Treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis using homeopathic preparation of common allergens in the southwest region of the US: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
Studies using homeopathy have reported beneficial effects from treating allergy-related conditions.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of a homeopathic drug prepared from common allergens (tree, grass, weed species) specific to the Southwest region of the US.


METHODS
A 4-week, double-blind clinical trial comparing homeopathic preparations with placebo was conducted in the Phoenix metropolitan area during the regional allergy season from February to May. Participants included 40 men and women, 26-63 years of age, diagnosed with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. Study outcomes included allergy-specific symptoms using the rhinoconjunctivitis quality-of-life questionnaire (RQLQ), functional quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36), and the work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) questionnaire.


RESULTS
Scales from the RQLQ, MOS SF-36, and WPAI questionnaire showed significant positive changes from baseline to 4 weeks in the homeopathic group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Subjects reported no adverse effects during the intervention period.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary findings indicate potential benefits of the homeopathic intervention in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Southwestern US.
Kim
Linda S
LS
Southwest College Research Institute, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, Tempe, AZ 85282-1751, USA. l.kim@scnm.edu
Riedlinger
June E
JE
Baldwin
Carol M
CM
Hilli
Lisa
L
Khalsa
Sarv Varta
SV
Messer
Stephen A
SA
Waters
Robert F
RF
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D015206:Southwestern United States
D000485:Allergens