of three genes which code for regulatory proteins of the extracellular matrix, namely FN1 (fibronectin 1, % increase of 21.8 ± standard error of the mean 4.6), low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 1 (% increase of 33.4 ± 6.1) and heparan sulphate proteoglycan 2 (% increase of 21.6 ± 9.1). Among these genes, the most quantitatively expressed was FN1. In addition, FN1, unlike other candidate genes, was upregulated in cells treated with higher dilutions/dynamisations (3c, 5c, and 15c) of Arnica m. CONCLUSION: The results support evidence that the extracellular matrix is a potential therapeutic target of Arnica m., with positive effects on cell adhesion and migration during tissue development and healing.

Individualized Homeopathic Treatment in Women with Recurrent Cystitis: A Retrospective Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent urinary tract infections are of importance for public health as most clinicians are faced with repeated and long-term administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents leading to an increased risk of resistant bacteria. One encouraging treatment approach may be individualized homeopathy. CASE REPORTS: Here, four female cases with recurrent urinary tract infections are reported. They were treated successfully with the homeopathic strategy after several conventional approaches revealed no improvement. The follow-up period was a minimum of 3 years and the frequency of episodes with urinary tract infection as well as of antibiotic treatment was documented. Additionally, the patients were asked to assess the treatment outcome retrospectively in a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: The treatment resulted in a reduction of urinary tract infections and the need for antibiotics from monthly to less than 3 times a year. Three of the four women had no cystitis and related intake of antibiotics for more than 1.5 years. A relapse of symptoms could be treated efficiently with a repetition of the homeopathic remedy. All subjective outcome assessments resulted positive. CONCLUSION: This case series suggests a possible benefit of individualized homeopathic treatment for female patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. Larger observational studies and controlled investigations are warranted.

Two Case Reports of Integrated Management of Antibiotic-Resistant Urinary Tract Infection.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequent in women. Cystitis after intercourse (post-coital cystitis) accounts for 60% of recurrent cases. Most physicians treat recurrent UTIs (R-UTIs) with multiple courses of antibiotics. The high prevalence indicates that this bacteria-oriented approach in the long term is ineffective for many women. A change in clinical behavior regarding use of antibiotics and recognizing the importance of a patient's self-defense mechanisms are important considerations in combating antimicrobial resistance. METHODS: The intervention for each of two women with R-UTI was integrated treatment with a non-conventional and tailor-made homeopathy regimen, addressing multiple levels of disease simultaneously, for the prevention of recurrence as well as for treatment. Assessment of causal attribution of homeopathy treatment effect was carried out using the Modified Naranjo Criteria. RESULTS: Case 1 presented with chronic multi-morbid conditions, including R-UTI which had become multi-drug resistant. With regular homeopathic treatment, her antibiotic use reduced, her diabetic profile improved, and she did not need prophylactic antibiotics. Case 2 suffered from R-UTI with post-coital cystitis and burning sensation, despite following all conventional advice for treatment and prophylaxis. Addition of homeopathy improved her quality of life and prevented relapses. The Modified Naranjo Criteria total score for each patient was +10/13 and +9/13, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of homeopathy can be an effective approach in integrated management of antibiotic-resistant R-UTIs. Controlled research on the topic is thus indicated.

Perioperative Homeopathic Arnica and Bromelain: Current Results and Future Directions.

INTRODUCTION: Arnica and bromelain, two of the most widely recommended homeopathic medications to improve perioperative outcomes, have yet to be widely adopted by allopathic practitioners. A significant barrier to utilization of herbal medications by allopathic doctors is that the preparations and dosing regimens are not widely known or understood. The goal of this review was to critically analyze studies that have examined the perioperative efficacy of arnica and bromelain with a focus on treatment regimen and outcomes. METHODS: A triple database search was conducted with the keywords "arnica," "bromelain," and "surgery." References for each identified article were analyzed for additional articles. Articles were analyzed for methodology, outcomes, and conclusion. Articles were excluded if they did not involve human subjects, were published before 1990, and if they were not available in English. Level of evidence was determined based on methodology. RESULTS: A total of 29 articles met inclusion criteria, with 20 and 9 in the arnica and bromelain treatment groups, respectively. There was marked heterogeneity with regard to surgical procedure, dosing regimen, outcomes measured, and results. Arnica seems to have a mitigating effect on ecchymosis, most notably following rhinoplasty and facelifts/facial procedures. Bromelain is well supported across numerous studies in reducing trismus, pain, and swelling following molar extractions. However, there was no effect demonstrated when evaluating topical arnica following blepharoplasty procedures. DISCUSSION: A systematic review of the literature demonstrates the potential for arnica and bromelain to improve perioperative outcomes including edema, ecchymosis, and pain control. Future studies are required to determine safety and efficacy of dosing and interactions with other medications. We hope this article stimulates surgeons to consider using these interventions to improve perioperative outcomes in the context of well-done studies with an objective analysis of results.

The influence of ultra-high diluted compounds on the growth and the metabolites of Oryza sativa L

The ultra-high dilutions (UHDs) have been widely used in the field of human, animal and plant treatment. In the present research, the effects of the potentized ultra-high dilutions (UHDs) on physiological and biochemical variations in Oryza sativaL. (rice) were investigated. Methods: To study the effect of UHDs (Calendula officinalisCalen. and Arnica montanaArn.) on the physiological and biochemical variations of the Oryza sativaL. (rice), 28 experiments were designed and statistically analyzed using the Design Expert 7.0.1 software over the general factorial design methodology. Three qualitative factors were studied including the UHDs/placebo usage, sterile/non-sterile experimental condition and the type and timing of the UHDs usage. The validated analysis was subjected to more extended studies on the variations in physiological growth, carbohydrate, protein content, pigment production, and amino acid patterns. To evaluate the effects of UHDs on rice, a desirable response percentage was formed from a number of healthy seedling productions, and the height percentage of the aerial parts and main roots were studied. Results: The statistical analysis resulted in a prediction model which was more than 97% correlates with experimental results. The results showed that the UHDs increased the pH variations, carbohydrate, protein and pigment levels each by ~2.5, ~1.5, ~1.4, and ~1.4 folds, respectively. Also compared to placebo, the amount and proportionof amino acids has significantly varied, showing a statistical effect on the germination and seedling growth of the rice, as well as the stress conditions caused by the sterilization process, seedlings entrance into the light and their transition into hydroponic culture medium.Conclusion: The use of UHDs leads to an increase in the production of chlorophyll, as well as carbohydrate and protein content. Moreover, it causes significant variations in the amino acid profile and the production of amino acids along with the photosynthesis, germination, and metabolism processes.(AU)

Homeopathy as Therapy for Mycosis Fungoides: Case Reports of Three Patients.

BACKGROUND: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an uncommon, indolent, form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma, of which there are various types according to international classification. Various treatment modalities are available; however, these are fraught with potentially severe adverse effects. METHODS: Three cases of immunohistochemically confirmed MF were treated with classical individualized homeopathy. Each case was followed up with photographic documentation and was reported according to the criteria set out in the HOM-CASE guidelines. Based on the WHO-EORTC (World Health Organization-European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) criteria, the patients were classified as T1b, T1a/T1b and T2b respectively. RESULTS: All cases remitted following homeopathic treatment and remained in remission. Side effects were not reported in these cases. CONCLUSIONS: MF may respond to individualized homeopathic medicine. Although the case number here is small, MF is not a common disorder, spontaneous remission is not usually expected, and the disease may progress to a more severe form. Hence, these findings could serve as a basis for further research into the role of individualized homeopathic medicine in the treatment of MF.

Patients' decisions regarding the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea.

OBJECTIVES: To assess earlier experiences and likelihood for use of methods used for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea, a very common problem in women. DESIGN: A consecutive group of patients (n = 205) visiting a private gynaecological practice in Weilburg, Germany, received an assessment form on which they were asked to provide earlier experiences with various methods for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. They were also asked to rate the likelihood for use of various methods from conventional medicine as well as from complementary and alternative medicine. Half of them received information on efficacy, safety and costs based on the American Cancer Society Working Group grading system. RESULTS: Only 5.5% reported no experience with contraceptives or pain relievers and 26.7% had no experience with complementary and alternative medicine. The remaining patients had experience with a median of two (mean = 3.7, SD = 4.8) methods. Diet and homeopathy were the most frequently used methods from complementary and alternative medicine. In spite of the provision of information on efficacy, safety and costs, patients chose the methods based on earlier experience. Patients familiar with complementary and alternative medicine also did not see which areas belong together, e.g. homeopathy, Schüssler's salts and anthroposophy. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the provision of information, patients preferred to use those methods they were already acquainted with. In order to allow patients to make better decisions, different ways should be gone in order to help patients make better decisions.