Abstract
M.Tech.
Estimates extrapolated from the UK, USA and Canada, suggest a prevalence of chronic constipation in South Africa of approximately 700-720,000 in a population of 44 million (Cure Research, 2007). According to Rivkin and Chagan (2006) these US statistics do not accurately represent the true incidence of the problem which is predominantly self managed. The yearly US sale of over the counter laxatives exceeds $600 million (2006).
Allopathic treatments only temporarily alleviate constipation, and overuse of laxatives results in many side-effects. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Constipation 6c®, in the treatment of symptoms of functional chronic constipation, in females using the modified Rome II criteria for chronic constipation.
This double blinded study was conducted using matched pairs. Thirty female participants between the ages of 18-35 were recruited using advertisements placed at the Health Training Centre on the UJ Doornfontien campus and Weleda Pharmacy (Fourways). The study was conducted over six weeks, during which time the participants attended weekly consultations. At the first consultation participants signed an information and consent form (Appendix B). For the first week no medication was administrated, however participants were asked to complete a daily recording sheet rating their symptoms (Appendix D) based on the modified Rome II criteria for chronic functional constipation. At the second visit participants were match-paired according to age, severity of symptoms and duration of symptoms (Appendix K). Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the placebo group by an independent administrator. During the follow up consultations participants received the complex homoeopathic remedy, Constipation 6c® or placebo, and were instructed to take five pillules three times a day, and to record changes in symptoms on the daily recording sheet (Appendix D). At each follow up visit, the researcher collected the daily recording sheets, completed a focused physical examination and documented any changes in symptoms.