Blue Print: an inventory of priorities and lack of evidence in homoeopathic research

Objective

The controversy around homoeopathic remedies may be partially due to neglect of some important research domains. We propose the ‘life cycle of a homoeopathic remedy’ as a coat-rack model to analyse solid ground as well as gaps in understanding; each phase of the cycle differs in existing evidence, specific questions, methods and implementation problems. The aim of this study was to provoke debate on research priorities and develop a concerted action for a network of laboratories to carry out part-projects of the research programme, which is called Blue Print.

Materials and methods

A qualitative survey of scientific databases of innovative research (neurophysiology, immunology, physics, physical chemistry and non-linear mathematics) related to the existing problems to understand the effects of homoeopathic remedies was carried out. Definition of ‘sensitising concepts’ to interpret literature.

Results

The ‘life cycle model’ contains the following phases:

1. laboratory: the preparation of dynamised solutions (physics: interaction between solute and water, the solvent). Issues: aggregation, alignment and the corresponding lifetime of these features (memory).
2. pharmacokinetics: dissolution in buccal mucosa of the medicine into lactose carrier and remedy fluid. There is virtually no evidence for this.
3. pharmacodynamics: distribution of remedy through blood circulation and nervous system. There is no evidence for this.
4. target system: immunology; several well-documented research lines. Effects in vitro and animal models.
5. clinical effect: contradictory evidence. Main issues: confounding (placebo) and construct validity (individual diagnosis in group design).

Conclusion

Phases 2 and 3 in particular need rigorous development and these are the most critical in understanding the global action of the remedy. Phase 1 needs further prioritising. Phase 5 requires development of ‘mixed method’ designs (qualitative and quantitative). This implies implementation by specific research groups (laboratories/institutions) of specific parts of Blue Print.