Biological effects and physico-chemical properties of extremely diluted aqueous solutions as a function of aging-time

Abstract

This study concerns the biological effects and physico-chemical variations of extremely diluted solutions (EDS) as a function of aging-time. The biological efficacy of As₂O₃ at the 45th decimal dilution/succussion (As 45×) was tested in a wheat germination model. Ten trials were carried out from 0 to 12 months after treatment preparation, using wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.) of the Pandas variety. Seeds were pre-treated by poisoning with 0.1% As₂O₃ solution to reduce germination, to allow a better evaluation of treatment effects. The outcome variable was the number of non-germinated seeds after 96 h. The As 45×treatment aged for less than three months did not show a significant effect on wheat germination, whereas when aged for longer (3–12 months) the effect became significant. Concerning the physico-chemical characteristics, specific conductivity of As 45×aged from 0 to 12 months was measured, using nine samples for each date. The results showed a clear increasing time trend of specific conductivity, more evident when considering the last three measurements, which correspond to more than six months of aging. The physico-chemical behavior of EDS strongly supports the significant biological effects observed in a wheat model.

Keywords:

• aging-time effect
• arsenic trioxide
• conductivity
• extremely diluted solutions
• wheat germination

Acknowledgements

This work was carried out within the project no. 14/29/07 ASL NA/2 on Non Conventional Medicines (Regione Campania). The authors thank Laboratoires Boiron for their collaboration and for the grant awarded to one of the Authors (Dr Grazia Trebbi). In particular, the authors wish to thank Dr Silvia Nencioni and Dr Luigi Marrari for their advice and cooperation. The sponsors had no influence whatsoever upon design, conduct, evaluation and manuscript of this investigation.