Report on World Homeopathy Summit organised by Global Homeopathy Foundation in India Introduction The Global Homeopathy Foundation (GHF) organised the World Homeopathy Summit (WHS) at Birla Matoshree Sabhaghar, Mumbai, 400020, India on 11-12 April, 2015. The three major organizations/institutions under the Ministry of AYUSH, namely Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Central Council of Homeopathy and Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory were the institutional collaborators. The three major professional bodies namely, Homeopathic Medical Association of India, Indian Homeopathic Medical Association and the Indian Chapter of Liga Medicora Homeopathica Internationalis supported the event. Why this Summit? Homeopathy has gained increasing popularity in India in the recent past and there is a resurgence of interest in many developed countries. Global attention is emerging among the scientists from the pure and applied sciences to look into certain intricate concepts of Homeopathy that remain as myths to the conventional science. There is also a demand from various health providers, including the governments, to mainstream the strength of homeopathy in treating non-communicable and long term diseases, viral infections, drug resistant diseases etc. that are becoming a challenge in conventional medicine. On another side, its practitioners, students and the followers in India are often naive to the scientific advances in homeopathy around the world, due to inadequate revelations. As a result, they are often deprived of the information on the latest scientific developments. This makes them helpless to defend the unfound denigration on the system created by the so called critics of homeopathy. The fact is that on one side there is an increasing demand for its use in healthcare and on the other side homeopathy is criticized for inadequate clinical evidences. This is happening in spite of considerable evidences and encouraging research around the world. Understanding these realities, the GHF in their pursuit to promote dissemination of scientific information in homeopathy, decided to invite renowned scientists from India and abroad to share their work of decades, to kindle scientific fervour amongst the professionals. Thus, the WHS was aimed at enhancing research aptitudes of the young homeopaths, increasing clinical proficiency of practitioners, encouraging scientists from pure and applied sciences to associate in fundamental research and also to inviting government as well as non-government institutions to patronize research in homeopathy. The inaugural function The Chief Guest of the inaugural function was Shri Anil Ganeriwala, Joint Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Dr Arun Jamkar, Vice Chancellor, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences was the Guest of Honor. Shri Madhavan Nambiar, Patron of the GHF presided the inaugural function. Welcoming the guests and delegates the Chairman, GHF, Dr Eswara Das, broadly presented the genesis of Global Homeopathy Foundation, its objectives and future plans. Dr. Rajesh Shah, Organising Secretary gave a panoramic view of the World Homeopathy Summit. Dr Praveen Kumar, Public Relations Coordinator, moderated the inaugural session. Dr Esmail Sait and Dr Jayesh V. Sanghvi, Vice Chairman, Dr Sreevals Menon, Managing Trustee and Dr A Kannan, Treasurer, felicitated the guests. Dr N Radha, Advisor (Homeopathy), Ministry of AYUSH, Dr Ramjee Singh, President, Central Council of Homeopathy, Dr R K Manchanda, Director General, Central Council for Research in Homeopathy and Shri Dangayach, Patron, GHF, made felicitation speeches. Dr Arun Bhasme, Vice President, Central Council of Homeopathy highlighted the apathy that the homeopathy doctors are facing in the state of Maharashtra. During the inaugural session, the souvenir containing the messages received from various luminaries as well the abstract of papers presented during the WHS and a book titled Homeopathy and Modern Medicine, written by Dr R D Lele, were released by the chief guest. In his speech, Shri Anil Ganeriwala stressed the need to bring better evidences on the scientific basis of homeopathy as per the requirement of modern scientific parameters to mainstream homeopathy in the national health care delivery system. He assured that funds would not be a constraint for research and explained various schemes available with the ministry to support research and development. Dr Arun Jamkar inaugurated the scientific session. Dr Sreevals Menon gave vote of thanks. Dr. Kim Sungchol, Regional Adviser, Traditional Medicine, World Health Organization, South East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi was a special invitee to the summit. The five members who were elected from the State of Maharashtra to the Central Council of Homeopathy were felicitated by the Global Homeopathy Foundation. The Scientific Sessions World Homeopathy Summit (Mumbai) After the inauguration ceremony followed the scientific sessions. Dr Rajesh Shah moderated the scientific sessions that were arranged around three themes, namely: (i) Nature of homeopathic medicine (ii) Evidences of its action (iii) Mechanism of its action Twenty-six scientists including molecular biologists, engineers, physicists, immunologists, pharmacologists, chemists, nanotechnologists, zoologists, homeopaths and conventional doctors from some of the premium universities presented their papers on latest research related to homeopathy concepts. About 800 delegates from across the country, mainly practitioners, teaching faculties, postgraduate students, PhD scholars and scientists attended the summit. Prof. Jayesh Bellare, HOD, Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, presented his paper on Nanotechnology of Homeopathic medicines and demonstrated that the homeopathic medicines in high dilutions retain the nano-particles of the source material. Prof. Rajendran, Principal, Vinayaka Mission Homeopathic Medical College, Salem who worked at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, presented his study revealing the hidden secrets of homeopathic potencies using High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) on Aurum Metalicum 6C – CM potencies and FESM & EDS studies of Carbo Vegitabilis 6 C – CM potencies. Dr Arun Jamkar, an onco-surgeon and vice chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nasik, made special comments on the future of nanotechnology and homeopathy. Prof. G D Jindal an electrical engineer and Dr Akalpita Paranjape both former scientists at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre demonstrated measurability of the effects of homeopathic dilutions on autonomous nervous system in humans with an electrical device. Prof. P. K. Joshi, physicist at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Dr Praful Barvalia, a renowned homeopath from Mumbai, demonstrated Enhanced Supercontinuum Generation in water in the presence of ultra-dilute solutions using laser beams; in samples containing high dilutions of homeopathic medicines. Prof. N C Sukul, an eminent zoologist and scientist from West Bengal, in his presentation on Variation in Free and Bound Water Molecules in Different Homeopathic Potencies, demonstrated the difference in the spectra between different potencies of the same medicine (Sulphur 30C, 200C, 1M) using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Above studies opened new understanding about homeopathic medicines as nano materials. Dr Gaurisankar Sa, Senior Professor of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata demonstrated regression of cancer tumours in rats with homeopathic medicines. He simultaneously investigated the detail molecular mechanism underlying drug-induced tumour regression. This study was conducted in collaboration with the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Government of India. Prof. Praveen Kumar, Head of the Department, Practice of Medicine, JSPS Govt. Homeopathic Medical college, Hyderabad and Dr S. Prathama, demonstrated the inhibition of Reverse Transcriptase enzyme by high dilution of snake venom (Crotalus Horridus), which could potentially lead to inhibition of multiplication of HIV, Hepatitis B and Ebola virus, through a paper on their in-vitro study conducted at Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad. In a conjoint study carried out by Dr Rajesh Shah, a renowned homeopath and researcher from Mumbai and Dr Sadhana Sathaye, Associate Professor, Pharmacology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai demonstrated the efficacy of homeopathic dilutions as anti-inflammatory medicine, at par with Diclofenac, in animal model. Dr Upama Bagai, an immunologist and zoologist from Punjab University demonstrated evidence of anti-malarial activity on blood samples of rats infected with malaria, after administering China Officinalis and Chelidonium Majus, in 30c potencies. Dr Rajesh Shah presented results of a clinical trial with a newly prepared homeopathic HIV Nosode that reduced the viral load of HIV patients and increased the CD4 count. The study also highlighted the development of latest technology and standardization of nosodes. Prof. Tapas Kundu, Motiwala Homeopathic Medical College, Nasik who worked along with Dr K. Ghosh, Director, National Institute of Immunohaematology & Director, Indian Council of Medical Research, presented paper on 294 cases of acute bleeding in haemophilia patients and demonstrated the efficacy of homeopathy in haemophilia. These papers demonstrated the effects of high homeopathic dilutions in different clinical conditions. Prof. Abhay Chowdhary, HOD, Department of Microbiology, Grants Govt Medical College and Director, Haffkine Institute along with Dr Rajesh Shah presented a paper on a new nosode sourced from various strains of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, including the MDR (multi-drug resistant tuberculosis) variety, using a standardized method and following all safety parameters. In a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Prof. Carla Holandino, Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Brazil demonstrated the preventive role of homeopathic medicine prepared from the virus of influenza. Prof. Leoni Bonamin, Professor, Veterinary Pathology, Paulista University, Brazil presented her work on Leishmaniasis using Zincum Metallicum and Antimonium crudum, in in-vitro and in-vivo models. Prof. A. R. Khuda-Bukhsh, University of Kalyani, West Bengal, proposed a gene-regulatory hypothesis to explain molecular mechanism of action of potentized homeopathic drugs in all living organisms. He also showed reduction of genotoxic effects of arsenic trioxide, mercurious chloride and stannum salt, using Arsenicum Album, Mercurius Solubilis and Stannum Metallicum in 30C potencies, respectively. In another study, he documented anti-radiation effects of high dilution, whereby in healthy mice exposed to radiation, chromosome aberration and sperm head anomalies decreased in those that received Arnica Montana and Hypericum 30C, as compared to the control group. In other studies, he documented that potentized homeopathic drugs diluted above Avogadro’s limit showed anti-viral effects on E. coli. He found that E. coli could distinguish ultra-high diluted homeopathic drugs and respond differentially with respect to their gene expression. He observed that one of the mechanisms through which the homeopathic dilutions act could be by triggering epigenetic modifications affecting one/or the other step(s) of gene expressions. Prof. Paolo Bellavite,a medical doctor working as researcher at Department of Pathology and Diagnosis, University of Verona, Italy, showed that high dilutions beyond Avogadro’s number have reproducible effects different from placebo. He also created an evidence of Similia principle in an experiment where homeopathic dilutions counteract toxicity of Arsenic and Phosphorus. Also, he confirmed some symptoms from diluted medicines in animal models. He talked about the demonstration of the effects of high dilutions of histamine and adrenaline on human basophils by inhibition of activation markers, Silica speeding up the wound-healing on mouse ears, protection against arsenic toxicity in wheat, etc. He discussed that high dilutions act through membrane cell receptors as shown by studies with inhibitors such as cimetidine, propranolol and strychnine. He also said that homeopathic drugs have a panoply of effects on gene expression that are revealed at the best by molecular biology high-through put techniques. The works of Dr Paulo and Dr Khuda-Bukhsh addressed the mechanism of action of homeopathic medicine. Dr Elio Rossi, Director, Campo di Marte Hospital, Lucca (Italy), shared his clinical studies demonstrating efficacy of homeopathy for paediatric atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis. Dana Ullman, one of the America’s leading advocates of homeopathy, founder of Homeopathic Education services, an author presented his paper on Perennial allergic Rhinitis- Randomised Clinical trial showing statistically significant results with homeopathic medicines. Dr R. K. Manchanda, Director General, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy gave an overview of research in Homeopathy and said that CCRH has been instrumental in cutting edge research publications on Cancer, Japanese Encephalitis, Diabetes, Urolithiasis, Memory function and detection of nano- particles in high dilutions. Prof. Leoni Villano Bonavin, in another paper gave an extensive overview of research in the fields of nosodes, veterinary medicine, cell-line studies and more. Dr Lex Rutton from Netherlands, Member of the Research Committees of the European Committee on Homeopathy discussed a perspective of research in the area of homeopathy prognosis. Prof. Papiya Nandy, former Director, Jagadish Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS), Kolkata, presented a paper on Novel application of homeopathic nano-medicine in technology. Dr J. P. Varshney, a veterinary surgeon, shared his clinical experiences with homeopathy in many pathological conditions in animals. Dr V. Prakash, a distinguished scientist, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Chairman, Research Council of Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, demonstrated the scope on integration of homeopathy and nutrition and brought out a new concept of ‘homeoceuticals’. The sessions were chaired and co-chaired by eminent scientists from various universities. Panel discussion A Panel discussion on – ‘How Homeopathy Can Gain Better Acceptance in The World’ was followed with eight national and international panelists, moderated by Dr R. K. Manchanda and Dr Rajesh Shah. The discussions brought out entire reflection that led to encourage more scientific research and better evidence-documentation in homeopathy. The major achievement of the scientific session was emergence of evidences on the three core theme on which the GHF proposed discussion. It may bring a major shift in the areas of potency, repetition etc. once Homeopathy will be viewed as nano pharamacological medicine. A need was identified to review the existing approaches in practice. (a) The requirement of standardizing the academic scenario in homeopathy by imparting medical training to homeopaths in countries where the qualifications is not at par with those with much higher standards of education (b) urging countries yet to list and regulate practice of homeopathy, where the fraternity is yet to gain ground (c) to discourage schools of homeopathy in total conflict and intolerance to each other and urge them to work in harmony and add value to the profession was highlighted by Dr Sreevals Menon, the managing trustee, GHF. Dr Jayesh V. Sanghvi, vice-chairman, GHF highlighted the need of holding the values of classical homeopathy and appealed to check the crowding of formulations based on baseless claims with pure business interests flooding into the pharma, which is a crucial reason for the fraternity being criticized. He also highlighted another important fact that while majorly a lot was being done through high levels of research and scientific work etc., to bring greater awareness and acceptance of homeopathy amongst the scientific, medical, literate and intellectual class; a lot more needed to be done by developing approaches and awareness campaigns which spoke a simple language that was easily understood and thereby helped bring greater understanding and acceptance of homeopathy amongst the masses, viz; the vast non-medical, semi-literate or the illiterate, aka – the common man. Dr Rajesh Shah commented that homeopaths are highly symptoms-centric, and need to move away from interpretation based and symptom oriented practice. The two day intense deliberations with the pure and applied scientists with the homeopathic experts provided reasonable scientific evidences on some of the unexplored areas of homeopathy. The speakers were able create enough enthusiasm amongst the delegates, which was one of the primacy behind the initiative by Global Homeopathy Foundation. By and large, the World Homeopathy Summit fulfilled its objectives of updating the practitioners on the latest research, filling the gap between the scientists and the clinicians and also sensitizing other scientists for conducting more research. The organisers of the World Homeopathy Summit expressed their sincere and profound thanks with gratitude to the sponsors, donors, collaborators, speakers, supporters, various research institutions within and outside the country, delegates, the PR agency, the event managers, printers, the management and staff of the venue, Birla Matoshree Sabhaghar and a special word of praise and gratitude for the visual, print and social media that gave a vast national & international coverage day after day – all of whose contributions made the event quite noteworthy, successful and appreciated. The Global Homeopathic Foundation took feedback from the speakers and delegates and considered these during the post conference meet held on 3rd May, 2015 at Chennai. The Report was approved and the following resolutions adopted: (i) To request the Ministry of AYUSH to set up a mechanism to encourage new drug discovery in the domain of nosodes and biological substances. (ii) To request to the Ministry of AYUSH to take up the with the Government of Maharashtra to utilise the trained manpower in Homeopathy in the health care delivery services. (iii ) To organise a much elaborate Global Summit on Homeopathy in Oct/ Nov, 2016 at Delhi by the GHF or in collaboration with like minded organisations, institutions, Ministry of AYUSH, WHO and other stakeholders. Chairman: Dr Eswara Das, A 2/23, Hahnemann Enclave, Plot No 40, Sector 6, Sector 6, Dwarka, New Delhi. 110075. India Organizing Secretary: Dr Rajesh Shah, 411 Krushal Commercial Complex, GM Rd, Chembur, Mumbai. 400089. India. Managing Trustee: Dr Sreevals Menon,2/565A, Vaishnavam, Bhavana Junction, Malapurum Dist, Post Azhinjilam, Kerala, 673632. India Vice Chairman: Dr Esmail Sait, Esmail Sait Homeopathic Research & Hospital, Jawahar Nagar, Near Sales Tax Complex, Kozhikode, Kerala. 673006. India Vice Chairman: Dr Jayesh Sanghavi, Nature Clinic, 20/1, Wallace Garden, 1st Street, Nugambakkam, Chennai. 60006. India Public Relations: Dr Praveen Kumar S, Flt No 102, KM Residency, Street No 8, Asok Nagar, Hyderabad.500020. India Treasurer: Dr A. Kanan, Raj Residency, TC 20/1332(5), KMRA-9, Mangad Lane, Karamana, Trivandrum. Kerala, 695002. India. Email: GlobalHomeopathyFoundation@gmail.com www.GlobalHomeopathyFoundation.com @http://www.homeobook.com/report-on-world-homeopathy-summit-organised-by-global-homeopathy-foundation-in-india/

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