Analysis of the pharmaceutical care activities practiced by private homeopathic pharmacies located in Rio de Janeiro North Zone

The complexity of homeopathic treatment delegates to the Pharmacist the need and the responsibility of pharmaceutical care. This paper had the objective of verifying the practices of pharmaceutical care in homeopathy. The study was conducted in homeopathic pharmacies situated in Rio de Janeiro North Zone, during March and April, 2011, where 15 pharmacists were interviewed, with the help of a semi-open questionary self-administered. For the survey were investigated variables related to pharmaceutical: sex, age, nature of the institution where he graduated, having completed post-graduate and working ties. Information professionals for the pharmaceutical care were collected in 14 questions grouped into three areas: attitudes, perceptions and satisfaction. Attending the ethical aspects, the study was submitted to and approved by the Ethics Committee of University Estácio de Sá. The results demonstrated that 33% of the pharmacists have less than 5 years of professional practice, and 53% are specialists graduated by the Hahnemann’s Institutite of Brasil. All Pharmacists claim to orient patients, mostly during dispensation and through phone contacts. Most pharmacists oriented patients passively and actively. The elderly were pointed as the ones, who most often sought orientation. During dispensation of homeopathic drugs, all patients elicit some orientation. 67% of the pharmacies keep material for pharmaceutical guidance to the patients, usually leaflets. The verbal and written orientation was predominanted on homeopathic pharmacist. Posology and instructions of use for the pharmaceutical form dispensed were described as the most common doubts of the patients. Of all pharmacists interviewed, 67% pointed to self-medication practices in the pharmacy. The questions which measure the position and perception of the pharmacists related to pharmaceutical assistance scored over 3. The question which scored higher was related to the patient trust regarding the pharmacist guidance. We concluded that there was a mobilization on the pharmacists side to overcome obstacles and focus on the patient through the practices of pharmaceutical care.

Search for a molecular mechanism of action of the potentized homeopathic drugs in living organisms

The mechanism of action of the potentized homeopathic drugs, particularly those diluted beyond Avogadro’s limit, is still a debatable issue and various hypotheses in this regard have been advocated by many. In our studies since 1980, we found that certain ultra-highly diluted homeopathic remedies could produce ameliorative effects in various model test organisms like bacteria, fungus, mice and human beings, while the succussed alcohol (placebo) could not. These drugs could antagonize/ameliorate several types of experimentally induced tumors/cancers in mice as evident from electron microscopic studies and certain specific cancer biomarkers. They also demonstrated significant effect on cell viability and apoptotic effect (mostly mitochondria mediated) on cancer cells in culture (also in experimental mice), as revealed from various assays like AnnexinV-FITC, TUNEL, DNA fragmentation, DAPI, COMET, HOECHST 33258, Rhodamine 123 etc while the succussed alcohol (“vehicle”) failed to show such effect. Expression of some key signal proteins and mRNA expressions like Bcl2 family proteins, Cytochrome c, Apaf 1, PARP, Caspase family, p53 and p38 etc in experimental mice model could be modulated by potentized homeopathic drugs. Under arsenic stress, the bacterium Escherichia coli, and the fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and macrophage cells in culture responded favorably to the treatment of potentized homeopathic drug, Arsenicum Album 30C and homeopathically prepared Glucose 30C, as evident from modulation of several parameters like ROS accumulation, SOD activity, lipid peroxidation and expression level of certain relevant genes (Ars B, pts-G genes using real-time PCR) denoting detoxification, mainly via arsenic removal mechanism and suitable enzymatic modulation. Ultra-highly diluted potentized drugs (at potency 30C or above) could demonstrate protective changes simultaneously in multiple parameters (most of them under genetic control) of study, and their action continued for sometime even after the drugs were withdrawn; this indicates the ability of the drugs to trigger “gene action” involving up-regulation or down-regulation of a cascade of downstream genes, getting the recovery process into motion. The convincing evidences that support a “gene regulatory hypothesis” to explain the molecular mechanisms of action of the potentized drugs will be discussed in the light of some of our recent experimental findings on fungus, bacteria and bacteriophages.

Evaluation of the effects of homeopathic medicines on the seed germination of Brassica oleracea L. var. italica

Background: Aiming to increase the productivity and achieve production levels that meet the market demands, agriculture makes use of pesticides and fertilizers. Fertilizers are natural or artificial substances that contain chemical elements and physical proprieties that enhance plant growth and productivity [1]. However, the addition of fertilizers has generated environmental impacts that jeopardize the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems in the medium and long term [2]. Fertilizers are associated with eutrophication of rivers and lakes [2], soil erosion [3], among others. The organic agriculture is an alternative for the use of additives, which aims to enhance the efficient use of nonrenewable natural resources, and utilization of renewable natural resources and biological processes aligned to biodiversity, the environment, economic development and quality of human life [4]. The use of homeopathy for the cultivation of plants is into the organic agriculture. Homeopathic medicines can lead to greater plant growth, the elimination of pests and soil enrichment, without presenting environmental impacts, or damage to the consumer or for the handler. Aim: The objective of this study is to find on the homeopathic medicine an alternative method for the use of fertilizers in order to increase the germination of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica. Methodology: Seeds of broccoli will be treated with homeopathic medicines for phosphorus and gibberelic acid in the following method and scale 6cH, 30cH and 200cH, according with the 3rd edition of the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. These seeds will be cultured on Petri dishes in a MS medium. The dilution and the agitation water on the same high dilutions above, are used as a growth control, in the same way, gibberelic acid, a hormone, widely used commercially as a fertilizer, is also used as control. The applications will be made six days a week. It will be conducted a seedlings count since the first days of germination and also will be measured the germination velocity and the hypocotyl and primary roots lengths. Results: A quickly, regular and more complete germination is expected when used homeopathic drugs. Rather than use substances harmful to human health, such as fertilizers but gaining it´s same efficiency with a less aggressive results for the plant and for who will eat it or work with agriculture [5-8]. Support: authors declare that this study received no funding Conflict of interest: authors declare there is no conflict of interest Correspondente author: Marina das Neves Gomes, [email protected] REFERENCE [1] EMBRAPA. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária. Glossário, 2011. Disponível em: . Acessado em: 01 de março de 2012. [2] IBGE - Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Indicadores de desenvolvimento sustentável, 2010. Disponível: .Acessado:01/3/12 [3] IBGE - Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Perfil dos municípios brasileiros - meio ambiente, 2002. Disponível em: . Acessado em: 01 de março de 2012. [4] SEBRAE - Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio às Micro e Pequenas Empresas. 2011. O que é agricultura orgânica. Disponível em: . Acessado em: 05/03/12. [5] BAUMGARTNERA, S.; THURNEYSENA, A.; HEUSSERA, P. Growth Stimulation of Dwarf Peas (Pisum sativum L.) through Homeopathic Potencies of Plant Growth Substances. Forsch Komplementärmed Klass Naturheilkd, v. 11, p. 281 – 292. 2004. [6] BONATO, C. M.; SILVA, E. P. Effect of the homeopathic solution Sulphur on the growth and productivity of radish. Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy Maringá, v. 25 (2), p. 259 - 263, 2003. [7] BONATO, C. M.; PROENÇA, G. T.; REIS, B. Homeopathic drugs Arsenicum album and Sulphur affect the growth and essential oil content in mint (Mentha arvensis L.). Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy, v. 31 (1), p. 101-105, 2009. [8] LASTA, J. P. Preparados homeopáticos na germinação de sementes de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) submetidas ao teste de envelhecimento acelerado. 2010. Dissertação - Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó. Chapecó – Santa Catarina, 2010.

Experimental evidence in support of the biological effects and physical basis of homeopathic potencies

Background: Homeopathic potencies 12 cH and above cross the Avogadro number and, for this, do not contain any original drug molecules. Two major problems involved in the scientific study of potencies are (1) understanding the physical basis of potencies and (2) demonstrating the biological effects of potencies. The present study aims to address these questions. Methods and Results: In course of our experimental studies spanned over more than 30 years we have demonstrated significant effects of homeopathic potencies on man, animals and plants. We have also showed that potencies could be differentiated through their electronic spectra, and this difference in spectra can be attributed to the electron transfer interaction. In a molecular complex, electron of one molecule absorbs a quantum of visible radiation and is excited, not to a higher energy level of this molecule, but to one of the vacant high energy levels of the neighboring molecules. This process is known as electron or charge transfer interaction. This has been demonstrated in Iodine ө in two different solvents of CCl4 and aqueous ethanol (Sukul N C, Environ Ecol 17,866-872, 1999). We have further demonstrated that the effect of a homeopathic potency can be transmitted from one part of a plant to another, and also from one plant to another through water. I am presenting here a few selected cases of our experimental studies. Potentized Nux vomica significantly reduced ethanol consumption in rats by 73.7%and ethanol-induced sleep time in albino mice by 44.4%. Causticum 30 C and Rhus tox 30 C produced anti-inflamatory and anti-nocicptive effect on adjuvant arthritis in albino rats. Potentized homeopathic drugs reduced microfilaraemia by 28 to 100% and filariasis in two villages of West Bengal endemic for Bancroftian filaiasis. Potentized Cina and Thuja ameliorated trichinellosis in mice reducing larval population in muscles by 84% and 68%, respectively. Potencies of Agaricus and Nux vomica, produced excitatory effect on the isolated rat ileum. Potentized drugs altered firing rate of hypothalamic neurons in rats and cats. Nux vom 30 c and Merc cor 30c facilitated water permeability in erythrocytes of catfish in a test tube. Potencies of Merc cor and Merc iod enhanced α-amylase activity in vitro ,by 44 and 21%,respectively. Drugs ,that inhibit photosynthesis and plant growth in high doses, promote the same phenomena when applied on plants at ultra low doses. Potentized Cantharis, a homeopathic drug used for burn injuries, counter the effect of heat shock in Adhatoda vasica plants in terms of modulating the expression of heat-shock proteins in the plants. The effect of heat shock and of Cantharis treatment could be transmitted from one plant to another through water. The global network of surface water in a closed system is thought to be responsible for producing this effect. Several potentized homeopathic drugs show distinct variation from each other in their absorption spectra in ultra violet region of light. These drugs when mixed with sucrose solution, also show marked differences from each other at temperatures as low as 4 0 C and as high as 70 0 C. Electron transfer interaction may contribute to the characteristic spectral properties of a homeopathic potency. Conclusions: Homeopathic potencies could be detected and differentiated by their electronic spectra. Potencies show marked effect on animals, plants, ex vivo effect on isolated organs and in vitro effect on enzymes. Keywords: Homeopathic potencies, electronic spectra, ethanol intake, adjuvant arthritis, filariasis, Cantharis, Nux vomica

High dilutions of homeopathic remedies induce relaxation of rat aorta precontracted with Noradrenalin

BACKGROUND Homeopathic potencies have been reported to produce alteration of contraction in isolated rat ileum in an organ bath. Potentized homeopathic drugs like Lycopus V and Aurum met are used for the treatment of hypertension. AIM The purpose of this study is to see whether Lycopus V 30 CH and Aurum met 30 CH could produce relaxation of isolated rat aorta in the organ bath. METHODS The aorta of rats were dissected out, placed in Krebs-Henseleit solution, cleared of connective tissue and endothelium and cut into 2-2.5 mm long rings. The rings were fixed in organ baths with the upper end connected by a string to an isometric transducer which was finally attached through a data acquisitation equipment to a computer. Aurum met 30 CH Lycopus V 30 CH, and their medium 90% ethanol were added separately to the bathing fluid containing the aorta rings which were precontracted with noradrenalin (NA). RESULTS Both the drugs produced significant relaxation of the aorta (p

Homeopathic drugs complementary, antidotal and inimical to Nux vomica produce stronger anti-alcoholic effect on toads than Nux.

Background In homeopathy some drugs are known to act as complementary, antidotal or inimical to a particular drug. Practitioners can follow this rule when they apply one drug following another. Potentized Nux vomica can reduce acute hypnotic effect of alcohol on toads. Sulphur and Sepia are reported to be complementary to Nux-vom, while Coffea cruda and Zincum met are antidotal and inimical to Nux, respectively .The four drugs have been tested on the toad model to find out their actual therapeutic relationship with Nux vom. Objective To verify the complementary effect of Sulphur and Sepia, antidotal effect of Coffea and inimical effect of Zincum in relation to Nux vom in the toad model. Methods Five batches of toads, each comprising 20 individuals, were treated by partial immersion in a drug diluted with distilled water 1:500 for 20 min. The control consisted of 90% ethanol diluted with distilled water 1:500. The drugs were Nux vom 200 CH, Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH, Coffea 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH. Toads of each batch were separately exposed to 260mM ethanol solution and tested every 10 min to see if they had lost their righting reflex (RR). For this, each toad was laid on its dorsal surface. If it failed to turn on its ventrum in a cut-off time of 60 sec it was considered to have lost it’s RR. Four more batches of toads were pretreated with Nux vom 200 CH and subsequently treated separately by Sulphur 200 CH, Sepia 200 CH, Coffea 200 CH and Zincum 200 CH. All the toads were then exposed to 260 mM ethanol solution to record their tolerance to ethanol anesthesia in terms of time to lose RR. Results Toads treated with the five drugs took significantly longer time (P

Homeopathic drug standardization through biological evaluations: An untrodden avenue

Background: There is a dearth of chemico-analytical or instrumental methods for standardization and quality control of higher dilutions of homeopathic drugs. Aim: This review highlights the challenges in standardization of anti-inflammatory homeopathic drugs and suggests a battery of biological assays for their standardization. Methods: We retrieved a total 57 scientific reports from the experimental studies and scientific reviews published between January 1999 and June 2014 related to anti-inflammatory homeopathic drugs and their high dilutions. These comprised of 18 reports on preclinical evaluation, 15 on source materials, 9 on isolated constituents and 15 studies on in-vitro experiments. Few recent citations which supported the initial studies were added later during the compilation of the manuscript. Conclusion: Standardization and quality control of homeopathic mother tinctures and high dilutions warrants an urgent attention. As biological activities are observed to be attributed to the high dilutions which are practically devoid of active ingredients, their standardization may be done through the suggested battery of biological investigations. It is suggested that the current methods of standardization of homeopathic drugs need to be upgraded to include sensitive, reproducible and relevant biological assays so that the end users are assured of the quality, efficacy, and safety of homeopathic dilutions.

Raman spectroscopy reveals variation in free OH groups and hydrogen bond strength in ultrahigh dilutions

Objective: To decipher the nature of water structure in two ultrahigh diluted (UHD) homeopathic drugs by Laser Raman Spectroscopy. Method: Two homeopathic drugs Calcarea carbonica (Calc.) and Sepia officinalis (Sep.) in 8cH, 202cH, and 1002cH and their diluent medium 90% ethanol in 8cH and 202cH were used in the present study. Laser Raman spectra of all the samples were obtained in the wave number region of 2400 – 4200 cm-1. The intensity ratio at vibration frequencies between 3200 and 3420 (R1) and that between 3620 and 3420 (R2) were calculated for each UHD of the samples. Results: The spectra show a marked difference in intensities in the stretching vibrations of CH and OH groups of all the samples. R1 values for three UHDs of Calc. and Sep. show negative and positive relationships, respectively. In the case of R2 values, the relationship in three UHDs is 81002 for Calc., and 8> 202 < 1002 for Sep. In the case of control (ethanol UHDs) both R1 and R2 show a negative relationship. Conclusion: R1 denotes a relative number of OH groups with strong and weak hydrogen bonds. R2 indicates the relative number of OH groups with broken and weak H-bonds. Therefore, the UHDs of the two drugs and the control are different from each other with respect to hydrogen bond strength of OH groups and the number of free OH groups or non-hydrogen bonded water molecules.

Protective action by homeopathic drug Cina C6cH and immune modulator «Recombinant human INTERLEUKIN-2» against experimental trichinosis of mice

Trichinellosis caused by the gastrointestinal nematode Trichinella spiralis occurs in humans, domestic animals and wild animals. This heavy ubiquitous parasitic disease. The muscle phase of the parasite of difficult to controlling. Homeopathic drugs such as Cina have anthelmintic and immunostimulation properties. The purpose of this study was assess the protective efficiency of homeopathic drug such as Cina C6cH and Roncoleukin ® (recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) immunostimulation) against experimental trichinosis, that can affect the muscle phase of the parasite T. spiralis in mice. An assay was carried out on 30 white outbred mice. These were divided into tree groups of ten mice each. The group 1 were treated with the Roncoleukin ® (100 IU/per mouse in 0,2 ml sterile saline intramuscularly, twice with 48 hours intervals); the group 2 - desoldering dissolved in water Cina C6cH (under the scheme). The group 3 received 0.2 ml of sterile 0.9% NaCl. After a 21 day regimen, the groups were inoculated with a dose of 80 ± 5 units of Trihinella spiralis larva per mouse. After 90 days of incubation, the mice were euthanized and dissected for evaluation. The maximum protection was obtained in mice immunized with Roncoleukin ® (80,61%; 869,5±16,6 larva/per animal). The protective effect in the group immunized by Cina C6cH was of 36,67 ( (2840,5±183,3 larva/per animal)%. In control group invasion on muscle phase T.spiralis was 4485±430,6 larva/per animal/ In conclusion, the use of homeopathic drugs also reduces in the number of infective Trichinella spiralis larvae in mice and has a synergistic effect on the treatment.

DSC reveals variation in enthalpy associated with free water molecules in water-ethanol solution exposed to x-rays and magnetic field

Aqueous ethanol is the standard medium for all drugs used in homeopathy. X-ray and Magnetispoli ambo are 2 homeopathic drugs prepared by exposure of aqueous ethanol to x-rays and static magnetic field, respectively.Mother tinctures (MT)weresuccessively diluted with solvent 1:100 and succussed in several steps to prepare centesimal potencies 8 cH, 14 cH and 32 cH. The solvent was processed in the same way. Although identical in chemical composition (0.03 molar ethanol) and water content (96%) these preparations like the Mother tinctures and three potencies of X-ray and Magnetispoli amboexhibit different therapeutic pathological effects. Potency 8cH of each preparation was diluted with water to reach concentrations 4%, 20%, 40% and 80% ethanol. The aim of the study was to establish whether these potencies exhibited variation in free water molecules. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) of MT and potencies exhibited almost similar freezing and melting points, but they remarkably differed in freezing and melting enthalpy and free water molecules. The various dilutions of potency 8cH exhibited variation in enthalpies and free water molecules, being this variation independent of the amount of water added. We conclude that exposure of aqueous ethanol to x-rays and magnetic field, with subsequent dilution and agitation induces changes in the solvent involving free water molecules. All X-ray and Magnetispoli ambo potencies were analyzed by means of Raman spectroscopy for free water molecules. The results were compared to the ones of DSC, being more or less similar.