Michael Weiser

INHIBITION OF IL-1BETA AND TNF-ALPHA SECRETION FROM RESTING AND ACTIVATED HUMAN IMMUNOCYTES BY THE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICATION TRAUMEEL S

Abstract Traumeel® S (Traumeel), a mixture of highly diluted (10-1-10-9) extracts from medicinal plants and minerals is widely used in humans to relieve trauma, inflammation and degenerative processes. However, little is known about its possible effects on the behavior of immune cells. The effects of Traumeel were examined in vitro on the ability of resting and PHA-, PMA- or TNF-α-activated human T cells, monocytes, and gut epithelial cells to secrete the prototypic pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8 over a period of 24-72 h. Traumeel inhibited the secretion of all three agents in resting, as well as activated immune cells. IL-β secretion was reduced by up to 70% in both resting and activated cells; TNF-α secretion was reduced by up to 65 and 54%, respectively, and IL-8 secretion was reduced by 50% in both resting and activated cells (P<0.01 for all cells). Interestingly, the effect appeared to be inversely dose-related; maximal inhibition (usually 30-60% inhibition; P<0.01) was seen with dilutions of 10-3-10-6 of the Traumeel stock material. This finding suggests that Traumeel does not inhibit immune cells functions by exerting a toxic effect. Indeed, Traumeel did not affect T cell and monocyte proliferation. Although additional studies are needed to clarify the mode of action of Traumeel and to demonstrate causative relationship between the inhibition of cytokine/chemokine secretion in cell culture and the reported clinical effects of the preparation, our in vitro results offer a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effects of Traumeel observed in clinical use.

Behandlung von Entzündungen im Bereich der oberen Atemwege – Vergleich eines homöopathischen Komplexpräparates mit Xylometazolin

Introduction: The primary objective of treatment of inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract (rhinitis, uncomplicated sinusitis) with local decongestants is to relieve obstruction and to improve associated symptoms. Restoration of unrestricted respiration and drainage of the nasal sinuses reduce the risk of further complications (i.e. chronicity). Objective: To determine whether the therapeutic effects of the homeopathic complex remedy Euphorbium compositum nasal drops SN are comparable to those of xylometazoline with respect to efficacy and tolerability. Methods: Open, multicenter, prospective, active-controlled cohort study in patients with inflammatory processes and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The primary outcome was to demonstrate non-inferiority of the homeopathic complex remedy to xylometazoline. Results: Clinically relevant reductions in the intensities of disease-specific symptoms were observed with both therapies. Non-inferiority of the homeopathic complex remedy to xylometazoline could be shown for all studied variables and in no case did the lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval cross the threshold of 0.5 score points. Tolerability was good with for both therapies. Conclusions: This cohort study indicates a comparable efficacy and tolerability profile of the homeopathic complex remedy Euphorbium compositum nasal drops SN and the reference substance xylometazoline in patients with inflammatory processes and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Einfluss von homöopathisch aufbereitetem Coenzym Q10 auf die Proliferation und Redifferenzierung von Endothelzellen

Influence of Homeopathically Processed Coenzyme Q10 on Proliferation and Redifferentiation of Endothelial Cells Background: Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) is vital for regulating cell metabolism and cell proliferation. The controlled proliferation of cells is prerequisite for the regeneration of tissues. Aim: The aim of this study was to clarify whether homeopathically processed Co Q10 has an influence on the proliferation of freshly seeded endothelial cells, on the division rate of differentiated confluent endothelial cells, and on the redifferentiation of differentiated endothelial cells in vitro. Methods: By the determination of cell numbers, the influence of Co Q10 on the proliferation of undifferentiated endothelial cells from the human umbilical vein was examined. For this assay different potencies of Co Q10 and freshly seeded endothelial cells were used. Prior to the proliferation assay the in vitro cytotoxic concentrations of Co Q10 were determined. The influence of Co Q10 on the division rate of differentiated confluent endothelial cells was determined by measuring the intake of the base analogue bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). For the testing of differentiation, the expression of the von Willebrand factor (vWF) - the marker protein typical for endothelial cells - was observed while Co Q10 was present. A flow cytometric assay was used for the analyses. Results: While only the D5 potency showed toxic effects, the other tested potencies of Co Q10 did not show any cytotoxicity. The potencies D7-D10 of Co Q10, especially the D8 potency, caused an increase in the proliferation of growing endothelial cells. By contrast, Co Q10 (D8) had no influence on the rate of incorporation of BrdU into confluent, contact-inhibited, and differentiated endothelial cells. In the case of confluent dedifferentiated cells incubated with Co Q10 (D8), no increase in the expression of the vWF was observed, either. Conclusions: Homeopathically processed Co Q10 (D8) has a stimulating influence on the proliferation of growing cells in vitro. This confirms its function in the regulation of cell metabolism and cell proliferation. The stimulating influence, however, does not extend to the redifferentiation process. Co Q10 has no effect on the low division rate of subconfluent and of confluent, contact-inhibited, differentiated endothelial cells. Furthermore the expression of endothelial cell-specific differentiation antigens on dedifferentiated endothelial cells is not influenced by Co Q10.