Clinical evaluation of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of vitiligo
Objectives: The objectives of the study
were to evolve a group of most effective homoeopathic medicines in the
treatment of vitiligo, to identify their reliable indications, most useful
potencies, frequency of administration and to observe their relationship with
other medicines.
Methods: Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy
conducted this study at its Regional Research Institute (H), Gudivada (Andhra
Pradesh) from 2003 to 2005. One hundred and sixty four patients were screened
for this observational clinical trial involving 89 males and 75 females. The
cases of both sexes and all age groups were included in the study on the basis
of presence of subjective or objective symptoms, guiding to the diagnosis of vitiligo
and other predefined parameters. The prescriptions were made after detailed
case taking as per homoeopathic principles.
Results: One hundred cases were followed up regularly. Five cases were cured
completely and varying degrees of improvement were observed in 27 cases
(marked, n=8, moderate, n=11, mild, n=8), 40 cases showed improvement which was not significant. No
change was observed in 26 cases and only 2 cases had worsened. The drugs which
have shown better results in the study are: Ars.
alb. (n=8), Calcarea carb. (n=2), Phosphorus (n=8), Silicea (n=4) and Sulphur (n=4). Indicated
homoeopathic medicines in 200 and 1M potencies were found to be effective.
Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicines have been found to have
effective role in the treatment of vitiligo. The objectives to evolve a group of most effective homoeopathic
medicines for vitiligo and to identify their reliable indications were achieved
and the relationship between different medicines was accomplished. Further studies with improved
protocol and other parameters for outcome assessment are required to reach at definitive
conclusion.
Keywords: homoeopathy; vitiligo; hypo-pigmented spots; Wood’s lamp
Bhola Ram
Regional Research Institute (H), Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh