Malaria in pregnancy and irritable bowel syndrome

This issue of Homeopathy features randomised, controlled clinical trials in two very different diseases, both of significant public health concern in different parts of the world: malaria in pregnancy and irritable bowel syndrome, and both evaluated homeopathy as an adjunct to conventional treatment.

Homeopathy and malaria is a sensitive area: one of the first shots fired in the campaign against homeopathy was an exposé broadcast on BBC TV showing unqualified practitioners of homeopathy giving highly irresponsible advice on malaria prophylaxis. The advice, not to take conventional malaria prophylaxis and to rely instead on homeopathy, was dangerous and indefensible.

• References

• 1 www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs094/en (Accessed 17.05.2014).
• 2 www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/countries/benin (Accessed 17.05.2014).
• 3 Danno K., Rerolle F., De Sigalony S., Drouet A., Terzan L., Bordet M.-F. Impact of China rubra 7CH on the side-effects of quinine: a prospective randomised study comparing China rubra plus quinine versus quinine only in pregnant women with malaria in Cotonou, Benin. Homeopathy 2014; 103: 164-170.
• 4 Quigley E., Fried M., Gwee K.A. et al Irritable bowel syndrome: a global perspective. 2009. World Gastroentereology Organisation; www.worldgastroenterology.org/assets/downloads/en/pdf/guidelines/20_irritable_bowel_syndrome.pdf (Accessed 17.05.2014).
• 5 Peckham E., Relton C., Raw J. et al Interim results of a randomised controlled trial of homeopathic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Homeopathy 2014; 103: 171-177.