Clinical evaluation of some predefined
homoeopathic medicines in osteoarthritis
Objectives: The objectives of
the study were to clinically evaluate efficacy of some predefined homoeopathic
drug(s), selected on the basis of their traditionally/empirically use as
mentioned in the literature: Bryonia
alba, Rhus toxicodendron, Formica rufa, Calcarea carbonica, Causticum, Thuja
occidentalis, Guaiacum, Lycopodium clavatum, Medorrhinum, Calcarea fluoricum and Osteoarthritis Nosode and also to
evaluate their efficacy in relieving the signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis,
their most useful potencies, frequency of administration, and their
relationship with other medicines..
Methods: It was a multi-centric observational study (Open clinical trial) carried out by
Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy at its Regional Research Institute (Homoeopathy), Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh
(1995-2005) and Clinical Research Unit (Homoeopathy), Patiala, Punjab
(1985-1994). A total number of 508 cases of primary Osteoarthritis (localized)
were selected according to the pre-defined parameters. The detailed case
recording was done for each case and after matching the symptoms of the patient
with one of the 11 drugs, the most similimum medicine was prescribed and the
cases were monitored for assessing the improvement status according to the
pre-defined criteria and the results were evaluated.
Results: Out of 508 cases followed up, 453 cases
improved in varying degrees; marked improvement in 69 cases, moderate
improvement in 150 cases and mild improvement in 234 cases. No improvement was
seen in 9 cases. The intervention drugs were found effective in relieving the
symptoms & signs of osteoarthritis when prescribed as per their
indications: Bryonia alba (n=115), Calcarea carbonica (n=27), Calcarea fluoricum (n=9), Causticum (n=45), Formica rufa (n=67), Guaiacum (n=16),
Lycopodium clavatum (n=21), Medorrhinum (n=7), Rhus toxicodendron (n=109) and Thuja occidentalis (n=15).
Conclusion: Outcome of the study shows that homoeopathic
medicines are effective in managing osteoarthritis. Other objectives of the
study which included most useful potencies of medicines, their frequency of
administration and relationship with other medicines could not be achieved.
However, further study with predefined biochemical and radiological markers
needs to be conducted. Also osteoarthritis
nosode had not been prescribed to any patient in the study, and a separate
detailed trial needs to be conducted.
G.C. Sahagal, Bhawan Singh
Clinical Research Unit Patiala.
K. Bhanumurty, Ch. Raveendar
Regional Research Institute, Gudivada.