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Comparative Study of the Thermal Properties of Mud and Peat Solutions Applied in Clinical Practice
Abstract
Different peloids as e.g. mud and peat have been traditionally used for therapeutic purposes successfully, especially of there thermal actions. It was the aim of the experimental study to compare the thermal properties of two peloids, mud and peat, with a view to assessing their thermal effects when they are applied in clinical practice. The studies were carried out using peat of the marsh type of peats (Hochmoor), and curative Pomorie (Bulgaria) mud. As important parameters were determined the specific thermal capacity at constant pressure (Cp), the density of solutions (rho), the cooling rate (m), the coefficient of temperature transfer (a) of solutions and the coefficient of thermal conductivity (lambda) of solutions of peat and curative mud, compared to water bath. The comparative studies of the thermal properties of water and water solutions of peat and curative mud show that the thermal effect of the water bath is substantially smaller than that of the peat and mud applications. This difference is due to a greater extent to the high values of the dynamic viscosity, not allowing cooling by convection and protecting the surface of the skin upon applications of peloid solutions with a higher temperature.
... During last years a number of scientific studies on the thermophysical properties of peloids have been carried out (Cara et al., 2000;Beer et al., 2003;Legido et al., 2007), but still a systematic characterization is needed. In this note we present experimental measurements of the thermal conductivity (λ) at temperatures near 40°C of two different pastes, suitable to be used as peloids, prepared from clays mined in Spain. ...
... More relevant are thermal properties investigations of actual peloids (Cara et al., 2000;Beer et al., 2003;Legido et al., 2007). ...
... The cooling rate has to be considered a derived property, and it is precisely our final goal to predict cooling rates from more fundamental properties like thermal conductivity, heat capacity or density. Very few authors reported λ data of peloids (Beer et al., 2003) and in those cases they quoted values lower than that of water, what is a quite surprising result. ...
We measured, using the multi-current hot-wire method, the thermal conductivity (λ) of two different clay pastes suitable to be used as peloids. The same wire and system was used to measure the λ of water, and the results were compared with literature data. Special attention was paid to statistical data analysis. The obtained λ values for the clay pastes are higher than the λ of water at the same temperature.
... Typical peat pastes applications imply temperatures between 42 and 44°C for 15-30 min (Flaig, 1992). Peats have demonstrated adsorptive, estrogenic, astringency, antioxidant and revulsive actions (Beer et al., 2000(Beer et al., , 2001(Beer et al., , 2002(Beer et al., , 2003Suárez et al., 2011). Fungicidal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, UV absorption as well as influences on smooth muscles and prostaglandin synthesis are also been reported (Klöcking and Helbig, 2005;Fioravanti et al., 2007;Sławinska et al., 2007;Khil'ko et al., 2011;Gomes de Melo et al., 2015). ...
... Organic fraction comes from vegetable wastes transformed under anaerobic and waterlogged conditions for extended periods and includes humic acids, humin and fulvic acids as principal compounds. Organic compounds have demonstrated biologic activities, which make them potentially useful in topical health care and cosmetology (Summa and Tateo, 1999;Beer et al., 2003). Mineral fraction of peats is composed of clay minerals such as illite and chlorite as well as gypsum, muscovite and quartz (Summa and Tateo, 1999;Romão et al., 2007;Orru et al., 2011). ...
Composition and properties of three different peat strata from "El Padul" peatbog have been studied and peat pastes have been formulated to prepare skin health care products. As for composition, the main phase of each stratum was constituted of smectites (outer stratum), organic matters (intermediate) or carbonates (inner). Pristine strata and their aqueous dispersed systems were characterized for such properties (pH, rheology and cooling kinetics) that are considered determinant in view of their topical application. Main phases of each stratum influenced pH and rheology but not cooling kinetics. Combination of the strata in different w/w ratios led to peat pastes with improved performance for skin administration.
... The thermophysical properties of peloids are important to predict their thermal behaviour and their possible use in thermotherapy [20]. Thermal properties have been studied in the last years [21][22][23][24][25]. ...
... The results obtained indicated values similar to those in the literature and with specific heat suitable for thermotherapeutic applications. Mass % Fig. 6 Specific heats of several peloids already used in thermotherapy: open circles this work, filled square Ref. [34], filled triangle Ref. [15], open diamonds Ref. [20], filled circle Ref. [28], open squares Ref. [26], open triangles Ref. [31], filled diamond Ref. [22], plus Ref. [25], cross Ref. [24], asterisk Ref. [23], minus Ref. [17] Specific heat of mixtures of kaolin with sea water or distilled water for their use… ...
Mixtures of clays and waters of different mineralization have been used for thermotherapy therapies since ancient times. These mixtures are the basis of the most so-called thermal peloids, which are used for therapeutic purposes in the main thermal centres of the world. The thermal properties of peloids are very important to establish their applicability and determine whether they are appropriate for use in thermotherapy. This work focuses on the study of the behaviour of the specific heat capacity of different mixtures of kaolin with sea water or distilled water as a function of water concentration. Sea water is equivalent to high mineralized water, and distilled water corresponds to zero mineralization. Specific heat capacity was measured at atmospheric pressure and in the temperature interval from 293.15 to 317.15 K, using a commercial SETARAM BT 2.15 calorimeter. This device is based on the principle of Calvet calorimetry with temperature control. Furthermore, experimental results were compared to those obtained from mixtures with other clays.
... The thermal behaviour of peloids and clays has been studied by several authors in different countries (Lewis, 1935;Berbenni, 1965;Skauge et al., 1983;Rambaud et al., 1986;Ferrand and Yvon, 1991;Cara et al., 2000;Beer et al., 2003b;Veniale et al., 2004;Rebelo et al., 2005). Lewis (1935) was the first author to study the thermal properties of peloids. ...
... The involved values can be also used to calculate the temperature of the peloid 20 min after application. Beer et al. (2003b) carried out a comparative study of the thermal behaviour of a mud, peat and water bath, and found considerable differences in the cooling rates of peat as compared to those of water and mud. An extensive study performed by Veniale et al. (2004) with several samples of muds matured with different types of thermal waters provided, among other conclusions, data on the thermal behaviour of muds. ...
The use of products with a suitable chemical and physical characterization in thermotherapy is more and more required. The applications of the muds in therapies depend on their rheological properties, on the plasticity and on the absorption capacity and swelling. If they are also required for therapeutics, where the capacity of the product to keep certain temperature is important, then, properties such as the calorific capacity, the thermal conductivity and the cooling kinetic should be also determined. On this essay, having the purpose of determining the potential that a natural mud from a clayey deposit as a thermotherapeutic product has, the thermal properties of several materials have also been analysed. Three clays, a kaolinite, an aluminium bentonite and a sepiolite have been analysed. The specific heat (cp) of the products has been determined through the differential scanning calorimeter (SDC). The chemical and mineralogical composition has been obtained through the elementary chemical analysis and by X-ray diffraction analysis. Mixtures of these substances with destilled water have been prepared in different proportions within the limit of plasticity, that is to say, with the quantity of water enough so that the mixture maintains the rheological suitable properties for its therapeutic application. The kinetic cooling curves have been determined from 60°C until 35°C. The results must be analysed taking into account the water contents and the kind of solid phase previously used. It has been observed that the cp increases when the water proportion increases. The same occurs in previous essays on similar mixtures (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). However, the cp values do not adjust to the lineal function proposed on previous essays, the variation of this magnitude with regard to the lineal behaviour is given by the following expression: ΔCp= Cpm - (% water Cpw+ %solid Cps) /100. where Cpm, Cpw, Cps are the specific heat of the moistured sample, of the water and of the dried sample respectively. This expression, obtained for a determined temperature, is valid for every kind of sample.
... The thermal behaviour of peloids and clays has been studied by several authors in different countries (Lewis, 1935;Berbenni, 1965;Skauge et al., 1983;Rambaud et al., 1986;Ferrand and Yvon, 1991;Cara et al., 2000;Beer et al., 2003b;Veniale et al., 2004;Rebelo et al., 2005). Lewis (1935) was the first author to study the thermal properties of peloids. ...
... The involved values can be also used to calculate the temperature of the peloid 20 min after application. Beer et al. (2003b) carried out a comparative study of the thermal behaviour of a mud, peat and water bath, and found considerable differences in the cooling rates of peat as compared to those of water and mud. An extensive study performed by Veniale et al. (2004) with several samples of muds matured with different types of thermal waters provided, among other conclusions, data on the thermal behaviour of muds. ...
The thermal behaviour of muds and clays for pelotherapic purposes is a very important parameter because its directly relation with the therapeutic action of peloids. Usually common clays are used for maduration in pelotherapy but rarely are used pure clays as bentonites or sepiolite. Under study in this work are the thermal properties of almost pure samples of Al-bentonite (montmorillonite), Mg-bentonite (saponite) and sepiolite, and their comparison with three common clays composed of mixtures of kaolinite, illite and smectite with other silicates and carbonates. The samples have been characterized by means of mineralogical techniques (XRD) but also by chemical analysis (XRF, AA), microfabric studies (SEM) and physical and physico-chemical determinations (granulometry, BET surface area, plasticity index, water absorption and CEC). Results indicate noteworthy differences between common clays and pure clays, especially with Mg-bentonite. Besides water absorption capacity other physical and physico-chemical properties seem to play an important role in the cooling kinetic and therefore in the selection of candidate clays for pelotherapy.
... The use of heat for therapeutic purposes is known as thermotherapy and this is one of the most important healing effects of peloids (Hattori, 1963;Beer et al., 2003;Maraver et al., 2015). Peloids are defined as a mixture solids and mineral water or seawater that acquire healing and/or cosmetic properties after maturation (Gomes et al., 2013, and references therein). ...
To prepare peloids for thermotherapy, the thermal behaviour of their component clay pastes needs to be known. This study was designed to experimentally determine the specific heat capacity and cooling kinetics of pastes prepared by adding different proportions of water to eight commercially available clays of different composition. According to exponential equations fitted to the cooling curves for the pastes, a new parameter designated the relaxation time is proposed. Using this parameter, the clayey pastes could be classified on the basis of rate of heat release. According to its specific heat capacity and relaxation time, Na-activated magnesium bentonite emerged as the most suitable clay material to prepare peloids with applications in thermotherapy.
... Peat is viewed as a traditional preventive and therapeutic agent against gastric and digestive problems such as hyperacidity, diarrhoea, gastric ulcers, dysentery etc. (Kuhnert et al., 1989, 1991; Roost et al., 1990; Banaszkiewicz and Drobnik, 1994). Externally applied peat preparations are used for the treatment of dermatitis, haemorrhage , phlebitis, myorrhexis, muscular induration and contusion, joint luxation, vertebral affliction (cervical and lumbar vertebrae), rheumatoid diseases , ischalgia, arthrosis, arthritis, osteomyelitis etc. (Kotwica et al., 1976a,b; Callies and Kaiser, 1978; Lotosh, 1991; Eichelsdorfer, 1992; Riede et al., 1992; Praetzel, 1993; Banaszkiewicz and Drobnik, 1994; Siderov and Mamiliaeva, 1994; Bellometti et al., 1997; Olivera et al., 1997; Beer et al., 2003a,b). ...
Peat is an easily available natural material and a source of biologically active substances widely used, not only in agriculture but in human and animal medicine as well. In recent years, interest in the use of peat as a feed supplement has increased, particularly due to its capability to prevent enteric diseases and to stimulate growth in piglets and pigs. The purpose of this review was to compare the advantages and risks associated with the use of peat for animal nutrition based on the literature available. Beneficial effects of various peat preparations on digestion, growth and the immune systems of animals as well as the absorbent and detoxifying capabilities are associated with the high content of favourable humic substances. One disadvantage of using peat preparations is the considerable diversity of the various types of peat caused by different biological, chemical and geological conditions during formation. Biological activity of various peat preparations is associated not only with fluctua-tions in the chemical compositions, but also with different application techniques. Based on the existing studies, it is unclear which application technique is most effective for respective animal species. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the problem, with the inclusion of farm animals. One potential risk of peat feeding is the possibility of primary or secondary mycobacterial contamination. As long as feed rations are supplemented with peat preparations, it is essential to minimise the potential contamination risk during mining, processing and storage.
In Italy, peat extracted from the peat bogs of Lake Massaciuccoli is the only peat used for therapeutic purposes. Massaciuccoli peat (M-peat) soaked in the salty bromine-iodine water of Undulna Thermae has given positive results in various pathological situations, mainly in dermatological, rheumatological, and traumatological conditions. Morphological and biochemical analysis were performed using base M-peat samples matured in the salty bromine-iodine water of the Undulna Thermae for different times, to evaluate whether maturation time modifies peat chemico-physical properties. The maturation process induced particle aggregation, with an increase in the fractions with larger particle size. The presence of a high number of proteins derived from organic degradation was observed; after 6 months of maturation, a significant increase in proteins was found, suggesting that salty bromine-iodine water plays a role in the clinical action of the peat. The presence of lipids in M-peat was also confirmed, allowing us to draw important considerations on its therapeutic properties possibly deriving from the relevant interactions between lipids and humic acids. Finally, from our observations, it could be reasonably argued that longer periods of maturation do not result in additional advantages regarding clinical activity.
The use of peloids as heat-providing therapeutic systems dates back to antiquity. Such systems consist of a liquid phase and an organic or inorganic solid phase. The latter facilitates the handling, preparation and stability of the solid–liquid system, modifying its organoleptic and phy-sicochemical properties, and improves its efficacy and tolerance. Peloids enable the application of heat to very specific zones and the release of heat at a given rate. The aims of this work are to study 16 reference peloids used in medical spa centers as thermo-therapeutic agents as well as to propose nine raw materials as a solid phase for the preparation of peloids. The physical properties studied are the centesimal composition, the instrumental texture and the thermal parameters. In conclusion, the peloids of the medical spas studied are used as thermotherapeutic agents in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, especially in knee osteoarthritis and to a lesser extent in back pain and psoriatic arthropathy. The clinical experience in these centers shows that the main effects of the application of their peloids are the reduction of pain, an increase in the joint’s functional capacity and an improvement in the quality of life. As thermotherapeutic agents, all the peloids of the me-dical spas studied and the pastes (raw materials with distilled water) examined showed a heat flow rate of up to four times lower than that shown by the same amount of water. The raw materials studied can be used as solid phases for the preparation of peloids with mineral waters.
Peat is an easily available natural material and a source of biologically active substances widely used, not only in agriculture but in human and animal medicine as well. In recent years, interest in the use of peat as a feed supplement has increased, particularly due to its capability to prevent enteric diseases and to stimulate growth in piglets and pigs. The purpose of this review was to compare the advantages and risks associated with the use of peat for animal nutrition based on the literature available. Beneficial effects of various peat preparations on digestion, growth and the immune systems of animals as well as the absorbent and detoxifying capabilities are associated with the high content of favourable humic substances. One disadvantage of using peat preparations is the considerable diversity of the various types of peat caused by different biological, chemical and geological conditions during formation. Biological activity of various peat preparations is associated not only with fluctuations in the chemical compositions, but also with different application techniques. Based on the existing studies, it is unclear which application technique is most effective for respective animal species. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the problem, with the inclusion of farm animals. One potential risk of peat feeding is the possibility of primary or secondary mycobacterial contamination. As long as feed rations are supplemented with peat preparations, it is essential to minimise the potential contamination risk during mining, processing and storage.
As a result of a number of systematic surveys to detect or enumerate ESM and PPM in water and soil throughout the world, it has been possible to identify those habitats that harbour the highest numbers of ESM and PPM. It would be expected that those sources should be linked to the highest frequencies of disease, provided that there are routes for human or animal transmission.
As a result of a number of systematic surveys to detect or enumerate ESM and PPM in water and soil throughout the world, it has been possible to identify those habitats that harbour the highest numbers of ESM and PPM. It would be expected that those sources should be linked to the highest frequencies of disease, provided that there are routes for human or animal transmission.
Resumen A pesar de que se ha investigado ampliamente la composición y propiedades físicas de los peloides, existen pocos estudios con métodos analíticos relacionados con el manejo y la aplicabilidad sobre la piel, aspecto que es importante en la peloterapia. Existen estudios sobre la textura (adhesividad, cohesión, elasticidad) y sobre la afinidad sobre la piel (ten-siometricprint), aunque escasos sobre la viscosidad y aspectos reológicos. La viscosidad es un parámetro importante para la aplicabilidad de un peloide, pero también para su caracteri-zación termofísica. La viscosidad de un peloide está estrechamente ligada a su contenido en agua. En las deter-minaciones de Ferrand e Yvon se estudiaron las viscosidades de pastas de caolinita y bento-nita, observando que las mezclas de ambas espesan con el tiempo y no cumplen las leyes habituales de adición, sino que la viscosidad de las mezclas es menor que la de las pastas puras. Estudios experimentales llevados a cabo en el departamento de Física Aplicada de la Universidad de Vigo han sugerido asimismo que el tipo de agua mineral utilizada para la elaboración del peloide también posee gran importancia, ya que la viscosidad de estas mezclas varía según la mineralización del agua utilizada. En este trabajo se han realizado diferentes determinaciones de la viscosidad de mezclas de una arcilla tipo bentonita con diferentes aguas: agua tridestilada, agua de mar y cuatro tipos de aguas mineromedicinales.
Experimental measurements are presented of the thermal conductivity (λ) and the density (ρ) of several clay pastes used in pelotherapy (peloids). Up to 22 peloids were tested. They were prepared by adding various amounts of water to seven mineralogically different powder clays or clay minerals. λ of each clay paste was measured at six different temperatures ranging between 293 K and 318 K, while ρ was measured at ambient temperature. A clear correlation was established between the density and the thermal conductivity of the peloids.
In thermotherapy, the efficiency of a peloid depends in particular on its thermal quality and an appropriate and detailed chemical and physical characterization is necessary to understand the thermal behaviour of these products. The most influential physical properties are the specific heat capacity, the thermal conductivity and the density. This work focuses on the study of the evolution of those properties of Dax peloid mixed with thermal and mineral water as a function of the mud concentration. The experimental specific heat capacity data were measured using a Calvet calorimeter, SETARAM BT 2.15, which permits studying with high precision all kind of substances and materials (oils, polymers, hydrates, powders) and simulate almost any process condition (reactions, crystallisation, freezing, etc.) and in the temperature range from 298.15 to 314.15 K. The pycnometer method and an Anton-Paar DMA-4500 vibrating-tube densimeter were used to measure density values while the thermal conductivity was determined by the Model KD2 Pro, Decagon Devices Inc. The experimental data show the expected behaviour: the specific heat capacity increases with temperature and decreases with concentration whereas density decreases with temperature and increases with concentration. Besides the thermal conductivity increases with both temperature and concentration. The results of this study will be used to determine the best proportion between peloid and mineral water for an individual mud bath.
El propósito de este trabajo es revisar la literatura médica indexada de los últimos 10 años para recopilar y poner al día los hallazgos relacionados con la acción de los peloides sobre fisiología y patología humanas. Hay una notable preponderancia de autores europeos en la literatura revisada. Los fangos salinos tienen propiedades térmicas superiores a las del agua termal debidos a sus elevados valores de viscosidad dinámica. Su acción como agente físico local en procesos articulares, ya no se discute. Su acción sistémica se produce por la concurrencia de múltiples mecanismos. liberación de mediadores químicos, modificación de las hormonas de la inflamación, mejoría de niveles de compuestos involucrados en la homeostasis del cartílago articular, alteración de fenómenos de oxidorreducción y mediadores del stress. De esta manera, su acción puede separarse de sus propiedades térmicas y muchos efectos sistémicos permanecen detectables luego de la normalización de la temperatura de la piel. En los últimos 10 años se han conocido varios mecanismos de acción sistémicos que explican acciones de los fangos salinos sobre la patología y fisiología humanas. Objetives: mud systemic actions reported in last 10 years in medical literature are reviewed. Preponderance of European authors in literature, is remarkable. Almost there is no doubt about the nature of local mud effects on certain clinical settings, such as degenerative articular processes, skin disorders, and others. Thermal effect of the water bath is substantially smaller than that of the peat and mud applications, due to the high values of the dynamic viscosity. System action occur because of overlapping of several mechanisms. chemical mediators releasing, inflammation hormones, nitric oxide and serum levels of some amino acids modifications, beta-endorphin levels, some changes in performance of leukocytes and macrophages, drop of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and other. The microcirculatory changes mud-induced, in some instances, lasted longer than did the temperature increase. Thus, the biochemical action has aside from their physical-thermal effects. Several systemic effects of saline muds over human physiology and pathology, have been cleared in last 10 years.
The present study investigated the changes of quality of life, mood, and the tumor marker CA 15-3 associated with a 3-week inpatient breast cancer rehabilitation program incorporating spa therapy. One hundred forty-nine women, 32 to 82 years, participated in the study 3 to 72 months after breast cancer surgery. Quality of life (QoL, EORTC QLQ-C30), anxiety, and depression (HADS) were measured 2 weeks before, at the end, and 6 months after rehabilitation; CA 15-3 at the beginning, end, and at 6 months follow-up. Patients received an individualized rehabilitation program incorporating manual lymph drainage, exercise therapy, massages, psychological counseling, relaxation training, carbon dioxide baths, and mud packs. Quality of life and mood improved significantly, the greatest short-term improvements found for mood-related aspects of quality of life, the most lasting improvements found for physical complaints (eg, fatigue). Also, the tumor marker CA 15-3 declined significantly to follow-up. Patient characteristics, as well as the time since surgery, moderated rehabilitation outcome to a limited extent. Older patients, nonobese patients, patients with a greater lymphedema, and patients with an active coping style showed slightly greater improvements. Hot mud packs inducing hyperthermia did not affect CA 15-3. In conclusion, the combination of inpatient rehabilitation with spa therapy provides a promising approach for breast cancer rehabilitation.
The viscosity of balneological peat got special meaning according to its thermical features. Until now, there has been no answer on the question in how far balneological peat, which is prepared with different degrees of humidity, can vary the pharmacological character. Aim of this work was, on the one hand, to examine which initial degree of peat-humidity is necessary to get the wished viscosity in therapy when diluted with water. On the other hand, how far the pharmacological character of balneological is influenced by the initial degree of humidity. From peat, with initial different degrees of humidity, balneological peat is prepared, fulfilling the demands of the Quentin-Test and therefore the necessary consistence for therapy. Here in this work the in-vitro effect of aqueous peat extract (APE) on the spontaneous contractile activity of the smooth muscle fibres of guinea-pig stomachs was examined. The APE used got initial different degrees of humidity. It was found out, that the ability of peat according to a new water-uptake, with a initial humidity under 60%, was clearly reduced. Because of the reduced water content of balneological peat its thermical features were deteriorated. This goes for peat with a humidity factor < 60%. First, with the Quentin-Test, showing the optimal viscosity of peat before medical use, you can also make statements according its ability of maximum uptake of water, meaning the ability taking up water until it becomes gel-like. Second, the results show that the initial humidity of peat got no influence on the pharmacological features.
In an expedition of the 'Balneologisches Institut Bad Kissingen e.V.' also Pomorie was visited. Pomorie is a health resort with rich traditions, which is situated at the southern coast of the Black sea. The most important kinds of therapy are the treatment with peloids, brine and sea-water. Apart from gynaecologic diseases are treated orthopaedic, internal, rheumatic, and neurologic disorders. Diseases of the urinary tract and skin affections are successfully treated, too. This article shows the therapeutic effects and results.
It was found, that Tołpa Peat Preparation administered prophylactically to rats decreased significantly the size of gastric mucosa damage induced with ethanol. TPP administered to rats with experimental gastric and duodenal ulcers significantly accelerated the healing process.
Investigations of some immune parameters were carried out in healthy humans receiving TPP in doses of 50, 100, 300 and 600 mg daily for 14 days. The percent and composition of T lymphocyte subsets were studied along with the ability to generate interleukin-1 (Il-1) and interleukin-2 (Il-2) as well as spontaneous and PHA stimulated expression of receptors for Il-2 (TAC) and transferrin receptor (Tr) on lymphocytes. Lymphocytes proliferation induced with mitogens and alloantigens, generation of both Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha(TNF alpha) by monocytes and superoxide radicals by granulocytes were estimated. A 50 mg dose of TPP changed neither the T-cell percent among mononuclear cells nor the composition of T-cell subsets. A higher dosage of 100 mg of TPP caused a significant increase of the percent of T-cells on the 14th day but did not influence their subset composition. On the 14th and 28th day of the observation a statistically insignificant decrease of IL-2 generation was observed but with no change of both TAC receptor expression on lymphocytes and the ability to generate IL-1 by monocytes. TPP in the doses of 50 and 100 mg exerted a slight immunomodulatory potential in healthy humans, however the immunological parameters assessed were within the standard values. In other immune parameters examined during the administration of higher TPP doses in human groups consisted of four volunteers considerable differences have been found but individual differences in a limited experimental group and the lack of a placebo group did not allow for definite conclusions but for preliminary data only.