Effect of Baryta muriatica 3X on Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Adults with Hyperlipidemia: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Single-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background

Hyperlipidemia is a major modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) contributing substantially to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although conventional lipid-lowering therapies are effective, interest in complementary and integrative approaches has increased because of the need for individualized and holistic management strategies. Baryta muriatica has traditionally been used in homeopathic practice for vascular and degenerative disorders; however, clinical evidence supporting its role in hyperlipidemia remains limited.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of Baryta muriatica 3X in reducing LDL-C levels in adults with hyperlipidemia compared with placebo.

Methods

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at Bharati Vidyapeeth Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Pune, India, including patients recruited from the outpatient department and affiliated rural and urban camps. Fifty-two adults aged 25–70 years with LDL-C concentrations >100 mg/dL were randomly allocated to receive either Baryta muriatica 3X (n = 26) or placebo (Sac Lac, n = 26) for three months. Participants attended follow-up visits every 15 days. The primary outcome was the change in LDL-C concentration from baseline to three months. Within-group comparisons were performed using paired t-tests, while between-group differences were analysed using unpaired t-tests. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Results

Baseline demographic and biochemical characteristics were comparable between groups. Participants receiving Baryta muriatica 3X demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in mean LDL-C from 140.19 ± 9.44 mg/dL at baseline to 137.88 ± 9.40 mg/dL after three months (mean difference: 2.31 mg/dL; p = 0.0005). In contrast, the placebo group showed no statistically significant change (134.96 ± 9.68 mg/dL to 135.15 ± 10.34 mg/dL; p = 0.380). The between-group comparison of change scores favored the intervention group (p = 0.0003). A greater proportion of participants in the intervention group demonstrated a clinically favorable LDL-C response than those receiving placebo.

Conclusion

Baryta muriatica 3X was associated with a statistically significant reduction in LDL-C compared with placebo over a three-month treatment period. However, the absolute magnitude of LDL-C reduction was modest, and the findings should be interpreted in light of the limited sample size and short follow-up period. Larger, adequately powered randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings and establish their clinical relevance.