Characterisation of Aqueous Ultra-high Homeopathic Potencies: Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis.

Background And Objectives:  Over the past decade, research using various methods has claimed the material nature, including nanoparticles (NPs), of high homeopathic potencies. The current study aims to verify these findings using NP tracking analysis (NTA).

Methods:  Six independent serial dilutions of commonly used homeopathic medicines-either soluble (, , ) or insoluble (, , )-were prepared according to European Pharmacopoeia standards.

Verification of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Characterization of Traditional Homeopathically Manufactured Metal (Cuprum metallicum) and Plant (Gelsemium sempervirens) Medicines and Controls.

Background:  Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) proton relaxation is sensitive to the dynamics of the water molecule, HO, through the interaction of the spin of the proton (H) with external magnetic and electromagnetic fields. NMR relaxation times describe how quickly the spin of H, forced in a direction by an external electromagnetic field, returns to a normal resting position. As a result, such measurements allow us potentially to describe higher structuring of water in homeopathic medicines.

Nanoparticle Characterisation of Traditional Homeopathically Manufactured Cuprum metallicum and Gelsemium sempervirens Medicines and Controls.

Background:  Homeopathy is controversial due to its use of very highly diluted medicines (high potencies/dynamisations).

Methods:  We used a multi-technology approach to examine dilutions of two commonly used homeopathic medicines: an insoluble metal, and a soluble plant tincture, , for the presence of nanoparticles (NPs) of original substance. The homeopathic medicines tested were specially prepared, according to the European pharmacopoeia standards.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance characterization of traditional homeopathically manufactured copper (Cuprum metallicum) and plant (Gelsemium sempervirens) medicines and controls.

Background: NMR proton relaxation is sensitive to the dynamics of the water molecule HO, through the interaction of the spin of the proton (H) with external magnetic and electromagnetic fields.

Methods: We measured dilution and potentization processes through measurements of H spin-lattice T and spin-spin T relaxation times. In order to interpret the recorded fluctuations in T- or T-values, experimental data were linearized by investigating how the area under a fluctuating time = f(dilution) curve (dilution integral or DI) changes with dilution.

Model validity of randomised placebo-controlled trials of non-individualised homeopathic treatment.

Background: The comprehensive systematic review of randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) in homeopathy requires examination of a study's model validity of homeopathic treatment (MVHT) as well as its risk of bias (extent of reliable evidence).

Objective: To appraise MVHT in those RCTs of non-individualised homeopathy that an associated investigation had judged as 'not at high risk of bias'.

Design: Systematic review.

Model validity and risk of bias in randomised placebo-controlled trials of individualised homeopathic treatment.

Background: To date, our programme of systematic reviews has assessed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of individualised homeopathy separately for risk of bias (RoB) and for model validity of homeopathic treatment (MVHT).

Objectives: The purpose of the present paper was to bring together our published RoB and MVHT findings and, using an approach based on GRADE methods, to merge the quality appraisals of these same RCTs, examining the impact on meta-analysis results.

Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Model validity of randomised placebo-controlled trials of individualised homeopathic treatment.

Background: Though potentially an important limitation in the literature of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of homeopathy, the model validity of homeopathic treatment (MVHT) has not previously been systematically investigated.

Objective: As an integral part of a programme of systematic reviews, to assess MVHT of eligible RCTs of individualised homeopathic treatment.

Methods: From 46 previously identified papers in the category, 31 papers (reporting a total of 32 RCTs) were eligible for systematic review and were thus the subject of the study.

Pediatric homeopathy: a prospective observational survey based on parent proxy-reports of their children's health-related Quality of Life in six European countries and Brazil.

Background: Many European citizens regularly consult homeopathic doctors. Especially for children there is very little data available about the reasons they visit a homeopathic doctor. What are the expectations of the parents consulting a Homeopath MD with their child, who are they and last but not least are they satisfied with their initiative? This study including 773 children from six European countries and Brazil is aimed to look at parent-proxy satisfaction with homeopathic treatment prescribed for their children by a homeopathic doctor after a follow-up of two months.

Homeopathy and health related Quality of Life: a patient satisfaction survey in six European countries and Brazil.

Background: Many patients throughout the world consult homeopathic medical doctors. Using a similar methodology as in a first survey published in 2002 a second survey was done including 919 adults receiving homeopathic treatment in six European countries and Brazil aimed to look at who are they, their reasons for consultations and expectations and satisfaction with homeopathy prescribed by a homeopathic doctor after a follow-up time of six months.

Method: An initial questionnaire included demographic information and questions for assessing health-related Quality of Life (QoL).

Clinical verification in homeopathy and allergic conditions.

Background: The literature on clinical research in allergic conditions treated with homeopathy includes a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) for hay fever with positive conclusions and two positive RCTs in asthma. Cohort surveys using validated Quality of Life questionnaires have shown improvement in asthma in children, general allergic conditions and skin diseases. Economic surveys have shown positive results in eczema, allergy, seasonal allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergy and chronic allergic rhinitis.

Plausibility and evidence: the case of homeopathy.

Homeopathy is controversial and hotly debated. The conclusions of systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials of homeopathy vary from 'comparable to conventional medicine' to 'no evidence of effects beyond placebo'. It is claimed that homeopathy conflicts with scientific laws and that homoeopaths reject the naturalistic outlook, but no evidence has been cited.

Method for appraising model validity of randomised controlled trials of homeopathic treatment: multi-rater concordance study.

Background: A method for assessing the model validity of randomised controlled trials of homeopathy is needed. To date, only conventional standards for assessing intrinsic bias (internal validity) of trials have been invoked, with little recognition of the special characteristics of homeopathy. We aimed to identify relevant judgmental domains to use in assessing the model validity of homeopathic treatment (MVHT).