SUCCESS STORIES
Homoeopathic medicines administered singly or in combination having synergistic action has helped relieving a large percentage cases of typhiod, sinusites, pneumonia, corns, psoriasis, acne, eczemas, urinary tract infections, fibromyoma uterus, polycystic ovaries, asthma, migrane, arthralgia, anxiety neurosis, depression, hypothyriodism, hyperthyriodism, renal calculi etc.
3.OUR SUCCESS IN TYPHIOD CASES
5.EFFICACY OF ANACARDIUM IN THE TREATMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
________________________________________________________________
“Double blind placebo controlled trial of indicated Homoeopathic medicine in Management of withdrawl of Drug Dependents (Opium & its alkaloids derivatives dependents).”1
Ajay Kr. Grover, Bharat Bhushan, Rajesh Goel,
Navjyoti Drug Demand Reduction Training Institute, New Delhi
Objectives: To ascertain the efficacy of Homoeopathic medicines in the management of withdrawl symptoms of Opium & its alkaloids derivatives dependents.
Methods: A sample of 169 patients addicted primarily to opium, its alkaloids derivatives either natural or synthetic (Morphine, Codeine, Heroine, Pethidine and other Narcotic etc.) was enrolled for the study between September 2002 to August 2005. Only male patients within 15 – 50 yrs of age coming to the O.P.D. were admitted and included in the study. The study was conducted at Navjyoti Drug Demand Reduction Training Institute, New Delhi. An indicated homoeopathic medicines ( on the basis of predominant known effective symptoms of each drug) out of the selected six efficacious medicine was prescribed for the withdrawl symptoms experienced by the enrolled patients. The medicines were prescribed from the coded medicines. Therefore both the prescriber as well as the patient were blind to the medicine or placebo. Thus, approximately half of the patients were given medicines & other half received placebo. Assessment of progress made in each individual symptom was recorded for both the groups i.e., on medicine & on placebo.
Results: Action of Medicine & Placebo in relieving the withdrawal symptomatology of Opium Drug Dependents was compared from 3 rd day onward after starting the treatment.. The action of each individual Homoeopathic Medicine in relieving symptoms is significantly better than that of placebo in each group in this study.
Conclusion: The Statistical Analysis approves that medicines have acted better in relieving the acute withdrawal symptomats than the placebo in each group. Symptoms like Lachrymation, Sneezing, Yawning, Abdominal Pain, Constipation, Anxiety & Irritability have particularly responded better to the medicine than placebo.
Key words: Opium dependence, Abstinence syndrome (Withdrawl Symptoms).
INTRODUCTION
Role of homoeopathic treatment in detoxification of opium & its alkaloids derivatives dependents is very significant as has been observed by clinical experience of over 14 years of Navjyoti Drug Demand Reduction Training Institute. Homoeopathic medicines are effective in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms of Drug Dependents (Opium & its alkaloids derivatives dependents). Six efficacious homoeopathic medicines were selected for this double blind placebo controlled trial in this project to further evaluate their role in the management of withdrawl symptoms.
The withdrawal symptomatology of opium & its alkaloids derivatives dependents consist of Lachrymation, Bodyache, Pain in legs, Rhinorrhoea, Sneezing, Yawning, Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhoea, Abdominal Pain, Loss of Appetite, Chill, Pilorection, Heat alternating with chill, Sleeplessness, Restlessness, Anxiety & Irritability etc. The withdrawal symptoms usually develop 6 to 24 hrs. after the last dose of opium & its alkaloids derivatives consumption.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was “Double blind placebo controlled trial of indicated Homoeopathic medicine in Management of withdrawl symptoms of Drug Dependents (Opium & its alkaloids derivatives dependents).”
MATERIAL AND METHODS :
169 Male patients between the age group of 15 years to 50 years, addicted primarily to opium, its alkaloids derivatives either natural or synthetic (Morphine, Codeine, Heroine, Pethidine and other Narcotic etc.) reporting the O.P.D. at Navjyoti (new or referred from recovering addict, family member, friends, Govt. hospital, NGOs, Social worker and through awareness program) were enrolled and admitted for the study in the IPD.
Routine investigations which included Chest x-ray, Hb, TLC, DLC & ESR were advised for all the patients taken into the study.
Co-existent active tuberculosis or any other chronic illness.
Case recording and prescription making
The physician recorded the case history by filling up the pre-designed case-record form inquiring into the drug abuse history, pre morbid personality, past treatment, personal history and family history of the patient. Full general and systemic examination of the patient were carried out and recorded.
Patients were asked about their presenting complaints. As most of the cases were asymptomatic on the first day of admission (because of the last dose of drug taken on the same day), the symptoms of abstinence developed on the second day i.e. 6 to 24 hours after the last dose. Patient’s withdrawal symptoms were carefully noted down with respect to location, sensation, modality and concomitantts.
After analysis indicated medicine from selected group of six medicines namely Arsenic album, Nux-vomica, Ipecac, Chamomilla, Rhus tox, Pulsatilla was prescribed.
The recording was done regularly on day-to-day basis for 30 days. It was ensured that the patient was maintained in the original group through out the study and does not cross over to the other group.
Potencies & Dosage
Homoeopathic medicines were prescribed in potentized form in sugar cane globules (30 No. Size). 4 globules constituted a dose. Medicines were procured from a reputed pharmaceutical of the same batch number for the whole project duration. 30th potency of the medicine was used four times in a day for each patient.
The medicines were dispensed from the coded bottles of these six homoeopathic medicines. We had six bottles of each medicine numbered 1 to 6 in 30 no. pills in 30 potency. For each medicine out of these 6 bottles only 3 contained medicine & other 3 had placebo. Indicated Medicines were dispensed from these bottles. In this way half of the patients actually received placebo.
Coding of Medicine
The coding was done by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy(CCRH).
Grouping
Half of the patients were kept as control (85 on drug and 84 on placebo). Patients were divided as per Randomization table provided by CCRH.
Follow-up
The follow up of the each patient with respect to each symptom was done on day-to-day basis for the first 30 days.
Analysis
Analysis of 169 patients was done with following results:
Table 1: Age Group
|
Age Group |
Number of Patients Enrolled on Control |
Number of Patients Enrolled on Medicine Group |
| 15-20 yrs. |
16 |
15 |
| 21-25 yrs. |
24 |
25 |
| 26-30 yrs. |
16 |
15 |
| 31-35 yrs. |
07 |
08 |
| 36-40 yrs. |
06 |
06 |
| 41-45 yrs. |
06 |
07 |
| 46-50 yrs. |
09 |
09 |
| Total |
84 |
85 |
Table 2: Peroid of Addiction
| Period of Addiction | Number of Patients Enrolled on Control | Number of Patients Enrolled on Medicine Group |
| 01-05 yrs. |
53 |
51 |
| 06-10 yrs. |
20 |
22 |
| 11-15 yrs. |
05 |
06 |
| 16-20 yrs. |
04 |
05 |
| 21-25 yrs. |
02 |
01 |
| 26-30 yrs. |
- |
- |
| Total |
84 |
85 |
Table 3: No. of Patients enrolled under each group of medicine & placebo
RESULTS
169 patients were enrolled for the study as per the inclusion criteria. All 169 patients were dispensed medication from the pre selected group of six efficacious medicines as per the indications.
After decoding it was found that 85 patients received the actual medicine and 84 patients received the placebo ( Table-3).
Results of both the medicine and the placebo groups were compared for disappearance of symptoms after the 3rd day of starting the treatment. The difference in the number of patients relieved by the third day was compared for each of the 19 symptoms. (Table No: 4).
Table-4
|
|
|
Under Medicine |
Under Placebo |
||||
|
S.No. |
Symptom |
No. of patients with symptoms |
No. of patients relieved |
No. of patients not relieved |
No. of patients with symptoms |
No. of patient relieved |
No. of patients not relieved |
|
1 |
Lachrymation |
63 |
48 |
15 |
62 |
37 |
25 |
|
2 |
Bodyache |
63 |
31 |
32 |
62 |
26 |
36 |
|
3 |
Pain in Legs |
65 |
24 |
41 |
62 |
24 |
38 |
|
4 |
Rhinorrhoea |
43 |
36 |
7 |
47 |
34 |
13 |
|
5 |
Sneezing |
45 |
28 |
17 |
45 |
16 |
29 |
|
6 |
Yawning |
64 |
42 |
22 |
67 |
28 |
39 |
|
7 |
Vomiting |
15 |
12 |
3 |
16 |
14 |
2 |
|
8 |
Nausea |
28 |
25 |
3 |
30 |
24 |
6 |
|
9 |
Diarrhoea |
32 |
24 |
8 |
29 |
17 |
12 |
|
10 |
Abdominal Pain |
42 |
30 |
12 |
40 |
20 |
20 |
|
11 |
Loss of Appetite |
41 |
27 |
14 |
43 |
22 |
21 |
|
12 |
Chill |
54 |
31 |
23 |
55 |
24 |
31 |
|
13 |
Piloerection |
41 |
28 |
13 |
43 |
25 |
18 |
|
14 |
Constipation |
26 |
24 |
2 |
26 |
14 |
12 |
|
15 |
Heat alt. With Chill |
12 |
11 |
1 |
10 |
8 |
2 |
|
16 |
Sleeplessness |
66 |
31 |
35 |
66 |
21 |
45 |
|
17 |
Restlessness |
66 |
35 |
31 |
72 |
27 |
45 |
|
18 |
Anxiety |
38 |
30 |
8 |
42 |
25 |
17 |
|
19 |
Irritability |
26 |
22 |
4 |
23 |
11 |
12 |
TheChi Squareanalysis of each individual symptom was done to know the significance of difference in the action of medicines and placebo (Table No: 5)
Table No: 5
| S.No. |
Symptoms |
% of Cases Relieved with Medicine |
% of Cases Relieved with Placebo |
“P” Values |
No. of patients in medicine group “n” |
No. of patient in control group “n” |
|
1. |
Lachrymation |
76% |
59.6% |
0.047 |
63 |
62 |
|
2. |
Bodyache |
49% |
42% |
0.41 |
63 |
62 |
|
3. |
Pain in Legs |
36.9% |
38.7% |
0.85 |
65 |
62 |
|
4. |
Rhinorrhoea |
83.7% |
72.3% |
0.19 |
43 |
47 |
|
5. |
Sneezing |
62% |
35.5% |
0.011 |
45 |
45 |
|
6. |
Yawning |
65.6% |
41.3% |
0.0062 |
64 |
67 |
|
7. |
Vomiting |
80% |
87.5% |
0.46 |
15 |
16 |
|
8. |
Nausea |
89% |
80% |
0.27 |
28 |
30 |
|
9. |
Diorrhoea |
75% |
58.6% |
0.173 |
32 |
29 |
|
10 |
Abdominal Pain |
71.4% |
50% |
0.046 |
42 |
40 |
|
11 |
Loss of Appetite |
65.8% |
51% |
0.17 |
41 |
43 |
|
12 |
Chill |
57.4% |
43.6% |
0.15 |
54 |
55 |
|
13 |
Piloerection |
68.2% |
58% |
0.33 |
41 |
43 |
|
14 |
Constipation |
92% |
53.8% |
0.0017 |
26 |
26 |
|
15 |
Heat att With Chill |
91.6% |
80% |
0.42 |
12 |
10 |
|
16 |
Sleeplessness |
46.9% |
31.8% |
0.07 |
66 |
66 |
|
17 |
Restlessness |
53% |
37.5% |
0.0669 |
66 |
72 |
|
18 |
Anxiety |
78.9% |
59.5% |
0.06 |
38 |
42 |
|
19 |
Irritability |
84.6% |
47.8% |
0.0061 |
26 |
23 |
Discussions
It was observed that medicines have acted better in comparison to the placebo group in relieving the symptoms like Sneezing, Yawning, Abdominal pain, Lachrymation and Irritability having statistical significant p values of less than .05 (Table no: 5).Sleeplessness, Restlessness and Anxiety have also responded better under the medicines in comparison to the placebo group as is supported by the statistical analysis having p values around .06 (Table no: 5)The analysis was done utilizing chi square test/Fisher’s xact test by using EPI INO packages.
It is important to note that in this study we have evaluated the six efficacious homoeopathic medicines on a double blind placebo controlled design in treating the withdrawal symptoms of Drug Dependents (Opium & its alkaloids derivatives dependents).
A sample size of 169 patients was taken to ensure sufficient number of patients in each group so that the study could be evaluated as per the standard statistical analysis.
Analysis of individual symptom has shown that medicines have acted significantly better than the placebo in relieving some of the acute manifestations of withdrawl like Sneezing, Yawning, Abdominal pain, Irritability, Lachrymation, Sleeplessness, Restlessness and Anxiety.
In symptoms like Bodyache, Pain in legs, Rhinorrhoea, Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhoea, Abdominal Pain, Loss of Appetite, Chill, Pilorection and Heat alternating with chill, it was observed that the proportions of symptoms relieved in placebo and medicinal group are not statistically significant. It also indicates that these symptoms have not responded to medicine.
Based on the findings of the study, Arsenicum album, Nux vomica, Rhus tox., and Pulsatilla are found to be effective in the management of withdrawl symptoms of drug dependents (Opium & its alkaloids derivatives dependents).
Conclusion
It is concluded that Homoeopathic Medicines have significantly acted better than the placebo group in some of the acute manifestation of withdrawl symptoms of Drug Dependents (Opium & its alkaloids derivatives dependents). However in some important symptoms of withdrawl like Pain in legs and body-ache (Which were present in more than 75% of patients) there was no difference between action of medicine and placebo.
Thus Chi-Square Test approved that medicines have acted better in acute withdrawl symptomatology. Acute Symptoms like Sneezing, Yawning, Abdominal pain, Lachrymation, Irritability, Sleeplessness, Restlessness and Anxiety responded better under the effect of Medication in comparison to the control group.
Acknowledgements
This work was carried out with financial support from Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India to Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation. The authors sincerely thank the staff of Navjyoti for their kind support in conducting the study. The authors express their sincere thanks to the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH),Delhifor helping in randomization, allocation and coding of medicines for this research work. Authors also thanks to Dr. J.P.S. Bakshi Consultant Navjyoti, Dr. R.K. Manchanda, Deputy Director (Homoeopathy) , Govt. of Delhi, Dr. Ajit Mathur , Scientist, Indian Council of Medical Research and Dr. Anil Khurana, Asstt. Director, CCRH and Dr.Subhash Arora CMO(NDMC) for technical support and guiding in statistical analysis.
References
- A Compendium of Research Papers – Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Department of Indian systems of medicine and homoeopathy, Ministry of health and family welfare, Govt. of India, Yugantar Prakashan (P) Ltd., WH-23, Mayapuri Industrial Area, Phase – I, New Delhi – 110064.
- Manual on minimum standards of services for the programmes under the scheme for prevention of alcoholism and substance (Drugs) abuse, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India, TT Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation IV Main Road, Indira Nagar, Chennai – 600020.
- The Art of Case Taking and Practical Repertorisation in Homoeopathy by Dr. Ramanlal P. Patel, Fourth Addition, Sai Homoeopathic Book Corporation, Hahnemann House, College Road, Kottayam, Kerala State, India.
- Narcotics Control Bureau , Controlled substances – Uses and Effects (Special pullout for Penalty Charts and Controlled Substances).
- Programme on Substance Abuse – Approaches to Treatment of Substance Abuse, World Health Organization.
- Homoeopathic Medicine Research Group, Volume – I. Report submitted to the European Commission – Directorate General XII: Science, Research and Development. Short Version – Chapter 1 to 7.
- A Hand Book of Repertory, Major K.K. Sirker, B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd., New Delhi, India.
- Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory and a Chapter on Rare and Uncommon Remedies, W. Boericke, M.D., B. Jain Publishers (pvt) Ltd.New Delhi– 110055.
- Allen’s Kennotes, Rearranged and classified with Leading Remedies of the Matria Medica & Bowel Nosodes, Ninth Edition, May 1999, Reprint Edition 2000 2001, 2002, H.C. Allen , B. Publishers (P) LTD.
- Addiction rehabilitation, Principles of effective programming for developing nations, James Ch’ien and Fred Zackon in collaboration with the Vocational Rehabilitation Branch, International Labour Office,Geneva, Switzer.
_____________________________________________________________
CUPRUM METALLICUM IN CRAMPS
Dr. Mohinder Kaur
B.H.M.S., Chief Medical Officer, MCD
The author has quoted success with the use of cuprum metallicum and magnesium phosphoricum in more than 60 old standing obstinate cases of cramps. Most of the cases responded within first month of treatment itself.
The author has not taken into consideration any other symptom than cramps. The success indicates specific action of cuprum metallicum and magnesium phosphoricum in relieving cramps.
In one case the patient was prescribed to take cuprum met 200 once a week but the cramps used to get slightly aggravated after taking the weekly dose. The patient completely recovered in a few months time. In another obstinate case of cramps in calf muscles of 25 years duration, cuprum met 200 was prescribed twice a day. The condition aggravated after 3-4 days and became worse. The patient reported to us and the medicine was stopped after 25 days. Within 3-4 days the patient started to get better and completely cured. The patient was followed up for the next one year during which her complaints did not return. This observation indicates that in some cases the frequent repitition of medicines is required while in some it is not.
The author further quotes successful use of cuprum metallicum in cases of breath holding spasm and also epilepsy presenting with blue lips. There was a good 90% success rate in both.
__________________________________________________
OUR SUCCESS IN TYPHIOD CASES
Dr. Ajay Kumar Grover
B.H.M.S., Vice President, Datavya Charitable Clinic, A.B.Foundation
Dr. Tushita
B.H.M.S., M.D.(Hom) CMO, Datavya Charitable Clinic, A.B.Foundation
At our clinic in diagnosed cases of typhoid most of which presented during end of first week of fever with “O” titre and “H” titre being above 1:160 in widal test were given Arsenic, Gelsemium, Bryonia, Rhus Tox, Eupatorium perf and Baptisia along with Ferrum phos and Kali mur.
Majority of the cases (70 out of 80) responded in 3-5 days of treatment, became afebrile and improved in general. No other symptom was taken into consideration other than that they were suffering from typhoid.
The remedies have been chosen as being frequently indicated for the treatment of typhoid as mentioned by different authors in homoeopathic material medicae (Leaders in Typhoid- E.B.Nash).
The success story of treating typhoid cases points out the specific and synergistic action of homoeopathic medicines when given in combination.
Observations:
- It is observed that typhoid cases are generally refered to our allopathic brethern by homoeopathic physicians, even patients from their own families.
- It is further observed during our study that patients suffering from typhoid prescribed a combination of above mentioned medicines for surety of prescription became afebrile and improved in general within 3-5 days of treatment.
- We encourage homoeopathic physician to prescribe these medicines in typhoid cases and discuss results with us for further learning.
__________________________________________________
A CASE OF PNEUMONITIS
Dr. Ajay Kumar Grover
B.H.M.S., Vice President, Datavya Charitable Clinic, A.B.Foundation
A 23 years old male reported on 11-8-12 with fever and cough from last 5 days. On examining the patient; pneumonitis was suspected and an x-ray chest and complete blood counts were done.
Hb- 11.5 mg%
TLC- 44300/cumm
DLC- P 90, L 9, E 4, M 2, B 0
ESR- 39mm 1st hour
Chest X-Ray- Showed pneumonitis
The patient was prescribed Bryonia 3x, along with Asclapias 30 and Ipecec 30 to be taken four pills each tds. Ipecac was chosen for being an expectorant. Bryonia and Asclapias were prescribed for being excellent remedies for lungs and pleurae. Both of these remedies have vibratile pulse just like the patient in this case.
The patient again reported on 14-8-12 with general improvement and had become afebrile a day ago as reported. Again the tests were done to judge improvement and record keeping. Reports show:
Hb- 11 mg%
TLC- 22300/ cumm
DLC- P 77, L 14, E 5, M 4, B 0
ESR- 32 mm 1st hour
X-Ray Chest- Shows improvement
There are several such case records, diagnosed as pneumonitis and treated successfully with a combination of homoeopathic medicines having synergistic action.
_________________________________________________
EFFICACY OF ANACARDIUM IN THE TREATMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
DR. AJAY KUMAR GROVER, DR. TUSHITA
Datavya Charitable Clinic, 1, Bhagmal Complex, Sector-15, Noida, U.P.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Optimum levels of thyroid hormones are required to maintain the metabolic processes of the body. Hypothyroidism can be caused by conditions of the thyroid as well as other disease which may indirectly affect the thyroid. Women are affected by hypothyroidism more than men, especially as they age. The incidence of hypothyroidism increases significantly in the elderly and it is noted that its prevalence is increasing by the day. It often presents as weakness, lethargy, fatigue, dryness of skin, coarse hair, intolerance of cold, constipation, weight gain, muscle cramps, oedema of eyelids, face, legs (non-pitting), menstrual irregularities on females, hoarseness of voice, confusion, and weak memory etc thus affecting the quality of life.
Anacardium is mentioned in the homoeopathic Materia Medicae as a remedy for neurasthenics; having impaired memory, irritability, brain-fag, absent mindedness, and; depression. There is aversion to work and lack of self-confidence. There is weakness of digestion, with fullness and distension. Nervous dyspepsia that is relieved by eating.. The bowels are inactive. There is ineffectual desire to pass stool; rectum seems powerless, as if plugged up; spasmodic constriction of sphincter ani; even soft stool passes with difficulty. Painful hæmorrhoids. Palpitation, with weak memory, with coryza in the aged; stitches in heart region. There is paralytic weakness in the extremities. Knees feel paralyzed or bandaged. Cramps in the calf muscles. There is intense itching, eczema, with mental irritability. Skin eruptions- vesiclular, lichen planus, urticarial, neurotic eczema, warts especially on hands etc. come in its sphere of action. Several of these symptoms cover the symptomatology of hypothyroidism.
Anacardium is also held in high esteem by Ayurveda. Maharsi Caraka has categorized Anacardium as dipaniya an appetizer, bhedaniya – accumulation breaking herb, mutra sangrahaniya – antidiuretic and kusthaghna – anti dermatosis. It has been mentioned as vajikara – an aphrodisiac, especially beneficial in the failure of penile erection and sexual debility (Sarngadhara Samhita). In the ayurvedic texts it is described as anala – a fire. It therefore increases the metabolic rate of the body. It is said to sharpen the memory as it boosts the sadhaka pitta and nourishes the nervine tissue. It also works well as aphrodisiac by its stimulant action and enhances the seminal fluids. It is prescribed with success in dysmenorrhoea and oligomenorrhoea. It is also the best rejuvenative for skin ailments, vata disorders and as a preventive measure to increase the body resistance. It improves the appetile and digestion, eliminates ama and clears up the micro channels of all the systems, hence facilitates the nourishment of all the tissues.
Therefore, an observational study on hypothyroidism was started with Anacardium as the pre-decided medicine of choice.
METHOD
A total of 20 cases of hypothyroidism having different clinical presentations were selected for the study. Out of theses, 14 cases were female and 6 male. All 20 cases were prescribed Anacardium and followed up for 2 years. A thyroid profile test was done every 3 months to assess the improvement.
RESULTS
The results obtained from the study are very encouraging with finding that 70% of the patient improvement clinically with evidence of positive changes in diagnostic parameter.
In case of Ms. X, presenting with dryness of skin, constipation, weight gain and oligomenorrhoea, there was symptomatic improvement as well as the TSH came down from 12 to 2.5 in three month duration.
In case of Mr. Y, presenting with patchy hair loss on legs, confusion and weakness of memory, there was symptomatic improvement as well as the TSH came down from 14.5 to 5.5 in six month duration.
CONCLUSION
Anacardium has a definite role to play in the homoeopathic management of hypothyroidism cases. However, such a study with a bigger sample size and randomized control trails is needed to further validate the usefulness of Anacardium in hypothyroidism cases.