Homoeopathy in the management of infectious diseases: Different facets of its use and implications for the future

Abstract

Background: Infectious diseases are a major challenge to humanity and public health at large. Objective: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic narrative review of the clinical research evidence for homeopathy in the management of infectious diseases. Methods: A comprehensive search of major biomedical databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Pubmed, Core Hom, AYUSH Research Portal) and other individual journal sites were conducted. Relevant research published between 1999 and 2019 was categorised by study type, clinical condition and causative pathogen. Results: The literature search of two decades (1999–2019) gathered 86 articles: Meta analysis (n = 1), systematic reviews (n = 4), randomised controlled trials (n = 30), comparative cohort/observational studies (n = 16), cohort/observational studies (single arm) (n = 25), case series (n = 7) and case reports (n = 3). The review demonstrated the beneficial evidence of homeopathy in infectious diseases is large. Both controlled and uncontrolled studies reported positive results, early recovery, reduction of hospital stay, less use of antibiotics and satisfaction of patients. Prophylactic studies on dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis/acute encephalitis syndrome and leptospirosis have shown the potential role of homeopathy in preventing the disease outbreaks. Homoeopathy as an add on treatment for these conditions has shown added benefits in reducing mortality, morbidity and sequelae. Homoeopathy has a possible and viable role as standalone and as an integrative medicine for different infectious diseases. Conclusion: Homoeopathy offers beneficial role in combating infections. Due to the heterogeneity of approaches, more studies in different research settings are warranted to add to the existing evidence and validating it for enhancing the self healing power of the body against infections.