Year: 2024 | Month: April-June | Volume: 9 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 53-59
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20240208
Evaluation of Anti-Cancer Potential of Homeopathic Medicines by In-Vitro Study on Human Breast, Lung and Colorectal Cancer Cells
Dr S Nandha Gopal1, Dr Amitha P Baliga2, Dr Anirban Chakraborty3
1M.D Scholar, Department of Materia Medica, Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka – Principal Investigator.
2Professor & H.O.D, Department of Materia Medica, Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka – Research Guide.
3Director, Faculty of Biological Sciences, NITTE University Centre for Science Education & Research, Paneer, Karnataka – Subject Expert.
Corresponding Author: Dr S Nandha Gopal
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to assess the cytotoxic effects of homoeopathic drugs on cancer cell lines by In-vitro experiment.
Background: Homoeopathy is a renowned therapeutic approach in many nations across the world. However, the approach has sparked much scientific discussion concerning its efficacy and methods of action. This is particularly true when it comes to the application of homeopathy in cancer treatment.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of homoeopathic remedies on cancer cells and to emphasise the therapeutic effects of 50 Millesimal potencies.
Materials & Methods: Carcinosinum, Conium maculatum, and Asterias rubens were the drugs used in 0/1 potency against the MCF 7 breast cancer cell line. Carcinosinum, Nitric acid, and Ruta were the drugs in 0/1 potency used against the HCT 116 colorectal cancer cell line and the NCI-H460 lung cancer cell line. 90% alcohol medicated on poppy-sized globules, dried fully and used as a control for all cell lines. The cytotoxicity has been assessed using the standard MTT test.
Results: The LC50 values of the medicines tested on breast and lung cancer cells were not obtained up to 40000 ppm concentrations, as a result, cytotoxicity evaluation was not possible. The LC50 values of the medicines tested on Colo-rectal cancer cells were obtained around 20,000 ppm concentration and showed a gradual increase in Cell Death with increasing Concentration of exposure of the drugs. As a result, these drugs revealed cytotoxic qualities as well as anti-cancer actions.
Conclusion: Despite the objective facts, we cannot reach a definite conclusion about the anti-cancer effectiveness of these drugs in vitro because several aspects of homeopathy's action are unlikely to be replicated in In-vitro study. Determination of reasons for the same or understanding the molecular mechanism of resistance of the cell lines to the cytotoxic effects of the drugs were not within the purview of the study and these can be addressed in future studies.
Keywords: Homeopathy, Cancer, MCF-7, HCT 116, NCI-H 460, In-Vitro, Carcinosinum, Conium maculatum, Asteria rubens, Ruta graveolens, Nitric acid, 50 Millesimal Potency, MTT Assay.