Review of the use of high potencies in basic research on homeopathy

Abstract

The HomBRex database includes details of about 1500 basic research experiments in homeopathy. A general overview on the experiments listed in the HomBRex database is presented, focusing on high dilutions and the different settings in which those were used. Though often criticised, many experiments with remedies diluted beyond Avogadro's number demonstrate specific effects. A total of 830 experiments employing high potencies was found; in 745 experiments of these (90%), at least one positive result was reported. Animals represent the most often used model system (n=371), followed by plants (n=201), human material (n=92), bacteria and viruses (n=37) and fungi (n=32). Arsenicum album (Ars.) is the substance most often applied (n=101), followed by Sulphur (Sulph.) and Thuja (Thuj.) (n=65 and 48, respectively). Proving, prophylactic and therapeutic study designs have all been used and appear appropriate for homeopathy basic research using high dilutions. The basic research data set to support specific effects unique to high dilutions and opposite to those observed with low dilutions is, to date, insufficient.

Toxicodendron pubescens retains its anti-arthritic efficacy at 1M, 10M and CM homeopathic dilutions

“…1e3 However, there have been a number of studies that support the claims of efficacy of high dilutions through reproducible experiments. 4,5 Recent reviews by Clausen et al 6 and Bonamin et al 7 summarise the scientific studies which demonstrate biological activities of homeopathic medicines. Nevertheless reports of the efficacy of very high dilutions are looked upon with some skepticism.…”

Homeopathic treatments modify inflammation but not behavioral response to influenza antigen challenge in BALB/c mice

“…Indeed, few experimental studies about proving effects in animals have been done to give enough substantial knowledge about this phenomenon. 19 No significant results were observed with inactivated biotherapic, what can be explained by Roberto Costa's theory. According to him, it is important to maintain the microorganisms active or alive in the first dynamizations, in order to preserve the infectious power of viral particles.…”

“…18,24 It is known that the cellular immune response mediated by T lymphocytes with the participation of phagocytes (innate immune response) is a typical anti-virus immune response, by direct cytotoxicity against infected cells or by secreting cytokines that activate macrophages to destroy intracellular agents. 19,25 This is an important parameter to evaluate viral immune response, commonly used in vaccine efficacy evaluation. 26e29 Taking the data together, the treatments of mice with different protocols show different specific outputs, according to which the use of thymulin 5CH and H3N2 intact 30DH improved the balance of T and B lymphocytes in the sense of better cellular immunity, that is more adequate to virus infection.…”

Ultra high dilutions: A review on in vitro studies against pathogens

“…Homeopathy has been always challenged for its high dilution properties, clinical methodologies and its mechanism of action (Manchanda, 2018). The similia principle and the dynamization phenomena of the homeopathic medicines, in these recent years, are implemented in preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo), in testing the mechanism of these highly diluted medicines in various models of biological system (Bellavite et al, 2006;Clausen et al, 2011). The concentrations of these serial diluted medicines are found to be less than 1 g molecule surpassing the Avogadro's Constant (6.024 × 10 23 ) which is implausible in interpreting the concept with dosedependent model of modern pharmacology (Teixeira and Carneiro, 2017).…”