Faculty of Health Sciences

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The efficacy of a homoeopathic simillimum in the management of excessive daytime sleepiness
(2019-09-05) Mbatha, Ntombizethu Annie; Naude, D. F.
Background Sleepiness is a multifactorial phenomenon as it may possess ‘trait’ and ‘state’ features (Shahid, Shen and Shapiro, 2010). Trait features are influenced by individual personality and are long term while state features are short term (Shahid, Shen and Shapiro, 2010). Previous research reveals that excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) affects approximately 10%-25% of the general population (Morrison and Riha, 2012) and can therefore have a negative impact on daily functions (Shahid, Shen and Shapiro, 2010). Moreover, Johns (1991) states that 50% of healthy medical students usually fall asleep during the day at least once in an average week, which could negatively affect academic performance. This research focuses on the management of EDS through utilising a homoeopathic simillimum approach to provide an important reference for practitioners regarding this troubling condition. Aim The aim of this randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic simillimum in the management of EDS in terms of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (Johns, 1991) and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) (Hoddes et al., 1973). Methodology By means of non-probability convenience sampling, the first 31 respondents to the published advertisement who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent were recruited. Participants were randomly divided into two groups; the active group (group 1) comprising 20 participants and the placebo group (group 2) comprising 11 participants. Participants attended three consultations with the researcher and received their individually determined homoeopathic simillimum or a placebo at their first follow up appointment which was then administered over a treatment period of two weeks. Response to treatment was determined using two existing, validated, data collection tools namely, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Johns, 1991) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (Hoddes et al., 1973). Quantitative data were subjected to general linear model (GLM) repeated measures statistical techniques which were used to measure the effect of treatment at various time points both within subjects and between them. Results According to ESS both groups experienced an overall improvement in EDS symptoms. The active group experienced a higher reduction in mean ESS scores compared to the placebo (40% and 31% respectively) but this did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05) despite the perceived improvement in the participants’ sleepiness. With respect SSS data, a repeated measures ANOVA method failed to show significant difference between placebo and active groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Both the ESS and SSS data collection tools proved to be valuable in measuring the severity of EDS in tertiary students. Although EDS symptoms improved to a greater degree in those who received homoeopathic simillimum according to ESS data, this improvement was not statistically superior to placebo. SSS data however was comparable between groups throughout the study. Natrum muriaticum was the most prescribed remedy and thus, it can be a remedy to consider for EDS. A flexible potency selection as well as extended time frame for the study could provide a better evaluation of the efficacy of the homoeopathic simillimum treatment on EDS
A comparison of the conceptual understanding and management of Acne Vulgaris amongst registered homoeopaths and izinyanga in KwaZulu-Natal
(2019-12) Cebekhulu, Candice Sanelisiwe; Wulfsohn, T.O.; Dube, Nontobeko Sibusisile
INTRODUCTION Acne vulgaris commonly known as ‘acne’ is a chronic skin disease that is caused by inflammation or blockage of the hair follicles and their associated pilosebaceous units. Acne vulgaris typically affects areas of high density of sebaceous follicles such as the face, neck and back. More than 85% of the adolescent population including 20% of adult women and men worldwide are affected by acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris further accounts for more than 3.5 million general practitioner appointments each year, making this disease a health concern worldwide. Dermatologists are medical practitioners who are qualified to diagnose and treat acne vulgaris. In the province of KwaZulu-Natal patients suffering from acne vulgaris frequently consult homoeopathic as well as izinyanga traditional health practitioners for the alleviation of their skin ailments. However, little is known about the conceptual understanding together with the management of acne vulgaris amongst registered homoeopaths and izinyanga in KwaZulu-Natal. AIM The aim of this study was to explore and compare the conceptual understanding as well as the practice and management methods of homoeopaths and izinyanga in the treatment of patients with acne vulgaris in order to fully understand their conceptual understanding and management of acne vulgaris. METHODOLOGY An exploratory study using qualitative research techniques together with inductive reasoning processes was employed to collect data from six registered homoeopathic practitioners and six registered izinyanga traditional health practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal selected by means of judgemental sampling and snowball sampling respectively. Semi-structured interviews in a face-to-face situation were utilised to collect the primary data. The collected data was then transcribed and analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS The results showed that the homoeopath and izinyanga respondents shared similar ideas in terms of their conceptual understanding and management of acne vulgaris. Both groups of practitioners held that acne vulgaris on its own was not purely a disease but was rather a symptom of a deeper underlying cause. Furthermore, both of them prescribed their treatment based on individualisation. Homoeopaths understood the disorder as an outer expression of an inner underlying pathology that presented itself outwardly via visible signs and symptoms. Suppression of the sycotic miasm together with hormonal imbalances were the two main underlying pathologies that they believed were the cause of acne vulgaris. Homoeopaths made their medical diagnosis based on physical examinations together with the past medical history medical history of the patient. Lastly, homoeopaths managed their patients through detailed case taking, constitutional and similimum remedies. Izinyanga described acne vulgaris as isichito (a human made curse to ruin ones skin or to break up a relationship), that was placed by abathakathi (witch doctors) or jealous individuals with the intention of ruining one’s face or with the aim of separating a couple. Izinyanga used ukuhlola (the use of ancestral powers to diagnose patients). Lastly their treatment regime consisted of a combination of herbs and natural elements (collectively known as uMuthi) together with ukugquma (i.e. steaming, where one exposes the face for several minutes to steam coming from a very hot pot while covering the head with a blanket draped over the pot) and ukuphalaza (to vomit or to clear the stomach through induced emesis). There were, however, a few differences between these two medical systems. Homoeopaths believed that in addition to the prescribed treatment patients should undergo counselling. The izinyanga did not share this idea. In addition, the izinyanga believed that witchcraft was a barrier to treating acne vulgaris patients while the homoeopaths did not mention this in their responses. CONCLUSION The conceptual understanding and management of acne vulgaris amongst the homoeopaths and izinyanga interviewed appeared to be similar despite a few differences in their treatment regime. Additionally, considering the fact that acne vulgaris is a chronic disease that affects the majority of the adolescent population at large and that many of these affected individuals consult either homoeopaths or izinyanga for the alleviation of their skin ailments, a co-operative practice between these two health practitioners is paramount. Furthermore, more awareness about the treatment methods offered by homoeopaths and izinyanga should be promoted within the healthcare system.
A nine-year comparative retrospective clinical audit of the UkubaNesibindi Homoeopathic Community Health Centre
(2019-09-05) Mdluli, Zinhle Pearl; Ngobese-Ngubane, J.C.; Maharaj, Madhu
Introduction In order to facilitate higher standards of health care, as well as in teaching and learning, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Department of Homoeopathy established its first satellite community centre called Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Health Centre (UNHCHC) in 2004. This clinic is in the greater Durban region at 22 Stratford Road, Warwick Junction on the third floor of the Lifeline building. This process was undertaken in active collaboration with Lifeline (Smillie 2010; Dube 2015). The main objective of this community centre was to introduce an alternative, cost effective, safe and gentle form of treatment to improve the lives of people and as well as to provide the students with the practical foundation and a clinical environment (Smillie 2010). UNHCHC provides free homoeopathic primary health care services in a primarily disadvantaged area noted for its highly impoverished people and substandard living conditions (Watson 2015). The purpose of this comparative retrospective centre audit of UNHCHC was to determine the difference, if any between patient demographics, disease prevalence profile and the major medicines prescribed, with the results of the study by Smillie (2010) at the same facility. Data was collected by performing a clinical audit on patient files from the archives at UNHCHC. All patient files from July 2008 to July 2017 were included for analysis. Aim of the study The aim of this nine year (2008 to 2017), comparative, retrospective, descriptive, explanatory, study was to determine the patient demographics, disease prevalence profile, consultation patterns and identify the major medicines prescribed at UNHCHC, and compare these results with Smillie (2010) study. Methodology The study used a comparative, retrospective, explanatory and descriptive design method by means of a clinical audit to determine a patient demographic and disease prevalence profile, as well as identify and describe the various homoeopathic treatment modalities of UNHCHC and compare these results with that of Smillie (2010). Prior to commencement of the study all gatekeeper permission was sought and granted accordingly by all relevant personnel. The data collection tool was a spreadsheet that was utilized to capture data from all files from 2008 July -2017 July. This included both new patient files and follow up patient files. The data collection form was divided into patient demographic information such as race, age and gender, employment history, year of first consultation, number of follow ups, clinical diagnosis, examination procedure (such as urine dipstick and full comprehensive physical examination), patient referral and treatment protocol. The study was conducted at the UNHCHC under the supervision of a qualified and registered homoeopath. The results were analysed by using various forms of descriptive statistics such as pie charts and bar graphs using Excel from Microsoft Office. Results An in-depth audit report of the clinical activities of UNHCHC was carried out from July 2008 to July 2017. All patient files from July 2008 to July 2017 (both new and follow up files) were included for analysis. revealed the same notion as Smillie in terms of demographics, there is a small margin of difference that can be negligible. The significant difference is the average age group that showed younger patients having more access to the facility (age group-25-39) (39.5%). The most noteworthy change was the consultation statistics that has shown an increase from 2004-2008, there were only 1044 consultations compared to, 2009-2019 where there were 5870 consultations. This shows an 82% increase from the first four years. There were not many implications that this study revealed that is worth mentioning except that the access to homoeopathic treatment has improved from 2004 to date. Access has changed amongst different ethnic groups where, 95% of Africans can now access the homoeopathic treatment that in the past they could not access. This primary health care setting has been accessed by 0.9% of White patients compared to 0% when it started in first four years. This may be due to socioeconomic shifts we are witnessing in South Africa. It is critical to note that access was not the objective of the study. Patients were mostly diagnosed with respiratory diseases, particularly upper respiratory tract infections. Smillie (2010) found that infectious diseases were the most prevalent disorders encountered at UNHCHC. The total number of prescriptions was 4 822. Other phytotherapeutic treatment medications such as herbal creams, tissue salts and herbal tinctures were prescribed in addition to primary homoeopathic treatment modalities to consulting patients during the study period. Smillie (2010) found that Natrum muriaticum (8%), Sepia officinalis (5%), Aconite napellus (5%), Staphysagria delphinium (5%), and Pulsatilla nigricans (5%) were the most prescribed remedies at UNHCHC during the period of her study. The study revealed that the recommendations made by Smillie (2010) were followed through as the centre now has, the provision of a glucometer, pregnancy testing kits and peak flow meter at UNHCHC. Two additional clinician’s assistants have been employed at UNHCHC and work on different operational days at UNHCHC, decreasing the administrative duties of the attending clinician. The clinician’s assistants also form part of the translation team when required to translate for student interns. Provision of a ground floor consulting room has been attained. A shared consultation space between Lifeline and UNHCHC serves as a consulting space. Provision of language translators has been made. In 2009 the language isiZulu was introduced into the curriculum as a module. This module does not form part of the official curriculum, but students have access to the module through the clinic director Dr Ngobese-Ngubane. In the period of 2017 UNHCHC was renovated to meet the Allied Health Professionals council criteria. The clinic now comprises of a dispensary room, three consultation rooms, one storage room, two clean toilet facilities, two signs outside of the clinic and in addition the clinic has three additional staff members, two clinic assistances and one staff member to maintain cleanliness of UNHCHC.This shows improvements on the running of the centre. Conclusion UNHCHC has continued to develop and grow over the years since its inception in 2004. Both the retrospective studies conducted at UNHCHC over its 14-year history have illustrated the growth in patient numbers as well as prevalent diseases seen at UNHCHC. The results obtained from this study demonstrates that homoeopathy as a profession, within the medical field can be included in the national primary health care system. Inclusion of homoeopathy within the public health sector could assist in reducing the overcrowding of patients experienced at the public health clinics. This statement is supported by the positive results of this study. More homoeopathic clinics should be established in impoverished communities around the country, along the lines of the UNHCHC, which has proven to be an effective community health clinic within the Warwick Junction community.
An exploration of related homoeopathic remedies and fear and over-care Bachflower remedies
(2019-06-10) Chauke, Khazamula Osman; Wulfsohn, T.O.
INTRODUCTION The research topic is, “An exploration of related homoeopathic remedies and fear and over-care Bach Flower Remedies’’. This is an exploratory, literature based study. Bach Flower Remedies (BFRs) are grouped into seven groups. The research focuses on two of the seven BFRs groups, which are, fear, and, over-care for welfare of others. There are emotional and mental themes under each of the seven Bach Flower Remedies. The mental and emotional themes of the remedies under the selected groups are used as symptoms. These symptoms are converted into rubrics, which were searched in a repertory. METHODOLOGY Computer repertory, Radar Synthesis 10 and Synergy MacRepertory were nonfunctioning at the time of data collection, so manual repertory has been used to repertorize the mental symptoms of Bach Flower Remedies (BFRs). Radar Synthesis 10 and Synergy MacRepertory 8 are some of the homoeopathic computer-repertories similar to homoeopathic repertory hardcopy books. RESULTS Homoeopathic remedies that match Bach Flower Remedies’ mental symptoms are obtained. There are similarities and differences on homoeopathic remedies that are obtained under the same mental symptoms of BFRs. CONCLUSION There are much similarities between homoeopathic and Bach Flower Remedies. Homoeopathic and Bach Flower Remedies can be prescribed together for patients as these modalities compliment each other. Homoeopathic practitioners can include Bach Flower Remedies in remedy differentials and to consider as first choice remedies for prescription.
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of registered Master’s Degree homoeopathy students of the role of nutrition in Homoeopathic management
(2019-09-05) Sotondoshe, Olwethu; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree
Background: Nutrition is a vital component of health promotion and disease prevention. Homoeopathic practitioners are in a good position to offer nutritional advice to patients. However, M. Tech: Hom students at DUT find their nutrition education to be inadequate. Therefore, this research is aimed at understanding knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of students registered at the master‘s level of their M. Tech: Hom degrees, regarding the role of nutrition in homoeopathic management of patients. Method: Following a qualitative exploratory descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 M. Tech: Hom students to determine their levels of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of nutrition education at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic (HDC) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), in a quiet, private and comfortable consultation room. The interview data was transcribed into Microsoft word document. Transcripts were analysed using Tesch‘s thematic eight-step procedure of data analysis. Subsequently, categories, codes and themes were formed. Results: From 13 semi-structured interviews with M. Tech: Hom students, three themes emerged. Those three themes were knowledge of nutrition, perception of nutrition and attitude towards nutrition. All participants considered nutrition applicable to homoeopathic management. However, the majority of participants were dissatisfied with the amount of time allocated for nutrition education in the homoeopathic curriculum. Furthermore, they felt unprepared to provide nutrition care to patients. Conclusion: Participants in this study recognised the importance of nutrition training in homoeopathic management. However, they felt dissatisfied with the quality and quantity of the nutrition training offered in the current homoeopathy syllabus and inadequately equipped to offer nutrition care.
A controlled in vitro study of the antimicrobial effectiveness of Colibacillinum against E. coli
(2018) Xaba, Nkululeko; Naude, F. D.; Pillai, S. S.
Background Due to the rise of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections, alternative methods of treatment need to be explored. Homoeopathic medicine is based on the principle of ‘like cures like’ (O’Reilly, 1996) i.e. the symptoms the substance can cause, it can cure which is the underlying rationale for this study. Colibacillinum is a remedy prepared from an enteropathogenic strain of E. coli, this remedy is already used in clinical practice against chronic cystitis (Leupen, 2010) caused by E. coli, however, an extensive literature search has revealed there to be no empirical investigation into its antibiotic capacity. This study aimed to show whether or not this remedy demonstrates antimicrobial capacity against E. coli in an in vitro setting. Parallell homoeopathic potencies of this remedy and one prepared from a uropathogenic strain of E. coli were tested for antimicrobial effects against enteropathogenic and uropathogenic strains of E. coli in vitro using the disc diffusion method. Aim of the study The aim of this controlled in vitro study is to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of parallel potencies of the homoeopathic remedy Colibacillinum (manufactured from a uropathogenic strain and enteropathogenic strains respectively) against uropathogenic and enteropathogenic cultures of E. coli in vitro by means of the disc diffusion assay method. Methodology Measurements were by means of the disc diffusion essay. For this experiment thirty Mueller-Hinton plates were prepared and inoculated with each test bacteria in turn. Fifteen plates were inoculated with Uropathogenic strain of E. coli and the remaining 15 plates were inoculated with Uropathogenic strain of E. coli. A sterile 5mm Whatman® filter paper number 4 discs were individually inoculated with test substances 3CH,9CH,30CH and 200CH potencies and the controls, negative (43% ethanol) and positive control (Ciprofloxacin) using a micropipette, before being allowed to dry in the incubator. A Ciprofloxacin antibiotic (positive control) was included in the experiment with sole purpose of accounting for plate-plate variations in the pharmacological sensitivity of the same specie of bacteria. The plates were incubated at 37°C, and the zones of inhibition measured with a pair of Vernier calipers at 24 hours. Data entry was done using the SPSS statistical package. ANOVA was used to compare the differences between the test and control groups, Mauchly’s Test of Sphericity for Uropathogenic prepared strain, Mauchly’s Test of Sphericity for Enteropathogenic prepared strain, Normality test. Results The results obtained from this study showed that the Homoeopathic remedy Colibacillinum prepared from both Uropathogenic and Enteropathogenic strains displayed inhibitory effects against Enteropathogenic and Uropathogenic strains of E. coli, and exhibited statistically significance. The control group (ciprofloxacin) had the highest inhibitory effect (42.3±0.58mm) against Enteropathogenic and Uropathogenic E. coli, while the negative control (43% ethanol) had the lowest inhibitory effect (0.67±1.15mm). Colibacillinun 200CH prepared from a Uropathogenic strain of E-coli (Coli-b_U 200CH) displayed statistically significant antimicrobial effects against uropathogenic E.coli; such antimicrobial effects were significantly greater than 43% ethanol (negative control); the antimicrobial effect was however inferior to Ciprofloxacin (positive control). Colibacillinum 9CH prepared from Enteropathogenic strain of E-coli (Coli-b_E 9CH) also displayed statistically significant antimicrobial effects against enteropathogenic E.coli which were significantly greater than 43% ethanol (negative control) but inferior to Ciprofloxacin. Conclusion This study concluded that Colibacillinum prepared from Uropathogenic and Enteropathogenic strains of E. coli, are effective in inhibiting the in vitro growth of E.coli when evaluated by means of disc diffusion. The study further confirmed that the biological (anti-microbial) activity of an ultra-high homoeopathic dilution (Coli-b_U 200CH) (1:10400) and in the case of Coli-b_U the findings support existing literature which suggests that the anti-microbial properties of homeopathic nosodes increase with potency; all hypotheses for this remedy were thus accepted. This trend was not noted for Coli-b_E in which the potency with the greatest anti-microbial effect was the 9CH, thus Colibacillinum prepared from Enteropathogenic strain (Coli-b_E) did not conform with hypothesies one, two and four that were proposed in chapter one. Despite this the confirmation of significant antimicrobial effects of a substance at this level of deconcentration (1:1018) is noteworthy.
Prescription trends of sulphur as an anti-psoric in a homoeopathic community clinic in eThekwini
(2019) Ford, Aanisah; Maharaj, Madhu; Ngobese-Ngubane, J.C.
Brief background In homoeopathy patients are treated miasmatically and this mode of prescribing is especially relevant in the case of chronic diseases. Miasms can be defined as dynamic, chronic disease producing agents. According to Hahnemann they are the fundamental causes of all natural chronic diseases (Kent, 2007). The Durban University of Technology (DUT) established its first satellite Homoeopathic Community Health Centre; Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Health Centre (UNHCHC), in 2004. UNHCHC provides a free homoeopathic primary healthcare service on the third floor of the Lifeline building in Warwick Junction, Durban, an area which is classified as being underprivileged. The clinic gives 4th and 5th year homoeopathic students the opportunity to treat patients under the supervision of a qualified homoeopathic practitioner and is funded solely by the Department of Homoeopathy (Smillie, 2010). Aim of the study The study aimed to determine the prescription trends of Sulphur as an anti-psoric in a homoeopathic community health centre in eThekwini for the period 2015-2016. Data from the study was analysed to determine the number of cases, the demographics and clinical conditions and guiding symptoms which led to the administration of Sulphur. The study was further analysed and a comparison of the guiding symptoms to that of Sulphur documented in various existing materia medica was conducted. The researcher evaluated the prescriptions in each case against psoric miasm prescribing criteria. Methodology A retrospective chart review of patient case files at UNHCHC was conducted for the period 2015-2016. Data was collected from patient files in which Sulphur was prescribed in the initial consultation according to a standardised rubric (Appendix A). Relevant information was extracted to document the demographics, clinical diagnosis, homoeopathic guiding symptoms and posology for the initial prescription of Sulphur. Each outline of the rubric was analysed collectively against the prescriptions of Sulphur. A thematic analysis was conducted and prescription trends were revealed upon coding of recurring themes for the prescription of Sulphur. These were then documented and subsequently compared to the various existing materia medica of Sulphur. A sample size of 80 patient files where Sulphur was prescribed in the period 2015- 2016 was obtained for this research. All patients signed consent forms prior to the consultation whereby patients gave permission for their information to be used for research purposes (Appendix B). Only initial administration of Sulphur was recorded and taken into account to determine prescription trends. Demographic descriptive statistics were conducted and illustrated using graphical presentations. Themes were drawn based on the data that emerged from the symptoms and rubrics. Prescription trends were documented after themes and prescription patterns were identified. Thereafter, a comparison to the various existing materia medica was conducted by comparing the arising symptomatology upon which the prescription of Sulphur was based, with that of the various existing materia medica. A comparison of the prescribing symptoms of Sulphur with that of the various existing materia medica, fulfilled the underlying rationale of clinical verification of the homoeopathic prescription of Sulphur in a community health Centre setting, where a wide range of clinical conditions are managed. Finally, prescriptions for each case were evaluated against the psoric miasm prescribing criteria. Results This research determined that Sulphur was prescribed as a first prescription to 80 patients at UNHCHC during 2015-2016. Twenty-five patients (31.3%) were seen in 2015 and 55 patients (68.8%) were seen in 2016. The age range was from 3 years old to 76 years old. The majority of patients (55, 68.8%) were in the age range 21-40 years. Of the 80 patients, 48 (60%) were female and 32 (40%) were male. The results show that symptoms that emerged during the initial consultations where Sulphur was presribed correspond with the symptoms in the existing materia medica, although some cases revealed symptoms that were not documented in the materia medica. The data documented was further analysed and evaluated against the psoric miasm prescribing criteria, as per the criteria set out by Choudhury (2015). The prescription trends of Sulphur at UNHCHC indicated that Sulphur was prescribed remedy across age, gender and pathology. As an anti-psoric remedy, Sulphur was prescribed for, typically, the complaints of psora, such as skin conditions. Thus, the results show that the decision to treat symptoms that correspond with Sulphur in the materia medica, may also address the underlying psoric miasm. This further reinforces the role of Sulphur as an important anti-psoric remedy. The documenting of the prescription trends of Sulphur as an anti-psoric has assisted in providing formal clinical data demonstrating the utilisation of Sulphur in homoeopathic care and in a primary healthcare setting. It has also provided further information on Sulphur as an anti-psoric remedy.
The efficacy of homoeopathic simillimum as compared to a homoeopathic complex in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder
(2019) Gumede, Aphelele Sibahle Zodumo; Ngobese-Ngubane, J.C.; Essack, A.
This double-blind randomised controlled study aimed to determine the efficacy of a homoeopathic simillimum treatment as compared to a homoeopathic complex in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD belongs to a group of mental disorders that is caused by an intense stress or the inability to overcome stress. The DSM-5 (2013) categorises PTSD as a mental disorder that is debilitating to the person and occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic, tragic or terrifying incident that results in the person having recurrent frightening thoughts and memories of the past incident and causes emotional numbness. This study aimed to manage and reduce PTSD symptoms through careful treatment of the mental, emotional and physical being of the individual. Methodology A sample size of 33 consenting participants between the ages of 18-65 years who met the inclusion criteria according to the DSM-5 (2013) completed the study. The duration of the study was eight weeks per participant. Measurements were taken during four consultations over the eight weeks period of the intervention. The participants were divided into two groups using a randomisation list arranged by the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Clinic technician, namely, the simillimum group and complex group. Because of the nature of the research, the researcher was not aware of who was in which group, this prevented biasness when treating the participants. At each consultation a Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) (Weathers et al.2013), Post-Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) (McCarthy 2008) and the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) (Carlson 2012) was filled out to measure the progress in each consultation. Results The results of the study showed no significant difference between the simillimum group and complex group, leading to the conclusion that homoeopathic simillimum treatment is no more effective than homoeopathic complex treatment in the management of PTSD. Each treatment group showed a reduction in scores in all the scales, and improvement in well-being, lifestyle and attitude towards life even though this improvement was not statistically significant. It was evident that the p-values were greater than 0.05. All three instruments showed of improvement of symptoms in the participants. However, there was no statistical significance between the simillimum and complex group
A homeopathic drug proving of Anthropoides paradiseus 30CH with subsequent comparison to the ethology of the substance
(2018) Godfrey, Melissa; Maharaj, Madhu
Introduction The purpose of this study was to conduct a homoeopathic drug proving of Anthropoides paradiseus 30CH and to subsequently compare the symptoms derived during the proving to the ethology of the animal from which the proving substance was derived. Methodology The homoeopathic proving of Anthropoides paradiseus 30CH was conducted as a randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled trial at the Durban University of Technology on thirty participants. Twenty percent of the participants received a placebo while the remaining eighty percent received the active substance of Anthropoides paradiseus 30CH which was manufactured according to methods 6, 8a and 10 of the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia. After recruitment, a two-phase consent and a comprehensive initial consultation, participants who met the inclusion criteria were accepted into this study. Powders were ingested over a two-day period and thereafter the provers were monitored for a further five weeks. During the proving period, participants subjectively recorded their experiences in a journal and were monitored by the researcher. Following the proving period, journals were collected, and the data analysis took place. The symptoms of the verum group were converted to standard repertory and materia medica formats. The symptoms were then compared to the ethology of the animal from which the substance was derived so that similarities between the behaviour of the animal and the expressed symptom picture of the provers could be assessed. Results The proving of Anthropoides paradiseus 30CH produced symptoms in keeping with five hundred and seventy-four existing rubrics, and fifty-five new rubrics were created. The majority of rubrics were represented in the MIND, NOSE, STOMACH and DREAMS sections of the repertory. The general themes of dryness, thirst, increased or decreased energy, large appetite and laterality were seen. The common sensations were itching and heaviness. The mental themes which were clearly evident were: focus, lack of concentration, isolation, sociability, music, dance, exercise, anxiety, calmness and spirituality. Correlations between the behavioural, anatomical and physiological features of Anthropoides paradisus and the symptom picture produced by provers during the proving period was clearly evident. Conclusion Clearly observable symptoms were produced in healthy individuals following the administration of Anthropoides paradiseus 30CH. A clear correlation existed between the symptomatology produced during this proving and the ethology of Anthropoides paradiseus.
The efficacy of a herbal complex (Gingko biloba, Panax ginseng, Bacopa monerii and Rhodiola rosea) in the management of excessive daytime sleepiness
(2018) Mazibuko, Sindisiwe Sthembile; Naude, D.F.
BACKGROUND Good sleep is essential to health, yet university students are sleep deprived due to later bedtime and experience sleepiness during the day (Patte et al., 2017), Sleepiness is referred to an increase propensity to fall asleep and excessive sleepiness and sleep disorders are common in our society today (Bittencourt et al., 2005). Previous research suggested that sleep can affect academic performance (Halik et al.2016), this is because students were observed falling asleep in university rooms (Eden, 2006). Brand et al., (2009) also mentioned that students feel sleepy during certain periods of the day especially during classes, during low stimulation and during car or bus rides. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of a herbal complex (Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Bacopa monerii & Rhodiola rosea) in the management of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in terms of Epworth sleepiness scale (John, 1991) and Stanford sleepiness scale (Hoddes et al, 1973). METHODOLOGY The study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology and 31 participants were chosen according to a specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample was then randomly divided into an active group (herbal treatment) consisting of 21 participants and a placebo group of 10 participants. The measuring tools that were used were Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) (Appendix C) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) (Appendix D). The initial consultation with the researcher consisted of signing the informed consent forms, case taking, physical examinations and filling in the ESS. Thereafter there were two follow up consultations; a week after the first consultation (the second consultation) at which point the treatment/placebo was dispensed and again two weeks from the second consultation which was the last day of the study and at which point medication containers were returned and final case taking and physical examinations were performed. The ESS was completed at recruitment, at the second consultation (both pre-treatment) and at close out and the SSS was completed for a period of three weeks (one week pre-treatment) and two weeks post treatment. RESULTS The data analysis methods that were used in the study were; Cronbach alpha score, One sample Kolmogorov-Simrnov test, Fisher‟s exact test, Pearson‟s correlation test, Independent sample test and ANOVA for ESS and mixed factorial ANOVA was used to evaluate the SSS. In conclusion in terms of the ESS both groups improved significantly over time; degrees of improvement however were not statistically dissimilar although a review of mean scores indicates the active group as having lower scores suggesting a clinically significant trend. SSS data however confirmed statistically significant differences between groups in favour of the active group confirming the herbal complex superior effect over placebo in the treatment of EDS.

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