Effects of the homeopathic preparation Engystol on interferon-gamma production by human T-lymphocytes.
There is a growing interest in complementary medical practices, but few studies have investigated mechanisms behind the possible benefits. The effects of the homeopathic preparation Engystol on interferon-gamma producing T-lymphocytes were studied in vitro. Lymphocytes were isolated from 30 healthy human volunteers and the percentage of interferon-gamma producing cells was analysed by fluorescence activated cell sorting. Cells were treated with NaCl (control) or Engystol at concentrations from undiluted to 2%. All concentrations of Engystol increased the percentage of interferon-gamma producing lymphocytes significantly, from a mean of 20.9% +/- 10.5% to over 24%. There was no dose-dependence of the effect at the concentrations tested.
Enbergs
Heinrich
H
Institute of Physiology, Biochemistry and Animal Hygiene, University of Bonn, Germany. heinrich.enbergs@medscape.com
D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism*; D008419:Materia Medica / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology
D008419:Materia Medica; D010936:Plant Extracts; C411352:engystol-N; D007371:Interferon-gamma