M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / The common cold is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract, usually afebrile in nature. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways (Beers and Porter 2006). Influenza, commonly referred to as “flu”, is an acute and highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is easily spread by sneezing and coughing (Balch, 2006). Conventional medication typically includes: aspirin, nasal decongestants, antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antiviral drugs, but these substances may produce unwanted side-effects. If a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics are added (Beers, 2003). Linctagon® Forte Capsules are a self-help proprietary medication by Nativa containing Pelargonium sidoides, Quercetin, Bromelain and Zinc, and is used for the treatment of colds and influenza (Nativa, 2011), but further research is required for this product. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Linctagon® Forte Capsules on the symptoms of colds and influenza of female resident students between the ages of eighteen and thirty five years at the University of Johannesburg. Efficacy was determined by means of a modified “Severity of Symptoms Questionnaire” and a modified “Quality of Life Questionnaire”. Thirty female participants, aged between 18 and 35 years, with symptoms of common cold and influenza, were recruited in this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were recruited by means of advertising flyers and posters at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) campuses as well as the University of Johannesburg female residences. Participants that presented with any of the common cold or influenza symptoms were to immediately contact the researcher to set up an initial interview. The study was conducted over an eight day period with a total of three consultations. During the first consultation, the participants were requested to sign a “Participant Profile Form”, a “Participant Information and Consent Form” and undergo the relevant physical examinations. Participants were then given either the placebo capsules or the Linctagon® Forte Capsules and instructed to take one capsule three times daily. Participants were also requested to complete a modified “Severity of Symptoms Questionnaire” and a modified “Quality of Life Questionnaire” every evening for the duration of the study. All data collected during the study was statistically analysed using Chi Square as well as the Descriptive Analysis (Smith, 2011).

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Hypertension is one of the major cardiovascular diseases worldwide. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and this is mainly caused by heart and renal diseases (Alhalaiqa et al., 2011). Hypertension is common in South Africa. About a quarter of all South Africans, 15 years and older, suffer from hypertension (Steyn, 1998). There are 6.1 million people with a blood pressure equal to or above 140/90 mmHg, 23% of South African men are hypertensive and for women the equivalent prevalence is 16% (South African Demographic and Health Survey, 1998). Allopathic anti-hypertensive drugs are not always effective or well tolerated due to their many harmful side effects (Ahmad, 1999). Homoeopathy though, does not have unwanted side effects (Digby, 1997). The aim of this study is to ascertain the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex containing Crataegus oxycantha 6CH, Viscum album 6CH, Glonoine 6CH and Digitalis purpurea 6CH in treating essential hypertension in black adults between the ages of eighteen and fifty five years. The study was a randomised double-blind placebo controlled study and thirty male and female participants were recruited and divided into the treatment and the placebo group. Three participants withdrew from the study during the trial period and therefore twenty seven participants were in this study. The treatment group was administered the homoeopathic complex remedy and the placebo group was administered the placebo. Participants received medication which they took for six weeks according to proper instructions. They were requested not to make any substantial changes to their lifestyle and diet. The blood pressure readings were monitored every two weeks for the six weeks duration of the study. Collected data was analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test to determine the statistical significance of changes in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in the symptoms that the participants had during the study. The analysis compared the variables between and within the two groups. The inter-group statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney Test. The intra-group statistical analysis was done using the non-parametric test (Friedman Test). The difference between the two groups over time was done using the Post-Hoc Test. The Post-Hoc test analysis with Wilcoxon The homoeopathic remedy complex provided a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure readings compared to the placebo. The diastolic blood pressure of the treatment group also decreased, and that of the placebo group decreased gradually. In the treatment group the most significant symptomatic relief was from headaches and vertigo. The other symptoms slightly decreased in the second week and then remained constant. In the placebo group there was a slight relief of the headache and vertigo symptoms but it was not significant. The homoeopathic complex remedy provided a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure readings. This provides a safe and effective alternative treatment for essential hypertension.

M. Tech. / Since year zero of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, homosexuality has been linked to HIV/AIDS (Hooper; 2000). HIV positive homosexual individuals, therefore, are exposed to double stigmatisation; that of being homosexual and of being infected with HIV/AIDS. Taking into account the link between psyche, neural and immunological function, the above statement directly impacts the pathophysiology and prognosis of HIV/AIDS (Forrest and Kanbus; 2004) (De Kooker; 2002). This study examines the psychological and emotional states of the subjects, which are influenced, not only by their disease state but also by social stigmatisation. The aim of the study is to obtain a comprehensive homoeopathic symptom picture of HIV positive homosexual males within a South African context, compare this to existing homoeopathic symptom pictures, discuss HIV/AIDS in terms of miasmatic theory and consider possible homoeopathic treatment options for HIV/AIDS. This is a qualitative pilot study. Fourteen HIV positive homosexual males, of varying race, were recruited through Caritas Care and interviewed in Gauteng. The participants were between the ages of twenty and fifty and in stage one to three of HIV infection. Six of the participants were on antiretroviral therapy, eight not. The participants were interviewed using set questionnaires and underwent a physical examination. The interview transcripts were analysed and compared to each other then commonalities extracted to obtain a composite symptom picture. The composite symptom picture was compared to existing genus epidemicus symptom pictures and existing nosode proving pictures. The composite symptom picture was analysed using Cara Pro computerized repertorisation to determine possible treatment options. This computer programme affords the user access to multiple repertories simultaneously for rubric selection, and then analyses the case allowing for the use of different strategies. The composite symptom picture was also analysed in terms of miasmatic characteristics. The study concludes that the composite symptom picture partially matches existing HIV/AIDS genus epidemicus symptom pictures and nosode proving pictures. The composite symptom picture exhibits prominent themes of mental and emotional restlessness, generalized weakness, rebelliousness, desire for control and a desire for warmth. Possible treatment options are indicated. The include the remedies Sepia, Apis mellifica, Bryonia alba, Iodium and Natrum carbonicum but particularly of the Flouratum mineral group remedies such as Calcarea fluorica and Acidum flouricum. The study indicates that HIV/AIDS is emerging as a new miasm exhibiting characteristics of the Sycotic and Tuberculinic miasms. / Dr. L. Solomon Dr. T. Blake

MTech

Thesis submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy at the Technikon Natal, 2003. / This was a double blind clinical trial, which included both quantitative and qualitative methods of analyses. A placebo group was compared with a treatment group, in order to establish whether or not homoeopathic treatment of dysthymic and adjustment disorder, in conjunction with rational behaviour therapy, altered patient score ratings in terms of the beck depression and yupi inventories. In depth interviews where conducted with each of the participants and content analysis was performed on each individual file. / M

Homoeopathy is a system of medicine used in obstetric prescribing to reduce the minor common complications of pregnancy (Cure, 1999). One such complication is haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids are varicosities of the haemorrhoidal plexus in the rectum, and are often complicated by inflammation, thrombosis and haemorrhage (Beers & Berkow, 1999). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of homoeopathic similimum treatment on haemorrhoids in pregnant women. This was a quantitative, interventive and descriptive study spanning one month. The research method used homoeopathic similimum treatment and a participant administered questionnaire in a panel longitudinal, in-depth case study. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select 12 primigravida or multigravida pregnant females, aged 18-35, from the 12th to 35th week of gestation, presenting with haemorrhoids, who met the inclusion criteria. The sample was obtained by advertisements placed in antenatal classes, private clinics and pharmacies; and by pamphlets handed out at Baby City shops and baby expositions to pregnant women; and referrals from health care providers. The similimum medicine was selected after an initial consultation and physical examination. The symptoms of the initial consultation were noted on a case taking form. The similimum medicine was prescribed in potency between 5CH and 200CH. Dosage was determined by the laws of similimum prescribing. Questionnaires relating to the patients symptoms were completed by the patient daily during the duration of the study. A follow up consultation and physical examination was conducted at the end of the 2nd week of treatment. As indicated by the symptoms at the follow up consultation, a new similimum was prescribed; the original similimum was continued; or it was decided to wait and watch the action of the medicine in the participant if there were signs of improvement. A final consultation and physical examination was conducted at the end of the 4th week of treatment to document the effectiveness of the treatment. The questionnaire was collected. The symptoms of both follow up consultations were noted on a follow up form. Data obtained from the questionnaires were analysed. An ordinal regression, time 1 vs. time t - 1 analysis, regression using sums and a reliability analysis were performed. The data from the individual consultations were used to write up an in depth case study. Eighty three percent (10/12) of the cases of haemorrhoids in pregnancy improved on homoeopathic similimum treatment. Homoeopathic similimum medicine had a significant effect on decreasing the severity of the pain (p < 0.00) and protrusion (p < 0.00). Besides the improvement to the haemorrhoids, there were also signs of improvement to some of the concomitant symptoms experienced by the participants. In conclusion, homoeopathic similimum treatment within a clinical setting is effective in relieving the symptoms of haemorrhoids in pregnant women. Further research needs to be conducted in order to verify these findings. / Dr. Candice Bodkin Dr. Elizabeth Solomon

Oedema is the presence of excess fluid in the body tissues (Guyton & Hall, 1997). During long air flights, blood pools in the body tissues due to decreased muscle movement. This causes bilateral ankle oedema and results in an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis as well as discomfort to the passengers after their flight (Hope et al., 2001). Hamamelis virginica is clinically indicated as a homoeopathic remedy which acts upon the venous system (Nash, 2002). Apis mellifica, Apocynum cannabinum, Natrum muriaticum and Natrum sulphuricum are all homoeopathic remedies used in the treatment of oedema. The aim of this study is to ascertain the efficiency of the Homoeopathic complex formula, Hamamelis virginica 30cH, Apis mellifica 6cH, Apocynum cannabinum 6cH, Natrum muriaticum 6cH and Natrum sulphuricum 6cH in the treatment of swelling (bilateral oedema) in the lower extremities in women during and after long air flights. This study is a double blind, placebo controlled trial. Forty female participants, between the ages of eighteen to thirty-nine, with a previous history of ankle swelling after long air flights and who were planning long air flights of eight hours or more, were recruited by means of advertisement for this study. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria underwent an examination and were matched in terms of age and risk factors; weight, cigarette smoking, oral contraception, alcohol and coffee consumption. The participants within the matched pairs were then assigned to one of two groups. One group was randomly assigned the experimental group and the other the control. Participants were required to take six powders sublingually without water. The first powder was taken two hours before the actual flight. The second, third and fourth powders were taken every two and a half hours during the course of the fight and the fifth powder was taken after the flight landed. The sixth powder was taken the day after the flight. The participants were measured by the researcher (Appendix D), measuring the circumference of their calf, ankle and foot. The participants were instructed to do three measurements, the first on the day of their flight, the second on the day they arrive at their destination and the third, on the day after their last dose of medication. The measurements were recorded and a questionnaire completed (Appendix E). The data obtained from the participants measurement and questionnaire form was statistically analysed using the repeated measures test, paired t-test, descriptive statistics the crosstab, and the Huynh-Feldt test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences, P<0.05, between the control and medicated groups for the measurements in centimetres of the left ankle and right ankle. The results obtained from the research show that the homoeopathic complex medication in this study significantly reduces lower extremities oedema during long air flights, as compared to the control group. The control group, on the other hand, did show an increase in measurements of the lower extremities during the air flight. This implies that the placebo did not provide any benefit towards reducing the oedema of lower extremities in women during long air flights. Therefore the null hypothesis was rejected Preliminary findings suggest that the homoeopathic complex preparation of Hamamelis virginica 30cH, Apis mellifica 6cH, Apocynum cannabinum 6cH, Natrum muriaticum 6cH and Natrum sulphuricum 6cH, is effective in reducing the oedema of ankles during long air flights but more research is needed to confirm these findings. / Dr. E.M. Solomon Dr. J.L. Schultz

M.Tech. / It is estimated that 4.5 million South Africans have hypercholesterolaemia. Atherosclerosis and stroke-related conditions have been identified by the South African Department of Health as priority diseases (South African Department of Health, 1998). Hypercholesterolaemia was estimated to have caused 4.6% of all deaths in South Africa in 2000 and is therefore an important cardiovascular risk factor in all population groups in South Africa (Norman et al, 2007). Panax ginseng is the botanical name for the plant commonly known as Korean ginseng. It is part of the Araliaceae botanical family. Korean ginseng has pharmacological actions including lowering serum cholesterol, improved functioning of the pituitary adrenal axis, enhanced protein synthesis and protection of the liver from hepatotoxins (Murray and Pizzorno, 2000a). The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of Panax ginseng 1X on the total plasma cholesterol level of adult males between the ages of eighteen and fifty years. A sample group of thirty participants was recruited. Interested participants attended an initial interview where they were screened using a questionnaire and physical examinations and were instructed to have a blood test done to determine whether they qualified to take part in the study. Inclusion criteria comprised: adult males between the ages of eighteen and fifty years, total plasma cholesterol level between 4.0 and 6.19 mmol/l and not more than one major cardiovascular risk factor as classified by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). Participation in the study was voluntary and participants were free to refuse treatment or withdraw from the study at any time. Since standardised Panax ginseng in normal therapeutic doses is rarely associated with side-effects, the anticipated risk for participants in the study was minimal (Murray and Pizzorno, 2000a). The total plasma cholesterol levels were measured by Lancet Laboratories. Body weight was measured and a clinical cardiovascular examination was performed by the researcher. Reliability and validity of clinical investigations was ensured by adherence to procedural documentation. The study was performed in a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled manner. Participants were divided into two groups of fifteen. For the first four weeks of the trial no treatment was given to either group. After the first four weeks the participants attended a follow-up visit and the total plasma cholesterol level of each participant was retested. The experimental group then received Panax ginseng 1X and the control group received a placebo. Sufficient treatment for a period of eight weeks was issued to both groups. Participants were instructed to take 1.5 ml three times daily in 100 ml of water fifteen minutes before meals and were informed not to make any substantial changes to their lifestyle that could affect plasma cholesterol levels. Such lifestyle changes included alterations of diet, amount of exercise, alcohol or tobacco consumption, sleep pattern and stress levels. Patients attended a follow-up visit after taking the treatment for four weeks and the total plasma cholesterol levels were determined again at the end of the study. Collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). The total plasma cholesterol level of the experimental group was compared to the total plasma cholesterol level of the placebo group as obtained at the initial consultation, after four weeks and at the conclusion of the study. Groups were compared using independent samples t-tests within each sample group. Differences over time were analysed using dependent samples t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA. Panax ginseng 1X did not provide a statistically significant change in the total plasma cholesterol levels. The use of Panax ginseng is rarely associated with side-effects and in this particular study none were experienced by the participants.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Technikon Natal, 1999. / The purpose of this placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of the homoeopathic simillimum treatment in halitosis in terms of the volatile sulphur compounds being measured objectively by the portable sulphide monitor and subjectively by organoleptic measurement\x87 / M

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.