Homeopathic Formulations Research Articles

The clinical experience in the centre of integrated medicine, Pitigliano hospital using magistral homeopathic formulations: results in outpatients affected by chronic diseases and considerations on the chronic care model integrated with homeopathic approach

The clinical experience in the centre of integrated medicine, Pitigliano hospital using magistral homeopathic formulations: results in outpatients affected by chronic diseases and considerations on the chronic care model integrated with homeopathic approach

Physicochemical studies of homoeopathic formulations (extremely diluted solutions) of acidum salicylicum in ethanol by using volumetric, acoustic, viscometric and refractive index measurements at 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15 K

The densities, ρ, ultrasonic speeds, u and viscosities, η and refractive indices, nD of pure ethanol, 15 samples of succussed ethanol controls, 15 formulations of acidum salicylicum in unsuccussed ethanol and 15 formulations of acidum salicylicum in succussed ethanol have been measured for potencies from 2C to 30C (with an interval of 2C) at 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15K and atmospheric pressure. From these experimental data, the isentropic compressibilities, κs, intermolecular free length, Lf, acoustic impedance, Z, relative association, RA, excess isentropic compressibility, κsE, excess intermolecular free length, LfE, excess acoustic impedance, ZE, excess viscosity, ηE and excess refractive index, nDE have been calculated. The results have been qualitatively discussed in terms of interactions/physicochemical behaviour of acidum salicylicum in these solutions. The results indicate that even in extreme dilutions the molecules of acidum salicylicum may be present in these homoeopathic formulations. Both the presence of acidum salicylicum as well as succussion phenomenon may be responsible for the variation of the physicochemical properties of these homoeopathic formulations.

Physicochemical studies of extremely diluted solutions (homoeopathic formulations) of sulphur in ethanol by using volumetric, acoustic, viscometric and refractive index measurements at different temperatures

The homoeopathic medicines are “extremely diluted solutions” showing anomalous behaviour and are obtained through the combination of two processes: a dilution of 1:100 in mass followed by succussion. The densities, ρ, ultrasonic speeds, u and viscosities, η and refractive indices, nD of pure ethanol, 15 samples of succussed ethanol controls, 15 formulations of sulphur in unsuccussed ethanol and 15 formulations of sulphur in succussed ethanol have been measured for potencies from 2C to 30C (with an interval of 2C) at 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15K and atmospheric pressure. From these experimental data, the isentropic compressibilities, κs, intermolecular free length, Lf, acoustic impedance, Z, relative association, RA, excess isentropic compressibility, κsE, excess intermolecular free length, LfE, excess acoustic impedance, ZE, excess viscosity, ηE and excess refractive index, nDE have been calculated. The results have been qualitatively discussed in terms of interactions/physicochemical behaviour of sulphur in these solutions. The results indicate that even in extreme dilutions the molecules of sulphur may be present in these homoeopathic formulations. Both the presence of sulphur as well as succussion phenomenon is responsible for the variation of the physicochemical properties of these homoeopathic formulations.

A homeopatia na prevenção e tratamento da dengue: uma revisão

Introdução: A dengue é uma importante doença tropical, com um número estimado de 50 a 100 milhões de casos a cada ano. Atualmente, não se dispõe de tratamentos específicos nem de uma vacina para a prevenção da doença, mas os praticantes da medicina homeopática sugerem que formulações homeopáticas sejam úteis como medidas profiláticas e terapêuticas para a dengue.Objetivo: Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura que busca identificar e sumarizar os estudos que investigaram medicamentos homeopáticos para o tratamento e a prevenção da dengue.Métodos: Realizou-se busca sistemática de publicações científicas nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, PsycInfo e SciELO, utilizando os termos "dengue" e "homeopatia" em inglês, português e espanhol.Resultados: Foi identificado um único ensaio clínico aleatorizado controlado duplo-cego, além de dois ensaios de comunidade. Entretanto, tais estudos não evidenciaram a eficácia terapêutica ou profilática das formulações homeopáticas.Conclusões: Até o momento, pela falta de ensaios clínicos randomizados, duplo-cegos e controlados bem conduzidos e em número suficiente não há evidências claras da utilidade dos medicamentos homeopáticos para o tratamento e a prevenção da dengue. Assim, as medidas usuais e já bem conhecidas empregadas na prevenção primária da doença não devem ser substituídas por formulações homeopáticas.

STEALTH ADAPTED VIRUSES AND THE ALTERNATIVE CELLULAR ENERGY (ACE) PATHWAY IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

STEALTH ADAPTED VIRUSES AND THE ALTERNATIVE CELLULAR ENERGY (ACE) PATHWAY IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Over-the-Counter-Drugs for the Treatment of Mood and Anxiety Disorders – The Views of German Pharmacists

Depression, anxiety, agitation and sleep disorders are highly prevalent in the general population, but few persons receive psychiatric care. Our aim was to study the views of 690 German pharmacists on "over-the counter" (OTC) drugs for these indications. They reported dispensing OTC medication to an average of 12 customers per day, and this corresponded to almost one quarter of the medications provided for these indications. Herbal drugs and complex homeopathic formulations were used most frequently. Patients preferring OTC substances were described as being younger, with shorter durations of illness and less severe symptoms, and more skeptical regarding psychopharmacology. While genuine pharmacological effects were considered as most relevant, pharmacists were highly aware of placebo and interpersonal factors. Symptoms, comorbidity and advice on drug intake were prominent topics during pharmacy consultations. German pharmacists report dispensing large amounts of OTC drugs for anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbances or depression. It is unclear whether this constitutes a rational and cost effective method to deal with mild courses of high prevalence diseases or must be seen critically.

Anti-proliferative effect of Klimaktoplan® on human breast cancer cells

With the health concerns of menopausal hormone replacement therapy, alternatives have been sought. Klimaktoplan® is a homeopathic formulation consisting of four main components and has been used for relief of menopausal symptoms for a long time. The study investigated the safety of Klimaktoplan® through its effect on the proliferation of breast cancer (MCF-7) and non-malignant mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A). MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells were cultured in 312.5, 625, and 1,250 μg/ml Klimaktoplan®. 17-Beta estradiol (E2) and medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate (MPA) were used for comparison with Klimaktoplan®. E2 only (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 μM), and the combination of E2 (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 μM) and MPA (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM) were tested. Control cells for Klimaktoplan® and E2 groups were treated with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and DMSO + ethanol was used for the combination group. Cellular proliferation was evaluated by the formation of insoluble formazan after incubation of 4 days. Klimaktoplan® had a concentration-dependent anti-proliferative effect on breast cancer cells at 625 and 1,250 μg/ml, while not affecting proliferation of non-malignant mammary cells at any tested concentration. The effect of lactose was evaluated as lactose (the adjuvant of Klimaktoplan®) affect cell growth. E2 and lactose increased the proliferation of both malignant and non-malignant cells. The effect of E2 + MPA on the proliferation of malignant and non-malignant mammary cells was lower than estradiol only, but was higher than control. Klimaktoplan® has an anti-proliferative effect on breast cancer cells, but not for non-malignant mammary epithelial cells, unlike E2 and E2 + P. With further research, KP would be a good alternative or additive in women with menopausal symptoms who wish to avoid conventional E or E + P hormone therapy.

Indigofera tinctoria: Preliminary experimental study evaluating its analgesic and behavioural activities in animals

Indigofera tinctoria Linn. (Family: Fabaceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments including nervous disorders. In homoeopathy too, I. tinctoria is used in the treatment of epilepsy and other nervous disorders, but no data has been scientifically documented to establish its central nervous system activities. In the present preliminary study, the different potencies (3x, 6x, 12x and 30c) of I. tinctoria administered at a dose of 0.5 ml/rat/day were evaluated for their analgesic (hot plate, ice plate and Randall -Selitto tests) and behavioural (rota rod and open field tests) activities. The results revealed that all the four potencies of I. tinctoria had increased the latency time required to raise and to lick the fore or hind paw for thermal sensation on hot plate test and for cold sensation on ice plate test. They had also increased the quantum of threshold pressure to mechanical induced pain on Randall -Selitto test but depressed the motor coordination and locomotor activities. The observed activities suggest that the homoeopathic formulations of I. tinctoria possess CNS depressant property. However, further studies are required for a definitive conclusion.

SCREENING AND STANDARDISATION OF BACOPA MONNIERI USED AS MEDICINE IN HOMOEOPATHY USING HPTLC METHOD

In this study, we have chosen HPTLC as a method of analysis to develop a standard procedure based on fingerprinting characteristics for the evaluation of homoeopathic formulations. A simple and accurate HPTLC method has been developed for the quantification of BacosideA and fingerprinting of the in-house mother tincture considered here to be a standard with that of different marketed samples available from manufacturers of homoeopathic medicines in India. This HPTLC method was quantitatively evaluated in terms of stability, repeatability, accuracy and calibration providing the utility in the analysis of the mother tincture.

Preliminary studies on analgesic and behavioural activities of the homoeopathic formulations of Chenopodium ambrosioides in experimental animal models

Preliminary studies on analgesic and behavioural activities of the homoeopathic formulations of Chenopodium ambrosioides in experimental animal models

A randomized controlled trial to compare the use of homeopathy and internal Teat Sealers for the prevention of mastitis in organically farmed dairy cows during the dry period and 100 days post-calving

Routine use of antibiotics to prevent mastitis in dairy cows is prohibited by organic farming regulations. Internal Teat Sealers have been proposed as an alternative. We compared two drying-off (DO) supporting measures (Internal Teat Sealer and Homeopathy) to an untreated control group to assess their protective effects against clinical mastitis and intra-mammary infections during dry period of dairy cows. A field trial with 102 dairy cows from 13 Swiss organic dairy farms was conducted. Cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups within a herd. In the Internal Teat Sealer group (ITS; 36 cows) cows were treated with the commercial ORBESEAL (Pfizer) in all four quarters immediately after the last milking. In the Homeopathy group (HDT; 32 cows) the cows were treated per-orally by a herd-specific homeopathic formulation consisting of two remedies in 1:10(6) dilution over 5 days before and after DO. The untreated group received no therapy (U; 34 cows). For ITS, HDT and U the clinical mastitis incidence rates for the first 100 days post-calving were 11%, 9% and 3%, respectively, and the proportion of normally secreting quarters was (quarter somatic cell count (SCC) [QSCC]<100,000/ml) 70%, 68%, and 65%, respectively. Power analysis indicates that a proportion of 75% would support the rejection of null hypothesis in the HDT, and 74% in the ITS group against untreated control. Quarters of cows with SCC<200,000/ml at DO showed significantly higher normal secretion in HDT group (odds ratio [OR] 9.69) compared to untreated control, whereas Teat Sealing lead to an OR of 3.09 (not significant, post hoc power 31.3%). Under the studied conditions herd-specific homeopathic dry cow therapy was effective in increasing the number of animals with normal milk secretion after subsequent parturition, compared to untreated control. It may be an effective alternative to Teat Sealing, particularly in animals with relatively low SCCs. Further research is required to confirm these results, and under different environmental conditions.

Homeopathic Treatment ofArabidopsis thalianaPlants Infected withPseudomonas syringae

Homeopathic basic research is still in the screening phase to identify promising model systems that are adapted to the needs and peculiarities of homeopathic medicine and pharmacy. We investigated the potential of a common plant-pathogen system, Arabidopsis thaliana infected with the virulent bacteria Pseudomonas syringae, regarding its response towards a homeopathic treatment. A. thaliana plants were treated with homeopathic preparations before and after infection. Outcome measure was the number of P. syringae bacteria in the leaves of A. thaliana, assessed in randomized and blinded experiments. After a screening of 30 homeopathic preparations, we investigated the effect of Carbo vegetabilis 30x, Magnesium phosphoricum 30x, Nosode 30x, Biplantol (a homeopathic complex remedy), and Biplantol 30x on the infection rate in five or six independent experiments in total. The screening yielded significant effects for four out of 30 tested preparations. In the repeated experimental series, only the homeopathic complex remedy Biplantol induced a significant reduction of the infection rate (p = 0.01; effect size, d = 0.38). None of the other four repeatedly tested preparations (Carbo vegetabilis 30x, Magnesium phosphoricum 30x, Nosode 30x, Biplantol 30x) yielded significant effects in the overall evaluation. This phytopathological model yielded a small to medium effect size and thus might be of interest for homeopathic basic research after further improvement. Compared to Bion (a common SAR inducer used as positive control), the magnitude of the treatment effect of Biplantol was about 50%. Thus, homeopathic formulations might have a potential for the treatment of plant diseases after further optimization. However, the ecological impact should be investigated more closely before widespread application.

Indirect Photometric Detection and Determination of Some Inorganic Cations in Anti-Asthmatic Homeopathic Pharmaceuticals by CE

A capillary electrophoretic (CE) method has been optimized for the separation of some common alkali and alkaline-earth metal cations in anti-asthmatic homeopathic liquid pharmaceutical preparations. Separation was carried out on a 74 cm (62.5 cm to the detector) × 75 μm ID fused silica capillary at a potential of 25 kV and 25 °C. Baseline separation of NH4 +, K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+ and Li+ was achieved in less than 4.5 min. The proposed method was applied for the determination of the above-mentioned ions in homeopathic liquid formulations. Limits of quantitation (LOQ) observed were 1.5 ppm for NH4 +, Ca2+ and Mg2+ 0.8 ppm for Na+, 1.6 ppm for K+, and 0.4 ppm for Li+. During electrophoresis, the ingredients used in the preparation of homeopathic formulation did not interfere with the cations examined.

Sublingual immunotherapy with canova, a homeopathic formulation

Sublingual immunotherapy with canova, a homeopathic formulation

Flow analysis-hydride generation-gas phase derivative molecular absorption spectrophotometric determination of antimony in oral homeopathic products (“ AntimoniumTartaricum”) formulated under alcoholic medium

In this work, a flow analysis-hydride generation-gas phase derivative molecular absorption-(UV) spectrophotometric method has been developed for the direct determination of antimony in aqueous and hydro-alcoholic samples. Antimony (III) from undiluted samples is directly transformed into the gaseous stibine (SbH 3) form by on-line reaction with sodium tetrahydroborate (NaBH 4) in acidic medium (HCl). The gaseous phase generated is separated from the liquid phase using a commercial gas–liquid separator, and swept – with the help of a carrier gas (N 2) stream – into a quartz gas cell (10 cm pathlength); where the corresponding absorption spectrum is acquired in a continuous mode over the 190–300 nm wavelength range, using a conventional spectrophotometer. A derivative strategy was selected in order to avoid the strong spectral interference of the ethanol vapor on the gaseous SbH 3 absorption spectrum. In this way, the peak height at 223 nm of the second order derivative spectrum appears as a clear, clean and interference free analytical signal, which allows the direct determination of antimony. The recovery values obtained from homeopathic formulations (prepared in alcoholic medium) spiked with know amounts of antimony ranged between 97.5 and 103%. The method provides a dynamic range from 0.20 to 30 mg Sb l −1. The precision (RDS), evaluated by replicate analysis ( n = 5) of samples and standard solution containing between 2.5 and 15 mg Sb l −1 was in all cases lower than 1.2%. The proposed method was applied to the determination of antimony in commercial homeopathic products ( “Antimonium Tartaricum”) prepared in hydro-alcoholic medium; and showed to be simple, precise, and accurate.

Etheric biology

Several observations made during the course of studies on stealth-adapted viruses are explainable by a pervasive, energy-rich, ether environment. Activation of an alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway provides stealth virus damaged cells with a repair mechanism that is independent of the cellular immune response. ACE activation can also assist in the systemic healing of infections caused by conventional viruses such as Herpes simplex virus, Herpes zoster virus and human papillomavirus. ACE pigments convert conventional forms of physical energies into a biological cell healing energy, the nature of which is still uncertain. More recent studies suggest that ACE pigments may also capture etheric energy. In addition to cellular repair, ACE pigment activation can lead to the biogenesis of lipid-like chemical structures. ACE pigment and virus culture healing activities were also seen with several natural products, including a homeopathic formulation. A colloidal silver solution appeared to facilitate the transmission of ACE and to enhance its biosynthetic activity. These results open a window into a greater understanding of a fundamental force of nature of potential therapeutic importance.

Anti‐anxiety Activity Studies on Homoeopathic Formulations of Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward

Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward (Turneraceae) has been traditionally used for the treatment of anxiety neurosis, and as an aphrodisiac. Mother tinctures (85% ethanol extracts) of T. aphrodisiaca have also been used for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. In the present investigation, T. aphrodisiaca mother tinctures formulated by three reputed manufacturers of homoeopathic medicines (NLK, DWSG and SBL) were evaluated for their anxiolytic activity. Dried mother tinctures of T. aphrodisiaca were subjected to anxiolytic activity evaluation at various doses, i.e. 50, 75, 100, 125 or 150 mg/kg p.o. in mice using elevated plus maze apparatus. Dried mother tinctures exhibited significant anxiolytic activity at 50 mg/kg (NLK), 75 mg/kg (DWSG) and 125 mg/kg (SBL), respectively, with reference to control as well as standard (diazepam, 2 mg/kg p.o.). Mother tinctures of T. aphrodisiaca available in the market, have significant anxiolytic activity. Amongst the three mother tinctures of T. aphrodisiaca analyzed, the dry residue of NLK possesses the highest amount of anxiolytic constituent(s). To ensure uniformity and consistency of biological effects in herbal formulations, these should be standardized on the basis of bioactive markers. The authors are actively involved in isolating the bioactive constituent(s) from T. aphrodisiaca so that the plant can be standardized on the basis of biologically active constituent(s).

Effect of Traumeel S ®, a homeopathic formulation, on blood-induced inflammation in rats

To evaluate the activity of Traumeel S (TRS), a homeopathic formulation containing Arnica montana and other plant extracts and minerals on an animal model of traumatic inflammation. TRS and individual components thereof were administered locally to rats 1 h before hind-paw injection with 0.1 ml of homologous blood and the development of oedema was measured over five hours. In each experiment, a control group was treated with saline. Paw volume of each rat was measured before oedema and 1, 3, and 5 h after oedema induction. Serum levels of IL-6 were determined at hour 5. The decrease of paw oedema, associated with the process of healing, was more rapid in rats treated with TRS (P < 0.05 after 3 h and P < 0.01 after 5 h). Similar effects were also induced by separate injection of most, but not all, TRS ingredients. The efficacy of complete mixture of TRS was higher than the combination of a selection of active components. TRS also reduced oedema development when administered after the oedema induction. The therapeutic effect of TRS was associated with a significant decrease of systemic interleukin-6 production. TRS seems to act by speeding up the healing process instead of blocking the development of oedema from the beginning. Moreover, its effect cannot be considered as the 'sum' of its active components and probably a synergistic interaction occurs to determine the final effect.

Panic disorder — acceptance of the diagnostic entity and treatment modalities preferred by German health professionals

A survey of the pharmacological and psychological treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia (PDA) was conducted among 103 physicians, psychologists and psychotherapists. It revealed that the treatments for PDA preferred by the majority of the respondents are inconsistent with the recommendations given in the international literature. Non-psychiatric physicians most frequently proposed herbal preparations as a possible treatment (46% of non-psychiatric physicians), followed by homoeopathic formulations (32%). Tricyclic antidepressants which are recommended as first-line treatment in panic disorder by the literature are preferred by 74% of the psychiatrists, but only by 24% of the non-psychiatric physicians. Benzodiazepines are prescribed by twice as many psychiatrists (45%) as non-psychiatric physicians (22%). Beta blockers and neuroleptics which are not recommended as first-line treatment in panic disorder are used quite often (psychiatrists: 15%; non-psychiatric physicians: 26%). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are prescribed by 24% of the psychiatrists, but by only 3% of the non-psychiatric physicians. Among psychological therapies, psychoanalysis was proposed as first-line treatment by 44% of all professionals applying psychological therapies, while cognitive/behaviour therapy was preferred by only 28%, though proof of efficacy exists only for cognitive/behaviour therapy. In general, psychologists prefer behaviourally-orientated therapy, while physicians mostly propose psychodynamic therapy. One reason for the fact that the results of controlled studies have little influence on professionals treating PDA patients might be that 40% of the respondents do not accept the new classification of the anxiety disorders as introduced in 1980 by the DSM-III.