Homoeopathic Mother Tinctures Research Articles

An Effectiveness of Homoeopathic Mother Tincture Bryophyllum Calycinum (Q) in the Treatment of Urolithiasis Patients

This review is focused on “Effectiveness of Mother Tincture (Q) Bryophyllum Calycinum in treatment of Urolithiasis Patients”. Bryophyllum Calycinum is an indigenous and exotic plant used widely for treatment of various ailments. Despite advances in modern medicine, the development and growth of calculi continues to be a source of concern for mankind there is no effective treatment for calculi. Keeping in view, the study investigates Antiurolithiatic activity of Bryophyllum Calycinum against urinary calculi.

Role of homoeopathic mother tincture in management of urticaria: A review

Role of homoeopathic mother tincture in management of urticaria: A review

Physico-chemical (Qualitative & Quantitative) analysis of medicinal properties of homeopathic mother tinctures individually and by combination of two or more tinctures along with the in vivo & in vitro studies

Physico-chemical (Qualitative & Quantitative) analysis of medicinal properties of homeopathic mother tinctures individually and by combination of two or more tinctures along with the in vivo & in vitro studies

Evaluating Pfeiffer Circular Chromatography as a Qualitative Methodology of Viscum album Homeopathic Mother Tinctures: A Multicentric Collaborative Project Between Brazil and Switzerland

Viscum album (VA) is a peculiar semiparasitic plant with important role in cancer therapy. The differences in phytochemical composition as well as the influence of host tree in the metabolome of VA subspecies are already described1. Our goal is to use the Pfeiffer Circular Chromatography (PCC) as a qualitative methodology to differentiate V. album mother tinctures (VAMT). The assays were conducted in two countries: Brazil (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) and Switzerland (Arlesheim). Three VA subspecies (abietis, album, austriacum) and five host trees (Malus domestica, Quercus sp., Ulmus carpinifolia, Pinus sylvestris, Abies alba) were harvested in Switzerland in summer and winter. The VAMTs were prepared following the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and the PCC experiments were performed as previously published2. The preliminary analysis and the reproducibility of the three independent assays performed in each experimental set are being evaluated by Image J software. The qualitative standard features will be used to the VAMT differentiation regarding the following PCC characteristics: inner and outer-zones, coloration, size, the presence of radial lines, among others. Besides, the High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) was performed as standard quality control methodology using the CAMAG instruments to compare the phytochemical profile of V. album mother tinctures described in the French and German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeias. The samples have been characterized by the compounds retention factor (Rf) compared to the chemical standards (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, hyperoside and rutin). They present similar chemical markers when both methodologies were compared but with different intensities between season and host trees. Based on the hypothesis that the PCC patterns could be correlated with the chemical composition of VAMT, this multicentric research project will be useful to propose a low-cost and an easy methodology focused on the quality control parameters of these herbal raw materials.

Fabrication and evaluation of poly(ε-caprolactone) based nanofibrous scaffolds loaded with homoeopathic mother tincture of Syzygium cumini for wound healing applications

Traditional wound healing substitutes loaded with bioactive molecules such as drugs, growth factors, and so on have been extensively researched in order to promote better wound healing and restore normal tissue function. The use of nanofibrous scaffolds has enhanced the biomaterial performance, thereby offering a promising solution as wound dressings in the field of skin tissue engineering. In the present study, the homoeopathic mother tincture extract of Syzygium cumini incorporated in poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated in the concentration range of 5 %–20 % (w/w) and its various physicochemical and biological properties were evaluated. The fabricated nanofibers structurally mimicked the extracellular matrix, with enhanced hydrophilicity for better cellular attachment and proliferation. These scaffolds also showed anti-biofilm activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus and exhibited superior anti-oxidant activity. Furthermore, the extract incorporation was observed to be beneficial in cell adhesion, viability, growth and proliferation. This novel poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibrous scaffold loaded with homoeopathic mother tincture extract of Syzygium cumini might be a suitable biomaterial for clinical management of wounds and reconstruction of damaged/diseased skin tissues.

Evaluation of the Usefulness of Homoeopathic Mother Tincture Sarothamnus Scoparius in Managing Essential Hypertension

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of homoeopathic mother tincture Sarothamnus scoparius in the management of essential hypertension. Materials and Methods An open label, prospective, single arm, clinical trial was conducted on 35 participants recruited from outpatient department/inpatient department of a Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. All participants received Sarothamnus scoparius mother tincture, suffering from essential hypertension. The primary outcome was to evaluate the change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) every month for 3 months and the secondary outcome was to assess the QOL of the patient by using WHOQOL-BREF at baseline and after 3 months. The primary outcome and secondary outcome measures were analysed by repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) and ‘Paired t-test’ respectively. Result Twenty-nine participants completed the study and six participants dropped out. Intention-to-treat sample (n = 35) was analysed. There was statistically significant reduction in SBP (146.40 ± 7.65 to 128.00 ± 12.34) as well as DBP (88.80 ± 3.26 to 86.07 ± 3.307). Repeated measure ANOVA was performed to compare the changes in SBP as well as DBP at different time interval. In SBP, the result was statistically significant on all occasions (p = 0.000, at 95% confidence interval [CI]). In DBP, the result was also found statistically significant (p = 0.000, at 95% CI). However, the result was not statistically significant when DBP was compared at 1 month with 2nd and 3rd months (p = 1.000, at 95% CI); 2 months with 1 and 3 months (p = 1.000, 0.863 at 95% CI respectively); 2 months with 3 months (p = 0.518, at 95% CI); and 3 months with 1 and 2 months (p = 1.000, 0.863 at 95% CI respectively).Paired t-test performed to measure the changes in WHOQOL-BREF score showed statistically significant (62.57 ± 10.81 to 96.07 ± 17.47; p = 0.000, at 95% CI). Conclusion The study findings suggest that Sarothamnus scoparius mother tincture is beneficial in the management of essential hypertension as well as improving QOL. Randomised controlled trials are further warranted.

Heavy Metals in Homoeopathic Mother Tinctures – Is it a Cause for Concern?

Introduction: The presence of heavy metals in higher quantity is a cause for concern in herbal medicines. Around 60-70% of homoeopathic medicines are manufactured using herbs. Herbs account for even more than 90% of the frequently used mother tinctures. There is a possibility of heavy metals transfer from herbs to the mother tincture during the manufacturing process. 
 Objective: This study was conducted to find out the transmission of heavy metals from herbs to mother tinctures. 
 Material and methods: 10 herbs have been identified based on the literature survey for the presence of heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium). Samples of both herbs and the mother tinctures made from them have been studied for the presence of heavy metals in mg/kg. 
 Results & discussion: 8 out of 10 herbs were found to contain heavy metals. However, none of the homoeopathic mother tinctures prepared from these herbs has any trace of the presence of heavy metal. Even though mother tinctures are diluted 10 times and they may contain 1/10th of heavy metals present in the herbs, we could not find even 1/10th of the heavy metal in the mother tincture. This could be due to their insoluble nature in the solvents used. Perhaps all the heavy metals have been retained into the herbal residue. 
 Conclusion: Heavy metals present in the studied herbs do not transport during the manufacturing of homoeopathic mother tinctures. Thus, these homoeopathic mother tinctures may be considered safe with respect to heavy metals.

Pushout Bond Strength of Root Fillings after Irrigation of Root Canals Utilizing Sodium Hypochlorite, Chlorhexidine, and Homeopathic Mother Tincture (Arnica Montana)

The pushout bond strength of root fillings at radicular dentin was investigated employing NaOCl, CHX, and homoeopathic mother tincture (Arnica montana) as an irrigant. Sixty human permanent single-rooted extracted teeth were decoronated. The root canals were instrumented using Pro taper universal rotary system (Dentsply Tulsa Dental; Tulsa, Oklahoma) and were prepared up to F3 apical size. The roots were then randomly divided into three groups according to irrigation solution (n = 20) according to the final irrigation regimen: Group I: 3 mL 5.25% NaOCl followed by 3 mL Saline (control); Group II: 3 mL Arnica montana (10%, w/v) followed by 3 mL Saline; Group III: 3 mL CHX followed by 3 mL Saline. The canals were dried using paper points. The canals were coated with AH Plus sealer (Dentsply DeTey, Konstaz, Germany) with the aid of a Lentulo spiral (Dentsply DeTey, Konstaz, Germany) and obturated with #F3 gutta-percha. Each root was then horizontally sliced into three slices, labelled coronal, middle, and apical, each measuring 2 mm thick. Furthermore, at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min, the test was carried out using the universal testing apparatus. The 5.25% NaOCl significantly decreased the bond strength of AH Plus to dentin. Both CHX and Arnica montana were capable of reversing the compromised pushout of AH Plus to NaOCl-treated dentin. After using NaOCl as an irrigant, the danger of diminished binding capacity of AH Plus to root canal walls arises. Final irrigation with Arnica montana and CHX reduces this risk.

Preparing Secale cornutum glycerol with different drug and vehicle ratio and their quality assessment by UV-VIS

Background: Through this research work prepared glycerol by homoeopathic mother tincture Secale corutum in drug and vehicle ratio i;e (1:9) (1:4), which undergoes into quality assessment by UV- VIS spectrophotometer. Methodology: The preparation of homoeopathic medicated glycerol is done by Secale Cornutum in drug and vehicle ratio between (1:9) (1:4) without any heating. There is no addition of any chemical preservatives. The quality assessment is done by UV-Visible spectroscopy (Double beam). Results: After analysis done by UV-Visible spectroscopy, absorbance value of secal cornutum Q is 0.998 at 700.00 nm, Secale cornutum glycerol (1:4) is 0.895 at 400.00 nm, Secale cornutum glycerol (1:9) is 0.573 at 400.00 nm, glycerol is 0.003 at 400.00 nm.

Correlation of Pharmacological action of Ignatia Amara Homoeopathic Mother tincture to its active principles employing High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography

Ignatia contains a considerable amount of strychnine and Brucine, more indeed in proportion than Nux Vomica. It is these alkaloids that it owes much of its energy. In poisonous quantities, Ignatia causes tetanic spasms while in small doses, it cures the same symptoms. Ignatia exalts the impressionability of the incident nerves all over the body. It causes reflex excitation- twitching, constrictions, and spasms. This action is not deep and long lasting. Alternate set of symptoms are numbness, torpor. Ignatia acts specially on the Medulla oblongata and spinal nervous system giving rise to these tetanic convulsions. The entire nervous system gets affected making the system sensitive so much that there is intense acuteness of the nerves of sensation and of special senses and increased susceptibility of external impressions, mental and physical. If we were to correlate this with the pharmacological action of Strychnine and Brucine, all the actions of Ignatia can aptly be assigned to the pharmacological action of these two active principles. This can be verified by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography which would help to segregate and identify the constituents present in the Ignatia Amra mother tincture and correlate their action with the pharmacological action of Ignatia Amra. Materials and Methods: Standard Ignatia Amara mother tincture was tested for its alkaloid markers and its correlation with the pharmacological action was studied. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography was used for qualitative analysis if Ignatia Amra homoeopathic mother tincture. TLC Aluminium sheets with silica gel 60 F253 pre-coated layer (20cm x 10cm), thickness-0.2mm, no. of tracks-18, band length-6mm constituted the stationary phase. Chloroform: Methanol (9.5:0.5) constituted the mobile phase. The plate was developed in developing chamber and observed under U.V. Light. Results: Rf. Values of the Ignatia Amara homoeopathic mother tincture were observed at 0.67 and 0.70 which corresponds to the Rf. Value of Brucine which is 0.69. Superimposed UV Spectra of brucine standard shows y-max at 306nm whereas superimposed UV Spectra of strychnine standard shows y-max at 259nm which matches with the y-max shown by Ignatia Amra mother tincture one at 260nm and other at 306nm. Conclusion: Thus, it is evident from the chromatogram that Ignatia Amara homoeopathic Mother tincture contains both Brucine and Strychnine which is supported by evidence in the source books. This helps correlate the action of Ignatia Amara homoeopathic mother tincture with its active principles namely Brucine and Strychnine.

Effectiveness of external application of Syzygium Jambolanum mother tincture as an add-on therapy to diabetic foot ulcer: A case study

A description of a clinical case of long-standing diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is presented below. Patient presented with a non-healing foot ulcer of 3 years duration. Ulcer is graded using Wagner’s classification of DFU. Homoeopathic medicines are also given along with his conventional treatment. Homoeopathic mother tincture (MT) of Syzygium Jambolanum was used as an external application.Aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of external application of Syzygium Jambolanum mother tincture as an add-on therapy in DFU.

Comparative study of High-performance thin-layer chromatography and Antioxidant potential of Hydrocotyle asiatica mother tincture used in Homoeopathy

Background: Hydrocotyle asiatica has a therapeutic significance in the Indian system of medicine due to its rich antioxidant activity. In Homoeopathy, Hydrocotyle asiatica is used for the treatment of jaundice, skin diseases, dropsy, elephantiasis, leprosy, gonorrhea, leucorrhea, and nervous debility. It contains the abundant triterpene glycoside Asiatic acid which shows cytotoxic activity on cancer cells. Its homoeopathic mother tincture is a major source of antioxidant compounds, which is responsible for its overall pharmacological activity. Objectives: This study was done to evaluate antioxidant activity and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography study of Hydrocotyle asiatica in-house homoeopathic mother tincture and market samples. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity of in-house homoeopathic mother tincture (A) and three market samples (B, C, and D) were determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity, total phenol, and 2,2’-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay methods. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) study performed on precoated silica gel 60 F254 TLC plate, mobile phase used was toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5.5:4.5:1, v/v/v) and UV detection were performed at 254 and 366 nm. For derivatization, an anisaldehyde sulfuric acid reagent was used. Results: The homoeopathic mother tincture of Hydrocotyle asiatica had prominent antioxidant activity. HPTLC study indicated the presence of triterpene glycoside compound Asiatic acid in chloroform extract of Hydrocotyle asiatica. Conclusion: The mother tinctures prepared by authenticated plant samples showed maximum active constituents and prominent antioxidant activity as compared to the mother tinctures procured from the market. The present study justifies the homoeopathic usage of Hydrocotyle asiatica and highlights its healing properties.

A Case of Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency Treated with Ginkgo Biloba Q

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency represents inadequate blood flow through the posterior circulation of the brain, which is supplied by the two vertebral arteries that merge to form the basilar artery. The vertebrobasilar vasculature is also known as the posterior circulation and supplies areas including the brainstem, thalamus, hippocampus, cerebellum, occipital and medial temporal lobes. In this article, a case of Vertebrobasilar insufficiency treated by mother tincture is being discussed. Homoeopathy plays a significant role in such kind of cases by its holistic approach of treatment. This article guides about how a Homoeopathic mother tincture helped to complete cure of Vertebrobasilar insufficiency with the help of Ginkgo BilobaQ.

Photodynamic Effects of Thuja occidentalis on Lung Cancer Cells.

The global incidence and mortality rates resulting from lung cancer encapsulate a need to identify more effective treatment protocols. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and homeopathy offer possible anticancer therapies as part of a multi-disciplinary approach. Studies have identified the anticancer effects of Thuja occidentalis L. plant extracts. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Thuja occidentalis (TO) homeopathic mother tincture and TO mediated PDT (TO-PDT) on A549 lung cancer cells. Commercially available A549 cells were pre-treated with TO, or laser irradiation at 660 nm, or the combined treatment (TO-PDT). Cells were analyzed morphologically by inverted light microscopy and Hoechst stain; and biochemically by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and trypan blue assays. Cells treated with TO and TO-PDT demonstrated morphological changes in the cell and cell nuclei indicative of cell death. These groups exhibited a dose dependent increase in LDH release and a decrease in ATP levels and cell viability indicating its cytotoxic and antiproliferative potential. Furthermore, at the same doses, TO when photoactivated in PDT induced enhanced anticancer responses thereby surpassing the effects of treatment with the tincture alone. Results demonstrate how the direct cytotoxic effects of TO can be improved when administered as a photosensitizer in PDT to promote cancer cell death.

Apoptotic and autophagic death union by Thuja occidentalis homeopathic drug in cervical cancer cells with thujone as the bioactive principle

Objective“Multi-targeting” drugs can prove fruitful to combat drug-resistance of multifactorial disease—cervical cancer. This study envisioned to reveal if Thuja homeopathic mother tincture (MT) and its bioactive component could combat human papillomavirus (HPV)-16-infected SiHa cervical cancer cells since it is globally acclaimed for HPV-mediated warts. MethodsThuja MT was studied for its antiproliferative and antimigratory properties in SiHa cells followed by microscopic determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) staining and loss in mitochondrial membrane potential (MtMP) by rhodamine 123 (Rh123) staining. Apoptosis and autophagy inductions were studied by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining and immunoblot analyses of marker proteins. The bioactive component of Thuja MT detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was studied for antiproliferative and antimigratory properties along with in silico prediction of its cellular targets by molecular docking and oral drug forming competency. ResultsThuja MT showed significant antiproliferative and antimigratory potential in SiHa cells at a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 17.3 µL/mL. An increase in DCFDA fluorescence and loss in Rh123 fluorescence prove that Thuja MT acted through the burst of ROS and loss in MtMP respectively. AO/EB-stained cells under the microscope and immunoblot analyses supported Thuja-induced cellular demise via dual pathways—apoptosis and autophagy. Immunoblots showed cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) along with upregulation of Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B)-II, and p62 proteins. Hence, the apoptotic cascade followed a caspase-3-dependent pathway supported by PARP-1 cleavage, while autophagic death was Beclin-1-dependent and mediated by accumulation of LC3BII and p62 proteins. Thujone, detected as the bioactive principle of Thuja MT, showed greater anti-proliferative and anti-migratory potential at an IC50 of 77 µg/mL, along with excellent oral drug competency with the ability for gastrointestinal absorption and blood–brain-barrier permeation with nil toxicity. Molecular docking depicted thujone with the strongest affinity for mammalian target of rapamycin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and protein kinase B followed by B-cell lymphoma 2, murine double minute 2 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, which might act as upstream triggers of apoptotic-autophagic crosstalk. ConclusionRobust “multi-targeting” anticancer potential of Thuja drug and thujone for HPV-infected cervical cancer ascertained its therapeutic efficacy for HPV infections.

Homoeopathic Medicines of Virginian Witch Hazel: Dosage Forms and Standardisation

According to the authors’ analysis of regulatory documents for homoeopathic medicines of Virginian witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.), there is a need to transform quality assessment approaches and to unify analytical procedures for identification and assay tests.The aim of the study was to determine approaches to identification and assay of homoeopathic mother tinctures of Virginian witch hazel leaves and bark and medicinal products based on the tinctures.Materials and methods: in order to select quality evaluation procedures, the authors analysed scientific literature, Russian and foreign pharmacopoeias and regulatory documentation regarding homoeopathic medicines of Witch hazel. The authors performed practical evaluation of the selected procedures based on thin-layer chromatography, spectrophotometry, qualitative reactions, and titrimetry, using samples of homoeopathic mother tinctures of Witch hazel leaves and bark, as well as corresponding homoeopathic medicinal products in various dosage forms.Results: the authors proposed identification and assay procedures for the studied active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and homoeopathic medicinal products and prepared the drafts of pharmacopoeial monographs Hamamelis virginiana e foliis (Hamamelis, Folium) homoeopathic mother tincture and Hamamelis virginiana (Hamamelis) homoeopathic mother tincture. The unified procedures were included in the draft monographs for homoeopathic medicinal products Hamamelis, homoeopathic drops; Hamamelis D1, homoeopathic ointment; Hamamelis, folium D1, homoeopathic ointment; Hamamelis virginiana e foliis D1, rectal homoeopathic suppositories.Conclusions: the developed procedures are compatible with the principle of holistic, end-to-end standardisation, as they make it possible to carry out identification tests and assays using the same class of biologically active compounds throughout the whole range of homoeopathic medicines from APIs to finished products. The authors proposed the methodology for assessing homoeopathic medicinal products’ quality, taking into account the degree of dilution of the homoeopathic tinctures used.

Viscum album L. homeopathic mother tinctures: Metabolome and antitumor activity

Background: Viscum album L. is a semi-parasitic plant with antitumor activity attributed to the aqueous extracts. However, European V. album ethanolic extracts (VAE) have also demonstrated in vitro activity in tumor models. Aims: Evaluate the metabolic profiles of fifty VAE harvested during summer and winter seasons and their antitumor activity through 2D and 3D models. Methodology: VAE were prepared by maceration from: V. album subsp. album growing on Malus domestica, Quercus sp. and Ulmus sp.; V. album subsp. austriacum from Pinus sylvestris; V. album subsp. abietis from Abies alba. Chemical analyses were performed through liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was performed in the Metaboanalyst 4.0. The antitumor potential of the selected VAE was evaluated in 2D and 3D models (MDA-MB-231 cancer cells) by MTT, crystal violet and glycolytic pathway analysis. Results and discussion: The first 3 principal components in PLS-DA explained 60% and 40% of data variation in positive and negative modes respectively. Three groups were formed and showed chemical similarity among V. album subspecies. The compounds responsible for group separation were tentatively identified as: pinobankasin or naringenin hexoside; isorhamnetin-3-hexoside, meglutol and different amino acids. The summer VAE at 0.5% v/v induced higher cytotoxic damage than the winter preparations, and Abies alba and Quercus sp. VAE promoted 49% and 42% reduction of tumor viability in 3D model (72h incubation), respectively. MDA-MB-231 glycolytic pathway in 2D model showed a decrease in the glucose consumption and extracellular lactate production. Also, PFK (6- phosphofructo-1-kinase) and PK (Pyruvate kinase) activities were inhibited by Abies alba and Quercus sp. VAE at 48h of incubation. Conclusion: VAE extracts showed different metabolomes and the glycolytic pathway should be an important target involved in the inhibition of tumor growth by these extracts.

Comparative analysis for quality control of mother tinctures in Brazilian reports

Background: Quality control of a homeopathic mother tincture begins with the analysis of the raw material. Once the product is obtained, some organoleptic characteristics and Physicochemical properties such as appearance, colour, odour, density, dry residue, alcohol content, and chemical marker are evaluated. In Brazil, mother tinctures from different suppliers may have high variability in terms of the specifications described in the homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare mother tinctures’ quality control from different pharmaceutical suppliers based on Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia 3rd edition. Methods: Five mother tinctures were selected according to the high number of requests in the pharmacies, also its monographs are in the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (FHB) 3rd edition. The report of analysis of the product was provided by three homeopathic pharmacies from the city of Rio de Janeiro. The information in the reports was evaluated and compared to its monograph. Results and discussion: In this study, it was found that the number of laboratories that provide homeopathic pharmaceutical ingredients is rather low. In addition, in some reports, a number of identification tests were not described properly when compared to the monograph. Besides that, some information diverges from the pharmacopoeia, for example, absence of dry residue testing, replacement of the part of the plant used to prepare the mother tincture, and results that do not meet pharmacopoeia specifications. As can be seen, the quality and effectiveness of homeopathic medicines prepared from these tinctures may be compromised. Conclusion: In order to guarantee consumer protection and the quality and effectiveness of medicines, governments and regulatory agencies should require a greater commitment from suppliers in the production of homeopathic inputs.

Evaluation of the in vitro fungicidal activity of the dynamized essential oil of Aloysia polystachya before and after freezing

Background: The method of preserving substances of natural origin should not only maintain the microbiological safety of the product but also the integrity of its therapeutic potential. Essential oils obtained from plants are complex mixtures of substances and it is suggested to keep them under refrigeration for better conservation. On the other hand, homeopathic mother tincture prepared from plant is kept at room temperature. Aim: This work aimed to evaluate if the freezing process changes the in vitro antifungal activity potential of the homeopathic preparation Aloysia polystachya 1CH against Candida albicans. Methodology: The inoculum of C. albicans ATCC 10231 was cultivated in culture médium Sabouroud (Himedia®), standardized on a spectrometer and distributed in a 96-well plate. Then, A. polystachya 1CH was added to the wells, prepared according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (FHB, 3rd edition) from A. polystachya essencial oil. An aliquot of this homeopathic preparation was frozen and after 40 days it was submitted to the same methodology for evaluation of the antifungal activity. After incubation, the plates were read with triphenyltetrazolic (TTC) (Vetec®). Results and discussion: The results of the in vitro evaluation showed that the freezing process retained the antifungal activity of the dynamized essential oil of A. polystachya 1CH against C. albicans. Conclusion: Under the conditions evaluated in this study, the freezing method presented as a viable method of conservation of dynamized plant material.

Antifungal Activity of Echinops echinatus and Fagonia cretica from Cholistan Desert-Pakistan

Background: Fungal infections are getting worse due to their resistance against available antibiotics and have always remain a problem. Homoeopathic mother tinctures are part of therapy in clinical patients with less side effects and much efficient against pathogenic infections.
 Methodology: Echinops echinatus and Fagonia cretica plant mother tinctures were performed and used to evaluate the anti-fungal potential of these plants against potentially pathogenic fungal species like Candida albicans, Aspergillus ustus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus by agar disc diffusion method. Three doses were used (0.25 ml, 0.5 ml and 1 ml volume per disc) and zone of inhibition was observed in millimetres and compared with positive control Fluconazole (2 mg/ml) which is commercially available.
 Results: The results indicated efficacy of both mother tinctures showed remakarble activity against pathogens with zone of inhibition ranging 17.33 – 30.33 mm.
 Conclusion: Current work indicated anti-infective potential of plants which can be added in therapy of infections in future after confirmation in in-vivo models.