Silicea Terra Research Articles

Effects of dynamised high dilutions and vegetal extract based on silicon on the growth and induction of resistance in tomato plants against Rhizoctonia solani

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to study the response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) against Rhizoctonia solani using dynamised high dilutions and plant extract based on silicon. The treatments were Silicea terra (ST), Thuya occidentalis (TO), and Equisetum arvense (EA) at 30CH (Centesimal Hahnemannian dilution order), Equisetum arvense leaf extract (LE), and non-dynamised water as the control. Seeds of tomato cv Marmande were treated overnight. The in vitro bioassays involved assessment of R. solani mycelial growth, seed germination, and seedling development. In the greenhouse experiment, the emergence, root and aerial part development, and disease development were evaluated. Leaves were harvested to analyse concentrations of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and chitinase activity. In the in vitro bioassay, LE reduced mycelial growth and TO increased the seedling vigour index, dry weight, and length of seedlings. In the greenhouse experiment, TO and ST increased plant emergence. Tomato plants treated with ST improved the fresh weight and the length of the roots. The disease severity was decreased by ST, LE, and TO. The flavonoid concentration was higher in plants treated with TO and LE. Overall, the treatments of TO, EA, and ST improved the content of phenolic compounds. Moreover, endochitinase and chitobiosidase were activated by LE.

The use of mineral dynamised high dilutions for natural plant biostimulation; effects on plant growth, crop production, fruit quality, pest and disease incidence in agroecological strawberry cultivation

ABSTRACT Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) are one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Most of the strawberries that are produced today rely on the use of pesticides and fungicides, leading the crop to be listed as one of the most contaminated by contentious inputs. Plant biostimulants are used as a plant health strategy focused on stimulating plant growth and development with a low residual impact. The objective of this study was to assess the plant biostimulation effects of strawberry plants treated with mineral dynamised high dilutions (DHDs): Sulphur 12CH, Phosphorus 12CH, Kali carbonicun 12CH, Calcarea carbonica 12CH, Silicea terra 12CH, Natrum muriaticum 12CH and Mercurius solubilis 12 CH, distilled water 12CH and distilled water (control). The experiment was undertaken under greenhouse conditions at the University of Santa Catarina State (UDESC), in Lages, Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil in 2019 and was repeated in 2021 at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), in Curitibanos, SC. The experiment used a randomised block design, following double-blind treatment application. Data were analysed by ANOVA and when significant (p ≤ 0.05) by Dunnett’s test. The results showed that plants treated with DHDs of Sulphur 12CH, Phosphorus 12CH and Kali carbonicum 12CH increased plant growth and crop yield and were less affected by leaf spot disease (Mycosphaerella fragariae). Plants treated with Silicea terra 12CH, or with Calcarea carbonica 12CH showed increased development of the root system. The results obtained suggested that mineral DHDs could be used as plant biostimulants to support agroecological strawberry production.

Antagonistic Activities of Homeopathic Medicines and Bioagents Against Alternaria Solani Causing Early Blight of Tomato

Alternaria solani(Ellis and Martin) causing early blight of tomato is a destructive disease which causes an economic yield losses ranges from 34-79 per cent. The present study is carried out to assess inhibitory effect of homeopathic medicines and bioagents against Alternaria solani. Among homeopathic medicines, Arnica montana at 0. followed by Sulphur (69.94%) and Silicea terra (66.45%). Among bioagents, maximum inhibition (71.04%) was observed in Trichoderma harzianum followed by Trichoderma viride (68.00%), Pseudomonas fluorescence (64.97%) and Bacillus subtilis (52.18%) in in vitro 20 per cent concentration and was found highly effective and inhibit the growth by 72.21per cent respectively condition.

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

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

Homoeopathic management of polycystic ovarian syndrome – A case series

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in females of the reproductive age group. It is characterised by menstrual irregularities, enlarged ovaries, infertility, high levels of male hormones, excess hair on the face and body, acne and obesity. PCOS can result from abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and endometrial cancer. Case Summary: A case series of seven PCOS patients treated with indicated constitutional homoeopathic medicines at Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi, India, is presented here. Overall improvement was assessed by improvement in signs and symptoms like restoration of regular menstrual cycles, weight loss, and disappearance of ovarian cysts, as evident in ultrasonography reports, and improved scores of the integrative Medicine Outcome Scale (IMOS) scale and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) . The resolution of cysts in the ovaries, along with marked symptomatic improvement and improvement in quality of life in all seven patients, shows that homoeopathy has a potential for treating PCOS. Gradation of IMOS scale reduced to 1 in all seven patients after treatment showing complete recovery. One patient, who had presented with infertility, conceived during the treatment. Homoeopathic medicines such as Natrum muriaticum, Lycopodium clavatum, Silicea terra, Pulsatilla nigricans and Sepia were found most useful.

Silicea terra 200cH evaluated by two different spectroscopy methods: a pilot study

Abstract
 Spectroscopy has been shown to be a useful method to study the physicochemical properties of homeopathic preparations. In this pilot study, the aim was to compare two methods (photon scattering and visible-light spectroscopy) in the physical evaluation of Silicea terra 200cH. Two samples have been examined and compared: Silicea terra 200cH and Sac lac 200cH, both prepared in aqueous solution (Cemon Lab, Italy). Lactose was included because the first 3 potencies of Silicea terra are made by trituration in lactose. In the first test, performed in Italy, slight variations in chrominance and luminance due to micro-vibrational 3D phenomena were analyzed. The principle of the experimental procedure is to modify and analyse the incidence and refraction angles of the light hitting the bottles of liquid under examination. Measurements were made using an innovative camera device developed by Daniele Gullà, called MIRA/CORA (proprietary name). The image sensor is a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD)/ Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) with interferential matrix filter. A red laser beam, at wavelength 652 nm, hits the bottle and the variations of scattered light are recorded and measured by the device. All measurements have been performed in a dark room at a constant temperature of 22°C +/- 0,2°C using a filter with very narrow spectral bands (10 nm). Proprietary software analyses the incoming frames showing the spectral variations in amplitude and frequency and then interpolates variation in the measured data within a vibrational range between 0.01 Hz and 10 Hz. The measurements have been repeated three times on both Silicea terra 200cH and Sac lac 200cH within a few minutes of each other. Measurements of the mean entropy of the signals, statistically elaborated with T Student test, yielded a two tailed p value < 0.05, where the entropy of the signal recorded from the Silicea terra 200cH sample was statistically lower than the 200cH Sac lac sample. In the second test, performed in Brazil, variations in absorbance were used to identify Silicea terra 200cH compared with Sac lac 200cH and a control solution of non-succussed 30% alcohol, using six solvatochromic dyes, following the method developed by Cartwright [1,2]. Both homeopathic samples were imported from Italy, diluted 1:100 in 30% hydro-alcoholic solution, and submitted to 100 succussions using an automatic mechanical arm (Denise, AUTIC, Brazil) prior to being tested. Samples were inserted into dyes solutions in a 1:60 ratio, and evaluated by visible spectroscopy (FEMTO Spectrophotometer, Brazil). Dyes were prepared in ethanol P.A., according to previous established methods [3]. Samples and dyes were protected from light during the manipulation and environmental conditions of the laboratory (temperature, humidity, and magnetic flux) were monitored during the tests. Three series in triplicate were performed and the results were analyzed by ANOVA / Tukey, comparing both samples and the unsuccussed 30% hydroalcoholic control solution. Among all tested dyes, only BDN showed an interaction with Silicea terra 200cH, reproducing the conclusions obtained in [3]. We conclude that two different spectroscopic methods were able to differentiate Silicea terra 200cH from Sac lac 200cH, suggesting that changes in solvent organization could be involved in the homeopathic signaling process, along with changes in dipole moments of solvent and dyes. The results are potentially in line with a recent published paper [4], that supports the proposition that the lower entropy of the verum signal compared with controls could be explained by increased coherent vibrations of the verum sample, modulated by Nambu-Goldstone bosons. According to Del Giudice and colleagues [5], coherent behaviors are correlated with massless quasi-particles, coding ordering information.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF PERIANAL FISTULA IN A YOUNG DOG - CASE REPORT

Anal stulas are often diagnosed in the small animal clinic. This disease can be dened as an inammatory lesion of the anal mucosa or adjacent tissues, causing pain and discomfort. The conventional treatment by surgery and/or use of antibiotics, corticoids, and immunosuppressants has adverse effects and sequelae, such as fecal incontinence. Therefore, it is evident that the therapies of choice for this pathology are generally ineffective for the patient's health balance. From this point of view, homeopathy has become an important therapy for treating this disease. This study aimed to report the case of a young male Maltese dog diagnosed with perianal stula, which was exclusively treated by injectable homeopathy. Silicea terra, Belladonna, and Hepar sulphur were prescribed based on the Law of Similars. The therapeutic protocol restored the function of the affected tissues with the complete resolution of the disease in a little over one week. No complications were recorded.

Effects of highly-diluted bioactive compounds (HDBC) on growth, survival and physiological condition of Penaeus vannamei shrimp reared in a commercial farm

This study evaluates the application of highly-diluted bioactive compounds (HDBC) as an alternative to improve the white shrimp Penaeus vannamei performance reared during a semi-intensive commercial-scale production cycle (130 days) in arid environmental conditions. The effects of HDBC were analyzed on productive performance, enzyme activity, and energy reserves associated with the nutritional condition. Six 10-ha earthen ponds were used. Two experimental HDBC treatments and one control treatment were evaluated: [T1 = PhA+SiT (phosphoric acid 7C and Silicea terra 7C); T2 = PaV+ViT (Passival® 7C and Vidatox® 31C); T3 = Control (No HDBC)], using 2 ponds × 3 treatments = 6 ponds. Three shrimp samples were taken (S1, S2, S3) at 7, 52, and 130 days. The results indicated that organisms from T2 significantly increased in several productive indicators, such as weight gain, daily weight gain, specific growth rate, total length, feed efficiency, and productive performance. T2's bioactive compounds ingested with the pelleted feed and present in the gut -even at highly diluted concentration- improved energetic reserves, such as lipids in the hepatopancreas and digestive enzyme activity, enhancing the physiological status of shrimp farmed under semi-intensive rearing conditions, suggest that HDBC used in this study could have a beneficial and eco-friendly impact on commercial-scale shrimp production.

Trichoderma harzianum to control botrytis cinerea and High-dynamized dilutions of Silicia terra to promote plant growth on the strawberry culture: methods for sustainable farming practices

Agroecological interventions for pest and disease management include several strategies to enhance homeostasis of the crop. Biological agents and homeopathic remedies are innovative and efficient agriculture technologies in the production of pesticide-free food. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the biological control Trichoderma spp. and high-dynamized dilutions of Silicea terra to manage grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) and to promote growth in strawberry plants cv. San Andreas. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at EPAGRI experimental station, Lages-SC, 2017. The experimental design consisted of six treatments and five repetitions which were completely randomised. Each plot consisted of a strawberry plant cultivated in a 3.6 L plastic pot. Leaf area, number of leaves, root and leaf weights were assessed. The incidence and severity of grey mould on fruits was also evaluated. The statistical analysis was done by environment R®. Plants treated with Trichoderma spp. (WP formulation) resulted in a lower fruit incidence of B. cinerea fruits in all evaluated periods. Plants treated with Silicea12CH showed wider leaf area, produced more leaves during the cycle and had greater root weight.

Characterization of physicochemical markers for homeopathic medicines and biological supernatant samples

Introduction: Solvatochromic dyes are probes to detect variations on the dipole moment of solvents after the insertion of homeopathic potencies. Recent studies have shown they can be useful tools in laboratory and field studies to detect the activity of homeopathic remedies. Objective: Determine whether solvatochromic dyes can be a diagnostic tool for cells infected by different agents and/or markers to identify the activity of homeopathic medicines. Methods: Ethilicum 1cH, Silicea terra 6, 30, 200cH; Zincum metallicum 6, 30, 200cH and Phosphorus 6, 30 and 200cH were analyzed by pouring the samples (in a 1:60 rate) into a series of seven dyes (rhodamine, ET 33, ET 30, coumarin 7, NN DMIA, Nile red, methylene violet) diluted in absolute ethanol using pre-established working concentrations. Oscillations of dye absorbance were observed at visible light spectrophotometry according to the remedy and potency. Water and succussed water were used as controls. In a second moment, the absorbance profile of the remedies will be compared with those of biological samples (supernatants) and checked with the biological effect previously obtained from each treatment. Supernatants of RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by Calmette-Guérin bacilli (BCG) or infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi will be analyzed. Results: Preliminary results have shown that Silicea terra 6cH, Phosphorus 30 and 200cH and Zincum metallicum 6, 30 and 200cH reduced the absorbance of methylene violet (p=0.01). Repetitions and analysis of supernatants are expected to be performed in the next steps of the study. Future perspectives: Establish a pattern of reactivity of the studied medicines with different dyes and the putative relation with the corresponding supernatants, as an attempt to obtain a “physicochemical signature” for each kind of infection and/or treatment.

Highly diluted bioactive compounds in marine aquaculture: A potential alternative for sustainable production

AbstractHighly diluted bioactive compounds (HDBC) and highly diluted immunomodulatory compounds (HDIC) are treatments that cover a wide variety of concentrations, starting from molar to yoctomolar concentrations or even lower where the presence of nanoparticles has been detected. The prophylactic use of these compounds has improved nutrition, growth, overall condition, defence mechanisms regulation and increased marine organism survival during challenge against pathogens. The HDBC used in marine organisms are formulated from Vibrio spp. lysates, sodium metasilicates, phosphoric acid and highly diluted drugs for humans as Silicea terra®, Phosphoricum acidum®, Passival® and VidatoX®, as well as homotoxic Heel® complexes. Because HDBC are innocuous, inexpensive and easy to use by immersion or ingestion, they have been proposed as a potential sustainable alternative to improve marine organism production under hatchery conditions and reduce the use of chemotherapy, including antibiotics and disinfectants. Nonetheless, articles documenting their mode of action (biological process and metabolic pathways activated) are scarce. Some studies have proposed that certain HDBC activate the sentinel system of marine organisms, such as non‐self‐recognition and endocytosis mechanisms without completely activating the immune defence mechanisms. This contribution brings a new insight on increasing productivity and cost effectiveness during hatchery operations and at the same time strengthening the immune system response and survival of marine organisms against infections. Therefore, this review discusses and analyses published results of HDBC in species of commercial importance worldwide and also emerging species of interest for aquaculture reared in Mexico.

Efeito da suplementação com complexo homeopático no perfil imunológico sérico de ovelhas gestantes e cordeiros

Few information is available about the optimal period for colostrum absorption in the bowel of newborn lambs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of using supplementation with commercial core homeopathic during pregnancy and early lactation on 18 pregnant Santa Inês ewes presenting body condition score ≥ 2.5. Pregnant animals were randomly divided in two groups; one was used as control (control group) and the other was supplemented on a daily basis with 30 g of homeopathic product with Natrum muriaticum 10-60, Calcium carbonicum 10-30, Silicea terra 10-400 and Hypothalamus 10-30 per animal, mixed to the concentrate during pregnancy and early lactation (treatment group). The Total Protein (TP) and globulin (GLB) values found in ewes and lambs belonging to the treatment group were higher than and different from those recorded for the control group. The serum albumin (ALB) concentration did not differ between groups of ewes but was different in lambs. TP and GLB evolution in lambs and ewes throughout the seven experimental days showed the animals in the treatment group trend to present higher TP and GLB values in all experimental periods; supplemented animals showed trend to progressive increase in both variables until day 3; whereas non-supplemented animals showed such trend until day 2 (when they reached their peak). The commercial core homeopathic to the animals during pregnancy and early lactation resulted in higher TP and GLB concentrations in the serum samples collected from ewes and lambs.

Study of the effects of Silicea terra and Zincum metallicum in various dilutions on the oxidative activity of macrophages in vitro

Silica (silicon dioxide) is found in nature, being composed of 2 chemical elements abundant on the Earth's crust, oxygen and silicon. As homeopathic medicine, silica is used for treatment of chronic ulcers due to its ability to modulate the macrophage activity. Zinc is a cofactor of several immune mediators, especially thymulin, which is also capable of modulating the macrophage activity and recruitment of B1 cells in mice. In the present study, we assessed the homeopathic medicines Silicea terra and Zincum in an in vitro experimental model to determine their effects on the interaction between RAW 264.7 macrophages and BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin). In this step of the study, we assessed oxidative activity through measurement of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite/nitrate in the cell culture supernatant after 24 hours of treatment. Several homeopathic potencies were used for both drugs (6cH, 30cH, 200cH). The tests were performed in duplicate, and the data were analyzed by means one-way ANOVA. The results show no effect on nitric oxide (NO) production, but reduction of hydrogen peroxide production (p≤ 0.001) after treatment with the vehicle (0.03% alcohol). Such reduction was reversed with treatments Silicea terra30cH and Zincum metallicum 30cH (p≤ 0.001). Treatment with Silicea terra 200cH induced significant reduction of hydrogen peroxide production, even when compared to the vehicle (p≤ 0.005). Taken together, the results indicate that only treatment of BCG-challenged macrophages with Silicea terra 200cH was able to significantly reduce the oxidative activity of these cells after 24 hours of incubation. Since NO production in vitro usually occurs after 96 to 120 hours of incubation, one might infer that the negative result obtained in the present study might be associated with the time-point of assessment. Other aspects of the macrophage-BCG interaction are still under evaluation.

Physico-chemical properties of Silicea terra 200cH and activity on macrophages in vitro

Introduction Silicea terra 200cH can modulate macrophage activity in mice inducing resolution of chronic wounds, whose mechanisms are unknown. Herein, we describe the relation between the activity of Silicea terra 200cH in vitro, on macrophages infected with Calmette-Guérin Bacilli (BCG) - a microorganism involved in chronic granuloma lesions - and physico-chemical properties of the remedy. Objective Establish the relation between physico-chemical properties and biological activity of Silicea terra 200cH in vitro. Methods BCG-infected RAW 264.7 macrophages were analyzed considering their capacity of bacilli internalization, lysosome activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cytokines production, using a CBA (BD) kit. The vehicle (succussed water) was used as control. The electrical conductivity and the presence of micro particles in the remedy were also studied. Results Silicea terra 200cH showed significant reduction of hydrogen peroxide production (p?0.001), higher lysosome activity (p?0.001) and increase of IL-10 production (p?0.05), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in relation to the control. The electrical conductivity of Silicea terra 200cH was statistically higher in relation to pure water (p

Homeopathy in the Rust Severity and Growth of Malva sylvestris L.

The production of medicinal plants which have an association with biotrophic fungi requires non-residual and favorable methods to the host with tolerance to the presence of phytopathogens. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of homeopathic preparations on the rust severity and the growth of Malva sylvestris plants. M. sylvestris seedlings were prepared in 600 ml containers with commercial substrate. The seedlings were arranged in pots at 26 days of age and outlined in two experiments. The treatments consisted of Amonnium carbonicum (Am. carb.), Atropa belladonna (Bell.), Calcarea carbonica (Calc. carb.), Silicea terra (Sil.) and Sulfur (Sulf.), all at 30CH (centesimal Hahnemannian dilution order). The last two dynamizations (29 and 30CH) were prepared in distilled water for all treatments. Control plants were treated with water. Natural inoculation of the plants with Puccinia malvacearum occurred in the first experiment, and the applications of homeopathic preparations were carried out every seven days for five weeks. Four evaluations of rust severity, diameter, height and number of leaves were conducted. Next, M. sylvestris seedlings were transplanted into pots with 5 liters of substrate in the second experiment and the growth curve of the plant was observed in relation to the diameter and height variables. Am. Carb. reduced 18.29% of the rust severity in relation to the control plants. Sil. 30CH contributed to an increase in stem diameter. There was no interference in the plants’ height by homeopathic preparations. The application of homeopathies in M. sylvestris can contribute to their production, reducing the rust intensity considered in the crop cycle and can assist in the plant growth without leaving residues which can harm pollinators and hyperparasites.

Feasibility in seed germination of Hypericum perforatum L. submitted at different temperatures and treatments with high dilutions

Background: Hypericum perforatum is used as a medicinal plant, mostly in antidepressant treatment. With endogenous and exogenous dormancy, more studies about the germination of the seeds are necessary. Aim: To evaluate the effect of temperature and of preparations of high dilutions on the germination of seeds of Hypericum perforatum. Methodology: Three bioassays were carried out in chambers of germination, using a completely randomized experimental design and in duplicate. In the first bioassay, of temperatures of 20, 25 and 30 ºC was evaluated, with 20 replicates and 50 seeds in each replicate. In the second, the effect of high dilutions (Kali carbonicum, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus and Silicea terra in 12cH) using 4 replicates with 50 seeds each. In the third, Kali carbonicum was tested at 6, 12, 20, 30cH with 50 seeds and 4 replicates. The percentage of germination, germination rate index (GRI), average germination time (AGT) and seedlings with cotyledons. The data were analyzed through the R software at a 5% significance. Results: At the temperature of 25 °C, 63% of the seeds germinated while at the temperatures of 20 and 30 °C the percentage was 26% and 18%, respectively. In seeds treated with Kali carbonicum 12cH the germination rate increased significantly in relation to the control group. Kali carbonicum 6cH increased the GRI of the seeds, while at 20cH, it increased the AGT, showing delay in germination. Conclusion: The use of the Kali carbonicum assists in the breakage of dormancy and average time of germination in Hypericum perforatum seeds.

Biophototic in azuki bean seeds treated with ultrahigh dilutions

Seed analysis is usually performed by destructive samples with time-consuming methods. Treatments that improve seed vigor are suggested based on bioassays and protocols for most plants. This includes the use of images to assess quality and pro- vide information that supports decisions. However, instrumental cost has not made these technologies widely used. The objective of this research was to study biophotonic images generated by low cost technologies - cold plasma scanner or gas discharge visualization (GDV) and speckle laser (BSL) - to evaluate the germination of adzuki beans seeds treated with ultrahigh dilutions (UHD). The research was carried out at the EPAGRI Homeopathy and Plant Health Laboratory, with a post-graduate support at the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC). The images of the seeds were diagnosed mathematically, before and after germination, using “Local Connected Fractal Dimension Analysis” (LCFD) and “Time History Speckle Pattern” (THSP). The results show that the images identify the effects of high dilution - Bryonia alba and Silicea terra, at 6, 12 and 30 CH (centesimal hahnemannian dilution order) - on the seeds of azuki beans. There were statistically differences (p < 1% and p < 5%) of the treatments in relation to the control: water. Only Silicea terra 30CH inhibited seed germination. The signals found in the BSL images of the seeds were superior to the GDV signals, showing an average of 89% correct responses (BSL) against 87% (GDV).

Silicea terra and Zincum metallicum Modulate the Activity of Macrophages Challenged with BCG In Vitro.

The homeopathic medicines Silicea terra (Sil) and Zincum metallicum (Zinc) modulate macrophage activity and were assessed in an experimental study in-vitro for their effects on macrophage-BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) interaction. RAW 264.7 macrophages were infected with BCG, treated with different potencies of Sil and Zinc (6cH, 30cH and 200cH) or vehicle, and assessed 24 and 48 h later for bacilli internalization, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cytokine production, and lysosomal activity. Treatment with vehicle was associated with non-specific inhibition of H2O2 production to the levels exhibited by uninfected macrophages. Sil 200cH induced significant reduction of H2O2 production (p < 0.001) compared with the vehicle and all other treatments, as well as higher lysosomal activity (p ≤ 0.001) and increased IL-10 production (p ≤ 0.05). Such effects were considered specific for this remedy and potency. The number of internalized bacilli was inversely proportional to Zinc potencies, with statistically significant interaction between dilution and treatment (p = 0.003). Such linear-like behavior was not observed for Sil dilutions: peak internalization occurred with the 30cH dilution, accompanied by cellular degeneration, and IL-6 and IL-10 increased (p ≤ 0.05) only in the cells treated with Sil 6cH. Sil and Zinc presented different patterns of potency-dependent effect on macrophage activity. Bacterial digestion and a balanced IL-6/IL-10 production were related to Sil 6cH, though reduced oxidative stress with increased lysosomal activity was related to Sil 200cH. Degenerative effects were exclusively related to Sil 30cH, and potency-dependent phagocytosis was related only to Zinc.

The Intestinal Perspective of COVID-19: NOS2 and AOC1 Genes as Epidemiological Factors, and a Homeopathic Approach to their Functional Improvement

AbstractThe new pandemic disease COVID-19 has wreaked havoc worldwide. Its infectious agent, SARS-CoV-2, uses two key human enzymes called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) to invade body cells. The first one is encoded by the ACE2 gene and the second by the TMPRSS2 gene. Both have an outstanding expression of RNA and proteins in the small intestine compared with other tissues. This prominent location may be related to the main entry route of SARS-CoV-2 into the organism. In the process of infection, two other genes can play a fundamental role: NOS2, which expresses inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and AOC1, which encodes diamine oxidase (DAO). Both also highlight in the small intestine and are involved in polyamine metabolism. These biogenic amines are important for viral replication, being enhanced when NOS2 and AOC1 genes are downregulated. In addition, NOS2 shows a negative correlation with ACE2 and TMPRSS2, while nondegraded histamine by DAO can lead to an upregulation of both genes on which the virus depends. Taken together, these data suggest that inhibition or underexpression of NOS2 and AOC1 determines the susceptibility to get sick, increasing the risk of infection. On the other hand, a therapeutic approach to the disease could be made with homeopathic medicines. Experiments show the remedies' ability to stimulate gene and protein expression, but a correlation between the symptoms of each drug and these expressions has not yet been established. Here an analysis of the pathogenesis of Silicea terra and Arsenicum album supported on the scientific literature is done. The objective is to propose a theory about their relationship with key genes whose protein expressed in deficiency can give rise to the chain of events that imbalance the internal environment (homeostasis) and allow the development of symptoms. Silicea seems to be related to NOS2 (gene)/iNOS (protein) and Arsenicum with AOC1 (gene)/DAO (protein), being necessary to carry out studies to corroborate these links. Therefore, the aim of this article is to show the importance of NOS2 and AOC1 genes in the development of COVID-19 and to propose a line of investigation to evaluate if homeopathy can improve their protein expression.

Transcriptome analysis of Catarina scallop (Argopecten ventricosus) juveniles treated with highly-diluted immunomodulatory compounds reveals activation of non-self-recognition system.

Marine bivalve hatchery productivity is continuously challenged by apparition and propagation of new diseases, mainly those related to vibriosis. Disinfectants and antibiotics are frequently overused to prevent pathogen presence, generating a potential negative impact on the environment. Recently, the use of highly diluted compounds with immunostimulant properties in marine organisms has been trailed successfully to activate the self-protection mechanisms of marine bivalves. Despite their potential as immunostimulants, little is known about their way of action. To understand their effect, a comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed with Argopecten ventricosus juveniles. The experimental design consisted of four treatments formulated from pathogenic Vibrio lysates at two dilutions: [(T1) Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus 1D; (T2) V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus 7C]; minerals [(T3) PhA+SiT 7C], scorpion venom [(T4) ViT 31C]; and one control (C1) hydro-alcoholic solution (ethanol 1%). The RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis showed a higher modulation of differentially expressed genes (DEG) in mantle tissue compared to gill tissue. The scallops that showed a higher number of DEG related to immune response in mantle tissue corresponded to T1 (V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus lysate) and T3 (Silicea terra® - Phosphoric acid®). The transcriptome analysis allowed understanding some interactions between A. ventricosus juveniles and highly-diluted treatments.