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Mohammad SN, Pinto AAG, Silva RAD, Suffredini IB, Tournier AL, Cartwright SJ, Yunes JS, Bonamin LV. Environmental Homeopathy: Homeopathic Potencies Regulate the Toxicity and Growth of Raphidiopsis raciborskii (cyanobacteria) and can be Tracked Physico-Chemically. Part 1: Biological Results. HOMEOPATHY 2024. [PMID: 38710226 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1780526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyanobacteria are microorganisms found in many parts of the world and several genera, such as Raphidiopsis raciborskii, are producers of cyanotoxins. Homeopathic potencies have been found to modulate toxicity in different biological models, and the present study endeavors to discover whether this might also be the case with cyanobacteria. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to investigate the possible effects of homeopathic potencies on the resilience of Artemia franciscana (brine shrimp) embryos to saxitoxin (STX; cyanotoxin) and on controlling the growth of R. raciborskii in vitro. METHOD A. franciscana cysts were cultivated in seawater in 96-well plates to evaluate the hatching rate and vitality, plus the gene expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), after being challenged with R. raciborskii extract containing 2.5 µg/L of STX and treated with different homeopathic potencies. Untreated wells were used as controls ("base-line"). Potencies were chosen from a screening process based on seven selected homeopathic preparations according to the similitude of STX symptoms (Sulphur, Zincum metallicum, Nitric acidum, Plumbum metallicum, Mercurius solubilis, Phosphoric acidum, Isotherapic from R. raciborskii extract; all at 6cH, 30cH and 200cH). Cultures of R. raciborskii maintained in an artificial seawater medium were equally treated with screened homeopathic potencies selected from the same list but specifically for their growth control as a function of time. RESULTS A 15% lower rate of hatching of A. franciscana cysts was observed after treatment with Nitric acidum 6cH in comparison with baseline (p = 0.05). A complete toxicity reversal was seen after treatment with Isotherapic 200cH, with a 23-fold increase of Hsp 26 gene expression (p = 0.023) and a 24-fold increase of p26 gene expression (p ≤ 0.001) in relation to baseline. Nitric acidum 200cH and Mercurius solubilis 30cH limited the exponential growth of cyanobacteria up to 95% and 85% respectively (p ≤ 0.003) in relation to baseline. Succussed water presented only a transitory 50% inhibition effect. CONCLUSION Isotherapic 200cH improved A. franciscana bioresilience to STX; Nitric acidum 200cH and Mercurius solubilis 30cH showed the optimal performance on limiting R. raciborskii growth. The results point to the potential of homeopathic potencies to mitigate environmental problems related to water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suham Nowrooz Mohammad
- Research Center-UNIP, Graduate Program on Environmental and Experimental Pathology, University Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreia Adelaide G Pinto
- Research Center-UNIP, Graduate Program on Environmental and Experimental Pathology, University Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Augusto da Silva
- Research Center-UNIP, Graduate Program on Environmental and Experimental Pathology, University Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivana Barbosa Suffredini
- Research Center-UNIP, Graduate Program on Environmental and Experimental Pathology, University Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander L Tournier
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Steven J Cartwright
- Cherwell Laboratory for Fundamental Research in Homeopathy, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Leoni V Bonamin
- Research Center-UNIP, Graduate Program on Environmental and Experimental Pathology, University Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
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Nagai MYDDO, Mohammad SN, Pinto AAG, Coimbra EN, Peres GB, Suffredini IB, Bernardi MM, Tournier AL, Jerman I, Cartwright SJ, Bonamin LV. Highly Diluted Glyphosate Mitigates Its Effects on Artemia salina: Physicochemical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119478. [PMID: 37298430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate is an herbicide widely used in agriculture but can present chronic toxicity in low concentrations. Artemia salina is a common bio-indicator of ecotoxicity; it was used herein as a model to evaluate the effect of highly diluted-succussed glyphosate (potentized glyphosate) in glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) exposed living systems. Artemia salina cysts were kept in artificial seawater with 0.02% glyphosate (corresponding to 10% lethal concentration or LC10) under constant oxygenation, luminosity, and controlled temperature, to promote hatching in 48 h. Cysts were treated with 1% (v/v) potentized glyphosate in different dilution levels (Gly 6 cH, 30 cH, 200 cH) prepared the day before according to homeopathic techniques, using GBH from the same batch. Controls were unchallenged cysts, and cysts treated with succussed water or potentized vehicle. After 48 h, the number of born nauplii per 100 µL, nauplii vitality, and morphology were evaluated. The remaining seawater was used for physicochemical analyses using solvatochromic dyes. In a second set of experiments, Gly 6 cH treated cysts were observed under different degrees of salinity (50 to 100% seawater) and GBH concentrations (zero to LC 50); hatching and nauplii activity were recorded and analyzed using the ImageJ 1.52, plug-in Trackmate. The treatments were performed blind, and the codes were revealed after statistical analysis. Gly 6 cH increased nauplii vitality (p = 0.01) and improved the healthy/defective nauplii ratio (p = 0.005) but delayed hatching (p = 0.02). Overall, these results suggest Gly 6cH treatment promotes the emergence of the more GBH-resistant phenotype in the nauplii population. Also, Gly 6cH delays hatching, another useful survival mechanism in the presence of stress. Hatching arrest was most marked in 80% seawater when exposed to glyphosate at LC10. Water samples treated with Gly 6 cH showed specific interactions with solvatochromic dyes, mainly Coumarin 7, such that it appears to be a potential physicochemical marker for Gly 6 cH. In short, Gly 6 cH treatment appears to protect the Artemia salina population exposed to GBH at low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexander L Tournier
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Critical Evaluation of Specific Efficacy of Preparations Produced According to European Pharmacopeia Monograph 2371. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030552. [PMID: 35327354 PMCID: PMC8944999 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
European Pharmacopoeia monograph 2371 describes the production of homeopathic preparations. A specific efficacy of these preparations in high dilution levels is questionable in view of basic scientific principles. There is empirical evidence for such effects, for example in a Lemna-intoxication bioassay published 2010. To test the replicability and robustness of this bioassay, we conducted two experimental series (five independent blinded and randomised experiments each). The specimen of Lemna gibba L., clone-number 9352, were stressed in arsenic solution for 48 h (158 mg/L AsNa2HO4 (250 mg/L in series 2)), then grew in either As2O3 preparations produced according to Eu. Pharm. Monogr. 2371 or control solution. Comparing the area-related relative growth rate of day 3−9 (rgr 3−9) between treatment and control groups for each series showed differences that were not significant in series 1 (p = 0.10), significant in series 2 (p = 0.04) and significant in the pooled data of both series (p < 0.01). The effect direction (rgr 3−9 increase) was comparable to experiments of 2010, but the effect size was smaller, likely due to a changed light cycle. These results are not compatible with the hypothesis that the application of European Pharmacopoeia monograph 2371 results in pharmaceutical preparations without specific effects. Further studies are needed to investigate a potential mode of action explaining these effects.
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Pinto AAG, Nagai MYDO, Coimbra EN, Mohammad SN, Silva JS, Von Ancken A, Pinto SAG, Aguiar MS, Dutra-Correa M, Hortellani MA, Miranda A, Sarkis JEDS, Suffredini IB, Peres GB, Bernardi MM, Cartwright SJ, Bonamin LV. Bioresilience to Mercury Chloride of the Brine Shrimp Artemia Salina after Treatment with Homeopathic Mercurius Corrosivus. HOMEOPATHY 2021; 110:244-255. [PMID: 34474498 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Finding solutions to mitigate the impact of pollution on living systems is a matter of great interest. Homeopathic preparations of toxic substances have been described in the literature as attenuation factors for intoxication. Herein, an experimental study using Artemia salina and mercury chloride was developed as a model to identify aspects related to bioresilience. AIMS The aim of the study was to describe the effects of homeopathic Mercurius corrosivus (MC) on Artemia salina cysts hatching and on mercury bioavailability. METHODS Artemia salina cysts were exposed to 5.0 µg/mL of mercury chloride during the hatching phase. MC potencies (6cH, 30cH, and 200cH) were prepared in sterile purified water and poured into artificial sea water. Different controls were used (non-challenged cysts and challenged cysts treated with water, succussed water, and Ethilicum 1cH). Four series of nine experiments were performed to evaluate the percentage of cyst hatching. Soluble total mercury (THg) levels and precipitated mercury content were also evaluated. Solvatochromic dyes were used to check for eventual physicochemical markers of MC biological activity. RESULTS Significant delay (p < 0.0001) in cyst hatching was observed only after treatment with MC 30cH, compared with controls. This result was associated with an increase of THg concentration in water (p = 0.0018) and of chlorine/oxygen ratio (p < 0.0001) in suspended micraggregates, suggesting changes in mercury bioavailability. A specific interaction of MC 30cH with the solvatochromic dye ET33 (p = 0.0017) was found. CONCLUSION Changes in hatching rate and possible changes in Hg bioavailability are postulated as protective effects of MC 30cH on Artemia salina, by improving its natural bioresilience processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Adelaide G Pinto
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirian Y de Oliveira Nagai
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ednar Nascimento Coimbra
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jefferson Souza Silva
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adalberto Von Ancken
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Augusta G Pinto
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle Sanchez Aguiar
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maristela Dutra-Correa
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Miranda
- IPEN-Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research, São Paulo, Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ivana Barbosa Suffredini
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovani Bravin Peres
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Martha Bernardi
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Leoni Villano Bonamin
- Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
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Jäger T, Würtenberger S, Baumgartner S. Effects of Homeopathic Preparations of Mercurius corrosivus on the Growth Rate of Moderately Mercury-Stressed Duckweed Lemna gibba L. HOMEOPATHY 2021; 110:122-131. [PMID: 33694141 PMCID: PMC8084595 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background
A bioassay with severely mercury-stressed duckweed (
Lemna gibba
L.) had revealed growth-inhibiting effects of homeopathically potentised mercury(II) chloride (
Mercurius corrosivus, Merc-c.
). We hypothesised that effects of potentised preparations are dependent on the stress level of the organisms used in the bioassay. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the response of duckweed to potentised
Merc-c.
at a lower stress level.
Methods
Duckweed was moderately stressed with 2.5 mg/L mercury(II) chloride for 48 hours. Afterwards plants grew in either
Merc-c.
(seven different potency levels, 24x–30x) or water controls (unsuccussed or succussed water) for 7 days. Growth rates of the frond (leaf) area were determined using a computerised image-analysis system for day 0–3 and 3–7. Three independent experiments with potentised
Merc-c.
and three systematic negative control experiments were performed. All experiments were randomised and blinded.
Results
Unsuccussed and succussed water did not significantly differ in their effects on duckweed growth rate. The systematic negative control experiments did not yield any significant effects, thus providing evidence for the stability of the experimental system. Data from the two control groups and the seven treatment groups (
Merc-c.
24x–30x) were each pooled to increase statistical power. Duckweed growth rates for day 3–7 were enhanced (
p
< 0.05) after application of
Merc-c.
compared with the controls. Growth rates for day 0–3 were not influenced by the homeopathic preparations.
Conclusions
Moderately mercury-stressed
Lemna gibba
L. yielded evidence of growth-enhancing specific effects of
Merc-c.
24x–30x in the second observation period (day 3–7). This observation is complementary to previous experiments with severely mercury-stressed duckweed, in which a decrease in growth was observed in the first observation period (day 0–3). We hypothesise that the differing results are associated with the level of stress intensity (moderate vs. severe).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Jäger
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke, Germany
| | - Sandra Würtenberger
- Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Hevert-Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG, Nussbaum, Germany
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke, Germany.,Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Arlesheim, Switzerland
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Jäger T, Scherr C, Shah D, Majewsky V, Wolf U, Betti L, Baumgartner S. The use of plant-based bioassays in homeopathic basic research. HOMEOPATHY 2015; 104:277-82. [PMID: 26678729 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective was to evaluate homeopathic basic research studies that use plant-based bioassays. With this in view, a compilation was made of the findings of three systematic literature reviews covering plant-based bioassays in the three fields of healthy, abiotically, or biotically stressed plants. This compilation focused on investigations using advanced experimental methods and detailed descriptions, also with the aim of supporting the design of future experiments. METHODS Publications included had to report on studies into the effects of homeopathic preparations on whole plants, seeds, plant parts and cells. Outcomes had to be measured by established procedures and statistically evaluated. A Manuscript Information Score (MIS) was applied using predefined criteria to identify publications with sufficient information for adequate interpretation (MIS ≥ 5). Additional evaluation focused on the use of adequate controls to investigate specific effects of homeopathic preparations, and on the use of systematic negative control (SNC) experiments to ensure the stability of the bioassay. Only a fraction of the studies reported here were performed with 'ultra high' dilutions, whereas other studies were performed with moderate or high dilutions. RESULTS A total of 157 publications were identified, describing a total of 167 experimental studies. 84 studies included statistics and 48 had a MIS ≥ 5, thus allowing adequate interpretation. 29 studies had adequate controls to identify specific effects of homeopathic preparations, and reported significant effects of decimal and centesimal homeopathic potencies, including dilution levels beyond Avogadro's number. 10 studies reported use of SNC experiments, yielding evidence for the stability of the experimental set-up. CONCLUSION Plant models appear to be a useful approach for investigating basic research questions relating to homeopathic preparations, but more independent replication trials are needed in order to verify the results found in single experiments. Adequate controls and SNC experiments should be implemented on a routine basis to exclude false-positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Jäger
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten-Herdecke, Germany; Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany; Institute of Complementary Medicine IKOM, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Claudia Scherr
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Devika Shah
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Vera Majewsky
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Ursula Wolf
- Institute of Complementary Medicine IKOM, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucietta Betti
- Department of Agro-Environmental Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten-Herdecke, Germany; Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany; Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, Arlesheim, Switzerland
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Replications of fundamental research models in ultra high dilutions 1994 and 2015--update on a bibliometric study. HOMEOPATHY 2015; 104:234-45. [PMID: 26678723 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper focuses exclusively on experimental models with ultra high dilutions (i.e. beyond 10(-23)) that have been submitted to replication scrutiny. It updates previous surveys, considers suggestions made by the research community and compares the state of replication in 1994 with that in 2015. METHODS Following literature research, biochemical, immunological, botanical, cell biological and zoological studies on ultra high dilutions (potencies) were included. Reports were grouped into initial studies, laboratory-internal, multicentre and external replications. Repetition could yield either comparable, or zero, or opposite results. The null-hypothesis was that test and control groups would not be distinguishable (zero effect). RESULTS A total of 126 studies were found. From these, 28 were initial studies. When all 98 replicative studies were considered, 70.4% (i.e. 69) reported a result comparable to that of the initial study, 20.4% (20) zero effect and 9.2% (9) an opposite result. Both for the studies until 1994 and the studies 1995-2015 the null-hypothesis (dominance of zero results) should be rejected. Furthermore, the odds of finding a comparable result are generally higher than of finding an opposite result. Although this is true for all three types of replication studies, the fraction of comparable studies diminishes from laboratory-internal (total 82.9%) to multicentre (total 75%) to external (total 48.3%), while the fraction of opposite results was 4.9%, 10.7% and 13.8%. Furthermore, it became obvious that the probability of an external replication producing comparable results is bigger for models that had already been further scrutinized by the initial researchers. CONCLUSIONS We found 28 experimental models which underwent replication. In total, 24 models were replicated with comparable results, 12 models with zero effect, and 6 models with opposite results. Five models were externally reproduced with comparable results. We encourage further replications of studies in order to learn more about the model systems used.
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Majewsky V, Scherr C, Arlt SP, Kiener J, Frrokaj K, Schindler T, Klocke P, Baumgartner S. Reproducibility of effects of homeopathically potentised gibberellic acid on the growth of Lemna gibba L. in a randomised and blinded bioassay. HOMEOPATHY 2014; 103:113-26. [PMID: 24685416 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproducibility of basic research investigations in homeopathy is challenging. This study investigated if formerly observed effects of homeopathically potentised gibberellic acid (GA3) on growth of duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) were reproducible. METHODS Duckweed was grown in potencies (14x-30x) of GA3 and one time succussed and unsuccussed water controls. Outcome parameter area-related growth rate was determined by a computerised image analysis system. Three series including five independent blinded and randomised potency experiments (PE) each were carried out. System stability was controlled by three series of five systematic negative control (SNC) experiments. Gibbosity (a specific growth state of L. gibba) was investigated as possibly essential factor for reactivity of L. gibba towards potentised GA3 in one series of potency and SNC experiments, respectively. RESULTS Only in the third series with gibbous L. gibba L. we observed a significant effect (p = 0.009, F-test) of the homeopathic treatment. However, growth rate increased in contrast to the former study, and most biologically active potency levels differed. Variability in PE was lower than in SNC experiments. The stability of the experimental system was verified by the SNC experiments. CONCLUSIONS Gibbosity seems to be a necessary condition for reactivity of L. gibba to potentised GA3. Further still unknown conditions seem to govern effect direction and the pattern of active and inactive potency levels. When designing new reproducibility studies, the physiological state of the test organism must be considered. Variability might be an interesting parameter to investigate effects of homeopathic remedies in basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Majewsky
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Berne, Insel-Spital, Imhoof-Pavillon, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65 (Haus 27, Gebäude 19), 14163 Berlin, Germany; Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland.
| | - Claudia Scherr
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Berne, Insel-Spital, Imhoof-Pavillon, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Patrick Arlt
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65 (Haus 27, Gebäude 19), 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonas Kiener
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Frrokaj
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Schindler
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Peter Klocke
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Ackerstrasse, Postfach, 3070 Frick, Switzerland; Bovicare GmbH, Hermannswerder Haus 14, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Institute of Complementary Medicine, University of Berne, Insel-Spital, Imhoof-Pavillon, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Kirschweg 9, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland; Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten-Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle-Weg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany
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Rats Born to Mothers Treated with Dexamethasone 15 cH Present Changes in Modulation of Inflammatory Process. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:710923. [PMID: 22899956 PMCID: PMC3414090 DOI: 10.1155/2012/710923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As little information about the effect of ultra high dilutions of glucocorticoid in reproduction is available in the literature, pregnant female Wistar rats (N = 12) were blindly subcutaneously treated during all gestational and lactation period with: dexamethasone 4 mg/kg diluted into dexamethasone 15 cH (mixed); or dexamethasone 4 mg/kg diluted in water; or dexamethasone 15 cH, or vehicle. Parental generation had body weight, food and water consumption monitored. The F1 generation was monitored regarding to newborn development. No birth occurred in both groups treated with dexamethasone 4 mg/kg. After 60 days from birth, 12 male F1 rats were randomly selected from each remaining group and inoculated subcutaneously with 1% carrageenan into the footpad, for evaluation of inflammatory performance. Edema and histopathology of the footpad were evaluated, using specific staining methods, immunohistochemistry and digital histomorphometry. Mothers treated with mixed dexamethasone presented reduced water consumption. F1 rats born to dexamethasone 15 cH treated females presented significant increase in mast cell degranulation, decrease in monocyte percentage, increase in CD18+ PMN cells, and early expression of ED2 protein, in relation to control. The results show that the exposure of parental generation to highly diluted dexamethasone interferes in inflammation modulation in the F1 generation.
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Das D, De A, Dutta S, Biswas R, Boujedaini N, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Potentized homeopathic drug Arsenicum Album 30C positively modulates protein biomarkers and gene expressions in Saccharomyces cerevisae exposed to arsenate. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 9:752-60. [PMID: 21749826 DOI: 10.3736/jcim20110709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines if homeopathic drug Arsenicum Album 30C (Ars Alb 30C) can elicit ameliorative responses in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) exposed to arsenate. METHODS The yeast S. cerevisiae 699 was cultured in a standard yeast extract peptone dextrose broth medium. It was exposed to the final concentration of 0.15 mmol/L arsenate for two intervals, 1 h and 2 h, respectively. The cell viability was determined along with the assessment of several toxicity biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total thiol (GSH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and DNA damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, expressions of relevant stress transcription activators like Yap-1 and Msn 2, and mRNA expression of yeast caspase-1 (Yca-1) were also measured. RESULTS Treatment of arsenate increased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, DNA damage, ROS accumulation and expressions of Yap-1, Msn 2 and Yca-1 and decreased GSH, G6PDH, CAT and SOD. Ars Alb 30C administration decreased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, DNA damage, ROS formation and Msn 2 and Yca-1 expressions and increased cell viability, GSH, G6PDH, CAT and SOD significantly (P<0.05), except for a slight increase in Yap-1 expression. CONCLUSION Ars Alb 30C triggers ameliorative responses in S. cerevisiae exposed to arsenate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durba Das
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, India
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Jäger T, Scherr C, Shah D, Majewsky V, Betti L, Trebbi G, Bonamin L, Simões-Wüst AP, Wolf U, Simon M, Heusser P, Baumgartner S. Use of homeopathic preparations in experimental studies with abiotically stressed plants. HOMEOPATHY 2012; 100:275-87. [PMID: 21962204 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental research on the effects of homeopathic treatments on impaired plants was last reviewed in 1990. OBJECTIVES To compile a systematic review of the existing literature on basic research in homeopathy with abiotically stressed plants using predefined criteria. METHODS The literature search was carried out on publications that reported experiments on homeopathy using abiotically stressed whole plants, seeds, plant parts and cells from 1920 to 2010. Outcomes had to be measured by established procedures and statistically evaluated. Using of a Manuscript Information Score (MIS) we identified those publications that provided sufficient information for proper interpretation (MIS≥5). A further evaluation was based on the use of adequate controls to investigate specific effects of homeopathic preparations and on the use of systematic negative control experiments. RESULTS A total of 34 publications with abiotically stressed plants was identified, published between 1965 and 2010. The 34 publications described a total of 37 experimental studies. Twenty-two studies included statistics, 13 had a MIS≥5, 8 were identified with adequate controls and 4 with negative control experiments. Significant and reproducible effects with decimal and centesimal potencies were found, including dilution levels beyond Avogadro's number. One experimental model was independently assessed by another research team and yielded inverted results compared to the original trial. CONCLUSIONS Abiotically stressed plant models seem to be a useful approach to investigate homeopathic basic research questions, but more experimentation and especially more independent replication trials are needed. Systematic negative control experiments should be implemented on a routine basis to exclude false-positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Jäger
- Institute of Complementary Medicine KIKOM, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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Jäger T, Scherr C, Simon M, Heusser P, Baumgartner S. Development of a test system for homeopathic preparations using impaired duckweed (Lemna gibba L.). J Altern Complement Med 2011; 17:315-23. [PMID: 21476829 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A bioassay with arsenic-stressed duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) was developed to study potentially regulative effects of homeopathic preparations. We compared potentized substances (nine different potency levels between 17 x and 33 x ) with two controls (unsuccussed and succussed water) regarding their influence on number- and area-related growth rate and color of fronds (leaves). Screening included 11 potentized substances: Arsenicum album, gibberellic acid, nosode, arsenic(V), phosphorus, Conchae, Acidum picrinicum, Argentum nitricum, Crotalus horridus, Hepar sulfuris, and Mercurius vivus naturalis. DESIGN Duckweed was stressed with arsenic(V) for 48 hours. Afterwards, plants grew in either potentized substances or water controls for 6 days. Growth rate and color of fronds were determined with a computerized image analysis system for different time intervals (days 0-2, 2-6, 0-6). A systematic negative control experiment with unsuccussed water was used to investigate the stability of the bioassay. All experiments were randomized and blinded. RESULTS Arsenicum album and nosode potencies increased frond number-related growth rate compared to controls (succussed water controls or pooled water controls [succussed and unsuccussed], p < 0.05, t test). Regarding color classification, no effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS The experimental setup with L. gibba stressed by arsenic(V) provides a valuable tool to investigate regulative effects of potentized substances. In order to verify the effects of Arsenicum album and nosode potencies, further independent replication experiments are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Jäger
- Institute of Complementary Medicine KIKOM, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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Repetitions of fundamental research models for homeopathically prepared dilutions beyond 10-23: a bibliometric study. HOMEOPATHY 2010; 99:25-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Fisher P. Biological models of homeopathy. HOMEOPATHY 2009; 98:183-5. [PMID: 19945673 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2009] [Accepted: 09/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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