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.
