Background: There are limitations in the management of Diabetic Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy (DDSP) in conventional system but in Homoeopathy the research studies have shown positive results. These studies were not robust enough to prove the efficacy of individualized homoeopathy, thus this protocol has been developed to assess the efficacy of these individualized homoeopathic drugs in this disease. Material and Methods: It shall be a double blind randomised placebo controlled clinical trial. On the basis of earlier observational studies and repertorial anamnesis of DDSP symptoms, 15 homoeopathic medicines have been identified. The validated scales are being used for evaluating the outcomes post-intervention. The primary outcome is change in Neuropathy Total Symptom Score-6 (NTSS-6) from baseline to 12 months. The secondary outcomes include the changes in HbA1c, peripheral nerve conduction test, World Health Organization Quality Of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and Diabetic Neuropathy Examination (DNE) Score at 12 months post intervention. Discussion: Results from this trial will help to construct a strategy for treating the patients with DDSP and for improving the quality of life of diabetic patients. Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry - India: CTRI/2013/07/003818.

Background: Ficus carica L. known as 'Common Fig' in English and 'Anjir' in Hindi, is a well known tree belonging to the family Moraceae. The unripe fruits are used as medicine in Homoeopathy. 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 on unripe fruits of authentic samples of Ficus carica L. have been carried out; Physico-chemical parameters of raw drug viz., extractive value, ash values, formulation, besides weight per mL, total solids, alcohol content along with High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Ultra violet-visible studies have been worked out for mother tincture. Results: The unripe fruit is a syconium, globose, light green and externally tomentose. Stomata are anomocytic or actinocytic. Trichomes are unicellular conical. The 1-layered epidermis in transection (T.S.) is marked by hair bases with conspicuously large encircling cells. Inner cortex is aerenchymatous and possesses laticiferous tubes. Vascular bundles are present in the cortex towards inside. In T.S. inner fruit wall possess female flowers. Physico-chemical properties and HPTLC values of this plant have been standardised. Conclusion: The powder microscopic features and organoleptic characters along with anatomical and physico-chemical studies are diagnostic to establish the standards for the drug.

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of individualised homoeopathic medicines in treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Design: Randomised placebo-controlled single-blind pilot trial. Setting: Central Research Institute (Homoeopathy), Kottayam, Kerala, India from June 2009 to November 2011. Participants: Children aged 6-15 years meeting the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for ADHD. Interventions: A total of 61 patients (Homoeopathy = 30, placebo = 31) were randomised to receive either individualised homoeopathic medicine in fifty millesimal (LM) potency or placebo for a period of one year. Outcome measures: Conner's Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short (CPRS-R (S)), Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-SS), Clinical Global Impression- Improvement Scale (CGI-IS) and Academic performance. Results: A total of 54 patients (homoeopathy = 27, placebo = 27) were analysed under modified intention to treat (ITT). All patients in homoeopathy group showed better outcome in baseline adjusted General Linear Model (GLM) repeated measures ANCOVA for oppositional, cognition problems, hyperactivity and ADHD Index (domains of CPRS-R (S)) and CGI-IS at T3, T6, T9 and T12 (P = 0.0001). The mean baseline-adjusted treatment difference between groups at month 12 from baseline for all individual outcome measures favoured homoeopathy group; Oppositional (−16.4, 95% CI - 20.5 to − 12.2, P = 0.0001), Cognition problems (−15.5, 95% CI − 19.2 to − 11.8, P = 0.0001), Hyperactivity (−20.6, 95% CI − 25.6 to − 15.4, P = 0.0001), ADHD I (−15.6, 95% CI − 19.5 to − 11.6, P = 0.0001), Academic performance 14.4%, 95% CI 8.3 to 20.5, P = 0.0001), CGISS (−1.6, 95% CI − 1.9 to − 1.2, P = 0.0001), CGIIS (−1.6, 95% CI − 2.3 to -0.9, P = 0.0001). Conclusion: This pilot study provides evidence to support the therapeutic effects of individualised homoeopathic medicines in ADHD children. However, the results need to be validated in multi-center randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background and Aim: In Homoeopathy, the drug Lycopodium clavatum is prescribed for digestive upset, inflammations of urinary organs and dermal problems, but not for the treatment of central nervous system disorders unlike its use in traditional and folk medicine for central nervous system conditions. The present study was, therefore, undertaken with an aim to explore the possible analgesic and behavioural activities of the homoeopathic formulations of Lycopodium clavatum in animal models. Material and Methods: Wistar albino rats (120-140 g) of either sex were used to evaluate analgesic effect by using hot plate, ice plate and Randall-Selitto tests and behavioural effect by using rota rod and open field tests. The rats were fed with different potencies (3X, 6X, 12X and 30C) of Lycopodium clavatum i.e., 0.5 ml /rat/day for 30 days and response of drug was measured after 30 minutes of drug administration on 10 ^th , 20 ^th and 30 ^th day. Vehicle and saline-treated rats were tested simultaneously along with drug-treated animals for comparison. Results: The study revealed that all the four potencies of Lycopodium clavatum had increased the latency time required to raise and to lick the fore or hind paw for thermal sensation and had also increased the quantum of threshold pressure to mechanical induced pain but depressed the motor coordination and locomotor activity. Conclusion: This study suggests that the homoeopathic formulations (3X, 6X, 12X and 30C) of Lycopodium clavatum possess central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity. So the drug Lycopodium clavatum can be taken up for further research for its possible human use.

Calculus in the male urethra is a rare clinical presentation and case reports of urethral calculi in the medical literature are likewise scant. We report a case of a 33-year-old male who presented at Delhi Govt Homoeopathic Dispensary at Aali Village with intense pain and scanty urination. Ultrasonography confirmed the diagnosis of urethral calculus in prostatic part of urethra. On the basis of keynotes, Lyssin prescribed in LM potencies improved urinary flow immediately and provided pain relief, which were objectively assessed as per pre-defined scales, and the 11 mm calculus was expelled in 8 days. No complication was observed during the following 6 months with after expulsion of a large calculus.