Calculation Strategies of Molar Ratio Based Homeopathic Dilutions and the need for Pharmaceutical Scientists' Engagement

Abstract

Purpose: A deficit was identified in the traditional method of making homeopathic dilutions by 1:9 or 1:99 serial dilutions based on the physical units of mass or volume. When the chemical unit mole is considered, the 1:9 mass-based dilution of nitroglycerin in ethyl alcohol has a 1:48.8 molar ratio. In order to provide the 1:9 molar ratio, the mass ratios required for formulations with lithium carbonate: lactose (diluent) and lead phosphate: lactose are 1:41.7 and 1:3.8 respectively. The extreme incongruity between the mass and the volume-based 1:9 ratios and the ratios based on chemical unit mole show the need to adopt the later scheme which is based on sound principles of chemistry. Method: Detailed calculations in determining the 1:9 molar ratio of drug: diluent are explained. Method for the molar ratio calculation of chemically less defined medicines such as plant extracts are proposed. Results: A Molar Ratio Universal Formula for the calculation of the amount of diluent to be used in preparing a given potency of a homeopathic preparation is introduced. Conclusion:The molar ratio dilutions based on principles of chemistry stand for wider acceptance of homeopathic medicines by the scientific community and for the advancement of the homeopathic system of medicine.