THE EFFECTS OF A 45X POTENCY OF ARSENICUM ALBUM ON WHEAT SEEDLING GROWTH – A REPRODUCTION TRIAL
Mascha Bindera, Stephan Baumgartner, André Thurneysena
Background: Independent replications of preclinical investigations of homeopathic potencies are
rare. However, they are necessary tools to determine the relevant factors modulating the effects
of homeopathic potencies in preclinical systems.
Objective: The goal of the present study was to reproduce a trial published in 1997. An Italian
group of researchers investigated the effect of Arsenicum album 45x on the growth of wheat
which had been previously poisoned with a material dose of Arsenicum album. The homeopathic
treatment was associated with increased wheat shoot growth significantly different from the
control group (+24%, p < 0.001).
Materials and Methods: Wheat poisoned with a sublethal dose of Arsenicum album was
cultivated in either Arsenicum album 45x, water 45x, or unpotentized water. After 7 days, shoot
length was measured. Reproducibility was assessed in eight independent experiments.
Results: Arsenicum album 45x significantly inhibited wheat shoot growth (–3%) compared to
treatment with unpotentized water and water 45x (p = 0.011 and p = 0.037). Within the
experimental series performed in this reproduction trial, the effects of Arsenicum album 45x
proofed to be reproducible. The wheat seed species used did not seem to have a significant
impact on the experimental outcome.
Conclusion: The result of this replication trial is a reversal of the original study, since Arsenicum
album 45x inhibited wheat shoot growth instead of enhancing it. Nevertheless, high homeopathic
potencies may induce statistically significant effects in biological systems. However, the
magnitude and direction of these effects seem to depend on yet unknown parameters.
Key Words
Homeopathy × Isopathy × Ultra high dilution × UHD × Arsenic trioxide