Research in Homeopathy, Selected randomised clinical trials of homeopathy

Selected randomised clinical trials of homeopathy

Influenza
Treatment of influenza-like syndromes ¹⁶

This placebo-controlled trial looked at the effectiveness of a homeopathic preparation in the treatment of influenza and influenza-like syndromes. The researchers recognised that, while a regular feature of homeopathic treatment is that two patients who have the same disease are liable not to benefit from the same remedy, there are certain diseases especially some acute conditions that can be treated with a remedy or remedy-mixtures tailored to the disease characteristics alone. Oscillococcinum^R - made of Anas Barbariae Hepatis and Cordis Extractum - is one such remedy.

The study took place during an influenza epidemic. Patients who took part in the study were chosen from those attending GP surgeries with influenza-like syndromes, defined as a temperature equal to or above 38°C and at least two of the following cardinal symptoms: headache, stiffness, lumbar and articular pain, shivers. Most of the participating GPs were not homeopathic clinicians.

The first of five doses of Oscillococcinum^R was given at the medical practice, and the patients took the remaining four on the subsequent mornings and evenings. 237 patients received the test drug and 241 the placebo. Temperature was recorded twice a day, as well as the presence or absence of cardinal symptoms, plus cough and fatigue. Recovery was defined as a temperature of less than 37.5°C and complete resolution of the cardinal symptoms.

The proportion of patients who recovered within 48 hours of treatment was significantly greater amongst those receiving homeopathy (17.1%) than in those belonging to the placebo group (10.3%; P=0.03).

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		Selected randomised clinical trials of homeopathy
		Asthma Influenza Glue ear Pain Upper respiratory tract infection Influenza Treatment of influenza-like syndromes ¹⁶ This placebo-controlled trial looked at the effectiveness of a homeopathic preparation in the treatment of influenza and influenza-like syndromes. The researchers recognised that, while a regular feature of homeopathic treatment is that two patients who have the same disease are liable not to benefit from the same remedy, there are certain diseases especially some acute conditions that can be treated with a remedy or remedy-mixtures tailored to the disease characteristics alone. Oscillococcinum^R - made of Anas Barbariae Hepatis and Cordis Extractum - is one such remedy. The study took place during an influenza epidemic. Patients who took part in the study were chosen from those attending GP surgeries with influenza-like syndromes, defined as a temperature equal to or above 38°C and at least two of the following cardinal symptoms: headache, stiffness, lumbar and articular pain, shivers. Most of the participating GPs were not homeopathic clinicians. The first of five doses of Oscillococcinum^R was given at the medical practice, and the patients took the remaining four on the subsequent mornings and evenings. 237 patients received the test drug and 241 the placebo. Temperature was recorded twice a day, as well as the presence or absence of cardinal symptoms, plus cough and fatigue. Recovery was defined as a temperature of less than 37.5°C and complete resolution of the cardinal symptoms. The proportion of patients who recovered within 48 hours of treatment was significantly greater amongst those receiving homeopathy (17.1%) than in those belonging to the placebo group (10.3%; P=0.03). << Back to text		Table of contents Homeopathy: the great debate Clinical research in homeopathy Veterinary homeopathy Issues and controversies Mechanism of action Is homeopathy safe? Is homeopathy cost effective? BHA/Faculty’s research strategy References Research discussion forum C O N T A C T U S S I T E M A P H O M E
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