Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology. 2013. / This study was a homoeopathic drug proving of Bitis atropos 30CH (derived from Berg adder venom) with a subsequent comparison of the proving symptoms to known venom toxicology and existing remedies from the materia medica, that on repertorisation, yielded the greatest similarities in the Mental, General, Physical and unique symptomatology of Bitis atropos. Methodology : The proving was carried out in the form of a double-blinded, placebo controlled trial on healthy subjects who were administered the proving substance or placebo. The resultant influence of this substance on the health of provers (i.e. symptoms produced) was recorded in journal format and formed the materia medica and ultimately the clinical indications thereof according to the Law of Similars. Twenty eight healthy consenting provers who meet the inclusion criteria (Appendix B), were randomly split into two groups, one being the experimental group comprising 22 provers, and the other a placebo control group comprising 6 provers. This was further split between the researcher and co-researcher, each responsible for 11 provers receiving verum and 3 receiving placebo. The researchers and the individual provers were unaware of their respective group allocation and the provers were unaware of the identity of the proving substance. The fresh venom sourced from a wild, Berg adder, was processed according to the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (Appendix G) to produce the 30CH Homoeopathic potency thereof. Six lactose powders were dispensed to each prover (either placebo or verum) and taken sublingually three times a day or until the onset of symptoms. Symptoms were recorded by the provers in journals over 4 weeks and were closely supervised by the researcher. When the symptoms subsided, the combined journals were collected, collated, analysed, interpreted and validated. Accepted symptoms were converted to materia medica and Repertory format. Results : The proving yielded a total of 903 rubrics, of which 18 were newly created. The systems mostly affected were Dreams, Mind, Head and Eye. Comparison of proving symptoms to that of venom toxicology, as seen in case studies of envenomation by Bitis atropos, yielded similar results, as the sensations experienced in provers closely matched that of known venom toxicology. On repertorisation of the proving symptoms, the existing remedies that were closely related were Sepia officinalis, Lachesis mutus and Argentum nitricum. Further repertorisation of toxicological symptoms indicated a further relation to Belladonna, Natrum muriaticum and Hyoscyamus niger. Conclusion : Clearly observable signs and symptoms were produced by healthy provers in response to administration of Bitis atropos 30CH, in addition there was a significant degree of similarity between proving symptoms and that of known toxicology of the crude substance. The researcher identified Sepia officinalis, Lachesis mutis and Argentum nitricum as the three most similar existing homoeopathic remedies and a detailed comparison thereof was conducted. A further repertorisation of the toxicological symptoms of envenomation by the snake, yielded the remedies Belladonna, Natrum muriaticum and Hyoscyamus niger which were also compared to Bitis atropos.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Introduction Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition (disorder of the pilosebaceous duct) which is universal in adolescence. Acne vulgaris can persist into adulthood, with 1% of males and 5% of females requiring treatment until 40 years of age. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Kalium bromatum 9CH, Natrum muriaticum 9CH, Selenium 9CH, Sulphur 9CH and Thuja occidentalis 9CH), compared to placebo, in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Methodology A total of 37 participants between the ages of 18 and 31 were recruited from the Greater Durban area by means of poster advertisements placed on notice boards in shops, pharmacies, health shops, hospitals, schools, tertiary institutions including Durban University of Technology, and other public areas. Handouts were also left at these areas for people to take home. The final sample consisted of 34 participants due to the drop out of 3 participants. After participants read an information letter (English or Zulu), fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the research, were diagnosed as having acne vulgaris by the researcher and completed an informed consent form (English or Zulu) and confidential patient information form (English or Zulu), they were randomly assigned to an experimental (homoeopathic complex) group and a control (placebo) group. In the final sample, the experimental (homoeopathic complex) group consisted of 7 males and 10 females, and the control (placebo) group consisted of 9 males and 8 females. Consultations took place at the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Day Clinic, and consisted of 3 consultations, an initial consultation followed by 2 follow-up consultations at 3 weekly intervals. The treatment period for each participant was therefore 6 weeks. A case history was taken and a complete physical examination was performed for all participants. The Leeds counting technique was used to assess and measure the response to treatment. The lesions assessed were the non-inflamed lesions (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed lesions (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and deep pustules) and the total number of acne lesions (number of non-inflamed and inflamed lesions combined). The response to treatment was measured in terms of a reduction in the number of non-inflamed, number of inflamed and total number of acne lesions, on the face, over the 6 weeks. SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data. A p value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Non-parametric tests were used to analyse the data. The number of non-inflamed, number of inflamed and total number of acne lesions were compared within groups using the Friedman test and between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. The number of lesions was compared separately for males and females, and also without gender classification. Results In females, the control (placebo) group showed a statistically significant reduction in the total number of acne lesions when compared to the experimental group (p = 0.034). However, as a whole, it was concluded from the results of this study that there was no significant difference in the number of non-inflamed (p = 0.193), number of inflamed (p = 0.290), and total number of acne lesions (p = 0.193) between the experimental (homoeopathic complex) and control (placebo) groups. Both groups showed a similar reduction when compared to each other. Conclusion It was concluded that the homoeopathic complex was not effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the homeopathic potential of Bitis atropos 30CH (Homoeopathically prepared Berg adder venom) and to compare the materia medica of Bitis atropos with that of existing remedies originating from remedies derived from the same genus: Bitis. It was hypothesised that the thirtieth centesimal potency of the substance Bitis atropos would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy volunteers, furthermore it was hypothesised that the materia medica of Bitis atropos would be comparable with those of existing remedies originating from the genus Bitis. Methodology The homeopathic drug proving of the substance Bitis atropos 30CH took the form of a double-blinded, randomised, placebo controlled trial. A total of 28 provers took part in the proving, twenty one percent (6 provers) were randomly administered placebo, the other seventy nine percent (22 provers) were randomly administered verum (active proving drug). Each prover received six lactose powder sachets, either placebo or verum, and were instructed to take one powder three times a day or until symptoms arose. Symptoms induced in healthy provers by Bitis atropos or placebo were recorded in journal format on a daily basis for a period of 4 weeks or until symptoms subsided. This data was subsequently transcribed into nomenclature suitable for the materia medica and repertory. A general picture of the remedy was described which according to the Law of Similars forms the clinical indications of the substance in homoeopathic practice. A concurrent study of the proving of Bitis atropos 30CH was conducted by Brijnath (2013), and focused on comparing the results of the proving with the venom toxicology of the snake and other related remedies. Results A wide variety of mental, emotional and physical symptoms were produced. Some of the main themes included feelings of antagonism with one’s self, polarity, anxiety, irritability and a lack of focus with a feeling of confusion. Some of the physical symptoms produced were a lack of energy, fatigue, temperature sensitivity, skin eruptions, eye symptoms, ear symptoms, back pain, asthma symptoms, and an increase in libido. The symptoms from the proving of Bitis atropos 30CH were subsequently compared with remedies that belong to the same genus: Bitis. This analysis aimed to demonstrate the similarities between the remedies in the same genus: Bitis. A significant degree of similarity was noted within the mental sphere, where the remedies shared the same themes of anxiety, irritability, polarity, confusion and lack of mental focus. Some of the physical symptoms shared by the remedies were those of respiratory symptoms, temperature sensitivity, fatigue, lack of energy and headaches and an increased libido. Conclusion This investigation supported the hypothesis that Bitis atropos 30CH would produce clear and observable signs and symptoms in healthy volunteers in addition it supported the hypotheses that the materia medica produced would be comparable to the existing remedies sharing the same genus i.e.- Bitis arietans arietans(Puff adder) and Bitis gabonica gabonica (Gaboon viper).

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / The aim of this study was to compare the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra of homoeopathic potencies prepared according to the orthodox Hahnemannian method with those produced with Radionic instrumentation. Methodology The chemical shift values and relative integration values for the H2O, CH2, CH3 and OH peaks of the 6C, 12C and 30C potencies of Hahnemannian and Radionic Natrum muriaticum were compared. The orthodox Hahnemannian method of preparing potencies involves dilution of the crude substance followed by the dilution and succussion at each subsequent deconcentration (potency) level. The Hahnemannian potencies were prepared according to the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (GHP) and the potencies diluted using a 1:100 ratio and succussed ten times at each potency level. The Radionic group of potencies were prepared using the ‘Magnetogeometric Potency Simulator’ (a Radionic apparatus). NMR testing took place at the Chemistry Department at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg using a Bruker Avance lll NMR spectrometer 500MHz.The samples were dispensed into boro-silicate glass NMR tubes with a co-axial tube containing Dimethyl sulfoxide-d6 (DMSO-d6) which was used as a frequency lock around the tube. Three samples were drawn from each group, including the controls, and analysed using the NMR spectrometer. The NMR spectrometer information was received and the chemical shift and relative integration values of H2O, OH, CH2 and CH3 peaks on the NMR spectra recorded. All the data was entered into a Microsoft Excel© 2000 spreadsheet and then from there transferred into SPSS© software package for statistical analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to make a comparison between the eight unpaired groups. If a significant difference occurred between the groups iii individual comparisons between groups were made using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. The significant value was set at α= 0.05. Results The results of this study revealed significant differences between the Hahnemannian and Radionic samples. The chemical shift values of the parallel potencies showed significant differences for the H2O, CH2 and CH3 peaks. A significant difference for the OH peaks was observed between the 30C potencies. The relative integration values showed a significant difference for the OH and CH3 peaks between the parallel 12C and 30C potencies but not between the parallel 6C potencies. Conclusion From studying the results it can be concluded that the respective manufacture methods resulted in the NMR spectra of the parallel potencies being significantly different (exhibiting distinctive physico-chemical properties) thus confirming the hypotheses of the study. The standardisation of the process of preparing homoeopathic remedies is important as different methods produce potencies with distinct physico-chemical identities. Further studies into different methods should be researched in order to control and standardise the production of potencies.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Introduction Hahnemann was adamant that his methodology for LM1 prescription be reproduced exactly, in order to develop the latent medicinal properties of the crude substance reliably (Barthel 1991). Yet quality assurance practices during manufacturing are currently aligned to Good Manufacturing Process, in adherence to Pharmacopeia which permit substantial deviation from the strict quantities and practices (Kayne 2006) prescribed in Hahnemann’s 6th edition Organon (Hahnemann and O'Reilly 2001). Often the equipment, methods and practices favour expedience or utilise new technologies, under an assumption that the remedy produced is unaffected, since the mechanisms underlying the action of homoeopathic remedies are not understood or determined (Barthel 1991). Aim The primary purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of Natrum muriaticum LM1, produced using strict adherence to original Hahnemannian methodology, to samples sourced from a representative variety of sources available to local homoeopathic practitioners, in the medicinal prescription form patients may receive. Additionally, the researcher set out to confirm that these Natrum muriaticum LM1 samples could be shown to produce distinct NMR spectra when compared to a Lactose LM1 control. The final objective was to ascertain whether two samples produced with the same strict adherence to Hahnemannian methodology, from same source materials would yield similar NMR Spectra, distinct from a Lactose LM1 control sample. Methodology The researcher produced an in-house Natrum muriaticum LM1 (0/1) sample in accordance with aphorism 272 of the 6th edition Organon (Hahnemann and O'Reilly 2001). Similarly, a second sample was produced by the DUT Homoeopharmaceutics Senior Lecturer, within the same ambient conditions and protocol. A third sample was produced by a local make-to-order (MTO) company, using the same sodium chloride crude substance sample utilised in the production of the first two samples. These three samples emulate the make-to-order (MTO) options available to homoeopathic practitioners. A fourth sample was obtained ex-stock from highly regarded local supplier (Homoeopathix Trading Company (South Africa)), while the fifth and sixth samples were procured ex-stock from highly regarded suppliers abroad, Helios (United Kingdom) and Roy & Co. (India) respectively. These samples represented the make-to-stock (MTS) sourcing options available to homoeopathic community. The researcher transported the samples to Chemistry Department of the University of Stellenbosch Chemistry Department in Cape Town. Any external influences such as vibration, changes in temperature, electromagnetic disturbances, heat or strong light were avoided or minimised as far as was practical. The six LM1 potency samples were prepared immediately prior to NMR analysis from their respective source materials to a 20% alcohol concentration, as could be done in practice for the patient prescription where the alcohol content would serve as a preservative. Four controls comprised the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth samples, for comparative analysis and to confirm sample homogeneity. . Lactose (LM1) . Source lactose in solution . Water used in preparation of NMR samples . Ethanol solvent The ten samples were assigned a random reference number by Dr Jaco Brand (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Unit Manager), to remove bias during NMR analysis. Five samples were drawn from each of the ten randomised samples and labelled, while deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide-d6 (DSMO) contained within a separate capillary tube served as an external lock and reference solvent. The researcher then carried out the analysis under qualified supervision to ensure best-practice was applied throughout. The resulting data (FID) was processed to derive the chemical shift and relative integration values, which were captured into a Microsoft® Excel 2010 spreadsheet to calculate the relative integration values of each sample run. Statistical analysis was performed in GNU PSPP version 085, the data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the non-parametric tests, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test (due to small data size and nature of distribution) at a statistical significance interval of α = 0.05. Results Natrum muriaticum LM1 samples sourced from a variety of make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock manufacturing environments produced almost universally distinct NMR spectra profiles in terms of chemical shifts and relative integration values of the CH2, CH3 and H2O signals, at an alcohol concentration of 20%, when compared to a Lactose LM1 control sample. When the NMR spectra of make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock (MTS) remedies were analysed and compared to each other in terms of chemical shifts and relative integration values of the CH2, CH3 and H2O signals, they were for the most part statistically distinct, but some anomalous results emerged. There was no statically significant difference in NMR spectra in terms of chemical shift, between the two samples produced in the same environment using the methodology to closely aligned to Organon (Hahnemann and O'Reilly 2001), yet in terms of relative integration values, they were statistically distinct. Conclusion The low alcohol percentage associated with the medicinal dosage of LM1 prepared for analysis failed to produce an OH peak on NMR spectra. In addition, it is not possible to identify the variables or indeed account for the nature of NMR spectra that are produced after sample analysis. This study concludes that while NMR was able to discern physico-chemical distinction between LM1 potency Natrum muriaticum remedies to control conclusively, this does not translate to practical application of NMR for quality control or remedy comparison for LM potencies at alcohol content levels, associated with medicinal prescription. / M

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008 / This study was intended to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic simillimum in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The sample group consisted of women between the ages of eighteen and forty, living in the greater Durban area. PMS is a condition characterized by nervousness, irritability, anxiety, depression, and possibly headaches, oedema, and mastalgia, occurring during the 7 to 10 days before and usually disappearing a few hours after the onset of menses (Beers and Berkow, 1999:1932-1933). 75% of all women suffer from PMS to some degree (Hayman, 1996). A total of 39 participants with PMS were selected for the study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria (Chapter 3). Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups (treatment and placebo) according to the randomisation sheet. There were 12 withdrawals from the study. 27 of the participants completed the study of which, 14 were on placebo treatment and 13 on active treatment. The treatment followed the initial consultation, which consisted of 3 powders containing either active ingredient (i.e. simillimum) or matching placebo and a 20ml bottle of liquid containing either active ingredient or placebo. Each participant was required to take one powder daily for three days from day 10 of their menstrual cycle followed by liquid treatment daily till onset of menstruation. Each participant had 3 consultations with the researcher over a 3 month period; each consultation a month apart. Menstrual Distress Questionnaires (Appendix A) were completed by the participants at each consultation. The data accumulated via the questionnaires was evaluated using non-parametric tests and analyzed statistically using the Wilcoxon’s Signed rank iv test and the Kruskal Wallis test. The results were analysed at a 95% confidence rating with p ≤ 0.05. Data was analysed using the SPSS (version 15.1 ®) for Windows ® statistical software suite. The intra-group analysis showed statistically significant changes in the subgroups of water retention (p=.020) and appetite changes (p=.010) in the Treatment Group. The Placebo Group showed statistical significant changes in the subgroups of concentration (p=.029), autonomic reaction (p=.013) and appetite changes (p=.035). The inter-group analysis failed to reveal any statistical significance. Therefore, the conclusion is that homoeopathic simillimum was not effective in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There were clinical improvements noted by participants during the study which suggest that more research into the treatment of PMS should be conducted. Studies with a larger sample group over a longer time frame with daily outcome measures would give a better indication of the efficacy of the homoeopathic simillimum on premenstrual syndrome.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008 / The 2001 Census revealed that roughly 78% of the South African population claimed to be of a certain religious standing, namely Christian (Statistics South Africa: 2001). One can assume that many Christians are exposed to, and partake in, the growing trend of complementary medicine. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of homeopathy amongst Christian Church members in the Berea North area of Durban and assess how similar they are to the perceptions of certain Christian authors holding the view that homoeopathy is incompatible with Christianity. Methodology A survey method with self-administered questionnaires was employed. A total of 365 questionnaires were distributed and 174 completed questionnaires were returned (47.40%). The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions that were divided into 4 sections. The first section consisted of demographic questions while the remaining sections were related to the perception of homoeopathy. For most of the questions, possible alternative answers were given. A few of the questions allowed open ended answers. Data was analyzed by means of the SPSS (v.13) program. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis and interpretation. More specifically, the Chi square test was used to determine relationships between certain qualitative variables. iii Results The majority of respondents (63.2%) perceived that homoeopathy is compatible with Christianity, with more females than males agreeing with that statement. Only 10.3% said it is not, and 24.1% were undecided. A similar majority (64.9%) answered “Yes” regarding whether Christians should use homoeopathy or not. The results showed that respondents who have made use of some form of complementary medicine e.g. reflexology, herbal medicine and acupuncture, are more likely to condone the use of homoeopathy amongst Christians. The overwhelming majority of respondents categorize homoeopathy as either natural (54%) or complementary (30%) medicine. Slightly more respondents categorize it as Eastern (8%) rather than New Age medicine (5%). Only 2 respondents (1%) categorized homoeopathy as occult. The results of the study showed that slightly more than half of the respondents perceive homoeopathy as operating on scientific principles (52.9%), and only 13.2% perceive that it does not with 32.8% undecided. 92.8% of respondents have a matric or higher level of education. Despite the high education level of respondents, 47.1% of respondents indicated that they only know something about homoeopathy and 25% indicated that they have either never heard of it or have only heard of it. The majority of respondents indicated that their knowledge of homoeopathy is inadequate (69%) but showed a desire to know more about homoeopathy (72.4%). iv Conclusion The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that the majority of Christians surveyed did not share the views of the Christian authors who regard homoeopathy as incompatible with Christianity. On the contrary, the majority supported the use of homoeopathy, and were interested to find out more about it.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Introduction This descriptive, quantitative perception survey aimed to determine the opinions and treatment regimes of registered South African homoeopaths, regarding childhood vaccinations. Purpose / Aim The purpose of this survey was to determine if there is a coherent treatment protocol amongst homoeopaths when dealing with childhood vaccinations. Methodology The researcher used a questionnaire (Appendix B), aimed at homoeopaths registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), as primary health care practitioners, to view their patient management techniques regarding vaccinations. This study aimed to document the intervention protocols offered concurrently or as an alternative to orthodox vaccinations. A participant information letter (Appendix A) and a questionnaire (Appendix B) were faxed or e-mailed to all homoeopaths. After a two week time lapse, an independent third party contacted the participants who had not returned the questionnaires to ensure they had received the questionnaire. A further 2 weeks were allowed to lapse for the return of the outstanding questionnaires, after which time the non-complying candidates were excluded from the study. v Anonymity was maintained as the 93 completed questionnaires were returned to the third party. All personal details were removed before the researcher was allowed access to the questionnaires. The data accumulated was evaluated and statistically analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square tests, frequency tables, bar charts, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc multiple comparison tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Polio was the only disease that participants felt should be vaccinated against (40%) and only 10.1% of participants rated vaccinations as very important. Half (55.3%) of the participants thought there was not enough scientific proof that vaccinations prevent infectious disease. The participants rated improved sanitization (82.9%); nutrition (72%); access to healthcare (65%); healthcare (64.6%) and education (64.2%) as the most important interventions contributing to the decline of infectious diseases. Conclusions The assumption that most homoeopaths disagree with vaccinations held true as 72% of the participants were not in favor of vaccinations. However, 44.4% felt that the risks of vaccinations did not outweigh the benefits. Results indicate that the majority of participants did not support the use of vaccinations although their treatment protocols and general opinions regarding vaccinations varied tremendously. vi In conclusion, the homoeopathic profession can use this information to decide what steps should be taken to rectify any misconceptions, improve general knowledge and attitudes regarding homoeopaths’ opinions and intervention protocols with regards to childhood vaccinations.

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.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Lettuce is a cool season crop and requires an optimum growing temperature of 18°C. Lettuce is popular in summer as a salad ingredient but supply cannot always keep up with demand due to high spoilage rates, because of bolting and tip-burn as a result of heat stress while growing (Maboko &Du Plooy 2007). Heat stress reduces oxygen availability. This study sought to demonstrate that administration of homoeopathic Ozonum to hydroponic nutrient solution in a nutrient film technique design improves the growth ability and quality of lettuce during the summer season by increasing or improving its ability to absorb oxygen. The research was conducted at the Agricultural Research Council – Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute (ARC-VOPI) facility at Roodeplaat (near Pretoria), South Africa. The trial was conducted in a 40% shade net structure in the summer months of February to April 2012. Purpose The general aim was to measure the effect of homoeopathic Ozonum 6CH, Ozonum 15CH and Ozonum 30CH compared to a placebo control (96% alcohol only) on the growth and yield of leafy lettuce, Lollo Bionda Lobi cultivar grown in a closed hydroponic system in South African summer climatic conditions. Objectives:  Determine the increase in growth and yield of leafy lettuce as affected by Ozonum concentration in terms of: (i) leaf fresh mass; (ii) leaf dry mass; (iii) number of leaves; (iv) leaf area; (v) chlorophyll content; (vi) root fresh mass; (vii) root dry mass;  Determine the impact of heat stress in terms of bolting and tip-burn;  Determine the differences in specific plant leaf mineral content between the experimental groups and control group; and,  Determine the differences between dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in the nutrient solution of the verum group and control group. Methodology This was a placebo controlled randomized plant experiment. A total of 384 plants were laid out in a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments (Ozonum 6CH, Ozonum 15CH Ozonum 30CH and a control) and replicated 4 times. The total number of plants per plot was 24 and the middle 8 plants were selected as data plants while other plants were regarded as border plants. Thus, data was gathered from 96 plants per treatment in total. Leafy lettuce seeds of cultivar Lollo Bionda Lobi, were sown in polystyrene trays. The seedlings were transplanted 28 days after sowing into a gravel-film technique hydroponic system. Ozonum and the placebo was added to the nutrient solution on the first day and every 6 days thereafter, at the same time as the nutrient solution was changed. Various daily measurements were recorded. Plants were harvested 27 days after transplanting when final measurements of nutrient content and growth were made. Data Analysis Data was collected over time as repeated measurements; the time factor was included as a sub-plot factor in the analysis of variance (ANOVA). All data items collected were subjected to an appropriate analysis of variance using the GenStat statistical system (VSN International, 2011). The residuals were examined for deviations from normality and outliers causing skewness were removed. Fisher’s protected t-LSD (Least Significant Difference) was calculated to compare treatment means of significant effects (Snedecor & Cochran, 1980). Results The results for (i) lettuce yield criteria, (ii) DO concentration, (iii) leaf chlorophyll content and (iv) specific mineral content of lettuce leaves (Appendix B) indicate that there was no significant difference between Ozonum treatments and the control. The incidence of bolting was not observed in lettuce plants among the treatment or control groups. Results showed a reduced tendency in tip-burn percentage for treatment Ozonum 30CH although not significantly different to Ozonum 15CH or the control. Conclusion The conclusion derived from this study is that homoeopathic Ozonum was not effective at improving dissolved oxygen levels in the nutrient solution, or in stimulating growth in lettuce under South African summer climatic conditions (February to April). Further research is needed to explore the effect Ozonum 30CH may have on tip-burn.