Research - Nosodes
A homeopathic nosode, Hepatitis C 30 demonstrates anticancer effect against liver cancer cells in vitro by modulating telomerase and topoisomerase II activities as also by promoting apoptosis via intrinsic mitochondrial pathway
Abstract
ObjectiveHomeopathic nosodes have seldom been scientifically validated for their anticancer effects. This study was conducted to examine if a recently developed hepatitis C nosode has demonstrable anticancer potential in cancer cells in vitro.
MethodsAnticancer effects of Hepatitis C 30C (Hep C 30), if any, were initially tested on three cancer cell lines, HepG2 (liver cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer) and A549 (lung cancer) and one normal liver cell line WRL-68 cells and subsequently a more thorough study using further scientific protocols was undertaken on HepG2 cells (against WRL-68 cells as the normal control) as HepG2 cells showed better anticancer response than the other two. Three doses, one at 50% lethal dose (LD50) and the other two below LD50, were used on HepG2 cells subsequently. Protocols like apoptosis induction and its possible signaling mechanism were deployed using immunoblots of relevant signal proteins and confocal microscopy, with particular reference to telomerase and topoisomerase II (Top II) activities, two strong cancer biomarkers for their direct relationship with divisional activities of cells and DNAs.
ResultsHep C 30 induced apoptosis, caused distorted cell morphology typical of apoptotic cells, increased reactive oxygen species generation and produced increased DNA nicks. Further it enhanced pro-apototic signal proteins like Bax, cytochrome c and inhibited anti-apoptotic signal proteins, Bcl-2, cytochrome c and caspase-3, changed mitochondrial membrane potential and caused externalization of phosphatidylserine. The drug also decreased expression of two cancer biomarkers, Top II and telomerase, consistent with its anticancer effect.
ConclusionHep C 30 has demonstrable anticancer effects against liver cancer cells in vitro.
Source : Journal of Integrative Medicine
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A Clinical Evaluation of a Hepatitis C Nosode in the Treatment of Hepatitis C
Abstract
Purpose: Upon identifying the need for an alternative treatment option in the management of hepatitis C to decrease viral load and improve health parameters, the investigator has developed the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nosode.
Methods: An open-label observational study in 24 HCV-positive individuals was conducted by using the HCV nosode at 30C and 50C potencies.
Results: In this clinical trial, the HCV nosode was administered to HCV-positive participants. From week 12 to week 24, the mean viral load decreased; the median viral load decreased by half, from 1,557,567.50 IU/mL to 789,265.50 IU/mL. However, at 24 weeks, the average viral load increased significantly (p = 0.2206) in the participants completing the trial. The study has shown a double population: a large set of responders with marked improvement (week 12 [p = 0.0120] and week 24 [p = 0.0304] and from week 12 to week 24 [p = 0.0028]) and a small set of nonresponders with increasing viral load (week 12 [p = 0.0120] and week 24 [p = 0.0304] and from week 12 to week 24 [p = 0.0028]). Most participants in this study showed improvement in appetite and weight gain. The treatment using the nosode was found to be safe in the tested population.
Conclusion: The HCV viral load was affected by using ultra-diluted preparation sourced from HCV, as per the Law of Similars, in responders. Further studies of longer duration in patients with uniform baseline characteristics and those that adjust the potency to the individual participant's requirement are recommended.
Source : Journal Alternative and Complementary Medicine
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