Efectos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre los modelos in vitro: revisión de la literatura / Effects of high homeopathic dilutions on in vitro models: a review of the literature

Los efectos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas (HD, por sus siglas en inglés) son controvertidos debido a que superan el número de Avogadro. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre los efectos de las HD sobre los modelos in vitro. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en la base de datos PubMed de estudios que evaluaran las HD simples sobre modelos in vitro, publicados de 2007 en adelante. Resultados: 28 publicaciones cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión/exclusión. 26 estudios mostraron efectos evidentes de las HD simples sobre modelos in vitro. La mayor parte de tales estudios fueron realizados en países en donde la homeopatía ha alcanzado un alto nivel de institucionalización. Conclusiones: Los modelos in vitro evidencian de forma clara la actividad biológica de las HD superiores al número de Avogadro y dan cuenta de los efectos encontrados en la práctica clínica. La mayor parte de los estudios fueron realizados en países en donde la homeopatía es reconocida oficialmente, lo cual facilita el acceso a recursos para el desarrollo de la investigación.

the effects of homeopathic high dilutions (HDs) are controversial because they exceed Avogadro's number. Aim: to perform a literature review on the effects of HDs on in vitro models. Methods: a systematic search was performed in database PubMed for studies assessing simple HDs on in vitro models published from 2007 onward. Results: 28 publications met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; 26 studies demonstrated patent effects of simple HDs on in vitro models; most such studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy attained a high level of institutionalization. Conclusions: in vitro models patently evidence biological activity of HDs above Avogadro's number and account for effects found in clinical practice. Most studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy is officially recognized, which facilitates access to resources for the development of research.

Efectos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre las plantas: revisión de la literatura / Effects of high homeopathic dilutions on plants: a review of the literature

Entre los supuestos no convencionales de la homeopatía, el uso de medicamentos en diluciones altas (HD, por sus siglas en inglés) es una causa de objeciones y escepticismo entre la comunidad científica, formada dentro del paradigma de la dependencia de la dosis de la farmacología clásica. La investigación que busca evidenciar los efectos de las HD homeopáticas recurre a varios modelos experimentales (in vitro, plantas y animales). Objetivo: Describir los resultados de estudios con alta calidad metodológica que han demostrado los efectos positivos de las HD homeopáticas sobre las plantas. Métodos: Tomando como fuente de referencia las revisiones publicadas hasta 2015, actualizamos la información añadiendo datos de estudios recientes incluidos en la base de datos PubMed. Resultados: De los 167 estudios experimentales analizados, 48 cumplieron los criterios mínimos de calidad metodológica, de los cuales 29 detectaron efectos específicos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre las plantas mediante la comparación con controles adecuados. Conclusiones: A pesar de que la mayor parte de los experimentos presentaba una calidad metodológica por debajo del estándar, los estudios que emplearon sistemáticamente reproducibilidad y controles negativos demostraron indiscutibles efectos significativos de las HD homeopáticas sobre las plantas.

Among the non-conventional assumptions of homeopathy, the use of medicines in high dilutions (HD) is a cause for objections and skepticism among the scientific community, trained within the dose-dependency paradigm of classic pharmacology. Research aiming at evidencing the effects of homeopathic HD has resource to several experimental models (in vitro, plants and animals). Aim: To describe the results of studies with high methodological quality that demonstrated positive effects of homeopathic HD on plants. Methods: Taking reviews published until 2015 as reference source, we updated the information through addition of data from recent studies included in database PubMed. Results: From 167 experimental studies analyzed, 48 met the minimum criteria of methodological quality, from which 29 detected specific effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants through comparison to adequate controls. Conclusions: Despite the substandard methodological quality of most experiments, studies with systematic use of negative controls and reproducibility demonstrated significant indisputable effects of homeopathic HD on plants.

Investigation of the influence of clathrate hydrate crystals on the structuring of homeopathic high dilutions

High dilutions (HD) of drugs used in homeopathy are mostly too dilute to contain original drug molecules. But evidences support their specific biological and therapeutic effects. The reason behind this is thought to be water structure characteristic of the original drug. Spectroscopic studies indicate that the specific water structure in HDs can be resolved into free water molecules, hydrogen bonding strength of water hydroxyl, number of hydrogen bonds and clathrate hydrate crystals (CHC). HDs are prepared in EtOH water solution by serial dilution and mechanical agitation, and are called potencies. The objective of the present study is to further confirm the presence of CHCs in the two potencies of three drugs. Electronic spectra of the HDs of the potencies indicate two broad peaks and marked difference in intensities of absorption. Furior Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra of the test potencies and their control show difference in intensity shift and contour shape of OH stretching and bending bands. All the experimental data indicate the presence of CHCs in varying amounts in the test potencies.

Lycopodium clavatum as a homeopathic treatment in Magellanic penguins (Sphenicus magellanicus)

Uric acid is the main form of excretion of nitrogenous components in birds. The assessment verification samples, control, check of uric acid concentrations is widely used to detect kidney disease. High concentrations (up to five times) of uric acid in plasma can lead to the precipitation of this acid in the form of crystals, which accumulate in the tissues, mainly in the synovial joints and the viscera surface. Aims: report the evolution of homeopathic treatment in increased uric acid in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from Santo André Municipal Zoo. Methodology: 12 animals showed an increase in uric acid (reference values 0,3-16,1mg/dL) and received homeopathic treatment with Lycopodium clavatum 6cH. The protocol established was the administration of two globules of Lycopodium clavatum 6cH, once a day, inside fishes offered in the animal's beak. Treatment started on 25/09/2019. On 30/10/2019 was collected a new blood sample, those who were not discharged were kept on treatment and new collections were made on 27/11/2019 and 17/12/2019. Results: 8 animals had an average uric acid of 20.45mg /dl and responded to the 35-days treatment, normalizing the biochemical values with an average of 12.24mg /dl. Two animals with 18.27 mg /dl were discharged in 62 days with 11.70 mg /dl and another two penguins with 19.85 mg /dl were discharged in 82 days later with 9.57 mg /dl of uric acid. Conclusion: Homeopathy proved to be successful in the treatment of increased uric acid in Magellanic penguins, easy to administer, affordable and without side effects.

In vitro evaluation of the effects of Viscum album homeopathic preparations on murine melanoma cells

Viscum album extract (VA) is a complementary treatment in cancer, with in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic effects on several tumor types when applied in phytochemical doses. However, highly diluted ethanolic homeopathic preparations' effects and mechanisms need further study. Aims:To assess the in vitro effects of highly diluted VA from the subspecies V. album abietis and V. album album at different potency levels in different dilution ratios on murine melanoma cells. Methodology:The VA mother tinctures (MT)from Abies alba (MTA) and Quercus robur (MTQ) were prepared with summer and winter samples, harvested in Switzerland. They were submitted to homeopathic ethanolic maceration and a subsequent dynamization process. MTA, MTQ and the following respective potencies were tested in B16F10 murine cells: 3x, 12x, 30x, 6cH, 12cH, 200cH, 2LM, 3LM, and 5LM. Dynamized water, dynamized and non-dynamized ethanol, and carboplatin were used as control groups. The mitochondrial activity and cell viability analysis were performed at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours by in vitro incubation. MTA and MTQ harvested in summer, as well as 12x, 200cH and 5LM potencies were also tested to cell apoptosis and necrosis markers, reactive oxygens species (ROS) production, inflammatory cytokines profile, cell morphology, and migratory capacity. Results and discussion: MTA and MTQ induced a decrease in cell metabolism and higher cytotoxicity within 1 hour, with significant morphological changes and increased production of ROS and inflammatory cytokines. Both homeopathic dilutions 12x and 5LM showed an influence on cell metabolism, cell replication, and oxidative stress modulation with inflammatory cytokines, mitosis, and migration pattern changes. On the other hand, Quercus robur and Abies alba 200cH showed increased on cytotoxicity and ROS levels, respectively. Conclusion:The in vitro effects of Viscum album homeopathic solutions in melanoma cells highlight the promising antitumoral potential and reinforce the need for further research to better understanding their mechanisms of action.

Silicea terra200cH evaluated by two different spectroscopy methods: a pilot study

Spectroscopy has been shown to bea useful method to study the physicochemical properties of homeopathic preparations. Aim: In this pilot study, we comparedtwo methods (photon scattering and visible-light spectroscopy) in the physicalevaluation of Silicea terra200cH. Methodology: Italian test: Two sampleshave been examinedand compared: Silicea terra200cH and Sac lac200cH, both preparedin water solution, diluted and succussed according to German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia(Cemon Lab, Italy).Lactose was includedbecause the first 3 potencies of Silicea terraaremadeby trituration in lactosepowder.Measurements were made using an innovative Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) camera developedby Daniele Gullà, called MIRA/CORA(proprietary name). Slight variations in chrominance and luminance due to micro-vibrational 3D phenomenawere analyzed.Allmeasurements have been performed in a dark room at a constant temperature of 22°C +/-0,2°C usingafilter with very narrow spectral bands (10 nm).The measurements have been repeated three times on both Silicea terra200cH and Sac lac200cHwithin a few minutes aftereach other.Brazilian test: In the second test, performed in Brazil, variations in absorbance were used to identify Silicea terra200cH compared with Sac lac200cH andcompared withanother control solution of non-succussed 30% alcohol, using six solvatochromic dyes, following the method developed by Cartwright [1,2]. Both homeopathic samples were imported from Italy(the same sample bottles used in the Italian test),in Brazil they have beendiluted 1:100 in 30% hydro-alcoholic solution, and submitted to 100 succussions using an automatic mechanical arm (Denise, AUTIC, Brazil) prior to being tested. Samples were inserted into dyes solutions and evaluated by visible spectroscopy (FEMTO Spectrophotometer, Brazil). Dyes were prepared in ethanol P.A., according to previous established methods [3]. Three series in triplicate were performed and the results were analyzed by ANOVA / Tukey, comparing both samples and the unsuccussed 30% hydroalcoholic control solution.Results: Italian test: Measurements of the mean entropy of the signals, statistically elaborated with T Student test,yielded a two tailed p value < 0.05, where the entropy of the signal recorded from the Silicea terra200cHsample was statistically lower than the 200cH Sac lacsample.Brazilian test: Among all tested dyes, only BDN(4-(Bis-(4-(dimethylamino)-phenyl)methylene)-1(4H)-naphthalenone) showed aninteraction with Silicea terra200cH, reproducing the conclusions obtained in [3].Conclusions: Two different spectroscopic methods were able to show signal differences betweenSilicea terra200cH andSac lac200cH, suggesting that changes in solvent organization could be involved in the homeopathic signaling process, along withchanges in dipole moments of solvent and dyes. The results are potentially in line witha recent publishedpaper [4], that supportsthe propositionthatthe lower entropy of the verum signal compared with controls could beexplained by increased coherent vibrations of the verum sample, as theoretically explained in previous literature [5].

Ecological strawberry production: promoting crop vitality with high-dynamized dilutions

The Strawberry (Fragaria× ananassaDuch.) is the world's most important berry. Around 9.2 million tonnes of strawberries were produced worldwide in 2021 over approximately 395,844 hectares distributed across almost all continents. However, industrial farming approaches, which include the application of high volumes of pesticides, have placed the fruit on the list of foods most contaminated by pesticide residues. Such management negatively affects food security and environmental sustainability. Agroecology is proposed as a holistic alternative tosolve this problem, and within this, some practices associated with homeopathy and biodynamic farming involve the application of high-dynamized dilutions as alternatives to chemical pesticides. Research indicates that the use of high-dynamized dilutions holds the potential to promote crop vitality through building natural equilibrium and resilience of agricultural systems. The objective of this research was to explore the extent to which high-dynamized dilutions can increase the sustainability of commercial strawberry production as well as understand the challenges and benefits of using high-dynamized dilutions in agriculture. To do this, natural and social science methods are combined in a multidisciplinary approach that was developed simultaneously in Brazil and the UK. Results of controlled trials demonstrated that the use of high-dynamized dilutions of Phosphorus12CH, Sulphur12 CH, and Kali Carbonicum12CH positively influenced crop production, pest disease levels, and plant vigor in strawberry plants.In addition, data collected from a web surveyand interviews with farmers, researchers,and advisors who work with homeopathy, evidenced the role of homeopathy and biodynamic farming as transformative tools regarding ecological awareness and ecological education, helping to advance the concept of the agriculture organism and subtle aspects of life into agricultural research and society.

Study of germination efficiency and temperature/drowning resistance in some ornamental plants treated with ultra high dilute compounds

The ultra-high dilutions (UHDs) can be used for decreasing stress conditions causing by climate variations. The present research investigated the effects of ultra-highdilutions (UHDs) on some ornamental plants, germination, and hormonal variations.Methods: In order to study the effect of UHDs (Calendula officinalisCalen. andArnica montanaArn.) on the physiological, primary metabolite, and hormonal variations of theOryza sativa L. (rice), 104 experiments were designed and statistically analyzed using the Design Expert 7.0.1 software over the general factorial design methodology. Two qualitative factors, including the UHDs/placebo usage and the type of plant usage, and two quantitative factors, including temperature and irrigation, were studied. The validated analysis was subjected to more extended studies on the variations in physiological growth, carbohydrate, protein content, and levels of plant hormones, including gibberellic acids, indole acetic acid, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid.Results: The statistical analysis resulted in a prediction model which was more than 75% correlates with experimental results. The results showed that the UHDs increased the carbohydrate and protein content of seedlings. Also, compared to placebo, the levels of hormones GA3 and IAA in all samples increase, and the amount of GA4 decreases. The amount of ABA and SA hormones inS. officinalisincreased under UHDs treatment while decreasing in the other two samples.Conclusion: The use of UHDs leads to an increase in the production of carbohydrate and protein content. Moreover, it causes significant variations in the growth-inducing hormone and increases the tolerance of seeds under higher/lower temperatures and draught/drowning. The results of this study open up a window to reduce germination survival and increase their resistance to sudden climate change.

Efeito de ultradiluições homeopáticas em modelos in vitro: revisão da literatura / Effect of homeopathic ultradilution on in vitro models: literature review

Introdução: Existem questionamentos quanto aos efeitos das ultradiluições (UDs) homeopáticas por ultrapassarem o número de Avogadro. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre os efeitos das UDs em modelos in vitro. Métodos: Foi realizada uma busca sistemática na base de dados PubMed de estudos sobre UDs simples em modelos in vitro a partir de 2007. Resultados: 28 publicações cumpriram os critérios de inclusão/exclusão; 26 estudos demonstraram efeitos evidentes de UDs simples em modelos in vitro, a maioria originada em países onde a homeopatia tem alto grau de institucionalização. Conclusões: Estudos in vitro demonstram inquestionavelmente a atividade biológica de UDs acima do número de Avogadro, dando conta do efeito das mesmas na prática clínica. A maioria das pesquisas se origina em países onde a homeopatia é uma racionalidade médica oficialmente aceita, o que facilita o acesso a recursos de pesquisa. (AU)

Background: the effects of homeopathic high dilutions (HDs) are debated because they exceed Avogadro’s number, Aim: to perform a literature review on the effects of HDs on in vitro models. Methods: a systematic search was performed in database PubMed for studies assessing simple HDs on in vitro models published from 2007 onwards. Results: 28 publications met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; 26 studies demonstrated patent effects of simple HDs on in vitro models; most such studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy attained a high level of institutionalization. Conclusions: in vitro models patently evidence biological activity of HDs above Avogadro’s number and account for effects found in clinical practice. Most studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy is officially recognized, which facilitates the access to research. (AU)

Efeito de ultradiluições homeopáticas em plantas: revisão da literatura / Effect of homeopathic ultra-dilutions on plants: literature review

Introdução: Dentre as premissas não convencionais do modelo homeopático, o emprego de doses ultradiluídas de medicamentos desperta questionamentos e ceticismo na classe científica, acostumada ao paradigma dose-dependente da farmacologia clássica. Para evidenciar o efeito das ultradiluições homeopáticas em seres vivos, pesquisas são realizadas em diversos modelos experimentais (in vitro, em plantas e em animais). Objetivo: Descrever os estudos de melhor qualidade metodológica que confirmaram o efeito positivo das ultradiluições homeopáticas em plantas. Métodos: Utilizando como fontes de referência as revisões sobre o tema publicadas até 2015, atualizamos os dados adicionando estudos recentes citados na base de dados PubMed. Resultados: Dentre 167 estudos experimentais analisados nas principais revisões, 48 atingiram os critérios mínimos de qualidade metodológica e 29identificaram os efeitos específicos das ultradiluições homeopáticas em plantas, empregando controles adequados. Conclusões: Apesar da qualidade metodológica insatisfatória da maioria dos experimentos, estudos com controle negativo sistemático e reprodutibilidade reportaram efeitos significativos e incontestáveis das ultradiluições homeopáticas em plantas. (AU)

Introduction: Among the non-conventional grounds of homeopathy, the use of medicines in high dilutions is a cause for objections and skepticism among the scientific community, trained within the dose-dependency paradigm of classicpharmacology. Research aiming at evidencing the effects of homeopathic high dilutions has resource to several experimental models (in vitro, in plants and in animals). Aim: To describe the results of studies with high methodological quality that demonstrated positive effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants. Methods: Taking reviews published until 2015 as reference source, we updated the information through the addition of data in recent studies included in database PubMed. Results: From 167 experimental studies analyzed in the main reviews, 48 met the minimum criteria of methodological quality, from which 29 detected specific effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants through comparison with adequate controls. Conclusions: Despite the substandard methodological quality of most experiments, studies with systematic use of negative controls and reproducibility demonstrated significant undeniable effectsof homeopathic high dilutions on plants. (AU)

Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on in vitro models: literature review

Background: the effects of homeopathic high dilutions (HDs) are controversial because they exceed Avogadro’s number. Aim: to perform a literature review on the effects of HDs on in vitro models. Methods: a systematic search was performed in database PubMed for studies assessing simple HDs on in vitro models published from 2007 onward. Results: 28 publications met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; 26 studies demonstrated patent effects of simple HDs on in vitro models; most such studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy attained a high level of institutionalization.Conclusions: in vitro models patently evidence biological activity of HDs aboveAvogadro’s number and account for effects found in clinical practice. Most studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy is officially recognized, which facilitates access to resources for the development of research.(AU)

Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants: literature review

Background: Among the non-conventional assumptions of homeopathy, the use of medicines in high dilutions (HD) is a cause for objections and skepticism among the scientific community, trained within the dose-dependency paradigm of classic pharmacology. Research aiming at evidencing the effects of homeopathic HD has resource to several experimental models (in vitro, plants and animals). Aim: To describe the results of studies with high methodological quality that demonstrated positiveeffects of homeopathic HD on plants. Methods: Taking reviews published until 2015 as reference source, we updated the information through addition of data from recent studies included in database PubMed. Results: From 167 experimental studies analyzed, 48 met the minimum criteria of methodological quality, from which 29 detected specific effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants through comparison to adequate controls. Conclusions: Despite the substandard methodological quality ofmost experiments, studies with systematic use of negative controls and reproducibility demonstrated significant indisputable effects of homeopathic HD on plants.(AU)

Efeito de ultradiluições homeopáticas em modelos in vitro: revisão da literatura / Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on in vitro models: literature review

Introdução: Existem questionamentos quanto aos efeitos das ultradiluições (UDs) homeopáticas por ultrapassarem o número de Avogadro. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre os efeitos das UDs em modelos in vitro. Métodos: Foi realizada uma busca sistemática na base de dados PubMed de estudos sobre UDs simples em modelos in vitro a partir de 2007. Resultados: 28 publicações cumpriram os critérios de inclusão/exclusão; 26 estudos demonstraram efeitos evidentes de UDs simples em modelos in vitro, a maioria originada em países onde a homeopatia tem alto grau de institucionalização. Conclusões: Estudos in vitro demonstram inquestionavelmente a atividade biológica de UDs acima do número de Avogadro, dando conta do efeito das mesmas na prática clínica. A maioria das pesquisas se origina em países onde a homeopatia é uma racionalidade médica oficialmente aceita, o que facilita o acesso a recursos de pesquisa. (AU)

Efeito de ultradiluições homeopáticas em plantas: revisão da literatura / Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants: literature review

Introdução: Dentre as premissas não convencionais do modelo homeopático, o emprego de doses ultradiluídas de medicamentos desperta questionamentos e ceticismo na classe científica, acostumada ao paradigma dose-dependente da farmacologia clássica. Para evidenciar o efeito das ultradiluições homeopáticas em seres vivos, pesquisas são realizadas em diversos modelos experimentais (in vitro, em plantas e em animais). Objetivo: Descrever os estudos de melhor qualidade metodológica que confirmaram o efeito positivo das ultradiluições homeopáticas em plantas. Métodos: Utilizando como fontes de referência as revisões sobre o tema publicadas até 2015, atualizamos os dados adicionando estudos recentes citados na base de dados PubMed. Resultados: Dentre 167 estudos experimentais analisados nas principais revisões, 48 atingiram os critérios mínimos de qualidade metodológica e 29identificaram os efeitos específicos das ultradiluições homeopáticas em plantas, empregando controles adequados. Conclusões: Apesar da qualidade metodológica insatisfatória da maioria dos experimentos, estudos com controle negativo sistemático e reprodutibilidade reportaram efeitos significativos e incontestáveis das ultradiluições homeopáticas em plantas. (AU)

In vitro study activity proliferative fibroblast human submitted to treatment zincum metallicum and calendula officinalis in ultra dilutions homeopathic

Cicatrization can be divided into three phases: inflammation, fibroblastic, maturation and remodeling [1]. The extracellular matrix may be replaced by a stronger and more elastic connective tissue. In a scar collagen is the major component of the mature connective tissue [2]. In homeopathic area, the greater is the investigated segment ultra dilutions [6]. However, little research has been done to explore the effect of dynamized drugs in in vitro cell culture [4]. Using the Zincum metallicum 6CH and Calendula officinalis 6CH applied independently in different concentrations in fibroblast cultures sought to determine the increase in proliferative activity using techniques such as IC50, MTT, flow cytometry and quantification of collagen. As expected from the literature, ie both homeopathic according to the literature are used for treatments that Require skin healing, both showed increased proliferative activity, having Calendula most cellular response, presenting as cell cycle stimulating checked via flow cytometry.(AU)

In vitro study activity proliferative fibroblast human submitted to treatment Zincummetallicum and Calendula officianlis in homeopathic ultra dilutions

Cicatrization can be divided into three phases: inflammation, fibroblastic, maturation and remodeling [1]. The extracellular matrix may be replaced by a stronger and more elastic connective tissue. In a scar collagen is the major component of the mature connective tissue [2]. In homeopathic area, the greater is the investigated segment ultra dilutions [6]. However, little research has been done to explore the effect of dynamized drugs in in vitro cell culture [4]. Using the Zincum metallicum 6CH and Calendula officinalis 6CH applied independently in different concentrations in fibroblast cultures sought to determine the increase in proliferative activity using techniques such as IC50, MTT, flow cytometry and quantification of collagen. As expected from the literature, ie both homeopathic according to the literature are used for treatments that Require skin healing, both showed increased proliferative activity, having Calendula most cellular response, presenting as cell cycle stimulating checked via flow cytometry.

Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on in vitro models: literature review

BACKGROUND: the effects of homeopathic high dilutions (HDs) are controversial because they exceed Avogadro’s number. AIM: to perform a literature review on the effects of HDs on in vitro models. METHODS: a systematic search was performed in database PubMed for studies assessing simple HDs on in vitro models published from 2007 onward. RESULTS: 28 publications met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; 26 studies demonstrated patent effects of simple HDs on in vitro models; most such studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy attained a high level of institutionalization. CONCLUSIONS: in vitro models patently evidence biological activity of HDs aboveAvogadro’s number and account for effects found in clinical practice. Most studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy is officially recognized, which facilitates access to resources for the development of research.

Effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants: literature review

BACKGROUND: Among the non-conventional assumptions of homeopathy, the use of medicines in high dilutions (HD) is a cause for objections and skepticism among the scientific community, trained within the dose-dependency paradigm of classic pharmacology. Research aiming at evidencing the effects of homeopathic HD has resource to several experimental models (in vitro, plants and animals). AIM: To describe the results of studies with high methodological quality that demonstrated positiveeffects of homeopathic HD on plants. METHODS: Taking reviews published until 2015 as reference source, we updated the information through addition of data from recent studies included in database PubMed. RESULTS: From 167 experimental studies analyzed, 48 met the minimum criteria of methodological quality, from which 29 detected specific effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants through comparison to adequate controls. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the substandard methodological quality ofmost experiments, studies with systematic use of negative controls and reproducibility demonstrated significant indisputable effects of homeopathic HD on plants.

Effects of additional agitation process on the spectrophotometric profiles of homeopathic high dilutions

Introduction: Conventional homeopathy advocates giving 10 strokes (agitation/succussions) to a prescription bottle containing liquid dilution, before taking it. To scientifically support such activity, it must be based on studies on the physicochemical aspects of the memory of water and agitated water chains, supplemented with spectrometry. Objective: To analyze spectrometric profiles of homeopathic high dilutions, comparing additionally agitated and non-agitated dilutions, and to define differences according to each dilution´s kingdom. Methodology: Homeopathic dilutions were prepared using a ratio of 1:100 obtaining dilutions from 1cH to 15cH. Measurements of absorbance of 15cH dilutions were performed at 340 nm and 200 nm, with and without additional agitation. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between agitated and non-agitated dilutions (p <0.05) for Apis mellifica, Bufo rana, and Calcium iodatum, with a decrease in the mean value of absorbance (340 nm) in agitated solutions. For A nica montana, Matricaria chamomilla, Coffea arabica, Pulsatilla nigricans, Calcium iodatum and Natrum muriaticum, the absorbance values increased; these values decreased for Apis and Bufo. In addition, measurements were performed with a shorter wavelength (200 nm); it was observed that there are significant differences for all homeopathic dilutions studied. Additionally, when comparing the mean values of the absorbance for each kingdom, and observing the agitation factor, a statistically significant difference was found in the animal kingdom (p<0.05), having lower absorbance for agitated dilutions. Conclusion: Comparisons of the spectrometric profiles of agitated and non-agitated solutions allow to observe that there is a difference of the absorbance when comparing a previously agitated solution and a solution with no agitation before taking it. (AU)

Effects of additional agitation process on the spectrophotometric profiles of homeopathic high dilutions

INTRODUCTION: Conventional homeopathy advocates giving 10 strokes (agitation/succussions) to a prescription bottle containing liquid dilution, before taking it. To scientifically support such activity, it must be based on studies on the physicochemical aspects of the memory of water and agitated water chains, supplemented with spectrometry. OBJECTIVE: To analyze spectrometric profiles of homeopathic high dilutions, comparing additionally agitated and non-agitated dilutions, and to define differences according to each dilution´s kingdom. METHODOLOGY: Homeopathic dilutions were prepared using a ratio of 1:100 obtaining dilutions from 1cH to 15cH. Measurements of absorbance of 15cH dilutions were performed at 340 nm and 200 nm, with and without additional agitation. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between agitated and non-agitated dilutions (p <0.05) for Apis mellifica, Bufo rana, and Calcium iodatum, with a decrease in the mean value of absorbance (340 nm) in agitated solutions. For A nica montana, Matricaria chamomilla, Coffea arabica, Pulsatilla nigricans, Calcium iodatum and Natrum muriaticum, the absorbance values increased; these values decreased for Apis and Bufo. In addition, measurements were performed with a shorter wavelength (200 nm); it was observed that there are significant differences for all homeopathic dilutions studied. Additionally, when comparing the mean values of the absorbance for each kingdom, and observing the agitation factor, a statistically significant difference was found in the animal kingdom (p<0.05), having lower absorbance for agitated dilutions. CONCLUSION: Comparisons of the spectrometric profiles of agitated and non-agitated solutions allow to observe that there is a difference of the absorbance when comparing a previously agitated solution and a solution with no agitation before taking it.