Abstract:
Context: The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine release and oxidative stress are validated experimental parameters used to test
anti-infl ammatory activity. We investigated the effects of homoeopathic mother tinctures, 6 CH, 30 CH and 200 CH dilutions of Arnica montana,
Thuja occidentalis and Bryonia alba against LPS (1 μg/ml)-induced cytokine release from RAW-264.7 cells and human whole-blood culture.
Materials and Methods: For in vivo evaluations, mice were orally treated with 0.1 ml drug dilutions twice a day for 5 days followed by an
intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg/kg LPS. After 24 h, the mice were sacrifi ced and serum levels of pro-infl ammatory cytokines and nitric oxide
were determined. The extent of oxidative stress was determined in the liver homogenates as contents of reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde,
superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results: The tested drug dilutions signifi cantly reduced in vitro LPS-induced release of tumour necrosis
factor-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6 from the RAW-264.7 cells and human whole blood culture. Similar suppression of cytokines was
evident in mice serum samples. These drugs also protected mice from the LPS-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue. Conclusions: Our
fi ndings substantiate the protective effects of Arnica, Thuja and Bryonia homoeopathic dilutions against LPS-induced cytokine elevations and
oxidative stress. This study authenticates the claims of anti-infl ammatory effi cacy of these homoeopathic drugs.
