title: Solvatochromic dyes detect the presence of homeopathic potencies.
abstract: A systematic approach to the design of simple, chemical systems for investigating the nature of homeopathic medicines has led to the development of an experimental protocol in which solvatochromic dyes are used as molecular probes of serially diluted and agitated solutions. Electronic spectroscopy has been used to follow changes in the absorbance of this class of dyes across the visible spectrum in the presence of homeopathic potencies. Evidence is presented using six different solvatochromic dyes in three different solvent systems. In all cases homeopathic potencies produce consistent and reproducible changes in the spectra of the dyes. Results suggest that potencies influence the supramolecular chemistry of solvatochromic dyes, enhancing either dye aggregation or disaggregation, depending upon dye structure. Comparable dyes lacking the intramolecular charge transfer feature of solvatochromic dyes are unaffected by homeopathic potencies, suggesting potencies require the oscillating dipole of solvatochromic dyes for effective interaction. The implications of the results presented, both for an eventual understanding of the nature of homeopathic medicines and their mode of action, together with future directions for research in this area, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: DiagnOx Laboratory, Cherwell Innovation Centre, Upper Heyford, Oxon, OX25 5HD, UK. Electronic address: steven.cartwright@oxford-homeopathy.org.uk.
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Cartwright
mesh_terms: D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; D012997:Solvents
keywords: Aggregachromism; Dye aggregation and disaggregation; Homeopathic potencies; Intramolecular charge transfer; Solvatochromic dyes; Solvatochromism; Supramolecular chemistry