Effects of an anthroposophical remedy on cardiorespiratory regulation.
BACKGROUND
The human organism has the inherent ability to regulate and coordinate physiological functions to establish well-being. If this ability is disturbed, eg, in cases of orthostatic syndrome with purely functional disorders, an herbal remedy based on anthroposophical medicine may be able to regulate such rhythmic disturbances.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of the anthroposophical herbal remedy on stimulating the ability to regulate and coordinate physiological functions in healthy subjects.


METHODS
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial


METHODS
Ninety-nine healthy subjects; 49 received the remedy, 50 received the placebo.


METHODS
Oral administration of the remedy for 4 weeks, 20 drops 4 times daily.


METHODS
Cardiorespiratory interaction was analyzed by 2 measures: the heart-respiratory ratio and the phase-coordination ratio of heartbeat and respiration. They were calculated from heart rate and respiratory rate, which were derived from 24-hour electrocardiogram recordings before and after the administration of the remedy. Improved normalization of these measures during nighttime sleep after administration of the remedy indicates a stimulation of regulation.


RESULTS
Oral administration of the remedy resulted in an improved normalization of heart-respiratory ratio, phase-coordination ratio and heart rate during nighttime sleep. These results were not observed in the placebo group.


CONCLUSIONS
The remedy stimulates the regulation of cardiorespiratory interaction during nighttime sleep. Furthermore, improved normalization indicates a general improvement of the regulatory processes of functional rhythms.
Cysarz
Dirk
D
Department of Clinical Research, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus, Herdecke, Germany.
Heckmann
Christian
C
Bettermann
Henrik
H
Kümmell
Hans-Christoph
HC
D000328:Adult; D000887:Anthroposophy; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D032304:Hyoscyamus; D008297:Male; D031183:Onopordum; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D031825:Primula; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects*
D028321:Plant Preparations