M.Tech. / Estimates extrapolated from the UK, USA and Canada, suggest a prevalence of chronic constipation in South Africa of approximately 700-720,000 in a population of 44 million (Cure Research, 2007). According to Rivkin and Chagan (2006) these US statistics do not accurately represent the true incidence of the problem which is predominantly self managed. The yearly US sale of over the counter laxatives exceeds $600 million (2006). Allopathic treatments only temporarily alleviate constipation, and overuse of laxatives results in many side-effects. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Constipation 6c®, in the treatment of symptoms of functional chronic constipation, in females using the modified Rome II criteria for chronic constipation. This double blinded study was conducted using matched pairs. Thirty female participants between the ages of 18-35 were recruited using advertisements placed at the Health Training Centre on the UJ Doornfontien campus and Weleda Pharmacy (Fourways). The study was conducted over six weeks, during which time the participants attended weekly consultations. At the first consultation participants signed an information and consent form (Appendix B). For the first week no medication was administrated, however participants were asked to complete a daily recording sheet rating their symptoms (Appendix D) based on the modified Rome II criteria for chronic functional constipation. At the second visit participants were match-paired according to age, severity of symptoms and duration of symptoms (Appendix K). Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the placebo group by an independent administrator. During the follow up consultations participants received the complex homoeopathic remedy, Constipation 6c® or placebo, and were instructed to take five pillules three times a day, and to record changes in symptoms on the daily recording sheet (Appendix D). At each follow up visit, the researcher collected the daily recording sheets, completed a focused physical examination and documented any changes in symptoms.

M.Tech. / Allergic rhinitis is on the increase around the world affecting between 15-20% of the global population and is the most common chronic condition of children in South Africa. Luffeel® is a propriety complex homeopathic product manufactured by Biologische Heilmittel Heel. It is available in nasal spray and tablet form. These two forms are designed to work in combination with each other in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a combination of Luffeel® nasal spray and Luffeel® tablets on allergic rhinitis using Phadiatop® tests, RAST Inhalant screens and subjective evaluation on symptoms such as nasal itching, sneezing, congestion, discharge, ocular redness and itching as indicators. This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at the University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein campus over a period of eight weeks. Thirty participants were recruited by poster advertisement. It can be concluded that Luffeel® nasal spray and Luffeel® tablets decrease the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, when compared to the placebo, thus giving persons suffering from allergic rhinitis an alternative treatment with no rebound or lethargic effects. It can also be concluded that this study that Luffeel® nasal spray and Luffeel® tablets has no significant effect on Phadiatop® and RAST inhalant screens over an eight week period. The results are inconclusive due to the small sample size and short time frame of the study.

This research involved the holistic, individualized treatment of patients with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), employing homoeopathic medicine. Post traumatic stress disorder can lead to a variety of complications which may diminish or destroy interpersonal relationships, may handicap the patient occupationally or recreationally, or may lead to substance abuse. Research has indicated that patients with PTSD are more likely to have a personality disorder; a previous history of depression, abuse or substance abuse or a family history of psychopathology. Given this, it is presumed that PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced trauma and sufficient stress. In order to reduce post traumatic stress severity, treatment should emphasise and acknowledge that mental, emotional, behavioural and social factors contribute to trauma. This study involved ten patients (plus two additional) who participated in five homoeopathic consultations, over a period of four months. The appropriate homoeopathic remedy, or similimum, was determined using each patient’s distinguishing mental, emotional and physical symptoms. Each participant completed the Researcher’s Questionnaire at each consultation and recorded their stress episodes on a calendar to be handed in at each follow-up appointment. These results, together with holistic progress as noted by the researcher at every consultation, were used to determine the efficacy of homoeopathy on post traumatic stress disorder. The intent of the research was to prove that treatment should be specific and individualistic, irrespective of the diagnosis. This study aimed to provide a holistic therapy for PTSD and the results indicated that the similimum treatment in sufferers of post traumatic stress disorder was effective in reducing post traumatic stress frequency, severity, and intensity. Moreover, improvement in mental and emotional wellbeing, sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels were noted in all the patients. / Dr. R. Mistry Dr. A. Fourie

M.Tech. / The World Health Organization (WHO) defines African Traditional Medicine (ATM) as comprising of indigenous experiences of different cultures, approaches, knowledge and beliefs, which incorporates plant, animal and mineral-based medicines together with spiritual therapies in the treatment, diagnostic and the prevention of disease (WHO, 2008). It is estimated that up to 70-80% of the black population in South Africa consult African Traditional Healers (ATH) for their health care needs before or together with the use of other health care providers (Truter, 2007). According to Truter (2007) this is because many in the black population find ATH to be more accessible, familiar and more knowledgeable concerning culture-bound syndromes and traditions. Homoeopathy is a form of natural medicine that takes a holistic approach to the treatment of patients. As part of a holistic approach, Homoeopaths are required to understand their patient’s frame of reference and their life world. As many of the black patients who consult Homoeopaths also consult ATH, it is important for the Homoeopathic practitioner to understand these patients in order to ensure positive doctor-patient relationships. The aim of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore and describe the experiences of black people consulting ATH in Tshwane and from this information, make guidelines for improved meaningful interactions between Homoeopathic practitioners and their patients who consult ATH. This was a contextual, qualitative and phenomenological research design. Ten black participants who consulted with ATH were interviewed. The participants were recruited by means of purposive sampling. African Traditional Healers were identified through the Kara Heritage Institute in Tshwane, an institution dealing with indigenous knowledge systems. Volunteers were recruited through advertisements (Appendix A) which were placed at the designated working areas of ATH with their permission. Participants completed the information and consent form (Appendix C).

M.Tech. / Alcohol intoxication is often linked to crime, motor vehicle accidents, violence and acts of aggression. There is currently no reversal agent or antidote available for alcohol intoxication. A study conducted by the University of Johannesburg, reports positive results when using Chelidonium 3cH and 30cH to reduce breath alcohol levels. Homeopathy is a therapeutic system based primarily on the Law of Similars. The drug picture of Chelidonium majus is well matched to the symptom picture of acute alcohol intoxication and is thus a well-indicated remedy to treat the symptoms of this condition. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homeopathic preparations Chelidonium majus 3cH and 30cH to reduce breath alcohol levels when compared to a placebo. This was a double blind, placebo controlled study. The sample groups were recruited using advertisements at the University of Johannesburg Doornfontein Campus and surrounding areas and consisted of thirty male participants between 20 and 45 years of age. Participants were required to attend three experimental sessions. The researcher completed a selection form to exclude interested parties with abnormal vital sign readings, diabetes, drug or alcohol addiction, history of cerebrovascular accident (stroke), diagnosed hypotension or hypertension, diagnosed hyperlipidaemia, liver or gallbladder disease, recent head trauma, taking any medication contra-indicating alcohol ingestion or history of chronic cardiac or renal disease. The Widmark formula was used to determine the exact amount of 43% brandy, diluted with cola drink to obtain a 20% volume-to-volume dilution. These calculations were done according to the weight of each participant to ensure that their breath alcohol concentrations were increased to the legal limit of 0.08 mg/dL. In the first session, the participants only consumed the alcohol to establish a baseline reading for their breath alcohol levels. During session two participants in the experimental group received a single powder medicated with Chelidonium majus 3cH. Participants in the placebo group received an unmedicated powder. During session three participants in the experimental group received a single powder medicated with Chelidonium majus 30cH. Participants in the placebo group received an unmedicated powder. During each session breath alcohol measurements were taken and recorded at twenty minutes, forty minutes, sixty minutes and eighty minutes after the initial alcoholic beverage has been ingested. The breath alcohol readings were statistically analysed and compared by Ms. Riette Eiselen, Head: Statistical Consultation Services (STATKOM), University of Johannesburg. Independent sample t-tests and a Mann-Whitney test were used to determine if there was any significant difference between the median breath alcohol reductions of the experimental and the control group. These tests indicated that there was no significant difference between the median breath alcohol reductions of the experimental and the control group on any variable at any point in time for any one of the sessions. A One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was utilised to determine if there was any significant reduction in breath alcohol levels during the 3 sessions in both the experimental and control groups. The test revealed that both groups showed a significant decrease in breath alcohol concentrations but that there was no significant difference between the breath alcohol reductions between groups. Participation in the study was voluntary and withdrawal or refusal to continue was allowed at any time. Participants had the option to remain anonymous. Since Chelidonium majus 3cH and 30cH are rarely associated with side effects, the risk factors for participants in the study were minimal and no adverse effects were anticipated. In the event of an emergency, medical personnel were on standby. Participants were requested not to leave the venue until breathalyzer tests revealed a breath alcohol concentration of 0.01 g/dL. The results of the study were made available to the participants on request.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) is a chronic, relapsing, allergic inflammatory skin disease (Hauk, 2008). The prevalence of atopic dermatitis has increased significantly over the past few decades, with highest rates of 45 – 64% occurring amongst preschool children (Butler, 2009), and 40% amongst older children and adults (Manjra, 2005). This increase in prevalence is attributed to environmental factors such as microbial exposure and poor nutrition, which can all lead to atopic dermatitis (Schnopp, 2006). The quality of life of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis and their family members are significantly affected (Manjra, 2005). Atopic dermatitis is characterized by active skin lesions that are red, flaky, dry and itchy and in children commonly occurs in the flexural areas of the body (Fölster-Hols et al., 2007, Schnopp, 2006). Conventional treatment potions for atopic dermatitis are associated with adverse effects in children (Kalicharan et al., 2005). Homoeopathic remedies may offer an alternative option for this condition. This study aimed to assess the effect of a homoeopathic complex consisting of Graphites 6cH, Histaminum 9cH, Psorinum 6cH and Sulphur 6cH, on atopic dermatitis in children. All the participants of the study received the homoeopathic complex. The atopic dermatitis was evaluated using the SCORAD index (Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis) (Appendix F) and the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) (Appendix E). Thirty four participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited to participate in this pre-test – post-test single group study by means of advertisements (Appendix A) placed in and around primary schools in the Gauteng area (with relevant permission given) and in the local newspaper. Participants were also recruited via word of mouth. Once participants were accepted into the study they were allocated into the treatment group which received the homoeopathic complex containing Graphites 6cH, Histaminum 9cH, Psorinum 6cH and Sulphur 6cH. The study was completed over a four week period. The percentage of the area affected, the intensity of the symptoms, the pruritus and the loss of sleep as well as the quality of life of the participants suffering from atopic dermatitis were aspects of the condition evaluated on a weekly basis. The results for the CDLQI showed improvements in the participant’s perception of itching/ pain of the affected area, as well as their quality of sleep. These improvements were shown to have occurred gradually over the study period. There were however no statistically significant changes noted in the mental and emotional quality of life of the participants.

M.Tech. / Homoeopathic mother tinctures have an extensive therapeutic history and as the emphasis of health is becoming a worldwide trend, homoeopathic preparations are becoming increasingly popular. However, the quality control and quality assurance still remains a challenge because of the high variability of chemical components involved (Pande and Pathak, 2006). Homoeopathic mother tinctures, singularly and in combinations, contain a copious number of compounds in complex matrices in which no single active constituent is responsible for the overall efficacy. This creates a challenge in establishing quality control standards for raw materials and standardization of finished herbal drugs, resulting in varying standards for these preparations globally (Chitlange, 2008). Various homoeopathic mother tinctures were selected for comparative analysis and consisted of: Artemisia absinthium, Rosmarinus officinalis e foliis recentibus, Sambucus nigra and Salvia officinalis are all manufactured according to the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia method 3a, indicating the use of fresh plant material to produce the mother tincture (German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, 2003). Many factors influence the quality of homoeopathic mother tinctures and many parameters must be met when assessing the quality of these products (Bandaranayake, 2006). Through thin layer chromatography analysis of the selected homoeopathic mother tinctures one is able to determine whether the active components of the samples are present and deduce whether the sample complies with the minimum standard quality stipulated in the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia as well as the Good Manufacturing Practice (Waksmundzka-Hojnos et al., 2008). Samples of each homoeopathic mother tincture, purchased from both local and international manufacturers, were decanted into amber glass bottles, randomized and relabeled. The colour of each sample was assessed and compared to the standard colour stated in the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia. For the thin layer chromatographic analysis, each sample together with reference sample were prepared and developed on both aluminum backed TLC plates and glass backed HPTLC plates. Photographs of the resultant chromatograms were taken, the presence of the active components were identified and the quality of each homoeopathic mother tincture was deduced.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition, affecting mostly adolescents. This study attempts to demonstrate the effect of the homoeopathically prepared remedy Testis compositum in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Thirty participants were selected for the study, but only 28 completed the study. The study was conducted over a period of 8 weeks. All the participants formed the control group during the first two weeks of the study, and then formed the experimental group for the next six weeks. During the control period, the participants received placebo medication. At the start of the control period, and at two week intervals through the duration of the study, the participants were assessed by counting the acne lesions – only facial Acne vulgaris was assessed during the trial. At the start of the control period, the start of the experimental period, and after completion of all treatment, frontal and bilateral facial photographs were taken to enable visualisation of the changes that occurred during the study. The results were statistically analysed using the t-test, the Wilcoxon test and descriptive statistics. The results show that treatment with Testis compositum had a significant effect in improving acne vulgaris.

A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Diploma in Technology: Homoeopathy at Technikon Natal, 1994. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of simillimum and allergen treatment to patients allergic to mixed grass pollens in terms of patients' responses to RAST and patients' percept ion of the effectiveness of treatment in order to identify key issues calling for the selection of the most effective method of treatment. / M

M.Tech. / Voice disorders are defined as any deviation in quality, pitch or other basic vocal attributes, which consistently interfere with vocal ability (Kaufman and Johnson, 1991). Voice disorders are medical conditions or problems that affect a patient’s ability to use their voice efficiently. Voice disorders in any professional vocalist may have emotional, social, economical and financial implications. There is limited research on the effect of homoeopathic treatment of voice disorders. The aim of this study was to determine by means of case studies, the effect of homoeopathic simillimum treatment on professional vocalists suffering from voice disorders. The vocal and laryngeal symptoms were monitored by means of laryngoscopy and the modified Singing Voice Handicap Index. This was a descriptive study, using ten case studies. The study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks. Participants were recruited from the music-recording studio in Gauteng. All participants completed a selection questionnaire and had undergone laryngoscopy to rule out pathology. All participants underwent a complete Homoeopathic case taking, physical examination and completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The researcher, to determine the similimum remedy for each participant’s case holistically used each participant’s unique physical, mental and emotional symptoms. All cases were repertorised, and the simillimum remedy found. All remedies were given in the 200cH potency based on the similarity of the remedy to the participant’s disease. Each participant attended six consultations, which took place at two-week intervals. At each follow up consultation, the participants completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index questionnaires and a case history was reviewed. Participants went for the final laryngoscopy screening during the last consultation. Treatment focused on the constitutional and emotional aspects of the individual. The physical manifestations of each participant were considered. This complies with the principles of classical homoeopathy, which states that the individual is a holistic entity, and should be treated as such. The voice disorder symptoms as measured by the Singing Voice Handicap Index improved in terms of severity and frequency for all ten participants. The results show a general improvement in the frequency, duration and intensity of discomfort and pain in the larynx associated with voice disorders. The results show an improvement in the emotional and general wellbeing of all participants over the study period.