Abstract
M.Tech.
Verrucae vulgaris, commonly known as warts are benign growths due to infection with
papillomaviruses, which occur mainly on the hands and feet (Gawkrodger, 2002). Verrucae
are caused by a virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV) (Fitzpatrick and Aeling, 2001).
Verrucae are a common skin problem, which account for approximately 5%-10% of the skin
conditions seen in patients in many countries. The peak incidence ranging between the ages of
12 and 16, rarely being found in infants and the elderly (Gibbs and Degreef, 1997).
Thuja occidentalis is a common homoeopathic remedy that has historically been used for the
treatment of wart-like excrescences on cutaneous surfaces of the skin (Vermeulen, 1994).
Based on homoeopathic principles, the toxicological symptoms of this remedy gives the
therapeutic indications for which it is prescribed. Ricini oleum, commonly known as castor
oil, for which there is an unknown mode of action, has been recommended for various
cutaneous complaints, when applied externally (Grieves and Leyel, 1998). To date insufficient
research has been conducted to confirm the effects of Thuja occidentalis and Ricini oleum on
verrucae vulgaris.
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of homoeopathically prepared, externally
applied, Thuja occcidentalis 6cH and Ricini oleum 6cH, in the treatment of common warts,
verrucae vulgaris.
The study was a contextual, placebo controlled, double-blind research study. Forty-five
participants ranging from 5 to 60 years old were recruited for this study. Participants who
fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected (Appendix A). Suitable participants completed a
consent form, explaining all aspects of the study (Appendix B). Participants were required to
complete a participant profile form, as well as an initial subjective questionnaire after which
they were randomly placed into one of three treatment groups (Appendix C). Each participant
was given a 25ml amber glass dropper bottle, which contained either Thuja occidentalis 6cH,
Ricini oleum 6cH or the placebo. The placebo group was shared with another researcher
conducting a similar study. The solutions were administered topically; two drops twice daily
v
and treatment lasted for ten days. A maximum of two verrucae were treated throughout the
study and these lesions were kept covered at all times with a waterproof elastoplaster.
Changes in symptoms were documented according to a questionnaire (Appendix D). The
verrucae being treated were evaluated on three occasions; one day prior to commencement of
the clinical trial, on day five of the trial, as well as on day ten. Each assessment involved
photographs and physical measurements of the verrucae, as well as a subjective questionnaire,
that the participant was requested to complete.
The results were statistically analysed in terms of change in length, width and height of the
verrucae. Results for the categorical responses were cross-tabulated with the respective
treatments and chi-square tests were performed to compare efficacy of treatments. For the
measured responses, the Friedman two-way analysis of verrucae was used to compare the
responses to each treatment i.e. before, during and after each treatment.
Based on the outcomes of this study, it was revealed that all three treatment groups responded
with significant results, in terms of a decrease in overall size of the verrucae lesions. Two of
the experimental groups, namely the Thuja occidentalis 6cH and the Ricini oleum 6cH groups,
illustrated an overall decrease in size of verrucae from the start to the end of the clinical trial.
The placebo group yielded the smallest decrease in overall size of verrucae, during this study.
None of the participants noticed a change in their emotional status or physical status, while
participating in the clinical trial.
The duration of the trial was not sufficiently long enough. In addition, further research into
this topic is required to assess whether the observations that were made in this study would
result in eventual cure of the condition.