Evaluation of the Effects of Administering Ultradiluted Avena sativa and Echinacea angustifolia on the Hematological Parameters of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) during the Reproductive Period.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Penguins are seabirds that manifest physiological and immunological alterations during the reproductive season. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the laboratory parameters of male and female Magellanic penguins and to determine the penguins' hematological response to homeopathic medicines during that reproductive period. METHODS: Penguins (N = 18), kept under human care in a zoological park setting, were evaluated during the reproductive period and were divided randomly into two groups: a group subjected to treatment with Echinacea angustifolia 6cH and Avena sativa 6cH (N = 8; four breeding couples), and a placebo control group (N = 10; five breeding couples). The investigators were blinded to treatment allocation. Two-way ANOVA was performed to determine whether the experimental group (control or verum) and the sex of the animal had any significant effect on the variation of each hematological parameter between the samples. One-way ANOVA was performed on hematological parameters for which the sex did not present a significant effect. The significance level was p ≤0.05. RESULTS: Significant effects were seen regarding the following: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), in which the verum group showed an increase (29.78 ± 52.95 fL) while the control group showed stability/reduction (-3.08 ± 46.36 fL) (p = 0.049); proportion of heterophils, in which the verum group showed a less marked increase (8.38 ± 12.53%) than that of the control group (18.00 ± 9.37%) (p = 0.010); lymphocyte concentration, in which the verum group showed less marked reduction (-4.39 ± 2.21 × 109 cells/L) than that of the control group (-1.56 ± 2.76 × 109 cells/L) (p = 0.001); and proportion of lymphocytes, in which the verum group showed a less marked reduction (-6.75 ± 10.35%) than that of the control group (-17.3 ± 8.73%) (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Comparison of samples collected before and during the reproductive period showed that, regardless of group allocation, there were differences in the effects on MCV, heterophils and lymphocytes. Treatment with Echinacea angustifolia and Avena sativa resulted in maintenance of lymphocyte levels in Magellanic penguins during the breeding period, thus aiding these birds' immunity.

Phenomenological Characterization of Low-Potency Homeopathic Preparations by Means of Pattern Formation in Evaporating Droplets.

BACKGROUND: Evaporation-induced pattern formation in droplets has been applied to test effects of high potencies. Here we propose for the first time the droplet evaporation method (DEM) as a tool to characterize low potencies on a qualitative and quantitative basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present investigation consisted of: (1) screening of 18 different substances of mineral, vegetal, and animal origin in the 1x to 6x potency range; choice of four substances with characteristic pattern-forming properties; (2) replication experiments aiming at the differentiation of four homeopathic preparations at the same potency levels (2x-6x); and (3) control experiments performed on three preparations. The DEM experimental protocol consisted of the evaporation of droplets of the analyzed potency per se, placed on microscope slides and in controlled conditions. The resulting patterns were photographed and subjected to computerized image analysis. RESULTS: The screening experiments yielded a wide variety of patterns. Homeopathic preparations of mineral origin showed the largest variety of forms, whereas potencies of vegetal origin mostly created dendritic patterns, probably due to diffusion-limited aggregation. The here-analyzed image analysis variables (gray-level distribution, entropy, and inverse difference moment) allowed a highly significant differentiation of patterns prepared from four substances (Echinacea, Baptisia, Luffa, and Spongia) at the same potency levels in the range 2x to 4x, whereas patterns obtained from potencies 5x and 6x could no longer be differentiated and resembled the pattern of pure solute (purified water). The control experiments showed reasonable experimental model stability. CONCLUSIONS: DEM seems to be a promising tool for qualitative phenomenological characterization of homeopathic preparations in low potency. We propose the application of the current experimental model for investigating further research topics in this field, such as the comparison of potencies versus simple dilutions or the contribution of component remedies to the patterns formed by homeopathic combination medicines.

Impact of succussion on pharmaceutical preparations analyzed by means of patterns from evaporated droplets.

The aim of the present study was to investigate if patterns obtained from evaporating droplets of pharmaceutical preparations reveal the impact of succussion on such medicinal products. For this purpose, five pharmaceutical preparations (Echinacea 10-2, Baptisia 10-3, Baptisia 10-4, Luffa 10-4, and Spongia 10-6) were prepared according to the European Pharmacopoeia guidelines for the production of homeopathic remedies, in three variants each: with varying numbers of succussion strokes (i) 100, (ii) 10 (succussed samples), and (iii) zero (gently mixed, unsuccussed sample). System stability was studied by means of systematic positive control experiments. Patterns were evaluated by means of computerized image analysis regarding grey level distribution, texture, and fractality. For all investigated pharmaceutical preparations, significant differences were found between the succussed and gently mixed samples; whereas, all three samples (prepared with 100, 10 and zero succussion strokes) could be significantly differentiated for Luffa 10-4 and Spongia 10-6 for one image evaluation parameter each. Control experiments showed a reasonable stability of the experimental set-up.

A randomized controlled trial of homeopathic treatment of weaned piglets in a commercial swine herd.

AIM: To evaluate the zootechnic performance and occurrence of diarrhea in piglets in the week post-weaning comparing supplementation with sucrose saline which contained or did not contain added homeopathic medicine. METHOD: Animals were randomly divided into three groups of 24 piglets each. The control group did not receive any treatment. Another group received sucrose saline, and the third group received sucrose saline with homeopathic medicine added, in the period of zero to seven days post-weaning. The homeopathic treatment consisted of Echinacea angustifolia, Avena sativa, Ignatia amara, Calcarea carbonica, all 6cH. Piglets were weighed daily for weight gain or loss, and observed for diarrhea and feed intake. RESULTS: Animals receiving sucrose saline alone and sucrose saline with homeopathy had less weight loss than control (p=0.017, p=0.0001 respectively). There was no statistical difference in relation to overall incidence of diarrhea or food consumption. These data suggest that the supplementation with sucrose saline with added homeopathic medicine in the first seven days post-weaning may be an useful option to reduce weight loss in weaned piglets.

The safety of herbal medicinal products derived from Echinacea species: a systematic review.

Echinacea spp. are native to North America and were traditionally used by the Indian tribes for a variety of ailments, including mouth sores, colds and snake-bites. The three most commonly used Echinacea spp. are E. angustifolia, E. pallida and E. purpurea. Systematic literature searches were conducted in six electronic databases and the reference lists of all of the papers located were checked for further relevant publications. Information was also sought from the spontaneous reporting programmes of the WHO and national drug safety bodies. Twenty-three manufacturers of echinacea were contacted and asked for data held on file. Finally our own departmental files were searched. No language restrictions were imposed. Combination products and homeopathic preparations were excluded. Data from clinical studies and spontaneous reporting programmes suggest that adverse events with echinacea are not commonly reported. Gastrointestinal upsets and rashes occur most frequently. However, in rare cases, echinacea can be associated with allergic reactions that may be severe. Although there is a large amount of data that investigates the efficacy of echinacea, safety issues and the monitoring of adverse events have not been focused on. Short-term use of echinacea is associated with a relatively good safety profile, with a slight risk of transient, reversible, adverse events. The association of echinacea with allergic reactions is supported by the present evaluation. While these reactions are likely to be rare, patients with allergy or asthma should carefully consider their use of echinacea. The use of echinacea products during pregnancy and lactation would appear to be ill-advised in light of the paucity of data in this area.

Results of five randomized studies on the immunomodulatory activity of preparations of Echinacea.

This article describes and discusses five placebo-controlled randomized studies investigating the immunomodulatory activity of preparations containing extracts of Echinacea in healthy volunteers. A total of 134 (18 female and 116 male) healthy volunteers between 18 and 40 years of age were studied. Two studies tested intravenous homeopathic complex preparations containing Echinacea angustifolia D1 (study 1) and D4 (study 5). Two studies (2 and 3a) tested oral alcoholic extracts of roots of E. purpurea, one study an extract of E. pallida roots (study 3b), and one study an extract of E. purpurea herb (study 4). Test and placebo preparations were applied for four (study 5) or five (studies 1-4) consecutive days. The primary outcome measure for immunomodulatory activity was the relative phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PNG), measured in studies 1 and 2 with a microscopic method and in studies 3, 4, and 5 with two different cytometric methods. The secondary outcome measure was the number of leukocytes in peripheral venous blood. Safety was assessed by a screening program of blood and other objective parameters as well as by documentation of all subjective side effects. In studies 1 and 2 the phagocytic activity of PNG was significantly enhanced compared with placebo [maximal stimulation 22.7% (95% confidence interval 17.5-27.9%) and 54.0% (8.4-99.6%), respectively], while in the other studies no significant effects were observed. Analysis of intragroup differences revealed significant changes in phagocytic activity during the observation periods in five test and three control groups. Leukocyte number was not influenced significantly in any study. Side effects due to the test preparations could not be detected. Our studies provide evidence for immunomodulatory activity of the homeopathic combination tested in study 1 and the E. purpureae radix extract tested in study 2. The negative results of the other three studies are difficult to interpret due to the different methods for measuring phagocytosis, the relevant changes in phagocytic activity within most placebo and treatment groups during the observation period, and the small sample sizes. Future studies should be performed on patients rather than healthy volunteers and use standardized or chemically defined monopreparations of Echinacea.

[Pharmaceutical comparability of different therapeutic Echinacea preperations]. / Zur pharmazeutischen Vergleichbarkeit von therapeutisch verwendeten Echinacea-Präparaten.

Cichoric acid and Dodeca 2E, 4E, 8Z, 10E/Z-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide (alkamides 8, 9) are described as immunomodulating active components of Echinacea. We quantified both substances in 25 Echinacea-containing remedies customary in trade. Concerning both active components, we found highly concentrated remedies as well as remedies without any detectable cichoric acid or alkamides. The concentration of both active components varied extremely depending on the type of remedy (homeopathic mother tincture, pressed juice, tablets, spagyric tincture), on the Echinacea-species (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea) and on the part of the plant (root, herb, whole plant). Moreover, we found large differences between comparable drugs of different manufacturers and between different charges of the same remedy. We recommend that preclinical and clinical studies with Echinacea-containing drugs should always include the quantification of the potentially active components. We are convinced, that in the long term this will help to clarify how the different active components contribute to the immunomodulating effect of Echinacea.

Herbal medicine, Chaplin, and "The Kid".

At variance with other largely safe complementary alternative medicines like homeopathy and acupuncture, which only carry the risk of inducing patients to shun effective treatment, herbal remedies are real, albeit impure, drugs and therefore fully capable of producing undesirable consequences if misused. The advantages they offer are uncertain since genuine evidence of efficacy and effectiveness is present in only a few cases. A result of this imbalance is that studies in this field are considerably more meaningful when they deal with untoward effects than with therapeutic uses. This disproportion has suggested to us the curious similarity with the situation portrayed in the film "The Kid" where the essential task of the protagonist (Chaplin) is to repair the windows his stone-throwing child has just broken.

Analytical characterisation of homoeopathic mother tinctures.

Quality of homoeopathic mother tinctures is assured by the definition of the starting material, the manufacturing process and the analytical characteristics described in the monograph. Traditionally analytical characterisation of the mother tincture comprises appearance, odour, identity, density and dry residue. According to annex I of directive 2001/83/EC an assay is only performed in case of a health hazard due to toxic compounds. The concept of marker substances as usually used in phytotherapy cannot be transferred to mother tinctures without research effort. For example the marker substances echinacoside, apigenin-7-glucoside and rosmarinic acid found in dried underground parts of Echinacea pallida Nutt., dried flower heads of Matricaria recutita L. and dried herb of Pulmonaria officinalis L. cannot be found in homoeopathic mother tinctures prepared from fresh material thereof.

Vegetais: um modelo único para pesquisa com substâncias em altas diluições / Plants: a unique model for research on high diluted substances

Introduction: High efficiency and low cost of homeopathic drugs, lack of side effects and accumulation of toxins in animal farming products made homeopathy one of the priority developments in veterinary medicine. However, opponents of homeopathy have intensified their activity in the recent years. The attacks of the opponents of homeopathy, with their unfounded claims that it is totally explained by the placebo effect, can largely be explained by complexity of understanding the mechanism of action of these remedies which does not fit into the established concepts the effect of drugs on the body. That is why further study of homeopathic phenomenon is especially important in these days. In order to disproof the opinion that homeopathic phenomenon is explained by placebo effect, we have been studying the effect homeopathic remedies on vegetable growth and ripening. This choice was based on the hope that the opponents of homeopathy would not be able to accuse plants of self-suggestion under the effect of potentiated remedies. There are many publications about application of homeopathic remedies on plants. For example, in this direction such researchers as Stephan Baumgartner, Carneiro SMTPG, Rossi F, Carvalho LM, Bonato CM, Betti L, Lazzarato L V. Majewsky, and other researchers worked. Methods: Our first experiments that we performed during two years demonstrated a significant improvement of growth and ripening variables when homeopathic remedies were added to fertilizing mixtures, as compared with conventional plant care. Tomatoes of Typhoon F1 and Titan breeds were sued to study the effect of homeopathic remedies on plant growth and ripening. The studies were performed in greenhouse conditions in summer 2009 and 2010, on fertile soils of an experimental farm in the Krasnoselskiy district of the Leningrad region. Every study group of a certain tomato breed contained 20 plants. When the young plants were planted in the soil they were watered with adding Coca 1000 ?? remedy, and then in one month the upper part of the plant was sprayed with Echinacea 30 ??. The same amounts of similar plants of the same breeds treated according to conventional agricultural technology were used as a control group. Results: As a result earlier ripening was found in the Typhoon F1 tomato breed: it occurred by 19 days earlier: that is by 18.3% than in the control group. The Titan tomatoes group ripened by 14.3% faster than in the control one. Every plant of the Typhoon breed produced an average of 45 tomato fruits, while in the control group the average number amounted to 14 (i.e. there was an increase of 221.4% in the test group). An average of 78 tomato fruits were produced by the Titan breed plants, while in the control group this number was only 20 (increase by 290%). Mean weight of the Typhoon tomato fruit increased by 59.5 g from the control values, i.e. by 180.8%. Mean weight of the Titan tomato fruit increased by 128.5 i.e. by 208.9%. A notable difference was found by all observers in the taste of experimental and control vegetables. The experimental plants had significantly better taste characteristics and they were also more resistant to buck eye rot.Conclusion: In such a way, the studies performed confirm the existence of homeopathic phenomenon in live organisms in the absence of the placebo effect. It has been demonstrated that the use of homeopathic remedies is effective in improvement of agricultural productivity. Plants are unique model for research of ultrahigh dilutions of substances.(AU)

Introdução: Alta eficiência e baixo custo das drogas homeopáticas, ausência de efeitos colaterais e de acúmulo de toxinas em animais da pecuária fazem da Homeopatia uma das prioridades a serem desenvolvidas na medicina veterinária. Entretanto, opositores da homeopatia tem intensificado sua atividade nos últimos anos. Os ataques dos opositores da homeopatia, com suas reinvindicações infundadas que são totalmente explicadas pelo efeito placebo, podem ser explicadas pela complexidade da compreensão do mecanismo de ação destes medicamentos que não se encaixam nos conceitos estabelecidos do efeito das drogas no corpo. É por isto que mais estudos sobre o fenômeno homeopático são especialmente importantes atualmente. Para refutar a opinião de que o fenômeno homeopático é explicado pelo efeito placebo, estudamos o efeito de medicamentos homeopáticos sobre o crescimento e amadurecimento de vegetais. Esta escolha fundamentou-se na esperança de que os oponentes da homeopatia não sejam capazes de acusar as plantas de auto-sugestão sobre o efeito de medicamentos dinamizados. Há muitas publicações sobre a aplicação de medicamentos homeopáticos em plantas. Por exemplo, os pesquisadores Stephan Baumgartner, Solange Carneiro, Fabrício Rossi, LM Carvalho, Carlos Bonato, Lucietta Betti, Lazzarato L V. Majewsky, e outros. Métodos: Nossos primeiros experimentos, feitos durante dois anos demonstraram uma melhora significativa nas variáveis crescimento e amadurecimento quando medicamentos homeopáticos foram adicionados a misturas fertilizantes, quando comparados com cuidados convencionais aos vegetais. Tomates Typhoon F1 e Titan foram processados para estudar o efeito de medicamentos homeopáticos no crescimento e amadurecimento de plantas. Os estudos foram realizados em condições de estufa, no verão de 2009 e 2010, em solos férteis de uma fazenda experimental no distrito de Krasnoselskiy, na região de Leningrado. Cada grupo estudados de um certo tipo de tomate continha 20 plantas. Quando as plantas jovens foram plantadas no solo, elas foram regadas com adição de Coca 1000 ??, e em seguida, após um mês, a parte superior da planta foi aspergida com Echinacea 30 ??. Foram usadas as mesmas quantidades de plantas similares do mesmo grupo de plantas tratadas de acordo com a tecnologia agrícola convencional como grupo controle.Resultados: Como resultado foi encontrado um amadurecimento mais precoce no tomate Typhoon F1: ocorreu 19 dias antes: isto é 18.3% do que no grupo controle. O grupo de tomates Titan amadureceu 14.3% mais rapidamente do que no grupo controle. Cada planta do grupo Typhoon produziu uma média de 45 frutas de tomate, enquanto que no grupo controle o número médio foi de 14 (isto é, houve um aumento de 221.4% no grupo testado). Foi produzida uma média de 78 frutas de tomate pelas plantas Titan, enquanto que no grupo controle este número foi de apenas 20 (aumento de 290%). O peso médio do tomate Typhoon aumentou 59.5 gdos valores controle, isto é, 180.8%. O peso médio do tomate Titan aumentou de 128.5 g, ou 208.9%. Uma diferença notável foi encontrada por todos observadores no sabor dos vegetais experimentais e controle. As plantas experimentais tiveram características de sabor significativamente melhor e também foram mais resistentes a fungos. Conclusão: Os estudos realizados confirmam a existência do fenômeno homeopático em organismos vivos na ausência co efeito placebo. Foi demonstrado que o uso de medicamentos homeopáticos é efetivo na melhora da produtividade agrícola. As plantas são um modelo único para a pesquisa de ultra diluições de substâncias.(AU)

Effect of Atropa belladonna and Echinacea angustifolia in homeopathic dilution on experimental peritonitis.

Atropa belladonna and Echinacea angustifolia have been used in homeopathy as modulators of inflammatory processes, in simple potency or 'accord of potencies', as recommended by homotoxicology. We evaluated their effects on leukocyte migration and macrophage activity induced by experimental peritonitis in vivo. Mice were injected (i.p.) with LPS (1.0mg/kg) and treated (0.3ml/10g/day, s.c.) with different commercial forms of these medicines. Echinacea angustifolia D4--a simple potency preparation--and Belladonna Homaccord, Belladonna Injeel, Belladonna Injeel Forte, Echinacea Injeel and Echinacea Injeel Forte--all in 'accord of potencies'--were tested. The association of A. belladonna and E. angustifolia in 'accord of potencies' produced an increase of polymorphonuclear cell migration (Kruskal-Wallis, P = 0.03) and a decrease of mononuclear cell percentages (Kruskal-Wallis, P < or = 0.04), when compared with control, mainly in preparations containing low potencies. The proportion of degenerate leukocytes was lower in the treated groups, compared to a control group (P < or = 0.05). The treated groups showed increased phagocytosis (P < or = 0.05), mainly in preparations containing high potencies. Our results suggest that A. belladonna and E. angustifolia, when prepared in 'accord of potencies', modulate peritoneal inflammatory reaction and have a cytoprotective action on leukocytes.

Estudos de casos clínicos oncológicos em caninos e felinos tratados com homeopatia injetável (2005-2007) / Clinical case studies cancer in dogs and cats treated with homeopathy injectable (2005-2007)

Este experimento clínico relata o resultado do tratamento de oito animais com tipos variados de neoplasias que foram tratados com uma combinação de medicamentos homeopáticos injetáveis, Arnica montana, Lachesis muta, thuya occidentalis, Echinacea e o Viscum album - um antineoplásico que estimula o sistema imune - e possuem efeitos citotóxicos, sendo uma alternativa ao tratamento convencional empregado nos animais domestícos. O resultado obtido no decorrer de 12 meses de acompanhamento indica que a medicação estuda auxilia na qualidade de vida demostrando ser uma possibilidade terapêutica auxiliando no controle da evolução da doença neoplásica em cães e gatos.

Estudos de casos clínicos oncológicos em caninos e felinos tratados com homeopatia injetável (2005-2007) / Clinical case studies cancer in dogs and cats treated with homeopathy injectable (2005-2007)

Este experimento clínico relata o resultado do tratamento de oito animais com tipos variados de neoplasias que foram tratados com uma combinação de medicamentos homeopáticos injetáveis, Arnica montana, Lachesis muta, thuya occidentalis, Echinacea e o Viscum album - um antineoplásico que estimula o sistema imune - e possuem efeitos citotóxicos, sendo uma alternativa ao tratamento convencional empregado nos animais domestícos. O resultado obtido no decorrer de 12 meses de acompanhamento indica que a medicação estuda auxilia na qualidade de vida demostrando ser uma possibilidade terapêutica auxiliando no controle da evolução da doença neoplásica em cães e gatos.(AU)

Efecto bactericida de las tinturas; Calendula off, y Echinacea angustifolia en el Streptococcus mutans / Bactericidal effect of the dyes; off Calendula and Echinacea angustifolia in Streptococcus mutans

Como sabemos, la placa dentobacteriana (PDB) contiene diversos microorganismos que son factores predisponentes de diversas patologías bucales como la enfermedad periodontal y la caries, sta última relacionada con el aumento principalmente de uno de los tres estreptococos considerados como cariogénicos; Streptococcus mutans [..] El objetivo de este proyecto es evaluar el efecto de las tinturas madres Calendula officinallis y Echinacea angustifolia, para que inhiban el desarrollo del Streptococcus mutans. La investigación es prospectiva, experimental, comparativa y longitudinal. Se estudia "in vitro" la cepa de Streptococcus mutans G536, obtenida en medios de cultivo como son: Gelosa Sangre (GS), KF con TTC al 1% con tinturas y diluciones homeopáticas a 1:1; 1:3, 1:6; A los medios de cultivo se les agregó la tintura madre substituyendo el agua en forma proporcional. El medio de cultivo con Calendula officinalis mostró un mayor efecto inhibitorio que el medio de cultivo de Echinacea angustifolia, sin embargo, ambas presentaron mayor inhibición en las diluciones 1/1 y 1/3 como se ha reportado en investigaciones anteriores con Streptococcus de la Placa Dentobacteriana y tinturas homeopáticas. (AU)

Efecto bactericida de las tinturas; Calendula off, y Echinacea angustifolia en el Streptococcus mutans / Bactericidal effect of the dyes; off Calendula and Echinacea angustifolia in Streptococcus mutans

Como sabemos, la placa dentobacteriana (PDB) contiene diversos microorganismos que son factores predisponentes de diversas patologías bucales como la enfermedad periodontal y la caries, sta última relacionada con el aumento principalmente de uno de los tres estreptococos considerados como cariogénicos; Streptococcus mutans [..] El objetivo de este proyecto es evaluar el efecto de las tinturas madres Calendula officinallis y Echinacea angustifolia, para que inhiban el desarrollo del Streptococcus mutans. La investigación es prospectiva, experimental, comparativa y longitudinal. Se estudia "in vitro" la cepa de Streptococcus mutans G536, obtenida en medios de cultivo como son: Gelosa Sangre (GS), KF con TTC al 1% con tinturas y diluciones homeopáticas a 1:1; 1:3, 1:6; A los medios de cultivo se les agregó la tintura madre substituyendo el agua en forma proporcional. El medio de cultivo con Calendula officinalis mostró un mayor efecto inhibitorio que el medio de cultivo de Echinacea angustifolia, sin embargo, ambas presentaron mayor inhibición en las diluciones 1/1 y 1/3 como se ha reportado en investigaciones anteriores con Streptococcus de la Placa Dentobacteriana y tinturas homeopáticas.

Deux immunostimulants de la sphere ORL: thymuline et echinacea / Two immunostimulants of the ORL sphere: thymuline and equinacea

Apres un bref rappel d'immunologie destine a mieux comprendre les mecanisme mis en jeu lors d'une affection virale et/ou bacterienne, les auteurs rapportent les travaux cliniques experimentaux realises ces dernieres annees sur deux souches homeopathiques qui ont fait la preuve de leur efficacite dans la prevention des affections ORL recidivantes.(AU)

Avaliação dos medicamentos homeopáticos Calendula officinalis, Ecchinacea angustifolia e Auto-bioterápico sobre Streptococcus mutans, in vitro

A Cárie Dentária continua sendo o principal problema em Saúde Bucal e por isso deve receber atenção na prática diária. Reconhecer a cárie como doença infecciosa, possibilita uma ação frente ao microrganismo causador. O presente estudo visou avaliar experimentalmente a atividade dos medicamentos homeopáticos Calendula officinalis e Ecchinacea angustifolia e do Auto-bioterápico nas dinamizações 6CH, 12CH e 30CH e em diferentes doses sobre o Streptococcus mutans. Os resultados mostraram que os medicamentos homeopáticos usados na pesquisa inibiram o crescimento bacteriano, sendo que os melhores resultados foram: Calendula officinalis, na dinamização 6 CH, 10 gotas; Ecchinacea angustifolia na dinamização 30 CH, 10 gotas e Auto-bioterápico nas dinamizações 12 e 30 CH, na dosagem 10 gotas.(AU)