Thesis (M. Tech. (Homoeopathy))--Technikon Witwatersrand, 2004. / Specialist supervisor: D. Mycock ; supervisor: E. Solomon. Also available via World Wide Web.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2018. / Brief background In the practice of Homoeopathy, widely acting remedies or polychrest homoeopathic medicines are prescribed in the treatment of a wide range of clinical conditions. The documenting of the guiding symptoms in successfully treated cases will assist in offering guidelines for the prescription of remedies in the future and thus serves as scientific and clinical verification of the remedies. The operational definition of success for the purposes of clinical verification is the alleviation or improvement of existing symptoms (Van Wassenhoven 2013). This definition was applied in the context of this study. To facilitate high standards of health care as well as teaching and learning, Durban University of Technology (DUT) Department of Homoeopathy in collaboration with Lifeline established its first Homoeopathic Community Clinic in 2004 called Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic (UNHCC) located in Warwick Junction, Durban. UNHCC provides a free Homoeopathic primary health care service on the third floor of the Lifeline building in Acorn Road, Warwick Triangle, less than one kilometre from the main DUT campus The area is classified as being disadvantaged with high crime rates, prostitution, violence, small informal businesses and low cost housing (Smillie 2010, Watson 2015 and Dube 2015). Aim of the study The study aimed to determine and compare the guiding symptoms of the successful prescription of Natrum muriaticum at Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic (UNHCC) between 2013 and 2016. Methodology A retrospective chart review was conducted at the Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic on the patient files between 2013 and 2016. A rubric (Appendix B) was used to document the demographics, clinical conditions, homoeopathic guiding symptoms, posology and follow up presentation of each chart where Natrum muriaticum was successfully prescribed. Furthermore, a comparison of the guiding prescribing symptoms was made against existing materia medica. A sample size of 197 patient files which had appropriate consent forms enclosed allowing for the use of information for research purposes was established. Prior to gathering the relevant information and the commencement of the study, gate keeper permission to conduct the study on patient files and at the mentioned location was requested and granted by all relevant stakeholders. The actual sample size was derived from the successful cases with follow ups until data saturation. Files that were excluded from the 197 patient files were of those patients who did not attend the follow up appointment and cases which were not treated successfully with the remedy. The sample size for the study was 37. Descriptive statistics was derived and illustrated using bar graphs and pie charts. Tabulations and graphical presentation of the comparison were created. Themes and inferences were drawn based on the emerged data from the symptoms and rubrics. Thereafter, a comparison to the existing materia medica was conducted by comparing the arising symptomatology with the existing content in the materia medica. Results The results of the study showed that the symptoms that arise in the study corresponded with the symptoms in the existing materia medica, however there were additional symptoms that emerged in the study and these symptoms were not listed in the materia medica, but were successfully treated with Natrum muriaticum. It was concluded that the guiding symptoms that were considered in formulating the prescriptions of Natrum muriaticum correlate with the characteristic symptoms of Natrum muriaticum in the materia medicas by Vermeulen, Boericke and Phatak / M

A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Technikon Natal, 1999. / A search of the literature failed to reveal previous studies performed to determine the effect of spinal manipulation in chronic low back pain sufferers, in terms of clinical and immune cellular responses. Previous studies have dealt with either clinical or immune cellular responses but not both in the same study / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy at Technikon Natal, 2002. / The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of light and heat on homoeopathic dilutions of gibberellic acid (cHGA3) as measured on Hordeum vulgare (barley) seed germination. / M

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / In South Africa the total market value for complementary health products in 2003 was R1 ,928,661 ,375. Homoeopathy constituted 4% of this total, thus the market value was R61 million for 2003. According to Discovery Health, South Africa's largest healthcare medical scheme, in 2006 R12,59 million was spent on homoeopathic medication. Although Complementary and Alternative Medicines are used mainly by the higher socio economic groups, research into the development and strengthening of the use of homoeopathy across all markets is needed for the further growth of the profession. One of the most common and effective methods of obtaining market related data is through market research using the survey method. The South African Advertising Research Foundation (SAARF) explored a non-racial measurement to describe the South African· market. The liVing Standards Measure (LSM) that is used measures social class, or living standard, regardless of race, income or education. In South Africa, there are 10 SAARF Universal LSM® groups (SU-LSM® groups). LSM group 1 being the lower "income groups" arid 10 being the highest. The aim of this study was to investigate the current perceptions of South African Advertising Research Foundation Universal Standards Measure® Groups 7 and 8 towards Homoeopathy in South Africa by looking specifically at their awareness of Homoeopathy, usage of the medicines, expected treatment outcomes and cost expectations. This study forms part of a 3 part study to establish the perceptions of the South African public towards homoeopathy using a survey in the form of a questionnaire. The sample group for this part of the study consisted of a total of 480 respondents completing interviews conducted across South Africa. Field workers employed by Research Surveys (Ply) Limited, a professional market research company, conducted the interviews under the supervision of the researcher. Participation in the study was voluntary and participants could withdraw at any time and for any reason. Respondents could remain anonymous, identifying data was only made available to the researcher to edit the surveys and complete the tests for honesty and reliability. The final results of the study were available to participants on request. Data was analysed using computerised cross-tabulation routines. Results were crosstabulated by age, language, monthly household income, personal monthly income, gender, race, area, life cycle, formal/informal dwelling (black sample) and by Living Standard Measures. Data for LSM Groups 7 and 8 were presented in the form of column graphs. Analyses of the results showed that the consumers in LSM Groups 7 and 8 view homoeopathy as fairly effective for certain conditions, that they would rather see a medical practitioner and are likely not to see a Homoeopath in the future. These perceptions do not seem to be related to perceived cost of treatment. It is also clear from the results that consumers in LSM Groups 7 and 8 are in the most part uncertain about homoeopathy with regard to awareness, usage and Homoeopathy as a product/service in general. The results of this research could be used to develop a consumer-based marketing strategy for homoeopathy specifically aimed at the upper income groups.

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

M.Tech. / Coagulation or the formation of blood clots is the result of several complex interactions between humoral coagulation factors, platelets, and fibrin. Unnatural or excessive coagulation is inhibited by the fibrinolytic system. In normal homeostasis, there is a dynamic state in which thrombi are constantly being formed and removed from the circulatory system. Fibrin being the main component of a blood clot is formed by the activation of the clotting cascade. Its production is followed by the fibrinolytic system, resulting in plasmin generation and subsequent fibrin degradation (Soria et al., 1983). Plasmin is the enzyme responsible for fibrin degradation. It is derived from its inactive precursor, plasminogen, by the action of thrombin and plasminogen activators. Homoeopathic Arnica montana is prescribed for pathological conditions that have a sudden onset, are traumatic in nature, and result from the complications of the initial trauma (Vermeulen, 1997). It has been prescribed for various thrombotic disorders and it is known that it speeds up healing and revascularisation of the surrounding tissue (Savage and Roe, 1977). It is a short acting homoeopathic medication, and needs to be repeated often, but it is quick in its actions (Gordon Ross, 1977). This study aimed to establish if Arnica montana 30CH and 200CH potencies caused thrombolysis of a blood clot within an in-vitro sample. It was hypothesised that Arnica montana in 30CH and 200CH potencies would cause thrombolysis in- vitro. The research sample group consisted of fifteen male participants, between eighteen and thirty years of age. Only male participants were selected to prevent any gender variables that may influence the study. Four blood samples each consisting of five milliliters was taken from each participant. Current and efficient phlebotomy techniques were used and the samples were placed in non-treated plastic phlebotomy containers to allow speedy clot formation. One sample was treated with one drop of 30CH Arnica montana and the other with one drop of 200CH Arnica montana. The third sample for each subject was used as a control where one drop of 0.9% sterile saline was added. Thus, consistency concerning diluting effects was maintained. D-dimer levels were measured using the D-DI Test from Diagnostica Stago, which is a rapid latex agglutination slide test. A semi-quantitative testing mode was used to gather the relevant research information. The results of the study showed that in all the samples tested, no agglutination of D-dimers occurred. This indicated that if thrombolysis occurred in the samples, a D-dimer level well below 0.5 micrograms per milliliter of FEU occurred. It has been established that as separate entities homoeopathic Arnica montana 30CH and 200CH have little or no direct effect on a clotted in-vitro sample. This indicates that if the medicine has thrombolytic properties, it has to utilize or activate other endogenous factors in-vivo. As these factors require the presence of vascular endothelium, it makes it potentially difficult to conduct studies due to ethical reasons.

M.Tech. / Onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail) is a painful condition of the toe (Harvey and Bossart, 2002). It is the most common foot problem seen by podiatrists (Mayeaux, 2000) and occurs when there is chronic pressure on the lateral nail fold of the toe by the nail plate (Marcinko, 1992). Symptoms include erythema (redness) of the lateral nail Cold, oedema (swelling) of the lateral nail fold, tenderness to pressure on the lateral nail fold and infection of the lateral nail fold (Abramson et al., 1990). This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic remedy Maguetis Palms. Australis 200CH and IM, in the treatment of the symptoms of onychocryptosis of the hallux, namely pain, tenderness to pressure, oedema, erythema and infection. The double-blind placebo study involved thirty participants. The placebo group comprised of ten participants and the experimental group comprised of twenty participants, ten of whom received Maguelis /'alms Australis 200CH and the remaining ten received Maguelis Pu/us Australis I M. Consent and personal data forms (Appendix A and Appendix B) were completed and the participants were examined and assessed by a podiatrist (Appendix C). Each group took the homoeopathic or placebo medication orally three times daily for a period of two weeks. At a fbIlow-up consultation, dun ing week 3, participants were assessed and the podiatrist completed. an assessment questionnaire (Appendix C). At the end of the research period these questionnaires were collected and statistically analyzed using the chi-square test. The study indicated that the remedy, Magnelis Palms. Au.s.tralis 200CH and 1M showed an improvement in the symptoms, 'pain in the hallux' and 'tenderness to pressure on the hallux'. The IM potency showed a noticeable improvement in the symptom 'tenderness to pressure on the hallux'. However, further research should be conducted using a larger sample group to elicit more statistically significant results.

Nutrient metabolism consists of a series of chemical processes concerned with supplying energy to the body. This enables the body to perform various physiological processes and to maintain homeostasis (Guyton and Hall, 2000). In healthy, non-diabetic subjects, plasma glucose concentrations are held within a narrow range throughout the day, despite wide fluctuations in nutritional intake and physical exercise, as well as other physiological, psychological and iatrogenic influences (Owens, 2002). The purpose of this research study was to determine the effect of the homoeopathic preparations, Saccharum officinale 9cH and 200cH, on glucose metabolism in healthy, non-diabetic humans. This research study was a double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A group of thirty participants were required to undergo an oral glucose tolerance test for three hours. Timing started as soon as the participants started drinking the glucose solution. In addition, ten drops of the homoeopathically prepared medicine or a placebo were administered at each of the following times: -15 minutes, 27 minutes, 87 minutes and 147 minutes. Group one received the placebo (20% alcohol), Group two received Saccharum officinale 9cH and Group three received Saccharum officinale 200cH. Blood glucose concentrations were measured, using capillary blood samples and a glucose meter, at the following times: -30 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, 150 minutes, and 180 minutes. Vital signs were measured at: 10 minutes, 50 minutes, 110 minutes and 170 minutes in order to ascertain any detrimental changes in health. Data was expressed as mean ± standard error. Differences between the groups were determined using the one-way repeated measures analysis of variance method. The hypoglycaemic effect of Saccharum officinale 9cH and 200cH was not proven to be effective in reducing the rate of glucose disposal in the body. Even though a slight difference between the experimental groups and the control group was observed, these changes could not be attributed to the therapeutic effect of the remedy and was regarded as statistically insignificant. / Dr. Natasha Wolf Mr. Neil de Villiers

Anxiety is a universal human emotion, described as a state of changed mood with obvious negative affect and expectation of future adversity and danger (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Although anxiety can be an important motivational drive, it can become debilitating when experienced to an extreme degree (Smith et al., (1996). Nervousness or apprehension in students due to an upcoming examination is an extremely widespread occurrence. However, some students experience test related anxiety to such an extent that it interferes with their studying and may lead to other negative effects of anxiety such as inability to concentrate or focus, depression, poor academic results and loss of self-esteem and self-confidence (American Counseling Association, 2004). Homoeopathy is an effective form of treatment for many acute disorders and the remedy Argentum nitricum is considered a specific treatment for anxiety, especially when related to an upcoming event (Morrison, 1993; Swayne, 1998). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Argentum nitricum 200CH on blood pressure, pulse rate and perceived levels of anxiety in students undergoing a test. The research study was conducted according to the randomized, double-blind method. Forty participants older than eighteen years of age and studying the same course were recruited from the University of Johannesburg. The fact that the participants were currently in the same year and studying the same course, ensured that that similar stress levels were experienced. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental and control group consisting of twenty participants respectively. During the course of the study, neither the researcher nor the participants were aware of the nature of the groups. Perceived anxiety levels as well as cardiovascular responses to anxiety were assessed by way of a State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (Appendix F) and measurement of blood pressure and pulse rate. Each participant was required to undergo these investigations fifteen days prior to the test, as this provided a baseline level to compare with measurements taken on the day that participants wrote a test. Argentum nitricum 200CH or placebo was taken daily at eight o’clock in the morning for five days prior to the test, including the day of the test. Results from measurement of blood pressure and pulse rate were entered on the participant’s Data Collection Table (Appendix B) and compared and analysed according to the paired t-test. Furthermore the results from the State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory for each participant was determined, compared and analysed using the paired t-test. The results of this study showed that Argentum nitricum 200CH does not reduce test related anxiety in a general population of tertiary students, although it did have a definite effect on the pulse rate of the experimental group which remained more stable and increased to a lesser degree than that of the control group. / Dr. S.C. van Es Dr. A. Fourie Dr. R.K. Razlog