Obesity is an excess of body fat. A person is considered overweight if his/her Body Mass Index (BMI) ranges 26 - 30 kg/m². The prevalence of obesity in adult women rises significantly each decade, until it begins tapering off late in life. The years surrounding the climacteric are especially associated with weight gain, which poses a great health risk as it increases the incidence of hypertension, elevated blood lipid levels and insulin resistance. Dr Reckeweg R59® is a homoeopathically prepared complex remedy that is indicated for obesity. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of R59® weight loss treatment in women in the climacteric and menopause between the ages of 45 and 65 who are overweight or obese. The proposed study was a quantitative, double blind study. The study involved fifty female subjects between the ages of forty-five and sixty-five. The subjects were recruited using pamphlets, brochures and advertisements throughout the eastern Johannesburg district and the University of Johannesburg. Research took place at the University of Johannesburg Homoeopathy Day Centre and the East Side Medical Centre in Kensington. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of twenty-five each. Both groups received an eating plan. Group A received a placebo. Group B received R59®. Participants were required to take ten drops of the medicine three times a day for eight weeks. During the first consultation and final follow up, the subject’s vital signs, BMI and fat percentage were recorded. The participant’s body circumference measurements and weight in kilograms were recorded weekly. The participant was required to keep a simple daily diary recording what food was consumed each day. Data was analysed using the independent sample t-tests, repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and repeated measures ANOVA with between-subjects factor. From statistical evaluation, it was determined that R59® did not cause weight loss but was a factor in accelerating weight reduction. Both groups A and B experienced weight loss and size reductions. The statistics indicated that the results were statistically insignificant. / Dr. B. A. Saunders Mrs. H. L. Matthews

M.Tech. / Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects of lumbar spine and/or pelvic manipulation, and lumbar spine and/or pelvic manipulation in conjunction with the application of subcutaneous parenteral Traumeel® in the treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain with regards to pain, disability and lumbar spine range of motion. These effects were evaluated using a questionnaire consisting of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and an Oswestry Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire, and by measuring lumbar spine range of motion using a digital inclinometer. The questionnaire was completed and the range of motion readings were taken prior to treatment on the first, fourth and seventh consultations. Method: Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were stratified in number and gender between two groups of equal size (15 participants each). Group one received spinal manipulation to restricted lumbar spine and/or sacroiliac joints followed by the administration of subcutaneous parenteral Traumeel®. The second group received spinal manipulation to restricted lumbar spine and/or sacroiliac joints. Participants were treated six times out of a total of seven sessions, over a maximum three week period. Procedure: Subjective data was collected at the beginning of the first and fourth consultations, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and an Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire in order to assess pain and disability levels. Objective data was collected at the beginning of the first and fourth session, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a digital inclinometer in order to assess lumbar spine range of motion. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician. Results: Clinically significant improvements in group 1 and group 2 were noted over the duration of the study with reference to pain, disability, and lumbar spine range of motion. Statistically significant changes were noted in group 1 and group 2 with reference to pain and disability, and in group 1 with reference to lumbar spine range of motion. vi Conclusion: The results show that both spinal manipulation, as well as spinal manipulation in conjunction with subcutaneous parenteral Traumeel® are effective treatment protocols (as demonstrated clinically, and to a lesser extent, statistically) in decreasing pain and disability, and increasing lumbar spine range of motion in patients with mechanical low back pain. However, neither treatment protocol proved to be preferential. The results carry a possible suggestion that chiropractic manipulation (common to both groups) is effective in ameliorating participant-rated pain and disability, and increasing lumbar spine range of motion in the case of chronic mechanical low back pain.

M.Tech. / Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifactoral disorder of the gastrointestinal tract causing disturbances in gastric motility, resulting in abdominal pain, bloating and abnormal bowel movements. It is defined as a 'disorder of gut function in the absence of structural pathology' (Palmer et a!, 2002). It is the most commonly encountered functional gastrointestinal disorder in the primary and secondary health care system with a prevalence in the general population of five to twenty percent (Bellini et a!, 2005). No definite aetiological factor has been isolated, but factors such as psychological stress, anxiety and depression, certain dietary intolerances, increase in abnormal sensitivity to visceral distension, and hormonal changes in women have been implicated in compounding the symptoms of IBS (Ohman & Simren, 2007). Current treatment regimes include dietary changes and symptomatic relief using allopathic medications, which come with the risk of side-effects and may lead to dependency (University of Maryland Medical Center, 2007). Homoeopathic studies which have addressed the physical symptoms as well as the psychological contributing factors associated with IBS, have recorded favourable results when treating this syndrome (Mathie & Robinson, 2006).The aim of this research was to determine the efficacy of Homoeopathic Similimum treatment in IBS. In order to recruit volunteers, this study was advertised in local newspapers, pharmacies and at the University of Johannesburg's Doornfontein Campus. Volunteers completed the Rome III Criteria evaluation to determine their suitability for this study, with the likelihood of any other bowel pathology having been excluded. Ten suitable female volunteers, ranging in age from twenty to thirty five, were selected having met the inclusion criteria. Over a period of three months, each participant partook in four homoeopathic consultations. The initial consultation involved the completion of the information and consent form, an explanation of the research procedures, general well-being and general symptom rating questionnaires were completed, a full homoeopathic case history was taken, and a physical examination was performed. A baseline of four weeks without treatment followed. Participants were requested to complete daily symptom rating scales and keep a daily food diary in the four weeks between consultations. This was continued throughout the study period. The subsequent follow-ups, of which there were three, consisted of a follow-up on the initial consultation, completion of general well-being and symptom rating questionnaire, and a physical examination. A homoeopathic similimum remedy was chosen based on each participant's unique symptoms. Using physical, mental, and emotional symptoms in accordance with classical homoeopathic principles, a single remedy that most suited the individual was chosen and prescribed. It was predicted that the study would provide an alternative and safe treatment option to relieve the symptoms ofiBS. The results of the study showed that the homoeopathic similimum remedy does not provide a statistically significant improvement in the symptoms of IBS. Clinically, however, most participants experienced a general trend of improvement in physical symptoms and general well-being .

M.Tech. (Homeopathy) / The common cold and influenza (flu) are both acute viral infections affecting the upper respiratory tract (Beers & Porter, 2006). The common cold typically presents with rhinorrhea, sneezing, and a sore throat (Kansal & Kaushal, 2004), and influenza causes fever, coryza, cough, headache, malaise and body pain (Beers & Porter, 2006). Millions of school and work days are missed annually due to cold and influenza symptoms (Fendrick et al., 2003). Students at universities have a high incidence of colds and influenza due to raised levels of stress and close contact with other infected individuals (Zachary, 2006). Researchers believe that Interleukin-6 (a protein in the body responsible for co-ordination of immune response) may be a biological link between psychological stress and the severity of cold and influenza symptoms. This may make students more susceptible to the common cold and influenza (Mercola, 1999). Conventional treatment for both conditions is comprised of analgesics, antipyretics, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anti-viral drugs, all of which have numerous adverse effects (Roxas & Jurenka, 2007). Linctagon® Forte capsules consists of four ingredients: Pelargonium sidoides (333mg), Quercetin (80mg), Bromelain (53mg) and Zinc (5mg) and are purported to provide antiviral support in the treatment of colds and influenza. The aim of this eight-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to assess the efficacy of Linctagon® Forte Capsules in the treatment of cold and influenza symptoms on first and second year Health Sciences students from the University of Johannesburg. Thirty seven students from the first and second year Health Sciences Faculty of the University of Johannesburg, suffering from common cold or influenza symptoms, were recruited to participate. This included male and female students between the ages of 18 to 30 years. Advertisements (Appendix A) were placed at the UJ Health Training Centre, classrooms and on campus, with relevant permission given. Thirty participants completed the study and seven students did not complete due to poor compliance. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were dealt with by completion of a Participant Information and Consent Form (Appendix B) as well as a Participant Profile Form which recorded all initial symptoms (Appendix C). All participants were required to have a minimum of five of the ten symptoms represented on the Participant Profile form (Appendix C). Once participants were accepted into the study they were allocated to either Group A or Group B, with 15 participants in each group. The medication bottles were packaged and labelled by Nativa (24 capsules in a 100mg container), and the active medication and the placebo were randomised by means of a coding system, Batch “A” and Batch “B”. Group A received the Linctagon® Forte Capsules and Group B received the unmedicated lactose capsules. The participants were requested to take 1 capsule three times per day. Each participant was given eight Symptom Score Cards (Appendix D) to complete each card every morning and evening for the eight day period, to rate the severity of their symptoms according to a 5-point rating system. The influenza and common cold symptoms were analysed according to their decrease in frequency and intensity over the set period of time. Data was only recorded and analysed for days one to seven due to poor compliance by participants in both groups with regards to completion of the Symptom Score Cards towards the end of the study. Both the treatment (Group A) and the placebo (Group B) groups showed similar improvement in symptom severity over the entire research period, and there was no statistical significance between the two groups. This shows neither group outperformed the other, supporting the null hypothesis. Small sample size, the placebo effect and low dosages of certain of the active ingredients are possible factors involved in the results seen, and should be considered for future studies.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / The common cold and influenza (flu) are upper respiratory tract conditions; the former characterized by nasal or throat discomfort, sneezing, rhinorrhoea, and malaise, and the latter by fever, coryza, anorexia, cough, headache, malaise and myalgia (Beers et al., 2006). The common cold can be caused by over 200 rhinoviruses while influenza is mostly due to influenza virus A or B. Cold symptoms usually clear after 7-10 days, influenza which is more severe lasts for 2-3 weeks (Eccles, 2005). Athletes are susceptible to common colds and influenza infections due to intensive physical activities and stress, which lowers their immune systems and increases the risk of spread among team-mates. To avoid missing competitions and practice, it would be advantageous for athletes to receive prophylactic treatment during the high risk period for colds and flu such as in winter (Brukner and Khan, 2006). Pelargonium sidoides, which is an ingredient of Linctagon® spray, is a well-researched plant extract which has antiviral, antibacterial and immune-modulator effects (Nativa, 2011). Its effect as a prophylactic for athletes has not been researched. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Linctagon® spray in preventing common colds and influenza in female soccer teams of the University of Johannesburg. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which took place over 63 days. Thirty female participants aged between 18-30 years were recruited from the University of Johannesburg female soccer teams via direct recruitment during training sessions on the University of Johannesburg Bunting campus. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria completed the Participant Information, Profile and Consent Forms. On day 1, the participants underwent a physical examination (vitals, ear, nose, throat and chest examinations). Participants either received a 20 ml bottle of Linctagon® spray or a placebo spray. Five squirts were taken orally twice daily for nine weeks. Participants also received three Wellness Questionnaires and Health Questionnaires to complete at home weekly and returned these at the following visits. On day 21 and day 42, the researcher collected the completed Questionnaires, performed a physical examination, dispensed and gave participants additional medication, and three additional Wellness and Health Questionnaires. At the final consultation, day 63, the researcher collected the questionnaires, and did a fourth and final physical examination. The data was collected from the participants and analyzed according to group frequencies and independent T-tests. The outcome indicated that the placebo was equally as effective as Linctagon® spray in the prophylaxis of common cold and influenza infections in female soccer team players of the University of Johannesburg for the duration of the study.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Background Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) also known as pityriasis capitis is a common skin condition that affects mainly the scalp, causing scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff (Preedy 2012). It has been reported that dandruff occurs in at least 50% of the world’s adult population and approximately 15% to 20% of the world’s total population (Mia 2016). Recent studies suggest that a scalp specific yeast called Malasseiza globosa appears to be responsible for SD (Zhang, Ran, Xie and Zhang 2013). Seborrheic dermatitis does not affect overall health but it can be uncomfortable and may cause embarrassment and low self-esteem (Del Rosso 2011; Preedy 2012). Anecdotal evidence at Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic (UNHCC) indicated that patients with SD responded positively to Calendula officinalis Ø in combination with Olea europaea (olive oil). Notwithstanding this, there is a dearth of clinical data available to validate the aforesaid patient’s positive response. Hence this study aims to provide clinical evidence to prove or disprove patient’s response to Calendula officinalis Ø in combination with Olea europaea (olive oil). Objective The aim of this double blind randomized controlled study was to determine the efficacy of a topical application comprising Calendula officinalis Ø with Olea europaea in the management of SD of the scalp (dandruff). Material and methods The sample was selected by means of non-probability convenience sampling and consisted of 64 consenting participants between the ages of 18 to 50 years who had read the information letter and met the inclusion criteria. Participants were evenly distributed between the treatment and control groups according to the randomization list (32 participants in each group). The treatment group received Calendula officinalis Ø with Olea europaea and the control group received Olea europaea only. Three participants withdrew from the study resulting in only 61 completing the study, 30 from the control group and 31 from the treatment group. The study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Day Clinic (DUTHDC) under the supervision of a qualified and registered homoeopathic clinician. The duration of the study was six weeks with three consultations in total. Consultations took place on day 1, day 22 and day 43. At each consultation the participants were assessed by three individuals – the participant themselves, the researcher, and an independent party (the homoeopathic clinician on duty that day). The assessment tools included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the researcher and clinician consisting of the following categories: irritation, flaking, greasiness, percentage of the scalp involved and overall impression; and the Patient Perception Questionnaire (PPQ) for the patient consisting of the following categories: irritation, flaking, greasiness, itching and overall impression. This was accompanied by a detailed case history and physical examination performed by the researcher. Results Both the control and treatment groups displayed overall improvement in terms of Patient Perception Questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale which means that a combination of Olea europeae with Calendula officinalis Ø (treatment group) and Olea europeae only (control group) were effective in the management of SD. There was no statistically significant difference between the effect of a combination of Olea europaea with Calendula officinalis Ø and Olea europaea only. In terms of the VAS and PPQ categories, there was a statistical significance between the groups, with the exception of irritation. Significant differences found were as follows: Flaking (clinician and patient rated p = 0.019) on visit 3 for the control group. Greasiness (clinician and patient rated p = 0.027) on visit 3 for the control group. Greasiness (researcher and patient rated p = 0.012) on visit 2 for the treatment group. Percentage of the scalp involved (researcher and clinician rated p = 0.013) on visit 2 for the treatment group. Overall impression (researcher and patient rated p = 0.026) on visit 2 for the control group. Overall impression (researcher and clinician rated p = 0.026) on visit 3 for the treatment group. Conclusion Both the combination of Olea europaea with Calendula officinalis Ø and Olea europaea only improve SD. Therefore, a topical application comprising Calendula officinalis Ø and Olea europaea is effective in the management of SD of the scalp (dandruff) and therefore permits further investigation. / M

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homeopathy)-Dept. of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xxxii, 285 leaves / The epidemic proportion of ADD/ADHD diagnosis is gaining widespread attention from parents, educators, doctors and other health care providers. Parents are seeking alternatives, as they are concerned about the use and side effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride (e.g. Ritalin®, Adaphen®, Concerta®) and other conventional drugs used to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD (Badat, 2004 and Picton, 2004). The aim of this research was to document the current practices of registered homoeopathic practitioners, with regard to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition, their perceptions regarding aeitiology, treatment, management and success rate was investigated. This research took the form of a qualitative-quantitative survey (questionnaire) targeting homoeopaths practicing in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homeopathy)-Dept. of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xxxii, 285 leaves / The epidemic proportion of ADD/ADHD diagnosis is gaining widespread attention from parents, educators, doctors and other health care providers. Parents are seeking alternatives, as they are concerned about the use and side effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride (e.g. Ritalin®, Adaphen®, Concerta®) and other conventional drugs used to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD (Badat, 2004 and Picton, 2004). The aim of this research was to document the current practices of registered homoeopathic practitioners, with regard to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition, their perceptions regarding aeitiology, treatment, management and success rate was investigated. This research took the form of a qualitative-quantitative survey (questionnaire) targeting homoeopaths practicing in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / INTRODUCTION Dysmenorrhoea is defined as difficult menstrual flow or painful menstruation. Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecological complaint in younger women who present themselves to clinicians. Primary dysmenorrhoea is defined as painful menstrual cramps without any evident pathology present. It refers to any degree of perceived cramping pain experienced during menstruation. Around 50% of menstruating females suffer from primary dysmenorrhoea. Prevalence decreases with age, with prevalence being highest in the 20 to 24 year old age group. This trial intended to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytotherapeutic complex in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea compared to homoeopathic similimum in a 30 cH plussed potency. This study aimed to provide the safe and effective alternative therapy for primary dysmenorrhoea, especially for the population that is contradicted to use the readily available forms of treatments. TRIAL DESIGN This double-blind randomised parallel clinical trial, aimed to determine the effectiveness of a phytotherapeutic complex consisting of Angelica sinensis1:10, Dioscorea villosa1:10, Matricaria chamomilla 1:10, Viburnum opulus 1:10, and Zingiber officinalis 1:10 in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, compared to homoeopathic similimum in a 30cH plussed potency. METHODOLOGY A sample group of 26 participants were voluntarily selected for the study on the basis of an inclusion and exclusion criteria. These participants were then randomly divided into two groups, 17 in the group receiving the phytotherapeutic complex, 8 in the control group receiving the similimum and 1 drop-out. Each participant had to attend a total of four consultations with the researcher over a three month period, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Homoeopathic Day Clinic. At each consultation the participant completed the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) (Appendix B) as well as the Pain Rating Scale (PRS) (Appendix C). Intra-group analysis was performed using the non-parametric test for analysis of variance: Friedman’s test. Inter-group analysis was conducted using the Mann- Whitney U test for two independent samples. RESULTS Results from the intra-group analysis showed that in both groups most measured parameters relating to experience during the previous menstrual flow showed statistically significant reductions in intensity. This is to say that both the group receiving phytotherapy and the group receiving similimum experienced reductions in their symptoms as measured by both the MDQ and the PRS. Results from the inter-group analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the phytotherapy and similimum group in all symptoms except the water retention category, with regard to symptom perception during the last menstrual flow of the trial. CONCLUSION The conclusion reached in this study was that both the phytotherapeutic complex treatment and the homoeopathic similimum treatment were effective at reducing the clinical features of primary dysmenorrhea, but there was no significant difference between the phytotherapy and similimum group in all except the water retention category during the last menstrual period as measured by the MDQ Further, there was no statistically significant difference between groups treated with phytotherapy compared to similimum as measured by the PRS. / M

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the involuntary loss of urine when sudden, external forces cause a brief increase in intra-abdominal pressure during stress events such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, bending, lifting, or exercise (ICS, 2013).SUI is a subcategory of urinary incontinence (UI) and affects middle aged women predominantly due to weakened support of the bladder by the pelvic floor and surrounding structures (Beji et al 2010). Damage to the pelvic floor and pelvic structures can cause the bladder and bladder neck to move or bend into problematic positions which adds unnecessary placement of external pressures on the bladder and in turn urine loss occurs (Badlani et al., 2009). The treatments available for treating SUI is behavioural changes, pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation or invasive surgeries. Pharmacological treatment options available for incontinence focus more on different subcategories of UI and has little effect on treating SUI directly and due to various side effects of these medications many patients avoid taking it (Shamilyan et al., 2012). There is currently no known effective treatment for SUI (ICS, 2013). SUI is the loss of small amounts or a few drops of urine at a time (Beers et al., 2006). Although the symptoms of this condition may not be life threatening it can interfere with the quality of life in those who suffer from loss of bladder control (Cheung et al., 2012). The negative effects can be seen in all areas physical activities, social activities, relationship strain and even emotional status of the patient (De Ridder et al, 2013). Many women report having SUI for several years and have learned to live with the incidents and use preventative methods when severity of SUI episodes worsen (Peterson, 2008). Additionally the symptom can be distressing on a physical level and consistent SUI episodes may cause recurrent urinary tract infections, irritation, pain and discomfort of the lower urinary tract (Beers et al., 2006). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic remedy Causticum 30cH on SUI episodes experienced by women by means of using a voiding diary and validated quality of life questionnaires. This was a five week double blind, placebo-controlled study, using forty female participants between the ages of 30-65 years old, and was conducted at a homoeopathic practice in Alberton, Johannesburg (Appendix B) under the supervision of a qualified homoeopath. There were three consultations, at the first consultation the study was explained and a full history taking and focused physical examination was conducted which included vital signs and a midstream urine dipstick test (Appendix E) to rule out any UTI. Participants were required to complete the QOLQ IIQ-7 SF (Appendix F) and the UDI-6 SF (Appendix G) (Uebersax et al., 1995). iii The first week no remedy was given (baseline week) and was followed by a four week treatment period. Participants had to complete a 7-day voiding diary (Appendix H) to evaluate symptom frequency for the duration of the study at home and were collected at the follow-up consultation after week three and week five. Participants were requested to complete the QOLQ IIQ-7 SF (Appendix F) and UDI-6 SF (Appendix G) (Uebersax et al., 1995) during the follow up consultations. Nocturnal voiding was also recorded on the voiding diaries. After week one the voiding diaries were collected and the participants were asked to select a remedy thereby, randomly allocating herself to either the experimental group or the control group. Data was collected and was analysed by STATKON. Frequencies, descriptives and crosstabulations were done for the demographic information between groups. Non-parametric test were utilized for the analysis because the sample size was small. The inter-group data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test to compare between the groups. Comparisons over time for each group were assessed using the Friedman test, and a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was done to ascertain where in time the differences had occurred. The Bonferrani adjustment/correction test is a post-hoc test and was done after the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test which is an adjustment to the original p value and a re-evaluation of p value of the comparisons (Becker, 2013)...