A common criticism of homeopathy is that we use medicines that are diluted beyond the point where any of the original molecules of the substance are left in the prescribed medicine. These 'ultra-molecular dilutions' are controversial to some and often considered to be no more than placebo! An interesting new piece of research would have us believe otherwise. Published in the International Journal of Oncology in February this year, it shows how ultra-molecular preparations of 4 medicines commonly prescribed for cancer patients had a selective effect in killing cancer cells in test tubes while not affecting normal cells, proving that highly diluted homeopathic medicines can in fact have a measurable effect and are not simply water / placebo. See below for more information on this study:
Int J Oncol. 2010 Feb;36(2):395-403.
Cytotoxic effects of ultra-diluted remedies on breast cancer cells.
• Frenkel M, Mishra BM, Sen S, Yang P, Pawlus A, Vence L, Leblanc A, Cohen L, Banerji P, Banerji P.
• Integrative Medicine Program-Unit 145, Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. frenkelm@netvision.net.il
Abstract
• The use of ultra-diluted natural products in the management of disease and treatment of cancer has generated a lot of interest and controversy. We conducted an in vitro study to determine if products prescribed by a clinic in India have any effect on breast cancer cell lines. We studied four ultra-diluted remedies (Carcinosin, Phytolacca, Conium and Thuja) against two human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and a cell line derived from immortalized normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMLE). The remedies exerted preferential cytotoxic effects against the two breast cancer cell lines, causing cell cycle delay/arrest and apoptosis. These effects were accompanied by altered expression of the cell cycle regulatory proteins, including downregulation of phosphorylated Rb and upregulation of the CDK inhibitor p27, which were likely responsible for the cell cycle delay/arrest as well as induction of the apoptotic cascade that manifested in the activation of caspase 7 and cleavage of PARP in the treated cells. The findings demonstrate biological activity of these natural products when presented at ultra-diluted doses.
I'm so interested in all research done. I would also like to read your advice on natural treatment for ADD. The girl is 13 and has the typical ADD symptoms. She battles to concentrate and stay focused. However, she is not overly hyperactive and there is no unruly behaviour, however, she displays anxiety and fear of her father. Can environmental factors like tension and alcohol abuse by one parent worsen the condition?
ReplyDeleteRegards and thank you.
Hi Joanie
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely. It is always multi-factorial: environment, psychological, physical etc. The best way to tackle the problem is to tackle the whole system. Multiple interventions are best - nutrition, psychological therapies, herbal and homeopathic medicines can all potentiate each others effects and bring about changes sooner.