Effects of homoeopathic preparations of organic acids and minerals on the oxidative metabolism of human neutrophils

A number of different potencies of commercially available homœopathic preparations in saline solution were tested for their ability to regulate the oxidative metabolism (superoxide production) and adhesion function of human neutrophils in vitro. 15% to 30% inhibition of oxidative metabolism was caused by Sulphur 6x, Manganum phosphoricum 6x and 8x, and Magnesium phosphoricum 6x and 8x. Phosphorus slightly reduced superoxide production, with varying results in a series of experiments. Using Magnesium phosphoricum and Phosphorus, small inhibitory effects (8–11%) were noted event a high potencies. Among the organic acids, a group (Acidum malicum 4x and Acidum fumaricum 4x) enhanced superoxide production, while others either inhibited the response (Acidum citricum and Acidum succinicum, 3x and 4x) or had no effect (Acidum α-ketoglutanicum and Acidum cis-aconitum). Attempts to reproduce these effects using solutions prepared in the laboratory confirmed the inhibitory effects of Managanum phosphoricum 6x and of organic acids in the 3x, while other data indicated that critical factors in the methodology of preparation may affect the results.