Can homeopathy bring additional benefits to thalassemic patients?
The researchers say yes, particularly in the developing world where blood transfusions suffer from inadequate screening and fall short of the stringent safety standards followed in the developed countries.
First, the details.
- 38 thalassemic patients received hydroxyurea therapy for a varying periods.
- Several homeopathic remedies (Pulsatilla Nigricans [30th potency], Ceanothus Americanus [both mother tincture and 6th potency and Ferrum Metallicum [30th potency]) selected were administered.
- The patients were studied before and after treatment.
And, the results.
- There was a significant decrease in the ferritin blood levels (a complex that stores iron for use in metabolism) and an increase in fetal hemoglobin levels (oxygen-carrying pigment of red blood cells) during combined treatments.
- Changes in other lab values were not significant.
- There was a significant decrease in size of spleen in most patients with enlarged spleens.
- General health improved and there was an increase in the time between transfusions in most patients receiving the combined homeopathic treatment.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Homeopathic remedies being inexpensive and without any known side-effects seem to have great potentials in bringing additional benefits to thalassemic patients.”
11/19/07 23:26 JR
