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Randomised controlled trials in homeopathy
Criteria and methods for data extraction
This section contains references to full papers of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of homeopathy (treatment or prevention, placebo-controlled design or otherwise) that have been published in the peer-review literature in any country and in any language from 1950 to 2010 inclusive. Any form of homeopathy (individualised on non-individualised) was eligible for inclusion. RCTs were primarily categorized as placebo controlled or non-placebo controlled.
A study was defined as an RCT only if the paper stated there had been prospective random assignment to treatment. In the case of placebo-controlled trials, explicit mention of double blinding was required; for non-placebo controlled (including equivalence) trials, observer blinding was sufficient for inclusion. It was also required that inter-group statistical analysis had been reported, with total sample size for analysis > 10 patients for a two-group study (and > 5 patients per group).
Note on statistical significance
A minority of placebo-controlled trials in homeopathy have defined a relevant threshold for clinical importance, with consequent absence of prospective power calculation. On this web page, therefore, positive or negative findings have been described consistently in statistical terms only.
A statistically conclusive trial result requires that the 95% confidence interval of the mean difference in outcome measure does not include 0 (or P<0.05); a statistically non-significant trial result is one in which the confidence interval includes 0 (or P>0.05). An RCT reporting statistically significant findings is labelled either ‘positive’ or ‘negative’, depending on whether the homeopathy group was superior or inferior to control in at least one principal outcome of no more than three presented in a paper. Statistically non-significant trials are described as ‘non-conclusive’.
Overall summary of trial findings, 1950–2010
During this period, there were 135 peer-reviewed papers published in homeopathy, reporting a total of 156 RCTs or inter-group comparisons. The majority (132; 85%) of the 156 were placebo-controlled trials, whilst the remaining 24 (15%) were controlled by a non-placebo intervention (e.g. usual medical care). Only 44 RCTs (28%) of the total 156 have studied individualised homeopathy; each of the other 112 RCTs (72%) has selected a single homeopathic medicine for investigation.
Of the 156 RCTs in total, 64 (41%) reported positive findings; 11 (7%) were negative; 81 (52%) were non-conclusive.
The 156 RCTs represent research in a total of 75 different medical conditions. In 36 of those conditions, there has been replicated research (i.e. there have been two or more trials); for each of the other 39 conditions, there are singleton RCTs. We emphasise the results of replicated research over those of singleton trials.
Direction of RCT evidence per medical condition
A score of +1 is given to a positive RCT; -1 to a negative RCT, 0 to a non-conclusive RCT.
The overall direction of RCT evidence for each medical condition relates to the sum of the scores derived from the RCT research for that particular condition.
A sum of +3 or more suggests a clearly positive direction of evidence. A sum of +2 suggests a tentatively positive direction of evidence.
A sum of -3 or less suggests a clearly negative direction of evidence. A sum of -2 suggests a tentatively negative direction of evidence.
In the case of singleton RCTs, a score of +1 or -1 is taken as tentatively positive or tentatively negative direction of evidence.
In cases where a given paper has contributed more than one set of group comparisons, the less or least positive comparative data are used to represent that paper’s findings.
This method of summarising direction of evidence in sets of RCTs is similar in essence to that adopted previously (Ernst E, Pittler MH, Wider B: The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine; an evidence-based approach. Mosby Elsevier, 2006). It is not meant as a replacement for formal assessment procedures, such as systematic review and/or meta-analysis, which determine a trial’s intrinsic quality and/or the size of treatment effect for a specified outcome measure.
The summary method is intended to give an overall impression about the nature of the RCT evidence per medical condition, pending more formal systematic review. Such formal review would take account of whether evidence has been reported by independent research groups.
As shown in the detailed reference list below, there is:
Clearly positive direction of RCT evidence in 5 (7%) conditions:
Fibromyalgia 1–3
Influenza 4–7
Insomnia 8–11
Seasonal allergic rhinitis 12–20
Sinusitis 21–24
Tentatively positive direction of RCT evidence in 28 (37%) conditions:
Replicated research:
Childhood diarrhoea 25–28
Low back pain 29, 30
Psoriasis 31, 32
Vertigo 33, 34
Non-replicated research: singleton RCTs
Brain injury 35
Bronchitis 36
Chronic fatigue syndrome 37
Common cold 38
Depression 39
Extended sports recovery time 40
Immune function 41
Otitis media 42
Perennial allergic rhinitis 43
Plantar fasciitis 44
Post-operative oedema 45
Post-operative wound healing 46
Postpartum bleeding 47
Postpartum lactation 48
Premenstrual syndrome 49
Radiodermatitis 50
Renal failure 51
Seborrhoeic dermatitis 52
Sepsis 53
Snoring 54
Stomatitis 55
Tracheal secretions 56
Uraemic pruritus 57
Varicose veins 58
Unclear direction of RCT evidence in 38 (51%) conditions:
Replicated research:
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 59, 60
Allergic asthma 61, 62
Anxiety 63–65
Blood coagulation 66, 67
Childhood asthma 68, 69
Eczema 70, 71
Female infertility 72, 73
Hypertension 74, 75
Insect bites 76, 77
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 78, 79
Menopausal symptoms after breast cancer 80, 81
Migraine 82, 83
Muscle soreness 84–91
Osteoarthritis 92–94
Post-operative bruising 95, 96
Post-operative pain 97–101
Post-operative pain/swelling 102–104
Rheumatoid arthritis 105–108
Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) 109–111
Warts 112, 113
Non-replicated research: singleton RCTs
Adenoid vegetations 114
Arsenic toxicity 115
Body weight loss 116
Cholera 117
Conjunctivitis 118
Dengue fever symptoms 119
Headache 120
HIV 121
Induction of labour 122
Malaria 123
Minor burns 124
Orthostatic hypotension 125
Post-operative bleeding 126
Post-operative haematoma 127
Postpartum pain 128
Shift lag 129
Tinnitus 130
Withdrawal of benzodiazepines 131
Tentatively negative direction of RCT evidence in 4 (5%) conditions:
Non-replicated research: singleton RCTs
Leg ulcers 132
Post-operative analgesic intake 133
Post-operative ileus 134
Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis 135
Thus, of the 75 medical conditions for which RCTs have been carried out in homeopathy, 41% have an overall balance of positive evidence, 7% have a balance of negative evidence, and 52% are non-conclusive either way.
The above figures have similarities to data obtained from an analysis of 1016 systematic reviews of RCTs (and therefore of many more than that number of RCTs in total): 44% of the reviews concluded that the interventions studied were likely to be beneficial (positive), 7% concluded that the interventions were likely to be harmful (negative), and 49% reported that the evidence did not support either benefit or harm (non-conclusive). [El Dib RP, Atallah AN, Andriolo RB (2007). Mapping the Cochrane evidence for decision making in health care. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice; 13:689–692.]
References
Reference numbers and first author’s name are colour-coded to reflect the main findings as follows: positive RCT; negative RCT; non-conclusive RCT.
Details of many of these papers can be found on the website of the Homeopathy Research Institute.
Clearly positive direction of RCT evidence: 5 (7%) medical conditions
Fibromyalgia
1. Bell I, Lewis D, Brooks A, Schwartz G, Lewis S, Walsh B, Baldwin C (2004). Improved clinical status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo. Rheumatology; 43:577–582.
2. Fisher P, Greenwood A, Huskisson EC, Turner B, Belon P (1989). Effect of homoeopathic treatment on fibrositis (primary fibromyalgia). British Medical Journal; 299: 365-366.
3. Relton C, Smith C, Raw J, Walters C, Adebajo AO, Thomas KJ, Young TA (2009). Healthcare provided by a homeopath as an adjunct to usual care for fibromyalgia (FMS): results of a pilot randomised controlled trial. Homeopathy; 98:77–82.
Influenza
4. Attena F, Toscano G, Agozzino E, Del Giudice N (1995). La prévention des syndromes grippeaux par un médicament homéopathique: étude contolée [A randomized trial in the prevention of influenza-like syndromes by homeopathic management]. Revue d'épidémiologie et de santé publique; 43:380–382.
5. Brydak LB, Denys A (1999). The evaluation of humoral response and the clinical evaluation of a risk-group patients’ state of health after administration of the homeopathic preparation Gripp-Heel during the influenza epidemic season 1993/94. International Review of Allergology and Clinical Immunology; 5:223–227.
6. Ferley JP, Zmirou D, D’Adhemar D, Balducci F (1989). A controlled evaluation of a homoeopathic preparation in the treatment of influenza like syndromes. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology; 27:329–335.
7. Papp R, Schuback G, Beck E, Burkard G, Bengel J, Lehrl S, Belon P (1998). Oscillococcinum® in patients with influenza-like syndromes: a placebo-controlled double-blind evaluation. British Homoeopathic Journal; 87:69–76.
Insomnia
8. Bell IR, Howerter A, Jackson N, Aickin M, Baldwin CM, Bootzin RR (2010). Effects of homeopathic medicines on polysomnographic sleep of young adults with histories of coffee-related insomnia. Sleep Medicine; 12:505–511.
9. Brooks AJ, Bell IR, Howerter A, Jackson N, Aickin M (2010). Effects of homeopathic medicines on mood of adults with histories of coffee-related insomnia. Forsch Komplementmed; 17:250-257. (2 sets of comparisons: one positive; one non-conclusive)
10. Carlini EA, Braz S, Troncone LRP, Tufik S, Romanach AK, Pustiglione M, Sposati MC, Cudizio Filho O, Prado MIA (1987). Efeito hipnótico de medicação homeopática e do placebo. Avaliação pela técnica de “duplo-cego” e “cruzamento” [Hypnotic effect of homeopathic medication and placebo. Evaluation by "double-blind" and "crossover" techniques]. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira; 33:83–88.
11. Naudé DF, Couchman IMS, Maharaj A (2010). Chronic primary insomnia: efficacy of homeopathic simillimum. Homeopathy; 99:63–68. [Published erratum: Homeopathy 2010; 99: 151]
Seasonal allergic rhinitis
12. Aabel S, Laerum E, Dølvik S, Djupesland P (2000). Is homeopathic 'immunotherapy' effective? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with the isopathic remedy Betula 30c for patients with birch pollen allergy. British Homeopathic Journal; 89:161–168.
13. Aabel S (2000). No beneficial effect of isopathic prophylactic treatment for birch pollen allergy during a low-pollen season: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of homeopathic Betula 30c. British Homeopathic Journal; 89:169–173.
14. Aabel S (2001). Prophylactic and acute treatment with the homeopathic medicine Betula 30c for birch pollen allergy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of consistency of VAS responses. British Homeopathic Journal; 90:73–78.
15. Kim LS, Riedlinger JE, Baldwin CM, Hilli L, Khalsa SV, Messer SA, Waters RF (2005). Treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis using homeopathic preparation of common allergens in the southwest region of the US: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Annals of Pharmacotherapy; 39:617–624.
16. Reilly DT, Taylor MA, McSharry C, Aitchison T (1986). Is homeopathy a placebo response? Controlled trial of homeopathic potency, with pollen in hayfever as model. Lancet; ii:881–885.
17. Weiser M, Gegenheimer LH, Klein P (1999). A randomized equivalence trial comparing the efficacy and safety of Luffa comp.-Heel nasal spray with cromolyn sodium spray in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Forschende Komplementärmedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde, 6:142–148.
18. Wiesenauer M, Gaus W (1985). Double-blind trial comparing the effectiveness of the homoeopathic preparation Galphimia potentization D6, Galphimia dilution 10⁻6 and placebo on pollinosis. Arzneimittel Forschung; 35:1745–1747.
19. Wiesenauer M, Gaus W, Häussler S (1990). Behandlung der Pollinoisis mit Galphimia glauca. Eine Doppelblindstudie unter Praxisbedingungen [Treatment of pollinosis with the homeopathic preparation Galphimia glauca. A double-blind trial in clinical practice]. Allergologie; 13:359–363.
20. Wiesenauer M, Lüdtke R (1995). The treatment of pollinosis with Galphimia glauca D4 - a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. Phytomedicine; 2: 3-6.
Sinusitis
21. Friese K-H, Zabalotnyi DI (2007). Homöopathie bei akuter Rhinosinusitis. Eine doppelblinde, placebokontrollierte Studie belegt die Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit eines homöopathischen Kombinations-arzneimittels [Homeopathy in acute rhinosinusitis. A double-blind, placebo controlled study shows the efficiency and tolerability of a homeopathic combination remedy]. HNO; 55:271–277.
22. Weiser M, Clasen B (1994). Randomisierte plazebokontrolierte Doppelblindstudie zur Untersuchung der klinische Wirksamkeit der homöopathischen Euphorbium compositum-Nasentropfen S bei chronischer Sinusitis [Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of the clinical efficacy of the homeopathic Euphorbium compositum-S nasal spray in cases of chronic sinusitis]. Forschende Komplementärmedizin; 1:251–259. (2 sets of comparisons: one positive; one non-conclusive)
23. Wiesenauer M, Gaus W, Bohnacker U, Häussler S (1989). Wirksamkeitsprüfung von homöopathische Kombinationspräparaten bei Sinusitis. Ergebnisse einer randomisierten Doppelblindstudie unter Praxisbedingungen [Efficiency of homeopathic preparation combinations in sinusitis. Results of a randomized double blind study with general practitioners]. Arzneimittel Forschung; 39:620-625. (3 sets of comparisons: all non-conclusive)
24. Zabolotnyi DI, Kneis KC, Richardson A, Rettenberger R, Heger M, Kaszkin-Bettag M, Heger PW (2007). Efficacy of a complex homeopathic medication (Sinfrontal) in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Explore (NY); 3:98–109.
Tentatively positive direction of RCT evidence: 28 (37%) medical conditions
Replicated research
Childhood diarrhoea
25. Jacobs J, Jiminez LM, Gloyds SS, Casares FE, Gaitan MP, Crothers D (1993). Homoeopathic treatment of acute childhood diarrhoea. A randomized clinical trial in Nicaragua. British Homoeopathic Journal; 82:83–86.
26. Jacobs J, Jimenez LM, Gloyds SS, Gale JL, Crothers D (1994). Treatment of acute childhood diarrhea with homeopathic medicine; a randomized clinical trial in Nicaragua. Pediatrics; 93:719–725.
27. Jacobs J, Jimenez LM, Malthouse S, Chapman E, Crothers D, Masuk M, Jonas WB (2000). Homeopathic treatment of acute childhood diarrhoea: results from a clinical trial in Nepal. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 6:131–139.
28. Jacobs J, Guthrie BL, Montes GA, Jacobs LE, Mickey-Colman N, Wilson AR, DiGiacomo R (2006). Homeopathic combination remedy in the treatment of acute childhood diarrhea in Honduras. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 12:723–732.
Low back pain
29. Gmünder R, Kissling R (2002). The efficacy of homeopathy in the treatment of chronic low back pain compared to standardized physiotherapy. Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb; 140: 503-508.
30. Stam C, Bonnet MS, van Haselen RA (2001). The efficacy and safety of a homeopathic gel in the treatment of acute low back pain: a multi-centre, randomized, double-blind comparative clinical trial. British Homeopathic Journal, 90:21–28.
Psoriasis
31. Bernstein S, Donsky H, Gulliver W, Hamilton D, Nobel S, Norman R (2006). Treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis with Reliéva, a Mahonia aquifolium extract - a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. American Journal of Therapeutics; 13:121-126.
32. Wiesenauer M, Lüdtke R (1996). Mahonia aquifolium in patients with Psoriasis vulgaris—an intraindividual study. Phytomedicine; 3: 231-235.
Vertigo
33. Issing W, Klein P, Weiser M (2005). The homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel versus Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of vertigo in an elderly population: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11:155–160.
34. Weiser M, Strösser W, Klein P (1998). Homeopathic vs. conventional treatment of vertigo: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical study. Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 124:879–885.
Singleton RCTs (including single papers that report more than one set of comparisons)
Brain injury
35. Chapman EH, Weintraub RJ, Milburn MA, Pirozzi TO, Woo E (1999). Homeopathic treatment of mild traumatic brain injury: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation; 14: 521–542.
Bronchitis
36. Diefenbach M, Schilken J, Steiner G, Becker HJ (1997). Homöopathische Therapie bei Erkrankungen der Atemwege. Auswertung einer klinischen Studie bei 258 Patienten [Homeopathic therapy in respiratory tract diseases. Evaluation of a clinical study in 258 patients]. Zeitschrift für Allgemeinmedizin; 73:308–314.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
37. Weatherley-Jones E, Nicholl JP, Thomas KJ, Parry GJ, McKendrick MW, Green ST, Stanley PJ, Lynch SP (2004). A randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial of the efficacy of homeopathic treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Psychosomatic Research; 56:189–197.
Common cold
38. Maiwald VL, Weinfurtner T, Mau J, Connert WD (1988). Therapie des grippalen Infekts mit einem homöopathischen Kombinationspräparat im Vergleich zu Acetylsalycilsäure. Kontrollierte, randomisierte Einfachblindstudie [Treatment of common cold with a combination homeopathic preparation compared with acetylsalicylic acid. A controlled, randomized single-blind study]. Arzneimittel Forschung; 38:578–582.
Depression
39. Adler UC, Paiva NM, Cesar AT, Adler MS, Molina A, Padula AE, Calil HM (2009). Homeopathic individualized Q-potencies versus fluoxetine for moderate to severe depression: double-blind, randomized non-inferiority trial. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM [Epub ahead of print]
Extended sports recovery time
40. Egocheaga Rodriguez J, Urraca JM, Angeles Montoliu M, Carlos Alameda J, Méndez Suárez B, Rodríguez B, Del Valle Soto M (2000). Estudio a doble ciego con «Rendi-Max®» en deportistas de élite. Efectos sobre los niveles submáximos y máximos de esfuerzo [Double-cross study with Rendi-Max in elite sportsmen. Submaximal and maximal effort effects]. Archivos de Medicina del Deporte; 17:483-490.
Immune function
41. Kuzeff RM (1998). Homeopathy, sensation of well-being and CD4-levels – A placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine; 6:4–9.
Otitis media
42. Jacobs J, Springer DA, Crothers D (2001). Homeopathic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a preliminary randomized placebo-controlled trial. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal; 20:177-183.
Perennial allergic rhinitis
43. Taylor MA, Reilly D, Llewellyn-Jones RH, McSharry C, Aitchison TC (2000). Randomised controlled trial of homoeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial series. British Medical Journal; 321:471–476.
Plantar fasciitis
44. Clark J, Percivall A (2000). A preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of the homeopathic remedy, Ruta graveolens, in the treatment of pain in plantar fasciitis. British Journal of Podiatry; 3:81-85.
Post-operative oedema
45. Totonchi A, Guyuron B (2007). A randomized, controlled comparison between arnica and steroids in the management of postrhinoplasty ecchymosis and edema. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 120:271-274. (2 sets of comparisons: both positive)
Post-operative wound healing
46. Karow J-H, Abt H-P, Fröhling M, Ackermann H (2008). Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for healing of wounds after Hallux valgus surgery compared to diclofenac. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 14:17–25.
Postpartum bleeding
47. Oberbaum M, Galoyan N, Lerner-Geva L, Singer SR, Grisaru S, Shashar D, Samueloff A (2005). The effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica and Bellis perennis on mild postpartum bleeding – a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study – preliminary results. Complementary Therapies in Medicine; 13:87–90.
Postpartum lactation
48. Berrebi A, Parant O, Ferval F, Thene M, Ayoubi JM, Connan L, Belon P (2001). Traitement de la douleur de la montée laiteuse non souhaitée par homéopathie dans le postpartum immédiat [Treatment of pain due to unwanted lactation with a homeopathic preparation given in the immediate post-partum period]. Journal de gynécologie, obstétrique et biologie de la reproduction; 30:353–357.
Premenstrual syndrome
49. Yakir M, Kreitler S, Brzezinski A, Vithoulkas G, Oberbaum M, Bentwich Z (2001). Effects of homeopathic treatment in women with premenstrual syndrome: a pilot study. British Homeopathic Journal; 90:148–153.
Radiodermatitis
50. Balzarini A, Felisi E, Martini A, De Conno F (2000). Efficacy of homeopathic treatment of skin reactions during radiotherapy for breast cancer: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. British Homeopathic Journal; 89:8–12.
Renal failure
51. Saruggia M, Corghi E (1992). Effects of homoeopathic dilutions of china rubra on intradialytic symptomatology in patients treated with chronic haemodialysis. British Homoeopathic Journal; 81:86-88.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
52. Smith SA, Baker AE, Williams JH (2002). Effective treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis using a low dose, oral homeopathic medication consisting of potassium bromide, sodium bromide, nickel sulfate, and sodium chloride in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Alternative Medicine Review; 7:59–67.
Sepsis
53. Frass M, Linkesch M, Banyai S, Resch G, Dielacher C, Lobl T, Endler C, Haidvogl M, Muchitsch I, Schuster E (2005). Adjunctive homeopathic treatment in patients with severe sepsis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in an intensive care unit. Homeopathy; 94:75–80.
Snoring
54. Lipman D, Sexton G, Schlesser J (1999). A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a natural over-the-counter (OTC) medication in the management of snoring. Sleep and Breathing; 3: 53-56.
Stomatitis
55. Oberbaum M, Yaniv I, Ben-Gal Y, Stein J, Ben-Zvi N, Freedman LS, Branski D (2001). A randomized, controlled clinical trial of the homeopathic medication Traumeel S in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in children undergoing stem cell transplantation. Cancer; 92:684–690.
Tracheal secretions
56. Frass M, Dielacher C, Linkesch M, Endler C, Muchitsch I, Schuster E, Kaye A (2005). Influence of potassium dichromate on tracheal secretions in critically ill patients. Chest; 127:936–941.
Uraemic pruritus
57. Cavalcanti AM, Rocha LM, Carillo R Jr, Lima LU, Lugon JR (2003). Effects of homeopathic treatment on pruritus of haemodialysis patients: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Homeopathy; 92:177–181.
Varicose veins
58. Ernst E, Saradeth T, Resch KL (1990). Complementary therapy of varicose veins – a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Phlebology; 5:157–163.
Unclear direction of RCT evidence: 38 (51%) medical conditions
Replicated research
ADHD
59. Frei H, Everts R, von Ammon K, Kaufmann F, Walther D, Hsu-Schmitz SF, Collenberg M, Fuhrer K, Hassink R, Steinlin M, Thurneysen A (2005). Homeopathic treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial. European Journal of Pediatrics; 164:758–767.
60. Jacobs J, Williams A-L, Girard C, Njike VY, Katz D (2005). Homeopathy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a pilot randomized-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 11:799–806.
Allergic asthma
61. Lewith G, Watkins AD, Hyland ME (2002). Use of ultramolecular potencies of allergen to treat asthmatic people allergic to house dust mite: double blind randomized controlled clinical trial. British Medical Journal; 324:520–523.
62. Reilly D, Taylor MA, Beattie NGM, Campbell JH, McSharry C, Aitchison TC, Carter R, Stevenson RD (1994). Is evidence for homeopathy reproducible? Lancet; 344:1601–1606.
Anxiety
63. Baker DG, Myers SP, Howden I, Brooks L (2003). The effects of homeopathic Argentum nitricum on test anxiety. Complementary Therapies in Medicine; 11:65–71.
64. Bonne O, Shemer Y, Gorali Y, Katz M, Shalev AY (2003). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of classical homeopathy in generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry; 64:282–287.
65. McCutcheon LE (1996). Treatment of anxiety with a homeopathic remedy. Journal of Applied Nutrition; 48:2–6.
Blood coagulation
66. Baillargeon L, Drouin J, Desjardins L, Leroux D, Audet D (1993). Les effets de l'Arnica Montana sur la coagulation sanguine. Essai clinique randomisé [The effects of Arnica Montana on blood coagulation. Randomized controlled trial]. Canadian Family Physician; 39:2362-2367.
67. Heusser P, Berger S, Stutz M, Hüsler A, Haeberli A, Wolf U (2009). Efficacy of homeopathically potentized antimony on blood coagulation. A randomized placebo controlled crossover trial. Forschende Komplementärmedizin; 16:14–18.
Childhood asthma
68. de Freitas LAS, Goldenstein E, Sanna OM (1995). A relação médico-paciente indireta e o tratamento homeopático na asma infantile [The indirect patient-doctor relationship and the homeopathic treatment of childhood asthma]. Revista de Homeopatia; 60:26–31.
69. White A, Slade P, Hunt C, Hart A, Ernst E (2003). Individualised homeopathy as an adjunct in the treatment of childhood asthma: a randomised placebo controlled trial. Thorax; 58:317–321.
Eczema
70. Fisher P, McCarney R, Hasford C, Vickers A (2006). Evaluation of specific and non-specific effects in homeopathy: Feasibility study for a randomised trial. Homeopathy; 95:215–222. (2 sets of comparisons: one negative; one non-conclusive)
71. Siebenwirth J, Lüdtke R, Remy W, Rakoski J, Borelli S, Ring J (2009). Wirksamkeit einer klassisch-homöopathischen Therapie bei atopischem Ekzem. Eine randomisierte, placebokontrollierte Doppelblindstudie [Effectiveness of classical homeopathic treatment in atopic eczema. A randomised placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial]. Forschende Komplementärmedizin; 16: 315-323.
Female infertility
72. Bergmann J, Luft B, Boehmann S, Runnebaum B, Gerhard I (2000). Die Wirksamkeit des Komplexmittels Phyto-Hypophyson® L bei weiblicher, hormonell bedingter Sterilität. Eine randomisierte, plazebokontrollierte, klinische Doppelblindstudie [The efficacy of the complex medication Phyto-Hypophyson L in female, hormone-related sterility. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical double-blind study]. Forschende Komplementärmedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde; 7:190–199. (2 sets of comparisons: one positive; one non-conclusive)
73. Gerhard I, Pateck A, Monga B, Blank A, Gorkow C (1998). Mastodynon bei weiblicher Sterilitat. Randomisierte, plazenbokontrollierte, klinische oppelblindstudie. [Mastodynon for female infertility. Randomised, placebo controlled, clinical double-blind study]. Forschende Komplementärmedizin; 5:272-278.
Hypertension
74. Bignamini M, Bertoli A, Consolandi AM, Dovera N, Saruggia M, Taino S, Tubertini A (1987). Controlled double-blind trial with Baryta carbonica 15CH versus placebo in a group of hypertensive subjects confined to bed in two old people's homes. British Homoeopathic Journal; 76:114–119.
75. Hitzenberger G, Rehak PH (2005). Zur Wirkung eines homöopathi-schen Fertigarzneimittels auf den Blutdruck von Hypertonikern: Eine randomisierte doppelblinde kontrollierte Parallelgruppen-Vergleichsstudie [The effect of a homeopathic drug on the blood pressure of hypertensive patients: a randomized double-blind, controlled, parallel-group, comparative trial]. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift; 155:392–396.
Insect bites
76. Hill N, Stam C, Tuinder S, van Haselen RA (1995). A placebo controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy of a homeopathic after-bite gel in reducing mosquito bite induced erythema. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology; 49:103–108. (2 sets of comparisons: one negative; one non-conclusive)
77. Hill N, Stam C, van Haselen RA (1996). The efficacy of Prrrikweg gel in the treatment of insect bites: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Pharmacy World and Science; 18:35–41.
IBS
78. Rahlfs VW, Mössinger P (1976). Zur Behandlung des Colon irritable: Ein multizentrischer plazebo-kontrollierter Doppelblindversuch in der Allgemeinen Praxis [Treatment of irritable colon: A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind study in general practice]. Arzneimittel Forschung; 26:2230–2234.
79. Rahlfs VW, Mössinger P (1978). Asa foetida bei Colon irritabile – Doppelblindversuch [Asa foetida in the treatment of the irritable colon – a double-blind trial]. Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift; 104:140–143.
Menopausal symptoms after breast cancer
80. Jacobs J, Herman P, Heron K, Olsen S, Vaughters L (2005). Homeopathy for menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 11:21–27. (2 sets of comparisons: both non-conclusive)
81. Thompson EA, Montgomery A, Douglas D, Reilly D (2005). A pilot, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of individualized homeopathy for symptoms of estrogen withdrawal in breast-cancer survivors. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 11:13–20.
Migraine
82. Straumsheim P, Borchgrevink C, Mowinckel P, Kierulf H, Hafslund O (2000). Homeopathic treatment of migraine: a double blind, placebo controlled trial of 68 patients. British Homeopathic Journal; 89:4–7.
83. Whitmarsh TE, Coleston-Shields DM, Steiner TJ (1997). Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of homoeopathic prophylaxis of migraine. Cephalalgia; 17:600–604.
Muscle soreness
84. Adkison JD, Bauer DW, Chang T (2010). The effect of topical arnica on muscle pain. Ann Pharmacother; 44:1579-1584.
85. Jawara N, Lewith G, Mullee M, Smith C (1997). Homoeopathic Arnica and Rhus Toxicodendron for delayed onset muscle soreness: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. British Homoeopathic Journal, 86:10–15.
86. Plezbert JA, Burke JR (2005). Effects of the homeopathic remedy Arnica on attenuating symptoms of exercise-induced muscle soreness. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine; 4: 152-161.
87. Tuten C, McLung J. Reducing muscle soreness with Arnica montana. Alternative and Complementary Therapies; 1999, 5, 6, 369-372.
88. Tveiten D, Bruseth S, Borchgrevink CF, Løhne K (1991). Effekt av Arnica D 30 ved hard fysisk anstrengelse. En doppeltblind randomisert undersøkelse under Oslo maraton 1990 [Effect of Arnica D30 on hard physical exertion. A double-blind randomized trial during the 1990 Oslo Marathon]. Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening, 111:3630–3631.
89. Tveiten D, Bruseth S, Borchgrevink CF, Norseth J (1998). Effects of the homoeopathic remedy Arnica D30 on marathon runners: a randomized, double-blind study during the 1995 Oslo Marathon. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 6:71–74.
90. Vickers AJ, Fisher P, Smith C, Wyllie SE, Lewith GT (1997). Homoeopathy for delayed onset muscle soreness: a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 31:304–307.
91. Vickers AJ, Fisher P, Smith C, Wyllie SE, Rees R (1998). Homeopathic Arnica 30X is ineffective for muscle soreness after long-distance running: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical Journal of Pain, 14:227–231.
Osteoarthritis
92. Shealy CN, Thomlinson RP, Cox RH, Borgmeyer RN (1998). Osteoarthritic pain: a comparison of homeopathy and acetaminophen. American Journal of Pain Management; 8:89–91.
93. Shipley M, Berry H, Broster G, Jenkins M, Clover A, Williams I (1983). Controlled trial of homoeopathic treatment of osteoarthritis. Lancet; i:97–98. (2 sets of comparisons: one negative; one non-conclusive)
94. van Haselen RA, Fisher PAG (2000). A randomized controlled trial comparing topical piroxicam gel with a homeopathic gel in osteoarthritis of the knee. Rheumatology; 39:714–719.
Post-operative bruising
95. Kotlus BS, Heringer DM, Dryden RM (2010). Evaluation of homeopathic arnica montana for ecchymosis after upper blepharoplasty: A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 26:395-397.
96. Seeley BM, Denton AB, Ahn MS, Maas CS (2006). Effect of homeopathic Arnica montana on bruising in face-lifts: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery; 8:54–59.
Post-operative pain
97. Hart O, Mullee MA, Lewith G, Miller J (1997). Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of homoeopathic arnica C30 for pain and infection after total abdominal hysterectomy. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine; 90:73–78.
98. Lökken P, Straumsheim PA, Tveiten D, Skjelbred P, Borchgrevink CF (1995). Effect of homoeopathy on pain and other events after acute trauma; placebo controlled trial with bilateral oral surgery. British Medical Journal; 310:1439–1442.
99. Robertson A, Suryanarayanan R, Banerjee A (2007). Homeopathic Arnica montana for post-tonsillectomy analgesia: a randomised placebo control trial. Homeopathy; 96:17–21.
100. Singer SR, Amit-Kohn M, Weiss S, Rosenblum J, Maoz G, Samuels N, Lukasiewicz E, Freedman L, Paltiel O, Itzchaki M, Niska M, Oberbaum M (2010). Traumeel S for pain relief following hallux valgus surgery: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Clinical Pharmacology; 10: 9.
101. Wolf M, Tamaschke C, Mayer W, Heger M (2003). Wirksamkeit von Arnica bei Varizenoperation: Ergebnisse einer randomisierten, doppelblinden, Placebo-kontrollierten Pilot-Studie [Efficacy of Arnica in varicose vein surgery: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study]. Forschende Komplementärmedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde; 10:242–247.
Post-operative pain/swelling
102. Brinkhaus B, Wilkens JM, Lüdtke R, Hunger J, Witt CM, Willich SN (2006). Homeopathic arnica therapy in patients receiving knee surgery: results of three randomised double-blind trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine; 14:237–246. (3 sets of comparisons: one positive; two non-conclusive)
103. Kaziro GS (1984). Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Arnica montana in the prevention of post-surgical complications, a comparative placebo controlled clinical trial. British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; 22:42–49. (2 sets of comparisons: both negative)
104. Stevinson C, Devaraj VS, Fountain-Barber A, Hawkins S, Ernst E (2003). Homeopathic arnica for prevention of pain and bruising: randomized placebo-controlled trial in hand surgery. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine; 96:60–65.
Rheumatoid arthritis
105. Andrade L, Ferraz MB, Atra E, Castro A, Silva MSM (1991). A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of homoeopathy in rheumatoid arthritis. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology; 20:204–208.
106. Brien S, Lachance L, Prescott P, McDermott C, Lewith G (2010). Homeopathy has clinical benefits in rheumatoid arthritis patients that are attributable to the consultation process but not the homeopathic remedy: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Rheumatology (Oxford); 50:1070–1082. (3 sets of comparisons: all non-conclusive)
107. Fisher P, Scott DL (2001). A randomized controlled trial of homeopathy in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology; 40:1052–1055.
108. Wiesenauer M, Gaus W (1991). Wirksamkeitsnachweis eines Homöopathikums bei chronischer Polyarthritis. Eine randomisierte Doppelblindstudie bei nieder-gelassenen Ärzten [A randomized double-blind trial on the efficacy of a homeopathic drug for rheumatoid arthritis]. Aktuelle Rheumatologie; 16:1–21.
URTI
109. de Lange de Klerk ESM, Blommers J, Kuik DJ, Bezemer PD, Feenstra L (1994). Effects of homoeopathic medicines on daily burden of symptoms in children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. British Medical Journal; 309:1329–1332.
110. Steinsbekk A, Fønnebø V, Lewith G, Bentzen N (2005). Homeopathic care for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in children: a pragmatic, randomized, controlled trial comparing randomized homeopathic care and waiting-list controls. Complementary Therapies in Medicine; 13:231–238.
111. Steinsbekk A, Bentzen N, Fønnebø V, Lewith G (2005). Self treatment with one of three self selected, ultramolecular homeopathic medicines for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in children. A double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology; 59:447–455.
Warts
112. Kainz JT, Kozel G, Haidvogl M, Smolle J (1996). Homoeopathic versus placebo therapy of children with warts on the hands: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Dermatology; 193:318–320.
113. Labrecque M, Audet D, Latulippe LG, Drouin J (1992). Homoeopathic treatment of plantar warts. Canadian Medical Association Journal; 146:1749–1753.
Singleton RCTs (including single papers that report more than one set of comparisons)
Adenoid vegetations
114. Friese K-H, Feuchter U, Möller H (1997). Die homöopathische Behandling von adenoiden Vegetationen [Homeopathic treatment of adenoid vegetations. Results of a prospective, randomized double-blind study]. HNO; 45:618–624.
Arsenic toxicity
115. Belon P, Banerjee P, Choudhury SC, Banerjee A, Biswas SJ, Karmakar SR, Pathak S, Guha B, Chatterjee S, Bhattacharjee N, Das JK, Khuda-Bukhsh AR (2006). Can administration of potentized homeopathic remedy, Arsenicum album, alter antinuclear antibody (ANA) titre in people living in high-risk arsenic contaminated areas? I. A correlation with certain hematological parameters. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med; 3:99-107.
Body weight loss
116. Schmidt JM, Ostermayr B (2002). Does a homeopathic ultramolecular dilution of Thyroidinum 30cH affect the rate of body weight reduction in fasting patients? A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. Homeopathy; 91:197–206.
Cholera
117. Gaucher C, Jeulin D, Peycru P, Amengual C (1994). A double blind randomized placebo controlled study of cholera treatment with highly diluted and succussed solutions. British Homoeopathic Journal; 83:132-134.
Conjunctivitis
118. Mokkapatti R (1992). An experimental double-blind study to evaluate the use of Euphrasia in preventing conjunctivitis. British Homoeopathic Journal; 81:22–24.
Dengue fever symptoms
119. Jacobs J, Fernandez EA, Merizalde B, Avila-Montes GA, Crothers D (2007). The use of homeopathic combination remedy for dengue fever symptoms: a pilot RCT in Honduras. Homeopathy; 96:22–26.
Headache
120. Walach H, Häusler W, Lowes T, Mussbach D, Schamell U, Springer W, Stritzl G, Haag G (1997). Classical homeopathic treatment of chronic headaches. Cephalalgia; 17:119–126.
HIV
121. Rastogi DP, Singh VP, Singh V, Dey SK, Rao K (1999). Homeopathy in HIV infection: a trial report of double-blind placebo controlled study. British Homoeopathic Journal; 88:49–57. (2 sets of comparisons: one positive; one non-conclusive)
Induction of labour
122. Beer AM, Heiliger F (1999). Caulophyllum D4 zur Geburtsinduktion bei vorzeitigem Blasensprung - eine Doppelblindstudie [Randomized, double-blind trial of Caulophyllum D4 for induction of labour after premature rupture of the membranes at term]. Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde; 59:431–435.
Malaria
123. van Erp VMA, Brands M (1996). Homoeopathic treatment of malaria in Ghana: open study and clinical trial. British Homoeopathic Journal; 85:66–70.
Minor burns
124. Leaman AM, Gorman D (1989). Cantharis in the early treatment of minor burns. Archives of Emergency Medicine; 6:259–261.
Orthostatic hypotension
125. Wiesenauer M, Gaus W (1987). Orthostatische Dysregulation. Kontrollierter Wirkungsvergleich zwischen Etilefrin 5 mg und dem homöopathischen Arzneimittel Haplopappus D2 [Orthostatic dysregulation. Controlled equivalence trial with Etilefrin 5 mg vs. the homeopathic medicine Haplopappus D2]. Zeitschrift für Allgemeinmedizin; 63:18–23.
Post-operative bleeding
126. Cornu C, Joseph P, Gaillard S, Bauer C, Vedrinne C, Bissery A, Melot G, Bossard N, Belon P, Lehot J-J (2010). No effect of a homoeopathic combination of Arnica montana and Bryonia alba on bleeding, inflammation, and ischaemia after aortic valve surgery. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology; 69:136-142.
Post-operative haematoma
127. Ramelet AA, Buchheim G, Lorenz P, Imfeld M (2000). Homeopathic Arnica in postoperative haematomas: a double-blind study. Dermatology; 201: 347-348.
Postpartum pain
128. Hofmeyr GJ, Piccioni V, Blauhof P (1990). Postpartum homoeopathic Arnica montana: a potency-finding pilot study. British Journal of Clinical Practice; 44:619–621. (2 sets of comparisons: both non-conclusive)
Shift lag
129. La Pine MP, Malcomson FN, Torrance JM, Marsh NV (2006). Night shift: can a homeopathic remedy alleviate shift lag? Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing; 25:130–136.
Tinnitus
130. Simpson JJ, Donaldson I, Davies WE (1998). Use of homeopathy in the treatment of tinnitus. British Journal of Audiology; 32:227–233.
Withdrawal of benzodiazepines
131. Cialdella P, Boissel JP, Belon P (2001). Spécialités homéopathiques en substitution de benzodiazépines: étude en double-insu vs. placebo [Complex homeopathic medicines as substitutes for benzodiazepines: double-blind study vs. placebo]. Thérapie; 56:397–402. (2 sets of comparisons: both non-conclusive)
Tentatively negative direction of RCT evidence: 4 (5%) medical conditions
Singleton RCTs (including single papers that report more than one set of comparisons)
Leg ulcers
132. Garrett B, Harrison PV, Stewart T, Porter I (1997). A trial of homoeopathic treatment of leg ulcers. Journal of Dermatological Treatment; 8:115–117. (2 sets of comparisons: one negative; one non-conclusive)
Post-operative analgesic intake
133. Paris A, Gonnet N, Chaussard C, Belon P, Rocourt F, Saragaglia D, Cracowski JL (2008). Effect of homeopathy on analgesic intake following knee ligament reconstruction: a phase III monocentre randomized placebo controlled study. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology; 65:180–187. (2 sets of comparisons: one negative; one non-conclusive)
Post-operative ileus
134. GRECHO (Groupe de Recherches et d'Essais Cliniques en Homéopathie), U292 INSERM, ARC (Association de Recherche en Chirurgie), GREPA (Groupe de Recherche et d’Étude de la Paroi Abdominal) (1989). Evaluation de deux produits homéopathiques sur la reprise du transit après chirurgie digestive - Un essai contrôlé multicentrique [Evaluation of the effects of two homeopathic preparations on the resumption of intestinal peristalsis after digestive tract surgery – A multicentre controlled trial]. Presse Médicale; 18:59-62. (2 sets of comparisons: one negative; one non-conclusive)
Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis
135. Witt A, Kaufmann U, Bitschnau M, Tempfer C, Özbal A, Haytouglu E, Gregor H, Kiss H (2009). Monthly itraconazole versus classic homeopathy for the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a randomised trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; 116:1499–1505.