Rhus Toxicodendron Research Articles

A retrospective study to show the effectiveness of homoeopathic medicine in bronchitis among children

Bronchitis is a sudden swelling in the major airways into the lungs, called bronchi. It is usually caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by breathing in things that irritate the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, fumes, dust, and air pollution. Bacteria sometimes cause bronchitis.Children are more prone to bronchitis and it accounts for about 25% of the OPD visits. Hence, this retrospective study is done to focus on the prevalence of bronchitis in children. A retrospective clinical study is done with 129 cases taken between July 2021 and December 2021 in the OPD of Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College. After a thorough study, it is evident that there is an increased prevalence of bronchitis in children and it has been treated based on totality of the symptoms.Much about acute bronchitis in children is uncertain even its definition. This study was undertaken to help build a clinical definition to serve as a guide for further research. Charts of 129 children 0 to 18 years old were reviewed. In a child with a cough bronchitis is more likely to be diagnosed if there is a history of sputum production Rales or rhonchi on examination and a past history of lower respiratory disease. Commonly used Homoeopathic medicines to treat bronchitis in children are Arsenicum album, Bryonia alba, Rhus toxicodendron, Pulsatilla, Antimonium tartaricum which showed their marked improvement in improving the sufferings of the children.

A case report of bullous pemphigoid treated with homoeopathy

This is a case of 20 years female having multiple vesicles filled with fluid present on her both hands since 4 months, having various sizes from pin point to very large accompanied with intense itching and burning. Systematic case taking followed by repertorisation was done according totality of symptoms by Synthesis Repertory using RADAR software in order to select the individualised homoeopathic remedy where Ranunculus bulbosus, Rhus Toxicodendron, Phosphorus, and Sulphur were shortlisted. The patient responded well to the individualised homoeopathic treatment in a very short period of time.

Homoeopathy in a case of head injury: A case report

A head injury is any trauma to the scalp, skull or brain. Head injury can be either closed or open (penetrating). Common head injuries include concussions, skull fractures and scalp wounds. We are discussing here an emergency case of head injury having frontal pain with swelling and bruises on face associated with for 2 hours given primary care treated therapeutically first then repertorization of the case was done according to the characteristic symptoms of the case. Many medicines have been obtained after repertorization of the case including Arnica, Nux vomica, Rhus tox, Aurum etc., but the best selected medicine was found out to be Arnica as it scored highest and covering all the rubrics of the case.

USE OF A HOMEOPATHIC PRODUCT IN DOGS REDUCES THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF CANINE ATOPIC DERMATITIS

This study aimed to determine whether a homeopathic product formulated based on Hepar sulfur, Rhus toxicodendron, Graphites, and Urtica urens would prevent atopic dermatitis in dogs. Ten male beagle dogs were used, divided into two groups with five repetitions per group. The control (CO) animals received a diet with 0.5 mL/day of placebo for 30 consecutive days in a preventive manner, and we later added ethoxyquin at 0.4 mg/day. The treated group (TRA) received a ration with 0.5 mL/day of homeopathic for 30 consecutive days as a preventive, and we later added ethoxyquin at 0.4 mg/day. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 30, and 40 to analyze antioxidant and oxidant status. In an ethogram, the presence of a crusted lesion, alopecic lesion, or hair loss were evaluated at three timepoints: pre-challenge, 5, and 10 days post-challenge. No lesions were observed in the pre-challenge period. Dogs fed the homeopathic on day 5 after challenge presented 40% less crusted lesion and 60% less hair loss than the control. Nitric oxide (NOx) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased over time in both groups (P < 0.001). On day 40 of the experiment, lower levels of NOx (P < 0.001) and ROS (P < 0.025) were observed in the TRA group than in the CO group. In contrast, glutathione S-transferase activity increased over time in both groups (P < 0.001); however, this increase on day 40 was more significant in the dogs in the treated group than in the control (P < 0.010). We conclude that the preventive addition of homeopathic reduced the incidence of skin lesions and prevented oxidative stress caused by canine atopic dermatitis.

Behavior of rats treated with Rhus toxicodendron 200cH

One of the main pathogenetic characteristics of Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus-t) is the presence of articular pain and aggravation on standing, which improve only by motion. The present study proposes an experimental model to evaluate the action of Rhus-t 200cH. Rats were divided into 3 groups according to treatment received (Rhus-t, diazepam and water); each group was further divided into two sub-groups according to the initial pattern of behavior (hyperactive and hypoactive) as assessed by open-field procedure. A second evaluation of behavior performed 24 hours later pointed out to the effects of the medications under study. Results were analyzed through Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn’s test, with a level of significance p=0.05. Keywords: Rhus toxicodendron; Animal behavior; Open-field; Idiosyncrasy.  Conduta de ratos tratados com Rhus toxicodendron 200cH Resumo Uma das características patogenéticas principais de Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus-t) é a presença de dor articular e agravação em pé, melhorando exclusivamente com o movimento. O presente estudo propõe um modelo experimental para avaliar a ação de Rhus-t 200cH. Ratos foram divididos em 3 grupos de tratamento (Rhus-t, diazepam e água); cada grupo doi subdividido em 2 subgrupos de acordo com o padrão inicial de conduta (hiper e hipoativos) em procedimento de campo aberto. Uma segunda avaliação da conduta, realizada 24 horas após, indicou o efeito dos medicamentos sob estudo. Os resultados foram analisados pelo teste de Kruskal-Ealis/Dunn com nível de significância p=0,05. Palavras-chave: Rhus toxicodendron; comportamento animal; Campo aberto; idiossincrasia.  Conducta da ratones tratados con Rhus toxicodendron 200cH Resumen Una de las principales características patogenéticas de Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus-t) es la presencia de dolor articular y agravación de pie, que mejora exclusivamente por el movimiento. Este estudio propone un modelo experimental para evaluar la acción de Rhus-t 200cH. Ratones fueron divididos en 3 grupos de tratamiento (Rhus-t, diazepam y agua); cada grupo fue subdividido en 2 subgrupos según el padrón inicial de conducta (hiper e hipoactivos) en procedimiento de campo abierto. Una segunda evaluación de la conducta, realizada 24 horas después, indicó el efecto de los medicamentos en estudio. Los resultados fueron analizados por el test de Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn con nivel de significancia p=0,05. Palabras-clave: Rhus toxicodendron; Comportamiento animal; campo abierto; Idiosincrasia.  Correspondence author: Leoni Villano Bonamin; Universidade Paulista, Brazil; leonibonamin@gmail.com How to cite this article: Rocha MPS, Soares FM, Martini LC, Bonamin LV. Behavior of rats treated with Rhus toxicodendron 200cH. Int J High Dilution Res [online]. 2008 [cited YYYY Mmm DD]; 7(22): 3-6. Available from: http://journal.giri-society.org/index.php/ijhdr/article/view/265/333. ÂÂÂ

Clinical-Homeopathic Profile in the Pediatric Ward at the University Hospital - Brazil

Background: In 2004, the deployment of Homeopathy in the pediatric ward at the University Hospital of Gaffrée Guinle – UNIRIO (HUGG at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro) was initiated in conjunction with both the Pediatric and Homeopathy Service. A research project approved by the HUGG Ethics and Research Committee was prepared to survey the most prevalent diseases. A team composed of medical students and doctors participating in the homeopathy course was formed and underwent training, enabling them to use the established protocols of action. A partnership was established with the Fluminense Federal University(Universidade Federal Fluminense – UFF), for the supply of drugs. In early 2009, the research project started, followed by homeopathic treatment in the pediatric ward.
 
 Aim: To demonstrate the diseases and treatment using homeopathic therapy on patients in the pediatric ward at the HUGG-UNIRIO-Brazil.
 
 Methodology: A sectional clinical study was carried out on patients participating in a research approved and registered by the Brazilian Research Ethics Committee, named,"The study of the effect of Homeopathic Treatment as an Adjunct Therapy on patients Hospitalized in the Pediatric Ward of HUGG". Criteria of Inclusion: Newborns up to the age of 16 of both sexes were admitted to the pediatric ward of HUGG, from May to October 2009. The diagnosis for admission being: respiratory, gastrointestinal and/or dermatologic diseases. A consent form had to be accepted and signed by the person responsible. Inclusion depended on the availability of having the appropriate homeopathic medicine in stock. Criteria of Exclusion: Cases of discontinuation of the homeopathic treatment or medical records not completed correctly. The medical records were analyzed individually. Microsoft Office Excel 2007 was used for data collection and analysis.
 
 Results: 32 patients admitted: 80% treated with Homeopathy; Diagnosis for admission: 73% respiratory, 11.5% dermatological, 4% gastrointestinal and 11.5% other diseases (malnutrition, adenomegaly, eyelid edema); 37% had secondary diseases. An average of 4.7 medicaments (min 01-max09) was used per patient, 31% repeated the medication in two different dinamizations. “Diagnosis for admission and medication used”: a) respiratory: 79% Pulmao histaminum, 32% Antimonium tartaricum, 21% Natrum sulfuricum, 21% Sambucus nigra, 16% Ipecacuanha, 16% Nux vomica, 16% Medorrhinum; b) dermatological: 100% Apis mellifica, 33% Dulcamara, 33% Mezereum, 33% Psorinum, 33% Rhus toxicodendron, 33% Alumina; c) gastrointestinal: 100% Ipecacuanha, 50% Gambogia, 50% Alumina. Dinamizations used: 5, 6, 12, 30 and 200CH, and 200FC. 55.5% of the medication used were only local effect medicines, 45.5% of the medication used were in association with the general effect medicines.
 
 Conclusion: The need to use several homeopathic medicines was obseved. The practice of inpatients was shown to be similar to the emergency outpatient when using medicine for local effect and medicine for general effect. Due to the positive results obtained with homeopathy, patients not initially foreseen in the research were included in this study on demand from parents or persons responsible for the children. This study demonstrates the need for a greater number of patients to allow the creation of prescription protocols and case-control studies to identify the most effective homeopathic prescription techniques.

Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) as adjuvant treatment of inflammatory mammary carcinoma in a dog

Background: Inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) is locally aggressive, fast growing, highly malignant tumor that affects humans and dogs. Affected dogs usually are presented with generalized edema, pain, erythema, and skin ulceration in mammary glands. Surgery is not recommended and an effective treatment has not been established [1]. Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) has demonstrated anticancer properties in a murine model, by improving innate immune response against tumor cells [2,3]. M8 is a complex high diluted medication comprised of a 10%-20% concentration of Calcarea carbonica, Aconitum napellus, Arsenicum album, Asa foetida, Conium maculatum, Ipecacuanha, Phosphorus, Rhus tox, Silicea, Sulphur, and Thuya occidentalis, all in decimal dilutions of Hahnemann in distilled water and submitted to vigorous shaking. 
 
 Aim: Describe an association of M8 and piroxicam (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to treat a dog with IMC.
 
 Discussion: A 7 years old, mixed breed intact female dog was presented to the Federal University of Parana - Veterinary Hospital, Curitiba (HV-UFPR) for mammary glands examination. The owners related inflammation of mammary glands with clinical course of approximately 10 days, which was treated for mastitis (cephalexin and metergoline) without clinical improvement. Clinical examination revealed erythema, increased skin warmth, pain on palpation, and plaque involving the 4th and 5th right mammary glands. Abdominal ultrasound and serum biochemistry were unremarkable. Thoracic radiographs showed suspicious images of pulmonary metastasis. Fine needle biopsy was taken for cytologic examination. Cytological interpretation was a malignant epithelial neoplasm, probably a mammary carcinoma. Diagnosis of IMC was based on clinical signs and cytopathology. Dog was treated with oral (0.5 mL) and topical M8 twice a day for 15 days, and pyroxican, 0.3mg/kg, PO, q24h. Clinical improvement was observed 7 days after starting treatment. Until present date (70 treatment days with M8), dog has no clinical signs of IMC, and does not show signs of disease progression.
 
 Conclusion: The present report suggests that M8 associated with piroxicam contributes to improvement of IMC dog’s quality of life and survival rate. However, further clinical studies are needed to evaluate response to treatment in patients diagnosed with IMC.

In vivo treatment with M8, a highly diluted tinctures complex, reduced the malignancy of a mouse melanoma model

Background: Cancer is a class of disease responsible for 13% of death cause worldwide. Among all types of cancers, one of the most aggressive and with the highest death rate is melanoma. It is highly metastatic and current treatments with chemotherapeutic drugs do not yield satisfactory results. Therefore, the interest on new therapeutics for cancer treatment has been increasing on research. Highly diluted tinctures (HDT) are intended to enhance immune system responses resulting in reduced frequency of various diseases, and often present no risk of serious side-effects due to its low toxicity. Previous results have demonstrated in vitro inhibition of invasion ability and in vivo anti-metastatic potential of B16F10 lung metastasis model after mice treatment with M8 inhalation.
 
 Aims: Now we have evaluated M8 effects on hyaluronic acid and its specific melanoma cell surface receptor (CD44) expression on lungs after inhalation by mice.
 
 Methodology: M8 compounds include Aconitum napellus 20dH, Arsenicum album 18dH, Asa foetida 20dH, Calcarea carbonica 16dH, Conium maculatum 17dH, Ipecacuanha 13dH, Phosphorus 20dH, Rhus toxicodendron 17H, Silicea 20dH, Sulphur 24dH, and Thuja occidentalis 19dH. B16F10 Melanoma cells were inoculated into C57B/L6 mouse lateral tail vein. Treatment started 24 hours after inoculation, and was repeated after each 12 hours during 14 days on an inhalation chamber that is adapted to little rodents. Mice were subjected to euthanasia by intraperitoneal injection of thiopental followed by decapitation. Lungs were surgically removed and analyzed under a stereomicroscope for the presence of metastatic foci. They were formaldehyde fixed, dehydrated and paraffin embedded. Histological sections were processed for hematoxilin/eosin (HE), Fontana-Masson and immunohistochemistry staining methods. Images were captured and blindly analysed by ImageJ (NIH) software.
 
 Results: HE and Fontana-Masson showed a reduction in number and size of metastatic nodules, as previously demonstrated. We have detected a reduction on hyaluronic acid as well as CD44 expression on mice lungs after M8 treatment. The high metastatic potential of melanoma is proportional to hyaluronic acid expression level, together with its specific cell surface receptor, the CD44. These results suggest that M8 treatment reduces malignancy of mouse melanoma through modulation of hyaluronic acid and CD44 expression, which play crucial roles in tumor invasion and growth.
 
 Conclusion: Even though further investigation are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action of M8 treatment there is an indication that these highly diluted tinctures could be a promising therapy to treat metastatic melanoma.

Evaluation of Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) on milk parameters in the dairy cow

Background Any dairy herd that continually has a somatic cell count (SCC) above 200,000 cells/ml has an indication of mammary gland inflammation (mastitis). Routine use of antibiotics to prevent mastitis is prohibited by organic farming regulations. This limitation has lead researchers to focus on cows natural defense mechanisms [1]. Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) is a complex high diluted medication comprised of comprised of Calcarea carbonica 16x, Aconitum napellus 20x, Arsenicum album 18x, Asa foetida 20x, Conium maculatum 17x, Ipecacuanha 13x, Phosphorus 20x, Rhus toxicodendron 17x, Silicea 20x, Sulphur 24x, and Thuya occidentalis 19x. Dilution procedures have followed standard methodology described at the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. This medication has enhanced immune system responses both in vitro and in vivo in a murine model [2]. 
 Aims In the present study, we investigate the response of dairy cows after M8 treatment. 
 Methodology The study was performed as a randomized, observer double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial, with a stratified design, using lactation number and SCC as stratification factors. The study sample consisted of 42 lactating dairy cows (Holstein) in one high producing dairy herd with 52 cows in milk in southern Brazil, divided into two experimental groups (n=21). Exclusion criteria were cows with clinical mastitis or receiving any other medical treatment. Pre- and post-milking teat disinfection was practiced in the herd. All cows were clinically examined, with udder and milk samples being appraised according to Rosenberger (1990) [3]. During 3 months one group received daily M8 treatment, the other placebo. Oral administration of 5 ml/day/cow was performed using an automatic dosage dispenser. Monthly, milk production, SCC, fat and total protein content were carefully recorded for each animal by an official milk recording program. SCC were log transformed for analysis. ANOVA and Tukey test were used to compare the averages. The Bartlett´s test was used for homogeneity of variance evaluation.
 Results There were no significant differences (P=0.435) among the groups in the initial evaluation (Values of SCC x103 : Placebo 67,37±80,48; Treatment 359,39±677,02). After 3 months, the M8 treated group showed a decrease (134,00±178,76 P= 0.047) in SCC when compared with control group (391,71±686,60). Fat and protein did not differ between groups and time analysed. Milk production decreased in the placebo group during time (Before: 34,97±6,69kg; After:28,69±4,33kg), whereas the treatment group did not change total amount (Before: 28,7±6,54kg; After: 26,39±5,73kg; P > 0.05). 
 Conclusions These results indicate that the M8 influenced positively SCC and suggest that it may be considered as a possible tool to promote bovine mastitis prophylaxis.
 Keywords: Calcarea carbonica complex, mastitis, somatic cell count
 [1] McDougall S, Parker KI, Heuer C, Compton CWR. A review of prevention and control of heifer mastitis via non-antibiotic strategies. Vet Microbiol. 2009; 154:177–85. 
 [2] Oliveira CC, Abud APR, Oliveira SM, Guimarães FSF, Andrade LF, Di Bernardi RP, Coletto ELO, Kuczera D, Da Lozzo EJ, Gonçalves JP, Trindade ES, Buchi DF. Developments on drug discovery and on new therapeutics: highly diluted tinctures act as biological response modifiers. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011; 11(101): 2-11. 
 [3]Rosenberger, G. Die klinische Untersuchung des Rindes, 3. Neubearbeitete Auflage, Paul Parey Verlag, Berlin, 1990.

Experimental induced wound cicatrisation after highly diluted products treatment

Introduction: Skin is an attractive target to study extracellular matrix, due to abundance in Connective tissue. In cases of injuries the first step is an inflammatory reaction and subsequent the healing that involves several changes in the matrix. These changes are fundamental to inflammatory cells activities allowing healing. Highly diluted products were shown to facilitate inflammatory mediators and to activate immune cells in vivo and in vitro, thus it can be effective to wound healing. 
 Aims: This study aims to evaluate highly diluted products effects on inflammation and cicatrization process. 
 Methodology: Three compounds (M8 (Aconitum napellus 20dH, Arsenicum album 18dH, Asa foetida 20dH, Calcarea carbonica 16dH, Conium maculatum 17dH, Ipecacuanha 13dH, Phosphorus 20dH, Rhus toxicodendron 17dH, Silicea 20dH, Sulphur 24dH, Thuja occidentalis 19dH), M1 (Chelidonium majus 20dH, Cinnamon 20dH, Echinaceae purpurea 20dH, Gelsemium sempervirens 20dH plus all M8 compounds) and Curcuma cH30 – simple product), were manipulated as a gel and applied on mice dorsal flank after incision and suture (approximately 1 cm and three points), for 3 consecutive days. After the treatments the scars were evaluated macroscopically, the animals were killed, the skin samples collected, fixed and processed for Hematoxilin-Eosin (HE) and Masson Tricromic (to observe the collagen fibers type I). The slices were analyzed and images collected by a light microscope Olympus BX51 with camera attached Olympus DP72. 
 Results: It was observed a higher and faster rate of tissue epithelization in the treated groups after three days of gel-product application. This could be observed in lower rates in the control group (no treatment) - Figure 1 and 2). Regeneration and organization of connective tissue were proportional to epithelization the treated groups. We also observed evidences of changes in amount of neutrophils and fibroblasts, resulting in changes in the healing period. Analyses for these confirmations are in progress.

Oral, topical, and inhalation of Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) to treat inflammatory mammary carcinoma in dogs

Background: Inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) is locally aggressive, fast growing, highly malignant tumor that affects humans and dogs. Affected dogs usually are presented with generalized edema, pain, erythema, and skin ulceration in mammary glands. Surgery is not recommended and an effective treatment has not been established [1]. Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) has demonstrated anticancer properties in a murine model, by improving innate immune response against tumor cells [2]. M8 is a complex high diluted medication comprised of Calcarea carbonica 16x, Aconitum napellus 20x, Arsenicum album 18x, Asa foetida 20x, Conium maculatum 17x, Ipecacuanha 13x, Phosphorus 20x, Rhus toxicodendron 17x, Silicea 20x, Sulphur 24x, and Thuya occidentalis 19x, dilution procedures have followed standard methodology described at the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. 
 Aims: To describe different routes of M8 administration associated with oral pyroxican (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to treat dogs with IMC.
 Methodology: Three female dogs with 10 years old median age were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Federal University of Parana, Curitiba (HV-UFPR) with cytological and clinical diagnosis of IMC. Patients were treated with oral (0.5 mL,q12h), topical (q12h) and inhalatory (2 mL, q24h, through an ultrasonic inhalation device) M8, and oral pyroxican (0.3mg/kg, q24h).Thoracic radiographs showed pulmonary metastasis in all dogs. 
 Results: 7 days after initiating treatment all patients had clinical improvement. It was observed reduction on mammary glands inflammation and decreased pain sensitivity. One patient had 8 month of complete remission. The other two patients died 1 and 2 month after initial treatment. However none of the patients had pulmonary progressive disease, showed by radiographic examinations. Owners revealed treatment satisfaction in regards to quality of life improvement, easy M8 administration, good M8 palatability for dogs, and inflammation reduction. 
 Conclusion: The present report suggests that M8 influenced positively the anti -inflammatory treatment.
 Keywords: Calcarea carbonica complex; inflammatory mammary carcinoma; routes of administration
 References
 [1] Sorenmo K. Canine mammary gland tumors. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2003 33(3):573-96.
 [2] Oliveira CC, Abud APR, Oliveira SM, Guimarães FSF, Andrade LF, Di Bernardi RP, Coletto ELO, Kuczera D, Da Lozzo EJ, Gonçalves JP, Trindade ES, Buchi DF. Developments on drug discovery and on new therapeutics: highly diluted tinctures act as biological response modifiers. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011, 11(101): 2-11.

Experimental evidence in support of the biological effects and physical basis of homeopathic potencies

Background: Homeopathic potencies 12 cH and above cross the Avogadro number and, for this, do not contain any original drug molecules. Two major problems involved in the scientific study of potencies are (1) understanding the physical basis of potencies and (2) demonstrating the biological effects of potencies. The present study aims to address these questions.
 Methods and Results: In course of our experimental studies spanned over more than 30 years we have demonstrated significant effects of homeopathic potencies on man, animals and plants. We have also showed that potencies could be differentiated through their electronic spectra, and this difference in spectra can be attributed to the electron transfer interaction. In a molecular complex, electron of one molecule absorbs a quantum of visible radiation and is excited, not to a higher energy level of this molecule, but to one of the vacant high energy levels of the neighboring molecules. This process is known as electron or charge transfer interaction. This has been demonstrated in Iodine ө in two different solvents of CCl4 and aqueous ethanol (Sukul N C, Environ Ecol 17,866-872, 1999). We have further demonstrated that the effect of a homeopathic potency can be transmitted from one part of a plant to another, and also from one plant to another through water. I am presenting here a few selected cases of our experimental studies. Potentized Nux vomica significantly reduced ethanol consumption in rats by 73.7%and ethanol-induced sleep time in albino mice by 44.4%. Causticum 30 C and Rhus tox 30 C produced anti-inflamatory and anti-nocicptive effect on adjuvant arthritis in albino rats. Potentized homeopathic drugs reduced microfilaraemia by 28 to 100% and filariasis in two villages of West Bengal endemic for Bancroftian filaiasis. Potentized Cina and Thuja ameliorated trichinellosis in mice reducing larval population in muscles by 84% and 68%, respectively.
 Potencies of Agaricus and Nux vomica, produced excitatory effect on the isolated rat ileum. Potentized drugs altered firing rate of hypothalamic neurons in rats and cats. Nux vom 30 c and Merc cor 30c facilitated water permeability in erythrocytes of catfish in a test tube. Potencies of Merc cor and Merc iod enhanced α-amylase activity in vitro ,by 44 and 21%,respectively.
 Drugs ,that inhibit photosynthesis and plant growth in high doses, promote the same phenomena when applied on plants at ultra low doses. Potentized Cantharis, a homeopathic drug used for burn injuries, counter the effect of heat shock in Adhatoda vasica plants in terms of modulating the expression of heat-shock proteins in the plants. The effect of heat shock and of Cantharis treatment could be transmitted from one plant to another through water. The global network of surface water in a closed system is thought to be responsible for producing this effect. Several potentized homeopathic drugs show distinct variation from each other in their absorption spectra in ultra violet region of light. These drugs when mixed with sucrose solution, also show marked differences from each other at temperatures as low as 4 0 C and as high as 70 0 C. Electron transfer interaction may contribute to the characteristic spectral properties of a homeopathic potency.
 Conclusions: Homeopathic potencies could be detected and differentiated by their electronic spectra. Potencies show marked effect on animals, plants, ex vivo effect on isolated organs and in vitro effect on enzymes.
 Keywords: Homeopathic potencies, electronic spectra, ethanol intake, adjuvant arthritis, filariasis, Cantharis, Nux vomica

Plausibility of the implausible: is it possible that ultra-high dilutions ‘without biological activity’ cause adverse effects?

Plausibility of the implausible: is it possible that ultra-high dilutions ‘without biological activity’ cause adverse effects?

Homoeopathy for Post COVID 19 illnesses: A Case Series

Introduction: As much as the prevention and treatment of COVID 19 has posed challenge, its post infection sequelae have not been any less challenging. There has been an emerging menace and concern for post COVID 19 illnesses. Patients with microbiological recovery from COVID‐19 show most common symptoms like fatigue, dyspnoea, cough, headache, tightness of chest, arthralgia, muscle pain with drop in the quality of life. Limited treatment options are available in the conventional set up. Cases summary: We present nine cases that were treated for post COVID 19 symptoms at Regional Research Institute (H.), Mumbai, under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. Out of these, seven cases were of acute Post Covid condition and two presented with Chronic Covid sequelae. All these patients were under standard conventional care/treatment but had no resolution of Post Covid symptoms. The Post Covid symptoms reported in these cases were fatigue, dyspnoea on exertion, cough, profuse perspiration, chest tightness and profuse perspiration. Bryonia Alba was the most useful remedy apart from Sulphur, Arsenicum Album, Rhus Toxicodendron and Calcarea Carbonicum. The cases have demonstrated a positive role of homoeopathic treatment in relieving the Post COVID illnesses.

Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Plantar Fasciitis: Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a chronic degenerative condition causing marked thickening and fibrosis of the plantar fascia, and collagen necrosis, chondroid metaplasia and calcification. There is little convincing evidence in support of various approaches, including homeopathy, for treating PF. This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) compared with placebo in the treatment of PF. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the outpatient departments of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India. Patients were randomized to receive either IHMs or identical-looking placebo in the mutual context of conservative non-medicinal management. The Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire, as an outcome measure, was administered at baseline, and every month, up to 3 months. Group differences (unpaired t-tests) and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on an intention-to-treat sample. The sample was analyzed statistically after adjusting for baseline differences. The target sample size was 128; however, only 75 could be enrolled (IHMs: 37; Placebo: 38). Attrition rate was 9.3% (IHMs: 4, Placebo: 3). Differences between groups in total FFI% score favored IHMs against placebo at all the time points, with large effect sizes: month 1 (mean difference, -10.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], -15.7 to -4.2; p = 0.001; d = 0.8); month 2 (mean difference, -14.3; 95% CI, -20.4 to -8.2; p <0.001; d = 1.1); and month 3 (mean difference, -23.3; 95% CI, -30.5 to -16.2; p <0.001; d = 1.5). Similar significant results were also observed on three FFI sub-scales (pain%, disability%, and activity limitation%). Natrum muriaticum (n = 14; 18.7%) and Rhus toxicodendron and Ruta graveolens (n = 11 each; 14.7%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms, serious adverse events, or intercurrent illnesses were recorded in either of the groups. IHMs acted significantly better than placebo in the treatment of PF; however, the trial being underpowered, the results should be interpreted as preliminary only. Independent replications are warranted. CTRI/2018/10/016014.

A Fundamental Study to Observe Correlation at Molecular Level between Bio-Samples of Patients and Indicated Homoeopathic Medicines

Background: ‘Like cures like’ is the principle that is followed in homoeopathy. Substances which cause disorder in healthy individuals are used as medicines to treat similar patterns of disorder in sick persons. This article aims to find out whether any similarity picture exists at molecular level also that can make a selection of medicines based on scientifically measurable parameters. &#x0D; Method: It consisted of getting frequency domain signatures for the dielectric functions of (i) bio-fluids (blood serums) of six arthritis patients and (ii) medicines selected for them on the basis of macroscopic similarity. Then, they were compared to find existence/absence of similarity between them. &#x0D; Results: Medicines administered to the six patients were Rhus tox 200cH, Thuja 30cH, Medorrhinum 200cH. The dielectric loss at resonance for the bio-fluids of the patients and the medicines are given in the body of the article.&#x0D; Conclusion: It was observed that the patients who had beneficial results with their medicines have a similarity (resonance frequency matching) in spectral signatures of the two groups of substances i.e. bio-fluids (blood serum) of patients and the indicated remedies. This similarity was not evident in the cases where medicines failed to benefit the patients. These results are explorative and enthusiastic, but as the research is limited only to patients with arthritis, generalization could not be drawn. Further work with more rigor is required to establish the facts and apply generalizations to other disease condition. In future, this might be a new tool to integrate the fundamental research with clinical applications in homeopathy.

Two cases of isopathic and homeopathic treatment of coronavirus disease 2019

Two cases of COVID-19 disease treatment are reported using a combination of isopathic and homeopathic approaches. Autonosodes made from sputum, nose discharge, and ear wax along with Mercurius Solubilis, Euphorbium, Rhus Toxicodendron, and Arsenicum Album homeopathic remedies were used. Treatment lasted two weeks and no complications were observed. After successful recovery both subjects had a large IgG antibodies count, demonstrating coronavirus immunity

Therapy of coronavirus infection

Background: The computer apparatus for electro-acupuncture diagnostics and medicated testing "IMEDIS-EXPERT" made in Russia was used for the purposes of this work to detect SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) or to prove its absence, and to select homoeopathic preparations, nosodes, and their relevant doses. The methods of the system-nosological approach (SNA) were used for the therapy of patients, which included recording and appliance of relevant control signals (C.S.) of homoeopathic preparations, both native and informational (electronic) copies. Aims: 1. Develop an algorithm to select preparations from the group of nosodes and homoeopathy to prevent the development of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); 2. Evaluate the possibility of preventing treatment and therapy of coronavirus infection employing an "electronic vaccine" produced employing coronavirus C.S. Methodology: The electronic preventing "immunization" was made for patients as the preventing treatment of COVID-19, which was an adaptation to coronavirus C.S. conducted in accordance with a special algorithm. The three-block scheme of SNA therapy was used for the therapy of ill patients, which was composed of three preparations, which were used sequentially: 1. Control signal of coronavirus targeted on a patient's CMH; 2. Cerebral response (C.R.) with a patient's cumulative impact of: C.S. of coronavirus and the sum of target organs (blood-forming system, lymphatic systems, lungs, bronchus, gastrointestinal system) and test-indicators of immune regulation targeted on the second CMH marker amplification; 3. Drainages in the form of homeopathic preparations were used (after the impact of two previous preparations), which were: Arsenicum, Arsenicum iod, Carbo vegetabilis, Spongia, Drosera, Naya, Rhus Toxicodendron, and Ferrum met. The preparations were selected to compensate the third impact of CMH. Results: At present, 175 people have asked for help due to COVID-19, an electronic preventing vaccine ("immunization") made for 112 people on the SNA algorithm. According to the diagnostic testing results made for 63 ill patients and who asked for treatment: 47 people tested coronavirus infection, 16 people tested ARVI, and 12 people tested pneumonia caused by a virus. The coincidence of VRT tests (vegetative resonance tests) and PCR was found ranged from 68 to 75%. 4 people got ill by coronavirus among those who got preventing immunization (112 people) by "the electronic sensibilization method" (that was proved by VRT and PCR tests). The illness had the light form among 2 of them, and two people had moderate severity of illness without hospital admission. Conclusion: An algorithm is developed, which allows to select C.S. of therapeutic nosodes and homoeopathic preparations to prevent the development of SARS-CoV-2. The efficiency of applying the electronic immunization method according to the algorithms of SNA using coronavirus C.S. is 95%.

Clinical Characteristics and Remedy Profiles of Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The aim of the study was to identify indicated homeopathic remedies based on the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in India. In this retrospective, cohort study, confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted at a COVID Health Centre in New Delhi between April 29 and June 17, 2020 were given conventional and homeopathic treatment. Patients were grouped into mild, moderate or severe categories of disease. Their symptomatologic profiles were analyzed to identify indicated homeopathic medicines. A total of 196 COVID-19 patients were admitted. One hundred and seventy-eight patients had mild symptoms; eighteen patients had moderate symptoms; no patients with severe symptoms were included as they were referred to tertiary care centers with ventilatory support. The mean age of patients with mild symptoms was significantly lower (38.6 years; standard deviation or SD ± 15.8) compared with patients in the moderate category (66.0 years; SD ± 9.09). The most important symptoms identified were fever (43.4%), cough (47.4%), sore throat (29.6%), headache (18.4%), myalgia (17.9%), fatigue (16.8%), chest discomfort (13.8%), chills (12.6%), shortness of breath (11.2%) and loss of taste (10.2%). Twenty-eight homeopathic medicines were prescribed, the most frequently indicated being Bryonia alba (33.3%), Arsenicum album (18.1%), Pulsatilla nigricans (13.8%), Nux vomica (8%), Rhus toxicodendron (7.2%) and Gelsemium sempervirens (5.8%), in 30C potency. Data from the current study reveal that Arsenicum album, Bryonia alba, Pulsatilla nigricans, Nux vomica, Rhus toxicodendron and Gelsemium sempervirens are the most frequently indicated homeopathic medicines. A randomized controlled clinical trial based on this finding is the next step.

Homoeopathy—A Plausible Alternative Treatment of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Case Reports

Abstract Background De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT) is a disorder characterised by pain on the radial side of the wrist, impairment of thumb function and thickening of the ligamentous structure covering the tendons in the first dorsal compartment in the wrist. Methods Two patients—a 50-year-old housewife and a 43-year-old computer operator were treated with a homoeopathic medicine ‘Rhus toxicodendron’ prescribed in 1M potency. The assessment was done using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, quality of life (QoL) and range of motion (ROM) at baseline and end of the treatment. Assessment of causal attribution of treatment effect was done with the Modified Naranjo Criteria. Result Both the cases showed a marked reduction in VAS (from +8 to 0 for both cases) and increase in QoL (from +5 to +10 &amp; from +7 to +9) and ROM. The Modified Naranjo Criteria total score for each case was +7/13. Conclusion Homoeopathy can be an effective approach in the management of DQT. Randomised controlled trials are thus indicated.