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Homœopathic Links 2023; 36(01): 012-015
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1766115
Original Article

A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Homeopathic Medicines on Osteoarthritis

Niranjan Mohanty
1   International Study & Research Centre on Homoeopathy, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
,
Amulya Ratna Sahoo 
2   Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, CCRH, Guwahati, Assam, India
,
Pooja Gautam
2   Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, CCRH, Guwahati, Assam, India
,
Priyanka Ghosh 
2   Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, CCRH, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Abstract

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders present worldwide. It increases with age and is prevalent among elderly people affecting their daily activities thus adding to the economic burden.

Objectives This clinical study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of homeopathic medicines in the treatment of OA.

Methods This single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients suffering from OA. Each patient was randomised into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The IG (n = 60) received individualised homeopathic medicine (IHM) based on the symptom similarity of the case. The CG (n = 30) received an identical-looking placebo. Outcome assessment was done by assessing the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores at the baseline and after 3 months of follow-up. Paired t-test was used to determine differences between before and after treatment within groups.

Results The difference in the WOMAC index score before and after treatment in the CG was found non-significant (p = 0.96), while in the IG the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at a 95% of confidence level. The most useful medicines indicated were Bryonia alba, Medorrhinum, Pulsatilla pratensis, Rhus toxicodendron, Arnica montana, Causticum and Sulphur.

Conclusion Patients with OA reported a significant decrease in WOMAC index score after 3 months of homeopathic treatment based on the totality of symptoms.

Keywords

osteoarthritis - totality of symptoms - homeopathy - randomised placebo-controlled trial

Statement of Ethics

The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC) in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was taken from every participant for the trial.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Article published online:
31 March 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.

 

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