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

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Introduction Hahnemann was adamant that his methodology for LM1 prescription be reproduced exactly, in order to develop the latent medicinal properties of the crude substance reliably (Barthel 1991). Yet quality assurance practices during manufacturing are currently aligned to Good Manufacturing Process, in adherence to Pharmacopeia which permit substantial deviation from the strict quantities and practices (Kayne 2006) prescribed in Hahnemann’s 6th edition Organon (Hahnemann and O'Reilly 2001). Often the equipment, methods and practices favour expedience or utilise new technologies, under an assumption that the remedy produced is unaffected, since the mechanisms underlying the action of homoeopathic remedies are not understood or determined (Barthel 1991). Aim The primary purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of Natrum muriaticum LM1, produced using strict adherence to original Hahnemannian methodology, to samples sourced from a representative variety of sources available to local homoeopathic practitioners, in the medicinal prescription form patients may receive. Additionally, the researcher set out to confirm that these Natrum muriaticum LM1 samples could be shown to produce distinct NMR spectra when compared to a Lactose LM1 control. The final objective was to ascertain whether two samples produced with the same strict adherence to Hahnemannian methodology, from same source materials would yield similar NMR Spectra, distinct from a Lactose LM1 control sample. Methodology The researcher produced an in-house Natrum muriaticum LM1 (0/1) sample in accordance with aphorism 272 of the 6th edition Organon (Hahnemann and O'Reilly 2001). Similarly, a second sample was produced by the DUT Homoeopharmaceutics Senior Lecturer, within the same ambient conditions and protocol. A third sample was produced by a local make-to-order (MTO) company, using the same sodium chloride crude substance sample utilised in the production of the first two samples. These three samples emulate the make-to-order (MTO) options available to homoeopathic practitioners. A fourth sample was obtained ex-stock from highly regarded local supplier (Homoeopathix Trading Company (South Africa)), while the fifth and sixth samples were procured ex-stock from highly regarded suppliers abroad, Helios (United Kingdom) and Roy & Co. (India) respectively. These samples represented the make-to-stock (MTS) sourcing options available to homoeopathic community. The researcher transported the samples to Chemistry Department of the University of Stellenbosch Chemistry Department in Cape Town. Any external influences such as vibration, changes in temperature, electromagnetic disturbances, heat or strong light were avoided or minimised as far as was practical. The six LM1 potency samples were prepared immediately prior to NMR analysis from their respective source materials to a 20% alcohol concentration, as could be done in practice for the patient prescription where the alcohol content would serve as a preservative. Four controls comprised the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth samples, for comparative analysis and to confirm sample homogeneity. . Lactose (LM1) . Source lactose in solution . Water used in preparation of NMR samples . Ethanol solvent The ten samples were assigned a random reference number by Dr Jaco Brand (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Unit Manager), to remove bias during NMR analysis. Five samples were drawn from each of the ten randomised samples and labelled, while deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide-d6 (DSMO) contained within a separate capillary tube served as an external lock and reference solvent. The researcher then carried out the analysis under qualified supervision to ensure best-practice was applied throughout. The resulting data (FID) was processed to derive the chemical shift and relative integration values, which were captured into a Microsoft® Excel 2010 spreadsheet to calculate the relative integration values of each sample run. Statistical analysis was performed in GNU PSPP version 085, the data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the non-parametric tests, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test (due to small data size and nature of distribution) at a statistical significance interval of α = 0.05. Results Natrum muriaticum LM1 samples sourced from a variety of make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock manufacturing environments produced almost universally distinct NMR spectra profiles in terms of chemical shifts and relative integration values of the CH2, CH3 and H2O signals, at an alcohol concentration of 20%, when compared to a Lactose LM1 control sample. When the NMR spectra of make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock (MTS) remedies were analysed and compared to each other in terms of chemical shifts and relative integration values of the CH2, CH3 and H2O signals, they were for the most part statistically distinct, but some anomalous results emerged. There was no statically significant difference in NMR spectra in terms of chemical shift, between the two samples produced in the same environment using the methodology to closely aligned to Organon (Hahnemann and O'Reilly 2001), yet in terms of relative integration values, they were statistically distinct. Conclusion The low alcohol percentage associated with the medicinal dosage of LM1 prepared for analysis failed to produce an OH peak on NMR spectra. In addition, it is not possible to identify the variables or indeed account for the nature of NMR spectra that are produced after sample analysis. This study concludes that while NMR was able to discern physico-chemical distinction between LM1 potency Natrum muriaticum remedies to control conclusively, this does not translate to practical application of NMR for quality control or remedy comparison for LM potencies at alcohol content levels, associated with medicinal prescription. / 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). / Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Dept. of Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006 xli, 201 leaves

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the understanding and utilization of Strychnos henningsii (umqalothi, Red bitterberry) by Zulu traditional healers and the signs and symptoms induced by the thirtieth centesimal potency (30CH) homoeopathic dilution of the crude substance in a previously conducted triple-blind placebo-controlled homoeopathic proving. Methodology The study was carried out in four dispersed areas of KZN (Harding, Durban, Weenen and Melmoth). From each area one isangoma and one inyanga were interviewed, resulting in eight interviews. All visits were conducted by the researcher, who acted as principal communicator and translator, and his supervisor, who assisted him by doing live video recording of all interviews. The methodology employed was that of qualitative interviewing using semi-structured interviews. Each video was transcribed into Zulu text and subsequently translated to English text by the researcher and his supervisor. The data obtained from the interviews was then compared to data obtained from the previously conducted homoeopathic proving of Strychnos henningsii 30CH in order to evaluate the overlap between the traditional and the homoeopathic approach to utilisation of the plant. Results After comparison, it was found that there was an overlap in the gastro-intestinal system, cardio-vascular system, respiratory system and female/male genito-urinary system and in some mental symptoms. v However, there were no overlaps found in traditional usage of the plant as an antisnake venom, and in the proving symptoms related to scalp, hair, eyes, ear, nose, face, mouth, teeth and throat. Conclusion After comparison between the understanding and utilization of Strychnos henningsii by Zulu traditional healers and the signs and symptoms induced by the proving of Strychnos henningssi 30CH, it was concluded that while there are certain overlaps, the homoeopathic proving produced a wider range of symptoms which may either serve to extend the traditional use, or overlap with existing traditional use not exposed within the scope of this study. Interviews with a greater number of traditional healers in a wider geographic area may reveal a closer correlation between homoeopathic proving symptoms and patterns of use by traditional healers.

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