Homeopathy & research

the science of homeopathy

‘‘ As the body of evidence for homeopathy grows, the idea that homeopathy is just a placebo effect is becoming increasingly implausible. ‘’¹

Figure 1 Image TAKEN FROM Homeopathy Research Institute HRI Evidence Summary 2024 Status of Homeopathy Research: from Experimental Research to Clinical Evidence https://www.hri-research.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HRI_EvidenceSummary_2024.pdf

Homeopathy Research Institute

The Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI) is a UK-based charity dedicated to promoting high quality research in homeopathy at an international level.

The charity was founded by physicist, Dr. Alexander Tournier, who previously worked as an independent researcher for Cancer Research UK, conducting interdisciplinary research at the boundaries between mathematics, physics and biology.²

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The following information is taken directly from Homeopathy Research Institute³

HRI Evidence Summary 2024

Status of Homeopathy Research: from Experimental Research to Clinical Evidence

The complete 8page (80+citation) PDF is available for free online⁴

Homeopathy research is conducted at Universities, expert institutes and in clinical settings around the world (see Fig. 1), using the same methodological approaches used to assess conventional medical treatments and applying the latest laboratory techniques.

The field has advanced significantly in recent decades:

PHYSICOCHEMICAL EXPERIMENTS

• Analysis of more than 200 studies reveals that 72% of studies demonstrate that homeopathic medicines have specific physicochemical properties, using advanced technologies (e.g. spectroscopy, NMR).⁵

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Sophisticated spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman, UV-visible spectroscopy, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance have revealed unique molecular structures and water organisation patterns in homeopathic medicines.

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BIOLOGICAL EXPERIMENTS

• 77% of experiments report reproducible effects of homeopathic medicines across various models (cells, animals, plants).⁶

• 95% of well-controlled plant experiments show significant effects of homeopathic medicines compared to placebo.⁷

• Research quality has improved over time, with modern analytical technologies, rigorous controls and multi-laboratory validation of results.⁸

Scientific reviews & meta-analyses: An overview of clinical evidence.

As far back as 1991, Kleijnen et al.,⁹ conducted a groundbreaking meta-analysis that reported positive results which could not be entirely explained by a placebo effect.

The evaluation of homeopathy’s clinical efficacy has since evolved significantly through advanced meta analyses in recent years.

• 5 of 6 meta-analyses find homeopathic treatment is more effective than placebo.¹⁰

• Most rigorous study demonstrates individualised homeopathic treatment is 1.5-2.0 times more likely to be beneficial than placebo - with strongest results seen in best quality clinical trials.¹¹

• Specific conditions show varying results e.g. positive results for fibromyalgia, childhood diarrhoea and postoperative ileus, but inconclusive for dentistry and psychiatric disorders.¹²¹³¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶

• Homeopathic treatment shown to have a strong safety profile when compared to comparable conventional treatments.¹⁷¹⁸

RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Despite promising results, challenges remain.

The dispersion of studies across numerous medical conditions necessitates more focused research to strengthen the body of evidence per condition and demonstrate reproducibility.

Additionally, adapting standard RCT methodology to individualised homeopathic treatment presents ongoing challenges – an issue faced by researchers attempting to evaluate any form of personalized medicine, particularly complex interventions involving in-depth consultations as well as prescriptions tailored to each patient.

• 329 clinical studies (randomised and non-randomised) published in peer-reviewed journals comparing patients using homeopathy to placebo, other treatment or no treatment.¹⁹

• 286 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) covering treatment of 152 medical conditions.²⁰

• 166 double-blind placebo-controlled RCTs, covering treatment of 100 conditions.²¹

REAL WORLD DATA

A key factor in economic benefits is the reduced use of specific conventional medications, as documented in the EPI3 study which showed a reduction in a range of drugs commonly prescribed in primary care such as antibiotics and NSAIDs.

• Large-scale observational studies in multiple European countries demonstrate real-world impact of homeopathy.²²²³²⁴²⁵²⁶²⁷²⁸

• Homeopathic treatment is associated with reduction in use of conventional medications e.g. 57% fewer antibiotics for respiratory infections.²⁹

• 14 of 21 economic evaluation studies show positive economic impact of homeopathy’s integration into healthcare systems.³⁰

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For full context

It is also worth noting that homeopathy’s effectiveness extends beyond human medicine, with promising developments in veterinary³¹³² and agricultural³³³⁴ applications.

Success in these areas, where placebo effects are minimal, provides additional evidence supporting the plausibility of homeopathy’s biological activity.

For example, homeopathic interventions have demonstrated measurable positive effects on plant health, suggesting a role in contributing to development of novel sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural processes.³⁵

IN CONCLUSION

When the existing evidence base for homeopathy is considered in its entirety, a clear positive direction is apparent:

considering the full mosaic of findings from fundamental and clinical research, the data indicates that homeopathy has the potential to play a valuable role in future healthcare provision, helping to meet the growing need for effective, affordable, patient-centred care.³⁶

https://www.hri-research.org/

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Thanks to the comprehensive (& tireless) works of the HRI team it can be confidently stated to anyone espousing no evidence for homeopathy in 2025 that they are simply out of touch …

Feel free to tell them so!, ( while pointing them to https://www.hri-research.org/ )

Aude sapere ! (Dare to know!)

Sarah Penrose is a triple qualified and internationally affiliated New Zealand registered homeopath currently working for a Master of Applied Health Science (Wellness and Rehabilitation). Sarah is always keen on collegial connection and feedback, and can be contacted via her website goodhealthforgreatlife.com

1. Roberts ER, Mosley AJ, Tournier AL. Insights from a Decade of 'Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy'. Homeopathy. Feb;113(1):1-3. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1777309

2. https://www.hri-research.org/

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4. https://www.hri-research.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HRI_EvidenceSummary_2024.pdf

5. Tournier, A et al. Physicochemical Investigations of Homeopathic Preparations: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis—Part 2. J Altern Complement Med, 2019; 25, 890–901 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0064

6. Witt, CM et al. The in vitro evidence for an effect of high homeopathic potencies - a systematic review of the literature. Complement Ther Med, 2007; 15, 128–138. (2007) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2007.01.011

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8. Tournier, A et al. Physicochemical Investigations of Homeopathic Preparations: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis—Part 3. J Altern Complement Med, 2021; 27(1):45-57. (2021). https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0243

9. Kleijnen, J et al. Clinical trials of homoeopathy. BMJ 302, 316–323 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.302.6772.316

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11. Mathie, RT et al. Randomised placebo-controlled trials of individualised homeopathic treatment: systematic review and metaanalysis. Syst Rev, 2014; 3, 142. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-4053-3-142

12. Taylor, M et al. Randomised controlled trial of homoeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial series. BMJ, 2000; 321(7259):471-6. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.321.7259.471

13. Yakir, M et al. A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Randomized Trial with Individualized Homeopathic Treatment Using a Symptom Cluster Approach in Women with Premenstrual Syndrome. Homeopathy, 2019; 108, 256–269. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1691834

14. Lüdtke, R et al. The conclusions on the effectiveness of homeopathy highly depend on the set of analyzed trials. J Clin Epidemiol , 2008; 61, 1197–1204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2008.06.015

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16. Jacobs, J et al. Homeopathy for childhood diarrhea: combined results and metaanalysis from three randomized, controlled clinical trials. Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2003; 22, 229–234. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.inf.0000055096.25724.48

17. Stub, T et al. Adverse effects of homeopathy, what do we know? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med, 2016; 26, 146–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2016.03.013

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19. Gaertner, K et al. Bibliography of Homeopathic Intervention Studies (HOMIS) in Human Diseases. J Integr Complement Med, 2023; 29, 14–21. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2022.0523

20. Homeopathy Research Institute. What scientific evidence is there that homeopathy works? (2014). https://www.hri-research.org/resources/homeopathy-faqs/scientific-evidence-for-homeopathy/

21. Homeopathy Research Institute. What scientific evidence is there that homeopathy works? (2014). https://www.hri-research.org/resources/homeopathy-faqs/scientific-evidence-for-homeopathy/

22. Medioni, J et al. Benefits of Homeopathic Complementary Treatment in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on the French Nationwide Healthcare Database. Clin Breast Cancer, 2023; 23(1):60-70 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clbc.2022.10.001

23. Grimaldi-Bensouda, L et al. Management of upper respiratory tract infections by different medical practices, including homeopathy, and consumption of antibiotics in primary care: the EPI3 cohort study in France 2007-2008. PLoS One, 2014; 9, e89990. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089990

24. Grimaldi-Bensouda, L et al. Homeopathic medical practice for anxiety and depression in primary care: the EPI3 cohort study. BMC Complement Altern Med, 2016; 16, 125. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1104-2

25. Rossignol, M et al. Impact of physician preferences for homeopathic or conventional medicines on patients with musculoskeletal disorders: results from the EPI3-MSD cohort. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf, 2012; 21, 1093–1101 https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.3316

26. Witt, CM et al. How healthy are chronically ill patients after eight years of homeopathic treatment?--Results from a long term observational study. BMC Public Health, 2008; 8, 413. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-8-413

27. Rossi, E. et al. Integration of Homeopathy and Complementary Medicine in the Tuscan Public Health System and the Experience of the Homeopathic Clinic of the Lucca Hospital. Homeopathy, 2018; 107(2):90-98. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1636839

28. Spence, DS et al. Homeopathic treatment for chronic disease: a 6-year, university-hospital outpatient observational study. J Altern Complement Med, 2005; 11, 793–798. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2005.11.793

29. Grimaldi-Bensouda, L et al. Management of upper respiratory tract infections by different medical practices, including homeopathy, and consumption of antibiotics in primary care: the EPI3 cohort study in France 2007-2008. PLoS One, 2014; 9, e89990. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089990

30. Ostermann, T et al. Overview and quality assessment of health economic evaluations for homeopathic therapy: an updated systematic review. Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research 24, 117–142 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/14737167.2023.2266136

31. Mathie, RT el al. Veterinary homeopathy: Systematic review of medical conditions studied by randomised trials controlled by other than placebo. BMC Vet Res, 2015; 11, 236. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0542-2

32. Doehring, C et al. Efficacy of homeopathy in livestock according to peer-reviewed publications from 1981 to 2014. Vet Rec, 2016; 179, 628. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103779

33. Endler, PC et al. Amphibians and ultra high diluted thyroxine – further experiments and re-analysis of data. Homeopathy, 2015; 104, 250–256 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.homp.2015.10.001

34. Betti, L et al. A Review of Three Simple Plant Models and Corresponding Statistical Tools for Basic Research in Homeopathy. The Scientific World Journal, 2010; 10, 2330–2347 https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2010.224

35. Jäger, T et al. Use of homeopathic preparations in experimental studies with abiotically stressed plants. Homeopathy 100, 275–287 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.homp.2011.05.008

36. Homeopathy Research Institute. HRI Evidence Summary 2024 - Status of Homeopathy Research: from Experimental Research to Clinical Evidence. https://www.hri-research.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HRI_EvidenceSummary_2024.pdf