Characterization and haemocompatibility of Aurum metallicum for its potential therapeutic application

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to characterize homoeopathic nanomedicine Aurum metallicum and evaluate its biocompatibility, to explore its possible application as injectables. Metal‑based homoeopathic medicine, Aurum metallicum, was chosen as a model drug and the haemocompatibility of the drug at three different potencies 6C, 30C, and 200C were studied to find the justification of the drug as an injectable candidate for clinical application. Methods: The model drug Aurum metallicum at the three potencies was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X‑ray analysis. Hemocompatibility of the homoeopathic medicine was performed by haemolysis assay. Red blood cell obtained from fresh human blood by centrifugation was incubated with Aurum metallicum. Haemoglobin release was measured using UV‑vis spectrophotometer at 540 nm. Results: The DLS and FESEM studies show a decrease of particle size with increasing potency. The zeta potential values show a fairly constant value measured at an interval of 10 days. The haemolysis percentage for 6C, 30C, and 200C was 9.73%, 8.16%, and 0.73%, respectively. Conclusion: The nanomedicine Aurum metallicum was nontoxic at all doses of 6C, 30C, and 200C. The haemolytic percentage also shows that 200C is nonhemolytic, showing haemolysis <2% as per the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines. The undertaking of larger controlled and in‑depth qualitative studies is warranted.