Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008 / Introduction This dissertation entails a homoeopathic proving of ivory from the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) 30CH with a subsequent comparison to Lac Loxodonta africana. Objectives The primary objective of this proving was to determine the effects of homoeopathically prepared ivory from the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in a 30CH dilution and was achieved by administering the remedy to a group of healthy individuals (provers) who will document all symptoms that arise as a result of taking the remedy. These symptoms will be used to identify the therapeutic indications of homoeopathic ivory. With these specific indications being documented the remedy can then be utilized in the sick individual, that present with similar symptoms, to induce a cure. A further objective of this proving is to report any variation that may exist in the comparison of two remedies, namely Lac Loxodonta africana (milk derived from the African elephant) and the remedy used in this proving, ivory from the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Methodology The substance was triturated up until the 3CH and subsequently converted into a liquid potency to be potentised up until the 30CH. Granules were then impregnated with the 30CH liquid potency. Ten impregnated granules were then placed in each individual ii lactose powder sachets. A total of six powders were dispensed to the proving participants. The proving was conducted as a double blind placebo controlled study with a total of twenty-six (26) provers that met the inclusion criteria (Appendix A). The group was made up of both homoeopathic students as well as the general public of varying ages, race and gender. The total group was randomly divided into two groups, twenty (20) of which received the homoeopathic remedy, the remainder (6) received placebo. A full case history of each prover was taken before commencing the proving as well as on completion of the study. Each individual prover kept a journal, starting a week before the proving, which was continued while taking the remedy and ceased when all symptoms had abated. Once all provers had completed the proving, the information received from the provers through the journals from both groups was collated, assessed and analyzed. A comparison was then made between this proving and Lac Loxodonta africana to assess whether any similarities or differences were evident. The comparison was made on symptom similarities and rubric analysis. Results The proving of ivory from the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) revealed a variety of symptoms. A total of 32 systems were affected in the twenty provers who received the remedy. 716 symptoms were recorded, 83 of which were new symptoms. The systems that were predominately affected were the mind, head and extremities. Many symptoms were confirmed to be similar to those identified in the proving of Lac Loxodonta africana, though differences were also acknowledged. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the Master’s Degree in Homoeopathy, Department of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Aim The aim of this homoeopathic proving study was to determine and document the arising symptomatology of Acacia xanthophloea (Fever tree) in the potentised homoeopathic form, 30CH, and to provide this data for inclusion to the homoeopathic materia medica. The results of this proving study and comparative analysis to African traditional medicinal uses of this substance confirms the potential therapeutic value of the remedy. Methodology The homoeopathic drug proving of Acacia xanthophloea 30CH was conducted in the form of a double blinded placebo controlled study. The investigation consisted of a total of 30 provers divided equally between two researchers ((A. Gobind and G. Zondi). The sample was randomly divided into two groups in which 24 provers(80%) were assigned into the verum group and the remaining six provers (20%) were allocated to the placebo group. All provers were requested to record their daily symptoms on the physical, mental and emotional planes in their journals for one week prior to administration of the proving substance. This formed as a mode of control for the comparison of symptomatology for the pre-proving and post proving period. A thorough case history was taken and physical examination performed on each prover before the commencement of the proving and after the duration of the proving period. Each prover received a total of nine powders. Starting on day 8 of the study the provers consumed one powder three times a day for three days and documented their daily symptoms in a journal. The duration of the proving term was six weeks in total. During this interval the researcher maintained consistent contact with the provers. Upon completion of the proving period all journals were collected and the information contained within these journals was translated into the materia medica and repertory format. This facilitated the establishment of the remedy portrait of Acacia xanthophloea 30CH. A subsequent comparison between the symptomatology that materialised in the provers and the African traditional medicinal uses was duly conducted. Results An extensive range of symptoms was reported by the provers. The outstanding themes that emanated from this proving on the mental plane include anger, anxiety, aversion to company, cheerful, depression, irritability, mood swings, restlessness, tranquillity and stress. A broad range of headaches were described with some headaches being associated with the eye. There were many eye symptoms displayed by the provers which include itching, redness, burning sensation and pain. The stomach symptoms revealed marked increased thirst, changeable appetite, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea with watery stools.The female genitalia / sex indicated several symptoms ranging from painful menstruation, bleeding and copious blood flow.The greatest number of symptoms in a system was associated with extremities, producing the greatest number of rubrics in the repertory section. Dream themes depicted by the provers were especially visionary, about family and friends in addition to other themes. The correlation process between the homoeopathic drug proving of Acacia xanthophloea 30CH and the African traditional medicinal use of the substance brought several resemblances to light.There were clear similarities with the eye symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches. Conclusion As hypothesised Acacia xanthophloea 30CH did produce distinctly observable signs and symptoms when administered to healthy provers. The symptoms that emerged during the proving provide evidence that an overlay exists between the remedy Acacia xanthphloea 30CH and the traditional use of the crude substance Acacia xanthophloea. The researcher proposes that further research should be conducted to determine the symptomatology of various homoeopathic potencies so that a complete image of the remedy Acacia xanthophloea 30CH can be established and the clinical applications can be broadened. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the Master’s Degree in Homoeopathy, Department of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Aim The aim of this homoeopathic proving study was to determine and document the arising symptomatology of Acacia xanthophloea (Fever tree) in the potentised homoeopathic form, 30CH, and to provide this data for inclusion to the homoeopathic materia medica. The results of this proving study and comparative analysis to African traditional medicinal uses of this substance confirms the potential therapeutic value of the remedy. Methodology The homoeopathic drug proving of Acacia xanthophloea 30CH was conducted in the form of a double blinded placebo controlled study. The investigation consisted of a total of 30 provers divided equally between two researchers ((A. Gobind and G. Zondi). The sample was randomly divided into two groups in which 24 provers(80%) were assigned into the verum group and the remaining six provers (20%) were allocated to the placebo group. All provers were requested to record their daily symptoms on the physical, mental and emotional planes in their journals for one week prior to administration of the proving substance. This formed as a mode of control for the comparison of symptomatology for the pre-proving and post proving period. A thorough case history was taken and physical examination performed on each prover before the commencement of the proving and after the duration of the proving period. Each prover received a total of nine powders. Starting on day 8 of the study the provers consumed one powder three times a day for three days and documented their daily symptoms in a journal. The duration of the proving term was six weeks in total. During this interval the researcher maintained consistent contact with the provers. Upon completion of the proving period all journals were collected and the information contained within these journals was translated into the materia medica and repertory format. This facilitated the establishment of the remedy portrait of Acacia xanthophloea 30CH. A subsequent comparison between the symptomatology that materialised in the provers and the African traditional medicinal uses was duly conducted. Results An extensive range of symptoms was reported by the provers. The outstanding themes that emanated from this proving on the mental plane include anger, anxiety, aversion to company, cheerful, depression, irritability, mood swings, restlessness, tranquillity and stress. A broad range of headaches were described with some headaches being associated with the eye. There were many eye symptoms displayed by the provers which include itching, redness, burning sensation and pain. The stomach symptoms revealed marked increased thirst, changeable appetite, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea with watery stools.The female genitalia / sex indicated several symptoms ranging from painful menstruation, bleeding and copious blood flow.The greatest number of symptoms in a system was associated with extremities, producing the greatest number of rubrics in the repertory section. Dream themes depicted by the provers were especially visionary, about family and friends in addition to other themes. The correlation process between the homoeopathic drug proving of Acacia xanthophloea 30CH and the African traditional medicinal use of the substance brought several resemblances to light.There were clear similarities with the eye symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches. Conclusion As hypothesised Acacia xanthophloea 30CH did produce distinctly observable signs and symptoms when administered to healthy provers. The symptoms that emerged during the proving provide evidence that an overlay exists between the remedy Acacia xanthphloea 30CH and the traditional use of the crude substance Acacia xanthophloea. The researcher proposes that further research should be conducted to determine the symptomatology of various homoeopathic potencies so that a complete image of the remedy Acacia xanthophloea 30CH can be established and the clinical applications can be broadened. / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006. / Tinea pedis, more commonly known as “Athlete’s foot”, is a common acute infection that occurs in warm, humid climates (Fitzpatrick, et al. 1992:98). Warmth, humidity, trauma and occlusion such as non-breathable footwear increase the susceptibility to infection (Prescott, et al. 1999:814). The infection can become chronic in people who are more susceptible such as patients who are immuno-suppressed or those who have Diabetes mellitus (al Hassan, et al. 2004: 1). The aim of this placebo-controlled double-blind study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a topical naturopathic complex comprising of Allium sativum mother tincture (Ø), Hydrastis canadensis (Ø), Apis mellifica (D3) and Urtica urens (D3) (in an aqueous cream base) in the treatment of Tinea pedis. The complex utilized in this study is regarded as naturopathic because the remedies comprising the complex were selected for the following reasons: •Allium sativum and Hydrastis canadensis, each utilized in mother tincture, were selected for their antifungal properties. •Apis mellifica and Urtica urens, each utilized in D3 potency were selected because their skin symptomotology most accurately matched the symptoms associated with “Athlete’s foot”. / M

This double-blind placebo-controlled study investigated the relative efficacy of Homoeopathic similimum treatment as compared to psychological counselling (Cognitive therapy combined with Behavioural therapy), in the management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). / Mini dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Dept. of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xiv, 348 leaves / The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis on healthy volunteers (provers), and to record the signs and symptoms produced, so that it may be prescribed to those suffering from similar symptoms as determined by the Law of Similars. A further aim of the investigation was to compare the materia medica of Chamaleo dilepis dilepis as determined by proving symptoms to those remedies yielding the highest numerical value and total number of rubrics on repertorisation of the proving symptoms of Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Dept of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xiii, 315 leaves / This study was conducted by administering Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis 30CH to healthy individuals with the aim of eliciting and documenting the resulting mental, emotional and physical symptomology. Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis was chosen as a substance based on it being indigenous to South Africa and as no other members of the Chamaeleonidae species have been proven

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology in Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2018. / Dysmenorrhoea is the term used to describe painful menstrual cramps, and is the most commonly encountered gynaecological disorder. It affects more than 50% of women of reproductive age, of which 10% to 12% experience severe dysmenorrhoea that interferes with their daily lives by incapacitating them for 1 to 3 days each month. Dysmenorrhoea is estimated to be the single greatest cause of working hours lost by women and school absence in teenage girls (Dawood 2008; Lindeque 2015: 6-9). Primary dysmenorrhoea is defined as painful, spasmodic cramping in the lower abdomen just before and/or during menstrual bleeding, in the absence of any identifiable macroscopic pathology. It is related to increased levels of inflammatory markers such as vasopressin, prostaglandins (PGF2α) and leukotrienes from the secretory endometrium. These induce ischaemia due to excessive prolonged uterine contractions, increased the sensitivity of pain fibres, and cause vasoconstriction (Iacovides, Avidon and Baker 2015: 1-17; Stewart and Deb 2014: 296-302). This double-blinded randomised study aimed to establish the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (consisting of Angelica sinensis 6cH, Dioscorea villosa 6cH, Matricaria chamomilla 6cH, Viburnum opulus 6cH and Zingiber officinalis 6cH) compared to a homoeopathic similimum in 30cH plussed potency in the treatment of the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea, in terms of the participants’ perception of the treatment. Thirty female students, who signed the inform consent forms (Appendices B and D), from the Durban University of Technology were selected based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria after they underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination (Appendix D) by a gynaecologist. They were randomly divided by means of convenience sampling according to a randomisation sheet into two groups. There were 20 in the experimental group which received the homoeopathic complex, and 10 in the control group which received the homoeopathic similimum. The study took place at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic, located at the Durban University of Technology. It was conducted over a period of three menstrual cycles per participant. The initial consultation took place prior to a menstrual period and the subsequent three follow-ups took place once a month, a week after each menstrual period. During each consultation, a detailed homoeopathic case history was conducted and a physical examination including an abdominal examination was performed. In addition, the participants were required to complete the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (Moos 1968) (Appendix G) and the Pain Rating Scale (British Pain Society 2006) (Appendix H). SPSS version 23.0 software was used to analyse the data collected from these questionnaires. The quantitative variables across the groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test since the captured data was non-parametric. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare intra-group data. Quantitative variables were expressed as a mean ± standard deviation. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The intra-group analysis using the PRS and the MDQ scales (Appendices G and H) showed statistically significant changes in the subcategories of pain in the simillimum group, while these changes were noticed in the complex group only with the PRS scale, when different follow up mean pain score was compared to that at baseline. The different comparisons and p-values can be found in the Appendix G1. The homoeopathic complex group showed more statistically significant changes in the subcategories of behaviour change, negative affect, and control (Appendix G1); while the homoeopathic similimum also revealed other statistically significant changes in the autonomic response and appetite change subgroups (Appendix G1). The inter-group analysis did not reveal any statistically significant change between the groups, although a decrease in the majority of the various mean scores was observed throughout the study. The study’s results led to the conclusion that both the homoeopathic complex and homoeopathic similimum were effective (Appendix G1) in the treatment of symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea during various follow-ups, as well as reducing the need for allopathic pain medications in the participants during the study. However that efficacy shown by the presence of statistically significant results could not been maintained throughout the study from the baseline to the third follow-ups, this could be due to the smaller sample size of the participants, the need for a better suited similimum remedy with a higher potency for the control group; or the need for another complex remedy, It was also noted that there was no evidence that one treatment was more beneficial than the other even though a decrease in the mean scores was observed in both groups. / M

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2018. / Introduction The aim of this study was to conduct a homoeopathic proving of Carcharhinus leucas in the thirtieth centesimal potency (30CH) and to subsequently establish and describe the symptomatology in standard materia medica format and then compare this symptomatology to Galeocerdo cuvier hepar 30CH. Methodology The homoeopathic proving of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH was conducted at the Durban University of Technology and was accomplished by means of a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Carcharhinus leucas 30CH was manufactured by the researchers according to Method 6, Method 8a and 10 of the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (Benyunes, 2005: 36-39). The homoeopathic proving was conducted in the form of a double blind placebo controlled study of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH with a total of 30 healthy provers. The prover sample was divided into two groups by a process of randomisation. Twenty four provers (80%) comprised the verum group and the remaining 6 provers (20%) comprised the placebo group. The identity of the proving substance and the potency used was not disclosed to provers. Provers documented their physical, mental and emotional status for one week preceding the administration of the proving remedy. A comprehensive physical examination and case history of every prover was taken before and after the proving period. Provers were instructed to ingest one powder three times a day for two days but were told to discontinue the powders once symptoms arose. The duration of the proving spanned 6 weeks and throughout the proving process, researchers were in constant communication with all the participants. Upon completion of the proving process, journals were collected and the information therein was translated into materia medica and repertory format. This was done in order to acquire the remedy picture of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH. Thereafter, the symptomatology of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH was compared to the symptomatology of Galeocerdo cuvier hepar 30CH. Results The proving of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH produced a total of 590 already existing rubrics and 43 new rubrics. The majority of these rubrics were located in the MIND (127), GENERALS (64), HEAD (55), EXTREMITIES (50), and EYE (34). In regard to the mind, prominent features were apparent such as anger, anxiety, cheerfulness, an aversion or amelioration within company, difficulty concentrating or increased focus, varying delusions and fears and irritability. Pertaining to the head, headaches were evident with varying concomitants and modalities, with headaches predominantly affecting the forehead and sides. Sensations included dryness, heat, heaviness, perspiration and shaking. The extremities displayed symptoms primarily in the forearms, legs and thighs and sensations included paralysis, shaking, swelling and weakness. In regard to the eye, eye pain with multiple modalities were apparent, with symptoms related to the canthi and eyelids. Sensations included heat, heaviness, inflammation, itching and photophobia as well as a visible discolouration of the eye. Analysis of the results presented an understanding of the similarities and differences between Carcharhinus leucas 30CH and Galeocerdo cuvier hepar 30CH. Conclusion As hypothesised, it was evident that administering Carcharhinus leucas 30CH to healthy individuals did yield observable symptomatology. Additionally, it was apparent that various correlations between Carcharhinus leucas 30CH and Galeocerdo cuvier hepar 30CH existed / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the Master’s Degree in Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Hoodia gordonii 30CH on healthy provers, and to record the clearly observable signs and symptoms produced and the subsequent comparison to its toxicology as a raw substance and to homoeopathic remedies of reportorial similarity. Methodology The investigation was a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial, using the substance in the 30th potency. This was prepared according to the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia. A sample of 20 provers, in good health, was recruited. Sixteen received verum as the experimental group and four in the control group received a placebo. Each of the 20 provers received a journal in which they recorded symptoms on a daily basis for a period of six weeks, including a one week observation prior to taking the powders, and a period of five weeks after administration of the powders. The information from the journals and case histories was edited, collated and translated into materia medica and repertory language and used to compile a proving profile of the remedy by qualitative methods. The remedy was only revealed to the participants after completion of the proving study period. The researcher compared the similarities and new symptoms of the remedy with the existing knowledge of its toxicology to prove the first hypothesis. A detailed and extensive literature review of Hoodia gordonii’s unique characteristics was conducted. A further comparison with other similar remedies according to the highest numerical number of rubrics on repertorisation was conducted. Results The proving remedy produced a wide variety of symptoms on the mental, emotional and physical levels of which many had polarities. In broad terms the following were identified from the proving symptoms of Hoodia gordonii: • Increased confidence and feeling refreshed, renewed energy, cheerfulness, concentration, alertness, calm, forgetfulness, unhappy, sadness and depression with desire to be left alone. • Anxiety for unknown reason and for the future, about finances; restlessness and busyness. • Tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion. • Positive feeling regarding home and family. • Mental exhaustion and aversion to study. • Common sensations were throbbing, pulsating, sharp, aching, heat, pressing, heavy, pulling, splitting, cramps. • Perceived attack or danger in dreams. • Painless diarrhea and constipation, nausea, headaches, vertigo, sore red eyes, nasal congestion and sinuses, toothache, tonsillitis and dryness of throat; bronchitis, heart palpitations. • Menses with breast tenderness and increased sexual stimulation, joint pain. • Unquenchable thirst, polyuria, appetite increase and decrease, sleeplessness and sleepiness with deep sleep, cold, increase perspiration, influenza and depressed immune function. Conclusion The data obtained from this proving study of Hoodia gordonii when comparing the new symptoms of the remedy with similarities to the existing knowledge of its toxicology proved the first hypothesis to be true. Three hundred and twenty four rubrics were produced and 17 were new rubrics; of these a total of 20 rubrics that represented the essence of the remedy were selected and used in the repertorisation process. A comparison of the highest numerical value of rubrics with other similar remedies on repertorisation found Hoodia gordonii 30CH to be most similar to: Atropa belladonna, Phosphorus, Lachesis mutus, Sulphur and Veratrum album. / M