Introduction: As per statistics available with the WHO, 80% of the earth's population rely on traditional medicine for their primary health-care needs and most of this therapy involves the use of plant extracts and their active components. Objectives: To confirm the presence of alkaloids, fats, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, sugars, amino acids and saponins in Allium cepa extract. Method: A qualitative phytochemical analysis has been performed to confirm the presence of these components in Allium cepa extract and its homoeopathic formulations (mother tincture [MT], Allium cepa 30C and Allium cepa 200C). The total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant potential of the prepared extract and the various homoeopathic formulations have also been studied. Results: Presence of various phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, carbohydrates and amino acids have been confirmed in the prepared extract as well as the MT. According to calculations using Avogadro's limit, preparations above 12C dilution should have no source material present. It is interesting to note that even though the formulations Allium cepa 30C and 200C are considered ultra-high dilutions, they gave a positive result for many phytochemicals. The total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant potential of the prepared extract and various homoeopathic formulations have also been studied. Conclusion: The positive qualitative and quantitative results also reinforce the growing belief that Homoeopathy is not just a placebo effect but a 'Smart medicine' which may be working on the nanoscale. More research is required to understand various aspects.

Background: Homoeopathic drug proving being the first step in finding the pathogenetic powers of a drug is an integral part of Homoeopathic system of medicine. Objective: To elicit the pathogenetic response of Withania somnifera in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human provers. Materials and Methods: A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at four centres under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Proving was conducted on 63 relatively healthy provers. All the provers were given 12 doses of placebo divided into 4 doses/day for 3 days during the first phase of the trial. After randomisation, 43 provers in the intervention group were given W. somnifera in 6C and 30C potencies in two phases. In the placebo group, 20 provers were administered unmedicated globules. The symptoms and signs manifested during the trial were noted down by the provers, elaborated by the proving masters and the data compilation on W. somnifera was done at proving-cum-data processing cell. Results: Out of 43 provers who were on actual drug trial, only 15 provers manifested 39 symptoms. The symptoms have been manifested predominantly in 30C potency. Among the objective findings, the drug has shown its effect on kidney, ovaries and helminthic infestation. Conclusion: The pathogenetic response elicited during this trial expands the scope of the use of W. somnifera and needs to be further validated by clinical verification study.

Background: Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz (Apocynaceae) (Indian snakeroot), popularly known as Sarpagandha (Sanskrit), is used for the treatment of insanity, fever, snake bites, anxiety and in neuropsychiatric conditions. The antihypertensive actions of Reserpine are a result of its ability to deplete catecholamines (amongst other monoamine neurotransmitters) from peripheral sympathetic nerve endings which are normally involved in controlling heart rate, force of cardiac contraction and peripheral vascular resistance. Objective: Comparative study of Reserpine content in R. serpentina homoeopathic mother tinctures manufactured by different pharmaceutical industries and in-house mother tinctures applying high-performance thin-layer chromatography investigative techniques to facilitate the use of correct species. Materials and Methods: The authentic samples of roots of R. serpentina were supplied by Centre of Medicinal Plants Research in Homoeopathy, Emerald, Tamil Nadu, India. Authentic plant material was used to prepare the mother tincture (as per Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India). Reserpine (C₃₃H₄₀N₂O_9,M.P. 360°C, purity >99% w/w by high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]) was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich as a standard reference. The solvents for the study, namely, ethanol, HPLC water, toluene, ethyl acetate, diethylamine and chloroform were of analytical grade purity (MERCK Ltd.,), used throughout. Results: Five samples of mother tinctures were used for the study, in-house mother tinctures (labelled: D and E) of R. serpentina shows a higher amount of Reserpine content than the marketed samples (labelled: A, B and C). Conclusion: It may be concluded that mother tinctures prepared by authentic plants showed the excess amount of Reserpine rather than that of mother tinctures procured from the market.

The first World Integrated Medicine Forum on the regulation of homoeopathic medicinal products included 50 delegates from 25 countries to discuss the current state of regulation of homoeopathic medicinal products (HMPs). The stakeholders in attendance included government officials, manufacturers, pharmacopoeia organisations, pharmacists, and healthcare providers worldwide. The Minister of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy from India, who is likely the only high ranking national official in the world specifically dedicated to oversight of traditional medicines including Homoeopathy, was the keynote speaker for the meeting. The core presentations delivered information on the country-to-country variance in regulatory requirements for homoeopathic medicine manufacture and marketing. Different speakers addressed the current pharmacopeia structures in various countries, variance in premarket approval process, regulatory frameworks for homoeopathic medicines, labelling requirements, safety requirements, marketing approaches and good manufacturing practices. Debates focused on quality control testing, stability of intermediate stocks, shelf life of finished products, pre-market approval process and labelling and they shed light on regional differences in regulation. A lengthy discussion was held on the potential value of harmonisation of pharmacopoeias, manufacturing standards, safety evaluation and labelling. The group consensus was to meet again to pursue specific topics. Daily summaries of take-away points are provided at the end of each day's talk summaries. Much acclaim was won by the organisers for materialising this unique forum which proved to be an apt platform for rigorous discussions on lesser discussed, but very vital points such as regulations of HMPs, harmonisation of pharmacopeias and linking industry and regulators' sectors for unified efforts for global development of Homoeopathy.