Rhus Toxicodendron Research Articles

Homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron Induces Cell Adhesions in the Mouse Pre-osteoblast Cell Line MC3T3-e1.

Rhus toxicodendron (R. tox) has been used as a homeopathic remedy for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Previously, we reported that R. tox modulated inflammation in the mouse chondrocyte and pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-e1 cell line. During the inflammatory process, cells adhere to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and then migrate to the inflammation site. We examine here the process of cell adhesion in MC3T3-e1 cells after their stimulation with homeopathic R. tox. For the cell-substrate adhesion assay, the cultured MC3T3-e1 cells were trypsinized, starved for 1 h in serum-free media, and plated onto culture plates coated with fibronectin (FN), 30c R. tox or gelatin, respectively. The cells were allowed to adhere for 20 min incubation and unattached cells were washed out. Adherent cells were measured using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 assay. The intracellular signals after stimulation of R. tox were examined by analyzing the tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Src kinase, and Paxillin using immunoblot assay. Formation of focal adhesion (FA, an integrin-containing multi-protein structure that forms between intracellular actin bundles and the ECM) was analyzed by immunocytochemistry using NIH ImageJ software. Cell adhesion increased after stimulation with R. tox (FN, 20.50%; R. tox, 44.80%; and gelatin, 17.11% vs. uncoated cells [control]). Tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, Paxillin, and Src increased compared with that of gelatin when stimulated with R. tox. Additionally, R. tox-stimulated cells formed many FAs (number of FAs per cell, 35.82 ± 7.68) compared with gelatin-stimulated cells (number of FAs per cell, 19.80 ± 7.18) and exhibited extensive formation of actin stress fibers anchored by FAs formed at the cell periphery. Homeopathic R. tox promotes the formation of cell adhesions in vitro.

Homoeopathic Management of a Case of Severe Haemophilia Type A with Inhibitor Positive: Case Report

AbstractHaemophilia is an X-linked inherited immunogenetic bleeding disorder resulting from deficiency of clotting Factor VIII (haemophilia A) or Factor IX (haemophilia B). Haemophilia patients suffer from complication of developing autoantibodies/inhibitor against clotting factors used for the treatment; most commonly patients are treated with Factor VIII replacement therapy. In modern medicine, haemophiliacs with inhibitor positive status are treated with bypassing agents such as Factor VIII inhibitor bypassing agent and immune tolerance induction therapy (ITI) because such patients do not respond to traditional factor replacement therapy during an event of active bleeding. Treatment with ITI is very expensive and it requires medical expertise. Moreover, high cost of such treatment is one part of the problem, while its availability is another problem especially in developing countries. The inhibitor status among haemophilia patients is identified by conducting a blood test which measures the Bethesda units (BU) levels in the blood. In this case report, the homoeopathic management of a patient with haemophilia A severe type (Factor VIII <1%), inhibitor positive (4 BU/mL), is presented. The patient underwent treatment for a span of 4 years. After closely assessing the patient's condition and applying the principles of homeopathy medicine selection, his frequent bleeding episodes were treated with homoeopathic medicines such as Hamamelis Virginica Q, Phosphorus, Arnica montana, Rhus toxicodendron, Calendula officinalis, and Pulsatilla nigricans. Intercurrent medicine—Tuberculinum bovinum—was given when the most indicated medicine failed to relieve the symptoms of the case and was given during non-bleeding phase. The medicines not only helped in reducing haemophilia-related bleeding episodes but also improved complaints of pain, relieved skin complaints, and showed improvement in overall psychological status of patient. It can be concluded that homeopathy medicines were able to successfully reduce the frequency of bleeding and intensity of pain in this patient. Owing to reduced bleeding, he required relatively a smaller number of factor replacement treatment compared with earlier when he was not taking homeopathy. Homoeopathy proved to be effective in managing severe haemophilia patient as a supportive therapy and was able to contribute toward reduced inhibitor levels in severe haemophilia patient.

Development of a Prognostic Factor Prediction Model in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain Treated with Homeopathy: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Three Randomized Clinical Trials

Background: Prognostic factor research methodology has not yet been applied to randomized clinical trial data of homeopathic medicines. Objectives: To investigate the principle of individualization in homeopathy by developing a prognostic factor prediction model. Method: A pooled, in­dividual patient data meta-analysis of 3 randomized trials ­investigating the efficacy of a homeopathic gel (Spiroflor SRL®) containing Rhus toxicodendron as a key ingredient in osteoarthritis of the knee and acute low back pain. The prognostic value of a predefined set of 5 typical R. toxicodendron symptoms was investigated by assessing treatment-by-symptom interactions on pain as an outcome measure in a regression model. Results: The pooled dataset consisted of 284 patients in the Spiroflor SRL group and 275 patients in the control group. Adjusted for pain at baseline, a statistically significant effect modification for the symptoms “numbness or tingling of the affected part” (+2.0 mm VAS; p = 0.02), “amelioration by movement” (–5.6 mm VAS; p = 0.01), and “amelioration of pain by local heat” (+7.0 mm VAS; p = 0.02) was found. Conclusions: Investigating aspects of treatment individualization in homeopathy using randomized trial data and standard meta-analytical techniques is possible. The symptom amelioration by local heat is of possible value as a homeopathic symptom (prognostic factor) predicting an increased likelihood of pain relief following treatment with the homeopathic product.

Homoeopathic therapy in cervical spondylosis pain management: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Homoeopathic medicines are known to be effective in alleviating pain and other troublesome symptoms of patients suffering from cervical spondylosis. Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of predefined homoeopathic medicines in the pain management of cervical spondylosis using the Cervical Spondylosis Pain Management Scale (CSPMS). Methods: A prospective, double-blind randomised placebo-controlled multicentric clinical trial was conducted from April 2012 to May 2013. Results: Sixty-seven cases were enrolled in the Homoeopathy group and 69 in the placebo group. One hundred and thirty-four cases that completed the follow-ups were analysed. The improvement in pain was 56.18% in the Homoeopathy group and 46.45% in the placebo group, as per CSPMS. The mean improvement between the groups was not significant: 60.36% in the Homoeopathy group and 48.66% in the placebo group. The mean score of quality of life, assessed using the 'Patient's Global Impression of Change Scale,' was 2.29 ± 1.90 quality of life in the Homoeopathy group and 2.93 ± 2.28 in the placebo group. There was 27.95% more improvement in the Homoeopathy group, as compared to the placebo group. Among the most used medicines were Rhus toxicodendron (n = 19) 28.8%, Calcarea carbonica (n = 7) 10.6%, Kalmia latifolia (n = 7) 10.6% and Paris quadrifolia (n = 8) 12.1%. Conclusion: Homoeopathic medicines are effective in management of acute pain due to cervical spondylosis.

Efficacy of Toxicodendron pubescens in relation with serum hyaluronic acid and its application on primary osteoarthritis

Efficacy of Toxicodendron pubescens in relation with serum hyaluronic acid and its application on primary osteoarthritis

Report of a Homeopathic Medication Regimen Containing Artemether/Lumefantrine in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Report of a Homeopathic Medication Regimen Containing Artemether/Lumefantrine in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Effect of Rhustox on Micropropagation of Scoparia dulcis L. through Leaf Explants Culture

Aim: To investigate the effect of Rhus toxicodendron (30CH) along with different compositions of phytohormones (Auxin and Cytokinin) on the basis of growth and multiplication of explants under optimum temperature under in-vitro conditions.
 Study Design: To establish and design the standard protocol for the in-vitro propagation through leaf explant of Scoparia dulcis under stress of phytohormones and homeopathic medicine Rhus toxicodendron (30CH).
 Place and Duration of Study: The plant materials were procured from the Herbal Botanical Garden Patna Science College, Department of Botany, Patna University, Patna, Bihar. The experimental part was carried out in Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, between December 2017 to August 2018 in Department of Botany P.U. Patna.
 Methodlogy: The sterilized leaf explants were inoculated into MS media fortified with different phytohormones (Auxin and Cytokinin) and Rhus tox(30CH) under aseptic environmental conditions for the growth and development of callus, embryoids etc.
 Result: The explants in MS medium supplemented with auxins phytohormones and Rhus tox(30CH) exhibited that IAA (0.10 to 2.0 mg/l) and BAP (0.10 to 2.5 mg/l) induces green and compact calli. Whereas at 0.30mg/l of IAA and 0.50 mg/l BAP induced brown friable calli. 2,4-D (1.5 mg/l) and Kinetin (1.5-6.5mg/l) concentrations induced brown and friable calli. Rhus tox(30CH) (100 µl/100 ml) enhances proliferation with 2,4-D and Kinetin (1.5/1.5 mg/l.).
 Conclusion: After 42 days of culture initiation and establishment the callus was 520.0±1.12 mg in the mixture of 2,4-D and Kinetin (1.5 mg/l) in Rhus tox free medium. Whereas weight of callus were found to be 1092±0.74 mg after 42 days in the same medium of 2, 4-D and Kinetin (1.5/5.5 mg/l) supplemented with Rhus tox (100 µl/100 ml). Hence, the investigation proponded that the Rhus tox (CH30) has increased the rate of callus development and plantlet regeneration.

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Treated with Homoeopathy—A Case Report

AbstractStaphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is an acute superficial blistering skin disorder caused by the exfoliative toxins produced by gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus which predominantly affects children and neonates and can cause serious morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of SSSS is based on clinical findings and requires prompt medical treatment with proper hygiene and adequate diet to achieve successful result. Here, a case of a two and half years old girl is presented with a blistering skin syndrome for past 2 days without taking any conventional medicinal treatment. It was treated successfully with individualised homoeopathic medicines Rhus toxicodendron with dilution 50 millesimal potency 4 (Rhus tox 0/4) with supportive care. Within 6 days of treatment, the patient responded well to the homoeopathy medicine. All the symptoms and signs of staphylococcal skin blister lesions were healed completely within 10 days of treatment without development of any complications and recurrence. Homoeopathy treatment has a positive curative effect in bacterial blister skin lesions. This case report represents an alternative for the treatment of SSSS.

Evaluation of analgesic activity of Toxicodendron radicans in animal model using wistar albino rats

Background: Pain forms an integral part of many clinical conditions management is of great importance in every field of medicine. The core of medicine is to preserve and restore patient’s health and to minimize their suffering. Toxicodendron radicans (rhus toxicodendron) is a homoeopathic remedy with anti-inflammatory activity used for various arthritic pain. Rhus toxicodendron is commonly used in skin, mucus membrane affections, pain in joints, tendons, rheumatism in cold season, cellulitis and infection, fever. During the recent exponential rise in the use of alternative medicines and increasing integration into the health service little research has been done on alternative medicine in the context in which it is practiced.Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. group 1 received control (normal saline), group 2 received vehicle (alcohol with distilled water in ratio 1:4), and group 3 received standard (diclofenac-10 mg/kg), group 4 and 5 consist of 2 test groups-rhus toxicodendron 30x and 200c respectively. Analgesic activity was assessed using Hot water tail immersion method and Eddy’s hot plate method. Preliminary pilot study was done with 4 doses rhus toxicodendron 6x, 12x, 30x, 200c respectively. Data was analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey Kramer multiple comparison test. P value <0.05 was considered as significant.Results: In Eddy’s hot plate method, rhus toxicodendron 30 showed increase in paw withdrawal time which was statistically very significant at the end of 1 hr compared to the control group whereas statistically rhus toxicodendron 200 showed extremely significant analgesic property. In hot water tail immersion method rhus toxicodendron 30 showed increase in tail withdrawal time at the end of 1hr compared to the control group which was significant statistically.Conclusions: This study shows that toxicodendron radicans homoeopathic formulations possess significant analgesic property.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Ultra-diluted Toxicodendron pubescens attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokines and ROS- mediated neuropathic pain in rats

Despite the availability of multiple therapeutic agents, the search for novel pain management of neuropathic pain is still a challenge. Oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling are prominently involved in clinical manifestation of neuropathic pain. Toxicodendron pubescens, popularly known as Rhus Tox (RT) is recommended in alternative medicines as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic remedy. Earlier, we reported anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory activities of Rhus Tox. In continuation, we evaluated antinociceptive efficacy of Rhus Tox in the neuropathic pain and delineated its underlying mechanism. Initially, in-vitro assay using LPS-mediated ROS-induced U-87 glioblastoma cells was performed to study the effect of Rhus Tox on reactive oxygen species (ROS), anti-oxidant status and cytokine profile. Rhus Tox decreased oxidative stress and cytokine release with restoration of anti-oxidant systems. Chronic treatment with Rhus Tox ultra dilutions for 14 days ameliorated neuropathic pain revealed as inhibition of cold, warm and mechanical allodynia along with improved motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) in constricted nerve. Rhus Tox decreased the oxidative and nitrosative stress by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) content, respectively along with up regulated glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in sciatic nerve of rats. Notably, Rhus Tox treatment caused significant reductions in the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as compared with CCI-control group. Protective effect of Rhus Tox against CCI-induced sciatic nerve injury in histopathology study was exhibited through maintenance of normal nerve architecture and inhibition of inflammatory changes. Overall, neuroprotective effect of Rhus Tox in CCI-induced neuropathic pain suggests the involvement of anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Immunomodulatory effects of homoeopathic medicines: A review of pre-clinical studies

Immunomodulation is a kind of regulatory modification in the immune system so as to bring the desired response. In this review the immunomodulatory effects of homoeopathic medicines – Rhus toxicodendron, Mercurius solubilis, Echinacea, Aconitum, Lachesis and Apis – and homoeopathic combination remedy Canova® are discussed. The review was conducted using PubMed and references from the relevant articles. The keywords comprising the names of above homoeopathic medicines along with terms 'immune function', 'cytokines', etc., were used for search. The review shows that homoeopathic medicines produced modulation of immune function at multiple levels such as modulation of expression of genes, stimulation of macrophage and polymorph nuclear cells, changes in expression of surface receptors and induction of cytokines. Extensive studies are required to explore the immunomodulatory effects of vast number of homoeopathic medicines. Studies based on human-derived immune cells specifically need more attention.

A randomised comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathic treatment -vs- standard allopathy treatment for acute adenolymphangitis due to lymphatic filariasis

Objective: The primary objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of homoeopathic treatment with standard allopathic regimen in acute ADL and secondary objective was to assess the reduction in frequency, duration and intensity of subsequent attacks, improvement of the quality of life of patients. Methods: The study was designed as a comparative randomized trial conducted from October 2012 to April 2014, on 112 patients at Regional Research Institute, Puri, Odisha. The ADL patients enrolled were randomized to receive either homoeopathic treatment or standard allopathic treatment for a period of six months. The outcome parameters used were ADL score and WHO QOL Bref. Results: 112 Patients were considered for primary outcome analysis as per the Intention to treat principle. (Homoeopathy= 55 and Allopathy= 57) and were analysed on 11th day of treatment. Both the treatments produced equal improvement in ADL scores. However, during the six months study period, the frequency, duration and intensity of attacks were better in Homoeopathy group compared to allopathy group. There was statistically significant improvement in Homoeopathy for Domain 4 of WHOQOL (P = 0.004) as compared to allopathy group. Medicines like Apismellifica (n = 23), Rhus toxicodendron (n = 20), Pulsatilla (n = 8), Arsenic album (n = 1), Bryonia alba (n = 1), Silicea (n = 1) and Hepar sulph (n = 1) were found most useful in the acute attacks. Conclusion: This study provides evidence to support the fact that individualized homoeopathy treatment is equally effective for ADL as the standard allopathy treatment in the management of ADL.

A retrospective study of homoeopathic treatment in patients with heel pain with or without Calcaneal Spur

Background: Heel pain is a common clinical condition which significantly affects the quality of life. It is frequently associated with calcaneal spur (CS). Despite its high prevalence, the optimal treatment remains unclear. The aim and objective of this study is to evaluate the extent of CS in heel pain; correlation of CS with some sociodemographic and health-related factors; and outcome of homoeopathic treatment over a period of 6 months. Methodology: It was a retrospective study done at Dr. Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Kolkata. Samples were selected from the patients referred for ankle X-ray from August 2014 to July 2015 for nontraumatic heel pain. Their files were traced from outpatient department, and treatment records were reviewed over the next 6 months. Results: Totally 92 patients, 70 women and 22 men, had undergone lateral X-ray of ankle for nontraumatic heel pain, of which 76 (82.6%) patients had CS. Extent of CS was found to be higher in case of females, older age, overweight, and profession of housemaid or manual labor. Homoeopathic treatment showed positive response in nearly 75% of the CS patients. The most useful medicines were Calcarea flouricum, Rhus toxicodendron, Ledum palustre, and Aranea diadema. Conclusion: CS was found in nearly 80% of patients presenting with heel pain, which showed association with female sex, overweight, increasing age, and profession requiring heel stress. Homoeopathic treatment was effective in 3/4th of CS patients, and Rhus toxicodendron and Calcarea flouricum are the two most commonly used medicines.

Prevention of poison ivy dermatitis with oral homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron

Acute allergic contact dermatitis to poison ivy is acommon and miserable dermatosis which affectsmillions of Americans each year. Preventativemeasures, such as avoidance, protective clothing,barrier creams, soaps, and solvents often fail despiteour patients' best attempts. Severe allergic reactionsto poison ivy are a significant source of decreasedemployee productivity owing to inability to work anda major health care expenditure. Patients may haveto leave their jobs and discontinue favorite outdoorrecreational activities as a result of severe urushiolsensitivity. Thus, a simple and effective method ofpreventing poison ivy dermatitis would be of greatbenefit to clinical dermatologists and their patients.Complementary and alternative medical practitionerscommonly prescribe homeopathic poison ivyproducts by mouth for the prevention of poisonivy dermatitis. Yet, conventional dermatologists aremostly unaware of this little known clinical pearl. Theauthor discusses two open studies and anecdotalexperience with administration of homeopathicpoison ivy in the prevention of acute allergic contactdermatitis related to poison ivy exposure. Potentialadvantages could include patient acceptability,ease of administration, affordability, and availability.Randomized clinical trials are needed to furtherevaluate the safety and efficacy of this interesting andpromising clinical tip.

To study the efficacy of Rhus tox in management of cases of osteoarthritis of knee joint

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Arthritis and rheumatism are among the commonest forms of chronic disease and, with an aging population, are set to become commoner still. Strictly speaking, arthritis means disease of the joints, while rheumatism is disease of the soft connective tissues which support and move the joints. There are many problems with current conventional treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. Although the new generation of NSAIDs is safer, they are only glorified painkillers, which do not affect the basic disease process. Similarly for rheumatoid arthritis, a range of powerful drugs is available but all of these have long and alarming lists of side effects. Thus the main aim of this research study is to prove the efficacy of Homoeopathy in managing cases of Osteoarthritis without any side-effects<span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 30 cases were selected fitting the case definition. Age group of 45-79 years was chosen for the study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were laid down. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and <strong>Kellgren and Lawrence system</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> of</span> classifying the severity of knee-osteoarthritis<strong> </strong>were used to assess the severity and outcome.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> All the results were tabulated. Graphical presentation was made of all the observations. Scores before and after treatment was compared. It was found that there was vast difference in scores before and after treatment<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Rhus tox was found to be effective in managing cases of Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint<span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p>

Effect of Herbal Homeopathic Monopreparations on the Rate of Tissue Lymphatic Drainage in Healthy Mice.

We studied the effects of homeopathic monopreparations of plant origin Atropa Belladonna and Rhus toxicodendron in three dilutions (potencies) on interstitial humoral transport in healthy laboratory mice assessed by the rate of excretion of the lymphotropic label from the mesentery according to the Oyvin's method (vital biomicroscopy of intestinal mesentery in small animals). The homeopathic monopreparations exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the interstitial transport and lymphatic drainage in tissues of healthy mice.

Proving the Effectiveness of Homeopathic Remedy Using a Cell-based System

Background: Homeopathy is a medical system based on the principle of “like cures like”. It involves the use of natural substances that can cause a similar illness in a healthy person to stimulate the healing process. Homeopathic medicines use an ultra-diluted concentration of substances, which cannot be measured; therefore, their effectiveness is a matter of debate. Methods: To prove the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies, mRNA and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using RT-PCR and immunoblotting in primary cultured mouse chondrocytes and pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-e1 cells stimulated with a homeopathic dilution of Rhus toxicodendron. Results: COX-2mRNA and protein were highly expressed in both chondrocytes and MC3T3-e1 cells stimulated with Rhus toxicodendron. Conclusion: Rhus toxicodendron has been used as a homeopathic medicine to ameliorate arthritic pain and to modulate inflammatory conditions. During the inflammatory process, COX-2 is upregulated, which subsequently increases prostaglandin E2 production. Homeopathic dilution of Rhus toxicodendron increased COX-2 mRNA and protein expression, as confirmed by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. This study provides a unique approach for establishing the effectiveness of homeopathy; however, further studies are needed to examine the exact cellular signaling mechanisms.

Treatment with Ruta graveolens 5CH and Rhus toxicodendron 9CH may reduce joint pain and stiffness linked to aromatase inhibitors in women with early breast cancer: results of a pilot observational study.

To determine the possible effect of two homeopathic medicines, Ruta graveolens 5CH and Rhus toxicodendron 9CH, in the prevention of aromatase inhibitor (AI) associated joint pain and/or stiffness in women with early, hormone-receptor positive, breast cancer. This prospective, unrandomized observational study was carried out between April and October 2014. Women were recruited in two groups, according to which of the two study centres they attended: one receiving homeopathy in addition to standard treatment (group H) and a control group, receiving standard treatment (group C). All women were treated with an AI. In addition, women in group H also took Ruta graveolens 5CH and Rhus toxicodendron 9CH (5 granules, twice a day) up to 7 days before starting AI treatment. The homeopathic medicines were continued for 3 months. Demographic and clinical data were recorded using a self-assessment questionnaire at inclusion (T0) and 3 months (T3). Primary evaluation criteria were the evolution of scores for joint pain and stiffness, the impact of pain on sleep and analgesic consumption in the two groups after 3 months of treatment. Forty patients (mean age 64.9±8.1 years) were recruited, 20 in each group. Two-thirds of the patients had joint pain before starting AI treatment. There was a significant difference in the evolution of mean composite pain score between T0 and T3 in the two groups (-1.3 in group H vs. +3.4 in group C; p=0.0001). The individual components of the pain score (frequency, intensity and number of sites of pain) also decreased significantly in group H. Nine patients in group C (45%) vs. 1 (5%) in group H increased their analgesic consumption between T0 and T3 (p=0.0076). After 3 months of treatment, joint pain had a worse impact on sleep in patients in group C (35% vs. 0% of patients; p=0.0083). The differences observed in the evolution of morning and daytime stiffness between the two groups were smaller (p=0.053 and p=0.33, respectively), with the exception of time necessary for the disappearance of morning stiffness which was greater in group C (37.7±23.0 vs. 17.9±20.1min; p=0.0173). These preliminary results suggest that treatment with Ruta graveolens 5CH and Rhus toxicodendron 9CH may decrease joint pain/stiffness in breast cancer patients treated with AIs. A larger-scale randomized study is required to confirm these results.

SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF DERMATOPHYLOSIS USING HOMEOPATHY MEDICINES IN COWS

Six pluriparous Holstein Friesian cross bred cows of age between 4 years to 6 years with dermatophilosis were examined and treated with Homeopathic medicines.Direct microscopic examination of the impression smears of skin lesions and bacterial culture confirmed the organisms D. congolensis. The animals were treated with homeopathic medicines, Rhus tox 30 C, Sepia 30 C, Thuja 200X and Psorinum 30 C. Treated animals showed cessation of itching, oozing and shedding off scabs from 3rd day to 5th day and the crusts started falling off from the lesions between 3rd to 4th day of treatment. Hair regrowth started from 12 days and complete healing without any scarring was observed within 25 to 28 days . The disease did not recur on the treated animals during the follow up period of one year even during the next rainy season.

An observation on direct changes in Aedes albopictus midgut cells by Rhus tox 6C in relation to dengue virus infection

Background and Objectives: In mosquito vectors, dengue virus (DENV) invasion occurs through midgut cells, but available mosquito cell lines for in vitro study of DENV are prepared from eggs or larvae, which are not appropriate models, to study its infectivity. Hence, we developed a new primary cell culture, from Aedes albopictus mosquito midgut, and standardized it for in vitro study of DENV, with an aim to find out any possible role of homoeopathic medicines, in preventing or reducing DENV invasiveness in these midgut cells. This midgut primary cell culture demonstrated prominent cytopathic effects on infection with wild DENV isolated from dengue-infected patients in viremic phase. Materials and Methods: In this paper, we observed the direct effect of homoeopathic medicine Rhus toxicodendron 6C (Rhus tox 6C) (ultra dilution of 10−12 ) on this primary cell culture, to find out significant changes, to be used as baseline data in future experiments to observe possible role of Rhus tox 6C against DENV infection in these cells. Hence, these direct changes may be a prerequisite for the action of this medicine against DENV invasion; as this is one of common repertoire homoeopathic medicines used against dengue fever. Conclusion and Discussion: In our experiments, we found that Rhus tox 6C could increase cell size and help organization of cells on the solid surface as observed under scanning electron microscope although the total number of cells was decreased. Moreover, Rhus tox 6C treated cells were healthier as indicated by less number of deformed, clump, and diploform cells.