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.

Evaluation of the adequacy of the antimicrobial therapy of invasive Haemophilus influenzae infections: A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic perspective / Evaluación de la adecuación del tratamiento antimicrobiano de las infecciones invasivas por Haemophilus influenzae: perspectiva farmacocinética/farmacodinámica

Introduction: In Europe, non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi) is the leading cause of invasive H. influenzae disease in adults and is associated with high mortality. The goal of this study was to determine whether current antimicrobial treatments for H. influenzae infection in Spain are suitable based on their probability of achieving pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets. Methods: Pharmacokinetic parameters for the antibiotics studied (amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, imipenem and ciprofloxacin) and susceptibility data for H. influenzae were obtained from literature. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the probability of target attainment (PTA), defined as the probability that at least a specific value of a PK/PD index is achieved at a certain MIC, and the cumulative fraction of response (CFR), defined as the expected population PTA for a specific drug dose and a specific microorganism population. Results: Regardless of dosing regimen, all antibiotics yielded CFR values of 100% or nearly 100% for all strains, including BL+, BL− and BLNAR, except amoxicillin and ampicillin for BL+. Thus, if an infection is caused by BL+ strains, treatment with amoxicillin and ampicillin has a high probability of failure (CFR≤8%). For standard doses of amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and imipenem, PK/PD breakpoints were consistent with EUCAST clinical breakpoints. For the other antimicrobials, PK/PD breakpoints were higher than EUCAST clinical breakpoints. Conclusions: Our study confirms by PK/PD analysis that, with the antimicrobials used as empirical treatment of invasive H. influenzae disease, a high probability of therapeutic success can be expected.(AU)

Introducción: H. influenzae no tipable (NTHi) es la principal causa de enfermedad invasiva por H. influenzae en adultos en Europa, y frecuentemente está asociada a una alta mortalidad. El principal objetivo de nuestro estudio fue determinar si el tratamiento antibiótico actual es adecuado para tratar infecciones invasivas por H. influenzae en España, teniendo en cuenta la probabilidad de alcanzar el objetivo farmacocinético/farmacodinámico (PK/PD). Métodos: Los parámetros farmacocinéticos de los antibióticos (ampicilina, amoxicilina, amoxicilina/clavulanato, ceftriaxona, cefotaxima, imipenem y ciprofloxacino) y los datos de sensibilidad de H. influenzae se obtuvieron de la literatura. Mediante simulación de Montecarlo, se estimó la probabilidad de alcanzar el objetivo farmacodinámico (PTA) y la fracción de respuesta acumulada (CFR), ambas indicativas de la probabilidad de éxito del tratamiento. Resultados: Independientemente del régimen de dosificación, todos los antibióticos proporcionaron valores de CFR del 100% o cerca del 100% para todas las cepas, incluidas BL+, BL− y BLNAR, excepto amoxicilina y ampicilina para BL+. Si la infección se debe a cepas BL+, el tratamiento con amoxicilina y ampicilina tiene una baja probabilidad de éxito (CFR≤8%). Los puntos de corte PK/PD de la dosis estándar de amoxicilina, amoxicilina/clavulanato e imipenem concuerdan con los puntos de corte clínicos de EUCAST. Para el resto, los puntos de corte PK/PD son más altos que los puntos de corte EUCAST. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio ha demostrado, mediante análisis PK/PD, que los antibióticos utilizados para el tratamiento de la enfermedad invasiva de H. influenzae proporcionan una probabilidad de éxito elevada.(AU)

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.

Fundamentação científica do princípio de cura homeopático na farmacologia moderna / Scientific basis of the principle of homeopathic cure 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 métodoterapêutico. Objetivo: Esta revisão visa fundamentar cientificamente o princípio de cura homeopático perante a farmacologia clínica e experimental, através do estudo sistemático do efeito rebote dos fármacos modernos ou reação paradoxal do organismo. Métodos: Empregando como fonte de referência os estudos e revisões sobre o tema que vimos publicando desde 1998, atualizamos os dados acrescentando pesquisas recentes citadasna base de dados PubMed. Resultados: O efeito rebote ocorre após a descontinuação de inúmeras classes de fármacos com ação terapêutica contrária aos sintomas das doenças, exacerbando-os a níveis superiores aos anteriores do tratamento. Independente da doença, da droga, da dose e da duração do tratamento, o fenômeno rebote se manifesta numa pequena proporção de indivíduos suscetíveis. Seguindo as premissas homeopáticas, osfármacos modernos também podem ser utilizados segundo o princípio da similitude terapêutica, empregando o efeito rebote (reação paradoxal) de forma curativa Conclusões: [...] Embora o fenômeno rebote seja um evento adversoestudado pela farmacologia moderna, ele não é conhecido pelos profissionais da saúde, privando a classe médica de um saber indispensável ao manejo seguro dos fármacos. (AU)

Introduction: 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 arouse 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 the studies and revisions on the subject that we have published since 1998, we updated the data adding recent studies cited in database PubMed. Results: The rebound effect occurs after discontinuation of several classes of drugs with contrary action to the symptoms of diseases, exacerbating them to levels above the ones present before treatment. Regardless of disease, drug, dose and duration of treatment, the rebound phenomenon manifests in a small proportion of susceptible individuals.[...] Conclusions: Evidenced in 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 healthcare professionals, thus depriving doctors of knowledge indispensable for a safe management of drugs. (AU)

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 ofdrugs. (AU)

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

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 métodoterapêutico. Objetivo: Esta revisão visa fundamentar cientificamente o princípio de cura homeopático perante a farmacologia clínica e experimental, através do estudo sistemático do efeito rebote dos fármacos modernos ou reação paradoxal do organismo. Métodos: Empregando como fonte de referência os estudos e revisões sobre o tema que vimos publicando desde 1998, atualizamos os dados acrescentando pesquisas recentes citadasna base de dados PubMed. Resultados: O efeito rebote ocorre após a descontinuação de inúmeras classes de fármacos com ação terapêutica contrária aos sintomas das doenças, exacerbando-os a níveis superiores aos anteriores do tratamento. Independente da doença, da droga, da dose e da duração do tratamento, o fenômeno rebote se manifesta numa pequena proporção de indivíduos suscetíveis. Seguindo as premissas homeopáticas, osfármacos modernos também podem ser utilizados segundo o princípio da similitude terapêutica, empregando o efeito rebote (reação paradoxal) de forma curativa Conclusões: [...] Embora o fenômeno rebote seja um evento adversoestudado pela farmacologia moderna, ele não é conhecido pelos profissionais da saúde, privando a classe médica de um saber indispensável ao manejo seguro dos fármacos. (AU)

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. (AU)

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. (AU)

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...

Farmacologia paradoxal: estratégia terapêutica utilizada pela farmacologia homeopática por mais de dois séculos

O Médico Homeopata, Dr, Marcus Zulian Teixeira divulga artigo publicado na revista científica International Journal of High Dilution Research (IJHDR) (2014; 13(48): 207-226), com o título Paradoxical pharmacology: therapeutic strategy used by the ‘homeopathic pharmacology’ for more than two centuries.

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.

‘Paradoxical pharmacology’: therapeutic strategy used by the ‘homeopathic pharmacology’ for more than two centuries

Using the empirical or phenomenological research method by observing the effects of drugs in the human physiology, Samuel Hahnemann proposed the homeopathic treatment. He synthesized modern pharmacodynamic in the ‘primary action’ of the drugs and in the consequent and opposite ‘secondary action’ or ‘vital reaction’ of the organism. Noting that drugs with ‘contrary’ primary action to the symptoms of the diseases caused worsening of the symptoms after its withdrawal, as a result of secondary action of the organism, Hahnemann proposed using this vital reaction (secondary action) in a curative way, administering to sick individuals the drugs that caused‘similar’ symptoms in healthy individuals (therapeutic use of the similitude principle). According to the clinical and experimental pharmacology, this secondary action (vital reaction) of the organism is observed in the ‘rebound effect’ or ‘paradoxical reaction’ of several classes of drugs, which is the scientific basis of the ‘homeopathic pharmacology’. In the last decade, exponents of modern pharmacology have suggested the therapeutic use of the paradoxical reaction(‘paradoxical pharmacology’), proposing the use of drugs that cause an exacerbation of the disease in the short term to treat these same diseases in the long-term. In this review, we compare the various aspects between the ‘homeopathic pharmacology’ and the ‘paradoxical pharmacology’, reinforcing the validity of homeopathic assumptions and expanding the knowledge to optimize both proposals.(AU)

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. (AU)

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. (AU)