Ceratodermia aquagênica: abordagem e tratamento homeopático: relato de caso / Aquagenic keratoderma: homeopathic approach and treatment: case report

"Homeopatia" é uma palavra de origem grega, introduzida por Hahnemann, onde homóis significa "semelhante" e pathos significa "sofrimento, doença". Considerado modelo terapêutico voltado ao indivíduo e não à doença. A relevância clínica da doença e o sucesso terapêutico motiva a realização do trabalho que relata um caso de paciente com distúrbio de pele raro, tratado com Sulphur e Petroleum. Os sintomas relatados pela paciente foram transformados em linguagem repertorial, elegendo-se as rubricas e respeitando as leis de hierarquização. O processo de repertorização ocorre de forma digital e com análise comparativa à matéria médica respeitando os processos de similitude. O sucesso da terapêutica pode ser observado pela evolução positiva da lesão descrita na queixa principal, e o reequilíbrio de sua homeostase, melhorando os aspectos emocional, físico e social.

"Homeopathy" is a word of Greek origin, introduced by Hahnemann, where homóis means "similar" and pathos means "suffering, disease". Considered a therapeutic model aimed at the individual and not the disease. The clinical relevance of the disease and the therapeutic success motivated the work that reports a case of a patient with a rare skin disorder, treated with Sulfur and Petroleum. The symptoms reported by the patient were transformed into repertory language, choosing the rubrics and respecting the hierarchical laws. The repertorization process takes place digitally and with comparative analysis to the materia medica respecting the similarity processes. The success of the therapy can be observed by the positive evolution of the lesion described in the main complaint, and the rebalancing of her vital energy, improving her emotional, physical and social aspects.

Efectividad del tratamiento homeopático de la hipertensión arterial / Effectiveness of Homeopathic Treatment against Arterial Hypertension

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial es una de las enfermedades más comunes y afecta en el mundo a 800 millones de personas (20 %) de la población adulta mundial. En Cuba existen aproximadamente 215 hipertensos por cada 1000 habitantes, mientras que en Holguín 199 por cada 1000 habitantes padecen esa enfermedad. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la homeopatía en el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial teniendo en cuenta los antecedentes patológicos personales, la clasificación de los pacientes según el grado de hipertensión arterial al iniciar y al concluir el estudio, así como el diagnóstico miasmático de cada uno. Método: Se realizó una investigación con diseño cuasiexperimental en el Hospital Militar "Fermín Valdés Domínguez" de Holguín en el período comprendido desde febrero de 2014 hasta febrero de 2016. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por 243 pacientes diagnosticados con hipertensión arterial que asistieron a la consulta de Medicina Tradicional y Natural del Hospital Militar de Holguín. La muestra del estudio fue intencionada y quedó constituida por 217 pacientes de ambos sexos, mayores de 20 años. Luego de la repertorización de cada paciente, se trató a cada uno con el medicamento homeopático resultante de este proceso. Resultados: Se redujeron las cifras tensionales a niveles donde se consideran hipertensos controlados y hasta menores de 120/80 mm Hg en el 89,4 % de los pacientes tratados. Conclusiones: La homeopatía se considera un tratamiento eficaz para la hipertensión arterial.

Introduction: Arterial hypertension is one of the most common diseases and affects 800 million people, 20% of the world's adult population. In Cuba, there are near 215 hypertensive patients per 1000 inhabitants; while, in Holguín, 199 per 1000 inhabitants suffer from this disease. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating arterial hypertension, by taking into account the patients' individual pathological history, their classification according to degree of arterial hypertension at the beginning and at the end of the study, as well as each patient's miasmatic diagnosis. Method: A research with a quasiexperimental design was carried out, in the period from February 2014 to February 2016, at Fermín Valdés Domínguez Military Hospital in Holguín. The study universe consisted of 243 patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension who attended the traditional and natural medicine consultation at the Military Hospital in Holguín. The study sample was intentional and consisted of 217 patients of both sexes, aged over 20 years. After repertorization of each patient, they were treated with the homeopathic medicament resulting from this process. Results: Blood pressure figures were reduced to levels for which they are considered to be controlled hypertensive patients and even less than 120/80 mmHg in 89.4% of the patients treated. Conclusions: Homeopathy is considered an effective treatment for arterial hypertension.

Tratamento homeopático da Exacerbação da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica associada à insuficiência cardíaca e fibrilação atrial (relato de caso) / Homeopathic Treatment of Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Associated with Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation (Case Report)

A Homeopatia é uma terapêutica médica desenvolvida pelo médico alemão Samuel Hahnemann que consiste em prescrever a um doente, sob forma diluída e em doses infinitesimais, uma substância que, em doses elevadas, é capaz de produzir num indivíduo sadio, sinais e sintomas semelhantes aos da doença que se pretende combater. A Insuficiência Respiratória Aguda (IRpA) é uma síndrome caracterizada por hipoxemia com ou sem hipercapnia e desconforto respiratório. Se dá por uma disfunção dos componentes do sistema respiratório (DPOC, Pneumonia, etc), incluindo também patologias extrapulmonares (Fibrilação Atrial, Insuficiência Cardíaca, etc). O diagnóstico deve ser rápido e dirigido para o reconhecimento dos sintomas e sinais clínicos relacionados aos distúrbios das trocas gasosas e da mecânica respiratória. O tratamento inicial consiste em oxigenioterapia de suporte associada ao tratamento específico da causa básica (antibioticoterapia, cardioversão química ou elétrica, anticoagulação, broncodilatadores, corticoides, etc). A magnitude Clínica da doença e o quadro evolutivo limitado do paciente, motivam a instituição do tratamento homeopático como adjuvante ao tratamento enantiopático. O trabalho relata o caso de um paciente tratado com Arsenicum album, Cactus grandflorus e Sulphur em altas diluições sucessivamente, com o objetivo de favorecer a boa evolução sintomática a curto prazo e colaborar para a redução das medicações de controle a longo prazo. O processo de repertorização da totalidade sintomática elege os medicamentos de maior cobertura e pontuação e, através da análise comparativa da Matéria Médica Homeopática (patogenesia), determina-se o medicamento compatível com o caso. O paciente apresentou melhora significativa do quadro agudo, bem como na evolução da doença crônica, inclusive com acentuada melhora nos aspectos físico, mental, espiritual e social o que, segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde, define a condição de saúde. (AU)

Paciente con trombosis venosa profunda recidivante por factor V Leiden y respuesta al tratamiento homeopático / Patient with recurrent deep venous thrombosis by factor V Leiden and response to homeopathic treatment

El tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) es un problema de salud significativo, con morbimortalidad cercana al 30%. El factor V Leiden (FVL) es una forma "mutada" del factor V normal que se inactiva 10 veces más lentamente, produciendo estados de hipercoagulación y trombosis. En este artículo se presenta el caso de una mujer de 23 años de edad en quien, a raíz de un episodio de TVP se diagnosticó su condición de portadora de enfermedad por FVL de carácter homocigota. Transcurridos 8 años del primer episodio y estando aún bajo tratamiento convencional, el alto nivel de dímeroD (DD) señalaba alto riesgo de sufrir nuevos episodios de TVP. En ese momento se inició tratamiento con medicación homeopática unicista constitucional, en baja dinamización y dosis diarias, observándose una rápida caída en las cifras de DD cambiando así el pronóstico de futuras recidivas y llevando a los hematólogos a suspender el tratamiento convencional. No hubo recidivas hasta el presente y el Doppler venoso muestra rehabilitación del lecho venoso. (AU)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant health problem with morbidity and mortality around 30%. Factor V Leiden (FVL) is a "mutated" form of the normal factor V which is inactivated 10 times slower causing hypercoagulation states and thrombosis. The present articles describes the case of a 23-year-old women in whom that status of homozygous was diagnosed on the occasion of a VTE episode. High dimer-D (DD) levels 8 years later and still under conventional treatment high pointed to high risk for recurrence of VTE. Homeopathic treatment was started (constitutional unicast) in low potency and daily doses. DD fell rapidly, and thus the prognosis changed, leading hematologists to withdraw conventional treatment. Disease did not relapse to this day and venous Doppler sonography evidenced rehabilitated vein system. (AU)

Tratamento homeopático da insônia

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de abordar o tratamento homeopático da insônia, tanto na sua manifestação aguda, quanto na sua forma crônica. Inicia pela revisão dos fundamentos da Homeopatia, analisando a singularidade da abordagem homeopática e sua peculiar anamnese, de modo a demonstrar as especificidades da abordagem homeopática na caracterização e no controle desta moléstia. Em seguida passa em revista os medicamentos homeopáticos mais utilizados no tratamento da Insônia Aguda e, através do Relato de Caso Clínico, procura evidenciar as possibilidades terapêuticas da aplicação da Homeopatia na Insônia Crônica. (AU)

Paciente con trombosis venosa profunda recidivante por factor V Leiden y respuesta al tratamiento homeopático / Patient with recurrent deep venous thrombosis by factor V Leiden and response to homeopathic treatment

El tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) es un problema de salud significativo, con morbimortalidad cercana al 30%. El factor V Leiden (FVL) es una forma "mutada" del factor V normal que se inactiva 10 veces más lentamente, produciendo estados de hipercoagulación y trombosis. En este artículo se presenta el caso de una mujer de 23 años de edad en quien, a raíz de un episodio de TVP se diagnosticó su condición de portadora de enfermedad por FVL de carácter homocigota. Transcurridos 8 años del primer episodio y estando aún bajo tratamiento convencional, el alto nivel de dímeroD (DD) señalaba alto riesgo de sufrir nuevos episodios de TVP. En ese momento se inició tratamiento con medicación homeopática unicista constitucional, en baja dinamización y dosis diarias, observándose una rápida caída en las cifras de DD cambiando así el pronóstico de futuras recidivas y llevando a los hematólogos a suspender el tratamiento convencional. No hubo recidivas hasta el presente y el Doppler venoso muestra rehabilitación del lecho venoso. (AU)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant health problem with morbidity and mortality around 30%. Factor V Leiden (FVL) is a "mutated" form of the normal factor V which is inactivated 10 times slower causing hypercoagulation states and thrombosis. The present articles describes the case of a 23-year-old women in whom that status of homozygous was diagnosed on the occasion of a VTE episode. High dimer-D (DD) levels 8 years later and still under conventional treatment high pointed to high risk for recurrence of VTE. Homeopathic treatment was started (constitutional unicast) in low potency and daily doses. DD fell rapidly, and thus the prognosis changed, leading hematologists to withdraw conventional treatment. Disease did not relapse to this day and venous Doppler sonography evidenced rehabilitated vein system. (AU)

Dermatitis de contacto y su manejo homeopático / Contact dermatitis and its homeopathic management

La dermatitis de contacto es una erupción cutánea rojiza que produce picazón y aparece por contacto directo con una sustancia o por una reacción alérgica a ésta. La erupción no es contagiosa ni pone en peligro la vida, pero puede ser muy molesta. Para tratar satisfactoriamente la dermatitis de contacto es necesario identificar y evitar la causa de la reacción. Hay medicamentos homeopáticos, como Calendula, Sulphur y Arsenicum album que respondieron satisfactoriamente en el tratamiento de esta afección.

A Homeopatia e a febre / Homeopathy and fever

A febre é um sinal clínico muito associado à infecção, gerando grande número de atendimentos em emergências e consultórios, e uso indiscriminado de antipiréticos.É desencadeada pela ação de citocinas pirogênicas endógenas e exógenas, desempenhando funções protetoras no organismo e auxiliando na recuperação. Conhecendo a importância da febre no mecanismo imunológico, e com a intenção de aliviar o desconforto do paciente, o medicamento homeopático tem como finalidade restabelecer a força vital, acelerando o processo de cura. Dentre todos os medicamentos homeopáticos, o simillimum é encontrado através da totalidade sintomática do paciente.Neste trabalho listamos alguns dos principais medicamentos utilizados para o tratamento da febre e suas indicações.(AU)

Fever is a clinical symptom generally associated to infection, generating a large number of emergency cases and medical appointments, and an indiscriminate use of antipyretics. The fever is triggered by the action of endogenous and exogenous pyrogenic cytokines, performing protective functions in the organism and aiding in the recovery. Regarding the importance of the fever in the immune mechanism, and with the intent to relieve the discomfort of the patient, the homeopathic medicine aims to restore the vital force, accelerating the healing process. Among all homeopathic medicines, simillimum is found through totality of symptoms manifested by the patient.(AU)

Raman spectroscopy shows difference in drugs at ultrahigh dilution prepared with stepwise mechanical agitation

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims at deciphering the nature of the water structure of two ultrahigh diluted (UHD) homeopathic drugs by Laser Raman Spectroscopy. METHOD: Two homeopathic drugs Sulphur and Natrum mur in three UHD 30cH, 200cH and 1000cH were selected for the study. Raman spectra of the drugs and their medium (90% ethanol) were obtained in the wave number region of 2600-3800 cm-1. The intensity ratio at vibration frequencies between 3200 and 3420 (R1) and that between 3620 and 3420 (R2) was calculated for each UHD as well as the control. RESULTS: Raman spectra shows differences in intensities in different UHDs and their control in the stretching vibrations of CH and OH groups. The three UHDs of each drug show an inverse relationship with respect to the R1 values. However, for R2 the relationship of UHD for each drug is positive. CONCLUSION: R1 provides information about the relative number of OH groups with strong and weak hydrogen bonds. R2 suggests the relative number of OH groups with broken and weak hydrogen bonds. Judged from R1 values the lower is the rank of UHD, the stronger is the H-bond of the OH groups. In the light of R2 values, the higher is the UHD rank the more abundant is the free OH groups. So, hydrogen bond strength and free OH groups together make an effective UHD rank relating to Sulphur and Natrum mur.

Raman spectroscopy shows difference in drugs at ultrahigh dilution prepared with stepwise mechanical agitation

Abstract Objective: The present study aims at deciphering the nature of the water structure of two ultrahigh diluted (UHD) homeopathic drugs by Laser Raman Spectroscopy. Method: Two homeopathic drugs Sulphur and Natrum mur in three UHD 30cH, 200cH and 1000cH were selected for the study. Raman spectra of the drugs and their medium (90% ethanol) were obtained in the wave number region of 2600-3800 cm-1. The intensity ratio at vibration frequencies between 3200 and 3420 (R1) and that between 3620 and 3420 (R2) was calculated for each UHD as well as the control. Results: Raman spectra shows differences in intensities in different UHDs and their control in the stretching vibrations of CH and OH groups. The three UHDs of each drug show an inverse relationship with respect to the R1 values. However, for R2 the relationship of UHD for each drug is positive. Conclusion: R1 provides information about the relative number of OH groups with strong and weak hydrogen bonds. R2 suggests the relative number of OH groups with broken and weak hydrogen bonds. Judged from R1 values the lower is the rank of UHD, the stronger is the H-bond of the OH groups. In the light of R2 values, the higher is the UHD rank the more abundant is the free OH groups. So, hydrogen bond strength and free OH groups together make an effective UHD rank relating to Sulphur and Natrum mur. (AU)

Tratamiento homeopático para el vitiligo: un estudio piloto abierto observacional / Homoeopathic treatment of vitiligo: an open observational pilot study

Antecedentes: El vitiligo es un trastorno común de hipopigmentación que genera un impacto psicológico muy importante. En una clínica de atención ambulatoria en Bengala Occidental, India, se realizó una evaluación del tratamiento homeopático en individuos con vitiligo. Métodos: Se reclutaron 30 pacientes (edad media de 27 años; 57% femeninos) para un estudio piloto prospectivo abierto, y se manejaron con tratamiento homeopático individualizado durante seis meses. Se evaluó La eficacia del tratamiento a los tres y seis meses, utilizando el Índice de Puntuación del Área con Vitiligo (Vitiligo Area Scoring Index, VASI), la escala de la Comisión Europea de Vitiligo (Vitiligo European Task Force, VETF) y el Índice de Calidad de Vida en Dermatología (Dermatological Life Quality Index, DLQI), los cuales validaron el índice de mejoría tomando en cuenta el área, la intensidad, la extensión de La despigmentación de las lesiones de vitiligo y la calidad de vida (QoL). Resultados: Un total de 27 pacientes completaron el estudio; tres desertaron. Después de seis meses de tratamiento, la medida media de VASI mejoró significativamente en 0.1 unidades (p=0.003), de 0.8 (0.5, 1.5) a 0.7 (0.3, 0.8) en una escala de 0 (sin despigmentación) y 100 (completamente despigmentada). Del mismo modo, la media del VETF mejoró su puntuación por 2 unidades (p=0.0001), de 1 (0.1) a -1 (-1.0), y el marcador de estadificación varió de 1 (1.2) a 1 (0.1), p=0.002. La media de La puntuación total de DLQI disminuyó de 21 (17, 22) a 13.6 (10, 17), con variación de 7.4 (p=0.0001); dicha variación también fue corroborada por los componentes del DLQI. Conclusiones: El tratamiento homeopático individualizado se asoció con una mejoría significativa de las puntuaciones en VASI, VETF y DLQI. La premisa de que los efectos observados se deben a placebo se debe aclarar en futuros ensayos clínicos aleatorios doble ciego, precedidos por estudios de viabilidad.

Background: Vitiligo is a common hypopigmentation disorder with significant psychological impact. An evaluation of homeopathic treatment was performed in individuals with vitiligo in a hospital outpatient clinic in West Bengal, India. Methods: 30 participants (median age 27 years old, 57% female) were recruitedfor a prospective open-label pilot study and treated with individualized homeopathic medicines for six months. Efficacy was assessed after three months and six months using Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score, Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF)score, and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, which are validatedoutcome measures evaluating the area, intensity, spread of depigmentation ofvitiligo lesions, and quality of life (QoL). Results: A total of 27 participants completed the trial; 3 dropped out. After 6 months of treatment, the median VASI total score improved significantly by 0.1 units (p=0.003), from 0.8 (0.5, 1.5) to 0.7 (0.3, 0.8) on a scale from 0 (no depigmentation) to 100 (completely depigmented). Similarly, the VETF median score improved by 2 units (p=0.0001) from 1 (0, 1) to -1 (-1, 0) and the staging score changed from 1 (1, 2) to 1 (0, 1), p=0.002. The total DLQI median score exhibited significant reduction from 21 (17, 22) to 13.6 (10, 17), change 7.4 (p=0.0001), as also did its components. Conclusions: Individualized homeopathictreatment associated with significant improvement of VASI, VETF and DLQI scores. The extent to which the observed effects were due to placebo needs clarificationin future randomized double-blind clinical studies preceded by feasibility studies.

Tratamiento homeopático para el vitiligo: un estudio piloto abierto observacional / Homoeopathic treatment of vitiligo: an open observational pilot study

Antecedentes: El vitiligo es un trastorno común de hipopigmentación que genera un impacto psicológico muy importante. En una clínica de atención ambulatoria en Bengala Occidental, India, se realizó una evaluación del tratamiento homeopático en individuos con vitiligo. Métodos: Se reclutaron 30 pacientes (edad media de 27 años; 57% femeninos) para un estudio piloto prospectivo abierto, y se manejaron con tratamiento homeopático individualizado durante seis meses. Se evaluó La eficacia del tratamiento a los tres y seis meses, utilizando el Índice de Puntuación del Área con Vitiligo (Vitiligo Area Scoring Index, VASI), la escala de la Comisión Europea de Vitiligo (Vitiligo European Task Force, VETF) y el Índice de Calidad de Vida en Dermatología (Dermatological Life Quality Index, DLQI), los cuales validaron el índice de mejoría tomando en cuenta el área, la intensidad, la extensión de La despigmentación de las lesiones de vitiligo y la calidad de vida (QoL). Resultados: Un total de 27 pacientes completaron el estudio; tres desertaron. Después de seis meses de tratamiento, la medida media de VASI mejoró significativamente en 0.1 unidades (p=0.003), de 0.8 (0.5, 1.5) a 0.7 (0.3, 0.8) en una escala de 0 (sin despigmentación) y 100 (completamente despigmentada). Del mismo modo, la media del VETF mejoró su puntuación por 2 unidades (p=0.0001), de 1 (0.1) a -1 (-1.0), y el marcador de estadificación varió de 1 (1.2) a 1 (0.1), p=0.002. La media de La puntuación total de DLQI disminuyó de 21 (17, 22) a 13.6 (10, 17), con variación de 7.4 (p=0.0001); dicha variación también fue corroborada por los componentes del DLQI. Conclusiones: El tratamiento homeopático individualizado se asoció con una mejoría significativa de las puntuaciones en VASI, VETF y DLQI. La premisa de que los efectos observados se deben a placebo se debe aclarar en futuros ensayos clínicos aleatorios doble ciego, precedidos por estudios de viabilidad. (AU)

Background: Vitiligo is a common hypopigmentation disorder with significant psychological impact. An evaluation of homeopathic treatment was performed in individuals with vitiligo in a hospital outpatient clinic in West Bengal, India. Methods: 30 participants (median age 27 years old, 57% female) were recruitedfor a prospective open-label pilot study and treated with individualized homeopathic medicines for six months. Efficacy was assessed after three months and six months using Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score, Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF)score, and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, which are validatedoutcome measures evaluating the area, intensity, spread of depigmentation ofvitiligo lesions, and quality of life (QoL). Results: A total of 27 participants completed the trial; 3 dropped out. After 6 months of treatment, the median VASI total score improved significantly by 0.1 units (p=0.003), from 0.8 (0.5, 1.5) to 0.7 (0.3, 0.8) on a scale from 0 (no depigmentation) to 100 (completely depigmented). Similarly, the VETF median score improved by 2 units (p=0.0001) from 1 (0, 1) to -1 (-1, 0) and the staging score changed from 1 (1, 2) to 1 (0, 1), p=0.002. The total DLQI median score exhibited significant reduction from 21 (17, 22) to 13.6 (10, 17), change 7.4 (p=0.0001), as also did its components. Conclusions: Individualized homeopathictreatment associated with significant improvement of VASI, VETF and DLQI scores. The extent to which the observed effects were due to placebo needs clarificationin future randomized double-blind clinical studies preceded by feasibility studies. (AU)

Homeopathic drugs complementary, antidotal and inimical to Nux vomica produce stronger anti-alcoholic effect on toads than Nux

In homeopathy some drugs are known to act as complementary, antidotal or inimical to a particular drug. Practitioners can follow this rule when they apply one drug following another. Potentized Nux vomica can reduce acute hypnotic effect of alcohol on toads. Sulphur and Sepia are reported to be complementary to Nux-vom, while Coffea cruda and Zincum met are antidotal and inimical to Nux, respectively [...] Methods: Five batches of toads, each comprising 20 individuals, were treated by partial immersion in a drug diluted with distilled water 1:500 for 20 min. The control consisted of 90% ethanol diluted with distilled water 1:500. The drugs were Nux vom 200 CH, Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH, Coffea 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH. Toads of each batch were separately exposed to 260mM ethanol solution and tested every 10 min to see if they had lost their righting reflex (RR)[...] Results: Toads treated with the five drugs took significantly longer time (P<0.01, one-way ANOVA) to lose RR than those treated with the control. The time taken to lose RR was significantly longer (P<0.01, one-way ANOVA) with Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH, Coffea 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH than with Nux vom 200 CH alone. The situation was same when Nux treatment was followed by each of the four drugs. Of the five drugs Coffea showed the strongest anti-hypnotic effect. Conclusion: 1. Drugs complementary, antidotal and inimical to Nux vom showed the same anti-alcoholic effect as Nux in terms of increased tolerance to alcohol anesthesia. 2. The anti-alcoholic effect of Nux vom was markedly superseded by the above four drugs. 3. Of all the drugs tested Coffea showed the strongest anti-alcoholic effect. 4. It appears that the above four drugs produced their individual dominant effect cancelling the individual effect of Nux vom.

Homeopathic drugs complementary, antidotal and inimical to Nux vomica produce stronger anti-alcoholic effect on toads than Nux

In homeopathy some drugs are known to act as complementary, antidotal or inimical to a particular drug. Practitioners can follow this rule when they apply one drug following another. Potentized Nux vomica can reduce acute hypnotic effect of alcohol on toads. Sulphur and Sepia are reported to be complementary to Nux-vom, while Coffea cruda and Zincum met are antidotal and inimical to Nux, respectively [...] Methods: Five batches of toads, each comprising 20 individuals, were treated by partial immersion in a drug diluted with distilled water 1:500 for 20 min. The control consisted of 90% ethanol diluted with distilled water 1:500. The drugs were Nux vom 200 CH, Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH, Coffea 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH. Toads of each batch were separately exposed to 260mM ethanol solution and tested every 10 min to see if they had lost their righting reflex (RR)[...] Results: Toads treated with the five drugs took significantly longer time (P<0.01, one-way ANOVA) to lose RR than those treated with the control. The time taken to lose RR was significantly longer (P<0.01, one-way ANOVA) with Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH, Coffea 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH than with Nux vom 200 CH alone. The situation was same when Nux treatment was followed by each of the four drugs. Of the five drugs Coffea showed the strongest anti-hypnotic effect. Conclusion: 1. Drugs complementary, antidotal and inimical to Nux vom showed the same anti-alcoholic effect as Nux in terms of increased tolerance to alcohol anesthesia. 2. The anti-alcoholic effect of Nux vom was markedly superseded by the above four drugs. 3. Of all the drugs tested Coffea showed the strongest anti-alcoholic effect. 4. It appears that the above four drugs produced their individual dominant effect cancelling the individual effect of Nux vom. (AU)

Homoeopathic treatment of vitiligo: an open observational pilot study

Background: Vitiligo is a common hypopigmentation disorder with significant psychological impact. An evaluation of homeopathic treatment was performed in individuals with vitiligo in a hospital outpatient clinic in West Bengal, India. Methods: Thirty participants (median age 27 years old, 57% female) were recruited for a prospective open-label pilot study and treated with individualized homeopathic medicines for 6 months. Efficacy was assessed after 3 months and 6 months using Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score, Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF) score, and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, which are validated outcome measures evaluating the area, intensity, spread of depigmentation of vitiligo lesions, and quality of life (QoL). Results: A total of 27 participants completed the trial; 3 dropped out. After 6 months of treatment, the median VASI total score improved significantly by 0.1 units (p=0.003), from 0.8 (0.5, 1.5) to 0.7 (0.3, 0.8) on a scale from 0 (no depigmentation) to 100 (completely depigmented). Similarly, the VETF median score improved by 2 units (p=0.0001) from 1 (0, 1) to –1 (–1, 0) and the staging score changed from 1 (1, 2) to 1 (0, 1), p=0.002. The total DLQI median score exhibited significant reduction from 21 (17, 22) to 13.6 (10, 17), change 7.4 (p=0.0001), as also did its components. Conclusions: Individualized homeopathic treatment associated with significant improvement of VASI, VETF and DLQI scores. The extent to which the observed effects were due to placebo needs clarification in future randomized double-blind clinical studies preceded by feasibility studies.

Introdução: Vitiligo é uma desordem de hipopigmentação de ocorrência comum, com impacto psicológico significativo. Foi avaliado o tratamento homeopático de indivíduos com vitiligo no ambulatório de um hospital em Bengala Ocidental, Índia. Métodos: Trinta participantes (idade mediana 27 anos, sendo 57% do gênero feminino) foram recrutados para o presente estudo piloto prospectivo aberto e tratados com medicamentos homeopáticos individualizados por 6 meses. A eficácia do tratamento foi avaliada aos 3 e 6 meses mediante Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score, Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF), e Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI), que são medidas validadas de desfecho correspondendo à área, intensidade e disseminação da depigmentação causada por vitiligo, assim como a qualidade de vida (QV). Resultados: Um total de 27 participantes completou o estudo, sendo que 3 abandonaram. Depois de 6 meses de tratamento, a mediana do escore total do VASI apresentou melhora significativa de 0,1 unidade (p=0,003) passando de 0,8 (0,5, 1,5) para 0,7 (0,3, 0,8), numa escala de 0 (sem depigmentação) a 100 (depigmentação completa). De modo similar, a mediana do escore VETF de disseminação melhorou em 2 unidades (p=0,0001) de 1 (0, 1) a –1 (–1, 0), e o escore de estadiamento variou de 1 (1, 2) para 1 (0, 1), p=0,002. O escore total mediano de DLQI diminuiu de 21 (17, 22) a 13,6 (10, 17), com uma variação de 7,4 (p=0,0001); variação também foi constatada nos componentes de DLQI. Conclusões: O tratamento homeopático individualizado se associou com melhora significativa nos escores de VASI, VETF e DLQI. A parte dos efeitos possivelmente devida a efeito placebo precisa ser determinada em futuros estudos clínicos randomizados e duplo cego, após a realização de estudos de factibilidade.

Tratamento para Diabetes melito tipo 1 canina através de medicamentos homeopáticos / Treatment for Diabetes mellitus type 1 canine with homeopathic medicine

A diabetes mellitus é uma doença crônica sistêmica decorrente de uma deficiência relativa ou absoluta de insulina. É uma das endocrinopatias mais comuns nos cães e pode ser fatal se não for diagnosticada e tratada adequadamente. É um conjunto de manifestações clínicas que afeta sereshumanos e animais: o fenômeno predisponente é o metabolismo anormal ou inadequado da glicose, em decorrência de uma deficiência relativa ou absoluta de insulina. É uma síndrome que compromete o metabolismo dos carboidratos, das gorduras, e das proteínas, devido a, deficiência parcial ou absoluta da secreção de insulina dada pelas células beta, produzidas pelas ilhotas de Langerhans, no pâncreas ou por redução da sensibilidade dos tecidos à insulina. O objetivo deste trabalho é revisar a literatura, os sinais clínicos, sintomas e complicações da diabetes mellitus tipo I canina e seu tratamento tradicional, e discutir a utilização de medicamentos homeopáticos. (AU)

Homoeopathic treatment of vitiligo: an open observational pilot study

Background: Vitiligo is a common hypopigmentation disorder with significant psychological impact. An evaluation of homeopathic treatment was performed in individuals with vitiligo in a hospital outpatient clinic in West Bengal, India. Methods: Thirty participants (median age 27 years old, 57% female) were recruited for a prospective open-label pilot study and treated with individualized homeopathic medicines for 6 months. Efficacy was assessed after 3 months and 6 months using Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score, Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF) score, and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, which are validated outcome measures evaluating the area, intensity, spread of depigmentation of vitiligo lesions, and quality of life (QoL). Results: A total of 27 participants completed the trial; 3 dropped out. After 6 months of treatment, the median VASI total score improved significantly by 0.1 units (p=0.003), from 0.8 (0.5, 1.5) to 0.7 (0.3, 0.8) on a scale from 0 (no depigmentation) to 100 (completely depigmented). Similarly, the VETF median score improved by 2 units (p=0.0001) from 1 (0, 1) to –1 (–1, 0) and the staging score changed from 1 (1, 2) to 1 (0, 1), p=0.002. The total DLQI median score exhibited significant reduction from 21 (17, 22) to 13.6 (10, 17), change 7.4 (p=0.0001), as also did its components. Conclusions: Individualized homeopathic treatment associated with significant improvement of VASI, VETF and DLQI scores. The extent to which the observed effects were due to placebo needs clarification in future randomized double-blind clinical studies preceded by feasibility studies. (AU)

Introdução: Vitiligo é uma desordem de hipopigmentação de ocorrência comum, com impacto psicológico significativo. Foi avaliado o tratamento homeopático de indivíduos com vitiligo no ambulatório de um hospital em Bengala Ocidental, Índia. Métodos: Trinta participantes (idade mediana 27 anos, sendo 57% do gênero feminino) foram recrutados para o presente estudo piloto prospectivo aberto e tratados com medicamentos homeopáticos individualizados por 6 meses. A eficácia do tratamento foi avaliada aos 3 e 6 meses mediante Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score, Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF), e Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI), que são medidas validadas de desfecho correspondendo à área, intensidade e disseminação da depigmentação causada por vitiligo, assim como a qualidade de vida (QV). Resultados: Um total de 27 participantes completou o estudo, sendo que 3 abandonaram. Depois de 6 meses de tratamento, a mediana do escore total do VASI apresentou melhora significativa de 0,1 unidade (p=0,003) passando de 0,8 (0,5, 1,5) para 0,7 (0,3, 0,8), numa escala de 0 (sem depigmentação) a 100 (depigmentação completa). De modo similar, a mediana do escore VETF de disseminação melhorou em 2 unidades (p=0,0001) de 1 (0, 1) a –1 (–1, 0), e o escore de estadiamento variou de 1 (1, 2) para 1 (0, 1), p=0,002. O escore total mediano de DLQI diminuiu de 21 (17, 22) a 13,6 (10, 17), com uma variação de 7,4 (p=0,0001); variação também foi constatada nos componentes de DLQI. Conclusões: O tratamento homeopático individualizado se associou com melhora significativa nos escores de VASI, VETF e DLQI. A parte dos efeitos possivelmente devida a efeito placebo precisa ser determinada em futuros estudos clínicos randomizados e duplo cego, após a realização de estudos de factibilidade. (AU)

La personalidad del remedio (Sulphur, Lycopodium, Calcarea carbonica) / Homeopathy diagnosis, personality, Sulphur, Calcarea carb, Lycopodium

Desde la perspectiva de la medicina homeopática, el diagnóstico del paciente no sebasa en la simple observación de un síntoma o rasgo, sino que se requiere de la inteligente integración de todos los componentes posibles del individuo para comprender su complejidad y la de su enfermedad: edad, género, constitución física, gustos alimenticios, conducta, capacidade cognitivas, problemas emocionales, relaciones afectivas, historia familiar y de enfermedades, suprsión de sintomas físicos y actividades que desarrolla. La razón de esto es porque sólo así será posible la correcta prescripción de acuerdo con la Ley de semejanza.

From the homeopathic medicine perspective, the patient's diagnosis is not only based on the simple observation of a symptom or trait, but it requires the intelligent integration of all possible components of the individual, in order to undestand his complexity and his disease: his age, gender, body type, dietary needs, behavioral, cognitive, emotional relationships, and the family history of disease, as the suppression of external physical symptoms and its activities are important thinks to know. The reason for this is because only in this way the homeopath can elaborate the correct prescription in accordance with the Law similarity.

La personalidad del remedio (Sulphur, Lycopodium, Calcarea carbonica) / Homeopathy diagnosis, personality, Sulphur, Calcarea carb, Lycopodium

Desde la perspectiva de la medicina homeopática, el diagnóstico del paciente no sebasa en la simple observación de un síntoma o rasgo, sino que se requiere de la inteligente integración de todos los componentes posibles del individuo para comprender su complejidad y la de su enfermedad: edad, género, constitución física, gustos alimenticios, conducta, capacidade cognitivas, problemas emocionales, relaciones afectivas, historia familiar y de enfermedades, suprsión de sintomas físicos y actividades que desarrolla. La razón de esto es porque sólo así será posible la correcta prescripción de acuerdo con la Ley de semejanza.(AU)

From the homeopathic medicine perspective, the patient's diagnosis is not only based on the simple observation of a symptom or trait, but it requires the intelligent integration of all possible components of the individual, in order to undestand his complexity and his disease: his age, gender, body type, dietary needs, behavioral, cognitive, emotional relationships, and the family history of disease, as the suppression of external physical symptoms and its activities are important thinks to know. The reason for this is because only in this way the homeopath can elaborate the correct prescription in accordance with the Law similarity.(AU)