CENTRAL COUNCIL FOR RESEARCH IN HOMOEOPATHY

Collaborating Institute

Name of PI

Title of the study

Duration of study

Model

Abstract/Summary

Jawahar Lal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

Dr. B. Gitanjali

Effect of Homoeopathic drugs used in Insomnia on Serum Melatonin and Cortisol level in health volunteer.

Nov 2005 – Nov 2008

Human

Background: Homeopathic drugs are known to be clinically useful in the treatment of insomnia. However, there is need to scientifically validate the effectiveness of homoeopathic medicine through clinical trial using laboratory parameters as evidence base.
Objectives: This study was conducted with the aim of documenting the effect of four homeopathic drugs, viz. Coffea cruda, Passiflora incarnata, Nux vomica, and Kali phosphoricum which are used in Homoeopathy for the treatment of insomnia, on serum melatonin and cortisol levels of healthy volunteers. It also sought to evaluate the effects of these drugs on psychomotor skills during daytime.
Methods: Five groups of healthy adult male volunteers were recruited (10 persons in each group) and randomly assigned to five groups (four for the drugs and one for placebo).The participants were
blinded to the protocol. Serum cortisol and melatonin levels were estimated by radioimmunoassay methods before and after taking the drugs in different potencies. Development of sleep related symptoms after taking the drug was considered as response. A battery of eleven psychomotor tests was done to test the alertness in the morning.
Results: The study showed that 38.1% responded to Nux vomica and that 23.1% responded to Coffea cruda in terms of complaining of sleep related symptoms when the drugs were taken. None responded to Passiflora incarnata, Kali phosphoricum or to placebo. The mean difference in serum cortisol in the responders to Nux vomica (38.9±8.8 ng/ml) was significantly less (p<0.05) compared to the non-responders (101.3±25.3 ng/ml). The responders to Nux vomica but not Coffea cruda had significantly lower levels of serum cortisol in the morning and evening whereas the serum melatonin levels did not change. There was no significant change in the psychomotor tests in the responders.
Conclusion: Out of the four drugs chosen for the study only Nux vomica produced symptoms and showed a decrease in serum cortisol levels in those subjects who responded to the drug. However since only 38% of the subjects responded, it is too small a number to comment on the clinical efficacy of this drug.
Further studies using Nux vomica in patients with chronic insomnia may throw light on this.
Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy 2010;4(1): 47-50

Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai

Dr. C. Nayak

Investigation into the action of Homoeopathic potencies on Autonomous nervous system and variability in physiological parameter using indigenous Impedance Plethosmography (IPG),  Vasomon / Medical analyzer (MA) and Anu Photo-rheography on healthy human subjects.

Nov 2005 – Jan 2009

Human

Background: The action of homeopathic medicines, in ultra-high dilution, is not directly observable. An attempt was made to explore autonomic response of selective homeopathic medicines, in healthy persons, using Medical Analyzer System (Electronics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India).
Objective: The objective of the study was to observe the action of homeopathic medicines on physiologic variability of heart rate and blood flow.
Material and methods: Pre- and post-interventional variability spectra of heart rate and blood flow of 77 subjects were recorded with the Medical Analyzer System, administering homeopathic preparations of Aconitum napellus (6c, 10M), Arsenicum album (200c, 1M), Gelsemium sempervirens (200c, 1M), Phosphorus (200c, 1M), Pulsatilla nigricans (200c) and Sulphur (200c, 1M) versus placebo control. The amplitude of the peaks viz. low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency was measured for postintervention analysis. An increase in the amplitude of any valid peak by 100% or a decrease by 50% was considered as significant change.
Results: Aconitum napellus produced a response in heart rate variability (HRV) with 30c potency and in blood flow variability with 1M potency. Sulphur 200c and 1M, Gelsemium 200c and Pulsatilla 200c, produced a 62.5% response in HRV against the placebo response of 16.6%. Gelsemium, Phosphorus, and Sulphur produced a response
in blood flow variability with a 1M potency, similar to the response of Aconitum napellus 1M.
Conclusions: These data suggest that it is possible to record the response of homeopathic medicines on physiologic parameters of the autonomic nervous system.
The Journal of Alternative And Complementary Medicine 2011;17(8):705–710

Jamia Hamdarad, New Delhi

Dr. Fakhrul Islam

Studies on Homoeopathic medicine for the treatment of Cerebral Ischemia.

Dec 2005 – Nov 2009

Rat

Cerebral ischemia is the 3rd leading cause of death after cancer and myocardial infarction. The protective effect of some Homeopathic drugs has been studied in the middle cerebral ischemia occlusion (MCAO) model of rat. The content of antioxidants, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was elevated significantly whereas the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) was depleted significantly in the MCAO of rats as compared to the sham group. The rats pretreated with C200 potency once daily for 5 days orally (1 drop or 21 µl) and post treated after 24 hr of MCAO with C30 potency 3 times a day for 5 days orally (1 drop or 21 µl)  of Crotalus, Phosphorus, Arnica and Crocus has protected the content of TBARS and GSH significantly. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase were decreased significantly in MCAO group as compared to sham group. The pre and post treated potencies of C200 and C30 respectively has protected the activities of these enzymes significantly when compared with the animals of MCAO group. The study has shown that the Homeopathic drugs have protected most of the studied parameters significantly but further studies are required to comments on the mechanism and reproducibility of Homeopathic drugs.

Osmania University, Hyderabad.

Dr. P. Umamaheshwara Reddy (Upto March 2008)
Pfor. K. Pratap Reddy

Effect of Homoeopathic drugs on Central nervous System and their safety evaluation,

Apr 2006 – Apr2007

Rat

1.
In Homoeopathy, Anagallis arvensis is used in the treatment of skin rashes, warts and urinary tract infections, but not for the treatment of diseases of central nervous system unlike its use in Indian medicine for mania and other derangements of the nervous system. In the present preliminary study, the effect of different potencies (3x, 6x, 12x and 30C) of A. arvensis administered at a daily dose of 0.5 ml/rat/day had been examined and were tested for their analgesic (hot plate, ice plate and Randall-Selitto assay) and behavioural (rota rod and open field assay) activities, 30 minutes after administration of drug on 10th, 20th and 30th day of the study. All the four different potencies (3x, 6x, 12x and 30C) of A.arvensis had increased the latency time required to raise and to lick the hind paw for thermal sensation on hot plate test and for cold sensation on Ice plate test. They had also increased the quantum of threshold pressure to mechanically induced pain on Randall-Selitto assay but depressed the motor coordination and locomotor activity. The analgesic and behavioural effects of these potencies on 10th day was maximum but subsided on 20th day and 30th day of the study. The preliminary results suggest that A. arvensis may be screened for CNS depressive property on appropriate animal model in order to arrive at a meaningful conclusion.
Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy 2010;4(2):41-44

2.
Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn. (Family: Chenopodiaceae) is traditionally used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, uterine haemorrhage and fibroids. In Homoeopathy, C. ambrosioides is prescribed for worm infestation but its use in providing relief to the subjects suffering from central nervous system disorders is lacking though C. ambrosioides has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. In the present preliminary study, homoeopathic formulations (3X, 6X, 12X and 30C potencies) of C. ambrosioides administered at a dose of 0.5 ml/rat/day were tested for their analgesic (hot plate, ice plate and Randall-Selitto tests) and behavioural (rota rod and open field tests) activities 30 min after administration of drug on 10th, 20th and 30th day of the study. The results revealed that all the four potencies of C. ambrosioides had increased the latency time required to raise and to lick the fore or hind paw for thermal sensation on hot plate test and for cold sensation on Ice plate test. They had also increased the quantum of threshold pressure to mechanical induced pain on Randall-Selitto test but depressed the motor coordination and locomotor activity. Based on the findings of this study, we report that the homoeopathic formulations of C. ambrosioides may possess CNS depressant property. However, further detailed studies are needed for a definitive conclusion.
Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy 2010;4(3):44-47

3.
Indigofera tinctoria Linn. (Family: Fabaceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments including nervous disorders. In homoeopathy too, I. tinctoria is used in the treatment of epilepsy and other nervous disorders, but no data has been scientifically documented to establish its central nervous system activities.  In the present preliminary study, the different potencies (3x, 6x, 12x and 30c) of I. tinctoria   administered at a dose of 0.5 ml/rat/day were evaluated for their analgesic (hot plate, ice plate and Randall -Selitto tests) and behavioural (rota rod and open field tests) activities.  The results revealed that all the four potencies of I. tinctoria had increased the latency time required to raise and to lick the fore or hind paw for thermal sensation on hot plate test and for cold sensation on ice plate test. They had also increased the quantum of threshold pressure to mechanical induced pain on Randall -Selitto test but depressed the motor coordination and locomotor activities. The observed activities suggest that the homoeopathic formulations of I. tinctoria possess CNS depressant property. However, further studies are required for a definitive conclusion.
Indian Journal for Research in Homoeopathy 2012. Volume 6, Issue 1 & 2

Homoeopathic Research Foundation, (HRF) Lucknow, UP

Dr. Girish Gupta

To evolve a group of most efficacious Homoeopathic Medicines in Bengin Prostatic Hyperplasia with regard to improvement in the symptom complex.

July 2006 – Nov 2009

Clinical study

Background and Objectives: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common condition in elderly men and its incidence is age related. Although clinical evidence of disease occurs less commonly, symptoms of prostatic obstruction are also age related and if untreated affect quality of life. No data regarding clinical as well as diagnostic parameters assessment in the cases of BPH in response to homoeopathic medicines is available. Therefore, an observational study on BPH was conducted with 20 predecided medicines for the treatment of BPH.
Methods: A collaborative research study between Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi and Homoeopathic Research Foundation, Lucknow was planned. A total of 121 patients enrolled, out of which 43 completed the study according to protocol. Trial medicines selected on the basis of principles of Homoeopathy were prescribed and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Ultrasonography, Uroflowmetry and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) were assessed before and after homoeopathic treatment.
Results: After comparing pre and post treatment results, the difference in mean values of IPSS, Prostate weight, PSA and Average flow rates were found statistically significant. Maximum Flow Rate and Post Void Residual Urine (PVRU) were found improving but statistically not significant. Lycopodium (n=15), Pulsatilla (n=11), Sulphur (n=8) and Calcarea carb. (n=3) were found to be most useful among 10 medicines prescribed.
Conclusion: Results obtained from the study are encouraging with findings that 93.0% of patients improved clinically with an evidence of positive changes in diagnostic parameters. However, such study with
randomized control trial is needed to further validate the usefulness of the homoeopathic medicines.
Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy 2010;4(4):49-65

School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal

Dr. Baswati Bandyopadhyay

Effect of Homoeopathic Medicine on Japanese Encephalitis Virus infection on chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) & suckling mice.

Apr 2007 – Sept 2010

Chorioallantoic Membrane
&
Suckling mice

1.
Problem statement: No specific antiviral therapy is currently available despite an emergence and resurgence of Japanese encephalitis in South-East Asian Countries. There are only few recent studies, which were aimed to treat Japanese encephalitis with newer drugs. There is thus a real need for study on antiviral agents that can reduce the toll of death and neurological sequelae resulting from infection with this virus.
Approach: Optimum dilution of the JE virus was determined which could produce significant number of pocks on Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM). Then ultradiluted belladonna preparations were used to see their inhibitory action on JE virus infection in CAM.
Results: Ultradiluted belladonna showed significantly decreased pock count in CAM in comparison to JE virus control.
Conclusion: Ultradiluted belladonna could inhibit JE virus infection in CAM, which may be mediated through glycosidase inhibitory role of calystegines present in belladonna.
American Journal of Infectious Diseases 6 (2): 24-28, 2010

2.
In many countries the prevalence of Japanese encephalitis is still increasing producing a significant number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years. Global warming with consequent increase in vector population may accentuate the occurrence of the disease in near future. There is no effective medicine against the disease and vaccination of rural poor population and pig population in a wide endemic zone appears not practicable. Thus we have to venture all possible sources to find out a remedy against this disease. In this experiment suckling mice of “Belladonna 200” fed mothers were challenged with virulent Nakayama strain of Japanese encephalitis virus and statistical analysis of the results indicated a protective role of this medicine when compared with controls. A hypothetic pathway of its action mediated by calystegines involving envelope glycoproteins, synthesis of amino acid residues of E protein and Jak-Stat signaling cascades has been proposed.
International Journal of Microbiological Research 2 (3): 252-257, 2011

Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, UP

Dr. M. P. Darokar

To evaluate the biological activity of five coded Homoeopathic drugs on plants using Bacopa Test as model system 

Apr 2007 – Sept 2010

Bacopa Plant

1.
The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of Zinc sulph as homeopathic preparations on plants through in-vitro assay using Bacopa monnieri (L.) Penn as a model plant system. Six homeopathic potencies (1x to 6x) of Zinc sulph were used on a decimal scale along with the control (MS media). The samples were evaluated by adding the fix amount (100µl) in the media as well as by dipping the explants in the test sample overnight.  The fresh weight, number and length of the roots, number and length of the shoots and the number of leaves were analyzed after completing the incubation period (14 days). It was observed that Zinc sulph showed growth inhibition at potencies from 1x to 5x where as at potency 6x, it exhibited growth promotion effect, when compared with the control.

2.
The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of homeopathic drug mag sulph on plants through in-vitro assay using Bacopa monnieri (L.) Penn. Six homeopathic potencies (1x to 6x) of mag sulph were used on a decimal scale along with the control (MS media).The samples were evaluated by adding the fix amount (100µl) of drug in the media as well as by dipping the explants in the drug sample overnight.  The fresh weight, number and length of the roots, shoots and the number of leaves were analyzed after completing the incubation period (14 days). It was observed that homeopathic drug mag sulph exhibited growth inhibition at potencies from 1x to 4x whereas at potencies 5x and 6x it showed plant growth promotion effect.

Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Dr. S. Haque

An open clinical trial to ascertain role of Add on Homoeopathic therapy in the management of Schizophrenia.

Sept 2007 Dec 2010

Clinical study

Schizophrenia and depression are one of the common neurological disorders prevalent in our society. At times there are limited treatment/management tools in conventional system of medicine. Homoeopathy being safe, holistic and non-invasive mode of treatment may be given safely as an “add on therapy” in these cases and is capable of offering symptomatic relief to sufferers. More rigorous clinical trials must be conducted to prove the effectiveness of homoeopathy in such cases.

Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Dr. S. Haque

An open clinical trial to ascertain role of Add on Homoeopathic therapy in the management of Depression.

Sept 2007 Dec 2010

Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi.

Prof. Prashant Mishra

A structural study of homoeopathic medicine; A pilot study

Jun 2008 – Mar 2010

Physical

Background: Homeopathy is a time-tested two-century old empirical system of healing. Homeopathic medicines are prepared through a characteristic process known as potentization, where serial dilutions are performed with strong strokes at each step of dilution. Homeopathy is controversial because most medicines do not contain one single molecule of the corresponding starting-substance.
Aim: To investigate a possible nanoscience mechanism of action of homeopathic medicines.
Methodology: Ultra-pure samples were prepared and were examined under scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) along with selected area nanodiffraction (SAD) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Also trace element analysis (TEA) for silicon was performed.
Results: Homeopathic medicines showed not to be „nothing‟, but exhibited nanoparticles and conglomerates of them, which had crystalline nature and were rich in silicon.
Conclusions: During the violent strokes involved in potentization, information arising from the serially diluted starting-substance might be encrypted by epitaxy on silicon-rich crystalline nanoparticles present in the resulting homeopathic medicine. The „size‟ of the information encrypted on nanoparticles might vary together with the degree of dilution. As homeopathic medicines exhibit healing effects, these nanoparticles along with the interfacial water on their surface might carry this information - which biological systems are able to identify - to the target. As various forms of silica are known to interact with proteins and cells of the immune system, homeopathy might represent a nanomedicine system. Possible confirmation, however, requires further research in materials and interfacial water.

Int J High Dilution Res 2011; 10(37): 299-310

High Security Animal Diseases Laboratory, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Dr. Richa Sood

Anti-viral activity (therapeutic efficacy) of Homoeopathic medicine in Avian influenza in animal model.

Jul 2008 – Sept 2010

Chicken

A randomized control group trial of four homeopathic medicines, Calcarea carbonica, Phosphorus, Arsenic album and Mercurius solubilis in four different potencies, viz. 6cH, 30cH, 200cH, and 1M was carried out to evaluate preventive as well as therapeutic potential on chickens infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) virus. The study was conducted at High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal, M.P., India with a Biosafety Level 3+ facility.  Symptomatic score, Mean death time, Gross pathological changes and viral shedding was calculated for both post-exposure and pre-exposure challenge. The infection was confirmed by re-isolation of the virus. A general aggravation of symptoms was observed in both the trials, however in post-exposure trial; maximum percent inhibition in symptomatic score was observed in group treated with 200cH calcarea carb and merc sol and in pre-exposure trial maximum percent inhibition in symptomatic score was observed in group treated with 6cH merc sol and 200cH phosphorus. There was an increase (maximum of 1.5 days) in mean death time in post exposure trial whereas in pre-exposure trial there was a decrease in mean death time of the treated birds. There was no difference in the gross pathology or the viral titer of the treated as well as untreated groups. The virus could be re-isolated from all the treated and the control birds. Avian Influenza is a rapidly lethal disease leading to multi-organ failure in the poultry and homeopathic medicine may not be the right choice for this rapidly fatal disease.

Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal

Prof. Gaurishankar Sa and Prof. Tanya Das

Role of homoeopathic medicines in cancer regression and rejuvenation of depressed immune system.

 July 2008-June 2011

Tumor cell line
&
Mice

The study aimed at evaluation of the role of homoeopathic medicines, in tumor growth and to understand the apoptogenicity of homoeopathic medicines on cancer cells with emphasis to explore the immuno-modulatory properties. The results revealed that homoeopathic medicines are capable of regressing cancer cells and rejuvenate depressed immune system. The results also yielded specific information about homoeopathic medicines used in the studies as follows: 

• Thuja 30C and Merc. sol. 30C efficiently induced apoptosis in p53 wild type expressing MCF- 7 breast cancer cell line.
• Sulphur 6C, 30C and 200C was potent against non-small-cell lung cancer cell line.
• Silicea 200C showed pronounced effect on colon carcinoma cell line displaying p53+/Ras gene mutation.
• Calcarea carb. 6C normalized CD4+cells in different immune organs of tumor bearing host. It also restored T cell population by normalizing T cell proliferation.

Society for promotion of Youth & Masses, New Delhi and Darjeeling.

Dr. C. Nayak

A multicentric open clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of indicated Homoeopathic medicines. I) In the management of lapse of alcohol and opioid drug addictions II) in the management symptoms of withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and opioid drug addiction and III) in the prevention of relapse of alcohol and Opioid drug abuse & Masses,

Sept 2008 – Aug 2011

Clinical study

Substance abuse is a roaring disease in today’s world. Homoeopathy may play a role in management of withdrawal symptoms of substance abuse. In the current study, withdrawal symptoms of Alcohol and Opioid dependence were dealt with Homoeopathy. Validated global scales CIWA-Ar and COWS, WHOBREF were used. It was observed that the symptoms and signs of withdrawal in both the alcohol and withdrawal started decreasing from 2nd day onward after giving homoeopathic remedies. The results were both clinically and statistically significant.

RMRC  (ICMR),  Port Blair (ICMR)

Dr. P. Vijiyachari

Anti-leptosprial activities of Homoeopathic medicines.

Dec 2008 – Jun 2009

Culture media

Six homoeopathic medicines namely Leptospirinum, Arsenicum album, Phosphorus, Mercurius solubilis, Echinacea angustifolia and Belladonna in different potencies were used to determine their anti-leptospiral activity in EMJH media.
The results showed that the growth of two leptospiral strains used for the study could not be inhibited by different homoeopathic medicines at different potencies.

Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

Dr. Vikram Singh

Comparative Study on HIV/AIDS with antiretroviral drugs and add on Homoeopathic drugs.

Jan 2009 – Jan 2011

-

Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences, Delhi

Dr. Ashok Salhan

Exploration of the Utility of GDV Camera as a Diagnostic Instrument in the Areas of Homoeopathic Fundamental Research - A pilot study

May 2009 – Dec 2010

Human

Analysis of study is under progress.

Dr. ALMPGIBMS,
University of Madras.

Dr. K. Balasubramanian

Studies on anti-diabetic properties of Homoeopathic preparation of Syzigium jambolanum and Cephalandra-indica.

Feb 2010 – Jan 2012

Mice

Background: Homeopathy is a holistic method of treatment that uses microdoses of natural substances originating from plants, minerals,
or animal parts. Syzygium jambolanum and Cephalandra indica are used in homeopathy for treatment of type-2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for such effects are not known.
Methods: Six different homeopathic remedies from Syzygium jambolanum and Cephalandra indica were used to examine the molecular mechanism by which it exhibits the antidiabetic effects in the skeletal muscle of high fat and fructose-induced type-2 diabetic rats. After 30 days treatment, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and insulin signaling molecules in the skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) were assessed.
Results: Diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in serum insulin and lipid profile as well as low levels of insulin receptor (IR), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt), , p-Aktser473 and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) protein expression (P<0.05) with a significant increase in fasting blood glucose level (P<0.05) when compared to the control group. However, treatment with homeopathic remedies significantly increased the serum insulin and expression of these proteins (P<0.05) with a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (P<0.05) when compared to diabetic rats.
Conclusions: In essence, the present study shows that the homeopathic preparations of Syzygium jambolanum and Cephalandra indica exhibit the antidiabetic effects by improving insulin action through activation of insulin signaling molecules in skeletal muscle of type-2 diabetic rats.

Dr. ALMPGIBMS,
University of Madras.

Dr. P. Kalaiselvi

Protective role of Homoeopathic preparation of Berberis vulgaris to alleviate kidney stone disease and its influence on molecular events leading to Calcium oxalate crystal deposition.

Feb 2010 – Jan 2012

Rat

Purpose: The study focuses on the anti-lithic potential of ultra-diluted homeopathic potency of Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris) root bark, commonly used in homeopathic system to expel/dissolve renal calculi.
Methodology: Anti-lithic potential of homeopathic preparation of B. vulgaris root bark (200c, 20μl/100g body weight/day, p.o, for 28 days) was tested in an animal model of urolithiasis, developed in male Wistar rats by adding 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water. Urine and serum samples were analyzed for changes in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, uric acid and creatinine. Enzymic makers of renal damage (alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, leucine aminopeptidase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase) were assessed both kidney and urine. Renal tissues were also analyzed for their oxalate content.
Results: Administration of ethylene glycol to rats increased the supersaturation of urine by escalating the levels of the stone-forming constituents, such as calcium, phosphorus and uric acid, which was completely restored by B. vulgaris treatment. The decrease in the inhibitor magnesium in urine was prevented by the co-treatment with B. vulgaris. Serum creatinine levels were effectively brought back to normalcy by B. vulgaris treatment. Hyperoxaluria induced renal damage was evident from the decreased activities of tissue marker enzymes and an apparent escalation in their activity in the urine; this was prevented by B. vulgaris treatment. Intake of B. vulgaris reversed the tissue load of oxalate.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that homeopathic preparation of B. vulgaris root bark possesses strong anti-lithiatic potential when presented at ultra-diluted dose.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

Prof. Sneh Anand

Changes in Electro-Physiological markers in muscle fatigue with homoeopathic preparation of Arnica montana – A comprehensive study.

Feb 2011 – Oct 2012

Human

The study was conducted to understand the scientific outcome using the tools for assessment of muscle fatigue done with appropriate physiological multilevel parameters.

The exploratory trial was aimed at measuring muscle fatigue using techniques like Impedance Plethysmography (IPG), Electromyography (EMG), Photoplethysmography (PPG), Pulse Transit Time (PTT), Electrocardiography (ECG) and scales like Visual Analog Scale (VAS) & Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) in subjects before and after administration of study drug. The study achieved its required sample size and data of subjects is under process for statistical evaluation.

Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, UP

Dr. Rakesh Shukla

Pharmacological evaluation of homoeopathic medicines.

Feb 2011 – Feb 2013

Rat

A pre-clinical study on “Pharmacological evaluation of homoeopathic medicines” was undertaken with CDRI, Lucknow since Feb 2011 with objectives to utilize the inferences obtained from the study to review pharmacological activity of medicines in different concentrations in mice. The study results are promising and can be summarized as:-

• Lycopodium 30C has affected significantly with lowering the values of diastolic, systolic and arterial blood pressure; heart rate parameters at different time point. Temperature was found reduced in Lycopodium 1M upon administration in rats. In essence, Lycopodium 30C was effective to some extent in cardiovascular function.
• In memory function, it is found that rats have shown learning and improved memory in all potencies of Lycopodium in chronic administration.
• In anti-inflammatory activity, the effect of Lycopodium was tested and it was found that Lycopodium Q has dampened the inflammation at 1st h, 3rd and 4th h in paw of rat vs control. Lycopodium 30C at 3rd and 4th h, Lycopodium 200C at 1st h and Lycopodium 1M at 1st h have shown significant decrease in inflammation.
• In gastric ulcer model, Lycopodium (Q, 30C, 200C and 1M) has shown significant protection (55-67%) against alcohol induced gastric ulcer.

Collaborating Institute

Name of Principal Investigator

Title of the study

Duration of study

Salient findings

1.

University of California, Los Angles

Prevention of HIV/AIDS through traditional Medicine.

Nov 2003 – June 2004

This study is designed to assess AIDS knowledge among Homeopathy educators and physicians in India, which has not been evaluated previously. India now has the largest number of HIV infected persons worldwide, with an estimated cumulative 5.1 million infections. Homeopathy is the dominant system among the nationally-recognized alternative or complementary systems of medicine, which collectively provide health care to around 600 million people in India. Homeopathy, with its holistic and patient-centered approach, has a wide reach to people at risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants were 68 homeopathy physicians (34 educators and 34 practitioners) who completed a CDC questionnaire measuring HIV/AIDS Knowledge regarding AIDS. This study reports the current level of knowledge of, and attitudes about, HIV/AIDS among homeopathy educators and practitioners. These findings will assist in the development of an education module to equip homeopathic health care personnel to impart accurate AIDS information and prevention counseling to their patients in an efficient manner.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2008;5(2): 221-225

2.

University of California, Los Angles

Delivery of the Model HIV prevention & Health promotion proposals in India by Homoeopathy Physicians & Educators.

Jan 2006 – Apr 2011

1. Delivery of the Model HIV prevention & Health promotion proposals in India by Homoeopathy Physicians & Educators.
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a one-day and three-day train-the-trainer HIV/AIDS program delivered to homeopathy and ayurveda practitioners and educators.
Introduction: The purpose of the training was to assess (a) the change in knowledge of and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS at three and six months following the training, and (b) the number of secondary trainees trained by the primary trainees.
Methods: Participants included 202 physicians of homeopathy and ayurveda in northern India. A total of 96 physicians of homeopathy and ayurveda were trained as primary trainees in the one-day program, and 106 were trained in the three-day program. Knowledge of and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were measured by a modified 21-item questionnaire. The one-day training program covered epidemiology of the disease, transmission, and clinical presentation with a case-study approach. The three-day training added the social, ethical, and legal impact of being HIV-infected along with health counselor and participant role plays.
Results: Findings revealed that both the one-day and three-day primary trainees significantly increased their HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitude scores from pretest to immediate posttest with ongoing improvement in both groups over the three- and six-month period. A total of 26% of primary trainees in the one-day program trained secondary trainees, and 36% of primary trainees in the three-day program trained secondary trainees.
Conclusions: A train-the-trainer approach can improve the knowledge and attitude scores of ayurveda and homeopathy practitioners and educators as well as increase the number of secondary trainees. Increasing the number of trained providers to reinforce HIV prevention messages has policy implications for the Indian System of Medicine, which serves nearly 2.5 million HIV-infected patients.
World Medical & Health Policy: Vol. 2: Issue. 3, Article 4.

2. Assessing the Potential Role of Indian Homeopathic Practitioners in HIV Education and Prevention
Based on eight focus group interviews with homeopathic practitioners in New Delhi and Pune, India, this study describes current HIV education/prevention practices of Indian homeopathic practitioners and qualitatively assesses the barriers and facilitators to integrating HIV prevention/education into homeopathic practice. We found that HIV/AIDS is in fact a subject of conversation and clinical evaluation in Indian homeopathic settings; yet practitioners are not well-equipped to address this need. Our findings highlight the critical importance of (1) increasing theoretical and practical HIV knowledge and educational resources among practitioners, (2) integrating the unique features of homeopathy into the allopathic foundations of HIV education/prevention efforts, (3) addressing societal factors such as widespread stigma, fear, and ignorance among both patients and practitioners, and (4) addressing the challenges of dealing with socially sensitive and taboo topics such as sexuality through focused communication training. Education for Indian homeopaths may contribute to better prevention of HIV in India.
World Medical & Health Policy

World Medical & Health Policy. Vol. 2, Issue 1, pages 195–216, April 2010

3.

International Scientific Committee for Homoeopathic Investigations

Multinational data collection study on Homoeopathic management of patients of Influenza A (H1N1) and its implications in primary medical care

Sept 2009 – Feb 2010

There are no modern data on the use of homeopathy in pandemic influenza. India currently has the largest base of homeopathic medical practice. We established a prospective, multi-centre, data collection survey of homeopathic practitioners in India who were treating symptoms during the 2009-10 pandemic of A/H1N1 influenza ('swine flu', SF).
Aims: To survey the practice of 23 homeopathic practitioners in India in their management of symptoms of SF, with respect to: (a) patients' symptoms at presentation and at follow-up consultation; (b) the homeopathic medicines prescribed.
Methods: Data collection took place from October 2009 to February 2010 inclusive, when the pandemic was at its peak. Twenty-three homeopathic physicians contributed to data collection. All patients satisfying the accepted minimum diagnostic symptoms of SF were eligible for inclusion. Data per appointment (in person or by telephone) were recorded by the practitioner on an Excel spreadsheet. Each anonymised record included the following data: (1) whether new or follow-up (FU) consultation; (2) whether patient immunised for A/H1N1; (3) date of onset of flu symptoms; (4) influenza symptoms at consultation; (5) homeopathic medicine/s prescribed at this consultation; (6) whether antiviral medicine prescribed.
Results:
At the first appointment, 1,126 patients had valid SF symptoms, whilst 66 had non-valid SF symptoms. A total of 89 different combinations of SF symptoms was observed, the most common being [temperature >38C + cough + runny nose] (n=170; 15.1%). A total of 44 different remedies (or combinations of remedies) was used at these first appointments, the most frequently prescribed being Arsenicum album (n=265; 23.5%). There were a total of 484 follow-up appointments, comprising 294 second appointments, 86 third appointments, 39 fourth appointments, 17 fifth appointments and 7 sixth appointments. Arsenicum album was prescribed most frequently overall (n=28; 28.0%).
Conclusion:
The 2009-10 pandemic of A/H1N1 influenza in India was characterised by several prominent symptoms and symptom/medicine associations, particularly [temperature >38C + cough + runny nose]/Arsenicum album. The symptom combinations described were not unique to the medicine given. It is feasible to collect useful data on homeopathic prescribing for patients during an influenza pandemic.

Author(s)

Title

Journal

Adeline Nyamathi, Vijay Pal Singh, Ann Lowe, Anil Khurana, Divya Taneja, Sheba George, and John L. Fahey. Evidence-Based

Knowledge and Attitudes about HIV/AIDS among Homoeopathic Practitioners and Educators in India.

Evidence based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.Volume 5 (2008), Issue 2, Pages 221-225

E N Sundaram, P Uma Maheswara Reddy, K P singh, K R Janardhan Nair, Ch. Raveender, C Nayak.

Biochemical and haematological evaluation of different potencies of homoeopathic drug Ricinus communis.

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy 2009; 3 (1):6-17.

Gitanjali B, Nayak C, Raveendran R and Prakash Rao M.

Effect of homoeopathic drugs used in insomnia on serum melatonin and cortisol levels in healthy volunteers.

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy 2010; 4(1):47-55.

Sundaram E N , Singh K P, Reddy K P, Reddy P U, Nair K R J, Raveendar Ch., Nayak C.

A preliminary study to evaluate analgesics and behavioural activities of the homoeopathic drug Anagalis arvensis in rats.

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy 2010; 4(2):41-48.

Sundaram E N , Singh K P, Reddy K P, Reddy P U, Raveendar Ch., Nair K R J, Nayak C.

Preliminary studies on analgesic and behavioural activities of the homoeopathic formulations of Chenopodium ambrosioides in experimental animal models.

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy 2010; 4(3):44-50.

Gupta G, Singh JP, Tandon S, Singh S, Nayak C, Singh H et al.

Evidence based clinical study to assess the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines in patients of benign prostatic hyperplasia. 

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy 2010; 4(4):49-56.

Adeline Nyamathi, Anil Khurana, Vijay Pal Singh, N. Shrikanth, Divya Taneja, Shonali M. Choudhury PhD, MMH, John L. Fahey, C. Nayak.

Delivery of a Model HIV Prevention and Health Promotion Train-the-Trainer Program in India

Homeopathy and Ayurveda Practitioners and Educator. Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 12 (2010).

George, Sheba; Nyamathi, Adey; Lowe, Ann; Singh, Vijay; Khurana, Anil; and Taneja, Divya (2010)

"Assessing the Potential Role of Indian Homeopathic Practitioners in HIV Education and Prevention,"

World Medical & Health Policy: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 12.

B Bandopadhyay, S Das, M Sengupta, C Saha, K C Das, D Sarkar and C Nayak.

Decreased intensity of Japanese encephalitis yirus infection in chick chorioallantoic membrane under influence of ultradiluted Belladonna extract

American Journal of Infectious Diseases 2010; 6 (2): 24-28.

Nirupama Mishra, K. Charan Muraleedharan, Akalpita Sriniwas Paranjpe, Devendra Kumar Munta, Hari Singh, and Chaturbhuja Nayak.

An Exploratory Study on Scientific Investigations in Homeopathy Using Medical Analyzer.

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2011; 17(8): 705-710.

Bhaswati Bandyopadhyay, Satadal Das, Milan Sengupta, Chandan Saha, Nemai Bhattacharya, Chinta Raveendar, Rathin Chakravarty, Krishnangshu Ray and Chaturbhuja Nayak

Suckling mice of “Belladonna 200” fed mothers evade virulent Nakayama strain Japanese encephalitis virus infection.

International Journal of Microbiological Research 2 (3): 252-257, 2011.

Rajendra P Upadhyay, and Chaturbhuja Nayak.

Homeopathy emerging as nanomedicine.

International Journal of High Dilution Research 2011; 10(37): 299-310.

E. N. Sundaram, K. P. Singh, K. Pratap Reddy, Sunil Kumar, K.R.J. Nair, Anil Khurana, Hari Singh and C. Nayak

Indigofera tinctoria: an experimental study evaluating its analgesic and behavioural activities in animals.

IJRH 2012. Volume 6, Issue 1 & 2

Collaborating Institute

Principal Investigator

Title of the study

Model

Inception

Total Duration (in years)

Dr A.C Hom. Med. College,
Bhubaneswar, DPRU of PURI, RRI(H), Mumbai, (Bhabha Atomic Research Center)

Director General, CCRH

A multicenter study on action of homoeopathic medicines and potencies on heart rate variability (HRV) and blood flow variability (BFV) with medical Analyzer System

Human

Aug 2009

-

Sri Aurbindo Institute of Integral Health and Research, Cuttack.

Dr. Sumana Kumari Panda

Efficacy of Homoeopathic Therapy on duration of labour

Clinical study

October 2012

01 year

School of Biotechnology, West Bengal University of Technology, West Bengal

Prof. Subrata Kumar Dey

In vitro studies of some Homoeopathic medicines on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cell (Avena sativa, Caust., Phos. and Zinc.)

Mice- Neural stem cells

March 2012

02 years

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

Dr. Surender Singh

Safety and efficacy studies of Homoeopathic drugs

Mice

March/June 2012

01 year

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

Dr. Y.K. Gupta

Preliminary pharmacological studies of Homoeopathic drugs

Mice

March/June 2012

01 year

Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal

Prof. Gaurishankar Sa and Prof. Tanya Das

Extension of study “Role of homoeopathic medicines in cancer regression and rejuvenation of depressed immune system: a mechanism study” – Extension study

Cancer cell line

June 2012

01 year

Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, UP

Dr. Umesh Dimri

To evaluate certain homoeopathic medicines for their immuno- modulatory and antioxidant potential

Mice

April 2009

-