Homeopathic Preparations Research Articles

Solvatochromic Dyes Track a Homeopathic Preparation through Water-Stream Systems in a Program to Control Tick Infestation at a Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center in Brazil.

In 2021, the area of CRAS (Centro de Reabilitação de Animais Selvagens - Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center), located in a state park in Campo Grande City, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, was suffering from a tick infestation affecting wild animals that inhabit the area and humans that visited its trails. Following a formal technical-scientific cooperation agreement between IMASUL, an institute for the environment in Mato Grosso do Sul state, and SIGO Homeopatia, a formulated homeopathic complex (Formula Parques Urbanos, FPU) was designed and prepared specifically to treat the animals. This environmental intervention used specially designed slow-release water biodegradable devices. Tracking the FPU signal in water was necessary to monitor and manage the intervention. Our aims were (1) to evaluate, among six previously standardized solvatochromic dyes, which would serve as a marker for the homeopathic complex under study; and (2) to evaluate whether the chosen solvatochromic dye could map the propagation of the homeopathic complex activity throughout the stream system from water samples harvested at different locations over time. Water samples were harvested from each point at different times, filtered, frozen, and sent to the laboratory, where they were prepared at 1cH potency for analysis using 30% ethanol as the vehicle. Solvatochromic dyes were used to analyze the samples since they alter their absorbance when in contact with homeopathic potencies. Of the six dyes tested, Coumarin 7 was found to be the most suitable for tracking the FPU complex. A static and average unidirectional magnetic field of 2,400 Gauss (240 mT), generated by a neodymium magnet, was applied to the samples immediately before reading. There were significant differences in the delta absorbance of dyes when adding treated/potentized water samples, making it possible to map the propagation of the FPU signal throughout the park over time. The signals were identifiable at the same point 1 minute and 32 days after the insertion of the device into the water. These signals were also identifiable after 75 minutes and 8 days at a point far from the insertion place. Coumarin 7 was the best marker for the homeopathic complex (FPU) used to treat the wild animals living in the park. The microplates/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader method and the application of a magnetic field to samples were shown to be effective in tracing homeopathic signals by changes in dye absorbance (p ≤ 0.02) in a real-life situation, with large volumes of water, involving many environmental variables, and over large distances.

Significance of Tissue Culture in Medicinal Plant Conservation and enhancement of Secondary metabolites by Homoeopathic intervention: A Narrative review

Aim: The objective of this study is to explore the potential of homoeopathic remedies in enhancing the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in endangered medicinal plants. Background: Plants serve as a valuable source of medicine. Plant-based medicines are known for their simplicity, efficiency, and a broad range of activity with well-documented preventative or therapeutic effects. Secondary metabolites are active chemical components found in plants that are responsible for their medicinal properties. However, population growth, increased demand, illicit trafficking is driving the depletion of medicinal plants, and many are on the verge of extinction. The synthesis of phytochemicals in plants for medicinal purpose can be improved through various tissue culture techniques and homoeopathic remedies have been found to boost the generation of secondary metabolites. Methodology and Results: A comprehensive review of the scientific literature was carried out by searching through various databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Wiley, Google Scholar. Numerous investigations were conducted to assess the impact of homoeopathic remedies on the growth, phytochemical composition, and essential oil production of various medicinal plants. The most studied homoeopathic preparations were Phosphorus, Sulphur, and Silicea. Homoeopathic preparations were observed to improve photosynthetic rates by distributing greater amounts of photo-assimilated substances in the leaves, ultimately leading to enhanced growth. Homoeopathic medications work on the initial substances like pyruvic acid, ornithine and proline that contribute to the formation of shikimic acid and acetate, while providing the vital energy needed for plants to grow and flourish. These processes generate organic compounds that serve as precursors for various categories of secondary metabolites. Conclusion, Significance, and Impact of the study: Overall, the results suggest that homoeopathic preparations can positively impact the essential oil yield, growth, phytochemical profile of medicinal plants and expanded possibilities for the synthesis of pharmacologically and biologically active compounds. Research into applying homoeopathy to grow medicinal plants is highly relevant, as it's a long-standing practice aiming to optimize production and improve chemical constituent quality.

Effectiveness of Homoeopathic Preparations of Natrium Phosphoricum, Calcarea Sulphuricum and Natrium Muriaticum in 6c And 200c Potencies in Comparison to Omeprazole in Improving Tolerance Level of Solanum Lycopersicum towards Abiotic [Nacl] Stress.

Effectiveness of Homoeopathic Preparations of Natrium Phosphoricum, Calcarea Sulphuricum and Natrium Muriaticum in 6c And 200c Potencies in Comparison to Omeprazole in Improving Tolerance Level of Solanum Lycopersicum towards Abiotic [Nacl] Stress.

Ultradiluted Homeopathic Medicines Cause Apoptosis in RPMI-8226 Multiple Myeloma Cells in vitro: a Pilot Study.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common type of cancer among hematological malignancies and is difficult to treat. Although controversial in nature, homeopathy's effects have been tested on a wide range of cancer cell types in vitro, as well as clinically. However, homeopathic medicines have yet to be tested in MM cells. In this preliminary study, we investigated the effects of Arsenicum album, Hecla lava, Carcinosinum and Carboneum sulphuratum 200C on a human MM cell line. The RPMI-8226 MM cell line was cultured in vitro for up to 96 hours and treated with each of four homeopathic preparations. The spectrophotometric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometric Annexin V-PE/7-actinomycin D (7-AAD) and propidium iodide (PI) staining were each used to examine cell viability, apoptosis and cell cycle, respectively. The MTT assay showed that all four homeopathic preparations reduced cell viability over time when compared to the control group cells, especially at 72 and 96 hours whereby only 50% of cells remained viable. Similarly, after 96 hours of treatment, the proportion of viable cells was significantly decreased and the proportion of early apoptotic (Annexin-V-PE +/7AAD-) cells was significantly increased for all four homeopathic preparations. Based on the PI-staining cell cycle data, cells treated with Hecla lava and Carboneum sulphuratum showed a statistically significant accumulation in the sub-G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle (p < 0.05). This is the first study to demonstrate that each of four homeopathic medicines causes apoptosis in a MM cell line. Further exploration of the potential of Arsenicum album, Hecla lava, Carcinosinum and Carboneum sulphuratum as a complementary therapeutic option in MM is warranted.

Multidimensional Outcome Parameters in a Cress Seedling-CuCl2 Crystallization Assay to Corroborate Specific Effects of Stannum metallicum 30x Compared to Lactose 30x.

Previously we developed a test system which yielded highly significant evidence for specific effects of a Stannum metallicum 30x preparation in a multi-center replication trial. This test system is based on cress seed germination in homeopathic or control samples, CuCl2 crystallization of the cress extract, and subsequent digital textural image analysis of the resulting crystallization patterns. The current study aimed to investigate whether three novel outcome parameters could further corroborate and possibly characterize the specific effects of Stannum metallicum 30x. To this end, (1) cress seedling length, (2) a second texture analysis parameter, entropy and (3) the local connected fractal dimension (LCFD) of crystallization patterns as a measure of complexity were considered. The stability of the experimental setup was monitored throughout the entire investigation with systematic negative control (SNC) experiments. Cress length and entropy revealed a time-modulated potency treatment effect, in the absence of a significant main treatment effect. This indicated that the effect of the potency treatment varied significantly across the different experimental days. LCFD yielded a highly significant potency treatment effect. In addition, a significant interaction of treatment with experimental day seems to indicate a modulation of this effect. No significant effects were observed in any of the evaluations of the SNC experiments, indicative of a stable experimental setup and a reliable and specific treatment effect. Neither significant nor strong correlations were found between the four parameters, indicating that they reflect different effects of Stannum metallicum 30x on the organism treated. This quadruple characterization of the biological effects of Stannum metallicum 30x provides an unprecedented opportunity for basic homeopathy research into, among others, the presumed specificity of homeopathic preparations.

Vortex-like vs. turbulent mixing of a Viscum album preparation affects crystalline structures formed in dried droplets

Various types of motion introduced into a solution can affect, among other factors, the alignment and positioning of molecules, the agglomeration of large molecules, oxidation processes, and the production of microparticles and microbubbles. We employed turbulent mixing vs. laminar flow induced by a vortex vs. diffusion-based mixing during the production of Viscum album Quercus L. 10−3 following the guidelines for manufacturing homeopathic preparations. The differently mixed preparation variants were analyzed using the droplet evaporation method. The crystalline structures formed in dried droplets were photographed and analyzed using computer-supported image analysis and deep learning. Computer-supported evaluation and deep learning revealed that the patterns of the variant succussed under turbulence are characterized by lower complexity, whereas those obtained from the vortex-mixed variant are characterized by greater complexity compared to the diffusion-based mixed control variant. The droplet evaporation method could provide a relatively inexpensive means of testing the effects of liquid flow and serve as an alternative to currently used methods.

STUDY OF ACUTE AND SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY OF A MEDICATION BASED ON SPIDER VENOM EXTRACT

Homeopathy is a regulatory therapy. The effectiveness of homeopathic therapy does not depend on the dose of the drug, but on the frequency of its repetitions. The composition of homeopathic preparations includes a wide range of natural and synthetic active substances: minerals; chemical substances; substances of plant origin; microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and plant parasites; substances of animal origin; and human materials, which may include tissues, secretions, hormones, and genetically homogeneous cell lines. One such substance is an extract of spider venom (Tarantul cubensis D6), which remains active in pharmaceutical preparation for a long time. The drug is selectively absorbed in inflamed tissues, differentiating them from healthy cells and suppressing inflammation. The drug is also effective in necrotic and proliferative processes. It is used for the treatment of panaritium in the initial stage, skin ulcers, necrobacillosis, and necrosis of the soft tissues of the animal. Any materials of animal or human origin are potentially dangerous for human and animal health, as they may contain toxic or pathogenic substances. Therefore, the study of the acute and subacute toxicity of spider venom extract is one of the stages of establishing the toxicological parameters of the drug. The use of the drug in a therapeutic dose caused an increase in animal body weight, hemoglobin concentration, number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, hematocrit value, average erythrocyte volume (MCV), average hemoglobin content in erythrocytes (МСН), average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes (МСНС), number of platelets, and AST activity against the background of a slight decrease in total protein content, creatinine, urea, and ALT activity. The use of the drug in a 10-fold therapeutic dose caused an increase in animal body weight, creatinine, urea, ALT, and AST activity against the background of a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin, the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes, the value of hematocrit, the average volume of erythrocytes (MCV), the average content of hemoglobin in erythrocytes (МСН), the average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes (МСНС), the number of platelets, and the content of total protein.

Protocol Standardization of Homeopathic Medicines' Preparation and Dosing for Experimental Model Systems In Vitro.

Protocol Standardization of Homeopathic Medicines' Preparation and Dosing for Experimental Model Systems In Vitro.

Environmental Homeopathy: Homeopathic Potencies Regulate the Toxicity and Growth of Raphidiopsis raciborskii (cyanobacteria) and can be Tracked Physico-Chemically. Part 1: Biological Results.

Cyanobacteria are microorganisms found in many parts of the world and several genera, such as Raphidiopsis raciborskii, are producers of cyanotoxins. Homeopathic potencies have been found to modulate toxicity in different biological models, and the present study endeavors to discover whether this might also be the case with cyanobacteria. Our objective was to investigate the possible effects of homeopathic potencies on the resilience of Artemia franciscana (brine shrimp) embryos to saxitoxin (STX; cyanotoxin) and on controlling the growth of R. raciborskii in vitro. A. franciscana cysts were cultivated in seawater in 96-well plates to evaluate the hatching rate and vitality, plus the gene expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), after being challenged with R. raciborskii extract containing 2.5 µg/L of STX and treated with different homeopathic potencies. Untreated wells were used as controls ("base-line"). Potencies were chosen from a screening process based on seven selected homeopathic preparations according to the similitude of STX symptoms (Sulphur, Zincum metallicum, Nitric acidum, Plumbum metallicum, Mercurius solubilis, Phosphoric acidum, Isotherapic from R. raciborskii extract; all at 6cH, 30cH and 200cH). Cultures of R. raciborskii maintained in an artificial seawater medium were equally treated with screened homeopathic potencies selected from the same list but specifically for their growth control as a function of time. A 15% lower rate of hatching of A. franciscana cysts was observed after treatment with Nitric acidum 6cH in comparison with baseline (p = 0.05). A complete toxicity reversal was seen after treatment with Isotherapic 200cH, with a 23-fold increase of Hsp 26 gene expression (p = 0.023) and a 24-fold increase of p26 gene expression (p ≤ 0.001) in relation to baseline. Nitric acidum 200cH and Mercurius solubilis 30cH limited the exponential growth of cyanobacteria up to 95% and 85% respectively (p ≤ 0.003) in relation to baseline. Succussed water presented only a transitory 50% inhibition effect. Isotherapic 200cH improved A. franciscana bioresilience to STX; Nitric acidum 200cH and Mercurius solubilis 30cH showed the optimal performance on limiting R. raciborskii growth. The results point to the potential of homeopathic potencies to mitigate environmental problems related to water quality.

Antiadipogenic activity of homoeopathic preparation of Chelidonium Majus employing3T3-L1 cell line as a model.

Adipocytes are derived from mesenchymal stem cells through the process of adipogenesis. Adipocyte metabolism is abnormal in a range of disorders like obesity, nutritional insufficiency and diabetes. The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes are most often used to create adipocyte models, and they can be differentiated into adipocyte cells under the right conditions. Homeopathic preparation of Chelidonium majus (HPCM) in management of Obesity and T2DM has many evidences in clinical practice.3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells were differentiated into adipocytes by using differentiation cocktail. Cell were treated with HPCM attenuation at the concentration of 0.5%, 1% and 2% for 15 days. Oil O Red Staining was used to assess LD accumulation. In order to determine the lipid content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, cells were dissolved in isopropanol and the absorbance values were measured. Images were captured and analysed using software imageJ.We investigated the action of Homeopathic preparations of Chelidonium majus (HPCM) in obesity using the 3T3-L1 adipogenesis model employing huMSC’s.After differentiation of adipocytes many LDs were formed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes which can be compared with no lipid droplet in 3T3-L1nondifferentiated cells. Further, area of differentiated adipocytes was mapped and then compared for LD accumulation in control and HPCM for checking its antiadipogenic activity.A significant reduction in accumulation of lipid droplets was seen in 0.5%, 1% and 2% concentration of HPCM as compared to control during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes. Excessive differentiation of cells and high fat accumulation in the adipose tissue are closely linked to obesity. Preadipocyte differentiation inhibitors may have preventive and therapeutic potential as anti-obesity drugs. HPCM has potential to act as an antiadipogenic agent which can be used to combat various diseases like obesity, T2DM and cardiovascular diseases

Homeopathic Pyrogenium Ointment as Adjuvant in Treatment of Traumatic and Infected Myiasis by Cochliomyia Hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Sheep: A Case Series.

The blowfly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) causes traumatic myiasis in farm animals, with deeply embedded larvae that lead to serious tissue damage and sometimes death. Treating this form of myiasis is difficult, often resulting in poor outcomes. As a homeopathic preparation that can mimic traumatic myiasis symptoms, Pyrogenium could potentially supplement treatment. This study aimed to describe the adjuvant effect that a Pyrogenium ointment might have in the treatment of sheep with traumatic myiasis. The study reports a homeopathic adjuvant treatment with Pyrogenium 12cH ointment in six sheep with traumatic and infected myiasis. Daily clinical examinations were performed to monitor the evolution of the health of animals. Pyrogenium 12cH ointment was applied topically on the wounds, after cleaning and mechanical removal of the larvae from the lesion. Blood samples were collected for blood counts, and wound exudate samples were obtained for bacteriological examination before and after wound treatment. The ointment of Pyrogenium 12cH limited the development of parasitic larvae and was associated with the repair of tissue losses resulting from the myiases and with subsequent wound healing, together with control of fever and local inflammation. Homeopathic Pyrogenium 12cH, formulated as an ointment, may be a useful new and adjuvant therapeutic option for treating traumatic and infected myiasis in animals.

Alopecia Areata Treated with Homoeopathic Preparation of Phosphorus: Two Evidence-Based Case Reports

Alopecia Areata Treated with Homoeopathic Preparation of Phosphorus: Two Evidence-Based Case Reports

Homeopathic preparations to increase resistance and development of yield in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) crops

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an essential part people’s staple diet in Brazil as well as in some Latin American countries. The excessive use of agrochemical for pest and disease control negatively impacts human health, contaminates soil and water, harms biodiversity, and contributes to pest resistance. It is referred to a specific homeopathic preparation. In the context of homeopathy, the term "preparations" refers to homeopathic remedies that are created through a specific process of dilution and agitation. The use of highly diluted homeopathic preparations, which enhance the plants ability to resist diseases, represents a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. In homeopathy, "Silicea" is used as a homeopathic remedy derived from silica which is not a silica in its natural form. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Silicea terra and Phosphorus application in high dynamized dilutions, on morphometric and productive variables of common bean plants. Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse and one experiment in the field, in a randomized block design for both situations. In greenhouse, the preparations were used in dynamizations 7, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60CH (CH= Hahnemannian centesimal dilution order) and distilled water was used as control. In the field, the treatments were Phosphorus 48 and 60CH, Silicea terra 36 and 60CH, and distilled water as a control. In greenhouse, application of Silicea terra 36CH increased (p&lt; 0.05) shoot dry biomass weight (9.78 g) and leaf dry biomass weight (5.36 g), compared to control. In the field, Silicea terra 36CH and Phosphorus 60CH increased bean productivity in relation to the control. The results indicate that homeopathic preparations had a high potential for improving development and consequently increasing yield when applied to common bean plants.

Homeopathic preparation of Allium sativum abrogates OxLDL mediated atherogenic events in macrophages: An invitro and in silico approach

BackgroundOxidized LDL (OxLDL), the key player in atherogenesis modulates endothelial dysfunction, initiates monocyte recruitment, accentuates foam cell formation, and flares up inflammatory and apoptotic events. Even though homeopathic preparation of Allium sativum has been proved to be an anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-atherogenic agent, its mechanism of action on abrogating OxLDL mediated foam cell formation is yet to be explored. ObjectiveThis study was designed to bring out the role of homeopathic preparation of Allium sativum in curbing OxLDL mediated cellular inflammation in IC-21 cells exposed with OxLDL. Materials and methodsOxLDL was used to induce oxidative damage in the IC-21 macrophage cells. Assessment of inflammatory cytokines, localization of NFκB, detection of apoptosis and the in silico analysis were performed in this study. ResultsThe current study portrays the efficacy of homeopathy medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent, in reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and its mRNA expression, suppressing the activity of NFκB and preventing apoptosis in OxLDL treated IC-21 cells. ConclusionTo conclude, homeopathic preparation of Allium sativum 6C and 30C potencies are capable of controlling the transcriptional activity of NFκB and apoptosis in IC-21 cells exposed to OxLDL. These results implicate that Allium sativum homeopathic drug can be used as anti-inflammatory agent in reducing atherogenic events as it is capable of preventing OxLDL-mediated injury to macrophages.

The opportunities for normalizing oral microbiota in infants with challenging deciduous teeth eruption

Relevance. The eruption of deciduous teeth is a distinct physiological process marked by local and systemic manifestations, along with alterations in oral microbiota in children.Research objective. A comparative clinical study evaluating the efficacy of different medications in managing localized symptoms during challenging deciduous teeth eruption, alongside an assessment of a homeopathic medicine's influence on oral microbiota in children (in vitro).Material and methods. The study encompassed 120 infants ranging from 5 months to 2 years old, randomized into three groups (40 individuals per group), all experiencing challenging deciduous teeth eruption. The research groups were assigned the following interventions: a homeopathic medicine, a dental gel containing an antiseptic and analgesic properties, and a dental gel infused with plant extracts. Clinical assessments of the children were performed using the E.M. Kuzmina index (2000), while concurrent evaluations of the oral microbiota were also conducted.Results. After the course of the medicinal homeopathic preparation, the condition of the gums, as per the E.M. Kuzmina index, indicated good oral hygiene, in contrast to medicinal preparations containing synthetic and plant-based antiseptics and anesthetics, which resulted in a satisfactory level of oral hygiene. Microbiological research indicated that the utilization of the investigated samples of the homeopathic medicine facilitated the creation of conditions fostering indirect competition of the stabilizing oral micro versus the pathogenic group of microorganisms.Conclusion. The clinical effectiveness of the homeopathic medicine for challenging deciduous teeth eruption was notably higher. A more substantial positive trend was observed in relation to the oral microbiota in children following the twice-daily application of the homeopathic medicine solution.

Adenoid Hypertrophy Managed With Artemisia Cina Dilution: A Study of Two Cases

Adenoid hypertrophy, is the enlargement of adenoid tissues in the nasopharynx, a common concern among children and often exhibits with nasal congestion, mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep disturbances. Spontaneous healing of enlarged adenoid is common in adolescents and adults, however, in this case study, we present two instances of pediatric patients who demonstrated adenoid-related health issues. After a thorough evaluation, and based on the principle of symptom similarity Artemisia cina was prescribed; this treatment continued for three consecutive weeks, and a follow-up lateral x-ray of nasopharynx was obtained one more week later. The use of homeopathic preparation of Artemisia cina appeared to ease their symptoms. This outcome suggests that Artemisia cina may hold promise as a homeopathic option for managing adenoid-related concerns in pediatric patients. However, we acknowledge that further research and a larger sample size are necessary to establish the usefulness of this approach. Bioresearch Commu. 10(1): 1449-1452, 2024 (January)

Recovery of fire-damaged “cerrado” area treated with homeopathic preparations in slow dispersion devices – a descriptive study.

Given the seasonal climatic characteristics, forest fires in “cerrado” areas in Central Brazil are common and challenging to prevent. Despite fire being a plant stimulation factor, such as breaking seed dormancy, when it covers large areas or occurs very frequently, it can cause irreparable damage to nature. Prevention is difficult and costly, and there are no corrective action options other than waiting for natural regeneration, which is usually slow and, not infrequently, with permanent damage. Due to its physicochemical qualities acting in biological regulation processes, water has been considered the primary vehicle for propagating signals from homeopathic ingredients, as suggested by previous studies carried out with solvatochromic dyes. Therefore, such inputs could, in theory, be inserted into watercourses to stimulate the regeneration of the biome destroyed by fire. This hypothesis motivated this case study. A slow dispersion device was developed aiming at promoting continuous environmental regeneration, containing hydrocolloid and calcium carbonate as a solid base soaked in a homeopathic complex specifically designed for this purpose, composed of Arsenicum album, Arnica montana, Staphysagria, Ignatia amara, and Phosphorus, all at 30cH. The case occurred in Nascentes do Rio Taquari Park, between Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. It is a “cerrado” area, with multiple springs that feed the Paraguay River, occupying an area of 26,849 hectares over the Guarani and Bauru aquifers. After the fire in early September 2020, the devices were fixed at 9 strategic points in the park (P1 to P9) over 10 days, between September 29, and October 11, 2020, in water courses close to the main springs. To assess the restoration signs of the post-fire environment, the technicians responsible for monitoring the park made observations of flora and fauna recomposition in different locations close to four device-insertion points (P3, P5, P7, P8). Signs of recovery were observed 40 days after the fire was over. A rapid pioneer plant restructuring was noted, with a significant regrowth of grass, herbaceous and shrub species, such as Mutamba (Guazuma ulmifolia), Murici (Byrsonima spp.), Inga (Inga sp.), Brachiaria (Brachiaria sp.), Jaraguá grass (Hyparrhenia rufa), Colonião grass (Panicum maximum), Gabiroba (Campomanesia sp.), and Pixirica (Miconia sp.). Some species, such as Mimosa (Mimosa sp.), Colonião grass (Panicum maximum), and Jaraguá grass (Hyparrhenia rufa), were not detected in the area before the fire, probably by the seed bank stimulation caused by the heat. There was rapid forest regeneration (4 months after the fire) and restoration of most of the burned trees, both for resisting the fire and for being free of invasive species highly aggressive to native plants, which were controlled by the action of fire. Concerning the fauna, a vast animal population was detected, especially birds, highlighting the “Tuiuiú” (Jabiru mycteria) and “Socó” (Tigrisoma lineatum) close to a water body with a waterfall area (P3). Both species belong to the “Pantanal” biome close to the park. Such species began to frequent the park's lakes, being observed until February 2023 (the last survey date). The park's inventory of lichens and fungi showed an unusual tolerance to fire in species that adhered to burned trees and remained active. In this way, it is suggested that installing slow dispersion devices in watercourses can contribute to the regeneration of other “cerrado” biome areas subjected to fire, protecting the local biodiversity. More studies of this nature are needed to know the real impact of this method on the recovery of different biomes.

Need for external replication trials in homeopathic basic research: presenting research on three duckweed test systems as an example

One of the main aims in homeopathic basic research is to find reliable test systems that are externally replicable. In face of the replication crisis in research in general and the specificities that are necessary to include in homeopathic basic research, it is of great importance to encourage high-quality replication trials. One way to achieve that is to build up a register or a data base for test systems in homeopathic basic research that are already developed to the point that external replication trials are possible. Such a register offers the opportunity to include not just the published information but also helpful insight such as material lists and time frames for easier planning and conduction of replication trials. Additionally, further information on critical environmental parameter, unpublished negative results, etc. could be included.&#x0D; The general frame work of such a register/ data base is demonstrated with the example of three different duckweed test systems developed in our working group since 2001. The growth rate of duckweed (Lemna gibba L., clone number 9352) was investigated in randomised and blinded settings, using either untreated plants or plants pre-treated with a stressor (arsenic solution or calcium deficiency in the growth medium). Within the original trials, potentised substances in the range of 14x-33x were compared to water control groups (succussed and unsuccussed water). The stability of the test systems was investigated in parallel systematic negative control (SNC) experiments. All original trials revealed a significant influence of some potencies on the growth rate of duckweed and stable test systems as shown with SNC experiments. Four internal replication trials for two of the three test systems were conducted. The replication trials showed effects of homeopathic preparations with some differences in effect size and effect direction compared to original studies.

Treatment with Viscum album potencies induces reduction of MCP-1 and ROs levels in murine melanoma cells.

Melanoma is responsible for most skin cancer deaths. It has a high metastatic potential, complex treatment, and a hopeless prognosis. Viscum album extract (Va) is a complementary treatment in cancer, with in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic effects on different tumor types. However, its ultra-diluted homeopathic preparations' effects and mechanisms on cancer cells need further study. Thus, the aim of present work was to investigate cytokine profile and ROs production of melanoma cells after treatment with ultradiluted VA collected from host tree Abies alba (VaAa) and Quercus rubur (VaQr)during Swiss summer. For this, potencies of Va in different homeopathic scales were prepared using mother tincture (MT) from VaAa and VaQr submitted to homeopathic ethanolic maceration and then a subsequent dynamization process. Then, B16F0 melanoma cells cultivated in 24-well plates were treated with MT or 12DH, 200CH or 5LM potencies of VaAa or VaQr for 24, 48 or 72 hours. After these periods, culture supernatants were collected to assess the levels of MCP-1, INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12p70 and IL-6 cytokines and, ROs production. Results demonstrated significant reduction of MCP-1 and ROs levels in B16F10 melanoma cells treated with Va (VaQr, preferentially) at 12DH or 5LM potencies when compared to untreated or carboplatin-treated cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time, the in vitro effects of Va potencies prepared in different homeopathic scales in relation to cytokines and ROs production in cell melanoma cells.

Biological effects of Viscum album homeopathic preparations in kidney proximal tubule cells: an in vitro study

Viscum album (VA) preparations of different host trees have been used for the treatment of different diseases with mainly on cancer1 and cardiovascular diseases2. However, the mechanisms related to the mistletoe hypotensive potential are poorly investigated. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the cytotoxicity, the Na+/K+ ATPase activity and the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation induced by winter and summer Viscum album mother tinctures (TMVA), as well as by their potentized samples (6cH, 12cH and 30cH), in porcine proximal tubule renal cells (LLC-PK1). For the cytotoxicity evaluation, after 24h of treatment with TMVA (from Quercus robur, Malus domestica, Ulmus carpinifolia, Pinus sylvestris and Abies alba), at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2.5% (V/V), the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) was added. The same procedure was done with the potentized samples, after systematic control evaluation, in which the dynamized water was blindly tested. For the Na+/K+ ATPase and ROS assays, cells were treated only for 30 min, using 1.5% (V/V) of TMVA of Malus domestica, Pinus sylvestris, and Abies alba and their respective homeopathic potencies. The MTT assay showed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity related only to the summer Quercus Robur TMVA (p&lt;0.05). Since for the enzymatic and ROS assays cells need to be metabolically active, this TMVA was excluded from these experimental evaluations. Regarding the ROS generation (n=5), no significant effects were triggered neither by TMVA nor by the potentized samples (p&gt;0.05). The Na+/K+ ATPase evaluation (n=9) indicated no enzymatic activity alterations at 30min of incubation time. Further experiments are under development with higher incubation cellular times (24 and 48 h) to confirm the Na+/K+ ATPase effects induced by potentized and non-potentized V. album samples. Additionally, the gene expression of Na+/K+ ATPase, by western blot, and the ultrastructural cellular aspects, using transmission electron microscopy, will be performed.