Cuscuta reflexa: A Double Blind Homoeopathic Pathogenetic Trial

Abstract

Objective: To elicit the pharmacodynamic response of the drug, Cuscuta reflexa (dodder) on healthy human volunteers, in non-toxic doses. Methodology: Drug Cuscuta reflexa was proved through a double-blind method. The homoeopathic preparation of the drug was proved in three potencies (6C, 30C and 200C) on 13 volunteers who were selected and declared apparently healthy during their pre-trial medical examination by specialists and through their routine pathological investigations. The volunteers consumed 56 doses (four doses per day for fourteen days) of each potency (6C, 30C and 200C) in three stages for a varying period. The symptoms generated during the trial period were noted by the volunteers and elaborated and cross-examined by the Proving Master. The data obtained from the Drug Proving Center was compiled at drug proving-cum-data processing cell at Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) headquarters after de-coding the drug. Observation: Out of the 9 volunteers who were on actual drug trial, 8 manifested symptoms. The drug was able to produce symptoms in each potency. Only one symptom appeared in more than one prover. Conclusion: Pharmacodynamic responses elicited during the proving trial will add to the literature available on the drug and benefit the research scholars and clinicians. This also needs verification through clinical trials.