Particle Characterisation of Traditional Homeopathically Manufactured Medicine Cuprum metallicum and Controls

Background: Homeopathy is highly controversial. The main reason for this is its use of very highly dilute medicines (high homeopathic potencies, HHP), diluted beyond the Avogadro/Loschmidt limit. Research using several different methods has demonstrated the presence of particles, including nanoparticles of source material, in HHPs. This study aims to verify the results of a previous publication that detected the presence of particles in all dilutions. Methods: We used the Nano Tracking Analyzer (NTA) to examine dilutions of a commonly used homeopathic medicine, an insoluble metal, Cuprum metallicum, for the presence of particles. The homeopathic medicines tested were specially prepared according to the European pharmacopoeia standards. We compared the homeopathic dilutions/dynamizations with simple dilutions and controls including a soluble medicine. Results: We observed the presence of solid material in all preparations including HHPs (except for pure water). The measurements showed significant differences in particle sizes distribution between homeopathic manufacturing lines and controls. Conclusion: Homeopathic medicines do contain material with a specific size distribution even in HHPs diluted beyond the Avogadro/Loschmidt limit. This specificity can be attributed to the manufacturing and potentization process. This material demonstrates that the step-by-step process (dynamized or not) does not match the theoretical expectations in a dilution process. The starting material and dilution/dynamization method influences the nature and concentration of these NPs.

Reproductive performance of sows inseminated with diluted semen treated with homeopathic medicine

Aims: this study sought to assess the reproductive performance of sows inseminated with sperm treated with homeopathic medicines. Materials and methods: the semen of 2 sexually mature boars age 18 months Pietrain and Duroc cross-bred with similar genetic and reproductive performance were chosen, as well as 125 sows. Sixteen samples of semen were collected and standardized through semen evaluation. Three homeopathic preparations and a placebo (control) were tested on the sperm (n=31/32 per group): Avena sativa 6cH, Pulsatilla nigricans 6cH and Avena sativa 6cH + Pulsatilla nigricans 6cH. Sows were inseminated 3 times with the same estrous diagnostic procedures. Results: there was significant difference (p

Analysis of in vitro activity of high dilutions of Euphorbia tirucalli L. in human melanoma cells

Aveloz (firestick cactus; Euphorbia tirucalli L.) belongs to Euphorbiaceae family, characterized by the production of a toxic latex that has corrosive effects on the skin and mucous membranes. Continual topic use of the latex is recommended by popular medicine to treat warts, and epitheliomas. To validate this indication, ultra diluted latex and homeopathic medicine Euphorbia tirucalli were tested in vitro on the proliferation of melanoma cells. Ultra diluted latex was prepared in homeopathic dilutions 5cH, 15cH and 30cH by dilution and agitation (trituration for solid and sucussion for liquid phases) using 70º GL (Gay Lussac) ethylic alcohol (70º GL EtOH 70ºGL) as inert medium according to the guidelines in Farmacopéia Homeopática Brasileira (FHB). Homeopathic medicine Euphorbia tirucalli was prepared from mother-tincture according to the centesimal Hahnemannian method. Solutions 0.5% and 5% of 70ºGL EtOH were succussed and used as control. Human melanoma cells were cultured, treated and monitored by method MTT for 24 to 72 hours. It was observed that 0.5% 70ºGL EtOH solution had little or no effect on the proliferation of melanoma cells (5.1% maximal inhibition in dilution 30cH). Positive correlation was observed in most groups between inhibition of proliferation and diluted preparations, maximal increase (9%) was seen in with 5% latex. Moreover, mother-tincture proved to be more active than latex; treatment with 0.5% solution of latex 30cH exhibited 19.7% inhibition, whereas treatment with 0.5% solution of Euphorbia tirucalli 30cH exhibited 32.1% inhibition of cell proliferation (p

Quality certificates for homeopathic matrices

Background: To produce homeopathic medicines, pharmacies need raw materials (mother tinctures and diluted-agitated solutions, named “matrices”), provided by insumes suppliers. The “matrices” are ultra high dilutions and can not be tested against Analysis Reports. Aims: to propose alternatives to the matrices Analysis Report; to contribute to the quality of homeopathic medicines and treatment. Method: search of information present in the documentation provided from 2 national and 3 European suppliers in order to develop criteria. Discussion: the needed concepts for compliance with the orders throughout their production process were presented. The control of information involved in the process allows to trace the production of matrices, providing an indication of the quality with which they were obtained. Each supplier gives different approach to issuing a document, calling it Certificate of Conformity Protocol Preparation, Manufacturing Certificate or Quality Certificate. Summarizing, it is a supplier's declaration, which involves the quality control of raw materials, packaging materials and of the process used, but not a report that enables customers to repeat the analysis. A model was proposed for a Certificate of Quality, with the minimum information needed to indicate to the pharmacies that there is a control of the process. This certificate shall contain statements about the process. Conclusion: Quality Certificate seems to be the best document to ensure the pharmacy that the matrix obtained presents characteristics compatible with the preparation of a quality homeopathic medicine.

Evaluation of the effect of inactivation by microwave and autoclave in homeopathic medicines

Background: The Brazilian Pharmacopoeia defines the sterilization process as a "method" intended to remove or destroy all forms of life, animal or plant, macroscopic or microscopic, saprophytic or not, present in the product concerned, without ensuring the complete inactivation of toxins or cellular enzymes. Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging between 300MHz (300x106 Hz) and 300 GHz (300x109 Hz) and wavelengths from 1 m to 1 mm[1]. They are waves that lie within the region between TV waves and the infrared region within the spectrum of electromagnetic waves. According to the Technical Standards Textbook for Homeopathic Pharmacy, glass tubes may be reused after washed with running and purified water and inactivated by autoclaving at 120oC for 30 minutes or by a dry air buffer at 180oC for 30 minutes or at 140oC for 1 hour [2]. Aims: Current experiment evaluates the influence of ultra-diluted Sulphur with and without inactivation by autoclaving and microwaving for certain variables in the germination and growth of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench - cv TX623B). Methodology: Ten milliliters of Sulphur in homeopathic dinamizations (proposed by Hering - DH) 9DH, 18DH and 30DH inactivated by microwave and by autoclave heat, and control with water, were added to petri dishes in which 20 sorghum seeds were distributed. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber (BOD) at 25oC and during a 16-h photoperiod. Double-blind methodology to avoid researcher’s possible interferences or trends, coupled to statistic treatment at the end of the experiment, was employed. Data underwent variance analysis and means were compared by Scott-Knott’s test at 5% probability. Results: Homeopathy Sulphur changed the evaluated parameters of 9DH, 18 DH and 30 DH dinamizations when compared to control (water). Differences existed with regard to effects of the different microwave-treated (M9DH, M18DH, M30DH) and autoclaving-treated (A9DH, A18DH, A30DH) dinamizations. Sulphur had no significant difference in the aerial length (CPA) when compared with that of control. In the case of the same homeopathic treatments previously undergoing autoclaving, the three dinamizations had a similar response to CPA. The same occurred with drugs submitted to microwaves. With regard to root’s growth (CSR), treatment with Sulphur inhibited growth in the dinamizations 18 DH and 30 DH when compared to control. This did not occur with 9 DH which had the same effect as that of water. In the case of groups treated with medicines 30 DH and 9DH undergoing microwaves, the same effect of water was reported. Consequently, microwaves inactivated the effect of homeopathic medicine. However, in 18DH under the effect of microwaves, the effect of drug 18DH was reported. Consequently, there was growth inhibition but no inactivation by microwaves. In the case of groups treated with autoclaved medicine, a greater root growth was reported. This fact shows that autoclaving altered the homeopathic medicine. In fact, it had an opposite effect when compared to control. On the other hand, when Fresh Root Weight was evaluated, differences in control were reported only for groups treated with autoclaved medicines. These results were similar to those of the group treated with medicine 18DH. An increase in the fresh root weight was reported agreeing with a greater root growth. Results related to the aerial part and to the root of the dry mass failed to show any significant difference among the groups. Conclusions: Results show that different physiological responses are produced posterior to the employment of homeopathic medicine, sometimes stimulating, sometimes inhibiting root growth . The aerial part was not influenced by any treatment. On the other hand, autoclaved medicines stimulated root growth[3] [4]. This fact shows changes in the homeopathic medicine under humid heat. Microwave treatments showed an inactivation for 9DH and 30DH, but not for 18DH. The latter had the same results as those treated with Sulphur 18DH. The above results suggest that microwaves may inactivate homeopathic medicines, albeit not entirely. Therefore, it may not be a reliable inactivation methodology.

Microbiological stability of homeopathic medicines using purified water as vehicle

Background: Homeopathic medicines are prepared in homeopathic pharmacies. This leads to freedom of prescription but requires more knowledge of the clinicians to achieve the best results. Preparations made of purified water receive a validity of 24 hours, but there are prescriptions for up to 30 days. This contradiction raises tensions among physicians, pharmacists and patients. Aims: to evaluate the increase in microbiological contamination in homeopathic medicines using purified water as vehicle compared with the microbiological stability of purified water. Contribute to the quality of homeopathic medicine and treatment. Methodology: daily microbiological analysis for one week to assess the growth of heterotrophic bacteria, Pseudomonas, yeasts and molds. The reference used was the USP 32/NF 27 and the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia 5th edition. Results: there was a higher growth of microorganisms on the medicine, compared with purified water. From the 2nd day on, this growth has been beyond the legal limits. Discussion: medicines for oral use are not sterile preparations, but they must remain stable during its shelf life. Our results indicate that contamination occurs from the earliest days of use. This shows the need to change the prescription in relation of the vehicle, to ensure hygiene and avoid potential contamination of the patient. It is necessary to prevent conflict of information between pharmacists and patients, and the contradiction of the doctor's advice, besides the potential risk of responsibility to be attributed to the pharmacy. It is necessary to promote a discussion between pharmacists and clinicians, to spread this information for those that prescribe. Conclusion: there was an increased of microbiological contamination of the medicines dispensed in purified water, which harms the quality of homeopathic medicine and homeopathic treatment.

Pilot study of preventive homeopathic treatment for colibacillosis in a swine farm in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Diarrhea has become an economically important disease in pigs due to intensive management system which has been used. Escherichia coli is the most important etiological agent of neonatal and post weaning diarrhea in swine colibacillosis and the greater impact of the disease in pigs. The demand of consumers seeking meat without chemical residues and the prohibition of the use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics in swine production has led to seek an alternative medicine for preventive and therapeutic treatments in swine breeding. This study was carried out in a commercial farm in São Paulo state. Stool samples were collected from five piglets presenting diarrhea and examined for the presence of Escherichia coli. Concomitantly, a detailed interview was done with the owner, about all clinical information useful to choose the best homeopathic medicine, using repertory method. Subsequently, four groups were formed consisting of 11-12 piglets each: a control group (antimicrobial used in the farm routine for treatment of diarrhea), a group treated with the chosen homeopathic medicine - China officinalis 30 CH - a group treated with E. coli biotherapic 30 CH (medicine made from E. coli strains collected and isolated from the same farm) and a group treated with both homeopathic and biotherapic E. coli medicines. There was no statistical difference in the number of animals presenting diarrhea among groups, but China treated pigs showed greater weight gain compared to the other three groups (Fisher test, p = 0.0001), despite the incidence of diarrhea. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that the use of repertory chosen homeopathic medicines could improve productivity in swine farms even though clinical manifestations of diarrhea occur.

Assessment of homeopathic medicine Aconitum napellus in the treatment of anxiety in an animal model

Background: Aconitum napellus is a classic resource of complementary medicine for the treatment of patients exhibiting neurological symptoms of anxiety. Aim: To assess the action of homeopathic medicine Acon in the treatment of generalized anxiety in an experimental model using rats. Methods: 48 adult (two to three months old) male Wistar rats (Rattus rattus) were randomly divided in six groups (n= 8/treatment) and given the following treatments by gastric tube along 10 days: 1) control (diazepam 1 mg/kg/day); 2) negative control (0.15 mL saline solution/day); 3) ACH6 (0.15 mL Acon (6cH/day); 4) ACH12 (0.15 mL Acon 12cH/day); 5) ACH30 (0.15 mL Acon 30cH/day); and 6) ALC30 (0.15 mL 30% cereal alcohol/day). Behavioral effects were blindly and randomly assessed in elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test. Results: Acon in dilutions 12cH and 30cH exhibited possible anxiolytic effects on the central nervous system (CNS) since they increased the number of entries in the EPM open arms (12cH and 30cH) and the permanence time in the EPM open arms (30cH only). In the open field test the homeopathic preparations did not show effects on the locomotor system of rats. Conclusion: Dilutions 12cH and 30cH of Acon exhibited anxiolytic effects on the CNS in an animal experimental model.

Unraveling the Low Frequency Triggered Electromagnetic Signatures in Potentized Homeopathic Medicine

In the present work, a novel experimental tool was developed to precisely measure the potency levels in various homeopathic medicines, under various excitation frequencies. Electromagnetic responses (output voltages) are detected from the homeopathic medicines in different potencies. These unique electromagnetic responses were captured using an electromagnetic coil at 300 Hz and 4.8 kHz for each potency level developed in-house. Different potencies of Homeopathic medicine Ferrum Metallicum (FM-1X to FM-6X), prepared with α‑lactose monohydrate as its base, exhibited significant and distinct electromagnetic signals. At high excitation frequency, the output signal voltage from high homeopathic potencies had a better resolution compared to the signal obtained at lower frequency. The electromagnetic signal of various homeopathic medicines was also measured, and a distinct output voltage corresponding to each potency level was detected. Our experimental results confirmed that each homeopathic medicine has characteristic electromagnetic signals under excitation/resonance frequency. The results not only provide scientific evidence to easily classify the homeopathic medicine potency but, also helps to understand the science behind the curative action in terms of photon emission of homeopathic medicines.

Fagus sylvatica C4 Trituration Proving and Clinical Applications

Fagus sylvatica, the beech, has long been linked to European history, along with the oak. This homeopathic trituration proving reports on the main pathogenetic themes which led to successful prescriptions. Stiffness of the shoulders, alternating symptoms and love for forests appear to be key symptoms. More study of this remedy, and more prescriptions would be necessary to explore widely the many possibilities of this homeopathic medicine.