Studies on homeopathy

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in deutscher Sprache: Forschungen und Studien zur Homöopathie

Homeopathy is an alternative medical method which is successfully working according to its own paradigm for more than 200 years now, but which has also been well proven and substantiated by different studies and researches according to modern scientific standards.
The Scientific Society for Homeopathy in Germany (WissHom) has written a report summarizing the state of research on the basis of data from international peer-reviewed journals. The most important results are:

• Homeopathic treatment is clinically useful under everyday medical conditions (practice) (perspective on health services research, see 2.b below).
• High-quality randomized clinical trials also show specific effects in which homeopathy is superior to placebo (perspective randomized clinical trials, see below 2.a).
• Four out of five meta-analyses show a statistical superiority of homeopathic remedies compared to placebo, but all in all the number of high-quality studies is low (perspective meta-analyses, see below 3).
• Also in experiments with cell cultures, animals and plants there are, reproduced meanwhile, effects which show a specific effect of high potencies (perspective basic research, s.u.1.b).
• The study situation is not conclusive overall, but sufficiently proves a therapeutic benefit. More high-quality research is needed, especially replications of positive studies.

Quote of the German scientific Veronika Carstens Foundation:
"There are more than 200 randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind studies on homeopathy. The majority of these document advantages in the homeopathic group compared to placebo control. This also applies to the methodologically high-quality papers. Accordingly, reviews (meta-analyses) of such studies also regularly state the statistically significant superiority of potentised preparations over placebo, even in the group of the most reliable clinical trials. No difference between homeopathy and placebo can only be detected if at least 90% of the available data are excluded from evaluation due to scientifically incomprehensible criteria. The constant repetition of the assertion of the missing evidence of an effect of homeopathy beyond placebo effects does not make it any more true."

You can find a detailed and factual answer to the most frequently asked critical questions on homeopathy on the page of the Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI).

Scientific and medical research on homeopathy

In the last three decades a number of efforts have been made to research the mode of action of homeopathic therapy on a scientific basis, i.e. to apply the same criteria to it as to other forms of medicine. This was done under several different questions:

1. Basic Research

a) Physical and chemical experiments were carried out in order to get closer to a scientific understanding of the mechanisms of action of high potencies and to determine whether effects can be proven physically at a dilution beyond Avogardo's number.
b) Experiments have been carried out with the application of potentiated substances on various tissues and organisms (bacteria, plants, animals) to determine whether potentiated substances have a demonstrable effect on living organisms.
A new non-profit organisation, Campace, supported by homeopaths, has recently been created to carry out scientifically complex studies on cell series with the help of biotechnological institutes.

2. Clinical Research

a) Randomized clinical trials wer carried out, mostly double-blind, to clarify whether homeopathic medication has an effect in use that can be distinguished from placebo effects.
b) Health services research aiming to clarify to what extent patients in everyday practice benefit from homeopathic treatment and how it compares to conventional medical treatment.

3. Systematic Reviews and Metaanalysis

These are scientific reviews that evaluate the results of comparable studies on a specific topic and summarize them into a kind of mathematical overall result.

Explanations

to 1. a) Are highly potentiated substances physically present? The basic investigations on the physical and biochemical behaviour of high potencies seem to have shown at least indications that potentiated substances behave differently than unpotentiated substances of the same dilution level. Similar investigations and proofs have been provided by anthroposophical scientists for a long time, who have shown by means of qualitative proof methods (e.g. drop images, thin layer chromatography) that biodynamically grown plants can be distinguished from conventional plants - and in this sense methods of biodynamic cultivation (e.g. rhythmic cultivation) as well as potentiation are alchemistic methods, which do not show any differences from a superficial chemical point of view.

Recent research on the so-called "memory of water" and on nanostructures of dissolved substances clearly proves the fundamental possibility of information transfer through potentiation in the physical and biological framework.
The conference "New Horizons in Water Science - The Evidence for Homeopathy? (July 14, 2018) with the participation of two Nobel Laureates (Cambridge Professor Emeritus Brian Josephson, Physics, and the discoverer of the AIDS virus Dr. Luc Montagnier) at the Royal Socienty of Medicine in London showed a broad spectrum of international research on this topic, which explicitly attaches importance to supporting the claims of homeopathy fundamentally and on a strictly scientific basis.
With it the assumption that potentiated substances, as they are used in homeopathy and other alternative medical procedures, could not have a scientifically tangible effect, at least from a current scientific point of view, is finally off the table.
On the contrary, the results of this research seem in part to even go beyond the ambitious ideas of alternative physicians about the possibilities of cells and complex molecules for information transfer.

to 1. b)

to 2. a) Is homeopathy effective in clinical application? In spite of the difficulty of applying a testing method that is not fitting to homeopathy and despite the considerable methodological problems raised by double-blind studies and the unclear notion of placebo anyway, the studies on the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines turned out so favorably in the sum that even a group of critics described the argumentation situation of the homeopathic therapists as "enviable position". This means that even under the most unfavourable conditions and with partly completely irrelevant study designsit could be shown that homeopathic remedies work differently than placebo.

to 2. b) Data from health services research show that homeopathy has an effect comparable to conventional medicine. Both therapy systems lead to similar costs: homeopathy through talk time, conventional medicine through medication costs.

to 3) Ironically, clinical studies on homeopathic therapy are often subject to much stricter scientific standards than in orthodox medicine in order not to be disqualified by formal errors or statistical weaknesses.

Conclusion

In summary, it can be said that the scientific research to date has shown that homeopathic effects exist in even within the horizon of a mechanistic perception and interpretation of the world. If we refine the measuring methods sufficiently, the existence of such effects can be observed. Similar to parapsychological research, however, the possible statements do not go beyond confirming the mere existence of such effects. How they actually come about, what their inner laws are, and all such questions as homoeopaths deal with in their daily practice, remain unexplained and untouched. This is the current state of affairs; and due to fundamental considerations on these topics, it is not to be expected that this will change significantly - see effect models of homeopathy.

 

Literature

general

• Atmanspacher H, Römer H, Walach H: Weak quantum theory: Complementary and entanglement in physics and beyond. Found Phys 2002; 32: 379-406 http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/quant-ph/pdf/0104/0104109v2.pdf
• Barnard GP, Stephenson JH: Microdose paradox: A new biophysical concept. Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy 1967; 60: 277-286
• Calabrese EJ (ed.): BELLE Newsletter. Biological Effects of Low Level Exposures. Vol. 16 No. 1, April 2010 http://www.belleonline.com/newsletters/volume16/vol16-1FINAL.pdf
• Coulter, Harris L.: Hahnemann und die Homöopathie. Eine medizinhistorisch begründete Einführung in die Grundgedanken der homöopathischen Heilkunst, Heidelberg 1994, S. 166ff
• Haidvogel, Max: Klinische Forschung in der Homöopathie in den vergangenen 10 Jahren, in: R&D Newsletter der HomInt, Karlsruhe, 2000 – 1/ 2001
• Heusser, Peter: Probleme von Studiendesigns mit Randomisierung, Verblindung und Placebogabe. aus: Forschende Komplementärmedizin 1999; 6; 89-102
• ders.: Kriterien zur Beurteilung des Nutzens von komplementärmedizinischen Massnahmen, zuhanden der Eidg.Leistungskommission des Bundesamtes für Sozialversicherung, 6.Fass. 1998
• Ivanovas, Georg: Doppelblind bei alternativen Heilverfahren. in: Deutsches Ärzteblatt 98, Heft 13 vom 30.03.01, Seite A-822
• Meyer-Wegener J: Homöopathische Potenzen und die Suche nach ihrer physikalischen Struktur. KVC Verlag, Essen 2001 (2. Nachdruck 2010) http://www.kvc-verlag.de/index.php?cat=c5_Forum-Homoeopathie.html&page=2
• Popp, Fritz A.: Biophysikalische Grundlagen der Naturheilkunde, AHZ Bd.245, 4/2000, S. 154
• Quinn, Michael: Research on homeopathy and chemistry – Are Ie crystals the missing link? HomLinks 3/98
• Resch, Gerhard u. Gutmann, Viktor: Wissenschaftliche Grundlagen der Homöopathie, Schäftlarn 1986 (3.Aufl. 1994)
• Schiff, Michel: Das Gedächtnis des Wassers – Homöopathie und ein spektakulärer Fall von Wissenschaftszensur, Frankfurt 1997
• Shepperd, John: Chaos Theorie: Implication für die Homöopathie, Europäisches Journal für klassische Homöopathie, Nr. 5+6/1996, S.36
• Teut, M.: Homöopathie zwischen Lebenskraft und Selbstorganisation, in: Forschende Komplementärmedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde Bd.8, Heft 3, Freiburg 2001, ISSN 1424-7364
• Walach, Harald: Homöopathie als Basistherapie. Plädoyer für die wissenschaftliche Ernsthaftigkeit der Homöopathie, Heidelberg 1986
• ders.: Eine experimentelle homöopathische Arzneimittelprüfung, in: Erfahrungsheilkunde 12/1993
• ders.: Entanglement Model of Homeopathy. Forschende Komplementärmedizin Klassische Naturheilkunde 2003; 10: 192-200 http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowAbstract&ArtikelNr=73475&Ausgabe=229609&ProduktNr=224242
• Dantas, Flávio: Do homeopathic medicines cause drug-dependent adverse effects or aggravations? in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 142-50; Online Summary and Online Full Text
• Dantas, Flávio: Do homeopathic medicines induce symptoms in apparently healthy volunteers? The Brazilian contribution to the debate on homeopathic pathogenetic trials in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 151-71; Online Summary and Online Full Text

Studies

to 1. a)

• On the topic of information storage in water
• Journal of Holistic Medicine- 5 (Fall/Winter ’83)-172-75  and J. of Amer. Inst. of Hom. 61(Nov/Dec. 68): 197-212: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study showed that all 23 different Hom. remedies and potencies tested had distinctive readings of submolecular activity, while placebos did not.
• J. Amer. Inst. of Hom. 48, #11 (Nov. 1955):327-35 - Dilutions of NaCl up to 10-60 - showed differences in capacitance from distilled water.
• Kassab S, Cummings M, Berkovitz S, van Haselen R, Fisher P. Homeopathic medicines for adverse effects of cancer treatments. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 2.

to 1. b)

• Benveniste, Jacques et al.: Human Basophil Degranulation Triggered by ery Dilute Antiserum Against IgE, in: Nature Vol.333, 30.6.1988, S.816ff.
• British Homeopathic J.-74 (July 1985) 168-174- Homeopathic remedies inhibited viral growth in chick embryos from 50-100% depending on potency used.
• 1930’s – W.Persson- and W. Boyd 1954- rate of fermentation of starch by ptyalin and diastase is influenced by high potencies of mercuric chloride.
• Endler, P.C., Pongratz, W., van Wijk, R., Kastberger, G., Haidvogl, M. Effects of Highly Diluted Succussed Thyroxin on Metamorphosis of Highland Frogs. Berlin J Res Hom 1991; 1: 151-160.
• Welles, S.U., Suanjak-Traidl, E., Weber, S., Scherer-Pongratz, W., Frass, M., Endler, P.C.,
  Spranger, H., Lothaller, H. Pretreatment with thyroxine (10e-8) and the effect of homeopathically prepared thyroxin (10-30) on highland frogs – a multi-researcher study. Res Compl Med / Forsch Komplementärmed 2007; 14: 353-357.
• 4. Betti L., Brizzi M., Nani D., Peruzzi M., Effect of high dilutions of Arsenicum album on wheat seedlings from seed poisoned with the same substance, Br Hom J 1997; 86: 86-89.
• Brizzi M., Lazzarato L., Nani D., Borghini F., Peruzzi M., Betti L., A Biostatistical Insight into the As2O3 High Dilution Effects on the Rate and Variability of Wheat Seedling Growth. Res Compl Med / Forsch Komplemenärmedizin 2005; 12: 277-83.
• Binder M., Baumgartner S., Thurneysen A., The Effects of a 45x Potency of Arsenicum album on Wheat Seedling Growth – a Reproduction Trial, Res Compl Med / Forsch Komplementärmed 2005;12: 284-291.
• Ramachandran C, Nair PK, Clèment RT, Melnick SJ. Investigation of cytokine expression in human leukocyte cultures with two immune-modulatory homeopathic preparations. J Altern Complement Med 2007; 13: 403-407.
• de Oliveira CC, de Oliveira SM, Goes VM, Probst CM, Krieger MA, Buchi DD. Gene expression profiling of macrophages following mice treatment with an immunomodulator medication. J Cell Biochem 2008; 104: 1364-1377.
• Smit E, Pretorius E, Anderson R, Oommen J, Potjo M. Differentiation of human monocytes in vitro following exposure to Canova in the absence of cytokines. Ultrastruct Pathol 2008; 32: 147-152.
• Endler, P.C., Pongratz, W., van Wijk, R., Kastberger, G., Haidvogl, M. Effects of Highly Diluted Succussed Thyroxin on Metamorphosis of Highland Frogs. Berlin J Res Hom 1991; 1: 151-160.
• Welles, S.U., Suanjak-Traidl, E., Weber, S., Scherer-Pongratz, W., Frass, M., Endler, P.C., Spranger, H., Lothaller, H. Pretreatment with thyroxine (10e-8) and the effect of homeopathically prepared thyroxin (10-30) on highland frogs – a multi-researcher study. Res Compl Med / Forsch Komplementärmedizin 2007; 14: 353-357.
• Guedes J. R. P., Ferreira C. M., Guimaraes H. M. B., Saldiva P. H. N., Capelozzi V. L. Homeopathically prepared dilution of Rana catesbeiana thyroid glands modifies its rate of metamorphosis. Homeopathy 2004; 93: 132-137.
• Jacque Benveniste- INSERM-(French equivalent of NIH) -1988-   Demonstrated after 4 yrs research, that  homeopathic potencies of Anti-IGE had biological effects at dilutions of 30c and 120c. (serum protein anti-body)
• 1930’s – W.Persson- and W. Boyd 1954- rate of fermentation of starch by ptyalin and diastase is influenced by high potencies of mercuric chloride.
• Potenziertes Rhus toxicodendron beeinflußt Schmerzzustände bei Ratten
• Spin-Neto R1, Belluci MM, Sakakura CE, Scaf G, Pepato MT, Marcantonio E Jr. Homeopathic Symphytum officinale increases removal torque and radiographic bone density around titanium implants in rats. Homeopathy. 2010 Oct;99(4):249-54. ” Symphytum officinale 6cH enhances, principally at the early stages of osseointegration, bone formation around titanium implants in rats’ tibiae, based on radiographic and mechanical analysis.”
• Waisse, Silvia: Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on in vitro models: literature review, in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 90-103; Online Summary and Online Full Text
• Teixeira, Marcus Zulian and Carneiro, Solange M.T.P.G.: Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants: literature review, in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 104-120; Online Summary and Online Full Text

to 2. a)

• Waisse, Silvia: Clinical research in homeopathy: systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials, in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 121-133; Online Summary and Online Full Text
• Schmidt, Joseph M. u Ostermayr, B: Does a homeopathic ultramolecular dilution of Thyoidinum 30cH affect the rate of body weight reduction in fasting patients? A randomised placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial.Homeopathy 2002; 91(4):197-206, DOI: 10.1054/homp.2002.0049, PMID: 12422922 [Impact Factor 2011: 1.141, rank 14/22 integrative & complementary medicine]
• Schmidt, Joseph M. u Ostermayr, B: The effect of Thyroidinum 30cH on the body weight reduction of fasting patients. A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. In: Proceedings of the 57th Congress of the Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis, Moscow, Russia, 4–8 June 2002. Moskau 2002, Bd. 2, S. 362-370
• Evaluation of homoeopathic treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: A single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Frass, M, Dielacher, C, Linkesch, M, et al.Influence of potassium dichromate on tracheal secretions in critically ill patients, Chest, March, 2005;127:936-941. The journal, Chest, is the official publication of the American College of Chest Physicians.
• Hayfever: Reilly D, Taylor M, McSharry C, et al.,Is homoeopathy a placebo response? controlled trial of homoeopathic potency, with pollen in hayfever as model," Lancet, October 18, 1986, ii: 881-6.
• Asthma: Reilly, D, Taylor, M, Beattie, N, et al., "Is Evidence for Homoeopathy Reproducible?" Lancet, December 10, 1994, 344:1601-6.
• Fibromyalgia: Bell IR, Lewis II DA, Brooks AJ, et al.Improved clinical status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo, Rheumatology. 2004:1111-5. This journal is the official journal of the British Society of Rheumatology.
• Fibromyalgia: Fisher P, Greenwood A, Huskisson EC, et al., "Effect of Homoeopathic Treatment on Fibrositis (Primary Fibromyalgia)," BMJ, 299(August 5, 1989):365-6. “The improvement experienced by our patients while receiving active treatment was at least as great as that reported for any other treatment that has been assessed double blind.”
• Childhood diarrhea: Jacobs, J, Jimenez, LM, Gloyd, SS,Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea with Homeopathic Medicine: A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Study in Nicaragua, Pediatrics, May, 1994,93,5:719-25.
• Jennifer Jacobs, M.D., M.P.H. Homeopathic Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea: Results from a Clinical Trial in Nepal, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Volume 6, Number 2, 2000, pp. 131-139. The study was performed to determine whether homeopathy is useful in the treatment of acute childhood diarrhea with clear beneficial results.
• ADD/ADHD: Frei, H, Everts R, von Ammon K, Kaufmann F, Walther D, Hsu-Schmitz SF, Collenberg M, Fuhrer K, Hassink R, Steinlin M, Thurneysen A. Homeopathic treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial. Eur J Pediatr., July 27,2005,164:758-767.
• Kassab S, Cummings M, Berkovitz S, van Haselen R, Fisher P.Homeopathic medicines for adverse effects of cancer treatments. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 2.
• Taylor, MA, Reilly, D, Llewellyn-Jones, RH, et al., Randomised controlled trial of homoeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial Series, BMJ, August 19, 2000, 321:471-476. The BMJ published an editorial in the issue in which this study was published asserting, "It may be time to confront the conclusion that homeopathy and placebo differ...... This may be more plausible than the conclusion that their trials have produced serial false positive results" (This week in the BMJ. Homoeopathic dilutions may be better than placebo. BMJ 2000;321:0).
• Jonas, WB, Linde, Klaus, and Ramirez, Gilbert, "Homeopathy and Rheumatic Disease," Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, February 2000,1:117-123.
• French Study-Cahrs de Biotherapie 94 (April 1987) 77-81 - Double blind – Caulophyllum – Difficult deliveries – Remedy reduced labor time and decreased decreased abnormal labor. Labor time 5.1 hrs; average in treated grp. but 8.5 hrs in placebo group; Also, 11.3% of treated group had abnormal labor compared with 40% for placebo group;
• Gibson RG, Gibson SL, MacNeill AD, Buchanan “Homeopathic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: evaluation by double-blind clinical therapeutic trial.” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1980 May;9(5):453-9.WW. – 82% of patients experienced some relief compared with 21% for placebo. “There was a significant improvement in subjective pain, articular index, stiffness and grip strength in those patients receiving homoeopathic remedies whereas there was no significant change in the patients who received placebo.”
• Shipley M. et al. -Controlled trial of Homeopathic treatment of Osteoarthritis - Lancet-1 (1983) 97-98.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Frass, M, Dielacher, C, Linkesch, M, et al.Influence of potassium dichromate on tracheal secretions in critically ill patients, Chest, March, 2005;127:936-941. The journal, Chest, is the official publication of the American College of Chest Physicians.
• Hayfever: Reilly D, Taylor M, McSharry C, et al.,Is homoeopathy a placebo response? controlled trial of homoeopathic potency, with pollen in hayfever as model," Lancet, October 18, 1986, ii: 881-6.
• Asthma: Reilly, D, Taylor, M, Beattie, N, et al., "Is Evidence for Homoeopathy Reproducible?" Lancet, December 10, 1994, 344:1601-6.
• Albertini , H. et al. Homeopathic Treatment of Neuralgia Using Arnica & Hypericum: Summary of 60 observations –  J. of  American Institute of Hom.-78(Sept.’85) 126-128 -. 76% of those given  Arnica and Hypericum  experienced pain relief.
• German Pharmacological Journal (Arzneim. Forsch/Drug Res., 34 (1984):1791-98-    HomeopathicCombination formula reduced vertigo and nausea.
• Homeopathy-(London 1975 W.H. Allen  ), 124-125: Survey of English factory and office workers. Group treated with hom. nosode influenzium: 6.5% got flu. In untreated group, 19.7 got flu. Untreated group lost 8.5 times more working days.
• 1931 Paterson & Boyd – Schick test – registers immunity after administration of high potency nosode Diptherinum.
• Reilly, D.T. et al- Is Hom. a Placebo Response?-: Controlled trial of Hom. Potency with Pollen in Hayfever as Model. Lancet 2 No. 8512 (Oct. 1986): 881-886.
• Gerhard, W. The Biological treatment of Migraines, Based on Experience - Biological therapy 5 no. 3 (June 1988) 67-71.
• Research on homeopathy’s effectiveness for specific pathologies: http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/
• Fibromyalgia: Bell IR, Lewis II DA, Brooks AJ, et al. Improved clinical status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo, Rheumatology. 2004:1111-5. This journal is the official journal of the British Society of Rheumatology.
• Fibromyalgia: Fisher P, Greenwood A, Huskisson EC, et al., "Effect of Homoeopathic Treatment on Fibrositis (Primary Fibromyalgia)," BMJ, 299 (August 5, 1989):365-6.
• Childhood diarrhea: Jacobs, J, Jimenez, LM, Gloyd, SS,Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea with Homeopathic Medicine: A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Study in Nicaragua, Pediatrics, May, 1994,93,5:719-25.
• ADD/ADHD: Frei, H, Everts R, von Ammon K, Kaufmann F, Walther D, Hsu-Schmitz SF, Collenberg M, Fuhrer K, Hassink R, Steinlin M, Thurneysen A. Homeopathic treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial. Eur J Pediatr., July 27,2005,164:758-767.
• Taylor, MA, Reilly, D, Llewellyn-Jones, RH, et al., Randomised controlled trial of homoeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial Series, BMJ, August 19, 2000, 321:471-476. The BMJ published an editorial in the issue in which this study was published asserting, “It may be time to confront the conclusion that homeopathy and placebo differ...... This may be more plausible than the conclusion that their trials have produced serial false positive results" (Later in the BMJ. Homoeopathic dilutions may be better than placebo. BMJ 2000; 321:0).
• Jonas, WB, Linde, Klaus, and Ramirez, Gilbert, Homeopathy and Rheumatic Disease, Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, February 2000,1:117-123.
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis (Wiesenauer M 1996; Taylor MA 2006; Ernst E 2011; Aabel S 2000; Aabel S 2000; Aabel S 2001; Kim LS 2005; Reilly DT 1986; Weiser M 1999; Wiesenauer M 1 985; Wiesenauer M 1990; Wiesenauer M 1995);
• Adler, U. C., et al. “Homeopathic Individualized Q-Potencies versus Fluoxetine for Moderate to Severe Depression: Double-Blind, Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011: 520182. Published online 2011 Jun 8
• Brulé D., Sule L, Landau-Halpern B, Nastase V, Jain U, Vohra S, Boon H. An open-label pilot study of homeopathic treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and youth. Forschende Komplementarmedizin. 2014;21(5):302-9. “63% had a statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome.” “No serious adverse events related to the therapy were reported.”
• Alibeu J.P., Jobert J.: Aconite in homeopathic relief of post-operative pain and agitation in children [Article in French] Pediatrie. 1990;45(7-8):465-6. “Despite the use of modern analgesic methods and an improved use of narcotics, the combination pain-agitation sometimes persists in the recovery-room. Aconit proved to be effective for children’s postoperative agitation with 95% good results. It is usually stated in such studies that the placebo effect is high and may reach rates higher than 30%. Aconit is an amazing cure when well prescribed, as much for the speediness of its action as for its efficiency. This remedy has a place in the recovery-room and should be in every physician’s emergency case.”
• Siqueira CM, Homsani F, da Veiga VF, Lyrio C, Mattos H, Passos SR, Couceiro JN, Quaresma CH.: Homeopathic medicines for prevention of influenza and acute respiratory tract infections in children: blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Homeopathy. 2016 Feb;105(1):71-7. “A study of 445 children ages 1-5 years old showed that statistically significant positive results for the complex homeopathy compared to placebo in the Brazilian Public Health System in Petrópolis.”
• Seeley BM1, Denton AB, Ahn MS, Maas CS. Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006 Jan-Feb;8(1):54-9. Patients taking Arnica montana experienced less bruising after facial surgery.
• Iannitti T1, Morales-Medina JC, Bellavite P, Rottigni V, Palmieri B. Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation.Am J Ther. 2016 Jan-Feb;23(1):e184-97. “Cumulative evidence suggests that Arnica montana may represent a valid alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, at least when treating some specific conditions.”
• Naudé DF, Stephanie Couchman IM, Maharaj A. Chronic primary insomnia: efficacy of homeopathic simillimum. Homeopathy. 2010 Jan;99(1):63-8. “The homeopathic simillimum treatment of primary insomnia was effective, compared to placebo. Homeopathy is a viable treatment modality for this condition and further research is justified.”
• S Sharma, N Sharma, and R Sharma Accelerating the healing of bone fracture using homeopathy: a prospective, randomized double-blind controlled study BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012; June 12. “Faster healing was reported in the homeopathy group by week 9 following injury, including significant improvement in fracture line … callous formation and fracture union in comparison to placebo. There was also lower use of analgesics and less self-reported pain in the homeopathy group.”
• Chapman EH1, Weintraub RJ, Milburn MA, Pirozzi TO, Woo E. Homeopathic treatment of mild traumatic brain injury: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 1999 Dec;14(6):521-42. “These results indicate a significant improvement from the homeopathic treatment versus the control and translate into clinically significant outcomes.”
• Bell IR, Lewis DA 2nd, Brooks AJ, Schwartz GE, Lewis SE, Walsh BT, Baldwin CM. Improved clinical status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2004 May;43(5):577-82. Epub 2004 Jan 20. “Participants on active treatment showed significantly greater improvements in tender point count and tender point pain, quality of life, global health and a trend toward less depression compared with those on placebo.”
• Boehm K, Raak C, Cramer H, Lauche R, Ostermann T Homeopathy in the treatment of fibromyalgia–a comprehensive literature-review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2014 Aug;22(4):731-42. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.06.005. Epub 2014 Jun 28. “The results of the studies as well as the case reports define a sufficient basis for discussing the possible benefits of homeopathy for patients suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome.”
• Bronchitis (Diefenbach M 1999);
• Childhood diarrhea (Jacobs J, 2003; 1993; 1994; 2000; 2006);
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (Weatherley-Jones E 2004);
• Common cold (Maiwald VL 1988);
• Depression (Adler UC 2009);
• Extended sports recovery time (Egocheaga Rodriguez J 2000);
• Fibromyalgia (Bell IR 2004; Fisher P 1989; Perry R 2010; Relton C 2009);
• Immune function (Kuzeff RM 1998); Influenza (Vickers A 2006; Attena F 1995; Brydak LB 1999; Ferley JP 1989; Papp R 1998);
• Insomnia (Bell IR 2010; Brooks AJ 2010; Carlini EA 1987; Naudé DF 2010);
• Low back pain (Gmünder R 2002; Stam C 2001);
• Otitis media (Jacobs J 2001; Taylor JA 2011);
• Perennial allergic rhinitis (Taylor MA 2000); Plantar fascitis (Clark J 2000);
• Post-operative ileus (Barnes J 1997);
• Post-operative edema (Totonchi A 2007);
• Post-operative wound healing (Karow J-H 2008);
• Postpartum bleeding (Oberbaum M 2005);
• Postpartum lactation (Berrebi A 2001);
• Premenstrual syndrome (Yakir M 2001);
• Psoriasis (Bernstein S 2006; Wiesenauer M 1996);
• Radiodermatitis (Balzarini A 2000);
• Renal failure (Saruggia M 1992);
• Rheumatic diseases (Jonas WB 2000);
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis (Smith SA 2002);
• Sepsis (Frass M 2005);
• Sinusitis (Friese K; 2007; Zabolotnyi D I 2007; Wiesenauer M 1989); Snoring (Lipman D 1999);
• Stomatitis (Oberbaum M 2001);
• Tracheal secretions (Frass M 2005);
• Upper respiratory tract infections, including otitis media (Bellavite P 2006; Bornhöft G 2006);
• Uraemic pruritus (Cavalcanti AM 2003);
• Varicose veins (Ernst E 1990);
• Vertigo (Schneider B 2005; Issing W 2005; Weiser M 1998).
• In a 2018 PubMed listed study, those cocaine users who used homeopathy were able to reduce usage to 18 days per month compared to placebo group who used 28 days a month. This Brazilian study noted that any reduction is helpful as there are no medically assisted treatments for cocaine use in western medical drug treatment. J Integr Med. 2018 May;16(3):178-184. doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2018.03.004. Epub 2018 Mar 30. Double-blind evaluation of homeopathy on cocaine craving: a randomized controlled pilot study. (Quoted from Hpathy.com, collected by Loretta Butehorn PhD CCH and Robert Medhurst BNat DHom DBM DRM DNutr)
• Reduction in Alcohol and other Drug Cravings in Clients in Early Recovery. - Compiling data from 3 addiction treatment programs in Boston, statistically significant results showed that clients using Nux vomica for cravings for drugs were able to complete post detox in patient treatment at a rate twice as often as those not using Nux vomiva for cravings. “Use of Homeopathic Nux Vomica in Reducing PAWS (Post acute withdrawal syndrome) in Early Recovering Addicted Women”, Butehorn, Randolph and Gumz in Inter J of Comp & Alte Med,Vol 6, No 4,2017 (Quoted from Hpathy.com, collected by Loretta Butehorn PhD CCH and Robert Medhurst BNat DHom DBM DRM DNutr)
• In this 2018 British study,antibiotics, individualized homeopathy and placebo had similar effects on bacteriological and cytological cure in cases of culture-negative milk samples (P>0.4) and Escherichia coli infections (P=1.0). An important finding given our need to reduce antibiotics in ecosystem. Vet Rec. 2018, Apr 7;182(14):407. doi: 10.1136/vr.104555. Epub 2018 Jan 26. Comparative effectiveness of individualised homeopathy and antibiotics in the treatment of bovine clinical mastitis: randomised controlled trial. Keller D1, Sundrum A1. (Quoted from Hpathy.com, collected by Loretta Butehorn PhD CCH and Robert Medhurst BNat DHom DBM DRM DNutr)
• Flu– Oscillococcinumfor influenza treatment, AnnIst Super Sanità 2012 | Vol. 48, No. 1: 105-109. In 2012, the three European researchers reviewed three randomized controlled double blinded studies completed between1988 and 1998 with over a total of 1000 patients all studied showed clinical improvement in flu like symptoms using Oscillococcinum with one study having statistically significant improvement. (Quoted from Hpathy.com, collected by Loretta Butehorn PhD CCH and Robert Medhurst BNat DHom DBM DRM DNutr)
• FaceliftSurgery Bruising. Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006, 8, 1, 54-9. Seeley BM, et al. – In this trial, 29 people who were undergoing facelifts were randomized to receive either perioperative homeopathic arnica, or placebo. They were examined post-operatively for bruising at days 1, 5, 7 and 10. Assessment showed a signification reduction in bruising when compared to placebo. (Quoted from Hpathy.com, collected by Loretta Butehorn PhD CCH and Robert Medhurst BNat DHom DBM DRM DNutr)
• J Headache Pain. 2013; 14(Suppl 1): P56.Sharma et al; Headache frequency and intensity was lower in the homeopathy group than in controls.. Compared with usual care, patients randomized to homeopathy used 35% less medication (P = 0.001) and had 45% fewer visits to general practitioners (P = 0.0001)
• Insomnia. Chronic primary insomnia: efficacy of homeopathic simillimum.Homeopathy. 2010, 99, 1, 63-8Naudé et al. Researchers from South Africa’s Durban University of Technology foused on determining the effects of constitutional homeopathic treatment for insomnia, when compared to a placebo control. Thirty subjects diagnosed with primary insomnia were randomly assigned to homeopathy or placebo. An analysis of the outcomes showed that sleep duration, sleep quality improved significantly under homeopathic treatment, when compared to that using the placebo control. (Quoted from Hpathy.com, collected by Loretta Butehorn PhD CCH and Robert Medhurst BNat DHom DBM DRM DNutr)
• Homeopathic treatment of patients with chronic low back pain: A prospective observational study with 2 years’ follow-up.Clin J Pain. 2009, 25, 4, 334-9. . Witt CM, et al. Researchers from Charité University Medical Center in Berlin, Germany, evaluated 129 adults suffering from medically diagnosed chronic low back pain for an average duration of 9.6 years were treated by homeopathic physicians who prescribed according to their individual symptoms. Their progress was followed for 2 years. On analysis of the symptom severity and quality of life changes demonstrated a marked and sustained improvement. In addition, the use of homeopathic remedies were associated with a significant decline in the use of conventional treatment and health services. (Quoted from Hpathy.com, collected by Loretta Butehorn PhD CCH and Robert Medhurst BNat DHom DBM DRM DNutr)
• Using Homeopathy with Livestock. Efficacy of homeopathy in livestock according to peer-reviewed publications from 1981 to2014Vet Rec. 2016; 179(24): 628, Doehring et al. Homeopathy is widely used in livestock, especially in order to reduce the use of antibiotics A comprehensive literature review has been conducted to assess the efficacy of homeopathy in cattle, pigs and poultry. Only peer-reviewed publications dealing with homeopathic remedies, which could possibly replace or prevent the use of antibiotics in the case of infective diseases or growth promotion in livestock were included. Search results revealed a total number of 52 trials performed within 48 publications fulfilling the predefined criteria. Twenty-eight trials were in favor of homeopathy, with 26 trials showing a significantly higher efficacy in comparison to a control group. (Quoted from Hpathy.com, collected by Loretta Butehorn PhD CCH and Robert Medhurst BNat DHom DBM DRM DNutr)
• Teixeira, Marcus Zulian and Podgaec, Sérgio and Baracat, Edmund Chara: Potentized estrogen in homeopathic treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain: A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 134-35; Online Summary and Online Full Text
• Furuta, Sérgio E. and Weckx, Luc L.M. and Figueiredo, Cláudia R.: Randomized, double-blind trial on the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in children with recurrent tonsillitis in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 136-41; Online Summary and Online Full Text

to 2. b)

• Spence, D S, et al. “Homeopathic Treatment for Chronic Disease: a 6-Year, University-Hospital Outpatient Observational Study.” J Altern Complement Med. 2005 Oct;11(5):793-8. An observational study of over 6000 patients over a 6 year period concluded that homeopathy offers “positive health changes to a substantial proportion of a large cohort of patients with a wide range of chronic diseases.”
• Witt, C M, et al. “Homeopathic Medical Practice: Long-Term Results of a Cohort Study with 3981 Patients.” BMC Public Health. 2005 Nov 3;5:115. “Marked and sustained improvements” were found following homeopathic treatment among long-term care of adult and child patients with chronic diseases, including “disease severity and quality of life.”
• Grimaldi-Bensouda L et al. Homeopathic medical practice for anxiety and depression in primary care: the EPI3 cohort study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 May 4;16:125. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1104-2. “Patients with Anxiety Depression Disorder, who chose to consult GPs prescribing homeopathy reported less use of psychotropic drugs, and were marginally more likely to experience clinical improvement, than patients managed with conventional care.”

to 3) Meta-Studies and Commentaries on them

• Bonamin, Leoni Villano: The soundness of homeopathic fundamental research, in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 82-89; Online Summary and Online Full Text
• Linde L, Clausius N, Ramirez G, Jonas W, "Are the Clinical Effects of Homoeopathy Placebo Effects? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials, Lancet, September 20, 1997, 350:834-843. Although a later review by some of these authors found a reduced significance, the authors never asserted that the significance was no longer present. Further, two of the lead authors of this article provided a very sharp critique of the Shang, et al. review of research (2005). Also, both Linde and Jonas wrote to the Lancet after the Shang/Egger article was published and asserted that the Lancet should be "embarrassed" by their publication of this article and the accompanied editorial (Lancet, 366 December 17, 2005:2081-2).
• Kleijnen J, Knipschild P ter Riet G. Clinical trials of homoeopathy. BMJ 1991, 302, 316-23. Of the 22 best studies, 15 showed positive results from homeopathic treatment. The researchers concluded, "there is a legitimate case for further evaluation of homeopathy."
• British Medical Journal 302 - (Feb 1991):316-323 Kleignen, J et al: Clinical Trials of Homeopathy- Published; review of 105 clinical trials, 81 demonstrated effectiveness.
• Jacobs J, Jonas WB, Jimenez-Perez M, Crothers D,Homeopathy for Childhood Diarrhea: Combined Results and Metaanalysis from Three Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trials, Pediatr Infect Dis J., 2003;22:229-34. This metaanalysis of 242 children showed a highly significant result in the duration of childhood diarrhea (P=0.008).
• Bornhöft, G. Matthiessen, P. Homeopathy in Health care: Effectiveness, Appropriateness, Safety, Costs: An HTA Report on the Homeopathy as Part of the Swiss Complementary Medicine Evaluation Programme, Homeopathy is covered under the National Health Care system in Switzerland. In 2011, the Swiss Government commissioned a Health Report that reviewed hundreds of research studies on homeopathy and other types of alternative medicine, with the conclusion: “There is sufficient evidence for the preclinical effectiveness and the clinical efficacy of homeopathy for its safety and economy.”
• Waisse, Silvia: Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on in vitro models: literature review, in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 90-103; Online Summary and Online Full Text
• Teixeira, Marcus Zulian and Carneiro, Solange M.T.P.G.: Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants: literature review, in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 104-120; Online Summary and Online Full Text
• Waisse, Silvia: Clinical research in homeopathy: systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials, in: Revista de Homeopatia, Vol. 80, No. 3/4 (2017), Special Dossier: Scientific Evidence for Homeopathy, by the Technical Chamber for Homeopathy of the Regional Medical Council of the State of Sao Paulo, ISSN: 2175-3105; p. 121-133; Online Summary and Online Full Text