Background: Buxus sempervirens L. (Buxaceae), is a small tree, used in Homoeopathy for acute pain, increase in pulse rate and nausea. Leaves and stems are used in the preparation of medicine. Objective : The pharmacognostic and physico-chemical studies are carried out to facilitate use of correct species and standard raw materials. Material and Methods: Pharmacognostic studies of leaf and stem of authentic samples of Buxus sempervirens have been carried out. Physico-chemical parameters of the raw drug, namely, extractive values, ash value, formulation besides weight per milliliter, total solids, alcohol content, High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Ultraviolet (UV) studies are given for the mother tincture. Results: The leaves are nearly sessile, opposite, entire, narrowly lanceolate or ovate and up to 2.5 cm. The stomata are paracytic and confined to the abaxial side. Unicellular conical hair and peltate scaly hair occur on the adaxial side near the base. The midvein is ribbed on either sides. Crystalliferous idioblasts occur towards the abaxial side at the midvein and lamina. Secretory canals occur in the mesophyll. A single vascular bundle is present in the midvein. The stem is quadrangular. The vascular tissue is present as a cylinder with four cortical bundles, one each in the angles. The microscopical and organoleptic characteristics of the powder are provided. Conclusion: The powder microscopic features and organoleptic characters along with anatomical and physico-chemical studies are diagnostic to establish the standards for ensuring quality and purity of the drug.

Background: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Homoeopathic Pathogenetic Trial (HPT/Drug Proving) of Hydroquinone was conducted, using the accepted guidelines, ethical approval and scientific documentation The potentization method was standardized. Toward enhancing the quality of HPT, the investigator proposed and evaluated the data using the Quantitative Pathogenetic Index and Qualitative Pathogenetic Index. Usable symptoms were derived from the study. The medicine was suggested for the treatment of vitiligo, based on its known toxicological effects. HPT of a new medicinal substance, using the established parameters, to evaluate symptoms in healthy volunteers was carried out using a controlled experiment. Aims: The aim of the study was to conduct a HPT using the accepted and scientific guidelines to derive clinically usable symptoms. Material and Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled homoeopathic pathogenetic trial was conducted in 22 volunteers (provers), out of whom 15 received Hydroquinone in 30C potency, thrice daily, for four weeks, while seven received the placebo. The volunteer's symptoms during the initial seven days of the run-in period were carefully noted, and these were used as a filter, by elimination of the same symptoms in that volunteer during the verum phase. Thorough documentation such as Informed Consent Form, approval by the Ethics Committee, laboratory investigations, and safety and ethical measures, were taken care of. The volunteers were trained to write data in the prescribed diaries which was analyzed at the end. The investigator introduced Quantitative and Qualitative Pathogenetic Indices as parameters in the evaluation of the data derived from the HPT. Results: The HPT of Hydroquinone exhibited qualitatively distinct symptoms, which could be applied in clinical practice. Safe use was documented. An anecdotal study supported the proposed efficacy of Hydroquinone for the treatment of vitiligo and further exploration could be carried out. Conclusion: The HPT of Hydroquinone brought in qualitative symptoms. It was noted that a potentized preparation could produce many functional symptoms, but could not produce degenerative pathological symptoms such as vitiligo. The preparation could be used by the profession for vitiligo on the basis of its toxicological effects, supported by the anecdotal study. The Quantitative and Qualitative Pathogenetic Indices could further be used in future HPTs as a tool.

Background: Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disorder posing a major public health challenge to the population. Homoeopathy, although widely used in hypertension, is assumed to have nothing but placebo effects and its specific clinical effects are frequently ascribed as implausible. Aims: To evaluate whether individualized homoeopathy can produce any significant effect different from placebo in essential hypertension by comparing the lowering of blood pressure between groups. Settings and Design: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial was conducted at the Outpatient Clinic of the Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathy Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal. Material and Methods: Out of 233 hypertensives assessed for eligibility, 150 were enrolled and randomized (verum/homoeopathy 70, control/placebo 80). A total of 18 dropped out and 132 were regular (verum 64, control 68). The outcome measures were assessed after three months and six months. Statistical Analysis: The intention-to-treat population was subjected to statistical analysis. Group differences were tested using the χ² test and independent t test. Repeated measure (ANOVA) was performed to compare the data of two groups obtained longitudinally at baseline, three months and six months. Results: The baseline data were not significantly different between the groups. After six months, mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) reduction was 26.6 mm Hg (95% CI 21.5, 31.7) in the homoeopathy group and SBP increased by 3.6 mm Hg (95% CI -8.7, 1.5) in the placebo group. Similarly, the mean Diastolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in the homoeopathy group reduced by 11.8 mm Hg (95% CI 9.2, 14.4) and increased by 1.6 mm Hg (95% CI -3.6, 0.4) in the placebo group. Repeated measures ANOVA also showed significant difference (P=0.0001) between the groups. Natrum muriaticum, Calcarea carbonica, Sulphur, Thuja occidentalis, Nitric acid and Medorrhinum were frequently prescribed. Conclusion: Individualized homoeopathy produced a significantly different hypotensive effect than placebo.

Background and Objectives: Anecdotal data on the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines in acute haemorrhoids shows grade V evidence. So, the efficacy of individualized homoeopathic medicines in LM potencies, in Acute Haemorrhoidal Attacks (AHAs), was investigated in this study against placebo. Material and Methods: In a multicenter randomized controlled single-blind parallel group trial conducted at six centers under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, patients who presented with any symptom such as bleeding, pain, discharge, heaviness, and itching were included. The patients were randomized to receive either individualized homoeopathic medicine or placebo for a period of 90 days. Changes in haemorrhoidal symptoms were the main outcome measures. Results: Two hundred and seventy-eight patients (Homoeopathy: n = 140, placebo: n = 138) were analyzed. After 90 days of treatment, a significant difference (P = 0.0001) was found in the median area under the curve (AUC) for bleeding {difference: −64.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): −90.0, −31.4]}, pain [−243.0 (−280.9, −202.4)], heaviness [−208.0 (95% CI: −245.5, −174.9)], and itching [−198.5 (−246.4, −158.5)] between the Homoeopathy and placebo groups. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were also found in the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) physical domain [difference 7.0 (95% CI: 6.0, 12.0)], psychological domain [7.0 (6.0, 12.0)], and environmental domain [6.0 (−0.001, 11.9)]. However, no difference was found in discharge [0.0 (−21.0, −0.0); P = 0.1386] and social domain of the WHOQOL-BREF [0.0 (−0.001, 5.9; P = 0.0803)]. Conclusion: In this study, homoeopathic intervention relieved acute haemorrhoidal symptoms early compared to the placebo group. Randomized controlled trials with double blinding are suggested further.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an emerging global epidemic, taking its toll in developing countries as India. Presently, the treatment for diabetes using allopathic drugs gives only a temporary relief. A combination of right medicine and potency, on other hand has given Homoeopathy a high success rate in the treatment of this disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cephalandra indica mother tincture and potencies on blood glucose level, cholesterol level, body weight, and beta-cells of pancreatic islets of Langerhans, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Material and Methods: Glucose uptake was monitored in mother tincture-treated mouse fibroblast cell line. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg body weight) in adult male rats. After three days of injection, diabetic rats received mother tincture orally (750 μL/kg body weight) daily for three weeks. Results: There was a significant reduction of blood glucose level, regain of body weight, and regeneration of beta-cells in the pancreas of the mother tincture-treated rats. Mother tincture-treated 3T3 cells also showed reduced uptake of glucose in comparison to normal cells. Conclusion: The present study clearly indicates a significant antidiabetic effect of Cephalandra indica and lends support for its usage as a homoeopathic medicine.

Hypertrophic scar (HSc) is a dermal fibro proliferative disorder that occurs following trauma, inflammation, surgery, burns, and sometimes spontaneously. This is a case report of a 23 year old male with post-burn HSc after acid burn injury on his left jaw. The homoeopathic medicine Silicea was prescribed in 30 ^th potency on the basis of the totality of symptoms followed by repertorization; though only three doses of Silicea were prescribed at baseline during the course of treatment followed by placebo, there was a marked improvement in HSc as well as in associated complaints.