Homeopathically prepared dilution of Rana catesbeiana thyroid glands modifies its rate of metamorphosis.
One strand of research on the scientific basis of homeopathy is based on inversion effects of dilutions and the biophysical properties of information transfer. A model developed by Endler, was the basis for the study of the influence of high-diluted solution (1:1026 part by weight) of thyroid glands on the rate of metamorphosis of the frog Rana catesbeiana from the no legged to four-legged stage. The glands were obtained from tadpoles and prepared according by (dilution and succussion). Similar pure hydroalcoholic solution (unsuccussed) was used as control. In order to identify significant differences in the frequencies of four-legged tadpoles, in homeopathic and control group, we used a chi-square goodness-of-fit test (P<0.01) and the cumulative risk for metamorphosis by Cox's Proportional Hazards model (P<0.05). The number of animals that reached the four-legged stage is generally smaller in the treated group, than in the hydroalcoholic control group. It was postulated that thyroid hormones transmitted information' specific to the molecules used to prepare the solution, even though the molarity was beyond Avogadro's number.
Guedes
J R P
JR
Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, SP, Brazil.
Ferreira
C M
CM
Guimarães
H M B
HM
Saldiva
P H N
PH
Capelozzi
V L
VL
D000818:Animals; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods*; D008675:Metamorphosis, Biological / Q000187:drug effects*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D011892:Rana catesbeiana; D011897:Random Allocation; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D013974:Thyroxine