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Biomedical
Therapy
J o urnal o f
Integrating Homeopathy
and Conventional Medicine
Infectious
Diseases
The Immune System, Our Personal Bodyguard
Theories of Immunosenescence and Infection
Contents
I n Fo c u s
W h a t E l s e I s N e w ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
From the Practice
M a r ke t i n g Yo u r P r a c t i c e
Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y
Practical Protocols
Re s e a r c h H i g h l i g h t s
Making of ...
)2
Published by/Verlegt durch: International Academy for Homotoxicology GmbH, Bahnackerstrae 16,
76532 Baden-Baden, Germany, e-mail: journal@iah-online.com
Editor in charge/verantwortlicher Redakteur: Dr. Alta A. Smit
Print/Druck: VVA Konkordia GmbH, Dr.-Rudolf-Eberle-Strae 15, 76534 Baden-Baden, Germany
2008 International Academy for Homotoxicology GmbH, Baden-Baden, Germany
Fighting Infections
Alta A. Smit, MD
References:
1. Rook GA, Brunet LR. Old friends for breakfast. Clin Exp Allergy. 2005;35(7):841-842.
2. Enbergs H. Effects of the homeopathic preparation Engystol on interferon-gamma production by human T-lymphocytes. Immunol
Invest. 2006;35(1):19-27.
3. Wagner H, Jurcic K, Doenicke A, Rosenhuber
E, Behrens N. Die Beeinflussung der Phagozytosef higkeit von Granulozyten durch
homopathische Arzneiprparate: in vitroTests und kontrollierte Einfachblindstudien.
Arzneim.-Forsch./Drug Res. 1986;36(9):14211425.
4. Glatthaar-Saalmller B. In vitro evaluation of the antiviral effects of the homeopathic preparation Gripp-Heel on selected
respiratory viruses. Can J Physiol Pharmacol.
2007;85(11):1084-1090.
5. Glatthaar-Saalmller B, Fallier-Becker P. Antiviral action of Euphorbium compositum
and its components. Forsch Komplementrmed
Klass Naturheilkd. 2001 Aug;8(4):207-212.
6. Oberbaum M, Glatthaar-Saalmller B, Stolt
P, Weiser M. Antiviral activity of Engystol:
an in vitro analysis. J Altern Complement Med.
2005;11(5):855-862.
)3
) I n Fo c u s
)4
Innate immunity:
a powerful first-line defense
The first defense against infectious
agents starts when the invader is recognized by phagocytes that nonspecifically engulf and digest pathogens. Even this most primitive
defense function is a highly complex cellular process.4,5 Two different types of phagocytosis exist: the
removal of pathogens and the elimination of apoptotic tissue cells
(apoptosis means programmed cell
death). The former causes an inflammatory alarm response, whereas the
latter (which is, for example, necessary during embyrogenesis) prevents
inflammation. Moreover, phagocytosis bridges innate and adaptive
immunity, through antigen presentation.
The engulfment of pathogens by
neutrophils and macrophages discriminates between diverse particles
through an array of receptors expressed on their surface. Among
these receptors are several for complement proteins, combinations of
scavenger receptors, and numerous
integrins, described extensively by
Stuart and Ezekowitz in 2008.5
Most of these receptors are able to
recognize both pathogens and altered-self ligands, such as apoptotic
cells.
After receptor ligation by the particle, a phagosome is formed within
the phagocyte. This phagosome then
fuses with a lysosome, generating
the phagolysosome. In the latter,
the final destruction of pathogens
occurs by an arsenal of degrading
enzymes, oxygen radicals, bactericides, etc. Proteomic analysis has revealed that phagosomes contain
more than 600 different types of
) I n Fo c u s
proteins. A key role of phagolysosomes is to provide, by only partial
degradation, the antigenic ligands
for the stimulation of the T and B
cells (which are further described
later in the article).
Role of toll-like receptors in
antimicrobial immunity
The family of receptors called tolllike receptors (TLRs) is essential for
the discrimination between self and
nonself structures, a central requirement for the immune system. This
topic was extensively reviewed by
Akira and Takeda6 and Iwasaki and
Medzhitov.7
The TLRs sense microbial infections
as a general danger to the body,
recognizing conserved molecular
structures unique to the microbial
world and widely invariant among
the single classes of pathogens. Each
of these pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) is detected
by a different TLR subtype (e.g.,
TLR4 recognizes lipopolysaccharides). The PAMPs are among the
strongest stimuli for immune cells.
The signal transduction pathways
that TLRs activate in different immune cell subtypes result in a multitude of antimicrobial and inflammatory responses, which usually lead
to the elimination of the pathogen.
The TLRs also do the following:
1. help recruit cells to infected
sites by triggering the release of
chemotactic mediators (chemo
kines)
2. help make functionally mature
APCs
3. contribute to antiviral immunity8
Therefore, PAMPs very efficiently
link innate and adaptive immune
mechanisms, thus potentiating defense efficacy.
The neutrophil:
a prototypic cell type of antibacterial defense
Neutrophil granulocytes are the
most abundant cells of the immune
system. Beyond being pure eaters
and killers, they are recognized as
major contributors to the overall
regulation of immune responses.
Neutrophils also contribute to the
recruitment, activation, and programming of APCs by producing an
array of cytokines, chemokines, lipid
mediators, and, last but definitely
not least, an arsenal of cytolytic
agents for killing ingested pathogens, as described by Nathan.9
Among the latter are bactericidal
peptides (defensins), oxygen radicals
produced by myeloperoxidase, and
others. Lactoferrin, or lipocalin, can
slow down bacterial growth by depleting iron at the site of infection.
In addition, neutrophils secrete factors that assist B-cell maturation and
proliferation and can also function
as prominent suppressors of T-cell
function (e.g., by secreting prostaglandins).
The role of complement
proteins in immunity
The complement system deserves attention in that this proteolytic machinery, resembling in its cascadelike mode of action the coagulation
cascade, effectively interlinks innate
and specific immune mechanisms.
First described as a heat-sensitive
factor in fresh serum that is able to
complement the effects of specific
antibodies in the lysis of bacteria,
the complement system now represents a system of more than 30 serum proteins and cell surface receptors. An excellent review on
complement concerning numerous
immunoregulatory roles beyond the
killing of bacteria has been published by Carroll.10
)5
) I n Fo c u s
)6
) I n Fo c u s
)7
) I n Fo c u s
) I n Fo c u s
)8
Sebastian Kaulitzki/Fotolia.de
) I n Fo c u s
Antibodies usually neutralize viruses
through binding to their surface,
blocking the virus from entering the
host cell. In addition, some viral infections lead to the expression of
viral proteins on the surface of infected cells. These may bind virusspecific antibodies, leading to complement-mediated lysis, or activate a
subset of NK cells to lyse infected
cells through antibody-dependent
cellular cytotoxicity.
Immune cell memory
Adaptive immune responses lead to
a state of long-lived immunity,
which is established by the generation of memory cells in the T- and
B-cell lineage, exhibiting the same
antigen specificity as their parent
cells. By contrast, innate defense
does not create memory. The advantage of memory cells is that they can
be activated upon any repeated contact with their specific antigen much
more rapidly than on first contact,
which helps to keep reinfection
down efficiently.
Intercellular communication
during infection
The communication between different immune cells to establish a wellcoordinated response during antimicrobial defense, as previously
described, would be impossible
without the help of the vast array of
soluble mediators that evolution
elaborated to fine-tune immune responses. They comprise a large number of chemokines, cytokines, and
growth factors; there are also whole
series of lipid-derived mediators,
proteases, antiproteases, coagulation
cascade-derived mediators, kinins,
and even neurotransmitters. All of
these bind to receptors on the cells
of the immune system and modify
their reactions in a highly controlled
manner. Most of these mediators
form positive- and negative-feed-
back signaling loops that timely adjust the general type and the extent
of response to the current needs,
which in fact differ substantially between the different types and phases
of a defense reaction.
Concluding remarks
Immunological knowledge is growing fast. The recent discovery of the
TLRs and their functions and of
functionally different DC types, the
ever-growing list of lymphocyte
subpopulations displaying different
functions, and the enormous amount
of newly discovered mediators have
contributed tremendously to our
understanding of antimicrobial immunity. In addition, these discoveries are helping us understand the
switch from well-regulated immune
responses to detrimental conditions
such as chronic inflammation. Readers are encouraged to consult one or
more of the articles cited herein,
which will provide a deeper guide
into the complex and highly fascinating world of the immune system,
our personal bodyguard.|
References
1. Coombes JL, Powrie F. Dendritic cells in intestinal immune regulation. Nat Rev Immunol.
2008;8(6):435-446.
2. Sansonetti PJ. War and peace at mucosal
surfaces. Nat Rev Immunol. 2004;4(12):953964.
3. Holt PG, Strickland DH, Wikstrm ME,
Jahnsen FL. Regulation of immunological
homeostasis in the respiratory tract. Nat Rev
Immunol. 2008;8(2):142-152.
4. Stuart LM, Ezekowitz RA. Phagocytosis: elegant complexity. Immunity. 2005;22(5):539550.
5. Stuart LM, Ezekowitz RA. Phagocytosis and
comparative innate immunity: learning on the
fly. Nat Rev Immunol. 2008;8(2):131-141.
6. Akira S, Takeda K. Toll-like receptor signalling. Nat Rev Immunol. 2004;4(7):499-511.
7. Iwasaki A, Medzhitov R. Toll-like receptor
control of the adaptive immune responses.
Nat Immunol. 2004;5(10):987-995.
)9
A recent study has shown that individuals with long arms have a lower risk of
Autohemotherapy helpful
in heart failure
In certain patients with chronic
heart failure, autohemotherapy can
reduce the risk of death or hospitalization, according to a study of
2,426 patients with chronic heart
failure. Over a period of 22 weeks,
participants received at least eight
intragluteal injections containing either their own blood or a placebo.
Primary endpoints in the study were
death or admission to a hospital.
Autohemotherapy significantly delayed both endpoints in patients
who had not yet suffered a heart attack and in patients with NYHA
Stage II cardiac insufficiency.
Lancet. 2008;371(9608):228-236
F O R P RO F E S S I ONA L U S E ON LY
) 10
The information contained in this journal is meant for professional use only, is meant to convey general and/or specific worldwide scientific information relating to the
products or ingredients referred to for informational purposes only, is not intended to be a recommendation with respect to the use of or benefits derived from the
products and/or ingredients (which may be different depending on the regulatory environment in your country), and is not intended to diagnose any illness, nor is it
intended to replace competent medical advice and practice. IAH or anyone connected to, or participating in this publication does not accept nor will it be liable
for any medical or legal responsibility for the reliance upon or the misinterpretation or misuse of the scientific, informational and educational content of the
articles in this journal.
The purpose of the Journal of Biomedical Therapy is to share worldwide scientific information about successful protocols from orthodox and complementary practitioners. The intent of the scientific information contained in this journal is not to dispense recipes but to provide practitioners with practice information for a better
understanding of the possibilities and limits of complementary and integrative therapies.
Some of the products referred to in articles may not be available in all countries in which the journal is made available, with the formulation described in any article or
available for sale with the conditions of use and/or claims indicated in the articles. It is the practitioners responsibility to use this information as applicable
and in a manner that is permitted in his or her respective jurisdiction based on the applicable regulatory environment. We encourage our readers to share
their complementary therapies, as the purpose of the Journal of Biomedical Therapy is to join together like-minded practitioners from around the globe.
Written permission is required to reproduce any of the enclosed material. The articles contained herein are not independently verified for accuracy or truth. They have
been provided to the Journal of Biomedical Therapy by the author and represent the thoughts, views and opinions of the articles author.
Hepatology. 2007;46(2):430-435
Gastroenterologe. 2008;3(1):53-54
) 11
By Ivo Bianchi, MD
Clinical case
) 12
A young mother brought her twoyear-old son to my office for recurrent acute episodes of otitis media.
These episodes were extremely frequent, especially during the cold,
cochlear nerve
Anatomy of the inner ear
OOZ/Fotolia.de
Cochlea
Eardrum
Eustachian tube
Lymphomyosot:
8 drops morning and evening.
Mucosa compositum:
1 ampoule via the mucous
membranes 2 times a week.
Echinacea compositum forte:
ampoule in the evening twice
a week.
Calcium carbonicum-Injeel:
1 ampoule orally in the morning once a week.
I continue to see the child every
six months. Three years after the
first consultation, he is in perfect
shape physically and psychologically. |
Viral infections
Bacterial infections
Genetic-constitutional
factors
Common factors related to
acute otitis
Anatomical factors
Exposure to smoke
or pollution
Gastroesophageal reflux
) M a r k e t i n g Yo u r P r a c t i c e
By Marc Deschler
Marketing specialist
) 14
postage
telephone bills
office cleaning and disinfection
business entertainment
service contracts
purchases up to $50
uniforms and linens
waiting room reading material
gifts and office dcor
incidental expenses and bank
fees
other administrative expenses
2. Work is delayed because supplies were not purchased in advance and are not available
when needed. (E.g., emergency
trips to the pharmacy for injectable medications.)
3. Bulk purchases result in discounts but tie up too much
capital for too long, or storage
becomes a problem.
4. Opportunities for discounts for
cash payments are frequently
overlooked.
5. You always purchase from the
same supplier as a matter of
habit, without soliciting competing bids.
6. It doesnt occur to you to split
bulk orders with other practices.
Checking any of the above indicates weaknesses in the management of your practice that you
should think about. But before you
make changes in your purchasing
behavior, categorize your expenses
to identify where your efforts will
pay off. So-called ABC analysis is a
time-tested mechanism that helps
you analyze and determine the relative budgetary impact of different
items and suppliers. Here, as in
many other areas, the 80/20 principle applies; that is, approximately
20 percent of goods purchased account for 80 percent of spending
(category A, in ABC analysis) and
merits special attention. Make a list
of all the supplies you purchase,
along with the price for each item
and how much you use in a year,
and then calculate the cost of a
years supply of each. Now list the
items in order of percentage of total annual spending. The items that
together account for 80 percent of
your costs deserve a closer look.
The others can be safely disregarded; they will take care of themselves in any subsequent reorganization.
Step 3: Next, present the advantages (some, not all of them!) of this
course of treatment. At this stage,
its especially important to remain
calm and objective. Avoid giving the
impression that you want to talk
your patient into it.
Step 4: Give the patient something
to look at. You should have an information sheet at hand on each extra
service you offer.
Step 5: Now its time to discuss the
fee. Never say, The whole course of
treatment will cost $400. Of course
your patients reaction will be, I
cant afford that! Think about how
to break the fee down into small installments. For example, I suggest
starting with three sessions, each of
which will cost $40. After that, we
can see how youre doing and decide whether or not to continue.
Your patients reaction? $40 is reasonable, and I can always still change
my mind.
Step 6: Now discuss additional advantages for the patient.
Step 7: Suggest that the patient take
the brochure home and think about
it. Dont press for an immediate decision. This gives your patient a way
out if s/he cant commit to the expense on the spot.
Step 8: With your patients consent,
say youll call to discuss how to proceed.
There is no objectionable wheeling
and dealing in any of these steps.
They simply make it easier for you
to offer valuable therapies to your
patients. |
) 15
) Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y
Theories of Immunosenescence
and Infection
Cytomegalovirus, Inflammation, and Homotoxicology
By Jhann Arturo, MD, MRes, MSc, PhD
) 16
Introduction
Aging is generally a complex process which forms part of the cycle of
physiological cell growth where living organisms going through one of
the phases of tissue evolution undergo the hardest and most irreversible processes of tissue deterioration.
This is based on cell wear and tear
(increase in chromosomal and telomeric alterations)1 and matrix wear
and tear (protein and lymphatic deterioration), accelerated catabolism
(increase in post-transductional protein changes and in oxidation with
increased apoptosis), and loss of the
regenerative capacity of tissues over
time (loss of mitochondrial function
and stem cell reparation).
This progressive deterioration, considered to be physiological, affects
not only the internal organs but also
the skin, the central nervous system,
and the immune system. The involvement of the immune system affects the ability to attack microbes,
tumors, chemical or physical agents,
or toxins (by slowing it down, diminishing it, down-regulating it, or
preventing it altogether), compromising the organisms general immunity. This immune aging is known
as immunosenescence, and it is particularly important in current clinical practice, since an understanding
of these subtle biological changes
can provide us with the tools to carry out suitable immunotherapy in
the clinical field.
) Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y
Table 1:
Immune component
Abnormality in immunosenescence
T lymphocytes
B lymphocytes
NK cells
Macrophages
Lymph nodes
which are undoubtedly an indisputable replacement therapy in immunosenescence. Inflammation-regulating products (Traumeel) with the
ability to inhibit proinflammatory
cytokines (Il-1, IL-8, TNF-a) and
therefore systemic chronic inflammation are essential as blockers of
inflamm-aging. Tables 2 and 3 show
several antihomotoxic measures useful in immunosenescence. According to the course, detoxification and
drainage cycles may be repeated. If
treatment starts with immunostimulation, the patient may experience
changes counter to the therapeutic
aims, owing to the high levels of
inflammatory molecules. The nutritional status of the elderly patient
must be improved at the same time
as antihomotoxic medication is administered. In some cases, antioxidative supplementation (vitamin C,
vitamin E, glutathione, N-acetyl
cysteine, and S-adenosyl methion
ine), which tends to improve pha
gocyte migration, phagocytosis,
production of TNF-, and production of IL-1 and IL-2 in T lymphocytes, is also necessary.
We can conclude from the above
that the aging process has a major
) 17
) Re f r e s h Yo u r H o m o t ox i c o l o g y
DET-phase
Basic and/or
symptomatic
Impregnation,
degeneration
Ginseng
compositum
Regulation therapy*
Optional
D&D
Advanced supportive
detoxification and
drainage
Arnica-Heel
(if the inflammation is
more severe)
IM
Traumeel
OR
Coenzyme compositum
Ubichinon compositum
Tonsilla compositum
Notes: Advanced supportive detoxification and drainage consists of Hepar compositum (liver), Solidago
compositum (kidneys), and Thyreoidea compositum (connective tissue).
Dosages: Detoxification and drainage: 1 ampoule of each medication 3 times per week. Immunomodulation: Traumeel, 1 tablet 3 times per day for 6 weeks. Organ regulation: Coenzyme compositum,
Ubichinon compositum, and Tonsilla compositum, 1 ampoule of each 3 times per week.
Table 2:
DET-phase
Basic and/or
symptomatic
Impregnation,
degeneration
Ginseng
compositum
Regulation therapy*
Optional
D&D
IM
Engystol
Echinacea compositum
(if there is a suspicion
of a bacterial infection)
OR
Pulsatilla compositum
Glyoxal compositum
Table 3:
) 18
Immunomodulation (IM)
References
1. Capri M, Salvioli S, Sevini F, et al. The genetics of human longevity. Ann NY Acad Sci.
2006;1067:252-263.
2. Pawelec G. Immunosenescence comes of age.
Symposium on Aging Research in Immunology: The Impact of Genomics. EMBO reports.
2007;8(3):220-223.
3. Ginaldi L, De Martinis M, DOstilio A, et
al. The immune system in the elderly: II.
Specific cellular immunity. Immunol Res.
1999;20(2):109-115.
4. Hyland P, Duggan O, Turbitt J, et al. Nonagenarians from the Swedish NONA Immune
Study have increased plasma antioxidant
capacity and similar levels of DNA damage
in peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared to younger control subjects. Exp Gerontol. 2002,37(2-3):465-473.
5. Franceschi C, Bonaf M, Valensin S. Inflamm-aging. An evolutionary perspective
on immunosenescence. Ann N Y Acad Sci.
2000;908:244-254.
6. Barker DJ, Eriksson JG, Forsn T, Osmond
C. Fetal origins of adult disease: strength of
effects and biological basis. Int J Epidemiol.
2002;31(6):1235-1239.
7. Arturo JA, Avila GI, Tobar CI, Klinger JC.
Inmunodesviacin TH2 asociada a glomerulonefritis por HBV. Infectio. 2001;5(2):119120.
8. Nasralla M, Haier J, Nicolson GL. Multiple
mycoplasmal infections detected in blood of
patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and/
or fibromyalgia syndrome. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 1999;18(12):859-865.
9. Pawelec G, Koch S, Franceschi C, Wikby
A. Human immunosenescence: does it have
an infectious component? Ann N Y Acad Sci.
2006;1067:56-65.
10. Schvoerer E, Henriot S, Zachary P, et al.
Monitoring low cytomegalovirus viremia in
transplanted patients by a real-time PCR on
plasma. J Med Virol. 2005;76(1):76-81.
11. Wikby A, Ferguson F, Forsey R, et al. An immune risk phenotype, cognitive impairment,
and survival in very late life: impact of allostatic load in Swedish octogenarian and
nonagenarian humans. J Gerontol A Biol Sci
Med Sci. 2005;60(5):556-565.
12. De la Fuente M. Effects of antioxidants
on immune system ageing. Eur J Clin Nutr.
2002;56(suppl3):S5-S8.
) 19
) Practical Protocols
Bioregulatory Treatment
of Urinary Tract Infections
By Bert Hannosset, MD
) 20
) Practical Protocols
DET-phase
Basic and/or
symptomatic
Endodermal,
urogenital
Berberis Homaccord
Spascupreel
Inflammation
Regulation therapy*
Optional
D&D
Echinacea compositum
(for severe infection)
IM
Cantharis compositum
OR
Solidago compositum
Notes: In recurrent UTIs, Mucosa compositum and Solidago compositum are used (also as injection
therapy; see Figure 1) for three months to strengthen the urinary tract.
DET-phase
Basic and/or
symptomatic
Mesodermal,
nephrodermal
Berberis Homaccord
Inflammation
Regulation therapy*
Optional
Advanced supportive
detoxification and
drainage
Reneel
IM
Echinacea compositum
Cantharis compositum
OR
Mucosa compositum
D&D
Spascupreel
Belladonna-Homaccord
(for high fever)
Notes: Mucosa compositum contains a Colibaccilinum nosode. Solidago compositum contains Equisetum,
which strengthens the entire renal tract. Because upper UTIs affect a mesenchymal structure, treatment is
deeper and includes more medications.
Immunomodulation (IM)
Treatment
In allopathic medicine, lower UTIs
are most commonly treated with
antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfa
methoxazole and amoxicillin), but
bioregulatory therapy alone is also
effective in treating this type of infection. According to homotoxicological guidelines, one or more basic
symptomatic products should be
added to the three pillar approach
of drainage and detoxification
(D&D), immunomodulation (IM),
) 21
) Practical Protocols
Figure 1:
) 22
BL 13 Lung
BL 14 Circulation, sex
BL 15 Heart
BL 16 Governing vessel
BL 17 Conception vessel
BL 18 Liver
Solidago compositum
Mucosa compositum
Pulsatilla compositum
BL 19 Gall bladder
BL 20 Spleen
BL 21 Stomach
L2
BL 22 Triple heater
BL 23 Kidney
BL 25 Large intestine
Berberis-Homaccord
Cantharis compositum
Solidago compositum
References
1. van de Merwe JP. Interstitial cystitis and systemic autoimmune diseases. Nat Clin Pract
Urol. 2007;4(9):484-491.
2. Bergogne-Brzin E. Lower urinary tract infections: bacterial epidemiology and recommendations [in French]. Prog Urol. 2008;18(1
Suppl FMC):F11-14.
3. Hooton TM. The current management
strategies for community-acquired urinary
tract infection. Infect Dis Clin North Am.
2003;17(2):303-332.
4. Talan DA, Krishnadasan A, Abrahamian FM,
Stamm WE, Moran GJ; EMERGEncy ID
NET Study Group. Prevalence and risk factor
analysis of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazoleand fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia
coli infection among emergency department
patients with pyelonephritis. Clin Infect Dis.
2008;1;47(9):1150-1158.
BL 27 Small intestine
S2
BL 28 Bladder
By Catherine E. Creeger
beautiful
nurse
named
Marina,
whom he soon
married.
They
both wanted a
big family and
are now the
parents of six
grown children.
In 1977, a chance encounter with
Hahnemanns Organon of Medicine
changed his life, as he says,
prompting him to think more deeply about medicine from both ethical
and pragmatic perspectives. In 1979,
while taking a course on acupuncture and homeopathy in Lausanne,
Switzerland, he was introduced to
homotoxicology. At the time, antihomotoxic products were unavailable in Italy, so he always returned
home with a suitcase full of Zeel,
Traumeel, etc., which he used in his
practice with great success. His enthusiasm for homeopathy grew
steadily and spilled over into his
university lectures. As physician for
the Verona soccer team, he was using injectable Traumeel and Zeel to
treat the players, sometimes even
during a match. (Perhaps coincidentally, the team won the first division
cup that year!) This was all too much
for the head of the university clinic,
who forbade Dr. Bianchi to practice
homeopathy or mention it in his
lectures. Dr. Bianchi promptly quit
his good university job to focus on
his private practice, treating thousands of patients primarily with hoJournal of Biomedical Therapy 2008 ) Vol. 2, No. 3
) 23
) Re s e a r c h H i g h l i g h t s
) 24
By Mary A. Kingzette
Introduction
More and more complementary
medications are being used in the
United States and Europe. These
complementary treatments are used
for musculoskeletal complaints, vertigo, and mild viral infections, such
as the common cold.
Presently, no universal medication
for the common cold exists. The antiviral agents available are not necessarily effective. Previous data have
shown that alternative treatments
may be as effective as conventional
treatments for the symptoms of mild
viral infections, such as the common
cold.
Engystol is a complex homeopathic
medication (active ingredients, Vin
cetoxicum hirundinaria [swallow wort]
and sulfur) that has been used as a
prophylaxis for influenza and the
common cold. Recent reports suggest that it stimulates the phagocytic
activity of granulocytes in vitro and
may increase the percentage of
interferon--producing lymphocytes
in vitro.
In this pilot study, Engystol was
compared with conventional treatments (e.g., antihistamines, antitussive medications, and nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory agents) for the
common cold. The study was nonrandomized and observational, and
the duration was 2 weeks or less.
Because of this design, the patient
groups were not comparable for all
variables at baseline, confounding
the analysis of results. Therefore,
) Re s e a r c h H i g h l i g h t s
ences between the 2 study groups.
Patients in the Engystol group
weighed less and had lower incidences of tracheitis and acute bronchitis than those in the control
group, whereas patients in the control group had a slightly lower fatigue score than those in the Engystol group. However, once propensity
score stratification was applied, these
differences were no longer significant.
The homeopathic study group received Engystol tablets, generally 3
times a day. The dosage was not
fixed, and 73.7% of the patients intermittently increased the dosage.
The control group most commonly
received paracetamol/acetaminophen, aspirin, metamizol, and ibuprofen.
Additional therapies were allowed
and used by both groups. In the
Engystol group, the most common
supplementary therapies included
menthol- or chamomile-based inhalations, vitamins, sympathomimetic
decongestants, and antipyretic/analgesic agents. In the control group,
the most common supplementary
therapies included cough remedies
(antitussive agents/expectorants),
menthol- or chamomile-based inhalations, vitamins, and decongestants.
The results of the study showed no
statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for
Discussion
Based on this exploratory, nonrandomized, observational study,
Engystol treatment was not inferior
to conventional treatments for the
Reference
) 25
) Making of
By Iris Woock
o ensure the safety of homeopathic medications, the manufacturing process is very strictly
regulated by law. In particular, producers must adhere to the following
rules and standards:
the German Homeopathic
Pharmacopoeia (HAB, Ho
mopathisches
Arzneibuch),
which contains detailed instructions for producing mother tinctures and potencies
the European Pharmacopoeia
(Ph. Eur.), which describes the
production of each dosage form
and the physical and microbiological testing required
GMP Guidelines (Good Manufacturing Practice), which ensure
the quality of pharmaceutical
production processes and the
production environment
The manufacture of bottled Euphorbium comp.-Nasal Spray begins
with written production instructions
for implementing each process step.
These instructions ensure that all
process steps are reproducible and
always completed in the same way.
Journal of
) Making of
All steps are very carefully monitored and documented in the production report according to the
principle of dual control: for safety
reasons, all critical steps are always
checked and documented by a second person.
On the basis of the production instructions, the first step is production of a mother tincture through
extraction (plant materials) or solution or trituration (minerals).
The mother tincture is then tested in
the laboratory (for identity, relative
density, dry residue, heavy metals,
pesticides, microbial impurities, etc.)
and must conform to test specifications before it is released for further
processing.
Mother tinctures are then potentized
with an ethanol/water mixture in
accordance with HAB regulations.
The carrier for the last two potentizations is purified water because
ethanol would irritate the nasal mucosa. Individual potencies are then
blended, and the resulting potency
mixture is combined with a base of
isotonic salt solution to form the nasal spray mixture. Some formulas
contain an additional preservative.
Now the bulk product is finished.
Filling is accomplished under a laminar flow hood, where a stream of
ultra-clean air displaces any air that
might contaminate the product with
germs. But first the finished mixture
is filtered and samples are drawn for
testing in the quality control lab.
Test parameters include Hazen color
Tamper-proof seal
Finally, to maximize ease of use for
patients, spray heads with sealed
patented caps are applied to the
filled bottles. An unbroken seal ensures that the bottle has not been
opened before the patient uses it for
the first time.
) 27
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