Canova, a Brazilian medical formulation, alters oxidative metabolism of mice macrophages

A Microenvironment-responsive small-molecule probe and application in quick acute myocardial infarction imaging

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are at an elevated risk for life-threatening myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Early-stage nonradioactive and noninvasive diagnosis of AMI is imperative for the subsequent disease treatment, yet it presents substantial challenges. After AMI, the myocardium typically exhibits elevated levels of peroxynitrite (ONOO-), constituting a distinct microenvironmental feature. In this context, the near-infrared imaging probe (BBEB) is employed to precisely delineate the boundaries of AMI lesions with a high level of sensitivity and specificity by monitoring endogenous ONOO-. This probe allows for the early detection of myocardial damage at cellular and animal levels, providing exceptional temporal and spatial resolution. Notably, BBEB enables visualization of ONOO- level alterations during AMI treatment incorporating antioxidant drugs. Overall, BBEB can rapidly and accurately visualize myocardial injury, particularly in the early stages, and can further facilitate antioxidant drug screening.

Thuja occidentalis: An Unexplored Phytomedicine with Therapeutic Applications

BACKGROUND

The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has received global attention. Due to a lack of recommended treatment regimens, the world faced various limitations resulting in improper management of the disease. Phytomedicines have played a prominent role in the prevention of various epidemics and pandemics in the past.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we attempt to focus on safe and feasible use of Thuja occidentalis to manage and alleviate the panic of viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, by strengthening an individual's immunity. The relevant information was collected from the web-based databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE, as well as other internet sources to review the applicability of T. occidentalis as a phytomedicine in managing respiratory infections and strengthening immunity.

CONCLUSION

As important phytomedicine, and antipsychotic, T. occidentalis possesses a plethora of immunological properties that can be used effectively in the management of viral respiratory infections and has the potential to prevent further progression of the disease. Importantly, this could be only a part of the approach for treatment during the current outbreak that should be considered along with other measures.

In Vitro Assessment of Cytoprotective Effects of CANOVA against Cell Death Induced by the Anti-malarial Artesunate - A Preliminary Experiment

BACKGROUND

 Artesunate (ATS) is a semi-synthetic compound derived from artemisinin, which is widely accepted in the treatment of malaria. However, there is evidence that ATS, under certain in vitro conditions, induces several impairments to normal cell functions. Canova (CA) is a Brazilian homeopathic formulation indicated for patients with depressed immune system. CA shows both in vitro and in vivo protective effects against mutagenic/carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, we aimed to assess in vitro the cytoprotective effects of CA against the cytotoxicity of ATS in Vero cells.

METHODS

 Viability of Vero cells exposed to ATS was assessed by MTT assay, whereas the anti-cytotoxic effect of CA was evaluated by apoptosis and necrosis quantification with fluorescent dyes.

RESULTS

 After 24 hours of ATS treatment, a reduction in cell viability was observed at 32 and 64 µg/mL, the latter being statistically significant (p < 0.05) in relation to the negative control. The concentration of 64 µg/mL was chosen for the subsequent experiments. ATS significantly induced both apoptosis and necrosis in Vero cells in relation to controls (p < 0.01). We also observed a statistically significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells observed in the CA 16% + ATS co-treatment compared with ATS treatment (p < 0.01). Treatment with CA alone also had no influence on either type of cell death.

CONCLUSION

 Our results demonstrated that ATS is cytotoxic in the assessed conditions. However, such cytotoxicity was attenuated when the cells were treated simultaneously with ATS and CA.

Homeopathy in Experimental Cancer Models: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

 Complementary and alternative medicine, including homeopathy, is widely used to improve well-being among cancer patients and reduce adverse effects of conventional treatment. In contrast, there are few studies on the use of homeopathic medicines to treat the disease itself. Yet, evidence of possible effectiveness of homeopathic high dilutions in experimental cancer models has been published during the past 20 years.

AIM

 The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review of fundamental research studies on homeopathic high dilutions in cancer.

METHODS

 Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, we conducted a literature search in the database PubMed for original publications, from 2000 to 2018 and in English, on in vitro and in vivo experimental cancer models testing homeopathic high dilutions.

RESULTS

 Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria-14 in vitro, eight in vivo, and one in vitro plus in vivo experimental models. Most studies were from India. Research prominently focused on cytotoxic effects involving apoptotic mechanisms. Intrinsic aspects of homeopathy should be considered in experimental designs to emphasize the specificity of such effects.

CONCLUSION

 Fundamental research of homeopathy in cancer is still at an early stage and has mainly been performed by a few groups of investigators. The results point to an interference of well-selected homeopathic medicines with cell cycle and apoptotic mechanisms in cancer cells. However, these findings still need independent reproduction.

In vitro attenuation of classic metastatic melanoma‑related features by highly diluted natural complexes: Molecular and functional analyses

Metastasis is responsible for the majority of deaths among patients with malignant melanoma. Despite recent advances, the majority of current and modern therapies are ineffective and/or financially unfeasible. Thus, in this study, we investigated two low‑cost highly‑diluted natural complexes (HDNCs) that have been shown to be effective against malignant melanoma in a murine model in vivo. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms through which these HDNCs directly affect melanoma cells, either alone or in an artificial tumor microenvironment, suppressing the metastatic phenotype, thus explaining previous in vivo effects. For this purpose, HDNC in vitro treatments of B16‑F10 melanoma cells, alone or in co‑culture with Balb/3T3 fibroblasts, were carried out. Molecular biology techniques and standard functional assays were used to assess the changes in molecule expression and in cell behaviors related to the metastatic phenotype. Melanoma progression features were found to be regulated by HDNCs. Molecules related to cell adhesion (N‑cadherin, β1‑integrin and CD44), and migration, extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis were modulated. The cell migratory, invasive and clonogenic capacities were reduced by the HDNCs. No loss of cell proliferation or viability were observed. On the whole, the findings of this study indicate that HDNCs directly reprogram, molecularly and functionally, melanoma cells in vitro, modulating their metastatic phenotype. Such findings are likely to be responsible for the attenuation of tumor growth and lung colonization previously observed in vivo.

Differential effects of Zincum metallicum on cell models

Introduction: Zinc is an essential trace element necessary for life. Traditional and complementary medicines use zinc-based formulations to treat different classes of diseases. Basic research on homeopathic preparations of zinc are rare and there are a few published clinical cases describing its effects on patients. The use of cell-based models in drug screening is a reliable source of evidence.

Methods: We sought to investigate experimental end-points using cell-based models to determine the effects of dilutions of Zincum metallicum prepared according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. Murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and melanoma B16-F10 cell lines were cultured according to standard procedures. Cells were treated with either 5c, 6c or 30c Zincum metallicum and control cells with its respective vehicle (5c, 6c, or 30c Lactose). Macrophage activation by CD54 immunolabeling and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) using DCFH-DA (2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) were detected by flow cytometry. Phagocytic capacity (endocytic index) was quantified by light microscopy. Features of melanoma cells were analyzed by colorimetric assays to determine melanin content and cell proliferation rate. All obtained data were submitted to normality test followed by statistical analysis.

Results: Zincum metallicum 6c shifted high ROS-producing macrophages to a low ROS-producing phenotype. Macrophage CD54 expression was increased by Zincum metallicum 5c. No changes in endocytic index were observed. Melanoma cells were not affected by any treatment we tested.

Conclusions: Differing responses and non-linearity were found on macrophages challenged with Zincum metallicum at high dilutions. No changes in melanoma cells were observed. Customised assays using target cells can be useful to investigate high-dilution effects. Other cell types and conditions should be explored.

Changes of RAPD profile of Trypanosoma cruzi II with Canova and Benznidazole

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, involves immunomediated processes. Canova (CA) is a homeopathic treatment indicated in the diseases in which the immune system is depressed. This study evaluated the Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profile of T. cruzi under the influence of CA and Benznidazole (BZ). Mice infected with the genetic lineage of T. cruzi II (Y strain) were divided into 4 groups:

Infected animals treated with saline solution (control group); treated with CA; treated with BZ; treated with CA and BZ combined.

Treatment was given at the 5th–25th days of infection (D5–25). The parasites were isolated by haemoculture in Liver Infusion Tryptose (LIT) medium: at D5 (before treatment), D13, 15 and 25 (during treatment) and D55 and 295 (after treatment). DNA was extracted from the mass of parasites. RAPD was done with the primers λgt11-F, M13F-40 and L15996, the amplified products were eletrophoresed through a 4% polyacrylamide gel. Data were analyzed by the coefficient of similarity using the DNA-POP program.

163 markers were identified, 5 of them monomorphic. CA did not act against the parasites when used alone. The RAPD profiles of parasites treated with BZ and CA + BZ were different from those in the control group and in the group treated with CA. The actions of the CA and BZ were different and the action of BZ was different from the action of CA + BZ. These data suggest that CA may interact with BZ. The differences in the RAPD profile of the Y strain of T. cruzi produced by BZ, CA + BZ and the natural course of the infection suggest selection/suppression of populations.

In vitro assessment of anticytotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of CANOVA(®)

BACKGROUND

CANOVA(®) (CA) is a homeopathic immunomodulator. It contains several homeopathic medicines prepares according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. CA is indicated in clinical conditions in which the immune system is impaired and against tumors. N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU) is an N-nitroso compound, with genotoxic/mutagenic properties. Although several studies have shown promising results in the use of CA, there are no studies reporting possible antigenotoxic effects.

METHOD

This study evaluated the in vitro antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic effects of CA in human lymphocytes exposed to NMU. Samples of human lymphocytes that were subjected to different concentrations of a mixture containing CA and NMU were used. The genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity of CA was evaluated by the comet assay, anticytotoxicity was assessed by quantification of apoptosis and necrosis using acridine orange/ethidium bromide.

RESULTS

CA significantly reduced DNA damage induced by NMU and reduced significantly the frequency of NMU-induced apoptosis after 24 h of treatment.

CONCLUSION

CA has an important cytoprotective effect significantly reducing the DNA damage and apoptosis induced by the carcinogen NMU.

Immunostimulative Activity of Low Molecular Weight Chitosans in RAW264.7 Macrophages

Chitosan and its derivatives such as low molecular weight chitosans (LMWCs) have been reported to exert many biological activities, such as antioxidant and antitumor effects. However, complex and molecular weight dependent effects of chitosan remain controversial and the mechanisms that mediate these complex effects are still poorly defined. This study was carried out to investigate the immunostimulative effect of different molecular weight chitosan in RAW264.7 macrophages. Our data suggested that two LMWCs (molecular weight of 3 kDa and 50 kDa) both possessed immunostimulative activity, which was dependent on dose and, at the higher doses, also on the molecular weight. LMWCs could significantly enhance the the pinocytic activity, and induce the production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a molecular weight and concentration-dependent manner. LMWCs were further showed to promote the expression of the genes including iNOS, TNF-α. Taken together, our findings suggested that LMWCs elicited significantly immunomodulatory response through up-regulating mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines and activated RAW264.7 macrophage in a molecular weight- and concentration-dependent manner.

The protective effect of Canova homeopathic medicine in cyclophosphamide-treated non-human primates

BACKGROUND

Canova activates macrophages and indirectly induces lymphocyte proliferation. Here we evaluated the effects of Canova in cyclophosphamide-treated non-human primates.

METHODS

Twelve Cebus apella were evaluated. Four animals were treated with Canova only. Eight animals were treated with two doses of cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) and four of these animals received Canova. Body weight, biochemistry and hematologic analyses were performed for 40 days. Micronucleus and comet assays were performed for the evaluation of DNA damage.

RESULTS

We observed that cyclophosphamide induced abnormal WBC count in all animals. However, the group treated with cyclophosphamide plus Canova presented a higher leukocyte count than that which received only cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide induced micronucleus and DNA damage in all animals. The frequency of these alterations was significantly lower in the Canova group than in the group without this medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that Canova treatment minimizes cyclophosphamide myelotoxicity in C. apella.

Developments on drug discovery and on new therapeutics: highly diluted tinctures act as biological response modifiers

BACKGROUND

In the search for new therapies novel drugs and medications are being discovered, developed and tested in laboratories. Highly diluted substances are intended to enhance immune system responses resulting in reduced frequency of various diseases, and often present no risk of serious side-effects due to its low toxicity. Over the past years our research group has been investigating the action of highly diluted substances and tinctures on cells from the immune system.

METHODS

We have developed and tested several highly diluted tinctures and here we describe the biological activity of M1, M2, and M8 both in vitro in immune cells from mice and human, and in vivo in mice. Cytotoxicity, cytokines released and NF-κB activation were determined after in vitro treatment. Cell viability, oxidative response, lipid peroxidation, bone marrow and lymph node cells immunophenotyping were accessed after mice in vivo treatment.

RESULTS

None of the highly diluted tinctures tested were cytotoxic to macrophages or K562. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages treated with all highly diluted tinctures decreased tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) release and M1, and M8 decreased IFN-γ production. M1 has decreased NF-κB activity on TNF-α stimulated reporter cell line. In vivo treatment lead to a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) production was increased by M1, and M8, and lipid peroxidation was induced by M1, and M2. All compounds enhanced the innate immunity, but M1 also augmented acquired immunity and M2 diminished B lymphocytes, responsible to acquired immunity.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results presented here, these highly diluted tinctures were shown to modulate immune responses. Even though further investigation is needed there is an indication that these highly diluted tinctures could be used as therapeutic interventions in disorders where the immune system is compromised.

Experimental gastric carcinogenesis in Cebus apella nonhuman primates

The evolution of gastric carcinogenesis remains largely unknown. We established two gastric carcinogenesis models in New-World nonhuman primates. In the first model, ACP03 gastric cancer cell line was inoculated in 18 animals. In the second model, we treated 6 animals with N-methyl-nitrosourea (MNU). Animals with gastric cancer were also treated with Canova immunomodulator. Clinical, hematologic, and biochemical, including C-reactive protein, folic acid, and homocysteine, analyses were performed in this study. MYC expression and copy number was also evaluated. We observed that all animals inoculated with ACP03 developed gastric cancer on the 9(th) day though on the 14(th) day presented total tumor remission. In the second model, all animals developed pre-neoplastic lesions and five died of drug intoxication before the development of cancer. The last surviving MNU-treated animal developed intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma observed by endoscopy on the 940(th) day. The level of C-reactive protein level and homocysteine concentration increased while the level of folic acid decreased with the presence of tumors in ACP03-inoculated animals and MNU treatment. ACP03 inoculation also led to anemia and leukocytosis. The hematologic and biochemical results corroborate those observed in patients with gastric cancer, supporting that our in vivo models are potentially useful to study this neoplasia. In cell line inoculated animals, we detected MYC immunoreactivity, mRNA overexpression, and amplification, as previously observed in vitro. In MNU-treated animals, mRNA expression and MYC copy number increased during the sequential steps of intestinal-type gastric carcinogenesis and immunoreactivity was only observed in intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer. Thus, MYC deregulation supports the gastric carcinogenesis process. Canova immunomodulator restored several hematologic measurements and therefore, can be applied during/after chemotherapy to increase the tolerability and duration of anticancer treatments.

Treatment with at homeopathic complex medication modulates mononuclear bone marrow cell differentiation

A homeopathic complex medication (HCM), with immunomodulatory properties, is recommended for patients with depressed immune systems. Previous studies demonstrated that the medication induces an increase in leukocyte number. The bone marrow microenvironment is composed of growth factors, stromal cells, an extracellular matrix and progenitor cells that differentiate into mature blood cells. Mice were our biological model used in this research. We now report in vivo immunophenotyping of total bone marrow cells and ex vivo effects of the medication on mononuclear cell differentiation at different times. Cells were examined by light microscopy and cytokine levels were measured in vitro. After in vivo treatment with HCM, a pool of cells from the new marrow microenvironment was analyzed by flow cytometry to detect any trend in cell alteration. The results showed decreases, mainly, in CD11b and TER-119 markers compared with controls. Mononuclear cells were used to analyze the effects of ex vivo HCM treatment and the number of cells showing ring nuclei, niche cells and activated macrophages increased in culture, even in the absence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Cytokines favoring stromal cell survival and differentiation in culture were induced in vitro. Thus, we observe that HCM is immunomodulatory, either alone or in association with other products.

Testing the hormetic nature of homeopathic interventions through stress response pathways

The scientific foundations of hormesis are now well established and include various biochemical and molecular criteria for testing the hormetic nature of chemicals and other modulators. In order to claim homeopathy as being hormetic, it is essential that, in addition to the hormetic biphasic dose response, homeopathic remedies should fulfill one or more molecular criteria. Since stress response pathways, such as heat shock response, antioxidative response, autophagic response and unfolded protein response, are integral components of the physiological hormesis, it is important that homeopathic drugs be tested for these pathways if these are to be considered as hormetins and to cause hormesis.

In vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of a Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) treatment in a murine melanoma model

Background

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and the most rapidly expanding cancer in terms of worldwide incidence. Chemotherapeutic approaches to treat melanoma have had only marginal success. Previous studies in mice demonstrated that a high diluted complex derived from Calcarea carbonica (M8) stimulated the tumoricidal response of activated lymphocytes against B16F10 melanoma cells in vitro.

Methods

Here we describe the in vitro inhibition of invasion and the in vivo anti-metastatic potential after M8 treatment by inhalation in the B16F10 lung metastasis model.

Results

We found that M8 has at least two functions, acting as both an inhibitor of cancer cell adhesion and invasion and as a perlecan expression antagonist, which are strongly correlated with several metastatic, angiogenic and invasive factors in melanoma tumors.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that this medication is a promising non-toxic therapy candidate by improving the immune response against tumor cells or even induce direct dormancy in malignancies.

A review of immunomodulators with reference to Canova

Immunomodulators are substances which modify the immunity of an individual to favour a particular immunological response. The immune response and the function of the immune response regulation process are described, with special reference to cancer and autoimmune disease. Homeopathy and its role in immune regulation are discussed with special reference to Canova. Canova is a homeopathic product produced, according to the Hahnemannian homeopathic method, in Brazil. Its role in cancer, bone marrow and haematopoiesis as well as macrophage and monocyte activation is reviewed. Canova seems to stabilize platelet morphology in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The data suggest that the future of immunomodulators and homeopathic products which appear to have an effect on the immune response requires a better understanding of the relative need for immune activation versus immune modulation. Homeopathic products specifically need more attention.

Stimulation of lymphocyte anti-melanoma activity by co-cultured macrophages activated by complex homeopathic medication

Background

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and the most rapidly expanding cancer in terms of worldwide incidence. Chemotherapeutic approaches to treat melanoma have been uniformly disappointing. A Brazilian complex homeopathic medication (CHM), used as an immune modulator, has been recommended for patients with depressed immune systems. Previous studies in mice have demonstrated that the CHM activates macrophages, induces an increase in the number of leukocytes and improves the murine response against Sarcoma-180.

Methods

Here we studied the interaction of mouse lymph node lymphocytes, co-cultured in vitro with macrophages in the presence or absence of the CHM, with B16F10 melanoma cells.

Results

Lymphocytes co-cultured with macrophages in the presence of the CHM had greater anti-melanoma activity, reducing melanoma cell density and increasing the number of lysed tumor cells. There was also a higher proportion of activated (CD25⁺) lymphocytes with increased viability. Overall, lymphocytes activated by treatment destroyed growing cancer cells more effectively than control lymphocytes.

Conclusion

Co-culture of macrophages with lymphocytes in the presence of the CHM enhanced the anti-cancer performance of lymphocytes against a very aggressive lineage of melanoma cells. These results suggest that non-toxic therapies using CHMs are a promising alternative approach to the treatment of melanomas. In addition, they are attractive combination-therapy candidates, which may enhance the efficacy of conventional medicines by improving the immune response against tumor cells.

Lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by activated human macrophages treated with Canova

INTRODUCTION

Canova (CA) is a homeopathic medication with immunomodulatory properties, recommended for patients with a depressed immune system. CA has been reported to increase in leukocyte numbers, cellular differentiation and reduction in tumor size.

AIM AND METHOD

Since CA may stimulate lymphocyte differentiation, proliferation, and/or survival, the aim of the present study was to compare the mitotic index (MI) of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human lymphocytes cultured in a medium supplemented with human macrophages activated by CA, with lymphocytes cultured in a medium without CA-treated macrophages.

RESULTS

In this study, the MI of lymphocyte cultured received the medium containing CA-stimulated macrophages showed a higher proliferation index (p<0.01) than the lymphocytes cultured in a medium without CA-treated macrophages. Our results suggest that CA treatment, in addition to activating macrophages, indirectly induces lymphocyte proliferation and has potential as a new adjuvant therapeutic approach.

Differentiation of human monocytes in vitro following exposure to Canova in the absence of cytokines

Canova is an immunomodulatory, homeopathic preparation that has been shown to activate macrophages in vitro and in vivo, with resultant enhanced spreading of the cells and formation of microvillus extensions from the cell body. Since monocytes are the precursor cells of macrophages and dendritic cells, the objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of Canova on the differentiation of human blood monocytes in vitro. Monocytes were isolated, grown in culture, and exposed to 10 and 20% Canova without the addition of cytokines. After 48 h, monocytes were prepared for analysis by scanning electron microscopy, while cells kept in culture for 7 days and exposed to Canova on days 1, 3, and 4 were analyzed by flow cytometry for alterations in the levels of expression of CD1a, CD11c, CD14, CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR. SEM revealed that monocytes exposed to 10% Canova had a morphological appearance similar to that of macrophages. Various cytoplasmic projections were observed with pseudopodia formation. Flow cytometric analysis after exposure of monocytes to 10 and 20% Canova indicated high cell viability and upregulation of CD80, compatible with differentiation into either macrophages or dendritic cells. Exposure to Canova per se causes activation of monocytes with resultant differentiation into large macrophage-like cells of indeterminate phenotype that have increased expression of CD80. Like cytokines, Canova induces differentiation of monocytes, an activity that may underpin the immunomodulatory activity of this product.

Gene expression profiling of macrophages following mice treatment with an immunomodulator medication

Canova (CA) is a complex homeopathic medication used in diseases where the immune system is depressed. Previous studies demonstrated that it is neither toxic nor mutagenic and activates macrophages. We now evaluate CA effects on cytokine production and gene expression from mice macrophages. The global view of changes in expression of genes with known functions can provide a vivid picture of the way in which cell adapts to a changing environment or a challenge. We found a decrease in IL-2 and IL-4 production and a differential expression in 147 genes from CA group. These genes are mainly involved in transcription/translation, cell structure and dynamics, immune response, cytoprotection, enzymatic process, and receptors/ligands. With gene expression analysis we state that this medication provokes a reaction that involves alterations in gene expression profile mainly in the ones involved with macrophages activation, corroborating the laboratorial research and the clinical data.

Activation of mononuclear bone marrow cells treated in vitro with a complex homeopathic medication

Canova is a Brazilian homeopathic medication with immunomodulatory properties, recommended for patients where the immune system is depressed. Previous studies demonstrated that Canova induces up-regulation in numbers of leukocytes. The bone marrow microenvironment is composed of growth factors, stromal cells, extracellular matrix and progenitor cells that differentiate into mature blood cells. We now report the effect of in vitro administration of the medication on the mononuclear differentiation of the bone marrow cell. Swiss mice femurs were dissected cleaned and the cells of the marrow were flushed. The cells were plated, treated or not, incubated for different times and processed for light, transmission and scanning electron, and confocal microscopy analysis. Bone marrow cells showed an enhanced proliferation in vitro in response to Canova medication and Canova plus M-CSF and an increase was also observed in the numbers of the cell niches and ring-shaped nuclei cells. Confocal and transmission and scanning electron microscopy showed the stages of monocyte maturation, with resting and activated cells. With Canova treatment there was a marked increase in cell size, which is mainly attributable to the augmented cytoplasm, an increase in the number of mitochondria, expansion of the RER and an enlarged Golgi. The response to Canova treatment indicates that it influences mononuclear differentiation and activation of bone marrow progenitor and stromal cells.