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Arsenicum album (Arsen. alb.) is a frequently-used homeopathic substance derived from the metallic element arsenic. It is traditionally used to treat a syndrome of bodymind symptoms that include digestive disorders (especially food poisoning), insomnia, allergies, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and it has been studied as a possible treatment for arsenic poisoning. The arsenic oxide in a homeopathic preparation is highly diluted, and so is considered generally safe, although rare reports of arsenic poisoning from poorly-prepared homeopathic treatments sold in India have been reported. When properly prepared, however, the extreme dilutions, typically to at least 1 in 10, or 12C in homeopathic notation, mean that it is extremely statistically unlikely that any pill contains even a molecule of the original arsenic used. Some studies have shown arsenicum album to reduce arsenic levels in laboratory rats and mice, but it is not considered effective medicine by the scientific community since there is no known mechanism for how arsenicum album could remove arsenic from a body.

Preparations

When used in homeopathy, arsenicum album is prepared by separating arsenic from iron (as in arsenopyrite), cobalt, and/or nickel by baking at high temperatures. The powder is then ground and diluted with milk sugar (lactose). In the final dilution, there are normally no active molecules left (with potencies of over 12C).

This diluted arsenicum album is available at health food and drug stores in various potencies, in the form of tinctures (liquid), tablets, pellets, or as a powder.

Use in homeopathy

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According to Locke and Geddes, arsenicum album is one of the fifteen most important remedies in homeopathy, and is indicated for "treating" a particular "constitutional type", named after the remedy itself. In classical homeopathy, arsenicum album types are "tense, restless ambitious individuals" with a tendency toward hypochondriasis, pessimism and a meticulous attention to neatness and detail.

Research studies

A meta-analysis of studies testing homeopathic medicines in environmental toxicology has been published. Among the "high quality studies, positive effects were reported in 50% more than than negative effects" (27 positive studies vs. 13 negative trials). However most of the studies described by the authors as "high quality" were neither randomized nor blinded. In one such study it was reported that homeopathic doses of arsenicum album were effective in helping rats excrete crude doses of arsenic out of their body. There were significant results (P<0.001) using arsenicum album 10X, 14X, and 18X, though no effect was found at the 30X potency. In a more recent study of mice poisoned with arsenic and then given arsenicum album, statistically significant reductions were reported in biochemical markers of liver damage. However, Andreas Gescher, a biochemical toxicologist interviewed by New Scientist, said "This kind of study uses a dilution so high there is hardly anything there... Is it really possible?" and went on to say that he was "extremely skeptical", but also called the study "interesting". The researcher, Khuda-Bukhsh told New Scientist that the homeopathic remedy "can very well ameliorate the toxicity produced by arsenic oxide in mice." He also noted that if this success could be repeated in humans, it could be "a boon to society." The same group of researchers followed it up with a 2005 pilot study in Indian villagers affected by arsenic-contaminated groundwater. The authors described the results as "highly encouraging", but concluded that "More experiments... essential before recommending large-scale use".

References

1. ^ Lockie, Andrew and Geddes, Nicola. Homeopathy: The Principles and Practice of Treatment. DK Publishing, 1995. ISBN 0-7894-0148-7
2. Chakraborti, D; Mukherjee, SC; Saha, KC; Chowdhury, UK; et al. (2003). "Arsenic Toxicity from Homeopathic Treatment". Clinical Toxicology. 47 (1): 963–967. doi:10.1081/CLT-120026518. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
3. ^ Ernst E (2005). "Is homeopathy a clinically valuable approach?". Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 26 (11): 547–8. PMID 16165225.
4. ^ Khuda-Bukhsh, AR, Pathak, S, Guha, B. Can Homeopathic Arsenic Remedy Combat Arsenic Poisoning in Humans Exposed to Groundwater Arsenic Contamination?: A Preliminary Report on First Human Trial, eCAM, doi:10.1093/ecam/neh124 –
5. ^ Mallick, P, Chakrabarti (Mallick), J, Bibhas, G, Khuda-Bukhsh, AR. Ameliorating Effect of Microdoses of a Potentized Homeopathic Drug, Arsencium Album, on Arsenic-Induced Toxicity in Mice. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2003,3:7.
6. J.C. Cazin et al.. "A Study of the Effect of Decimal and Centesimal Dilution of Arsenic on Retention and Mobilization of Arsenic in the Rat," Human Toxicology, July 1987
7. Johnson T, Boon H (2007). "Where does homeopathy fit in pharmacy practice?". American journal of pharmaceutical education. 71 (1): 7. PMID 17429507.
8. Shang A, Huwiler-Müntener K, Nartey L; et al. (2005). "Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Comparative study of placebo-controlled trials of homoeopathy and allopathy". Lancet. 366 (9487): 726–732. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67177-2. PMID 36 16125589 36. {{cite journal}}: Check |pmid= value (help); Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
9. Linde, K., Jonas, W.B., Melchart, D., et al. (1994) "Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Serial Agitated Dilutions in Experimental Toxicology," Human and Experimental Toxicology, 13:481-92
10. J.C. Cazin et al.. "A Study of the Effect of Decimal and Centesimal Dilution of Arsenic on Retention and Mobilization of Arsenic in the Rat," Human Toxicology, July 1987.
11. P. Turner, Homoeopathic Medicines and Antidotes: Some Controlled Investigations, Human Toxicology (1987)6,267-8. This is an editorial by the journal's editor, who is very highly regarded. He wrote, "the homoeopathic preparation of arsenic appeared to be active in increasing arsenic excretion...if these results are confirmed in further studies, they could provide an experimentalmodel for investigating the mechanims underlying this unexpected phenomenon."
12. ^ Bhattacharya, Shaoni (22 October 2003). "Homeopathy reduces arsenic poisoning in mice". New Scientist News Service. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
13. "Remedy 'cures arsenic poisoning'". BBC news service. Retrieved 2008-01-28.
14. http://www.medicinescomplete.com/journals/fact/current/fact1301a08g02sr02.htm

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