Homeopathic repertory, by J.T. Kent. (Image via Wikipedia)
I had to do this in lots of small doses to prevent the stupid rubbing off…
People with bad-science style blogs, or on twitter may have noticed ‘Dr’ Nancy Malik and co pushing a google knol page in which said homeopathic astroturfer had dumped a whole bunch of links to homeopathy paper that she concludes has “confirmed the efficacy of homeopathic medicine.”
O RLY?
First thing to note is that she reckons there are 130+ studies… just under 100 by my reckoning, but then I didn’t count the 59 instances of multiple posting of the same paper, or indeed the many websites, news articles and blog posts which are not peer-reviewed.
I’ve gone through Malik’s knol page (fixing some of her wretched formatting quirks), and annotating each paper. My annotations appears as blockquotes. There are a few instances where I ‘ve not been able to access the full text of an article. If you can, e-mail me at xtaldaveblog_squiggle_gmail_dot_com. I have NOT drilled down into papers that might be mentioned on pages linked to, because, to be honest, I have a career and a family, and I can only read so many crappy clinical trials in a week.
Picking holes in the individual papers was not a particularly arduous task, but the sheer quantity of piffle to plough through meant that it took a while. At some point, I intend to create a searchable spreadsheet… watch this space…
The basic take home message is that the vast majority of these studies fail to impress as they have very small sample sizes. Mostly less than 100 patients per group, occasionally down to single figures. There are also plenty of instances where remedies are used at dilutions below 12C – thereby suggesting that active ingredients may actually remain – thus the ‘prior probability‘ of these remedies is non-zero. I have no real issue with the plausibility of such remedies – but let us be clear that in such cases the homeopathic bells and whistles (like succussion) have not been shown to have a demonstrable effect. This does not mean of course, that sub 12C remedies do not need to have their efficacy assessed in a correct and rigorous manner.
TRIPLE-BLIND STUDIES
1. Journal of Psychosomatic Research (Pergamon)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15016577 (2004) //Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Subjective, Patient questionnaires to measure outcome of 92 patients. p=0.09 – is not generally considered to be significant.
DBRPCT
World’s first DBRPCT was conducted in 1835 by a homeopath physician Johann Jacob Reuter,
http://www.jameslindlibrary.org/trial_records/19th_Century/lohner/lohner-commentary.html
Hardly relevant, as it is not peer reviewed. Worth mentionning only because it demonstrates the amazing ability of Malik to post things without actually reading them or critically assessing them. The DBRPCT concluded that “The vast majority of those who had received the homeopathic salt dilution had thus not experienced any ‘effect’. The investigators concluded that Reuter was wrong.”
1. Lancet
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9310601 (1997) //homeopathy is statistically significantly superior (2.45 times more effective and positive) to placebo
The 1997 Linde review was updated in 1999 and concludes “Our analyses provide clear evidence that in the study set investigated more rigorous trials tended to yield smaller effect sizes.”
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0895-4356(99)00048-7
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2886%2990410-1/abstract (1986) //hay fever
Only 52/56 patients in each group. Only subjective scores changed – objective measures like IgE no different.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2894%2990407-3/abstract (1994) //homeopathy does more than placebo
15/13 patients in each group. Conventional meds taken alongside homeopathy. No difference in objective measures.
2. British Medical Journal
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/302/6772/316 (1991) //105 studies: 77% of studies show positive result of homeopathy
CONCLUSIONS–At the moment the evidence of clinical trials is positive but not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions because most trials are of low methodological quality and because of the unknown role of publication bias. This indicates that there is a legitimate case for further evaluation of homoeopathy, but only by means of well performed trials.
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/321/7259/471 (2000) FULL TEXT //allergic rhinitis
51 patients. Flawed Statistics.
“Editor – Taylor et al came to the conclusion that “this study has failed to confirm our original hypothesis that homeopathy is a placebo” [1]. Unfortunately, the statistics do not prove that. The basis for the study was a prestudy power calculation [2] which required 120 patients to prove the hypothesis, with a 5% significance and an 80% power, infact only the study only recruited 51 patients, but analysed the results as if they had the required number. In fact their only conclusion was that they do not have enough data to make a conclusion. If we accept the availability of only 51 patients at the outset, what are the relevant calculations ? The power calculation is only 43%, and to maintain the power calculation at 80%, the “p-value” becomes 34% ! The only conclusion is that the trial is not able to prove anything.”
http://nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/content/effect-of-homoeopathic-treatment-on-fibrositis (1989) //fibromyalgia (Inflammation in muscles)
Not beyond Avagadros constant. “We showed that the homoeopathic medicine R toxicodendron 6c was effective for a selected subgroup of patients with fibrositis.”
http://www.vithoulkas.com/images/stories/Articles/premenstrual_syndrome_orig_paper.pdf (2001) //Pre Mensuration Syndrome
8/11 patients participated in each arm of this trial. Pitiful.
3.Chest
http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/127/3/936.full (2005) FULL TEXT //Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
25 patients in each group – groups not properly matched.
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2007/07/homeopathy_in_thecringeicu_1.php
4. European Journal of Paedretics (SpringerLink)
http://adhdinfocentre.com/homeopathy/Homeopathic%20treatment%20of%20children%20with%20attention%20deficit%20hyperactivity%20disorder.pdf (2005) FULL TEXT //ADHD
Cochrane review of Homeopathy for ADHD (which includes this study) concludes “Overall the results of this review found no evidence of effectiveness for homeopathy for the global symptoms, core symptoms or related outcomes of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD005648/frame.html
5. Interdisciplinary Sciences: Life Sciences (SpringerLink)
http://www.springerlink.com/content/0557v31188m3766x/fulltext.pdf (2009) FULL TEXT //electromagnetic properties of highly-diluted biological samples
Debunked here – http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=2081
6. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
http://journals.lww.com/pidj/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2003&issue=03000&article=00005&type=abstract (2003) // diarrhea
Debunked here: http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=508
http://journals.lww.com/pidj/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2001&issue=02000&article=00012&type=abstract (2001) //otitis media
Not statistically significant. “There were fewer treatment failures in the group receiving homeopathy after 5 days, 2 weeks and 6 weeks, with differences of 11.4, 18.4 and 19.9%, respectively, but these differences were not statistically significant.”
7. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (InterScience by Wiley)
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03116.x/abstract (2009) //Psoriasis
No Placebo Control
8. Ear, Nose and Throat disorders (Bio Med Central)
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6815/9/7 (2009) FULL TEXT //chronic sinusitis
No Placebo Control
9. Toxicological Sciences (Oxford University Press)
http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/94/2/368 (2006) //why small doses is better than large dose
Paper concerns HORMESIS and NOT HOMEOPATHY. Doesn’t even mention homeopathy.
10. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery (American Medical Association)
http://archfaci.ama-assn.org/content/8/1/54.long (2006) FULL TEXT //Arnica for bruising
14/15 patients in each group. This graph says it all.
http://archfaci.ama-assn.org/content/8/1/54/F3.large.gif
11. Sleep Medicine (Elseiver)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20673648 (2010) //Nux Vomica 30 & Coffea Cruda 30 for insomnia
Patients with caffeine induced insomnia had to alter their caffeine intake to participate in the study.
Should be retitled “Altering caffeine intake in patients with caffeine induced insomnia alters their caffeine induced insomnia”
12. Cancer
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1097-0142%2820010801%2992:3%3C684::AID-CNCR1371%3E3.0.CO;2-%23/full (2001) FULL TEXT //Traumeel S for stomatitis
15/15 patients in each group – Traumeel S is not diluted beyond 10^23…
13. Applied Health Economics & Health Policy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19799472 (2009) //Sinfrontal for ENT & respiratory tract infections
Can’t get full text – but it is clear that the remedy is not diluted beyond 10^23, Looks like their basis for Sinfrontal being superior is in part due to that that it is cheaper than genuine antibacterials. Also – it is not clear whether or not the cases of sinusitis studies were confirmed as being due to a bacterial infetion, rather than viral infection of allergen response.
14. Inflammation Research
http://vetpath.co.uk/voodoo/histamine.pdf (2004) FULL TEXT // homeopathy histamine modulates human basophil activation
Degrenulation studies discussed in depth here.
http://dannyb1022.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/the-faculty-of-homeopathy-%E2%80%9Canswers-the-critics%E2%80%9D-scientific-basis-of-homeopathy/
15. Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America
http://www.rheumatic.theclinics.com/article/S0889-857X%2805%2970125-3/ (2000) //rheumatic diseases
Can’t get full text…
16. Pediatrics
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8165068 (1994) //diarrhea
Discussed here : http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=472
17. Journal of Hellenic Headache Association
http://www.vithoulkas.com/content/view/280/lang,en/ (2006) //migraine
36 patients. Not placebo controlled.
18. Rheumatology (Oxford University Press)
http://bit.ly/9cs6C2 (2004)FULL TEXT// LM potency for fibromyalgia
26/27 patients in the study groups.
http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/39/7/714 (2000) FULL TEXT //osteo-arthritis of the knee
Not placebo controlled. Not clear if ingredients of gel are diluted beyond 10^23.
19. American Journal of Pain Management
http://www.homeopathic.org/content/osteoarthritic-pain-a-comparison-of-homeopathy-and-acetaminophen (1998) //pain due to osteo-arthritis
Not statistically significant, or placebo controlled.
20. Physica A
http://bit.ly/d7e0Oq (2003) //distinguishing one homeopathy medicine from another
Interesting, but largely irrelevant wrt homeopathy. Discussed here
http://apgaylard.wordpress.com/2009/09/13/a-homeopathic-refutation-%E2%80%93-part-two/
21. Journal of Clinical Gastro-enterology
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9451677 (1997) //post-operative ileus
Concludes “However, several caveats preclude a definitive judgment. These results should form the basis of a randomized controlled trial to resolve the issue.”
22. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
http://journals.lww.com/headtraumarehab/Abstract/1999/12000/Homeopathic_Treatment_of_Mild_Traumatic_Brain.2.aspx (1999) //Mild traumatic brain injury
Total of 50 patients. “Our findings require large-scale, independent replication.”
23. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
http://flusolution.net/bjcp.pdf (1989) FULL TEXT //influenza
Cochrane review of homeopathy for influenza: “Current evidence does not support a preventative effect of Oscillococcinum-like homeopathic medicines in influenza and influenza-like
syndromes.”http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001957.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Search&term=Br%20J%20Clin%20Pharmacol[object 3]+AND+9[Volume]+AND+453[page] (1980) //rheumatoid arthritis
Only 26 patients in each group
24. Phlebology
“Complementary Treatment of Varicose Veins: A Randomised,
Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Trial” E. Ernst, T. Saradeth, K.L. Resch, 1990, 157-163.Over a period of 24 days, the effects of a homeopathic complex preparation and placebo on varicose veins were tested in a double-blind trial of 61 people suffering from this condition. The homeopathic complex produced an averaged 44%
improvement in the condition while those given the placebo experienced an averaged worsening of the disorder.
Can’t get full text.
25. Human and Experimental Toxicology
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7917505 (1994) //80% homeopathy medicines shows positive effects
Points out that many studies are of poor quality and lack replication – as the paper doesn’t make any specific claims of cure of efficacy ,hardly relevant.
26. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9247843 (1997) //otitis media
Otitis media is a self-limiting condition with multiple causes. This paper compare Homeopathy with conventional meds – however, as no attempts appears to be made to determine what caused the OM, the conventional meds may be ineffective themselves, given that OM can be caused by viral infection, etc. No placebo control.
27.Journal of Dermatological Treatment
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546639709160282 (1997) //Sulphur 6, Siliciea 6 & Carbo Veg 6 for ulcer
7 patients in each group. Not diluted beyond 10^23.
28 Archives of Otolaryngology – head and Neck Surgery
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9708713 (1998) //vertigo
Can’t get full text – but abstract reveals no placebo control – “+ve control” is against conventional meds which may or may not be effective depending on cause of vertigo.
29. Biological Therapy
http://www.heelusa.com/practitioners/clinicalresearch/Docs/Euphorbium/Homeopathic_Sinusitis_Medication.pdf (1995) FULL TEXT //sinus
HomeoNasal Spray not diluted beyond 10^23 – may contain active ingredients!
30. International Journal of High Dilution Research
http://www.feg.unesp.br/~ojs/index.php/ijhdr/article/view/369 (2010) //Nux-Vomica, Merc, Belladonna for acute rhinitis
No Placebo control, and Rhinitis is another self-limiting condition which is often caused by viral infection, allergic reactions, seasonal responses to change in climate, etc etc.
http://www.feg.unesp.br/~ojs/index.php/ijhdr/article/view/286/354 (2008) FULL TEXT // Quality of life, Cost effectiveness
Not a clinical trial.
31. The Science of the total Environment (Elseiver)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17628642 (2007) //Arsenicum Album 30 for arsenic toxicity
Discussed here: http://theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=556#comment-12704
“a trial with no real inclusion criteria, poor randomisation, enormous drop out rate, that changes its protocol halfway to include meaningless controls, then utilises incorrect statistical techniques to analyse the wrong parameters.”
32. International Journal of Oncology
http://bit.ly/cM9faz (2003) //Ruta 6 for brain cancer
A cell culture-based paper with actual amounts of active ingredient – not homeopathy.
33. Nonlinear Biomedical Physics (Bio Med Central)
http://www.nonlinearbiomedphys.com/content/3/1/10 (2009) //Dilution beyond avogadro number
Noisy data. Cell culture based assay of a fungal enzyme.
34. Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (German)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9381725 (1997) //homeopathic Galphimia glauca for hay fever
Not got full text. Outcome measured by the patient. “As not all of the single studies were analyzed by intention to treat analysis the results may be biased.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16425109 (2005)
//emergency/critically ill/ICU patients
Not got full text.
35. Der Kassenarzt (German)
http://www.vasezdravlje.com/izdanje/clanak/1874/ FULL TEXT // tonsillitis
Croatian, not german. Not sure where this is published, or if it is even peer reviewed. Treatments used not beyond 10^23.
36. Arzneimittel-Forschung (German) meaning Medicines Research (English)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15727161 (2005) //vertigo
No full text – but no placebo control.
HOMEOPATHY-ONLY JOURNALS:
1. Homeopathy (Elseiver)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12725250 (2003)
This journal is hardly an unbiased observer in this case, and has been seen taking liberties with published data to provide support for homeopathy where support is not justified – including this paper – see https://xtaldave.wordpress.com/2010/01/18/diluting-the-truth/ (paper 2)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15892486 (2005) //severe sepsis
Only 35 patients per trial arm. This is in addition to conventional meds.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19135953 (2009) //treatment of respiratory infections by homeopathy is cheaper by 50% compared to conventional medicine
So apparently sugar is cheaper than real meds. Who knew?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15751328 (2005) //Inflammation of the mucous membranes of nose & throat
Concludes that homeopathy is better than antibiotics at treating acute rhinopharyngitis – but then given that most pharyngitis is viral – is that really a well designed trial? No. No placebo arm either.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20129180 (2010) //placebo effect size same in allopathy & homeopathy medicine
“RESULTS: In 13 matched sets the placebo effect in the homeopathic trials was larger than the average placebo effect of the conventional trials, in 12 matched sets it was lower (P=0.39). Additionally, no subgroup analysis yielded any significant difference.” – Yeah, and?
http://bit.ly/9kWmuV (2010) //Leptospirosis (fever+jaundice+ inflammation in kidney+enlargement of spleen)
Debunked here –
http://apgaylard.wordpress.com/2010/08/08/much-ado-about-nothing/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19647206 (2009) //oral ulcer
Not diluted beyond 10^23. Only single (patient) blinded.
http://bit.ly/bpXyQX (2010) FULL TEXT //chronic insomnia
Only 30 patients in total. Sleep quality questionnaire were only outcome measure.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19358959 (2009) //homeopathy as an adjunct to usual care for fibromyalgia
47 patients. No placebo arm.
http://bit.ly/9R3TVG (2006) FULL TEXT //patho-genetic trials
About provings. Not particularly relevant.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19371566 (2008) //osteo-arthritis
The paper is so badly written, it’s difficult to see quite what they intended to show. No placebo arm, doesn’t mention blinding, 47 patients in total.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19371568 (2008) // 3C differs from 4C
The fact that Malik thinks that the fact that a 100^3 dilution differs from a 100^4 dilution is significant suggests an astonishing lack of chemistry knowledge.
All I have to say is “well-duh”
2. British Homoeopathic Journal
http://bit.ly/aojfhY (1986) //Arnica, Bryonia & Rhus Tox for fibromyalgia
24 Patients. “homœopathy produced a statistically significant improvement, but only when the prescribed remedy was well indicated.” – “well indicated” is a subjective assessment by the homeopath…
http://bit.ly/ar8PhX (1993) //Caulophyllum 7C reduces duration of labour by 90 minutes
7C may contain active ingredient. No Placebo arm. Control group may not be well matched, and have some spuriously long labour times, which skewed average.
3. Berlin Journal of Research in Homeopathy
http://www.modernhomoeopathy.com/research_and_homeopathy.htm
Not peer-reviewed as far as I can tell
4. American Journal of Homoeopathic Medicine
(http://www.homeopathyusa.org/journal)Acute Diarrhoeal Diseases in Children, 2009, 102 (3): 122-129
Not listed in Pubmed.
5. Asian Journal of Homeopathy (homoeomag@yahoo.com)
To investigate the effectiveness of homeopathy in medical primary care in upper and lower respiratory tract complaints, 01 Feb 2008, pp. 3-19
Not listed in Pubmed
6. Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Govt of India
http://ccrhindia.org/cumulative/clinicalresearch.htm(1985-1998)
Link broken – not peer-reviewed
http://ccrhindia.org/collaborative.asp (1988-2007)
Link broken – not peer-reviewed
CAM JOURNALS
1.Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine(Liebert)
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2007.0560 (2008) //Arnica Montana for wounds
No placebo arm. No diluted beyond 10^23. Only 88 patients.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16296914 (2005) //distinguishing homeopathy medicine from solvent
Can’t get full text. Doesn’t distinguish remedy from remedy though? Are all high dilution homeopathic remedies identical? (Yes).
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-scientific-research/is-a-unified-theory-of-homeopathy-and-conventional-medicine-possible/ (2007)
Not peer-reviewed.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16296914 (2005) //distinguishing homeopathy medicine from solvent
A repeated citation from above.
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/107555303321222928 (2003) //distinguishing homeopathy medicine from solvent
Can’t get full text.
2.Evidence-based Complimentary & Alternative Medicine (Oxford University Press)
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/4/1/7 (2007) FULL TEXT
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2008/12/your_friday_dose_of_woo_when_a_mad_mathe.php
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/nep114v1 (2009) FULL TEXT //LM potency for Depression
Homeopathy no worse that Fluoxitine, which is itself only indicated for severe depression
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/2/4/441 (2005) FULL TEXT //immunology
Historical review paper. Irrelevant.
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/6/2/257 (2007) FULL TEXT //in-vitro, tumour
Heh – I “did” this one – Failure to control for ethanol concentration is epic. https://xtaldave.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/dynamised-preparations-in-cell-culture/
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/7/1/129 (2007) FULL TEXT //thallasemia
Some remedies beyond 10^23, some not. Small, variable N numbers – largest group 24 patients.
3.Complementary Therapy in Medicine (Elseiver)
http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/yctim/article/S0965-2299%2806%2900041-0/abstract (2006) //arnica for inflammation
Review of 3 trials. Arnica NOT beyond 10^23 (“. In arnica 30×, arnica is diluted 30 times with water, each dilution in the proportion 1:1”) Only one (with 57 patients made significance).
http://smhcv.org.mialias.net/wp-content/uploads/articulo_lancet3.pdf (2005) FULL TEXT //chronic diseases
Not Placebo controlled. Poorly matched groups (look at education, which is correlated with social class & prosperity & thus general health). No objective clinical outcome measures.
http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/yctim/article/S0965-2299%2807%2900013-1 (2007) //in vitro evidence of serial agitated ultra-molecular dilutions
Review of in-vitro experiments, eg. Basophile degranulation assays. Many of these studies not blinded. Notes that “No positive result was stable enough to be reproduced by all investigators.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16036165 (2005) //Arnica Montana & Bellis Perennis for bleeding after delivery
Bizarre. Trail conducted on ~210 patients. But this is a preliminary report of just 40. Which manages to just about crawl into
significance. Despite 5 years waiting, the full study not published yet… Also – some treatment groups not beyond 10^23 – and treatment groups look to be combined in analysis.
http://www.naturalnews.com/023697_homeopathy_medicine_steroids.html //homeopathy for eczema
Natural News. Lolzors..
4. Forsch Komplementarmed(German) meaning Research in Complimentary Medicine (English)
http://content.karger.com/produktedb/produkte.asp?typ=fulltext&file=10.1159/000093586 (2006) //homeopathy is safe & effective
Tries to be a meta-review. Fails to examine or judge methodology. Multiple diseases and treatments and outcome measures.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19295225 (2009) //Antimony 6X for pro-coagulatory effect in bleding disorder
Not beyond 10^23. Only 30 patients.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19420956 (2009) //homeopathy differs from placebo
Proving. Bonkers.
DOUBLE BLIND STUDIES
1. Public Health (Bio Med Central)
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/5/115 (2005) FULL TEXT // (Chronic) Disease severity and quality of life demonstrated marked and sustained improvements following homeopathic treatment
Not placebo controlled, or indeed controlled or blinded at all. A study of regression to mean.
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/8/413 (2008) FULL TEXT //Disease severity & quality of life increases following homeopathy treatment
Not placebo controlled, or indeed controlled or blinded at all. A study of regression to mean.
2. Homeopathy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18194760 (2008) //hot flushes in menopausal women
Not a controlled trial. No placebo arm.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14960096 (2004) //improved physical condition & high satisfaction, allopathy drug discontinued
No controls. No objective clinic outcomes measures.
3. Journal of Alternative & Complimentary Medicine
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2005.11.793 (2005) //chronic diseases
Not placebo controlled, or indeed controlled or blinded at all. “Patients who want sugar pills, like sugar pills”
4. Complimentary & Alternative Medicine (Bio Med Central)
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/8/52 (2008) FULL TEXT //higher paptient satisfaction compared to allopathy
Patients satisfactory survey. Not relevant for efficacy.
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/7/7 (2007) FULL TEXT
//respiratory& ear complaints
Not controlled. Many respiratory & ear complaints are viral in nature, and so comparison to conventional meds is not justified.
5. Homoeopathic Links
https://www.thieme-connect.com/DOI/DOI10.1055/s-0029-1240889 (2010) //Hepar sulphuris, Antimonium crudum, Sulphur and Calcarea carbonica for boils
Not beyond 10^23. Not controlled.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS & META ANALYSIS
http://www.homeopathyeurope.org/about-homeopathy/clinical-research/experimental-studies
Website
http://www.facultyofhomeopathy.org/research/systematic_reviews/index.html
Website
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9310601 (1997) //89 studies: homeopathy is statistically significantly superior (2.45 times more effective) to placebo
Linde Test Fail (REPOST) – see above for conclusions of 1999 re-analysis.
http://journals.lww.com/pidj/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2003&issue=03000&article=00005&type=abstract (2003) // diarrhea
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9451677 (1997) //post-operative ileus
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9381725 (1997) //homeopathic Galphimia glauca for hay fever
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20129180 (2010) //placebo effect size same in allopathy & homeopathy medicine
REPOST
http://smhcv.org.mialias.net/wp-content/uploads/articulo_lancet3.pdf (2005) FULL TEXT //chronic diseases
REPOST
ONLINE DATABASE
1. PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pmc.Pmc_LimitsTab.LimitsOff=true&db=pmc&cmd=search&term=homeopathy (1906-till date)
Websearch link.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18843608 //hypericum for depression
St John’s Wort for depression. Not homeopathy.
2.InterScience (Wiley)
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD000448/frame.html (2009) //hypericum for depression
REPOST
3. Cochrane
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cam/ViewResource.aspx?resID=295205 (2008) //hypericum for depression
REPOST
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/rel0001/CD001957/frame.html (2003) // Oscillococcinum for influenza
See above – apparently shortened flu by 7 hours. How would you know? Noise.
4. HomBRex
http://www.carstens-stiftung.org/
WEBSITE
Evidence for Specific Disease Conditions
http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/research/Conditions_where_positive_evidence.html
WEBSITE
http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/whats-new/research/evid/clinical-trials.aspx
WEBSITE
http://www.nutrition-matters.co.uk/misc/homeopathy.htm
WEBSITE
http://www.facultyofhomeopathy.org/research/rcts_in_homeopathy/index.html
WEBSITE
http://bit.ly/aojfhY (1986) //Arnica, Bryonia & Rhus Tox for fibromyalgia
Methodology paper. Maximum Patient number 24.
http://archfaci.ama-assn.org/content/8/1/54.long (2006) FULL TEXT //Arnica for bruising
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20673648 (2010) //Nux Vomica 30 & Coffea Cruda 30 for insomnia
REPOST
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1097-0142%2820010801%2992:3%3C684::AID-CNCR1371%3E3.0.CO;2-%23/full (2001) FULL TEXT //Traumeel S for stomatitis
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19799472 (2009) //Sinfrontal for ENT & respiratory tract infections
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9381725 (1997) //homeopathic Galphimia glauca for hay fever
REPOST
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2007.0560 (2008) //Arnica Montana for wounds
REPOST
http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/yctim/article/S0965-2299%2806%2900041-0/abstract (2006) //arnica for inflammation
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16036165 (2005) //Arnica Montana & Bellis Perennis for bleeding after delivery
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19295225 (2009) //Antimony 6X for pro-coagulatory effect in bleeding disorder
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18843608 //hypericum for depression
REPOST
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/rel0001/CD001957/frame.html (2003) // Oscillococcinum for influenza
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19371566 (2008) //osteo-arthritis
REPOST
http://nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/content/effect-of-homoeopathic-treatment-on-fibrositis (1989) //fibromyalgia (Inflammation in muscles)
REPOST
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546639709160282 (1997) //Sulphur 6, Siliciea 6 & Carbo Veg 6 for ulcer
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9708713 (1998) //vertigo
REPOST
http://www.heelusa.com/practitioners/clinicalresearch/Docs/Euphorbium/Homeopathic_Sinusitis_Medication.pdf (1995) FULL TEXT //sinus
Not beyond 10^23. Not significant.
http://www.feg.unesp.br/~ojs/index.php/ijhdr/article/view/369 (2010) //Nux-Vomica, Merc, Belladonna for acute rhinitis
REPOST
https://www.thieme-connect.com/DOI/DOI10.1055/s-0029-1240889 (2010) //Hepar sulphuris, Antimonium crudum, Sulphur and Calcarea carbonica for boils
REPOST
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/7/1/129 (2007) FULL TEXT //thallasemia
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17628642 (2007) //Arsenicum Album 30 for arsenic toxicity
REPOST
http://bit.ly/cM9faz (2003) //Ruta 6 for brain cancer
REPOST
Homeopathy Research Resource
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-scientific-research/
WEBSITE
http://forums.hpathy.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7796
WEBSITE
http://www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org/articles-research // USA
WEBSITE
http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/whats-new/research/default.aspx //EU
WEBSITE
http://www.positivehealth.com/research-list.php?subjectid=134
WEBSITE
http://avilian.co.uk/category/homeopathy/research/
WEBSITE
http://avilian.co.uk/2008/08/scientific-research-and-homeopathy-research-models/
WEBSITE
http://www.studytemple.com/forum/homoeopath-ayurveda/48051-scientific-testing-homeopathy-special-section-2.html
WEBSITE
Homeopathy superior to Allopathy
http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/94/2/368 (2006) //why small doses is better than large dose
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19358959 (2009) //homeopathy as an adjunct to usual care for fibromyalgia
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14960096 (2004) //improved physical condition & high satisfaction, allopathy drug discontinued
REPOST
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/8/52 (2008) FULL TEXT //higher patient satisfaction compared to allopathy
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9247843 (1997) //otitis media
REPOST
A pilot study in Ghana showing homoeopathic treatment equal to and slightly more effective than chloroquine in the treatment of acute malaria (Br Homoeopath J 1996 Apr;85(2):66-70).
Homeopathy cost-effective than allopathy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19135953 (2009) //treatment of respiratory infections by homeopathy is cheaper by 50% compared to conventional medicine
REPOST
http://www.feg.unesp.br/~ojs/index.php/ijhdr/article/view/286/354 (2008) FULL TEXT
REPOST
Homeopathy equals Allopathy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20129180 (2010) //placebo effect size same in allopathy & homeopathy medicine
REPOST
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/7/7 (2007) FULL TEXT //respiratory& ear complaints
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9708713(1998) //vertigo
REPOST
Homeopathy superior to placebo
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9310601 (1997) //homeopathy is statistically significantly superior (2.45 times more effective) to placebo
REPOST
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2894%2990407-3/abstract (1994) //homeopathy does more than placebo
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19420956 (2009) //homeopathy differs from placebo
REPOST
http://bit.ly/9R3TVG (2006) FULL TEXT //patho-genetic trials
REPOST
http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/yctim/article/S0965-2299%2806%2900041-0/abstract (2006) //arnica for inflammation
REPOST
http://www.vasezdravlje.com/izdanje/clanak/1874/ FULL TEXT // tonsillitis
REPOST
http://journals.lww.com/pidj/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2003&issue=03000&article=00005&type=abstract (2003) // diarrhea
REPOST
http://www.modernhomoeopathy.com/research_and_homeopathy.htm // Migraine, Berlin Journal for research in homeopathy
WEBSITE
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/321/7259/471 (2000) FULL TEXT //allergic rhinitis
REPOST
http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/127/3/936.full (2005) FULL TEXT //Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
REPOST
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15892486 (2005) //severe sepsis
REPOST
http://www.library.nhs.uk/cam/ViewResource.aspx?resID=295205 (2008) //hypericum for depression
REPOST
http://journals.lww.com/pidj/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2001&issue=02000&article=00012&type=abstract (2001) //otitis media
REPOST
Homeopathy improving Quality of life
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/5/115 (2005) FULL TEXT // (Chronic) Disease severity and quality of life (QoL) demonstrated marked and sustained improvements following homeopathic treatment
REPOST
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/8/413 (2008) FULL TEXT //Disease severity & QoL of life increases following homeopathy treatment
REPOST
http://www.feg.unesp.br/~ojs/index.php/ijhdr/article/view/286/354 (2008) FULL TEXT
REPOST
More Research Studies
http://excalibur.110mb.com/experiments.htm //fish kill / laser reflection experiments
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/whats-new/documents/Positivehomeopathy.pdf
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.psicounsel.com/marius/proof.html
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.healinginealing.com/homeopathyresearch.php
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.wholistichealingresearch.com/homeopathy.html
Not peer reviewed.
http://avilian.co.uk/2008/08/scientific-research-and-homeopathy-research-forums-and-discussion-groups/
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.earthsremedy.com/researchinhomeopathy.htm
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.homeopathyworkedforme.org/#/researchlinks/4526687502
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.emaxhealth.com/60/23628.html
Not peer reviewed.
http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com/ceweb/about/knowledge.jsp
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.heel.ca/pub/library/studies.jsp
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.modernhomoeopathy.com/future%20homoeopathy.htm
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.modernhomoeopathy.com/advanceshomoeopathy.htm
Not peer reviewed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4454856.stm
Not peer reviewed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/4454856.stm
Not peer reviewed.
Physics behind homeopathy
http://excalibur.110mb.com/physics.htm
Not peer reviewed.
http://lewfh.tripod.com/electromagneticinfectioninhomeopathy/id4.html
Not peer reviewed.
Memory of Water
http://hubpages.com/hub/Homeopathy-and-The-Memory-of-Water-with-Benveniste
Not peer reviewed.
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-scientific-research/memory-of-water/
Not peer reviewed.
http://avilian.co.uk/2008/08/scientific-research-and-homeopathy-water-memory/
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/water/chaplin.html
Not peer reviewed.
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-scientific-research/hydrobiotronics/
Not peer reviewed.
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-scientific-research/lionel-milgrom/
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.newdawnmagazine.com/Article/The%20Work%20of%20Dr.%20Masaru%20Emoto.html
Not peer reviewed.
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn3817
Not peer reviewed.
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-papers/transmission-of-energetic-information-in-the-body-its-relevance-to-homeopathic-remedies-and-to-other-energetic-healing-approaches/
Not peer reviewed.
http://hpathy.com/homeopathyforums/forum_posts.asp?TID=8578
Not peer reviewed.
http://lkm.fri.uni-lj.si/xaigor/slo/znanclanki/instrumental.htm
Tries very hard to look like a peer-reviewed paper, but I can’t find it in pubmed…. hmm.
http://www.physorg.com/news105191502.html
Not peer reviewed.
Dilutions beyond Avogadro Number
http://www.nonlinearbiomedphys.com/content/3/1/10
REPOST
http://lkm.fri.uni-lj.si/xaigor/slo/znanclanki/instrumental.htm
REPOST
http://www.high-dilutions.net/VersionAn/
WEBSITE
http://www.homeorizon.com/homeopathic-articles/homeopathic-researches/homeopathic-dilution-and-potency
WEBSITE
http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/127/3/936.full
REPOST
http://www.otherhealth.com/research-scientific-validity-homeopathy/6082-homeopathy-mere-placebo-5.html#post81542
WEBSITE
Evidence-based Medicine
http://www.homeopathyworldcommunity.com/forum/topics/uk-house-of-commons-science
WEBSITE
http://www.the-cma.org.uk/cma_images/Jayney‘s%20Presentation.pdf //Pandemics & epidemics 1813-1918
IRRELEVANT
http://www.jameslindlibrary.org/illustrating/articles/dean-me-2003-the-homeopathic-mustard-gas-trials-of-1941%E2%80%9342
Not Peer reviewed
To distinguish one homeopathy medicine from another
(6 methods) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrum
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-scientific-research/lionel-milgrom/
Not Peer reviewed
Nuclear Spectroscopy
http://hpathy.com/homeopathyforums/forum_posts.asp?TID=8879
Not Peer reviewed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19371568 (2008)
REPOST
http://www.hpathy.com/homeopathyforums/forum_posts.asp?TID=6908&PN=4
Protected Forum
Electromagnetic Signatures
http://forums.hpathy.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10498
Not Peer reviewed
http://www.homeopathyworldcommunity.com/profiles/blogs/nobel-laureate-explains-the
Not Peer reviewed
http://bit.ly/bTYpdX
Not Peer reviewed
Thermo-luminescence
http://bit.ly/d7e0Oq
REPOST
Physiological variability in human body
http://homeoresearch.blogspot.com/
Not peer reviewed
http://www.jr.ietejournals.org/downloadpdf.asp?issn=0377-2063;year=2008;volume=54;issue=3;spage=223;epage=230;aulast=Jain;type=2
Can’t get full text
http://www.jr.ietejournals.org/temp/IETEJRes543223-2643883_072038.pdf
Duff Link
Medical Analyser
http://forums.hpathy.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2530
Not peer reviewed
http://h-wave.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html
Not peer reviewed
http://gentlecare.blogspot.com/2009/08/research-into-how-homoeopathic-remedies.html
Not peer reviewed
Raman Laser SpectroscopyIn 1976, Boiron and Vinh used Raman Laser Spectroscopy, showing that for the 1C potency of Kali bichromicum the spectrum of alcohol disap-pears completely, while that for potassium bichromate appears. In Kali bich 1C the ratio of the number of potassium bichromate molecules is 1 to 500. In such a case the light meets 500 more alcohol molecules as those of bichromate, yet the alcohol spectrum does not appear.
Eh?
To distinguish homeopathy medicine from solvent
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16296914 // Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum
Can’t get full text
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/107555303321222928 //Bio-Electrography
Can’t get full text – “the present findings also highlight the need for additional research to evaluate factors that may affect
reproducibility of results.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19657201 (2009) //Aconitum 30C differs from placebo
27 patients – non-objective outcome measures.
Placebo Effect
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20129180 (2010) //placebo effect size same in allopathy & homeopathy medicine
REPOST
http://homoeopathyclinic.com/articles/homeopathy.pdf
DUFF LINK
Anecdotal Evidence [PSHAW!]
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1040950/The-alternative-Holby-City-treats-30-000-patients-year.html
NOT PEER REVIEWED
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/peerReviewUnderTheSpotlight.php
NOT PEER REVIEWED
http://www.electriceditor.com/impossiblecure/showstories.php
NOT PEER REVIEWED
http://www.rationalskepticism.org/pseudoscience/the-danger-of-science-denial-alternative-medicine-split-t7418-760.html#p286797
NOT PEER REVIEWED
http://www.rationalskepticism.org/pseudoscience/the-danger-of-science-denial-alternative-medicine-split-t7418-760.html#p288037
NOT PEER REVIEWED
Potency Selection
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-philosophy/removing-the-guesswork-from-potency-selection/
NOT PEER REVIEWED
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-philosophy/homeopathic-potency-selection/
NOT PEER REVIEWED
http://www.homeoint.org/site/ahmad/potency.htm
NOT PEER REVIEWED
http://excalibur.110mb.com/myspc-lm.htm
NOT PEER REVIEWED
Vital Force
http://forums.hpathy.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9047
NOT PEER REVIEWED
Animal Studies
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17982565 (2007) //Scientific World Journal
Discussed here http://hawk-handsaw.blogspot.com/2010/08/dr-nancy-malik-is-spamming-my-blog.html
http://hpathy.com/homeopathy-scientific-research/research-in-homoeopathy/3/
NOT PEER REVIEWED
http://avilian.co.uk/2008/08/scientific-research-and-homeopathy-animal-studies/
NOT PEER REVIEWED
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/7/1/abstract
Concludes: “The discrepancies between single-blind and double-blind methods in animal pharmacological research are noteworthy and should be better investigated, also in non-homeopathic research.”
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/3/2/171FULL TEXT
Lit review.
http://ict.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/5/4/362
Another cell culture based paper which fails to control for alcohol.
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/6/1/65
Actually controls for alcohol, but with 6 mice in each group….
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/2/4 FULL TEXT
Doesn’t control for alcohol
http://www.mri.psu.edu/faculty/rroy/media/Publications/DefiningStructure.pdf FULL TEXT
The authors note that this is not reproducible, even on the same make of Raman spec – only the spec used in this study. Oh dear.
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/nep139 FULLTEXT
Small sample sizes. Both sub and beyond 10^23 remedies used. Big variation in data.
http://drprabhattandon.wordpress.com/2009/05/28/dynamized-homeopathic-preparations-in-cell-culture-a-study-report-in-amala-cancer-research-centre-kerala/
Review of a study which fails to control for ethanol content – again
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18657773
Not beyond 10^23. Mice behavioural studies are difficult to assess and quantify.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10484832 (1999) //Alternative Therapies in Health & Management
“To confirm whether antibiotic metaphylaxis may be replaced by homeopathic metaphylaxis, this study should be repeated
independently.”
http://www.similima.com/thesis39.html
Not peer reviewed
Plant Studies
http://avilian.co.uk/2008/08/scientific-research-and-homeopathy-plant-studies/
Another list. Another day.