M.Tech. / Cat allergy is the allergic reaction of a person’s body when exposed to allergens borne in the cat’s dander (shed skin cells), saliva or urine. The major cat allergen, called Fel d 1, is found in cat saliva, dander from sebaceous glands in the skin, fur and anal sebaceous glands. Symptoms of cat allergies may include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, coughing and wheezing and in rare circumstances anaphylaxis occurs. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic complex Cat hair 9cH and Histaminum 9cH in treating the symptoms of cat allergy using the skin prick test and a symptom score card which rates the severity, frequency and duration of symptoms experienced. This was a four-week double blind, placebo-controlled study in which thirty participants, male and female between the ages of 18 and 45 were randomly divided into two groups. Advertisements was placed at the University of Johannesburg Doornfontein campus and at the Weleda pharmacy (Fourways). Potential participants that meet the inclusion criteria were requested to sign the Participant Information and Consent Form. This study had to form part of a group study related to cat allergy analysis. Participants were requested to report to Ampath laboratories to undergo a skin prick test to establish the presence of a cat allergy. Those participants that tested positive for cat allergies were to undergo an initial consultation involving a case history and a focused physical examination. Participants were given a score card each week to evaluate their severity, frequency and duration of their symptoms to be completed at the end of each week. Participants were given a 25ml bottle of either the homoeopathic complex of Cat hair 9cH and Histaminum 9cH or the placebo in tablet form, and each participant was instructed to take two tablets twice daily throughout the four week study. At the second consultation the physical exam was repeated and a second bottle of medication were given. At the end of week four, participants had to report to Ampath laboratories for the final skin prick test. This was to be followed by the third and final consultation, where the physical examination was done and all score cards collected. All data will be analysed using the Shapiro Wilk test, Mann-Whitney test, Friedman test and Wilcoxon test. With the aid of results from each participant the researcher arrived at the conclusion that the homoeopathic complex Histaminum 9cH and Cat Hair 9cH was effective on alleviating the symptoms of cat allergy.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Cat allergy is an Immunoglobulin E (IgE) response by the body in hypersensitive individuals, triggered by exposure to cat allergen, which can be found in cat saliva and cat dander. Cat allergy produces a number of symptoms which negatively influence daily living and may be exacerbated in hypersensitive individuals to halt daily functioning. Conventional treatment for cat allergy comprises of antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, leukotrine blockers and decongestants, which have many adverse effects, are not always effective and may lead to drug tolerance. To date, research has been conducted by Naidoo et al., (2011) on the efficacy of the homoeopathic complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH in treating the symptoms of cat allergy, which yielded positive and statistically significant results according to the skin prick test. The desensitising effect of this complex on blood IgE levels has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH in the desensitization of cat allergy, by use of cat specific RAST tests and a symptom score card. The complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH was prepared according to homoeopathic principles and prescribed according to isopathic principles. Thirty male and female participants between the ages of 18 and 45, who had a positive RAST test result for cat allergy, were selected for this four week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The RAST tests were performed at the beginning of the study (week 1) and at the end of the study (week 4). The participants were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received the homoeopathic complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH and the control group received the placebo. Participants were asked to take two tablets in the morning and two tablets at night sublingually for the duration of the study period. Each participant received a symptom score card which was to be completed at the end of each week. The symptom score card rated the severity, frequency and duration of their symptoms. The results were statistically analysed using, the Friedman-K Related Samples Test, the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and the Mann-Whitney U Test. The results showed that the homoeopathic complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH did not improve the IgE levels or IgE grading in the treatment group. When looking at the symptoms, the treatment group had a statistically significant improvement in the severity, duration and frequency of the symptom “red itchy eyes”, as well as improved duration of the symptoms “runny itchy stuffy nose” and “sneezing”; while the control group was found to have a statistically significant improvement in the frequency of the symptom “red itchy eyes”, “scratchy throat”, as well as the duration of “red itchy eyes”. In conclusion it can be said that the homoeopathic complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH did not produce desensitization to cat allergen, thus leading to the rejection of the hypothesis and the acceptance of the null hypothesis.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is the inflammation of the nasal and often conjunctival mucous membrane. It manifests due to the exposure of inhaled allergic agents and results in an immunoglobulin E (lgE) mediated reaction (DiPiro et al., 2002; Shargel et al., 2001). Allergic rhinitis is characterised by four principle symptoms, watery rhinorrhoea, nasal obstruction, nasal itching and sneezing (Min, 2010). In addition to the cardinal symptoms experienced during AR other common symptoms include postnasal drip, pruritic eyes; ears; nose and palate (Kemp, 2009). Although allergic rhinitis is not life threatening, the adverse impact on quality of life is significant. Those affected by allergic rhinitis are restricted in their ability to carry out their normal daily activities (Nelson, 2007; Wilson et al., 2002). Sleep, social interaction, emotional well being as well as cognitive and psychomotor function are affected by allergic rhinitis, and can lead to impaired learning ability. Serious disorders such as eczema, asthma, sinusitis, otitis media, nasal polyposis, respiratory infections and orthodontic malocclusions are. frequently linked with allergic rhinitis (DiPiro et al., 2002; Kemp, 2009)., The therapeutic goal for patients suffering with allergic rhinitis is to prevent or minimise symptoms, using treatment with minimal or no side effects and of reasonable expense, so that patients may maintain a normal lifestyle (DiPiro et aI., 2002). One of the most frequent indications for which homoeopathic treatment is sought after is for respiratory allergies (Ramchandani, 2009). Thus it has been proposed that the remedies contained within Otirin Nasal Spray"; namely Allium cepa, Euphrasia officinalis, Luffa operculata and Sabadilla officinarummay be effective as a treatment for allergic rhinitis (Vermeulen, 2000). Otirin Nasal Spray" is a homoeopathic complex preparation indicated for allergic rhinitis. No specific research has been conducted on this product to determine its efficacy in this condition (Medford, 2008). The aim of this research study was to determine the efficacy of Otirin Nasal Spray" in the treatment of allergic rhinitis with regard to the severity Of symptoms; specifically on the symptoms relating to the nose, eyes, throat, mouth and ears. Diary cards and questionnaires were completed, making use of the severity of symptoms scores to grade the symptoms. This research study was a quantitative" double-blind, placebo-controlled study and included thirty participants suffering from AR. Participants volunteered to participate in the study, were over the age of eighteen and consented to the procedures of the research study. Participants involved in the study were randomly divided into a treatment (experimental) group and a control (placebo) group. The treatment group received the Otirin Nasal Spray'" as opposed to the control group who received the placebo nasal spray (saline nasal spray). The research study was conducted over a period of four weeks at the UJ Health Centre. Participants were instructed to complete an individual "Treatment Diary Card" (Appendix E) during each hayfever attack by scoring the severity of each symptom they suffered from. During the final consultation the "Response to Treatment Questionnaire" (Appendix F) was completed under the researcher's supervision. This questionnaire required participants to score an amelioration, aggravation, no change or not applicable for each symptom, as well as other associated symptoms. Results acquired from the research study were statistically analysed by Statkon at the University of Johannesburg by means of descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric tests. The parametric test included the Independent Samples TTest. Non-parametric tests included the Friedman Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank, and Mann-Whitney U Test. This research study determined that the homoeopathically prepared Otirin Nasal Spray" did have a statistically significant effect in the treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms. A trend towards a decrease in the severity of the participant's symptoms was observed, in particular for rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal blockage/congestion, pruritic/itchy eyes and postnasal drip.

Submitted in partial compliance with requirements for Master`s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a symptomatic disorder of the nose characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It consists of a group of disorders that are all typified by the presence of one or more of the following: nasal itching, congestion, sneezing and rhinorrhoea (Wallace et. al., 2008). Allergic rhinitis can result in decreased quality of life, decreased sleep quantity, obstructive sleep apnoea and impaired performance at work and school (Blaiss, 2010: 375-380). According to Small and Kim (2011) allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common allergic condition and one of the most common of all minor afflictions. It affects between 10- 20% of all people in the United States, and the prevalence of the disorder is increasing. This may result in significant impairment to quality of life, sleep and work performance (Small and Kim 2011). A therapeutic goal for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis is to prevent or minimise symptoms, using treatment with minimal effects or no side effects and of reasonable expenses, so that patients may maintain a normal life style (DiPiroet al.2002). Homoeopathy is a complete system of medicine developed by German physician and chemist, Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). It is based on the following theories, first the doctrine of signature that disease is curable by those drugs which produce effect on the body similar to the symptoms of the disease “similia similibus currantur”; second that the effects of the drug are increased by giving it in a minute dose, which is obtained by dilution or trituration to an extreme limit and thirdly the notion that chronic disease are only manifestation of suppressed itch or psora (Ernst 2016). Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray® is commercially available as a homoeopathic nasal spray. It is based on the principle of "let likes cure likes" or the Law of Similars. According to the company, this product is 100% natural, and contains active ingredients with non-drowsy effects which relieves allergic congestion, itching and runny nose, and it is preservative free (Similasan Corporation 1999-2015). Similasan Nasal Allergy ReliefSpray® mist gently stimulates the body's natural ability to relieve allergic congestion, itchy, runny nose and rhinitis caused by pollen, pet dander, dust and mould spores. Furthermore, the Similasan Nasal Allergy ReliefSpray® mists is non-habit forming and will not cause reliance or a rebound effect. The ingredients are: Cardiospermum 6X, Galphimiaglauca 6X, Luffa operculata 6X, Sabadilla 6X (SimilasanCoorporation 1999-2015). The aim of this double-blind randomised controlled study is to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray® in the management of allergic rhinitis. Outcomes were monitored using questionnaires and a daily log book. This was a quantitative study which included thirty participants suffering from allergic rhinitis. Participants volunteered to participate in the study, were over the age of eighteen and consented to the procedure of the study. Participants involved in the research study were randomly divided into treatment group and placebo group. The treatment group received Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray® and the placebo group received a saline nasal spray. The research study was conducted over a period of four weeks at the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Day Clinic. Participants were instructed to rate their symptoms before, during and after taking treatment (Appendix, C and D). The parametric test used in this study was Independent Samples T- Test. Non-parametric tests included ANOVA and Pearson chi-square. Rhinorrhoea, sneezing, itching of the eyes and nasal congestion showed a statistically significant results but some of the participant’s symptoms deteriorated after a period of improvement. This research determined that Similisan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray ® didn’t have a significant effect in treating allergic rhinitis in terms of the CARAT questionnaire. / M

M.Tech. / Allergic rhinitis, otherwise referred to as hay fever, is a common allergic reaction affecting the nose, throat, eyes, and respiratory system, of persons of all ages and both sexes. This study attempted to demonstrate the effect of the homoeopathically prepared remedy Sabadilla officinarum 30CH and Sabadilla officinarum 200CH in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Thirty participants were selected for this one hour, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants were randomly placed into one of three groups of ten, consisting of the control group, and the two experimental groups. The control group received the placebo medication. The first experimental group received Sabadilla officinarum 30CH, and the second experimental group received Sabadilla officinarum 200CH. The patients were all supplied with: a stat dose of medication to use at the time of an allergic rhinitis attack, a diary card on which to score the severity of their symptoms at the time of such an attack, and a response to treatment questionnaire to fill in after the completion of their treatment. The results were statistically analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, the Kruskal Wallis Test, and descriptive statistics. The results show that treatment with Sabadilla officinarum 30CH and 200CH had a significant effect in improving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.