National Center for Homeopathy
Membership in the NCH is open to everyone and provides many fantastic benefits. Find out why you should join (or renew) today!
Read More»

Did You Know?
A recent study shows that homeopathic treatment of acute respiratory and ear complaints is just as effective as conventional treatment, with less side effects and quicker response with homeopathy.

The Douglass Report recommends homeopathy (and the NCH as a resource) as an important way of bolstering ones immune system and resistance to infections.

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on the Law of Similars.
Read More »

Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for Healing of Wounds After Hallux Valgus Surgery Compared to Diclofenac

January 1, 2008

by Jens-Hagen Karow etal.

Jens-Hagen Karow, Hans-Peter Abt, Markus Frohling, Hanns Ackermann. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. January 1, 2008, 14(1): 17-25. doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0560.

Objective: This study was undertaken to answer the question: “Is Arnica D4 as efficacious as diclofenac in relation to symptoms and wound healing after foot surgery?”

Methods: In this randomized double-blinded, parallel-group study (GCP-standard), the efficacy of Arnica D4 10 pillules (taken orally, 3 times per day) and diclofenac sodium, 50 mg (taken orally, 3 times per day) were investigated for equivalence in 88 patients 4 days after hallux valgus surgery. Outcome parameters were (1) postoperative irritation, (2) patient mobility, (3) rated pain, and (4) use of analgesics. The hierarchic equivalence test based on one-sided Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-U confidence intervals (CIs) was used. Equivalence was perceived, when the lower margin of the 95% CI was >0.36 corresponding to a range of equivalence of 1/2 standard deviation.

Results: Arnica D4 and diclofenac were equivalent for wound irritation (lower margin of the 95% CI on day 4: 0.4729 for rubor; 0.3674 for swelling; 0.4106 for calor) and patient mobility (0.4726). A descriptive analysis showed the superiority of Arnica D4 with respect to patient mobility (p = 0.045). With respect to pain, Arnica D4 was inferior to diclofenac (lower margin of the 95% CI 0.026). No significant differences were found regarding the use of additional analgesics during the 4 postoperative days (Dipidolor,® Janssen-Cilag, Neuss, Germany; p = 0.54; Tramal,® Grünenthal, Aachen, Germany; p = 0.1; and Novalgin,® AVENTIS-Pharma, Bad Soden, Germany; p = 0.1). Arnica D4 was significantly better tolerated than diclofenac (p = 0.049). Nine (9) patients (20.45%) of the diclofenac group and 2 (4.5%) of the Arnica D4 group reported intolerance. There was no disturbance in wound healing in any of the patients. Arnica D4 is 60% cheaper than diclofenac.

Conclusions: After foot operations, Arnica D4 can be used instead of diclofenac to reduce wound irritation.


 
  Copyright 2007 © National Center for Homeopathy. All Rights Reserved.