In vivo study of the anti-inflammatory effect of Rhus toxicodendron

Homeopathy. 2007 Apr;96(2):95-101. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2007.03.001.

Abstract

Background: Homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox) is used in various inflammatory conditions. We screened its effect compared to succussed ethanol controls and appropriate active controls.

Method: We initially experimented with Rhus tox 6, 12, 30 and 200 cH, using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. The 6 cH dilution appeared most effective and was used in subsequent assays. We used pre-treatment and single treatment regimes in Wistar rats, and mice.

Results: We found significant reductions compared to control in carrageenan-induced paw oedema, vascular permeability, writhing induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and stress induced gastric lesions.

Conclusions: Rhus tox in homeopathic dilution appears to interfere with inflammatory processes involving histamine, prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology*
  • Capillary Permeability / drug effects
  • Carrageenan
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Edema / chemically induced
  • Edema / drug therapy*
  • Foot Diseases / chemically induced
  • Foot Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Homeopathy / methods*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Pain Measurement
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Rhus*
  • Stomach Ulcer / prevention & control
  • Toxicodendron*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Carrageenan