Rhus Toxicodendron Research Articles

Evaluation of Rhus Tox, a homeopathic formulation for treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease: a network pharmacology and ex-vivo approach

Rhus toxicodendron, commonly known as Rhus tox, is a potent homeopathic medication widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and is claimed to have potential benefits for neurodegenerative disorders. Given the ability of homeopathic medications to address the root causes of diseases, our study aimed to evaluate Rhus tox for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) using in-silico, ex-vivo, and network pharmacology approaches to obtain comprehensive information on its multi-component and multi-target effects. Phytoconstituents of Rhus tox were collected from PubMed and screened for ADMET properties. Targets for these constituents were predicted using the Binding Database and DisGeNET, resulting in 61 targets for Parkinsonism and 85 targets for alzhiemer’s disease. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were analysed using the STRING database. A Venn diagram was constructed for all these targets, and 5 out of 13 common targets were selected for docking studies. From these analyses, kaempferol and quercetin were identified as promising neuroprotective agents with good blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation. The docking studies validated these predictions as most of the constituents showed good binding affinity with EGFR, SNCA and MAO-B. It was further validated using MAO inhibition assay, in which Quercetin was found to be highly efficacious, with an IC50 value of 32.69 μg/mL among the other flavonoids studied for MAO inhibition assay. The Rhus Tox also showed MAO inhibition assay similar to the standard seligiline. To conclude, we can propose that Rhus Tox primarily acts on the dopaminergic pathway, serotonergic pathway, and EGFR signaling pathway. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm the mechanism action and efficacy of Rhus Tox for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Unveiling the Immunostimulatory Potential of Rhus Toxicodendron in Immunocompromised Balb/C Mice Induced with Cyclophosphamide.

This study investigated how Rhus toxicodendron (RT) (6C, 30C, and 200C) can boost the immune system of BALB/c mice that were given cyclophosphamide (CPM), which is an anticancer drug that weakens the immune system. RT, known for its historical use in traditional homeopathic remedies, has demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in various experimental models. To test the immune-boosting effects of RT, CPM (80 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally to mice on days 4, 8, and 12 of the study but not to the normal control group. CPM-induced immunosuppression led to significant decreases in red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and reduced spleen and thymus indices. Phagocytic activity, cytokine concentrations, and spleen architecture were also adversely affected. RT treatment, particularly at 200C, significantly ameliorated these effects, improving RBC, WBC, and Hb levels. Furthermore, RT partially prevented CPM-induced atrophy of immune organs. Treatment positively influenced cytokine production at both the protein and mRNA levels, restoring immune balance. Histopathological results confirmed that RT stimulated the immune system. The cells were more stable, and the white pulp in the spleen was arranged in a regular pattern. These findings suggest that RT may serve as an adjunctive immunostimulant therapy for conditions characterized by immunosuppression. However, further investigations in other immunocompromised states must validate these results before considering human clinical trials.

Estimation of the Likelihood Ratio of Different Symptoms for Six Homeopathic Medicines: Prognostic Factor Research.

Arsenicum album, Causticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla nigricans, Rhus toxicodendron and Sulphur are frequently prescribed homeopathic medicines; however, their symptoms, as mentioned in different homeopathic literature works, have rarely been investigated systematically. Likelihood ratio (LR), based on Bayesian statistics, may reflect a better estimation of the strengths of symptoms than the existing entries in the homeopathic literature. A prospective, longitudinal, analytical patient outcome study was conducted in the outpatient departments of D. N. De Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, on 1,954 patients over 21 months. The outcomes were recorded at each follow-up using the Outcome Related to Impact on Daily Living (ORIDL) +4 to -4 scale. The average period of treatment for each participant was 3 months. The LRs of four symptoms for each of the six selected medicines were calculated. One hundred and two different remedies were prescribed. The prevalence, LR + , and LR - , with respective 95% confidence intervals, of different symptoms were reported. The study found that the following symptoms had particularly high LR+ scores: "intense sympathy for the suffering of others" (Causticum, LR+ = 12.0); "dyspepsia from business anxiety" (Nux vomica, LR+ = 27.4); "burning pain relieved by heat" (Arsenicum album, LR+ = 29.6); "envy" (Pulsatilla nigricans, LR+ = 13.2); "desire for milk" (Rhus toxicodendron, LR+ = 7.5); "very selfish, no regard for others" (Sulphur, LR+ = 20.6). The findings corroborated well with the presentation of the symptoms in different homeopathic materia medica and repertories. ORIDL scores of +2 or greater were identified most prominently for Pulsatilla nigricans (n = 138) and Sulphur (n = 119). There was adequate evidence to attribute all the assessed symptoms to the medicines investigated. Further studies with a larger population are warranted to tackle the possible confirmation bias.

Effect of ultra-diluted ethanol extract of Rhus toxicodendron SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein RBD induced inflammation in chick embryo

Effect of ultra-diluted ethanol extract of Rhus toxicodendron SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein RBD induced inflammation in chick embryo

Safety of potentised dilutions of Rhus toxicodendron in Wistar albino rats

Safety of potentised dilutions of Rhus toxicodendron in Wistar albino rats

A Prospective Observational Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Homeopathic Intervention as an Alternative to Analgesics in Managing Cases of Arthralgia

This prospective observational study explores the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic intervention as an alternative to analgesics in managing arthralgia. Conducted over 18 months at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru State Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Kanpur, U.P., the study involved 200 patients with generalized joint pain, knee joint pain, shoulder joint pain, and heel joint pain. Utilizing the law of similars, homeopathic medicines were prescribed, with Rhus toxicodendron being the most frequently recommended. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain severity demonstrated a statistically significant improvement after 6 months of treatment (mean decrease of -3.39 on VAS, p < .00001). Findings suggest that individualized homeopathic treatment offers a promising alternative for arthralgia management, emphasizing the need for further research and contributing valuable insights to holistic patient care.

Therapeutic effectiveness of oral homeopathic remedy in management of knee osteoarthritis via attenuation of oxidative and inflammatory pathway

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common prevalent condition that affects joints and causes erosion of the cartilage. Many conventional medications show evidence of short-term effectiveness. However, they are associated with numerous adverse effects. Objective As homeopathy is a complementary modality, thus this study aimed to explore the therapeutic effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in management of knee OA that proved efficiency in management of knee OA without health hazards. Patients and methods Thirty cases (25 females, five males) were complaining of bilateral grade 2 or 3 knee OA were included in the study. Each patient was taken as her/his control. One milliliter of a diluted complex of four homeopathic remedies (Arnica Montana, Ledum Palustre, Rhus Tox, and Ruta Graveolens) was taken orally by each patient for 6 weeks in ascending potency. Results All clinical parameters showed significant improvement after the end of therapy. Visual analog scale, number of tender points, tenderness score (TS), angle of knee flexion, heel to hip distance Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index score and Lequesne index (P≤0.05). In addition, there was significant improvement in laboratory markers as significant increase in serum enkephalin and interleukin-4 and decreasing in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P≤0.05). Conclusion The study showed efficiency of four homeopathic remedies in decreasing pain, tenderness, improving knee flexion and quality of life supported with improvement in serum levels of encephalin, interleukin-4 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in grade 2 or 3 OA patients.

Homeopathic Medicines in Third (Omicron) Wave of COVID-19: Prognostic Factor Research.

With the emergence of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, such as the Omicron variant, during the third wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a need to identify useful homeopathic medicines. This study aimed to identify such medicines and their indications using prognostic factor research (PFR). This was an open-label, multi-centred observational study conducted in January 2022, on confirmed COVID-19 cases. The data were collected from integrated COVID Care Centres in Delhi, India, where homeopathic medicines were prescribed along with conventional treatment. Only those cases that met a set of selection criteria were considered for analysis. The likelihood ratio (LR) was calculated for the frequently occurring symptoms of the frequently prescribed medicines. An LR of 1.3 or greater was considered meaningful. Out of the 362 COVID-19 cases, 263 cases were selected for analysis after applying selection criteria. Common symptoms included fatigue, cough, sore throat, myalgia and headache. Twenty-one medicines were prescribed, of which nine medicines - Gelsemium sempervirens, Bryonia alba, Hepar sulphuris, Rhus toxicodendron, Pulsatilla nigricans, Arsenicum album, Belladonna, Nux vomica and Phosphorus - were frequently used. By calculating LRs, the study identified meaningful indications for these medicines. Homeopathic medicines have shown promising results in the third wave of COVID-19 as an adjunct therapy. The medicines that were used in the first and second waves were found useful in the third wave also, and their indications were analogous to those found in the earlier waves. Certain new indications of some medicines were elicited in this wave, which warrant further research. However, it is important not to restrict to these medicines only and to continue data collection on COVID-19 in future waves for the improvement of the COVID-19 mini-repertory.

Management of uterine fibroid with homoeopathy: A case report

In women of reproductive age, uterine fibroids (UF) are among the most prevalent benign tumours. A female patient of 35 years of age presented with complaints of irregular, profuse menstrual flow with dull, aching pain in the whole abdomen during menses, having previously been diagnosed as ‘Uterine fibroid’ for one year. Homoeopathic medicine was prescribed on the basis of the totality of symptoms which restored the patient’s health. Initially, Calcarea carbonica 200C was given, and later, the potency was increased to 1M. Rhus Toxicodendron 30C was prescribed during the course of treatment for viral fever. The assessment of significant improvement was done using UF symptoms and a health-related quality of life questionnaire every three months. The Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homoeopathy (MONARCH)-causal attribution inventory was also used to evaluate the response of homoeopathic medication and further clarify the importance of individualised treatment in homoeopathy. This case study demonstrates the value of individualised homoeopathic treatment in the treatment of UFs.

Tratamento homeopático para hematoma aural em gato: Relato de caso

Aural hematoma is defined by the accumulation of serosanguineous fluid within the ear pinna in small animals, typically stemming from traumatic incidents. Inadequate treatment may lead to recurring episodes and structural deformities in the patient's ear. In veterinary clinical practice, this condition exhibits a high incidence among dogs, but is relatively rare in cats. Conventional treatments employed for the physiological and aesthetic restoration of the affected area are typically invasive and often entail significant costs. Therefore, this article aims to present a case study involving a 15-year-old female mixed-breed feline diagnosed with an aural hematoma. The patient had previously undergone various forms of conventional treatment, none of which proved successful. Thus, a complementary treatment approach utilizing oral homeopathy was selected, as it represented the sole available option at that particular juncture. The homeopathic medicines were selected according to the law of similars. The treatment consisted of the following medications: Arsenicum album 30CH; Bellis perennis 30CH and Rhus Toxicodendron 30CH. After 20 days of treatment, the animal exhibited an ear pinna devoid of fluid accumulation and recurrence. The ear pinna was in excellent condition, except for the presence of scars along the ear, resulting in a residual deformation. Hence, homeopathic therapy holds significant promise as a therapeutic modality for managing aural hematomas in cats, obviating the necessity for invasive procedures. Under this perspective, this article represents one of the initial reports documenting such a treatment approach in feline cases.

Therapeutic Utility of Rhus Toxicodendron in Dermatology, with an Evidence Based Case Report

Skin diseases are one of the major cosmetic issues in modern world, and contribute 1.79% global burden of disease worldwide. They are more prevalent and has increased over the past few decades which contribute a significant burden on health-care systems across the world. Although mortality rate due to skin diseases is low, they contribute to significant disability, and effects quality of life of a person. Homoeopathy has immense scope in skin complaints, from simple injury to auto immune skin diseases. Rhus tox is one of the important remedies for many skin affections, and major remedy in day-to-day clinical practice. This article contains therapeutic utility of Rhus tox in various skin complaints and an evidence-based case report which is treated with Rhus tox. Keywords: Homoeopathy, Rhus toxicodendron, herpes simplex.

A Case of Verrucae Resolution by Homoeopathic Medicine: A Case Report

Warts are one of the common dermatological disorders caused by human papilloma viruses encountered in our day to day life. These are cutaneous or mucosal infection needs proper care and treatment to prevent its transmission and complete healing. Although mostly warts are dealt with the therapeutic approach, i.e. on the basis of its peculiar type and location but it can even be successfully treated by constitutional approach. This article is regarding a case of warts treated successfully with Rhus Tox followed by Ferrum Met selected as the simillimum and proved its effectiveness in a short period of time.

Efficacy of High Dilution Medicines in combination with physiotherapy in trauma induced low back pain- A Randomized Control Clinical Trial

Background: Lower back pain can refer to a wide range of back injuries or conditions and is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders which necessitating health care and one of the reason for which many seek a family physician which is cause for limited range of motion. Homoeopathic medicines can offer long term relief from the backache. Methods: This is a three arm randomized controlled trial. Total 30 patients with trauma-induced low backache were chosen at random and divided equally into three study groups. Group A (n=10) was given Arnica 200 twice a day for the first 15 days, after 15 days, another evaluation was performed, and the dose was repeated as needed. Group B (n=10) received constitutional medicine. The dose of constitutional medicine was repeated as needed. After careful case taking, case working, and repertorisation, Bryonia Alba Linn., Rhus Toxicodendron Linn., Nux Vomica Linn. were administered on a constitutional basis. Group C (n=10) received a placebo. All the three groups received physiotherapy to strengthen back muscles in order to reduce the likelihood of recurrenceData was anlaysed using STATA software using Chi square test, ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni Multiple comparison test. Results- Significant improvement in pain scores (VAS) was observed in both between the group and within the group comparisons and the effect was more pronounced in Group B. Conclusion: Hence we conclude that an individualized approach is more effective in the management of patients with trauma-induced low back pain.

A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Homeopathic Medicines on Osteoarthritis

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders present worldwide. It increases with age and is prevalent among elderly people affecting their daily activities thus adding to the economic burden. Objectives This clinical study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of homeopathic medicines in the treatment of OA. Methods This single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients suffering from OA. Each patient was randomised into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The IG (n = 60) received individualised homeopathic medicine (IHM) based on the symptom similarity of the case. The CG (n = 30) received an identical-looking placebo. Outcome assessment was done by assessing the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores at the baseline and after 3 months of follow-up. Paired t-test was used to determine differences between before and after treatment within groups. Results The difference in the WOMAC index score before and after treatment in the CG was found non-significant (p = 0.96), while in the IG the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at a 95% of confidence level. The most useful medicines indicated were Bryonia alba, Medorrhinum, Pulsatilla pratensis, Rhus toxicodendron, Arnica montana, Causticum and Sulphur. Conclusion Patients with OA reported a significant decrease in WOMAC index score after 3 months of homeopathic treatment based on the totality of symptoms.

Individualized Homeopathic Medicines for Low Back Pain in Lumbar Spondylosis: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Lumbar spondylosis (LS) is a degenerative disorder of the lumbar spine. Despite substantial research efforts, no gold-standard treatment for LS has been identified. The efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) in LS has remained under-researched. In this study, the efficacy of IHMs was compared with identical-looking placebos in the treatment of low back pain associated with LS. A double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the National Institute of Homoeopathy, West Bengal, India. Patients were randomized to receive IHMs or placebos, along with standardized concomitant care for both the groups. The Oswestry low back pain and disability questionnaire (ODQ) was the primary outcome; the Roland-Morris questionnaire (RMQ) and the short form of the McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) were the secondary outcomes. Each was measured at baseline and every month for 3 months. The intention-to-treat (ITT) sample was analyzed to detect any inter-group differences using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance models overall and by unpaired t-tests at different time points. Enrolment was stopped prematurely because of time restrictions; 55 patients were randomized (verum: 28; control: 27); 49 were analyzed by ITT (verum: 26; control: 23). Inter-group differences in ODQ (F 1, 47 = 0.001, p = 0.977), RMQ (F 1, 47 = 0.190, p = 0.665) and SF-MPQ total score (F 1, 47 = 3.183, p = 0.081) at 3 months were not statistically significant. SF-MPQ total score after 2 months (p = 0.030) revealed inter-group statistical significance, favoring IHMs against placebos. Some of the SF-MPQ sub-scales at different time points were also statistically significant: e.g., the SF-MPQ average pain score after 2 months (p = 0.002) and 3 months (p = 0.007). Rhus toxicodendron, Sulphur and Pulsatilla nigricans were the most frequently indicated medicines. Owing to failure in detecting a statistically significant effect for the primary outcome and in recruiting a sufficient number of participants, our trial remained inconclusive. CTRI/2019/11/021918.

Homoeopathic management of lumbar disc prolapse with spondylosis: A case report

Lumbar disc prolapse is a painful condition that occurs due to herniation of nucleus pulposus through annulus fibrosis in the lower spine. Usually this occurs due to wear and tear of outer annulus fibrosis. The spinal nerve root is then got irritated by this disc protrusion resulting pain in lower spinal region and also as radiating pain down to legs. Age is one of the important etiological factors because degenerative changes are very common. Even though this bank officer was above 70 years, and had lumbar spondylosis and scoliosis, after taking the Homoeopathic Constitutional medicine symptomatically relieved. Bryonia 30 and Rhus tox 30 were considered initially but Natrum mur 200 had relived her pains. Dr. Hahnemann says in Aphorism 210 that in so-called corporeal diseases, always has alteration in mind and disposition.

A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Homoeopathic Medicine Rhus Toxicodendron

Abstract Background Rhus toxicodendron is a homoeopathic medicine introduced into the homoeopathic system by Hahnemann in 1816, and ever since, it has been used to relieve arthritis, rheumatism and skin disorders. Aim This review aimed to search the literature for the phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of homeopathic medicine Rhus tox. The assembled data of Rhus tox could be beneficial in helping researchers concentrate on the most pivotal aspects that still need to be examined. Discussion In the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India, Toxicodendron pubescens P. Mill (Atlantic poison oak) and Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy) have been mentioned as synonyms of Rhus toxicodendron Linn. The allergic contact dermatitis caused by touching the leaves of the Toxicodendron plants is believed to give the plant its specific name. Available literature illustrated the medicinal and pharmacological potential against various inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, showing immunomodulatory and anti-neoplastic activity. Conclusion There is a need to establish evidence for the activities mentioned in the literature. The detailed knowledge regarding the mechanism of Rhus toxicodendron Linn. would help the scientific community understand the field of homeopathic medicine more closely.

A Case of Impetigo on Nose Treated with Homoeopathic Medicine Rhus Toxicodendron

A child visited the OPD with a crusty lesion on the nose like exanthema causing much burning & itching. According to symptoms and clinical manifestation, it was diagnosed as a case of Impetigo, a common infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis. It is most commonly caused by gram-positive bacteria. The patient may present with erythematous plaques with a yellow crust and may be itchy or painful. The lesions are highly contagious and spread easily. Diagnosis is typically based on the symptoms and clinical manifestations alone. The diagnosis was provisionally made at Model AYUSH OPD(Homoeopathy), State Homoeopathic Dispensary, Bagdogra. To confirm the diagnosis, the expert opinion of the Hospital Superintendent cum Block Medical Officer Health (BMOH) at Rural Hospital, Naksalbari Block, was taken. Treatment was completed successfully within 7 days. Rhus Tox 200, 6 doses were prescribed to be taken twice a day for 3 days, followed by placebo. The prescription was done on the basis of skin symptoms- Exanthema on the face in general-on chin, face, cheeks, mouth, nose, and forehead, causing much burning & itching, ameliorated by warmth.

Test of a Homeopathic Algorithm for COVID-19: the Importance of a Broad Perspective.

Most of the symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are covered by large repertory rubrics and hence many remedies have been proposed as "genus epidemicus". The aim of this study was to combine the information from various data collections to prepare a COVID-19 Bayesian mini-repertory/an algorithm-based application (app) and test it. In July 2021, 1,161 COVID-19 cases from 100 practitioners globally were combined. These data were used to calculate "condition-confined" likelihood ratios (LRs) for 59 symptoms of COVID-19. Out of these, 35 symptoms of the 11 medicines that had at least 20 cases each were considered. The information was entered in a spreadsheet (algorithm) to calculate combined LRs of specific combinations of symptoms. The algorithm contained the medicines Arsenicum album, Belladonna, Bryonia alba, Camphora, Gelsemium sempervirens, Hepar sulphuris, Mercurius solubilis, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla and Rhus toxicodendron. To test concordance, the doctors were then invited to re-enter the symptoms of their cases into this algorithm. The algorithm was re-tested on 358 cases, and concordance was seen in 288 cases. On analysis of the data, bias was noticed in the Merc group, which was therefore excluded from the algorithm. The remaining 10 medicines, representing 81.8% of all cases, were included in the preparation of the next version of the homeopathic mini-repertory and app. The Bayesian mini-repertory and app is based on qualitative clinical experiences of various doctors in COVID-19 and gives indications for specific medicines for common COVID-19 symptoms. It is freely available [English: https://hpra.co.uk/; Spanish: https://hpra.co.uk/es ] for further testing and utilization by the profession.

A REVIEW ON IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF HERBAL DRUGS IN INDIAN TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE

Immunomodulators play a key role in immunity of each animal in this world. Almost all animals have their own system to produce different immunomodulators at different time. Herbal medicines constitute a major component in all traditional and alternative systems of medicines like siddha, ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, yogic science and native american medicines. This review emphasizes on twenty-five herbal drugs including Withania somnifera, Morus Alba Linn, Acacia catechu, Achillea wilhelmsii, L. Panax ginseng, Garlic (Allium Sativum), Terminalia Arjuna, Rhus toxicodendron and many more for their Immunomodulatory potential. In addition, many of the immune-boosting and health promoting drugs are available in the market in various dosage forms like in the form of tablets, capsules, candies, juices, kadha, tea, chyawanprash, are also mentioned. Increase in the levels of total leucocytes count (TLC), Differential leucocytes count (DLC), foot paw volume, phagocytic index was observed in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, Neutrophil adhesion test, Acute paw anaphylaxis, phagocytosis, etc, are in vivo and in vitro biological screening methods used for the immunomodulatory activity. [2] Accordingly, this review provides numerous evidences which indicates that these medicinal drugs can be used for treating and boosting immune system and related complications. Keywords: Immune framework, Immune rule, Plant drugs, immunity boosters, marketed preparations.