Abstract
Introduction There are two critical pillars of homeopathy that contrast with the dominant scientific
approach: the similitude principle and the potentization of serial dilutions. Three
main hypotheses about the mechanisms of action are in discussion: nanobubbles-related
hormesis; vehicle-related electric resonance; and quantum non-locality.
Objectives The aim of this paper is to review and discuss some key points of such properties:
the imprint of supramolecular structures based on the nanoparticle-allostatic, cross-adaptation-sensitization
(NPCAS) model; the theory of non-molecular electromagnetic transfer of information,
based on the coherent water domains model, and relying (like the NPCAS model) on the
idea of local interactions; and the hypothesis of quantum entanglement, based on the
concept of non-locality.
Results and Discussion The nanoparticles hypothesis has been considered since 2010, after the demonstration
of suspended metal nanoparticles even in very highly diluted remedies: their actual
action on biological structures is still under scrutiny. The second hypothesis considers
the idea of electric resonance mechanisms between living systems (including intracellular
water) and homeopathic medicines: recent findings about potency-related physical properties
corroborate it. Finally, quantum theory of ‘non-local’ phenomena inspires the idea
of an ‘entanglement’ process among patient, practitioner and the remedy: that quantic
phenomena could occur in supra-atomic structures remains speculative however.
Conclusion Further studies are needed to ascertain whether and which of these hypotheses may
be related to potential cellular effects of homeopathic preparations, such as organization
of metabolic pathways or selective gene expression.
Keywords
homeopathy - exclusion zone water - water coherence domains - nanoparticles - structure
of water - quantum entanglement - critical review
