Usefulness of homoeopathic medicines in COVID associated mucormycosis: A scoping review

Abstract

Rationale: The term mucormycosis (Black fungus) is the common name given to different diseases caused by fungi of the order mucorales. An unforeseen upsurge in Covid associated mucormycosis cases was seen during the second wave of Covid-19 in India in the months of April-June. An attempt has been made to systematically map the research done as well as to identify the existing gaps in knowledge regarding Mucormycosis in the field of homoeopathy through a scoping review. Objective: To determine and synopsize the scientific evidence for the usefulness of homeopathic medicines in post covid-19 mucormycosis. Methodology: A web-based literature search from medical databases (Pub Med, Science direct) and google search engine was carried out till December 2021. Results: Total 5 literature review works could only be traced, discussing the role of homoeopathy in mucormycosis. The articles are review woks, containing literature information on homoeopathic approach in mucormycosis. Available grey literature is handful, aggregate 5 in number. No in-vitro, in-vivo or clinical study to analyze the antifungal effects of homoeopathic medicines on Rhizopus/mucor species was obtainable. Conclusion: It is evident that the usefulness and effectiveness of homoeopathy in patients of mucormycosis has not been explored. This scoping review may form an excellent foundation to bring to the fore of the researchers in homoeopathy across the globe to study and understand the role that homeopathic medicines can play in the treatment of mucormycosis and likewise, other opportunistic fungal infections. Following these suggestions, research conducted may determine the importance and value of homeopathy in mucormycosis which may lead to probable scope for a systematic review.