Rhus Toxicodendron Research Articles

INVESTIGATION OF CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USING ARTEMIA SALINA (BRINE SHRIMP TEST)

Medicinal plants have been screened for their biological activity using Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina leach). Brine shrimp lethality test was used to investigate the cytotoxic activity of plant extracts. After 24 hour of treatment, the larvicidal activity was assessed on the base of percentage of larval mortality. The bioactivity of hydroalcoholic extracts of different parts of medicinal plants, at different concentrations (1-5000 µg/mL), was evaluated with the shrimp lethality assay. Lethality concentration (LC50) was obtained using probit analysis. Out of the 17 plants tested, Veratrum album Bernh, Capsicum annuum L, Atropa belladonna L, Toxicodendron pubescens Mill and Berberis vulgaris L exhibited potent brine shrimp lethality with LC50 of 400, 420, 430, 610 and 612 µg/mL, respectively.

Homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron has dual effects on the inflammatory response in the mouse preosteoblastic cell line MC3T3-e1

Homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox) is used for several symptoms including skin irritations, rheumatic pains, mucous membrane afflictions, and typhoid type fever. Previously, we reported that Rhus tox treatment increased the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression in primary cultured mouse chondrocytes. A preosteoblastic mouse cell line, MC3T3-e1, was treated with different homeopathic dilutions of Rhus tox and the COX-2 mRNA and protein expression was examined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting. Additionally, nitric oxide (NO) generation was examined in LPS-induced MC3T3-e1 cells using a Griess reaction assay. Stimulation with different concentrations of Rhus tox increased the expression of Cox2 mRNA, with 30X Rhus tox showing the most prominent increase in mRNA expression. In addition, treatment with 30X Rhus tox significantly increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release compared with other homeopathic dilutions. However, the COX-2 protein expression level differed slightly from its mRNA expression, because the 30C Rhus tox treatment increased COX-2 protein to a greater extent compared with other dilutions. NO generation was dramatically decreased in MC3T3-e1 cells after Rhus tox treatment co-stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Homeopathic dilution of Rhus tox has a dual activity that increases COX-2 expression and decreases NO generation, thus modulating inflammation. Further study is needed to examine the cellular signaling mechanisms that are associated with inflammatory regulation by Rhus tox treatment in greater detail.

Standardization of homeopathic mother tincture of Toxicodendron pubescens and correlation of its flavonoid markers with the biological activity

Standardization and quality control of homeopathic drugs is very challenging. As mother tinctures are derived from complex natural resources, there is a need of systematic evaluation of chemical markers which correlate with the proposed biological activities of mother tinctures. In present study, High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) standardization method of homeopathic mother tinctures of Toxicodendron pubescens using quercitrin and rutin as chemical markers is validated and correlations of content of these markers with its anti-inflammatory effects are established. For HPTLC analysis, precoated silica gel plates were used as stationary phase. Two flavonoids, namely quercitrin and rutin were used as markers. Separation was achieved using methylene chloride:methanol:water:glacial acetic acid (15:1.5:1:8 v/v/v) as mobile phase. The developed plates were scanned at 365 nm. It was observed that quercitrin (Rf value 0.63) and Rutin (Rf value 0.41) are well resolved. The minimum detectable concentrations for quercitrin and rutin were 5 ng/spot. The linearity range was between 100 and 2000 ng/spot for both the markers. Subsequently, anti-inflammatory activity of these formulations was determined against carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, pain threshold determined by electronic Von-Frey apparatus and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) on hot-plate. All the tested formulations of Rhus Tox showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity against carrageenan induced paw edema in rats. Quantitative correlation between the content of markers and anti-inflammatory activity of mother tinctures was established. Anti-inflammatory effect as well as effect on paw withdrawal and pain threshold, at third hour after carrageenan injection, correlated with quercitrin and rutin content in the respective formulations. This study validates a quantitative HPTLC method for standardization of homeopathic mother tincture of Rhus Tox and establishes quercitrin and rutin as markers corresponding its biological activity. Contents of quercitrin and rutin in T. pubescens mother tincture correlates with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions and the validated HPTLC method can be used in standardization of homeopathic mother tincture of T. pubescens.

Survey of immuno-allergological ultra high dilution research

Experiments about basic research in Immuno-allergology reported by M. Bastide and B. Poitevin in Ultra High Dilution (1994) have been appraised from a 20 year perspective. The numerous experiments published mainly focus on immunological regulation, inflammatory process and basophil activation. They are analyzed according to one essential criterion: repeatability. The commentary reflects the research details made available in a recently published literature review, also published in French. The regulatory effect of high dilution of bursin on immune response has been observed in multiple experiments but not reproduced by independent teams. The immunomodulating effect of Thymulin has been confirmed in mice. Rhus toxicodendron has an anti-inflammatory activity on different models, from mother tincture (TM) to very high dilutions. The homeopathic complex Canova activates macrophages in vitro and in vivo, induces lymphocyte proliferation, and reduces the size of tumors and mortality of sarcoma-bearing mice. Some homeopathic medicines used in clinical inflammation modulate in vitro the neutrophil activation, with variability in the protocols used and in the medicines tested. In allergology, high dilution histamine has an inhibitory effect on basophil activation in multicenter trials and with independent teams, either with methods implying a change in basophil staining or with flow cytometry. However, high dilution histamine had no effect in some well-conducted experiments. The inhibitory effect of Apis mellifica has not been studied with the flow cytometry method, as well as the activation of basophil by anti-IgE high dilution, published in Nature. Despite considerable research activity in immuno-allergology and a great increase in the number of publications, there is still not in this domain a "gold standard" trial in basic research in homeopathy. The most studied system, the inhibitory effect of histamine high dilutions on basophil activation, requires clarifications of various factors, including individual sensitivity. For scientific and epistemological reasons, the same work should be carried out for independent reproduction of the experiments conducted with anti-IgE and Apis mel high dilution, in complement of the new axes of research in immunoallergology developed since 20 years.

Case of Ankylosing Spondylitis

All the beauty of homeopathy and the human mind got revealed to me when this patient's X-rays with stage II ankylosing spondylitis turned back to normal. The impetus from <i>Rhus toxicodendron</i> gave him an opportunity to lead a healthy life. His HLA B27 was positive. The disease returned in the knee as effusion. Eventually he did not choose homeopathy to work together with me to “<i>mind his min</i>.” This article is the understanding of how I understand this drama and integrate the lessons in my practice.

Acupuncture versus Homeopathy as a Complementary Therapy in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee is a major cause of disability with treatment focused only on control of symptoms. The conservative non surgical management of knee osteoarthritis is to control the signs and symptoms. However, knee replacements are common for knee osteoarthritis. Despite the popularity of both acupuncture and homeopathy, evidence of their efficacy for treatment of osteoarthritis remains controversy. Aim of the work: To assess the efficacy of Acupuncture compared with Homeopathy and with the usual conservative treatment (analgesics and physiotherapy) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients and Methods: Seventy-five patients who had had chronic pain for at least 6 months due to osteoarthritis of the knee (American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria and Kellgren-Lawrence score of 2) were admitted to the study. During the study, all of the subjects continued on their conservative therapy, which remained unchanged throughout the study. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups. Group I (Acupuncture group): Included 25 patients who were subjected to acupuncture at the standardized acu-point stimulation treatment without electrical stimulation. Sessions were done twice weekly from base line visit to week six. Group II (Homeopathy group): Included 25 patients who were given oral doses of homeopathic remedies that were commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (Arnica Montana, Ruta graveolans and Rhus toxicodendron). Group III (Control group): Included 25 patients who continued only on their pre-study medications. Pain intensity on visual analog scale (VAS), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were recorded for each patient before the beginning of treatment, during each visit and at the end of the sessions. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: Pain was significantly improved on both VAS and pain subscale of the WOMAC in group I. Also, the number of tender points decreased significantly and there was a significant decrease in the number of patients receiving analgesics for pain control at the end of the study (p<0.05). In addition, a statistically significant improvement in knee function was detected (p<0.05) on the total WOMAC score for knee osteoarthritis and both the function and stiffness subscales of the WOMAC, in addition a statistically significant decrease in knee swelling (knee circumference) was detected in group I. There was also a significant increase in patient quality of life assessed by the HAQ score for group I and this gain was significantly greater than the gain in the control group. There was a statistically significant improvement in the total WOMAC score, (both VAS and pain subscale of the WOMAC) and a significant reduction in the number of tender points in group II. Moreover, a significant decrease in the number of patients receiving analgesics for pain control was reported in this group (p<0.05). In addition, the improvement of pain and function was statistically greater (p<0.05) in comparison to the control group (group III). Conclusions: Both Acupuncture and Homeopathy were effective in reducing pain and improving function of the knee compared to the usual care group but acupuncture was significantly more effective than homeopathy. Moreover, Acupuncture significantly decreased the knee circumference (swelling) while homeopathy and usual care did not significantly decrease the swelling.

EHMTI-0029. Medicated headache mask

Aims This study was performed to determine the efficacy of an anticephalgic photoprotective mask in conjunction with a topical medication containing bryonia and rhus toxicodendron in the treatment of migraine and/or tension headache. Methods Thirty-three patients were given masks and tubes of topical medication containing the bryonia and rhus toxicodendron. They were instructed to apply the medication to their frontalis and/or temporalis regions in the event they should suffer a headache and apply a photoprotective mask. Furthermore, they were instructed to take their usual oral or parenteral medications if required for the relief of the headache. They subsequently filled out forms rating the degree of relief which they attributed to the topical medication and the mask using a 0-10 scale. At the interview following the completion of their participation in the study, the patients were also simply asked if this form of treatment helped or not. Results Thirty out of 33 patients stated the medication and the mask were effective over and above the normal degree of relief they were receiving from their oral and/or parenteral medications. This study demonstrated a significant efficacy rate (91%) in the treatment of migraine and/or tension headache with the anticephalgic mask in conjunction with a topical cream containing bryonia and rhus toxicodendron. Conclusions This study demonstrated a significant efficacy rate in the treatment of migraine and/or tension headache with the anticephalgic mask in conjunction with a topical cream containing bryonia and rhus toxicodendron. No conflict of interest.

Homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron treatment increased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in primary cultured mouse chondrocytes

Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox) is a homeopathic remedy with anti-inflammatory activities used for arthritis pain. We studied the effects of 4×, 30×, 30c and 200c homeopathic dilutions of Rhus tox in primary cultured mouse chondrocytes. We examined the expression of collagen type II, a marker protein of chondrocytes, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is responsible for the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the regulation of the inflammatory response. We assessed the expression of collagen type II and COX-2 using biochemical and immunological methods, such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative (or real-time) RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunoblot assays. Stimulation with different concentrations of Rhus tox increased the mRNA expression of COX-2, and stimulation with 30× Rhus tox showed the most prominent mRNA expression in both RT-PCR and qRT-PCR analyses. We also observed that homeopathic dilutions of 4×, 30× and 30c Rhus tox inhibited collagen type II expression, suggesting that Rhus tox induced the dedifferentiation of chondrocytes. In addition, treatment with 30× Rhus tox significantly increased PGE2 release compared with other homeopathic dilutions of Rhus tox. Taken together, these results suggest that homeopathic treatment with Rhus tox induced chondrocyte dedifferentiation and inflammatory responses, such as COX-2 expression and PGE2 production, in primary cultured chondrocytes.

Evidence-based homoeopathy: A case of acute paraphimosis with balanitis

Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin of the uncircumcised or partially circumcised male is retracted behind the glans penis, develops venous and lymphatic congestion and cannot be returned to its normal position. This urological emergency impedes blood flow to the glans penis with potential for permanent damage and gangrene. In infants and young children, paraphimosis usually results from self-manipulation by the child or inappropriate retraction of the foreskin by the caretaker in misguided attempts at cleaning. In the sexually active adolescent or adult male, intercourse is a potential precipitant. Iatrogenic paraphimosis follows cystoscopy or bladder catheterisation if the foreskin is not pulled back over the glans penis by the medical provider. This surgical intervention can be avoided through homoeopathic treatment. A case of paraphimosis with balanitis of an adolescent treated with homoeopathy is reported here. This case shows the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines, Apis mellifica, Rhus toxicodendron, Cinnabaris and Mercurius solubilis, in not only giving symptomatic relief to the patient but also restoring the foreskin completely to its normal position.

Toxicodendron pubescens retains its anti-arthritic efficacy at 1M, 10M and CM homeopathic dilutions

Our previous studies of Toxicodendron pubescens (Rhus tox) in homeopathic dilutions have shown anti-inflammatory activity in line with the principle of similia. The present study aimed to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity in 1M, 10M and CM dilutions in rats. Arthritis was induced by subplantar injection of 0.1 ml of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) in the right hind paws of rats. The severity of inflammatory lesions was measured plethysmometrically on 21st day post CFA injection. The intensity of pain was measured using digital Von Frey apparatus. Other estimations included serum C-reactive protein (CRP), hematological parameters, body weight changes, arthritic pain score and radiological analysis of the arthritic paws. The 1M, 10M and CM homeopathic dilutions of Rhus tox reduced primary and secondary arthritic lesions, improved body weight gain and protected rats against CFA-induced hematological and radiological perturbations. A significant reduction in the serum levels of CRP and an improvement in pain threshold of injected paws was observed in the groups treated with the Rhus tox dilutions. The anti-arthritic potential of Rhus tox is retained at 1M, 10M and CM dilutions.

Phenotypic evidence of ultra-highly diluted homeopathic remedies acting at gene expression level: a novel probe on experimental phage infectivity in bacteria

To explore if some ultra-highly diluted homeopathic remedies claimed to have antiviral effects can demonstrate any discernible action in the bacteria Escherichia coli through modulating infectivity potentials of the bacteriophage φX174 DNA. φX174 was selected because of its known host specificity to E. coli and its constitutive expression of lytic gene E when inside the bacterial host. We deployed the "bacteriophage assay system" by "top layer agar plating" method of plaque-counting for evaluation of efficacy of the homeopathic remedies in rendering the bacteria's protective ability against the attack of φX174. The plaque number in the agar-plated Petri dishes, either containing the phage-bacteria mixture subjected to one of the diluted homeopathic drugs under test (1% volume ratio; Belladonna 30C, Rhus Tox 30C, Arnica 30C) or the succussed 1% "alcoholic vehicle" of the drug was recorded. The plaques represented the bacterial colony actually infected and lysed by φX174. Conversely, we subjected φX174 to the homeopathic drug treatment before allowing them to interact with the bacteria to ascertain if the drug itself had any direct effect on the infective potential of the phage DNA entering into the bacterial cell. Each homeopathic remedy showed a significant decrease in plaque number on pretreated bacteria (1 h prior to infection) with respect to untreated and placebo-treated controls; there was only an insignificant change in the plaque number when φX174 was pretreated with the drugs. As φX174 starts lytic cycle when inside the bacterial cell, the loss of plaque number would mean that either the lytic gene E in many was repressed or the entire phage DNA was annihilated by the bacterial gene product (restriction enzymes) known to be regulated by a cluster of genes. This provides phenotypic evidence for the ability of ultra-highly diluted homeopathic remedies to regulate expression of certain gene(s) depending on need of the organism.

Traitement des lésions cutanées dues aux inhibiteurs du récepteur du facteur de croissance épithéliale

The new targeted therapies of the epidermal growth factor receptor, used in oncology to block cancer cells multiplication, trigger the appearance of skin lesions with, in particular, folliculitis of the upper body in nearly all patients. In the absence of a consensus or of studies on an allopathic solution to these side effects, and in answer to patients’ requests for a treatment which would work and be well tolerated, a specific homeopathic protocol has been devised. After listing all the dermatological side effects encountered and checking them against the Materia Medica, it appears that systematically prescribing Rhus toxicodendron and Graphites will help. In some cases, when the results were not good enough, it was also necessary to use hetero-isotherapy of the relevant medicine in 7 CH dilution on a daily basis. About 20 patients have been treated in this way either as a preventative or a curative measure. Results were favourable and antibiotic therapy was shortened or avoided altogether in the majority of cases.

Modulation of arthritis in rats by Toxicodendron pubescens and its homeopathic dilutions

Toxicodendron pubescens P. Mill (Anacardiaceae) known in homeopathy as Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox) is used as an anti-inflammatory medicine in homeopathic practice. In this study, Rhus tox in its crude form and homeopathic dilutions (3cH, 6cH, 30cH, 200cH) was evaluated for effects on Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis in rats. We assessed the severity of arthritis through observations including inflammatory lesions, body and organ weight and hematological parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP). Blinded radiological analysis of the affected joints and pain intensity determination was also carried out. Rhus tox protected rats from CFA-induced inflammatory lesions, body weight changes and hematological alterations. Rhus tox protected against radiological joint alterations due to arthritis. Arthritic pain scores were also favorably affected by Rhus tox. All the dilutions of Rhus tox including crude form showed anti-arthritic activity. The maximum protective effect was evident in the crude form at 10mg/kg/day, by mouth. This study supports claims in the homeopathic literature on the role of Rhus tox and its ultra dilutions in the treatment of arthritis and associated pain. Further study is needed to explain this anti-arthritic effect of Rhus tox.

Immunomodulatory activity of Toxicodendron pubescens in experimental models

Toxicodendron pubescens is a botanical name of Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox). This plant is widely used in its homeopathically diluted form in the treatment of inflammatory and edematous conditions. In this study, various dilutions of Rhus tox including its crude form have been evaluated for their effects on immune response in the in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Rhus tox in the form of mother tincture, 6cH, 30cH, 200cH and 1000cH dilutions was tested through in vivo models including sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) induced cellular and humoral immune response in C57/BL6 mice. The effects of Rhus tox dilutions were also evaluated in vitro on the functions of human polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells such as phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Candida albicans, chemotaxis, and reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye. Rhus tox was found to intensify SRBCs induced antibody titer and delayed type hypersensitivity response in mice. Even higher dilutions such as 200cH and 1000cH were found to affect the immune response; however, the crude form, mother tincture, 6cH and 30cH dilutions revealed more potent effects than the 200cH and 1000cH dilutions. In in vitro assays, all the dilutions exerted stimulation of phagocytosis, candidacidal activity and chemotaxis of human PMN cells. The NBT dye reduction assay revealed that oxidative processes in the PMN cells are accelerated in the presence of Rhus tox. This study shows that Rhus tox possesses immunostimulatory activity in its crude form as well as in homeopathically diluted forms. These effects appeared to be concentration dependent as higher dilutions had less potent effects.

Dual effect of Toxicodendron pubescens on Carrageenan induced paw edema in rats

Toxicodendron pubescens is the current botanical name of homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox). Rhus tox drug is widely used in homeopathically diluted form in the treatment of inflammatory and edematous conditions. We studied the effect of crude form of this plant, after single and multiple doses in Carrageenan induced paw inflammation in rats. We evaluated effects of single dose and multiple doses of orally administered Rhus tox on Carrageenan induced paw inflammation in rats. We tested 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg doses of Rhus tox. In the single dose study, Rhus tox was administered 1 h prior to the subplantar injection of Carrageenan. In the multiple dose study, Rhus tox was administered twice daily for three days and Carrageenan was injected 1 h after the last dose. Paw volume was measured using a digital plethysmometer. Administration of a single dose of Rhus tox 1h prior to injection of Carrageenan significantly reduced the paw inflammation in a dose dependent manner. Administration of multiple doses of Rhus tox increased the intensity of inflammation induced by Carrageenan, but this was not statistically significant. Rhus tox, in crude form, exerts anti-inflammatory effects after a single dose and proinflammatory effect after multiple doses in Carrageenan induced paw inflammation in rats. Further study is needed to explain this dual effect.

Immunological studies on Rheumatoid Arthritis treated with Homeopathic drugs: Results of the Pilot Study

Introduction & Objective: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a systemic disease, is characterized by a chronic inflammatory reaction in the synovium of joints. The inflammation is mediated by inflammatory cytokines. The objective of the study was to evaluate efficacy of homeopathic drugs and changes in the cytokine profile of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with homeopathic drugs. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 10 healthy controls completed this pilot study. The patients were treated with Rhus tox. (8), Pulsatilla (8) and Medorrhinum (9) according to totality of symptoms. The control group (10) received placebo. The patients were evaluated for disease activity at the time of enrollment in the study and after 3 weeks of therapy. Serum cytokine levels (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α) were measured at baseline and after 3 weeks of treatment. Result: Patients receiving Rhus tox. showed significant improvement in Patient Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for global assessment of disease after 3 weeks of therapy compared to placebo group( p = 0.03). Patients receiving Pulsatilla showed a significant improvement in tender joint count (p = 0.01) at the end of 3 weeks compared to baseline. They also showed significant decrease in ESR (p = 0.02) as compared to placebo. However, hs-CRP values in treatment groups did not show significant difference when compared to the placebo group at baseline and after therapy. There was a significant decrease in IL 6 levels after 3 weeks of therapy in the patients treated with Rhus tox. and Medorrhinum compared to placebo (p=0.05 and 0.04 respectively). Surprisingly, there was a significant increase in IL 6 level in the placebo group compared to their baseline values (p = 0.04), suggesting ineffectiveness of placebo and worsening of the disease process. Conclusion: In the present open label placebo controlled pilot study patients treated with 3 weeks of homeopathic drugs showed improvement in clinical features, reduction in parameters of inflammation and IL6 levels. These observations suggest a possible immunomodulatory role of homeopathic drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis which need to be confirmed by further studies.

Clinical evaluation of homoeopathic medicines in sinusitis

Objectives: This study aimed to evolve a group of most effective homoeopathic medicines in the management of sinusitis, to identify their reliable indications, most useful potencies, frequency of administration, and their relationship with other medicines. Methods: An open, multi-centric, prospective, observational study was carried out during the period 1985 -2003. A total of 950 patients (424 males, 526 females), of both acute and chronic type, were registered on the basis of subjective and/or objective symptoms of sinusitis. Patients presenting with the complications of sinusitis or requiring hospitalization were excluded from the study. Homoeopathic medicines in different potencies (Q, 6, 30, 200 & 1M) were administered according to their prescribing indications. All the enrolled patients were treated for the period ranging from 1 month to 6 years depending upon acute or chronic nature of the disease condition. Besides homoeopathic intervention, patients were advised to follow general measures like steam inhalation and to avoid cold exposure. Results: Different clinical patterns were observed, viz. acute/chronic, frontal, fronto-maxillary (mixed), sphenoidal, ethmoidal and maxillary sinusitis. Three hundred and ninety four patients were followed up, out of which 138 patients were cured with no relapse after a follow up period of one year; varying degrees of improvement were seen, viz. marked improvement in 80 patients, moderate improvement in 91 patients, mild improvement in 66 patients. While 04 patients showed aggravation of their condition, 15 patients did not improve. In 141 patients of fronto-maxillary sinusitis, objective symptoms were relieved. Belladonna (n=16), Kali bichromicum (n=21), Nux vomica (n=14), Rhus toxicodendron (n=15), and Silicea (n=21) were found to be useful medicines in comparision to other medicines. Conclusion: This long term observational study indicated a positive role of homoeopathic medicines in the management of sinusitis. A group of medicines have been identified which have benefited the patients, when used on the basis of prescribing indications.

Hemmung von Tumor-Matrix-Metalloproteinasen durch Rhus toxicodendron L.

Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox) weist in den homöopathischen Potenzen D 2, D 4, D 6 in vitro eine deutliche Hemmung der besonders für das Tumorwachstum und Metastasierung bedeutsamen Matrix-Metallo-Proteinasen MMP 2 und 9 auf.

In vivo study of the anti-inflammatory effect of Rhus toxicodendron

Homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox) is used in various inflammatory conditions. We screened its effect compared to succussed ethanol controls and appropriate active controls. We initially experimented with Rhus tox 6, 12, 30 and 200 cH, using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. The 6 cH dilution appeared most effective and was used in subsequent assays. We used pre-treatment and single treatment regimes in Wistar rats, and mice. We found significant reductions compared to control in carrageenan-induced paw oedema, vascular permeability, writhing induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and stress induced gastric lesions. Rhus tox in homeopathic dilution appears to interfere with inflammatory processes involving histamine, prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators.

Hahnemann's experiments with 50 millesimal potencies: A further review of his casebooks

Background A review of Hahnemann's clinical records at the Institute for History of Medicine of the Robert Bosch Foundation in Stuttgart shows that until the end of his life, Hahnemann continued to refine his clinical method, based on clinical cases. His “most perfected method” motivated him to write the sixth edition of the The Organon of the Healing Art, proposing solutions controlling the side effects he observed with repeated doses of homeopathic medicines. Unfortunately, this was published many years posthumously. The sixth edition of The Organon introduced the fifty-millesimal scale. Objectives To identify the clinical cases treated with fifty-millesimal potencies and analyze Hahnemann's use of them. Results 1836 prescriptions of fifty-millesimal potencies were found, between 1837 and 1843 in three phases: initially sporadic; later compared regularly to centesimal dynamizations; and finally systematically. Thirty five medicines were identified in fifty-millesimal prescriptions, seven in potencies higher than 10 and only 3 ( Sulphur, Mercurius solubilis and Rhus toxicodendron) used in the 30th degree. This accords with Haehl's information about the remedies in Hahnemann's case of fifty-millesimal potencies. Conclusions Hahnemann probably decided to write the sixth edition, in 1840, to incorporate his latest experience with the repetition of potentized doses and periodically modified potencies. He must have revised it after February 1842 to include his latest findings with fifty-millesimal potencies in ascending degrees. Hahnemann's conception about the superiority of the fifty-millesimal in comparison with the centesimal dynamization was based on a significant number of experiments with the two scales.