Refining Research in Homeopathy

Selecting the most suitable primary outcome measure for a clinical research study in homeopathy is a key to its potential success. Previous work on the model validity of the homepathy used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), for example, included an assessment of whether the main clinical effect expected from homeopathic treatment is adequately measured by the trial's main outcome measure.[1] [2] A review article published in this issue of the journal refines that idea by re-considering the main clinical effect that should be the optimal focus of homeopathic practitioners' attention.[3] Thus, in the example of menopausal syndrome, one should think beyond hot flushes and night sweats to consider cardiovascular or bone disease, and metabolic or mood disorders, and then apply a relevant outcome measure such as blood pressure, bone mineral density, an index of metabolism or an assessment of cognitive health. While potentially enhancing a trial's model validity, there might also be a raised likelihood of finding a clinically significant effect of homeopathic treatment.

Two of the other papers in this issue report the results of RCTs: a 20,000-participant sample of the population of Kolkata, investigating the effect of homeopathic prophylactic medicines during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic;[4] and a veterinary trial in dogs to evaluate homeopathic Arnica as post-operative analgesia following ovariohysterectomy.[5] The former work was inconclusive, whilst the latter found a longer period of analgesia in the Arnica group compared with controls. The ongoing pandemic also features in another of our papers: a study at a service sector company in Brazil, which observed a lower incidence of COVID-19 in employees who received a homeopathic medicine for disease prevention compared with those who did not receive the medication.[6] This issue of the journal is completed by two articles with an emphasis on in vitro research,[7] [8] together with a clinical case report of individualized homeopathic treatment for co-morbid warts and vitiligo,[9] and a commentary article on the well-known ‘EPI3’ study in France, identifying that program of work as methodologically refined and fit for purpose.[10]

Publication History

Article published online:
19 May 2022

• References

• 1 Mathie RT, Roniger H, Van Wassenhoven M. et al. Method for appraising model validity of randomised controlled trials of homeopathic treatment: multi-rater concordance study. BMC Med Res Methodol 2012; 12: 49
• 2 Mathie RT, Van Wassenhoven M, Jacobs J. et al. Model validity of randomised placebo-controlled trials of individualised homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy 2015; 104: 164-169
• 3 Macías-Cortés E. Menopause is more than hot flashes: what is missing in homeopathic research? A narrative review. Homeopathy 2022; 111: 79-96
• 4 Mukherjee SK, Ganguly S, Das S. et al. Homeopathic medicines used as prophylaxis in Kolkata during the COVID-19 pandemic: a community-based, cluster-randomized trial. Homeopathy 2022; 111: 97-104
• 5 Travagin DRP, Balbueno MCS, Coelho CP. Use of homeopathic Arnica montana 30cH for postoperative analgesia in female dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Homeopathy 2022; 111: 134-138
• 6 Daruiche PSJ, Canoas WS, Figueira KAG, Peres GB. Homeopathy for COVID-19 prevention: report of an intervention at a Brazilian service sector company. Homeopathy 2022; 111: 105-112
• 7 Tasinov O, Kiselova-Kaneva Y, Ivanova D, Pasheva M, Vankova D, Ivanova D. Ferrum phosphoricum D12 treatment affects J774A.1 cell proliferation, transcription levels of iron metabolism, antioxidant defense, and inflammation-related genes. Homeopathy 2022; 111: 113-120
• 8 Suri M, Walter NS, Katnoria S. et al. Preparation, standardization and anti-plasmodial efficacy of novel malaria nosodes. Homeopathy 2022; 111: 121-133
• 9 Prusty AK, Bhandari P. A co-morbid condition of warts and vitiligo treated with individualized homeopathy: an evidence-based case report. Homeopathy 2022; 111: 139-146
• 10 Moride Y. Methodological considerations in the assessment of effectiveness of homeopathic care: a critical review of the EPI3 study. Homeopathy 2022; 111: 147-151