Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Hypertension is one of the major cardiovascular diseases worldwide. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and this is mainly caused by heart and renal diseases (Alhalaiqa et al., 2011). Hypertension is common in South Africa. About a quarter of all South Africans, 15 years and older, suffer from hypertension (Steyn, 1998). There are 6.1 million people with a blood pressure equal to or above 140/90 mmHg, 23% of South African men are hypertensive and for women the equivalent prevalence is 16% (South African Demographic and Health Survey, 1998).
Allopathic anti-hypertensive drugs are not always effective or well tolerated due to their many harmful side effects (Ahmad, 1999). Homoeopathy though, does not have unwanted side effects (Digby, 1997). The aim of this study is to ascertain the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex containing Crataegus oxycantha 6CH, Viscum album 6CH, Glonoine 6CH and Digitalis purpurea 6CH in treating essential hypertension in black adults between the ages of eighteen and fifty five years.
The study was a randomised double-blind placebo controlled study and thirty male and female participants were recruited and divided into the treatment and the placebo group. Three participants withdrew from the study during the trial period and therefore twenty seven participants were in this study. The treatment group was administered the homoeopathic complex remedy and the placebo group was administered the placebo. Participants received medication which they took for six weeks according to proper instructions. They were requested not to make any substantial changes to their lifestyle and diet. The blood pressure readings were monitored every two weeks for the six weeks duration of the study.
Collected data was analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test to determine the statistical significance of changes in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in the symptoms that the participants had during the study. The analysis compared the variables between and within the two groups. The inter-group statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney Test. The intra-group statistical analysis was done using the non-parametric test (Friedman Test). The difference between the two groups over time was done using the Post-Hoc Test. The Post-Hoc test analysis with Wilcoxon The homoeopathic remedy complex provided a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure readings compared to the placebo. The diastolic blood pressure of the treatment group also decreased, and that of the placebo group decreased gradually. In the treatment group the most significant symptomatic relief was from headaches and vertigo. The other symptoms slightly decreased in the second week and then remained constant. In the placebo group there was a slight relief of the headache and vertigo symptoms but it was not significant.
The homoeopathic complex remedy provided a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure readings. This provides a safe and effective alternative treatment for essential hypertension.