Clinical
evaluation of predefined
homoeopathic medicine in the treatment of vitiligo
Objectives: The objective of the
study was to ascertain the role of predefined homoeopathic medicine (Ars. sulph. flavum) selected on the
basis of its traditional/empirical use as mentioned in the literature in the
treatment of vitiligo and to identify its reliable indications, most useful
potencies, frequency of administration and to observe its relationship with
other medicines.
Methods: Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy
conducted this study at Clinical Research Unit (H), Tirupathi (Andhra Pradesh)
from 1987 to 2003. This observational
clinical trial was conducted on 282 patients involving 137 males and 145
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: Two hundred and seven cases were followed up
regularly. In 59 cases other medicines apart from Ars. sulph. flav. were used as per their indications. One case was
cured completely and varying degrees of improvement were observed in 181 cases
(marked, n=25, moderate, n=52, mild, n=104), 25 cases showed no improvement. Ars. sulph. flav. was found to be effective in 154 out of 223 (69%)
cases. The other drugs, which have shown better results in the study, are: Ars. alb. (n=9) and Nitric acid (n=13). Indicated homoeopathic medicines
in 3x, 6x, 30, 200 and 1M potencies were found to be effective. Syphillinum was used as an intercurrent medicine
to Ars. sulph. flav. in 36 cases and
was found effective in all the cases.
Conclusion: Trial medicine has been found effective in the treatment of vitiligo to some extent with limited outcome
parameters. The objectives to identify its reliable indications, most
useful potencies and the intercurrent relationship with other medicines could
be 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, Ars. sulph. flavum
R.V.R. Prasad, Ch. Raveender, Mrs. Bharatha Lakhsmi
Clinical Research Unit (Homoeopathy), Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh