Abstract:
Homeopathy is considered as one modality for cancer therapy. However, there are only very few
clinical reports on the activity of the drugs, as well as in experimental animals. Presently we
have evaluated the inhibitory effects of potentized homeopathic preparations against N’-
nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats as well as 3-
methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas in mice. We have used Ruta, Hydrastis, Lycopodium and
Thuja, which are commonly employed in homeopathy for treating cancer. Administration of
NDEA in rats resulted in tumor induction in the liver and elevated marker enzymes such as
gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, glutamate oxaloacetate
transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in the serum and in liver. Concomitant administration of
homeopathic drugs retarded the tumor growth and significantly reduced the elevated marker
enzymes level as revealed by morphological, biochemical and histopathological evaluation. Out
of the four drugs studied, Ruta 200c showed maximum inhibition of liver tumor development.
Ruta 200c and phosphorus 1M were found to reduce the incidence of 3-methylcholanthreneinduced
sarcomas and also increase the life span of mice harboring the tumours. These studies
demonstrate that homeopathic drugs, at ultra low doses, may be able to decrease tumor induction
by carcinogen administration. At present we do not know the mechanisms of action of these
drugs useful against carcinogenesis.
