Until few years, the so-called implausible science, homeopathy, was on the verge of being rejected on conventional physicochemical grounds. The mere selection of ultrahigh dilutions (UHD) (homeopathic potencies) for experimentation by mainstream scientists seemed impossible, but the curiosity to explore the science behind homeopathy kept igniting intellectual alma mater who subjected homeopathy to laboratories and test tubes, to know beyond its clinical application.
Still, there exist a huge gap and a challenge to convince a conventional scientist to go beyond his domains and look for something which is apparently invisible (beyond Avogadro). But gradually we are overcoming this dogma and exploring the finer aspects and applications of UHDs. Much research has been undertaken, at least, to protect the identity of UHDs, and we are now verge of proving the plausibility of homeopathy from every aspect.
This issue of International Journal of High Dilution Research features two interesting articles on nature of UHDs and their unconventional application.
The first article by NC Sukul et al aimed to decipher the nature of the water structure of UHDs of two commonly used homeopathic drugs Natrum muriaticum and Sulphur by Laser Raman Spectroscopy. This work is in the series undertaken by the group, who earlier experimented using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; Electronic, Vibrational and Raman spectroscopy to shown differences in UHDs of various drugs. The present experiment could differentiate the intensities (potencies) of Nat-m and Sulph when compared to their controls, on the basis of hydrogen bond strength and free OH groups.
The second article by Nandy et al proposes a new dimension to the application of UHD. In an interesting manner, the author used UHDs of Ferrum metallicum and Zincum oxidatum to improve the electrical properties of the electroactive Poly (vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP). The PVDF-HFP composite films were synthesized in their usual way, but an incorporation of Ferrum and Zinc-o could make the film as homeo-PVDF-composite. This enhancement of the electrical properties and are possibly due to the presence of nanoparticle, as hypothesized by the group.
The nature and application of UHDs are promising but challenging areas, which can only be validated through extensive research and validation. The realm of UHDs is expanding, and the day is not far when plausibility of homeopathy would be proved from every aspect, but at the same time we should also keep the momentum of research at pace in clinical research too!
Structural and electrical properties of ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) and mechanically activated ZnO nanoparticle composite films
