The Clinical and Biological Effects of Homeopathically Prepared Signaling Molecules: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background Signaling molecules such as cytokines and interleukins are key mediators for the immune response in responding to internal or external stimuli. Homeopathically prepared signaling molecules have been used therapeutically for about five decades. However, these types of products are not available in many countries and their usage by homoeopaths is also infrequent. The aim of this scoping review is to map the available pre-clinical and clinical data related to the therapeutic use of homeopathically prepared signaling molecules. Methods We conducted a scoping review of clinical and pre-clinical studies of therapeutically used signaling molecules that have been prepared in accordance with an officially recognized homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Articles in peer-reviewed journals reporting original clinical or pre-clinical research of homeopathically prepared signaling molecules such as interleukins, cytokines, antibodies, growth factors, neuropeptides and hormones, were eligible. Non-English language papers were excluded, unless we were able to obtain an English translation. An appraisal of eligible studies took place by rating the direction of the outcomes on a five-point scale. The quality of the papers was not systematically assessed. Results Twenty-eight eligible papers, reporting findings for four different manufacturers' products, were identified and reviewed. Seventeen papers reported pre-clinical studies, and 11 reported clinical studies (six experimental, five observational). A wide range of signaling molecules, as well as normal T-cell expressed specific nucleic acids, were used. A majority of the products (21 of 28) contained two or more signaling molecules. The most common clinical indications were psoriasis, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory allergies, polycystic ovary syndrome, and herpes. The direction of the outcomes was positive in 26 papers and unclear in two papers. Conclusion This scoping review found that there is a body of evidence on the use of homeopathically prepared signaling molecules. From a homeopathy perspective, these substances appear to have therapeutic potential. Further steps to explore this potential are warranted.

The Unitary Micro-Immunotherapy Medicine Interferon-γ (4 CH) Displays Similar Immunostimulatory and Immunomodulatory Effects than Those of Biologically Active Human Interferon-γ on Various Cell Types

“…Regarding the implication of IFN-γ as a key mediator of the immune responses and its promising therapeutic effects, the inclusion of this agent into the medical arsenal at very low doses to induce effective responses while minimizing its side effects could be a great value for the patients. In this context, the use of homeopathically prepared cytokines deserves to be better considered and further studied, as it appears to have therapeutic potentials according to the currently available studies [19].…”

Homöopathie: therapeutische Wirksamkeit und Anwendung in der klinischen Praxis

“…Es besteht die Notwendigkeit, die verfügbaren wissenschaftlichen Daten zu diesen Produkten weiter zu kartieren, um in eine wissenschaftliche Überprüfung einzuflie ßen. Dies wird auch dazu beitragen, die derzeitige ordnungspoliti sche Lücke in Bezug auf solche Produkte zu schließen [8].…”

“…Ein Großteil der Produkte (21 von 28) bestand aus zwei oder mehr Signalmolekülen. Die Ergeb nisse aus 16 Arbeiten berichten vorläufig einen positiven Trend, wobei bei fehlenden randomisierten Studiendesign und relativ wenig Probanden derzeit keine Aussage zur klinischen Signifikanz der Studien getroffen werden kann [8].…”

Exploring the Potential of Micro-Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Periodontitis

“…As aforementioned, there is an existing network of signaling molecules involved in the activation and development of immune responses, and the crosstalk within this network has an enormous impact on the regulation of cellular and tissue functions [72][73][74]. Moreover, signaling molecules play essential roles in cell-cell communication under both physiological and pathological processes, and maintaining or recovering these signaling molecules' homeostatic equilibrium is fundamental to preventing and/or treating, for example, inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune diseases [75].…”

“…LD progesterone and IL-10 also exhibit potential in endometriosis treatment, suggesting advancements in targeted immunomodulation [102]. This therapy, referred to as Low Dose Medicine (LDM), originates from the concept of psycho-neuro-endocrine-immunology, consisting of the existing crosstalk between the immune system and the psycho-neuro-endocrine systems [74].…”