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Teixeira MZ. "Similia Similibus Curentur": The scientific grounding of the homeopathic therapeutic principle through the systematic study of the rebound effect of modern drugs. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2022; 77:100091. [PMID: 35921759 PMCID: PMC9343926 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2022.100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
• Homeopathy employs the principle of therapeutic similitude as a method of treatment. • Primary action of drugs is followed by secondary and opposite reaction of the organism. • This secondary and opposite reaction of the organism is namely the rebound effect of drugs. • Homeopathy employs the rebound effect of drugs in a therapeutic way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Zulian Teixeira
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Teixeira MZ. Therapeutic use of the rebound effect of modern drugs: "New homeopathic medicines". Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2017; 63:100-108. [PMID: 28355369 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.63.02.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeopathic treatment is based on the principle of therapeutic similitude, employing medicines that cause certain disorders to treat similar manifestations, stimulating a reaction of the organism against its own ailments. The occurrence of this secondary reaction of the organism, opposite in nature to the primary action of the medicines, is evidenced in the study of the rebound (paradoxical) effect of several classes of modern drugs. In this work, in addition to substantiate the principle of similitude before the experimental and clinical pharmacology, we suggest a proposal to employ hundreds of conventional drugs according to homeopathic method, applying the therapeutic similitude between the adverse events of medicines and the clinical manifestations of patients. Describing existing lines of research and a specific method for the therapeutic use of the rebound effect of modern drugs (http://www.newhomeopathicmedicines.com), we hope to minimize prejudices related to the homeopathy and contribute to a broadening of the healing art.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Zulian Teixeira
- MD, PhD, Postdoctoral Student of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP). Coordinator of the Elective Discipline Fundamentals of Homeopathy (MCM0773), FMUSP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Teixeira MZ. Biological therapies (immunomodulatory drugs), worsening of psoriasis and rebound effect: new evidence of similitude. HOMEOPATHY 2016; 105:344-355. [PMID: 27914574 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Employing the secondary action or adaptative reaction of the organism as therapeutic response, homeopathy uses the treatment by similitude (similia similibus curentur) administering to sick individuals the medicines that caused similar symptoms in healthy individuals. Such homeostatic or paradoxical reaction of the organism is scientifically explained through the rebound effect of drugs, which cause worsening of symptoms after withdrawal of several palliative treatments. Despite promoting an improvement in psoriasis at the beginning of the treatment, modern biological therapies provoke worsening of the psoriasis (rebound psoriasis) after discontinuation of drugs. METHOD Exploratory qualitative review of the literature on the occurrence of the rebound effect with the use of immunomodulatory drugs [T-cell modulating agents and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors drugs] in the treatment of psoriasis. RESULTS Several researches indicate the rebound effect as the mechanism of worsening of psoriasis with the use of efalizumab causing the suspension of its marketing authorization in 2009, in view of some severe cases. Other studies also have demonstrated the occurrence of rebound psoriasis with the use of alefacept, etanercept and infliximab. CONCLUSION As well as studied in other classes of drugs, the rebound effect of biologic agents supports the principle of similitude (primary action of the drugs followed by secondary action and opposite of the organism).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Zulian Teixeira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Gupta HR, Patil Y, Singh D, Thakur M. Embryonic Zebrafish Model - A Well-Established Method for Rapidly Assessing the Toxicity of Homeopathic Drugs: - Toxicity Evaluation of Homeopathic Drugs Using Zebrafish Embryo Model. J Pharmacopuncture 2016; 19:319-328. [PMID: 28127503 PMCID: PMC5241443 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2016.19.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Advancements in nanotechnology have led to nanoparticle (NP) use in various fields of medicine. Although the potential of NPs is promising, the lack of documented evidence on the toxicological effects of NPs is concerning. A few studies have documented that homeopathy uses NPs. Unfortunately, very few sound scientific studies have explored the toxic effects of homeopathic drugs. Citing this lack of high-quality scientific evidence, regulatory agencies have been reluctant to endorse homeopathic treatment as an alternative or adjunct treatment. This study aimed to enhance our insight into the impact of commercially-available homeopathic drugs, to study the presence of NPs in those drugs and any deleterious effects they might have, and to determine the distribution pattern of NPs in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). METHODS Homeopathic dilutions were studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (SAED). For the toxicity assessment on Zebrafish, embryos were exposed to a test solution from 4 - 6 hours post-fertilization, and embryos/larvae were assessed up to 5 days post-fertilization (dpf) for viability and morphology. Toxicity was recorded in terms of mortality, hatching delay, phenotypic defects and metal accumulation. Around 5 dpf was found to be the optimum developmental stage for evaluation. RESULTS The present study aimed to conclusively prove the presence of NPs in all high dilutions of homeopathic drugs. Embryonic zebrafish were exposed to three homeopathic drugs with two potencies (30CH, 200CH) during early embryogenesis. The resulting morphological and cellular responses were observed. Exposure to these potencies produced no visibly significant malformations, pericardial edema, and mortality and no necrotic and apoptotic cellular death. CONCLUSION Our findings clearly demonstrate that no toxic effects were observed for these three homeopathic drugs at the potencies and exposure times used in this study. The embryonic zebrafish model is recommended as a well-established method for rapidly assessing the toxicity of homeopathic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu R Gupta
- Department of Medical Genetics, MGMIUDBS, Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Yogesh Patil
- MGMCET & Central Research Laboratory, Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute for Health Sciences, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Dipty Singh
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology (NIRRH), National Institute of Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Mansee Thakur
- Mahatma Gandhi Mission College of Engineering and Technology & Department of Medical Biotechnology, Central Research Laboratory, MGM Medical College, MGMIHS, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, India
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Teixeira MZ, Podgaec S, Baracat EC. Protocol of randomized controlled trial of potentized estrogen in homeopathic treatment of chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. HOMEOPATHY 2016; 105:240-249. [PMID: 27473545 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes difficult-to-treat pelvic pain. Thus being, many patients seek help in complementary and alternative medicine, including homeopathy. The effectiveness of homeopathic treatment for endometriosis is controversial due to the lack of evidences in the literature. The aim of the present randomized controlled trial is to assess the efficacy of potentized estrogen compared to placebo in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. METHODS/DESIGN The present is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a homeopathic medicine individualized according to program 'New Homeopathic Medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude' (http://newhomeopathicmedicines.com). Women with endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and a set of signs and symptoms similar to the adverse events caused by estrogen were recruited at the Endometriosis Unit of Division of Clinical Gynecology, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo - HCFMUSP). The participants were selected based on the analysis of their medical records and the application of self-report structured questionnaires. A total of 50 women meeting the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated to receive potentized estrogen or placebo. The primary clinical outcome measure will be severity of chronic pelvic pain. Statistical analysis will be performed on the intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches comparing the effect of the homeopathic medicine versus placebo after 24 weeks of intervention. DISCUSSION The present study was approved by the research ethics committee of HCFMUSP and the results are expected in 2016. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02427386.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Zulian Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Sérgio Podgaec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edmund Chada Baracat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Bigagli E, Luceri C, Dei A, Bernardini S, Dolara P. Effects of Extreme Dilutions of Apis mellifica Preparations on Gene Expression Profiles of Human Cells. Dose Response 2016; 14:1559325815626685. [PMID: 26788033 PMCID: PMC4710123 DOI: 10.1177/1559325815626685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression analysis has been employed in the past to test the effects of high dilutions on cell systems. However, most of the previous studies were restricted to the investigation of few dilutions, making it difficult to explore underlying mechanisms of action. Using whole-genome transcriptomic analysis, we investigated the effects of a wide range of Apis mellifica dilutions on gene expression profiles of human cells. RWPE-1 cells, a nonneoplastic adult human epithelial prostate cell line, were exposed to Apis mellifica preparations (3C, 5C, 7C, 9C, 12C, 15C, and 30C) or to the reference solvent solutions for 24 hours; nonexposed cells were also checked for gene expression variations. Our results showed that even the most diluted solutions retained the ability to trigger significant variations in gene expression. Gene pathway analysis revealed consistent variations in gene expression induced by Apis mellifica when compared to nonexposed reference cells but not to reference solvent solutions. Since the effects of Apis Mellifica at extreme dilutions did not show dose–effect relationships, the biological or functional interpretation of these results remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Bigagli
- Department of Neurofarba, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Luceri
- Department of Neurofarba, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Dei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Piero Dolara
- Department of Neurofarba, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Hormetic effects of extremely diluted solutions on gene expression. HOMEOPATHY 2015; 104:116-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Bellavite P, Marzotto M, Olioso D, Moratti E, Conforti A. High-dilution effects revisited. 2. Pharmacodynamic mechanisms. HOMEOPATHY 2014; 103:22-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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‘New Homeopathic Medicines’ database: A project to employ conventional drugs according to the homeopathic method of treatment. Eur J Integr Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Teixeira MZ. Rebound acid hypersecretion after withdrawal of gastric acid suppressing drugs: new evidence of similitude. HOMEOPATHY 2011; 100:148-56. [PMID: 21784332 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeopathy is based on the principle of similitude (similia similibus curentur) using medicines that cause effects similar to the symptoms of disease in order to stimulate the reaction of the organism. Such vital, homeostatic or paradoxical reaction of the organism is closely related to rebound effect of drugs. METHOD Review of the literature concerning the rebound effects of drugs used to suppress gastric acidity, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). RESULTS The mechanism of action of these effects is discussed. Rebound in terms of clinical symptoms and physiological effects occur in about 40% of people taking PPIs, their timing depends on the half-life of the drug and the adaptation period of the physiological mechanisms involved. The wide use of PPIs may be linked to the rising incidence of carcinoid tumours. CONCLUSIONS These findings support Hahnemann's concept of secondary action of drugs. We are developing a homeopathic materia medica and repertory of modern drugs on the basis of reported rebound effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Zulian Teixeira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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New homeopathic medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude. HOMEOPATHY 2011; 100:244-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Revised: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Teixeira MZ. Statins withdrawal, vascular complications, rebound effect and similitude. HOMEOPATHY 2010; 99:255-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2010.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2009] [Revised: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 01/31/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Bellavite P, Chirumbolo S, Marzotto M. Hormesis and its relationship with homeopathy. Hum Exp Toxicol 2010; 29:573-9. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327110369771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Homeopathy is an ancient and complex therapeutic method that is rediscovering its scientific foundations. Hormesis is a frequently observed phenomenon that has been rigorously reported with precise dose-response curves. The therapeutic method based on the principle of ‘like cures like’ should not be confused with hormesis, which has several different implications from those of homeopathy. Yet, because both these approaches to nature and medicine are very broad in scope, they do end up having some points of contact. Thus, the well-established and consolidated field of hormesis can help cast light, through its ideas and research methods, on the possible mechanisms of action of remedies in ultra-low doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy,
| | | | - Marta Marzotto
- Department of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Teixeira MZ. Antidepressants, suicidality and rebound effect: evidence of similitude? HOMEOPATHY 2009; 98:114-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2007] [Revised: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Teixeira MZ. Evidence of the principle of similitude in modern fatal iatrogenic events. HOMEOPATHY 2006; 95:229-36. [PMID: 17015194 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2006.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2006] [Revised: 05/26/2006] [Accepted: 06/19/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Samuel Hahnemann attributed fundamental importance to the principle of similitude, promoting it to a 'natural law'. Observing that enantiopathic or allopathic treatment produced enduring aggravation of the disease symptoms after a brief and transitory initial relief, he systematised homeopathic treatment, prescribing substances that provoke similar symptoms in healthy individual. Based on clinical and experimental observations, he anticipated the concept of homeostasis, dividing the effects of substances into: primary action of the medicine followed by secondary action or reaction of the organism. This reaction, known as the rebound effect or paradoxical action by modern pharmacology, used to awake the curative response of the body when the principle of similitude is applied, is responsible for several iatrogenic diseases when used on the basis of the principle of contraries. This study discusses the role of this paradoxical reaction of the organism in the fatal side effects of four important drugs, used according to the model of enantiopathic treatment of the symptoms. I present evidence relating to acetylsalicylic acid, rofecoxib, antidepressants and long-acting bronchodilators. The consequences of the allopathic treatment could be decreased if health professionals valued homeostasis, minimising the rebound effect of the organism by gradual suspension of palliative drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Z Teixeira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Bellavite P, Ortolani R, Conforti A. Immunology and homeopathy. 3. Experimental studies on animal models. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2006; 3:171-86. [PMID: 16786046 PMCID: PMC1475939 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nel016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2005] [Accepted: 03/16/2006] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A search of the literature and the experiments carried out by the authors of this review show that there are a number of animal models where the effect of homeopathic dilutions or the principles of homeopathic medicine have been tested. The results relate to the immunostimulation by ultralow doses of antigens, the immunological models of the ‘simile’, the regulation of acute or chronic inflammatory processes and the use of homeopathic medicines in farming. The models utilized by different research groups are extremely etherogeneous and differ as the test medicines, the dilutions and the outcomes are concerned. Some experimental lines, particularly those utilizing mice models of immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of homeopathic complex formulations, give support to a real effect of homeopathic high dilutions in animals, but often these data are of preliminary nature and have not been independently replicated. The evidence emerging from animal models is supporting the traditional ‘simile’ rule, according to which ultralow doses of compounds, that in high doses are pathogenic, may have paradoxically a protective or curative effect. Despite a few encouraging observational studies, the effectiveness of the homeopathic prevention or therapy of infections in veterinary medicine is not sufficiently supported by randomized and controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, University of Verona, Piazza L.A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy.
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