A new database on basic research in homeopathy

Albrecht, Henning; Wijk, Roeland Van; Dittloff, Scott

doi:10.1054/homp.2002.0028

Cited by 26 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Basic research has tried to establish ways to observe specific effects of homeopathic potencies in preclinical systems. Though hundreds of studies have been published in the last decades [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] we do not know of any method which routinely allows the measurement of a characteristic feature or the determination of a specific effect of a higher homeopathic potency. This means that basic research currently has no tool to study either the nature or mode of action of homeopathic potencies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growth Stimulation of Dwarf Peas (Pisum sativum L.) through Homeopathic Potencies of Plant Growth Substances

2004

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Background: Efficacy of higher homeopathic potencies is controversial. Universally accepted specific detection assays for homeopathic dilutions do not exist. Basic research has to develop a spectrum of standardized tools to investigate the mode of action and nature of homeopathic potencies. Objective: Can the shoot growth reaction of dwarf peas (gibberellin- deficient mutants) be regarded as evidence of treatment with homeopathic potencies of plant growth substances? Materials and Methods: Pea seed (Pisum sativum L. cv. Früher Zwerg) is immersed for 24 hours in homeopathic potency or control solutions for soaking. Plants germinate and grow in a standard cultivation substrate under controlled environmental conditions. Shoot length is measured 14 days after planting. Results: A screening of homeopathic potencies (12x-30x) of four different plant growth substances revealed biological activity of certain potency levels of gibberellin and kinetin (p < 0.05). Growth stimulation through gibberellin 17x (5 × 10_{-18 M}) was assessed in six independent replications; results confirmed those of the screening (p < 0.05). The effect of gibberellin 17x seemed to weaken during the course of the experiments. Conclusion: The results back the hypothesis that homeopathic potencies of plant growth substances affect pea shoot growth. Dwarf peas might thus be an interesting system model for studying the action of homeopathic potencies. Further work is required to identify all boundary conditions modulating the reactivity of this system.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growth Stimulation of Dwarf Peas (Pisum sativum L.) through Homeopathic Potencies of Plant Growth Substances

2004

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“…21 A full database of all experiments has been compiled by Albrecht and van Wijk and will shortly be available as the HomBRex-Data Base (see www.carstensstiftung.de). 22 …”

Section: Experimental Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Research on Homeopathy: State of the Art

Walach

Jonas²,

Ives³

et al. 2005

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

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In this paper, we review research on homeopathy from four perspectives, focusing on reviews and some landmark studies. These perspectives are laboratory studies, clinical trials, observational studies, and theoretical work. In laboratory models, numerous effects and anomalies have been reported. However, no single model has been sufficiently widely replicated. Instead, researchers have focused on ever-new models and experiments, leaving the picture of scattered anomalies without coherence. Basic research, trying to elucidate a purported difference between homeopathic remedies and control solutions has also produced some encouraging results, but again, series of independent replications are missing. While there are nearly 200 reports on clinical trials, few series have been conducted for single conditions. Some of these series document clinically useful effects and differences against placebo and some series do not. Observational research into uncontrolled homeopathic practice documents consistently strong therapeutic effects and sustained satisfaction in patients. We suggest that this scattered picture has to do with the fourth line of research: lack of a good theory. Some of the extant theoretical models are reviewed, including placebo, water structure, silica contamination, energy models, and entanglement models. It emerges that local models, suggesting some change in structure in the solvent, are far from convincing. The nonlocal models proposed would predict that it is impossible to nail down homeopathic effects with direct experimental testing and this places homeopathy in a scientific dilemma. We close with some suggestions for potentially fruitful research.

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“…Consumers also can access information via homeopathic pharmacy staff and online databases. Albrecht, van Wijk, and Dittloff (2002) developed the Basic Research on Homeopathy database after reviewing citations in literature searches, bibliographic databases, review articles, hand searches of homeopathic journals, conference abstracts, and personal communications with experts. The database contains experimental research aimed at the possible working mechanisms of the homeopathic similia principle following the application of dilutions, potencies, and low doses.…”

Section: Reliable Sources Of Homeopathic Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Homeopathy in Cancer Care: Part II—Continuing the Practice of "Like Curing Like"

Lee

2004

Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing

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A new database on basic research in homeopathy

Cited by 26 publications

References 15 publications

Growth Stimulation of Dwarf Peas (Pisum sativum L.) through Homeopathic Potencies of Plant Growth Substances

Growth Stimulation of Dwarf Peas (Pisum sativum L.) through Homeopathic Potencies of Plant Growth Substances

Research on Homeopathy: State of the Art

Homeopathy in Cancer Care: Part II—Continuing the Practice of "Like Curing Like"

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