M.Tech. / Premenstrual syndrome affects millions of premenopausal women and has been described as one of the most common disorders in women. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is defined as the cyclic recurrence of symptoms such as anxiety, depression, food cravings, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches during the luteal phase (from day fourteen to day one) of the menstrual cycle (Nel, 1995). PMS has been estimated to affect 75% of women of reproductive age, and there are no optimal conventional treatment options available (Steiner et al., 2006). Research has found an increased incidence of PMS in black women (Deuster et al., 1999). Due to the high number of women suffering from PMS and side-effects of conventional medicine, a safe alternative treatment for PMS is required. The homoeopathic similimum method involves prescribing one remedy at a time in optimal potency and repetition based on the totality of the individual patient’s mental, emotional and physical symptoms (Vithoulkas, 1985).

M. Tech. / Binge eating is defined as eating an inordinate amount of food in a discrete period of time, during which the eater experiences a subjective loss of control (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The event is often followed by emotional distress, including feelings of disgust, shame, fear, guilt or discomfort (Herrin, 2003). Binge eating is found in all eating disturbances, and is especially associated with binge eating disorder, which affects all races and both genders almost equally (Fairburn & Brownell, 2002). Current treatment protocols include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and traditional weight loss programmes (Birmingham & Treasure, 2010; Mitchell & Peterson, 2005; Wadden & Stunkard, 2002). The role of homoeopathy in the treatment of binge eating remains poorly explored. This research study was designed to examine the efficacy of homoeopathic similimum treatment on binge eating in males, following ten case studies. The research was carried out at the University of Johannesburg Homoeopathy Health Centre, from 8 July 2010 to 24 November 2010. Ten male participants, all between the ages of 23 and 42, took part in this research. Each participant was screened telephonically before their first consultation. Inclusion criteria included eating a large volume of food within a short space of time, and feeling a loss of control over eating habits. Exclusion criteria included a prior diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulemia nervosa or any morbidity associated with obesity, including diabetes mellitus and heart disease. Each participant attended a total of four consultations over a 12 week period. Follow-up consultations took place every three weeks. During each interview, the participants' severity and frequency of binge eating was assessed through their history, a self-assessment calender for recording binging incidence between consultations and by completing a psychometric evaluation. On the second and third consultation, each participant was issued with an individuated similimum prescription based on the totality of their case history, to be taken as directed. v. All data was collected and analyzed, with the following results: – All participants reported a variable decrease in their binging frequency and severity. – Most participants experienced a concurrent improvement in other aspects of their health, such as their sleeping habits, libido, blood pressure, level of confidence or an overall sense of well-being. – Statistical analysis of the participants' measured results confirms a significant improvement in both binging frequency and severity after similimum treatment. The researcher concluded that this study shows the possible benefits of homoeopathic similimum treatment in binge eating in males, by decreasing both binging frequency and severity.

M.Tech. / Dysmenorrhoea is the most common of all gynaecological complaints, leading to absence from work or school and the inability to participate in sports or other activities (Edmundson et al, 2006). Headache, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea, and urinary frequency are common concomitant symptoms; vomiting occasionally occurs (Beers et al, 2006). In research by Klein and Litt, although black adolescents reported no increased incidence of dysmenorrhoea, they were absent from school more frequently than whites (Callis, 2006). Primary dysmenorrhoea is defined as severe or incapacitating uterine cramping during ovulatory menses, in the absence of demonstrable disorders of the pelvis (Carr and Bradshaw, 2005). Primary dysmenorrhoea is related to excessive production of prostaglandins which cause ischaemia in the myometrium of the uterus, with increased contraction and vasoconstriction (Callis, 2006). The aim of this study was to evaluate, using case studies, the effect of the homeopathic similimum in the treatment of the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea in black females. Evaluation was based on the evaluation of symptoms form (Appendix E), which rated the common symptoms namely lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, menstrual flow and breast tenderness, and on the history taken and follow up consultation, looking at overall symptom change of each participant. The research study used a convenience sample of ten black females, aged between eighteen and twenty-five, who had been suffering from primary dysmenorrhoea for the previous three or more months. The volunteers were recruited by advertising posters (Appendix A) on the University of Johannesburg campuses. They were given an information and consent form (Appendix B) to read, understand and complete if they agreed with the given information and explained procedures. They were then screened for suitability using a screening questionnaire (Appendix C). From this questionnaire ten suitable participants were selected. A full case history of each participant was taken and a full physical examination (Appendix F) was conducted on each of the ten suitable participants. The full case and physical examination findings were evaluated and a homeopathic similimum remedy was selected under supervision of the research supervisor.

M.Tech. / Cardiovascular disease and its complications accounts for about half of all deaths worldwide. As conventional risk factors do not successfully explain all of these cases, homocysteine (Hey) appears to be a new and promising field to investigate as an accompanying risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (Stanger et al., 2004). Hyperhomocysteinaemia, or elevated Hey levels, have been shown to be directly linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (Wald and Morris, 2002). Crataegus oxyaeantha Mother Tincture (0) has been used over centuries for various cardiovascular disease conditions and is considered to have cardio-protective properties (Rose and Treadway, 1999), however its effect on homocysteine levels has not been researched. The atm of this double-blind placebo-controlled study was to determine the effect of homoeopathically prepared Crataegus oxyaeantha (J on Hey levels in males aged 25-35 years of age by measuring Hey levels in the blood over a three week period. Participants attended an initial consultation where the procedure of the research was discussed, a short medical history was taken, and a full cardiovascular examination together with vital signs was assessed. Thereafter a pathology laboratory (Lancet laboratories) measured Hey levels of the participants. Those participants that qualified for the study were divided into two groups of fifteen. The experimental group received a 25mL bottle of Crataegus oxyaeantha 0 and the placebo group received a 25mL bottle of alcohol identical in appearance and taste. Participants were informed not to make any substantial changes to their diet and lifestyle. After three weeks a second Hey test was completed and a follow up consultation was scheduled. Collected data was statistically analyzed and a Chi Square goodness of fit test was utilized to determine if there was any significant decrease in Hey levels in the participating individuals. Preliminary findings suggest that Crataegus oxyaeantha (J was not effective in reducing plasma Hey levels in adult males with Hey levels of 6.3 mmoVL and higher, however more research over an extended period of time is needed to confirm these findings.

M.Tech. (Homeopathy) / Students of Chiropractic, attending the University of Johannesburg (UJ), start the practical component of their training from their third year of study (Bunge & Tyranes, 2007). Each student must be proficient in 250 adjustments (200 of which must be spinal) by the end of their fifth year of study (Fletcher et al., 2005). As these manual manipulations are complex psychomotor skills, they require a good deal of practice to master (Bunge & Tyranes, 2007). Due to the practical nature of the course, Chiropractic students are required to practice their techniques of adjustment on each other. This places the students under a great deal of physical and mental strain as adjustments and techniques designed to reduce pain and restore normal musculoskeletal and neurological function in the presence of pathology are being consistently and repetitively applied to healthy individuals (Ebrall, 2003). This in turn results in the individuals experiencing various adverse effects such as headaches, muscular pain and joint pain (Bergman & Peterson, 2011; Botha, 2011; Venter, 2011). Conventional treatment for musculoskeletal pain (such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and analgesic drugs) can be costly and are known to have potential adverse effects (Neal, 2002). No research has been done to date on the effect of Homoeopathic Similimum treatment on musculoskeletal pain, as a result of practicing adjustments in Chiropractic students. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Homoeopathic Similimum on musculoskeletal pain produced in Chiropractic students (attending the University of Johannesburg) as a result of practicing adjustments, by means of a Numeric Pain Scale Rating as well as via a 5-Point (Likert-type) Treatment Satisfaction Scale. This was a 2 week, randomised double-blind placebo-controlled, matched-pair study using 30 participants (third to fifth year UJ Chiropractic students, males and females, aged 20-35). Participants who met the inclusion criteria were matched according to the body-region affected (i.e. head, upper limb, back, lower limb or whole body) (Appendix C); they were then randomly divided into either the placebo or treatment group. Thereafter, an initial case-taking and focused physical examination (including vital signs) was conducted and the initial Numeric Pain Scores (baseline measurements) obtained (Appendix C) (Cox, 2010). The participant’s case was analysed, repertorised (using the Mercurius Computer Repertory-The Complete Repertory 2012) and the Similimum remedy was selected. The Homoeopathic Dispenser dispensed the medications and participants received either their Similimum remedy (in a 30cH potency to be administered in a dosage of 5 pillules once a day and as needed by the individual participant) or the placebo (composed of unmedicated pillules with identical dosage instructions). A follow-up consultation (on day 7) was conducted to assess progress, obtain the participant’s intermediate numeric pain score and to assess the prescription (Appendix E). After careful evaluation of the case, the researcher considered (depending on the participant’s response to the initial treatment) whether to change the prescription, alter the repetition of the dose, continue the same course of treatment or to stop the prescription altogether. On day 14 a final consultation was conducted (including a final physical examination) to assess overall progress, obtain final Numeric Pain (Appendix E) and Treatment Satisfaction Scores (Appendix F) (Cox, 2010; Pellegrin et al., 2001) and terminate prescriptions. Data collected from the Numeric Pain Scale Ratings and Treatment Satisfaction Score Sheets was analysed by STATKON. Frequencies, descriptives and cross-tabulations were done. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality. A Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the two groups. Comparisons over time for each group were assessed using a Friedman test and a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was done to ascertain where the differences occurred (Smith, 2011). The Friedman test results showed significant differences in both groups (i.e. the pain scores decreased in comparable increments for both groups over the two-week study period) and the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test showed that both groups’ pain scores started to decrease at the 2nd consultation (i.e. at the end of week one). The results of the Mann-Whitney test showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups, either in terms of reduction of pain or participant satisfaction with treatment. Therefore it can be concluded that the Homoeopathic Similimum was not more effective than placebo in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain experienced by UJ Chiropractic students as a result of practicing adjustments. However, further research utilising a larger study sample and a longer period of study should be conducted before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.

The purpose of this study was to explore the possible comparative in-vitro effects of two anthroposophical complex preparations on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The effect of these two anthroposophical complexes, the first being Echinacea/ Quartz Complex Single Dose Eyedrops (Wala), and the second being a preparation called Euphrasia Single Dose Eyedrops (Wala) on Staphylococcus aureus in-vitro had not yet been established. The two methods employed were the agar dilution method and the disc diffusion method. These tests measured the in-vitro susceptibility of the Staphylococcus aureus to the anthroposophical complexes and to chloramphenicol (a broad spectrum allopathic anti-biotic commonly used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection). The experiments were conducted on twenty Staphylococcus aureus isolates, obtained from Van Drimmelin Laboratories. All experimentation was conducted in triplicate in order to eliminate laboratory error. In the agar dilution method, broth cultures of the twenty isolates were prepared and equal amounts of the cultures were plated out onto the agar media individually treated with the antimicrobial of choice, or onto unmedicated agar. After 24 hours of incubation the number of colonies per plate were counted. In the disc diffusion test, discs individually impregnated with the antimicrobial of choice and unmedicated discs were placed onto inoculated nutrient agar plates. After 24 hours of incubation the zone diameters were measured. The results were compared using a two-way analysis of variance. They showed that neither of the anthroposophical complexes had a significant in-vitro effect on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in the agar dilution method, and neither complex displayed any anti-bacterial action in the disc diffusion test. However, studies have shown that patients using these eyedrops to treat bacterial conjunctivitis have experienced significant symptomatic relief. Therefore, it is recommended that a follow on in-vivo study be conducted using these anthroposophical complexes as treatment and then growing bacterial cultures from swabs taken from the patients’ eyes at various stages of treatment to examine any anti-bacterial effects these complexes may have on Staphylococcus aureus in-vivo. / Dr. E. Solomon Dr. S. Arstall

This research was conducted to determine the effect of Phosphorus 6CH on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Phosphorus 6CH is a simplex homoeopathic preparation that through repertorisation of DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of ADHD is found to be well indicated for this disorder. Homoeopathic trials have been conducted previously on complex homoeopathic preparations (Strauss, 1998; Smith, 2001) and have shown overall improvements in the symptoms of ADHD. The use of a simplex homoeopathic remedy has not been effectively documented prior to 2004. ADHD is a commonly diagnosed childhood disorder characterised by inattention, impulsivity, and possibly hyperactivity. Current management of this disorder is predominantly through the use of highly scheduled central nervous system stimulants, which may produce unwanted and serious side effects, and in some children may produce no response at all. A double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted. Children between seven and eleven years of age with pre-diagnosed ADHD and taking no other medication for the disorder were included in the trial. Children were randomly assigned to either the medication or the placebo groups. Evaluations were conducted by means of the Barkley and DuPaul Teacher Rating Scale (BDTRS), completed by the child’s teacher, the Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ), completed by the child’s parent or guardian, and the Children’s Checking Task (CCT), completed by the child. Evaluation was conducted before the trial, weekly after two weeks of liquid administration, and again a week after cessation of treatment. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvement in both the BDTRS and the PSQ scores, with the placebo group also showing improvement, although not to as significant a degree as the experimental group. In the CCT, no significant improvement was seen in the total scores of the tests, although there was significant improvement in the time taken to complete the tests. Because of the placebo effect having a large influence on the results of the study, more effective research would need to be done in order to establish whether Phosphorus did in fact account for the more significant improvement found in the experimental group. Further studies need to be conducted on the effect of homeopathic remedies such as Phosphorus, with variable dosage and potency being used. Since all children in the study showed a marked improvement due to the high level of attention met on each child by the teachers and parents involved, it is worth considering a study where no medication is used at all, but where children are given individualised attention and encouragement. It would be a valuable way to assess whether this attention would be sufficient to produce marked improvement in the children over a sustained period of time, or whether the attention given would ultimately no longer be enough but would have to be supplemented with medication. / Dr. Joanne Roohani Mrs. Carolina Henn

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Acute tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In most cases it is caused by a viral infection (Clarence & Sasaki, 2008), which is a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections in children (Baker et al., 2012). Tonsillitis is one of the most common causes of absenteeism in school children, which affects school performance (De Martino & Ballotti, 2007). Conventional treatment for viral tonsillitis include anti-inflammatory drugs, which does not actively treat the condition and may cause side effects (Clarence & Sasaki, 2008; Cocazza et al., 2001; Roxane & Nahata, 2006) such as bruising, skin rash, tinnitus, oedema, dyspepsia, depression, nervousness, insomnia, pruritis, visual disturbance, renal failure and gastrointestinal irritation which can result in bleeding (Rainsford, 2003; Scherer, 2012; Snyman, 2007). Tonzolyt® is a commercially available homoeopathic complex remedy indicated for both acute and chronic tonsillitis and sore throat. However, there is a lack of research to support its effectiveness (Herbaforce, 2010). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic complex Tonzolyt® on the symptoms of acute tonsillitis in black children attending a primary school in Gauteng. A Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Scale measured pain intensity and a modified Semi-quantitative Basis Scale assessed changes in signs and symptoms of tonsillitis. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted over six days with daily follow-up assessments. Thirty participants, aged 6-12 years, suffering from acute viral tonsillitis, were recruited from a primary school in Gauteng. Parents / guardians were informed about the study by means of a letter (Appendix H). Attached to the letter there was an information form (Appendix A), as well as a Participant Profile form (Appendix D) to fill in, and a consent form (Appendix B) to sign. Parents / guardians and teachers were requested to refer children who showed signs of tonsillitis to the researcher. The researcher was available on the school premises on...

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

No description available.