Number of succussion strokes affects effectiveness of ultra-high-diluted arsenic on in vitro wheat germination and polycrystalline structures obtained by droplet evaporation method.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate whether the number of succussion strokes applied after each dilution step when preparing the homeopathic treatments influences the effectiveness of ultra-high-diluted (UHD) arsenic trioxide at the 45th decimal dilution/dynamization (As2O3 45x). DESIGN: Wheat seeds, previously stressed with ponderal As2O3, were treated with: As2O3 45x, H2O 45x (dynamized control), or pure water (negative control). The succussion was done manually, and various succussion durations (numbers of strokes) were tested for each treatment. Treatment effectiveness was tested blind using the in vitro germination test and the droplet evaporation method (DEM). Data were processed by the Poisson test (germination test) and by two-way analysis of variance (DEM). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We evaluated both the in vitro germination rate, by counting the non-germinated seeds, and the complexity of polycrystalline structures (PCS) (local connected fractal dimension (LCFD)) obtained by evaporating leakage droplets from stressed seeds that had been watered with the different treatments. RESULTS: We observed a highly significant increase in germination rate when the number of strokes (NS) was ≥32 for both As2O3 45x and H2O 45x, and a significant increase in the LCFD of PCS for As2O3 45x when the NS was ≥32 and for H2O 45x when it was 70. CONCLUSIONS: Both experimental approaches showed increased effectiveness for treatments prepared with a higher number of succussion strokes. These results indicate that succussion may have an important influence on treatment effectiveness, and so highlight the need for further research.

A review of three simple plant models and corresponding statistical tools for basic research in homeopathy.

In this paper, we review three simple plant models (wheat seed germination, wheat seedling growth, and infected tobacco plants) that we set up during a series of experiments carried out from 1991 to 2009 in order to study the effects of homeopathic treatments. We will also describe the set of statistical tools applied in the different models. The homeopathic treatment used in our experiments was arsenic trioxide (As2O3) diluted in a decimal scale and dynamized. Since the most significant results were achieved with the 45th decimal potency, both for As2O3 (As 45x) and water (W 45x), we here report a brief summary of these results. The statistical analysis was performed by using parametric and nonparametric tests, and Poisson distribution had an essential role when dealing with germination experiments. Finally, we will describe some results related to the changes in variability, which seems to be one of the targets of homeopathic treatment effect.

Isopathic treatment effects of Arsenicum album 45x on wheat seedling growth--further reproduction trials.

BACKGROUND: Two experimental studies on wheat preintoxicated with Arsenic trioxide yielded a significant shoot growth increase after an isopathic application of Ars-alb 45x. One independent reproduction trial however, yielded an effect inversion: wheat shoot growth was significantly decreased after application of Ars-alb 45x. AIMS: In this study we investigated the role of three potential confounding factors on the experimental outcome: geographical location of the experiments, influence of the main experimenter, and seed sensitivity to Arsenic poisoning. Laboratory-internal reproducibility was assessed by meta-analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wheat poisoned with Arsenic trioxide was cultivated in vitro in either Ars-alb 45x, water 45x, or unpotentised water. Treatments were blinded and randomised. Shoot length was measured after 7 days. The stability of the experimental set-up was assessed by systematic negative control (SNC) experiments. RESULTS: The SNC experiments did not yield significant differences between the three groups treated with unpotentised water. Thus the experimental set-up seemed to be stable. We did not observe any shoot growth increase after a treatment with Ars-alb 45x in any of the newly performed experiments. In contrast, the meta-analysis of all 17 experiments performed (including earlier experiments already published) yielded a statistically significant shoot growth decrease (-3.2%, p=0.017) with isopathic Ars-alb 45x treatment. This effect was quantitatively similar across all five series of experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Ultramolecular Ars-alb 45x led to statistically significant specific effects in arsenic poisoned wheat when investigated by two independent working groups. Effect size and effect direction differ, however. The investigated factors (geographical location, experimenter, seed sensitivity to Arsenic poisoning) did not seem to be responsible for the effect inversion. Laboratory external reproducibility of basic research into homeopathic potentisation remains a difficult issue.

A biostatistical insight into the As(2)O(3) high dilution effects on the rate and variability of wheat seedling growth.

BACKGROUND: Most criticism of homeopathy concerns the lack of scientific bases and theoretical models. Fundamental research could make important contributions to our understanding of the mechanisms of action of homeopathic treatments. Plant-based bioassays are suitable for basic research -- lacking the placebo effect and ensuring large data samples for structured statistical analyses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to reproduce a previous experiment on the effects of arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) high dilutions on wheat seedling growth in order to verify whether the same significant results could be obtained working in a different place and with a different experimental team. A further goal was to investigate high dilution effects on variability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A structured experiment was performed blind over 9 weeks, using wheat seeds previously stressed with a sublethal dose of As(2)O(3). The seeds were then treated with either potentized As(2)O(3) (5x, 15x, 25x, 35x, 45x), potentized water (equivalent potencies) or diluted As(2)O(3) (10(-5), 10(-15), 10(-25), 10(-35), 10(-45)). The working variable was the stem length, measured after 4, 5, 6 and 7 days. RESULTS: Some potencies (As(2)O(3) 45x and H(2)O 45x) induced a relevant increase in seedling growth and/or a variability decrease. Diluted As(2)O(3) did not induce any significant results. CONCLUSIONS: Confirmation of a significant stimulating effect on seedling growth and a significant decrease of variability was obtained with ultra-high dilutions at the 45x potency. The model of wheat germination and growth has been confirmed to be a good tool for basic research in homeopathy.

The effects of a 45x potency of arsenicum album on wheat seedling growth -- a reproduction trial.

BACKGROUND: Independent replications of preclinical investigations of homeopathic potencies are rare. However, they are a necessary tool to determine the relevant factors modulating the effects of homeopathic potencies in preclinical systems. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to reproduce a trial published in 1997. An Italian group of researchers investigated the effect of Arsenicum album 45x on the growth of wheat which had been previously poisoned with a material dose of Arsenicum album. The homeopathic treatment was associated with increased wheat shoot growth significantly different from the control group (+24%, p < 0.001). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wheat poisoned with a sublethal dose of Arsenicum album was cultivated in either Arsenicum album 45x, water 45x, or unpotentized water. After 7 days, shoot length was measured. Reproducibility was assessed in eight independent experiments. RESULTS: Arsenicum album 45x significantly inhibited wheat shoot growth (-3%) compared to treatment with unpotentized water and water 45x (p = 0.011 and p = 0.037). Within the experimental series performed in this reproduction trial, the effects of Arsenicum album 45x proofed to be reproducible. The wheat seed species used did not seem to have a significant impact on the experimental outcome. CONCLUSION: The result of this replication trial is a reversal of the original study, since Arsenicum album 45x inhibited wheat shoot growth instead of enhancing it. Nevertheless, high homeopathic potencies may induce statistically significant effects in biological systems. However, the magnitude and direction of these effects seem to depend on yet unknown parameters.

[Role of arsenolite on 8-isoprostane of asthmatic mice plasm].

OBJECTIVE: Through the establishment of mouse' ovalbumin- sensitized asthmatic model and the observation of the 8-Isoprostane of plasm, to evaluate the therapeutic effects of arsenolite on asthmatic mice. METHOD: Forty-two healthy Kunming male mice were randomly divided into control group and experience groups, the latter were treated with dexamethasone, arsenolite. Lung function were tested, 8-isoprostane of plasm and WBC of BALF were measured. RESULT: Lung function improved after treating with dexamethasone or arsenolite. The WBC of asthmatic mice were significantly higher than those in control group, and decreased after treating with dexamethasone or arsenolite; 8-Isoprostane of plasm in asthmatic mice was higher than that of control group, and decreased after treating with dexamethasone or arsenolite. CONCLUSION: There is oxidant stress status in asthmatic mice. Arsenolite could lighten airway obstruction, reduce airway high response and redress oxidant stress status in asthmatic mice.

[Pharmacological study on magnetite].

Magnetite can markedly inhibit the rodent turn-around reaction induced by acetic acid, reduce the threshold dose of pentobarbital sodium and shorten rodent's incubation period of falling asleep. It has also the following effects; antagonizing metrazol which causes rodent convulsions, postponing the incubation period of being startled by Huisuling, cutting down the extent of rodent's foot swells caused by JCCJ, and diminishing bleeding time and congulating time.

Effects of homeopathic arsenic on tobacco plant resistance to tobacco mosaic virus. Theoretical suggestions about system variability, based on a large experimental data set.

CONTEXT: This research aimed at verifying the efficacy of homeopathic treatments by plant-based bioassays, which may be suitable for basic research, because they lack placebo effects and provide large datasets for statistical analyses. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of homeopathic treatments of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on tobacco plants subjected to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) inoculation as biotic stress. DESIGN: Blind, randomized experiment using tobacco leaf disks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. cultivar Samsun) carrying the TMV resistance gene N. TMV inoculated leaf disks were floated for 3 days in the following: Distilled water (control). H2O 5 and 45 decimal and centesimal potencies. As2O3 5 and 45 decimal and centesimal potencies. The main outcome measures is the number of hypersensitive lesions observed in a leaf disk. RESULTS: Homeopathic treatments of arsenic induce two effects on the plant: (i) increased resistance to TMV; (ii) decrease variability between experiments (system variability). CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model two actions of homeopathic treatment were detected: decrease in system variability and enhancement of the natural tendency of the system towards an 'equilibrium point'.

[Studies on red orpiment induction of NB4 and HL-60 cell apoptosis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the possible mechanism of red orpiment, which is main component of composite indigo naturalis tablets, in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL). METHODS: The effect of red orpiment on induction of APL cell line NB4 and HL-60 apoptosis were studied by cell morphology, DNA gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry assay. RESULTS: Red orpiment induced NB4 and HL-60 cell apoptosis. When treated with different concentration of red orpiment(25-200 micrograms/ml) for 16 hours, both NB4 and HL-60 cells showed typical apoptosis features. If decreased the concentration of red orpiment to 12.5 micrograms/ml, the NB4 cell still showed apoptosis features while the HL-60 cell did not when cultured for 72 hours. Arsenic disulfide(As2S2) had the same effect as red orpiment did under the same experiment condition. CONCLUSION: It is the main component, As2S2 of the red orpiment that can induces NB4 and HL-60 cell apoptosis. and the red orpiment is responsible for the high CR rate of APL induced by the composite indigo naturalis tablets.

Statistical analysis of the effect of high dilutions of arsenic in a large dataset from a wheat germination model.

This paper describes the statistical analysis of a series of experiments using a simple biological model (wheat germination in vitro), where a large number of wheat seeds were treated with homeopathic potencies of Arsenic trioxide. Some potencies, such as As2O3 40x, 42x and 45x, have repeatedly shown a significant stimulating effect on germination compared to controls, whereas As2O3 35x has a significant inhibiting effect. In some experiments the seeds were stressed before the experiment with a sublethal dose of the same substance. We performed a statistical analysis, both for stressed and non-stressed seed groups, using Poisson distribution as a suitable model for representing the number of non-germinated seeds in a standard experiment with 33 seeds in the same Petri dish. Finally, we have considered the most repeated potencies (30x and 45x), computing the sample odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the population OR. Our results show significant reproducible effects of some As2O3 decimal potencies, particularly As2O3 45x. In stressed seeds, even decimal potencies of water seem to give significant results compared to control, whereas high dilutions of As2O3 without potentization never show significant effects.