Hormesis and its relationship with homeopathy.
Homeopathy is an ancient and complex therapeutic method that is rediscovering its scientific foundations. Hormesis is a frequently observed phenomenon that has been rigorously reported with precise dose-response curves. The therapeutic method based on the principle of 'like cures like' should not be confused with hormesis, which has several different implications from those of homeopathy. Yet, because both these approaches to nature and medicine are very broad in scope, they do end up having some points of contact. Thus, the well-established and consolidated field of hormesis can help cast light, through its ideas and research methods, on the possible mechanisms of action of remedies in ultra-low doses.
Bellavite
Paolo
P
Department of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. paolo.bellavite@univr.it
Chirumbolo
Salvatore
S
Marzotto
Marta
M
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010600:Pharmacology / Q000379:methods; D014116:Toxicology / Q000379:methods; D015262:Xenobiotics / Q000494:pharmacology*
D015262:Xenobiotics