A multi-centric, double-blind randomized, homoeopathic pathogenetic trial of Buxus sempervirens

Abstract

Objective: To elicit the pathogenetic response of Buxus sempervirens Linn. in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human volunteers. Methodology: Buxus sempervirens drug was proved by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) through randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled method. The proving was conducted at three centres during 2007-08. The drug was proved in 6 & 30 centesimal potencies on 57 apparently healthy volunteers, declared eligible after their pre-trial medical examination by the medical specialists and routine laboratory investigations. In its first phase of proving, volunteers were given 56 doses of placebo divided in 4 doses per day for 14 days. In the next two phases, 56 doses of pre-selected potencies or placebo as per the randomization were consumed in divided doses same as in first phase. The symptoms generated during the trial period were noted down by the volunteers and elaborated by the Proving Masters. The generated data of the drug from all three centres was compiled at the proving-cum-data processing cell at CCRH headquarters after de-coding. Observations: Out of 40 provers who were on actual drug trial, only 23 manifested symptoms. The drug was able to generate symptoms in both the potencies to every part of the body. Conclusion: The pathogenetic response elicited during the proving trial, expands the scope of use of the drug Buxus sempervirens and will benefit the research scholars and clinicians. The generated symptoms of this drug will carry more value when verified clinically.