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    A comparative study of the relationship between the applications of Erythrina lysistemon (Umsinsi) within the traditional African and homeopathic medicinal systems
    (2021-05-27) Nyoni, Linnet; Ross, Ashley Hilton Adrian
    Traditional practices are highly respected and prioritized by a greater part of the black population in South Africa. There is a gap between the scientific evidence and the limited documentation of these practices due to knowledge that is being passed down from generation to generation through teachings, observations, and experience. This study sought to explore the different aspects of traditional African medicine, including the transmission of the indigenous knowledge and its relationship to homoeopathic medicine with respect to the applications of the medicinal plant Erythrina lysistemon. The study’s main aim was to explore the relationships in terms of similarities and /or differences existing between the African traditional and homoeopathic medicinal systems of the plant Erythrina lysistemon with reference to its pharmacology. A qualitative research methodology was employed to explore the understanding of the African traditional medicinal applications of Erythrina lysistemon by traditionalhealers from the Durban Warwick Triangle Muthi market. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on twelve traditional healers with the use of an interview guide and a voice recorder. The interviews were conducted in IsiZulu, after which they were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The NVivo qualitative software was used for data analysis where themes were derived and analysed. Data on the homoeopathic applications of Erythrina lysistemon was derived from its homoeopathic materia medica which was formulated following a proving of the bark of Erythrina lysistemon in 2007. A desktop review of the plant’s pharmacology and toxicology was also conducted in comparison to its effectivity. The results obtained from the arising themes within the two medicinal systems were subjected to a comparative analysis, noting the differences and/or similarities presented. The field interviews conducted produced data that confirmed most of the documented uses of Erythrina lysistemon and further produced undocumented indications. A desktop review of the pharmacology and toxicology of Erythrina lysistemon also offered an understanding for some of its application properties. The prenylated flavonoids of Erythrina lysistemon have antimicrobial properties which render the herb effective in abscesses and infection, its application in sprains and other musculoskeletal complaints is due to its analgesic properties and the alkaloids produce estrogenic effects, accounting for its effect on the female reproductive system. The comparative analysis revealed areas of definite similarities between African traditional and homoeopathic applications of Erythrina lysistemon. The main areas of overlap were highlighted under the following headings: Head, Stomach, Abdomen, Urinary system, Female complaints, musculoskeletal system, Skin, Earache, Nausea and Vomiting, Stool, Wounds, Mental and Metaphysical symptoms. There were areas where no overlap was observed such as the Sleep, and Eye sections that were only accounted for in the materia medica but not in the African traditional medicinal application data. Both the physical and metaphysical indications of Erythrina lysistemon in traditional medicine were discussed and the metaphysical indications were compared in reference to some of the materia medica mental symptoms. The study concluded that there are definite areas of overlap between the applications of Erythrina lysistemon within the two discussed medicinal systems. The effectivity of Erythrina lysistemon in treating physical ailments in African traditional medicine can also be credited to some of its toxicological/pharmacological attributes. Furthermore, recommendations have been made for future studies.
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    A comparative analysis of the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica with existing remedies from the Rosacea family
    (2021-05-27) Zuma, Minenhle Goodenough; Maharaj, Mandusha
    Introduction Over the years there has been an increase in the number of homoeopathic drug provings. This has in turn, led to an increase in the number of available homoeopathic remedies and, consequently, an expansion of the materia medica. The increase in the number of available homoeopathic remedies is a massive milestone in the field of homoeopathy. However, some practitioners acknowledge that finding a homoeopathic similimum is rather daunting due to the excessive volume of data. A system of prescribing that would make the process of finding a similimum logical is necessary. Numerous homoeopaths have developed methods to analyse and classify remedies. The Doctrine of Signatures, miasmatic theory developed by Samuel Hahnemann, the homoeopathic repertories and group analysis are but some of the developments that have been implemented to assist homoeopathic practitioners and students grasp the excessive content that exists in the materia medicae and the field of homoeopathy as a whole. These methods have also made prescribing for both students and homoeopaths logical and much easier. Innovative homoeopathic authors like Sankaran (2005a), Scholten (1993) and Mangialavori (2010) have developed systems of studying remedies in groups or kingdoms, now famously known as group analysis. Group analysis offers a valuable tool for studying and prescribing homoeopathic remedies with accuracy. Aim This is a non-empirical correlational, theoretical study with the aim of studying and comparing the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica with the following selected plant remedies within the Rosaceae plant family: Crataegus oxyacantha, Hydrocyanicum acidum, Laurocerasus, Prunus spinosa and Rosa damascene. This study also aimed to expand the knowledge of the Rosaceae family and by so doing improve the application of the remedies in a clinical context. A MacRepertory® search was conducted to choose remedies belonging to the Rosaceae family with the greatest number of rubrics hence the above-mentioned remedies were selected as the sample for this study. A good representation of the remedy in the materia medica and the number of successful clinical cases available were other factors that were considered on selecting sample remedies. Objectives 1. Describe and organise symptomatology of selected remedies of the Rosaceae plant family and tabulate their respective symptomatology in order to derive homoeopathic themes. 2. Determine homoeopathic symptomatology, rubrics and themes of Malus domestica in order to enable family contextualisation. 3. Compare the themes and sensations that emerge with existing themes and sensations of Malus domestica and the selected Rosaceae plant family remedies. Methodology To fulfil the purposes of this study the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica was thoroughly studied and interrogated. A computer repertory search was conducted using MacRepertory® to extract all the rubrics of the study remedies. The sources that were used included the documented proving of Malus domestica 30CH, materia medicae and MacRepertory®, which is an electronic database consisting of repertories, materia medica, books and journal articles. The symptomatology, themes, sensations, and rubrics were visually analysed and compared with each other in the form of tables for easy reference and to identify existing commonalities and differences. The collected themes and sensations were subsequently analysed. The emerging sensations were then compared with those proposed by Sankaran. Results The Rosaceae remedies yielded numerous themes and sensations, especially those relating to the mental sphere, chest, respiratory, heart and circulation, extremities and the head. The following sensations were noted: tightness, spasms, oppression, suffocation, paralysis, constriction, disconnection and pressure (inwards and outwards). A few polarities were noted in the mental themes. The polarity that exists between some of the themes are: • Calmness and quietness vs Nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and fear; • Increased memory and concentration levels vs Mental weakness, mental dullness, loss of memory and mental exhaustion. The comparative analysis of the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica and existing Rosaceae plant remedies namely, Crataegus oxyacantha, Hydrocyanicum acidum, Laurocerasus, Prunus spinosa and Rosa damascene exhibited numerous commonalities. Conclusion The study established clearly discernable commonalities between Malus domestica 30CH and existing Rosaceae plant remedies, with the majority of these commonalities relating to the mind, head, chest, respiratory, extremities, heart and circulation and the abdomen. This study demonstrated that group analysis can validate and expand provings, hence expanding knowledge and clinical application of these remedies.
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    A group analysis of the mind symptoms of homoeopathic plant remedies from the Asteridae Subclass of plants in terms of known materia medica
    (2020-11-30) Gevers, Solveig; Wulfsohn, Terence; Maharaj, Madhu
    There are thousands of proven homoeopathic remedies available for prescription by homoeopaths worldwide. With the ever-growing wealth of information on homoeopathic materia medica, there comes a need for systemization in order for homoeopaths to better understand and apply accurately, and effectively, the remedy indicated to patients seeking homoeopathic care. Over the past two decades, methods of systemization, collectively referred to as “group analysis”, have been developed by the likes of Sankaran (2005), Scholten (1993) and Mangialavori (2010) in attempt to gain greater insight into the vast bank of remedies now available, their relationships to each other and how they can be applied in homoeopathic practice. The intention of group analysis is to study the symptoms, sensations and pathological affinities that are common within a group of remedies. This study, a non-empirical, theoretical homoeopathic group analysis, investigated the mind symptoms of seven purposively selected remedies from seven Orders within the Subclass Asteridae. The data was collected and systematically organised into synonymous categories and then translated into common mind symptoms based directly on the concepts that arose. The results were compared to that of Yakir (2017) in her work Wondrous Order, which unites developmental psychology, botany and homoeopathic materia medica into a Systematic Table of Homeopathic Plant Remedies. The system of classification developed by Cronquist in the 1980’s, based on evolutionary taxonomy, was applied due to the schematic approach of ordering plants based on morphological characteristics which relates to the homoeopathic ‘signs and symptoms’ of function and sensation in the plant kingdom (Yakir, 2017) and to allow for a fair comparison to that of Yakir who applied the same system in Wondrous Order. The representative remedies were selected through a quantitative method using MacRepertory computer software, and elected based on the highest number of mind rubrics represented by a remedy from seven Orders within the Subclass. The following seven remedies were chosen for the study: (Subclass – Order – Family – Species) 1. Asteridae – Lamiales – Verbenaceae – Agnus castus (agn.) 2. Asteridae – Polemoniales – Solanaceae – Atropa belladonna (bell.) 3. Asteridae – Asterales – Asteraceae – Chamomilla vulgaris (cham.) 4. Asteridae – Rubiales – Rubiaceae – China officinalis (chin.) 5. Asteridae – Scrophulariales – Scrophulariaceae – Digitalis purpurea (dig.) 6. Asteridae – Gentianales – Loganiaceae – Nux vomica (nux-v.) 7. Asteridae – Dipsacales – Valerianaceae – Valeriana officinalis (valer.) A computer repertory search was then conducted using MacRepertory Professional (Synergy Homeopathics, 2018), isolating rubrics from the mind section of the Complete Repertory 2017 (Van Zandvoort, 2018) containing a minimum of 3 of the selected representative remedies and a total of 50 or less remedies. The resultant rubrics were tabulated in ascending order in terms of the number of remedies within each rubric, and then grouped according to common threads in the mind rubrics and the associated symptoms. The rubrics were visually analysed, compared and contrasted to determine the governing mind themes of the Asteridae Subclass. A comparison was drawn between the common mental themes identified from the results of the study and the basic themes of the Asteridae as put forward by Yakir (2017). An overall sense of mental “instability” was observed by the researcher from the highlighted concepts and common mind symptoms that arose in the study. One of the first mind themes identified in the study was that of over-sensitivity which parallels with how Sankaran (2017) describes the basic theme of the Plant Kingdom as “the basic issue of plant families is sensitivity and reactivity. In the human being, the Plant experience is that of sensitivity. They are affected by many things and must adapt and adjust to them. The plant individual gets easily affected and describes that as something is happening within him”. The concept of delirium, both hyperactive (insanity, madness, mania) and hypoactive (prostration, stupefaction and dullness of mind) was found to have the highest number of supporting rubrics. A theoretic progression was hypothesized by the researcher showing a development of mental instability in the group of Asteridae remedies. Beginning with the concept of sensitivity (a plant attribute as described above) which filters into the thematic states of anger (irritable, rageful, and violent quality), excessiveness (excitable, debaucherous and chaotic quality), sadness (a melancholic, morose, and depressive quality), and anxiety (fearful, restless and anxious quality), and finally developing into a state of delirium which presented either as hyperactive delirium (insanity, madness and mania) or hypoactive delirium (confusion, prostration of the mind and stupefaction). Some opposing concepts of the common mind symptoms arose: insensitivity (opposed to sensitivity); joy (opposed to sadness); and lack (opposed to excess). Opposing concepts did not arise relating to anxiety or anger. The final thematic tendency found by the researcher was the desire to escape, for an end or a death. This concept was theorised to be the ending result of the progression. The purpose of the study is to determine the common mental themes of the Subclass Asteridae and draw a comparison to confirm and/or expand on what Yakir has put forward. The group analysis study, although broad, provides a bridge between kingdom and family group analyses, providing clarity to certain highways, byways and alternate routes for practitioners navigating the complex map of homoeopathic remedies currently available. It is proposed that the resulting themes will better aid in the homoeopathic understanding of plant remedies from the subclass Asteridae. The researcher proposes that the resulting information will contribute positively to creating more structure to the body of homoeopathic plant remedies allowing for greater understanding, application and prescription of plant remedies.
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    A comparative analysis of the natural history of selected remedies from the Anacardiaceae plant family with their respective homoeopathic symptomatology
    (2020-06-10) Mbatha, Magic Msawenkosi; Maharaj, Madhu; Wulfsohn, Ben
    The ever expanding homoeopathic Materia Medica poses multiple difficulties for the physician whose aim is to prescribe a single and specific remedy. The homoeopathic discipline has also been under immense pressure in the past few decades from scientific practitioners to display “scientific plausibility”. Comparative analytical studies are an approach that can create a platform that can be utilized to address these challenges. Comparative analytical studies collect and compare existing data from various sources with the aim of formulating an improved opinion regarding a subject. Aim of the Study The aim of this study was to develop the learning, understanding, and teaching of the Anacardiaceae plant family of remedies by exploring and comparing the family’s natural history, respective homoeopathic symptomatology, and identifying concepts and ideas to facilitate the development of the “scientific plausibility” of homoeopathic medicine. The study focused on both similarities and differences that exist between the family’s natural history and homoeopathic symptomatology, ultimately extracting common features of both aspects and developing a new and better understanding of the Anacardiaceae plant family of remedies. Methodology The researcher established the Anacardiaceae plant family, by definition, and determined its various members. Using Macrepertory (2017), the list of members was then refined to include only those members utilized homoeopathically. This list included 19 remedies. The list of 19 remedies was further refined to include only those remedies that have been clinically verified. Remedies, featuring in less than 2000 rubrics, were considered to be less significant for the purpose of this study, and thus excluded. A total of five (5) remedies featured in more than 2000 rubrics. Various literature sources were consulted to retrieve information on the natural history of these five (5) remedies required for the purpose of this study. These remedies met the datasufficiency standard determined by the researcher, and thus formed the subset group for this study. Using Macrepertory (2017), a computer repertory extraction was performed for the individual members of the subset group. The parameters were set to include only the general and mental symptoms as the study focused only on those symptoms. Various literature sources were consulted to acquire information on the natural history of the different members of the subset group. Keywords and concepts from the natural history of the individual members of the subset group were then identified and extracted. These were then tabulated for ease of reference. The components for the criteria of comparison for the natural history included physical properties, habitat and distribution, historical significance, associated mythology, uses, active principal, physiological action, and toxicology. The Oxford Paperback Thesaurus (2012) and Thesaurus.com (2019) were consulted to identify keywords and synonyms related to the homoeopathic general and mental symptoms of the various members of the subset group. This information was also tabulatedto facilitate the grouping of similar themes. The commonalities pertaining to the natural history of individual remedies and their respective homoeopathic general and mental symptoms were tabulated and discussed. On conclusion of individual remedy analysis and correlation, a collective analysis of the entire subset group was conducted. Results The themes found to be common in all the members of the subset group, when collating and contrasting the Anacardiaceae plant family’s natural history and homoeopathic general and mental symptoms, were pain, inflammation, swelling, redness, coldness, burning, irritable, eruptions, and weakness. These themes were further compared to those obtained by Sankaran (2002), Scholten (2013), and Yakir (2017) in their respective studies. Conclusion The results obtained from this study indicate that the aims and objectives, as set out by the researcher, were achieved. The researcher also believes that the outcome of this study is an accurate reflection of the relationship between the natural history and homoeopathic general and mental symptoms of the Anacardiaceae plant family of remedies employed homoeopathically.
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    Synergistic effects of plant extracts and penicillins on staphylococcus and enterococcus faecalis
    (2019-09-05) Nsele, Nhlanhla Wiseman; Adam, Jamila Khatoon; Coopoosamy, R.
    Introduction Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as remedies for human diseases because they contain components of therapeutic value. Recently, the acceptance of traditional medicine as an alternative form of health care and the development of microbial resistance to the available antibiotics has led scientists to investigate the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the interaction between water and ethanolic extracts of Psidium guajava (ugwava) and Sutherlandia frutescens (unwele) alone and then synergy testing of these extracts with known penicillins using both disc diffusion and microdilution method on Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) and Enterococcus faecalis(E. faecalis). Methodology The plants used in this study Sutherlandia frutenscens (S. fruitescens) and Psidium guajava (P. guajava) were harvested from the Silverglen Nature Reserve (Chatsworth) early in the morning (8 am). The leaves of S. frutescens and P. guajava were used to prepare the extracts. All plant extracts were prepared according to modified method of the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoea. Two solvents, water and ethanol were used for extraction. The extracts were then assessed for their antibacterial activity against methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Enterococcus faecalis. The effect of the plant extracts on these bacteria was determined by the disk diffusion test, which was used as the screening test. Positive results were further subjected to the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration assays using the agar dilution method. Dilutions that showed no growth on non-selective plates were taken as minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentrations. Bacterial sensitivity testing was carried out in accordance with modified Kirby-Bauer Antimicrobial Sensitivity Test. The synergy testing was conducted by combining the extracted plants with penicillins. The combinations were then tested against MRSA, MSSA and E. faecalis and the results were compared with both the individual plant and the penicillins. Results Only the water-based extracts of plants were able to inhibit MRSA, MSSA and E. faecalis. None of the test organisms were inhibited by the ethanol extracts of all plants used in this study. In the screening test, the zones of inhibition for waterbased extracts against MRSA, MSSA and E. faecalis ranged from 17 mm to 35 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0 % to 100 % inhibition depending on the dilution of the extract. In the combination studies, the zones of inhibition for water-based extracts against MRSA, MSSA and E. faecalis ranged from 18 mm to 50 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0 % to 100 % inhibition depending on the dilution of the extract The results obtained in this study prove that S. frutescens and P. guajava extracts contain antibacterial substances. The water-based extracts of all plants in this study inhibited the growth of MRSA, MSSA and E. faecalis. The combination studies produced zones that were greater than the individual penicillins indicating that synergistic effects do exist. Ethanol-based plant extracts did not inhibit the growth of any bacteria in this study. The results obtained in this study might be considered sufficient for further studies aimed at isolating and identifying the active compounds. The herbs should be tested in vivo by means of clinical trials and they should also be tested for their toxicity to cells. Different parts of the plants should also be tested for antibacterial activity to a wide range of bacteria.
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    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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    A double-blind placebo controlled homoeopathic proving of Malus domestica 30CH, with a subsequent comparison of proving symptomatology to homoeopathic remedies of repertorial similarity
    (2015) Moonsamy, Brenton Ricardo; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree; Somaru, Nevorndutt
    Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of Malus domestica 30CH on a group of healthy provers and to compare these signs and symptoms to remedies of repertorial similarity. Malus domestica (common domestic apple) is an indigenous South African fruit which grows on the Drakensberg Mountains in Northern KwaZulu-Natal and is a regular part of the diet for those living there. This study hypothesized that Malus domestica 30CH would prove observable signs and symptoms in healthy individuals. Further it was hypothesized that the comparison of Malus domestica to remedies of reportorial similarity would highlight similarities and differences between existing homoeopathic remedies and Malus domestica 30CH thereby clarifying the therapeutic action of this new remedy and its relative location in the materia medica. The study was conducted by two researchers who each managed 15 provers and shared all primary data. The second researcher hypothesized that there would be a similarity between the proving symptoms of the remedy and the Doctrine of Signatures of the original substance (Ramnarayan 2014). Methodology A double blind placebo controlled proving of Malus domestica 30CH was conducted on 30 healthy volunteers who met specific inclusion criteria, with 6 receiving placebo and 24 receiving verum. A case history and thorough physical examination was performed on every prover before commencement of the proving. Recording of the data collected was in the form of a journal. Once the proving was completed information from each prover was collated and assessed by the two researchers. The symptoms elicited were then translated into materia medica and repertory language and a complete homoeopathic picture of the remedy appeared. Information from case histories and physical examinations were also considered. A repertorisation of 10 rubrics chosen to represent the essence of Malus domestica was conducted using Radar Opus software. Exclusion repertorization then followed in order to identify those remedies producing the highest numerical value and total number of rubrics within the animal, mineral and plant kingdoms in particular. Results Vast arrays of symptoms were experienced by the provers. Polarities in the symptoms were often displayed. On the emotional plane, there were symptoms of depression, sadness and cheerfulness. Some provers experienced tranquility and others felt anger, frustration and irritation. On the mental plane there were symptoms of clarity, focused concentration and confusion. The presence of delusions was marked. The most prominent delusion which infiltrated the mental and physical plane was of disconnection and separation. The main symptoms were sensations as if the extremities were separated from other areas. There was cramping and itching of the extremities as well. Pulsating headaches with perspiration of the scalp and eye pain were experienced. Various gastrointestinal symptoms were experienced ranging from distention, eructations, cramping, and diarrhea to hemorrhage after stool. Constriction of the chest and a loose, dry cough was also experienced. Cervical and lumbar back pain was reported. Sleep was described as unrefreshing with sleeplessness. The themes that emerged from the dreams were of danger (including danger to family), banquets, parties and helping others. The provers had a craving for tea. The similar remedies that emerged from the repertorial analysis were; Natrum muriaticum, Rhus toxicodendron, Lyssin, Cinchona officinalis and Pulsatilla pratensis. Conclusion The proving of Malus domestica 30CH did produce well defined symptoms that were clearly observed in healthy provers as proposed by the hypothesis. As hypothesized the comparison of Malus domestica to remedies of repertorial similarity did highlight similarities and differences between existing homoeopathic remedies and Malus domestica 30CH thereby clarifying the therapeutic range of this new remedy and its relative location in the materia medica.
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    The efficacy of a homoeopathic mother tincture complex (Vitex agnus castus, Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis) in the management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
    (2018-05) Sukati, Behlulile Nonsikelelo Stoppy; Ngobese-Ngubane, Jabulile Cresancia; Couchman, Ingrid
    Research Problem Statement Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that involves a combination of emotional and physical symptoms that result in significant functional impairment. PMDD can be debilitating and there are multiple treatment options available, but these are not without side effects. Although complimentary or alternative medicine may be beneficial in treating PMDD, however, there is not enough data available to validate their effectiveness. This study aimed at comparing and determining the efficacy of a homoeopathic mother tincture complex (Vitex agnus castus, Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis) compared to placebo in the management of PMDD. Methodology A sample size of 30 consenting female participants with PMDD who met the inclusion criteria as set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The duration of the study was three months for each participant. Participants were randomly divided into experimental and placebo groups with three consultations over the study period where Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and Visual Analogue Scale were applied. Non-parametric and inferential analysis of data were performed to analyse and compare the effects of treatment and time on symptoms over the three consultation periods (α.05). Results Results for both scales showed no statistical significance in the interaction between time and treatment. The results showed no statistical differences between the control and experimental group in the management of PMDD. However, the mean value measured in the experimental group were consistently lower than the control. Conclusion The conclusion derived from this study is that the homoeopathic complex studied is not effective in the treatment of PMDD. None of the results showed significant differences between the treatment and the placebo group trials. Further studies are highly recommended in this field.
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    A Homoeopathic C4 trituration proving of Withania somnifera with a subsequent comparison to the conventional 30CH proving of Withania somnifera
    (2017) Pillay, Nickita Nikki; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree; Ross, Ashley Hilton Adrian
    The C4 trituration method is a unique method for homoeopathically proving a substance and determining its therapeutic properties. The process requires the use of a mortar and pestle and involves many rounds of grinding (triturating) the raw substance. During the trituration process symptoms are experienced by the triturator. Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic medicine is highly regarded for its clinical efficacy as an adaptogenic herb. Due to the herb’s therapeutic properties and extensive use in Ayurvedic medicine a comprehensive homoeopathic drug proving was conducted at The Durban University of Technology by Laidlaw in 2015. Aim The aim of this study was to conduct a homoeopathic C4 trituration proving of Withania somnifera with a subsequent comparison to the conventional 30CH proving of Withania somnifera which was conducted by Laidlaw in 2015. The study was of a qualitative and exploratory nature hence employed a qualitative methodology with purposive sampling. Participants were required to triturate up to the fourth potency [C4] and all the symptoms experienced were recorded in the journals provided. The study incorporated thematic analyses of data. The data was transliterated by the researcher, thereafter those symptoms were classified systematically and converted into rubrics using Schroyens (2012) repertory. Recorded symptoms were collated to create a C4 trituration representation. Subsequently the symptoms obtained from the C4 trituration proving of Withania somnifera was comparatively analysed against the symptoms of the conventional 30CH proving of Withania somnifera, which was conducted by Laidlaw (2015). Method This research study followed a qualitative methodology which comprised a single blind study, and a proving sample. This was a qualitative study; the requirement for sample size is usually up to 10 participants until saturation of data, but this study utilised 18 participants to ensure the generation of rich data. Participants triturated 91: 100 lactose to the fourth potency [C4] using a mortar and pestle. All symptoms experienced were recorded in journals. The analysis of the data followed a qualitative phenomenological methodology. Results The C4 trituration proving yielded 145 rubrics. Two of these rubrics were newly formulated. The majority of the rubrics were produced in the MIND and HEAD section. There were 100 Grade 1 rubrics, 44 Grade 2 rubrics and 1 Grade 3 rubrics. Conlcusion The C4 trituration produced a symptom picture of Withania somnifera, which was comparable to the 30CH conventional proving. The C4 trituration proving produced observable changes in the triturators’ state of health but predominantly MIND symptoms were evoked. The symptom picture created with the C4 trituration had many similarities to the 30CH conventional proving. The polarity of symptoms that existed in Withania somnifera was observed in both provings and included symptoms such as: anxiety vs tranquillity, increased concentration vs decrease in concentration. Differences between the C4 trituration proving and the 30CH conventional proving were found in the description of physical symptoms such as headaches, in the types of delusions that occurred in each proving, and in some mental symptoms such as anger, sadness, clarity, and introspection.
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