Editorial

The opening issue of 2024 is abuzz with articles from varied areas of research in homoeopathy such as standardization, clinical research, and reportorial research spanning multiple domains. These research initiatives aim to scrutinize and understand the efficacy/effectiveness mechanisms and potential applications of homoeopathy in diverse areas of health care.

The antimicrobial properties of homoeopathic medicines have been a subject of interest and research within the field. While homoeopathy is primarily known for its individualized approach and treatment based on symptom similarity rather than direct antimicrobial action, some studies suggest potential effects on microorganisms. Research has explored the effects of certain homoeopathic remedies on microbial cultures in vitro. These studies have reported varying results, with some indicating inhibitory effects on certain pathogens or alterations in microbial growth patterns. However, the mechanism through which highly diluted homoeopathic remedies might affect microbes remains a subject of debate and scientific inquiry. Critics often highlight the challenges in understanding how extreme dilutions, which often exceed Avogadro's number and theoretically contain no molecules of the original substance, could exert antimicrobial actions. Despite some suggestive findings, evidence supporting the direct antimicrobial effects of homoeopathic medicines remains limited and inconclusive. Inside you will find an account of phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of Myristica sebifera against Staphylococcus aureus. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids and carbohydrate in 12C and 30C potencies of Myristica sebifera. The authors conclude that Myristica sebifera 30C showed 94% inhibition zone by Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, while Myristica sebifera 12C showed 72% inhibition zone, implicating that they can be used to treat diseases caused by S. aureus.

Bayesian theory is a statistical concept and framework that deals with probability and uncertainty. It is named after the mathematician and philosopher Thomas Bayes. At its core, Bayesian theory is based on Bayes' theorem, a mathematical formula that describes how to update probabilities of hypotheses or events based on new evidence or information. It calculates the probability of an event happening based on prior knowledge or beliefs about the event and incorporates new evidence or data to refine or update those beliefs. It allows for the incorporation of prior knowledge or beliefs (prior probability) about an event or hypothesis and adjusts this knowledge based on observed data (likelihood) to produce updated beliefs (posterior probability). This approach is particularly valuable in fields such as machine learning, data analysis, and decision-making processes. It is used to update and refine predictions or estimates as new information becomes available, providing a flexible and coherent framework to handle uncertainty in various domains. Bayesian methods are known for their ability to handle small sample sizes effectively, integrate prior knowledge, and adapt to changing information or evidence. However, they also require careful consideration and specification of prior beliefs, and interpretations might vary based on the choice of priors. Lex Rutten, who is an authority on Bayesian theory, has constructed a Bayesian repertory for reliable use of common symptoms in acute viral infections based on systematic and reproducible data collection and it could be a useful tool while treating acute viral infections. The readers will find his exhaustive work in this issue.

Covid is making a comeback, with the JN.1 subvariant spreading fast. We must be vigilant and use mask and sanitizers if we do not want a repetition of 2019. A retrospective observational study reflecting the usefulness of homoeopathic treatment in mild cases of COVID-19 is presented in this issue.

Emotional and mental aspects play a crucial role in women's health influencing conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, postpartum depression, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and fertility issues. Homoeopathy aims to address these by understanding the mental and emotional state alongside physical symptoms to find a remedy that resonates with the entire being of the person. The remedy works by stimulating the body's self-regulating mechanisms to restore the hormonal balance and improve overall health.

The “Case Report” section focuses on women's health concerns encompassing a broader understanding of the intricate interplay between physical symptoms, emotional well-being, and individual constitutional characteristics in different disease conditions of women. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, customized/tailored treatment based on woman's unique symptoms and experiences is emphasized. Although case reports on PCOS, chocolate cyst and, infertility, are anecdotal, these highlight the personalized, holistic, and individual approach of homoeopathy in different spheres of women's health. We also provide a Commentary on Infertility wherein the authors discuss the newly implemented special OPD facility to treat this condition which can be frustrating for couples, at DDPRCRI, Noida, India. They have included some original data as well.

Belles-lettres, especially the rich tribute to J. Jouanny, a French homoeopath, who has contributed so much to homoeopathy, Groupe International de Recherche sur l'Infinitésimal (GIRI) report of a conference jointly organized by American Institute of Homeopathy (AIH) and Faculty of Homeopathy (FOH), and a brief survey of Dr Robert Seror's writings as digested from his web page, are other inclusions. Robert Seror, French homeopathic dental surgeon and scholar crossed the threshold of earthly realm on 5th March 2022. On his second death anniversary, we bring forth to the readers, his works, researches, translations into French, the works of our English speaking stalwarts. Honed with the aesthetic quality, originality of style and sophisticated tone, our foreign correspondent Jay Yasgur captures the absolute intricacies of the subject to make them interesting reads.

I wish to thank all the authors, reviewers, and the team at Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers for maintaining the quality and timeline and providing unconditional support for online and print publication of Homoeopathic Links.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Publication History

Article published online:
13 March 2024