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Arsenicum album potencies were investigated in-vitro, using a continuous cell line (MT4), pre-intoxicated with arsenic trioxide (As2O3), and then treated with succussed and unsuccussed homeopathic potencies, 6CH, 30CH, and 200CH. This study aimed to verify the homeopathic law of similars and to determine whether potencies diluted beyond Avogadro’s constant had physiological effects on cells; whether various potencies would cause different effects as suggested by the concept of hormesis; whether succussed and unsuccussed homeopathic potencies had different effects on the cells; and to establish whether a biotechnological method could be used to evaluate the above. As2O3was used to pre-intoxicate and the MTT assay was used to measure the percentage cytotoxicity and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the cells. The homeopathic potencies of Arsenicum album(6CH, 30CH, and 200CH) were prepared by either succussing or allowing to diffuse for 30 s. After pre-intoxication of the MT4 cells with the IC50 As2O3 and treatment with succussed and unsuccussed Arsenicum album (6CH-200CH), the cell viability increased with increasing potency from 81% to 194% (over 72 h). The treatments and the times of exposure were found to be statistically significant determinants of cell viability, whereas succussion did not cause any significant variation in the results. The study provided evidence that a biotechnological method (namely cell viability) may be used to scientifically evaluate the physiological effects of homeopathic potencies on human cells; it confirmed that the homeopathic potencies did have therapeutic effects, and that succession was not required in the potentization method in order to produce a curative remedy.[1]
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Arsenicum album (Arsen. alb.) is a solution prepared by diluting aqueous arsenic trioxide generally until there is little or no arsenic remaining in the solution. It is used by homeopaths to treat a range of symptoms that include digestive disorders and, as an application of the homeopathic Law of Similars has been suggested by homeopaths as a treatment for arsenic poisoning.[2]Since the arsenic oxide in a homeopathic preparation is normally non-existent, it is considered generally safe, although cases of arsenic poisoning from poorly prepared homeopathic treatments sold in India have been reported.[3] When properly prepared, however, the extreme dilutions, typically to at least 1 in 1024, or 12C in homeopathic notation, mean that statistically it is extremely unlikely that any pill contains even a molecule of the original arsenic used.[4] While some small, unblinded studies have claimed an effect on reducing arsenic toxicity, they do not recommend its large-scale use,[4][5] and studies of homeopathic remedies have been shown to generally have problems that prevent them from being considered unambiguous evidence.[6]There is no known mechanism for how Arsenicum album could remove arsenic from a body, and there is insufficient evidence for it to be considered effective medicine (for any condition) by the scientific community.[7]
Uses/ Indications of Arsenicum Album
- For homeopathic use, Arsenicum album is prepared by separating arsenic from iron (as in arsenopyrite), cobalt, or nickel by baking at high temperatures. The powder is then ground and diluted with lactose. In the final dilution, statistically most pills will contain zero molecules of the original arsenic used; some might contain a single molecule. The final product is sold as tinctures (liquid), tablets, pellets, or powder.
- Key homeopathic uses include treating anxiety and “fear caused by insecurity”, digestive disorders and mucosal infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, and ailments characterized symptomatically by burning pain. It was also used once for treatment of syphilis.[8]
- Treating a certain type of leukemia (acute promyelocytic leukemia). A specific prescription-only intravenous medication is used for this purpose.
- Food poisoning
- Insomnia
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Psoriasis
- Syphilis
- Asthma
- Rheumatism
- Hemorrhoids
- A cough
- Itchy skin
The dosage of Arsenicum Album
Adults (18 years and older)
- Note: Homeopathic Arsenicum album remedies are available as tablets, pilules (small pills), powder, granules, and liquid. Arsenicum album is prepared from arsenic trioxide powder (As2O3) mixed with lactose. This material is then diluted, with concentrations expressed as “centesimal,” where one centesimal (1c) represents a 1:100 dilution.
- For anxiety, a single dose of 200 CH (unit not defined) of homeopathic Arsenicum album has been taken by mouth.
- For fatigue with restlessness, 30c Arsenicum album has been taken by mouth two times daily for up to 14 days.
- For fear, 6c Arsenicum album has been taken by mouth every two hours for up to 10 doses.
- For poisoning (arsenic), doses of 30-200c Arsenicum album have been taken by mouth.
- For stomach flu (with vomiting and diarrhea), 6c Arsenicum album has been taken by mouth every hour for up to 10 doses, without satisfactory evidence from human studies.
Children (under 18 years old)
- Avoid Arsenicum album in children, due to lack of scientific evidence. Arsenicum album preparations should be stored in a childproof container and kept out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions of Arsenicum Album
- Arsenicum album – may normalize elevated blood sugar levels in patients suspected to have arsenic poisoning. Caution is advised in such patients who also have insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar levels. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Arsenicum album – may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
- Arsenicum album – may also interact with anticancer agents or arsenic poisoning antidotes.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
- Arsenicum album – may normalize elevated blood sugar levels in patients suspected to have arsenic poisoning. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also affect blood sugar levels. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
- Arsenicum album may – increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements.
- Arsenicum album – may also interact with anticancer agents, arsenic poisoning antidotes, essential oils, or mint.
- It has been suggested that Arsenicum album not be taken
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317753/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3094698/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17628642
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19945675
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17718811
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenicum_album
- http://www.simplygoodnaturalfoods.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1226/arsenic
- https://www.britishhomeopathic.org/charity/how-we-can-help/articles/homeopathic-medicines/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1475491609000976
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229998800253
- https://books.google.com/books/about/Arsenicum_album.html?id=0EBJQwAACAAJ
- https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Effectiveness_of_Homeopathic_Arsenic.html?id=9yNGygAACAAJ
