Clinical evaluation of predefined homoeopathic medicines in
HIV disease
Objectives: To evaluate the role of predefined homoeopathic drugs,
that are known immune suppressors in material doses, in the management of asymptomatic
HIV Infection and to see whether homoeopathic therapy could help in delaying
the progression of HIV infection and occurrence of opportunist infections
related to HIV/AIDS, and whether clinical improvement corroborates with
corresponding improvement in immune functions manifested through shift in
CD4/CD8 count.
Methods: A total of 237 cases
were registered at HIV Research Clinic, Central Council for Research in
Homoeopathy headquarters, New Delhi during the period of 1998 – 2003, as per
the CDC classification. Potentized immunosuppresors viz. Azathioprine, Cocainum
muriaticum and Amyl nitrosum were administered to HIV patients according to
their pathological similarity. Besides, the indicated homoeopathic medicines
were prescribed as per totality of symptoms as and when required. The outcome
was assessed through pathological investigations, CD4/CD8 count, and biological
markers.
Results: Two hundred and two
cases were followed up regularly. Among the potentized experimental drugs given
in varied potencies (12, 30, 60, 90), Azathioprine was found to be
efficacious in 156 cases out of 307 cases prescribed. Homoeopathic medicine
like Azadirachta indica in varied potencies was also found to be
efficacious in 156 out of 262 prescribed cases. Nux vom. 200, showed
good result in 111 out of 121 cases prescribed. 156 cases maintained
asymptomatic sero positive stage after 3-5 years under therapy.
Conclusion: The above findings
underscore the positive role of homoeopathic medicines including homoeopathic preparation
of Azathioprine in managing patients with HIV infection. A multicentric trial
with viral load test is further required to substantiate the outcome.
Key Words: observational study;
azathioprine; coccainum muriaticum; amyl nitrosum; homoeopathic medicines; HIV
drug related; CCRH; india
V.P.Singh, .Jaya
Gupta, V.K.paul
HIV Research Clinic,
CCRH Head quarters, New Delhi