Comparative efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa 1000cH and Rhododendron chrysanthum 1000cH in patients with trapezitis: a randomized comparative clinical study

Abstract

Background: Trapezitis is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and restricted movement, which can affect quality of life. Clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa and Rhododendron chrysanthum in high dilutions in trapezitis is limited.

Aims: To compare the clinical outcomes of Cimicifuga racemosa 1000cH and Rhododendron chrysanthum 1000cH in patients aged 20–50 years with trapezitis.

Methodology: In this randomized comparative clinical study, 52 participants aged 20–50 years were allocated to two groups of 26 participants each. Group A received Cimicifuga racemosa 1000cH and Group B received Rhododendron chrysanthum 1000cH. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS  0–10) before and after treatment. Symptom-wise improvement was  recorded. Within-group changes were analysed using paired t-tests and between-group differences using unpaired t-tests.

Results: Mean VAS decreased from 7.62 ± 1.06 to 1.73 ± 1.64 in Group A and from 7.38 ± 1.10 to 3.62 ± 2.37 in Group B. Within-group reductions were statistically significant in both groups (p < 0.0001). The between-group difference was significant for post-treatment VAS (p = 0.0017) and mean VAS change (p = 0.0020). Mean VAS reduction was 77.68% in Group A and 49.08% in Group B. Symptom-wise improvement was recorded for pain in the neck, stiffness, headache, numbness and limitation of range of motion in both groups.

Conclusions: Both treatment groups showed improvement in VAS and recorded symptoms. In this study population, the reduction in VAS was greater with Cimicifuga racemosa 1000cH than with Rhododendron chrysanthum 1000cH. Interpretation is limited by the study design and requires confirmation in adequately registered, blinded, larger controlled trials.