A homoeopathic proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH with the subsequent comparison to its empirical clinical issues

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the homoeopathic indications of Garcinia cambogia in the thirtieth centesimal potency [30CH] through the homoeopathic drug provings so that it may be prescribed according to the law of similar, and subsequently to compare these results to the documented empirical use of Garcinia cambogia. Objectives The first objective was to determine the effect of Garcinia cambogia 30CH on a healthy individual so that it may be prescribed using the law of similars. This was achieved by a randomized, double blind placebo controlled homeopathic drug proving in the 30th Hahnemannian potency in 30 healthy volunteers of which 6 were on placebo. The second objective was to subsequently compare the materia medica of Garcinia cambogia 30CH to the known existing empirical use of the substance. Methodology This study took a form of a double-blind placebo controlled trail consisting of 30 participants whom met the inclusion criteria (Appendix B). The parpticipants were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of 15 provers and supervised by two M.Tech Homoeopathy students. 24 provers received verum and 6 provers received placebo. Neither the supervisor nor the prover nor the researcher were aware of which prover was assigned to the verum or placebo until the study was completed. The proving substance was administered in the 30CH potency, in accordance with the Liga Medicorum Homoeopathic International (LMHI) and the European Committee for Homeopathy (ECH) Homoeopathic proving guidelines and Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic department guidelines. All provers were subjected to a pre-and post- proving consultations in which case history and physical examinations were performed. A pre-proving meeting was held for all provers and supervisor. The symptoms was obtained from prover journals which was then collated, edited and translated into repertory language. By identifying the empirical use of Garcinia cambogia and relating these rubrics derived from the proving of Garcinia cambigia 30CH, a comparison was performed in order to evaluate the overlap between the homoeopathic indications and empirical use of the proving substance. Results The proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH produced a total of 1431 rubrics, 235 of which were newly formulated rubrics and 34 cured symptoms presented during the proving period. There were 969 Grade 1 rubrics, 216 Grade 2 rubrics and 11 Grade 3 rubrics. The majority of rubrics were represented in the MIND, HEAD, GENERALS, DREAMS, STOMACH and EXTREMITIES divisions in the repertory. After critical evaluation a large quantity of symptoms were recorded by provers. The results yielded greatly on the mental/emotional level. There were a clear demarcation in polarity of symptoms as well as changeability of symptoms. Keynote features were as follows:  Anger/irritability vs. calmness/tranquility;  Anxiety vs. calmness in stressful situations;  Depression/sadness vs. cheerfulness;  Confusion vs. concentration/clarity of mind;  Connection vs. disconnection;  Exertion desire vs exertion aversion;  Positivity vs. pessimism Countless themes originating from dreams were journaled by provers, in some cases signs of threat and deadly incidents. The chief physical symptoms that appeared were; feelings of dizziness, excessive weakness or extreme desire for activity, headaches of a pounding, hammering nature. There was also an abundance of abdominal discomfort, seen as distension, burning sensations and flatus. There was ravenous hunger or complete loss of it and an unquenchable thirst, especially for cold drinks. Allergy-type symptoms were noted as well. Provers recorded coryza, excessive sneezing, itchy eyes, lachrymation and dry itchy throat. Sleeplessness at night with excessive sleepiness during the day was evident. There were robust cravings for chocolate, pizza and alcohol. Carving of foods which aggravated was also prevalent. Critical analysis of the results presented an understanding of the similarities and differences of between the homoeopathic proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH to the documented empirical use of Garcinia cambogia. Conclusions The hypothesis that the proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH would produce symptoms in the provers participating in this study was accepted and acknowledged as it was evidently established. The second hypothesis was Garcinia cambogia 30CH would expand the understanding and clinical scope of the medicinal value of the remedy by correlating symptoms produced with the empirical uses of Garcinia cambogia 30CH was also achieved.