Background： Brazil is among the nations with the greatest rates of annual cocaine usage. Pharmacological treatment of cocaine addiction is still limited, opening space for nonconventional interventions.Homeopathic Q-...Background： Brazil is among the nations with the greatest rates of annual cocaine usage. Pharmacological treatment of cocaine addiction is still limited, opening space for nonconventional interventions.Homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and Erythroxylum coca have been tested in the integrative treatment of cocaine craving among homeless addicts, but this setting had not proven feasible, due to insufficient recruitment.Objective： This study investigates the effectiveness and tolerability of homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and E. coca in the integrative treatment of cocaine craving in a community-based psychosocial rehabilitation setting.Design, setting, participants, and interventions： A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallelgroup, eight-week pilot trial was performed at the Psychosocial Attention Center for Alcohol and Other Drugs（CAPS-AD）, Sao Carlos/SP, Brazil. Eligible subjects included CAPS-AD patients between 18 and 65 years of age, with an International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis of cocaine dependence（F14.2）. The patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups： psychosocial rehabilitation plus homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and E. coca（homeopathy group）, and psychosocial rehabilitation plus indistinguishable placebo（placebo group）.Main outcome measures： The main outcome measure was the percentage of cocaine-using days. Secondary measures were the Minnesota Cocaine Craving Scale and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores.Adverse events were reported in both groups.Results： The study population comprised 54 patients who attended at least one post-baseline assessment,out of the 104 subjects initially enrolled. The mean percentage of cocaine-using days in the homeopathy group was 18.1%（standard deviation（SD）： 22.3%）, compared to 29.8%（SD： 30.6%） in the placebo group（P 〈0.01）. Analysis of the Minnesota Cocaine Craving Scale scores showed no between-group differences in the intensity of cravings, but results significantly favored homeopathy over placebo in the proportion of weeks without craving episodes and the patients＇ appraisal of treatment efficacy for reduction of cravings. Analysis of 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores found no significant differences. Few adverse events were reported： 0.57 adverse events/patient in the homeopathy group compared to 0.69 adverse events/patient in the placebo group（P = 0.41）.Conclusions： A psychosocial rehabilitation setting improved recruitment but was not sufficient to decrease dropout frequency among Brazilian cocaine treatment seekers. Psychosocial rehabilitation plus homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and E. coca were more effective than psychosocial rehabilitation alone in reducing cocaine cravings. Due to high dropout rate and risk of bias, further research is required to confirm our findings, with specific focus on strategies to increase patient retention.展开更多
Background:Different homeopathic approaches have been used as supportive care for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)cases,but none has been tested in a clinical trial.Objectives:To investigate the effectiveness and sa...Background:Different homeopathic approaches have been used as supportive care for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)cases,but none has been tested in a clinical trial.Objectives:To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the homeopathic medicine,Natrum muriaticum LM2,for mild cases of COVID-19.Design,setting,participants,and interventions:A randomized,double-blind,two-armed,parallel,singlecenter,placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from June 2020 to April 2021 in S?o-Carlos,Brazil.Participants aged>18 years,with influenza-like symptoms and positive result from a real-time polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were recruited and randomized(1:1)into two groups that received different treatments during a period of at-homeisolation.One group received the homeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum,prepared with the second degree of the fifty-millesimal dynamization(LM2;Natrum muriaticum LM2),while the other group received a placebo.Outcome measures:The primary endpoint was time until recovery from COVID-19 influenza-like symptoms.Secondary measures included a survival analysis of the number and severity of COVID-19 symptoms(influenza-like symptoms plus anosmia and ageusia)from a symptom grading scale that was informed by the participant,hospital admissions,and adverse events.Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate time-to-event(survival)measures.Results:Data from 86 participants were analyzed(homeopathy,n=42;placebo,n=44).There was no difference in time to recovery between two groups among participants who were reporting influenzalike symptoms at the beginning of monitoring(homeopathy,n=41;placebo,n=41;P=0.56),nor in a sub-group that had at least 5 moderate to severe influenza-like symptoms at the beginning of monitoring(homeopathy,n=15;placebo,n=17;P=0.06).Secondary outcomes indicated that a 50%reduction in symptom score was achieved significantly earlier in the homeopathy group(homeopathy,n=24;placebo,n=25;P=0.04),among the participants with a basal symptom score≥5.Moreover,values of restricted mean survival time indicated that patients receiving homeopathy might have improved0.9 days faster during the first five days of follow-up(P=0.022).Hospitalization rates were 2.4%in the homeopathy group and 6.8%in the placebo group(P=0.62).Participants reported 3 adverse events in the homeopathy group and 6 in the placebo group.Conclusion:Results showed that Natrum muriaticum LM2 was safe to use for COVID-19,but there was no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoints of Natrum muriaticum LM2 and placebo for mild COVID-19 cases.Although some secondary measures do not support the null hypothesis,the wide confidence intervals suggest that further studies with larger sample sizes and more symptomatic participants are needed to test the effectiveness of homeopathic Natrum muriaticum LM2 for COVID-19.Trial registration:UMIN Clinical Trials Registry ID:JPRN-UMIN000040602.展开更多
Although the biological system is a combination of different chemical processes,many of the mechanisms can not be explained by general chemical processes.Therefore,as a driving force of biological system,a distinct en...Although the biological system is a combination of different chemical processes,many of the mechanisms can not be explained by general chemical processes.Therefore,as a driving force of biological system,a distinct entity called'vital force'can be imagined.But this is not essential to explain homeopathy.From the analysis of different phenomena it apparent that biological system has a tendency to maintain a balanced state.Such a good example is catch-up growth.A stimulus is required to disrupt the balance.This stimulus must enter the body from outside or in case of disease it must arise from within inside.This is the primary stimulus.Infection,chronic poisoning,etc.help the expression of the internal stimulus.These are secondary stimulus.The active dose of similar drug acts on the terminal site of the disease process.This causes the actual reversal of the disease process.Allopathic dissimilar drugs act on different stages of the disease process and alter the course of the disease process.The effect of allopathic drugs does not destroy the effect of disease and compete with the effect of the disease.Potentized homeopathic remedies neutralize the effect of disease but do not alter the course of the disease.As a result,either symptoms of the disease are neutralized or the disease process is accelerated.Different other phenomena support that the property of the potentized remedy is not similar to the original substance.It is a new property which is negative pharmacological property.展开更多
Homeopathy is approximately two hundred and fifty years old medical system.In homeopathy,extremely small dose of original substances is used to treat diseases that produce similar symptoms of the disease.Therefore,two...Homeopathy is approximately two hundred and fifty years old medical system.In homeopathy,extremely small dose of original substances is used to treat diseases that produce similar symptoms of the disease.Therefore,two principles of homeopathy are the law of similars and the law of minute dose.Hahnemann proposed that similar symptoms produced by remedies occupy the space of the disease.Reaction or withdrawal effect of the remedy goes against the symptoms of the disease and thus the disease is cured.Although similar substances are used to treat diseases,some substances produce both similar and opposite symptoms of the disease.Again many substances used in minute dose previously exist in the body as large doses.The other principles of homeopathy are the law of chronic diseases and the law of vital force.Hahnemann considered psora or scabies like syphilis.Like syphilis,he considered skin symptoms as primary symptoms and chronic diseases as secondary symptoms.On the other hand,high potency homeopathic remedies do not contain any original substance to produce a reaction or withdrawal effect and'vital force'theory has been refuted in modern science.Therefore these two principles have limitations too.Hahnemann proposed that water is able to retain the memory of the original substance.Modern observers suggest that water can form nanoparticles like original substances.But there is no strong proof that nanoparticles are found in bloodstream or breast milk.To explain homeopathy these limitations should be amended.展开更多
Objective‘Multi-targeting’drugs can prove fruitful to combat drug-resistance of multifactorial disease—cervical cancer.This study envisioned to reveal if Thuja homeopathic mother tincture(MT)and its bioactive compo...Objective‘Multi-targeting’drugs can prove fruitful to combat drug-resistance of multifactorial disease—cervical cancer.This study envisioned to reveal if Thuja homeopathic mother tincture(MT)and its bioactive component could combat human papillomavirus(HPV)-16-infected SiHa cervical cancer cells since it is globally acclaimed for HPV-mediated warts.Methods Thuja MT was studied for its antiproliferative and antimigratory properties in SiHa cells followed by microscopic determination of reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation by 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFDA)staining and loss in mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)by rhodamine(Rh)123 staining.Apoptosis and autophagy inductions were studied by acridine orange(AO)ethidium bromide(EB)staining and immunoblot analyses of marker proteins.The bioactive component of Thuja MT detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was studied for antiproliferative and antimigratory properties along with in silico prediction of its cellular targets by molecular docking and oral drug forming competency.Results Thuja MT showed significant antiproliferative and antimigratory potential in SiHa cells at a 50%inhibitory concentration(IC50)dosage of 17.3μL/mL.An increase in DCFDA fluorescence and loss in Rh123 fluorescence prove that Thuja MT acted through the burst of ROS and loss in MMP respectively.AO/EB-stained cells under the microscope and immunoblot analyses supported Thuja-induced cellular demise via dual pathways—apoptosis and autophagy.Immunoblots showed cleavage of caspase-3 and poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase-1(PARP-1)along with upregulation of Beclin-1,microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B)-II,and p62 proteins.Hence,the apoptotic cascade followed a caspase-3-dependent pathway supported by PARP-1 cleavage,while autophagic death was Beclin-1-dependent and mediated by accumulation of LC3BII and p62 proteins.Thujone,detected as the bioactive principle of Thuja MT showed greater anti-proliferative and anti-migratory potential at an IC5077μg/mL along with excellent oral drug competency with the ability for gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain-barrier permeation with nil toxicity.Molecular docking depicted thujone with the strongest affinity for mammalian target of rapamycin,phosphoinositide 3-kinase,and protein kinase B followed by B-cell lymphoma 2,murine double minute 2 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase,which might act as upstream triggers of apoptotic-autophagic crosstalk.Conclusion Robust‘multi-targeting’anticancer potential of Thuja drug and thujone for HPV-infected cervical cancer ascertain its therapeutic efficacy for HPV infections.展开更多
The alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway was initially identified as a non-immunological defense mechanism against virus infections. It is particularly relevant to the suppression of stealth adapted viruses, whic...The alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway was initially identified as a non-immunological defense mechanism against virus infections. It is particularly relevant to the suppression of stealth adapted viruses, which are not normally recognized by the cellular immune system. Many of the methods able to enhance the ACE pathway are consistent with the transfer of a natural energy to the body’s fluids. Additional support for this premise is provided in this paper. The vapor pressure and rate of evaporation of activated water, ethanol and gasoline increase to beyond atmospheric pressure over time. The term KELEA (kinetic energy limiting electrostatic attraction) is proposed for a natural energy that increases the volatility of fluids, seemingly through the loosening of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. KELEA activated fluids have many potential health, agricultural and industrial applications, as well as providing the opportunity for fundamental research.展开更多
Marzotto et al. showed that homeopathic preparations of Amica montana L. acted directly on gene expression of Tamm-Horsfall protein- 1 （THP-1） monocyte/macrophage cell lines activated with phorbol 12-mydstate 13- ac...Marzotto et al. showed that homeopathic preparations of Amica montana L. acted directly on gene expression of Tamm-Horsfall protein- 1 （THP-1） monocyte/macrophage cell lines activated with phorbol 12-mydstate 13- acetate and interleukin-4 （IL-4）. A. montana homeopathic dilutions are used in complementary and alternative medicine to treat inflammation disorders and post-traumatic events as well as for wound repair. The French Pharmacopoeia of these remedies uses 0.3% ethanol in each centesimal dilution. In this paper, we discuss how ethanol-containing A. montana homeopathic centesimal dilutions can change gene expression in IL-4- treated monocyte/macrophage THP-I. We assessed the role of ethanol in the Arnica homeopathic dilutions containing this alcohol by investigating its action on gene expression of THP-1 cell. Evidence would strongly suggest that the presence of ethanol in these remedies might play a fundamental role in the dilutions ability to affect gene expression, particularly for doses from 5c to 15c. Where, rather than playing a major role in the mesoscopic structure of water, the ethanol might have a chemical-physical role in the induction of THP-1 gene expression, apoptosis, and deoxyribonucleic acid function. This evidence generates a debate about the suggestion that the use of a binary-mixed solvent in homeopathic chemistry, used by Hahnemann since 1810, may be fundamental to explain the activity of homeopathy on cell models.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： Methylation-specific epigenetic process and gene expression profiles of HeLa cells treated with ultra-high dilutions （HDs） of two plant extracts, Hydrastis canadensis （HC-30） and Marsdenia condurango ...OBJECTIVE： Methylation-specific epigenetic process and gene expression profiles of HeLa cells treated with ultra-high dilutions （HDs） of two plant extracts, Hydrastis canadensis （HC-30） and Marsdenia condurango （Condu-30）, diluted 106o times, were analyzed against placebo 30C （PI-30） for alterations in gene profiles linked to epigenetic modifications. METHODS： Separate groups of cells were subjected to treatment of Condu-30, HC-30, and PI- 30 prepared by serial dilutions and succussions. Global microarray data recorded on Affymetrix platform, using 25-mer probes were provided by iLifeDiscoveries, India. Slides were scanned with 3000 7G microarray scanner and raw data sets were extracted from Cel （raw intensity） files. Analyses of global microarray data profile, differential gene expression, fold change and clusters were made using GeneSpring GX12.5 software and standard normalization procedure. Before microarray study, concentration of RNA （ng/IJL）, RIN value and rRNA ratio for all the samples were analysed by Agilant Bioanalyzer 2100. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and quantitative RT- PCR were done for analyzing SMAD-4 expression. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting study was further made to elucidate fate of cells at divisional stages. Methylation-specific restriction enzyme assay was conducted for ascertaining methylation status of DNA at specific sites. RESULTS： HDs of HC-30 and Condu-30 differentially altered methylation in specific regions of DNA and expression profiles of certain genes linked to carcinogenesis, as compared to PI-30. Two separate cut sites were found in genomic DNA of untreated and placebo-treated HeLa cells when digested with McrBC, compared to a single cut observed in Condu-30-treated genomic DNA. SMAD-4 gene expression validated the expression pattern observed in microarray profile. Methylation-specific restriction enzyme assay elucidated differential epigenetic modifications in drug-treated and control cells. CONCLUSION： HDs triggered epigenetic modifications and alterations in microarray gene expression profiles of many genes associated with carcinogenesis in HeLa cells in vitro.展开更多
The term neurodegeneration emphasizes the destruction of neuronal cells as the primary explanation of many major neurological illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. Specialized functioning of cells requires more c...The term neurodegeneration emphasizes the destruction of neuronal cells as the primary explanation of many major neurological illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. Specialized functioning of cells requires more cellular energy than is needed for basic cell survival. Cells can acquire energy both from the metabolism of food and from the alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway. The ACE pathway is an added dynamic (kinetic) quality of the body’s fluids occurring from the absorption of an external force termed KELEA (Kinetic Energy Limiting Electrostatic Attraction). KELEA is attracted to separated electrical charges and is seemingly partially released as the charges become more closely linked. As suggested elsewhere, the fluctuating electrical activity in the brain may attract KELEA from the environment and, thereby, contribute to the body’s ACE pathway. Certain illnesses affecting the brain may impede this proposed antenna function of the brain, leading to a systemic insufficiency of cellular energy (ICE). Furthermore, individual neurons may derive some of the energy for their own activities from the repetitive depolarization of the cell. This may explain why hyper-excitability of neurons can occur in response to cell damage. This adaptive mechanism is unlikely to be sustainable, however, especially if there is a continuing need to synthesize neurotransmitters and membrane ion channels. The energy deficient neurons would then become quiescent and, although remaining viable, would not perform their intended specialized functions. Actual cell death would not necessarily occur till much later in the disease process. The distinction between quiescent and degenerated cells is important since the ACE pathway can be enhanced by several means, including the regular consumption of KELEA activated water. This, in turn, may improve the proposed antenna function of individual neurons, leading to a sustained restoration of specialized function via the ACE pathway. This paper explores this novel concept and provides a rationale for clinical testing of KELEA activated water in patients with neurological and psychiatric illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease.展开更多
Improper prescribing habits and inappropriate drug use lead to serious health and economic consequences. This study was undertaken to evaluate drug utilization services and prescription patterns of homeopathic doctors...Improper prescribing habits and inappropriate drug use lead to serious health and economic consequences. This study was undertaken to evaluate drug utilization services and prescription patterns of homeopathic doctors in a government homeopathic teaching hospital in India. METHODS： No standardized homeopathic drug use indicators are available. The researchers used indicators for health care setting （drug availability）-modified prescribing indicators and patient care indicators, based on World Health Organization＇s core drug use indicators. A cross- sectional, prospective, institutional, observational study of 2-month duration with record analysis was conducted on 600 patients visiting seven different outpatient departments （OPDs） for the first time at Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College ＆ Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India, using the developed indicators. RESULTS： Overall availability of prescribed drugs was quite satisfactory （92.28%）. Centesimal potencies accounted for the majority of prescriptions （74.76%）. There was a poor record of diagnosis （39.17%） except in the OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics （68.48%, P 〈 0.01） and Dermatology （64.58%, P 〈 0.01）. Records of investigational findings and ongoing therapies, if any, were also poor except OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Pediatrics. Structure of prescriptions was maintained satisfactorily in all the OPDs. Though tendency of using ＇individualized homeopathy＇ predominated, there also existed the use of ＇polypharmacy＇. Mean consultation time was 5.9 min. Labeling was extremely poor and is an area needing improvement. The prescriptions were highly legible. CONCLUSION： This was a preliminary study, conducted for the first time in homeopathy using newly developed indicators that yield meaningful results. Further studies are necessary in order to evaluate the different factors involved and to plan future interventions to improve the quality of care in healthcare settings.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the effects of homoeopathic ultrahigh dilutions of Aconitum napellus in Baker＇s yeast-induced fever in rabbits. METHODS： Rabbits were divided into 4 groups and each group contained 6 rabbits....OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the effects of homoeopathic ultrahigh dilutions of Aconitum napellus in Baker＇s yeast-induced fever in rabbits. METHODS： Rabbits were divided into 4 groups and each group contained 6 rabbits. Baker＇s yeast suspension （20%） was injected subcutaneously. After fever induction, paracetamol and homoeopathic ultrahigh dilutions （A. nape//us 200c and 1 000c） were given orally. Rectal temperature was measured with digital thermometer hourly. RESULTS： Fever was induced in all the rabbits after 4 hours of Baker＇s yeast administration. A. nape//us 200c and 1000c significantly reduced the temperature （P 〈 0.05）. In positive control, temperature decrease was more significant （P 〈 0.001 ）. CONCLUSION： The above findings indicate the effectiveness of ultrahigh dilutions ofA. nape//us in Baker＇s yeast-induced fever in rabbits. However, the effects were slower and less significant than standard medicine Moreover, future research is required to know their mechanism of reducing temperature.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： To provide in vitro evidence of Psorinum treatment against cancer cells in a controlled study. METHODS： Effects of homeopathic Psorinum 6× on cell viability were initially determined in several cance...OBJECTIVE： To provide in vitro evidence of Psorinum treatment against cancer cells in a controlled study. METHODS： Effects of homeopathic Psorinum 6× on cell viability were initially determined in several cancer cell lines, including A549, Hep G2 and MCF-7, using 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and an ethanol 6× control. The cell line that exhibited highest inhibition was selected and used in the following experiments. A range of Psorinum 6× doses was used to explore treatment effects on cell cycle arrest, cell death（apoptosis）, generation of reactive oxygen species（ROS） and change in mitochondrial membrane potential（MMP） using fl ow cytometry and fl uorescence microscopy, respectively. Expression of several signal proteins related to apoptosis and cell survival were quantified with Western blotting and confocal microscopy. Further, circular dichroism（CD） spectroscopy was used to determine possible drug-DNA interactions, as well as the induction of conformational changes. RESULTS： Treatment of cancer cell lines with Psorinum showed greater anticancer effects in A549 cells than in others. In A549 cells Psorinum treatment inhibited cell proliferation at 24 h after treatment, and arrested cell cycle at sub-G1 stage. It also induced ROS generation, MMP depolarization, morphological changes and DNA damage, as well as externalization of phosphatidyl serine. Further, increases in p53 expression, Bax expression, cytochrome c release, along with reduction of Bcl-2 level and caspase-3 activation were observed after Psorinum 6× treatment, which eventually drove A549 cells towards the mitochondria-mediated caspase-3-dependent pathway. CD spectroscopy revealed direct interaction of Psorinum with DNA, using calf thymus-DNA as target.CONCLUSION： Psorinum 6× triggered apoptosis in A549 cells via both up- and down-regulations of relevant signal proteins, including p53, caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2.展开更多
Objective： To assess the knowledge, attitude, perception and practice of Ayurveda, yoga, Unani, Siddha, homeopathy and naturopathy （AYUSH） among allopathic doctors and interns and determine their opin- ion regardin...Objective： To assess the knowledge, attitude, perception and practice of Ayurveda, yoga, Unani, Siddha, homeopathy and naturopathy （AYUSH） among allopathic doctors and interns and determine their opin- ion regarding integration of AYUSH education within the allopathic curriculum. Methods： This prospective, cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching Hospital, New Delhi, India, from March 2016 to March 2017. A survey of 500 aUopathic doctors and 150 interns was performed using a structured questionnaire. Results： A majority of doctors （95.2%） were aware of the term AYUSH and had knowledge of yoga （70.6%）, homeopathy （55.6%）, Ayurveda （50.3%）, Siddha （47.8%）, naturopathy （32.9%） and Unani （28.9%）. Most of the participants （63.0%） felt that therapies under AYUSH are effective. A majority （84.0%） of the doctors were of the view that more research is required in the field of AYUSH. While homeopathy （44.0%） was the most common system used by doctors for themselves, yoga was the therapy most commonly （60.0%） recommended to patients. Nearly half of the doctors （46.7%） recommended AYUSH to their patients, mainly for chronic illness （74.0%）. A majority （77.5%） of the respondents agreed that students of allopathic med- icine should be familiarized with AYUSH. The modes of incorporation of AYUSH into the medical curriculum most commonly suggested by respondents were optional courses （54.5%） and introductory lectures （42.3%）. Conclusion： Doctors and interns ofallopathic medicine are aware of AYUSH systems. They use it for them- selves and recommend it to patients. They believe that familiarization of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students with AYUSH therapies and their integration with allopathic medicine may help in improving patient care.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： This study describes the development of a preliminary version of an instrument that attempts to assess the quality of reports of individualized homeopathic prescriptions in clinical trials and observationa...OBJECTIVE： This study describes the development of a preliminary version of an instrument that attempts to assess the quality of reports of individualized homeopathic prescriptions in clinical trials and observational studies. METHODS： A multidisciplinary panel of 15 judges produced an initial version of the instrument through iterative Delphi rounds and pilot-tested the instrument on five clinical trials. Later they assessed, under blind conditions, the individualization quality of 40 randomly-selected research reports. The final version of the instrument included six criteria. These items were scored consistently by all the raters regardless of background. RESULTS： The instrument appeared to have adequate face and content validity, acceptable internal consistency or reliability （Cronbach＇s a 0.606 - 0.725）, significant discriminant validity （F = 398.7; P 〈 0.000 1）, moderate interrater reliability （Fleiss K 0.533）, agreeable test-retest reliability （Cohen＇s K 0.765 - 0.934）, moderate sensitivity （0.4; 95% confidence interval 0.253- 0.566）, and high specificity （1.0; 95% confidence interval 0.891-1.000）. CONCLUSION： The initial data suggest that this instrument may be a promising systematic tool amendable for further development.展开更多
Throughout human history, doctors and healers have gathered and refined the knowledge inherited from the previous generations. Different methods of effective therapy have been designed during various historical period...Throughout human history, doctors and healers have gathered and refined the knowledge inherited from the previous generations. Different methods of effective therapy have been designed during various historical periods;when each was developed, it was considered "modern scientific medicine" for their time. Mankind has gone through natural and social disasters and survived;hence, history has proved there was no time when medical knowledge was eironeous or ineffective. Classic medicine has grown to be divided into narrow, specialized branches, causing it to lose its holistic approach and general view on health, sickness and therapeutic methods. Many of traditional medicine's effective methods have been forgotten and removed from the mainstream medicine. It would be good for modern medical education to incorporate the general knowledge of historically effective therapeutic modalities and study practical cases. Medical students should be taught how to choose a "good method" or "good medicine" independent of when that method or remedy was discovered. However, he has to keep in mind the primary goal of medicine:"I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment..."(from Hippocratic Oath).展开更多
The deadly global outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)has forged an unrivaled threat to human civilization.Contemplating its profuse impact,initial risk management and therapies are needed,as well as rapid d...The deadly global outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)has forged an unrivaled threat to human civilization.Contemplating its profuse impact,initial risk management and therapies are needed,as well as rapid detection strategies alongside treatments with existing drugs or traditional treatments to provide better clinical support for critical patients.Conventional detection techniques have been considered but do not sufficiently meet the current challenges of effective COVID-19 diagnosis.Therefore,several modern techniques including point-of-care diagnosis with a biosensor,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)-associated proteins that function as nuclease(Cas)technology,next-generation sequencing,serological,digital,and imaging approaches have delivered improved and noteworthy success compared to that using traditional strategies.Conventional drug treatment,plasma therapy,and vaccine development are also ongoing.However,alternative medicines including Ayurveda,herbal drugs,homeopathy,and Unani have also been enlisted as prominent treatment strategies for developing herd immunity and physical defenses against COVID-19.All considered,this review can help develop rapid and simplified diagnostic strategies,as well as advanced evidencebased modern therapeutic approaches that will aid in combating the global pandemic.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： To our knowledge, prescription of homeopathic medicines by homeopathic undergraduate students has not been studied before though it may possess serious implications. We aimed to determine the practice and ...OBJECTIVE： To our knowledge, prescription of homeopathic medicines by homeopathic undergraduate students has not been studied before though it may possess serious implications. We aimed to determine the practice and attitudes of prescription by homeopathic undergraduate students. METHODS： A cross-sectional study was carried out involving all the students from four government homeopathic schools of West Bengal, India. Ethical requirements were ensured and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Chi-square tests and logistic univariate regression analyses were performed to identify associations and differences. RESULTS： A total of 328 forms were completed. Of these, 264 （80.5%） homeopathic undergraduate students admitted of prescribing medicines independently and most （40.5%） said that they did this 2-3 times a year. The most common reasons for this were ＇urgency of the problem＇ （35.2%）, ＇previous experience with same kind of illness＇ （31.8%）, and ＇the problem too trivial to go to a doctor＇ （25.8%）. About 63.4% of the students thought that it was alright to independently diagnose an illness while 51.2% thought that it was alright for them to prescribe medicines to others. Common conditions encountered were fever, indigestion, and injury. Students who prescribed medicines were more likely to belong to Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital （odds ratio = 5.8; 95% confidence interval 2.247-14.972）. Prescription by students gradually increased with academic years of homeopathic schools. Many students thought it was alright for students to diagnose and treat illnesses. CONCLUSION： Prescription of medicines by homeopathic undergraduate students is quite rampant and corrective measures are warranted.展开更多
Water is a critical component in the functioning of the earth and of all living creatures. An important insight into the variable physical and biological properties of water has been provided by studies consistent wit...Water is a critical component in the functioning of the earth and of all living creatures. An important insight into the variable physical and biological properties of water has been provided by studies consistent with an external force termed KELEA (kinetic energy limiting electrostatic attraction) that weakens the intermolecular bonding of water molecules. Simple methods are described in this paper for producing and testing KELEA activated water. A summary is also provided of many major applications of KELEA activated water in health, agriculture and industry. While several of the proposed applications require more rigorous scientific documentation and further optimization, collectively they present the compelling opportunity for KELEA activated water to immediately transform medical, agricultural and industrial practices. A coordinated endeavor is proposed to better understand the science of KELEA and to develop simplified protocols for utilizing KELEA activated water and other fluids in the presently described and likely numerous additional applications. This ambitious undertaking envisions the cooperation among a range of specialized philanthropic organizations, working within different countries and with the strong support of national governments.展开更多
Neurexan is a multicomponent natural medicinal product?used?for?stress-related?symptoms such as nervous restlessness and insomnia. The present study?investigated?the?efficacy?of Neurexan on stress-induced changes of b...Neurexan is a multicomponent natural medicinal product?used?for?stress-related?symptoms such as nervous restlessness and insomnia. The present study?investigated?the?efficacy?of Neurexan on stress-induced changes of brainwave frequencies?using quantitative analysis of spectral EEG power. Thirty healthy male and female volunteers were tested in a randomized, placebo controlled cross-over trial under conditions of relaxation and experimental stress-in-?duction. Recording of the EEG was performed over four hours after drug administration. Data was?analyzed using the proprietary fast dynamic EEG technology Neurocode-Tracking. Quantitative EEG revealed a task dependent increase of beta2 power as a surrogate parameter of stress induced anxiety. The elevated frontotemporal beta2 power was ameliorated by intake of Neurexan during the second and third hour after administration. This indicates that Neurexan is effectively helping subjects to better cope with task-related stress situations.展开更多
Considering the importance of the tomato crop and the high costs for controlling Meloidogyne incognita with resistant cultivar or nematicides, it is necessary for the search of new alternatives to manage the root-knot...Considering the importance of the tomato crop and the high costs for controlling Meloidogyne incognita with resistant cultivar or nematicides, it is necessary for the search of new alternatives to manage the root-knot disease. The homeopathy may be an alternative way of control, by inducing plant resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the homeopathic product Cina at dynamizations 12, 24, 50, 100, 200, and 400 CH (centesimal hahnemanian dilutions) on the number of root galls, eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) present in the roots of tomato and soil, as well on the growth of tomato plants. The Cina demonstrated effectiveness in stimulating root development, once the results of root volume were higher in homeopathic treatments than those in the control. Cina 100 CH also favored the growth of the stalk diameter of the plants. However, the homeopathic product showed no nematostatic nor nematicide effects. The potentized Cina is capable to induce tomato growth besides the presence of M. incognita infecting the roots, with no nematotoxic effects.展开更多
文摘Background： Brazil is among the nations with the greatest rates of annual cocaine usage. Pharmacological treatment of cocaine addiction is still limited, opening space for nonconventional interventions.Homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and Erythroxylum coca have been tested in the integrative treatment of cocaine craving among homeless addicts, but this setting had not proven feasible, due to insufficient recruitment.Objective： This study investigates the effectiveness and tolerability of homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and E. coca in the integrative treatment of cocaine craving in a community-based psychosocial rehabilitation setting.Design, setting, participants, and interventions： A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallelgroup, eight-week pilot trial was performed at the Psychosocial Attention Center for Alcohol and Other Drugs（CAPS-AD）, Sao Carlos/SP, Brazil. Eligible subjects included CAPS-AD patients between 18 and 65 years of age, with an International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis of cocaine dependence（F14.2）. The patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups： psychosocial rehabilitation plus homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and E. coca（homeopathy group）, and psychosocial rehabilitation plus indistinguishable placebo（placebo group）.Main outcome measures： The main outcome measure was the percentage of cocaine-using days. Secondary measures were the Minnesota Cocaine Craving Scale and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores.Adverse events were reported in both groups.Results： The study population comprised 54 patients who attended at least one post-baseline assessment,out of the 104 subjects initially enrolled. The mean percentage of cocaine-using days in the homeopathy group was 18.1%（standard deviation（SD）： 22.3%）, compared to 29.8%（SD： 30.6%） in the placebo group（P 〈0.01）. Analysis of the Minnesota Cocaine Craving Scale scores showed no between-group differences in the intensity of cravings, but results significantly favored homeopathy over placebo in the proportion of weeks without craving episodes and the patients＇ appraisal of treatment efficacy for reduction of cravings. Analysis of 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores found no significant differences. Few adverse events were reported： 0.57 adverse events/patient in the homeopathy group compared to 0.69 adverse events/patient in the placebo group（P = 0.41）.Conclusions： A psychosocial rehabilitation setting improved recruitment but was not sufficient to decrease dropout frequency among Brazilian cocaine treatment seekers. Psychosocial rehabilitation plus homeopathic Q-potencies of opium and E. coca were more effective than psychosocial rehabilitation alone in reducing cocaine cravings. Due to high dropout rate and risk of bias, further research is required to confirm our findings, with specific focus on strategies to increase patient retention.
文摘Background:Different homeopathic approaches have been used as supportive care for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)cases,but none has been tested in a clinical trial.Objectives:To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the homeopathic medicine,Natrum muriaticum LM2,for mild cases of COVID-19.Design,setting,participants,and interventions:A randomized,double-blind,two-armed,parallel,singlecenter,placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from June 2020 to April 2021 in S?o-Carlos,Brazil.Participants aged>18 years,with influenza-like symptoms and positive result from a real-time polymerase chain reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were recruited and randomized(1:1)into two groups that received different treatments during a period of at-homeisolation.One group received the homeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum,prepared with the second degree of the fifty-millesimal dynamization(LM2;Natrum muriaticum LM2),while the other group received a placebo.Outcome measures:The primary endpoint was time until recovery from COVID-19 influenza-like symptoms.Secondary measures included a survival analysis of the number and severity of COVID-19 symptoms(influenza-like symptoms plus anosmia and ageusia)from a symptom grading scale that was informed by the participant,hospital admissions,and adverse events.Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate time-to-event(survival)measures.Results:Data from 86 participants were analyzed(homeopathy,n=42;placebo,n=44).There was no difference in time to recovery between two groups among participants who were reporting influenzalike symptoms at the beginning of monitoring(homeopathy,n=41;placebo,n=41;P=0.56),nor in a sub-group that had at least 5 moderate to severe influenza-like symptoms at the beginning of monitoring(homeopathy,n=15;placebo,n=17;P=0.06).Secondary outcomes indicated that a 50%reduction in symptom score was achieved significantly earlier in the homeopathy group(homeopathy,n=24;placebo,n=25;P=0.04),among the participants with a basal symptom score≥5.Moreover,values of restricted mean survival time indicated that patients receiving homeopathy might have improved0.9 days faster during the first five days of follow-up(P=0.022).Hospitalization rates were 2.4%in the homeopathy group and 6.8%in the placebo group(P=0.62).Participants reported 3 adverse events in the homeopathy group and 6 in the placebo group.Conclusion:Results showed that Natrum muriaticum LM2 was safe to use for COVID-19,but there was no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoints of Natrum muriaticum LM2 and placebo for mild COVID-19 cases.Although some secondary measures do not support the null hypothesis,the wide confidence intervals suggest that further studies with larger sample sizes and more symptomatic participants are needed to test the effectiveness of homeopathic Natrum muriaticum LM2 for COVID-19.Trial registration:UMIN Clinical Trials Registry ID:JPRN-UMIN000040602.
文摘Although the biological system is a combination of different chemical processes,many of the mechanisms can not be explained by general chemical processes.Therefore,as a driving force of biological system,a distinct entity called'vital force'can be imagined.But this is not essential to explain homeopathy.From the analysis of different phenomena it apparent that biological system has a tendency to maintain a balanced state.Such a good example is catch-up growth.A stimulus is required to disrupt the balance.This stimulus must enter the body from outside or in case of disease it must arise from within inside.This is the primary stimulus.Infection,chronic poisoning,etc.help the expression of the internal stimulus.These are secondary stimulus.The active dose of similar drug acts on the terminal site of the disease process.This causes the actual reversal of the disease process.Allopathic dissimilar drugs act on different stages of the disease process and alter the course of the disease process.The effect of allopathic drugs does not destroy the effect of disease and compete with the effect of the disease.Potentized homeopathic remedies neutralize the effect of disease but do not alter the course of the disease.As a result,either symptoms of the disease are neutralized or the disease process is accelerated.Different other phenomena support that the property of the potentized remedy is not similar to the original substance.It is a new property which is negative pharmacological property.
文摘Homeopathy is approximately two hundred and fifty years old medical system.In homeopathy,extremely small dose of original substances is used to treat diseases that produce similar symptoms of the disease.Therefore,two principles of homeopathy are the law of similars and the law of minute dose.Hahnemann proposed that similar symptoms produced by remedies occupy the space of the disease.Reaction or withdrawal effect of the remedy goes against the symptoms of the disease and thus the disease is cured.Although similar substances are used to treat diseases,some substances produce both similar and opposite symptoms of the disease.Again many substances used in minute dose previously exist in the body as large doses.The other principles of homeopathy are the law of chronic diseases and the law of vital force.Hahnemann considered psora or scabies like syphilis.Like syphilis,he considered skin symptoms as primary symptoms and chronic diseases as secondary symptoms.On the other hand,high potency homeopathic remedies do not contain any original substance to produce a reaction or withdrawal effect and'vital force'theory has been refuted in modern science.Therefore these two principles have limitations too.Hahnemann proposed that water is able to retain the memory of the original substance.Modern observers suggest that water can form nanoparticles like original substances.But there is no strong proof that nanoparticles are found in bloodstream or breast milk.To explain homeopathy these limitations should be amended.
基金This work has been funded by University Grants Commission-University with Potential for Excellence Phase II grant from Government of India(sanction No.UCC/144/UPE/ST1).
文摘Objective‘Multi-targeting’drugs can prove fruitful to combat drug-resistance of multifactorial disease—cervical cancer.This study envisioned to reveal if Thuja homeopathic mother tincture(MT)and its bioactive component could combat human papillomavirus(HPV)-16-infected SiHa cervical cancer cells since it is globally acclaimed for HPV-mediated warts.Methods Thuja MT was studied for its antiproliferative and antimigratory properties in SiHa cells followed by microscopic determination of reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation by 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFDA)staining and loss in mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)by rhodamine(Rh)123 staining.Apoptosis and autophagy inductions were studied by acridine orange(AO)ethidium bromide(EB)staining and immunoblot analyses of marker proteins.The bioactive component of Thuja MT detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was studied for antiproliferative and antimigratory properties along with in silico prediction of its cellular targets by molecular docking and oral drug forming competency.Results Thuja MT showed significant antiproliferative and antimigratory potential in SiHa cells at a 50%inhibitory concentration(IC50)dosage of 17.3μL/mL.An increase in DCFDA fluorescence and loss in Rh123 fluorescence prove that Thuja MT acted through the burst of ROS and loss in MMP respectively.AO/EB-stained cells under the microscope and immunoblot analyses supported Thuja-induced cellular demise via dual pathways—apoptosis and autophagy.Immunoblots showed cleavage of caspase-3 and poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase-1(PARP-1)along with upregulation of Beclin-1,microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B)-II,and p62 proteins.Hence,the apoptotic cascade followed a caspase-3-dependent pathway supported by PARP-1 cleavage,while autophagic death was Beclin-1-dependent and mediated by accumulation of LC3BII and p62 proteins.Thujone,detected as the bioactive principle of Thuja MT showed greater anti-proliferative and anti-migratory potential at an IC5077μg/mL along with excellent oral drug competency with the ability for gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain-barrier permeation with nil toxicity.Molecular docking depicted thujone with the strongest affinity for mammalian target of rapamycin,phosphoinositide 3-kinase,and protein kinase B followed by B-cell lymphoma 2,murine double minute 2 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase,which might act as upstream triggers of apoptotic-autophagic crosstalk.Conclusion Robust‘multi-targeting’anticancer potential of Thuja drug and thujone for HPV-infected cervical cancer ascertain its therapeutic efficacy for HPV infections.
文摘The alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway was initially identified as a non-immunological defense mechanism against virus infections. It is particularly relevant to the suppression of stealth adapted viruses, which are not normally recognized by the cellular immune system. Many of the methods able to enhance the ACE pathway are consistent with the transfer of a natural energy to the body’s fluids. Additional support for this premise is provided in this paper. The vapor pressure and rate of evaporation of activated water, ethanol and gasoline increase to beyond atmospheric pressure over time. The term KELEA (kinetic energy limiting electrostatic attraction) is proposed for a natural energy that increases the volatility of fluids, seemingly through the loosening of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. KELEA activated fluids have many potential health, agricultural and industrial applications, as well as providing the opportunity for fundamental research.
文摘Marzotto et al. showed that homeopathic preparations of Amica montana L. acted directly on gene expression of Tamm-Horsfall protein- 1 （THP-1） monocyte/macrophage cell lines activated with phorbol 12-mydstate 13- acetate and interleukin-4 （IL-4）. A. montana homeopathic dilutions are used in complementary and alternative medicine to treat inflammation disorders and post-traumatic events as well as for wound repair. The French Pharmacopoeia of these remedies uses 0.3% ethanol in each centesimal dilution. In this paper, we discuss how ethanol-containing A. montana homeopathic centesimal dilutions can change gene expression in IL-4- treated monocyte/macrophage THP-I. We assessed the role of ethanol in the Arnica homeopathic dilutions containing this alcohol by investigating its action on gene expression of THP-1 cell. Evidence would strongly suggest that the presence of ethanol in these remedies might play a fundamental role in the dilutions ability to affect gene expression, particularly for doses from 5c to 15c. Where, rather than playing a major role in the mesoscopic structure of water, the ethanol might have a chemical-physical role in the induction of THP-1 gene expression, apoptosis, and deoxyribonucleic acid function. This evidence generates a debate about the suggestion that the use of a binary-mixed solvent in homeopathic chemistry, used by Hahnemann since 1810, may be fundamental to explain the activity of homeopathy on cell models.
基金financially supported by Boiron Laboratories,Lyon,FranceEmeritus Fellowship of UGC granted to ARKB
文摘OBJECTIVE： Methylation-specific epigenetic process and gene expression profiles of HeLa cells treated with ultra-high dilutions （HDs） of two plant extracts, Hydrastis canadensis （HC-30） and Marsdenia condurango （Condu-30）, diluted 106o times, were analyzed against placebo 30C （PI-30） for alterations in gene profiles linked to epigenetic modifications. METHODS： Separate groups of cells were subjected to treatment of Condu-30, HC-30, and PI- 30 prepared by serial dilutions and succussions. Global microarray data recorded on Affymetrix platform, using 25-mer probes were provided by iLifeDiscoveries, India. Slides were scanned with 3000 7G microarray scanner and raw data sets were extracted from Cel （raw intensity） files. Analyses of global microarray data profile, differential gene expression, fold change and clusters were made using GeneSpring GX12.5 software and standard normalization procedure. Before microarray study, concentration of RNA （ng/IJL）, RIN value and rRNA ratio for all the samples were analysed by Agilant Bioanalyzer 2100. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and quantitative RT- PCR were done for analyzing SMAD-4 expression. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting study was further made to elucidate fate of cells at divisional stages. Methylation-specific restriction enzyme assay was conducted for ascertaining methylation status of DNA at specific sites. RESULTS： HDs of HC-30 and Condu-30 differentially altered methylation in specific regions of DNA and expression profiles of certain genes linked to carcinogenesis, as compared to PI-30. Two separate cut sites were found in genomic DNA of untreated and placebo-treated HeLa cells when digested with McrBC, compared to a single cut observed in Condu-30-treated genomic DNA. SMAD-4 gene expression validated the expression pattern observed in microarray profile. Methylation-specific restriction enzyme assay elucidated differential epigenetic modifications in drug-treated and control cells. CONCLUSION： HDs triggered epigenetic modifications and alterations in microarray gene expression profiles of many genes associated with carcinogenesis in HeLa cells in vitro.
文摘The term neurodegeneration emphasizes the destruction of neuronal cells as the primary explanation of many major neurological illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. Specialized functioning of cells requires more cellular energy than is needed for basic cell survival. Cells can acquire energy both from the metabolism of food and from the alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway. The ACE pathway is an added dynamic (kinetic) quality of the body’s fluids occurring from the absorption of an external force termed KELEA (Kinetic Energy Limiting Electrostatic Attraction). KELEA is attracted to separated electrical charges and is seemingly partially released as the charges become more closely linked. As suggested elsewhere, the fluctuating electrical activity in the brain may attract KELEA from the environment and, thereby, contribute to the body’s ACE pathway. Certain illnesses affecting the brain may impede this proposed antenna function of the brain, leading to a systemic insufficiency of cellular energy (ICE). Furthermore, individual neurons may derive some of the energy for their own activities from the repetitive depolarization of the cell. This may explain why hyper-excitability of neurons can occur in response to cell damage. This adaptive mechanism is unlikely to be sustainable, however, especially if there is a continuing need to synthesize neurotransmitters and membrane ion channels. The energy deficient neurons would then become quiescent and, although remaining viable, would not perform their intended specialized functions. Actual cell death would not necessarily occur till much later in the disease process. The distinction between quiescent and degenerated cells is important since the ACE pathway can be enhanced by several means, including the regular consumption of KELEA activated water. This, in turn, may improve the proposed antenna function of individual neurons, leading to a sustained restoration of specialized function via the ACE pathway. This paper explores this novel concept and provides a rationale for clinical testing of KELEA activated water in patients with neurological and psychiatric illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease.
文摘Improper prescribing habits and inappropriate drug use lead to serious health and economic consequences. This study was undertaken to evaluate drug utilization services and prescription patterns of homeopathic doctors in a government homeopathic teaching hospital in India. METHODS： No standardized homeopathic drug use indicators are available. The researchers used indicators for health care setting （drug availability）-modified prescribing indicators and patient care indicators, based on World Health Organization＇s core drug use indicators. A cross- sectional, prospective, institutional, observational study of 2-month duration with record analysis was conducted on 600 patients visiting seven different outpatient departments （OPDs） for the first time at Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College ＆ Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India, using the developed indicators. RESULTS： Overall availability of prescribed drugs was quite satisfactory （92.28%）. Centesimal potencies accounted for the majority of prescriptions （74.76%）. There was a poor record of diagnosis （39.17%） except in the OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics （68.48%, P 〈 0.01） and Dermatology （64.58%, P 〈 0.01）. Records of investigational findings and ongoing therapies, if any, were also poor except OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Pediatrics. Structure of prescriptions was maintained satisfactorily in all the OPDs. Though tendency of using ＇individualized homeopathy＇ predominated, there also existed the use of ＇polypharmacy＇. Mean consultation time was 5.9 min. Labeling was extremely poor and is an area needing improvement. The prescriptions were highly legible. CONCLUSION： This was a preliminary study, conducted for the first time in homeopathy using newly developed indicators that yield meaningful results. Further studies are necessary in order to evaluate the different factors involved and to plan future interventions to improve the quality of care in healthcare settings.
文摘OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the effects of homoeopathic ultrahigh dilutions of Aconitum napellus in Baker＇s yeast-induced fever in rabbits. METHODS： Rabbits were divided into 4 groups and each group contained 6 rabbits. Baker＇s yeast suspension （20%） was injected subcutaneously. After fever induction, paracetamol and homoeopathic ultrahigh dilutions （A. nape//us 200c and 1 000c） were given orally. Rectal temperature was measured with digital thermometer hourly. RESULTS： Fever was induced in all the rabbits after 4 hours of Baker＇s yeast administration. A. nape//us 200c and 1000c significantly reduced the temperature （P 〈 0.05）. In positive control, temperature decrease was more significant （P 〈 0.001 ）. CONCLUSION： The above findings indicate the effectiveness of ultrahigh dilutions ofA. nape//us in Baker＇s yeast-induced fever in rabbits. However, the effects were slower and less significant than standard medicine Moreover, future research is required to know their mechanism of reducing temperature.
文摘OBJECTIVE： To provide in vitro evidence of Psorinum treatment against cancer cells in a controlled study. METHODS： Effects of homeopathic Psorinum 6× on cell viability were initially determined in several cancer cell lines, including A549, Hep G2 and MCF-7, using 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and an ethanol 6× control. The cell line that exhibited highest inhibition was selected and used in the following experiments. A range of Psorinum 6× doses was used to explore treatment effects on cell cycle arrest, cell death（apoptosis）, generation of reactive oxygen species（ROS） and change in mitochondrial membrane potential（MMP） using fl ow cytometry and fl uorescence microscopy, respectively. Expression of several signal proteins related to apoptosis and cell survival were quantified with Western blotting and confocal microscopy. Further, circular dichroism（CD） spectroscopy was used to determine possible drug-DNA interactions, as well as the induction of conformational changes. RESULTS： Treatment of cancer cell lines with Psorinum showed greater anticancer effects in A549 cells than in others. In A549 cells Psorinum treatment inhibited cell proliferation at 24 h after treatment, and arrested cell cycle at sub-G1 stage. It also induced ROS generation, MMP depolarization, morphological changes and DNA damage, as well as externalization of phosphatidyl serine. Further, increases in p53 expression, Bax expression, cytochrome c release, along with reduction of Bcl-2 level and caspase-3 activation were observed after Psorinum 6× treatment, which eventually drove A549 cells towards the mitochondria-mediated caspase-3-dependent pathway. CD spectroscopy revealed direct interaction of Psorinum with DNA, using calf thymus-DNA as target.CONCLUSION： Psorinum 6× triggered apoptosis in A549 cells via both up- and down-regulations of relevant signal proteins, including p53, caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2.
文摘Objective： To assess the knowledge, attitude, perception and practice of Ayurveda, yoga, Unani, Siddha, homeopathy and naturopathy （AYUSH） among allopathic doctors and interns and determine their opin- ion regarding integration of AYUSH education within the allopathic curriculum. Methods： This prospective, cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching Hospital, New Delhi, India, from March 2016 to March 2017. A survey of 500 aUopathic doctors and 150 interns was performed using a structured questionnaire. Results： A majority of doctors （95.2%） were aware of the term AYUSH and had knowledge of yoga （70.6%）, homeopathy （55.6%）, Ayurveda （50.3%）, Siddha （47.8%）, naturopathy （32.9%） and Unani （28.9%）. Most of the participants （63.0%） felt that therapies under AYUSH are effective. A majority （84.0%） of the doctors were of the view that more research is required in the field of AYUSH. While homeopathy （44.0%） was the most common system used by doctors for themselves, yoga was the therapy most commonly （60.0%） recommended to patients. Nearly half of the doctors （46.7%） recommended AYUSH to their patients, mainly for chronic illness （74.0%）. A majority （77.5%） of the respondents agreed that students of allopathic med- icine should be familiarized with AYUSH. The modes of incorporation of AYUSH into the medical curriculum most commonly suggested by respondents were optional courses （54.5%） and introductory lectures （42.3%）. Conclusion： Doctors and interns ofallopathic medicine are aware of AYUSH systems. They use it for them- selves and recommend it to patients. They believe that familiarization of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students with AYUSH therapies and their integration with allopathic medicine may help in improving patient care.
文摘OBJECTIVE： This study describes the development of a preliminary version of an instrument that attempts to assess the quality of reports of individualized homeopathic prescriptions in clinical trials and observational studies. METHODS： A multidisciplinary panel of 15 judges produced an initial version of the instrument through iterative Delphi rounds and pilot-tested the instrument on five clinical trials. Later they assessed, under blind conditions, the individualization quality of 40 randomly-selected research reports. The final version of the instrument included six criteria. These items were scored consistently by all the raters regardless of background. RESULTS： The instrument appeared to have adequate face and content validity, acceptable internal consistency or reliability （Cronbach＇s a 0.606 - 0.725）, significant discriminant validity （F = 398.7; P 〈 0.000 1）, moderate interrater reliability （Fleiss K 0.533）, agreeable test-retest reliability （Cohen＇s K 0.765 - 0.934）, moderate sensitivity （0.4; 95% confidence interval 0.253- 0.566）, and high specificity （1.0; 95% confidence interval 0.891-1.000）. CONCLUSION： The initial data suggest that this instrument may be a promising systematic tool amendable for further development.
文摘Throughout human history, doctors and healers have gathered and refined the knowledge inherited from the previous generations. Different methods of effective therapy have been designed during various historical periods;when each was developed, it was considered "modern scientific medicine" for their time. Mankind has gone through natural and social disasters and survived;hence, history has proved there was no time when medical knowledge was eironeous or ineffective. Classic medicine has grown to be divided into narrow, specialized branches, causing it to lose its holistic approach and general view on health, sickness and therapeutic methods. Many of traditional medicine's effective methods have been forgotten and removed from the mainstream medicine. It would be good for modern medical education to incorporate the general knowledge of historically effective therapeutic modalities and study practical cases. Medical students should be taught how to choose a "good method" or "good medicine" independent of when that method or remedy was discovered. However, he has to keep in mind the primary goal of medicine:"I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment..."(from Hippocratic Oath).
文摘The deadly global outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)has forged an unrivaled threat to human civilization.Contemplating its profuse impact,initial risk management and therapies are needed,as well as rapid detection strategies alongside treatments with existing drugs or traditional treatments to provide better clinical support for critical patients.Conventional detection techniques have been considered but do not sufficiently meet the current challenges of effective COVID-19 diagnosis.Therefore,several modern techniques including point-of-care diagnosis with a biosensor,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)-associated proteins that function as nuclease(Cas)technology,next-generation sequencing,serological,digital,and imaging approaches have delivered improved and noteworthy success compared to that using traditional strategies.Conventional drug treatment,plasma therapy,and vaccine development are also ongoing.However,alternative medicines including Ayurveda,herbal drugs,homeopathy,and Unani have also been enlisted as prominent treatment strategies for developing herd immunity and physical defenses against COVID-19.All considered,this review can help develop rapid and simplified diagnostic strategies,as well as advanced evidencebased modern therapeutic approaches that will aid in combating the global pandemic.
文摘OBJECTIVE： To our knowledge, prescription of homeopathic medicines by homeopathic undergraduate students has not been studied before though it may possess serious implications. We aimed to determine the practice and attitudes of prescription by homeopathic undergraduate students. METHODS： A cross-sectional study was carried out involving all the students from four government homeopathic schools of West Bengal, India. Ethical requirements were ensured and data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Chi-square tests and logistic univariate regression analyses were performed to identify associations and differences. RESULTS： A total of 328 forms were completed. Of these, 264 （80.5%） homeopathic undergraduate students admitted of prescribing medicines independently and most （40.5%） said that they did this 2-3 times a year. The most common reasons for this were ＇urgency of the problem＇ （35.2%）, ＇previous experience with same kind of illness＇ （31.8%）, and ＇the problem too trivial to go to a doctor＇ （25.8%）. About 63.4% of the students thought that it was alright to independently diagnose an illness while 51.2% thought that it was alright for them to prescribe medicines to others. Common conditions encountered were fever, indigestion, and injury. Students who prescribed medicines were more likely to belong to Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital （odds ratio = 5.8; 95% confidence interval 2.247-14.972）. Prescription by students gradually increased with academic years of homeopathic schools. Many students thought it was alright for students to diagnose and treat illnesses. CONCLUSION： Prescription of medicines by homeopathic undergraduate students is quite rampant and corrective measures are warranted.
文摘Water is a critical component in the functioning of the earth and of all living creatures. An important insight into the variable physical and biological properties of water has been provided by studies consistent with an external force termed KELEA (kinetic energy limiting electrostatic attraction) that weakens the intermolecular bonding of water molecules. Simple methods are described in this paper for producing and testing KELEA activated water. A summary is also provided of many major applications of KELEA activated water in health, agriculture and industry. While several of the proposed applications require more rigorous scientific documentation and further optimization, collectively they present the compelling opportunity for KELEA activated water to immediately transform medical, agricultural and industrial practices. A coordinated endeavor is proposed to better understand the science of KELEA and to develop simplified protocols for utilizing KELEA activated water and other fluids in the presently described and likely numerous additional applications. This ambitious undertaking envisions the cooperation among a range of specialized philanthropic organizations, working within different countries and with the strong support of national governments.
文摘Neurexan is a multicomponent natural medicinal product?used?for?stress-related?symptoms such as nervous restlessness and insomnia. The present study?investigated?the?efficacy?of Neurexan on stress-induced changes of brainwave frequencies?using quantitative analysis of spectral EEG power. Thirty healthy male and female volunteers were tested in a randomized, placebo controlled cross-over trial under conditions of relaxation and experimental stress-in-?duction. Recording of the EEG was performed over four hours after drug administration. Data was?analyzed using the proprietary fast dynamic EEG technology Neurocode-Tracking. Quantitative EEG revealed a task dependent increase of beta2 power as a surrogate parameter of stress induced anxiety. The elevated frontotemporal beta2 power was ameliorated by intake of Neurexan during the second and third hour after administration. This indicates that Neurexan is effectively helping subjects to better cope with task-related stress situations.
基金Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tacnologico(CNPq)for the productivity scholarship provided to Jose R.Stangarlin
文摘Considering the importance of the tomato crop and the high costs for controlling Meloidogyne incognita with resistant cultivar or nematicides, it is necessary for the search of new alternatives to manage the root-knot disease. The homeopathy may be an alternative way of control, by inducing plant resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the homeopathic product Cina at dynamizations 12, 24, 50, 100, 200, and 400 CH (centesimal hahnemanian dilutions) on the number of root galls, eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) present in the roots of tomato and soil, as well on the growth of tomato plants. The Cina demonstrated effectiveness in stimulating root development, once the results of root volume were higher in homeopathic treatments than those in the control. Cina 100 CH also favored the growth of the stalk diameter of the plants. However, the homeopathic product showed no nematostatic nor nematicide effects. The potentized Cina is capable to induce tomato growth besides the presence of M. incognita infecting the roots, with no nematotoxic effects.
