Abstract:
Background: Homoeopathic drug proving being the first step in finding the pathogenetic powers of a drug is an integral part of Homoeopathic
system of medicine. Objective: To elicit the pathogenetic response of Withania somnifera in homoeopathic potencies on healthy human
provers. Materials and Methods: A multicentre, randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial was conducted at four centres under
Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Proving was conducted on 63 relatively healthy provers. All the provers were given 12 doses
of placebo divided into 4 doses/day for 3 days during the first phase of the trial. After randomisation, 43 provers in the intervention group were
given W. somnifera in 6C and 30C potencies in two phases. In the placebo group, 20 provers were administered unmedicated globules. The
symptoms and signs manifested during the trial were noted down by the provers, elaborated by the proving masters and the data compilation
on W. somnifera was done at proving‑cum‑data processing cell. Results: Out of 43 provers who were on actual drug trial, only 15 provers
manifested 39 symptoms. The symptoms have been manifested predominantly in 30C potency. Among the objective findings, the drug has
shown its effect on kidney, ovaries and helminthic infestation. Conclusion: The pathogenetic response elicited during this trial expands the
scope of the use of W. somnifera and needs to be further validated by clinical verification study.
