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Homeopathy uses the "similitude principle" to arouse a therapeutic reaction in the body against its own disorders. For this to occur optimally, the medicinal pathogenetic effects must present similarity with the totality of the individual's symptoms. To assess if this similarity has been successfully achieved, Hahnemann states that "improvement in the disposition and mind"­i.e., subjective well-being­is the most important parameter to consider. Aim Our aim was to perform a narrative review of the literature, exploring what is known about subjective well-being as a marker of therapeutic action, and to formulate ways in which subjective well-being might be quantifiable and applied in future homeopathy research. The concept of subjective well-being has been extensively studied in the complementary and conventional medical literature. Improved well-being has been observed in clinical trials, including those in the fields of positive psychology and meditation. Positive subjective outcomes of this nature are supported by objective evidence through associated changes in brain oscillatory activity using electroencephalography and/or "brain mapping" by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neurophysiological responses in the brain have been identified in subjects after they ingested a homeopathic medicine. The concept of subjective well-being is supported by a body of literature and is a measurable entity. When viewed from the perspective of electrophysiological changes, brain activity is an objective neurophysiological biomarker with a potential to quantify individual well-being in the context of homeopathy research.

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En el panorama de la salud, el cuerpo humano, en su estado natural, se revela como una intrincada unidad que opera en armonía para mantener el equilibrio dinámico. Sin embargo, esta homeostasis puede verse afectada, dando lugar a la dualidad y a trastornos que comprometen la estabilidad vital. Este artículo propone una reflexión sobre la perspectiva homeopática, destacando su enfoque único en comparación con la medicina convencional. Diferenciándose al tratar al individuo como un todo integrado, la Homeopatía reconoce la transitoriedad de la dualidad representada por las enfermedades y enfatiza la importancia de la armonía entre el cuerpo y la mente en la búsqueda de la homeostasis. Inspirada en las ideas de Hahnemann, la Homeopatía se destaca por su visión holística, rechazando el dualismo estricto y proponiendo intervenciones que van más allá de la supresión de los síntomas. Anclada en la ley de los similares, busca sustancias que reproduzcan los síntomas del paciente en un estado saludable, buscando una cura profunda y la restauración de la unidad dinámica del organismo. A pesar de los desafíos, como la resistencia y la falta de métodos de investigación universalmente aceptados, la Homeopatía persiste a nivel mundial, sugiriendo un valor único. Este artículo promueve una reflexión sobre el enfoque homeopático, enfatizando su contribución a la comprensión de la salud y su papel en el panorama terapéutico.

n the landscape of health, the human body, in its natural state, reveals itself as an intricate unity, operating harmoniously to maintain dynamic balance. However, this homeostasis can be disrupted, leading to duality and disturbances that compromise vital stability. This article reflects on the homeopathic perspective, highlighting its unique approach compared to conventional medicine. Distinguishing itself by treating the individual as an integrated whole, homeopathy recognizes the transience of duality represented by diseases and emphasizes the importance of harmony between body and mind in the pursuit of homeostasis.Inspired by Hahnemann's ideas, homeopathy stands out for its holistic view, rejecting strict dualism and proposing interventions that go beyond symptom suppression. Anchored in the Law of Similars, it seeks substances that would reproduce the patient's symptoms in a healthy state, aiming for a profound cure and the restoration of the dynamic unity of the organism. Despite challenges, such as resistance and a lack of universally accepted research methods, homeopathy persists globally, suggesting unique value. This article encourages reflection on the homeopathic approach, emphasizing

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Aconitum napellus L. is a popular medicinal plant extensively used in homeopathy. This article provides detailed morphology and microscopy, including the anatomical and histochemical features of the herb, to aid authentication and quality control. In cross-section, the root in secondary growth shows the phloem surrounded by pericyclic fibers and a well-developed xylem. The stem is irregular in outline, displaying unicellular trichomes and many free collateral vascular bundles encircling the pith. The leaf is dorsiventral, hypostomatic with anomocytic and anisocytic stomata, and shows non-glandular trichomes. The floral parts are characterized by uniseriate epidermises, homogeneous mesophyll, anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface, trichomes, and oval pollen grains. The tissue fragments in powdered herbs show these characteristics and have numerous starch grains with thimble-shaped, linear or star-shaped hilum. The detailed macroscopic and microscopic analysis provided in this study can help in the authentication and quality control of A. napellus raw materials. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Key anatomical, micromorphological, and microchemical features of Aconitum napellus are described. The results of the study can support the taxonomy of the genus Aconitum. Morphological standardization of the species reported here is helpful in the quality control of this herb.

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A Homeopatia é um sistema terapêutico baseado no princípio da similitude. A experimentação sistemática de substâncias em pessoas sadias permite conhecer os sintomas que elas provocam (patogenesia). A reunião de diferentes patogenesias forma as Matérias Médicas, dentre as quais destaca-se como referência até hoje The Guiding Symptoms of Our Materia Medica, de Constantine Hering. Objetivo: Avaliar a concordância da experimentação atual de um medicamento homeopático (Agaricus muscarius) com os dados constantes em Matéria Médica de referência. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma experimentação patogenética breve no formato de um ensaio randomizado duplo- -cego, placebo-controlado com cross-over. Foi experimentado o medicamento Agaricus muscarius na dinamização 30 CH. A experimentação teve duração de 8 semanas. Os sintomas foram classificados, graduados e ordenados para análise estatística. Foram utilizados os testes de Kolgomorov- Smirnov para normalidade dos dados e t de Student e ANOVA para comparação entre grupos. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos da Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul. Resultados: Não foi encontrada diferença significativa entre os escores de correspondência de sintomas dos participantes com a Matéria Médica quando usaram medicamento e quando usaram placebo. Mais da metade dos sintomas teve um grau moderado a alto de correspondência com a Matéria Médica (59,4%) e um grau elevado de associação com o uso do medicamento (53,1%). Conclusão: A reexperimentação de Agaricus muscarius produziu sintomas em sua maioria correspondentes àqueles registrados em Matéria Médica de referência e com alto grau de associação ao uso do medicamento.

Homeopathy is a therapeutic system based on the similitude principle, Systematic substance experimentation in healthy subjects allows knowing the symptoms they cause (pathogenesis). The assemblage of various pathogeneses yields homeopathic therapeutic compendia called Materia Medica, among which The Guiding Symptoms of Our Materia Medica, by Constantine Hering, remains an important reference. Objective: Evaluate the concordance between the present experimentation of a homeopathic medicine (Agaricus muscarius) and the data from a referential Materia Medica. Methods: A brief pathogenetic experimentation was performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo- -controlled cross-over trial. The medicine Agaricus muscarius was experimented as 30 CH dynamization. The experimentation lasted for 8 weeks. Symptoms were classified, graded and ordered for statistical analysis. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for data normality and t-Student test and ANOVA for between-group comparison. The research was approved by the Human Beings Research Ethics Committee from the Foundation Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul. Results: No significant differences in symptom correspondence scores were noted when participants were administered remedy vs placebo. More than half of experimentation pathogenesis symptoms had a moderate to high correspondence degree to the Materia Medica (59,4%) and a high association degree to the use of remedy (53,1%). Conclusion: Reexperimentation of Agaricus muscarius has produced symptoms mostly correspondent

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Dentre as várias vertentes de pesquisa e prática homeopática pós-hahnemanniana, a Homeopatia Constitucional leva em consideração os aspectos morfofisiológicos: a biotipologia, o temperamento, as diáteses, não como noções absolutas, mas inseridas no seu devido lugar dentro da Doutrina e Técnicas de aplicação da Homeopatia. O conceito básico persiste sendo a semelhança precisa entre os sinais de um remédio e os mesmos sinais encontrados num paciente. A gravidez é um estado fisiológico que resulta na formação de um ser do qual podemos conhecer os progenitores. É uma oportunidade de abordar este ser diante das imperfeições de terreno que lhes podem ser transmitidas. A homeopatia é a única terapêutica prática, pois é inofensiva à criança e conduz um tratamento "eugênico", permitindo que a criança seja bem constituída.

Among the various aspects of post-Hahnemannian homeopathic research and practice, Constitutional Homeopathy considers morphophysiological aspects: biotypology, temperament and diatheses, not as absolute notions, but inserted in their due place within the Doctrine and Application Techniques of Homeopathy. The basic concept remains the precise similarity between the signs of a medicine and the same signs found in a patient. Pregnancy is a physiological state that results in the formation of a being whose parents we can know. It is an opportunity to approach this being in the face of the imperfections of the terrain that can be transmitted to them. Homeopathy is the only practical therapy, as it is harmless to the child and provides a "eugenic" treatment, allowing the child to be well constituted.

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Os desastres naturais tem se intensificado nas últimas décadas causando impactos sobre a saúde humana e todas as esferas: física, psíquica e espiritual. Dentre as diferentes abordagens terapêuticas a Homeopatia surge como uma opção suave, segura, duradoura e de baixo custo. O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar as possibilidades de utilização da abordagem e dos medicamentos homeopáticos nestes eventos. Para tanto consideramos a Homeopatia aplicada nos diferentes níveis de atuação e complexidade dos cuidados à saúde. Concluindo, salientamos que a Homeopatia e os Médicos Homeopatas podem e devem participar nas ações de acolhimento e cuidado à saúde das pessoas direta ou indiretamente atingidas por este trágico evento.

Natural disasters have intensified in recent decades, causing impacts on human health and all spheres: physical, psychological and spiritual. Among the different therapeutic approaches, Homeopathy appears as a gentle, safe, long-lasting and low-cost option. The objective of this article is to show the possibilities of using the homeopathic approach and medicines in these events. To this end, we consider Homeopathy applied at different levels of activity and complexity of health care. In conclusion, we emphasize that Homeopathy and Homeopathic Doctors can and should participate in welcoming and caring for the health of people directly or indirectly affected by this tragic event.

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Este artigo tem como objeto o papel da narração das histórias de vida dos pacientes durante a consulta homeopática na promoção da saúde e produção de autonomia dos sujeitos. Objetivos e Metodologia: A partir da abordagem sócio-histórica, foi realizada revisão de literatura narrativa, a fim de identificar os limites e as possibilidades do ato de narrar na racionalidade médica homeopática para a produção de subjetividades e autonomia na trajetória singular de cada indivíduo levar sua vida. Considerações Finais: Há atualidade e consonância de conceitos da racionalidade médica homeopática com o paradigma contemporâneo da promoção da saúde; as narrativas produzidas no ato da anamnese homeopática têm a potencialidade de ampliar a compreensão médica e do indivíduo para além da doença, analisando o fenômeno existencial do adoecimento. A anamnese homeopática, ao valorizar as experiências existenciais relatadas no âmbito de uma consulta, concorre para uma valorização dos sujeitos, o que contribuiria para a construção de sua subjetividade, autonomia e emponderamento.

This article focuses on the role of narrating patients' life stories during homeopathic consultations in promoting health and producing autonomy for subjects. Objectives and Methodology: Using a socio-historical approach, a narrative literature review was carried out in order to identify the limits and possibilities of the act of narrating in homeopathic medical rationality for the production of subjectivities and autonomy in the unique trajectory of each individual. your life. Final Considerations: The concepts of homeopathic medical rationality are current and consistent with the contemporary paradigm of health promotion; The narratives produced in the act of homeopathic anamnesis have the potential to expand medical and individual understanding beyond the disease, analyzing the existential phenomenon of illness. Homeopathic anamnesis, by valuing the existential experiences reported in the context of a consultation, contributes to an appreciation of the subjects, which would contribute to the construction of their subjectivity, autonomy and empowerment.

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O inconsciente coletivo é um conceito formulado por Carl G. Jung que consiste de um nível de consciência primordial, compartilhado pelos membros de comunidade no âmbito familiar, racial, social, grupal, etc. e mediado por reações humanas instintivas ancestrais que não se baseiam na experiência individual. A assim chamada Ressonância Mórfica, elaborada por Rupert Sheldrake, amplia o conceito de inconsciente coletivo, pois opera em todo o universo, envolvendo elementos de todos os reinos da natureza. Representa uma memória coletiva auto-organizada influenciada por padrões semelhantes do passado. Poderíamos inferir que a totalidade de sintomas de uma patogenesia de uma substância é também um conjunto de símbolos e arquétipos. Cada substância está ligada aos seus ancestrais de uma mesma família botânica ou animal, como também ligada à formação geológica do nosso planeta. De forma semelhante, existe uma consciência de grupo que influencia todos os membros do sistema familiar. A verdadeira individualidade psíquica da criança é uma combinação de fatores coletivos, pois não apenas o corpo da criança, mas também sua alma, provém da série dos antepassados, no sentido de que ela não pode ser distinguida individualmente da alma coletiva da humanidade. Por estar espalhada por toda a parte na alma coletiva, a criança pequena "percebe" não apenas os condicionamentos mais profundos dos pais, mas também, em um âmbito mais extenso, o bem e o mal existentes nas profundezas da alma humana. Todos nós somos influenciados pelas dinâmicas sistêmicas do mundo que nos cerca. A tendência é repetir inconscientemente os problemas do passado e levá-los adiante. Desta forma, a noção de individualidade é relativizada. Ao estudarmos os medicamentos agregando-os por algum tipo de analogia para formar grupos ou famílias seja de origem mineral, vegetal ou animal, o conjunto de características, temas, arquétipos, sensações, sintomas comuns, etc. de um determinado grupo forma um campo mórfico no espaço-tempo, a qual os pacientes por ressonância ou similitude se ligam inconscientemente. O campo eletromagnético de cada indivíduo, mediado pelos seus sistemas de crenças e campos mórficos familiares, liga-se aos campos informacionais dos mitos, dos arquétipos e do inconsciente coletivo humano similares, podendo levar ao adoecimento.

The collective unconscious is a concept formulated by Carl G. Jung that consists of a primordial level of consciousness, shared by community members in the family, racial, social, group, etc. spheres and mediated by ancestral instinctive human reactions that are not based on individual experience. The so-called Morphic Resonance, elaborated by Rupert Sheldrake, expands the concept of the collective unconscious, as it operates throughout the universe, involving elements from all kingdoms of nature. It represents a self-organizing collective memory influenced by similar patterns from the past. We could infer that the totality of symptoms of a pathogenesis of a substance is also a set of symbols and archetypes. Each substance is linked to its ancestors from the same botanical or animal family, as well as linked to the geological formation of our planet. Similarly, there is a group consciousness that influences all members of the family system. The true psychic individuality of the child is a combination of collective factors, for not only the child's body, but also his soul, comes from the series of ancestors, in the sense that it cannot be distinguished individually from the collective soul of humanity. Because it is scattered everywhere in the collective soul, the young child "perceives" not only the deeper conditionings of the parents, but also, in a wider scope, the good and evil existing in the depths of the human soul. We are all influenced by the systemic dynamics of the world around us. The tendency is to unconsciously repeat the problems of the past and carry them forward. In this way, the notion of individuality is relativized. When we study medicines by aggregating them by some kind of analogy to form groups or families, whether of mineral, vegetable or animal origin, the set of characteristics, themes, archetypes, sensations, common symptoms, etc. of a given group forms a morphic field in space-time, to which patients by resonance or similarity unconsciously attach themselves. Each individual's electromagnetic field, mediated by their belief systems and familiar morphic fields, is linked to the informational fields of similar myths, archetypes, and the human collective unconscious, and can lead to illness.

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This study evaluated the effects of feeding an ultra-diluted complex to dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Thirty multiparous pregnant dairy cows were blocked and randomly assigned to either a placebo control (CON) group or ultra-diluted complex (UD) group. The CON group received a placebo (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of expanded silicate), while the UD group received the ultra-diluted complex (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of PeriParto Transição-RealH, composed of ultra-diluted substances + vehicle: expanded silicate). Cows were evaluated from 30 days before the expected calving date until 60 days in milk (DIM) for sample and data collection. Post-partum dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by the treatment. Cows fed UD had higher DMI relative to BW. Feeding UD increased milk lactose content and decreased milk protein content. Cows fed UD had lower somatic cell counts in the third and fourth week of lactation. Cows fed UD showed a tendency for higher liver health index. Using UD during the transition period and early lactation may benefit liver and udder health of dairy cows with no detrimental effect on milk performance.

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Glyphosate is an herbicide widely used in agriculture but can present chronic toxicity in low concentrations. Artemia salina is a common bio-indicator of ecotoxicity; it was used herein as a model to evaluate the effect of highly diluted-succussed glyphosate (potentized glyphosate) in glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) exposed living systems. Artemia salina cysts were kept in artificial seawater with 0.02% glyphosate (corresponding to 10% lethal concentration or LC10) under constant oxygenation, luminosity, and controlled temperature, to promote hatching in 48 h. Cysts were treated with 1% (v/v) potentized glyphosate in different dilution levels (Gly 6 cH, 30 cH, 200 cH) prepared the day before according to homeopathic techniques, using GBH from the same batch. Controls were unchallenged cysts, and cysts treated with succussed water or potentized vehicle. After 48 h, the number of born nauplii per 100 µL, nauplii vitality, and morphology were evaluated. The remaining seawater was used for physicochemical analyses using solvatochromic dyes. In a second set of experiments, Gly 6 cH treated cysts were observed under different degrees of salinity (50 to 100% seawater) and GBH concentrations (zero to LC 50); hatching and nauplii activity were recorded and analyzed using the ImageJ 1.52, plug-in Trackmate. The treatments were performed blind, and the codes were revealed after statistical analysis. Gly 6 cH increased nauplii vitality (p = 0.01) and improved the healthy/defective nauplii ratio (p = 0.005) but delayed hatching (p = 0.02). Overall, these results suggest Gly 6cH treatment promotes the emergence of the more GBH-resistant phenotype in the nauplii population. Also, Gly 6cH delays hatching, another useful survival mechanism in the presence of stress. Hatching arrest was most marked in 80% seawater when exposed to glyphosate at LC10. Water samples treated with Gly 6 cH showed specific interactions with solvatochromic dyes, mainly Coumarin 7, such that it appears to be a potential physicochemical marker for Gly 6 cH. In short, Gly 6 cH treatment appears to protect the Artemia salina population exposed to GBH at low concentrations.

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BACKGROUND: N-of-1 studies allow the formal assessment of a patient's treatment. A single participant receives different interventions the same number of times in a crossover, double-blind, randomized design. Using this methodology, we will investigate the effectiveness and safety of a standardized homeopathy protocol in treating 10 cases of major depression. METHODS: The method is described below: Design: crossover double-blind placebo-controlled randomized N-of-1 studies, with at most 28 weeks of duration per participant. PARTICIPANTS: women and men at age over 18 years with a diagnosis of a major depressive episode given by a psychiatrist, who have presented a therapeutic response, i.e., a reduction ≥50% of the baseline depressive symptoms, self-assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory - Second Edition (BDI-II), and sustained for at least 4 weeks during an open homeopathic treatment following the protocol of the sixth edition of the Organon, with or without concomitant use of psychotropic drugs. INTERVENTIONS: individualized homeopathy following the same protocol, one globule of the fifty-millesimal potency diluted in 20 mL of 30% alcohol; placebo - 20 mL of 30% alcohol, in the same posology as homeopathy. Crossover study: the participant will go through three consecutive treatment blocks, with two random and masked treatment periods (A or B), corresponding to homeopathy or placebo. Treatment periods will have 2, 4, and 8 weeks in the first, second, and third blocks, respectively. A clinically significant worsening (characterized by an augmentation in BDI-II inclusion score ≥30%) will result in the termination of study participation and resumption of the open treatment. PRIMARY MEASURE: progression of the depressive symptoms, self-assessed by the participant using the BDI-II scale at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and analyzed throughout the study concerning homeopathy and placebo partitions. Secondary measures: score of the Clinical Global Impression Scale; mental and physical health scores assessed by the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey; participant's blind preference for treatment A or B at each block; clinical worsening; and adverse events. DATA ANALYSIS: the participant, assistant physician, evaluator, and statistician will remain blinded for the study treatments until the completion of data analysis of each study. We will follow a 10-step procedure for analyzing N-of-1 observational data of each participant and conduct a meta-analysis of the combined results. DISCUSSION: We understand that each N-de-1 study will be a chapter with its teachings in a book of ten, allowing a broader view of the effectiveness of the homeopathy protocol of the sixth edition of the Organon in treating depression.Einzelpatienten- oder "n = 1"-Studien ermöglichen die formelle Beurteilung der Behandlung eines Patienten. Bei einem einzigen Teilnehmer werden verschiedene Maßnahmen in gleicher Zahl in einem doppelblinden, randomisierten Crossover-Design angewendet. Mit dieser Methode untersuchen wir die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit eines standardisierten Homöopathie-Protokolls zur Behandlung von Major Depression in zehn Fällen.Aufbau der Studie: Doppelblinde, placebokontrollierte, randomisierte Einzelpatienten- oder "n = 1"-Studie von maximal 28 Wochen Dauer pro Teilnehmer. Teilnehmer: Frauen und Männer ab 18 Jahren mit durch einen Psychiater diagnostizierter Episode einer Major Depression und mit mindestens vier Wochen lang anhaltendem therapeutischem Ansprechen (in Form einer Reduktion der depressiven Symptome um ≥50% gegenüber Baseline laut Selbstbeurteilung mit dem Beck Depression Inventar, zweite Ausgabe [BDI-II]) unter einer offenen homöopathischen Behandlung gemäß dem Protokoll der sechsten Auflage des Organon, mit oder ohne gleichzeitige Anwendung von Psychopharmaka. Interventionen: Individualisierte Homöopathie gemäß demselben Protokoll, ein Globulus der Quinquaginta-Millesimal-Potenz, verdünnt in 20 mL 30%igem Alkohol; Placebo in Form von 20 mL 30%igem Alkohol, nach demselben Dosierungsschema wie die Homöopathie. Crossover-Studie: Der Teilnehmer durchläuft in zwei randomisierten und maskierten Behandlungszeiträumen (A oder B), die Homöopathie oder Placebo enstprechen, je drei aufeinanderfolgende Behandlungsblöcke. Innerhalb der Behandlungszeiträume umfassen der erste, zweite und dritte Block je zwei, vier beziehungsweise acht Wochen. Eine klinisch bedeutsame Verschlechterung (gekennzeichnet durch einen Anstieg des BDI-II-Scores um ≥30% gegenüber der Aufnahme) führt zum Abbruch der Studienteilnahme und zur Wiederaufnahme der offenen Behandlung. Primäre Messgröße: Verlauf der depressiven Symptome laut Selbstbeurteilung des Teilnehmers mit der BDI-II-Skala in Woche 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 und Auswertung im Verlauf der Studie nach Homöopathie-und Placebo-Abschnitten. Sekundäre Messgrößen: Score auf der Clinical Global Impression Scale; Scores für psychische und physische Gesundheit laut 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey; verblindete Teilnehmerpräferenz für Behandlung A oder B in jedem Block; klinische Ver-schlechterung und unerwünschte Ereignisse. Datenauswertung: Der Teilnehmer, behandelnde Arzt, Auswertende und Statistiker bleiben im Hinblick auf die Stu-dienbehandlungen verblindet, bis die Datenauswertung jeder Studie abgeschlossen ist. Wir werden in einem 10-schrittigen Vorgehen die "n = 1"-Beobachtungsdaten der einzelnen Teilnehmer auswerten und eine Metaanalyse der zusammengeführten Ergebnissee durchführen.Unserer Auffassung nach wird jede einzelne "n = 1"-Studie ein Kapitel mit eigenen Lehren innerhalb eines zehnteiligen Buches sein, welches eine umfassende Darstellung der Wirksamkeit des Homöopathie-Protokolls der sechsten Ausgabe des Organon zur Behandlung von Depressionen ermöglicht.

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La homeopatía es una forma de medicina con 200 años de historia. A lo largo de este tiempo, ha demostrado su capacidad para resolver problemas, a bajo costo, con un amplio alcance y con una aceptación social incuestionable. Según las estimaciones, aproximadamente 500 millones de personas utilizan la homeopatía en todo el mundo, lo que corresponde a alrededor del 7% de la población mundial. Sin embargo, aún existen obstáculos para su integración en la medicina convencional, los cuales deben ser puestos en perspectiva y eliminados. El propósito del presente artículo es contextualizar la homeopatía como una ciencia y un arte tanto en Brasil como en el resto del mundo. Analizamos algunos aspectos relevantes, como el perfil de sus usuarios, las razones para elegir la homeopatía, así como los contextos históricos y sociales para su inclusión en los sistemas educativos y de atención médica. Concluimos que la homeopatía es un sistema medico ético que ofrece un tratamiento sistémico y seguro a los pacientes, con una optima relación costo-beneficio. La homeopatía debe incluirse en las universidades, escuelas de medicina, así como en todos los niveles del sistema de atención médica, asegurando así su naturaleza histórica como especialidad médica.

Homeopathy is a medical approach with 200 years of history. Along this time it demonstrated its ability to solve problems, with low cost, broad scope and unquestionable social acceptance. According to estimates, approximately 500 million people use homeopathy worldwide, corresponding to about 7% of the world population. However, there are still hindrances to its integration into conventional medicine which need to be put into perspective and removed. The aim of the present article is to contextualize homeopathy as a science and an art in Brazil and worldwide. We analyzed some relevant aspects, such as the profile of users, their reasons to choose homeopathy, and historical and social contexts for the inclusion of homeopathy into health care and educational systems. We conclude that homeopathy is an ethical medical system that provides systemic and safe treatment to patients with optimal costbenefit ratio. Homeopathy should be included in universities, schools of medicine and at all levels of the healthcare system, thus ensuring its historical nature as a medical specialty.

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La investigación fundamental en homeopatía ha avanzado considerablemente en los últimos 20 años: desde estudios exploratorios con animales y plantas hasta la caracterización de los efectos sistémicos de los medicamentos homeopáticos y estudios in vitro con sistemas celulares aislados para evaluar los cambios en los mecanismos de adaptación celular y señalización intracelular frente a tratamientos homeopáticos variables. El número de artículos publicados a lo largo del tiempo ha permitido realizar varias revisiones sistemáticas. Recientemente, la demostración de que los medicamentos homeopáticos podrían modificar las funciones celulares a través de mecanismos epigenéticos (metilación y desmetilación de ADN) preparó el camino para un campo de investigación completamente nuevo. En paralelo, el descubrimiento de las nanopartículas y propiedades físicas específicas de las diluciones homeopáticas ha arrojado luz hacia un campo antes poco conocido, dado que se consideraba que las diluciones homeopáticas no consistían más que de agua. Así las cosas, los retos para el futuro conciernen a la demostración, o no, de la interrelación entre ambos fenómenos.

Fundamental research in homeopathy has much advanced in the past 20 years. From exploratory studies with animals and plants to the characterization of the systemic effects of homeopathic medicines and in vitro studies with isolated cell systems to assess changes in the mechanisms of cell adaptation and intracellular signaling facing variable homeopathic treatments. The amount of articles published over time enabled several systematic reviews. Recently, demonstration that homeopathic medicines might modify cell functions through epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation and demethylation) paved the road for a fully new field of research. In parallel, the discovery of nanoparticles and specific physical properties of homeopathic dilutions brought light to a previously poorly known field, as it was believed that homeopathic dilutions consist in nothing but water. Thus being, challenges for the future concern the demonstration, or not, of the interrelationship between both phenomena.

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Los efectos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas (HD, por sus siglas en inglés) son controvertidos debido a que superan el número de Avogadro. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre los efectos de las HD sobre los modelos in vitro. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en la base de datos PubMed de estudios que evaluaran las HD simples sobre modelos in vitro, publicados de 2007 en adelante. Resultados: 28 publicaciones cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión/exclusión. 26 estudios mostraron efectos evidentes de las HD simples sobre modelos in vitro. La mayor parte de tales estudios fueron realizados en países en donde la homeopatía ha alcanzado un alto nivel de institucionalización. Conclusiones: Los modelos in vitro evidencian de forma clara la actividad biológica de las HD superiores al número de Avogadro y dan cuenta de los efectos encontrados en la práctica clínica. La mayor parte de los estudios fueron realizados en países en donde la homeopatía es reconocida oficialmente, lo cual facilita el acceso a recursos para el desarrollo de la investigación.

the effects of homeopathic high dilutions (HDs) are controversial because they exceed Avogadro's number. Aim: to perform a literature review on the effects of HDs on in vitro models. Methods: a systematic search was performed in database PubMed for studies assessing simple HDs on in vitro models published from 2007 onward. Results: 28 publications met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; 26 studies demonstrated patent effects of simple HDs on in vitro models; most such studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy attained a high level of institutionalization. Conclusions: in vitro models patently evidence biological activity of HDs above Avogadro's number and account for effects found in clinical practice. Most studies were conducted in countries where homeopathy is officially recognized, which facilitates access to resources for the development of research.

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La valoración crítica de la seguridad de los medicamentos homeopáticos se ha desarrollado recientemente. Esta cuestión es relevante para la toma de decisiones de los médicos, pacientes y dependencias regulatorias de fármacos. A pesar de la aparente inverosimilitud de la acción de los medicamentos homeopáticos debido a los procesos farmacotécnicos de la dilución y agitación empleados para su preparación, existen reportes en la literatura médica convencional sobre la toxicidad de los medicamentos homeopáticos, incluyendo eventos que aparentemente ponen en riesgo la vida. Las revisiones sistemáticas de estudios clínicos controlados aleatorizados muestran que los medicamentos homeopáticos provocan más efectos adversos que el placebo, aunque leves y transitorios. El establecimiento de un sistema de monitoreo en línea para la recolección de datos sobre los efectos adversos de los medicamentos homeopáticos, herbolarios o convencionales, es relevante para una evaluación no sesgada de la información reunida a partir de los consumidores y proveedores de atención médica.

Critical appraisal of the safety of homeopathic medicines developed recently. This matter is relevant for decision making by doctors, patients and drug regulatory agencies. Despite the apparent implausibility of the action of homeopathic medicines due to the pharmacotechnical processes of dilution and agitation used for their preparation, there are reports in the conventional medical literature on the toxicity of homeopathic medicines, including apparently life-threatening events. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials show that homeopathic medicines cause more adverse effects than placebo, albeit mild and transient. Establishing an online monitoring terapéusystem for collection of data on the adverse effects of homeopathic, herbal or conventional medicines is relevant for non-biased assessment of the information gathered from consumers and health care providers.

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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.

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La valoración crítica de la seguridad de los medicamentos homeopáticos se ha desarrollado recientemente. Esta cuestión es relevante para la toma de decisiones de los médicos, pacientes y dependencias regulatorias de fármacos. A pesar de la aparente inverosimilitud de la acción de los medicamentos homeopáticos debido a los procesos farmacotécnicos de la dilución y agitación empleados para su preparación, existen reportes en la literatura médica convencional sobre la toxicidad de los medicamentos homeopáticos, incluyendo eventos que aparentemente ponen en riesgo la vida. Las revisiones sistemáticas de estudios clínicos controlados aleatorizados muestran que los medicamentos homeopáticos provocan más efectos adversos que el placebo, aunque leves y transitorios. El establecimiento de un sistema de monitoreo en línea para la recolección de datos sobre los efectos adversos de los medicamentos homeopáticos, herbolarios o convencionales, es relevante para una evaluación no sesgada de la información reunida a partir de los consumidores y proveedores de atención médica.

Critical appraisal of the safety of homeopathic medicines developed recently. This matter is relevant for decision making by doctors, patients and drug regulatory agencies. Despite the apparent implausibility of the action of homeopathic medicines due to the pharmacotechnical processes of dilution and agitation used for their preparation, there are reports in the conventional medical literature on the toxicity of homeopathic medicines, including apparently life-threatening events. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials show that homeopathic medicines cause more adverse effects than placebo, albeit mild and transient. Establishing an online monitoring terapéusystem for collection of data on the adverse effects of homeopathic, herbal or conventional medicines is relevant for non-biased assessment of the information gathered from consumers and health care providers.

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Entre los supuestos no convencionales de la homeopatía, el uso de medicamentos en diluciones altas (HD, por sus siglas en inglés) es una causa de objeciones y escepticismo entre la comunidad científica, formada dentro del paradigma de la dependencia de la dosis de la farmacología clásica. La investigación que busca evidenciar los efectos de las HD homeopáticas recurre a varios modelos experimentales (in vitro, plantas y animales). Objetivo: Describir los resultados de estudios con alta calidad metodológica que han demostrado los efectos positivos de las HD homeopáticas sobre las plantas. Métodos: Tomando como fuente de referencia las revisiones publicadas hasta 2015, actualizamos la información añadiendo datos de estudios recientes incluidos en la base de datos PubMed. Resultados: De los 167 estudios experimentales analizados, 48 cumplieron los criterios mínimos de calidad metodológica, de los cuales 29 detectaron efectos específicos de las diluciones homeopáticas altas sobre las plantas mediante la comparación con controles adecuados. Conclusiones: A pesar de que la mayor parte de los experimentos presentaba una calidad metodológica por debajo del estándar, los estudios que emplearon sistemáticamente reproducibilidad y controles negativos demostraron indiscutibles efectos significativos de las HD homeopáticas sobre las plantas.

Among the non-conventional assumptions of homeopathy, the use of medicines in high dilutions (HD) is a cause for objections and skepticism among the scientific community, trained within the dose-dependency paradigm of classic pharmacology. Research aiming at evidencing the effects of homeopathic HD has resource to several experimental models (in vitro, plants and animals). Aim: To describe the results of studies with high methodological quality that demonstrated positive effects of homeopathic HD on plants. Methods: Taking reviews published until 2015 as reference source, we updated the information through addition of data from recent studies included in database PubMed. Results: From 167 experimental studies analyzed, 48 met the minimum criteria of methodological quality, from which 29 detected specific effects of homeopathic high dilutions on plants through comparison to adequate controls. Conclusions: Despite the substandard methodological quality of most experiments, studies with systematic use of negative controls and reproducibility demonstrated significant indisputable effects of homeopathic HD on plants.

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La eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento homeopático fueron investigadas en niños con amigdalitis recurrente para la que se indicaba cirugía. Métodos: Estudio clínico prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, que incluyó 40 niños de entre 3 y 7 años de edad; 20 niños fueron tratados con medicación homeopática y otros 20 niños, con placebo. El seguimiento fue de 4 meses por niño. La evaluación de los resultados fue clínica mediante un cuestionario estándar y examen clínico el primer y último día de tratamiento. La amigdalitis recurrente se definió como ocurrencia de 5 a 7 episodios de amigdalitis bacteriana aguda al año. Resultados: Del grupo de 18 niños que completó el tratamiento homeopático, 14 no presentó episodio alguno de amigdalitis bacteriana aguda; del grupo de 15 niños que recibió placebo, 5 pacientes no presentaron amigdalitis. Esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,015). Ninguno de los pacientes presentó efectos secundarios. Conclusiones: El tratamiento homeopático fue efectivo en niños con amigdalitis recurrente, en comparación con el placebo; a 14 niños (78%) ya no se les indicó cirugía. El tratamiento homeopático no se asoció con eventos adversos.

The efficacy and safety of homeopathic treatment was investigated on children with recurrent tonsillitis justifying surgery. Methods: Prospective, randomized,double-blind clinical trial that included 40 children between ages of 3 to 7 years old;20 children were treated with homeopathic medication and 20 children with placebo. Follow up was 4 months per child. Assessment of results was clinical by means of a standard questionnaire and clinical examination on the first and last day of treatment.Recurrent tonsillitis was defined as 5 to 7 episodes of bacterial acute tonsillitis per year. Results: From the group of 18 children who completed homeopathic treatment, 14 did not present any episode of acute bacterial tonsillitis; from the group of 15 children whoreceived placebo 5 patients did not present tonsillitis; this difference was statistically significant (p= 0,015). None of the patient exhibited side effects. Conclusions: Homeopathic treatment was effective in children with recurrent tonsillitis compared to placebo, 14 children (78%) were no longer indicated surgery. Homeopathic treatment was not associated with adverse events.

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