Vomica Research Articles

Anticarcinogenic effect of brucine on DMBA-induced skin cancer via regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background: Brucine is an alkaloid derived from the natural plant seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica, also known as a medicinal herb, and broadly employed in Chinese medicine for liver cancer. Objectives: The main intention of these hypothesis anticancer effects of brucine on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer in mouse model through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) regulating signaling pathway via the suppressive effect on cell proliferation and apoptotic pathways in mouse model. Materials and Methods: Brucine action on DMBA-induced mouse skin body weight, tumor volume, histology, biochemical, molecular marker analysis using spectrophotometric, Western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results: Brucine stifled the lipid peroxidation (TBARS), suggestively augmented the levels of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione), and brought back the status of xenobiotic enzymes (Cyt-p450, Cyt-b5, and glutathione S-transferases). In brucine administered since skin tissues presented the cell proliferative protein marker expression of PI3K, and AKT were downregulated compared to the DMBA-applied skin tumor tissues protein. Further, brucine has downregulated the proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin-D1, and p53 expressions. In the apoptotic expression, markers such as Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were upregulated compared to the DMBA-induced skin cancer. From these data, we diseased and brucine potential to suppress the proliferative cell markers induces apoptotic expressions. Conclusion: The current search settled that administering brucine chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effect means for the cancer management in clinical tactic.

The mechanism of hepatotoxicity of Nux Vomica: a network-pharmacology-based study

The mechanism of hepatotoxicity of Nux Vomica: a network-pharmacology-based study

Comparative chemical profiling of purified and unpurified Strychnos nux-vomica Linn seeds: An attempt to reduce toxic Brucine content

Vishamusthi (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.), a medicinal plant described as Upavisha (semi-poisonous) group of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Vishamusthi has widely been used and being practiced in several illness namely nervous debility, paralysis, weakness of limbs, sexual weakness, dyspepsia and etc. Ayurveda practices strictly recommend the use of Vishamusthi in therapeutics only after proper shodhana (purificatory procedure) through specific medias such as Gomutra (cow’s urine), Godugdha (cow’s milk), Goghrita (cow’s ghee), and etc. Although various shodhana procedures are recommended in Ayurvedic treatise, but updated scientific researches regarding the shodhana methods are lacking. The present study was undertaken to investigate the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters, quantitative estimation of brucine using cutting edge research tools such as high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of Vishamusthi seeds before and after purification. The remarkable changes have been observed in different physicochemical parameters, HPTLC, HPLC, GC-MS and LC-MS chromatographic profiling before and after shodhana process of Vishamusthi seeds. Quantitative HPLC studies revealed that the process of shodhana resulted in depletion of toxic brucine (chief poisonous constituent of Vishamusthi seeds) reduced to 79.66% in chloroform extract and 64.54% in ethanol extract after shodhana process.

Proximate analysis, HPTLC finger print analysis and multi spectrometric analysis of Strychnos nux-vomica nuts.

In alternative medicine, plants pay a major role. Some plants are known for their poisonous nature but still have some importance in the herbal drug industry for their medicinal value. Strychnos nux-vomica is one such plant. Its nuts are called as poison nut due to the presence of alkaloids. Both the nut and its minerals are having medicinal properties and hence the present study was indented to understand the nature of primary metabolites and multi elemental composition. The nuts of S.nux-vomica were procured, authenticated, powdered and subjected to proximate analysis parameters, visualization of thin layer chromatographic separation (TLC) and finger print profiling through high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC); surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, powder X-ray diffractometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. In HPTLC, 7 spots each under 254nm, 366nm, derivatization with vanillin sulphuric acid (VSR) reagent appeared and 2 spots with Dragendorff's reagent. In HPTLC, 12 peaks at 254nm, 9 peaks at 366nm, 7 peaks at 520nm after derivatization with VSR reagent detected. Elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, aluminium, iron, manganese, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, copper, zinc, sulphur and silicon were identified. PXRD revealed that the presence of potassium chloride, calcite and dolomite as major elemental composition. The presence of all the above elements has vital roles on human physiology. Potassium, calcium, chlorine, aluminium, nickel, phosphorus, sulphur and silicon are reported for the first time in this study.

Homeopathy for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children

Background: Colic and diarrhea are among the most common gastrointestinal disorders in childhood, which manifest spontaneously and acute. The allopathic treatment consists, in most cases, in the administration of the association homatropine-dimethicone to relieve colic, and oral rehydration and loperamide in cases of diarrhea [1,2]. The ineffectiveness of the conventional treatment and the possible adverse effects they may cause have led to increase the demand from children’ parents for complementary and alternative therapies, and homeopathy can be one of the first choices in this disorders [3].
 
 Aims: make a literature review evaluating the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment for colic and diarrhea in children, observing the relation between the main medicines prescribed in these disorders and their pathogenesis described in materia medica.
 
 Methodology: a literature research was performed applying electronic database, including Medline, HomeoIndex, BIREME, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, and ScienceDirect in the period from September to December 2010.
 
 Results: Data found indicate that few studies are available in the literature to prove the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines for colic and diarrhea in children, but the applicability of this therapeutic modality seems to be useful, safe and low cost, which are important factors for less favored communities. Besides, studies concerning diarrhea are more frequent, not only because of its gravity, but also for the duration, which makes more adequate the monitoring, on the contrary to acute colic. The most cited medicines were Chamomilla, Nux vomica, Arsenicum album and Mercurius solubilis.
 
 Conclusions: Homeopathy can be an important source of colic and diarrhea relief. However, more investigations should be performed in order to show parents how valuable this kind of therapy can be to children and the whole family.

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.

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

Nux Vomica 200 CH reduced acute hypnotic effect of alcohol in young toads

Potentized Nux Vomica has been reported to produce antialcoholic effect in mice, rats and toads. The effect relates to consumption of alcohol and alcohol-induced loss of righting reflex (RR). RR’s maintain normal erect posture of an animal and are centrally controlled in the midbrain. In the present study young toads, Duttaphrynus melanostictus were first treated with Nux vomica 200 CH and then partially immersed in 209 mM ethanol solution in such a way that their head remained above the level of ethanol solution. Toadlets were removed from the ethanol solution every 10 min, tested for the loss of RR and returned to the ethanol solution. Toadlets were placed in a supine position on a dry flat surface. Failure to right within 60 sec was considered as the loss of RR. The experiment was repeated 10 times. Control toadlets were pretreated with 90% ethanol instead of Nux Vomica 200 CH. The percentages of toadlets showing loss of RR, both in the control as well as in the Nux-treated groups, were shown in graphs against the duration of exposure to ethanol solution. Differences in the percentage distribution between the control and the treatment groups losing RR were tested by χ2 test. All the experiments were conducted at room temperature. The percentage of toadlets losing RR increased with time of exposure to ethanol solution. The increase was significantly higher with the control than with the Nux-treated group. Nux Vomica 200 CH might have influenced the mid-brain of toadlets thereby countering the hypnotic effect of ethanol in the toadlets.

Biological effects of high-diluted substances and periodic table of elements

Background and Aims. There are several experimental evidences for the effects of high-diluted substances (see e.g. C. Taddei-Ferretti, A. Cotugno 1997, on effects of high-diluted drugs on the prevention and control of mice teratogenicity induced by purine derivatives; N.C. Sukul, C. Taddei-Ferretti, S.P. Sinha Babu, A. De, B. Nandi, A. Sukul, R. Dutta-Nag 2000, on high-diluted Nux vomica countering alcohol-induced loss of righting reflex in toads). Also the physical characterization and mechanism of action of high-diluted drugs have been studied (see e.g. N.C. Sukul, A. Sukul, High dilution effects: Physical and biochemical basis 2004). However, further experimental researches are needed to clarify how physical characteristics of a drug are linked to its global biological effects. Considerations on some high-diluted mineral remedies will be developer here.
 Methods. In Organon, sect. 119, S. Hahnemann writes: «As certainly each species of plants is different from every other one with regard to external appearance, way of life and growth, taste and smell, and as certainly each mineral, each salt is different from the others with regard to external, internal, physical and chemical qualities [...], so certainly all these vegetal and mineral substances have pathogenetic – and thus also curative – effects different among themselves [...]».
 This statement may be taken as basis for considering the characteristics of some elements, as ordered in the periodic table, in relation to those of some high-diluted mineral remedies.
 Conclusions. The elements were previously ordered in the periodic table according to the atomic weight chemically determined, and later more precisely according to the atomic number (number of protons). Then also the electronic configuration was taken into account: properties depending on atomic mass and deep electrons are not periodical, while chemical and several physical properties are linked to external electrons which have periodical configuration.
 In particular, let us consider the group of elements C, P, S, Cl and the group of elements Ca, Mg, K, Na. One may conclude that the four elements of the first group (respectively receiver-or-donor of 4 electrons, receiver of 3, of 2, of 1 electron), which, according to H. Bernard, are linked to the fixed human constitutions, are close among themselves in the periodic table, while they are very distant from the four elements of the second group (respectively donor of 2, of 2, of 1, of 1 electron), which are close among themselves and are linked to the changing constitutional stages.

Transfer of anti-alcoholic effect of Nux Vomica 200 cH through water from one group of toads to another under alcohol anesthesia

Background: A common practice is to give homeopathic medication to nursing mothers to treat their children, assuming that the drug will be conveyed by the milk. In the case of conventional treatment, the drug molecules are indeed passed on from the mother to her breastfed infant. However, high dilutions (HD) above 12 cH, i.e., over Avogadro’s number, are traditionally held to lack any molecule from the starting material. If that is the case, then, does medication taken by the mother actually reach the child? To answer to that question, we developed plant models and demonstrated the transfer of HD effects between 2 groups of plants. Aims: To demonstrate the transfer of HD effects in an animal model in a much shorter time. Methods: Two batches of toads were respectively placed in two beakers, one containing Nux vomica 200 cH diluted with water 1:500 (direct treatment), and the other the same amount of distilled water were connected by cotton thread soaked in water and encased in a polyethylene tube (connected group); a third batch of toads (control) were placed in a beaker with 90% ethanol diluted with distilled water 1:500; all the animals were left 30 minutes, and then transferred to 3 independent beakers containing 209 mM ethanol. Every 10 minutes, the motionless toads were removed from the beakers, and placed on supine position, failure to recover the upright position after 60 sec was considered as loss of the righting reflex (RR). The experiment was replicated using large adult toads. Results: The percentage of toads losing the RR increased with the time of exposure to 209 mM ethanol in the 3 groups of toads. Significant difference in the percentage distribution was found between the control and the direct treatment and connected groups on χ2 test (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively), whereby the latter required much longer time to lose the RR, and did not differed between them. In the experiment with large adult toads, the control group lost RR in 78 min, whereas the 2 treated groups did not lose RR even after 240 min. Conclusion: Nux-v 200 cH countered the hypnotic effect of alcohol in young toads, and this effect was transferred through capillary water in the cotton thread, supporting the transfer of the effect of homeopathic medication from mother to child.

Homeopathic Potencies vary from each other with respect to relative proportions of free and bound water molecules

ABSTRACT
 Homeopathic potencies 12CH and above cross the Avogadro number, and as such do not contain any original drug molecules in their aqueous ethanol medium. It is thought H-bonded water structures preserved by ethanol carry the information of initial drug molecules. Potentized drugs show some differences with respect to their infrared (IR) absorption spectra. In a water-ethanol solution, free water molecules vary according the concentration of ethanol. In the present study the concentration of ethanol has been kept constant at 0.03 molar fraction in 6 different homeopathic potencies. To see whether different homeopathic potencies having fixed ethanol content show variation in free water molecules. Two potencies like 8CH and 32CH of three homeopathic drugs Natrum mur, Cantharis and Nux vomica were used in the study, and their ethanol concentration was kept fixed at 0.03 molar fraction. The control was considered to be aquous ethanol at the same concentration. Spectrum of pure water was also taken. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectra were obtained in the wave number region of 4000 – 2800 cm-1. The half-width at half-maximum was measured for each spectrum. The intensity of each spectrum was normalized at 3410 cm-1 close to the peak. The difference spectrum (absorbance of drug solution – absorbance of pure water) for each drug and the control was obtained. FTIR spectra showed variation in absorbance intensity on both the high and low frequency side of the O-H stretching band in different drugs as well as the control. The C-H stretching band of 2977 cm-1 also showed variation in intensity in different drugs. In the difference spectra the absorbance intensity at the dip at 3630 cm-1 varied in different drugs and the control. The decrease in intensity at 3630 cm-1 and subsequent rise in intensity at lower frequency region represent the level of free water molecules and strong alcoholic O-H band around 3250 cm-1, respectively. The drug and the control solutions show distinct variation in their FTIR spectra. The drugs have different levels of bound and free water molecules although their ethanol concentration is same.
 Keywords-Homeopathic potencies, FTIR spectra, free water molecules, intensity and difference spectrum.

Inter-group Transfer of Anti-alcoholic Effect of Nux vomica 200 CH through the Body of a Live Toad

Background: A homeopathic potency is usually given to the nursing mother for the treatment of her baby. Potencies above 12 CH cross the Avogadro number and are, therefore, too dilute to contain any original drug molecules. A potency is thought to be specifically structured water carrying the imprint of original drug molecules. It may convert the water structure in the body of the mother and through her milk reach the suckling baby. Using a toad model we have recently demonstrated that the antialcoholic effect of Nux vomica 200 CH could be transferred from one group of toads to another through capillary water which carries the information of Nux vomica. Homeopathic potencies show UV spectra distinct from its diluent medium of aquous ethanol. Does a potency remain effective even after passage through a living body? Objectives: To demonstrate that a potency effect can be transferred through the body of a live toad to other groups of toads connected through water to the live toad. Further, we want to see whether the UV spectra of drug solution and of water connected to the drug are similar in nature. Methods: A live toad was held vertically with one hind limb dipped in Nux vomica 200 CH solution in a beaker and another limb in distilled water in another beaker. The second beaker was connected by wet cotton threads encased in polythene tubes to 5 beakers, each of which contained adult toads in distilled water. A batch of toads was directly treated with Nux vomica 200 CH. An equal number of toads in distilled water served as the untreated control. After 30 min the control and the two batches of treated toads were kept separately in 209 mM ethanol solution. Toads, that stopped movement, were placed in supine position on a dry surface. Failure to assume a normal sitting posture within a cutoff time of 60 sec was regarded as loss of righting reflex (RR). The experiment was replicated using large number of toads. UV spectra of Nux vomica 200 CH solution and of water before and after connection with the drug were obtained. Results: The percentage of toads losing RR in the three groups of toads increased with time of exposure to 209 mM ethanol solution. The loss of RR was significantly delayed with the direct treatment group ( P < 0.001, chi square test) and the connected groups ( P < 0.01 , χ2 test ) as compared to the control. The two former groups did not differ from each other significantly. UV spectra of Nux vomica 200 CH solution were similar to that of water connected to the drug solution. Conclusion: The antialcoholic effect of Nux vomica 200 CH could be transferred through the body of a live toad to other groups of toads. The drug did not undergo denaturation during its passage through the living body. That water carries the information of original drug is further evidenced by the spectral properties of water connected to the drug solution through capillary water.

Homeopathic drugs complementary, antidotal and inimical to Nux vomica produce stronger anti-alcoholic effect on toads than Nux.

Abstract
 
 Background
 
 In homeopathy some drugs are known to act as complementary, antidotal or inimical to a
 particular drug. Practitioners can follow this rule when they apply one drug following another.
 Potentized Nux vomica can reduce acute hypnotic effect of alcohol on toads. Sulphur and Sepia
 are reported to be complementary to Nux-vom, while Coffea cruda and Zincum met are antidotal
 and inimical to Nux, respectively .The four drugs have been tested on the toad model to find out
 their actual therapeutic relationship with Nux vom.
 
 Objective
 
 To verify the complementary effect of Sulphur and Sepia, antidotal effect of Coffea and inimical
 effect of Zincum in relation to Nux vom in the toad model.
 
 Methods
 
 Five batches of toads, each comprising 20 individuals, were treated by partial immersion in a
 drug diluted with distilled water 1:500 for 20 min. The control consisted of 90% ethanol diluted
 with distilled water 1:500. The drugs were Nux vom 200 CH, Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH,
 Coffea 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH. Toads of each batch were separately exposed to 260mM
 ethanol solution and tested every 10 min to see if they had lost their righting reflex (RR). For
 this, each toad was laid on its dorsal surface. If it failed to turn on its ventrum in a cut-off time of
 60 sec it was considered to have lost it’s RR. Four more batches of toads were pretreated with
 Nux vom 200 CH and subsequently treated separately by Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH, Coffea
 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH. All the toads were then exposed to 260 mM ethanol solution to
 record their tolerance to ethanol anesthesia in terms of time to lose RR.
 
 Results
 
 Toads treated with the five drugs took significantly longer time (P

Optimization of coprological studies in animals with the use of homeopathic Nux vomica 6CH

Background: Etiology of various gastrointestinal dysfunctions varies from infections and infestations to consequences of emotional stress and errors in animals’ nutrition. Taking this variability of etiology and pathogenesis into account, a lot depends not only on completeness of homeopathic history taking but also on the quality of laboratory studies. In our experience, coprology studies are especially complicated when persistent gastrointestinal disorders were preceded by massive use of allopathic remedies. This sometimes necessitates repeated examinations. That is why our interest in having reliable results and early detection of latent indigestion made us look for non-invasive methods which could be easy to use in animals but at the same time could reveal latent gastrointestinal pathology in animals. Aims: The study was aimed to determine the effect of a homeopathic medication Nux Vomica 6CH on detection of latent gastrointestinal pathology in small domestic animals. Method: Coprology studies were performed simultaneously with the use of sedimentation method and Fulleborn method (modification of Scherbovich). Infestations were diagnosed and characteristics of patient digestion were recorded. Feces test detected: 1. Presence of endoparasites (helminths, protozoa and yeast-like structures); 2. State of intestinal microflora (presence of different species and their balance with each other); 3. Degree of food absorbency (presence or lack of undigested protein, carbohydrates and fat); 4. Presence of inedible inclusions; 5. Presence of cells (lymphocytes, erythrocytes, intestinal epithelium, tumor fragments). If animal feces tests were non-informative, then all medications (except vitally important) were discontinued and Nux Vomica 6CH twice a day twenty minutes prior to food intake was prescribed for 6 days (4 globules dissolved in 10 ml of water). Results: 4500 coprology tests were performed during 3 years in cats and dogs. About 10% of the total number of examined animals (449 patients) produced very little information about the state of gastrointestinal systems at the first examination. When these cases were analyzed, the following reasons were found: long-term use of strong drugs, significant weakening of body immune system. As a result diagnostic tests were of very little value. These animals were treated by Nux Vomica 6CH for 6 days and then repeated feces test was performed. This produced a more informative picture of the state of gastrointestinal system and enabled to determine etiology and pathogenesis of the animal condition and prescribe necessary treatment. Conclusion. In such a way, Nux Vomica 6CH homeopathic remedy promoted effective optimization of coprology studies in animals. The suggested scheme of use for Nux Vomica 6CH significantly improves feces test quality. This in turn reduces time needed to choose strategy and tactics of treatment of small domestic animals with different chronic diseases.

A Randomised Clinical Control Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Shodhita Kuchla Powder (Purified Strychnos Nux-Vomica L.) and Brahmi Extract (Bacopa Monnieri L. Pennell) on Klaibya (Dhwajbhang) w.s.r. to Erectile Dysfunction

Klaibya is defined in Ayurveda as the inability to achieve and maintain sufficient rigidity in the penis, which is essential for his sexual urges or the needs of his female partner during sexual activity. Chakrapani limits the concept of Klaibya to merely erectile dysfunction. Dhwajbhang, according to Acharya Sushruta, is a form of Klaibya caused by excessive coitus. The standard initial evaluation of a man experiencing ED is conducted in person and involves sexual, medical, and psychosocial histories, as well as laboratory tests comprehensive enough to identify comorbid diseases that may predispose the patient to ED and may contraindicate particular treatments. Properties of Ayurvedic drug; Kuchla (Strychnos nux-vomica) in classical text Rasatarangani as therapeutic of Klaibya (ED) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is well known Medhya drug that works on neuro- psychological disorders. The current study evaluated the effects of Kuchla and Brahmi on 36 erectile dysfunction patients, having 30 of them completing the trial. The patients were categorized into two parts: Group A administered an ED 250 capsule (Hypothetical) once a day (250mg) with milk, and Group B received a placebo once a day with milk HS for 30 days, followed by another 30 days.

Brucine-Loaded Ethosomal Gel: Design, Optimization, and Anti-inflammatory Activity.

Brucine, one of the natural medications obtained from Nux vomica seeds, is used as an anti-inflammatory drug. Several investigations were performed to overcome its drawbacks, which will affect significantly its pharmaceutical formulation. The goal of the current investigation was to design, optimize, and evaluate the anti-inflammatory performance of BRU ethosomal gel. Brucineethosomal formulations were prepared using thin film hydration method and optimized by central composite design approach using three independent variables (lecithin concentration, cholesterol concentration, and ethanol percentage) and three response variables (vesicular size, encapsulation efficiency, and skin permeation). The optimized formulation was examined for its stability and then incorporated into HPMC gel to get BRU ethosomal gel. The obtained BRU-loaded ethosomal gel was evaluated for its physical properties, in vitro release, and ex vivo permeation and skin irritation. Finally, carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema test was adopted for the anti-inflammatory activity. The developed BRU ethosomal gel exhibited good physical characteristics comparable with the conventional developed BRU gel. In vitro release of BRU from ethosomal gel was effectively extended for 6h. Permeation of BRU from ethosomes was significantly higher than all formulations (p < 0.05), since it recorded steady state transdermal flux value 0.548 ± 0.03μg/cm2h with enhancement ratio 2.73 ± 0.23. Eventually, BRU ethosomal gel exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity as manifested by a significant decrease in rat hind paw inflammation following 24h. In conclusion, the study emphasized the prospective of ethosomal gel as a fortunate carrier for intensifying the anti-inflammatory effect of Brucine.

Homeopathic drugs complementary, antidotal and inimical to Nux vomica produce stronger anti-alcoholic effect on toads than Nux.

Background: In homeopathy some drugs are known to act as complementary, antidotal or inimical to a particular drug. Practitioners can follow this rule when they apply one drug following another. Potentized Nux vomica can reduce acute hypnotic effect of alcohol on toads. Sulphur and Sepia are reported to be complementary to Nux-vom, while Coffea cruda and Zincum met are antidotal and inimical to Nux, respectively .The four drugs have been tested on the toad model to find out their actual therapeutic relationship with Nux vom. Objective: To verify the complementary effect of Sulphur and Sepia, antidotal effect of Coffea and inimical effect of Zincum in relation to Nux vom in the toad model. Methods: Five batches of toads, each comprising 20 individuals, were treated by partial immersion in a drug diluted with distilled water 1:500 for 20 min. The control consisted of 90% ethanol diluted with distilled water 1:500. The drugs were Nux vom 200 CH, Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH, Coffea 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH. Toads of each batch were separately exposed to 260mM ethanol solution and tested every 10 min to see if they had lost their righting reflex (RR). For this, each toad was laid on its dorsal surface. If it failed to turn on its ventrum in a cut-off time of 60 sec it was considered to have lost its RR. Four more batches of toads were pretreated with Nux vom 200 CH and subsequently treated separately by Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH, Coffea 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH. All the toads were then exposed to 260 mM ethanol solution to record their tolerance to ethanol anesthesia in terms of time to lose RR. Results: Toads treated with the five drugs took significantly longer time (P

Usefulness of homoeopathy in essential hypertension: an exploratory interventional trial

Background: Hypertension has shown a significant increase in its prevalence not only in urban but also in rural population in India. Out of all hypertensive cases 85%-95% account for ‘Essential hypertension’, which is mostly attributed to genetic, psychological and environmental factors. Thus, there is need for a holistic approach for its treatment. Homoeopathy with its holistic concept along with life style modifications can prove to be a better option. This observational study as a part of thesis during post graduation was taken up to examine the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines with life style modifications in management of essential hypertension. Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the role of homoeopathic drugs in the management of essential hypertension. Secondary objective was to find out the cases which belong to ‘Metabolic syndrome X’ as per the clinical criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program (Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III). Methodology: An exploratory interventional trial was conducted at Dharam Kiran Govt. Homoeopathic Hospital, Hyderabad from 2004-06. 30 cases were enrolled from the OPD of the hospital. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after receiving written informed consent. Medical history, physical examination, laboratory investigations were used to rule out Secondary hypertension. Detailed case history was recorded as per the standard case recording format and cases were repertorized using suitable repertory. Final selection of the medicine for each case was done in consultation with homoeopathic Materia medica. Modifiable risk factors like obesity (Body Mass Index), excess salt intake, alcohol consumption etc. were recorded at baseline. The cases with Stage II hypertension as per Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure VII report (JNC VII) were followed up every 15 days and cases with Stage I hypertension were followed every one month till one year. Improvement status was assessed considering changes in staging according to JNC VII report and improvement in general condition. Main outcome measure was to assess the change in blood pressure in Stage I and II hypertension cases and secondary outcome was to find cases that belong to ‘Metabolic syndrome X’. Data was analyzed by using statistical software SPSS version 16. Results: 16 (53.33%) cases showed marked improvement, 8 (26.67%) cases improved moderately, 3 (10%) showed no improvement and 3 (10%) cases dropped out. Arsenic album, Natrum muraticum, Nux vomica, Causticum and Lycopodium were found useful in the management of essential hypertension. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used to analyze the data. The difference in values for both systolic and diastolic blood pressures before and after treatment were found statistically significant (p Conclusion: This study found that the constitutional treatment based on homoeopathic principles offers the best therapeutic solution in the management of essential hypertension. Further well designed studies should be taken up to establish the efficacy of homoeopathy in management of essential hypertension.

Variation in free and bound water molecules in different homeopathic potencies as revealed by their Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

ABSTRACT&#x0D; &#x0D; BACKGROUND&#x0D; Homeopathic potencies 12CH and above cross the Avogadro number, and as such do not contain any original drug molecules in their aquous ethanol medium. It is thought H-bonded water structures preserved by ethanol carry the information of initial drug molecules. Potentized drugs show some differences with respect to their infrared (IR) absorption spectra. In a water-ethanol solution, free water molecules vary according the concentration of ethanol. In the present study the concentration of ethanol has been kept constant at 0.03 molar fraction in 6 different homeopathic potencies.&#x0D; &#x0D; OBJECTIVE&#x0D; To see whether different homeopathic potencies having fixed ethanol content show variation in free water molecules.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; Two potencies like 8CH and 32CH of three homeopathic drugs Natrum mur, Cantharis and Nux vomica were used in the study, and their ethanol concentration was kept fixed at 0.03 molar fraction. The control was considered to be aquous ethanol at the same concentration. Spectrum of pure water was also taken. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectra were obtained in the wave number region of 4000 – 2800 cm-1. The half-width at half-maximum was measured for each spectrum. The intensity of each spectrum was normalized at 3410 cm-1 close to the peak. The difference spectrum (absorbance of drug solution – absorbance of pure water) for each drug and the control was obtained.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; FTIR spectra showed variation in absorbance intensity on both the high and low frequency side of the O-H stretching band in different drugs as well as the control. The C-H stretching band of 2977 cm-1 also showed variation in intensity in different drugs. In the difference spectra the absorbance intensity at the dip at 3630 cm-1 varied in different drugs and the control. The decrease in intensity at 3630 cm-1 and subsequent rise in intensity at lower frequency region represent the level of free water molecules and strong alcoholic O-H band around 3250 cm-1, respectively.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION&#x0D; The drug and the control solutions show distinct variation in their FTIR spectra. The drugs have different levels of bound and free water molecules although their ethanol concentration is same.&#x0D; &#x0D; KEY WORDS&#x0D; Homeopathic potencies, FTIR spectra, free water molecules, intensity and difference spectrum.

Comparative Efficacy of Nonnicotine Replacement Therapy (Homeopathy Medicine) and Placebo With Behavioral Counseling on Tobacco Abstinence Among Adult Tobacco Users in Pune

Background: In India, tobacco is used in various forms, leading to an addictive behavioral disorder. Usually the homeopathy medicines are considered to be free from any side effects. The employees of a bus depot were addicted to tobacco and were contemplating on giving up the habit. Aim and Objective: To compare the effectiveness of non nicotine replacement therapy with behavioural councelling and placebo with behavioural councelling in tobacco abstinence at 6th and 12th month. Material and Methods: A triple blind, parallel group, placebo controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted amongst 51 workers of bus workshop. Demographic data was recorded. Tobacco dependency was assessed using Fagerstrom questionnaire; Oral mucosa condition, CPI and LOA was recorded using WHO oral health assessment form 1997 and stains on teeth surfaces was recorded by Lobene stain index (1968). The intervention group received homeopathy medicine, control group received placebo and both groups received behavioural counseling and were followed up to 12 months. Results: Tobacco abstinence was seen in both the groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at the end of six and twelfth month (p&gt;0.05). The mean reduction in the frequency of tobacco consumption and the dependency score within both the groups was statistically significant (p=0.00). The intervention and the control group helped 6 Vs 5 participants to abstain from the habit. Conclusion: Homeopathy medication ie. Tabaccum, Avena Sativa, Nux Vomica, Staphysagria, Caladium have shown to be beneficial in tobacco cessation.