Clinical
evaluation of predefined homoeopathic
medicines in the management of diabetes mellitus
Objectives: The objectives of the study were to ascertain
the pathogenesis of some predefined homoeopathic medicines in the maintenance of blood sugar level in
patients with diabetes mellitus and to identify their reliable
indications, their most useful potencies, frequency of repetition and
relationship with other drugs.
Methods: Central Council for
Research in Homoeopathy conducted this study at its Regional Research Institute
(H), New Delhi from 1986 to 2003, Clinical Research Unit (H), Chennai from 1989
to 2003 and Drug Standardization Unit (H), Hyderabad from 1992 to 2000. This
observational clinical trial was conducted on 1583 patients involving 843 males
and 740 females. Cases presented with both clinical types i.e. Type I and Type
II diabetes, of all age groups and both sexes were included in the study. The
cases were registered on the basis of presence of the subjective and / or
objective symptoms guiding to the diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus and on other predefined parameters. The
medicines selected include Cephalandra indica, Chionanthus and Rhus
aromatica. Indicated homoeopathic medicines were prescribed in mother
tincture only.
Results: Eight
hundred and forty seven cases were followed up regularly. Good
control of the blood sugar level was achieved in 31 cases; varying degrees of
improvement were observed in 666 cases (marked improvement in 137, moderate
improvement in 132, mild improvement in 397). No improvement was seen in 139
cases and only 11 cases showed aggravation of their conditions. Rhus
aromatica was found to be most effective in reducing the blood sugar level
i.e. in 83.5% cases (96 out of 115) and in alleviating the signs and symptoms
of Diabetes mellitus in 88.7% cases (102
out of 115) followed by Cephalandra
indica which could reduce the signs and symptoms in 75.7% cases (632 out of
835) and bring down blood sugar level in 18.5% cases (155 out of 835). Chionanthus was used in only 6 cases in
4 cases had improvement in the signs and symptoms whereas 2 cases had reduction
in their blood sugar levels.
Conclusion: Trial medicines have been found effective in the management of Diabetes mellitus to
some extent with limited outcome parameters. Positive results of homoeopathic
drugs encourages for taking up controlled studies with more significant outcome
parameters.
Keywords: homoeopathy; diabetes mellitus; insulin; Cephalandra
indica; Rhus aromatica
V.K. Khanna, R.K. Manchanda, B.
S. Arya, Nirmal Suri
Regional Research Institute (Homoeopathy), New Delhi
Prof. T. Rajagopal, Hafeezullah
Baig
Drug Standardization Unit (Homoeopathy), Hyderabad, Andhra
Pradesh
K. Bhanumurty, K. Raju, P.
Prasad, S. Ravi Kumar
Clinical Research Unit (Homoeopathy), Chennai, Tamilnadu