The present communication deals with morpho-anatomical characters of leaf, stem and root of Alternanthera sesilis and Alternanthera pungens and its signifinace in identification and differentiation of raw drug originated from these species. The plant characters of diagnostic importance are for example colour of stem is green in Alternanthera sesilis and brown in Alternanthera pungens; flower of Alternanthera sesilis possess three stamens while Alternanthera pungens possess five stamens. The study will be useful in confirming the authenticity of raw drug and also serve as a reference for advanced studies of these two such closely related species.

Objective:To elicit the pathogenetic response of Caesalpinia bonducella in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human volunteers. Methodology:The drug Caesalpinia bonducella was proved by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) through randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The proving was conducted at three centres. The drug was proved in 6 & 30 centesimal potencies on 50 apparently healthy volunteers, declared eligible after their pre-trial medical examinations by the medical specialists and routine laboratory investigations. In first phase of proving, provers were given 56 doses of placebo divided in 04 doses per day for 14 days. In next two phases, 56 doses of pre-selected potencies or placebo as per the randomization were administered in divided doses same as in first phase. The symptoms manifested during the trial period were noted down by the provers and elaborated by the Proving Masters. The generated data of the drug from all three centres were compiled at provingcum- data processing cell of CCRH headquarters after de-coding. Observations:Out of 34 provers who were on actual drug trial, only 12 manifested symptoms. Drug was able to manifest symptoms in both the potencies, in more or less every part of the body. Conclusion:The pathogenetic response elicited during the proving trial, expands the scope of use of the drug Caesalpinia bonducella and will benefit the research scholars and clinicians. The generated symptoms of this drug will carry more value when verified clinically.

Objective:Primary objective was to assess the feasibility for a further definite study to compare the effectiveness of LM-vs-CM homoeopathic potencies in reducing pain due to cervical spondylosis. Method:A multi center prospective randomized clinical pilot study was conducted by Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy at its three centers during June 2009 - June 2010. Out of 148 patients screened, 56 patients were enrolled and randomized as per the pre-set inclusion criteria. However 54 patients, LM group (n=28) and CM group (n=26) were analyzed. Pain was assessed using visual analog scale. The primary end point for pain from 1 to 60 days was calculated using Area under the curve method. Secondary outcome was to assess the quality of life using WHO QoL Bref questionnaire. Medicines were prescribed to the enrolled patients on the basis of their totality of symptoms and according to principles of homeopathy. Results:AUC for pain was significantly less in the LM group [Median (IQR): 112 (86 to 299); p= 0.007] after the prescription of homeopathic medicines. Overall quality of life of the patients after homeopathic medication showed significant improvement in the WHO-BREF domains: Physical, psychological, and Environmental only. Conclusion:Homeopathic medicines in LM potencies are better than CM potencies for pain management of cervical spondylosis. Further blinded RCT can be conducted for validation of the results.

Introduction: Ichthyolum is reported to have pronounced action on various systemic affections in various literatures. On the basis of this literature, Council conducted a thorough proving on this drug earlier and subsequently clinical verification, to ascertain its clinical importance in Homoeopathy. Objectives:The primary objective was to clinically verify the symptomatology of Ichthyolum as observed during its proving conducted by Council on this drug and the secondary objective was to ascertain the clinical symptoms. Method:In the multicentre study, a total of 131 patients from all age groups & both sexes were enrolled from the O.P.D.s of the respective institutes & units of the Council. If Ichthyolum was found to be the similimum or covering maximum number of symptoms of the patient, the case was enrolled. The medicine was prescribed in different potencies as per the need of the case and in accordance with the homoeopathic principles. The progress was noted in a predefined follow up sheet to determine the effects of the medicine. Result:It was found that 35 symptoms including 22 symptoms elicited during drug proving were verified, along with a good number of clinical symptoms, which were relieved completely or partially, exploring the wider area of the medicine for its therapeutic use. Conclusion: Ichthyolum can be considered as an important medicine for Acne, Conjunctivitis, Constipation, Coryza, Cracked Lips, Dysentery, Eczema, Flatulence, Headache, Insomnia, Nausea, Psoriasis, Restlessness, Tonsillitis & Vertigo. The noted clinical symptoms are acne and scaly eruptions on whole body specially on joints, burning after itching, warts and polydypsia. All these verified symptoms confirm the scope of its therapeutic action.