Abstract:
Introduction: Clinical verification is an ongoing research programme of the Central
Council for Research in Homoeopathy, under which many symptoms of Indian and
rarely used drugs in Homoeopathy have been clinically verified.
Objectives: To clinically verify the symptomatology of Ricinus communis as observed
during its proving conducted by Council and also to ascertain the clinical symptoms
relieved in the process of verification.
Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twenty‑five patients from all age‑groups
and both sexes were enrolled from the outpatient departments (OPDs) of the
institutes and units of the Council following the exclusion and inclusion criteria as
per protocol and obtaining written consent. The presenting signs and symptoms
were recorded in a predefined case recording proforma and if Ricinus communis was
found very closely similar to the symptoms of the patient, the patients were enrolled
in the study. The medicine was prescribed in different potencies as per the need of
the case and in accordance with homoeopathic principles. The progress was noted in
a follow‑up sheet to determine the effects of the medicine, in relieving the symptoms
of the patient.
Result: Forty eight out of fifty three symptoms obtained from proving of Ricinus
communis could be clinically verified. The characteristic indications were left‑sided
affinity, aggravation from sun, amelioration in open air, dryness of mucous membrane
of gastrointestinal tract, dissatisfaction leading to irritability and anger. The usefulness of the medicine was mostly marked in relieving headache, coryza, aphthae, gastritis,
diarrhoea, constipation and acne. All the verified symptoms indicated the scope of its
therapeutic action.
Conclusion: Ricinus communis can be considered as an important medicine for the
management of acne, aphthae, backache, colic, constipation, coryza, cough, diarrhoea,
dyspepsia, fever, gastritis, headache and irritability.
