Effect of ultra-diluted nux vomica and cyclophosphamide solutions on the genotoxicity of allopathic cyclophosphamide

Abstract

Homeopathic medicines comprise the use of pharmacotechnical processes that promote successive dilutions, followed by grinding or agitation of compounds. The purpose of this study was to assess the genotoxic potential of ultra-diluted cyclophosphamide (CF) and nux vomica associated with or without allopathic CF in Swiss Webster mice, using the micronucleus test. The compounds were prepared according to the Brazilian homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Swiss Webster mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n=6) according to the compounds to be tested, and received by gavage (vehicle or CF) or by oral mucosa contact (ultra-diluted CF and nux vomica, and dynamized solutions) once a day for 7 days. After this, one of the groups treated with the dynamized compound was challenged by the administration of the allopathic CF. The dynamized ultra-diluted nux vomica and CF compounds showed lower white cell counts in mice. However, no compound was able to mitigate the genotoxic effects of CF in micronucleus assay. The dynamized compounds did not cause damage to the spleen and thymus, and when used intraperitoneally, they were able to mitigate the effect of CF on thymic cortical reduction in mice. Further studies with nux vomica and dynamized CF should be performed to better delineate their possible therapeutic potential in reducing adverse effects on chemotherapy.