Characterization of Nanoparticles in 2X, 4X and 6X Potencies of Ferrum Phosphoricum.

CONTEXT: Nanomedicine is a rapidly expanding field in which nanoparticles play an integral part. They have 2 distinct characteristics, namely a small size and large surface area, which influence a drug's permeability, solubility, and bioavailability. The trituration technique used in the preparation of certain homeopathic remedies is similar to some processes used to manufacture nanoparticles. New research has confirmed the presence of nanoparticles in homeopathic remedies. The majority of these studies use transmission electron microscopy (TEM), alone or in combination with other methods, to characterize the nanoparticles. OBJECTIVES: The study intended to evaluate the use, efficacy, and application of 5 characterization techniques for investigating the presence and size of nanoparticles in Ferrum phosphoricum (iron phosphate) in 2X, 4X and 6X potencies. DESIGN: Quantitative experimental study. SETTING: The study took place in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, and the Department of Chemistry (Central Analytical facility and UJ Spectrum facility) at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa. OUTCOME MEASURES: The study analyzed 2X, 4X, and 6X potencies of Ferrum phosphoricum using: (1) ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), (2) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), (3) dynamic light scattering (DLS), (14) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and (5) transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Data were generated through imaging and the software programs of the equipment. RESULTS: All 5 procedures confirmed the presence of Ferrum phosphoricum nanoparticles and nanofibers for all 3 potencies. Using all 5 techniques permitted characterization of different aspects of the particles, such as functional groups, elemental iron, concentration base, and size distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Although all 5 techniques used in the study showed the presence of iron phosphate nanoparticles in the 2X, 4X and 6X potencies of Ferrum phosphoricum, making them essential tools in determining the presence of nanoparticles, UV-vis, FTIR, and TEM analysis were best suited for the analysis of nanoparticles in high-dilution preparations such as homeopathic remedies, due to the limitations of DLS and EDX.

Pharmaceuticals and modern statecraft in South Africa: the cases of opium, thalidomide and contraception.

This article provides a history of three pharmaceuticals in the making of modern South Africa. Borrowing and adapting Arthur Daemmrich's term 'pharmacopolitics', we examine how forms of pharmaceutical governance became integral to the creation and institutional practices of this state. Through case studies of three medicaments: opium (late 19th to early 20th century), thalidomide (late 1950s to early 1960s) and contraception (1970s to 2010s), we explore the intertwining of pharmaceutical regulation, provision and consumption. Our focus is on the modernist imperative towards the rationalisation of pharmaceutical oversight, as an extension of the state's bureaucratic and ideological objectives, and, importantly, as its obligation. We also explore adaptive and illicit uses of medicines, both by purveyors of pharmaceuticals, and among consumers. The historical sweep of our study allows for an analysis of continuities and changes in pharmaceutical governance. The focus on South Africa highlights how the concept of pharmacopolitics can usefully be extended to transnational-as well as local-medical histories. Through the diversity of our sources, and the breadth of their chronology, we aim to historicise modern pharmaceutical practices in South Africa, from the late colonial era to the Post-Apartheid present.

Pilot Study on the Homeopathic Treatment of Binge Eating in Males.

Context • Frequent binge eating is often a symptom of an underlying eating disorder, such as bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge eating disorder (BED). The role of homeopathy in the treatment of binge eating remains poorly explored. Objective • The study intended to measure the efficacy of individualized homeopathic treatment for binge eating in adult males. Design • This case study was a 9-wk pilot using an embedded, mixed-methods design. A 3-wk baseline period was followed by a 6-wk treatment period. Setting • The setting was the Homeopathic Health Clinic at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa. Participants • Through purposive sampling, the research team recruited 15 Caucasian, male participants, aged 18-45 y, who were exhibiting binge eating. Intervention • Individualized homeopathic remedies were prescribed to each participant. Primary Outcome Measures • Participants were assessed by means of (1) a self-assessment calendar (SAC), recording the frequency and intensity of binging; (2) the Binge Eating Scale (BES), a psychometric evaluation of severity; and (3) case analysis evaluating changes with time. Results • Ten participants completed the study. The study found a statistically significant improvement with regard to the BES (P = .003) and the SAC (P = .006), with a large effect size, indicating that a decrease occurred in the severity and frequency of binging behavior during the study period. Conclusions • This small study showed the potential benefits of individualized homeopathic treatment of binge eating in males, decreasing both the frequency and severity of binging episodes. Follow-up studies are recommended to explore this treatment modality as a complementary therapeutic option in eating disorders characterized by binge eating.

Some intrapersonal qualities of SA homeopaths who have established successful private practices.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of homeopaths who have established successful private practices in South Africa (SA) with the aim of identifying some of their intrapersonal qualities which may have contributed to their establishing a successful practice. METHOD: This was a qualitative phenomenological research design using in-depth interviews with homeopaths running successful private practices across 5 provinces in SA, which were digitally recorded. Of these, 18 were transcribed and analysed using a descriptive coding approach and strategies for phenomenological analysis. Themes and supporting categories are identified and described. FINDINGS: Homeopaths experiences suggest that they are authentic, self-aware, self-reflective and proactive. They experienced a need for self-care and support and further found that their integrity, positive attitude, self-discipline and passion, contributed to their success in practice. CONCLUSION: The intrapersonal qualities can be roughly divided between those that generate inner-support and those which aid homeopaths attain their goal of establishing a practice and are therefore crucial aspects of success generation.

A qualitative study of pharmacists' perceptions and awareness of homoeopathic medicines in Durban, South Africa.

BACKGROUND:  There is growing interest in the demand for and use of homoeopathic medicines by the public; however, little is known about the perspectives of pharmacists regarding the use of these medicines, particularly in the South African private health context. METHODS:  A qualitative approach using an exploratory cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 15 participants comprising pharmacy managers, pharmacists and pharmacy assistants from six different conveniently selected private pharmacy retail outlets. Data were collected using individual interviews utilising a semi-structured interview guide. An audiotape was used to record the data which were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically, following Tech's steps of data analysis. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Durban University of Technology's Institutional Research Ethics Committee. RESULTS:  The findings of this study revealed four superordinate themes related to pharmacists' perceptions and self-reported awareness regarding homoeopathic medicines. These are (1) negative perceptions regarding homoeopathic medicines, (2) perceived benefits of homoeopathic medicines, (3) poor knowledge and awareness of homoeopathic medicines and (4) capacity development and curriculum aspects. CONCLUSION:  The findings highlight the need for an educational intervention on homoeopathic medicines targeting pre-service and in-service pharmacy practitioners, to enable them to provide effective education regarding all types of medicines as the demand for homoeopathic medicines increases.Contribution: The study findings provide evidence to support advocacy for an educational intervention to improve awareness and knowledge of pharmacists to enable provision of effective health education for patients. More research, however, is required to inform the contents of this training intervention for pharmacists.

Complementary medicines: When regulation results in revolution.

Medicines have evolved over time and so has the realisation of the importance of quality control and regulatory processes. The regulatory practices include all the steps from the development and manufacture of the active ingredients until the medicines reach the consumer. The Medicines Control Council (MCC) is mandated to regulate medicines in South Africa. Complementary medicines were previously perceived to be unregulated, although the Medicines Act does not distinguish between allopathic and complementary medicine. As the era of unregulated complementary medicine ended, the requirements in terms of dossier content left many role-players at odds. However, the MCC has a mandate to ensure that the registration of a medicine is in the interest of the public and that complementary medicine is manufactured in a facility adhering to good manufacturing practice, according to which efficacy and safety are supported by reliable data with a known shelf-life.

Cultural components of behavioural epidemiology: implications for primary health care.

In this article we discuss the association of culturally linked behaviour and epidemiology: that patterns of disease are significantly related to cultural sets of normative beliefs and behaviour. The literature on this is vast and includes much of what is written under the headings of Medical Anthropology as well as, for example, Cross-cultural Psychiatry and Medical Geography. A comprehensive review is obviously impossible, but as this is presented primarily as a background paper, basic issues are raised, and related to examples from the literature, to stimulate discussion. The article is divided into four subsections which give an indication of our focus: culture, disease and illness causation; utilization and provision of health resources; health, illness and normative socio-political and economic behaviour and primary health care, community participation and culture--implications for the future.

Efficacy of a homeopathic complex on acute viral tonsillitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute viral tonsillitis is an upper respiratory tract infection prevalent in school-aged children. Because this condition is self-limiting, conventional treatment options are usually palliative. Homeopathic remedies are a useful alternative to conventional medications in acute uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections in children, offering earlier symptom resolution, cost-effectiveness, and fewer adverse effects. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a homeopathic complex on the symptoms of acute viral tonsillitis in African children in South Africa. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-day pilot study. Thirty children, age 6 to 12 years, with acute viral tonsillitis were recruited from a primary school in Gauteng, South Africa. Participants took two tablets of the medication four times daily. The treatment group received lactose tablets medicated with the homeopathic complex (Atropa belladonna D4, Calcarea phosphoricum D4, Hepar sulphuris D4, Kalium bichromat D4, Kalium muriaticum D4, Mercurius protoiodid D10, and Mercurius biniodid D10). The placebo consisted of the unmedicated vehicle only. The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale measured pain intensity, and a Symptom Grading Scale assessed changes in tonsillitis signs and symptoms. RESULTS: The treatment group had a statistically significant improvement in the following symptoms compared with the placebo group: pain associated with tonsillitis, pain on swallowing, erythema and inflammation of the pharynx, and tonsil size. CONCLUSION: The homeopathic complex used in this study exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities in children with acute viral tonsillitis. No patients reported any adverse effects. These preliminary findings are promising; however, the sample size was small and therefore a definitive conclusion cannot be reached. A larger, more inclusive research study should be undertaken to verify the findings of this study.

The quality of selected South African and international homoeopathic mother tinctures.

The high potential variability of chemical composition of the plant material involved in the manufacture of homoeopathic mother tinctures (a common source of homoeopathic medicines), renders both their quality control and assurance a significant challenge (Pande and Pathak, 2006). The absence of significant regulations regarding the quality of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) in South Africa contributes to this challenge (Gqaleni et al, 2007). In order to assess any quality differences between local and international manufacturers, the following homoeopathic mother tinctures, Artemisia absinthium, Rosmarinus officinalis e foliis recentibus, Salvia officinalis and Sambucus nigra, were chosen on the basis that they can be grown both locally in South Africa and internationally and are prepared according to the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (GHP), method 3a. Colour analysis was followed by thin layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis on each selected sample and relevant reference sample using both aluminum-backed TLC plates and glass-backed HPTLC plates. Photographs were taken of the resultant chromatograms, active components were identified, comparisons to the reference chromatograms were made and the overall quality of each homoeopathic mother tincture deduced. The quality of all nine of the selected samples manufactured internationally complied with the minimum quality standards set by the GHP. Five out of the six local samples complied with the minimum standards of the GHP._Notwithstanding the minimum GHP standards, the superior number of high quality international samples implies that their quality exceeded that of the locally manufactured tinctures. Greater regulation regarding the quality of these types of products has therefore been identified.

Damaged goods: return to sender. A review of the historical medical records of repatriated Chinese miners.

After the Anglo-Boer (South African) War (1899-1902), there was a shortage of unskilled labor on the South African gold mines. Chinese men were imported to make up for the deficit. This article reviews the records of indentured Chinese mine workers examined for repatriation in 1905. The records tell of high proportions of social disorders, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, opium addiction, and injury. These reflect the social and physical conditions to which these men were exposed in the mines.

Selection of potencies by medical and non-medical homeopaths: a survey.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the differences between medical and non-medical practitioners with regard to the selection of potency. DESIGN: Postal survey to medical homeopaths belonging to the Faculty of Homeopathy, and to non-medical homeopaths, members of the Society of Homeopaths. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred medical homeopaths and 100 non-medical homeopaths. RESULTS: Homeopaths from both groups agreed on certain fundamental concepts. Medical and non-medical homeopaths differ in the prescription of potency most significantly on greater use of LM potencies and greater consideration of pathology by non-medical homeopaths and greater use of a lower potency in the case of an aggravation in medical homeopaths. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the differences in education of medical and non-medical homeopaths, there appears to be general agreement on the philosophical aspects of potency prescription.

Katayama fever in scuba divers. A report of 3 cases.

Katayama fever or acute schistosomiasis probably occurs more commonly than is recorded. Interviews with a 3-man scuba diving team who had had contact with a large dam in an endemic area of the eastern Transvaal Lowveld at the same time and contact area on the same day during late summer of 1986 are discussed. Two, who had not previously been exposed to infected water, presented with Katayama fever, due to Schistosoma mansoni infection, 21 days after contact and it took 30-36 months for them to recover fully after several treatments. The third patient, a keen water-sportsman and resident in the endemic area for a period of 10 years, presented with a mild infection, probably due to acquired immunity initiated during previous contacts with infected water; he took about a year to recover. The pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of the 3 cases are described in the light of recent observations made elsewhere on Katayama fever cases and the effects of chemotherapy on the course of illness. The necessity of obtaining basic information on the travel and water-contact activities of patients in order to make a diagnosis is emphasised.

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus at two haemodialysis units in South Africa.

The prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV) was determined in 103 haemodialysis patients who attended two dialysis units in South Africa. With the use of a second-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (UBI HCV EIA, Organon Teknika, The Netherlands) and a 4-recombinant immunoblot assay (Chiron Corporation, USA), antibodies to HCV were found in 22 patients (21%). Statistically significant associations with anti-HCV carrier status were duration of dialysis (P = 0.0005) and number of blood transfusions received (P = 0.008). With stepwise logistic regression analysis it was not possible to separate the effects of HCV status associated with these two variables. A transient elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) occurred in 8 of the 22 anti-HCV-positive patients, compared with 14 of the 81 anti-HCV-negative patients (P = 0.054). As yet, no patients have clinical evidence of ongoing liver disease or persistently elevated ALT levels. Of the 45 dialysis staff members tested, none was positive for anti-HCV.

Ingested mutagens from opium and tobacco pyrolysis products and cancer of the oesophagus.

Substances which are commonly sucked or chewed in two areas where the incidence of oesophageal cancer is high, the Transkei and north-east Iran, were tested in bacterial mutagenicity assays. Pyrolysed substances, opium dross in north-east Iran and tobacco pipe residues in the Transkei, displayed mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 in the presence of rat liver microsomes.