Peter Stolz

Effects of ultrahigh dilutions of 3,5-dichlorophenol on the luminescence of the bacterium Vibrio fischeri

There is a great need for research in the field of homeopathy for laboratory test systems to investigate the actions of ultrahighly diluted biological effectors. With this in mind, we used the luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri, which is used throughout the world in testing water quality. Luminescence inhibition is utilized as a test parameter for the toxicity of a sample. We used ultrahigh dilutions (UHD) of 3,5-dichlorophenol as effector and adapted the standard test procedure for water toxicity in a way that let us evaluate very minute effects. Three groups of samples were prepared and then blinded: 45 dilutions of 3,5-dichlorophenol in steps of 10, starting with 4.2 x 10(-2) M, with vigorous shaking between dilution steps; 45 identical dilutions of 3,5-dichlorophenol without vigorous shaking; and 49 control samples of the diluent. The results of, and the discussion based on, a thorough statistical analysis led to the conclusion that an effect based on UHD, which results in an inhibition of luminescence of less than 1.5%, can be confirmed for some of the potency samples. There were both effective and ineffective samples in the three sample groups. The size of the effect was very small (ca. 1.5%), though statistically significant. The number of effective samples was significantly higher among the vigorously shaken samples than among the controls and the unshaken samples (14, 6 and 7 effective samples, respectively).

The Application of Fluorescence Excitation Spectroscopy of Whole Samples for Identification of the Culture System of Wheat and Carrots—Method, Validation, Results

ABSTRACT Systematic changes in wheat and carrots caused by organic or conventional farming were investigated by fluorescence excitation spectroscopy of whole samples. It was possible to identify the farming conditions of coded samples from scientific trials. The method developed and its validation for wheat and carrots is described.

Determination of the Physiological Amino Acid Status for Identification of the Culture System of Wheat and Carrots—Method and Validation

ABSTRACT Wheat and carrots produced by organic or conventional farming have been investigated by chemical analysis to estimate potential effects on their physiological amino acid status. The samples came from scientific field trials. The methods used are based on precise chemical analysis of substances of the N-metabolism of the plant. The approach for the differentiation and identification of samples of carrots and wheat and its validation are described. It is shown, that the significant differentiation and the correct identification of coded samples of different production conditions were possible. This was achieved by optimizing the precision and accuracy of measurement and by a view of the plant organism, which is oriented on the N-metabolism and its functions.