Conociendo las propiedades del Eucalipto, ¿un alivio para la tos? / Knowing the properties of Eucalyptus, ¿a cough relief?

El eucalipto se ha empleado popularmente para tratar afecciones respiratorias. Muchas veces en nuestras consultas como médicos de familia, los pacientes con problemas respiratorios nos preguntan sobre esta práctica y sus efectos en la salud. Por esto, decidimos hacer una búsqueda de la evidencia disponible. Luego de realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica y seleccionar la evidencia más reciente y de mejor calidad, podemos decir, que el eucalipto tuvo un efecto estadísticamente significativo en comparación con el placebo en cuanto a los síntomas relacionados con la tos como así también en su frecuencia. Igualmente, concluimos que estos efectos del eucalipto sobre la tos en procesos respiratorios agudos, deberían tomarse con precaución, siempre informando a nuestros pacientes sobre la evidencia actual limitada disponible, sin olvidar las creencias de cada persona para la toma de decisiones (AU)

Eucalyptus has been popularly used to treat respiratory conditions. Many times in our consultations as family doctors, patients with respiratory problems ask us about this practice and its effects on health. For this reason, we decided to do a search of the available evidence. After conducting a literature search and selecting the most recent and best-quality evidence, we can say that eucalyptus had a statistically significant effect compared to placebo in terms of cough-related symptoms as well as their frequency . Likewise, we conclude that these effects of eucalyptus on coughing in acute respiratory processes should be taken with caution, always informing our patients about the limited current evidence available, without forgetting each person's beliefs for decision-making (AU)

Bases científicas del principio de curación homeopática en la farmacología moderna / Scientific bases of the homeopathic healing principle in modern pharmacology

La homeopatía emplea el denominado 'principio de similares' como método terapéutico ­ el cual consiste en administrar medicamentos que provocan ciertos síntomas en individuos sanos para tratar síntomas similares en individuos enfermos (similia similibus curantur) - para inducir una reacción curativa secundaria del cuerpo en contra de sus propios trastornos. Esta reacción secundaria (vital, homeostática o paradójica) del cuerpo se basa en el 'efecto de rebote' de los fármacos modernos, un tipo de evento adverso que se produce después de interrumpir varias clases de fármacos prescritos según el 'principio de los contrarios' (contraria contrariis curantur). Objetivo: La presente revisión ha buscado justificar científicamente el principio de curación homeopática frente a la farmacología clínica y experimental a través de un estudio sistemático del efecto de rebote de los fármacos modernos o reacción paradójica del cuerpo. Métodos: Empleando como referencia estudios y revisiones sobre el tema publicados a partir de 1998, actualizamos los datos añadiendo estudios recientes incluidos en la base de datos PubMed. Resultados: El efecto de rebote se produce después de interrumpir varias clases de fármacos con acción contraria a los síntomas de las enfermedades, exacerbándolos a niveles superiores a aquellos previos al tratamiento. Independientemente de la enfermedad, fármaco, dosis y duración del tratamiento, el fenómeno del rebote se manifiesta en una pequeña proporción de los individuos susceptibles. Siguiendo las premisas homeopáticas, los fármacos modernos también podrían usarse según el principio de la similitud terapéutica, empleando entonces el efecto de rebote (reacción paradójica) con propósito curativo. Conclusiones: Evidenciado por cientos de estudios que constatan la similitud de conceptos y manifestaciones, el efecto de rebote de los fármacos modernos justifica científicamente el principio de la cura homeopática. Aunque el fenómeno de rebote es un evento adverso estudiado por la farmacología moderna, no es conocido por los profesionales de la atención médica, lo cual priva a los médicos de un conocimiento indispensable para el manejo seguro de los fármacos.

Homeopathy employs the so-called 'principle of similars' as therapeutic method - which consists in administering medicines that cause certain symptoms in healthy individuals to treat similar symptoms in sick individuals (similia similibus curantur) - to induce a secondary and healing reaction by the body against its own disorders. This secondary (vital, homeostatic or paradoxical) reaction of the body is based on the 'rebound effect' of modern drugs, a type of adverse event that occurs following discontinuation of several classes of drugs prescribed according to the 'principle of contraries' (contraria contrariis curantur). Aim: The present review sought to scientifically substantiate the homeopathic healing principle vis-à-vis experimental and clinical pharmacology through a systematic study of the rebound effect of modern drugs or paradoxical reaction of the body. Methods: Employing as reference studies and revisions on the subject published since 1998, we updated the data adding recent studies included in database PubMed. Results: The rebound effect occurs after discontinuation of several classes of drugs with action contrary to the symptoms of diseases, exacerbating them to levels above the ones before treatment. Regardless of disease, drug, dose and duration of treatment, the rebound phenomenon manifests in a small proportion of susceptible individuals. Following the homeopathic premises, modern drugs might also be used according to the principle of therapeutic similitude, thus employing the rebound effect (paradoxical reaction) with curative intent. Conclusions: Evidenced by hundreds of studies that attest to the similarity of concepts and manifestations, the rebound effect of modern drugs scientifically substantiates the principle of homeopathic cure. Although the rebound phenomenon is an adverse event studied by modern pharmacology, it is not known by health care professionals, thus depriving doctors of knowledge indispensable for safe management of drugs.

Homeopathy and law of Similars

This paper explains the elementary law of homeopathy, the Law of Similars, on the bases of thermodynamic aspects by means of the chemical thermodynamic. Le Chatelier principle was used, to explain the re-establishment of starting biochemical equilibrium compartmentalized in individual human cells of an ill person consuming the remedy, to clarify the Law of Similars. In addition, the application of the Law of mass action during the re-establishment of the initial equilibrium in an ill person when digesting the remedy exposed the law of Similars as the strongest outcome of homeopathy

Antibacterial Activity of Homeopathic Medications Lycopodium clavatum and Arsenicum album Against Periodontal Bacteria / Evaluación antibacteriana de los medicamentos homeopáticos sobre bacterias periodontales

Abstract There are several controversies regarding the efficacy of homeopathic substances; however, these remedies are used in many countries for the treatment of various pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of two homeopathic tinctures Arsenicum album (mineral extract) and Lycopodium clavatum (plant extract) on the periodontal bacteria Actinomyces israelii, Streptococcus sanguinis, Prevotella intermedia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Phorphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Materials and methods: Equal numbers of bacteria were seeded on agar plates containing enriched media with the homeopathic solutions at 1dH and 1cH dilutions. After 7 days of incubation under anaerobic conditions, colony forming units (CFUs) were counted. The antibacterial effect was calculated based on the total number of CFUs observed on non-tincture containing agar, and on the tincture containing plates. Results: No visible growth of any of the strains was observed on the plates containing Arsenicum album at any of the dilutions tested. In contrast, when Lycopodium clavatum at 1cH dilution was tested, only P. gingivalis was susceptible to this compound. Conclusions: The results suggest that the mineral extract tincture had a greater antibacterial activity than the plant extract tincture, also Lycopodium clavatum preparation could be an effective inhibitor of periodontal pathogens bacteria such as P. gingivalis.

Resumen Se necesita un mayor número de estudios in vitro e in vivo para validar estos resultados.

Potency dependent activity of homeopathic nanomedicine- classical and quantum electrodynamical approach

The effect of homeopathic medicine on biological and physical system is directly related to its potency [1]. However, from physico-chemical point of view it is difficult to explain this effect at such high dilution, as then the existence of even trace amount of particle is questionable. It has been reported that during the process of potentization, a large amount of mechanical energy gets transferred to the medium due to succussion [2]. This energy in all probability reduces the size of the drug aggregates. The drug then penetrates easily through the membrane barrier, and thereby gives rise to enhanced activity of the medicine. It has been experimentally proved by us and supported by others that indeed a reduction of size of the aggregates takes place with increase in potency [3]. Using five different homeopathic medicines, their sizes at three different potencies have been estimated and a general mathematical expression relating the size of the particle (Y) and the corresponding potency (X) has been derived as follows Y = a X -n. (AU)

Fundamentação científica do princípio de cura homeopático na farmacologia moderna / Scientific basis of the homeopathic healing principle in modern pharmacology

INTRODUÇÃO: O modelo homeopático de tratamento utiliza o ‘princípio dos semelhantes’ como método terapêutico, administrando medicamentos que causam determinados sintomas em indivíduos sadios para tratar sintomas semelhantes em indivíduos doentes (similia similibus curantur), com o intuito de despertar uma reação secundária e curativa do organismo contra os seus próprios distúrbios. Essa reação secundária (vital, homeostática ou paradoxal) do organismo está embasada no ‘efeito rebote’ dos fármacos modernos, evento adverso observado após a descontinuação de diversas classes de drogas que utilizam o ‘princípio dos contrários’ (contraria contrariis curantur) como método terapêutico...

INTRODUCTION: Homeopathy employs the so-called ‘principle of similars’as therapeutic method, which consists in administering medicines thatcause certain symptoms in healthy individuals to treat similar symptomsin sick individuals (similia similibus curantur) to arouse a secondaryand healing reaction by the body against its own disorders. Thissecondary (vital, homeostatic or paradoxical) reaction of the body isbased on the ‘rebound effect’ of modern drugs, a type of adverseevent that occurs following discontinuation of several classes of drugsprescribed according to the ‘principle of contraries’ (contraria contrariiscurantur)....

Scientific basis of the homeopathic healing principle in modern harmacology

BACKGROUND: Homeopathy employs the so-called ‘principle of similars’ as therapeutic method - which consists in administering medicines that cause certain symptoms in healthy individuals to treat similar symptoms in sick individuals (similia similibus curantur) - to induce a secondary and healing reaction by the body against its own disorders. This secondary (vital, homeostatic or paradoxical) reaction of the body is based on the ‘rebound effect’ of modern drugs, a type of adverse event that occurs following discontinuation of several classes of drugs prescribed according to the ‘principle of contraries’ (contraria contrariis curantur). AIM: The present review sought to scientifically substantiate the homeopathic healing principle vis-à-vis experimental and clinical pharmacology through a systematic study of the rebound effect of modern drugs or paradoxical reaction of the body. METHODS: Employing as reference studies and revisions on the subject published since 1998, we updated the data adding recent studies included in database PubMed. RESULTS: The rebound effect occurs after discontinuation of several classes of drugs with action contrary to the symptoms of diseases, exacerbating them to levels above the ones before treatment. [...]. Following the homeopathic premises, modern drugs might also be used according to the principle oftherapeutic similitude, thus employing the rebound effect (paradoxical reaction) with curative intent. CONCLUSIONS: Evidenced by hundreds of studies that attest to the similarityof concepts and manifestations, the rebound effect of modern drugs scientifically substantiates the principle of homeopathic cure. Although the rebound phenomenon is anadverse event studied by modern pharmacology, it is not known by health care professionals, thus depriving doctors of knowledge indispensable for safe management of drugs.

Las grandes directrices de la investigación en homeopatía (parte 2 de 2) / he broad guidelines of research in homeopathy (part 2 of 2)

La primera parte de este artículo se dedicó a presentar las líneas de investigación biológica experimental que se realizan en la Homeopatía; ahora, esta segunda entrega se enfoca, de inicio, en la presentación y el análisis de 25 estudios de notable calidad metodológica que permiten evaluar científicamente la eficacia clínica de la medicina hahnemanniana. Cabe decir que a pesar de que la realización de estos trabajos es complicada y de que sus resultados varían, en conjunto nos ayudan a concluir que “no es tan fácil afirmar, como una simple visión general, que la Homeopatía es un placebo”. A continuación, el doctor Bernard Poitevin enlista las hipótesis que distintos grupos de científicos han tratado de corroborar o desmentir para dar respuesta a una de las interrogantes más frecuentes que se le plantean a la Homeopatía: cuál es el mecanismo de acción del medicamento homeopático (y, en consecuencia, qué tipo de información tiene y de qué manera interactúa con el organismo del paciente). Los resultados obtenidos hasta ahora no son concluyentes, ya que este tipo de investigaciones son todavía muy recientes. Finalmente, el autor nos recuerda que la Homeopatía es una disciplina evolutiva y, como tal, debe eludir los dogmatismos e incluso cuestionar sus principios fundamentales cuando sea necesario. Sólo a través de la investigación a fondo de aquellos problemas científicos que plantea la Homeopatía será posible acallar las críticas y, sobre todo, se tendrá un mejor conocimiento de esta disciplina médica, lo que en consecuencia mejorará su aplicación y efectividad...

The first part of this paper was dedicated to show the lines of experimental biological research being conducted in homeopathy; now, this second part focuses, at first, to the presentation and analysis of 25 studies of high methodological quality that allows to evaluate scientifically the clinical efficacy of Hahnemann’s medicine. We can say that although the realization of these studies is complicated and that their results may vary, together they help us to conclude that “it is not so easy to say, as a simple overview that homeopathy is a placebo”. Then Dr. Bernard Poitevin lists the hypothesis that different groups of scientists have tried to corroborate or deny to answer one of the most frequent questions posed to homeopathy: what is the mechanism of action of homeopathic medicine (and therefore what type of information does it has and how it interacts with the patient’s body). The results so far are inconclusive, since this type of research is still very recent. Finally, the author reminds us that homeopathy is an evolving discipline and, as such, must avoid dogmatism and even to question its fundamental principles when necessary. Only through a profound research of those scientific problems that Homeopathy propose It will be possible to silence criticism and, above all, we will have a better knowledge of this medical discipline, which consequently will improve its implementation and effectiveness...

Efeitos da homeopatia no tratamento da Periodontite Crônica Generalizada em pacientes diabéticos tipo II: ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo-controlado, com um ano de acompanhamento / Effect of homeopathy in the treatment of generalized chronic periodontitis in type 2 diabetic patients: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, with a year of acompanhamentthe

Introdução e objetivo: a periodontite crônica (PC) é uma doença inflamatória crônica resultante do rompimento da homeostase entre microbiota subgengival e as defesas do hospedeiro. Como a homeopatia (H) visa restabelecer o equilíbrio da energia vital do paciente permitindo o movimento de cura do organismo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos longitudinais (um ano) da terapia homeopática como coadjuvante no tratamento da periodontite crônica generalizada (PC) em pacientes diabéticos tipo II, sobre os parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais, e seu impacto na qualidade de vida do paciente. Materiais e métodos: Oitenta pacientes com PC e DM II, de ambos os sexos e com idades entre 32 e 70 anos de idade, participaram desse ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo-controlado. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo controle (GC) e o Grupo teste (GT). Ambos os grupos receberam a Terapia periodontal básica (TPB). G-T recebeu adicionalmente a Terapia homeopática (TH): Berberis, Mercurius solubilis/ Belladona/ Hepar sulphur e Pyrogenium, enquanto GC recebeu placebo. As avaliações foram feitas no baseline e após 30 dias, 6 e 12 meses de tratamento. As respostas locais e sistêmicas foram avaliadas por parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais respectivamente. Também, foi utilizado um questionário de qualidade de vida, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Os dados foram analisados pelos testes paramétricos e não paramétricos. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados: A avaliação intragrupos mostrou melhoras significativas em ambos os grupos, ao longo do estudo, para os parâmetros clínicos periodontais estudados. Na análise laboratorial, G-T mostrou níveis estatisticamente menores de LDL, Colesterol Total, Glicemia, Hemoglobina glicada e ácido úrico após 1ano de acompanhamento. Em relação ao impacto na qualidade de vida, G-T apresentou valores significativamente menores nos domínios limitação funcional, aos seis meses e dor física, aos seis meses. Conclusão: ambos os grupos apresentaram melhoras clínicas periodontais significativas durante o acompanhamento de um ano, No entanto, os resultados sugerem que os medicamentos homeopáticos, como coadjuvante para TPB, podem proporcionar melhoras em parâmetros laboratoriais e qualidade de vida para o tratamento convencional da PC.

Introduction and objective: the chronic periodontitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that results from the disruption of homeostasis between Subgingival microbiota and host defenses. As Homeopathy (H) aims to restore the balance of the vital energy of the patient allowing the healing movement of the body, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of H as a supporting role for basic periodontal therapy (BTP) in individuals with Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMII).Materials and methods: After the calculation of sample size, 80 individuals with CP and DM II, of both sexes and aged between 32 and 70 years of age, participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled. The patients were divided into two groups: control group (GC) and the test group (GT) both groups received the TPB. G-T received Additionally the homeopathic Therapy (TH): Berberis, Mercurius solubilis/Belladonna/Hepar sulphur and Pyrogenium, while GC received placebo. The evaluations were made at baseline and after 30 days, six and 12 months of treatment. The local and systemic responses were evaluated by clinical and laboratory parameters respectively. Also, it was used a questionnaire of quality of life, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Data were analyzed by parametric and nonparametric tests. The significance level was 5%. Results: Intra-group evaluation showed significant improvement in both groups, throughout the study, for most of the parameters studied. G-T and G-C, in three evaluation periods (1, 6 and 12 months), most biofilm (BTI) and lower values of PBS were verified in G-C above the G-T, although similar levels of bleeding have been observed in the same periods; It was observed a value significantly lower NIC in G-T only to 30 days; in laboratory testing, G-T showed statistically lower levels of various parameters, namely: LDL, Total cholesterol and Glucose, glycated Hemoglobin and uric acid after 12 months. In relation to the impact on quality of life, G-T presented significantly lower values in functional domains and physical pain, to six months after BPT Conclusion: both groups showed significant improvement during the follow-up of one year However, the results of the present study suggest that homeopathy as supplement of BTP may improve some laboratory parameters and the quality of life of PC.

Similia similibus curentur: o princípio de cura homeopático fundamentado na farmacologia moderna / Similia similibus curentur: the homeopathic healing principle based on modern pharmacology

O modelo homeopático de tratamento das doenças utiliza o ‘princípio da semelhança’ como método terapêutico, empregando medicamentos que causam determinados sintomas em indivíduos sadios para tratar sintomas semelhantes em indivíduos doentes (similia similibus curentur), com o intuito de estimular uma reação curativa do organismo contra os seus próprios distúrbios. Esta reação secundária (vital, homeostática ou paradoxal) do organismo está fundamentada no estudo do ‘efeito rebote’ dos fármacos modernos, evento adverso que pode causar transtornos graves após a descontinuação de diversas classes de tratamentos convencionais que utilizam o ‘princípio dos contrários’ como prática terapêutica (contraria contrariis curentur). Embora o fenômeno rebote seja um evento adverso estudado pela farmacologia moderna, ele é desconhecido pelos profissionais da saúde, privando a classe médica de um conhecimento necessário e fundamental ao manejo seguro dos fármacos. Apesar de se expressar numa pequena proporção de indivíduos suscetíveis, o efeito rebote assume importância epidemiológica em vista do enorme consumo de medicamentos pela população e da falta de esclarecimentos sobre o fenômeno. Este artigo apresenta uma revisão atualizada sobre o efeito rebote das drogas, relacionando-o ao princípio de cura homeopático.

The homeopathic model of treatment of diseases uses the ‘principle of similarity’ as therapeutic method, employing drugs that cause certain symptoms in healthy individuals to treat similar symptoms in sick individuals (similia similibus curentur), seeking to stimulate a healing reaction of the organism against its own disorders. This secondary (vital, homeostatic or paradoxical) reaction of the organism is based on the study of the ‘rebound effect’ of modern drugs, iatrogenic event that can cause serious disorders after the discontinuation of several classes of conventional treatments that use the ‘principle of contraries’ as therapeutic practice (contraria contrariis curentur). Although the rebound phenomenon is an adverse event studied by modern pharmacology, it is unknown by health professionals, depriving the medical class of a necessary and fundamental knowledge to the safe management of drugs. Despite expressing itself in a small proportion of susceptible individuals, the rebound effect assumes epidemiological importance in view of the enormous consumption of drugs by the population and the lack of clarity on the phenomenon. This article presents an updated review on the rebound effect of drugs, relating it to the homeopathic healing principle.

La evidencia científica del modelo epistemológico homeopático / Scientific evidence of the homeopathic epistemological model

La Homeopatía se basa en principios y un sistema de conocimientos diferentes a los que apoyan al modelo biomédico convencional: este conflicto epistemológico es el motivo fundamental que explica por qué la Homeopatía es tan difícil de aceptar por el razonamiento científico de nuestros días. Para legitimar la Homeopatía según las normas de este último, la investigación deberá confirmar la validez de sus preceptos básicos: el principio de similitud terapéutica, la experimentación de los medicamentos en personas saludables, la prescripción individualizada y el uso de altas diluciones. En consecuencia, la investigación básica debe proporcionar datos y modelos experimentales para corroborar estos supuestos básicos, mientras que los ensayos clínicos tienen por objeto confirmar la eficacia y efectividad de la Homeopatía en el tratamiento de la enfermedad. Este artículo aborda el modelo epistemológico de la Homeopatía sobre sus principios básicos con los datos resultantes de los diferentes campos de la investigación experimental moderna y apoya su uso terapéutico en los resultados de los ensayos clínicos disponibles. A este respecto, el principio de la individualización del tratamiento es la condición sine qua non para hacer operativa la similitud terapéutica y, en consecuencia, para exponer la eficacia y la efectividad clínica del tratamiento homeopático.

Homeopathy is based on principles and a system of knowledge different from the ones supporting the conventional biomedical model: this epistemological conflict is the underlying reason explaining why homeopathy is so difficult to accept by present-day scientific reason. To legitimize homeopathy according to the standards of the latter, research must confirm the validity of its basic assumptions: principle of therapeutic similitude, trials of medicines on healthy individuals, individualized prescriptions and use of high dilutions. Correspondingly, basic research must supply experimental data and models to substantiate the basic assumptions, whilst clinical trials aim at confirming the efficacy and effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of disease. This article discusses the epistemological model of homeopathy relating its basic assumptions with data resulting from different s of modern experimental research and supporting its therapeutic use on the outcomes of available clinical trials. In this regard, the principle of individualization of treatment is the sine qua non condition to make therapeutic similitude operative and consequently for homeopathic treatment to exhibit clinical efficacy and effectiveness.

Arnica montana: una revisión bioquímica y homeopática / Arnica montana: A biochemical and homeopathic review

El Arnica montana es uno de los medicamentos que se emplean con mayor frecuencia en la práctica homeopática. Comúnmente, es la primera elección en la atención de traumatismos, contusiones y golpes, especialmente de partes blandas. También se emplea en torceduras, fracturas, esfuerzos exagerados, enfermedades reumáticas, traumas emocionales y para mejorar la recuperación de los pacientes que se someten a intervenciones quirúrgicas. Debido al interés que genera, el Arnica montana ha sido objeto de numerosos estudios en diferentes áreas para comprobar su alcance y determinar sus mecanismos de acción. A continuación se presenta una revisión de algunos artículos publicados sobre este medicamento; unos versan sobre sus principios activos y otros analizan diversos experimentos que se han efectuado.

Arnica montana is one of the most often used drugs in homeopathic practice. Commonly, it is the first choice in the trauma care, bruises and bumps, especially soft tissue. Also used in sprains, fractures, exaggerated efforts, rheumatic diseases and emotional trauma to improve recovery of patients who undergo surgery. Due to the interest generated, Arnica montana has been the subject of numerous studies in different areas to check their range and determine their mechanisms of action. Below is a review of some articles published on this medication, some deal with other active principles and discusses various experiments that have been conducted.

El efecto rebote de las drogas: un riesgo fatal para el tratamiento convencional y una base farmacológica para el tratamiento homeopático / Rebound effect of drugs: fatal risk of conventional treatment and parmacological basis of homeopathic treatment

El modelo homeopático considera la acción secundaria o la reacción vital del organismo como un método terapéutico y, por lo tanto prescribe tratamientos por el principio de similitud; éste consiste en administrar a los individuas enfermos sustancias que han causado síntomas similares en individuas sanas. La reacción vital homeostática o paradójica de un organismo puede ser explicada científicamente en base al efecto de rebate de los medicamentos modernos, el cual puede causar eventos iatrogénicos fatales posteriores a la suspensión de un tratamiento antipático (un término utilizado en medicina alternativa para el tratamiento paliativo, también conocido como enantiopático). Aunque el efecto de rebate ha sido estudiado por la farmacología moderna, este ha sido poco difundido y discutido entre los profesionales de la salud, quienes en muchas ocasiones han sido privados de información crucial necesaria para el manejo seguro de los medicamentos actuales. En este artículo se presenta una revisión actual sobre el efecto de rebate de los medicamentos modernos que fundamentan el principio homeopático de curación y alerta a los médicos sobre este tipo de efecto adverso que usualmente no se notifica. EI efecto de rebate de los medicamentos modernos paliativos fue señalado por Hahnemann hace más de dos siglas, mencionando que éste puede causar efectos adversos fatales, los cuales pueden ser evidenciados como en el caso del ácido acetilsalicílico, los agentes antiinflamatorios, antidepresivos, broncodilatadores, las estatinas, los inhibidores de la bomba de protones, etc. Aunque el efecto de rebate solamente se presenta en una pequeña fracción de individuas (susceptibles) y puede ser evitado mediante una disminución gradual de los medicamentos antipáticos, este ha de mostrado una importancia epidemiológica significativa como resultado del uso masivo de tales drogas paliativas y la falta de conocimiento a este respecto.

The homeopathic model considers the secondary action or the organism vital reaction of the body as a therapeutic method and therefore prescribes treatments by the principle of similarity, which consists to administer to the sick person substances that have caused similar symptoms in healthy individuals. The vital homeostatic or paradoxical reaction of an organism may be explained scientifically based on the rebound effect of modem drugs, which can cause fatal iatrogenic events after discontinuation of the antipathic treatment (a term used in alternative medicine for palliative, also known as enantiopathic). Although the rebound effect has been studied by modem pharmacology, this was not widely known and discussed among health professionals, who have often been deprived of crucial information necessary for the safe handing of current medications. This article presents a current review on the rebound effect of modem medicines as a fundament of homeopathic healing, and alert doctors about these side effects usually are not notified.The rebound effect of modem palliative drugs, which was pointed out by Hahnemann more than two centuries ago, might cause fatal adverse events, which might be illustrated with the examples of acetylsalicylic acid, anti-inflammatory agents, bronchodilators, antidepressants, statins, proton-pump inhibitors, etc. Although the rebound effect is expressed by a small fraction of (susceptible) individuals and might be avoided by gradual tapering of antipathic drugs, it exhibits epidemiologic importance as a function of the massive use of such palliative drugs and lack of knowledge in its regard.

Rebound effect of drugs: fatal risk of conventional treatment and parmacological basis of homeopathic treatment / Efeito rebote das drogas: riscos fatais do tratamento convencional e bases farmacológicas do tratamento homeopático / Efecto rebote de drogas: riesgos fatales del tratamiento convencional y bases farmacológicas del tratamiento homeopático

The homeopathic model applies the secondary action or vital reaction of the organism as a therapeutic method and thus prescribes treatment by similitude, which consists in administering to ill individuals substances that cause similar symptoms in healthy individuals. The vital, homeostatic or paradoxical reaction of the organism might be explained scientifically by means of the rebound effect of modern drugs, which might cause fatal iatrogenic events after discontinuation of antipathic (a term used in alternative medicine for palliative treatment, also known as enantiopathic) treatment. Although the rebound effect is studied by modern pharmacology, it is poorly communicated to and discussed among healthcare professionals, who are thus deprived of information needed for the safe management of modern drugs. This article presents an up-to-date review on the rebound effect of modern drugs that grounds the homeopathic principle of healing and calls the attention of doctors to this type of adverse effect that is usually unnoticed. The rebound effect of modern palliative drugs, which was pointed out by Hahnemann more than two centuries ago, might cause fatal adverse events and is illustrated by the examples of acetylsalicylic acid, anti-inflammatory agents, bronchodilators, antidepressants, statins, proton-pump inhibitors, etc. Although the rebound effect is expressed by a small fraction of (susceptible) individuals and might be avoided by gradual tapering of antipathic drugs, it exhibits epidemiologic importance as a function of the massive use of such palliative drugs and the lack of knowledge in its regard.

O modelo homeopático aplica a ação secundária ou reação vital do organismo como método terapêutico. Assim, propõe o tratamento por semelhança, que consiste em administrar aos doentes substâncias que produzem sintomas similares em pessoas sadias. A reação vital, homeostática ou paradoxal do organismo pode ser explicada cientificamente com base no efeito rebote das drogas modernas. Este pode produzir eventos iatrogênicos fatais depois da suspensão do tratamento antipático (ou enantiopático, termo utilizado em medicina alternativa para se referir ao tratamento paliativo). Embora o efeito rebote é abordado pela farmacologia moderna, é pouco difundido e discutido pelos profissionais da saúde que, assim, são privados de informação necessária para o manejo seguro das drogas modernas. Este artigo apresenta uma revisão atualizada do efeito rebote das drogas modernas e que também embasa o princípio homeopático da cura. Apontado por Hahnemann mais de dois séculos atrás, o efeito rebote das drogas paliativas modernas pode causar efeitos adversos fatais, como ilustram os exemplos do ácido salicílico, anti-inflamatórios, broncodilatadores, antidepressivos, estatinas, inibidores da bomba de prótons, etc. Embora o efeito rebote seja expressado por uma pequena parte de indivíduos (suscetíveis) e possa ser evitando através da retirada gradual das drogas antipáticas, atinge importância epidemiológica devido ao uso maciço dessas drogas e do desconhecimento a seu respeito.

Evidências científicas da episteme homeopática / Scientific evidence of the homeopathic model

A homeopatia fundamenta-se em princípios e conhecimentos distintos do modelo biomédico convencional, dificultando sua compreensão e aceitação pela racionalidade científica contemporânea. Para que se consiga legitimar a homeopatia perante a episteme moderna, torna-se fundamental a produção de pesquisas que confirmem esses princípios homeopáticos: princípio da similitude, experimentação no indivíduo sadio, medicamento dinamizado e medicamento individualizado. Enquanto as pesquisas nas áreas básicas da ciência devem sustentar a validade dos pressupostos homeopáticos, os ensaios clínicos têm o intuito de confirmar a efetividade da homeopatia no tratamento das enfermidades. Nesse ensaio, nos propusemos a discutir a episteme homeopática, fundamentando os pilares homeopáticos nas diversas áreas da pesquisa experimental moderna e endossando o emprego terapêutico da homeopatia nas pesquisas clínicas existentes. Como premissa fundamental dessa racionalidade homeopática, a individualização do medicamento figura como condição imprescindível para que o princípio da similitude seja despertado e o tratamento homeopático apresente eficácia e efetividade clínica.

Homeopathy is based on principles and a system of knowledge different from the ones supporting the conventional biomedical model: this epistemological conflict is the underlying reason explaining why homeopathy is so difficult to accept by present-day scientific reason. To legitimize homeopathy according to the standards of the latter, research must confirm the validity of its basic assumptions: principle of therapeutic similitude, trials of medicines on healthy individuals, individualized prescriptions and use of high dilutions. Correspondingly, basic research must supply experimental data and models to substantiate the basic assumptions, whilst clinical trials aim at confirming the efficacy and effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of disease.

Homeopathic use of modern drugs: therapeutic application of the organism paradoxical reaction or rebound effect / Uso homeopático de drogas modernas: aplicação terapêutica da reação paradoxal do organismo ou efeito rebote / Uso homeopático de fármacos modernos: aplicación terapéutica de la reacción paradojal del organismo o efecto rebote

When Samuel Hahnemann systematized homeopathy and the effects of drugs on the state of human health, he described the primary action of drugs and the following secondary and opposite reaction of the organism. Seeking to apply this secondary action or vital reaction of the organism as therapeutic method, he postulated the principle of similitude, i.e. the prescription to ill individuals of drugs that cause similar symptoms in the healthy (similia similibus curentur). In modern pharmacology, secondary action (vital reaction) of drugs is known as rebound effect or paradoxical reaction of the organism. It has been observed after discontinuation of several classes of palliative (enantiopathic) drugs, namely those that act according to the principle of contraries (contraria contrariis curentur). Although in this case it is associated with severe and fatal iatrogenic events, rebound effect might awaken a healing reaction when the very same drug is employed according to the principle of similitude. The validity of the principle of similitude is proved by scientific evidence on rebound effect, whereas conventional drugs primary (therapeutic, adverse and side) effects might be equated to pathogenetic manifestations and thus be homeopathically applied. For this purpose a homeopathic materia medica and repertory comprising 1,251 modern drugs was elaborated using the monographs described in The United States Pharmacopeia Dispensing Information as source (www.newhomeopathicmedicines.com). Thus, the therapeutic range of homeopathy is broadened through the addition of hundreds of new medicines that might be employed in every kind of disease including countless modern clinical syndromes.

Quando Samuel Hahnemann sistematizou a homeopatia e o efeito das drogas no estado de saúde humano, descreveu uma ação primária das drogas seguida pela ação secundária e oposta do organismo. Visando utilizar essa ação secundária ou reação vital do organismo como método terapêutico, ele postulou o princípio da similitude, ou seja, a administração ao doente de drogas que causam sintomas similares no indivíduo sadio (similia similibus curentur). Na farmacologia moderna, a ação secundária (reação vital) das drogas é conhecida como efeito rebote ou reação paradoxal do organismo. Este fenômeno tem sido observado após a interrupção de vários tipos de drogas paliativas (enantiopáticas), ou seja, aquelas que agem de acordo com o princípio dos contrários (contraria contrariis curentur). Podendo provocar eventos iatrogênicos severos e fatais, o efeito rebote também pode desencadear uma reação curativa quando a mesma droga é utilizada de acordo com o princípio da similitude. A validade do princípio da similitude é assim comprovada pela evidência científica do efeito rebote, e os efeitos primários (terapêuticos, adversos e colaterais) das drogas convencionais podem ser comparados a manifestações patogenéticas e, portanto, serem utilizados homeopaticamente. Para tanto, foi elaborada uma matéria médica e um repertório incluindo 1.251 drogas modernas com base nas monografias descritas em The United States Pharmacopeia Dispensing Information(www.newhomeopathicmedicines.com). Assim, o escopo terapêutico da homeopatia é alargado através da adição de centenas de novos medicamentos que podem ser utilizados em todos os tipos de doenças, incluindo as síndromes clínicas modernas.

Cuando Samuel Hahnemann sistematizó la homeopatía y los efectos de los fármacos en el estado de salud humana, describió la acción primaria de los fármacos que es seguida por la reacción secundaria y opuesta del organismo. Objetivando utilizar esta acción secundaria o reacción vital del organismo como método terapéutico, postuló el principio de semejanza, es decir, la prescripción a los enfermos de fármacos que causan síntomas similares en los sanos (similia similibus curentur). En farmacología moderna, esta acción secundaria (reacción vital) es conocida como efecto rebote o reacción paradojal del organismo. Ha sido observada después de la interrupción de varias clases de fármacos paliativos (enantiopáticos), o sea, los que actúan según el principio de los contrarios (contraria contrariis curentur). Aunque en este caso se asocie con eventos iatrogénicos severos y fatales, el efecto rebote puede desencadenar una reacción curativa cuando el mismo fármaco es utilizado según el principio de semejanza. La validez del principio de semejanza es por consiguiente probada por la evidencia científica referida al efecto rebote, y los efectos primarios de los fármacos convencionales (terapéuticos, adversos y colaterales) pueden ser equiparados a manifestaciones patogenéticas y ser utilizados homeopáticamente. Para ello, fue elaborada una materia médica y un repertorio incluyendo 1.251 fármacos modernos con base en las monografías descriptas en The United States Pharmacopeia Dispensing Information (www.newhomeopathicmedicines.com). De este modo, el campo terapéutico de la homeopatía es extendido mediante la adición de centenas de nuevos medicamentos que pueden ser utilizados en toda clase de enfermedad incluyendo los innúmeros síndromes clínicos modernos.

Bases teóricas de las potencias L. M / Theoretical basis of the LM potencies

Las potencias LM son el último aporte de Hahnemann a la terapéutica homeopática. en la sexta edición del Organon habla de ellas dejando claro que puede conseguir mejores resultados, acercándose de este modo, al objetivo de una curación mas suave y permanente. Razones históricas justifican que la tradición homeopática se haya formado con la aplicación de las potencias CH, pero en el momento actual, tenemos a nuestro alcance esta sexta edición y la posibilidad de conocer los efectos de este tipo de potencias LM, comprobando en la práctica los excelentes resusltados que se pueden obtener en ellas. En este trabajo proporcionamos las referencias bibliográficas fundamentales del cuerpo teórico homeopático que justifican la aplicación de este tipo de potencias, corroborando con nuestra experiencia que realmente son una parte valiosa del método homeopático.

Algo más sobre tintura madre: supresión y repertorización / Homeopathic tincture: suppression and patient interview

Se dilucida si la TM es una preparación homeopática o es alopática. Se precisa que las TM, pueden tener acción primaria y que siempre tienen acción secundaria. Cuando tienen acción primaria, conocida por la toxicología, es aprovechada por los alópatas. La acción secundaria o reacción, conocida por la experimentación Pura, es aprovechada por los homeópatas cuando la aplican según la ley de la semejanza. Se detalla sobre la posibilidad de que los remedios homeopáticos ocasionen supresión mórbida cuando son administrados sin cubrir la totalidad de la sintomatología del enfermo. Se explica que el proceso de repertorización homeopática puede ser engañoso si se le toma como una deducción matemática. La repertorización sólo serviría para pensar en menos remedios. La escogencia del simillimum debe estar guiada por el conocimiento de la Materia Médica por parte del homeópata y siempre cubriendo los síntomas del miasma dominante

Um alerta necessário para o controle de qualidade dos remédios homeopáticos: altas potências LM e glóbulos / A necessary alert to the quality control of homeooathic medication: high potencies LM and globules

O controle de qualidade dos medicamentos homeopáticos é importante para se obter o resultado desejado

VIMANGÒ y mangiferina inhiben la expresión de ICAM-1 en células endoteliales estimuladas con citocinas proinflamatorias / VIMANGÒ and mangiferin inhibit the expression of ICAM-1 in endothelial cells stimulated with proinflammatory cytosines

Se demostró que VIMANGÒ (extracto acuoso de la corteza de Mangifera indica L.) posee acciones antioxidante, inmunomoduladora y antiinflamatoria; también que VIMANGÒ y la mangiferina aislada de este inhibieron la expresión de la molécula de adhesión ICAM-1. Estudios de adhesión en células endoteliales con una línea celular leucocitaria (HL-60) permitieron demostrar la inhibición sobre la expresión del receptor de ICAM-1, al comprobar que el pretratamiento de las células endoteliales con el extracto de M. indica y la mangiferina mantuvieron valores similares a los controles sin estímulo. Ambos productos inhibieron la actividad quimiotáctica (mediada por ICAM-1) de leucocitos polimorfonucleares estimulados con N-formil-metionil-leucil-fenilalanina. Estos estudios permitieron incursionar en nuevos aspectos relacionados con los mecanismos de acción antiinflamatoria del extracto acuoso de Mangifera indica L., lo que demuestra el potencial terapéutico de este extracto para el tratamiento de una variedad de enfermedades inflamatorias que incluyen la adhesión celular y el tráfico de leucocitos