New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Scientific research into possible medicines for the dreaded AIDS disease from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) itself and even snake venom and drugs for MDR-TB from the tuberculosis germs will be in sharp focus at the two-day World Homeopathic Summit to be held in Mumbai this weekend.
A homeopathic experiment with snake venom on the HIV virus has given rise to excitement among scientists to work on a possible relief to AIDS and Ebola patients as well.
Research by doctors at the Hyderabad-based JSPS Government Homeopathic Medical College and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) Hyderabad indicates that homeopathic medicine from snake venom – Crotalus Horridus – can positively arrest the HIV spread.
In another pioneering study, Mumbai-based homeopath Dr Rajesh Shah has developed a new medicine for AIDS patients, sourced from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) itself. During the two-year study, the drug has been tested on humans for safety and efficacy and the results are encouraging, said Shah.
His scientific paper for debate was recently published in the online edition of Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy (IJRH), the official publication of the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH).
The Global Homeopathy Foundation (GHF), an NGO, has invited scientists and conventional doctors from across the world for the Mumbai summit. Over 25 scientists have already confirmed their presentations, said Shah, who is also the organising secretary of the foundation.
The Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), a premier government agency under AYUSH, is collaborating with GHF for the summit. Scientists from eminent institutes of pure science such as IIT-B, ICMR, TIFR, BARC, Haffkine, ICT, and Bose are to present their research in homeopathy at the summit.
Pioneering researches at Kottayam’s MG University and Bangalore’s Indian Institute of Science (IIS) have proved that homeopathic dilutions contain nano-particles that are so vital for medical treatment, thus debunking the critics’ view that homeopathy medicines do not have anything worthwhile.
The studies by Dr E.S. Rajendran Aurum Metallicum (6C to CM potency) and Carbo Vegetabilis 6C to CM potencies have conclusively proved that homeopathy dilutions contain nano-particles.
The dilutions were studied under high resolution transmission electronic microscope (HRTEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and “we are in a position to conclusively prove the presence of nanoparticles in all the high dilutions of Homeopathic drugs”, Rajendran said.
On his own research into AIDS, Shah said: “The study has showed that the blood count (CD4 cells) of HIV patients has improved on administering the drug and this is a very positive and hopeful sign… This may encourage advanced research into the subject.”
Shah, in a separate research, teamed up with noted virologist Abhay Chowdhury at the premier Haffkine Institute and developed a drug sourced from TB germs of MDR-TB patients.
In yet another study, conducted in coordination with CCRH, noted homeopath Dr Kusum Chand of New Delhi demonstrated that homeopathic medicines together with the conventional anti-TB medicine produced better results than only the allopathic medicines for TB. The study was conducted on 120 patients.
The homeopathy summit will also focus on the need to integrate both the systems of medicine to meet challenges posed by various diseases because mono-therapy may not work for all patients.
Homeopathy is heading towards scientist facelift and in this context that the Mumbai summit assumes significance as some eminent scientists from Austria, Brazil, Italy, Holland, Britain and the US, who have also done path-breaking research in the field will showcase their studies.
Homeopathy is gaining popularity and there is a resurgence of interest in many developed countries, while the system is also being criticised for inadequate clinical evidences, in spite of considerable and encouraging research work. The practitioners, students and the followers of homeopathy often are unaware about the scientific advances in the field due to inadequate exposure.
The summit will aim at allaying fears and setting facts straight, Shah said.
Among those who will share their research experiences at the summit are Dr Paulo Bellavite (Italy – Dipartimento di Patologia e Diagnostica, University di Verona), Dr Eswara Das (India – ex-director, National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata), Dr Gustav Brucha (Cuba – researcher at Finlay Institute), Dr Alexander Tournier (Britain – Homeopathy Research Institute, London), and Dr Carla Holandino, (Brazil – professor of pharmacy at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro).
GHF, founded by a group of homeopathic activists with the mission to spread the benefits of homeopathy to the masses is a non-government non-profit group. Its objectives include: to work for the growth of the science so that homeopathy could benefit those suffering from various ailments, and to support the professionals to be able to serve the society well.