Homeopathy in parasitic diseases

Abstract

Background: The use of homeopathic medicines has increased, partly because conventional drugs do not always elicit the desired effects, and partly because their side effects might compromise the patient’s’ adherence to treatment. Several studies showed benefits in the use of highly diluted medicines for the treatment of infectious diseases. Aim: The aim of the present review was to perform a critical discussion about aspects of homeopathy and the current status of veterinary experimentation, as well as of the use of highly diluted drugs in infectious and parasitic diseases. The main aspects of effects, therapeutic regimens and / or dynamizations used in various models are discussed. Methods: Articles published since 2000 in journals included in databases PubMed and SciELO and specialized journals sought for and reviewed using keywords “parasitic diseases/homeopathy” and “parasitic diseases/ ultra-dilutions”. Results: Several recent experimental studies demonstrated the biological effect of highly diluted medications on parasitic infections, with reduction of the number of parasites and improvement of the clinical condition of the affected animals. Several articles exhibit problems in the description of methods, which threaten the reproducibility of experiments. Conclusion: The acknowledgment of homeopathy depends on the credibility of investigators. Although research on homeopathy has clearly increased in recent years, relative to both implementation of more consistent methods and description of data and methods, improvement is still required. Precise and detailed descriptions will contribute to advance the use of homeopathy, so that society at large might benefit in actual practice.

Homeopathic Sulphur Ointment as Adjuvant in the Treatment of Sheep with Myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae): A Case Series

“…27 28 Studies that attest the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment applied to parasitic diseases are still scarce in the scientific literature. 29 Sulphur is a prominent polycrest of the homeopathic Materia Medica 30 and generally has a great affinity with skin pathologies, especially those whose nature is scorching and fetid. The physical pathogenesis of Sulph presents several of the symptoms characteristic of myiasis by C. hominivorax , such as irritating action on the mucous membranes, ulcerative wounds, and generating physical weakness, apathy and weight loss.…”

Homeopathic Pyrogenium Ointment as Adjuvant in Treatment of Traumatic and Infected Myiasis by Cochliomyia Hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Sheep: A Case Series

“…12 However, more applied research is necessary, especially in the context of parasites of veterinary interest. 13 Pyrogenium is considered a homeopathic dynamic antiseptic. 14 The use of Pyrogenium is recommended in treatment of septic fevers, especially puerperal fevers.…”

“…12 However, more applied research is necessary, especially in the context of parasites of veterinary interest. 13…”

Dynamized Aloysia Polystachya (Griseb.) Essential Oil: A Promising Antimicrobial Product

“…15 Homeopathic medicines may improve not only the clinical condition of chronically ill patients, but also treat acute manifestations and infectious diseases. 16,17 Recent studies have reported the antimicrobial activity of homeopathic medicines, even when the law of similarity is not considered. 18,19 Natural compounds and conventional antimicrobial drugs can act synergistically and improve the therapeutic efficiency of the treatment.…”