The in vitro evidence for an effect of high homeopathic potencies—A systematic review of the literature

Summary 

Objective

Systematic assessment of the in vitro research on high potency effects.

Method

Publications of experiments were collected through databases, experts, previous reviews, citation tracking. Inclusion criteria: stepwise agitated dilutions <10⁻²³; cells or molecules from human or animal. Experiments were assessed with the modified SAPEH score.

Results

From 75 publications, 67 experiments (1/3 of them replications) were evaluated. Nearly 3/4 of them found a high potency effect, and 2/3 of those 18 that scored 6 points or more and controlled contamination. Nearly 3/4 of all replications were positive. Design and experimental models of the reviewed experiments were inhomogenous, most were performed on basophiles.

Conclusions

Even experiments with a high methodological standard could demonstrate an effect of high potencies. No positive result was stable enough to be reproduced by all investigators. A general adoption of succussed controls, randomization and blinding would strengthen the evidence of future experiments.

Keywords: Homeopathy, Potency, Dynamization, Basic research, Quality assessment, Quality score, Modified SAPEH, BEPEV, Cell-free systems, Non-cellular, Cultured cells, Basophiles, Neutrophiles, Lymphocytes, In vitro