Homeopathic Potencies Research Articles

Effects of Potentised Substances on Growth Kinetics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Homeopathic potencies are used as specific remediesin complementary medicine. Since the mode of action isunknown, the presumed specificity is discussed controversially.Objective: This study investigated the effects of potentised substanceson two yeast species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae andSchizosaccharomyces pombe, in a stable and reliable test systemwith systematic negative controls. Materials and Methods:Yeast cells were cultivated in either potentised substances orwater controls in microplates and their growth kinetics weremeasured photometrically. Water control runs were performedrepeatedly to investigate the stability of the experimental set-up(systematic negative controls). Results: 4 out of 14 screenedsubstances seem to have affected the growth curve parametersslope or yield. Out of these substances, azoxystrobin and phosphoruswere chosen for 8 further replication experiments,which partly confirmed the results of the screening. On the averageof all experiments, azoxystrobin affected the slope of thegrowth curve of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (p < 0.05), and phosphorusaffected the slope of the growth curve of Schizosaccharomycespombe (p < 0.05). No effects were seen in the watercontrol runs. In addition, significant interactions between treatmentwith potentised substances and experiment number wereobserved in all experiments with potentised substances (p <0.01), but not in the water control runs. Conclusions: Both yeastspecies reacted to certain potentised substances by changingtheir growth kinetics. However, the interactions found point toadditional factors of still unknown nature, that modulate the effectsof potentised substances. This stable test system withyeasts may be suitable for further studies regarding the efficacyof homeopathic potencies.

Effect of Low Doses and High Homeopathic Potencies in Normal and Cancerous Human Lymphocytes: An In Vitro Isopathic Study

Biologic effects of high homeopathic potencies can be studied in cell cultures using cell lines or primary cells. We hypothesized that primary cells would be more apt to respond to high potencies than cell lines, especially cancer cell lines. We set out to investigate the effects of low doses and high homeopathic potencies of cadmium chloride, respectively, in an intoxication model with human primary lymphocytes compared to a human leukemia cell line (Jurkat). Cells were pretreated with either low concentrations (nM-microM) or high potencies (pool 15-20c) of cadmium for 120 hours, following which they were exposed to a toxic treatment with a range of cadmium concentrations (8-80 microM) during 24 hours. Cell viability was eventually assessed by use of the MTS/PES assay. Controls included a vehicle (NaCl 0.9%) for the low concentrations of cadmium or water 15-20c for cadmium 15-20c. A total of 34 experiments were conducted, 23 with low concentrations and 11 with high potencies of cadmium. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance. Pretreatment with low concentrations or high potencies of cadmium significantly increased cell viability in primary lymphocytes after toxic challenge, compared to control cells (mean effect +/- standard error = 19% +/- 0.9% for low concentrations respectively 8% +/- 0.6% for high potencies of cadmium; p < 0.001 in both cases). The pretreatment effect of low doses was significant also in cancerous lymphocytes (4% +/- 0.5%; p < 0.001), albeit weaker than in normal lymphocytes. However, high homeopathic potencies had no effect on cancerous lymphocytes (1% +/- 1.9%; p = 0.45). High homeopathic potencies exhibit a biologic effect on cell cultures of normal primary lymphocytes. Cancerous lymphocytes (Jurkat), having lost the ability to respond to regulatory signals, seem to be fairly unresponsive to high homeopathic potencies.

Variation in Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra of Some Homeopathic Potencies and Their Diluent Media

The aim of this study was to determine whether potentized homeopathic drugs and their diluent media differ from each other with respect to their Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. FTIR spectra of Nux vomica 30C, Lycopodium 30C, Santonin 30C, Cina 30C, Cina 206C, Cina 1006C, and their diluent media 90% ethanol and Ethanol 30C were obtained in the wave number range of 2000-1000 cm1 at 20 degrees C. Potassium bromide powder soaked with the potencies, pressed into pellets, and air dried were used to measure the spectra. Because water structures in homeopathic potencies are thought to carry specific information on drug molecules and because O-H bending vibrational band (v2) exclusively belongs to water, the study was restricted to the bands in that wave number region. Alcohol has no absorption in the O-H bending region. The potencies were found to differ from each other and their diluent media in the number of v2 bands, their wave number (cm1), shape, and half-width (cm1) of the bands. The number and other characteristics of the v2 band represent the number of hydrogen-bonded water species and their hydrogen-bonding strength, respectively. The potencies and their diluent media therefore differ from each other in the number of hydrogen-bonded water species and their hydrogen-bonding strength. The observation that KBr pellets soaked with a potentized drug retains its specific spectral absorption properties simply confirms that medicated sucrose globules, used in homeopathic dispensing, are capable of retaining the therapeutic properties of the drug.

The Effects of a 45x Potency of Arsenicum album on Wheat Seedling Growth – a Reproduction Trial

Background: Independent replications of preclinical investigationsof homeopathic potencies are rare. However,they are a necessary tool to determine the relevantfactors modulating the effects of homeopathic potenciesin preclinical systems. Objective: The goal of the presentstudy was to reproduce a trial published in 1997. An Italiangroup of researchers investigated the effect of Arsenicumalbum 45x on the growth of wheat which hadbeen previously poisoned with a material dose of Arsenicumalbum. The homeopathic treatment was associatedwith increased wheat shoot growth significantlydifferent from the control group (+24%, p < 0.001). Materialsand Methods: Wheat poisoned with a sublethaldose of Arsenicum album was cultivated in either Arsenicumalbum 45x, water 45x, or unpotentized water.After 7 days, shoot length was measured. Reproducibilitywas assessed in eight independent experiments. Results:Arsenicum album 45x significantly inhibited wheat shootgrowth (-3%) compared to treatment with unpotentizedwater and water 45x (p = 0.011 and p = 0.037). Within theexperimental series performed in this reproduction trial,the effects of Arsenicum album 45x proofed to be reproducible.The wheat seed species used did not seem tohave a significant impact on the experimental outcome.Conclusion: The result of this replication trial is a reversalof the original study, since Arsenicum album 45x inhibitedwheat shoot growth instead of enhancing it. Nevertheless,high homeopathic potencies may induce statisticallysignificant effects in biological systems. However,the magnitude and direction of these effects seem to dependon yet unknown parameters.

Reproductions and Reproducibility in Homeopathy: Dogma or Tool?

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary MedicineVol. 11, No. 5 Guest EditorialsReproductions and Reproducibility in Homeopathy: Dogma or Tool?Stephan BaumgartnerStephan BaumgartnerSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:18 Nov 2005https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2005.11.771AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail "Reproductions and Reproducibility in Homeopathy: Dogma or Tool?." , 11(5), pp. 771–772FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byEffects of Homeopathic Preparations of Mercurius corrosivus on the Growth Rate of Moderately Mercury-Stressed Duckweed Lemna gibba L10 March 2021 | Homeopathy, Vol. 110, No. 02Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy, Vol. 14, No. 1Reproducibility of the effects of homeopathically potentised Argentum nitricum on the growth of Lemna gibba L. in a randomised and blinded bioassay2 January 2018 | Homeopathy, Vol. 106, No. 03Replications of fundamental research models in ultra high dilutions 1994 and 2015 – update on a bibliometric studyHomeopathy, Vol. 104, No. 4CORE-Hom: A powerful and exhaustive database of clinical trials in homeopathyHomeopathy, Vol. 103, No. 4Reproducibility of effects of homeopathically potentised gibberellic acid on the growth of Lemna gibba L. in a randomised and blinded bioassayHomeopathy, Vol. 103, No. 2The Efficacy of Ultramolecular Aqueous Dilutions on a Wheat Germination Model as a Function of Heat and Aging-TimeEvidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Vol. 2011Repetitions of fundamental research models for homeopathically prepared dilutions beyond 10-23: a bibliometric studyHomeopathy, Vol. 99, No. 1Use of homeopathic preparations in experimental studies with healthy plantsHomeopathy, Vol. 98, No. 4A Formal Approach to the Problem of Reproducing Experimental Effects with Homeopathic Potencies Otto Weingärtner17 March 2009 | The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol. 15, No. 3Reproducibility of dwarf pea shoot growth stimulation by homeopathic potencies of gibberellic acidComplementary Therapies in Medicine, Vol. 16, No. 4 Volume 11Issue 5Oct 2005 InformationCopyright 2005, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Stephan Baumgartner.Reproductions and Reproducibility in Homeopathy: Dogma or Tool?.The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.Oct 2005.771-772.http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2005.11.771Published in Volume: 11 Issue 5: November 18, 2005PDF download

In vitro research with homeopathic potencies – a systematic review

Since the introduction of potentized remedies with specific effects the idea of the non-molecular action of remedies has been irritating the scientific world. In vitro research appears suitable to reproducibly demonstrate potency effects, and explore the mechanisms of their action.

Effects of homeopathic medicines on the human control system

Scientifically, one cannot expect the physical presence of medicinal material in a homeopathic medicine with potency n >12. There have to be, then, some modifications in the physical and chemical nature of this medium such as variations in the hydrogen bonded networks or in the delocalised vibrational states of the molecules of the medium. When these networks come in contact with fluids in the human system, there is a relaxation of these structures, resulting in energy transfer to the human system. We demonstrate, using objective experiments, that homeopathic medicines might be acting as control signals changing the response of the autonomous nervous system. Normally, there are rhythmic fluctuations in heart rate, blood flow rate, respiratory rate without any stimulus such as food, sleep or exertion. A frequency spectrum of these fluctuations shows peaks in three regions, in the low frequency region (<0.1Hertz) due to the sympathetic nervous system, in the medium frequency range (0.1Hz to 0.3Hz) due to the parasympathetic nervous system and in the higher frequency range (>0.3Hz) due to the respiratory system. In normal human beings, the intensity of these peaks drops as the frequency increases. However, in diseased states this trend is not followed, and the intensity of the respiratory signals may be highest. Using an indigenously developed instrument, we have studied the effect of homeopathic potencies on these spectra. There is a significant variation in the response of autonomous nervous system to a homeopathic stimulus. Thus, it appears that homeopathic medicines act as control signals changing the variability in physiological parameters.

High Homeopathic Potencies Are Different from Potentized Solvent when Investigated with the REDEM Technology

Objective: To determine in a series of randomized blindedexperiments using the REDEM technology whether differencesbetween high homeopathic potencies and similarlypotentized solvent can be detected. Design and Analysis:A REDEM device was employed as a black box. Sampleswere measured in a capacitor that was connected to 60 individualoscillator circuits at frequencies between 250 and930 KHz; their oscillation damping was recorded. In two experiments(3 and 4 replications) stable differences betweena potentized ‘mother tincture’ and potentized solvent wereassessed. Statistical analysis was done using ANCOVA.Results: Significant differences (p < 0.01) between remedyand control were found, mostly at the same oscillator frequencies.Those differences found for only one remedy alwayswere at frequencies adjacent to frequencies with differencesfor other remedies. Visual analysis: Where outputcurves were not near 0, remedy values were higher thancontrols. Curves within a replication ran parallel, their distancesvaried. Between replications, curve shapes and remedy-control differences were similar, however, controlcurves varied in height. Control and remedy curves betweenexperiments varied in shape. Effects increased with timeand sample conductivity. Ethanol 43% as solvent eliminatedthe observed effects, use of polyethylene containers considerablyattenuated them. Conclusions: A probably physicaldifference was seen between potentized homeopathic remediesand potentized solvent. The differences are associatedwith sample age, solvent, and container material. TheREDEM technology requires further investigation to determinethe nature of the underlying mechanisms of the observeddifferences.

Growth Stimulation of Dwarf Peas (Pisum sativum L.) through Homeopathic Potencies of Plant Growth Substances

Background: Efficacy of higher homeopathic potencies iscontroversial. Universally accepted specific detection assaysfor homeopathic dilutions do not exist. Basic research has todevelop a spectrum of standardized tools to investigate themode of action and nature of homeopathic potencies. Objective:Can the shoot growth reaction of dwarf peas (gibberellin-deficient mutants) be regarded as evidence of treatmentwith homeopathic potencies of plant growth substances?Materials and Methods: Pea seed (Pisum sativumL. cv. Früher Zwerg) is immersed for 24 hours in homeopathicpotency or control solutions for soaking. Plants germinateand grow in a standard cultivation substrate undercontrolled environmental conditions. Shoot length is measured14 days after planting. Results: A screening of homeopathicpotencies (12x-30x) of four different plant growthsubstances revealed biological activity of certain potencylevels of gibberellin and kinetin (p < 0.05). Growth stimulationthrough gibberellin 17x (5 × 10_{-18 M}) was assessed insix independent replications; results confirmed those of thescreening (p < 0.05). The effect of gibberellin 17x seemed toweaken during the course of the experiments. Conclusion:The results back the hypothesis that homeopathic potenciesof plant growth substances affect pea shoot growth. Dwarfpeas might thus be an interesting system model for studyingthe action of homeopathic potencies. Further work is requiredto identify all boundary conditions modulating thereactivity of this system.

Inhibition of (–)-trans-(1S,2S)-U50488 Hydrochloride by Its Enantiomer in White Mice – a Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study

Background: Previous studies have been performed to see if toxicity of optically active compounds may be inhibited by potentized preparations of their enantiomers. The present study is based on the hypothesis that the toxic effects of an optical isomer may be counteracted or reversed by the administration of a potentized preparation of one of its stereoisomers and in particular the enantiomer (patent applied for). Methods: The design was prospective, blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled. 210 ICR conventional mice were used. 105 mice were administered a mixture of (+)-U50488 hydrochloride homeopathic potencies prior to and during the experiment, and the other 105 were administered indistinguishable placebo. The first 52 mice were used to establish an LD₅₀ of intraperitoneally administered (–)-U50488 hydrochloride under the conditions of this experiment. The estimated LD₅₀ was 25 mg/kg. The remaining 158 mice were then administered this LD₅₀ of (–)-U50488 HCl intraperitoneally. One mouse from the placebo group was excluded from the analysis because it died immediately after the possibly intravenous injection of (–)-U50488 HCl. Results: 67% of homeopathy mice survived compared with 47% of placebo mice. The end point for statistical analysis was the difference in survival between the placebo and homeopathy mice. The analysis was adjusted for mouse weight using a logistic regression (LR) model. The LR treatment odds ratio for survival of treatment mice relative to placebo mice was 2.301 and the LR treatment chi-square was 6.2030 (1 degree of freedom), which has a p-value of 0.0128. Consequently, we reject the null hypothesis of no treatment effect on survival. Conclusion: We conclude that toxicity of intraperitoneal injection of (–)-U50488 hydrochloride may be inhibited by administration of a mixture of potencies of its enantiomer.

What is the therapeutically active ingredient of homeopathic potencies ?

The nature of the ‘active ingredient’, in homeopathic high dilutions is investigated. A model for every degree of dilution is introduced; within this the active ingredient can be dealt with in physical terms. In mathematical terms this model has features which correspond to the axioms of weak quantum theory. Features which are similar to entanglement in ordinary quantum theory are discussed in particular.

Quality Assessment of Physical Research in Homeopathy

To assess the evidence of published experiments on homeopathic preparations (potencies) that target physical properties (i.e., assumed structural changes in solvents). A suitable instrument (the Score for Assessment of Physical Experiments on Homeopathy [SAPEH]) was developed through consensus procedure: a scale with 8 items covering 10 criteria, based on the 3 constructs, methodology, presentation, and experiment standardization. REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS: Written reports providing at least minimal details on physical experiments with methods to identify structural changes in solvents were collected. These reports were scored when they concerned agitated preparations in a dilution less than 10(-23), with no other restrictions. We found 44 publications that included 36 experiments (the identity of 2 was unclear). They were classified into 6 types (dielectric strength, 6; galvanic effects, 5; light absorption, 4; nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR], 18; Raman spectroscopy, 7; black boxes of undisclosed design, 4). Most publications were of low quality (SAPEH < 6), only 6 were of high quality (SAPEH > 7, including 2 points for adequate controls). These report 3 experiments (1 NMR, 2 black boxes), of which 2 claim specific features for homeopathic remedies, as does the only medium-quality experiment with sufficient controls. Most physical experiments of homeopathic preparations were performed with inadequate controls or had other serious flaws that prevented any meaningful conclusion. Except for those of high quality, all experiments should be repeated using stricter methodology and standardization before they are accepted as indications of special features of homeopathic potencies.

On the investigation of homeopathic potencies using low resolution NMR T2 relaxation times: an experimental and critical survey of the work of Roland Conte et al

On the investigation of homeopathic potencies using low resolution NMR T2 relaxation times: an experimental and critical survey of the work of Roland Conte et al

Effects of homeopathic potencies: growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in potentised CuSO4 dilutions

Effects of homeopathic potencies: growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in potentised CuSO4 dilutions

Characterization of Differing Effects Caused by Homeopathically Prepared and Conventional Dilutions Using Cytochrome P450 2E1 and Other Enzymes as Detection Systems

Determination of cytochrome P450 2E1 activity was carried out via hydroxylation of the synthetic substrate p-nitrophenol to p-nitrocatechol. Crude microsomal preparation isolated from rat liver served as source for cytochrome P450 2E1. Under assay conditions guaranteeing a linear course of the reaction the cytochrome P450 2E1 was stimulated in the presence of a 10(-6) dilution of As2O3 corresponding to 0.915 microM final concentration compared with control. All other concentrations of As2O3 used inhibited the enzyme activity more or less drastically. Furthermore, we used this enzyme system to study the influence of arsenicum album (As2O3) and potassium cyanatum (KCN) in homeopathically prepared (i.e., by consecutive 1:10 steps) and conventional dilutions. We found significant differences between the effects caused by homeopathic potencies (D) and equally concentrated dilutions on catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 2E1. Such differing effects were observed in the case of arsenicum album (As2O3) between D4/10(-4) and D6/10(-6) and in the case of potassium cyanatum (KCN) between D6/10(-6) and D12/10(-12). When we used glutathione-S-transferases and uricase we also found different effects mediated by potencies and conventional dilutions. The results obtained suggest that these three enzyme systems are appropriate detection systems to hunt out differing effects of differently prepared dilutions of specific test substances.

Homœopathy and morphic resonance

On a theoretical basis, the possible relation is discussed between the ‘morphic resonance’ theory of Dr Rupert Sheldrake and its possible contribution to establishing homœopathy in a scientific frame. Sheldrake's hypotheses on ‘formative causation’ and morphic resonance initially influenced biological views on the processes of evolution and have been verified by psychological experiments. However, the theoretical background of Sheldrake's hypotheses may also be relevant to forming hypotheses on a yet unknown physical principle, which are to explain the working of homeopathic potencies.