Farmacologia e matéria médica homeopática / Pharmacology and homeopathic materia medica

Matéria Médica mais atual e a mais utilizada na Europa. Indispensável para o conhecimento aprofundado dos medicamentos homeopáticos, esta obra atualiza as indicações clínicas assim como os dados toxicológicos e farmacológicos. Aborda também novas informações sobre a origem precisa de cada medicamento. Confiabilidade das indicações clínicas - Farmacologia e matéria médica homeopática é o resultado de um trabalho em equipe que integra a experiência clínica de cada um dos autores, médicos e docentes do Centro de Ensino e Desenvolvimento de Homeopatia. Rigor e Atualidade das patogenesias - Com o objetivo de garantir que fossem utilizados unicamente sinais patogenésicos confiáveis, os autores verificaram cada informação, consultando as obras mais clássicas da homeopatia e integrando, além disso, inúmeros dados atuais da farmacologia. Organização e clareza - O método de trabalho se baseia em um esquema simples e didático: origem e descrição, ação geral, sinais característicos, correspondências etiológicas, tipo sensível, principais indicações clínicas e exemplos de prescrição.

Farmacologia e matéria médica homeopática / Pharmacology and homeopathic materia medica

Matéria Médica mais atual e a mais utilizada na Europa. Indispensável para o conhecimento aprofundado dos medicamentos homeopáticos, esta obra atualiza as indicações clínicas assim como os dados toxicológicos e farmacológicos. Aborda também novas informações sobre a origem precisa de cada medicamento. Confiabilidade das indicações clínicas - Farmacologia e matéria médica homeopática é o resultado de um trabalho em equipe que integra a experiência clínica de cada um dos autores, médicos e docentes do Centro de Ensino e Desenvolvimento de Homeopatia. Rigor e Atualidade das patogenesias - Com o objetivo de garantir que fossem utilizados unicamente sinais patogenésicos confiáveis, os autores verificaram cada informação, consultando as obras mais clássicas da homeopatia e integrando, além disso, inúmeros dados atuais da farmacologia. Organização e clareza - O método de trabalho se baseia em um esquema simples e didático: origem e descrição, ação geral, sinais característicos, correspondências etiológicas, tipo sensível, principais indicações clínicas e exemplos de prescrição.

Histamine at high dilution reduces spectral density in delta band in sleeping rats.

Histamine is a central neurotransmitter, it increases arousal via H1 receptors. This study examines the effect of ultra-diluted histamine on arousal through changes in the sleep pattern of Wistar rats. The spectral density in delta (0.5-2.5 Hz) band, one of the three major spectral components of the sleep-electroencephalogram, was analyzed against time. Rats were randomized to receive histamine 30c (histamine 30c, 0.05 ml every 20 min during the first 2 h orally), histamine intraperitoneal pre-treatment/histamine 30c (histamine 6mg/kg i.p., followed by histamine 30c) or solvent control. The mean delta band spectral density was lower in the histamine 30c and histamine pretreatment/histamine 30c groups than the control group. Significant differences between histamine 30c and baseline during the first 2 h imply an immediate effect. These results also suggest a dynamic process in which the system spontaneously evolves between two locally stationary states according to a power law. From the time perspective, the system approaches, asymptotically, an equifinal state.

Integrating homoeopathy in health systems.

Homoeopathy is a therapy which involves many components and three main agents: the patient, with his or her condition and personal characteristics; the medication used, with its composition and manufacturing procedure; and the physician, with his or her approach to treatment and concepts of health. The development of research and evaluation structures, combined with a critical education in the discipline, would help to improve practices and define homoeopathy's potential role in relation to the other therapies, both conventional and unconventional, used in Western health systems.

Optokinetic and vestibulo-ocular reflex adjustment by GABA antagonists.

We determined if high and low doses of anti-GABAergic drugs have opposite effects on the visuo-vestibular activity in pigmented rats and examined a possible correlation with the level of GABA in the related structures. First, the horizontal optokinetic and vestibulo-ocular reflexes of most animals were depressed by high doses of anti-GABAergic drugs (10(-3) M purified picrotoxin or 10(-6) M picrotoxin in unpurified vegetal extract). Simultaneously, a drop in GABA level in the cerebellum and posterior brainstem was detected. Second, after a subsequent injection (1 ml) of the diluted extract (10(-13) M picrotoxin), the reflexes returned to normal despite the fact that no correlation with the GABA level was found. These results demonstrate that small doses of anti-GABAergic drugs reverse the depressive effect created by large doses of these drugs on the oculomotor system, and even adjust the reflexes to the stimulation. This adjustment, without correlation with the GABA level, suggest a powerful effect of very low dose of the drug to modulate either the activity of the cerebellar inhibiting input or of the vestibular nuclei neurons or to trigger the adaptation by other neurotransmitter systems involved in the performances of the reflexes.

[Controlled clinical trial and homeopathic treatment of ORL and recurrent respiratory tract infections in children: preliminary survey of homeopathic physicians]. / Essai clinique contrôlé et traitement homéopathique des infections ORL et respiratoires récidivantes de l'enfant: enquête préliminaire auprès de médecins homéopathes.

We performed a survey to assess the feasibility of a placebo-controlled clinical trial of the treatment of recurrent ENT/respiratory tract infections in children, to assess the diversity of the drugs prescribed, and the acceptability of a clinical trial to homeopathic physicians. A mailed questionnaire was sent to 237 homeopathic physicians, asking for details of prescriptions for 10 consecutive children consulting for ENT/respiratory recurrent infections, and for two simulated cases. We also asked for their opinion about homeopathic treatment evaluation. Only 48 (20 per cent) questionnaires were returned completed. These gave 309 different acute treatments and 422 different preventive treatments for the 10 consecutive patients and 87 different prescriptions for the simulated cases. A total of 467 different drugs were used. The physicians who replied were favourable to the evaluation of homeopathic drugs, reluctant for the use of a placebo; and they would like to receive training in drug evaluation. Setting up a clinical trial in this field would require specific methodological and logistical adaptations, and a detailed training programme for the homeopathic doctors beforehand.

[The effect of dilutions of Apis mellifica and Apium virus on ultraviolet light-induced erythema in the guinea pig]. / Mise en évidence des effets de dilutions d'Apis mellifica et d'Apium virus vis-à-vis de l'érythème provoqué par un rayonnement UV chez le cobaye.

Dilutions of Apis mellifica (obtained from the whole bee) and Apium virus (obtained from bee venom) are used classically in homeopathy for inflammatory symptoms with edema, erythema and pruritus (Lewis triad). Using a method examining the evolution of UV induced erythema in the guinea pig, the authors show the following dilutions of Apis mellifica 7 CH(10(-14)), 9 CH(10(-18)) and of Apium virus 5 CH(10(-10)), 7 CH(10(-14)), 9 CH(10(-18)) exert an action on experimental erythema. The results are statistically significant for the dilutions at the 48th hour after irradiation.

In vitro immunological degranulation of human basophils is modulated by lung histamine and Apis mellifica.

1. The effect of high dilutions of two homeopathic drugs Lung histamine (Lung his) and Apis mellifica (Apis mel) used for the treatment of allergic diseases has been assessed on in vitro human basophil degranulation. Experiments were conducted blind. 2. Basophil degranulation induced by 1.66 X 10(-9) M anti-IgE antibody was significantly inhibited in the presence of 5 Lung his (5th centesimal dilution of Lung his) and 15 Lung his (15th centesimal dilution of Lung his) by 28.8% and 28.6% respectively and by 65.8% in the presence of 9 Apis mel (9th centesimal dilution of Apis mel). Basophil degranulation induced by 1.66 X 10(-16) to 1.66 X 10(-18) M anti-IgE antibody was also inhibited by high dilutions of Lung his and Apis mel with an inhibition of nearly 100% with 18 Lung his (18th centesimal dilution of Lung his) and 10 Apis mel (10th centesimal dilution of Apis mel). An alternance of inhibition, inactivity and stimulation was observed when basophils were incubated in the presence of serial dilutions of Lung his and Apis mel. 3. The investigation of the clinical efficacy of high dilutions of Lung his and Apis mel should be envisaged in allergic diseases in parallel with in vitro and ex vivo biological assays.

Effect of mouse peritoneal macrophages of orally administered very high dilutions of silica.

The activity of very high dilutions of silica, a substance cytotoxic for macrophages, was tested on the synthesis by mouse peritoneal macrophages of the inflammatory ether-lipid paf-acether and its precursor lyso paf-acether. C57Bl6 female mice received for 25 days either 1.66 X 10(-11) M silica (11 sil) or 1.66 X 10(-19) M (19 sil) (final concentration) in the tap-water they were given to drink while control mice remained untreated. Isolated macrophages from mice treated with 11 sil produced 44.2 and 30.8% more paf-acether than cells from untreated mice in the presence of 50 and 200 micrograms zymosan (Z)/ml respectively. When 19 sil was given to the mice, the respective increases were 67.5 and 38%. In an experiment with a blind design, the mice were either untreated or received 19 sil or saline submitted to the same dilution procedure (19 sal). After administration of 19 sil, paf-acether synthesis was 55.5 and 33.5% higher upon stimulation with 50 and 200 micrograms Z/ml, respectively, than in the 19 sal group. In a third blind experiment, macrophages from mice that received 19 sil formed 61.3 and 28.6% more paf-acether upon stimulation with 50 and 200 micrograms Z/ml respectively, as compared to mice receiving 19 sal or lactose submitted to the same dilution procedure (19 lac). There was no difference between the 19 sal and the 19 lac groups. The differences between control and silica-treated mice were highly statistically significant in all experiments. There was no effect on the synthesis of lyso paf-acether. These results demonstrate clear ex vivo cellular effect of high dilutions of silica, that cannot be explained in our present state of knowledge.

[Oral contraceptives and blood platelets]. / Contraceptifs oraux et plaquettes sanguines.

PIP: This work describes a study of the effects of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) on lipid biosynthesis in platelets of female rats and women. A highly significant hypercoagulability due solely to increased activity of platelet factor 3 can be observed in women using combined OCs. The phospholipidic nature of factor 3 has been demonstrated. Phospholipids are implicated in the aggregation of platelets because they are the essential constituents of the platelet membranes and the precursors of prostaglandins. Platelets actively synthesize their own lipids, and combined OCs modify serum lipid metabolism. In each experiment, a control group of rats weighing 180-200 g received .5 ml/g body weight of olive oil once daily for 4 days. 3 groups of experimental rats received .5 ml of olive oil containing 10 mcg of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 250 mcg of lynestrenol or 10 mcg of EE alone or 250 mcg of lynestrenol alone per 100 g of body weight. The doses were the equivalent of 1/2 that required to block ovulation in adult female rats. Platelets were studied on the 5th day. In another experiment a group of rats was given a triple dose of EE and lynestrenol on the 1st study day. Platelets were studied on days 1, 3, 5, and 8. Lipid biosynthesis was studied by incorporation of carbon 14 labelled acetate and mevalonate precursors. Radioactivity was measured for the lipids as a whole and for different lipid fractions separated by chromatography. Incorporation of carbon 14 labelled acetate was augmented by 44.6% in animals receiving EE and lynestrenol and by 43% in animals receiving EE alone, but was not modified in animals receiving lynestrenol alone. In animals receiving a triple dose of hormones, incorporation was maximal on the 3rd day, diminished on the 5th day, and normal after 8 days. The EE component thus appears to be responsible for modifications in platelet lipid metabolism during OC use. The response appears after a latency period and seems to be irreversible, since the duration of life of platelets is 4-5 days. The increased synthesis occurs mainly in cholesterol and its precursors lanosterol and dihydrolanosterol. Supplemental in vitro experiments suggested that lanosterol was responsible for the increased platelet activity. 17 nonsmoking women aged 32 years on average who took no medications were compared to 18 women aged 30 years on average who took OCs with estrogen doses of 30-40 mcg for at least 6 months. As in the rat studies, lipid biosynthesis was analyzed by incorporation of carbon 14 labelled acetate or mevalonate in the platelets. Compared to control women, the women on OCs showed an augmentation of 37% in incorporation of mevalonate and 28% of acetate. The labelled acetate showed a higher incorporation at the level of each of the lipid fractions. Mevalonate showed the highest augmentation in the lanosterol fraction. 43% of the women taking OCs showed an increased platelet sensitivity to thrombine. The increased sensitivity was correlated with increased lanosterol synthesis, but the relation was only observed in women taking OCs. The phenomenon is of interest because of its possible relationship to the increased risk of thromboembolic accidents in women taking OCs.^ieng

Paf-acether generates chemiluminescence in human neutrophils in the absence of cytochalasin B.

In the absence of cytochalasin B, synthetic Paf-acether (0.1-10 microM) induced oxygen radical production in polymorphonuclear neutrophils as measured by the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence ( LDCL ) test. This effect was observed after a lag period of 10 s and was maximal between 5 and 15 min. In the presence of cytochalasin B, the kinetics were shortened, but the lag period was not modified and the same concentrations of the agonist had to be used to induce LDCL . None of the structural analogs tested (2-lyso Paf-acether, Paf-acether enantiomer, 1 ester analog of Paf-acether, lyso-phosphatidylcholine) were active, irrespective of the presence of cytochalasin B. Paf-acether (10 microM) shortened the kinetics of opsonized zymosan (10 micrograms/ml)-induced LDCL and enhanced it by 550% and 250% at 5 min and 10 min respectively, without affecting the peak value. Similar results were obtained using non-opsonized zymosan (100 micrograms/ml). Lower concentrations of Paf-acether (0.1 microM) were also able to increase oxygen radical production induced by low doses of zymosan and opsonized zymosan. The triggering and enhancing effects of Paf-acether on oxygen radical production by resting and stimulated polymorphonuclear neutrophils support the role of Paf-acether in inflammation.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF-acether), an activator of neutrophil functions.

The effect of totally synthetic PAF-acether (1-O-octadecyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine), 2-lyso PAF-acether (1-O-octadecyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine) and lyso-phosphatidylcholine on enzyme release and superoxide production from human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN were studied. PMN (2 X 10(6) ml-1) were incubated at 37 degrees C with various concentrations of phospholipids in the absence of cytochalasin B. At 10(-7) M, PAF-acether induced superoxide production and beta-glucuronidase, acid phosphatase and lysosyme release, but not that of cytoplasmic lactic dehydrogenase. In the same condition 2-lyso PAF-acether and lyso-phosphatidylcholine were ineffective. In the presence of phagocytic stimuli PAF-acether enhanced in the range from 10(-7) M to 10(-10) M the enzyme release and only at 10(-7) M the superoxide production. Thus, the capacity of PAF-acether to stimulate PMN, as well as platelet function, indicates a prominent role for this lipid mediator in inflammatory processes.