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).

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / Introduction This study investigated the effectiveness of homoeopathic dilutions of abscisic acid (ABA), molybdenum and allopurinol on inhibiting or promoting the germination of barley seeds (Hordeum vulgare cv. Stirling, ex Caledon, Western Cape, South Africa, 1998 harvest). Recent research involving ABA and seed germination has shown mixed results, with Bruni (2001), finding there to be statistically significant biological effects, but Couchman (2001) not. Objective/Aim/Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of homoeopathic dilutions of ABA, molybdenum and allopurinol (two substances which have an effect on ABA metabolism), especially those above the 10-23 level (Avogadro’s dilution limit), on germination, in light of recent findings. Abscisic acid, a plant hormone and molybdenum, a trace element, both play an essential role in inducing dormancy of the seed. Allopurinol, a therapeutic drug, has also been shown to affect ABA metabolism and therefore seed germination. The study used all three substances individually and in combination, in homoeopathic dilutions ranging from 4CH to 200CH potency. Methodology There were 7 treatments with 5 potencies per treatment (4CH, 9CH, 15CH, 30CH and 200CH). Each potency level for each treatment had a control, which meant there were 5 controls per treatment. The seeds (distally cut) were placed in 9cm Petri dishes (20 seeds in each), with 5 repetitions, 100 seeds per dilution level with one control of 20 seeds. There were thus 600 (120 x 5) seeds per treatment and 4200 seeds in total (600 x 7 treatments). Seeds were germinated in the dark at a constant temperature. Counts were done every 24 hours for 3 days and the data recorded. The criterion for germination was radical emergence. Results The data was analysed statistically using Univariate Analysis of Variance (STATISTICA version 6). The results showed statistically significant interaction between treatments and potencies and a One-Way Anova was then used to analyse each treatment to determine the effectiveness of each potency. Statistically significant differences were noted between potencies for each treatment. From the results it was clear that the most effective treatment for stimulating germination was the treatment utilizing homoeopathic dilutions of allopurinol. The most effective treatment for inhibiting germination was the treatment utilizing ABA in homoeopathic dilutions. The 30CH (10-60) showed a statistically significant effect on the stimulation of germination across almost all treatments, whereas the 15CH (10-30) showed a statistically significant effect in inhibiting germination in most treatments. Conclusion It is evident from the results of this study that all the treatments produced distinct biological effects, whether it be stimulating germination or inhibiting germination in homoeopathic dilution.

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.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Dept. of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xiii, 181 leaves / The objectives of the following study were to determine: 1.The sphere of action of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH on healthy provers who recorded the signs and symptoms produced in order to determine the substances potential usefulness in a future clinical setting according to the Law of similars. 2. To test the efficacy of a triple blind proving methodology, which had never been done before at this institution. 3. To analyse the symptoms produced from this proving according to the doctrine of signatures. / M

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Aim The aim of this controlled, experimental study was to compare the biological activity of various homoeopathic potencies of gibberellic acid manufactured radionically (AMS transfer device) and conventionally (GHP) in terms of their respective influence on germination rate and seedling development of barley seeds; all the respective results being contrasted against those produced by the distilled water control. Methodology The research was completed by employing quantitative research techniques and followed true experimental design. Homoeopathically (Hahnemannian) prepared gibberellic acid followed the manufacturing guidelines of method 5a involving liquid preparations, as specified in the German Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia (GHP) (Benyunes 2005). A second radionic ‘equivalent’ version of each of the Hahnemannian potencies was manufactured using the ‘AMS wave transfer’ device. Four sources of data were collected namely, germination count and rate, seedling development (root length), seedling dry mass, and number of seeds with measurable roots. All the data was collected and documented on a data collection sheet using Microsoft Excel. All the data was statistically analysed and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat Version 14 (VSN International, UK) at the 5% level of significance. The statistical data was used to produce a comparison between the different remedies and distilled water. Results All of the remedy treatment groups (Radionic 200c, Hahnemannian 200cH, Radionic 4c and Hahnemannian 4cH) displayed suppressive effects (to certain extents respectively ) on seed growth and development in comparison to the control group (distilled water). The control group displayed greater seedling development in comparison to all remedy treatment groups which was most evident in the average root lengths and high vigour seed lot root lengths having longer roots than all remedy treatment groups. The control group also displayed a higher number of seeds with measurable roots compared to all the remedy treatment groups in both total number of seeds and in the seeds accounted for in the high vigour lots. This suggests that all Homoeopathic remedies irrespective of potency or manufacture method (Radionic or Hahnemmanian) had similar suppressive effects on root growth and seedling development and this suppressive effect was in turn not evident in the control group. Conclusion The experiment results suggest that radionically manufactured homoeopathic remedies (AMS wave transfer device) have similar biological effects (suppressive effects) to the equivalent Hahnemannian manufactured homoeopathic remedies, although further research in this field is necessary to confirm these findings the results from this study are supportive of the use of radionically prepared remedies in homoeopathic practice. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology : Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction The purpose of this study was to conduct a homoeopathic proving of Withania somnifera in the thirtieth centesimal potency [30CH], thereafter to determine and report the symptomatology in standard materia medica and repertory format, and then compare this symptomatology to the indigenous African and Ayurvedic medicinal usage of Withania somnifera. Methodology The homoeopathic drug proving of Withania somnifera 30CH was conducted as a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at the Durban University of Technology. The intervention, Withania somnifera 30CH, was manufactured according to methods 6, 8a and 10 of the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia [GHP] (Driehsen, 2003). Thirty healthy subjects were recruited as provers after meeting with the inclusion criteria (see Appendix A). The provers were randomised into two groups: 80% of provers received verum and 20% received a placebo control identical in appearance to the verum. The vehicle for both verum and control was six lactose powders, self-administered sublingually three times daily by all provers over two consecutive days. The measurement of proving symptoms was two-fold: a subjective account of symptoms produced by the verum/placebo recorded daily in a journal provided, and objective monitoring by the researcher. After the proving-generated symptoms had subsided, journals were collected and data analysis commenced. The accepted symptoms were collated and reported in standard materia medica and repertory format. Results The proving of Withania somnifera 30CH produced a total of 282 rubrics, five of which were newly formulated rubrics. There were 184 Grade 1 rubrics, 98 Grade 2 rubrics and 0 Grade 3 rubrics. The majority of rubrics were represented in the MIND, DREAMS, HEAD and GENERALS sections of the repertory. Analysis of results provided insight into the similarities and differences between indigenous African and Ayurvedic medicinal usage of Withania somnifera and the relationship to other homoeopathic medicines. Conclusion Clearly observable symptomatology was produced by healthy provers in response to the administration of Withania somnifera 30CH. In addition, there was significant correlation between the proving symptomatology and the indigenous African and Ayurvedic medicinal usage of Withania somnifera. / M

This mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007. / The objectives of the following study were to determine: 1.The sphere of action of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH on healthy provers who recorded the signs and symptoms produced in order to determine the substances potential usefulness in a future clinical setting according to the Law of similars. 2. To test the efficacy of a triple blind proving methodology, which had never been done before at this institution. 3. To analyse the symptoms produced from this proving according to the doctrine of signatures. / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy of Withania somnifera in tincture, 1X and 6X homoeopathic dilutions (in 62% v/v ethanol) as an antimicrobial agent against the in vitro growth of Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as compared to 62% v/v ethanol only. The disc diffusion method was employed. W somnifera is indigenous to southern Africa and its use is well established amongst the traditional healers for many varied complaints. Infusions, decoctions and tinctures of the fresh and dry whole root are used. (Gericke and Van Wyk, 2000:150.) For this study 20 plates of Mueller-Hinton agar were inoculated with each bacteria, resulting in a total of 100 plates. Four dry discs previously impregnated with the test substances and two antibiotic discs were equidistantly placed on each plate and incubated at 3rC. The vancomycin and gentamycin discs were included to account for plate-to-plate variations in the sensitivity of the bacteria to the antimicrobial substances. The plates were observed at 18, 24 and 48-hour intervals. ' Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test to compare test and control substances at each observation interval. The Mann-Whitney-U test was used to compare the mean inhibition zones between test and control substances / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Alepidea amatymbica tincture and homoeopathic dilutions to the 1st and 6th decimal potency as compared to ethanol (negative control) in the in vitro inhibition of Escherichea coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus in terms of the disc diffusion test. Vancomycin and gentamicin were included in the study as positive controls in order to account for plate-ta-plate variations in the sensitivity of the bacterial strains to antimicrobial substances. Antimicrobial activity was expressed as the ratio of the inhibition zone (mm) produced by the test substance and the inhibition zone (mm) produced by the two combined antibiotic discs. For this study 20 Mueller-Hinton agar plates were assigned to each bacterial species and were inoculated with their respective bacteria. Four dry filter paper discs and two antibiotic discs were placed equidistantly on each agar plate. The filter paper discs had been previously impregnated with one of the test substances or the negative control using a triple impregnation technique utilizing a micro-pipette. The plates were then incubated at 37\xB0 C. The diameters of the zones of inhibition were measured at 18 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. Data was analysed by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Statistical methods utilized were Friedmans' test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskall - Wallis Non-Parametric Analysis of Variance by Rank test. / M