M.Tech. / Verrucae vulgaris, commonly known as warts are benign growths due to infection with papillomaviruses, which occur mainly on the hands and feet (Gawkrodger, 2002). Verrucae are caused by a virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV) (Fitzpatrick and Aeling, 2001). Verrucae are a common skin problem, which account for approximately 5%-10% of the skin conditions seen in patients in many countries. The peak incidence ranging between the ages of 12 and 16, rarely being found in infants and the elderly (Gibbs and Degreef, 1997). Thuja occidentalis is a common homoeopathic remedy that has historically been used for the treatment of wart-like excrescences on cutaneous surfaces of the skin (Vermeulen, 1994). Based on homoeopathic principles, the toxicological symptoms of this remedy gives the therapeutic indications for which it is prescribed. Ricini oleum, commonly known as castor oil, for which there is an unknown mode of action, has been recommended for various cutaneous complaints, when applied externally (Grieves and Leyel, 1998). To date insufficient research has been conducted to confirm the effects of Thuja occidentalis and Ricini oleum on verrucae vulgaris. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of homoeopathically prepared, externally applied, Thuja occcidentalis 6cH and Ricini oleum 6cH, in the treatment of common warts, verrucae vulgaris. The study was a contextual, placebo controlled, double-blind research study. Forty-five participants ranging from 5 to 60 years old were recruited for this study. Participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected (Appendix A). Suitable participants completed a consent form, explaining all aspects of the study (Appendix B). Participants were required to complete a participant profile form, as well as an initial subjective questionnaire after which they were randomly placed into one of three treatment groups (Appendix C). Each participant was given a 25ml amber glass dropper bottle, which contained either Thuja occidentalis 6cH, Ricini oleum 6cH or the placebo. The placebo group was shared with another researcher conducting a similar study. The solutions were administered topically; two drops twice daily v and treatment lasted for ten days. A maximum of two verrucae were treated throughout the study and these lesions were kept covered at all times with a waterproof elastoplaster. Changes in symptoms were documented according to a questionnaire (Appendix D). The verrucae being treated were evaluated on three occasions; one day prior to commencement of the clinical trial, on day five of the trial, as well as on day ten. Each assessment involved photographs and physical measurements of the verrucae, as well as a subjective questionnaire, that the participant was requested to complete. The results were statistically analysed in terms of change in length, width and height of the verrucae. Results for the categorical responses were cross-tabulated with the respective treatments and chi-square tests were performed to compare efficacy of treatments. For the measured responses, the Friedman two-way analysis of verrucae was used to compare the responses to each treatment i.e. before, during and after each treatment. Based on the outcomes of this study, it was revealed that all three treatment groups responded with significant results, in terms of a decrease in overall size of the verrucae lesions. Two of the experimental groups, namely the Thuja occidentalis 6cH and the Ricini oleum 6cH groups, illustrated an overall decrease in size of verrucae from the start to the end of the clinical trial. The placebo group yielded the smallest decrease in overall size of verrucae, during this study. None of the participants noticed a change in their emotional status or physical status, while participating in the clinical trial. The duration of the trial was not sufficiently long enough. In addition, further research into this topic is required to assess whether the observations that were made in this study would result in eventual cure of the condition.

M.Dip.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of the Homoeopathic simplex Zincum metallicum in a D6 potency with the Homoeopathic complex treatment Spascupreel in Restless leg syndrome sufferers in terms ofpatient response to treatment. It was hypothesised that the Homoeopathic simplex Zincum metallicum in a D6 potency.Both the homoeopathic simplex Zincum metallicum D6 preparation and homoeopathic complex Spascupreel preparation was found to bring about an improvement in the symptoms ofrestless leg syndrome. However Zincum metallicum D6 showed a much greater improvement that was statistically significant. and the Homoeopathic complex Spascupreel would result in a substantial improvement in all the clinical aspects ofRestless leg syndrome sufferers, and that it could be used as an alternative to "conventional" treatment in many cases. The study, conducted over a period of 3 months, was a clinical trial, in which a placebo control group was compared with two experimental groups. Convenience sampling was used to draw patients into the trial. Volunteers responded to advertisements, which had been placed in various advertising media. The persons who responded to the advertisements were requested to complete Questionnaires one and two and of those who met the criteria, which clearly indicated that they were sufferers of Restless leg syndrome, a maximum of 30 volunteers were accepted for the study. An independent party randomly divided the participants into three groups and the study was conducted over a period ofthree months. During this period 10 of the participants received placebo treatment, 10 received the Homoeopathic simplex Zincum metallicum in a D6 potency and 10 received the Homoeopathic complex Spascupreel. Being a double-blind study neither the researcher nor the participants knew what type of treatment they received until the end of the research. The participants who fell into the placebo group were given the opportunity after the study to be treated with Homoeopathic simplex or complex treatment depending on the effectiveness.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic treatment to auricular acupuncture in smoking cessation. The study was a clinical trial, in which the two different treatment forms were compared. The study required sixty participants. The participants were paired and randomly divided into two groups. The first group received homoeopathic treatment, whilst the second group received auricular acupuncture treatment. The study took place over a six-week period, in which each participant completed a one-week screening period before and after the four-week treatment period began. During the initial consultation, participants were required to complete a questionnaire under the researcher's supervision. The questionnaire included the Fagerstrom tolerance test to determine the participant's dependence on nicotine. Each participant recorded a daily cigarette consumption log before, during and after treatment. Median values of the daily cigarette consumption were calculated and then statistically analysed. Prior to treatment, no significant different in daily cigarette consumption was found between the two groups. Consequent to treatment, both the auricular acupuncture group and the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic group were found to show a significant decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked. At 6 weeks the cessation rate for the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic group was 20%, and that of the auricular acupuncture group was 16.7%. Although there was no statistical difference between the two groups after treatment, the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic treatment group showed a 3.3% improvement over the auricular acupuncture group. From the results, it was apparent that both the auricular acupunture treatment and the homoeopathic hetero-isotherapeutic treatment were effective in smoking cessation.

M.Tech.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 2002. / The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of herbal extracts of certain Labiatiae species (Rosmannus officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Thymus vulgaris) in the inhibition of in vitro growth of Candida albicans as compared to ethanol as a control and nystatin in terms of the disc diffusion test. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Diploma in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 1995. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the action of the homoeopathic remedy, Staphylococcinum and the antibiotic Penicillin G, on Staphylococcus aureus, with respect to its growth parameters and enzyme producing ability, in order to determine the effectiveness of homoeopathic remedies on living organisms and to attempt a better understanding of how these remedies work. The hypothesis put forward was that the homoeopathic remedy would have an effect on the growth parameters and enzyme producing ability of the organism, but that the effect would be more subtle than that of Penicillin G. / M

M.Tech. / Infantile colic typically occurs in 10-30% of infants between the ages of two weeks and sixteen weeks (Savino, 2007) and may be defined according to “Wessel’s rule of threes” which states that a diagnosis may be made when a healthy baby with no underlying disease cries for more than 3 hours a day on more than 3 days a week for a period of 3 weeks (Zwart et al., 2007). Infantile colic usually begins at two weeks of age and increases in intensity at about six weeks until around sixteen weeks where it usually resolves spontaneously (Cox & Roos, 2008). Its cause is not exactly known but a number of theories are suggestive of causes that may play a role in its development (Pauli-Pott et al., 2000), namely gastrointestinal disorders and allergies, neurological disorders, a stressful parent environment, low birth weight, maternal smoking and diet. Research has shown that the stress from colicky infants can damage early interaction of a family (Raiha et al., 2002). Studies have shown that conventional medication may prove efficacious in the treatment of infantile colic, however, a high rate of side effects are evident (Underwood, 2009). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Magen®, a homeopathic complex on the treatment of Infantile Colic by means of an Infant Colic Questionnaire for infant and caregiver as well as a daily monitoring diary to record the amount and duration of infant crying on a daily basis. The study was approved and passed by the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Health Sciences Academic Ethics Committee (AEC45/02-2010) and the Higher Degrees Committee (HDC45/02-2010) on the 26th of May 2010. There were thirty participants recruited to participate in the study. The thirty participants consisted of both males and females between the ages of two weeks and ten weeks. Of the thirty participants recruited, one was recruited from the Karien Camphor Nursing Practice in Pretoria and the remaining twenty nine were recruited from the Stork’s Nest at Netcare Femina Hospital in Pretoria. Infants had to comply with Wessel’s criteria (infant that cries for more than 3 hours a day on more than 3 days a week for a period of 3 weeks). Infants already diagnosed with an underlying condition other than colic, such as gastroeosophageal reflux disease, any infection or cardiac disease were excluded from the study. The study was a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled study of six days in duration for each participant.

M.Tech. / Diaper dermatitis (Nappy Rash) is an acute inflammation of the skin in the diaper area and is the most common cutaneous disease among infants and children (Concannon et al., 2001). It is estimated that 7% - 35% of diaper wearing infants are affected by Diaper dermatitis during the period of wearing diapers (Barkin and Rosen, 2003). The exact prevalence is not known as many cases are selfmedicated by parents or guardians (Wolf et al., 2000). Diaper dermatitis causes severe discomfort to the infants as well as anxiety and worry for the parents. Diaper dermatitis is characterised by redness, inflammation, dryness, scaling, itching, irritability, pain, satellite lesions, papulovesicular or pustular eruptions, and in severe cases ulceration of the skin (Visscher and Hoath, 2006). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a Homoeopathic complex cream as a topical treatment for Diaper dermatitis. The complex consisted of Atropa belladonna 6cH, Calendula officinalis D1 and Sulphuricum acidum 6cH. Madaji milking cream was used as a base which contained: chlorhexidene; vitamin E; and lanolin. The treatment group received the medicated Madaji milking cream whereas the control group received the unmedicated Madaji milking cream. The Diaper dermatitis was evaluated using a 4-Point Grading Scale (Appendix D) and The Modified Lund and Browder Chart (Appendix E). Forty participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited to participate in this double blind control study by means of advertisements (Appendix A) that were placed on notice boards at the various campuses of the University of Johannesburg, nursery schools and hospitals, with relevant permission given. Participants were also recruited via word of mouth. Once participants were accepted into the study they were allocated to either Group A or Group B using matched pairs according to severity in order to ensure equal v distribution in both groups. There were 20 participants in each group. Group A was the treatment group which received the medicated Madaji milking cream. Group B was the control group which received the unmedicated Madaji cream. The study was completed over a seven day period. The ten areas most commonly affected by Diaper dermatitis were evaluated on the initial visit, day two, day four and day seven.

M.Tech. / Striae are linear scars in the dermis which arise from rapid stretching of the skin over weakened connective tissue (de Angelis & Adatto, 2010). Striae occur when collagen production cannot keep pace with a sudden growth of the underlying tissues. Striae have no medical consequences but are frequently distressing to those afflicted. These disfiguring marks are usually caused by excessive stretching of the skin that may occur with pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts, obesity and weightlifting (Kang & Arbor, 1998). Striae usually appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts and extremities. Patients’ quality of life can be enhanced with the effective management of these unsightly marks. Modalities of treatments that exist for the treatment of striae have been advocated with varying success and side effects (Manuskiatti et al., 2010). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the topical application of a homoeopathic preparation Thiosinaminum 1X on the appearance of striae. The research was a double-blind placebo controlled study which took place at the Homoeopathy Health Centre which is located at the University of Johannesburg(Doornfontein campus). Forty female participants aged between eighteen and thirty-five were randomly selected to take place in the study. The study was conducted over a period of twelve weeks. On recruitment, the participants were required to read and sign the information sheet (Appendix A) and consent form (Appendix B) assisted by the researcher. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire (Appendix C) to determine contributing factors e.g. duration of the stretch marks, the cause of the stretch marks and any disease that may contribute to the formation of stretch marks. A pertinent case and vital signs were taken at the initial consultation to eliminate any pathologies. All potential participants were required to present with stretch marks on the thighs or buttocks present for at least 6 months prior to the study. The stretch marks needed to have had a minimum length of 50mm and a maximum length of a 100mm. The researcher was responsible for choosing the designated area that was treated. The most distinct striae were selected by the researcher according to criteria for treatment. The researcher took photographs of the treatment areas at the commencement of the study and this was repeated at the end of the study (Appendix I). The length of the most prominent stretch mark (according to criteria) below was also measured on the commencement of the study. To physically iv measure the most prominent stretch mark a string and a ruler was utilized. The same ruler and ball of string was used each time to ensure validity of the results. A new piece of string was cut and tied in a knot at the tip and placed on the stretch mark itself to mould to its shape and thereafter it was placed on a ruler to determine the measurements in millimeters. To ensure that the same stretch mark was measured every time, the researcher measured out the distance between the stretch mark and a defined anatomical point for all the participants. The stretch mark was traced using plotting paper. The participants were required to apply the cream twice daily for the duration of the study. Participants were able to rate their satisfaction on a monthly basis by completing a questionnaire. The results of the study indicated that there was no improvement in the length of striae however there was more improvement in satisfaction ratings throughout the study from the experimental group.

M.Tech. / Capra hircus (boer goats) are well known for their hardy adaptability to arid regions and their ability to survive and thrive in areas where grazing is low in nutrition. They are an irreplaceable source of protein for the lower income groups of arid regions in South Africa. Boer goats are prone to helminthiasis (infestation of intestinal parasitic worms), which can result in poor health (Kumba, 2002). This can have a significant effect on the long term productivity of the animal (Alexandre and Mandonnet, 2005), resulting in economic and nutritional strain in poor farming communities who depend on goats as a primary source of protein and income (Kumba, 2002). Conventional treatments worldwide show a trend of resistance of helminths to treatment and carry the risk of inducing side effects when administered (Kumba, 2002; Scarfe, 2004; Schnyder et al., 2005). Homoeopathic research has shown promising results in the treatment of helminthiasis in animals (Zacherias et al., 2008; Jeannes et al, 2001), but no research currently exists of homoeopathy on helminthiasis in Boer goats.