Lichen Planus Treated with Individualized Homeopathic Medicine, A Case Report.

Context: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic lichenoid inflammatory disease of the skin, mucosa and appendages. The classic LP symptom is a dense infiltration of inflammatory T cells moving in the upper dermis and arranged in a band-like pattern. Lichen planus has an undetermined aetiology; however, it is known to have immune-mediated pathogenesis. Lichen planus cannot be cured, although treatment can lessen symptoms and shield against further problems. Antihistamines, PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet) treatment, retinoic acid, tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, as well as corticosteroids are among the most often used therapies. To treat Lichen planus, individualized homeopathic medicine (iHOM) has shown excellent success. Methods: The case was documented at the dermatology OPD (Outpatient Department) of Dr. DY Patil Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Centre. A 32-year-old male patient with lichen planus was treated with individualized homeopathic medicine (iHOM) from March 25, 2021, to August 12, 2021. The results were evaluated at the follow-up visits. An evaluation based on the modified Naranjo criteria was carried out to determine if the alterations were brought on by homeopathic medication. Results: Over a five-month observation period, iHOM medicine produced positive results that physicians may utilize as an additional form of treatment for lichen planus. Conclusion: Individualized homeopathic medicine (iHOM) Nitric acid 30C was prescribed based on the totality of symptoms. Within 5 months, the disease's progression was halted, the itching was controlled, and the lesions flattened.

HRI London 2023: The Homeopathy Research Community Reunites after a 4-Year Hiatus, Sparking Fresh Collaborations between Researchers 'Old and New'.

The Homeopathy Research Institute's (HRI) 5th international research conference took place in the heart of London, from 16th to 18th June 2023. With 230 attendees from 27 countries, HRI's conferences remain truly international. HRI London 2023 will be remembered for its inspiring blend of 'old and new', with a programme notable for the maturity of the evidence presented by experienced names drawing on decades of work, as well as the enthusiasm and skill of up-and-coming researchers who took the floor to present their new findings. In this report, we present scientific highlights from the event.

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Pre-diabetes.

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 for FBS were statistically significant, favoring IHMs against placebos (F 1,58 = 7.798, p = 0.007), but not for OGTT (F 1,58 = 1.691, p = 0.199). The secondary outcome, DSC-R total score, favoring IHMs significantly compared with placebos (F 1,58 = 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. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2019/10/021711.

Acute and Sub-acute Oral Toxicity Assessment of Ferrum phosphoricum in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Ferrum phosphoricum (FP) has been used by traditional medicine practitioners for various ailments since ancient times. However, scientific evidence on the safety of FP is still unavailable. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the acute and sub-acute oral toxicity of homeopathic FP in experimental rats. METHODS: In an acute toxicity investigation, a single dose of 2,000 µL/kg of FP 6c, 30c and 200c was administered to female Wistar rats, which were monitored for up to 14 days according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline 423. For a sub-acute toxicity study, FP 6c, 30c and 200c (200 µL/kg) were administered to male and female rats for 28 days as per the OECD guideline 407. All the animals were observed for mortality, clinical signs and body weight during the study. At the end of the experiment, hematological, biochemical and histopathological assessments were performed. RESULTS: During the acute toxicity study, no mortality was observed in rats administered with FP, and thus the median lethal dose (LD50) was identified as >2,000 µL/kg. In the sub-acute study, no mortality or adverse clinical signs were noticed with FP treatment. Moreover, weekly body weight gain was normal. Hematological and biochemical investigations revealed no abnormalities. Furthermore, histological analysis of FP-treated rats' vital organs revealed no pathological changes. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings imply that FP 6c, 30c and 200c potencies are safe and do not cause toxicity when given orally to Wistar albino rats for an extended period at a dose of 200 µL/kg.

Pharmacy Students' Knowledge and Attitudes about Homeopathy: A Descriptive Survey Conducted in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Homeopathy belongs to "Traditional and Complementary Medicine" (TCM) and is defined in the TCM regulation in Turkey as a holistic practice method that aims to improve health status with personalized medicines. The international and national literature includes a limited number of studies that examine individuals' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward homeopathy. Although in Turkey the Regulation on Pharmacists and Pharmacies states that the sale of homeopathic medicines is allowed only in pharmacies, no study was found that evaluated awareness about homeopathy among pharmacy students. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to assess pharmacy students' knowledge and attitudes toward homeopathy and to identify the factors that influence them. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted between December 1, 2021 and February 1, 2022 among the students of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), through a face-to-face survey. In total, 418 questionnaires suitable for data quality were included in the study. The SPSS 23.0 statistical program was used to analyze the data and the statistical significance level was taken as p < 0.05. RESULTS: It was determined that 73% of the participants had heard about TCM practices and 55% had heard of homeopathy. Students in the fifth grade (p = 0.0001) and those working in an income-generating job (p = 0.026) were found to be those most aware of homeopathy. The students of the Faculty of Pharmacy correctly knew the basic working principles of homeopathy (p = 0.002). The source from which students obtained the most information about homeopathy was undergraduate courses. 80.4% of the participants thought that homeopathy should be applied by pharmacists. 47.0% of the students wanted to learn more about homeopathy or to carry out studies in the field of homeopathy in their careers. CONCLUSION: The results of this research revealed a high awareness amongst KTU pharmacy students about the practice of homeopathy.

Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Management of Symptomatic Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy in Children: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) is one of the most prevalent upper respiratory tract disorders of children, with associated troublesome symptoms such as sleep apnea and cognitive disturbances. In this study, we evaluated the potential role of individualized homeopathic medicines in the management of symptomatic ATH in children. METHODS: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted at five institutes under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, India. Primary and secondary outcomes (symptom score for adenoids, other symptoms of ATH, Mallampati score, tonsillar size, Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder of the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire [SRBD-PSQ]) were assessed through standardized questionnaires at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Radiological investigations for assessing the adenoid/nasopharyngeal (A/N) ratio were carried out at baseline, 6 and 12 months. All analyses were carried out using an intention-to-treat approach. RESULTS: A total of 340 children were screened and 202 children suffering from ATH were enrolled and followed up monthly for 12 months. Each patient received individualized homeopathic treatment based on the totality of symptoms. Statistically significant reductions in adenoid symptom score, Mallampati score (including tonsillar size), SRBD-PSQ sleep quality assessment and A/N ratio were found over time up to 12 months (p < 0.001). Homeopathic medicines frequently indicated were Calcarea carbonicum, Phosphorus, Silicea, Sulphur, Calcarea phosphoricum, Pulsatilla, Lycopodium and Tuberculinum. No serious adverse events were recorded during the study period. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that homeopathic medicines may play a beneficial role in the management of symptomatic ATH in children. Well-designed comparative trials are warranted.

Understanding Why Homeopathic Medicines are Used for Menopause: Searching for Insights into Neuroendocrine Features.

BACKGROUND: Menopause is a physiological event that marks the end of a woman's reproductive stage in life. Vasomotor symptoms and changes in mood are among its most important effects. Homeopathy has been used for many years in treating menopausal complaints, though clinical and pre-clinical research in this field is limited. Homeopathy often bases its prescription on neuropsychiatric symptoms, but it is unknown if homeopathic medicines (HMs) exert a neuroendocrine effect that causes an improvement in vasomotor symptoms and mood during menopause. OBJECTIVES: The study's objectives were to address the pathophysiological changes of menopause that could help in the understanding of the possible effect of HMs at a neuroendocrine level, to review the current evidence for two of the most frequently prescribed HMs for menopause (Lachesis mutus and Sepia officinalis), and to discuss the future directions of research in this field. METHODS: An extensive literature search for the pathophysiologic events of menopause and depression, as well as for the current evidence for HMs in menopause and depression, was performed. RESULTS: Neuroendocrine changes are involved in the pathophysiology of vasomotor symptoms and changes in mood during menopause. Gonadal hormones modulate neurotransmitter systems. Both play a role in mood disorders and temperature regulation. It has been demonstrated that Gelsemium sempervirens, Ignatia amara and Chamomilla matricaria exert anxiolytic effects in rodent models. Lachesis mutus and Sepia officinalis are frequently prescribed for important neuropsychiatric and vasomotor symptoms. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, is among the constituents of the ink of the common cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis. CONCLUSION: Based on all the pathophysiologic events of menopause and the improvement in menopausal complaints that certain HMs show in daily practice, these medicines might have a direct or indirect neuroendocrine effect in the body, possibly triggered via an as-yet unidentified biological mechanism. Many unanswered questions in this field require further pre-clinical and clinical research.

Aspirin 15cH has Different Effects on Morphology and Function of Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged RAW 264.7 Macrophages In Vitro Compared to a Pharmacological Dose of Aspirin.

INTRODUCTION: Aspirin is one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide. It is known to present antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic actions, making it extremely useful in a wide range of clinical contexts. Interestingly, homeopathically prepared Aspirin 15cH has been found to have a pro-thrombotic effect in rats, raising the hypothesis that Aspirin 15cH could also modulate the activity of inflammatory cells in different pathological processes. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess what effect Aspirin 15cH has on RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro. METHODS: The effects of Aspirin 15cH on biochemical and morphological activities of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were evaluated. These effects were compared with unchallenged macrophages (negative control), untreated LPS-stimulated macrophages, macrophages treated with succussed water (vehicle control), or aspirin 200 µg/mL (pharmacological inhibitor of LPS activity). Cell morphology (adhered cell area and cytoskeleton arrangements), cell viability, toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) expression, and the production of nitric oxide, cytokines and intracellular reactive oxygen species were assessed. RESULTS: Aspirin 15cH reduced the number of cells expressing TLR-4 on the surface (p = 0.03) and induced a "columnar" morphology of macrophage pseudopods, indicating changes in cytoskeleton arrangement. When cells were treated with both Aspirin 15cH and LPS, cell morphology became heterogeneous, suggesting that sub-populations of cells had differing sensitivities to LPS or Aspirin 15cH. Exposure of the cells to LPS alone, succussed water or aspirin 200 µg/mL produced effects consistent with the literature. CONCLUSION: Aspirin 15cH, aspirin 200 µg/mL, LPS and succussed water appear to act as independent stimuli able to induce different patterns of macrophage response. Aspirin 15cH induced changes suggestive of M2 polarization of the macrophages (i.e., toward a wound healing or tissue repair, rather than inflammatory, phenotype). These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in further specific studies.

Antiviral Activity of Cinchona officinalis, a Homeopathic Medicine, against COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a potentially fatal disease caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several studies have shown that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infections in vitro. OBJECTIVE: Since the phytoconstituents of Cinchona officinalis (CO) are similar to those of HCQ, the objective of this study was to test the antiviral potential of different homeopathic formulations of CO. METHODS: An analysis of the molecular composition of CO was carried out using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, followed by a detailed docking study. The constituents of CO were docked against various targets of SARS-CoV-2, and the binding potential of the phytoconstituents was compared and quantified. The ligand with the lowest Glide docking score is considered to have the best binding affinity. The cytotoxicity of several homeopathic formulations, including CO mother tincture (CO-MT), was also checked on VeroE6 cells. A known antiviral, remdesivir, was used as a positive control for the in vitro assays to evaluate the effects of CO-MT against SARS-CoV-2-infected VeroE6 cells. RESULTS: Molecular docking studies showed that constituents of CO exhibited binding potential to various targets of SARS-CoV-2, including Mpro, PLpro, RdRp, nucleocapsid protein, ACE2 (in host) and spike protein. Quinoline, one of the constituents of CO, can potentially bind the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Quinic acid showed better binding capabilities with Mpro, PLpro RdRp, nucleocapsid protein and ACE2 (allosteric site) than other constituents. Quinidine exhibited better binding to ACE2. Compared to HCQ, other phytoconstituents of CO had the equivalent potential to bind the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, nucleocapsid protein, Mpro, PLpro and spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. In vitro assays showed that homeopathic CO-MT was not cytotoxic and that CO-MT and remdesivir respectively caused 89% and 99% inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in VeroE6 cells. CONCLUSION: Based on this in silico and in vitro evidence, we propose CO-MT as a promising antiviral medicine candidate for treating COVID-19. In vivo investigation is required to clarify the therapeutic potential of CO-MT in COVID-19.

Homeopathic Formulations of Syzygium jambolanum Alleviate Glycation-Mediated Structural and Functional Modifications of Albumin: Evaluation through Multi-Spectroscopic and Microscopic Approaches.

BACKGROUND: The growing interest in identifying the mode of action of traditional medicines has strengthened its research. Syzygium jambolanum (Syzyg) is commonly prescribed in homeopathy and is a rich source of phytochemicals. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to shed light on the anti-glycation molecular mechanism of Syzyg mother tincture (MT), 30c, and 200c on glycated human serum albumin (HSA) by multi-spectroscopic and microscopic approaches. METHODS: The phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of the Syzyg formulations were estimated by the high-performance liquid chromatography and spectroscopic technique, respectively. Glycation was initiated by incubating HSA with methylglyoxal, three Syzyg formulations, and the known inhibitor aminoguanidine in separate tubes at 37°C for 48 hours. The formation of glycation adducts was assessed by spectrofluorometer and affinity chromatography. The structural modifications were analyzed through circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, turbidity, 8-anilinonapthalene-1-sulfonic acid fluorescence, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Further, the formation of the aggregates was examined by thioflavin T, native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, the functional modifications of glycated HSA were determined by esterase-like activity and antioxidant capacity. The binding analysis of Syzyg formulations with glycated HSA was evaluated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). RESULTS: Syzyg formulations MT, 30c, and 200c contained gallic acid and ellagic acid as major phytochemicals, with concentrations of 16.02, 0.86, and 0.52 µg/mL, and 227.35, 1.35, and 0.84 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, all three formulations had remarkable radical scavenging ability and could significantly inhibit glycation compared with aminoguanidine. Further, Syzyg formulations inhibited albumin's structural and functional modifications. SPR data showed that Syzyg formulations bind to glycated HSA with an equilibrium dissociation constant of 1.10 nM. CONCLUSION: Syzyg formulations inhibited the glycation process while maintaining the structural and functional integrity of HSA.

Impact of a Novel Homeopathic Complex Medicine on the Management of Multiple Antibiotic-Resistant Bovine Mastitis: An Open-Label, Non-Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Bovine mastitis is characterized by an inflammatory process in the mammary gland and represents one of the main diseases affecting a dairy herd. Management of mastitis is most commonly via antibiotics, but the rising incidence of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) means that additional options are needed. Homeopathic products can be administered in dairy farming for a range of clinical reasons and may be preferential due to the absence of residues. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the potential of a novel homeopathic complex medicine in managing bovine mastitis. METHODS: Twenty-four lactating Holstein cows with mastitis were divided into two groups: the homeopathic complex group received a homeopathic complex daily for 60 days at a dose of 20 g/d; the placebo group received the calcium carbonate vehicle without homeopathic medicines at the same dose and repetition. The main outcome measure was somatic cell count (SCC; cells/mL), with additional outcome measures including milk production (kg/d), milk constituents (percentage of protein, fat, lactose and total milk solids), and serum levels of cortisol, glucose, ammonia and lactic acid. All outcomes were measured at the beginning of the study and after 30 and 60 days. Milk samples were also collected from all animals at the beginning of the study, confirming a high (>0.2) MAR index for isolated bacterial cultures. RESULTS: Assessment of SCC showed a statistically significant difference favoring the homeopathic complex versus placebo group at day 60. A reduction in serum cortisol levels and an increase in fat, lactose and total milk solids in animals treated with the homeopathic complex at day 60 were also seen. Other outcome measures did not show statistically significant inter-group differences. CONCLUSION: The results of this non-randomized, open-label, placebo-controlled trial suggest the potential for a novel homeopathic complex medicine in management of multiple antibiotic-resistant bovine mastitis, thus offering dairy farmers an additional option to antibiotics and making dairy products safer for consumer health and milk production more sustainable.

Strange, Rare and Peculiar Symptoms of COVID-19 Cases Managed by Practitioners of the Homeopathy Help Network.

BACKGROUND: More than 670 million people have been infected by COVID-19. This case series reports 8 of 55 cases in a broader study of COVID-positive clients who sought homeopathic care for symptoms. Existing studies of homeopathy and COVID-19 have sometimes failed to employ the underpinning theoretical framework of homeopathy-the genus epidemicus. Special focus has been placed on standout symptoms not often reported in conventional medical outlets, known among homeopaths as "strange, rare and peculiar" (SRP) symptoms. The Homeopathy Help Network (HHN) team of practitioners noted SRP symptoms across dozens of cases and studied how they shifted collectively as different variants of the virus emerged. METHODS: COVID-positive individuals self-selected for individualized care for their symptoms using homeopathy. They received tele-health consultations and individualized homeopathy interventions in an out-patient homeopathy clinical setting. Clients were seen by individual professional homeopathy practitioners and students under supervision working at the HHN in the United States. Cases for the series were hand-picked with the aim of being an average representation of the more than 4,000 COVID-positive cases seen by members of the HHN. Cases in the full compendium are grouped according to a predominant case feature: Multiple remedies, Posology, Time ill, Single remedy resolution, Hospitalization and, in this case series, SRP symptoms. RESULTS: SRP symptoms included: continually on the verge of unconsciousness; dark green stools; very low pulse alternating with tachycardia; sensation of strong or burning chemical smells; sensation of inhaling water through the nose; recurring electric shock sensations in head or extremities; yellow-green stools. CONCLUSION: Collective SRP symptoms from the pandemic provided the opportunity to study the hallmark features of COVID-19 in depth. The importance of these symptoms highlights the applicability of Hahnemannian principles and good case-taking practices.

Randomised Controlled Trial on Prophylaxis of Mastitis-Metritis-Agalactia Syndrome in Swine using Caulophyllum Logoplex and Lachesis Logoplex.

BACKGROUND: Mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA) syndrome occurs in the first days post-partum and causes piglet losses mainly due to malnutrition. One possibility for prophylaxis of MMA is via homeopathy. In this veterinary study, the effectiveness of a prophylactic administration of homeopathic remedies for the prevention of the occurrence of MMA in swine was evaluated. METHODS: In a randomised and blinded study, 60 sows were examined. Sows were randomly distributed in two groups: the experimental group (CL/LL) received a prophylactic administration of the complex homeopathic remedies Caulophyllum Logoplex and Lachesis Logoplex, and the placebo group was administered a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution in the same injection scheme as the experimental group. Clinical signs of MMA, behavioural changes, as well as production parameters, were recorded beginning with the day of farrowing until 5 days post-partum. RESULTS: The treatment group showed no significant effect on the occurrence of MMA in sows (CL/LL: 56.67% MMA positive sows; NaCl: 53.53% MMA positive sows). Treatment group had also no significant effect on health parameters (vaginal discharge, raised rectal temperature, shortage of milk) or behavioural parameters (impaired feeding behaviour and impaired general condition). For the production parameter average weight gain, statistically significant effects in the treatment group were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylaxis with the homeopathic remedies Caulophyllum Logoplex and Lachesis Logoplex showed neither an improvement in MMA prevention nor an improvement in health parameters or behavioural traits in the present herd of sows.

A Case Report of Tonsillolith Treated With Individualized Homoeopathy.

Introduction: Tonsillolith, also known as tonsil stones or tonsil calculi, are the mineralization of the debris or bacteria within the crevices of the palatine tonsils. It is a rare condition with prominent symptoms of halitosis (bad breath), foreign body sensation, sore throat, painful swallowing, and cough. So far, Individualized Homoeopathy for tonsillolith has been rarely recorded in peer-reviewed journals. Methods: This case was recorded in the Medicine Department of Dr. D. Y. Patil Homoeopathic Medical College & Research Center, India. A 41-year-old male patient suffering from offensive breath and tonsil stones was treated on basis of Individualized Homeopathy medicine between 6th January 2021 and 30th May 2021. During the treatment the responses to therapy were assessed accordingly. To assess whether the changes were due to homoeopathic medicine, an assessment using Modified Naranjo Criteria was performed. Results: This case report demonstrated the treatment of tonsillolith exclusively using Individualized Homeopathy which complies the totality of the symptoms of the case over an observational period of five months. Recovery of this case helps us to strengthen the use of homoeopathy in treating rare and extensive medical cases.

The Homeopathic Approach to the Treatment of Acute Herpes Zoster.

Despite its demonstrated efficacy, the conventional pharmacologic approach to the treatment of Herpes zoster often has shortcomings-delayed treatment response times, limited treatment window to prevent PHN, and outright treatment failures. It is obvious in light of the foregoing evidence that other treatment options merit consideration, complementary and/or alternative medical disciplines among them. Homeopathic medicine, based on extensive clinical experience, coupled with its remarkable safety profile and convenience of administration, is one such discipline.

A Case Report of Alopecia Areata Treated with Individualized Homoeopathy.

Introduction: Alopecia areata is a dermatological disorder characterized by hair loss. The exact cause is still unknown but is linked with an autoimmune disease. No efficient treatment is known though many studies have been conducted, yet the optimal treatment is not known. Methods: The case was treated in the Dermatological Department at Dr. D. Y. Patil Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Centre. A 42-year-old female patient with alopecia areata was treated with individualized homoeopathic medicine (iHOM) between 2nd May 2019 and 16th January 2020. During the follow-up visits, the outcome was assessed. To evaluate whether the changes were due to homoeopathic medicine, an assessment using the Modified Naranjo criteria was performed. Results: Over an observational period of eight-months, positive results from iHOM medicine were seen. This treatment can be used by the physicians in the treatment of alopecia areata as a complementary health practice. Conclusion: Considering the multi-factorial aetiology of alopecia areata, iHOM along with local treatment may be effective in treating alopecia areata.

Schizophrenia and Homoeopathy: A Review.

Context: Schizophrenia is a mental condition that is affecting approx. 1.0 percent of the worldwide population, with devastating consequences for affected individuals and their families. Homoeopathy could be an effective alternative mode of treatment and can minimize the consequences of it. Objective: This study is done to have a brief review of the condition of Schizophrenia and to evaluate the role of Homoeopathy as an alternative mode of treatment in patients suffering from this condition. Design: The research team performed a narrative review by searching Pubmed, IJRH, ISOR-JDMS, WHO, and Medscape databases. Reference books related to medicine and homoeopathy were also reviewed. The search used the keywords like Schizophrenia, Homoeopathy, psychiatry, hallucinations, paranoia, ICD-10, DSM-5, etc. Setting: This study is conducted at Faculty of Homoeopathic Sciences in Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University. Results: Schizophrenia alters the thinking, feeling and behavior of affected person and is presented in form of delusion, hallucination with social withdrawal. Homoeopathy can be an alternative mode of treatment to not only help in improving this condition but also treat the same. There are not much studies that has been conducted to evaluate the role of Homoeopathy in schizophrenia. Out of few, one study has suggested improvement in the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia using Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) score system. Conclusions: Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition not only affecting routine of daily of life but also the Quality of life. Homoeopathy is a non-toxic, gentle, permanent treatment which is based on totality of symptoms (TOS) and individualization. In the process of construction of TOS and individualization, more importance is given to mental symptoms. As again pschizophrenia is a psychiatric condition which affects the mental process of patient, Homoeopathy can be used as an effective method of treatment but to establish the efficacy of it, more studies including randomized controlled trials are suggested.

Use of Intercurrent Remedy in the Homoeopathic Management of Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Case Report.

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatological condition characterized by well-demarcated erythematous scaly plaques. It affects the immune system of the body causing inflammation and hyper-proliferation of the skin, where a key role is played by immune dysfunction and psychological stress. Psoriasis is a relapsing and remitting disease which shows its affections primarily for skin. This makes it more difficult to treat as there often is a mental maintaining cause associated in the background. Homoeopathy is an ideal system of medicine for the treatment of such diseases which show affections for both physical and mental sphere. Whilst treating such diseases, the homoeopathic physician often faces challenges when the most indicated remedy stops acting after an initial amelioration. This demands the usage of an intercurrent remedy which removes the obstacles in the path of cure and brings about recovery in the patient. Case Summary: A 28-year-old female presented with thick, coppery red eruptions on ear pinnae, scalp, extensor surface of left hand, back and ankles laterally. Based on the totality of symptoms, she was prescribed Staphysagria 1M which initially provided relief to the patient. The case was stood still for several months during which both placebo and Staphysagria 10M were prescribed. Still there was no progress whatsoever, the case was retaken, but the totality and the remedy were same. This was a clear call for prescribing an anti-miasmatic remedy to remove the miasmatic block. The patient was prescribed Psorinum 1M as an intercurrent anti-miasmatic remedy with remarkable physically and mental recovery. Staphysagria 10 M was repeated which later removed all the lesions and restored the patient mentally too.

Efficacy of Constitutional Prescription in Homoeopathic Management of Psoriasis: Case Report.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease which has multisystem involvement, predominantly skin and joints. It affects quality of life and leads to psychological distress in patients leading to poor self-esteem and depression, ultimately affecting interpersonal relationships. Homoeopathy believes in a holistic approach and, when prescribed on a constitutional basis, helps to cure the condition from its root cause. A diagnosed case of psoriasis in a 23-year-old male came into the Homoeopathic OPD with complaints of psoriatic patches on the face and scalp. Routine investigations were done to rule out other disorders. In this case, Sulphur was prescribed on a constitutional basis and proved to be beneficial. Considering the extent of psoriasis in this patient, the Homoeopathic approach relieved the case in a short period of time with prolonged treatment response, suggesting that this may represent the ideal cure in Homoeopathy.

A Case Report of Alopecia Areata Treated With Individualized Homoeopathy.

Introduction: Hair is regarded as an essential part of human identity, and losing it has a negative effect on many facets of one's quality of life. Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, non-scarring hair loss of the scalp or body hair. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body cannot recognize its own cells, resulting in the subsequent destruction of the hair follicles. The efficacy of the available treatment is not adequate and remission of hair follicles is unpredictable. However, individualized homoeopathy (iHOM) has shown great results in treating AA. Methods: At the Dermatological Department of D.Y. Patil Homoeopathic Medical College & Research Center, India, an 11-year-old female patient diagnosed with Alopecia areata was treated homeopathically from July 2021 to November 2021. During the follow-up visits, the outcome was assessed. To assess whether the changes were due to homoeopathic medicine, an assessment using the modified Naranjo criteria was performed. Results: Over an observation period of 5 months, beneficial result from iHOM medicine was seen, and so can be used by physicians in treating Alopecia Areata as a complementary health practice. Conclusion: Considering the multi-factorial etiology of Alopecia Areata, iHOM medicine and the auxillary line of treatment are effective in treating Alopecia Areata.