Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy at Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The purpose of this double blind randomised study is to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic simillimum versus high doses of vitamin C in the treatment of Influenza Type Syndrome in terms of subjective symptoms assessed by the patient, and objective clinical signs assessed by the researcher / M

M.Tech. / Menopause refers to the natural cessation of the menstrual cycle at the end of the reproductive years, and is usually defined retrospectively after twelve consecutive months of amenorrhoea. Climacteric is the term used to describe the life period surrounding menopause. It begins with physiological changes that mark the transition between the reproductive and post-reproductive years (Lewis and Bernstein, 1996). The mean age of menopause is 51 years, with a normal range from 45 to 56 years (Chamberlain and Malvern, 1996). There are many symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flushes and night sweats, headaches, sleep difficulties, vaginal dryness and loss of libido, urinary problems, joint and muscle pains, depression, irritability, and poor memory and concentration. Long-term risks and effects include osteoporosis and coronary heart disease (MacGregor, 2000). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic similimum in the treatment of climacteric symptoms. The research study was advertised in local newspapers, pharmacies, and on the Doornfontein campus of the University of Johannesburg in order to recruit volunteers for the study. All volunteers were required to complete a Suitability Criteria Questionnaire. Following this, ten participants were selected who met the inclusion criteria. The study involved four homoeopathic consultations for each participant over a period of three months. During the first consultation a consent form was completed, the procedures of the research were explained to the participant, a full case history was taken, and a physical examination was performed. According to each participant’s individualized physical, mental and emotional symptoms ascertained from the case history, the researcher determined a suitable similimum remedy. A similimum remedy can be defined as the single remedy that fits the symptom picture (Digby, 1997). The abbreviated Kupperman Menopause Index was completed by each participant at the beginning of the treatment, and then at four-weekly intervals for the duration of the twelve week trial. The results were then transferred to the participants’ main Kupperman Menopause Index and compared, thus determining the effect of the homoeopathic similimum in treating climacteric symptoms.

Dr. J. Torline Dr. S. Sarawan Dr. H. Engelbrecht

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Argentum nitricum 6CH and Lycopodium clavatum 6CH in the individualised treatment of patients suffering from Irritable bowel syndrome. These two homoeopathic remedies are well known for their effect on the gastrointestinal system, especially when the gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with emotional stress. 60 subjects participated in this single blind, placebo controlled study. Each subject underwent an initial evaluation in order to ascertain their symptoms prior to treatment. They were then given their appropriate remedy to be administered three times daily for one month. The subject's symptoms were monitored through questionnaires completed at two week intervals. The homoeopathic medication appeared to reduce the Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, with the Lycopodium clavatum group achieving slightly better results than the Argentum nitricum group. It is, however, recommended that further similar studies using a larger sample group for a longer duration be conducted in order to verify these findings.

M.Tech. / On several occasions since the 1994 elections, the South African Department of Health has committed itself to establish appropriate and practical mechanisms for the integration of complementary practitioners and therapies into the National Health System. Although Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) are already used mainly by the higher socio economic groups, Homoeopathy is considered well suited for use in developing countries where the adequate infrastructure, equipment and medicines needed for conventional treatment can not always be provided. There is currently no market-related research available on the awareness or usage of homoeopathy or homoeopathic medicines amongst the lower income groups, those most reliant on the public health care system. To rectify these issues, comprehensive market research needs to done amongst the lower socio-economic groups to determine their levels of awareness of homoeopathy, and if awareness exists, what their level of use is. Well developed, appropriate marketing strategies could lead to commercial expansion into this undeveloped area and the possible inclusion of services and medicines in the public health care system. This study formed part of a three-part study investigating the current public perceptions towards Homoeopathy in South Africa. The research was conducted in the form of a door-to-door survey using a questionnaire. The independent market research company, Research Surveys (Pty) Limited, under the supervision of the researcher, conducted the surveys. The total sample group for all three studies consisted of 2000 respondent interviews conducted in the seven major metropolitan areas of South Africa. These included Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, East London and Port Elizabeth. A total of 1260 Black, 385 White, 240 Coloured and 115 Indian interviews were conducted Sixty three percent of the sample group fell into L.S.M. Groups 2 to 6. This amounts to a total of 1200 respondents. After analysing and discussing the results of the surveys it can be concluded that the consumers from L.S.M. Groups 2 to 6 have a very low level of awareness of homoeopathy, especially when compared to L.S.M. Groups 7 to 10. In general the consumers from this group perceive homoeopaths to be well trained and homoeopathic medicines effective but will still rather consult a medical doctor about certain illnesses. It appears that consumers from this group are not likely to see a homoeopath in the future but would like to see it as a treatment option in provincial hospitals. The lack of interest to see a homoeopath in the future does not seem to be associated with a perceived high cost of consultations.

Dr. A.J. Ford Dr. R. Razlog

M.Tech.

M.Tech.

M.Tech.