A Comparative Observation on Wound Healing After Surgery for Necrotizing Fasciitis: Kangfuxin Liquid Gauze versus Vaseline Gauze.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Kangfuxin Liquid (a traditional Chinese medicine) gauze and Vaseline gauze in wound healing after necrotizing fasciitis surgery. Method: The study was conducted at The First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College between February 2020 and February 2022. A total of 54 patients diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis were randomly assigned to the Vaseline gauze group as the control group, and the Kangfuxin Liquid gauze group as the experimental group. Various aspects of treatment efficacy, wound healing conditions, healing indicators, pain scores, inflammation markers, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate in the experimental group (100.00%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (77.78%), with a statistically significant difference The experimental group showed lower scores for secretion, granulation tissue morphology, redness, and swelling compared to the control group, with statistical significance. Additionally, the experimental group exhibited faster slough separation, new epidermis formation, and overall wound healing compared to the control group, with statistical significance. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores on postoperative days 3, 7, 9, and 14 were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) between the two groups. However, after treatment, both groups exhibited a decrease in inflammatory markers, and the experimental group had significantly lower levels of IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to the control group). Furthermore, the incidence of adverse reactions in the experimental group (3.70%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (22.22%). Conclusion: The utilization of Kangfuxin Liquid gauze in wound healing after necrotizing fasciitis surgery effectively promotes wound healing, provides precise therapeutic effects, significantly reduces patient pain, improves inflammation, and exhibits minimal adverse reactions, thus demonstrating high safety. Therefore, the application of Kangfuxin Liquid gauze in this clinical context is highly recommended.

Trollius chinensis Bunge: A Comprehensive Review of Research on Botany, Materia Medica, Ethnopharmacological Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Quality Control.

Trollius chinensis Bunge, a perennial herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. Documented in the Supplements to the Compendium of Materia Medica, its medicinal properties encompass a spectrum of applications, including heat clearance, detoxification, alleviation of oral/throat sores, earaches, eye pain, cold-induced fever, and vision improvement. Furthermore, T. chinensis is used in clinical settings to treat upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, esoenteritis, canker, bronchitis, etc. It is mainly used to treat inflammation, such as inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and nasal mucosa. This comprehensive review explores the evolving scientific understanding of T. chinensis, covering facets of botany, materia medica, ethnopharmacological use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control. In particular, the chemical constituents and pharmacological research are reviewed. Polyphenols, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids, are highly abundant among T. chinensis and are responsible for antiviral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. The flower additionally harbors trace amounts of volatile oil, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds. The active ingredients of the flower have fewer side effects, and it is used in children because of its minimal side effects, which has great research potential. These findings validate the traditional uses of T. chinensis and lay the groundwork for further scientific exploration. The sources utilized in this study encompass Web of Science, Pubmed, CNKI site, classic monographs, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and doctoral and master's theses.

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.

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.

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.

Individualized Homeopathic and Organopathic Supportive Management of Sickle Cell Disorder: A Case Series of Six Patients from a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in India.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disorder (SCD) is a hereditary blood disease characterized by an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying protein hemoglobin present in red blood cells. Genetic abnormality causes these cells to become sickle-shaped, with shorter lifespan. Vaso-occlusive crisis is a major symptom of SCD: it is a sudden and severe episode of pain, and occurs when sickle-shaped cells block blood flow. This blockage can lead to tissue damage, inflammation and pain. OBJECTIVES: This case series aims to observe the clinical outcomes from prescribing individualized homeopathic medicines along with organopathic supportive medicine in the management of SCD through the analysis of case studies of six patients from a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in India that manifests genetic predisposition for the disease. METHOD: The patients were administered individualized homeopathic and organopathic supportive medicines, after a comprehensive door-to-door survey and subsequent screening, conducted between October 2020 and May 2023 in the Dindori and Mandla districts of the central Indian state, Madhya Pradesh. Clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters including hemoglobin, along with scores from a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and from the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL) Questionnaire, were determined. RESULTS: Individualized homeopathic and organopathic supportive management led to improvements in clinical symptoms for all six patients. Laboratory test results showed a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin level associated with treatment. The VAS for pain indicated decreased pain frequency and severity. WHOQoL scores also improved, indicating enhanced well-being for each patient. No adverse effects were reported during treatment. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that individualized homeopathic medicine and organopathic supportive management have a beneficial role in managing SCD and may be valuable in the context of PVTGs in India. To establish a more comprehensive understanding of its efficacy, further studies should involve larger cohorts to allow for a thorough evaluation, including comparative analyses with standard therapies.

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.

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.

Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Feasibility Trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed at examining the feasibility issues of comparing individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) with identical-looking placebos for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Forty eligible patients participated in this double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled feasibility trial in the outpatient clinics of a homeopathic hospital in West Bengal, India. Either IHMs or identical-looking placebos were administered, along with mutually agreed-upon concomitant care guidelines. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was the primary outcome measure, along with derived Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores from KOOS. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were the secondary outcomes. All were measured at baseline and after 2 months. Group differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were estimated using an intention-to-treat approach. p-Values less than 0.05 (two-tailed) were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Enrolment/screening and trial retention rates were 43% and 85% respectively. Recruitment was difficult owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Group differences were statistically significant, favoring IHMs against placebos in all the KOOS sub-scales: symptoms (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.002), activities of daily living (p < 0.001), sports or recreation (p = 0.016), and quality of life (p = 0.002). Derived WOMAC scores from KOOS favored IHMs against placebos: stiffness (p < 0.001) and pain (p < 0.001). The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire score (p < 0.001) and EQ-5D-5L VAS scores (p < 0.001) also yielded significant results, favoring IHMs over placebos. All the effect sizes ranged from moderate to large. Sulphur was the most frequently prescribed homeopathic medication. Neither group reported any harm or serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Although recruitment was sub-optimal due to prevailing COVID-19 conditions during the trial, the action of IHMs was found to be superior to that of placebos in the treatment of knee OA. Larger and more definitive studies, with independent replications, are warranted in order to substantiate the findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2021/02/031453.

Homeopathic Medicines in the Management of Dermatophytosis (Tinea Infections): A Clinico-epidemiological Study with Pre-post Comparison Design.

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytosis is a common fungal infection of the skin and nails. Insufficient data exist regarding the clinico-epidemiological profile of dermatophytosis and the usefulness of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) for patients visiting a homeopathy outpatient department (OPD). OBJECTIVES: This article undertakes a clinico-epidemiological profiling of dermatophytosis and the usefulness of IHMs in its management. METHODS: This open-label, pre-post, comparative observational study was conducted in a homeopathy OPD from November 2018 to February 2020. IHMs were prescribed based on symptom totality and repertorization. A numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) patient questionnaires were used, and results were analyzed using SPSS-IBM version 20. RESULTS: Data from a total of 103 patients, mean age 29.65 ± 15.40 years, were analyzed. Tinea cruris was the most common infection (29.1%), followed by tinea corporis (13.6%). After 3 months of treatment, significant reductions in NRS and DLQI scores were observed (8.51 ± 1.24 to 0.59 ± 0.83, p < 0.001, and 16.28 ± 5.30 to 1.44 ± 1.56, p < 0.001, respectively), with Sepia (15.5%), Sulphur (14.6%), Calcarea carbonica (11.7%), Natrum muriaticum (9.7%) and Bacillinum (8.7%) being the most frequently prescribed medicines. There was no significant correlation between occupation, sex, home location or marital status and the clinical types of dermatophytosis. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: T. cruris and T. corporis were prevalent dermatophytic infections. The decrease in NRS and DLQI scores associated with homeopathy indicates its usefulness as an integrative treatment option for dermatophytosis. Further research in larger and more diverse population samples is needed.

Homeopathic Medicines in Third (Omicron) Wave of COVID-19: Prognostic Factor Research.

BACKGROUND: With the emergence of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, such as the Omicron variant, during the third wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a need to identify useful homeopathic medicines. This study aimed to identify such medicines and their indications using prognostic factor research (PFR). METHODS: This was an open-label, multi-centred observational study conducted in January 2022, on confirmed COVID-19 cases. The data were collected from integrated COVID Care Centres in Delhi, India, where homeopathic medicines were prescribed along with conventional treatment. Only those cases that met a set of selection criteria were considered for analysis. The likelihood ratio (LR) was calculated for the frequently occurring symptoms of the frequently prescribed medicines. An LR of 1.3 or greater was considered meaningful. RESULTS: Out of the 362 COVID-19 cases, 263 cases were selected for analysis after applying selection criteria. Common symptoms included fatigue, cough, sore throat, myalgia and headache. Twenty-one medicines were prescribed, of which nine medicines - Gelsemium sempervirens, Bryonia alba, Hepar sulphuris, Rhus toxicodendron, Pulsatilla nigricans, Arsenicum album, Belladonna, Nux vomica and Phosphorus - were frequently used. By calculating LRs, the study identified meaningful indications for these medicines. CONCLUSION: Homeopathic medicines have shown promising results in the third wave of COVID-19 as an adjunct therapy. The medicines that were used in the first and second waves were found useful in the third wave also, and their indications were analogous to those found in the earlier waves. Certain new indications of some medicines were elicited in this wave, which warrant further research. However, it is important not to restrict to these medicines only and to continue data collection on COVID-19 in future waves for the improvement of the COVID-19 mini-repertory.

[Species of Chinese materia medica resources based on the fourth national survey of Chinese materia medica resources].

This article outlined the composition and species characteristics of Chinese materia medica(CMM) resources identified in the fourth national survey of CMM resources. The survey was conducted based on field investigations and office collation, adhering to the "four principles", which emphasized the existence of survey records, voucher specimens, actual photographs, and evidence of medicinal use, so as to summarize the species of CMM resources and ensure the scientific integrity and accuracy of the results. According to the results, China had a total of 18 817 CMM resources, including 15 321 medicinal plants, 826 medicinal fungi, 2 517 medicinal animals, and 153 medicinal minerals. Additionally, the fourth national survey of CMM resources also conducted specialized investigations on 3 151 species of unique medicinal plants, 464 species of rare and endangered medicinal plants, and 196 new species in China. These latest statistics on these CMM resources will provide the most up-to-date foundational data for the protection, management, development, and utilization of these resources over an extended period, offering scientific guidance for the development of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) industry.

Avicenna's clinical toxicology approach and beneficial materia medica against oral poisoning.

Considering the rich background of Persian Medicine in the use of materia medica for the treatment of diseases, the huge burden of oral poisonings in the world, and the urgent need to find scientific solutions, the purpose of this study was to determine Avicenna's approach toward clinical toxicology and his proposed treatments for oral poisonings. In Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb, Avicenna addressed the materia medica for the treatments of oral poisonings after explaining the ingestion of different toxins and also elucidating the clinical toxicology approach toward poisoned patients. These materia medica were from different classes including emetics, purgatives, enemas, diaphoretics, antidiarrheals, inhaled drugs, sternutators, anticoagulants, antiepileptics, antitussives, diuretics, cooling drugs, stimulants, cardiotonic drugs, and heating oils. By applying different therapies, Avicenna endeavored to attain main goals in clinical toxicology that are comparable with modern medicine. They included removing the toxins from the body, decreasing the severity of the deleterious effects of toxins on the body, and counteracting the effects of toxins inside the body. Aside from introducing different therapeutic agents that played an important role in the treatment of oral poisonings, he emphasized the ameliorating effects of nutritive foods and beverages. Further research using other Persian medical resources is recommended to elucidate the applicable approaches and treatments for different poisonings.

Kangfuxin liquid reduces the ultraviolet B-induced photodamage of HaCaT cells by regulating autophagy.

Kangfuxin liquid (KFX), an extract of the American cockroach, has been clinically proven to be effective in various skin damage disorders, but there are no reports on its use in photodamage. We explored the effect of KFX on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photodamage and whether its mechanism was related to autophagy. We found that KFX treatment reduced UVB-induced reactive oxygen species production and improved the vitality of cells inhibited by UVB irradiation. The expression of LC3 (A/B), which was inhibited after UVB irradiation, could be rescued by KFX treatment. Furthermore, KFX may upregulate the level of cellular autophagy by regulating the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway. When the autophagy inhibitor wortmannin was used to inhibit autophagy, the protective effect of KFX on cells was diminished or even disappeared. Our study suggests that KFX may resist UVB-mediated oxidative stress damage of HaCaT through the induction of autophagy.

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.

A Case Report of Multiple Renal Calculi Treated With Individualized Homoeopathy.

Background: Mineral buildups called kidney stones can be free-floating or affixed to the renal papillae and occur in the renal calyces and pelvis. A major morbidity is associated with the widespread problem of renal stone disease. Open surgical lithotomy and minimally invasive endourological procedures are now the standard for the management of kidney stone symptoms. However, individualized homeopathy (iHOM) has greatly improved treatment of Multiple Renal Calculi. Methods: In the OPD of Dr. D. Y. Patil Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Centre, a 26-year-old female patient with multiple renal calculus was treated homeopathically from August 2021 to January 2022. During the follow-up visits 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 the physicians in the treatment of Renal Calculi as a complementary health practice. Conclusion: Based on the totality of symptoms, individualized Homoeopathic Medicine (iHOM) Lycopodium Clavatum 30C was given and worked well to dissolve and expel all renal stones. Hence, homeopathy is effective in the fragmentation and ejection of renal calculi and remains one of the most popular treatments for urological problems.

Use of homeopathic products in pigs feed improves the percentage, quality and marbling of meat.

Studies and innovations on alternative feed additives, especially on homeopathic remedies have been highlighted in order to replace or reduce the use of antibiotics in pig production. This paper aimed to assess the addition of homeopathic products in pig diet and their effects on the growth performance, serum metabolites, nutrient and energy digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 60 immunocastrated male pigs, weighing on average 30.91 ± 0.95 kg, were distributed in two treatments, 10 replicates and three animals/experimental unit. There was no effect (P≥0.05) of treatment on the growth performance and serum metabolites. The percentage of acid-insoluble ash recovered in the diet was greater (P≤0.01) in diets containing homeopathic products. The apparent digestible energy of diets containing homeopathic products was reduced (P≤0.01) in the growing phase and reduced (P≤0.01) the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, soluble neutral and acid detergent fibers, and gross energy in the growing and finishing phases. Pig that received diets with homeopathic products had higher (P≤0.05) amount of meat, percentage of meat and marbling. The use of homeopathic products in diets improves the percentage and quality of meat, as well as the marbling of the pig carcass, maintaining the performance.

Self-assembled Patterns Formed in Evaporating Droplets to Analyze Bi-component Homeopathic Preparations in the Low Dilution Range.

BACKGROUND: Homeopathic complex remedies, composed of several homeopathic medicines in the low potency range, are frequently used in the treatment of a number of common disorders. At the same time, they represent an almost unexplored area of research. Are complex remedies just additive mixtures of the components, or are there interactions between the latter leading to new properties of the complex? METHODS: In the present study, we analyzed as an example the simple bi-component complex, Luffa 4x - Mercurius bijodatus 9x, by means of patterns from evaporated droplets and tested what influences the complex's single compounds have upon the patterns and if there are any interactions. For this purpose, we compared in a series of five experiments patterns from evaporated droplets of the complex, Luffa 4x - Mercurius bijodatus 9x, and three comparison samples in which one or both of the complex's compounds were replaced by potentized solute. The patterns were photographed and evaluated for their gray-level distribution and texture using the software ImageJ. The experimental set-up's stability was tested by means of systematic control experiments. RESULTS: We found that Mercurius bijodatus 9x significantly influenced the patterns of Luffa 4x, increasing their homogeneity; at the same time, the patterns of Mercurius bijodatus 9x combined with solvent were more heterogeneous than those obtained from a control consisting of two pure solvents. CONCLUSION: In this phenomenological assay, the complex Luffa 4x - Mercurius bijodatus 9x does not correspond to a simple addition of the components. The exact nature of the underlying interaction needs to be elucidated in further investigations.