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Introduction The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in cytotoxicity tests is an in-vitro alternative model for predicting initial doses. Homeopathic medicines may stimulate the immune system to combat a pathology effectively and have been used for over two centuries. Viscum album (VA) extracts are widely used in the treatment of cancer, due to their immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro growth kinetics of canine MSC in relation to cytotoxicity, cell differentiation and expression of pluripotentiality markers, using a VA preparation at the D1D2 (1×10−1, 1×10−2 potency (VAD1D2). Methods MSC were obtained from adipose tissue sampled from a healthy dog that was undergoing an elective veterinary procedure and with its owner's permission. The experiments were performed in three groups: MSC treated with VAD1D2 or diluent or untreated (control). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. The differentiation was induced in three lineages, and apoptotic cell labeling was performed by an Annexin-V test. Results At the concentration of 10 μL/mL of VA, the number of cells after in-vitro culture was maintained when compared with the control (untreated) group. A significant and gradual decrease in cell viability was recorded as VA concentrations increased. The apoptosis analysis showed that VA at 20 μL/mL presented absolute percentages of initial apoptosis twice as high as at 10 μL/mL, which was similar to the control (untreated group). Conclusion The results suggest that the use of efficient methods to assess the in-vitro cytotoxicity of VA-based homeopathic medicines using MSC lineages may predict the potential action at different concentrations. These findings demonstrated that VAD1D2 interferes with canine MSC growth kinetics.

Objectives: This study is aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic action of two homoeopathic medicines that are derived from Viscum album (VA) extract. Materials and Methods: An osteosarcoma cell line was cultured in the presence of two homoeopathic VA preparations (VAD3 and VAD30) and cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay. The cell line U-2 OS was plated in two 96-well plates for 24 h with culture medium at 37 5°C and 5% CO2. Subsequently, this medium was replaced by another one containing VAD3 and VAD30 separately in concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 μL/mL, as well as a control group (culture medium only). These plates were kept in culture for 48 h. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the percentage of viable cells. Subsequently, concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 μL/mL were tested. Results were compared to those of the control group and the mean half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Results: The MTT assay showed that it is possible to reduce 50% of the osteosarcoma cell population with low concentrations of the homeopathic VAD3 and VAD30 with IC50 of 6 62 μL/mL and 5 82 μL/mL, respectively. Conclusion: This is a promising result that shows the action of VAD3 and VAD30 in the U-2 OS lineage of osteosarcoma cancer cells. This opens up the possibility of using this medicine in the treatment of these tumours; if not alone, at least in association with other medicines or techniques.

BACKGROUND Adenocarcinomas can be of several types, and MCF-7 is an adenocarcinoma of human breast cell line useful as preclinical model to screen therapeutic agents such as ultra-diluted Viscum album, an European plant whose extract is commonly used in cancer therapy. AIMS MCF-7 and mesenchymal stem cells were used to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of homoeopathic Viscum album 1x10-3 (VAD3). METHODS cells were cultured for 24 hours in controlled environment (37.5oC and 5% CO2) in 96-well plates. After this time, VAD3 was added to the culture medium in concentrations varying from 10 to 100 ?L/mL for MTT assay (evaluation of viability of cells). A control group was maintained with culture medium only. After 48 hours, the procedures of analysis of cells viability were performed. RESULTS MTT assay showed that the concentrations of 42 ?L/mL and 62 ?L/mL were able to reduce cell viability to 50% in MCF-7 and mesenchymal stem cells, respectively, which means that half of the cells cultured were dead after 48 hours in contact with VAD3. CONCLUSION Viscum album presented higher cytotoxic action on human breast cancer cell line culture than on mesenchymal stem cells. This medicine is extensively used against cancer, and the use of the homoeopathic form of it brings new possibilities as no or fewer adverse effects would be present.

Cancer in dogs and cats comprises a complex process with several variables. For this reason, its treatment is difficult and often does not offer many benefits to patients. Oral fibrosarcoma is a relatively common neoplasm in veterinary oncology, and it is among the three most frequent neoplasm in canine species. Conventional treatment is, in general, surgical followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. However, such therapy does not contemplate the cure or even the patients' quality of life. Within this context, integrative therapies arise to offer a better quality of life and longevity to cancer patients, valuing their welfare. Homeopathy has gained emphasis in this area, offering patients relief and quality of life. It is used as a single therapy and/or combined with conventional treatments and can reduce the side effects caused by the latter. This study aimed to report the integrative treatment of a canine patient diagnosed with oral fibrosarcoma using the Viscum album therapy, injectable homeopathy, chromotherapy, among others, which provided quality and survival of 27 months.