Abstract
Nutrient metabolism consists of a series of chemical processes concerned with supplying energy to the body. This enables the body to perform various physiological processes and to maintain homeostasis (Guyton and Hall, 2000). In healthy, non-diabetic subjects, plasma glucose concentrations are held within a narrow range throughout the day, despite wide fluctuations in nutritional intake and physical exercise, as well as other physiological, psychological and iatrogenic influences (Owens, 2002).
The purpose of this research study was to determine the effect of the homoeopathic preparations, Saccharum officinale 9cH and 200cH, on glucose metabolism in healthy, non-diabetic humans.
This research study was a double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A group of thirty participants were required to undergo an oral glucose tolerance test for three hours. Timing started as soon as the participants started drinking the glucose solution. In addition, ten drops of the homoeopathically prepared medicine or a placebo were administered at each of the following times: -15 minutes, 27 minutes, 87 minutes and 147 minutes. Group one received the placebo (20% alcohol), Group two received Saccharum officinale 9cH and Group three received Saccharum officinale 200cH. Blood glucose concentrations were measured, using capillary blood samples and a glucose meter, at the following times: -30 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, 150 minutes, and 180 minutes. Vital signs were measured at: 10 minutes, 50 minutes, 110 minutes and 170 minutes in order to ascertain any detrimental changes in health. Data was expressed as mean ± standard error. Differences between the groups were determined using the one-way repeated measures analysis of variance method.
The hypoglycaemic effect of Saccharum officinale 9cH and 200cH was not proven to be effective in reducing the rate of glucose disposal in the body. Even though a slight difference between the experimental groups and the control group was observed, these changes could not be attributed to the therapeutic effect of the remedy and was regarded as statistically insignificant.
Dr. Natasha Wolf
Mr. Neil de Villiers