M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Baptisia tinctoria and Thuja occidentalis are reported to be immunostimulants, and thus have an effect on white blood cells. Little formal research has been done to demonstrate their effects on the different white cell populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of these substances on the circulating leukocytes, and to compare these effects to a placebo. An initial full blood count was conducted to establish a baseline level for each subject. The subjects were required to take 18.75 millilitres of the medication or placebo in split doses over a three-hour period. Thereafter, a second full blood count was taken at one-hour intervals. The medication appeared to cause an increase in the lymphocyte count, thus suggesting a possible indication for viral infection. There was an increase in both groups of the total WBC count as well as in the lymphocyte count, raising the question of what substance actually caused these changes to occur. Expansion of this study, including using a larger sample size and longer test period, may be required to validate these results.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / The proving study of Strychnos henningsii 30CH was primarily conducted to extract as many symptoms as possible from healthy provers to create a Homoeopathic picture of the drug. This would allow practitioners in clinical practise to prescribe Strychnos henningsii 30CH based on the Law of Similars. The second part of this study was to assess the symptoms produced, and thereafter determine the relationship to the natural history of the Strychnos henningsii plant as it relates to the Doctrine of Signatures. Methodology The Homoeopathic drug proving of Strychnos henningsii 30CH took the form of a mixed-method triple-blind, placebo-controlled study. The proving population consisted of a minimum of 32 subjects who met all the inclusion criteria. The proving was conducted by 4 M.Tech.Hom students, under the supervision of the principal researcher. The 32 provers were randomly divided into four equal groups of eight provers, with each group supervised by one of four M.Tech.Hom student researchers. Nine powders each of the respective test substance (verum or placebo) was randomly assigned by an independent clinician to 32 prover numbers (16 verum and 16 placebo). Randomisation was conducted by an independent clinician who was unaware of the proving substance. The physical and behavioural symptoms that were noted by the provers were extracted from their prover journals, case-histories and post-proving group discussions. This was then written up into Materia Medica and Repertory format and graded accordingly. Once this proving data was captured it allowed for the application of the Doctrine of Signatures. During this analysis, similarities were compared between the behaviour of the patient and the behaviour of the substance in nature, which indicated the therapeutic action of the plant. The main characteristics used to link the Strychnos henningsii plant in its natural state to the Homoeopathic remedy developed was the plants habitat, kingdom, toxicity, structure, Anthroposophy and Vibrational therapy. By applying the Anthroposophical and vibrational therapy view, it allowed the researcher to establish a more holistic approach. Results A broad spectrum of symptoms was obtained which resulted in the formation of 876 rubrics. The areas that Strychnos henningsii had a profound affinity for were the mind which yielded 170 rubrics, head (76 rubrics), extremities (82 rubrics), dreams (91 rubrics) and the generals (80 rubrics). These rubrics were used in the evaluation of the Doctrine of Signatures. The sensation of heat, dryness and burning appeared to be an integral part of the manifestation of symptoms in this proving study which correlated to the habitat of the plant in its natural environment. Many mind themes were noted, but in particular emotional sensitivity was one of the major themes. Sensitivity is the Plant Kingdom’s key sensation in general. The remedy was prepared using the bark of the plant which contained high levels of the alkaloid strychnine. This reflected in the provers symptoms (itching, skin eruptions, cramps, stiffness, tingling). The structure, colour, mode and speed of growth were all factors which yielded satisfactory comparative results. Chakras, Colour Therapy and Anthroposophy allowed the researcher to apply a more dynamic scientific methodology. This tied in well with the Doctrine of Signatures and essentially provided a broader understanding of the remedy. Conclusion The hypotheses of this study were largely validated by the symptoms produced and analysis conducted, after applying the scientific methodology. The Doctrine of Signatures evaluation helped to reveal the intrinsic nature of Strychnos henningsii, further highlighting the underlying themes in the remedy and explained certain symptoms in more detail and finally distinguished between the behaviour of the patient and the substance in nature aiding us with a better understanding for clinical practise. It is important to note that recommendations have been made for future provings.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / Two centuries ago it was possible to practice with only 100 remedies. Today with the constantly expanding materia medica, complexity itself tempts the homeopath to remain inside this range of remedies. It is due to the pioneering work of authors like Scholten (1993) and Sankaran (2005) that the vast materia medica of today can be summarized and understood through a method like group analysis which links naturally related substances via their common symptomatology. This not only offers new aspects to well known remedies, but highlights the smaller, not so well known remedies, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of the materia medica. Relatively few homeopathic remedies derived from the Araneae order are extensively utilized for the homeopathic treatment of patients. Therefore the spider remedies represented in the literature of Mac Rep computer program® were subjected to the group analysis method in order to extend the overall knowledge of this particular group of homeopathic remedies. The spider remedies were first analyzed in terms of their quantitative representation in the repertory (amount of rubrics) and then a sample group was chosen. This selection was screened for common sensations using the above mentioned computer program. The significance of a common sensation was confirmed by cross-checking the materia medica of all16 homeopathic spider remedies listed in Mac Reference® computer software for its occurrence. The findings were interpreted within the backdrop of the established animal characteristics of homeopathic remedies (Sankaran, 2005:24-31). The primary sensations extracted and confirmed in the rest of the Araneae group were stinging, stitching, shooting, sensitive, sore, cold, faint, paralytic, twitching and full. Significant synonyms of the first order analysis were heaviness, spasm, cramp, numbness and weakness. Second order and third order analysis not only provided symptoms of the mind, but led to the proposed themes common in spider remedies. The majority of themes like hyperactivity, restlessness, increased sexuality, impulsive violence and aggression, the periodicity of complaints, heightened sensitivity to music and the love for dancing are comparable to Mangliavori’s (2004) clinical findings and to Sankaran’s (2005) proposed spider characteristics. A miasmatic differentiation of each member of the sample group was performed according to Sankaran’s extended miasmatic model (2005:7). Araneus diademus was found to belong to the sycotic- as well as malarial miasm, Latrodectus hasseltii to the syphilitic-, Loxoceles reclusa to the leprous- and Tarentula hispanica and Theridion curassavicum to the tubercular miasm. Pathological tendencies of the Araneae remedies were found to involve the nervous system, eyes, heart, muscular – skeletal system, sexual organs and the mind. Examples of diseases common in Araneae remedies were found to be: mental disorders like anxiety neurosis, ADHD, depression, mania, sexual disturbances, STD’s, neurological disorders, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, spinal irritation, migraines, meningitis etc. The results of this research were found to support group analysis methodology as outlined by Sankaran (2005). However additional knowledge drawn from Sankaran’s 2008) most recent research into animal remedies and from the natural history of spiders was necessary to be able to interpret the results correctly and to illustrate an in-depth picture of the common characteristic features of the Araneae remedies.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Introduction: This study aimed to apply the methodology of group analysis, as proposed by Sankaran, to an under-represented and poorly-understood biological class. The intention of the study was to extend the group understanding of the biological class, with a view to more notable utilization of the individual members of the class as therapeutic substances. The Salicaceae Family was to the knowledge of the researcher, under-utilized in homoeopathy and was expected to have a much larger scope of use than is current. Methodology: The family, Salicaceae, was classified taxonomically. Secondly, an extraction of all rubrics pertaining to the Salicaceae family was done using the Radar® repertory program. Those rubrics that contained at least two remedies from the Salicaceae Family were retained and the rest were eliminated. A search of Encyclopaedia Homoeopathica® and other resources was utilized to derive common sensations, reactions to sensation, and to classify the remedies miasmatically. Results: The primary sensation was a burning sensation, with heat or a sensation of being burnt, which was confined primarily to the respiratory, genitourinary and gastrointestinal system. The next sensation, which was on the physical level, was of a stinging sensation, which may be interpreted as either a tingling or a prickling sensation. This sensation was found to be mostly confined to the skin. Another sensation was a feeling of being alone, in isolation, detached from surroundings, or being forsaken. Passive reactions included numbness, inflammation, tearfulness, trembling and crying. Active reactions were restlessness, irritation and wanting to sneeze. Miasmatically the task was a challenge, as the researcher found materia medica to be lacking in certain remedies. However many of the remedies were found to be Acute, Sycotic, Malarial or Leprous. v Conclusion: The Salicaceae Family had an affinity for all orifices, with many pathological tendencies occurring throughout the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and respiratory system. The researcher felt that the Group analysis of remedies was a powerful tool that can assist in a homoeopathic prescription. It gave great insight to the Salicaceae Family, and exposed the researcher to the lesser known remedies.

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.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology, 2008. / The aim of this study was to elicit and document the effects, in the form of signs and symptoms produced in relatively healthy volunteers, of the venom of Hemachatus haemachatus, prepared in accordance with the methods set out in the homoeopathic pharmacopoeia. These signs and symptoms form the indications for the prescription of the remedy, according to the homoeopathic Law of Similars. A further aim of this study was a comparative analysis of symptoms produced by Hemachatus haemachatus 30ch with existing remedies derived from snake venom used in homeopathy, with the aim of highlighting the similarities and differences between them. The homoeopathic drug proving of Hemachatus haemachatus 30ch took the form of a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. The proving population consisted of 30 healthy subjects who met with the necessary inclusion criteria (Appendix B). Eighty percent (24 subjects) served as the experimental group, receiving the active verum in a randomised manner, while twenty percent (6 subjects) formed the placebo group, receiving non-medicated placebo powders in a randomised manner. Provers were unaware of either the nature or potency of the substance. Verum and placebo were indistinguishable from each other, and neither researcher nor volunteers knew who received verum and who received placebo. Intra-individual control was achieved through a pre-proving observation period of a week’s duration, during which provers recorded the signs and symptoms of their normal state. This symptom picture served as a baseline for comparison with symptoms noted after administration of the remedy. Verum and placebo were dispensed in the form of six powders to be taken sublingually three times a day for a period of two days, or until the onset of symptoms. Data was primarily collected in the form of a diary or journal kept by each prover in which they recorded symptoms on a daily basis. Provers were closely monitored by the researchers during this period. Data collected by the researchers during daily telephonic contacts, as well as during the pre-proving consultation, was also considered. Information obtained from the journals was then assessed by the researchers for suitability for inclusion in the materia medica of Hemachatus haemachatus. The data did not require statistical analysis. In a concurrent study of similar methodology, Cahill (2008) conducted a comparison of the symptom complex produced in the proving of Hemachatus haemachatus, with other homeopathic remedies which scored highest on repertorisation. Symptoms from both studies were collated and included in the materia medica and repertory of Hemachatus haemachatus. The investigation supported the hypothesis that Hemachatus haemachatus would produce clear and observable signs and symptoms in healthy proving volunteers. During the course of this study provers experienced a wide range of mental, emotional and physical symptoms. The highest number of symptoms was produced on the mental and emotional level. Provers experienced elation, joy, increased confidence, enthusiasm and energy. On the other hand, there was lack of confidence, vulnerability, anxiety, decreased motivation, decreased concentration, lethargy, depression and indifference. There were sudden changes in mood and provers experienced marked irritability. On the physical level, many provers experienced headaches, irritation of the eyes, symptoms resembling allergic rhinitis, sore throats, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain and flatulence, menstrual disturbances, lumbar pain, rheumatic joint pains, and skin eruptions. There were disturbances in normal sleep patterns, subjective perceptions of increased body temperature with hot flushes, and generalised tiredness and lethargy. Symptoms obtained from the proving of Hemachatus haemachatus were analysed as part of a comparative study with other remedies derived from snake venom: Lachesis muta, Naja tripudians, Elaps corallinus, Naja mossambica and Bitis arietans arietans. This comparison highlighted both the similarities and differences between these remedies and Hemachatus haemachatus. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Until recently homoeopathic remedies have been studied and understood by considering each remedy in isolation (Scholten, 1993). In the last few years a new method of understanding homoeopathic remedies, called group analysis, has emerged (Sankaran, 2002). This method involves an understanding of remedies in terms of characteristics common to a group of related remedies (Leisegang, 2007). Remedies are grouped according to natural classifications. Using the information available in computer repertories, searches are systematically performed to identify rubrics which are common within the group. This type of data analysis yields common characteristics which can be applied to lesser understood groups of remedies. This study was an investigation of the common characteristics of the remedies from the Class Aves, using the method according to Sankaran. The investigation was carried out by applying the group analysis method to the available data. Remedies from the Class Aves are relatively new additions to the materia medica, with the first of these proved in 1995. There is relatively little information available about this group and thus group analysis would be a valuable method of understanding these remedies (Fraser, 2009). A search was performed to determine which bird remedies were best represented in the repertory program iv Radar 10. Based on these results the sample group was selected. The rubrics of these remedies were then analysed to determine common sensations within the group. These sensations were then defined and synonyms were determined. These common sensations were then confirmed by searching for the keywords and synonyms in the available data. Second and third order analyses were performed based on the results. The resultant sensations were also compared with those proposed by Shore (2004) and Fraser (2009), to determine whether these theories on bird characteristics are consistent. Pathological tendencies of the Class Aves were found to involve the throat, female reproductive area, eyes and vision, skin, musculoskeletal system and mental disorders. Clinically there was strong indication for these remedies in cases of depression and anxiety, acne and dermatitis, dysmenorrhoea and disorders of vision such as blurred vision and eyestrain. The results of this study appeared to confirm the validity of theories on group analysis according to Sankaran (2002). The results further confirmed many of the characteristics attributed to the bird remedy group by Shore (2004) and Fraser (2009). Several new common characteristics of remedies from the Class Aves were deduced from the results of the analysis. The study also produced a proposed vital sensation and showed evidence linking several sensations in the process of reaction to the vital sensation. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / The addition of a large number of new remedies to the homoeopathic materia medica has made it challenging to select the correct remedy for a patient. Locating individual remedies within groups makes it easier to understand, remember and apply the information from the remedies. The aim of this research study was to evaluate common themes and symptomatology of homoeopathic remedies belonging to the synthetic recreational drug isolate group, as represented in the known homoeopathic materia medica and repertory. Most remedies derived from synthetic recreational drug isolate sources have not been well documented or comprehensively proven in homoeopathy, so are not well represented in repertory programs. Therefore, in addition, remedies in this study were selected according to the homoeopathic significance of each remedy, the availability of actual provings and representation in materia medica, the existence of a synthetic derivative of the drug, and if the drug was commonly used. The selected remedies were then subjected to a manual rubric extraction process in which common rubrics were extracted. The common rubrics were analyzed to determine common sensations within the group. The extracted sensations were then defined using a dictionary and synonyms were determined using a thesaurus. Each sensation was subjected to a literature search to test its validity. Second and third order analyses were performed based on the results. The most common sensations found as a result of this process were: dryness, itching, fear, anger, restlessness, anxiety, indifference, heaviness, heat, acute and weakness. The active and passive reactions and compensations of the synthetic recreational drug isolate group were also analyzed. The active reactions included anger, rage, acute, violence, impatience and irritation. Passive reactions were heaviness, numbness, dullness, faintness, weakness and coldness. The compensatory reaction included sensations of ecstasy, elation and euphoria or tranquillity. Each remedy was classified into specific miasms based on Sankaran’s miasmatic model (Sankaran, 1997). Each remedy was categorized as a particular miasm if the literature showed a clear predominance of the themes associated with that miasm. Many of the remedies had features of the AIDS, Cancer, Sycotic and Tubercular miasms. Pathological tendencies of the synthetic recreational drug isolate group involved the throat, eyes, stomach, nervous system, male genitalia and sleep patterns. Clinically, the remedies can be used in cases of mental disorders such as psychosis and schizophrenia, chronic fatigue, visual and sleeping disorders, anorexia nervosa and neurological disorders such as chorea, tremors and formication. The results of this study appear to confirm the application of the group analysis methodology as outlined by Sankaran (2002). The results also add depth to the existing literature on synthetic recreational drug isolate remedies. / M

Since its inception at the beginning of the twentieth century, the field of mass spectrometry has progressed from the realm of physics to an analytical tool that can be found in many fields of science. This is in large part due to continued development and innovation in instrument design. This thesis explores two significant areas of development in mass spectrometry in the last ten years. The first is the development of ambient ionisation techniques. These techniques require little or no sample preparation, and as a result can provide a rapid means of direct analysis. The second development is the commercialisation of ion mobility – mass spectrometry (IM-MS). This technique enables information on the shape of the analyte of interest to be obtained in addition to its mass-to-charge ratio. The technique has the potential to simplify the spectra acquired from complex mixtures and to separate out isobaric species that cannot be resolved by mass spectrometry alone. Both of these developments have been applied to two important areas of analytical science – the characterisation of pharmaceutical commercial products and synthetic polymer formulations. A modification of the extractive electrospray ionisation (EESI) technique has been developed and has been termed thermally assisted – EESI (TA-EESI). TA-EESI and the atmospheric pressure solids analysis probe (ASAP) have been coupled with IMMS. IM-MS has been used as a rapid separation technique to resolve isomeric species within complex polysorbate formulations. Recently introduced novel polymer architectures synthesised by simple methods have been studied using IM-MS experiments.

IRF-1 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 1) is a transcription factor first identified as a regulator of Interferon expression. Two decades after its discovery, IRF-1 has been shown to be involved in numerous other pathways including apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage/repair, immune cell development and inflammation. Transcriptional regulation of IRF-1 by a number of external agents has been extensively studied, however almost nothing is known about the posttranslational regulation of IRF-1 activity. In this study IRF-1 is shown to be phosphorylated at Thr180 by GSK3β (Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β). Phosphorylated Thr180 promotes interaction with the ubiquitin E3 ligase SCFFbxw7u, (Skp1-Cu11-Fbxw7α) which increases turnover of IRF-1 protein. Phosphorylation dependent ubiquitination of IRF-1 was confirmed, as substitution of Thr180 to alanine reduced IRF-1 ubiquitination and increased stability. Enhanced phosphorylation of IRF-1 (by increasing GSK3β expression) promotes increased ubiquitination/degradation. Transactivation of the TRAIL (TNFα Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand) promoter by IRF-1 was found to be dependent on GSK3β phosphorylation of Thr180 by use of reporter assays and inducible expression of IRF-1 in breast cancer cell lines. Importantly IRF-1 activity on the TRAIL promoter is dependent on proper turnover by the UPS (Ubiquitin Proteasome System), as chemical inhibition of the proteasome, or reduction in IRF-1 ubiquitination reduced activity in reporter assays. This suggests that phosphorylation of IRF-1 by GSK3β acts as a destruction signal through association with SCFFbxw7a. This signal dependent turnover of IRF-1 is required for proper transcriptional activation of the TRAIL promoter.