International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Background: Acute gastritis represents one of the most frequently encountered gastrointestinal tract infection and often results in altered physiological function.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines derived from different sources plant, mineral, and animal in the management of acute gastritis.

Methodology: A total of 50 cases, documented from the outpatient, inpatient, and rural centers of Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital based on inclusion and exclusion criteria between 2021 and 2023, were analyzed.

Results: Demographic distribution revealed that females (58%) were more frequently affected than males (42%), and the pediatric population, especially children aged 5–12 years, represented the most commonly affected group. Among the remedies prescribed, Nux vomica emerged as the most frequently used, primarily from the plant kingdom, followed by Magnesia phosphorica and Sulphur. Remedies from the mineral kingdom were the most widely prescribed overall, while animal-based medicines had limited application. The 200C potency was most commonly administered, reflecting practitioner preference for medium-to-high potency in acute conditions.

The duration of treatment varied; most patients (34%) reported improvement within one week, while others required up to one month. A chi-square statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between the kingdom of the remedy and the duration of treatment, suggesting that the source of the medicine influenced the speed of recovery. Additionally, a paired-samples t-test conducted on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores showed a statistically significant reduction in symptom severity (p < 0.001), confirming the therapeutic value of individualized homeopathic prescriptions.

Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the potential of homeopathic intervention as a safe and effective alternative for managing acute gastritis. The results highlight the importance of remedy source, potency selection, and individualized prescribing in achieving favorable outcomes. While plant remedies were often associated with rapid improvement, mineral remedies demonstrated broader applicability across cases. Despite these encouraging results, the limitations of retrospective design and small sample size necessitate further prospective and randomized controlled studies to strengthen the evidence base and validate the observed clinical patterns.