An observational study to ascertain the role of a group of predefined homoeopathic medicines in the management of Malaria

Abstract

Background: Malaria is one of the foremost public health problems in India. Objective: The objective of the study was to ascertain the role of a group of predefined homeopathic medicines in the management of malaria. Methods: A total of 31 patients were enrolled, out of 173 screened cases. Patients presenting with classical clinical manifestations of malaria and showing a positive blood test for Malaria parasite were included in the study. Out of 15 predefined trial medicines, according to the principles of the need of the Case. The cases were monitored by assessing the improvement status Homoeopathy the similimum was prescribed in 30/200 potency and repeated as per the need. The result was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: The total mean Malaria symptom scores (MSS) evaluated at baseline and end were 13.2± 1.9 and 5.9±4.4, respectively. The difference in the mean scores was found to be statistically significant (P=0.001, <0.05; CI: 5.7-8.9). Most frequently prescribed medicines as per indications were Arsenicum album (n=12, 38.7%), Natrum muriaticum (n=8, 25.8%), China Officinalis (n=4, 12.9%), Rhus Toxicodendron (n=3, 9.7%), Ipecac (n= 2, 6.5%), Gelsemium (n=1, 3.2%), Nyctanthus (n=1, 3.2%). Conclusion: It was observed that the Arsenicum album was the most useful and frequently indicated medicine in the treatment of malaria. The outcome of the study shows that homeopathic medicines are useful in managing malaria. This study infers that homeopathy has a positive role in the treatment of malaria but needs further study with larger samples.