A homoeopathic drug proving of Sutherlandia frutescens and a subsequent comparison of the results to the toxicology of the major chemical constituents of the plant

Abstract

The first objective was to investigate the effect of Sutherlandia frutescens 30CH on healthy provers and to record the signs and symptoms produced, so that it could be prescribed according to the Law of Similars, as required by homoeopathy. The second objective was to analyze the symptoms obtained from this proving in a direct comparison to the effects of the major pharmacologically active compounds present in Sutherlandia frutescens. A double blind proving of Sutherlandia frutescens 30CH was conducted. Twenty-four provers were selected and randomly divided into two groups, those receiving medicated powders (18 subjects) and those receiving the placebo powders (6 subjects). As an added control measure, the subjects were also ignorant to both the nature of the proving substance and the administered potency. Prior to taking the remedy, each patient provided their own case history and received a physical examination so as to establish each individual's baseline. Each prover was then required to keep a daily journal, in which all symptoms were recorded in accordance with a suggested guide. The researchers then collated the data and translated the symptoms produced into Materia Medica and repertory language. Finally a homoeopathic picture of the remedy emerged in which marked themes exist. These themes and central characteristics of the remedy were then compared to the toxicology of the major chemical constituents of Sutherlandia frutescens. Data was analyzed by