NEWS FEATURE

HRI London 2019 And the future of homeopathy is …?

by Lionel Milgrom PhD MARH RHom

Arguably one of the scariest cinematic moments is the last scene from Philip Kaufman’s 1978 remake of the cult horror classic The Invasion of The Body Snatchers. Donald Sutherland’s character – finally

Lionel has been a homeopath for over 20 taken over by an emotionless alien life-form (aka Big years, training at the now defunct London College of Homeopathy, and taking the Pharma, perhaps?!) – screams out unearthly cadences Orion course in advanced homeopathy. He at the approach of a last surviving human. works from home now but has laboured at Nelsons, Ainsworths, and an integrated dental practice in London’s West End. He Sounds familiar? No? Well, instant, to eschew the wonders is also a scientist (chemist; cofounding think back to the last time you and benefits of modern medicine an anticancer biotech spinout company), a science writer and, in his latest tried arguing homeopathy with in favour of homeopathy. So how incarnation, a chemistry teacher. He came a ‘sceptic’. Remember now? Of did it ever get like this? Whatever into homeopathy to ‘find out how it works’. course you do! I’ve put ‘sceptic’ in did we do wrong? Is it too late to Heading up the one-man Programme for inverted commas partly because change? Advanced Homeopathic Research, he has these self-aggrandising blowhards My sincerest apologies, dear written over 170 publications in both the scientific and CAM academic literatures have been able to (culturally?) readers! This is a story that starts at on his ideas, including many rebuttals misappropriate a word that actually the end for the benefit of those with of the so-called ‘sceptical’ case against describes their complete opposite, short attention spans … So, a little homeopathy. He wishes he’d trained as i.e. a perfectly reasonable state scene setting: It’s Summer 2019: the a mathematician, jazz/concert pianist, expressing doubt. But also, perhaps Homeopathic Research Institute’s blues harmonica player and Ninja warrior … perhaps next time around which, that person might have been a biennial knees-up has rolled into a since my last article published here, friend? Someone you took to be surprisingly warm, but neurotically is getting somewhat closer. a normal sentient humanoid? Just pre-Brexit, London. The Tower like you? Hotel hosted the HRI this year: a Then you mentioned the ‘H’ lovely venue, on the banks of Old word (cue crescendo-ing scary- Father Thames. sounding music) and all of a Thank God I didn’t have to fly sudden, you’re dealing with a off again to yet another expensive screaming totally alien being, exotically-fashionable European bearing an uncanny resemblance location! In fact, even though to the character mentioned above, on my doorstep, I hadn’t even who considers you worse than planned on going this time … too vermin for daring, even for one busy: places to go, people to see,

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An anaesthetist’s wake-up call: when bad science gives science a bad name The opening salvo in homeo- pathy’s fight-back came next with the conference’s opening session entitled ‘Does homeopathy get a fair hearing?’ For anyone remotely interested in homeopathy, perhaps the question should have been reframed as ‘Why is homeopathy constantly getting trashed?’ Professor Robert Hahn provided the answer. First though, let’s be clear: Professor Hahn is NOT a homeo- path. He is an anaesthetist with an abiding interested in medical statistics, especially how they can be manipulated to make it you know, the usual … However, women use homeopathy. All Typical response appear that there is no evidence ear bent, arm suitably twisted excellent stats, and something to of a ‘sceptic’ on for homeopathy’s beneficial effects. (and the humungous registration put a spring in any homeopath’s seeing or hearing This is done innocuously enough anything that fee mercifully paid for by a very step. Sceptics: eat your black hearts could suggest by deciding which trials are of ‘high generous donor), let’s just say I out! Then David mentioned the homeopathy methodological quality’. was ‘encouraged’ to put in an ‘B’ word. might possibly Beginning in the mid-1990s, appearance … and a good job I did! No, not Brexit – Boris. Well, have a scientific the current evidence-based era, For this was also the HRI’s tenth apparently Queen Elizabeth II’s explanation for better or worse [1], ushered (Taken from the birthday celebrations and, over the (THE most noted recipient of final scene of the in the use of meta-analyses conference’s two and a half days, homeopathy ever) 14th prime 1978 film Invasion to microscopically scrutinise the sell-out crowd of 330 delegates minister understands the need for of the Body homeopathy for evidence of from 27 countries feasted on 34 a ‘wider range of health options’ Snatchers) medically beneficial effects [2]. oral and 48 poster presentations. to be made available to the British So, starting in 1997, Linde et al The HRI’s organising committee public. Whether that might include meta-analysed 89 clinical trials definitely pulled out all the stops homeopathy returning to NHS that showed an overall odds ratio and put on a good show, suggesting provision was not made completely of 2.45 in favour of homeopathy recent rumours of its impending clear, but then David is always over placebo [3]. So far, so good. demise, if not a little pointed, good for a rousing huzzah to get The trials, however, were con- like Mark Twain’s, are perhaps any function going … but, really, sidered to be of varying methodo- somewhat exaggerated? Even so, Boris and homeopathy? Sceptics, logical quality, so Linde et al took being the thoroughly idiosyncratic watch this space! only the ten highest quality studies. individual that I am, I’ll as usual Although this resulted in smaller just concentrate on those items that overall benefit, there was still really took my fancy. a statistically significant effect. Kicking off the proceedings But if one starts from a mindset this year fell to a very upbeat The HRI’s organising that ‘Homeopathy shouldn’t, David Tredinnick MP; CAM therefore cannot, work’, then Linde and homeopathy’s very own et al’s conclusions are still total Parliamentary spokesperson at committee definitely anathema. So, the ‘challenge’ for Westminster. And some interesting academics was to come up with observations he had to make, too. alternative meta-analyses that, in For example, I didn’t know that, pulled out all the order to demonstrate homeopathy’s in the private sector, homeopathy ‘true’ lack of effect, relied on is growing at the rate of 5% per further extensive exclusion of annum. Or that in the Indian stops and put on more studies. province of Karnataka 22 million And herein lies the rub. For patients were treated last year. Or if enough studies are excluded, that in France 70% of pregnant a good show it is possible to demonstrate

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homeopathy does not in fact work! front of the UK Parliamentary atomic weight of exactly 12.000. It is easily done if conclusions are Committee on Science and So, one mole of C-12 atoms based on as little as 5-10% of the Technology back in January weighs 12.000 grams and trial material. And it leads to some 2013. She simply regurgitated the contains 6.022 x 1023 atoms of seriously impressive statistical tired shibboleths of well-funded C-12. contortions and distortions in campaigning organisations, and • Now, let’s consider that an atom order to arrive at this pre-arranged the ersatz invective of facile media of highly fissile U-235 has an result, especially if the so-called commentators who use homeopathy atomic weight of 235. So, one ‘funnel plot’ is used. This was the as a whipping boy [6]. In the eyes of mole of U-235 weighs in at 235 ultimate argument ranged against the public, all that does is demean grams and contains 6.022 x 1023 homeopathy and was published in science and scientists. atoms of U-235. the Lancet by Shang et al in 2005 A proper reading of the • Next, a molecule of hydrogen,

[4], with great fanfare that here history of science reveals that, H2. This has a molecular weight at last was the arrow through the regardless of its obvious power of roughly 2 (H + H = 1 + 1 = heart of homeopathy. and benefits, science’s truths are 2). So, one mole of hydrogen But as Professor Hahn pointed never absolute, only relative. molecules weighs just 2 grams out, it turns out that as a reliable However, when believed absolutely and contains 6.022 x 1023

analytical tool for processing (aka scientism, especially when molecules of hydrogen, H2. statistics, the funnel plot is flawed over-enthusiastically applied • Now consider a molecule of

when applied to a mixture of in medicine [7-13]), and ably water, H2O. This has a molecular diseases. This is because studies with assisted by lucrative commercial weight of 18 (that’s H + H + O expected strong treatment effects considerations, science descends = 1 + 1 + 16 = 18). So, one mole are, for ethical reasons, powered into a bullying quasi-religious of water molecules weighs 18 lower than studies with expected dogma [14]. With liberal grams and contains 6.022 x 1023 weak or unclear treatment effects. democracy now under threat molecules of water. In other words, as a way of internationally from populists, • W e can go on: consider a

scientifically trashing homeopathy demagogues, and the demands molecule of glucose, C6H12O6. and the funnel plot, as used by of globalised capital, that should This has a molecular weight of Shang et al, it is a complete stitch- worry us all [15]. 180 (that’s 6C + 12H + 6O = 6 up. Professor Hahn says: So, having got that diatribe x 12 + 12 x 1 + 6 x 16 = 72 + To conclude homeopathy lacks clini- off my chest, precisely why is 12 + 96 = 180). So, one mole of cal effect, more than 90% of available it sceptics hate homeopathy so glucose molecules weighs 180 clinical trials had to be disregarded. much? To understand that, let me grams and contains 6.022 x 1023 Alternatively, flawed statistical meth- introduce you to a certain Italian molecules of glucose. ods had to be applied (e.g. misuse of lawyer, man of letters and natural To recap: one mole of hydrogen the funnel plot and the use of virtual philosopher, Amedeo Avogadro, atoms; U-235 atoms; hydrogen data). Count of Quaregna and Cerreto molecules, H2; water molecules,

He went on to recommend future (1776-1856). H2O, and glucose molecules,

meta-analyses should focus on C6H12O6, ALL contain 6.022 x the use of homeopathy in specific The importance of Avogadro 1023 atoms or molecules of those diseases or groups of diseases There is a number which is central substances. So far so good. The instead of pooling data from all to a quantitative understanding problems arise when we start to clinical trials. But just so we’re of chemistry. Chemists call it consider what happens when a absolutely clear: Professor Hahn is Avogadro’s number: 6.022 x 1023. It substance dissolves in water. not a homeopath … which raises is defined as the number of particles It is always assumed that interesting questions about how in one mole of a substance and it when water acts as a solvent, the and why, in this instance, science is one of chemistry’s great unifying dissolved substance is distributed has clearly been misused just to concepts. So, what’s a mole? (No! evenly throughout it. Based on this condemn homeopathy. Not a small furry, highly efficient assumption, if we dissolve, say, This is particularly damning burrowing animal that messes up one mole of glucose in water, we when scientists are being constantly people’s lawns.) know there should be 6.022 x 1023 encouraged to ‘speak truth to A mole is broadly defined as the molecules of glucose more or less power’ and engage more with atomic or molecular weight of a evenly distributed throughout the the public [5]. The important substance expressed in grams, and solvent. So, if we serially dilute the proviso, however, is that it is it works like this: solution, the number of glucose truth that is spoken not, as •  Consider an atom of carbon, molecules should decrease. Dame Sally Davies, the outgoing C, specifically its most common Let’s say the solution is diluted Chief Medical Officer, did in isotope, C-12. This has an 100-fold (corresponding to a

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homeopathic potency of 1cH), proud ‘Something remains, AND it there should be 6.022 x 1021 is active!’ Let’s see how. molecules of glucose left. Doing it again (corresponding to a Solutions ‘diluted out of existence’ homeopathic potency of 2cH), are NOT pure water! there should be 6.022 x 1019 A small collective of Russian What the diagram (below right) glucose molecules; at 3cH, 6.022 scientists have been working on shows are the maxima in antioxidant x 1017; 4cH, 6.022 x 1015, and so precisely this problem since the activity of PhK. Take note of the on. Notice at each dilution, the 1980s. Professors Alexander left-hand peak because even down concentration decreases 100- Konovalov, (the late) Elena to the incredibly low concentration fold. By the way, homeopaths Burlakova and Vladimir Voeikov of 10-18 moles per litre (not that call it potency because at each have consistently demonstrated that far from Avogadro’s Number and dilution, the solution is strongly UHDs contain water structures they typical of the low potencies used by agitated. So, as far as homeopaths call ‘nano-associates’, observable homeopaths), PhK is still active. are concerned, as a medicinal via a variety of physical techniques, So what? Well, if we take the substance, the solution is getting including dynamic light scattering, standard biochemical lock-and-key stronger not weaker. nanoparticle tracking analysis, and mechanism for granted, then this Eventually, after enough dilutions precision conductometry. means that just one molecule of (corresponding to 12cH), we After Professor Vladimir PhK (left), incredibly, is capable of should reach a point where there Voeikov’s stunning presentation reacting with around a billion protein are 6.022 x 10-1 molecules, i.e. to Lord Ken Atherton’s highly kinase C molecules! How can this less than one molecule of glucose successful New Horizons be? This spurred Prof Konovalov and left. Right? At that point we could conference last year (July 2018: see his group to look further [11, 17]. say, as the ‘sceptics’ are so keen https://www.thesciencetheevidence. Using a technique called dynamic to remind us, that such a diluted co.uk/ and https://www.youtube. light scattering, they found that solution would be no different com/watch?v=kVJIbR1usQA&list= the small molecule PhK (about 2 from pure water (especially as PL_ZfccmzItE0gZZUdOQHqx nanometres across) doesn’t just many homeopathic remedies are ZWBZCB4r_wm&index=6&t=0s), Below left: The dissolve in water. It forms what diluted way beyond that point). As the HRI’s organisers couldn’t wait structure of PhK can only be described as ‘clumps’ such, it should be powerless to do to get Vladimir back to speak and changes in its of water molecules around itself, anything, let alone cure anybody. again. Giving a somewhat truncated antioxidant activity and that surprisingly on average with concentration Case closed as far as the ‘sceptics’ version of his more detailed New these clumps increase in size as are concerned, right? Horizons talk, suffice here to Below: How can the dilution (AND agitation) of Wrong! Because various give just an overview of his main conventional the solution increases. Dynamic researchers around the world conclusions [16, 17]. biochemistry’s LOCK light scattering can image these are repeatedly finding that such It all started with Prof Burla- & KEY mechanism clumps. Even down to a supposed explain why up to -18 ultra-highly diluted solutions (or kova’s observation that a small a billion enzyme concentration of 10 moles per litre, UHDs: they are succussed at each molecule called potassium molecules can be the clumps, or ‘nano-associates’, as dilution step) do NOT behave like phenozan (PhK, an antioxidant activated by just Konovalov and his team christened pure water. Unlike Galileo (who with a wide spectrum of biological 1 ligand molecule? them, can reach sizes of around 500 That is what the supposedly whispered, ‘And yet activity) still managed to affect nanometres across, much bigger than peak on the left it moves!’ under his breath), with the enzyme protein kinase C, at of this diagram is the original PhK molecule. But that’s UHDs, we can shout out loud and incredibly low concentrations [16]. asking not all.

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The nano-associates in UHDs may differ significantly from that Nano-associates: boundary exist, but it depends are negatively electrically of pure water, and these parameters changes of average crucially on the presence of ambient charged (whereas the original change with serial dilutions in a diameters with electromagnetic fields (EMF). This dilution (left), and particles in the ‘normal’ range totally non-linear manner. was found when preparations their dynamic light- of concentrations are positively The Russian research group scattering images with different concentrations of charged) and exhibit other ‘non- made another unusual discovery (right) solutes were carefully shielded from classical behaviours’. For example, when they tried to determine ambient EMF using a permalloy the electrical conductivity of UHDs if there is a boundary between screen (a Ni/Fe magnetic alloy, is higher than that of pure water; ‘normal’ solution concentrations consisting of approximately 80% the surface tension of some UHDs and UHDs. Not only does this Ni and 20% Fe content).

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The funnel plot is flawed when applied to a mixture of diseases

Below: Electrical Below: Representations of an aqueous conductivity two-phase non-equilibrium heterogenous Left: Nano-associate decreases with system: nano-associates are the larger particle size. For PhK, dilution and coherent ‘clumps’ (disperse phase), while nano-associates not approaches the same less organised molecules in both diagrams formed below 10-7M value as in water represent the dispersion medium

It turns out there is a critical concentration for each substance below which nano-associates of shielded preparations (the red segments in the graphs above and right) do not emerge. For PhK, this is around 10-7M. What is more, Konovalov and his team found so-called ‘normal’ aqueous solutions of virtually all known substances from solutions of salts to solutions of high molecular weight compounds can also behave like this. So, to sum up this reproducible Russian work so far: • Nano-sized (100 – 400 nm) negatively charged particles (nano-associates) are present in UHD preparations of most substances. • The dominant content of nano- associates is water. • The size and charge of nano- associates, as well as the between the phases. electrical conductivity, surface Representations of an aqueous tension, and pH of UHD two-phase non-equilibrium preparations, vary in a multi- heterogenous system: nano- phase pattern with serial associates are the larger coherent dilutions. ‘clumps’ (disperse phase), while • UHD preparations of most less organised molecules in both substances possessing these solutions in the classical sense. Above: Surface diagrams represent the dispersion peculiar physico-chemical They are best described as self- tension is constant medium. and is the same as properties demonstrate specific organising disperse systems – non- in water The properties of these disperse functional activity in test equilibrium heterogenous systems UHD systems are as follows: systems. consisting of at least two phases • The disperse phase consists In fact, most aqueous systems with a highly developed interface of electrically charged nano- do not at all represent ‘proper’ and multiple potential differences associates composed mainly

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of hundreds of millions of solvent’s dielectric constant) and the surrounding solvent especially water molecules (aka, coherent how good these solvent molecules if, like water, that solvent’s domains [18]) are at hydrogen bonding to the dye molecules have appreciable polarity • These nano-associates only molecules. It works like this: Below: Schematic and the ability to hydrogen bond. emerge (self-organise) in the When a dye molecule is excited structure of a Dyes that have this effect are called presence of ambient EMFs by light of the right wavelength, solvatochromic dye solvatochromic. •  Properties of nano-associates the light photons promote electrons are defined by the original out of the dye molecule’s ground compounds, and they carry state – the electron’s ‘comfort zone’ information characteristic of if you like – into its excited state. them So, if the dye absorbs photons • The dispersion medium is of red light, the colour of the What this means is that the represented by less organised solution looks blue, because these solvent interacts with the dye’s water [19] wavelengths are not absorbed. If ground or excited states, altering •  The paradoxical properties of on the other hand, the dye absorbs Below right: their relative energies, and so disperse systems, represented blue photons then the solution Chemical structure changing the colour of the dye mostly by the dispersion looks red because it is now these of Reichardt’s dye: depending on the solvent. medium, are also defined by photons which are not absorbed. notice the positive So Reichardt’s dye (which has ambient EMFs and the original However, certain dyes also have and negative signs one of the largest solvatochromic indicating that compounds an overall polarity with electron the molecule is effects, and is one of the dyes • Much of this work has been donor and electron acceptor groups highly polar. This used by Cartwright – see below) reproduced. at opposite ends of the molecule polarity changes is a deep blue-green in chloroform What this means is that serially (see below). Promotion of these dye when the molecule (moderate polarity) but is red in agitated UHDs of a ‘mother molecule’s electrons out of their is excited by light, methanol (larger polarity). leading to the tincture’ do differ in their energetic comfort zone changes the solvent-dependent activity and physico-chemical electrical polarity of the dye. This, solvatochromic properties from the pure solvent in turn, changes its interaction with effect when, in conventional terms, the concentration of an active substance becomes negligible. As far as these Russian scientists are concerned, therefore, the conclusion is obvious: homeopathy has a scientific basis, and we need to rethink what we think we know about water. A proper reading Can homeopathic remedies be detected? This effect can have interesting UHDs contain ‘nanoparticles’ of the history of applications for use in sensors and or ‘nano-associates’, strongly molecular electronics and switches. indicating they are NOT the same What Cartwright discovered, as pure water. Dr Steven Cartwright science reveals that, however, is something altogether in the UK has shown that it is different. possible to see the effect that If a substance is added to water even the most highly potentised regardless of its that might somehow affect its substances (e.g. Arsenicum 10M overall polarity, could the same and Glycerol 50M) have on the solvatochromic dyes be used to solvent in which they are dispersed obvious power and detect that effect? And what if that [20]. To do this, Cartwright used substance, Cartwright reasoned, is the light-absorbing properties of a highly potentised homeopathic certain dyes. benefits, science’s remedy? Cartwright thought he The visible spectrum of certain might use the solvatochromic effect dyes vary when they are dissolved to detect the presence of Arsenicum in different solvents. This is called truths are never 10M in UHDs that would other- solvatochromism and it depends wise be considered pure water. on the electrical polarity of the Cartwright did indeed observe solvent molecules (measured as the absolute slight shifts in wavelength of his

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dyes when comparing a solution of Arsenicum 10M with pure When solutions water. But he questioned what exactly was happening. Potencies are affecting – reproducibly – the are diluted and spectra of solvatochromic dyes, but how? Are potencies making water more polar, or are they somehow succussed way past producing an electric field that then duckweed poisoned with arsenic, has an effect on the dye shifting is reversed by Arsenicum 24x-30x. its spectrum. If the latter, then Avogadro’s number, Poisoned with mercuric chloride, this is not solvatochromism but however, the same potencies of a different phenomenon called Mercurius corrosivus have a further electrochromism. Here the colour they are NOT diluted inhibitory effect on duckweed of a material changes simply by growth. applying a voltage (as used in smart In order for Mercurius corrosivus windows to control a building’s out of existence! 24x-30x to have a positive recover- internal environment). ing effect on the duckweed, the Cartwright found that by original level of mercury poisoning encapsulating the dyes within had to be much less. In other special molecules that exclude words, what this work seems to water, it was a field emanating suggest is that for homeopathy to from the potentised substance that, be beneficial and to have positive however small, was shifting the effects, then levels of environmental spectrum. In other words, the effect used by homeopaths, could toxicity in patients need to be taken of high potencies on the dyes is produce profound changes in living into account. electrochromic not solvatochromic. creatures. As if to underline the This suggests two things. By repeating the measurements over success of Cartwright’s work, some First, depending on the case, time, he was also able to assign Brazilian scientists have applied it environmental toxicity could be an approximate field strength environmentally. We’ll come back a ‘maintaining cause’, and detox generated by the Arsenicum 10M. to that in the next section. prior to homeopathic treatment It came in at roughly 1.2 x 107 should be considered a necessary volts / metre. Homeopathy and the environment pre-requisite in order to ensure Now this compares with roughly A stand-out feature at this year’s a successful outcome. Second, it 7-8 x 106 volts / metre for the HRI Conference were several raises the exciting possibility of electric field across the membranes presentations on how homeopathy using man-made toxic substances of human neurones, and of cell could be effective in coping with in highly potentised forms as a way membranes in general (4-8 x 106 various levels of environmental of combating those substances’ volts / metres). So, the strength stress. environmental pollution. Work of the field created by Arsenicum Thus, using duckweed as along these lines, using potentised 10M in water – a potency which a laboratory model, Stephan glyphosphate (Round-Up) is conventional bioscience says there Baumgärtner and his group in already in hand. is far less than nothing existing in Germany have been studying the For me, however, THE presenta- the solution – could conceivably effects of various environmental tion of note and a dramatic new result in physiological / biochemical stressors (e.g. arsenic and development came from Professor changes inside cells. The question mercury) on the growth of these Leoni Bonamin and her team in now, Cartwright thinks, is why plants. Then they studied the Sao Pãolo, Brazil. They found potencies generate these electric effects of potentised Arsenicum that Phosphorus 30cH, added to field strengths in the first place. and Mercurius corrosivus on a natural water source used by a At the moment, he suspects they these stressed plants. Depending troop of monkeys, healed them of might be in some metastable state on the original stressor’s toxicity, yellow fever. in which charges are somehow the potentised remedy can reverse But here’s the most amazing separated but, before he can or enhance the toxic effects thing. Using Cartwright’s be sure, more experiments are [21, 22]. solvatochromic dyes and taking necessary. It turns out that environmental samples of the water from Perhaps we are at last approaching mercury is a much more toxic different and distant locales in the a mechanism by which UHDs, stressor than arsenic. Thus, the surrounding lake, they detected even the incredibly high potencies retarded growth experienced by the presence of the Phos 30cH 72

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hours after the remedy had been AYUSH) efforts over the years, the put into it! [23] Homeopathically, sub-continent is beginning to flex its not inconsiderable muscles as Conclusion: and the future of possibly the next world leaders in homeopathy is …? Be less Galileo! this makes India THE homeopathy research. HRI, take It seems that from the evidence note! of this, arguably the HRI’s most st Combining all this homeopathic successful biennial yet, homeopathic 1 World nation research and practice from dis- research has certainly stepped up parate parts of the globe with in- a few notches. But HRI are also creasing economic parity in what at heavily committed to homeopathic the moment are considered third- advocacy and in challenging reports Indian Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga world nations, one can already (e.g. the Australian 2015 and and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha begin to discern a pattern. It is that the 2018 EASAC reports) – not and Homeopathy) in general and of cheap and effective healthcare inexpensive pursuits. homeopathy in particular are well expanding rapidly throughout It could be argued that perhaps known. Homeopathically, this the developing world, while the they are spreading themselves a makes India THE 1st World nation, developed world languishes in little thin, which is why they need as this anecdote makes clear. expensive pharmaceutical-industry- all the funds they can get. As if to Consider the plight of a inspired ill health. answer this demand, the strong recent president of an American Then there is Latin and contingent of Chinese homeopaths homeopathic professional associa- South America as well, where – a regular welcome feature of HRI tion. A well-trained and experienc- homeopathy suffers far less abuse conferences since Rome 2015 – ed Indian homeopath, looking to from Big Pharma-backed so-called made a generous and highly public come to America, had sent an email sceptics. Could it be that, as these donation of £35K to the HRI’s requesting help finding a hospital developing economies are set to coffers. Apparently, this money job. ‘You don’t understand,’ outstrip those of the developed had been collected from grateful the hapless president tried to world [26] in the not too distant patients over the previous year, explain. ‘As far as homeopathy future, that all the anti-homeopathy as a donation towards keeping is concerned, you are in the huffing and puffing we are so used homeopathy research alive. Never- developed world, while we are in to hearing and seeing will simply theless, it didn’t stop one wag the third world!’ The president become irrelevant? One can but declaring during the tea break, could have added that the would- dream … ‘The future of homeopathy is most be immigrant’s native land – along definitely porcelain!’ (Whatever with parts of Latin America could he / she have meant?) and China – is fast becoming a Maybe, but that would dominant economic power. be to discount that great big First introduced to India The sceptics are homeopathic Lord Ganesha in from the UK around 1810, the room, India. For as we all homeopathy is legally now on a know, homeopathy is hugely par with conventional medicine, being well-funded popular there. Many thousands with scores of homeopathic of cancer sufferers have benefited colleges (including some that give from homeopathic treatment [24]. postgraduate training and degrees and supported in Known as ‘The Banerji Protocol’ in homeopathy), and homeopathic these physicians used Ruta 6c hospitals. Mahatma Gandhi in combination with Calcium promoted homeopathy as part of their efforts to phosphate to kill brain tumours. the Indian medical system after In many respects, that such achieving independence in 1947. advanced research is going on in The government promotes it with destroy homeopathy India should hardly be surprising ads on TV [25], and it has attracted as there are over 350,000 homeo- great support not only because it is paths and similar numbers of seen to work, but also because its by the economic homeopathic hospital beds. Prime philosophy meshes well with the Minister Modi has just been cultural and spiritual traditions of guaranteed another five years the Indian people. And, as a result might and global in office and his and the Indian of Dr Raj Manchanda’s (former government’s support for AYUSH head of India’s Central Council for (an acronym standing for the Research in Homeopathy under reach of Big Pharma

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Rebellion? Because let’s face it: if standing in Parliament Square and outside Number 10 gets people’s attention, why not join the bandwagon? In other words, while the so- called developing world gets on quietly with pursuing research and popularising homeopathy, let us in the now homeopathically underdeveloped world take its But wait! What this article homeopathy / CAM in particular … And the future healing message to the streets! has tried to demonstrate is that [29]. Nevertheless, I have huge of homeopathy Don’t whisper your defiance like is … HRI’s New time and again (and contrary to admiration for those in our Galileo! Shout it out, loud and Romantics team ‘common sense’), when solutions community who subject themselves up with Hong proud! ‘Homeopathy works! are diluted and succussed way past to the rigours of this form of Kong’s finest. What’s more, we’re really close to Avogadro’s number, they are NOT testing. Their hard, painstaking Cathay Society finding out why!’ And b***er the diluted out of existence! No matter work sets a benchmark of probity or Murder on the bloody body snatchers! dance floor …? how dilute, something always and candour that so-called sceptics remains. Boom! A central plank can’t even dream of. REFERENCES of the so-called sceptics’ argument Having said that, perhaps you’ll 1. Greenhalgh T, Howick J, and destroyed! And a new impetus forgive me if, in coming away from Maskrey N. Evidence-based to direct research effort towards this conference, I do not share medicine: a movement in crisis? understanding that most common David Tredinnick’s introductory BMJ 2014;348:g3725. of all fluids – water (see https:// optimism. It is becoming clearer 2. Hahn RG. Homeopathy: Meta- www.thesciencetheevidence.co.uk/). by the day that the sceptics are not analyses of Pooled Clinical Trouble is, it seems to my working in a vacuum. Surprise! Data. Forsch Komplementmed very jaundiced, glass-half-empty, Surprise! They are being well- 2013;20:376-381. possibly by now overly ancient funded and supported in their 3. Linde K, Clausius N, Ramirez organ of hearing, that nobody’s efforts to destroy homeopathy by G et al. Are the clinical effects listening. Like the medieval the economic might and global of homoeopathy placebo Inquisition against Galileo, homeo- reach of Big Pharma [30]: the real effects? A meta-analysis of pathy’s enemies are deaf, dumb body-snatching villains of the piece placebo-controlled trials. and blind to anything based on [31]! So, something a little more Lancet. 1997; 350: 834-843. rationality and proper scientific forceful than RCTs and / or pleas 4. Shang A, Huwiler-Muntener K, reason. for reason is going to be required Nartley L, et al. Are the effects This is particularly so when it in order to wrest homeopathy from of homeopathy placebo effects? comes to all the RCTs, observa- the hands of so-called sceptics. Comparative study of placebo- tional studies and meta-analyses What about this then? As was controlled trials of homeopathy of homeopathy in various clinical so excitingly indicated in HRI and allopathy. Lancet situations, conducted by people 2019, why not pick up and run 2005;366(9487):726-32. such as Drs Robert Mathie, with how homeopathy could 5. See, http://royalsociety. Elizabeth Thompson, and Clare help deal with the consequences org/news/2012/richard- Relton, to name but a few [27, 28]. of the environmental mess we’ve dimblebylecture/ Here, I have to admit massive made? Surely that’s an idea worth 6. Liddle R: Homeopathy? Let’s reservations about the whole sending straight to Greta Thunberg, save £4 million and hire a practicality, ethos, even philo- Green Peace, and green parties witch doctor instead. London, sophy of the RCT in evidence- everywhere? Could it therefore Sunday Times, 25.03.2012. based medicine in general and be time to emulate Extinction Aaronovitch D. Enough

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placebo politics. Vote for the 11. Holmes D, et al.: Chatfield KC: Is homeopathy geeks. The Times, http://www. Deconstructing the evidence- really ‘morally and ethically thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/ based discourse in health unacceptable’? A critique columnists/davidaaronovitch/ sciences: truth, power, and of pure scientism. Bioethics article3416779.ece fascism. Int J Evid Based 2012; doi: 16.1111/j.1467- 7. Sackett DL, et al.: Evidence Healthc 2006;4:180. 8519.2012.01948.x. Milgrom based medicine: what it is and 12. Devisch I, Murray SJ: ‘We hold LR: Homeopathy and the what it isn’t. BMJ 1996;13:71– these truths to be self-evident’: New Fundamentalism: a 72. deconstructing ‘evidence-based’ critique of the critics. J 8. Leggett JM: Medical scientism: medical practice. J Eval Clin Altern Complement Med good practice or fatal error? J R Pract 2009;15:950–954. 2008;14:589–594. Soc Med 1997;90:97–101. 13. Rawlins M: De Testimonio: 15. Ryder M: Scientism. Entry in 9. Sikora K: Complementary Harveian Oration Delivered to the Encyclopaedia of Science, medicine does help patients. the Royal College of Physicians, Technology, and Ethics. Times Online, 3.02.2009. Lancet 2008;372:2152–2161. Toronto, ON, Macmillan, www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/ 14. Baum M, Ernst E: Should 2008. Feyerabend P: Science life_and_style/court_and_ we maintain an open mind in a Free Society. London, social?article5644142.ece. about homeopathy? Am Routledge, 1979. 10. Smith GCS, Pell JP: Parachute J Med 2009;122:973. 16. Maltseva E.L. et al. Biological use to prevent death and major Smith K: Against Membrany 1998;15(2):191- trauma related to gravitational Homeopathy: A Utilitarian 198. Membrane & Cell challenge. Systematic review of Perspective. Bioethics 2011; Biology 1 Jan 1998, 12(2):251- RCTs. BMJ 2003;327:1459– doi:10.1111/j.1467-8519. 268. 1461. 2010.01876.x. Milgrom LR, 17. Konovalov AI, Ryzhkina IS.

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Highly Diluted Aqueous 2019;108(2):102-138. Article number 63. Mathie RT, Solutions: Formation of Nano- 23. Mota, H M G, Aparicio A C, Ulbrich-Zurni S, Viksveen P, sized Molecular Assemblies Oliveira L H, Rossettini R, et al. Systematic review and (Nano-associates). Geochem Pedro P, Pinto S A G, Santana meta-analysis of randomised Int 2014;52(13):1207-1226, F R, Sufredini I, Cartwright other-than-placebo-controlled and references therein. S, Bonamin L V. Cartwright’s trials of individualised 18. Yinnon TA, Liu ZQ WATER Method as a Physico-chemical homeopathic treatment. Homp 2015;7:33-47: Sedlák M. large Marker of Antimonium 2018;107(4):229-243. scale supramolecular structure Crudum Biological Effect. 28. Spence DS, Thompson EA, in solutions of low molar mass International Journal of Barton SJ. Homeopathic compounds and mixtures High Dilution Research treatment for chronic disease: of liquids J. Phys. Chem. B 2018;17(2);14. a 6-year, university hospital 2006:110;4329–4338. 24. Pathak S, Multani AS, Banerji outpatient observational 19. Del Guidice E, Tedeschi A, P, Banerji P. Ruta 6 selectively study. J Altern Comp Med Vitiello G, Voeikov V. Coherent induces cell death in brain 2005;11:793-798. Thompson structures in liquid water close cancer cells but proliferation EA, Relton C. Designing to hydrophilic surfaces. J Phys.: in normal peripheral blood clinical trials of homeopathy Conf Ser 2013;442:012028. lymphocytes: A novel treatment for menopausal symptoms: 20. Cartwright S J, Solvatochromic for human brain cancer. Int a review of the literature. dyes detect the presence J Oncol 2003; 23: 975–982: Menopause Int 2009;15(1):31- of homeopathic potencies. Banerji P, Campbell DR, Banerji 34. Relton C, Cooper K, Homeopathy 2016; 105: 55- P. Cancer patients treated with Viksveen P, Fibert P, Thomas 65: Cartwright S J, Interaction the Banerji protocols utilizing K. Prevalence of homeopathy of homeopathic potencies homeopathic medicine: A Best- use by the general population with the water soluble Case Series program of the worldwide: a systematic review. solvatochromic dye bis- National Cancer Institute USA. Homp 2017;106:69–78 dimethylaminofuchsone. Part Oncol Rep 2008; 20: 69–74. 29. Milgrom LR. ‘Living is easy 1: pH studies. Homeopathy 25. Bhatia M, cited by Kaplan B with eyes closed …’ On blinded 2017; 106: 37-46: Cartwright in: Homeopathy in India, July RCTs and specific and non- S J, Degree of response 24, 2011. Online document at: specific effects of complex to homeopathic potencies http://drkaplan.co.uk/2011/07/ interventions. Eur J Integ Med correlates with dipole moment homeopathy/homeopathy-and- 2014;6:552-559. size in molecular detectors: india/ Accessed March 9, 2012. 30. See https://homeopathyresource. Implications for understanding 26. Milgrom LR, Ringo MR, wordpress.com/2019/08/05/ the fundamental nature of Wehrstein KM. Emerging pharmaceutical-industry- serially diluted and succussed Economies Need for Cheap, funded-skeptics-attempt-to- solutions. Homeopathy 2018; Efficient Healthcare Makes stop-sale-of-homeopathic- 107: 19-31: Cartwright S Western Anti-Homeopathy remedies / and references J, Homeopathic potencies Rhetoric Irrelevant: therein, including an on-line may possess an electric field Observations from the petition. Accessed 05/08/2019. (-like) component; evidence Canadian Homeopathy 31. GlaxoSmithKline to pay $3bn from the use of encapsulated Conference, October in US drug fraud scandal. BBC solvatochromic dyes (in press). 2011. J Altern Comp Med News On-line, 2 July 2012, 21. Jager T, Scherr C, Simon 2012;18(7):723-726. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ M et al. Development of a 27. Mathie RT, Lloyd SM, world-us-canada-18673220. test system for homeopathic Legg LA et al. Randomised Titus SL, Wells JA, Rhoades LJ: preparations using impaired placebo-controlled trials of Repairing research integrity. duckweed (Lemna Gibba L). J individualised homeopathic Nature 2008;453:980–982. Altern Comp Med 2011;17(4): treatment: systematic review Fanelli D: How many scientists published online 17th April and meta-analysis. Syst Revs. fabricate and falsify research? 2011. 2014;3: Article number 142. A systematic review and meta- 22. Jager T, Wurtenberger S, Mathie RT, Rampasad N, Legg analysis of survey data. PLoS Baumgartner S. Effects of LA et al. Randomised, double- One 2009;4:e5738. Naish J: homeopathic preparations blind, placebo-controlled Faking it. Prospect August of mercurius corrosivus trials of non-individualised 2009:63. on the growth of severely homeopathic treatment: mercury-stressed duckweed systematic review and meta- Lionel Milgrom can be contacted at Lemna Gibba L. Homp analysis. Syst Revs. 2017;6: [email protected].

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