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Extreme homeopathic dilutions retain starting materials: A nanoparticulate perspective
Abstract
Homeopathy is controversial because medicines in high potencies such as 30c and 200c involve huge dilution factors (10⁶⁰ and 10⁴⁰⁰ respectively) which are many orders of magnitude greater than Avogadro's number, so that theoretically there should be no measurable remnants of the starting materials. No hypothesis which predicts the retention of properties of starting materials has been proposed nor has any physical entity been shown to exist in these high potency medicines. Using market samples of metal-derived medicines from reputable manufacturers, we have demonstrated for the first time by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction and chemical analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), the presence of physical entities in these extreme dilutions, in the form of nanoparticles of the starting metals and their aggregates.
... A popular, common argument used to explain away the efficacy of DHDs is the placebo effect. When dynamising a solution via the serial method of agitations and dilutions, the degree of dilution may exceed Avogadro's constant and according to classical biochemistry this ought to limit the action of the preparation (Chikramane et al. 2010), and this fuels the argument that a placebo effect is involved when a successful result is achieved (Mulet 2018). However, empirically based, scientific research shows otherwise. ...
... If this is the case, the active properties of the remedies may be preserved and reliably identifiable, matching the characteristics of the original starting material. Supporting this hypothesis, Chikramane et al. (2010) confirmed the presence of nano-colloidal structures in the form of clusters in the DHDs' structure using electron microscopy and emission spectroscopy. These nanobubbles contained gaseous inclusions of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide in addition to silica and trace elements of the starting material of the DHDs. ...
... However, some plausible arguments can be made when integrating multidisciplinary biology and wave-nature theories (Sheldrake 2009;Lambert et al., 2013;Nauenberg 2016;McFadden and AL-Khalili 2016). As verified by Rey (2003), Chikramane et al. (2010) and Kokornaczyk et al. (2014), by possessing an electromagnetic pattern, the DHD is able to configure itself as an information carrier. Information pattern is a term with many meanings, and is interpreted in information theory, as proposed by Brillouin (2013) and Capra and Luisi (2014), as where information is related to a stimulus. ...
Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) are one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Most of the strawberries that are produced today rely on the use of pesticides and fungicides, leading the crop to be listed as one of the most contaminated by contentious inputs. Plant biostimulants are used as a plant health strategy focused on stimulating plant growth and development with a low residual impact. The objective of this study was to assess the plant biostimulation effects of strawberry plants treated with mineral dynamised high dilutions (DHDs): Sulphur 12CH, Phosphorus 12CH, Kali carbonicun 12CH, Calcarea carbonica 12CH, Silicea terra 12CH, Natrum muriaticum 12CH and Mercurius solubilis 12 CH, distilled water 12CH and distilled water (control). The experiment was undertaken under greenhouse conditions at
... Several insightful perspectives attempted to explain the action of homeopathic remedies [9][10][11][12] . The impact of succussion on some homeopathic remedies, such as Echinacea 10 − 2 , Baptisia 10 − 3 , Baptisia 10 − 4 , Luffa 10 − 4 , and Spongia 10 − 6 , has been recently highlighted via the aid of droplet evaporation and statistical analysis; these samples have been manufactured in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia rules for homeopathic drugs, and the authors have employed 0, 10, 100 succussion strokes for this study. ...
... A major concern regarding potentized solutions at high dilutions (30C, 200C, etc. ), beyond the Avogadro number that sets the dilution limit (12C) beyond which the original substance cannot be attended, is that the starting material 16 is not expected to be found at even the slightest amount. Nevertheless, in a study based on medicines obtained from metals, Chikramane et al. demonstrated the presence of the starting materials, in the form of nanoparticles, in extreme dilutions of 30C and 200C by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) 9 . ...
... Some of these results are sustained by the literature data; thus, the presence of gold, even at high potencies, 30C and 200C, of Aurum metallicum, which are beyond the Avogadro number, have also been shown in the papers of Chikramane et al. 9 and Rajendran 32 . In the Chikramane work, the elemental composition of TEM particles was identi ed by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) investigation and sustained by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis 9 . ...
Potentization is a process of successive dilutions and vigorous succussions of a substance or initial tincture. Transmission electron microscopy is adopted for the investigation of potentized ethanol- and water-based solutions of gold and reveals nanoparticles and various assemblies formed in accordance with the level of potentization. Raman spectroscopy is further applied in combination with artificial intelligence algorithms for the analysis of potentized purified water, unpurified water, and purified water-based gold solutions. The proposed methodology is promising and sound in distinguishing potentized and non-potentized spectra or spectra obtained at different levels of potentization.
... La altura se incrementó al aplicar NaM-7CH en interacción con todos los niveles de CE de 2.5 dSm -1 a 10.5 dSm -1 . Estos resultados muestran que se tiene una dilución mayor del concentrado o TM original (sal de mar), por encima del límite superior (1×10 -23 ) que sugiere la Teoría de Avogadro (Chikramane et al. 2010), por lo que no debería contener nanopartículas del ingrediente activo inicial (sal de mar). Estas nanopartículas pueden estar químicamente presentes en el tratamiento (NaM-7CH), que resulta ser menos diluido (Mazón-Suástegui et al. 2020c). ...
... Esta respuesta se explica desde el punto de vista químico y de la relación soluto/solvente, en función de los oligoelementos contenidos en el ingrediente activo del concentrado inicial o tintura madre del NaM. Acorde con la Teoría de Avogadro (Chikramane et al. 2010), el tratamiento NaM-7CH contiene nanopartículas y elementos traza de todos los elementos químicos contenidos en la sal de mar, mismos que actúan de forma favorable en los diversos procesos fisiológicos de las plantas (Mazón-Suástegui et al. 2018a). Uno de estos elementos es el calcio, que contribuye al mantenimiento de la integridad de la membrana, es fundamental en el fortalecimiento de las raíces y en la regulación de procesos fisiológicos relacionados con la absorción de nutrientes (Hojjat-Nooghi y Mozafari 2012). ...
... Sin embargo, cuando las concentraciones salinas no son muy altas y se utilizan tratamientos elicitores con efecto antiestrés salino, éstos favorecen el crecimiento de los órganos de la planta, un resultado que en este estudio se ha confirmado. Resultados similares en modelo vegetal se han obtenido utilizando medicamentos homeopáticos (Mazón-Suástegui et al. 2020d), donde se han reportado incrementos de la BFR en plantas de V. unguiculata tratadas con una dilución 31ª centesimal (1:99) de Magnesium metalicum (MnM-31CH), el cual sobrepasa el límite que establece la Teoría de Avogadro (Chikramane et al. 2010), así como con una 3ª dilución centesimal de Magnesium manganum phosphoricum (MaMnP-3CH), comparando resultados con plantas que sólo recibieron agua destilada como tratamiento control. ...
Existe evidencia científica en favor de la aplicación de medicamentos homeopáticos como alternativa beneficiosa para mitigar efectos negativos del estrés abiótico en cultivos agrícolas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de Natrum muriaticum (NaM) en acelga (Beta vulgaris L. var. Fordhook Giant), cultivada bajo estrés salino inducido por adición de agua de mar al agua de cultivo. Se utilizó un diseño experimental completamente al azar con arreglo factorial (6A × 3B) y seis repeticiones por tratamiento. El factor A fue la salinidad en función de la conductividad eléctrica (CE: 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 dS m-1) y agua desalinizada (AD; CE=0.04 dS m-1) como control. El factor B fue la aplicación de dos dinamizaciones homeopáticas de NaM (NaM-7CH, NaM-13CH) y AD como control (NaM-0CH). Las variables de respuesta evaluadas fueron porcentaje y tasa de emergencia (E, TE), longitud de radícula (LR), altura de planta (AP), peso fresco y seco de biomasa de parte aérea y de radícula (BFPA, BSPA, BFR, BSR). La aplicación de NaM-7CH o NaM-13CH, incrementó el valor medio de las variables evaluadas versus el control (AD) [E=95.00% (85.00); TE=5.15 semillas día-1 (4.00); AP=1.54cm (1.27); LR=11.38cm (7.53); BFPA=0.78g (0.40); BSPA=69.61mg (54.50); BFR=0.43g (0.11); BSR=35.70mg (22.63)]. Esto sugiere que NaM tiene potencial como alternativa ecoamigable para viabilizar el uso parcial del agua de mar en el cultivo de Beta vulgaris.
... In the past few decades, multiple studies that revealed the presence of NPs in homoeopathic potencies have been published. [6 -17] A study by Chikramane et al. [6,9] shows the presence of starting/raw material in NPs that induce hermetic activation. Following this study, multiple types of research have been conducted to understand the complex interactions of homoeopathic medicine with its environment. ...
... The mechanical grinding results in lattice strain, and after critical stress, the Au particles fracture and form nano-sized crystalline materials. It is important to note that, as per previous observations, [6,20] NPs are found in higher dilution medicine samples, but the origin of NPs formation has not been reported so far. Based on the current observation, we can see that the nanocrystalline Au NPs are formed during the trituration process itself. ...
Objectives: The effect of homoeopathic potentization increases with dilution. The physical and chemical properties of the homoeopathy solution change as a function of the concentration of nanoparticles (NPs). The succussion process is also vital in homoeopathy. However, none of these factors, along with the container of the
medicine, have been well-researched to date. Material and Methods: We studied the systematic ultra-low dilution (up to 10200 times) effect of homoeopathic remedy of Aurum Metallicum (Gold) NP colloidal solution to determine the mechanism of colloidal formation in such extreme dilution. Several material characterizations were also performed to consolidate our results. Results: Optical spectroscopy confirmed the presence of NPs with narrow size distribution and high surface activity in higher dilution (up to 10200 times) homoeopathic solution. The particle size analysis of the serially diluted solution showed that the size distribution becomes narrow with increasing dilution. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of NPs in solutions up to 10200 times dilution. Conclusion: The process of dilution introduces an active hydrocarbon layer on these NPs. The experimental study further confirmed theoretical calculations. The understanding of such extreme dilutions can be utilized in biomedical applications, especially in homoeopathic medicine.
Keywords: Homoeopathy, Nanoparticles, Colloidal solution, Material characterization, Theoretical calculation
... The observed changes in different properties may be the reason of action of the drug in curing the disease. The reports published in 'The Australian Report' [14] is suggestive of the fact that Homeopathic System of Medicine has some scientific basis and is effective in curing the disease. ...
... As dilution increases the physical parameters like density, acoustic wavelength, acoustic impedance, compressibility as well as chemical properties like concentration gradient, intermolecular free path length etc. changes. These changes might be responsible for the effectiveness or action of the drug to treat a disease as suggested by the reports published in 'The Australian Report' [14] also establishes the fact that homeopathic medicine science is effective in treating the disease. ...
... The Homoeopathic system of medicine has the proven benefits on various disease and disorders of human beings for more than three decades beyond the scope of modern medicine. The system of homoeopathy has its own scientific principles and practices, which can better explained by the law of physics and biology, [7,12] . Homoeopathic medicines are prepared from various sources like plants, minerals and other biological substances. ...
... While handling the disorders of children, takes into consideration of the parental medical and psychological history during the childbearing period. The early intervention of the autistic children with the homoeopathic medicines will have the positive effects on the social communicative skills and reduce the behavioral abnormalities, [3,7] . ...
... It is also connected to the homoeopathic philosophy, which in turn informs the guidelines for medication dosage and dosage frequency. It may also have something to do with the lately accepted idea of homoeopathic medications that incorporate nanoparticles, where it is shown that the size of the particles varies depending on their efficacy [5,6] . It is surprising to learn that there is no scientific standard for the potentization procedure or method. ...
... As already indicated, these stabilized water domains or nanostructures pertaining to the mesoscopic liquid phase have been empirically identified by various research teams. Due to the lack of commonly accepted terminology, researchers have used different names for these water domains, including nano-associates [56], water clusters [57][58][59][60], coherent domains [26,28,29], nanobubbles [1,42], nanoparticles [47], and naneons [48]. ...
This study explores the physicochemical changes provoked by the physical transmission of highly diluted (HD) solutions of Arnica montana extract on three receiver solutions differing by their pH. Three dilutions (potencies), one modest (D6), one very high (C30), and another ultra-high (C200) extract of A. montana, were used as a source of HD signal transfer. The HD signal transfer was enhanced by an initial knocking at the start of the experiment and then allowed to interact with the receiver solution for 24 h of exposure. The results confirmed the detectability of the HD signal transfer in solutions with different pH, the general effect of this signal on pH increase, the differential effect of the signal depending on the initial dilution level (potency), and the effect on the decrease in both the electrical voltage in water (ORP) and the conductivity. The overall findings of the study offer valuable new insights and suggest innovative approaches for further research, particularly in detecting the HD signal in solutions with varying pH levels, focusing on interactions with hydroxide and hydronium ions.
... The concept of homeopathy was introduced by Hahnemann which employes the principle of "Like cures Like" (Hahnemann, 1796). This principle suggests that a substance that causes certain symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat similar symptoms in an ill person when administered in extremely diluted doses (Chikramane et al., 2010). Homeopathic medicines are made from the extraction of natural sources, called mother tincture which is further diluted in alcohol solution. ...
Homeopathic medicines face criticism from the scientific community due to the lack of a clearly defined mechanism of action. The healing process, diagnosis of disorders, and selection of appropriate remedies are often not explained by practitioners. Furthermore, a significant objection to alternative medicines, particularly homeopathy, revolves around the extreme dilution of remedies in water or alcohol, resulting in the absence of detectable active molecules. In the present study the in vivo toxicological consequences of mother tincture and 30C and 200C potency of Chinchona (Chin.) and Arsenicum Album (ars.alb.) was evaluated, using Balb/c mice as an animal model. DNA damage in lymphocytes, bone marrow micronuclei formation, and sperm head anomalies were calculated to measure the potential drug-induced toxic effects of selected medicines. Data from the present study revealed a significant difference among the treatment groups. High damage was caused by positive control and 200C potency of both drugs showing 80.49±0.0 tail DNA % and high frequency of micronucleate bone marrow cells. Further study and research are needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of homeopathic medicines. The current data revealed that there is the least damage caused by negative control and mother tincture while notable damage is caused by positive control and 200C Potency which indicates that excess alcohol may act as a reason for damage.
... Although the principles of homeopathic and conventional desensitization are similar, they differ greatly in the dilutions used. In homeopathy, ultralow doses (30CH) are used, in which either no molecules are present or, according to the latest views, the molecules are present in the supernatant and do not change substantially in their transfer to successive dilutions [13][14][15]. But even in this case, the number of molecules is infinitely smaller than found in normal desensitizing compounds used in conventional preparations. ...
... Hahnemann proceeded with his analyses with different drugs also, for example, Ignatia (1/1,200,000); Veratrum collection (1/4,800,000); Nux Vomica (1/1,200,000 to1/2,400,000); Pulsatilla (1/80,000); Capsicum (1/1,200,000); Chamomilla (1/85,000,000 to 1/3,840,000,000); Cocculus (1/3,600,000); Belladonna (1/120,000); Drosera (1/200,000); Hyoscyamus (1/100,000,000). [2] The successin powerful treatment utilizing high weakening encourage aged Hahnemann to find, after 10 years, the course of potentization of medications dependent on the centesimal scale. Having found the hypothesis of potentization, Hahnemann began involving 30C intensity for directing medication demonstrating tests furthermore for treating patients. ...
Objectives: Through this review assessing the physiochemical properties of potentised homoeopathic medicines by use of certain equipment’s and basic theories by various literature sources. Methods: Summarized the results from the various experimental areas previously introduced, extracting the general findings and trends and also summarized the results in terms of specific research topics: aging, medium used for potentization, sample volume, temperature, material of potentization vessel, and, finally, the use of molecules to probe homeopathic samples. Results: There are number of variations has been recorded in the physiochemical properties of homoeopathic medicines by the application of various equipment’s and laboratory tools in terms of potentization. Conclusions: The field requires further targeted experimentation to validate past findings reporting differences between homeopathic dilutions and controls, and to expand these findings by specifically testing the three main working hypotheses that are currently at hand. Keywords: Physiochemical, potentization, dilutions, nanoparticles
... In addition, the alleged nature of these NPs was highly inconsistent, comprising either essentially water structures, particles containing silica or, paradoxically, particles containing measurable amounts of the original substrate in ultramolecular dilutions up to 200cH. 19,20,24,27,31,32 With the aim of clarifying the situation, we launched the DYNHOM project in 2014. Through a multidisciplinary approach, in collaboration with universities, our main goal has been to describe and characterise homeopathic medicines up to their highest dynamisations. ...
Background and Objectives Over the past decade, research using various methods has claimed the material nature, including nanoparticles (NPs), of high homeopathic potencies. The current study aims to verify these findings using NP tracking analysis (NTA).
Methods Six independent serial dilutions of commonly used homeopathic medicines—either soluble (Gelsemium, Pyrogenium, Kalium mur) or insoluble (Cuprum, Argentum, Silicea)—were prepared according to European Pharmacopoeia standards. We compared the homeopathic dynamisations (DYNs) in pure water with their potentised controls and with simple dilutions (DIL) up to 30cH/10−60. We also tested the influence of the container (glass or PET) on the solvent controls.
Results We observed the presence of particles from 20 to 300–400 nm in all DYNs, DILs and controls, except in pure unstirred water. The sizes and size distributions of NPs in high homeopathic potencies were smaller than those in controls for soluble sources and larger for insoluble sources, even above 11cH. The opposite behaviour was observed in the number of NPs. When comparing DYN and DIL, the number, size, presence of aggregates or chains and brightness of NPs increased with DYNs, which was also observed above 11cH. Many NPs scattered light of low intensity, indicating the presence of material particles. The container had a significant effect on the number and size of NPs, indicating the involvement of the atmosphere and leaching processes.
Conclusion Homeopathic medicines contain NPs with specific properties, even when diluted beyond Avogadro's number. Homeopathic potentisation is not a simple dilution. The starting material, the solvent used, the type of container and the manufacturing method influence the characteristics of these NPs. The nature of these NPs is not known, but most likely they are a mixture of nanobubbles and elements from the atmosphere and container, including insoluble ones.
... This method of treatment has endured the test of time and is still in use in many nations for the treatment of a variety of chronic conditions, including female disorders, despite numerous controversies and persistent challenges regarding its efficacy from the scientific community. 14 In the footnote of §94 of Organon of Medicine, he mentioned that in chronic diseases of females, it is required to pay attention to features such as pregnancy, sterility, sexual desire, accouchements, miscarriages, suckling, and menstrual discharge. 15 It is crucial to determine if it occurs at short intervals, how long it lasts, its flow, quantity, color, and presence of leucorrhea. ...
Objectives: Prevalence of irregular menstrual cycle ranges from 81.7% to 96.3%. Recent research suggested that homeopathy is one of the most popular choices for women with various gynecological disorders. This trial was aimed at differentiating individualized homeopathic medicinal products (IHMPs) from identical-looking placebos in the treatment of menstrual irregularities in early reproductive women. Design: Double-blind, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Subjects: Ninety-two females with menstrual irregularities. Interventions: Group verum (n = 46; IHMPs plus concomitant care) versus group control (n = 46; placebos plus concomitant care). Outcome Measures: Primary-The proportion of early reproductive females in whom menstrual irregularities can be corrected for consecutive three cycles; Secondary-Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) total score; all of them were measured at baseline and every month, up to 4 months. Results: Intention-to-treat sample (n = 92) was analyzed. Group differences were examined by chi-squared tests with categorical outcomes, two-way repeated measure analysis of variance accounting for the time-effect interactions, and unpaired t-tests comparing the mean estimates obtained individually every month. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 two-tailed. After 4 months of intervention, the group difference in the primary outcome was nonsignificant statistically-IHMPs: 22/46 v/s placebo: 24/46, chi-square (Yates corrected) = 0.043, p = 0.835. The improvement observed in the MDQ total score (F1,90 = 0.054, p = 0.816) and subscales scores were higher in the IHMPs group than in placebos, however statistically nonsignificant in most of the occasions, except for the behavioral change subscale (F1,90 = 0.029, p < 0.001). Pulsatilla nigricans was the most frequently prescribed medicine. Kent's Repertory and Zandvoort's Complete Repertory were the most frequently used repertories. No harm or serious adverse events were reported from either group. Conclusions: The analysis failed to demonstrate clearly that IHMPs were effective beyond placebos in all but one of the outcomes. More appropriate outcome measures may be sought for future trials. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2022/04/041659.
... But according to this article, using dilution is not that simple. Using atomic spectroscopy, electron diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Chikramane et al. found that, despite the mathematical inequalities, nanogram quantities of the original material are still present as nanoparticles in these "high potency" medicines.(2) ...
An essential comprehension of the possible basis of homeopathy, which has eluded researchers up to this point due to its extreme dilution, far above what atomic theory predicts, excludes the inclusion of any active starting material. Hahnemann's fundamental "dynamic powers" of homeopathic potencies have formed the basis for other theories. There are notable parallels between the potentization procedure employed in homeopathy and the current nanotechnology process of grinding and milling to create nanoparticles (NPs). It has shown the nano-particulate nature of homeopathic ultra-high dilutions in all of the frequently used potencies, supporting earlier research findings. High concentrations of metals and mineral treatments contain the original medication material in the form of NPs, which could help to answer the central question of how homeopathic drug solutions could be therapeutically effective. This article provides a scientific explanation of this and outlines how the principles of nanotechnology, among other scientific regulations, must be applied to determine the potencies, or powers, of homeopathic medications. The challenge posed against homoeopathy (about the physical presence of particles) would be addressed with the aid of these special characteristics of nanoparticles.
... The methodologies, experience, and research findings in homeopathy, accumulated over more than 200 years, show that: (1) homeopathic medicine proving is unique and generates temporary signs and symptoms in volunteers; (2) in homeopathic practice, patients receive highly personalized medication based on their unique signs and symptoms, regardless of the disease diagnosed; (3) homeopathic potencies may influence patients' epigenetic programming, potentially curing a disease; and (4) nanoparticles are created during the process of homeopathic drug potentization. ...
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University Homoeopathic medical college and Homoeopathic Hospital and Post graduation research center Pune 43 Mail ID-anuradha.babar@bharatividyapeeth.edu Mob no-7738140654 Opponents of homeopathy frequently bring up: 1) Are there higher potency medication contents present? 2) On what does the therapeutic effect of increasing potencies depend? Abstract-A crucial understanding of the potential foundation of homeopathy, which has escaped scientists until now because of its use of severe dilution far beyond what is anticipated by atomic theory which rules out the inclusion of any active beginning element. Further hypotheses have been derived from Hahnemann's basic "dynamic powers" of homeopathic potencies. Among these are water memory, clathrate formation, quantum physical properties, and epitaxy, all of which rely on the potencies' dynamic nature. It is impossible to attribute all of the many therapeutic effects of homeopathic remedies to a single type of NP. Research on the composition of ultra-high dilutions entered a new era with the discovery by Chikramane et al. of nanoparticles (NPs) of the original medicinal components in six metallic homeopathic remedies of 6C, 30C, and 200C. The potentization technique used in homeopathy to make medicines bears striking similarities to the modern nanotechnology method of grinding and milling to produce nanoparticles (NPs). It has corroborated prior research findings by demonstrating the nano-particulate nature of homeopathic ultra-high dilutions in all of the commonly utilized potencies. The original drug substance in the form of NPs is present in high potencies of metals and mineral treatments, which may help to address the fundamental question of how homeopathic drug solutions might have a therapeutic impact.
... Some research questions investigate the use of potentised preparations in the "real world" using medicines provided by established manufacturers [60]. In such cases, comparing manufacturers and obtaining different lots from the same manufacturer makes sense to investigate inter-and intra-manufacturer variability. ...
... In the recent years, the potentized preparations in 30c (10 -60 ) and 200c (10 -400 ) have shown to contain nanoparticles of the original starting materials (drug substances) of metallic [8] and plant origins [34]. Also, several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of the potentized preparations in in vitro studies [7,9,12,17,26], animal trials [21,25] as well as in human trials [22,23,27] besides the clinical experience of the practitioners over two centuries. ...
Over a five to six decades, biophysical techniques have played a very important role in the quantitative analysis of chemical, physical, and biological entities. This paper mainly focuses on quantitative analysis of structural aspects at atomic and molecular levels. In homeopathy, certain preparation of therapeutic components involves a serial dilution in the water-ethanol mixture used as potentization. The pharmacological action of medium-low potencies that contain low dose of active components entails high sensitivity in living system. There is enough evidence of their efficacy in several clinical studies, but their nature and mode of action are yet to be explained by scientific approaches. Several methods have been employed to understand the nature of the potentized homeopathic preparations, but the characteristics of these preparations are yet unclear. In the present investigation, we studied the characteristics of potentized preparations of sulphur using various biophysical techniques: UV-visible, fluorescent, and Raman spectroscopy. A bathochromic effect was observed in absorption spectrum of UV-visible spectroscopy of the samples of potencies from 4c to 8c ('c' denotes centesimal scale-dilution ratio 1:100), appearance of fluorescence properties and also a decrease in fluorescence intensity. Raman spectroscopy indicated a significant change in electronic configuration as well as the intermolecular interaction in liquid phase in potentized preparations. Therefore, on the basis of the obtained results, we assumed that some structural changes in potentized samples could take place.
... Various engineered and naturally-derived nanoparticles like cell membrane-derived nanoparticles (CMDNs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are reported to have immunomodulatory activity 40,41 . Although, homeopathic drugs are prepared by ultrahigh dilutions; the possibility of formation of nanoparticles cannot be avoided 42 44 . Based on the physicochemical properties and type of target cells, aggregates of NPs qualitatively influence their cellular uptake. ...
Macrophages are associated with innate immune response and M1-polarized macrophages exhibit pro-inflammatory functions. Nanoparticles of natural or synthetic compounds are potential triggers of innate immunity. As2O3 is the major component of the homeopathic drug, Arsenic album 30C.This has been claimed to have immune-boosting activities, however, has not been validated experimentally. Here we elucidated the underlying mechanism of Ars. alb 30C-mediated immune priming in murine macrophage cell line. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) used for the structural analysis of the drug reveals the presence of crystalline As2O3 nanoparticles of cubic structure. Similarly, signatures of M1-macrophage polarization were observed by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in RAW 264.7 cells with concomitant over expression of M1 cell surface marker, CD80 and transcription factor, NF-κB, respectively. We also observed a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines like iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2 expression with unaltered ROS and apoptosis in drug-treated cells. Enhanced expression of Toll-like receptors 3 and 7 were observed both in transcriptional and translational levels after the drug treatment. In sum, our findings for the first time indicated the presence of crystalline As2O3 cubic nanostructure in Ars. alb 30C which facilitates modulation of innate immunity by activating macrophage polarization.
... These changes can result from high dilution combined with vigorous shaking or physical transfer, as described in this report. These structures have already been identified by various methods and labeled differently by different authors, like nano-associates [16], water clusters [25][26][27][28], coherent domains [29][30][31], nanobubbles [17,32], nanoparticles [33], or naneons [34]. While we delved into possible detection mechanisms in our previous publication [1], the current paper will primarily focus on the applied research methods in the Section 4. ...
Physicochemical examinations of very high dilution (UHD) solutions subjected to certain physical factors (such as shaking) are becoming more frequent and are increasingly producing conclusive results. A much less studied phenomenon is the transfer of molecular information (i.e., UHD signals of dilute substances) from one liquid to another without an intermediate liquid phase. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of such a transfer of the UHD signal from the UHD solutions to the receiver solution, in particular, if the molecular source used in the donor solutions was the biologically active antibodies to interferon-gamma molecule. We were especially interested in how the transfer of the UHD signal is affected by the time of exposure of the receiver to the donor, the distance between the two, and how the transfer is affected by activation (striking) versus exposure alone. Signal transfer was evaluated by differential measurements of electrical conductivity, ORP, pH, and UV/VIS spectroscopy of the exposed liquid. The results showed that activation strongly influences signal transfer and that this can be compensated to some extent by prolonged direct exposure. In principle, exposure time has a positive effect on signal transfer. Interestingly, the results of different distances between the donor and receiver showed similar changes in the parameters in the range of 0–4 cm, as estimated in this study. While the study mainly confirms the two hypotheses, it also raises a number of new questions and provides clues for further research.
... However, in recent times, initiatives have been taken by imminent homoeopaths to back up the modus operandi of homoeopathic medicines with science. Studies have revealed that homoeopathic remedies contain nanoparticles of source materials; [12] they act by modulating biological function of the allostatic stress response network [13] and by stimulating hormetic adaptive systems rather than by linear pharmacological effects [14][15][16] . Several research organisations worldwide are also focusing on building the evidence base for Homoeopathy citing studies which state that electromagnetic signals can be transduced in highly diluted aqueous solutions originally containing some bacterial or viral DNA [17] . ...
opathy has been a centre of controversy for many years. There are many countries like Australia, France,
Belgium, Israel etc. who have raised questions on the credibility of homoeopathic practice and dismiss its ef-
ficacy on the grounds of lack of scientific evidence. It has been stamped as a pseudoscience and the effects are
generally considered to be “placebo effect”. Since the advent of the practice of Evidence-based medicine (EBM),
the homoeopathic fraternity has been trying to establish homoeopathy as a scientific and effective system of
medicine. Consequently, there is an increasing pool of evidence for the scientific and plausible understanding
of the mechanisms of homoeopathic medicines. Several clinical trials have been published in indexed journals
showing the effectiveness of Homoeopathy, along with systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
... (8) Homoeopathic pharmacists prepare medicines from various biologically active substances that belong to two main groups: organic materials (plants, animal products and nosodes) and inorganic substances (synthetic chemicals, metal alloys and natural and synthetic ceramic materials). (9) These bioactive materials are subjected to specific manufacturing procedures whereby they are dissolved in water and alcohol. To become homoeopathic remedies, medicinal compounds are diluted hundreds, even thousands of times to reduce their toxicity and to ensure that they are biologically active and compatible with the processes of human physiology. ...
This Short Term Student Scholarship scheme of CCRH will help us in providing new
research findings for homoeopathic medicines of Mentha Piperita in domain of deciphering their Anti-oxidant activity and will help in understanding the ultra-dilute activities compared with positive control group of 90% ethanol. We will also be able to evaluate the phytochemical compounds present in these homoeopathic medicines and will be able to compare their presences with anti-oxidant activity. Further the research project can be extended for cell culture and animal studies with addressing the anti-diabetic activity through oxidative stress factors involved in anti-oxidant activities.
... It consists not only of the general symptoms of the patient, but also includes the disease diagnosis, miasms, and characteristic general signs. Incorporating this crystallization technology into all homeopathic treatments can increase their accuracy and effectiveness [15,16]. ...
... However, in studies of highly diluted solutions, a higher frequently indicates the presence of the EMS signal (Smirnov 2003Elia et al. 2007, Yinnon 2020, Ryzhkina et al. 2021. It is frequently used in studying interfacial water bordering hydrophilic surfaces, where the hydronium ion (H3O + ) may play the leading role (Meessen 2018, Messori et al. 2019, or dynamically ordered mesoscopic water states known also as thixotropic phenomenon (Vybiral et al. 2007, Verdel et al. 2014, 2016 or structures like nanoassociates (Konovalov et al. 2014), clusters (Elia et al. 2014), domains (Sedlák 2006), nanobubbles (Bunkin 2019), nanoparticles (Chikramane et al. 2010), or naneons (Montagnier et al., 2015). Presumably, it measures the dynamic orderliness of water; of course, only if chemically equal liquids are compared. ...
Physico-chemical and UV/VIS spectroscopic research of solutions subjected to various subtle physical agents is becoming increasingly more frequent. It also holds for different electromagnetic field structures to which water solutions are exposed and are supposed to be imprinted into the liquid. The aim of the present study was to detect such imprinting of two electromagnetically treated solutions. It was done via two experimental situations, always in comparison with the control solution of the same chemical composition but without imprinting. The results validated the changed physicochemical state of both imprinted solutions due to their exposure to a complex electromagnetic field.
... The homeopathic process of potentization is a simple, sophisticated, and scientific technology capable of transforming the source material into nano-materia (19) having proven therapeutic efficacy. The entire category of nosodes remains untapped for its potential. ...
Introduction Nosodes, the homeopathic preparations sourced from biological materials including clinical samples, cultures of organisms, and diseased tissues have been in use against the source-specific infections as well as other diseases. The nosodes have demonstrated some efficacy in managing epidemics, such as influenza, dengue, and leptospirosis. This article presents the need and process of development of nosodes from the SARS-CoV-2 to explore its prophylactic and therapeutic potentials against certain related viral diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS A clinical sample of SARS-Cov-2 positive patient, based on the cycle threshold (CT) value of the qRT-PCR, heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2, and spike glycoprotein all were processed for making nosodes as per the method described in Homoeopathy Pharmacopoeia of India. Molecular tests, such as qRT- PCR and sterility tests were performed to establish the live organisms, RNA material, and the absence of contamination. RESULT Three variants of Coronavirus Nosode were developed using a clinical sample, heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2, and spike glycoprotein. In potencies 3c and above, no detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA material was found by PCR. The analytical results for nosodes were reported as compliant for sterility testing as per the IP. CONCLUSION Three variants of Coronavirus nosodes were prepared which need to be evaluated further through pre-clinical and clinical studies.
... According to basic science studies, conventional homoeopathic medicines comprise detectable source nanoparticles (NPs) and/or silica nanoparticles with adsorbed source materials that are scattered heterogeneously in colloidal solution [1] . Memory of unique water structures, water-ethanol clusters, epitaxy, and nanobubbles, glass-derived silica structures, electromagnetic theory, quantum macro entanglement, stressor effects, and hormesis are ~ 294 ~ some of the hypotheses on homoeopathic remedy action [2] . ...
... Therefore, the so-called silica hypothesis might be considered an important framework for the understanding of the mechanism of action of homeopathic medicines. 5 A recent study 6 with market samples of some metalderived homeopathic medicines found that extreme homeopathic dilutions retain the starting materials in the form of nanoparticles. The size distribution of these nanoparticles and their clusters was found to be nearly the same in different potencies. ...
... En 1805 Hahnemann afirmaba que la acción de la medicina en el cuerpo no es química sino puramente dinámica [32]. En En defensa de las propuestas de Hahnemann, algunos homeópatas contemporáneos han recurrido a la pretendida presencia de nanopartículas en los preparados finales [44], [45], y afirman que el médico alemán estuvo a la vanguardia de la "nanofarmacología del siglo XXI... en el siglo XIX". Reiteran: "A pesar de su ignorancia teórica, Hahnemann practicaba la física de Einstein: la energía se transfiere por la sucusión a la sustancia diluida, convirtiendo así la sustancia ordinaria en poder medicinal vitalizado" [14]. ...
La homeopatía es una de las prácticas más utilizadas en la medicina alternativa, tanto en la atención de pacientes humanos como en veterinaria. Su origen se remonta a poco más de 200 años y su popularidad ha tenido altibajos desde entonces. Desde sus inicios y hasta la época moderna, los postulados de la homeopatía han sido motivo de debates en la medicina y en la ciencia. Conceptos aplicados en la homeopatía como el de similia similibus curentur, fuerza vital, dinamización, dosis mínimas o infinitesimales, y otras peculiaridades de la práctica, son poco reconocidos en la actualidad o incluso rechazados por completo. La debilidad del marco teórico de la homeopatía y la escasa evidencia seria que ha proporcionado dificulta su consideración como una herramienta de la medicina científica moderna. En la presente revisión de la literatura disponible, se describen de una forma crítica y rigurosa, los principios de la homeopatía, las evidencias experimentales de su funcionamiento, y su idoneidad en la medicina actual, para determinar si puede considerarse una práctica médica y veterinaria aceptable en el siglo XXI.
... Methods and their validation of results is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed by this new bill, some methods for testing these homeopathic drugs are addressed for drug standardization like HRTEM (High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy), STEM (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), SAED (Selected Area Electron Diffraction), ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy), FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), DEM (Droplet Evaporation Method), etc[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. These methods would help in the development of drug standardization by addressing below questions like: ...
Government of India at its 72nd year of republic had drafted the new bill entitled “New Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Bill 2022” which seeks to replace the existing “Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940”. Earlier in this Act, Chapter V mentions the support of regulatory authority for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani drug. However the new draft of bill includes Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathic drugs and proposes to develop new innovative drugs by establishing their scientific research board. Owing to the new suggestions put forth in this new draft an opinion is addressed in this letter concerned with quality standards, drug proving trials, safety standards and efficacy standards for homoeopathic drugs.
... A more diluted solution is considered to have a higher potency (13). The potency choice is related to the health level: a lower health level implies a low potency, such as 30C, for a longer period of time, up to 3 months, while a 200CH treatment is limited for a few days. ...
Gut microbiota, the total microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract, might have an implication in multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating neurological disease. Our study included 50 MS patients and 21 healthy controls (HC). Twenty patients received a disease modifying therapy (DMT), interferon beta1a or teriflunomide, 19 DMT combined with homeopathy and 11 patients accepted only homeopathy. We collected in total 142 gut samples, two for each individual: at the study enrolment and eight weeks after treatment. We compared MS patients’ microbiome with HC, we analysed its evolution in time and the effect of interferon beta1a, teriflunomide and homeopathy. There was no difference in alpha diversity, only two beta diversity results related to homeopathy. Compared to HC, untreated MS patients had a decrease of Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium prauznitzii and increased Prevotella stercorea , while treated patients presented lowered Ruminococcus and Clostridium . Compared to the initial sample, treated MS patients had a decrease of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcus and an increased Enterococcus faecalis . Eubacterium oxidoreducens was reduced after homeopathic treatment. The study revealed that MS patients may present dysbiosis. Treatment with interferon beta1a, teriflunomide or homeopathy implied several taxonomic changes. DMTs and homeopathy might influence the gut microbiota.
... These authors observed that in vivo experiments using T. cruzi infection, do not present significant differences in the effect of using succussed and unsuccussed alcohol 7% compared to untreated controls. Whereas there is a possibility of an effect caused by the succussed vehicle [45] and the fact that a recent empirical breakthrough in understanding the basic nature of homeopathic remedies has came through Chikramane et al.'s paper [46]. This has demonstrated that even commercial remedies (source materials: gold, copper, tin, zinc, silver, and platinum) triturated, diluted and hand-succussed to 30 C or 200 C potencies (both above Avogadro's number) retain nanoparticles of their source material. ...
Introduction: The search for an effective remedy, with no side effects and with a low cost, is important both to prevent or reduce the damage intoxoplasmosis and to decrease economic losses. This work aims to compare the effect of different dynamizations of Toxoplasma gondii remedymade from the cysts of the parasite.Methods: In a blind, controlled, randomized assay, 56 Swiss male mice, 60 days old, were divided into groups: BIOT-TG7, BIOT-TG17, BIOT– TG30, BIOT-TG60, BIOT-TG100, BIOT-TG200, GCInf – infected control group pretreated with 7% grain alcohol and GCN – uninfected anduntreated control group. Medicines were prepared according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, with infected mice’s brain macerated (20T. gondii cysts/100 �L), in the following dynamizations D7, D17, D30, D60, D100 and D200. Pretreatment: 3 consecutive days before inoculation.Infection: At 60 days old, with 20 cysts ME49 strain-T. gondii, orally. Fundoscopy, ocular tonometry, Brain cysts counting, estimated numberof bradyzoites/cyst and serum TGF-β (ELISA) were performed on the 60th day post-infection. Statistical comparison: Kruskal–Wallis test, 5%significance level.Results: Smaller number of cysts (BIOT-TG17 and BIOT-TG200) and a smaller number of bradyzoites/cysts (p < 0.05), in BIOT-TG7, BIOT-TG100and BIOT-TG200 was observed. 80% of animals from BIOT-TG100 group showed no alterations in fundoscopy and 20% presented subretinalmild hemorrhage around the optic nerve. There was no difference between groups in ocular tonometry and levels of TGF-β.Conclusion: High dynamizations showed better results in mice infected with T. gondii different from the low dynamizations that had unsatisfactory results.
... These authors observed that in vivo experiments using T.cruzi infection, do not present significant differences in the effect of using succussed and unsuccussed alcohol 7% compared to untreated controls. Whereas there is a possibility of an effect caused by the succussed vehicle [45] and the fact that a recent empirical breakthrough in understanding the basic nature of homeopathic remedies has came through Chikramane et al's paper [46]. This has demonstrated that even commercial remedies (source materials: ...
Please cite this article as: Braga-Silva CF, Drozino RN, Moreira NM, Gois MB, Sant'Ana DMG, Guilherme ALF-, Araújo SM, Homeopathic remedy made from Toxoplasma gondii reduces the number of bradyzoites in mice infected by the protozoan, European Journal of Integrative Medicine (2015), http://dx. Abstract Page 2 of 25 A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 2 Introduction: search for an effective remedy, with no side effects and low cost, is essential to prevent or reduce the damage in toxoplasmosis decreasing economic losses. This work aims to compare the effect of different dynamizations of T. gondii remedy made from the cysts of the parasite. Methods: In a blind, controlled, randomized assay, 56 Swiss male mice, 60 days old, were divided into groups: BIOT-TG7, BIOT-TG17, BIOT-TG30, BIOT-TG60, BIOT-TG100, BIOT-TG200, GCInf-infected control group pretreated with 7% grain alcohol and GCN-uninfected and untreated control group. Medicines were prepared according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, with infected mice's brain macerated (20 T. gondii cysts/100μL), in the following dynamizations D7, D17, D30, D60, D100 and D200. Pretreatment: 3 consecutive days before innoculation. Infection: At 60 days old, with 20 cysts ME49 strain-T. gondii, orally. Fundoscopy, ocular tonometry Brain cysts counting, estimated number of bradyzoites/cyst and serum TGF-β (ELISA) were performed on the 60th day post-infection. Statistical comparison: Kruskal-Wallis test, 5% significance level. Results: Smaller number of cysts (BIOT-TG17 and BIOT-TG200) and a smaller number of bradyzoites/cysts (p <0.05), in BIOT-TG7, BIOT-TG100 and BIOT-TG200 was observed. 80% of animals from BIOT-TG100 group showed no alterations in fundoscopy and 20% presented subretinal mild hemorrhage around the optic nerve. There was no difference between groups in ocular tonometry and levels of TGF-. Conclusion: High dynamizations showed better results in mice infected with T. gondii different from the low dynamizations that had unsatisfactory results.
... The potentisation methods of homoeopathic drug preparation are known to increase the potency while reducing the concentration of the active ingredient during drug treatment [7]. This implies improved efficacy of the drug at lower concentrations of the active ingredient, suggesting lower side effects [8]. Homoeopathy has several potent compounds of magnesium whose roles are well-established in other medical conditions. ...
The World Health Organization has declared type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to have reached pandemic proportions. The affected population worldwide has increased from 108 million in 1980 to 537 million in 2021. Recent studies have shown that T2DM is often associated with altered magnesium levels. The study aimed to assess the effects of homoeopathically potentised Magnesium sulphate 30C on insulin resistance in T2DM patients in Surat, India. The study design was a randomised controlled crossover trial conducted at the ZFR Multi-specialty Homoeopathy Clinic, Surat, India. A total of 79 participants were divided randomly into two groups. One group received the placebo and the other received the potentised Magnesium sulphate 30C in the first period (12 weeks). This was followed by a washout period and the groups were crossed over to receive the other intervention, again for 12 weeks. The analysis of variance was used to find the comparisons between both groups for the mean value of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, serum magnesium, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and estimated average glucose levels. HbA1c (%) (p<0.001) showed a significant difference between both groups.
... A more diluted solution is considered to have a higher potency (13). The potency choice is related to the health level: a lower health level implies a low potency, such as 30C, for a longer period of time, up to 3 months, while a 200CH treatment is limited for a few days. ...
Gut microbiota, the total microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract, might have an implication in multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating neurological disease. Our study included 50 MS patients and 21 healthy controls (HC). Twenty patients received a disease modifying therapy (DMT), interferon beta1a or teriflunomide, 19 DMT combined with homeopathy and 11 patients accepted only homeopathy. We collected in total 142 gut samples, two for each individual: at the study enrolment and eight weeks after treatment. We compared MS patients’ microbiome with HC, we analysed its evolution in time and the effect of interferon beta1a, teriflunomide and homeopathy. There was no difference in alpha diversity, only two beta diversity results related to homeopathy. Compared to HC, untreated MS patients had a decrease of Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium prauznitzii and increased Prevotella stercorea , while treated patients presented lowered Ruminococcus and Clostridium . Compared to the initial sample, treated MS patients had a decrease of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcus and an increased Enterococcus faecalis . Eubacterium oxidoreducens was reduced after homeopathic treatment. The study revealed that MS patients may present dysbiosis. Treatment with interferon beta1a, teriflunomide or homeopathy implied several taxonomic changes. DMTs and homeopathy might influence the gut microbiota.
... When the truth is that an increasingly large amount of evidence from meta-analyses, systematic reviews and randomised control trials demonstrate that homoeopathy is extremely effective as a treatment modality. [2][3][4][5] Several in vitro studies have shown effects attributable to very highly diluted substances. [6,7] Cancer is one such area where numerous claims are made to demonstrate the efficacy of homoeopathy. ...
... A. contain calculable source nanoparticles (NPs) and/or silica nanoparticles with adsorbed original materials [57][58][59][60], which are compositely dispersed in colloidal solution; ...
Excessive pressure or demand on an individual resulting in adverse reaction affecting mentally and physically is termed \"stress.\" Chronic stress has been assumed as a risk factor for hypertension which constitutes an important public health issue. According to the latest data, it affects 30% of the world population. Hypertension (HTN) rates are not decreasing despite improved detection and treatments. People experiencing increased anger, anxiety, depression brought on by globalization, and stress leading to high-risk behaviors are increasing many folds. There is the possibility that blood pressure (BP) may positively correlate with anger variables leading to essential hypertension (EHT). Homeopathy considers the human being having an integrated mind and body. It works holistically, helping the patient cope with environmental and psychosocial changes. The following research is one such example. It was conducted on 172 patients (108 males and 64 females) randomized and divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was administered individualized homeopathic treatment. We found that most EHT patients, especially those with a family history of HTN, suppress their anger and hostile impulses. Most appropriate homoeopathic medicine lessens anger and thereby has a reduction in elevated BP. Also, it relieves associated ailments.
... The use of low doses of drugs is not such a far-fetched concept as it might appear. In fact, according to Jahangir Satti 37 at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Albany Medical Center, in Albany, New York, it is on the rise around the world in the fight against serious diseases such as advanced cancers. In an article, Satti talked about a global trend towards an emerging low-dose therapy for advanced cancers -a clear departure from the conventional use of maximum dose protocol. ...
A review of research on homeopathic cancer treatment published from 2007-2012
Nosodes are solutions prepared from pests, capable of controlling those same pests in crops. The use of these solutions in agriculture is an emerging technology for producing eco-friendly and inexpensive plant-based foods free from toxic compounds. The effects of applying nosodes to bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crops before and after harvest were evaluated. The experiment was conducted in the field, with nosode 200CH applied once, three times, biweekly, and weekly from the flowering stage of the “Delgado” bean plant. The application of nosodes resulted in a 108% higher yield, 26% greater biomass, a 32% increase in root length, 34% more pods, and up to a 227% decrease in damaged pods compared to untreated plants. Furthermore, compared to the untreated plants, treated plants exhibited a 37% higher membrane stability and a phenolic content that was up to 27% higher in seeds and 22% higher in leaves. Plants under conventional management showed 61% less Diabrotica balteata (LeConte) incidence than nosode-treated ones. Seeds treated with nosodes exhibited a mortality in Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boh.) of up to 80%. This study highlights the use of nosodes in bean cultivation as an agronomic strategy to enhance seed production and quality, aiding producers in informed decision making about their application.
Lichen planus (LP) is an immunological reaction to a pathogen located in the basal cell layer of the epidermis. It mainly affects the adult population. LP can be better approached constitutionally by considering the totality of symptoms. A 56-year-old woman sought Homoeopathic treatment for purple-red, itchy, flat-topped, papular skin lesions on multiple body sites as she hoped to avoid steroid use and excessive medication. The case was taken, and the Homoeopathic medicine was prescribed on the basis of the totality of symptoms. After receiving treatment for 6 months, all skin lesions disappeared, and her general health improved considerably. No further skin lesions occurred in the next 2 years of follow-up. This case illustrates how Homoeopathic medicine can successfully be used to treat a skin disease through individualised treatment.
Physicochemical investigations of (UHD) solutions subjected to certain physical factors (like shaking) are becoming more frequent and increasingly yielding convincing results. A much less studied phenomenon is the transfer of molecular information (UHD signals) from one fluid to another without an intermediate liquid phase. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of such a UHD signal transfer from UHD solutions into the receiver fluid, especially when the molecular source used in solutions was a biologically active molecule of antibodies to interferon-gamma. We used physicochemical measurements and UV spectroscopy for this purpose. The results of this large pilot study confirm the possibility of such a transfer and a rough similarity to the original UHD signal donors, the weaker signal detection relative to the original donor fluids, and that exposure time improves the effect.
Gut microbiota, the total microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract, might have an implication in multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating neurological disease. Our study included 50 MS patients and 21 healthy controls (HC). Twenty patients received a disease modifying therapy (DMT), interferon beta1a or teriflunomide, 19 DMT combined with homeopathy and 11 patients accepted only homeopathy. We collected in total 142 gut samples, two for each individual: at the study enrolment and eight weeks after treatment. We compared MS patients' microbiome with HC, we analysed its evolution in time and the effect of interferon beta1a, teriflunomide and homeopathy. There was no difference in alpha diversity, only two beta diversity results related to homeopathy. Compared to HC, untreated MS patients had a decrease of Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium prauznitzii and increased Prevotella stercorea, while treated patients presented lowered Ruminococcus and Clostridium. Compared to the initial sample, treated MS patients had a decrease of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcus and an increased Enterococcus faecalis. Eubacterium oxidoreducens was reduced after homeopathic treatment. The study revealed that MS patients may present dysbiosis. Treatment with interferon beta1a, teriflunomide or homeopathy implied several taxonomic changes. DMTs and homeopathy might influence the gut microbiota.
La Homeopatía de México | Evidencias Científicas de la Homeopatía | Edición Especial de Aniversario (90 años) | 2023 || EDITORIAL: Para aquellos que demandan evidencias científicas de la Homeopatía. Marcus Zulian Teixeira. | ARTÍCULOS: Homeopatía: una breve descripción de esta especialidad médica. Marcelo Pustiglione, Eduardo Goldenstein, Y. Moisés Checinski. | Formación médica en la terapéutica no convencional en el mundo (Homeopatía y acupuntura). Marcus Zulian Teixeira. | Bases científicas del principio de curación homeopática en la farmacología moderna. Marcus Zulian Teixeira. | La solidez de la investigación homeopática fundamental. Leoni Villano Bonamin. | Efectos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre los modelos in vitro: revisión de la literatura. Silvia Waisse. | Efectos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre las plantas: revisión de la literatura. Marcus Zulian Teixeira, Solange M.T.P.G. Carneiro. | Investigación clínica en Homeopatía: revisiones sistemáticas y estudios clínicos aleatorizados. Silvia Waisse. | Estrógeno potenciado en el tratamiento homeopático del dolor pélvico asociado a endometriosis: Un estudio aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo, de 24 semanas. Marcus Zulian Teixeira, Sérgio Podgaec, Edmund Chada Baracat. | Estudio aleatorizado, doble ciego, sobre la eficacia del tratamiento homeopático en niños con amigdalitis recurrente. Sérgio E. Furuta, Luc L. M. Weckx, Cláudia R. Figueiredo. | ¿Los medicamentos homeopáticos provocan agravación o efectos adversos dependientes de los fármacos? Flávio Dantas. | ¿Los medicamentos homeopáticos inducen síntomas en voluntarios aparentemente sanos? Contribución brasileña al debate sobre los estudios patogénicos homeopáticos. Flávio Dantas. |
La Homeopatía de México | Evidencias Científicas de la Homeopatía | Edición Especial de Aniversario (90 años) | 2023 ||
EDITORIAL:
Para aquellos que demandan evidencias científicas de la Homeopatía.
Marcus Zulian Teixeira. |
ARTÍCULOS:
Homeopatía: una breve descripción de esta especialidad médica.
Marcelo Pustiglione, Eduardo Goldenstein, Y. Moisés Checinski. |
Formación médica en la terapéutica no convencional en el mundo (Homeopatía y acupuntura).
Marcus Zulian Teixeira. |
Bases científicas del principio de curación homeopática en la farmacología moderna.
Marcus Zulian Teixeira. |
La solidez de la investigación homeopática fundamental.
Leoni Villano Bonamin. |
Efectos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre los modelos in vitro: revisión de la literatura.
Silvia Waisse. |
Efectos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre las plantas: revisión de la literatura.
Marcus Zulian Teixeira, Solange M.T.P.G. Carneiro. |
Investigación clínica en Homeopatía: revisiones sistemáticas y estudios clínicos aleatorizados.
Silvia Waisse. |
Estrógeno potenciado en el tratamiento homeopático del dolor pélvico asociado a endometriosis: Un estudio aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo, de 24 semanas.
Marcus Zulian Teixeira, Sérgio Podgaec, Edmund Chada Baracat. |
Estudio aleatorizado, doble ciego, sobre la eficacia del tratamiento homeopático en niños con amigdalitis recurrente.
Sérgio E. Furuta, Luc L. M. Weckx, Cláudia R. Figueiredo. |
¿Los medicamentos homeopáticos provocan agravación o efectos adversos dependientes de los fármacos?
Flávio Dantas. |
¿Los medicamentos homeopáticos inducen síntomas en voluntarios aparentemente sanos? Contribución brasileña al debate sobre los estudios patogénicos homeopáticos.
Flávio Dantas. |
Background The healing effects of homeopathic ultra-high potencies (UHPs) have always been a puzzle for material science, though recent research papers have now characterised the nanomaterial nature of several such UHPs. This study aimed to analyse the material content of clinically used potencies of the homeopathic medicine Platina (platinum) compared with alcohol control samples.
Methods Potencies of Platina were analysed under dynamic light scattering (DLS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) to identify the nanomaterial content. As control samples, both unsuccussed and potencies of alcohol were analysed by using DLS and HRTEM.
Results Platina 30c to CM: Nanoparticles were identified under DLS (mean particle size varying from 1.3 nm in 30c to 6.5 nm in CM) and HRTEM (particle size varying from 3.31 to 12.7 nm in 30c to 1.94 to 8.54 nm in CM). EDS confirmed the presence of platinum in all the samples of Platina. SAED analysis of Platina 30c, 200c, 1M and 10M confirmed also the presence of platinum dioxide (PtO2). For control samples, DLS and the HRTEM analyses of pharmaceutical grade unsuccussed alcohol and potentized Alcohol (6c, 12c and 30c) did not show any particles.
Conclusion Homeopathic potentization generated NPs of platinum in ultra-dilutions. NPs in potencies of Platina showed platinum in EDS and PtO2 in SAED. Importantly, control samples of alcohol did not show the presence of particles under DLS or HRTEM.
Los compuestos bioactivos altamente diluidos se han utilizado con éxito en el sector agrícola para estimular el crecimiento y desarrollo de las plantas, incluso en condiciones de cultivo desfavorables. Por esta razón, se estudió la viabilidad de utilizar Natrum muriaticum (NaM), una ultradilución homeopática, como agente elicitor contra los efectos negativos del estrés salino por NaCl, en dos variedades de albahaca (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivadas en un medio salino, en el CIBNOR, SC., en febrero-marzo de 2019. Se aplicó un diseño completamente al azar con un arreglo factorial (2A×2B×3C), considerando las variedades Napoletano y Emily como factor A, la concentración de NaCl (0 y 75 mM) como factor B, y los tratamientos homeopáticos con NaM (7CH, 13CH y agua destilada como control) como factor C, sumando un total de 12 tratamientos con cuatro repeticiones cada uno, y la tasa fotosintética y producción de biomasa fresca y seca de la parte aérea como variables de respuesta. El análisis de varianza y las comparaciones múltiples de medias (DSH de Tukey p≤ 0.05) revelaron que ambas dinamizaciones de NaM (7CH y 13CH) favorecieron un aumento de las variables de respuesta evaluadas en plantas sometidas a estrés salino. El mayor aumento de la tasa fotosintética (75%) y de la biomasa fresca de la parte aérea (40%) con respecto al tratamiento control se obtuvo con NaM 7CH en la variedad Napoletano. En conclusión, la aplicación de NaM atenúa el estrés salino en Ocimum basilicum L., lo que confirma que la homeopatía agrícola es una alternativa respetuosa con el medio ambiente que puede aumentar la producción de albahaca en condiciones de estrés salino.
When human polymorphonuclear basophils, a type of white blood cell with antibodies of the immunoglobulin E (IgE) type on its surface, are exposed to anti-IgE antibodies, they release histamine from their intracellular granules and change their staining properties. The latter can be demonstrated at dilutions of anti-IgE that range from 1 x 10(2) to 1 x 10(120); over that range, there are successive peaks of degranulation from 40 to 60% of the basophils, despite the calculated absence of any anti-IgE molecules at the highest dilutions. Since dilutions need to be accompanied by vigorous shaking for the effects to be observed, transmission of the biological information could be related to the molecular organization of water.
The principles and phenomena from materials research to study the structure of liquid water and its relevance to homeopathy were discussed. Liquid water is a nanoheterogenous statistical-mechanical distribution mainly of several molecular species including oligomers and polymers along with a minority of monomers. The structure can be easily affected by epitaxial effects, pressure during succussion, the formation of colloidal nanobubbles, and electric and magnetic fields. In homeopathy a specific active agent is added to the liquid (water or water + ethanol). The change in the internalized model is a de-emphasis on the precise possible molecules into which water may polymerize.
Different concentrations of homeopathic dilutions, 50 ppm-3 ppb, of gold, iron, zinc, and mercury are determined by means of non-destructive NAA. The concentrations are determined by comparing the intensities of the corresponding ?-rays of the element in the sample and in the standard. The calibration curve is linear within the tested range of weight. In preliminary investigations a considerable decrease by adsorption on the glass wall was ascertained in model solutions of 1–10ng/ml. With regard to this decrease only the gold dilutions behave according to their model solutions. The concentrations of all the other dilutions are different and unexpectedly too high and they do not show a lower concentration as the model solutions. The too high iron concentrations are ascribed to reactions with the container glass, the too high concentrations of the zinc and mercury dilutions to the non-uniform distribution of the metals in the production triturations D6.
This article will begin with an introduction to acoustic cavitation, the physical phenomenon responsible for the chemical effects of ultrasound. Some recent applications of sonochemistry to the synthesis of nanophase and amorphous metals, as well as to heterogenous catalysis, will then be highlighted. Finally, we will examine the effects of ultrasound on metal powders in liquid-solid slurries.
The chemical effects of ultrasound do not come from a direct interaction of sound with molecular species. Ultrasound has frequencies from around 15 kilohertz to tens of megahertz. In liquids, this means wavelengths from centimeters down to microns, which are not molecular dimensions. Instead, when sound passes through a liquid, the formation, growth, and implosive collapse of bubbles can occur, as depicted in Figure 1. This process is called acoustic cavitation.
More specifically, sound passing through a liquid consists of expansion waves and compression waves. As sound passes through a liquid, if the expansion wave is intense enough (that is, if the sound is loud enough), it can pull the liquid apart and form a bubble (a cavity). The compression wave comes along and compresses this cavity, then another expansion wave re-expands it. So we have an oscillating bubble going back and forth, say, 20,000 times a second.
When human polymorphonuclear basophils, a type of white blood cell with antibodies of the immunoglobulin E (IgE) type on its surface, are exposed to anti-IgE antibodies, they release histamine from their intracellular granules and change their staining properties. The latter can be demonstrated at dilutions of anti-IgE that range from 1 x 10(2) to 1 x 10(120); over that range, there are successive peaks of degranulation from 40 to 60% of the basophils, despite the calculated absence of any anti-IgE molecules at the highest dilutions. Since dilutions need to be accompanied by vigorous shaking for the effects to be observed, transmission of the biological information could be related to the molecular organization of water.
The homeopathic mode of treatment often encourages use of drugs at such ultra-low doses and high dilutions that even the physical existence of a single molecule of the original drug substance becomes theoretically impossible. But homeopathy has sustained for over two hundred years despite periodical challenges thrown by scientists and non-believers regarding its scientificity. There has been a spurt of research activities on homeopathy in recent years, at clinical, physical, chemical, biological and medical levels with acceptable scientific norms and approach. While clinical effects of some homeopathic drugs could be convincingly shown, one of the greatest objections to this science lies in its inability to explain the mechanism of action of the microdoses based on scientific experimentations and proofs. Though many aspects of the mechanism of action still remain unclear, serious efforts have now been made to understand the molecular mechanism(s) of biological responses to the potentized form of homeopathic drugs. In this communication, an overview of some interesting scientific works on homeopathy has been presented with due emphasis on the state of information presently available on several aspects of the molecular mechanism of action of the potentized homeopathic drugs.
In this paper, we review research on homeopathy from four perspectives, focusing on reviews and some landmark studies. These perspectives are laboratory studies, clinical trials, observational studies, and theoretical work. In laboratory models, numerous effects and anomalies have been reported. However, no single model has been sufficiently widely replicated. Instead, researchers have focused on ever-new models and experiments, leaving the picture of scattered anomalies without coherence. Basic research, trying to elucidate a purported difference between homeopathic remedies and control solutions has also produced some encouraging results, but again, series of independent replications are missing. While there are nearly 200 reports on clinical trials, few series have been conducted for single conditions. Some of these series document clinically useful effects and differences against placebo and some series do not. Observational research into uncontrolled homeopathic practice documents consistently strong therapeutic effects and sustained satisfaction in patients. We suggest that this scattered picture has to do with the fourth line of research: lack of a good theory. Some of the extant theoretical models are reviewed, including placebo, water structure, silica contamination, energy models, and entanglement models. It emerges that local models, suggesting some change in structure in the solvent, are far from convincing. The nonlocal models proposed would predict that it is impossible to nail down homeopathic effects with direct experimental testing and this places homeopathy in a scientific dilemma. We close with some suggestions for potentially fruitful research.
Alternative medical approaches to human diseases such as cancer are becoming increasingly popular, but reports on their success rates have been highly variable. Homeopathy is an alternative medical practice often applied to less critical human diseases but one that has also been applied sporadically to the treatment of cancer. Animal studies on the use of homeopathy to treat experimental cancer are few and the evidence provided to date is far from conclusive. The debate presented here concerns the utility of animal studies on cancer treatment with homeopathic preparations. As part of a Point-Counterpoint feature, this review and its companion piece in this issue by Khuda-Bukhsh (Integr Cancer Ther. 2006;5:320-332) are composed of a thesis section, a response section in reaction to the companion thesis, and a rebuttal section to address issues raised in the companion response.
Homeopathy is a holistic method of treatment that uses ultralow doses of highly diluted natural substances originating from plants, minerals, or animals and is based on the principle of "like cures like." Despite being occasionally challenged for its scientific validity and mechanism of action, homeopathy continues to enjoy the confidence of millions of patients around the world who opt for this mode of treatment. Contrary to skeptics' views, research on home-opathy using modern tools mostly tends to support its efficacy and advocates new ideas toward understanding its mechanism of action. As part of a Point-Counterpoint feature, this review and its companion piece in this issue by Moffett et al (Integr Cancer Ther. 2006;5:333-342) are composed of a thesis section, a response section in reaction to the companion thesis, and a rebuttal section to address issues raised in the companion response.
In a previous publication, a three-step hypothesis was introduced to help the comprehension of the technique followed in homeopathic preparation of remedies in the case that the dilution of the pharmaceutical substance does not reach the molecular level of the substance, but small aggregates of molecules of the substance are first formed and then eventually diluted into the solvent. Here, this hypothesis is extended to cover the cases where the dilution reaches the molecular level and eventually simple molecules of the substance are found among molecules of the solvent.
High-intensity ultrasound can enhance both homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions. It has found an important niche in organic synthesis using reactive metals. Most investigations of heterogeneous sonochemistry, however, have been strictly descriptive. Although a detailed understanding of homogeneous sonochemistry has been recently developed, the authors knowledge about the effects of ultrasound on liquid-solid interfaces is much more limited. To better understand the origin of heterogeneous sonochemistry, they have examined the effects of ultrasonic irradiation on chemical reactivity, particle and surface morphology, and surface atomic composition of Zn powder. They believe that the observed changes are primarily due to interparticle collisions which result from the turbulent flow and shockwaves produced by the ultrasonic field.
A systematic investigation into the influence of the wettability of spherical, nanometer-sized silica particles on the type and stability of water−toluene emulsions is described. The particles range from hydrophilic to hydrophobic depending on the extent of chemisorbed silane on their surfaces. We show that predictions based on considerations of the energy of attachment of a single particle to the oil−water interface relate directly to the stability of emulsions. A combination of powder immersion, shelf stability, light diffraction, and microscopy measurements is used to characterize the systems. Emulsions stabilized by either very hydrophilic or very hydrophobic particles are large (>100 μm) and unstable to coalescence. Those with particles of intermediate hydrophobicity are submicrometer and stable to coalescence indefinitely. For these, catastrophic inversion of emulsions occurs upon increasing the volume fraction of water, φw, and their stability to sedimentation or creaming increases approaching inversion. The stability of emulsions to gravity-induced separation passes through a sharp maximum upon increasing the particle hydrophobicity, alongside a minimum in the average drop diameter. This is universal and independent of φw and the type of emulsion formed. In one system, an otherwise very stable water-in-oil emulsion is destabilized in an ultracentrifugal field leading to enhanced sedimentation and eventual coalescence.
Colloidal particles act in many ways like surfactant molecules, particularly if adsorbed to a fluid–fluid interface. Just as the water or oil-liking tendency of a surfactant is quantified in terms of the hydrophile–lipophile balance (HLB) number, so can that of a spherical particle be described in terms of its wettability via contact angle. Important differences exist, however, between the two types of surface-active material, due in part to the fact that particles are strongly held at interfaces. This review attempts to correlate the behaviour observed in systems containing either particles or surfactant molecules in the areas of adsorption to interfaces, partitioning between phases and solid-stabilised emulsions and foams.
Ultrasound has become an important synthetic tool in liquid-solid chemical reactions, but the origins of the observed enhancements
remained unknown. The effects of high-intensity ultrasound on solid-liquid slurries were examined. Turbulent flow and shock
waves produced by acoustic cavitation were found to drive metal particles together at sufficiently high velocities to induce
melting upon collision. A series of transition-metal powders were used to probe the maximum temperatures and speeds reached
during such interparticle collisions. Metal particles that were irradiated in hydrocarbon liquids with ultrasound underwent
collisions at roughly half the speed of sound and generated localized effective temperatures between 2600 degrees C and 3400
degrees C at the point of impact for particles with an average diameter of approximately 10 microns.
The 'silica hypothesis' is one of several frameworks that have been put forward to explain how homeopathic remedies, which often are diluted beyond the point where any of the original substance remains, might still be clinically effective. We describe here what the silica hypothesis says. From a physical chemistry viewpoint, we explore three challenges that the hypothesis would have to meet in order to explain homeopathy: thermodynamic stability of a large number of distinct structures, pattern initiation at low potencies, and pattern maintenance or gradual evolution at higher potencies. We juxtapose current knowledge about silicates with some of the conventional wisdom about homeopathic remedies, to see how well the latter might be a consequence of the former. We explore variants of the hypothesis including some speculations about mechanisms. We outline laboratory experiments that could help to decide it.
The key stumbling block to serious consideration of homeopathy is the presumed "implausibility" of biological activity for homeopathic medicines in which the source material is diluted past Avogadro's number of molecules. Such an argument relies heavily on the assumptions of elementary chemistry (and biochemistry), in which the material composition of a solution, (dilution factors and ligand-receptor interactions), is the essential consideration. In contrast, materials science focuses on the three-dimensional complex network structure of the condensed phase of water itself, rather than the original solute molecules. The nanoheterogenous structure of water can be determined by interactive phenomena such as epitaxy (the transmission of structural information from the surface of one material to another without the transfer of any matter), temperature-pressure processes during succussion, and formation of colloidal nanobubbles containing gaseous inclusions of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and possibly the remedy source material. Preliminary data obtained using Raman and Ultra-Violet-Visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy illustrate the ability to distinguish two different homeopathic medicines (Nux vomica and Natrum muriaticum) from one another and to differentiate, within a given medicine, the 6c, 12c, and 30c potencies. Materials science concepts and experimental tools offer a new approach to contemporary science, for making significant advances in the basic science studies of homeopathic medicines.
Homeopathic medicines are currently used in medical practice, despite controversy about their effectiveness. The preparation method is based on extremely high dilutions of many substances in water, far beyond any detectable level. For this reason, it has been suggested that water could retain a 'memory' of substances that have been dissolved in it before the successive dilutions. The paper stresses the fact that this idea is not compatible with our knowledge of pure water. If an explanation on physical grounds is to be found, research must focus in other aspects of the preparation, such as the presence of other molecules and dissolved gases.
The 'memory of water' is a concept by which the properties of an aqueous preparation are held to depend on the previous history of the sample. Although associated with the mechanism of homeopathy, this association may mislead. There is strong evidence concerning many ways in which the mechanism of this 'memory' may come about. There are also mechanisms by which such solutions may possess effects on biological systems which substantially differ from plain water. This paper examines the evidence.
New physics occurs in semiconductors when one or more dimensions of the crystal are reduced to a size comparable to bulk electron
delocalization lengths (tens to hundreds of angstroms). The properties of "quantum dots" or semiconductor nanocrystals are
now being studied, as techniques to fabricate the crystallites are developed. Temperature-dependent electron diffraction studies
on nanocrystals of CdS show a large depression in the melting temperature with decreasing size, as a larger fraction of the
total number of atoms is on the surface. Thermal stability may play a role in determining the uses of semiconductor nanocrystals.
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Small water clusters (clathrates) in the homoeopathic preparation process Ultra High Dilution e Physiology and Physics
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