Effect of homoeopathic LM potencies in acute attacks of haemorrhoidal disease: A multicentric randomized single‑blind placebo‑controlled trial

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Anecdotal data on the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines in acute haemorrhoids shows grade V evidence. So, the efficacy of individualized homoeopathic medicines in LM potencies, in Acute Haemorrhoidal Attacks (AHAs), was investigated in this study against placebo. Material and Methods: In a multicenter randomized controlled single‑blind parallel group trial conducted at six centers under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, patients who presented with any symptom such as bleeding, pain, discharge, heaviness, and itching were included. The patients were randomized to receive either individualized homoeopathic medicine or placebo for a period of 90 days. Changes in haemorrhoidal symptoms were the main outcome measures. Results: Two hundred and seventy‑eight patients (Homoeopathy: n = 140, placebo: n = 138) were analyzed. After 90 days of treatment, a significant difference (P = 0.0001) was found in the median area under the curve (AUC) for bleeding {difference: −64.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): −90.0, −31.4]}, pain [−243.0 (−280.9, −202.4)], heaviness [−208.0 (95% CI: −245.5, −174.9)], and itching [−198.5 (−246.4, −158.5)] between the Homoeopathy and placebo groups. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were also found in the World Health Organization Quality of Life‑BREF (WHOQOL‑BREF) physical domain [difference 7.0 (95% CI: 6.0, 12.0)], psychological domain [7.0 (6.0, 12.0)], and environmental domain [6.0 (−0.001, 11.9)]. However, no difference was found in discharge [0.0 (−21.0, −0.0); P = 0.1386] and social domain of the WHOQOL‑BREF [0.0 (−0.001, 5.9; P = 0.0803)]. Conclusion: In this study, homoeopathic intervention relieved acute haemorrhoidal symptoms early compared to the placebo group. Randomized controlled trials with double blinding are suggested further.