Publications on experimental physical methods to investigate ultra high dilutions – an assessment on quality

Introduction: Our first evaluation of fundamental research into the physics and physiology of Ultra High Dilution (UHD) was conducted in 1994. Since then, in 2003, Becker-Witt et al.¹ conducted a more systematic evaluation of the literature and established the Score for Assessment of Physical Experiments on Homeopathy (SAPEH). While this evaluation focused on experimental methodologies, Stock-Schröer et al.,² in 2009, formulated a detailed guideline for authors on Reporting Experiments in Homeopathic Basic research (REHBaR) to promote a high standard in research as well as in its communication in scientific literature.

Method: In this paper, we evaluate publications on basic research into the physics of UHD since the decade following the presentation of the SAPEH score (2004–2014), and present the state of progress in this field.

Results: Fundamental research into the physics of UHD has been reported at a steady rate over the past 60 years. Reported research of high quality as per SAPEH scoring appears to be still the exception rather than standard.

Conclusion: Considering the importance of a fundamental understanding of what makes a UHD preparation, results of this study suggest that it may be beneficial to this field of fundamental research if grant challenges are approached in strategic way similar to other grant challenges in science.

Keywords

Assessment - Criteria catalogue - Fundamental research - Guideline - UHD

• References

• 1 Becker-Witt C., Weisshuhn T., Luedtke R., Willich S. Quality assessment of physical research in homeopathy. J Altern Complement Med 2003; 9 (01) 113-132.
• 2 Stock-Schröer B., Albrecht H., Betti L. et al. Reporting experiments in homeopathic basic research (REHBaR) – a detailed guideline for authors. Homeopathy 2009; 98: 287-298.
• 3 Poitevin B. The continuing mystery of the memory of water. Homeopathy 2008; 97: 39-41.
• 4 Endler P.C., Schulte J. Ultra High Dilution – Physics and Physiology. 1994. Kluwer Academic Publishers; 0-7923-2676-8.
• 5 Schulte J. About quality and standards in ultra high dilution research and research on homeopathy. In: Endler P.C., Schulte J. (eds). Ultra High Dilution – Physiology and Physics. 1994. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers; pp 171-176.
• 6 Bernini A., Spiga O., Ciutti A. et al. On the dynamics of water molecules at the protein solute interfaces. Homeopathy 2004; 93 (04) 199-202.
• 7 Elia V., Baiano S., Duro I., Napoli E., Niccoli M., Nonatelli L. Permanent physico-chemical properties of extremely diluted aqueous solutions of homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy 2004; 93 (03) 144-150.
• 8 Tschulakow A.V., Yan Y., Klimek W. A new approach to the memory of water. Homeopathy 2005; 94 (04) 241-247.
• 9 Elia V., Napoli E., Germano R. The ’Memory of Water’: an almost deciphered enigma. Dissipative structures in extremely dilute aqueous solutions. Homeopathy 2007; 96 (03) 163-169.
• 10 Rey L. Can low-temperature thermoluminescence cast light on the nature of ultra-high dilutions?. Homeopathy 2007; 96 (03) 170-174.
• 11 Botha I., Ross A.H.A. A nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy comparison of 3C trituration derived and 4C trituration derived remedies. Homeopathy 2008; 97 (04) 196-201.
• 12 Chikramane P.S., Suresh A.K., Bellare J.R., Kane S.G. Extreme homeopathic dilutions retain starting materials: a nanoparticulate perspective. Homeopathy 2010; 99 (04) 231-242.
• 13 Demangeat J.-L. Nanosized solvent superstructures in ultramolecular aqueous dilutions: twenty years’ research using water proton NMR relaxation. Homeopathy 2013; 102 (02) 87-105.
• 14 Elia V., Ausanio G., Gentile F., Germano R., Napoli E., Niccoli M. Experimental evidence of stable water nanostructures in extremely dilute solutions, at standard pressure and temperature. Homeopathy 2014; 103 (01) 44-50.