Ocimum sanctum - A multicentric double blind homoeopathic pathogenetic trial

Abstract

Objective: To elicit the pathogenetic response of the drug Ocimum sanctum in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human beings. Methodology: Drug Ocimum sanctum was proved by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) throug double-blind placebo-controlled method. The study was conducted at two centers. The drug was proved in three potencies (6C, 30C and 200C) on 28 apparently healthy volunteers who were selected after cconducting pre-trial medical examination by the medical specialists and routine laboratory investigations. In the first phase volunteers were given 56 doses (04 doses per day for 14 days) of placebo. In the next three phases 56 doses (04 doses per day for 14 days) of each potency or placebo were consumed. The symptoms generated during the trial period were noted by the volunteers and elaborated by the Proving Masters. The data obtained from both the centers was compiled at proving-cum-data processing cell at CCRH headquarters after de-coding. Observation: Out of the 18 provers who were on actual drug trial, 10 manifested symptoms. Drug was able to produce symptoms in each potency more or less related to every part of the body. Some of the symptoms have been reproved which are mentioned in different literatures after the fragmentary proving. Conclusion: New and reproved pathogenetic responses elicited during the proving trial expands the scope of use of the drug Ocimum sanctum and will benefit the research scholars and clinicians. These symptoms will carry more value when verified clinically.