Melasma is a skin condition characterised by hyperpigmentation patches on facial skin due to increased melanin synthesis. Important aetiological factors for development of melasma include genetic predisposition and Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, resulting in melanocyte overactivity. ‘Vyanga,’ described in Ayurveda under category of ‘Kshudra Roga,’ denotes facial blemishes or patches characteristic to this condition. Many Ayurveda interventions are being used, but extent of their clinical efficacy evidences is scarce. In present review, clinical research articles were retrieved from databases focused on Ayurveda research, viz., AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) Research Portal and Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles (DHARA). A review of 12 such articles exhibited usage of variety of interventions with positive outcomes. It was observed that, along with classically mentioned remedies such as Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), a number of rational combinations, such as ‘AYUSH face pack,’ were designed and successfully used. In conclusion, Ayurveda could play a very important role in the management of melasma.
Kabelo Magoro, Nkululeko Mandla Lebogang Mnisi, Emma Musekene
et al.
Abstract Background Dental biofilms are complex microbial communities that play a pivotal role in the onset and progression of oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal infections. Their inherent structural resilience and enhanced resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents pose significant challenges to effective treatment. This persistent nature of biofilms necessitates the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies beyond traditional antibiotics and antiseptics. South Africa’s rich ethnobotanical heritage offers a valuable resource of medicinal plants historically used to treat infections, presenting potential alternatives for managing biofilm-related oral diseases. Methods A systematic search was performed across multiple scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2000 to 2024. The following keywords and combinations were used. Results This review investigates the role of South African medicinal plants in mitigating biofilm-associated infections within oral healthcare. Drawing from ethnobotanical traditions and current pharmacological research, the study highlights the therapeutic significance of indigenous flora such as Warburgia salutaris, Combretum molle, and Aloe ferox, among others. These plants exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm activities, targeting key mechanisms such as microbial adhesion, quorum sensing, and EPS matrix disruption. These activities are mediated through disruption of microbial adhesion, interference with quorum sensing signaling pathways, and degradation of the EPS matrix, which is essential for biofilm stability. Additionally, anti-inflammatory properties contribute to the reduction of host tissue damage. However, pharmacodynamic variability across extracts and the lack of standardized extraction protocols limit reproducibility and clinical translation. Furthermore, concerns about the sustainability of harvesting endangered species highlight the need for conservation efforts. Conclusion South African medicinal plants represent a promising natural arsenal for combating resilient oral biofilms and their associated infections. To fully realize their therapeutic potential, future research must focus on standardizing extraction methods, elucidating molecular mechanisms, and conducting rigorous clinical evaluations. Sustainable harvesting and benefit-sharing frameworks are essential to preserve indigenous biodiversity. Integrating these botanical resources into modern oral healthcare could significantly advance the management of biofilm-mediated diseases and address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance globally.
Zhe Zhang PhD, Yuan Cao MS, Lianqing Sun PhD
et al.
The Qing-Re-Yi-Liu decoction (QRYLD) is a clinically effective prescription for treatment of breast cancer. Our preliminary studies found that QRYLD treatment interfered with the Warburg effect in breast cancer cells. However, its chemical components and molecular mechanisms have not been clarified. This study analyzed the bioactive components of QRYLD aqueous extracts by HPLC. The effects of QRYLD on the malignant behaviors of MCF-7 cells and potential mechanisms were analyzed by CCK-8, transwell invasion, wound-healing assays, flow cytometry, Western blot assays and transcriptomic analysis as well as in vivo mouse tumor model. QRYLD aqueous extracts contained several bioactive components. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that QRYLD treatment altered the expression of several genes involved in biological processes and signaling pathways, such as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Functionally, QRYLD, similar to MnSOD silencing, inhibited the malignant behaviors of MCF-7 cells and enhanced their apoptosis, whereas MnSOD overexpression had the opposite effects. Moreover, QRYLD treatment inhibited the Warburg effect by limiting glucose uptake and lactic acid production, and decreasing the relative expression of glucose transporter-1, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, c-Myc, hexokinase-2, phosphofructokinase 1, lactate dehydrogenase A, pyruvate kinase isozyme 2, MnSOD, calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in MCF-7 cells. Finally, treatment with QRYLD significantly inhibited the growth of xenografted MCF-7 tumors in mice and reduced the tumor expression of MnSOD, CaMKII, and AMPK. These data suggest that QRYLD may target MnSOD to attenuate the MnSOD/CaMKII/AMPK signaling, inhibiting the Warburg effect and malignant behaviors in breast cancer.
Robyn Anderson, Janice Pellow, Tebogo Tsele-Tebakang
et al.
ackground: Infertility affects millions of people worldwide and has a negative social and psychological impact on the lives of infertile couples. Homeopathy offers an alternative treatment option for female infertility; however, there is currently no research describing how homeopaths manage this condition in their practice.
Aim: To determine homeopathic practitioners’ approaches to managing female infertility.
Method: The electronic Delphi technique consisting of three rounds was used to establish consensus among homeopaths. Twelve registered homeopaths with a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in managing female infertility participated, 11 of whom completed the study. In round one, participants elaborated on interventions found beneficial in clinical practice for female infertility. Responses were qualitatively analysed to create a structured list of items; participants rated their level of agreement with these items on a 5-point Likert scale in the second and third rounds. Consensus was determined for items that reached an agreement level of 75% or more.
Results: Thirty-two statements achieved expert consensus, which were placed into the following categories: homeopathic treatment, dietary and lifestyle modifications, supplementation and referrals.
Conclusion: The results of this study provide a baseline depicting the homeopathic approach to treating female infertility. Several research gaps have been identified and further studies are necessary to explore these interventions to improve future patient care.
Contribution: This study highlights the various approaches used by homeopathic practitioners in the management of female infertility.
The concept of alternative medicine was created by Western medicine to differentiate conventional medicine from medical practices such as traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy, neural therapy, osteopathic and chiropractic medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and indigenous traditional medicine, which also have philosophical, scientific, and therapeutic foundations. Unfortunately, over time, the belief that alternative medicine encompasses all medical practices that are not part of conventional medicine has gained ground, causing many inaccuracies and controversies.
Medicine arose from the need for human self-preservation, with health defined as a state of complete well-being and disease as a loss of this state. Over the course of history, various approaches have appeared and some of them have developed into medical systems. Conventional medicine was structured in the West based on existing medical reasoning and focused on modifying disease, resulting in marked conceptual differences with existing medical treatment systems that focused on the individual and on modifying disease processes.
All medical systems have had an impact in various social fields. Likewise, trends and strategies aimed at integrating conventional medicine with other medical systems such as electroacupuncture according to Voll, homotoxicology, electromagnetic polar balance, anthroposophy, sintergenetics, and biophotonics have also emerged. It is now considered that the aim of medicine is to integrate and complement knowledge from different medical approaches within the concept of a single medicine. Taking this into account, this paper aims to clarify the concepts of the different forms of medicine, propose some definitions, and offer a definition of alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine.
Background This systematic review aims to examine existing randomized controlled trials on interventions adopting Body-Mind-Spirit (BMS) model and evaluated the effectiveness of holistic well-being outcomes. Following three key concepts of the BMS model, our review questions included (1) How was BMS defined? (2) What activities were included, and how were they related to BMS dimensions? (3) What were interventionists’ backgrounds, and whether they received BMS training? (4) What were holistic outcomes? and (5) What were the effectiveness and qualities of studies? Methods Searches were performed using nine databases for the studies published through August 2020. The process follows PRISMA protocol, and the “risk of bias” tool from the Cochrane Handbook was utilized to determine the quality of included studies. Results Across 20 included studies, 18 (90%) presented a BMS definition, but only seven (35%) included all three key concepts of the BMS model. Eight studies (40%) offered detailed descriptions of body, mind, and spirit sections, and 12 (60%) mentioned cultural factors. Only five (25%) specified the body, mind, and spirit activities, and only three (15%) reported the BMS training in detail. Seven studies (35%) showed effectiveness in holistic outcomes. Only three (15%) were considered as high quality. Conclusion A unified definition of the BMS model and the guideline to apply the BMS model to design and implement interventions are highly recommended to provide a standard framework for researchers to conduct future studies. The reason for low quality is because the lack of adequate allocation concealment and blindings.
Abstract Background Menopausal complaints are frequently treated with homeopathy in daily practice worldwide. Recently, vasomotor symptoms have been understood to have implications as predictors of other important and long-term outcomes, causing increased risk of mortality and/or disability. Methods A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted to investigate whether homeopathic treatments for menopausal women with vasomotor symptoms have a positive effect on other important health outcomes associated with menopause, such as cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive impairment, metabolic and mood disorders, or osteoporosis. Results Though observational studies have shown encouraging results in reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes in women treated with homeopathy, few randomized controlled trials have shown positive results. In most of the studies using homeopathy, the primary outcome is reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes, and other menopausal complaints are assessed secondarily as a part of the symptoms evaluated in the menopausal scales. Quality of life improves with homeopathic treatments for hot flashes, but there is scarce evidence of the effect of homeopathy on other health outcomes associated with menopause. Limited evidence exists in the case of menopausal women treated with individualized homeopathy for depression and metabolic disorders. Conclusion A more comprehensive approach for treating menopause in routine homeopathic practice constitutes a valuable opportunity to increase knowledge and high-quality research in this field. Future homeopathic research for menopause should be focused on well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trials as well as on pragmatic trials to show whether homeopathic treatments for vasomotor symptoms can also improve outcomes that are well-known to increase the risk of mortality and/or disability.
BACKGROUND Ovarian masses may be either physiological or pathological. Physiological ovarian masses are non-neoplastic. Pathological masses grow more than 7 cm and persist beyond 3 months; they do not resolve spontaneously, and invasive surgery with removal of reproductive organs is the conventional treatment. It usually results in further co-morbidities and hampers the quality of life of the patient. OBJECTIVES This case series of pathological left ovarian masses demonstrates the role of homeopathic treatment in each of two multiparous women where the right ovary was surgically removed previously for similar pathology and in an adolescent girl with increased tumor marker CA-125. METHODS Three cases of women with pathological ovarian masses in the left ovary, and advised invasive surgery by attending gynecologists, were treated with homeopathic medicines at the outpatient department of the National Homeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam, Kerala, from 2017 to 2020. Each case was followed up with clinical and ultrasonographic evidence and reported according to the criteria set out in the HOM-CASE guidelines. RESULT Complete resolution of the ovarian masses was observed in all three cases, evidenced by ultrasonography, with normalizing CA-125 values also observed in the case of endometrial cyst. The patients improved within 4 to 15 months of treatment using Thuja and other individualized homeopathic medicines. The MONARCH score was calculated as +7/13, +9/13, and +9/13 for the three cases, respectively, indicating a positive causal attribution of homeopathy in the resolution of these pathological ovarian masses. CONCLUSION This case series suggests that individualized homeopathy, and notably Thuja, can be useful in the treatment of pathological ovarian masses.
Abstract Background Acne is a common disorder of the pilosebaceous follicle. The face, back and chest are usually involved. It leads to significant diminution in quality of life. Numerous treatments are documented in therapeutic guidelines. Naturopathic approaches have been proposed in some, but the role of homeopathy is not examined. Methods In this study, 83 patients treated for acne with individualised homeopathic medicine alone were reviewed. Most had received conventional acne treatment, with limited success prior to presentation for homeopathy. Each patient was prescribed a single homeopathic medicine and followed up at 6- to 8-week intervals. The individualisation process resulted in 17 different medicines being used in this group. Photographic documentation was obtained per patient, with informed consent. Patients were classified as mild (comedonal acne with no papules or pustules), moderate (inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions) and severe (predominantly inflammatory lesions: pustules, cysts, nodules). Results of treatment were recorded as remission (decrease in new lesion number, duration and intensity), failure to respond, and lost to follow-up (LTF). Results The average age of patients was 21.5 years (range 11–45 years). The F:M ratio was 55 (66.3%):28 (33.7%). Average pre-treatment duration was 5.5 years (0.25–22 years). Seven (8.4%) patients had mild acne, 37 (44.6%) moderate, and 39 (47%) severe acne. There were 13 (15.7%) LTFs, two (2.4%) failed to respond, and 68 (81.9%) went into remission. Average time to remission was 1.9 months (range 1.5–6 months), with no relapses or side-effects. The most commonly prescribed medicines were Lycopodium (38.6%), Palladium (15.7%) and Platinum (12.1%). Conclusion Individualised homeopathy may be useful for acne therapy. The most useful medicines appeared to be Lycopodium, Palladium and Platinum, though 17 different medicines were used in this study, underscoring the value of individualisation of therapy, a key characteristic of homeopathy.
Dennis Anheyer, Anna K. Koch, Melanie Anheyer
et al.
Background: In Germany, there is hardly any institutionalization of pediatric complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) present, which is one reason why the statutory health insurance companies usually do not cover the costs. Which in turn serves as an obstacle for integrating CIM into routine pediatric care. Within the present study, we assessed existing demand for CIM methods in parents of children in clinical primary care and whether the parents would be willing to cover the costs privately. Methods: Parents who visited the Pediatric Department of the Elisabeth Hospital, Essen, Germany and the Children’s Hospital St. Marien, Landshut, Germany with their children in 2015 and 2016 were asked to take part in a paper-pencil survey. Both outpatients and inpatients were interviewed. Results: 1323 parents took part in the survey. 40 % of them stated that they already use CIM for their children. Homeopathy was the most frequently mentioned with almost 60 %, followed by osteopathy and phytotherapy. More than 80 % of the participants endorsed the expansion of the CIM offers in respective hospitals. Homeopathy was the method most desired by the parents, followed by osteopathy, phytotherapy and massage therapies. The majority (88 %) of the parents stated that they would like to take advantage of an extended range of services, including extra services that they would have to pay privately for. Conclusion: Many parents are already using CIM for their children and are looking forward to CIM being incorporated in clinical primary care. They would also be willing to bear the costs themselves if the therapy in question is not covered by their insurance. pay for the costs themselves if the therapy is not covered by their insurance.
Koel Sinha, Sutapa Som Chaudhury, Pramita Sharma
et al.
The deadly global outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has forged an unrivaled threat to human civilization. Contemplating its profuse impact, initial risk management and therapies are needed, as well as rapid detection strategies alongside treatments with existing drugs or traditional treatments to provide better clinical support for critical patients. Conventional detection techniques have been considered but do not sufficiently meet the current challenges of effective COVID-19 diagnosis. Therefore, several modern techniques including point-of-care diagnosis with a biosensor, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated proteins that function as nuclease (Cas) technology, next-generation sequencing, serological, digital, and imaging approaches have delivered improved and noteworthy success compared to that using traditional strategies. Conventional drug treatment, plasma therapy, and vaccine development are also ongoing. However, alternative medicines including Ayurveda, herbal drugs, homeopathy, and Unani have also been enlisted as prominent treatment strategies for developing herd immunity and physical defenses against COVID-19. All considered, this review can help develop rapid and simplified diagnostic strategies, as well as advanced evidence-based modern therapeutic approaches that will aid in combating the global pandemic.
Shailendra Vaishampayan, Kirti Mutreja, S. Lambe
et al.
1Department of Homoeopathic Materia Medica, D. Y. Patil Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Centre and PG Institute, Maharashtra, India 2Department of Homeopathy, Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute, Thane, Maharashtra, India 3Dasburgs Clinic, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 4Welcome Cure, Mind Technologies, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 5Dr. Vaishampayan’s Homoeopathic Clinic, Mira Road, Thane, Maharashtra, India
Abstract Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequent in women. Cystitis after intercourse (post-coital cystitis) accounts for 60% of recurrent cases. Most physicians treat recurrent UTIs (R-UTIs) with multiple courses of antibiotics. The high prevalence indicates that this bacteria-oriented approach in the long term is ineffective for many women. A change in clinical behavior regarding use of antibiotics and recognizing the importance of a patient’s self-defense mechanisms are important considerations in combating antimicrobial resistance. Methods The intervention for each of two women with R-UTI was integrated treatment with a non-conventional and tailor-made homeopathy regimen, addressing multiple levels of disease simultaneously, for the prevention of recurrence as well as for treatment. Assessment of causal attribution of homeopathy treatment effect was carried out using the Modified Naranjo Criteria. Results Case 1 presented with chronic multi-morbid conditions, including R-UTI which had become multi-drug resistant. With regular homeopathic treatment, her antibiotic use reduced, her diabetic profile improved, and she did not need prophylactic antibiotics. Case 2 suffered from R-UTI with post-coital cystitis and burning sensation, despite following all conventional advice for treatment and prophylaxis. Addition of homeopathy improved her quality of life and prevented relapses. The Modified Naranjo Criteria total score for each patient was +10/13 and +9/13, respectively. Conclusions Addition of homeopathy can be an effective approach in integrated management of antibiotic-resistant R-UTIs. Controlled research on the topic is thus indicated.
AbstractThis short treatise addresses a philosophical question concerning the place of homeopathy in our modern world. The question raised is whether a therapeutic system as peaceful, mild, and non-violent as homeopathy can survive and grow within a society that often displays the opposite characteristics.Much of contemporary society is more interested in fast and impressive cures, even if these may also bring side effects; whereas homeopathy can offer solutions with a personalized approach that requires long hours of case study by the homeopath to find the correct personal remedy that aims to bring about positive results, which the therapy can produce in deep chronic diseases.The conclusion drawn is that homeopathy does not readily fit within a modern and violent society that prefers quick and invasive solutions to its clinical problems.
Suchismita Mazumdar, Thankamani Marar, Jyoti Patki
et al.
Abstract Background Insulin secretion and insulin related pathways have been the prime targets in the treatment of diabetes for a long time. However, recently a lot of attention is being directed towards addressing hyperglycaemia as the main perpetrator of the symptoms in this metabolic disorder. This new treatment approach also involves greater inclination to plant derived therapeutic agents for their safety and probable minimal side effects. The objective of the present study was to scientifically elucidate the potential of gedunin (a limonoid from Neem tree) as an anti-hyperglycaemic agent. Methods The effect of gedunin on pancreatic and salivary amylase activity and glucose transport across yeast cell membrane was tested at three different concentrations (5 μM, 10 μM and 20 μM) using known inhibitor acarbose as the standard. Multiple Ligand Simultaneous Docking was used to study the interaction of gedunin with salivary and pancreatic amylase and determine binding affinity and specificity of this interaction. Results The in vitro results documented a steady, linear pancreatic alpha amylase (ovine) inhibition in a concentration dependent manner with gedunin showing lower IC50 value of 20.25 μM against acarbose (IC50 = 31.12 μM) a known enzyme inhibitor used as standard in the present study. The inhibition of salivary amylase by gedunin was also distinct. Yeast cell glucose uptake studies revealed remarkable inhibition of glucose absorption at 10 μM and 20 μM concentration of gedunin (5.45% and 13.87% respectively with respect to control). Corroborating the in vitro findings even in the docking studies gedunin exhibited higher docking score (− 8.12 Kcal/mol) and higher enzyme inhibition potency (Ki = 1.12 μM) with human pancreatic amylase-substrate complex as compared to acarbose (docking score-5.24 Kcal/mol, Ki = 110.8 μM). The studies further suggested a non-competitive, mixed kind of inhibition by gedunin. As evident from this current in vitro study, gedunin had shown significant inhibition of alpha amylases and glucose uptake at much lower concentration (5, 10 and 20 μM) than previous studies where the concentrations used were (20.7–124.3 μM). Conclusion This study lays strong evidence to the rationale of gedunin being an important lead compound to developing a promising hyperglycaemic agent, simultaneously targeting glucose absorption in the intestine and enzymatic digestion of polysaccharides.
Mohamed Lotfy, Rasheed Al-Hammadi, Abdul Rasheed Palakkott
et al.
Abstract Background Overdose of paracetamol affects liver cells leading to cell death. This is done through hepatic necrosis, which is characterized by a rupture of the plasma membrane. A variety of investigations has been conducted using herbal extracts to assess liver toxicity induced by paracetamol. Here we examined herbal plant species, Acridocarpus orientalis (A. orientalis), ethanolic extract to study its potential to protect against hepatotoxicity in mice. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) enzymes were estimated for all mice groups. A phytochemical screening was also conducted. Results Phytochemical screening showed that A. orientalis contains flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates and phenolics derivatives. A. orientalis pretreatment showed significant reduction of liver marker enzymes ALT and AST in almost all concentrations. Furthermore, serum GSH levels were significantly increased in A. orientalis pretreated mice groups. In addition, a reduction in liver weights in pretreated mice with A. orientalis showed significant weight loss at dose 250 mg/kg BW (P < 0.05). Moreover, the histological liver analysis showed near normal restoration of liver architecture in A. orientalis pretreated mice. Conclusion pretreatment with A. orientalis protects mice against heplatotoxic adverse effects of paracetamol as indicated by reduction of serum ALT and AST enzymes, with elevation of GSH antioxidant protective enzyme, which may have contributed to the main hepatoprotective action of A. orientalis.
Abstract Background Diabetes is widely recognized as associated with several structural and functional liver, kidney, and heart abnormalities. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of peel extracts of Irvingia wombolu against diabetes complications. Methods Diabetes was induced by intravenous administration of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg) through the right jugular vein on rats and animals with blood glucose values of at least 250 mg/dl received orally aqueous extract of peel (AEP), hydroethanolic extract of peel (HEP), tolbutamide and DMSO 10%. Their effects on the concentration of blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in diabetic and normal rats were investigated using standard methods. Results Twenty-one days of treatment with AEP and HEP at a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly (P < 0,05) reduced the fasting blood glucose to a point of reaching normal value. The antihyperlipidemic assessment of extracts revealed a significant (P < 0,05) decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL levels, and a significant (P < 0,05) increase in HDL level in the plasma of treated diabetic rats. Furthermore, plasma biomarkers of liver and kidney dysfunction were significantly reduced in treated diabetic rats. We also observed increased activities of catalase, SOD, and reduced glutathione in diabetic treated rats. Conclusion The present findings suggest that AEP and HEP have a protective effect on liver, kidney, and heart in experimental diabetic rats which can be beneficial in the management of diabetes and its complications.
Paulo Francisco Maciel Póvoas Souto, Tássia Ferreira- Pires, Pábola Santos Nascimento
et al.
The aim of this work was to determine the effect of homeopathic supplementation on both ovarian dynamics and conception rate in Nellore cows subjected to fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Cows (n = 150) were randomly distributed to the control (CG) and the homeopathy group (HG). The HG cows were supplemented with Pró-cio in the mineral salt for 60 days and both experimental groups were further subjected to FTAI. Cows were evaluated for ovarian dynamics (n = 16), progesterone (P4) concentration (n = 16), and conception rates (n = 150). Ovarian dynamics determined by ultrasonography and showed similar findings for CG and HG, respectively. Thus follicular diameter (8.7 ± 1.0 mm vs. 10.0 ± 0.8 mm), mean pre-ovulatory follicle volume (0.46 ± 0.15 mL vs. 0.61 ± 0.12 mL), and mean follicular growth (3.65 ± 1.41 mm vs. 4.60 ± 1.21 mm) did not differ between groups. Moreover, corpus luteum diameter was similar between groups (CG: 16.28 ± 0.7 mm vs. HG: 15.6 ± 0.8 mm; P > 0.05), although P4 levels did differ (CG: 2.55 ± 0.85 ng mL-1 vs. HG: 6.52 ± 1.19 ng mL-1; P < 0.05). The conception rate after FTAI was not affected by homeopathic supplementation (CG: 74.67 %, and did HG: 77.33 %; P > 0.05). In conclusion, the homeopathic supplementation Pró-cio increases P4 concentrations but does improve the reproductive efficiency of Nellore cows subject to FTAI.
The article discussed the immanent problems of meta-analyses selecting a number of independent trials in homeopathy, within which, the purpose was to examine the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment. Our focus lied in clarifying that the complex effects of homeopathic treatment known from history and day-to-day practice have not been respected so far. The examination of most of the homeopathic trials showed that studies rarely account for homeopathic principles, in order to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. The main flaw was that trials reflect the point of view that the treatment with a specific remedy could be administered in a particular disease. However, homeopathy aims to treat the whole person, rather than the diseases and each case has to be treated individually with an individualized remedy. Furthermore, the commonly known events during the course of homeopathic treatment, such as “initial aggravation” and “symptom-shift” were not considered in almost all the studies. Thus, only few trials were eligible for meta-analyses, if at all. These and other factors were discussed and certain homeopathic principles were suggested to be respected in further trials. It is expected, that a better understanding of homeopathic principles would provide guidelines for homeopathic research, which are more acceptable to both homeopathy and conventional medicine.