Research - Anxiety
Homeopathic medical practice for anxiety and depression in primary care: the EPI3 cohort study
- Lamiae Grimaldi-Bensouda
- Lucien Abenhaim,
- Jacques Massol,
- Didier Guillemot,
- Bernard Avouac,
- Gerard Duru,
- France Lert,
- Anne-Marie Magnier,
- Michel Rossignol,
- Frederic Rouillon,
- Bernard Begaud and
- for the EPI3-LA-SER group
Abstract
Background
The purpose of the study was to compare utilization of conventional psychotropic drugs among patients seeking care for anxiety and depression disorders (ADDs) from general practitioners (GPs) who strictly prescribe conventional medicines (GP-CM), regularly prescribe homeopathy in a mixed practice (GP-Mx), or are certified homeopathic GPs (GP-Ho).
Methods
This was one of three epidemiological cohort studies (EPI3) on general practice in France, which included GPs and their patients consulting for ADDs (scoring 9 or more in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Information on all medication utilization was obtained by a standardised telephone interview at inclusion, 1, 3 and 12 months.
Results
Of 1562 eligible patients consulting for ADDs, 710 (45.5 %) agreed to participate. Adjusted multivariate analyses showed that GP-Ho and GP-Mx patients were less likely to use psychotropic drugs over 12 months, with Odds ratio (OR) = 0.29; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.19 to 0.44, and OR = 0.62; 95 % CI: 0.41 to 0.94 respectively, compared to GP-CM patients. The rate of clinical improvement (HADS <9) was marginally superior for the GP-Ho group as compared to the GP-CM group (OR = 1.70; 95 % CI: 1.00 to 2.87), but not for the GP-Mx group (OR = 1.49; 95 % CI: 0.89 to 2.50).
Conclusions
Patients with ADD, who chose to consult GPs prescribing homeopathy reported less use of psychotropic drugs, and were marginally more likely to experience clinical improvement, than patients managed with conventional care. Results may reflect differences in physicians’ management and patients’ preferences as well as statistical regression to the mean.
Source : BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Homeopathic Doses of Gelsemium sempervirens Improve the Behavior of Mice in Response to Novel Environments
Paolo Bellavite, 1 ,* Paolo Magnani, 1 Elisabetta Zanolin, 2 and Anita Conforti 3
Abstract
Gelsemium sempervirens is used in homeopathy for treating patients with anxiety related symptoms, however there have been few experimental studies evaluating its pharmacological activity. We have investigated the effects of homeopathic doses of G. sempervirens on mice, using validated behavioral models. Centesimal (CH) dilutions/dynamizations of G. sempervirens, the reference drug diazepam (1 mg/kg body weight) or a placebo (solvent vehicle) were intraperitoneally delivered to groups of mice of CD1 strain during 8 days, then the effects were assessed by the Light-Dark (LD) choice test and by the Open-Field (OF) exploration test, in a fully blind manner. In the LD test, the mean time spent in the illuminated area by control and placebo-treated animals was 15.98%, for mice treated with diazepam it increased to 19.91% (P = .047), while with G. sempervirens 5 CH it was 18.11% (P = .341, non-significant). The number of transitions between the two compartments increased with diazepam from 6.19 to 9.64 (P < .001) but not with G.Sempervirens. In the OF test, G. sempervirens 5 CH significantly increased the time spent and the distance traveled in the central zone (P = .009 and P = .003, resp.), while diazepam had no effect on these OF test parameters. In a subsequent series of experiments, G. sempervirens 7 and 30 CH also significantly improved the behavioral responses of mice in the OF test (P < .01 for all tested variables). Neither dilutions of G.sempervirens affected the total distance traveled, indicating that the behavioral effect was not due to unspecific changes in locomotor activity. In conclusion, homeopathic doses of G. sempervirens influence the emotional responses of mice to novel environments, suggesting an improvement in exploratory behavior and a diminution of thigmotaxis or neophobia.
Source : Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 362517.
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Dose-effect study of Gelsemium sempervirens in high dilutions on anxiety-related responses in mice
Paolo Magnani,1 Anita Conforti,2 Elisabetta Zanolin,2 Marta Marzotto,1 and Paolo Bellavite1
Abstract
Introduction
This study was designed to investigate the putative anxiolytic-like activity of ultra-low doses of Gelsemium sempervirens (G. sempervirens), produced according to the homeopathic pharmacopeia.
Methods
Five different centesimal (C) dilutions of G. sempervirens (4C, 5C, 7C, 9C and 30C), the drug buspirone (5 mg/kg) and solvent vehicle were delivered intraperitoneally to groups of ICR-CD1 mice over a period of 9 days. The behavioral effects were assessed in the open-field (OF) and light–dark (LD) tests in blind and randomized fashion.
Results
Most G. sempervirens dilutions did not affect the total distance traveled in the OF (only the 5C had an almost significant stimulatory effect on this parameter), indicating that the medicine caused no sedation effects or unspecific changes in locomotor activity. In the same test, buspirone induced a slight but statistically significant decrease in locomotion. G. sempervirens showed little stimulatory activity on the time spent and distance traveled in the central zone of the OF, but this effect was not statistically significant. In the LD test,G. sempervirens increased the % time spent in the light compartment, an indicator of anxiolytic-like activity, with a statistically significant effect using the 5C, 9C and 30C dilutions. These effects were comparable to those of buspirone. The number of transitions between the compartments of the LD test markedly increased with G. sempervirens 5C, 9C and 30C dilutions.
Conclusion
The overall pattern of results provides evidence that G. sempervirens acts on the emotional reactivity of mice, and that its anxiolytic-like effects are apparent, with a non-linear relationship, even at high dilutions.
Source : Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010 Jul; 210(4): 533–545.
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The Effects of Homeopathic Medicines on Reducing the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression: Randomized, Double Blind and Placebo Controlled
Mandana Bagherian*, Adis Keraskian Mojembari and Mohammad Hakami
Department of Psychology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Abstract
Background: Anxiety and depression are two of the most prevalence psychological disorders in the world.
Objective: This study investigates the effects of homeopathic medicine on reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Method: According to the procedure, thirty patients (twenty female and ten male) with the mean age of 45 (range 22-67) were selected randomly and classified in two experimental and controlling groups. The patients were evaluated based on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-Y. The Pretest – posttest, and follow-up pattern was designed, homeopathic remedies were used and analysis of covariance with repeated measures is used for data analysis.
Results: Findings depict significant differences (P<0.01) between two stages of intervention and sustaining of this effectiveness is shown in following-up procedure.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that homeopathic therapy can be used as an effective method to treat anxiety and depression disorders.
Source : Journal of Traditional Medicine and Clinical Naturopathy
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Anxiolytic effect of homeopathic preparation of Pulsatilla nigricans in Swiss albino mice.
Lakshmipathy Prabhu R, Ruckmani A, Venkatesan D, Madhusudhanan N, Pavithra R.
Department of Pharmacology, Chettinad Hospitals and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, Tamilnadu 603103, India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The homeopathic preparation of Pulsatilla nigricans is used in the treatment of anxiety related disorders. Though in clinical use for many years, the anxiolytic activity of Pulsatilla nigricans (Puls) has not been evaluated experimentally. Hence the present study was conducted in Swiss albino mice to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Puls and compare its activity with the standard anxiolytic drug, diazepam.
METHODS: Twenty four mice were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each, control, standard and two test groups. The control group was treated Ethyl alcohol 10ml/kg. The standard group received Diazepam, 1mg/kg. Puls 3x and 6x solutions were given at the dose of 10ml/kg to the test groups. All animals were given the test and control treatments orally for 15 days. The anxiolytic effect was tested on days 1, 8 and 15 using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Open Field Test (OFT).
RESULTS: Both diazepam and Puls showed significant anxiolytic activity in EPM and OFT test compared to control. The total number of entries and time spent in open arm in EPM was increased by both diazepam and Puls, the effect of 3x dilution of Puls was greater than diazepam. In the OFT the number of squares crossed, rearing and assisted rearings decreased with both diazepam and Puls compared to control and the anxiolytic effect of diazepam was greater than Puls. The anxiolytic effect is greater for the 3x dilution than 6x dilution of Puls.
CONCLUSION: The study showed an anxiolytic effect of homeopathic preparation of Pulsatilla nigricans comparable to that found with a standard drug.
Source : Homeopathy. 2012 Jul;101(3):171-4.
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Assessment of homeopathic medicine Aconitum napellus in the treatment of anxiety in an animal model
Gabriele Baptista Haine, Samarah Hamidi El Ghandour, Sâmia Ahmad El Ghandour, Andersom Ricardo Fréz
Faculdade Anglo-Americano (FAA), Paraná, Brazil
ABSTRACT
Background: Aconitum napellus is a classic resource of complementary medicine for the treatment of patients exhibiting neurological symptoms of anxiety.
Aim: To assess the action of homeopathic medicine Acon in the treatment of generalized anxiety in an experimental model using rats.
Methods: 48 adult (two to three months old) male Wistar rats (Rattus rattus) were randomly divided in six groups (n= 8/treatment) and given the following treatments by gastric tube along 10 days: 1) control (diazepam 1 mg/kg/day); 2) negative control (0.15 mL saline solution/day); 3) ACH6 (0.15 mL Acon (6cH/day); 4) ACH12 (0.15 mL Acon 12cH/day); 5) ACH30 (0.15 mL Acon 30cH/day); and 6) ALC30 (0.15 mL 30% cereal alcohol/day). Behavioral effects were blindly and randomly assessed in elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test.
Results: Acon in dilutions 12cH and 30cH exhibited possible anxiolytic effects on the central nervous system (CNS) since they increased the number of entries in the EPM open arms (12cH and 30cH) and the permanence time in the EPM open arms (30cH only). In the open field test the homeopathic preparations did not show effects on the locomotor system of rats.
Conclusion: Dilutions 12cH and 30cH of Acon exhibited anxiolytic effects on the CNS in an animal experimental model.
Source : Int J High Dilution Res 2012; 11(38): 33-42
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Anxiolytic and antidepressive effects of the homeopathic complex Homeo-pax® (pre-clinical study)
Aline Ferreira Vaz1, Raiza Marques Vieira Campos1, Kélem Costa dos Santos1, Benedito Junior Medeiros1, Ezequiel Paulo Viriato2, Fabio Ferreira Perazzo3, José Carlos Tavares Carvalho1
(1) Federal University of Amapá, Amapá, Brazil.
(2) Faculty of Pharmacy “Osvaldo Cruz”, São Paulo, Brazil.
(3) Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil.
ABSTRACT
The homeopathic complex Homeo-Pax® has been used as an antidepressant and anxiolytic homeopathic medicine available in Brazil. It is a complex mixture prepared with Aconitum nap. 6cH, Aurum met. 6cH, Phosphorus 6cH, Argentum nitricum 6cH, Arsenicum alb. 6cH, and Valeriana officinalis 3cH. This study had evaluated the behavior in rats after treatment with Homeo-Pax® in pre-clinical models of depression and anxiety. Elevated Plus Maze Test (EPM), Forced Swimming Test (FST), Open Field Test (OFT) and the Rota Rod Test (RRT) behavior assays were used to confirm its activity. In the EPM, the animals treated with Homeo-pax® on the 1st day and until the 20th day of treatment remained longer in the open arms of the maze than on 30th day. This result was statistically significant compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In the FST, the treatment with Homeo-pax® (0.5 ml, p.o) increased the swimming time, compared to the control group. This effect was dependent on treatment time, resulting in a similar effect to that presented by amfepramone (10 mg/kg, p.o). In the OFT, crossing by the animals was significantly increased by the treatment with amfepramone (10mg/kg, p.o), and also with the 30-day treatment with Homeo-pax®. In the RRT, the 30-day treatment with Homeo-pax® (0.5 ml, p.o) did not affect the animals’ motor coordination, compared with the control group, which presented the same behavior. Based on the results obtained, it can be suggested that the homeopathic complex Homeo-pax® has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties without affecting motor coordination capacity.
Source : Int J High Dilution Res 2011; 10(34):04-14
Link to Full Article
Anxiolytic and antidepressive effects of the homeopathic complex Homeo-pax® (pre-clinical study)
Aline Ferreira Vaz1, Raiza Marques Vieira Campos1, Kélem Costa dos Santos1, Benedito Junior Medeiros1, Ezequiel Paulo Viriato2, Fabio Ferreira Perazzo3, José Carlos Tavares Carvalho1
(1) Federal University of Amapá, Amapá, Brazil.
(2) Faculty of Pharmacy “Osvaldo Cruz”, São Paulo, Brazil.
(3) Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil.
ABSTRACT
The homeopathic complex Homeo-Pax® has been used as an antidepressant and anxiolytic homeopathic medicine available in Brazil. It is a complex mixture prepared with Aconitum nap. 6cH, Aurum met. 6cH, Phosphorus 6cH, Argentum nitricum 6cH, Arsenicum alb. 6cH, and Valeriana officinalis 3cH. This study had evaluated the behavior in rats after treatment with Homeo-Pax® in pre-clinical models of depression and anxiety. Elevated Plus Maze Test (EPM), Forced Swimming Test (FST), Open Field Test (OFT) and the Rota Rod Test (RRT) behavior assays were used to confirm its activity. In the EPM, the animals treated with Homeo-pax® on the 1st day and until the 20th day of treatment remained longer in the open arms of the maze than on 30th day. This result was statistically significant compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In the FST, the treatment with Homeo-pax® (0.5 ml, p.o) increased the swimming time, compared to the control group. This effect was dependent on treatment time, resulting in a similar effect to that presented by amfepramone (10 mg/kg, p.o). In the OFT, crossing by the animals was significantly increased by the treatment with amfepramone (10mg/kg, p.o), and also with the 30-day treatment with Homeo-pax®. In the RRT, the 30-day treatment with Homeo-pax® (0.5 ml, p.o) did not affect the animals’ motor coordination, compared with the control group, which presented the same behavior. Based on the results obtained, it can be suggested that the homeopathic complex Homeo-pax® has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties without affecting motor coordination capacity.
Source : Int J High Dilution Res 2011; 10(34):04-14
Link to Full Article