The use of homeopathic dilutions in Agricultural research is a growing field of research [Editorial]

The use of homeopathic dilutions in Agricultural research is a growing field of research. In a paper published in 2015 in Homeopathy Journal, Jägeret al. identified 167 experimental studies, and these numbers have been growing in recent years [1]. In this number, Mirzajani et al. from the University of Zanjan, Iran, show that ultra-high dilutionsof Calendula officinalisandArnica montanainduce physiological, metabolic, and hormonal changes in ornamental plants and may help against irrigation and temperature stress.COVID pandemic is still a public health problem in 2021. Our second paper is an observational retrospective case series study of 183 consecutive patients treated by two groups of homeopathic doctors between February and June of 2020 in Belgium. One of four homeopathic medicines (Bryonia alba, Phosphorus, Arsenicum album, and Gelsemium sempervirens) was used in 66% of the cases. A shorter length in symptoms duration was observed along with a possible lesser hospitalization rate.An uncontrolled, open-label, and non-randomized HPT performed with a Coronavirus nosode 30CH is presented as our third paper. The study was done on 10 subjects, and no serious adverse events were observed. This study was part of a Phase 1 exploration of this nosode, obtained from a clinical sample and was conducted in Mumbai, India.In an interesting clinical paper, Gilla et al. review anxiety disorders, analyze possible future derivations of the COVID 19 pandemic and discuss possible repertorization symptoms and homeopathic treatments for increasing world public health problems.In an elegant experimental design, Banerjee et al. show that 30c potencies of the weedicide Paraquat increase chlorophyll content and growth in rice crops. This exciting paper shows that homeopathic dilutions and high doses of this weedicide produce opposite effects. Moreover, Paraquat 30c dilutions may be used to increase the growth in rice crops, a conclusion with an uttermost consequence in a plant that contributes to the nutrition of half of the world's population.The paper of Bricarello et al. tries to fill the theoretical gap between repertorization and the simillimum remedy in humans and its possible application of this methodology in vegetables, suggesting a possible way.The short communication of Sonntag shows a possible activity of Bacillus firmus D6 modulating the immune system.The editorial team wishes you to enjoy the reading of our selected publications.

Hêliconias como alternativa econômica para comunidades amazônicas / Heliconias of the Baixo Juruá Extractive Reserve: economical potential for Amazonian traditional population

Reservas extrativistas (RESEX) são espaços territoriais destinados à exploração sustentável e conservação dos recursos naturais renováveis, por populações extrativistas. Além disso, tem como finalidade implantar alternativas de renda que contribuam para a melhoria das condições de vida das famílias locais. Dentre as variadas possibilidades de renda pelas comunidades que compõem as RESEX, destacamos neste trabalho o uso das helicônias. As espécies de Heliconia são um dos mais vistosos grupos de plantas herbáceas das florestas tropicais. Entretanto seu uso como fonte de renda é desconhecido pelas comunidades que compõem a RESEX. Registramos 11 espécies de Heliconia na RESEX do Baixo Juruá com uso potencial como plantas ornamentais: H. acuminata, H. densiflora, H. hirsuta, H. lasiorachis, H. stricta, H. chartacea, H. juruana, H. marginata, H. psittacorum, H. spathocircinata e H. tenebrosa. Atualmente o mercado de plantas ornamentais está em expansão no Brasil, mas a Amazônia parece não estar acompanhando este processo, demonstrando falta de iniciativa política. A economia na forma do extrativismo praticada dentro das reservas florestais na Amazônia, mesmo acarretando alguns impactos diretos sobre a fauna e a flora, ajuda a manter as funções ecológicas originais da floresta evitando perdas futuras de biodiversidade regional. Adicionalmente, garante a continuidade das populações tradicionais no campo, com efeito direto na economia local e regional.

Extractive Reserves (Reservas Extrativistas-RESEX, in portuguese) are defined as territorial spaces destined for auto-sustainable exploration and conservation of renewable natural resources for the traditional population. Moreover, they are an alternative source of income for improving life conditions of the local families. Amongst the possibilities of income for the communities that make up the RESEX, which we discuss, is the use of Heliconia understorey herbs. The Heliconia genus is one of the colorful groups of tropical forest non-timber plants. However, as an income source, it is unknown to the RESEX communities. We registered 11 species of Heliconia in the Baixo Juruá Extractive Reserve with potential as ornamental plants: H. acuminata, H. densiflora, H. hirsuta, H. lasiorachis, H. stricta, H. chartacea, H. juruana, H. marginata, H. psittacorum, H. spathocircinata and H. tenebrosa. Currently in Brazil, the commercialization of ornamental plants is expanding, but the Amazonian region seems not to be following this trend, demonstrating perhaps lack of political initiative. Even though it causes some impact on fauna an flora, the practice of extractive economy inside the forest reserves in Amazonia helps keep the ecological functions of the forest intact, preventing future losses of regional biodiversity. Additionally, it guarantees the continuity of traditional populations in the natural areas, with direct effect on the local and regional economy.