Classical and new proving methodology: Provings of Plumbum metallicum and Piper methysticum and comparison with a classical proving of Plumbum metallicum

Abstract

Open diaries, supervision and double-blind placebo are useful methods in homeopathic pathogenetic trials. Estimates of concordance should be introduced in proving methodology.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled homeopathic pathogenetic trials: Symptom collection and analysis

“…Many provings carried out during in recent years were unsuccessful in demonstrating a real effect of the homeopathic dilutions compared placebo or in confirming previous reported remedy pictures. 4,5,[19][20][21] Different methodologies have been used: many different potencies, various periods of observation, different use of placebo symptoms and so on. Homeopathic research is at an early stage with most studies using small samples and many different measurement techniques, not permitting a systematic data evaluation.…”

A Homoeopathic Proving of Galphimia glauca

“…This phenomenon has been explained by the theory that a specific response to the homoeopathic remedy minimises 'placebo background noise' [21] or non-local effects [22]. Signorini et al were able to show significantly more symptoms under verum than placebo by using a different proving definition; they interpreted this as evidence that high potencies and placebo are non-equivalent [23]. In a homoeopathic proving comparing Calendula officinalis, Ferrum muriaticum, and placebo, Möllinger et al showed that both remedies led to significantly more symptoms than placebo.…”

Homöopathische Prüfsymptome unter Placebo?

“…Wenn diese Hypothese zuträfe, müsste die Homöopathie noch viel bessere Kriterien für die Unterscheidung von Prüfsymptomen und Nocebosymptomen entwickeln und diese rigoros auf Validität testen. [17]). Sollte sie stimmen, müsste sich die Homöopathie wieder viel mehr mit toxikologischen Substanzen beschäftigen (mit denen die Geschichte der Homöopathie bei Hahnemann ja begann).…”

“…Es liegen durchaus homöopathische Arzneimittelprüfungen mit vergleichbarem Studiendesign vor, die quantitative und qualitative Unterschiede zwischen Verumund Placebogruppe fanden (z.B. [17]). Insofern wäre es möglich, dass wir für diese Arznei unter diesen Bedingungen keine Unterschiede feststellen konnten, dies aber keine allgemeine Aussagekraft für homöopathische Arzneimittelprüfungen besitzt.…”