M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Upper Respiratory tract viral infections (URTIs), such as influenza and the common cold, are a group of common infections in the human population. They have a seemingly mild nature, but studies have found them to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide (Wat, 2004). In the western world, the majority of pre-school childrenconsult a doctor for a respiratory infection at least once a year. Conventional medical treatment options are said to be limited, and antibiotics are often unnecessarily prescribed.The frequency of antibiotic prescriptions has caused a resistance of pathogenic bacteria against these antibiotics, and this in turn, has become a major threat to treatment (Schönbeck et al., 2005). A traditional South African herb, Pelargonium sidoides (P. sidoides), has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties in many investigations (Brendler, 2009). No studies have been done to date assessing the efficacy of P. sidoides as a prophylactic for influenza and the common cold in children. This study aimed at establishing the efficacy of Linctagon® Syrup in the prevention of colds and influenza in pre-school children. The study was a double- blind, placebo–controlled study whereby thirty healthy children aged four to six years old were placed into two groups using matched pairs according to gender. Fifteen participants were allocated to the experimental group whereby the Linctagon® Syrup was taken for the duration of the study. The other fifteen participants were allocated in the placebo group for the duration of the study and given a placebo syrup. Parents / guardians were requested to read the Participant Information Leaflet (Appendix B), and sign the Participant Details and Consent Form (Appendix C,) and the participants were requested to sign the Participation of Minor Assent Form (Appendix D). On day 0, the parents / guardians signed the forms and the initial visit took place. The researcher conducted an ear, nose, throat and respiratory examination on each participant and vital signs were measured. The medication was randomised by an independent person at Nativa Laboratories. Each participant received two 150ml bottles of either the Linctagon® syrup or placebo syrup, and parents / guardians were advised on how to administer the medication (Appendix E), by the researcher. The participants were required to take 2.5ml twice daily for a period of sixty days. A Weekly Progress Questionnaire (Appendix F) was handed to the parents / guardians of each child, and they were requested to fill them in over an eight week period. This questionnaire assessed the wellness of the child for the duration of the study and involved a 4-point rating system to assess the severity of symptoms for both influenza and the common cold. Weekly telephone calls were made to the participants’ parents / guardians to follow up on progress. A final visitation occurred on day 60, and included the collection of the questionnaires. The parents / guardians were requested to fill in a score card at the end of the study, rating the effectiveness of Linctagon® Syrup in the prevention of colds and influenza in their child (Appendix G). The data was statistically analysed by Statkon at the University of Johannesburg by means of non-parametric tests, namely: descriptive data, Cochran’s test, Chi-square test, cross tabulation, Mann-Whitney U test and the Friedman test. The research study determined that Linctagon® Syrup did not have a statistically significant effect in the prevention of influenza and the common cold in children, in support of the null hypothesis. Linctagon® Syrup also had no effect on reducing the incidence, frequency or duration of symptoms in those children who became ill, however this may be due to the relativity low dosage prescribed. Further large scale studies are recommended to validate these results.The score card (subjective rating on the efficacy of the syrup) showed a statistically significant result between the two groups, in favour of the treatment group.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s degree in technology in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Background: According to Picavet and Schouten (2003) the incidence of neck pain is increasing at a greater rate than other spine problems (Hoving et al. 2004). Furthermore, chronic neck pain is a substantial burden to society with chronic neck pain being the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide (Hoy et al. 2014). Chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP) has been defined as localised, asymmetrical neck pain with restricted range of motion and dysfunctional musculature (Grieve, 1988). Treatments for those suffering with chronic pain, which are non-surgical, appear to be the most beneficial for patients according to Haldeman et al. (2008). Giles and Müller (1999) have stated that spinal manipulation is the most effective method of treating spinal pain on its own. However, the literature suggests that there is benefit in combining manipulation with an “anti-inflammatory type” drug (Crawford 1988; Oberbaum 1998; Serrentino 2003). Many studies have been successfully conducted on Homoeopathic complexes to treat neck pain (Fisher 1986; Bohmer and Ambrus 1992; Hepburn 2000; Soeken 2004) however no study has yet to been carried out on the combination of Homoeopathic Simillimum (single remedy) and spinal manipulation for CMNP. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if spinal manipulation and Homoeopathic Simillimum in combination are more relatively effective than spinal manipulation alone in the treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain. Methodology: This study was a randomised, blinded placebo controlled quantitative trial with a comparative clinical trial design. Thirty consenting participants with CMNP who met the inclusion criteria were randomly distributed between two treatment groups. Group A received spinal manipulation as well as Homoeopathic Simillimum and group B received spinal manipulation with placebo medication. Each participant received three treatments over a period of a week; with subjective and objective readings taken at every consultation. The subjective tools included the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Canadian Memorial College of Chiropractic Neck Disability Index. Objective tools included the Algometer and CROM-II Goniometer. All data captured was analysed using SPSS version 24.0. Inferential and non-parametric analysis of the data were also be performed. Results: The results showed that no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of subjective and objective measurements. However, there were statistically significant improvements seen in both groups equally in terms of ANOVA subjective and objective measurements i.e. both groups showed improvement. Conclusion: The results of this study concluded that no statistical or clinically significant changes were noticed between the groups and therefore the Homoeopathic Simillimum added no statistical significant improvements in those who received it over those participants who received placebo in the treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain. / M

D.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / In South Africa, the full time training for Homeopathy consists of a five year Masters Degree programme offered at two tertiary institutions; the University of Johannesburg and Durban University of Technology. An outcome of training states that graduate homeopaths must have competency in establishing a private practice. Graduates in homeopathy invest a minimum of five years, but not uncommonly in excess of seven years before graduating, which has considerable time and cost implications. Research has shown that most graduates struggle to establish viable private practices but unfortunately there is a lack of theoretical or research-generated knowledge available to help address the problem. The purpose of the study is to develop a model to facilitate success when establishing a Homeopathic private practice in South Africa. A theory-generating, qualitative, phenomenological research design that was exploratory, descriptive and contextual was used. The sampling method was purposive, using snowball sampling. The methodology utilised the four step strategy for theory and model development as indicated by Chinn and Kramer (2011). The interviews of eighteen participants, from five provinces in South Africa, who run successful homeopathic practices were transcribed and analysed using Rapley (2011:274-275) and Creswell (2013:193-225) analysis for phenomenological studies and Tesch’s inductive, descriptive coding approach (in Creswell, 1994:155-156). Four themes emerged from the data. In theme one, participants experienced initial start-up anxieties which were exacerbated by a perceived lack of practical experience and they indicated their ability to build expertise and self-confidence through the mobilisation of external and internal resources. In theme two, participants experienced challenges inherent in establishing a new practice and expressed how they developed innovative homeopathic practices by means of diversification, differentiation and service excellence. iv In theme three, participants experience that inter and intrapersonal competencies and professional integrity contribute to generating patient trust and word of mouth referrals. In theme four, participants experience the need to mobilise self-support in order to mitigate pressures associated with creating a successful practice. From the data the central concept was identified as ‘the need to facilitate the personal and professional competencies in homeopaths which lead to the establishment of successful private practices’. This was then conceptualised and together with the theoretical definitions and relationships, forms the foundation of a model to facilitate success when establishing a homeopathic private practice in South Africa. The model is graphically represented and described. Guidelines for the implementation of the model, which unfolds in three phases, namely undergraduate, new graduate and maintenance phase, are given. The model is evaluated according to the criteria given by Chinn and Kramer (2011) and deemed to be clear, simple, general, accessible, and important to homeopaths. In addition to being a frame of reference for graduate homeopaths in South Africa, information gained can potentially be used to augment Homeopathic training. The theory generated from the study can form the foundation for further research in this, or related fields.

The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of parents with children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres using Over the Counter (OTC) homeopathic remedies, specific to the Pretoria East region. Secondary objectives included determining the extent of use of OTC homeopathic remedies, the perceptions of parents regarding homeopathy and natural remedies as well as the positioning of homeopathy. The research was designed around descriptive and exploratory methods using quantitative research techniques. Aspects such as demographic information and the general health of families, attitudes, perceptions and opinions specific to homeopathy, natural remedies and conventional medicine, as well as details on remedy usage and brands, were addressed. From the findings of the study a clear profile could be identified. Further to the profile, the perceptions of respondents regarding OTC homeopathic remedies as well as reasons for using these remedies are discussed. The positioning of OTC homeopathic remedies was done based on spider graphs, exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Several recommendations were made to the homeopathic industry, the Ministry of Health, medical professionals, Medical Aid Schemes, pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as the Department of Social Development. The study concludes with details specific to the limitations of the study and further research suggestions. / Economics / M.A. Commerce (Business Management)

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / INTRODUCTION Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a multifactorial and clinically heterogeneous disorder that is associated with tremendous financial burden, stress to families and adverse academic and vocational outcomes (Bierderman, 2005). ADD/ADHD is currently one of the most researched childhood conditions, yet there is still much controversy and misunderstanding surrounding it. It is also one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders of childhood development (Picton, 2005) and the prevalence of this disorder in adults is increasingly recognized (Bierderman, 2005). Parents are seeking alternatives, as they are concerned with the side effects of Methylphenidate hydrochloride and other conventional medication used to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. AIM The aim of this research was to document the current practices of registered homoeopathic practitioners, with regard to ADD/ADHD. In addition, their perceptions regarding aetiology, treatment, management and success rate was investigated. This research took the form of a qualitative survey targeting homoeopaths practicing within the KwaZulu- Natal region. METHOD A total of 42 practitioners were contacted, 35 practitioners initially agreed to participate in the study, and the questionnaires were electronically sent to them via email. Of these 35 homoeopaths, 22 participated in the survey, i.e. giving an overall response rate of 62 percent. The questionnaires were electronically distributed and collected via email. The raw data was coded and captured by Google docs and the results were analysed by utilizing the SPSS for Windows version 18 SPSS/PASW 2009. RESULTS The majority of the responding homoeopaths practiced in the more urban areas of KwaZulu-Natal, more specifically within the eThekwini Durban area. The majority of these homoeopaths had qualified from the Durban University of Technology, were English speaking females and were between the ages of 25-35 years old. The homoeopaths within this study found that most patients who present with ADD/ADHD symptoms are previously diagnosed by paediatrician’s neurologists or psychologists. According to the homoeopaths participating in the study, the general consensus is that the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is given far too easily, and without proper assessment, 86 percent of the homoeopaths are of the opinion that ADD/ADHD is misdiagnosed, and ninety one percent stated that ADD/ADHD is over diagnosed. The majority of the practitioners prescribe a simplex remedy, or the Simillimum, whereas only a few practitioners prescribe a complex remedy. It was found that the most common complex prescribed is Nervoheel®. Some practitioners prefer to make up their own complexes, which would be patient specific. In this study it was found that 68 percent of the practitioners reported the sycotic miasm to be most common, and 54 percent of the practitioners reported the tubercular miasm to be the second most common presenting miasm. The homoeopaths in this study stated that they prefer to use a holistic approach to obtain optimal well being, thus advice, lifestyle adjustments, education and counselling all form part of the treatment and management of a patient with ADD/ADHD, making it unique and specific to each case. Of the adjunctive therapies, Vitamins, supplements, and nutritional changes are recommended, especially if a deficiency has been identified. The most commonly prescribed supplements for ADD/ADHD are the Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) followed by Vitamin B Complexes, Multi-vitamins and Magnesium, Zinc, and Calcium. CONCLUSION The majority of the homoeopaths in this study reported that they are having a moderate to great success in treating and managing patients with ADD/ADHD. Many of these practitioners thought there to be no single cause for ADD/ADHD, however many of them found there to be a few significant contributing factors to the development or aetiology of ADD/ADHD. These factors include; genetics, environment, diet, vaccinations and family dynamics. The majority of the practitioners believe that ADD/ADHD is far too easily diagnosed and that further assessment of the mental, emotional, and physical symptoms of the patient need to be taken into consideration. The majority of the homoeopaths in this study prefer to use Simplex treatment, and consider diet, lifestyle changes, and phytotherapy the most successful adjunctive therapies when treating and managing a patient with ADD/ADHD. Many of the practitioners within this study reported that homoeopathy should be considered a primary treatment option for patients with ADD/ADHD, as the focus of the treatment is on determining the cause of the symptoms, and then managing the patient as a whole, focusing on changing the diet, altering the lifestyle, and treating the totality of the mental, emotional and physical symptoms.

The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of parents with children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres using Over the Counter (OTC) homeopathic remedies, specific to the Pretoria East region. Secondary objectives included determining the extent of use of OTC homeopathic remedies, the perceptions of parents regarding homeopathy and natural remedies as well as the positioning of homeopathy. The research was designed around descriptive and exploratory methods using quantitative research techniques. Aspects such as demographic information and the general health of families, attitudes, perceptions and opinions specific to homeopathy, natural remedies and conventional medicine, as well as details on remedy usage and brands, were addressed. From the findings of the study a clear profile could be identified. Further to the profile, the perceptions of respondents regarding OTC homeopathic remedies as well as reasons for using these remedies are discussed. The positioning of OTC homeopathic remedies was done based on spider graphs, exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Several recommendations were made to the homeopathic industry, the Ministry of Health, medical professionals, Medical Aid Schemes, pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as the Department of Social Development. The study concludes with details specific to the limitations of the study and further research suggestions. / Economics / M.A. Commerce (Business Management)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:16:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CarolinaMC_DISSERT.pdf: 2312881 bytes, checksum: 468e37b11a049ed173243a8574567f3c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-10 / All medicine, whether allopathic or homeopathic, must go through strict quality control, which must ratify their characteristics throughout the period of validity. During the time of preparation and storage, solutions of the drugs are in permanent contact with packaging materials that can release undesirable substances to the solution. Several factors may influence the release of packing materials, and factorial design (FD) is a useful tool for analyzing the phenomenon. The aim of this study was the determination of quality parameters for Homeopathic solid (globules) and liquid (drops) dosage forms. It was carried out analysis in homeopathic globules for weight variation, mechanical strength, and moisture content uniformity. For liquid preparations, standard solutions were prepared from natural rubber bulbs, which were subjected to exhaustive extraction with two ethanol solutions (30 and 70%) in the ultrasonic bath for 20 minutes at 25?C and 50?C in three successive cycles. Studies of transfer have been made within five days, by spectrophotometric analysis in the UV region at 312 nm with λm?x and 323 nm for samples in 70% ethanol and 30% respectively. PH values were analyzed. We also conducted two FD studies, where the first, the three-level variables were solvent (chloroform, ethanol and nhexane), sample mass (30, 60 and 90mg), particle size (large disk, small disk and powder sample). In the second study, the solvent level variables were different ethanolic degrees (EtOH 30%, 70% and pure). The percentage of lending in the solutions was 5.5%, 12.4%, 24.2% and 41% of the total estimated in the reference solution. The values of rate constants of transfer were determined in the order of 0.0134 days-1 and 0.0232 days-1 in absorbance values, the solutions in ethanol at 30% and 70% respectively. These results suggest that the speed of transfer of materials from rubber is affected both by the nature of the vehicle as by the temperature / Todo medicamento, quer seja alop?tico ou homeop?tico, deve passar por rigoroso controle de qualidade, o qual deve ratificar as suas caracter?sticas ao longo de todo o per?odo de validade. Durante o tempo de preparo e armazenamento, as solu??es dos medicamentos est?o em contato permanente com os materiais de embalagem que podem liberar subst?ncias indesej?veis para a solu??o. V?rios fatores podem influenciar a libera??o de materiais da embalagem, e planejamento fatorial (PF) ? uma ferramenta ?til para analisar o fen?meno. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a determina??o de par?metros de qualidade para Formas Farmac?uticas Homeop?ticas s?lidas (gl?bulos) e liquidas (gotas). Foi efetuada a avalia??o dos gl?obulos homeop?ticos no que diz respeito ? sua varia??o de peso, testes de resist?ncia mec?nica, uniformidade de conte?do e umidade. Para as prepara??es liquidas, preparamos solu??es de refer?ncia a partir de bulbos de borracha natural, os quais foram submetidos ? extra??o exaustiva com duas solu??es de etanol (30 e 70%), em banho de ultrassom durante 20 minutos a 25?C e 50?C, em tr?s ciclos sucessivos de 24 horas. Os estudos de ced?ncia foram efetuados num tempo de cinco dias, atrav?s de an?lise espectrofotom?trica na regi?o UV com λm?x em 312 nm e 323 nm para as amostras em etanol a 70% e 30%, respectivamente. Foram verificados valores de pH. Foram tamb?m realizados dois estudos de PF, onde no primeiro, as tr?s vari?veis de n?vel foram solvente (clorof?rmio, etanol e n-hexano), massa de amostra (30, 60 e 90mg), a forma de amostra (grande disco, disco pequeno, a amostra em p?). No segundo estudo, as vari?veis de n?vel solvente foram gradua??es etan?licas diferentes (EtOH 30%, 70% e puro). O percentual de ced?ncia nas solu??es foi de 5,5%, 12,4%, 24,2% e 41% do total estimado na solu??o de refer?ncia. Os valores das constantes de velocidade de ced?ncia foram determinados na ordem de 0,0134 dia-1 e 0,0232 dia-1, em valores de absorb?ncia, nas solu??es em etanol a 30% e 70%, respectivamente. Esses resultados sugerem que a velocidade de ced?ncia de materiais a partir da borracha ? afetada tanto pela natureza do ve?culo como pela temperatura

My thesis is divided into three parts. In the technology part are summarized knowledge of homeopathy and its principles with regard to research in this area, in the second part is mapped the availability of entities of homeopathic treatment. The last part focuses on the cost effectiveness of treatment of acute illnesses typical for winter season.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016, / Background Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder with various aetiologies, characterised by hyperglycaemia, resulting from defects of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism due to the deficient action of insulin on target tissues caused by insensitivity to or lack of insulin or both. The long term effects of diabetes mellitus frequently include retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy and an increased risk of other diseases such as cardiac, peripheral arterial and cerebrovascular disease. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 387 million people have diabetes mellitus and this number is predicted to rise to 592 million worldwide by 2035. In 2014 diabetes mellitus caused 4.9 million deaths worldwide and every 7 seconds a person dies from diabetes mellitus. The growing incidence of diabetes mellitus is a worldwide concern because of the increase of economic costs and burden of disease that is due to the cardiovascular complications and the co-morbidities. Objective The aim of this double-blind, randomised clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of Syzygium jambolanum (Java plum) 6CH and Syzygium jambolanum (Java plum) homoeopathic mother tincture on daily fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on Metformin® in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and Method A sample consisted of 24 volunteers selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. These participants were then randomly divided into two groups, 13 in the group receiving the homoeopathic potency and 11 in the group receiving the homoeopathic mother tincture. Each participant attended a total of five consultations with the researcher over a period of 14 weeks that included a 2 week baseline period followed by a 12 week treatment period, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) or Kenneth Gardens Homoeopathic Day Clinic. At each consultation a detailed and comprehensive homoeopathic case history (Appendix D) was taken and a physical examination (Appendix E) was performed by the researcher. Participants were required to fill in a log sheet (Appendix C1 and C2) with their fasting blood glucose readings daily for 14 weeks, which included a 2 week baseline period followed by a 12 week treatment period. Participants were also required to have their glycosylated haemoglobin measurements tested pre- and post-treatment. Results Both groups reflected a statistically significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels as compared to the baseline. The mean fasting blood glucose level in week 1 was 11.8802 whereas in week 13 the mean blood glucose level was 8.6590 with a p value ≤ 0.05 for the Syzygium jambolanum 6CH group and the mean blood glucose level in week 1 was 9.0338 with a standard whereas in week 13 the mean blood glucose level was 6.8591 with a p value ≤ 0.05 in the Syzygium jambolanum homoeopathic mother tincture. However there was no significant differences between the two groups (Syzygium jambolanum 6CH and Syzygium jambolanum homoeopathic mother tincture), the significance score was 0.623 when comparing reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. Both groups reflected a statistically non-significant reduction in the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and there were no significant differences between the two groups when comparing reduction in HbA1C levels. Conclusion Both homoeopathic preparations of Syzygium jambolanum (mother tincture and 6CH) significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This result suggests that Syzygium jambolanum has beneficial anti-diabetic effects and warrants further investigation. / M

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2014. / Aim of the study The study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions amongst post graduate homoeopathy students and post basic primary health care nurses serving in a primary health care setting regarding adverse effects associated with childhood vaccinations. Methodology In this qualitative study 18 participants were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. The interviews were recorded and analysed conceptually. Results The findings of this study revealed that all of the PHC nursing participants were in favour of the childhood immunisation schedule of South Africa, contrary to the homoeopathic participants where the majority of participants were not in favour of the childhood immunisation schedule. Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions varied amongst the homoeopathic participants in contrast to the PHC nursing participants where there was a much more unified stance and cohesive outcome with regard to their attitudes and perceptions. / M