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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2009Homeopathic medicines are used by patients with cancer, often alongside conventional treatment. Cancer treatments can cause considerable morbidity and one of the reasons... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Homeopathic medicines are used by patients with cancer, often alongside conventional treatment. Cancer treatments can cause considerable morbidity and one of the reasons patients use homeopathic medicines is to help with adverse effects.
OBJECTIVES
Evaluate effectiveness and safety of homeopathic medicines used to prevent or treat adverse effects of cancer treatments.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The following were searched up to November 2008: Cochrane PaPaS Trials Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL; BNI; CancerLIT; AMED; CISCOM; Hom-Inform; SIGLE; National Research Register; Zetoc; www.controlled-trials.com; http://clinicaltrials.gov; Liga Medicorum Homeopathica Internationalis (LMHI, Liga) conference proceedings; reference lists of relevant studies were checked; and homeopathic manufacturers, leading researchers and practitioners were contacted.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of homeopathic medicines in participants with a clinical or histological diagnosis of cancer where the intervention was aimed at preventing or treating symptoms associated with cancer treatments. All age groups, and all stages of disease were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and two review authors extracted data. Three review authors independently assessed trial quality using the Delphi List and the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Where available, data were extracted for analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
Eight controlled trials (seven placebo controlled and one trial against an active treatment) with a total of 664 participants met the inclusion criteria. Three studied adverse effects of radiotherapy, three studied adverse effects of chemotherapy and two studied menopausal symptoms associated with breast cancer treatment.Two studies with low risk of bias demonstrated benefit: one with 254 participants demonstrated superiority of topical calendula over trolamine (a topical agent not containing corticosteroids) for prevention of radiotherapy-induced dermatitis, and another with 32 participants demonstrated superiority of Traumeel S (a proprietary complex homeopathic medicine) over placebo as a mouthwash for chemotherapy-induced stomatitis. Two other studies reported positive results, although the risk of bias was unclear, and four further studies reported negative results.No serious adverse effects or interactions were reported attributable to the homeopathic medicines used.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review found preliminary data in support of the efficacy of topical calendula for prophylaxis of acute dermatitis during radiotherapy and Traumeel S mouthwash in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis. These trials need replicating. There is no convincing evidence for the efficacy of homeopathic medicines for other adverse effects of cancer treatments. Further research is required.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Calendula; Female; Homeopathy; Humans; Menopause; Minerals; Neoplasms; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Radiation Injuries; Radiodermatitis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stomatitis
PubMed: 19370613
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004845.pub2 -
Bone Marrow Transplantation Nov 2012Mucositis can be a serious complication of hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). A previous phase II trial in 32 children undergoing HSCT reported a beneficial effect of the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Mucositis can be a serious complication of hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). A previous phase II trial in 32 children undergoing HSCT reported a beneficial effect of the homeopathic remedy Traumeel S. The Children's Oncology Group sought to replicate the results in a multi-institutional trial. The study was an international multi-center, double-blind, randomized trial comparing Traumeel with placebo in patients aged 3-25 years undergoing myeloablative HSCT. Traumeel/placebo was started on Day -1 as a five-time daily mouth rinse. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed using the modified Walsh scale for mucositis, scored daily from Day -1 to 20 days after HCST. The main outcome was the sum of Walsh scale scores (area-under-the-curve (AUC)) over this period. Other outcomes included narcotic use, days of total parenteral feeding, days of nasogastric feeding and adverse events. In 181 evaluable patients, there was no statistical difference in mucositis (AUC) in the Traumeel group (76.7) compared with placebo (67.3) (P=0.13). There was a trend towards less narcotic usage in the Traumeel patients. No statistically beneficial effect from Traumeel was demonstrated for mucositis. We could not confirm that Traumeel is an effective treatment for mucositis in children undergoing HSCT.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Double-Blind Method; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Homeopathy; Humans; Male; Minerals; Mucositis; Plant Extracts; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 22504933
DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2012.30 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) 2011Periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic infections in humans. Chronic low-level bacteremia and a septicemic inflammatory response have been suggested as a...
INTRODUCTION
Periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic infections in humans. Chronic low-level bacteremia and a septicemic inflammatory response have been suggested as a pathogenetic link between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis, diabetes and other systemic diseases. All this significantly increases the relevance of the search for the means for treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate blood count and the antioxidant capacity of venous blood, blood plasma, and serum in patients with periodontitis and control subjects with healthy periodontal tissues, and to investigate the effect of the homeopathic medication Traumeel S on the antioxidant capacity of venous blood, plasma, and serum.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study was performed using venous blood of 21 individuals with chronic periodontitis and 22 healthy subjects. Reduction properties of venous blood, blood plasma, and serum were investigated using the method of reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, proposed by Demehin et al.
RESULTS
The data showed that there was no significant difference in venous blood hemoglobin levels or erythrocyte counts between the groups, while significantly higher leukocyte counts were observed in the periodontitis group (P<0.05). The antioxidant capacity of blood plasma was significantly higher in the periodontitis group than it was in the controls (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the antioxidant capacity of serum was significantly lower in the periodontitis group as compared with controls (P<0.05). The preparation Traumeel S had no effect on the antioxidant capacity of venous blood or blood plasma in the studied groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to healthy individuals, the antioxidant capacity of blood plasma in patients with periodontitis was higher, while the antioxidant capacity of serum was lower. The homeopathic medication Traumeel S had no effect on the antioxidant capacity of venous blood, blood plasma, or serum. Our findings concerning the elevated leukocyte counts in venous blood of patients with periodontitis confirm the presumption that periodontal diseases cause low-grade systemic inflammation induced by the host response to periodontal bacteria.
Topics: Adult; Blood Cell Count; Chronic Periodontitis; Female; Free Radicals; Humans; Male; Minerals; Nitroblue Tetrazolium; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Plasma; Serum; Veins
PubMed: 21829050
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinical & Developmental Immunology Jun 2004Traumeel S (Traumeel), a mixture of highly diluted (10(-1)-10(-9)) extracts from medicinal plants and minerals is widely used in humans to relieve trauma, inflammation...
Traumeel S (Traumeel), a mixture of highly diluted (10(-1)-10(-9)) extracts from medicinal plants and minerals is widely used in humans to relieve trauma, inflammation and degenerative processes. However, little is known about its possible effects on the behavior of immune cells. The effects of Traumeel were examined in vitro on the ability of resting and PHA-, PMA- or TNF-alpha-activated human T cells, monocytes, and gut epithelial cells to secrete the prototypic pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-8 over a period of 24-72 h. Traumeel inhibited the secretion of all three agents in resting, as well as activated immune cells. IL-beta secretion was reduced by up to 70% in both resting and activated cells; TNF-alpha secretion was reduced by up to 65 and 54%, respectively, and IL-8 secretion was reduced by 50% in both resting and activated cells (P < 0.01 for all cells). Interestingly, the effect appeared to be inversely dose-related; maximal inhibition (usually 30-60% inhibition; P < 0.01) was seen with dilutions of 10(-3)-10(-6) of the Traumeel stock material. This finding suggests that Traumeel does not inhibit immune cells functions by exerting a toxic effect. Indeed, Traumeel did not affect T cell and monocyte proliferation. Although additional studies are needed to clarify the mode of action of Traumeel and to demonstrate causative relationship between the inhibition of cytokine/chemokine secretion in cell culture and the reported clinical effects of the preparation, our in vitro results offer a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effects of Traumeel observed in clinical use.
Topics: Cell Line; Cells, Cultured; Coculture Techniques; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-8; Lymphocyte Activation; Minerals; Plant Extracts; T-Lymphocytes; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 15330450
DOI: 10.1080/10446670410001722203 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023(1) Background: The aim of the study is to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of a physical therapy regimen that combines the use of an electromagnetic field with...
Analgesic Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Combining the Use of Electromagnetic Fields with Light Radiation Emitted by LEDs along with the Use of Topical Herbal Ointment in Patients with Gonarthrosis.
(1) Background: The aim of the study is to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of a physical therapy regimen that combines the use of an electromagnetic field with light radiation emitted by LEDs, along with the use of Traumeel S ointment, in patients with gonarthrosis. (2) Methods: The study included 90 patients with knee osteoarthritis (grade 2 Kellgren and Lawrence osteoarthritis). They were divided into three groups: Group I, 30 patients treated with magnetic stimulation plus LED therapy; Group II, 30 patients treated with Traumeel S ointment; and Group III, 30 patients treated with magnetic stimulation plus LED therapy with Traumeel S ointment. Pain intensity was assessed using the VAS and Laitinen scales before and after a series of treatments. (3) Results: Significant results in terms of pain reduction before and after treatment were obtained in each of the study groups, as there were significant differences in the VAS pain intensity scores before and after the procedures between the groups. In group I, with electromagnetic field and LED light treatment, the difference was 35.5; in group II, which received Traumeel S ointment, the difference was 18.5; and in group III, with electromagnetic field and LED light treatment as well as Traumeel S ointment, the difference was 26.5. In the Laitinen scale, the differences were insignificant, although the size distribution was similar. (4) Conclusions: The therapy used in this study showed that magnetic stimulation plus LED therapy and the use of Traumeel S ointment gave positive results in terms of pain reduction in each of the study groups. The strongest analgesic factor seems to be magnetic and LED therapies used separately. Traumeel S in magnetoledophoresis does not work synergistically with the magnetic field of LED light, and even worsens the effect of the therapy used.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Electromagnetic Fields; Ointments; Treatment Outcome; Analgesics; Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 36834396
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043696 -
International Journal of General... Mar 2011Musculoskeletal injuries are on the rise. First-line management of such injuries usually employs the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) approach to limit...
Musculoskeletal injuries are on the rise. First-line management of such injuries usually employs the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) approach to limit excessive inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also commonly used to limit inflammation and to control pain. Traumeel(®), a preparation with bioregulatory effects is also used to treat the symptoms associated with acute musculoskeletal injuries, including pain and swelling. Traumeel is a fixed combination of biological and mineral extracts, which aims to apply stimuli to multiple targets to restore normal functioning of regulatory mechanisms. This paper presents the accumulating evidence of Traumeel's action on the inflammatory process, and of its efficacy and tolerability in randomized trials, as well as observational and surveillance studies for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Traumeel has shown comparable effectiveness to NSAIDs in terms of reducing symptoms of inflammation, accelerating recovery, and improving mobility, with a favorable safety profile. While continued research and development is ongoing to broaden the clinical evidence of Traumeel in acute musculoskeletal injury and to further establish its benefits, current information suggests that Traumeel may be considered as an anti-inflammatory agent that is at least as effective and appears to be better tolerated than NSAIDs.
PubMed: 21556350
DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S16709 -
BMC Clinical Pharmacology Apr 2010In spite of recent advances in post-operative pain relief, pain following orthopedic surgery remains an ongoing challenge for clinicians. We examined whether a well... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
In spite of recent advances in post-operative pain relief, pain following orthopedic surgery remains an ongoing challenge for clinicians. We examined whether a well known and frequently prescribed homeopathic preparation could mitigate post-operative pain.
METHOD
We performed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the homeopathic preparation Traumeel S in minimizing post-operative pain and analgesic consumption following surgical correction of hallux valgus. Eighty consecutive patients were randomized to receive either Traumeel tablets or an indistinguishable placebo, and took primary and rescue oral analgesics as needed. Maximum numerical pain scores at rest and consumption of oral analgesics were recorded on day of surgery and for 13 days following surgery.
RESULTS
Traumeel was not found superior to placebo in minimizing pain or analgesic consumption over the 14 days of the trial, however a transient reduction in the daily maximum post-operative pain score favoring the Traumeel arm was observed on the day of surgery, a finding supported by a treatment-time interaction test (p = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
Traumeel was not superior to placebo in minimizing pain or analgesic consumption over the 14 days of the trial. A transient reduction in the daily maximum post-operative pain score on the day of surgery is of questionable clinical importance.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. # NCT00279513.
Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Female; Hallux Valgus; Homeopathy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Minerals; Pain, Postoperative; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 20380750
DOI: 10.1186/1472-6904-10-9 -
International Journal of Clinical... Oct 2013Acute ankle sprains are common and activity limiting injuries, and topical diclofenac gel has proven efficacy in alleviating pain and restoring function. This trial... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Acute ankle sprains are common and activity limiting injuries, and topical diclofenac gel has proven efficacy in alleviating pain and restoring function. This trial aimed to compare a topical natural agent, Traumeel with topical diclofenac gel (1%) in the management of acute ankle sprain.
METHODS
This prospective, multicentre, randomised, blinded, active-control and non-inferiority study involved 449 physically active adults sustaining unilateral grade 1 or 2 ankle sprain within the past 24 h. Participants were randomised to receive 2 g of Traumeel ointment (T-O) (n = 152) or Traumeel gel (T-G) (n = 150) or diclofenac gel (D-G) (n = 147), administered topically to the ankle three times a day for 14 days, with 6-weeks follow up.
RESULTS
Day 7 median percentage reductions in Visual Analogue Scale pain score were 60.6%, 71.1% and 68.9% for the T-O, T-G and D-G groups, respectively. Total pain relief was reported by 12 (8.5%), 7 (5.0%) and 8 (5.9%) participants in each group, respectively. Median improvements in Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Activities of Daily Living subscale score were 26.2, 26.2 and 25.0 points for T-O, T-G and D-G groups, respectively. Mann-Whitney effect sizes and lower bound confidence intervals demonstrated non-inferiority of Traumeel vs. diclofenac for reducing pain and functional improvement. At 6 weeks, participants reported total pain relief and normal functioning. Adverse events (n = 43) were reported by 31/447 participants (6.9%). Treatments were equally well tolerated.
CONCLUSIONS
T-O and T-G decreased pain and improved joint function to the same extent as D-G in acute ankle sprain, and were well tolerated.
Topics: Acute Disease; Administration, Cutaneous; Adolescent; Adult; Analgesics; Ankle Injuries; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Arthralgia; Diclofenac; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gels; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Minerals; Ointments; Pain Measurement; Plant Extracts; Prospective Studies; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 23889885
DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12219 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... May 2011The anti-inflammatory effects of a homeopathic remedy, Traumeel S, have been observed in experimental and clinical studies; however, its antioxidant properties have not...
BACKGROUND
The anti-inflammatory effects of a homeopathic remedy, Traumeel S, have been observed in experimental and clinical studies; however, its antioxidant properties have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of Traumeel S on peripheral blood neutrophils in patients with periodontitis.
MATERIAL/METHODS
The study was performed using venous blood of 22 individuals with chronic periodontitis and 21 healthy subjects. The antioxidant effects of Traumeel S on the production of reactive oxygen species by unstimulated and stimulated with unopsonized E. coli neutrophils were investigated using luminol- and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence (CL).
RESULTS
Polymorphonuclear leukocytes of periodontitis patients produced higher levels (p<0.01) of light output of lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence and significantly reduced (p<0.01) light output of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence than analogous cells of healthy subjects. Highly diluted (10⁻⁴ of the stem solution) Traumeel S significantly (by approximately 50%) reduced superoxide-induced oxidation of lucigenin by unstimulated and stimulated with unopsonized E. coli polymorphonuclear leukocytes of periodontitis patients and had a tendency to intensify luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Preincubation of the unstimulated and stimulated with unopsonized E. coli polymorphonuclear leukocytes of healthy subjects with Traumeel S exerts no inhibitory action on the luminol- and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence of the above-mentioned cells.
CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that Traumeel S may significantly reduce production of superoxide anion by unstimulated and stimulated peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils of periodontitis patients.
Topics: Acridines; Adult; Female; Homeopathy; Humans; Luminescent Measurements; Luminol; Male; Minerals; Neutrophils; Periodontitis; Plant Extracts; Respiratory Burst
PubMed: 21525811
DOI: 10.12659/msm.881769 -
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and... Nov 2021Elucidation of the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of drugs capable of potentiating the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is an important task. In this in...
Elucidation of the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of drugs capable of potentiating the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is an important task. In this in vitro study, the ability of Traumeel S to influence the innate and acquired immunity was evaluated. Traumeel S was found to reduce activities of NADPH oxidase and neutrophil extracellular traps, as well as to evoke anti-inflammatory activity of lymphocyte subpopulations.
Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Extracellular Traps; HLA-DR Antigens; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Inflammation; Leukocytosis; Lymphocyte Subsets; Minerals; NADPH Oxidases; Neutrophils; Plant Extracts; T-Lymphocytes; fas Receptor
PubMed: 34792717
DOI: 10.1007/s10517-021-05326-w