ScholarOne - Has Homoeopathic research languished in India? A
qualitative analysis of scientific and ethical perspectives
Abstract
Introduction: Homoeopathy has gained popularity in India as a method of
treatment, but faces criticism due to lack of evidence for its
effectiveness. This study aims to identify the challenges faced by
homoeopathic researchers in India and understand barriers and enablers
in the ethical conduct of homoeopathic research. Methods: In-depth
interviews were conducted with 11 active homoeopathic researchers,
revealing a lack of training, funding opportunities, and specific
guidelines for homoeopathic research. Results: The study revealed the
limitations in regulations for medicine preparation, standardization,
and validation. The scarcity of research ethics committees poses
challenges for ethical conduct of homoeopathic research. Conclusion: The
study concludes that homoeopathic research in India is scientifically
and ethically lagging, with suggestions provided by participants for
improvement. Keywords- Homoeopathic research, barriers, enablers,
ethics, guidelines