In vitro Investigations on Effects of Potencies of Arsenicum album on Cell Cultures by Use of the MTT Assay

Author(s): Dittmann, J., Schütte, A., Bauer, J., Harisch, G.

Abstract: Introduction: The vitality and activity of cells kept in cell cultures can be examined by the MTT assay using the catalytic activity of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase as indicator. The applicability of the MTT assay for the clarification of questions relevant for homoeopathy is studied. Objective: The main target of the investigations was to prove whether potencies of arsenicum album influence the vitality and activity of cells kept in cell cultures. Methods: Potencies of the homoeopathic remedy arsenicum album produced in water or lactose were applied to adherent and immortalized EBL, HeLa and MDBK cells. After an incubation time varying from 24 to 96 h the vitality of cells was determined by the MTT assay. Results: 1. With the system described inhibiting effects of aqueous potencies of arsenicum album on cell activity can be observed up to a D6. 2. Using lactose potencies of arsenicum album such inhibiting effects were only found in the presence of D4. 3. None of the potencies in water or in lactose had a stimulatory effect on cell activity. 4. Cells pretreated with an aqueous D7 showed a diminished sensitivity to subsequent exposure to a toxic concentration of arsenic. 5. There was no positive effect of potencies on cell activity after a preceding exposure to a toxic concentration of arsenic. Conclusions: In principle, it is possible to use cells kept in cell cultures as indicators for effects caused by homoeopathically prepared substances. In spite of specific limitations an advantage of the detection system chosen is that it allows simultaneous testing of a great number of reaction assays.

Keyword(s): Arsenicum album

Zurück | Weiter