Effects of Homeopathic Preparations of Mercurius corrosivus on the Growth Rate of Moderately Mercury-Stressed Duckweed Lemna gibba L

Abstract

Background A bioassay with severely mercury-stressed duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) had revealed growth-inhibiting effects of homeopathically potentised mercury(II) chloride (Mercurius corrosivus, Merc-c.). We hypothesised that effects of potentised preparations are dependent on the stress level of the organisms used in the bioassay. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the response of duckweed to potentised Merc-c. at a lower stress level. Methods Duckweed was moderately stressed with 2.5 mg/L mercury(II) chloride for 48 hours. Afterwards plants grew in either Merc-c. (seven different potency levels, 24x–30x) or water controls (unsuccussed or succussed water) for 7 days. Growth rates of the frond (leaf) area were determined using a computerised image-analysis system for day 0–3 and 3–7. Three independent experiments with potentised Merc-c. and three systematic negative control experiments were performed. All experiments were randomised and blinded. Results Unsuccussed and succussed water did not significantly differ in their effects on duckweed growth rate. The systematic negative control experiments did not yield any significant effects, thus providing evidence for the stability of the experimental system. Data from the two control groups and the seven treatment groups (Merc-c. 24x–30x) were each pooled to increase statistical power. Duckweed growth rates for day 3–7 were enhanced (p < 0.05) after application of Merc-c. compared with the controls. Growth rates for day 0–3 were not influenced by the homeopathic preparations. Conclusions Moderately mercury-stressed Lemna gibba L. yielded evidence of growth-enhancing specific effects of Merc-c. 24x–30x in the second observation period (day 3–7). This observation is complementary to previous experiments with severely mercury-stressed duckweed, in which a decrease in growth was observed in the first observation period (day 0–3). We hypothesise that the differing results are associated with the level of stress intensity (moderate vs. severe).

Critical Evaluation of Specific Efficacy of Preparations Produced According to European Pharmacopeia Monograph 2371

“…By working in parallel, other confounding factors, such as the age of plant cultures, slight changes in medium, surrounding conditions or seasonal changes can be excluded. We also suggest testing the hypothesis of a sigmoid correlation of stress level to effect size as described in Section 4.1.2 and in Jäger et al [26,27]. After optimization, preparations from different manufacturers could be investigated, and also further research questions of pharmaceutical interest (e.g., stability against external influences, manufacturing parameters).…”

“…In 2019 and 2021, Jäger et al [26,27] published experiments with duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) that were either pre-treated for 48 h with a high concentration of mercury chloride (5 mg/L), causing severe changes in plant morphology and a reduction of area-related relative growth rate, or that were pre-treated with a lower concentration of mercury chloride (2.5 mg/L), causing less severe damage. Afterwards, plants were treated with different potency levels of Mercurius corrosivus (24x-30x, compared to unsuccussed water and water 1x).…”