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Roberts ER, Eizayaga JE, van der Werf ET, Tournier AL. HRI Online 2022: Leading International Experts Illustrate the Positive Impact of Increased Collaboration in Homeopathy Research. HOMEOPATHY 2023; 112:65-69. [PMID: 36384231 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI) welcomed more than 450 people from 35 countries to their first online event on June 25, 2022. The one-day programme featured an excellent line-up of international speakers and provided a unique interactive platform in keeping with the theme of the event - Key Collaborations in Homeopathy Research. Scientists from a range of different research fields gave an exceptional insight into the current status of homeopathy research. Here we give an overview of the most significant findings in both clinical and basic research presented during HRI Online 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José E Eizayaga
- Department of Homeopathy, Maimónides University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Guedes JRP, Carrasco S, Ferreira CM, Bonamin LV, Goldenstein-Schainberg C, Martins V, Capelozzi VL. A morphometric and molecular study of the apoptosis observed on tadpoles' tail explants under the exposition of triiodothyronine in different homeopathic dilutions. HOMEOPATHY 2016; 105:250-256. [PMID: 27473546 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a therapeutic system, homeopathy is supported by: i) similitude and experimentation in healthy individuals, ii) potentization. A challenge for researchers consists in looking for signals in water (or vehicle) to explain the storage of information in extremely high dilutions and the transfer of such information to the living systems. Anuran amphibian metamorphosis is controlled by thyroid hormones (TH), including the resorption of the tadpole tail. Apoptosis is a genetically regulated form of cell death that can be triggered by various extracellular and intracellular stimuli resulting in coordinated activation of a family of cysteine proteases called caspases. METHODS This study was blind and randomized. It performed in three stages: I) the identification of the most effective T3 homeopathic dilution to induce apoptotic reactions in Rana (Lithobates) catesbeianus tadpole tail explants stimulated by T3 in substantial, II) study of different controls and III) detection in explants under the action of the most effective dilution of T3, as established in Stage I. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between tail macroscopic dimensions between the groups. T3 10cH decreased the expression of caspase 3/7 mRNA, in explants treated with T3 20 nM. CONCLUSION The present experiment is in agreement with the hypothesis that T3, at a 10cH homeopathic dilution, changes the metamorphosis molecular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Roberto Pereira Guedes
- Laboratory of Histomorphometry and Lung Genomics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Solange Carrasco
- Discipline of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Clinics Hospital, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Cláudia M Ferreira
- Agricultural Department of São Paulo State, Aquaculture Research Center, Fisheries Institute, Brazil.
| | - Leoni V Bonamin
- Research and Technology Center, University Paulista, Brazil; Laboratory of Pathology, University of Santo Amaro, Brazil.
| | | | - Vanessa Martins
- Laboratory of Histomorphometry and Lung Genomics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Vera L Capelozzi
- Laboratory of Histomorphometry and Lung Genomics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Comparison between the additive effects of diluted (rFSH) and diluted/dynamized (FSH 6 cH) recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone on the in vitro culture of ovine preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue. Complement Ther Med 2016; 25:39-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Poitevin B. Survey of immuno-allergological ultra high dilution research. HOMEOPATHY 2015; 104:269-76. [PMID: 26678728 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experiments about basic research in Immuno-allergology reported by M. Bastide and B. Poitevin in Ultra High Dilution (1994) have been appraised from a 20 year perspective. The numerous experiments published mainly focus on immunological regulation, inflammatory process and basophil activation. They are analyzed according to one essential criterion: repeatability. METHODS The commentary reflects the research details made available in a recently published literature review, also published in French. RESULTS The regulatory effect of high dilution of bursin on immune response has been observed in multiple experiments but not reproduced by independent teams. The immunomodulating effect of Thymulin has been confirmed in mice. Rhus toxicodendron has an anti-inflammatory activity on different models, from mother tincture (TM) to very high dilutions. The homeopathic complex Canova activates macrophages in vitro and in vivo, induces lymphocyte proliferation, and reduces the size of tumors and mortality of sarcoma-bearing mice. Some homeopathic medicines used in clinical inflammation modulate in vitro the neutrophil activation, with variability in the protocols used and in the medicines tested. In allergology, high dilution histamine has an inhibitory effect on basophil activation in multicenter trials and with independent teams, either with methods implying a change in basophil staining or with flow cytometry. However, high dilution histamine had no effect in some well-conducted experiments. The inhibitory effect of Apis mellifica has not been studied with the flow cytometry method, as well as the activation of basophil by anti-IgE high dilution, published in Nature. CONCLUSIONS Despite considerable research activity in immuno-allergology and a great increase in the number of publications, there is still not in this domain a "gold standard" trial in basic research in homeopathy. The most studied system, the inhibitory effect of histamine high dilutions on basophil activation, requires clarifications of various factors, including individual sensitivity. For scientific and epistemological reasons, the same work should be carried out for independent reproduction of the experiments conducted with anti-IgE and Apis mel high dilution, in complement of the new axes of research in immunoallergology developed since 20 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Poitevin
- Cabinet médical d'allergologie et d'homéopathie, Bormes les Mimosas, France.
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Immunological models in high dilution research following M Bastide. HOMEOPATHY 2015; 104:263-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Immunomodulation of Homeopathic Thymulin 5CH in a BCG-Induced Granuloma Model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:686018. [PMID: 23431344 PMCID: PMC3569925 DOI: 10.1155/2013/686018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study analyzed the immune modulation mechanisms of thymulin 5CH in a granuloma experimental model. Male adult Balb/c mice were inoculated with BCG into the footpad to induce granuloma, which was quantitatively evaluated. The phenotypic characterization of phagocyte, T- and B-lymphocyte populations in the peritoneum, and local lymph node was done by flow cytometry. During all experimental periods, thymulin 5CH and vehicle (control) were given ad libitum to mice, diluted into the drinking water (1.6 × 10−17 M). After 7 days from inoculation, thymulin-treated mice presented reduction in the number of epithelioid cytokeratine-positive cells (P = 0.0001) in the lesion, in relation to young phagocytes. After 21 days, the differentiation of B1 peritoneal stem cells into phagocytes reached the peak, being higher in thymulin-treated mice (P = 0.0001). Simultaneously, the score of infected phagocytes in the lesion decreased (P = 0.001), and the number of B1-derived phagocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the local lymph node increased in relation to control (P = 0.0001). No difference was seen on the CD25+ Treg cells. The results show that thymulin 5CH treatment is able to improve the granuloma inflammatory process and the infection remission, by modulating local and systemic phagocyte differentiation.
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Siqueira CM, Costa B, Amorim AM, Gonçalves M, Féo da Veiga V, Castelo-Branco M, Takyia C, Zancan P, Câmara FP, Couceiro JN, Holandino C. H3N2 homeopathic influenza virus solution modifies cellular and biochemical aspects of MDCK and J774G8 cell lines. HOMEOPATHY 2013; 102:31-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Kuzeff RM. A Review of Use of Enantiomers in Homeopathy. ISRN TOXICOLOGY 2012; 2012:575292. [PMID: 23724294 PMCID: PMC3658497 DOI: 10.5402/2012/575292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews publications of laboratory experiments using pairs of enantiomers in homeopathy. Many molecules in nature have geometry which enables them to exist as nonsuperimposable mirror images or enantiomers. Modulation of toxicity of such molecules provides possibility for therapeutics, since they target multiple points in biochemical pathways. It was hypothesized that toxicity of a chemical agent could be counteracted by a homeopathic preparation of the enantiomer of the chemical agent (patents applied for: PCT/AU2003/000219-PCT/AU2008/001611). A diverse body of data, including controlled laboratory studies, supports the conclusion that toxicity of optical isomers may be inhibited by homeopathic enantiomer preparations. These data were obtained with minimal or no pretesting to determine optimal test solutions. Inhibition of the excitotoxic neurotransmitter L-glutamic acid with homeopathic preparations of D-glutamic acid indicates the latter may be of use for amelioration of symptoms of disturbances of mood. Similarly, homeopathic preparation of (+)-nicotine may be of use for inhibition of effects of nicotine in tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. M. Kuzeff
- National Institute of Integrative Medicine, 759 Burwood Road, Hawthorn East, Melbourne, VIC 3123, Australia
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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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Guedes J, Carrasco S, Ferreira C, Bonamin L, Souza W, Goldenstein-Schainberg C, Parra E, Capelozzi V. Ultra High Dilution of triiodothyronine modifies cellular apoptosis in Rana catesbeiana tadpole tail in vitro. HOMEOPATHY 2011; 100:220-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kawakami AP, Sato C, Cardoso TN, Bonamin LV. Inflammatory Process Modulation by Homeopathic Arnica montana 6CH: The Role of Individual Variation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2011; 2011:917541. [PMID: 21318109 PMCID: PMC3035003 DOI: 10.1155/2011/917541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The effects of Arnica montana 6cH on the individual modulation of acute inflammation kinetics in rats were evaluated. Adult male Wistar rats were inoculated with 1% carrageenan into the footpad and treated with Arnica montana 6cH, dexamethasone (4.0 mg/kg; positive control) or 5% hydroalcoholic solution (negative control), per os, each 15 minutes, between 30 and 180 minutes after the irritant inoculation. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry procedures were done in order to get a panel of inflammatory positive cells for CD3 (T lymphocytes), CD45RA (B lymphocytes), CD18 (beta 2 integrin), CD163 (ED2 protein), CD54 (ICAM-1), and MAC 387 (monocytes and macrophages). The statistical treatment of data included a posteriori classification of animals from each group (N = 20) in two subgroups presenting spontaneous precocious or late oedema. Animals that presented precocious oedema were less responsible to Arnica montana 6cH in relation to hemodynamic changes. Instead, rats that exhibited late oedema presented less intense oedema (P = .01), lower percentage of mast cell degranulation (P = .0001), and increase in lymphatic vessels diameter (P = .05). The data suggest an individually qualitative adjustment of inflammatory vascular events by Arnica montana 6cH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Kawakami
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Research Center of University Paulista, Avenue José Maria Whitaker, 290, 04057-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cesar Sato
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Research Center of University Paulista, Avenue José Maria Whitaker, 290, 04057-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thayna Neves Cardoso
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Research Center of University Paulista, Avenue José Maria Whitaker, 290, 04057-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leoni Villano Bonamin
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Research Center of University Paulista, Avenue José Maria Whitaker, 290, 04057-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, University of Santo Amaro, 04829-300 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Animal models for studying homeopathy and high dilutions: Conceptual critical review. HOMEOPATHY 2010; 99:37-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Kuzeff RM, Topashka-Ancheva M, Metcheva R. Isopathic versus enantiomeric inhibition of U-50488 HCl toxicity--experimental studies. HOMEOPATHY 2009; 98:83-7. [PMID: 19358960 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2009.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2008] [Revised: 02/01/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have investigated toxicity inhibition of optically active compounds by potentized preparations of their enantiomers. It was hypothesised that inhibition of toxicity may be stereospecific. This paper presents 2 studies investigating stereoisomer potencies in terms of their ability to counteract toxicity of the (-) stereoisomer. The stereoisomers used were (-)-trans-(1S,2S)-U-50488 HCl and (+)-trans-(1R,2R)-U-50488 HCl. MATERIALS & METHODS Designs were prospective, blind, randomised, intention-to-treat and compared the efficacy of 2 indistinguishable treatments. The outcome was the difference in survival. Potency 'chords' consisting of 4th, 12th and 30th approximately centesimal dilutions were prepared, representing concentrations of 1.08 x 10(-10) M. One study compared inhibition of (-)-U-50488 toxicity injected ip at the estimated LD50 into male ICR mice, treated with a potency chord of the same stereoisomer, with control ('isopathic' study). The other study compared inhibition of toxicity by potency chords made from the stereoisomers (+)-U-50488 and (-)-U-50488 ('enantiomer' study), Treatments were administered orally on 11 occasions: twice before and nine times after ip injections. RESULTS The isopathic study did not yield a significant result. In the enantiomer study, comparison of isopathy with enantiomer potency treatment showed a highly significant difference odds ratio 1.97 (95% CI: 1.23-3.14). CONCLUSION We conclude that enantiomeric potencies are superior to identically produced isopathic potencies, in inhibiting toxicity of (-)-U-50488 HCl. Homeopathic inhibition of toxicity may be stereospecific.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Kuzeff
- National Institute of Integrative Medicine, Melbourne, Australia.
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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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Van Wassenhoven M. Priorities and methods for developing the evidence profile of homeopathy Recommendations of the ECH General Assembly and XVIII Symposium of GIRI. HOMEOPATHY 2005; 94:107-24. [PMID: 15892493 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2005.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
To achieve scientific acceptance, homeopathy must investigate several questions: 1. The activity of very highly diluted preparations. The consensus of the meeting was that there is clear evidence of this. 2. The content of very highly diluted homeopathic preparations. More research is needed but evidence exists that a specific signal is present in homeopathic preparations. 3. A theoretical framework in which the effects of homeopathic diluted preparations can be explained. The 'Body Information Theory' is such a theory. 4. The clinical effectiveness of homeopathy. Because they avoid the placebo effect, animal studies are a priority. For human trials using Quality of Life questionnaires, studies on the activity, content and theoretical basis of homeopathic preparations were reviewed approximately 70% of cases; more in children showed improvement. Homeopathy reduced costs and allowed a better improvement in work-days lost compared with conventional practice. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) implicitly test the placebo hypothesis; RCTs have been performed and meta-analyses conclude that there is clear evidence of efficacy which cannot be attributed to placebo effect. Priorities depend on the audience. More research is needed especially regarding the content of homeopathic preparations and the transmission of information. Theoretical issues are also important to avoid incorrect design of research protocols. More effort should be dedicated to veterinary research. Clinical effects analysis in humans remains important. Many other questions should be prioritised, such as the potential of homeopathy to avoid invasive procedures in children and the long-term effects of homeopathy in preventing chronic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Van Wassenhoven
- European Committee for Homeopathy, Chaussée de Bruxelles, B-1190 Brussels, Belgium.
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Pedalino CMV, Perazzo FF, Carvalho JCT, Martinho KS, Massoco CDO, Bonamin LV. Effect of Atropa belladonna and Echinacea angustifolia in homeopathic dilution on experimental peritonitis. HOMEOPATHY 2004; 93:193-8. [PMID: 15532698 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2004.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Atropa belladonna and Echinacea angustifolia have been used in homeopathy as modulators of inflammatory processes, in simple potency or 'accord of potencies', as recommended by homotoxicology. We evaluated their effects on leukocyte migration and macrophage activity induced by experimental peritonitis in vivo. Mice were injected (i.p.) with LPS (1.0mg/kg) and treated (0.3ml/10g/day, s.c.) with different commercial forms of these medicines. Echinacea angustifolia D4--a simple potency preparation--and Belladonna Homaccord, Belladonna Injeel, Belladonna Injeel Forte, Echinacea Injeel and Echinacea Injeel Forte--all in 'accord of potencies'--were tested. The association of A. belladonna and E. angustifolia in 'accord of potencies' produced an increase of polymorphonuclear cell migration (Kruskal-Wallis, P = 0.03) and a decrease of mononuclear cell percentages (Kruskal-Wallis, P < or = 0.04), when compared with control, mainly in preparations containing low potencies. The proportion of degenerate leukocytes was lower in the treated groups, compared to a control group (P < or = 0.05). The treated groups showed increased phagocytosis (P < or = 0.05), mainly in preparations containing high potencies. Our results suggest that A. belladonna and E. angustifolia, when prepared in 'accord of potencies', modulate peritoneal inflammatory reaction and have a cytoprotective action on leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M V Pedalino
- Faculty of Health Sciences of São Paulo, FACIS, Instituto Brasileiro de Estudos Homeopáticos, IBEHE, Rua Bartolomeu de Gusmão, 86. 04111-020 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Guedes JRP, Ferreira CM, Guimarães HMB, Saldiva PHN, Capelozzi VL. Homeopathically prepared dilution of Rana catesbeiana thyroid glands modifies its rate of metamorphosis. HOMEOPATHY 2004; 93:132-7. [PMID: 15287432 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2004.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
One strand of research on the scientific basis of homeopathy is based on inversion effects of dilutions and the biophysical properties of information transfer. A model developed by Endler, was the basis for the study of the influence of high-diluted solution (1:1026 part by weight) of thyroid glands on the rate of metamorphosis of the frog Rana catesbeiana from the no legged to four-legged stage. The glands were obtained from tadpoles and prepared according by (dilution and succussion). Similar pure hydroalcoholic solution (unsuccussed) was used as control. In order to identify significant differences in the frequencies of four-legged tadpoles, in homeopathic and control group, we used a chi-square goodness-of-fit test (P<0.01) and the cumulative risk for metamorphosis by Cox's Proportional Hazards model (P<0.05). The number of animals that reached the four-legged stage is generally smaller in the treated group, than in the hydroalcoholic control group. It was postulated that thyroid hormones transmitted information' specific to the molecules used to prepare the solution, even though the molarity was beyond Avogadro's number.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R P Guedes
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, SP, Brazil
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Ruiz-Vega G, Pérez-Ordaz L, Cortés-Galván L, Juárez-G FM. A kinetic approach to caffeine--Coffea cruda interaction. HOMEOPATHY 2003; 92:19-29. [PMID: 12587991 DOI: 10.1054/homp.2002.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The biological effect of Coffea cruda 30c was investigated in rats pre and post treated with caffeine. The experimental subjects were male Wistar rats. Caffeine was administered intraperitoneally at the beginning of a sleep period. Coffea cruda 30c (0.1 ml) was administered orally, a contemporaneous control group was tested. The Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded in the parietal region during the following sleep cycle. The effect was evaluated by three EEG parameters: the spectral power in delta (0.5-2.5 Hz) and slow 0.32-0.48 Hz bands and the slow/delta power ratio. These markers were analyzed vs time for control and homeopathic groups, blind. In the pretreated set, a similar pattern was identified for control and verum groups up to the 4th hour. From the 5th hour on, power in the delta band was statistically higher in the verum. Spectral power in the slow band and power ratio for the verum group was smaller than the control group from the 6th hour on. In the post-treated set, two verum sub-groups were identified: Post v-A: did not exhibit significant differences from control; Post v-B: displayed an opposite tendency than pre-treatment verum. We conclude that Coffea cruda 30c modifies sleep pattern increasing sleep intensity with pre-treatment. In a subset of the post-treated animals Coffea 30c appeared to reinforce the effects of caffeine.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ruiz-Vega
- Instituto de Física y Matemáticas, Universidad Michoacana, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico.
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Paterson ICM. Homeopathy: what is it and is it of value in the care of patients with cancer? Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2002; 14:250-3. [PMID: 12109831 DOI: 10.1053/clon.2002.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The underlying principles of homeopathy include treating 'like with like' by remedies which are potentized by serial dilution and succussion. These distinguish homeopathy from other forms of alternative or complementary therapy. Conventional scientific wisdom dictates that homeopathy should have no effect above and beyond placebo but experiments on ultra-high dilutions of solutes together with some clinical data suggest the intriguing possibility that it might do in some circumstances. However, most clinical evidence comes from treating relatively minor self-limiting diseases and little comes from treating life-threatening disorders such as cancer. This paper explains the principles of homeopathy and reviews the data on its use in cancer care.
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