Ultra High Dilution Research Articles

Investigation of The Effect of Metal-based Medicine Arsenicum album on Humoral Immune Response in SRBC-immunized Mice.

In complementary and alternative medicinal systems, the Arsenicum album in ultra-high dilution was used in various therapeutic conditions, considering its effects on the body's immune system, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, scientific evidence regarding its immunomodulatory effects is insufficient. The current study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Arsenicum album in an experimental mouse model. Immunomodulatory activity of potentized dilutions of Arsenicum album i.e., 6C, 30C, 200C in BALB/c mice was evaluated by humoral antibody titer and delayedtype hypersensitivity assays wherein a fixed concentration (0.5 ml of 1× 109 cells/ml) of freshly prepared sheep RBC was administered as a foreign antigen to generate primary and secondary antibodies. Arsenicum album showed significant immunomodulatory activity by increasing primary antibody titer evaluated on day 21 of the treatment in all the dilutions as compared to SRBC and vehicle control group in humoral immune response assay without showing any effect on delayed-type hypersensitivity. The results of this preliminary study indicate that oral administration of Arsenicum album has the potential to augment primary humoral response at all dilutions. Hence, the possibility of using the Arsenicum album could be explored to treat immunological conditions, infections, etc., as an alternative therapy alongwith modern medicines.

Novel high-pressure/high-temperature reactor cell for in situ and operando x-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of heterogeneous catalysts at synchrotron facilities.

This paper presents the development of a novel high-pressure/high-temperature reactor cell dedicated to the characterization of catalysts using synchrotron x-ray absorption spectroscopy under operando conditions. The design of the vitreous carbon reactor allows its use as a plug-flow reactor, monitoring catalyst samples in a powder form with a continuous gas flow at high-temperature (up to 1000 °C) and under high pressure (up to 1000bar) conditions, depending on the gas environment. The high-pressure/high-temperature reactor cell incorporates an automated gas distribution system and offers the capability to operate in both transmission and fluorescence detection modes. The operando x-ray absorption spectroscopy results obtained on a bimetallic InCo catalyst during CO2 hydrogenation reaction at 300 °C and 50bar are presented, replicating the conditions of a conventional microreactor. The complete setup is available for users and permanently installed on the Collaborating Research Groups French Absorption spectroscopy beamline in Material and Environmental (CRG-FAME) sciences and French Absorption spectroscopy beamline in Material and Environmental sciences at ultra-high dilution (FAME-UHD) beamlines (BM30 and BM16) at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France.

Influence of Ultrahigh Dilution Treatment of the Charge on the Growth and Spectroscopic Properties of Nd:MgMoO4 Potential Laser Crystal

The influence of the charge treatment by ultrahigh dilution (UHD) technology on oxide single crystals grown by the Czochralski technique was studied for monoclinic MgMoO4 crystals doped by 1 at. % of Nd3+ ions. The series of 10 Nd:MgMoO4 crystals was grown from the charges that were subjected to UHD treatment, as well as from the charges treated with two types of control or with no special treatment at all. The grown crystals were studied by X-ray powder diffraction analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, optical absorption, emission spectroscopy and luminescence kinetic analysis. We found that: (i) wetting of MgO + MoO3 mixture by a water-ethanol solution before calcining leads to some enrichment of the mixture with MoO3, whereas the wetting of the charge after the calcining leads to some enrichment of it with MgO; (ii) congruent melting composition of MgMoO4 crystal is in the field of some MoO3 excess; (iii) the solid-phase solubility of the excess MoO3 in MgMoO4 probably does not depend on temperature, whereas the solid-phase solubility of the excess MgO in MgMoO4 crystal depends on temperature. We suggest that the corresponding solidus line passes through the range of retrograde solubility; (iv) the crystals grown within this range are characterized by the enhanced Nd3+ segregation coefficient between the crystal and the melt (approximately 0.006 versus 0.004); (v) unit cell parameters of MgMoO4 crystal with the excess of MoO3 are larger than those of the crystal of the stoichiometric composition and of the crystal with the excess of MgO; (vi) the shapes of the optical absorption and luminescence spectra of Nd:MgMoO4 crystal do not depend on the charge treatment; (vii) luminescence decay kinetics are single-exponential for all the studied crystals, the luminescence decay time being different for the crystals grown from the charges that underwent different types of treatment; (viii) the luminescence intensity of Nd:MgMoO4 crystal grown from the charge that underwent UHD treatment before calcining (solid-phase synthesis) is reduced by an order of magnitude in comparison with the other studied crystals.

Existence of original drug molecules in ultra high dilutions

Abstract:
 
 Background: Some workers postulated that homeopathic medicines have got some alterations of hydrogen bonded network in water molecules for their activity, but according to others the original drug molecule remains present as nanoparticles. Objective: To prove experimentally whether traces of medicine molecules are present in ultra high dilution and determine its apparent cause. Materials and Methods: To detect existence of Copper ion in 5 ultra high dilutions (6c, 30c, 200c, 1000c and 10000c) in Cuprum metallicum were subjected to Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. An experiment was also set up to determine how one can obtain trails of original molecules in highly diluted solutions beyond Avogadro’s limit where a solution of copper sulfate was successively diluted decimally in three different ways: NSW (Non-”Succussed” Water), SW(“Succussed” Water), SWE (“Succussed” Water with 50% ethanol) and was studied by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. Result: Existence of a Copper ion was found asymptotically decreasing through all the five dilutions. In the second experiment it was observed that in case of NSW solution the Optical Density (OD) reaches to non-detectable (ND) range earlier, but for SW and SWE later. Conclusion: Some sorts of non-homogeneity established in “succussed” alcoholic dilutions due to fall of dielectric constant. With the increase of dilution more proportion of solute molecules in the form of nanoparticles covered by solvent layers become transferred to the next serial dilution. Drugs, tightly packed by ethanol (‘nanoparticles’) easily enter inside cell, bring symptoms to the “provers” and cure patients as well when applied in minute dose.

Homoeopathy in plantar psoriasis: An evidence-based case report

Introduction: Plantar psoriasis is a variant of psoriasis and accounts for 3–4% of total cases of psoriasis. Psoriasis, an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, can leave the patient in agony with its distressing infection episodes. The homoeopathic system of medicine offers a wide range of medicines that can have a beneficial role in managing cases of psoriasis as depicted in the previous studies. Case summary: A distinct case of plantar psoriasis treated with homoeopathic remedies of ultra-high dilution has been presented here. The evidence-based illustrations were done before and after the treatment and the periodical objective assessment of the lesions with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) calculation to ascertain the prognosis. The causal attribution of outcome to the treatment was evaluated using Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homoeopathy (MONARCH) tool. Marked improvement was found in the psoriatic lesions evidenced photographically and the PASI scores showed significant reduction affirming the same. The MONARCH score (+9) suggested that the clinical improvement was likely attributable to the homoeopathic treatment. This evidence-based case report suggests a beneficial role of homoeopathy in the treatment of plantar psoriasis.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ БЕЛОК-ИНДУЦИРОВАННЫХ АССОЦИАТОВ ПРИ СВЕРХВЫСОКОМ РАЗВЕДЕНИИ АНТИТЕЛ К ИНТЕРФЕРОНУ-γ

The possibilities of using the channeling of low-energy (9-13 keV) electrons to determine the nature of changes in the positional order in the arrangement of molecular complexes of water and protein-induced associates at ultrahigh dilution of antibodies to interferon-γ without and in the presence of excipients were studied. We used the method of gas-discharge visualization, which makes it possible to record the parameters of the avalanche-streamer discharge caused by the field emission of electrons passing through the bulk and surface of the drop of the studied solutions. Studies of the structural organization of drug solutions were carried out on solutions of polyclonal affinity-purified human antibodies to interferon-γ. Solutions were obtained by repeated dilution of antibodies in purified water. Used solutions corresponding to four concentration points of antibodies. An analysis of the patterns of the gas-discharge image of solutions made it possible to determine the stereographic projections of the channels of electron motion formed by molecular complexes of solutions, as well as the energy and average concentration of electrons, their energy distribution associated with the features of the short-range order, the specifics of self-organization processes. The results obtained indicate significant changes in the water-dispersed medium during its dilution with human antibodies to interferon-γ.

Ultra-high diluted medicines and their probable role in homoeopathic drug standardization

Background: Pharmaceutical homeopathic industries are the mainstream manufacturers for high dilution potencies. In coming years, the CAGR for the homeopathic medicines will be high around 12.5% compared to all other alternative present in the global market. Therefore, a need is felt in upgrading the homoeopathic drug standardization as the presence of nanoparticle in high dilutions can prove to be the new defining parameter for their quantitative analysis. Methods: An online database search was made and the studies on nanoparticles with ultra-high dilutions (UHDs) chosen based on pre-defined keywords were used. Databases searched were from Google scholar, Pub-med, Web of science, Science direct, SCOPUS, CINAHL, EMBASE, Psych-info, WILEY. Articles published from 2000 to 2018 were included. Results: There were 09 research manuscript identified showing the results of ultrahigh dilution medicines testing on presences of nanoparticles. Most researched homeopathic medicine groups were from mineral and plant derived medicines. Techniques like HRTEM, FESEM, EDS, SAED, ICP-AES, DLS, and PDI etc. were used in identifying nanoparticles in ultrahigh diluted attenuations. Conclusion: The data of average size of nanoparticles could be tabulated into a reference range for the development of a standardized range of nanoparticle for any particular remedy and concerned potency hence need to define new parameter in differentiating of each potency in quantitative method and upgrading the pharmacopeia on quality testing parameters of these ultrahigh diluted medicines.

The superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3Oy ceramics fabricated using ultrahigh dilution technology

YBa2Cu3Oy (Y-123) is one of the most intensively studied high-temperature superconductors (HTS) and has great potential for applications in electronics. Its superconducting properties significantly depend on the oxygen index (y), the peculiarities of the atomic crystal and microgranular structure, the type and concentration of contaminating atoms. Therefore, of particular interest are the techniques of HTS synthesis that significantly affect the superconducting properties, as well as modifications of these techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrahigh dilution (UHD) technology on the Y-123 HTS properties.We applied UHD technology to treat Y2O3·4BaO2·6CuO composition (before and/or after calcination) and used solid-phase reaction to obtain batches of ceramic samples of the Y-123 phase. Main characteristics of the synthesized HTS specimens (the orthorhombic unit cell parameters, temperature dependence of electrical resistance, Meissner effect, and critical current density) were studied.X-ray phase analysis demonstrated that the samples were practically single-phase and consisted of the Y-123 phase. Depending on the treatment method, the modifying effect varied. Positive and most significant results were demonstrated for specimens obtained from precursor powder mixture treated with UHD. For some of such specimens an increase in the temperature of the beginning of the transition to the superconducting state by 3.8 K, the Meissner effect by 9%, and the density of the intergranular critical current by 35% were observed. We conclude that UHD technology can be used to improve properties of HTS. However, methodology for implementation of UHD technology should depend on which specific superconductor property needs to be changed.

Droplet evaporation patterns of wheat seed leakages differ following treatments with arsenic at ultra-high dilution level

Introduction
 
 “Agro-homeopathy” plays an important role in sustainable agriculture providing cost-saving and residue-free plant treatments for the improvement of yield and the management of diseases and pests [1]. However, one of the main difficulties in “agro-homeopathy” is the exact choice of the right remedy and dilution, which requires the performance of many time-consuming trials.
 
 The droplet evaporation method could constitute a screening method for evaluating the efficacy of extremely low doses and high dilutions on plants. Droplet patterns prepared out of wheat seed leakages show differences in their complexity in relation to the seed vigour [2]. Here we show that this structure-forming capacity of seed leakages prepared in water or in ultra-high diluted (UHD) solutions may give a reliable picture of the treatment’s stimulating or inhibiting influence on plant vitality.
 
 Materials and Methods
 
 Part of the seeds was stressed with 0.1% As2O3 (As) aqueous solution [3]. The droplet patterns were prepared out of four samples: non-stressed (ns) seeds in water, ns-seeds in As 45x, stressed (s) seeds in water, s-seeds in As 45x. The experiment was performed in a 3 day repetition, 3 replicates per day, and 5 droplets per each replicate. The resulting patterns were evaluated by means of the ImageJ software [4] for their local connected fractal dimension (LCFD) values. The plant vigour of the four samples was evaluated by means of in vitro wheat growth [5, 6].
 
 Results
 
 The mean LCFD of patterns deriving from s-seeds was significantly lower (1.4) vs. ns-seeds (1.7). Moreover, for both ns- and s-seeds, the LCFD was significantly higher with treatment As 45x vs. water (1.8 vs. 1.7 for ns-seeds, and 1.5 vs. 1.2 for s-seeds). The results of the growth test showed a significant vigour decrease caused by As stress (shoot length 19.7mm) vs. ns-seeds (22.4mm); a significant stimulating effect following As 45x treatment was observed for both s-seeds (25.1mm) and ns-seeds (31.4).
 
 Discussion
 
 The droplet patterns seem to be a sensitive tool for visualizing the effectiveness of UHD on seeds. The experiment showed that the pattern complexity increased with the application of the treatment for both ns- and s-seeds. The growth test provided a further verification of these results.
 
 Conclusions
 
 Further confirmations are required, but even as it is now the droplet evaporation method may be considered a promising tool for “agro-homeopathic” screening tests.
 
 
 
 Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest and that this study received no funding.
 
 
 
 References
 
 Betti L, Trebbi G, Majewsky V, Scherr C, Shah-Rossi D, Jaeger T, Baumgartner S. Use of homeopathic preparations in phytopathological models and in field trials: a critical review. Homeopathy 2009; 98: 244-266.
 Kokornaczyk MO, Dinelli G, Marotti I, Benedettelli S, Nani D, Betti L. Self-organized crystallization patterns from evaporating droplets of Common wheat grain leakages as a potential tool for quality analysis. TheScientificWorldJ. 2011; 11: 1712-1725.
 Brizzi M, Elia V, Trebbi G, Nani D, Peruzzi M, Betti L. The efficacy of ultra molecular aqueous dilutions on a wheat germination model as a function of heat and aging-time. e-CAM 2011; Article ID 696298: 11p. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep217.
 Collins TJ. ImmageJ for microscopy. BioTechniques. 2007; 43: 25-30.
 Betti L, Brizzi M, Nani D, Peruzzi M. Effect of high dilutions of Arsenicum album on wheat seedlings from seed poisoned with the same substance. Br. Homeopath. J. 1997; 86: 86-89.
 Brizzi M, Lazzarato L, Nani D, Borghini F, Peruzzi M, Betti L. A biostatistical insight into the As2O3 high dilution effects on the rate and variability of wheat seedling growth. Forsch. Komplementmed. 2005; 12: 277-283.

Pre stimulation by gibberellic acid and the effect of extremely diluted agitated gibberellic acid on wheat stalk growth

Background: In previous multicentre studies[1,2], the influence of a homeopathic ultra high dilution of gibberellic acid on wheat growth was scrutinized. Data showed that this test dilution slowed down stalk growth when experiments were performed in autumn season.
 Aim: To test the hypothesis that pre treatment of grains with high concentrations of gibberellic acid will enhance the effect of the ultra high dilution of the plant hormone
 Methods: Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) were observed under the influence of extremely diluted gibberellic acid (10-30) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy (“G30x”). Analogously prepared water was used for control (“W30x”). Grains (500 or 1000 per group) were pre treated with (not agitated) gibberellic acid 10-5, 10-4 and 10-3 (“Ge-5, Ge-4, Ge-3”) or with water (“W”) for control prior to treatment with G30x or W30x. Seedlings were allowed to develop under standardized conditions for 7 days; plants were harvested and stalk lengths were measured.
 Results: With regard to pre treatment, it can be seen that the groups treated with Ge-3 showed most growth, followed by the Ge-4 groups, the Ge-5 groups and the non pre treated W groups. This decline is modulated by the application of G30x and W30x (figure 1). The lower the pre treatment concentration of G, the more marked is a slowing down effect of G30x versus W30x. 
 Conclusion: The hypothesis that pre treatment of grains with high concentrations of gibberellic acid will enhance the effect of G30x had to be rejected. In contrast, G30x slowed down stalk growth in the W group with p < 0.001 but only moderately in the Ge-5 and Ge-4 group and not at all in the Ge-3 group. 
 Keywords: homeopathy, wheat stalk growth, gibberellic acid, high dilution

Natrum mur 200c promotes seed germination and increases total protein, chlorophyll, rubisco and sugar in early seedlings of cowpea under salt stress

Background: High level of salinity deteriorates seed germination, growth and yield of crops in cultivated lands all over the world. There is no effective remedy to mitigate this global problem. Homeopathy offers a remedy like Natrum mur which at ultra high dilution ameliorates diseases of patients having strong desire for salt consumption. The purpose of the present study is to see whether potentized Natrum mur could alleviate salt stress in germinating seeds of cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.
 Methods: Water-soaked seeds were kept over moist filter paper in covered petridishes which were divided into 5 groups: (1) unstressed and untreated control in sterile distilled water, (2) in 100mM sodium chloride solution, (3) seeds pretreated with Natrum mur 200c and then kept in sterile distilled water, (4) seeds pretreated with Natrum mur 200c and then transferred to 100mM NaCl solution and (5) seeds pretreated with 90% ethanol. Both Natrum mur 200 c and its diluent medium 90% ethanol were diluted with distilled water 1:100 before use for treatment.
 Results: Natrum mur 200c increased the rate of seed germination, seed water content and growth of seedlings. The drug also enhanced chlorophyll, soluble and insoluble sugar, rubisco and total protein content as compared to the untreated salt stressed group. Treatment with Natrum mur 200c increased salt tolerance in the seedlings as compared to the untreated salt stressed group. All the data were analyzed by ANOVA and the significance level was not less than 1%. 
 Conclusion: Natrum mur 200c reversed the effects of salt stress in germinated seeds thereby providing evidence for Hahnemann’s similia principle in plants. Potentized Natrum mur could be safely used with profit on plants grown on brackish soil.

Prestimulation of wheat seedlings with gibberellic acid followed by application of an agitated high dilution of the same hormone

Background
 In previous multicentre studies, the influence of a homeopathic ultra-high dilution of gibberellic acid on wheat growth was scrutinized. Data showed that this test dilution slowed down stalk growth when experiments were performed in the autumn season.
 
 Aim 
 To test the hypothesis that pretreatment of grains with high concentrations of gibberellic acid would enhance the growth-inhibiting effect of the ultra-high dilution of the plant hormone
 
 Methods
 Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, 500 or 1000 per group) were pretreated with (non-agitated) gibberellic acid 10-5, 10-4 and 10-3 or with water (“W”) for control prior to treatment with G30x or W30x. Grains were observed under the influence of extremely diluted gibberellic acid (10-30) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy (“G30x”). Analogously prepared water was used for control (“W30x”). Seedlings were allowed to develop under standardized conditions for 7 days; plants were harvested and stalk lengths were measured.
 
 Results
 Of the four pretreatment variants under study, Ge-3 yielded most growth, followed by Ge-4 , Ge-5 and finally W. This outcome was modulated by the application of G30x and W30x in that the inhibition obtained with G30x as compared to W30x was the greater the lower the pretreatment concentration of G had been.
 
 The hypothesis that pretreatment of grains with high concentrations of gibberellic acid would enhance the growth inhibiting effect of G30x had to be rejected. Rather, G30x slowed down stalk growth most in the W group with p < 0.001, only moderately in the Ge-5 and Ge-4 group and not at all in the Ge-3 group.

Increase of agricultural crop productivity with the use of ultrahigh dilutions of substances

More than 40 years ago G.N. Shangin-Berezovsky was the first to discover the effect of ultrahigh dilution substances on plant growth and development. Further studies in this area attracted interest of many scientists. Studies of the effect and use of ultrahigh dilution substances in agriculture is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. This study was aimed to determine efficiency of different ways of use of homeopathized (e.g. used in ultrahigh dilutions) fertilizers in plant cultivation. We studies the results of ultrahigh dilution fertilizers in different crops. These fertilizers were used in different modes: by watering, spraying, soaking, and strewing. The effect of the frequency of their application was also studied. In all cases when homeopathized remedies were prepared a lot of attention was paid to correct selection of fertilizers. Confirmed increase of plant productivity with the use of a fertilizer was the main criterion for its selection. The results were compared to the control group of plants which were grown in similar conditions in terms of growing technique, water supply and sun exposure. The studies demonstrated reliable increase of productivity of all studied plants with the use of ultrahigh dilution fertilizers in different modes of application. It was found out that the results in vegetables were similar between all breeds within the species, whereas in fruit trees (e.g. apple and pear trees) there was some variability of results depending on the way of selection. The results demonstrated that for fruit trees application of homeopathized fertilizers once a season was preferable and sufficient. For vegetables monthly application frequency should not be exceeded. Increasing frequency of application causes a decrease of productivity. For root crops single application at the time of planting was sufficient and effective. In such a way, our studies demonstrated effectiveness of the use of ultrahigh dilution fertilizers in plants. The results show that the use of homeopathized substances can be promising to increase productivity of agricultural crops.

Highland amphibians and extremely diluted thyroxine: pre-experiment storage at low temperature

Introduction: In the course of more than two decades of experimental work on a model with amphibians and extremely diluted thyroxine, one experiment in particular, investigating the effect of an ultra-high dilution of thyroxine (T30x) v analogously prepared water (W30x) in amphibians from highland biotopes, was found to be reproducible. A total of 22 experimental runs were performed between 1990 and 2011, 15 by the initial researchers and 7 by altogether 5 independent researchers (1-5). In most of these (the sole exception being two performed and reported by the initial team) a trend was found of T30x-animals developing more slowly than W30x-animals. Pooled T30x values obtained by the initial team were 10.1% lower than W30x values (100%) (p < 0.01), and pooled T30x values from the 5 independent researchers were 12.4% lower (p < 0.01). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that storing the animals at 4°C prior to the experiment does not influence (i.e. inhibit) the effect of T30x. Cooling here seemed to be a promising means of facilitating the transport of the highland larvae to laboratories and of synchronizing experiments. Methods: The original protocol was followed, but animals were stored at 4°C for several days prior to the experiment. Results: In contrast to the majority of previous experiments, no clear trend was found of T30x values being different from W30x values, i.e. of animals developing more slowly under the influence of T30x (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This experiment failed to reproduce the previously observed inhibiting effect of ultra-high diluted thyroxine on highland amphibians. The hypothesis that storage of the animals at 4°C does not influence the effect of T30x could not be proven; in contrast, it may be that this intermediate cooling down of the larvae is responsible for the failure of the replication.

"Ultra-high Dilution" 1994 revisited 2014: Follow up of experiments and theories

Background: “Research in ultra-high dilutions, and the interaction of ultra-high dilutions and living systems, has reached a level of quality and popularity that it is about to be taken seriously by current … sciences …” the editors wrote in their introduction to “Ultra High Dilution. Physiology and Physics”, published by Kluwer (now Springer) in 19941. Back then, this anthology assembled contributions of leading scientists in fundamental and clinical research on homeopathy. Over the following two decades, it became widely quoted within the homeopathic community and also known in other research communities.
 Aim: To re-visit and review the 1994 studies in biology, physics, biophysics and clinics from the perspective of 2014.
 Methods: As a rule, the original authors from 1994 or closed laboratory colleagues were asked to contribute papers covering their research efforts and learnings in the period from1994 up to 2014. These contributions were a) edited and cross-referenced and b) peer reviewed via the Elsevier Electronic System in preparation of a special issue of the journal “Homeopathy”, London, to appear in October 2015.
 Results: Part 1 (Biology) includes chapters
 • on dose-dependent hormesis effects in low and very low doses by Menachem Oberbaum, who was also the author on this topic in 1994;
 • on further results on the “classical” model with wheat and an ultra high dilution (UHD) of a silver salt by Waltraud Scherer-Pongratz, also author in 1994, et al.; on the model with highland amphibians and an UHD of the hormone thyroxine by Christian Endler, also author in 1994, et al.; and on a new model derived from the latter two, combining wheat and a plant hormone by Scherer-Pongratz and Endler;
 • on a botanical and a zoological survey on high dilution research by the new contributors Tim Jäger, Stephan Baumgartner et al. and Leoni Bonamin et al., as well as a survey on immunological research by Bernard Poitevin, also author in 1994.
 • on UHD research from the laboratory of Madeleine Bastide, decedée, now pursued by Bonamin, and from the laboratory of Jacques Benveniste, decedé, now pursued by Yoléne Thomas;
 Part 2 (Biophysics) includes chapters
 • on effects of homeopathic medicines in closed vials by Roeland van Wijk, also author in 1994, et al.;
 • on electromagnetic and magentic vector potential bio-information and water by Cyril Smith, also author in 1994;
 Part 3 (Physics) includes chapters
 • on investigation topics, models and theories presented by various authors in 1994, followed up by Jurgen Schulte;
 • on experimental methods by Schulte, also author in 1994;
 • on the recent discussion on the theory of entanglement by Schulte
 Part 4 (Clinics) includes chapters
 • on provings of UHDs on healthy volunteers by Harald Walach, also author in 1994;
 • on a review by Robert Mathie of clinical research on homeopathy, as a follow-up to Max Haidvogl’s contribution (Haidvogl being happily retired) referring to Klaus Linde in 1994.
 Furthermore,
 • a contribution on quality and standards of reporting in homeopathy research was added by Beate Stock-Schroer,
 • a bibliographic survey on repetitions of experiments on UHDs by Endler et al. was included,
 • the outlook on “preliminary elements of a theory on UHDs” from 1994 was updated by the editors;
 • and Marco Righetti, as well as Peter Fisher, also contributors in 1994, wrote prefaces.
 Conclusion: “Ultra High Dilution revisited”, the special issue of “Homeopathy”, October 2015, may be seen as a “buena vista social club” of homeopathy researchers 1994 (luckily supported by younger colleagues), as a disclosure of new results on the old models (what happened between 1994 and 2014?), as well as a general survey on the state of UHD research.

Evaluating Subtle Field Imprints in Water by Droplet Evaporation Method

Abstract
 Background: Even though water is regarded as something long understood and explained by conventional science – many open-minded researchers know that it still hides many mysteries (water clusters, coherent domains, so-called memory, etc.). Many of these mysteries come to fore in ultra-high dilution (UHD) experiments and practices, where usually not even one molecule of the originating substances is left. Mostly, they can be tackled only by using the droplet evaporation method (DEM).1 
 Aim: One of the hypotheses of water memory suggests that through UHD (dilutions, shaking) the field of a substance is stably impressed into water. If this is true than we should be able to imprint also a field itself - not originating from a certain substance, but from other sources. Such imprint should be revealed by an appropriate research method.
 Method: The DEM consists of monitoring dried water drops by dark field microscopy. It was discovered in the previous century by Ruth Kübler, a German artist, and further developed by Bernd-Helmut Kröplin, Minnie Hein, Berthold Heusel M. A. and Georg Schröcker. It has also been used to research the still controversial special characteristics of ultra-high diluted aqueous solutions.2 It has been proved capable of demonstrating differences in subtle influences of an UHD (around 10-47 M, practically “pure” water) of As2O3 on common wheat seeds. This method is therefore, capable of transferring certain, not yet fully understood or generally accepted subtle physical characteristicsof the solution to the remnant patterns after drop evaporation.3, 4
 We used DEM to evaluate experiments on impressing the subtle field of five bioenergy healers and two so called “informed” objects (a glass and an “energy” card) into mineral or spring water with well-known characteristics. In all these experiments we also used control water that was of the same origin, but placed in a separate room. The DEM images were analyzed by special computer programs and statistically evaluated. No mother tincture of any kind was used.
 Results: The results demonstrate that even such subtle fields can leave stable and reproducible imprints in water - made visually accessible by the remnant patterns after drop evaporation. The irradiated water samples were statistically different from the control. This difference can usually be observed even by a naked eye.
 
 Conclusion
 These results have several implications. They confirm as follows:
 a) water memory – the main background of UHD effects,
 b) the possibility to imprint the fields into water,
 c) the existence of subtle fields not yet generally recognized by physical community and
 d) the capability of DEM to express the imprints.

Immunological research about ultra-high dilution and Homeopathy: From 1994 to 2014

Background: This review is part of a special issue of journal “Homeopathy” (ELSEVIER) scheduled for publication in 2015, about the follow-up of researches published in the book titled “Ultra-High Dilution, Physiology and Physics”, written and edited by PC Endler and J Schulte in 1994. In this book, Prof. Madeleine Bastide described experimental models in immunology that were used during the 1980s to investigate high dilution effects on several biological systems. Bastide categorized available papers in four categories: high dilutions of antigens; high dilutions of thymus, bursa and other hormones; high dilutions of cytokines and immunopharmacological activity of silica. The studies about high dilutions of antigens were interrupted from this time onwards. Only the in vitro models developed on antigens and histamine dilutions lasted up to 2009. During this process, a huge multi-centre study was performed, with high reproducibility, and involving different independent laboratories. The studies about highly diluted cytokines, thymulin and other hormones brought some regulatory properties of endogenous substances prepared homeopathically, with special focus on epigenetic mechanisms of highly diluted cytokines. The frequently studied substance was Thymulin 5cH, which improved the activity of phagocytes in viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Studies about the immunopharmacological activity of silica have assumed a new focus: the putative role of silica as active contaminant present in high dilutions, that is still under discussion.

Preliminary study on force-like effects between As45x, water, and wheat seeds performed by means of the droplet evaporation method

Background: The droplet evaporation method (DEM) is based on pattern formation in evaporating droplets. It has been shown that the local connected fractal dimension (LCFD; a complexity measure) of crystalline structures grown in evaporating droplets of wheat seed leakages depended upon whether the seeds were treated with an ultra-high dilution (UHD) or water control.1, 2
 In homeopathy it is usually assumed, that UHD’s need to come in direct (physical) contact with the organism to be treated to exhibit their action; however, recently, it has been demonstrated on a wheat seed germination model that UHD’s may influence organisms also at a distance, i.e. without any physical contact. 3 In this case the UHD's effectiveness decreases with increasing distance. Here we test whether DEM might serve also as a tool to study such force-like influences.
 In a series of three DEM experiments (E1-3) we studied (i) force-like effects occurring between As2O3 45x treatment (As45x) and undiluted, unsuccussed, ultrapure water (W), (ii) As45x and wheat seeds, as also (iii) whether force-like effects may be shielded by means of aluminum foil, commonly applied for such purposes in homeopathic research.

Vibrational and Raman spectroscopy provide further evidence in support of free OH groups and hydrogen bond strength underlying difference in two more drugs at ultra high dilutions

Objective: To confirm that free water molecules and hydrogen bond strength of OH groups underlie difference between two homeopathic drugs at ultrahigh dilution (UHD).
 Method: FTIR and Laser Raman spectra of UHDs of X-ray and Magnetis Poli Ambo were obtained in the wave number regions of 2400-4000 cm-1 and 2400-4200 cm-1, respectively. Mother tincture (MT) were prepared by exposing ethanol water to X-radiation for X-ray and magnetic field for Magnetis. Spectra of the reference water and the three UHDs of Ethanol were also taken. All the samples were in water-ethanol solution in which the ethanol content was 25%. For FTIR the difference spectrum (absorbance of a UHD minus absorbance of reference water) was obtained after normalization of the spectrum at 3410 cm-1. For Raman spectra the intensity ratio at vibration frequencies between 3200 and 3420 cm-1 (R1), and that between 3620 and 3420 cm-1 (R2), were calculated for each UHD. The intensity at 3600 cm-1 in the difference spectra (FTIR) represents the number of free water molecules in UHDs. R2 values in Raman scattering suggest the same thing.
 Results: The data in both cases follow almost a similar pattern of difference among the UHDs studied here. For example, X-ray: FTIR 14

Raman spectroscopy reveals distinctive features of drugs at ultra high dilution

Background 
             Drugs at ultra high dilution (UHD) have been used in homeopathy for a couple of centuries. The central theme in homeopathic Materia Medica is that each drug has its own distinctive features which need to be matched with the symptoms of a patient for eliciting therapeutic response. However, UHD’s very often (above 12 cH) cross the Avogadro number, and are, therefore, devoid of original drug molecules. How do they maintain their individual identity ? This study aims to address this pertinent question.
  
 Objective :
             The medium of UHD’s is ethanol water. It is thought that water structures in a UHD carry the identity of the drug and its rank of dilution. The objective is to decipher the exact nature of water structure in UHD’s of different drugs by laser Raman spectroscopy.
  
 Method :
             Six homeopathic drugs and their control ethanol, all in 90% ethanol v/v, were used in the study. For Sulphur and Natrum mur, potencies used were 30 cH, 200 cH and 1000 cH, and for Calcarea carb and Sepia the potencies were 8 cH, 202 cH and 1002 cH. In addition to the four drugs we also used X-ray and Magnetis poli ambo which did not originate from any substance by exposure of ethanol water to X radiation and strong magnetic field.For this we could use their mother tinctures as well as ultrahigh dilutions(potencies) like 8cH, 14cH and 32cH. The potencies used for ethanol control were 8 cH, 14cH, 32cH and 20 cH. Raman spectra of all the potencies of 6 drugs, ethanol control and pure water were taken in the wave number region of 2400-4200 cm-1. All the samples were reduced to 25% ethanol by adding appropriate volume of water to each of them before taking the spectra. The mother tinctures MT of X-ray and Magnetis were studied.
 The intensity ratio of vibration frequencies between 3200 cm-1 and 3420 cm-1 (R1) and that between 3620 cm-1 and 3420 cm-1 (R2) were calculated for each UHD of the samples.
  
 Results :
 All the UHD’s of the drugs and the control tested show difference in intensities in the stretching vibrations of CH and OH groups. The three UHD’s from low to high ranks of both Natrum mur and Sulphur show negative relationship with respect to R1 values, and positive one concerning  R2 values. R1 values for 3 UHD’s of Calcarea carb and Sepia show negative and positive relationships, respectively. In case of R2 values the relationship in 3 UHD’s is 81002 for Calcarea carb, and 8>202