A model for homeopathic remedy effects: low dose nanoparticles, allostatic cross-adaptation, and time-dependent sensitization in a complex adaptive system

Abstract

BackgroundThis paper proposes a novel model for homeopathic remedy action on living systems. Research indicates that homeopathic remedies (a) contain measurable source and silica nanoparticles heterogeneously dispersed in colloidal solution; (b) act by modulating biological function of the allostatic stress response network (c) evoke biphasic actions on living systems via organism-dependent adaptive and endogenously amplified effects; (d) improve systemic resilience.DiscussionThe proposed active components of homeopathic remedies are nanoparticles of source substance in water-based colloidal solution, not bulk-form drugs. Nanoparticles have unique biological and physico-chemical properties, including increased catalytic reactivity, protein and DNA adsorption, bioavailability, dose-sparing, electromagnetic, and quantum effects different from bulk-form materials. Trituration and/or liquid succussions during classical remedy preparation create “top-down” nanostructures. Plants can biosynthesize remedy-templated silica nanostructures. Nanoparticles stimulate hormesis, a beneficial low-dose adaptive response. Homeopathic remedies prescribed in low doses spaced intermittently over time act as biological signals that stimulate the organism’s allostatic biological stress response network, evoking nonlinear modulatory, self-organizing change. Potential mechanisms include time-dependent sensitization (TDS), a type of adaptive plasticity/metaplasticity involving progressive amplification of host responses, which reverse direction and oscillate at physiological limits. To mobilize hormesis and TDS, the remedy must be appraised as a salient, but low level, novel threat, stressor, or homeostatic disruption for the whole organism. Silica nanoparticles adsorb remedy source and amplify effects. Properly-timed remedy dosing elicits disease-primed compensatory reversal in direction of maladaptive dynamics of the allostatic network, thus promoting resilience and recovery from disease.SummaryHomeopathic remedies are proposed as source nanoparticles that mobilize hormesis and time-dependent sensitization via non-pharmacological effects on specific biological adaptive and amplification mechanisms. The nanoparticle nature of remedies would distinguish them from conventional bulk drugs in structure, morphology, and functional properties. Outcomes would depend upon the ability of the organism to respond to the remedy as a novel stressor or heterotypic biological threat, initiating reversals of cumulative, cross-adapted biological maladaptations underlying disease in the allostatic stress response network. Systemic resilience would improve. This model provides a foundation for theory-driven research on the role of nanomaterials in living systems, mechanisms of homeopathic remedy actions and translational uses in nanomedicine.

Metadichol®, Vitamin C and GULO Gene Expression in Mouse Adipocytes

“…The activity of Metadichol at picogram levels compares favorably with known hormones like T3 (thyroid), Estrogen and Acetylcholine that are active at picogram levels. Vitamin C is known to enhance production of pluripotent stem cells [11,12]. It should be noted that one picogram corresponds to 12X in homeopathy concentration.…”

Homoeopathic Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus

“…Nano particle on entering the peripheral nervous system of the patient through neuropeptides and immunopeptides reaches the central nervous system to release the unusal imbalance on the emotional and mental state that has led to the pathological state in patient. The brain communication along with the electromagnetic resonance in homeopathy collectively is characterized as the vital force [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] . The main homoeopathic medicines used for the treatment of Mrs Tahira included: Chelidonium majus, Phosphorus, Lycopodium, Natrum phosphoricum, Natrum sulphururicum, Lachesis, China officinalis, Arnica montana.…”

Nonlinear Response Amplification Mechanisms for Low Doses of Natural Product Nanomedicines: Dynamical Interactions with the Recipient Complex Adaptive System

“…The signal properties of the dose indicate a potential danger or threat that the treatment agent would pose for the whole organism at higher dose. The organism then takes its cue and makes functional biological changes across its networks to resist such current or future dangers [18,21,68]. That is, the organism adapts itself to perceived exogenous changes in order to maximize its fitness for survival in its "new" environmental context or landscape [102].…”

“…Previous papers have addressed the striking similarities between modern top-down mechanical attrition procedures for making nanoparticles (NPs) [17] and historical homeopathic medicine manufacturing methods and materials [15,[18][19][20][21]. These similarities include mechanically grinding source materials in lactose for hours and repeatedly agitating ethanol-water solutions containing the source Citation: Bell IR, Sarter B, Koithan M, Standish LJ, Banerji P, et al (2013) Nonlinear Response Amplification Mechanisms for Low Doses of Natural Product Nanomedicines: Dynamical Interactions with the Recipient Complex Adaptive System.…”