A study to determine the efficacy of Chelidonium majus 3cH and 30cH in reducing breath alcohol levels when compared to a placebo

M.Tech.Alcohol intoxication is often linked to crime, motor vehicle accidents, violence and acts of aggression. There is currently no reversal agent or antidote available for alcohol intoxication. A study conducted by the University of Johannesburg, reports positive results when using Chelidonium 3cH and 30cH to reduce breath alcohol levels. Homeopathy is a therapeutic system based primarily on the Law of Similars. The drug picture of Chelidonium majus is well matched to the symptom picture of acute alcohol intoxication and is thus a well-indicated remedy to treat the symptoms of this condition. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homeopathic preparations Chelidonium majus 3cH and 30cH to reduce breath alcohol levels when compared to a placebo. This was a double blind, placebo controlled study. The sample groups were recruited using advertisements at the University of Johannesburg Doornfontein Campus and surrounding areas and consisted of thirty male participants between 20 and 45 years of age. Participants were required to attend three experimental sessions. The researcher completed a selection form to exclude interested parties with abnormal vital sign readings, diabetes, drug or alcohol addiction, history of cerebrovascular accident (stroke), diagnosed hypotension or hypertension, diagnosed hyperlipidaemia, liver or gallbladder disease, recent head trauma, taking any medication contra-indicating alcohol ingestion or history of chronic cardiac or renal disease. The Widmark formula was used to determine the exact amount of 43% brandy, diluted with cola drink to obtain a 20% volume-to-volume dilution. These calculations were done according to the weight of each participant to ensure that their breath alcohol concentrations were increased to the legal limit of 0.08 mg/dL. In the first session, the participants only consumed the alcohol to establish a baseline reading for their breath alcohol levels. During session two participants in the experimental group received a single powder medicated with Chelidonium majus 3cH. Participants in the placebo group received an unmedicated powder. During session three participants in the experimental group received a single powder medicated with Chelidonium majus 30cH. Participants in the placebo group received an unmedicated powder. During each session breath alcohol measurements were taken and recorded at twenty minutes, forty minutes, sixty minutes and eighty minutes after the initial alcoholic beverage has been ingested. The breath alcohol readings were statistically analysed and compared by Ms. Riette Eiselen, Head: Statistical Consultation Services (STATKOM), University of Johannesburg. Independent sample t-tests and a Mann-Whitney test were used to determine if there was any significant difference between the median breath alcohol reductions of the experimental and the control group. These tests indicated that there was no significant difference between the median breath alcohol reductions of the experimental and the control group on any variable at any point in time for any one of the sessions. A One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was utilised to determine if there was any significant reduction in breath alcohol levels during the 3 sessions in both the experimental and control groups. The test revealed that both groups showed a significant decrease in breath alcohol concentrations but that there was no significant difference between the breath alcohol reductions between groups. Participation in the study was voluntary and withdrawal or refusal to continue was allowed at any time. Participants had the option to remain anonymous. Since Chelidonium majus 3cH and 30cH are rarely associated with side effects, the risk factors for participants in the study were minimal and no adverse effects were anticipated. In the event of an emergency, medical personnel were on standby. Participants were requested not to leave the venue until breathalyzer tests revealed a breath alcohol concentration of 0.01 g/dL. The results of the study were made available to the participants on request