Comparative efficacy of two microdoses of a potentized homeopathic drug, arsenicum album, to ameliorate toxicity induced by repeated sublethal injections of arsenic trioxide in mice.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of 2 potentized homeopathic remedies of Arsenicum Album (Ars Alb)--6C and 30C--in combating chronic arsenic toxicity induced by repeated sublethal injections in mice (Mus musculus). METHODS Mice were randomized and divided into sets: (1) normal (control 1); (2) normal + succussed alcohol (control 2); (3) As(2)O(3) (0.016%) injected at 1 ml/100 g body weight every 7 days (treated); (4) As(2)O(3) injected + succussed alcohol (positive control); (5) As(2)O(3) injected + Ars Alb 6C (drug-fed); (6) As(2)O(3) injected + Ars Alb 30C (drug-fed). Cytogenetical endpoints like chromosome aberrations, micronuclei, mitotic index, sperm head abnormality and biochemical protocols like acid and alkaline phosphatases, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, catalase and succinate dehydrogenase were studied at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. RESULTS Compared to controls, chromosome aberrations, micronuclei, sperm head abnormality frequencies and activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and lipid peroxidation were reduced in both drug-fed series, while mitotic index and activities of glutathione, catalase and succinate dehydrogenase were increased. Ars Alb 30C showed marginally better efficacy than Ars Alb 6C. CONCLUSION Both remedies indicated potentials of use against arsenic intoxication.