Supplementary memorandum submitted by
the British Homeopathic Association
NOTES ON DRAFT TRANSCRIPT OF ORAL EVIDENCE
SESSION OF 25 NOVEMBER 2009
Q112
As regards systematic reviews of homeopathy
showing a specific homeopathic medicine has efficacy beyond that
of placebo, more precise examples are seasonal allergic rhinitis
and post-operative ileus. The previously cited example
of vertigo relates actually to comparison with usual care, not
with placebo.
Q123
Out of the 142 randomised controlled trials
(RCTs) in total, there are 55 in which the homeopathic medicine
was not diluted beyond the point (ie potency 12C and above) where
its molecular content is uncertain. Of those 55, there are 38
RCTs with sample size H50 subjects; 18 of those RCTs were
non-conclusive or negative; the remaining 20 RCTs were positive—see
Table 1 below.
Table 1
PUBLISHED RCTs WITH POSITIVE FINDINGS, POTENCY
<, SAMPLE SIZE N >50, INDICATING STATISTICAL POWER
STATUS AND NATURE OF CONTROL GROUP (PLACEBO, P/OTHER THAN PLACEBO,
OTP)
| Medical condition
| Journal reference | N
| Powered | P/OTP
|
| 1 Ankle sprain | Zell J, Connert W D, Mau J, Feuerstake G (1988). [Treatment of acute sprains of the ankle. Controlled double-blind trial to test the effectiveness of a homeopathic ointment]. Fortschritte der Medizin, 106: 96-100.
| 69 | Yes | P
|
| 2 Bronchitis | Diefenbach M, Schilken J, Steiner G, Becker H J (1997). [Homeopathic therapy in respiratory tract diseases. Evaluation of a clinical study in 258 patients]. Zeitschrift fr Allgemeinmedizin, 73: 308-314.
| 209 | No | P
|
| 3 Common cold | Maiwald V L, Weinfurtner T, Mau J, Connert W D (1988). [Treatment of common cold with a combination homeopathic preparation compared with acetylsalicylic acid. A controlled, randomized single-blind study]. Arzneimittelforschung, 38: 578-582.
| 115 | Yes | OTP
|
| 4 Cough | Bordes L R, Dorfman P (1986). [Evaluation of the antitussive effect of Drosetux syrup: double-blind study versus placebo]. Cahiers d'ORL, 21: 731-734.
| 60 | No | P
|
| 5 Influenza (prevention) | Brydak L B, Denys A (1999). The evaluation of humoral response and the clinical evaluation of a risk-group patients' state of health after administration of the homeopathic preparation Gripp-Heel during the influenza epidemic season 1993/94. International Review of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, 5:223-227.
| 124 | No | P
|
| 6 Irritable bowel syndrome | Rahlfs V W, Mssinger P (1978). [Asa foetida in the treatment of the irritable colon—a double-blind trial]. Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift, 104: 140-143.
| 89 | No | P
|
| 7 Low back pain | Stam C, Bonnet M S, van Haselen R A (2001). The efficacy and safety of a homeopathic gel in the treatment of acute low back pain: a multi-centre, randomized, double-blind comparative clinical trial. British Homeopathic Journal, 90: 21-28.
| 155 | No | OTP
|
| 8 Obesity | Werk W, Lehmann M, Galland F (1994). [Comparative controlled trial on the effect of the homeopathic botanical medicinal product Helianthus tuberosus D1 as an adjuvant in the treatment of obesity]. Therapiewoche, 44: 34-39.
| 102 | No | P
|
| 9 Osteoarthritis | Shealy C N, Thomlinson R P, Cox R H, Borgmeyer R N (1998). Osteoarthritic pain: a comparison of homeopathy and acetaminophen. American Journal of Pain Management, 8: 89-91.
| 65 | No | OTP
|
| 10 Osteoarthritis | van Haselen R A, Fisher P A G (2000). A randomized controlled trial comparing topical piroxicam gel with a homeopathic gel in osteoarthritis of the knee. Rheumatology, 39: 714-719.
| 172 | No | OTP
|
| 11 Post-operative wound healing | Karow J-H, Abt H-P, Frhling M, Ackermann H (2008). Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for healing of wounds after Hallux valgus surgery compared to diclofenac. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14: 17-25.
| 88 | No | OTP
|
| 12 Postpartum lactation | Berrebi A, Parant O, Ferval F, et al (2001). [Treatment of pain due to unwanted lactation with a homeopathic preparation given in the immediate post-partum period]. Journal de gynécologie, obstétrique et biologie de la reproduction, 30: 353-357.
| 71 | No | P
|
| 13 Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Wiesenauer M, Häussler S, Gaus W (1983). [Treatment of pollinosis with Galphimia glauca]. Fortschritte der Medizin, 101: 811-814.
| 86 | No | P
|
| 14 Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Wiesenauer M, Gaus W, Häussler S (1990). [Treatment of pollinosis with the homeopathic preparation Galphimia glauca. A double-blind trial in clinical practice]. Allergologie, 13: 359-363.
| 201 | No | P
|
| 15 Sinusitis | Friese K-H, Zabalotnyi D I (2007). [Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis. A double-blind, placebo controlled study shows the efficiency and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy]. HNO, 55: 271-277.
| 144 | No | P
|
| 16 Sinusitis | Weiser M, Clasen B (1994). [Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of the clinical efficacy of the homeopathic Euphorbium compositum-S nasal spray in cases of chronic sinusitis]. Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 1: 251-259.
| 104 | Yes | P
|
| 17 Sinusitis | Zabolotnyi D I, Kneis K C, Richardson A, et al (2007). Efficacy of a complex homeopathic medication (Sinfrontal) in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Explore (NY), 3: 98-109.
| 113 | Yes | P
|
| 18 Varicose veins | Ernst E, Saradeth T, Resch K L (1990). Complementary therapy of varicose veins—a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Phlebology, 5: 157-163.
| 61 | No | P
|
| 19 Vertigo | Issing W, Klein P, Weiser M (2005). The homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel versus Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of vertigo in an elderly population: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11: 155-160.
| 170 | No | OTP
|
| 20 Vertigo | Weiser M, Strosser W, Klein P (1998). Homeopathic vs. conventional treatment of vertigo: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical study. Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, 124: 879-885.
| 105 | Yes | OTP
|
| |
| | |
Q124
As per the answer to Q112 above, the cited evidence regarding
vertigo (Vertigoheel) relates to comparison with usual care, not
with placebo. The systematic review concluded that effectiveness
of the medicine was at least as good as that of usual treatments.
A pdf of the paper is attached (Annex 1).
Q125
Regarding Professor Ernst's rebuttal that Vertigoheel is
"not even a homeopathic product; this is homotoxicological",
the following statement is submitted, further to Dr Fisher's (Q127),
in response:
"The reference to it being a `homotoxicological product'
is incorrect. Homotoxicology is a `school' of homeopathy that
may use Vertigoheel and other homeopathic combination medicines
produced in accordance with a nationally recognised homeopathic
pharmacopoea as part of this therapeutic approach."
Dr Robbert van Haselen, Head of Research, Biologische
Heilmittel Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany.
Q135
"Four out of five" refers to the comprehensive,
global, systematic reviews cited at Q112. As stated then by Dr
Fisher, there are also 24 condition-based systematic reviews of
homeopathy, 9 of which are positive.
Q142
A pdf of the cited paper is attached (Annex 2), as requested
by Dr Harris (Q143).
Q145
There are 87 RCTs that studied the efficacy of a given homeopathic
medicine. From those 87, there are 37 RCTs that reported positive
findings—see Table 2 below.
Table 2
PLACEBO-CONTROLLED RCTS OF NAMED HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES:
PAPERS REPORTING POSITIVE FINDINGS, INDICATING SAMPLE SIZE (N),
STATISTICAL POWER STATUS AND POTENCY (>12C/<)
| Medical condition | Name of medicine
| Journal reference | N
| Powered | Potency
|
| 1 Allergic asthma | Isopathy |
Reilly D, Taylor M A, Beattie N G M, et al (1994). Is evidence for homeopathy reproducible? Lancet, 344: 1601-1606.
| 24 | Yes | >12C
|
| 2 Anal fissure | Nitricum acidum
| Bignamini M, Saruggia M, Sansonetti G (1991). Homoeopathic treatment of anal fissures using Nitricum acidum. Berlin Journal on Research in Homeopathy, 1: 286-287.
| 31 | No | <
|
| 3 Ankle sprain | Traumeel S ®
| Zell J, Connert W D, Mau J, Feuerstake G (1988). [Treatment of acute sprains of the ankle. Controlled double-blind trial to test the effectiveness of a homeopathic ointment]. Fortschritte der Medizin, 106: 96-100.
| 69 | Yes | <
|
| 4 Blood coagulation | Antimony
| Heusser P, Berger S, Stutz M, et al (2009). Efficacy of homeopathically potentized antimony on blood coagulation. A randomized placebo controlled crossover trial. Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 16: 14-18.
| 30 | No | <
|
| 5 Bronchitis | Bronchiselect ®
| Diefenbach M, Schilken J, Steiner G, Becker HJ (1997). [Homeopathic therapy in respiratory tract diseases. Evaluation of a clinical study in 258 patients]. Zeitschrift fur Allgemeinmedizin, 73: 308-314.
| 209 | No | <
|
| 6 Cough | Drosetux syrup ®
| Bordes L R, Dorfman P (1986). [Evaluation of the antitussive effect of Drosetux syrup: double-blind study versus placebo]. Cahiers d'ORL, 21: 731-734.
| 60 | No | <
|
| 7 Infertility (oligomenorrhoea) | Phyto-Hypophyson ®
| Bergmann J, Luft B, Boehmann S, et al (2000). [The efficacy of the complex medication Phyto-Hypophyson L in female, hormone-related sterility. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical double-blind study]. Forschende Komplementarmedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde, 7: 190-199.
| 37 | Yes | <
|
| 8 Influenza | Oscillococcinum ®
| Ferley J P, Zmirou D, D'Adhemar D, Balducci F (1989). A controlled evaluation of a homoeopathic preparation in the treatment of influenza like syndromes. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 27: 329-335.
| 462 | No | >12C
|
| 9 Influenza | Oscillococcinum ®
| Papp R, Schuback G, Beck E, et al (1998). Oscillococcinum in patients with influenza-like syndromes: a placebo-controlled double-blind evaluation. British Homeopathic Journal, 87: 69-76.
| 372 | Yes | >12C
|
| 10 Influenza (prevention) | Combination preparation
| Rottey E E D, Verleye G B, Liagre R L P (1995). [The effect of a homeopathic preparation in the prevention of flu symptoms: a randomized double-blind trial in primary care practice]. Tijdschrift Integrale Geneeskunde, 11: 54-58.
| 501 | No | >12C
|
| 11 Influenza (prevention) | Gripp-Heel ®
| Brydak L B, Denys A (1999). The evaluation of humoral response and the clinical evaluation of a risk-group patients' state of health after administration of the homeopathic preparation Gripp-Heel during the influenza epidemic season 1993/94. International Review of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, 5: 223-227.
| 124 | No | <
|
| 12 Irritable bowel syndrome | Asa foetida
| Rahlfs V W, Mssinger P (1978). [Asa foetida in the treatment of the irritable colon—a double-blind trial]. Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift, 104: 140-143.
| 89 | No | <
|
| 13 Muscle soreness | Arnica |
Tveiten D, Bruseth S, Borchgrevink C F, Norseth J (1998). Effects of the homoeopathic remedy Arnica D30 on marathon runners: a randomized, double-blind study during the 1995 Oslo Marathon. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 6: 71-74.
| 46 | No | >12C
|
| 14 Obesity | Helianthus tuberosus
| Werk W, Lehmann M, Galland F (1994). [Comparative controlled trial on the effect of the homeopathic botanical medicinal product Helianthus tuberosus D1 as an adjuvant in the treatment of obesity]. Therapiewoche, 44: 34-39.
| 102 | No | <
|
| 15 Plantar fasciitis | Ruta graveolens
| Clark J, Percivall A (2000). A preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of the homeopathic remedy, Ruta graveolens, in the treatment of pain in plantar fasciitis. British Journal of Podiatry, 3: 81-85.
| 14 | No | >12C
|
| 16 Post-operative agitation | Aconite
| Alibeu J P, Jobert J (1990). [Homeopathic therapy with Aconite for post-operative pain-agitation syndrome]. Pédiatrie, 45: 465-466.
| 46 | No | <
|
| 17 Post-operative bruising | Arnica
| Seeley B M, Denton A B, Ahn M S, Maas C S (2006). Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, 8: 54-59.
| 29 | No | Mixed
|
| 18 Post-operative pain | Arnica
| Robertson A, Suryanarayanan R, Banerjee A (2007). Homeopathic Arnica montana for post-tonsillectomy analgesia: a randomised placebo control trial. Homeopathy, 96: 17-21.
| 111 | Yes | >12C
|
| 19 Post-operative swelling | Arnica
| Brinkhaus B, Wilkens J M, Ludtke R, et al (2006). Homeopathic arnica therapy in patients receiving knee surgery: results of three randomised double-blind trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 14: 237-246.
| 57 | Yes | >12C
|
| 20 Postpartum bleeding | Arnica + Bellis perennis
| Oberbaum M, Galoyan N, Lerner-Geva L, et al (2005). The effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica and Bellis perennis on mild postpartum bleeding—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study -preliminary results. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 13: 87-90.
| 40 | Yes | Mixed
|
| 21 Postpartum lactation | Apis mellifica + Bryonia
| Berrebi A, Parant O, Ferval F, et al (2001). [Treatment of pain due to unwanted lactation with a homeopathic preparation given in the immediate post-partum period]. Journal de gyne«cologie, obste«trique et biologie de la reproduction, 30: 353-357.
| 71 | No | <
|
| 22 Radiodermatitis | Belladonna +
X-ray
| Balzarini A, Felisi E, Martini A, De Conno F (2000). Efficacy of homeopathic treatment of skin reactions during radiotherapy for breast cancer: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. British Homeopathic Journal, 89: 8-12.
| 61 | No | Mixed
|
| 23 Renal failure | China rubra
| Saruggia M, Corghi E (1992). Effects of homoeopathic dilutions of china rubra on intradialytic symptomatology in patients treated with chronic haemodialysis. British Homeopathic Journal, 81: 86-88.
| 35 | No | <
|
| 24 Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Betula
| Aabel S, Laerum E, Dlvik S, Djupesland P (2000). Is homeopathic "immunotherapy" effective? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with the isopathic remedy Betula 30c for patients with birch pollen allergy. British Homeopathic Journal, 89: 161-168.
| 66 | Yes | >12C
|
| 25 Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Galphimia glauca
| Wiesenauer M, Gaus W, Häussler S (1990). [Treatment of pollinosis with the homeopathic preparation Galphimia glauca. A double-blind trial in clinical practice]. Allergologie, 13: 359-363.
| 201 | No | <
|
| 26 Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Galphimia glauca
| Wiesenauer M, Häussler S, Gaus W (1983). [Treatment of pollinosis with Galphimia glauca]. Fortschritte der Medizin, 101: 811-814.
| 86 | No | <
|
| 27 Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Isopathy
| Kim L S, Riedlinger J E, Baldwin C M, et al (2005). Treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis using homeopathic preparation of common allergens in the southwest region of the US: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 39: 617-624.
| 34 | Yes | <
|
| 28 Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Isopathy (grass pollen)
| Reilly D T, Taylor M A (1985). Potent placebo or potency? A proposed study model with initial findings using homoeopathically prepared pollens in hayfever. British Homeopathic Journal, 74: 65-75.
| 36 | No | >12C
|
| 29 Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Isopathy (grass pollen)
| Reilly D T, Taylor M A, McSharry C, Aitchison T (1986). Is homeopathy a placebo response? Controlled trial of homeopathic potency, with pollen in hayfever as model. Lancet, ii: 881-885.
| 144 | Yes | >12C
|
| 30 Seasonal allergic rhinitis | Isopathy (grass pollen)
| Taylor M A, Reilly D, Llewellyn-Jones R H, et al (2000). Randomised controlled trial of homoeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial series. British Medical Journal, 321: 471-476.
| 50 | Yes | >12C
|
| 31 Seborrhoeic dermatitis | Combination preparation
| Smith S A, Baker A E, Williams J H (2002). Effective treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis using a low dose, oral homeopathic medication consisting of potassium bromide, sodium bromide, nickel sulfate, and sodium chloride in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Alternative Medicine Review, 7: 59-67.
| 32 | No | <
|
| 32 Sinusitis | Combination preparation
| Friese K-H, Zabalotnyi D I (2007). [Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis. A double-blind, placebo controlled study shows the efficiency and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy]. HNO, 55: 271-277.
| 144 | No | <
|
| 33 Sinusitis | Euphorbium compositum
| Weiser M, Clasen B (1994). [Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of the clinical efficacy of the homeopathic Euphorbium compositum-S nasal spray in cases of chronic sinusitis]. Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 1: 251-259.
| 104 | Yes | <
|
| 34 Sinusitis | Sinfrontal ®
| Zabolotnyi D I, Kneis K C, Richardson A, et al (2007). Efficacy of a complex homeopathic medication (Sinfrontal) in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Explore (NY), 3: 98-109.
| 113 | Yes | <
|
| 35 Stomatitis | Traumeel S ®
| Oberbaum M, Yaniv I, Ben-Gal Y, et al (2001). A randomized, controlled clinical trial of the homeopathic medication Traumeel S in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in children undergoing stem cell transplantation. Cancer, 92: 684-690.
| 30 | No | <
|
| 36 Tracheal secretions | Potassium dichromate
| Frass M, Dielacher C, Linkesch M, et al (2005). Influence of potassium dichromate on tracheal secretions in critically ill patients. Chest, 127: 936-941.
| 50 | No | >12C
|
| 37 Varicose veins | Poikiven ®
| Ernst E, Saradeth T, Resch K L (1990). Complementary therapy of varicose veins—a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Phlebology, 5: 157-163.
| 61 | No | <12C
|
Dr Robert T Mathie
Research Development Adviser
British Homeopathic Association
December 2009
Annex 1
Schneider B, Klein P, Weiser M (2005). Treatment of vertigo with
a homeopathic complex remedy compared with usual treatments: a
meta-analysis of clinical trials. Arzneimittelforschung, 55:
23-29.
Annex 2
Linde K (2009). Can you trust systematic reviews of complementary
and alternative therapies? European Journal of Integrative
Medicine, 1: 117-123.
|
