Phytolacca decandra 30 CH dilution as an anticancer agent in murine mammary adenocarcinoma model

Abstract

Homeopathy is an effective and safe therapy that provides better quality of life and reduces the adverse effects of conventional therapy used in different diseases. However, there are few published studies showing effects of homeopathic medicines in cancer models. Considering the principle like cures like the Phytolocca decandra causes similar symptoms to those presented in cancer subjects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of homeopathic preparations of Phytolacca decandra in the development of murine mammary tumor. For this, 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the inguinal breast of female BALB/c mice. Then, mice were blind treated with water containing only vehicle (control) or vehicle with Phytolacca decandra dilutions (6CH, 12CH, 30CH or 200cH). Tumor growth was monitored in alternated days during 21 days after tumor cells inoculation. Then, mice were euthanized and tumor, spleen, and lungs were removed to histological analyses. Results showed that animals treated with 30CH when compared with other groups exhibited tumor growth delay and smaller tumor weight, less vascularization and smaller relative weight of the spleen and pulmonary metastases. Together, results obtained in this pilot study demonstrated that treatment with Phytolacca decandra 30CH dilution induces delayed of breast tumor growth suggesting that this dilution may be a promising alternative therapy in the treatment of breast cancer.