Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences
Recent publications
In the current research, we developed a safe method using Iranian yarrow extract for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (IY-AgNPs) as reducing and stabilizing agents in different conditions. The prepared and stabilized IY-AgNPs under optimal conditions were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, TEM, and UV-vis techniques. Also, the blood-clotting, hemolytic, antioxidant, bactericidal and, fungicidal properties, cytotoxicity effects and inhibition of protein denaturation efficiency of IY-AgNPs were assessed in vitro. The stabilized IY-AgNPs with spherical shape and an average particle size of 19. 25 ± 7.9 nm did not show any hemolytic potential below 1000 µg/mL. These hemo-compatible NPs showed good blood-clotting ability by reducing clotting time (6 min relative to the control). These particles excellently inhibited the denaturation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by 69.3–80.7% at concentrations ranging from 31.25 to 500 µg/mL compared to a reference drug. The outcomes showed that the IC50 values of IY-AgNPs were below 12.5 µg/mL against A375 cells and between 25 and 50 µg/mL against MCF-7 cancer cells. In addition, IY-AgNPs were bactericidal against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (especially), and were fungicidal against Candida albicans. Biosynthesized IY-AgNPs indicated a significant antioxidant activity (63.2%) at a concentration of 350 µg/mL. These attained results suggested that bio/hemo-compatible IY-AgNPs may be a promising candidate for applications in the medicinal fields (particularly for wound healing) as anti-bleeding, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agents.
The present study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic properties of different extracts from aerial parts of V. diversifolium (family Scrophulariaceae), a plant that is native to Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Six extracts, namely, hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), ethanol (EtOH), 70% EtOH, and water (aqueous) were prepared by maceration. The EtOH extract was predominated by the presence of rutin (4280.20 μg g⁻¹) and p-coumaric acid (3044.01 μg g⁻¹) while the highest accumulation of kaempferol-3-glucoside (1537.38 μg g⁻¹), caffeic acid (130.13 μg g⁻¹) and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (465.93 μg g⁻¹) was recorded in the 70% EtOH, aqueous, and EtOAc extracts, respectively. The EtOH (46.86 mg TE/g) and 70% EtOH (46.33 mg TE/g) extracts displayed the highest DPPH radical scavenging result. Both these extracts, along with the aqueous one, exerted the highest ABTS radical scavenging result (73.03–73.56 mg TE/g). The EtOH and 70% EtOH extracts revealed the most potent anti-AChE (2.66 and 2.64 mg GALAE/g) and anti-glucosidase (1.07 and 1.09 mmol ACAE/g) activities. The aqueous extract was the most efficacious in inhibiting the proliferation of prostate cancer (DU-145) cells with an IC50 of 8.71 μg/mL and a Selectivity Index of 3.7. In conclusion, this study appraised the use of V. diversifolium aerial parts as a potential therapeutic source for future development of phytopharmaceuticals that target specific oxidative stress-linked diseases including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease among others.
Background Vitamin and mineral supplements are widely used by children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several studies have reported benefits of such supplements in resolving nutritional deficiencies, treating various metabolic problems and improving symptoms and overall quality of life. Methods This research survey collected evaluations from 161 people about the effectiveness of ANRC-Essentials Plus (ANRC-EP), a vitamin/mineral/micronutrient supplement designed for children and adults with autism. Although this was an open-label survey, results were compared with a three-month randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of an earlier version of the supplement. Evaluations included the Parent Global Impressions of Autism (PGIA) and the Overall Benefit/Adverse Effect scale of the National Survey on Treatment Effectiveness for Autism (NSTEA). Results The participants reported substantially higher Average PGIA Scores than the placebo group in a similar previous study, with an estimated effect size of 0.66. Based on the NSTEA questionnaire, 73% of participants rated the Overall Benefit as Moderate, Good, or Great, with scores that were substantially higher than the NSTEA study found for multi-vitamins, the average of 58 nutraceuticals, and the average of 28 psychiatric and seizure medications. The Overall Adverse Effect score was low (0.25/3.0), similar or slightly higher than other nutraceuticals, and much lower than the average of 28 psychiatric and seizure medications (0.9/3.0). Sub-analysis found that the Overall Benefit of ANRC-EP was not significantly affected by gender, age, autism severity, diet quality, self-limited diet, use of psychiatric or seizure medications, dosage, developmental history, intellectual disability, or seizures. This indicates that ANRC-EP may be beneficial for a wide range of children and adults with ASD. A limitation of this study is the retrospective nature of the survey, and that participants who had good benefits were more likely to respond. Conclusions This study found that ANRC-EP had significant benefits for a wide range of symptoms, and low adverse effects.
The field of sterol and oxysterol biology in lung disease has recently gained attention, revealing a unique need for sterol uptake and metabolism in the lung. The presence of cholesterol transport, biosynthesis, and sterol/oxysterol-mediated signaling in immune cells suggests a role in immune regulation. In support of this idea, statin drugs that inhibit the cholesterol biosynthesis rate-limiting step enzyme, hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, show immunomodulatory activity in several models of inflammation. Studies in human asthma reveal contradicting results, whereas promising retrospective studies suggest benefits of statins in severe asthma. Here, we provide a timely review by discussing the role of sterols in immune responses in asthma, analytical tools to evaluate the role of sterols in disease, and potential mechanistic pathways and targets relevant to asthma. Our review reveals the importance of sterols in immune processes and highlights the need for further research to solve critical gaps in the field.
Background: Cancer development is a multi-stage process in which apoptosis plays an important role. Apoptotic agents from natural products like phenolic compounds can be used effectively in the treatment of cancer. Berberis vulgaris L. fruits are a rich source of natural phenolic compounds and have been evaluated for their apoptotic effects. Objective: this study was carried out to evaluate the apoptotic effect of B. vulgaris fruits in normal and cancerous cells by investigating p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes expression and identifying an active compound. Methods: B. vulgaris fruits were extracted with ethanol using maceration method. To yield an active compound, the extract was divided into fractions and subfractions that could be evaluated using chromatography techniques, and the purified compound structure was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The cytotoxic activity of the selected fraction against 3T3 and MCF-7 cell lines along with its effect on the mRNA apoptosis regulating genes like p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 were investigated subsequently. Results: Results showed that B. vulgaris extract increased the mRNA level of p53 and Bax and decreased Bcl-2 mRNA level in cancer cell lines. The structure of the purified compound was determined as the 3-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid). Conclusion: B. vulgaris fruit has in vitro antineoplastic activity by stimulating cellular apoptosis via increasing the levels of p53 and Bax proteins and decreasing Bcl-2 and comprises chlorogenic acid as one of its phenolic phytochemicals.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are popular materials with high annual production and increasing applications in different fields. In the current research, we synthesized TiO2NPs with the help of the reducing potential of trans-ferulic acid (FA). FA-TiO2NPs are principally characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), and Thermogravimetric (TGA) techniques. Then, their biomedical properties were investigated by in vitro hemolysis, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity tests. According to physiochemical analysis, FA-TiO2NPs had mostly rod-shaped morphology with a rutile crystallographic phase. These NPs were non-hemolytic with high anti-denaturation and membrane stabilization activity and thus excellent in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. FA-TiO2NPs decreased the cell viability of A375 (melanoma cell line), MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line), and human skin fibroblast (normal cell line) in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values of FA-TiO2NPs were above 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL against A375, MCF-7, and skin fibroblast cell lines, respectively. In this study, we demonstrated the biocompatibility and valuable potential of FA-TiO2NPs in biomedical applications.
“Hemp” refers to non-intoxicating, low delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) cultivars of Cannabis sativa L. “Marijuana” refers to cultivars with high levels of Δ9-THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in the plant and a federally controlled substance used for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. Although marijuana and hemp belong to the same genus and species, they differ in terms of chemical and genetic composition, production practices, product uses, and regulatory status. Hemp seed and hemp seed oil have been shown to have valuable nutritional capacity. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid with a wide therapeutic index and acceptable side effect profile, has demonstrated high medicinal potential in some conditions. Several countries and states have facilitated the use of THC-dominant medical cannabis for certain conditions, while other countries continue to ban all forms of cannabis regardless of cannabinoid profile or low psychoactive potential. Today, differentiating between hemp and marijuana in the laboratory is no longer a difficult process. Certain thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods can rapidly screen for cannabinoids, and several gas and liquid chromatography techniques have been developed for precise quantification of phytocannabinoids in plant extracts and biological samples. Geographic regulations and testing guidelines for cannabis continue to evolve. As they are improved and clarified, we can better employ the appropriate applications of this uniquely versatile plant from an informed scientific perspective.
In the current research, we used the reducing and stabilizing potential of caffeic acid (CA) for the biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs). The structural analysis of CA-mediated synthesis of TiO2NPs (CA-TiO2NPs) was primarily performed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Diffuse Reflectance Spectra (DRS) determined the morphology, functional groups, and optical properties of CA-TiO2NPs. Biocompatibility and biological activity of CA-TiO2NPs were tested at various concentrations. According to obtained results, green synthesized CA-TiO2NPs with spherical shape and average particle size of 23.64±13.8 nm did not show hemolytic effects. On the other hand, these particles showed good membrane stabilization activity and inhibition of protein denaturation similar to the reference drug, which can establish their anti-inflammatory potential. The cell viability percentage of A375 and MCF-7 (cancer cell lines) was decreased in a dose-dependent manner against CA-TiO2NPs. IC50 values of CA-TiO2NPs were around 25 μg/mL for A375 and above 100 μg/mL for MCF-7 cell line. These particles inhibited the growth of human skin fibroblast cells (normal cells) by 19-30% at higher concentrations. Overall, the results indicated that CA-TiO2NPs, as a promising compound with excellent biocompatibility, can be used in healthcare products and clinical and medicinal applications.
Background Recent advances in computational psychiatry have identified latent cognitive and perceptual states that predispose to psychotic symptoms. Behavioral data fit to Bayesian models have demonstrated an over-reliance on priors (i.e., prior over-weighting) during perception in select samples of individuals with hallucinations, corresponding to increased precision of prior expectations over incoming sensory evidence. However, the clinical utility of this observation depends on the extent to which it reflects static symptom risk or current symptom state. Methods To determine whether task performance and estimated prior weighting relate to specific elements of symptom expression, a large, heterogeneous, and deeply-phenotyped sample of hallucinators (N = 249) and non-hallucinators (N=209) performed the Conditioned Hallucinations (CH) task. Results We found that CH rates predicted stable measures of hallucination status (i.e., peak frequency). However, CH rates were more sensitive to hallucination state (i.e., recent frequency), significantly correlating with recent hallucination severity and driven by heightened reliance on past experiences (priors). To further test the sensitivity of CH rate and prior weighting to symptom severity, a subset of participants with hallucinations (N = 40) performed a repeated-measures version of the CH task. Changes in both CH frequency and prior weighting varied with changes in AH frequency on follow-up. Conclusions These results indicate that CH rate and prior over-weighting are state markers of hallucination status, potentially useful in tracking disease development and treatment response.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) were produced using a crud flavonoid luteolin (LT) by the green process. Physicochemical characterizations of LT mediated synthesis of TiO2NPs (LT-TiO2NPs) were analyzed by different techniques. The biocompatibility of LT-TiO2NPs was evaluated by assessing their cytotoxicity, inhibition of protein denaturation, hemolysis effects, and membrane stabilization activity. The synthesized LT-TiO2NPs exhibited mostly rod-shaped morphology, rutile crystalline structure with length about 33.3-135 nm and width in 16.6-58 nm. Under LT-TiO2NPs treatments, the cell viability of cancer cells was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. According to the results, the IC50 values of LT-TiO2NPs were between 12.5-25 μg/mL for A375 and MCF-7 cancer cells, and its value was below 50 μg/mL for skin fibroblast. These NPs also induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and caused mitochondrial disruption in cancer cells, leading to the induction of intrinsic apoptosis. These biosynthesized NPs did not show denaturation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein and hemolytic or heat-induced hemolytic effects, which confirmed their membrane stabilization activity without damaging red blood cells (RBCs) membrane integrity. Therefore, this research provides valuable results in the case of green synthesis of LT-TiO2NPs and their specific properties, biocompatibility, and their potential to be used in biomedical fields.
Background Internationally many countries have implemented strategies to enhance primary care, to strengthen their health systems to cope with an aging population, the rise of chronic conditions, and increased costs. Primary care has the potential to address these challenges, however, general practitioners are increasingly struggling to meet patient demand resulting from a growing and aging population. Expanding the role of general practice nurses to advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) level has worked internationally and could equally be a solution to the Irish context. However, their current role must first be established as well as their level of interest in becoming an ANP. Aim To explore the role of general practice nurses and their interest in becoming an ANP. Design A survey design. Method A purposeful sample of general practice nurses (n = 40) was undertaken between April and June 2019. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS V 25.0; IBM). Results General practice nurses appear to have an agenda in relation to activities associated with wound care, immunizations, respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Just over half of the respondents were not interested in becoming an ANP. Their perceived challenges associated with the implementation of the role include a lack of support from general practitioners, a lack of resources, insurance issues, and a lack of understanding of the role. Challenges were associated with undertaking further training and their experience of having more work transferred to general practice without concomitant reallocation of resources. Conclusion General practice nurses have extensive clinical experience to deliver major improvements in primary care. Educational opportunities need to be provided for upskilling existing general practice nurses to advanced practice level. Greater understanding of the role and the potential contribution of the role in general practice is required among medical colleagues and the public.
This paper provides a conceptual framework for the study and clinical application of hypnotherapeutic imagery (HTI). Using the grounded theory method of conceptual analysis, a unified theoretical framework is constructed from a multidisciplinary review of literature (i.e., this new theory is based on the collection and analysis of independently sourced data). The aim is to enumerate the chorographical features of HTI simulations within the mental landscape, rather than seeking to predict them. This is achieved using a combination of ontological, epistemological, and methodological inquires. Because mental simulation is both symptomatic of mental disorders and a psychotherapeutic agent, used across various treatment modalities, an attempt is made to isolate those variables that differentiate HTI from other instances of mental simulation. Lastly, applied principles from multiple disciplines are used to formulate HTI methodology designed to effectively enhance intuitive understanding and unconscious problem-solving.
Introduction: The high mortality rate in severe cases of COVID-19 is mainly due to the strong upregulation of cytokines, called a cytokine storm. Hyperinflammation and multiple organ failure comprise the main clinical features of a cytokine storm. Nrf2 is a transcription factor which regulates the expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory processes. Furthermore, Nrf2, as a master regulator, controls the activity of NF-κB which binds to the promoter of many pro-inflammatory genes inducible of various inflammatory factors. Inhibition of Nrf2 response was recently demonstrated in biopsies from patients with COVID-19, and Nrf2 agonists inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication across cell lines in vitro. Glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products have excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects via the Nrf2 activation pathway, reduction in the NF-κB activation, and subsequent reduced cytokines levels. Conclusion: Accordingly, these compounds can be helpful in combating the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19.
Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) frequently cause significant distress and dysfunction, and may be unresponsive to conventional treatments. Some voice-hearers report an ability to fully control the onset and offset of their AVH, making them significantly less disruptive. Measuring and understanding these abilities may lead to novel interventions to enhance control over AVH. Fifty-two voice-hearers participated in the pilot study. 318 participants with frequent AVH participated in the validation study. A pool of 59 items was developed by a diverse team including voice-hearers and clinicians. After the pilot study, 35 items were retained. Factorial structure was assessed with exploratory (EFA, n = 148) and confirmatory (CFA, n = 170) factor analyses. Reliability and convergent validity were assessed using a comprehensive battery of validated phenomenological and clinical scales. CFA on the final 18 items supported two factors for a Methods of Control Scale (5 items each, average ω = .87), and one factor for a Degree of Control Scale (8 items, average ω = .95). Correlation with clinical measures supported convergent validity. Degree of control was associated with positive clinical outcomes in voice-hearers both with and without a psychosis-spectrum diagnosis. Degree of control also varied with quality of life independently of symptom severity and AVH content. The Yale control over perceptual experiences (COPE) Scales robustly measure voice-hearers' control over AVH and exhibit sound psychometric properties. Results demonstrate that the capacity to voluntarily control AVH is independently associated with positive clinical outcomes. Reliable measurement of control over AVH will enable future development of interventions meant to bolster that control.
Background and purpose: Doxorubicin (DOX) as a chemotherapeutic agent has been widely used in the treatment of various types of cancer. However, DOX exerts a toxic effect on normal tissues such as the brain. Furanocoumarins reduce the risk of cardiovascular and brain diseases because of their antioxidant activities. This study has been designed, for the first time, to evaluate the effect of known furanocoumarins oxypeucedanin and isoimperatorin extracted from Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl on oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by DOX toward pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12). Experimental approach: NMR and MASS spectrometers were used to characterize the isolated compounds. The protective effects of isolated compounds on DOX-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells were examined by MTT assay. PC12 cells were pretreated with oxypeucedanin and isoimperatorin for 2 and 21 h, respectively, subsequently exposure to DOX at IC50 concentration. Then, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Bax and Bcl2 mRNA expressions, caspase-3 activation, and the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured after 24 h. Findings/results: Pretreatment with oxypeucedanin and isoimperatorin significantly decreased DOX-induced apoptosis through reduction of caspase-3 activity and ROS generation and an increase in MMP. In addition, our finding showed pretreatment with these compounds leads to regulation of Bcl-2. Conclusion and implications: Taken together our observation indicated that oxypeucedanin and isoimperatorin have a protective effect against apoptosis induced by DOX in PC12 cells by inhibition of ROS production.
Introduction Despite ongoing efforts to vaccinate communities against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the necessity of face mask use in controlling the pandemic remains subject to debate. Several studies have investigated face masks and COVID-19, covering smaller and less diverse populations than this study's sample. This study examines a hypothesized association of face covering mandates with COVID-19 mortality decline across 44 countries in 2 continents. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, changes in COVID-19-related daily mortality rate per million population from February 15 to May 31, 2020 were compared between 27 countries with and 17 countries without face mask mandates in nearly 1 billion (911,446,220 total) people. Longitudinal mixed effect modeling was applied and adjusted for over 10 relevant demographic, social, clinical, and time dependent confounders. Results Average COVID-19 mortality per million was 288.54 in countries without face mask policies and 48.40 in countries with face mask policies. In no mask countries, adjusted average daily increase was 0.1553 – 0.0017 × (days since first case) log deaths per million, compared with 0.0900 – 0.0009 × (days since first case) log deaths per million in the countries with a mandate. Sixty days into the pandemic, countries without face mask mandates had an average daily increase of 0.0533 deaths per million, compared with the average daily increase of countries with face mask mandates, at 0.0360 deaths per million. Conclusions This study's significant results show that face mask mandates were associated with lower COVID-19 deaths rates compared with countries without mandates. These findings support use of face masks to prevent excess COVID-19 deaths, and should be advised during airborne disease epidemics.
Background: Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is one of the causative agents of intestinal and extraintestinal infections in humans. Symptoms of the mouse infection by this bacterium mimic typhoid fever in humans. Adjuvants are compounds that enhance the effectiveness of vaccines in combination with them. Alum as an adjuvant causes a shift towards Th2 immune and strengthens the humoral immunity responses. Cisplatin is a highly effective anti-tumor drug that stimulates immune responses by activating macrophages and other immune cells and is used in tumor immunotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the role of cisplatin and the cisplatin-alum mixture as adjuvants to increase the efficacy of vaccination against S. typhimurium in Balb/c mice. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were divided into five groups. Mice in the experimental groups received either the HKST vaccine alone or in combination with the adjuvants alum, cisplatin, or the cisplatin-alum. Mice in the negative control group received phosphate-buffered saline. All mice were immunized two times on days 0 and 14. Two weeks after the last immunization, immune responses to S. typhimurium were assessed by measuring the survival rate after challenge with a lethal dose of bacterium, bacterial load in the liver, interferon-gamma, and S. typhimurium-specific IgG1 and IgG2a production. Results: The numbers of colonies in the spleen and liver cultures in all dilutions were significantly lower in cisplatin-vaccine, and cisplatin-alum vaccine immunized mice. The average rate of specific IgG2a was higher in the same groups compared to other groups. The survival rate in alum-vaccine, cisplatin-vaccine, and cisplatin-alum-vaccine groups was significantly higher than in the control group. The average rate of Interferon-gamma in cisplatin-vaccine and cisplatin- alum vaccine groups, was significantly higher than other groups. Conclusion: This study is the first to determine the role of administrating cisplatin and alum-cisplatin mixture on increasing the efficiency of the HKST vaccine in a mouse model. This study confirmed the role of cisplatin and cisplatin-alum mixture in increasing the efficiency of the HKST vaccine by using different experiments.
In the present study, different effective parameters (temperature, reaction time, and pH) on the synthesis of quercetin‐assisted silver nanoparticles (QE‐AgNPs) are optimized. These biogenic NPs are characterized by different physico‐chemical analyses, including transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV‐visible spectroscopy. In addition, the biological properties of QE‐AgNPs are evaluated through antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, hemolysis, and coagulation time assays. The formation of QE‐AgNPs is affected by different parameters. The optimum condition for the synthesis of QE‐AgNPs is attained at 70 °C and pH 7. Prepared QE‐AgNPs show a spherical shape with a crystalline nature and an average particle size of 20 ± 3.6 nm. The role of QE as a reducing and capping agent in the preparation process of QE‐AgNPs is demonstrated using FTIR analysis. These NPs with excellent antioxidant activity (82.3% at a concentration of 400 µg mL−1) and anti‐inflammatory properties (82.5% and 100% at concentrations of 37.25 and 500 µg mL−1, respectively), show good antimicrobial effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the results of the hemolytic and coagulation assay of QE‐AgNPs indicate their hemo‐compatibility. Therefore, hemo/bio‐compatible QE‐AgNPs with excellent and unique properties can be employed in different medicinal and pharmacological applications. In the current study, the optimal conditions for the synthesis of quercetin‐assisted silver nanoparticles (QE‐AgNPs) and their biological properties are investigated. Spherical QE‐AgNPs (20 ± 3.6 nm) with excellent anti‐inflammatory properties, blood compatibility, and antioxidant activity are effective against bacterial strains, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, these NPs with unique properties can be a suitable option for various medicinal applications.
This paper attempts to propose a model, called the electrostatic model of homeopathy, to explain a mechanism for the physicochemical activities of highly diluted homeopathic medicines (HMs). According to this proposed model, the source of HMs' action is dipole orientations as electrostatic imprints of the original molecules carried by diluent molecules (such as sugar molecules) or potentization-induced aqueous nanostructures. The nanoscale domains' contact charging and dielectric hysteresis play critical roles in the aqueous nanostructures' or sugar molecules' acquisition of the original molecules' dipole orientations. The mechanical stress induced by dynamization (vigorous agitation or trituration) is a crucial factor that facilitates these phenomena. After dynamization is completed, the transferred charges revert to their previous positions but, due to dielectric hysteresis, they leave a remnant polarization on the aqueous nanostructures or sugar molecules' nanoscale domains. This causes some nanoscale domains of the aqueous nanostructures or sugar molecules to obtain the original substance molecules' dipole orientations. A highly diluted HM may have no molecule of the original substance, but the aqueous nanostructures or sugar molecules may contain the original substance's dipole orientations. Therefore, HMs can precisely aim at the biological targets of the original substance molecules and electrostatically interact with them as mild stimuli.
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265 members
Yalda Shokoohinia
  • Ric Scalzo Botanical Research Institute
Jeffrey Langland
  • Department of Basic Sciences
Walter Crinnion
  • Environmental medicine
Leah Linarelli
  • Department of Medical Education
Jamie Oskin
  • Homœopathy
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