Classical homeopathy in the treatment of cancer patients - a prospective observational study of two independent cohorts

Rostock, Matthias; Naumann, Johannes; Güthlin, Corina; Guenther, Lars; Bartsch, Hans Helge; Walach, Harald

doi:10.1186/1471-2407-11-19

Cited by 73 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Many cancer patients are now treated with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for its less toxic side-effects. Different preparations of herbal extracts including homeopathy are some of the most popular CAM modalities for cancer patients in seven out of 14 European countries today (Rostock et al, 2011). However, many of these herbal extracts used as homeopathic mother tinctures have not been scientifically validated.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethanolic extract of Condurango (Marsdenia condurango) used in traditional systems of medicine including homeopathy against cancer can induce DNA damage and apoptosis in non small lung cancer cells, A549 and H522, in vitro

Sikdar¹,

Mukherjee²,

Boujedaini³

et al. 2013

TANG [HUMANITAS MEDICINE]

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In traditional systems of medicine including homeopathy, the Condurango extract (Con) is often used to cure stomach cancer mainly, without having any scientific validation of its anti-cancer ability. Con has therefore been tested against non-small-cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) A549 and NCI-H522 (H522) known to contain the KRAS mutation, making them resistant to most chemotherapeutic agents. As cancer cells generally defy cytotoxicity developed by chemopreventive agents and escape cell death, any drug showing the capability of preferentially killing cancer cells through apoptosis is worth consideration for judicious application. A549 and H522 cells were exposed to 0.35 µg/µl and 0.25 µg/µl of Con, respectively, for 48 h and analysed based on various protocols associated with apoptosis and DNA damage, such as MTT assay to determine cell viability, LDH assay, DNA fragmentation assay, comet assay, and microscopical examinations of DNA binding fluorescence stains like DAPI, Hoechst 33258 and acridine orange/ethidium bromide to determine the extent of DNA damage made in drug-treated and untreated cells and the results compared. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and the generation of reactive oxygen species were also documented through standard techniques. Con killed almost 50% of the cancer cells but spared normal cells significantly. Fluorescence studies revealed increased DNA nick formation and depolarized membrane potentials after drug treatment in both cell types. Caspase-3 expression levels confirmed the apoptosis-inducing potential of Con in both the NSCLC lines. Thus, overall results suggest considerable anticancer potential of Con against NSCLC in vitro, validating its use against lung cancer by practitioners of traditional medicine including homeopathy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethanolic extract of Condurango (Marsdenia condurango) used in traditional systems of medicine including homeopathy against cancer can induce DNA damage and apoptosis in non small lung cancer cells, A549 and H522, in vitro

Sikdar¹,

Mukherjee²,

Boujedaini³

et al. 2013

TANG [HUMANITAS MEDICINE]

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“…'Classical' homeopathy employs highly diluted remedies, whereas 'complex' homeopathy uses combinations of dilute agents for specific clinical conditions. Usually, the patients use it for symptomatic relief and general supportive care, as well to reduce side effects of treatments [45,46].…”

Section: Homeopathymentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrative approaches in breast cancer patients: A mini-review

Magno¹,

Filippone²,

Scaldaferri³

et al. 2016

Integr Cancer Sci Therap

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Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy among women worldwide and represents the first cause of death for women aged 35 to 55 years. It has a tremendous impact on patients' physical and psycho-social aspects, affecting their quality of life at any ages.Integrative oncology is a global strategy that incorporates complementary therapies to mainstream care, in order to reduce standard treatment's side effects, potentially enhance their therapeutic effectiveness and improve physical and emotional wellbeing during and after cancer treatment.In developed countries, 40-50% of cancer patients use integrative therapies, including dietary supplements and mind-body therapy techniques.The present paper summarizes the state of the art in clinical and scientific evidences about the main complementary treatments currently used in breast cancer management.

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“…The conventionally treated group had no improvement in one QOL scale after three months and a slight improvement in the other QOL scale; at twelve months there was a slight increase in one indicator and a decrease in the other. Fatigue and anxiety/depression were not improved in the conventionally treated group; fatigue but not anxiety/depression improved in the homeopathy group (Rostock, et al, 2011). A meta-analysis of all clinical studies on cancer treatment outcomes using homeopathy (Milazzo et al, 2006) found that all studies examined were investigating the use of homeopathy for adjunctive symptom treatment, not as primary antitumor treatment.…”

Section: Cancer and Homeopathymentioning

confidence: 99%