M.Dip.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of the Homoeopathic simplex Zincum metallicum in a D6 potency with the Homoeopathic complex treatment Spascupreel in Restless leg syndrome sufferers in terms ofpatient response to treatment. It was hypothesised that the Homoeopathic simplex Zincum metallicum in a D6 potency.Both the homoeopathic simplex Zincum metallicum D6 preparation and homoeopathic complex Spascupreel preparation was found to bring about an improvement in the symptoms ofrestless leg syndrome. However Zincum metallicum D6 showed a much greater improvement that was statistically significant. and the Homoeopathic complex Spascupreel would result in a substantial improvement in all the clinical aspects ofRestless leg syndrome sufferers, and that it could be used as an alternative to "conventional" treatment in many cases. The study, conducted over a period of 3 months, was a clinical trial, in which a placebo control group was compared with two experimental groups. Convenience sampling was used to draw patients into the trial. Volunteers responded to advertisements, which had been placed in various advertising media. The persons who responded to the advertisements were requested to complete Questionnaires one and two and of those who met the criteria, which clearly indicated that they were sufferers of Restless leg syndrome, a maximum of 30 volunteers were accepted for the study. An independent party randomly divided the participants into three groups and the study was conducted over a period ofthree months. During this period 10 of the participants received placebo treatment, 10 received the Homoeopathic simplex Zincum metallicum in a D6 potency and 10 received the Homoeopathic complex Spascupreel. Being a double-blind study neither the researcher nor the participants knew what type of treatment they received until the end of the research. The participants who fell into the placebo group were given the opportunity after the study to be treated with Homoeopathic simplex or complex treatment depending on the effectiveness.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic treatment to auricular acupuncture in smoking cessation. The study was a clinical trial, in which the two different treatment forms were compared. The study required sixty participants. The participants were paired and randomly divided into two groups. The first group received homoeopathic treatment, whilst the second group received auricular acupuncture treatment. The study took place over a six-week period, in which each participant completed a one-week screening period before and after the four-week treatment period began. During the initial consultation, participants were required to complete a questionnaire under the researcher's supervision. The questionnaire included the Fagerstrom tolerance test to determine the participant's dependence on nicotine. Each participant recorded a daily cigarette consumption log before, during and after treatment. Median values of the daily cigarette consumption were calculated and then statistically analysed. Prior to treatment, no significant different in daily cigarette consumption was found between the two groups. Consequent to treatment, both the auricular acupuncture group and the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic group were found to show a significant decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked. At 6 weeks the cessation rate for the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic group was 20%, and that of the auricular acupuncture group was 16.7%. Although there was no statistical difference between the two groups after treatment, the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic treatment group showed a 3.3% improvement over the auricular acupuncture group. From the results, it was apparent that both the auricular acupunture treatment and the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic treatment were effective in smoking cessation.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 2002. / The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of herbal extracts of certain Labiatiae species (Rosmannus officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Thymus vulgaris) in the inhibition of in vitro growth of Candida albicans as compared to ethanol as a control and nystatin in terms of the disc diffusion test. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Diploma in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 1995. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the action of the homoeopathic remedy, Staphylococcinum and the antibiotic Penicillin G, on Staphylococcus aureus, with respect to its growth parameters and enzyme producing ability, in order to determine the effectiveness of homoeopathic remedies on living organisms and to attempt a better understanding of how these remedies work. The hypothesis put forward was that the homoeopathic remedy would have an effect on the growth parameters and enzyme producing ability of the organism, but that the effect would be more subtle than that of Penicillin G. / M

M.Tech. / Infantile colic typically occurs in 10-30% of infants between the ages of two weeks and sixteen weeks (Savino, 2007) and may be defined according to “Wessel’s rule of threes” which states that a diagnosis may be made when a healthy baby with no underlying disease cries for more than 3 hours a day on more than 3 days a week for a period of 3 weeks (Zwart et al., 2007). Infantile colic usually begins at two weeks of age and increases in intensity at about six weeks until around sixteen weeks where it usually resolves spontaneously (Cox & Roos, 2008). Its cause is not exactly known but a number of theories are suggestive of causes that may play a role in its development (Pauli-Pott et al., 2000), namely gastrointestinal disorders and allergies, neurological disorders, a stressful parent environment, low birth weight, maternal smoking and diet. Research has shown that the stress from colicky infants can damage early interaction of a family (Raiha et al., 2002). Studies have shown that conventional medication may prove efficacious in the treatment of infantile colic, however, a high rate of side effects are evident (Underwood, 2009). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Magen®, a homeopathic complex on the treatment of Infantile Colic by means of an Infant Colic Questionnaire for infant and caregiver as well as a daily monitoring diary to record the amount and duration of infant crying on a daily basis. The study was approved and passed by the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Health Sciences Academic Ethics Committee (AEC45/02-2010) and the Higher Degrees Committee (HDC45/02-2010) on the 26th of May 2010. There were thirty participants recruited to participate in the study. The thirty participants consisted of both males and females between the ages of two weeks and ten weeks. Of the thirty participants recruited, one was recruited from the Karien Camphor Nursing Practice in Pretoria and the remaining twenty nine were recruited from the Stork’s Nest at Netcare Femina Hospital in Pretoria. Infants had to comply with Wessel’s criteria (infant that cries for more than 3 hours a day on more than 3 days a week for a period of 3 weeks). Infants already diagnosed with an underlying condition other than colic, such as gastroeosophageal reflux disease, any infection or cardiac disease were excluded from the study. The study was a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled study of six days in duration for each participant.

M.Tech. / Diaper dermatitis (Nappy Rash) is an acute inflammation of the skin in the diaper area and is the most common cutaneous disease among infants and children (Concannon et al., 2001). It is estimated that 7% - 35% of diaper wearing infants are affected by Diaper dermatitis during the period of wearing diapers (Barkin and Rosen, 2003). The exact prevalence is not known as many cases are selfmedicated by parents or guardians (Wolf et al., 2000). Diaper dermatitis causes severe discomfort to the infants as well as anxiety and worry for the parents. Diaper dermatitis is characterised by redness, inflammation, dryness, scaling, itching, irritability, pain, satellite lesions, papulovesicular or pustular eruptions, and in severe cases ulceration of the skin (Visscher and Hoath, 2006). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a Homoeopathic complex cream as a topical treatment for Diaper dermatitis. The complex consisted of Atropa belladonna 6cH, Calendula officinalis D1 and Sulphuricum acidum 6cH. Madaji milking cream was used as a base which contained: chlorhexidene; vitamin E; and lanolin. The treatment group received the medicated Madaji milking cream whereas the control group received the unmedicated Madaji milking cream. The Diaper dermatitis was evaluated using a 4-Point Grading Scale (Appendix D) and The Modified Lund and Browder Chart (Appendix E). Forty participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited to participate in this double blind control study by means of advertisements (Appendix A) that were placed on notice boards at the various campuses of the University of Johannesburg, nursery schools and hospitals, with relevant permission given. Participants were also recruited via word of mouth. Once participants were accepted into the study they were allocated to either Group A or Group B using matched pairs according to severity in order to ensure equal v distribution in both groups. There were 20 participants in each group. Group A was the treatment group which received the medicated Madaji milking cream. Group B was the control group which received the unmedicated Madaji cream. The study was completed over a seven day period. The ten areas most commonly affected by Diaper dermatitis were evaluated on the initial visit, day two, day four and day seven.

M.Tech. / Striae are linear scars in the dermis which arise from rapid stretching of the skin over weakened connective tissue (de Angelis & Adatto, 2010). Striae occur when collagen production cannot keep pace with a sudden growth of the underlying tissues. Striae have no medical consequences but are frequently distressing to those afflicted. These disfiguring marks are usually caused by excessive stretching of the skin that may occur with pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts, obesity and weightlifting (Kang & Arbor, 1998). Striae usually appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts and extremities. Patients’ quality of life can be enhanced with the effective management of these unsightly marks. Modalities of treatments that exist for the treatment of striae have been advocated with varying success and side effects (Manuskiatti et al., 2010). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the topical application of a homoeopathic preparation Thiosinaminum 1X on the appearance of striae. The research was a double-blind placebo controlled study which took place at the Homoeopathy Health Centre which is located at the University of Johannesburg(Doornfontein campus). Forty female participants aged between eighteen and thirty-five were randomly selected to take place in the study. The study was conducted over a period of twelve weeks. On recruitment, the participants were required to read and sign the information sheet (Appendix A) and consent form (Appendix B) assisted by the researcher. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire (Appendix C) to determine contributing factors e.g. duration of the stretch marks, the cause of the stretch marks and any disease that may contribute to the formation of stretch marks. A pertinent case and vital signs were taken at the initial consultation to eliminate any pathologies. All potential participants were required to present with stretch marks on the thighs or buttocks present for at least 6 months prior to the study. The stretch marks needed to have had a minimum length of 50mm and a maximum length of a 100mm. The researcher was responsible for choosing the designated area that was treated. The most distinct striae were selected by the researcher according to criteria for treatment. The researcher took photographs of the treatment areas at the commencement of the study and this was repeated at the end of the study (Appendix I). The length of the most prominent stretch mark (according to criteria) below was also measured on the commencement of the study. To physically iv measure the most prominent stretch mark a string and a ruler was utilized. The same ruler and ball of string was used each time to ensure validity of the results. A new piece of string was cut and tied in a knot at the tip and placed on the stretch mark itself to mould to its shape and thereafter it was placed on a ruler to determine the measurements in millimeters. To ensure that the same stretch mark was measured every time, the researcher measured out the distance between the stretch mark and a defined anatomical point for all the participants. The stretch mark was traced using plotting paper. The participants were required to apply the cream twice daily for the duration of the study. Participants were able to rate their satisfaction on a monthly basis by completing a questionnaire. The results of the study indicated that there was no improvement in the length of striae however there was more improvement in satisfaction ratings throughout the study from the experimental group.

Menopausal symptoms are common causes for women to seek treatment. The severity of symptoms vary from patient to patient and reduces the quality of life for many women. Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, some not until 60 and some at an early age in their thirties or forties (Stoppler, 2008). Aim This study aimed to offer an alternative form of treatment for women that are experiencing the unpleasant symptoms that are experienced with menopause, since hormone replacement therapy, may have adverse effects in some women (Wang-Cheng, 2007). This double-blind placebo controlled study investigated the efficacy of a complementary formulation of Folliculinum D6 and Five-Flower Formula™, (Folliculinum D6, Rock Rose, Impatiens, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum ) in the treatment of menopausal symptoms in terms of participants’ perception of the treatment. iii This formula is currently available commercially as an unregistered product trading under the name of Femme Rosa. This formula was developed by Dr Maharaj, and is prepared by Natura®. The formula consists of Folliculinum D6 and Five-Flower Formula™. Methodology A total of 60 female participants who were going through natural menopause and currently experiencing menopausal symptoms took part in the study. They were randomly assigned according to the randomization sheet drawn up by the supervisor, 29 participants to the treatment group and 31 to the placebo group. The study was conducted over a period of six weeks and participants were required to attend two consultations at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic at the Durban University of Technology. Participants were recruited according to the inclusion criteria set out. During the first consultation the participants completed the Greene Climacteric Scale questionnaire and a concise case history was taken, thereafter each patient was handed two hot flush diaries to be completed one week before treatment and during the sixth week of treatment. Each participant was required to take one tablet every morning and evening for 6 weeks. Six weeks after the first consultation participants attended the second consultation and the Greene Climacteric Scale was completed for the final time and the hot flush diaries collected. iv Results The results of the first questionnaire and hot flush diary were used as a baseline for statistical analyses. As each group consisted of 29 and 31 subjects, non-parametric tests were used for data analysis. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 15.0. Conclusion An improvement was demonstrated in both treatment and placebo groups after treatment yet this improvement was not statistically significant. The only symptoms that improved in the treatment group were the hot flushes and psychological symptoms however, there were no significant differences between the treatment and placebo group. It was concluded that the complementary formulation of Folliculinum D6 and Five-Flower Formula™ was not statistically effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms in terms of the participants’ perception of the treatment.

M.Tech. / There are an estimated 1.2 billion smokers globally (WHO, 2004) and according to Groenewald et al. (2007) approximately 24% of South African adults smoke. The use of tobacco is the second highest cause of death and disability in the world (WHO, 2004), the primary cause of death in the United States (Abrams et al., 2003) and the third leading risk factor in South Africa (Norman et al., 2007). This malady is preventable and as such, the use of tobacco must be regarded as an important public health and treatment priority. In dealing with smoking cessation Lebargy (2000), concluded that nicotine replacement therapy has a success rate of between 20% and 25%. What is significant though is that currently used and recommended conventional smoking cessation techniques have many side-effects and contra-indications. They further stress the importance of new more effective techniques in order to fight the pan-epidemic of smoking (Henningfield et al., 2005; Mitrouska et al., 2007) The remedy being investigated is a homoeopathic preparation, Anti Smoking complex, consisting of Avena sativa D3, Daphne indica D6, Nux vomica D6, Caladium seguinum D60, Nicotinum D60 and Nicotiana tabacum D60. The aim of the research was to evaluate the efficacy of the Anti Smoking complex in the treatment of smoking cessation and nicotine withdrawal symptoms of smokers between the ages of eighteen and sixty years. The efficacy of the Anti Smoking Complex was evaluated in terms of the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND), the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM-68), weekly smoking logs, and withdrawal symptoms for the purpose of identifying a safer alternative in the treatment of smoking cessation and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. A sample group of thirty participants was recruited at the University of Johannesburg Health Centre and various local pharmacies. Participants attended an initial interview, where they were screened by means of questionnaires and physical examinations. Inclusion criteria comprised of: adults between the ages of 18 and 60 years, who were smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day for at least a year with a score of five to seven on the FTND. Reliability and validity of clinical investigations was ensured by adherence to procedural documentation. 3 The study was conducted over a nine week period and was a random double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participation in the study was voluntary and participants were free to refuse treatment or withdraw from the study at any time. Participants were placed into two groups of fifteen – the experimental group had to take 10 drops of the Anti Smoking complex four times daily for six weeks and the control group had to take placebo on the same basis. Follow up appointments to monitor results took place on week 1, 4, 7 and 9 respectively. Collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). The data gathered from the FTND, the WISDM-68 and questionnaires was statistically analysed. The results of the experimental and controlled groups were compared using independent samples t-tests. Disparities of clear-cut variables was analysed using Chi-squared tests. Over time differences was analysed using repeated measures ANOVA (Eiselen, 2007). The homoeopathic complex, Anti Smoking Complex is effective in the treatment of smoking cessation. Both the results of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and Wisconsin Inventory for Smoking Dependence supported the above. An overall smoking cessation rate of 20.0% was obtained after the nine week trial period. Of particular importance, there was no significant effect on any of the parameters of the withdrawal symptoms questionnaire. As withdrawal symptoms are a key component of smoking cessation, the action of the complex is incomplete.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / The purpose of this placebo controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Carbo Vegetabilis D9, Lycopodium clavatum D9, Nux Vomica D9 and Robinia Pseudoacacia D9) in the treatment of patients suffering from functional dyspepsia; in terms of the patient’s perception of the treatment. It was hypothesized that the patients treated with the complex would respond favorably in terms of the symptoms associated with dyspepsia. In this experimental study the single variable design was used for its ‘before and after with control’. Thirty patients with functional dyspepsia were selected after been screened according to diagnostic criteria identified by the researcher. These patients were divided into two groups according to simple random sampling. Data was collected at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic at the Durban University of Technology. Group one received the homoeopathic complex and group two received a placebo complex. Patients received treatment over a period of six weeks (three consultations). The patients, during each consultation, in the presence of the researcher, completed the Patient Perception Questionnaire. Results were statistically analysed using the FriedmansTest (inter group comparison) and The Wilcoxon signed Rank Test (intra group comparison). When the three questionnaires for each patient were compared it was found that neither the placebo group, nor the experimental group yielded significant improvement. Therefore the results of this clinical trial demonstrated that this homoeopathic complex is not effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia, when compared to placebo, in terms of patient perception. / M