The Experts below are selected from a list of 426 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Michael A. Persinger - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Herbal Treatment Following Post-Seizure Induction in Rat by Lithium Pilocarpine: Scutellaria Lateriflora (Skullcap), Gelsemium Sempervirens (Gelsemium) and Datura Stramonium (Jimson Weed) May Prevent Development of Spontaneous Seizures
    Phytotherapy research : PTR, 2004
    Co-Authors: Oksana Peredery, Michael A. Persinger
    Abstract:

    About 1 week after the induction of status epilepticus in male rats by a single systemic injection of lithium (3 mEq/kg) and pilocarpine (30 g/kg), rats were continuously administered one of three herbal treatments through the water supply for 30 days. A fourth group received colloidal minerals and diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide in tap water, while a fifth group of rats received only tap water (control). Herbal treatments were selected for their historical antiseizure activities and sedative actions on the nervous system. The numbers of spontaneous seizures per day during a 15 min observation interval were recorded for each rat during the treatment period and during an additional 30 days when only tap water was given. Rats that received a weak solution of the three herbal fluid extracts of Scutellaria lateri flora (Skullcap), Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium) and Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) displayed no seizures during treatment while all the other groups were not seizure-free. However, when this treatment was removed, the rats in this group displayed numbers of spontaneous seizures comparable to the controls. Although there is no proof that herbal remedies can control limbic or temporal lobe epilepsy, the results of this experiment strongly suggest that the appropriate combination of herbal compounds may be helpful as adjunctive interventions.

  • herbal treatment following post seizure induction in rat by lithium pilocarpine scutellaria lateriflora skullcap Gelsemium sempervirens Gelsemium and datura stramonium jimson weed may prevent development of spontaneous seizures
    Phytotherapy Research, 2004
    Co-Authors: Oksana Peredery, Michael A. Persinger
    Abstract:

    About 1 week after the induction of status epilepticus in male rats by a single systemic injection of lithium (3 mEq/kg) and pilocarpine (30 g/kg), rats were continuously administered one of three herbal treatments through the water supply for 30 days. A fourth group received colloidal minerals and diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide in tap water, while a fifth group of rats received only tap water (control). Herbal treatments were selected for their historical antiseizure activities and sedative actions on the nervous system. The numbers of spontaneous seizures per day during a 15 min observation interval were recorded for each rat during the treatment period and during an additional 30 days when only tap water was given. Rats that received a weak solution of the three herbal fluid extracts of Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap), Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium) and Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) displayed no seizures during treatment while all the other groups were not seizure-free. However, when this treatment was removed, the rats in this group displayed numbers of spontaneous seizures comparable to the controls. Although there is no proof that herbal remedies can control limbic or temporal lobe epilepsy, the results of this experiment strongly suggest that the appropriate combination of herbal compounds may be helpful as adjunctive interventions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Paolo Bellavite - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Experimental neuropharmacology of Gelsemium sempervirens: Recent advances and debated issues
    Elsevier, 2018
    Co-Authors: Paolo Bellavite, Clara Bonafini, Marta Marzotto
    Abstract:

    Gelsemium sempervirens L. (Gelsemium) is traditionally used for its anxiolytic-like properties and its action mechanism in laboratory models are under scrutiny. Evidence from rodent models was reported suggesting the existence of a high sensitivity of central nervous system to anxiolytic power of Gelsemium extracts and Homeopathic dilutions. In vitro investigation of extremely low doses of this plant extract showed a modulation of gene expression of human neurocytes. These studies were criticized in a few commentaries, generated a debate in literature and were followed by further experimental studies from various laboratories. Toxic doses of Gelsemium cause neurological signs characterized by marked weakness and convulsions, while ultra-low doses or high Homeopathic dilutions counteract seizures induced by lithium and pilocarpine, decrease anxiety after stress and increases the anti-stress allopregnanolone hormone, through glycine receptors. Low (non-Homeopathic) doses of this plant or its alkaloids decrease neuropathic pain and c-Fos expression in mice brain and oxidative stress. Due to the complexity of the matter, several aspects deserve interpretation and the main controversial topics, with a focus on the issues of high dilution pharmacology, are discussed and clarified. Keywords: Gelsemium sempervirens, Anxiety, Neurocytes, Animal models, Homeopathic medicine, Behavior, Gene expressio

  • Extreme sensitivity of gene expression in human SH-SY5Y neurocytes to ultra-low doses of Gelsemium sempervirens
    BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014
    Co-Authors: Marta Marzotto, Debora Olioso, Maurizio Brizzi, Paola Tononi, Mirco Cristofoletti, Paolo Bellavite
    Abstract:

    Background Gelsemium sempervirens L. ( Gelsemium s .) is a traditional medicinal plant, employed as an anxiolytic at ultra-low doses and animal models recently confirmed this activity. However the mechanisms by which it might operate on the nervous system are largely unknown. This work investigates the gene expression of a human neurocyte cell line treated with increasing dilutions of Gelsemium s. extract. Methods Starting from the crude extract, six 100 × (centesimal, c) dilutions of Gelsemium s. (2c, 3c, 4c, 5c, 9c and 30c) were prepared according to the French homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 24 h to test dilutions, and their transcriptome compared by microarray to that of cells treated with control vehicle solutions. Results Exposure to the Gelsemium s. 2c dilution (the highest dose employed, corresponding to a gelsemine concentration of 6.5 × 10^-9 M) significantly changed the expression of 56 genes, of which 49 were down-regulated and 7 were overexpressed. Several of the down-regulated genes belonged to G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways, calcium homeostasis, inflammatory response and neuropeptide receptors. Fisher exact test, applied to the group of 49 genes down-regulated by Gelsemium s. 2c, showed that the direction of effects was significantly maintained across the treatment with high homeopathic dilutions, even though the size of the differences was distributed in a small range. Conclusions The study shows that Gelsemium s ., a medicinal plant used in traditional remedies and homeopathy, modulates a series of genes involved in neuronal function. A small, but statistically significant, response was detected even to very low doses/high dilutions (up to 30c), indicating that the human neurocyte genome is extremely sensitive to this regulation.

  • Effects of Gelsemium sempervirens L. on pathway-focused gene expression profiling in neuronal cells
    Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Debora Olioso, Marta Marzotto, Maurizio Brizzi, Elisabetta Moratti, Paolo Bellavite
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Gelsemium sempervirens L. is a traditional medicinal plant mainly distributed in the southeastern of the United States, employed in phytotheraphy and homeopathy as nervous system relaxant to treat various types of anxiety, pain, headache and other ailments. Although animal models showed its effectiveness, the mechanisms by which it might operate on the nervous system are largely unknown. This study investigated for the first time by a real-time PCR technique (RT-PCR Array) the gene expression of a panel of human neurotransmitter receptors and regulators, involved in neuronal excitatory signaling, on a neurocyte cell line. Materials and methods Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 24 h to Gelsemium sempervirens at 2c and 9c dilutions (i.e. 2 and 9-fold centesimal dilutions from mother tincture) and the gene expression profile compared to that of cells treated with control vehicle solutions. Results Exposure to the Gelsemium sempervirens 2c dilution, containing a nanomolar concentration of active principle gelsemine, induced a down-regulation of most genes of this array. In particular, the treated cells showed a statistically significant decrease of the prokineticin receptor 2, whose ligand is a neuropeptide involved in nociception, anxiety and depression-like behavior. Conclusions Overall, the results indicate a negative modulation trend in neuronal excitatory signaling, which can suggest new working hypotheses on the anxiolytic and analgesic action of this plant.

  • Research Article Testing Homeopathy in Mouse Emotional Response Models: Pooled Data Analysis of Two Series of Studies
    2013
    Co-Authors: Paolo Bellavite, Marta Marzotto, Debora Olioso, Mirco Cristofoletti, Anita Conforti, Paolo Magnani, Maria Elisabetta Zanolin
    Abstract:

    Copyright © 2012 Paolo Bellavite et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Two previous investigations were performed to assess the activity of Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium s.) in mice, using emotional response models. These two series are pooled and analysed here. Gelsemium s. in various homeopathic centesimal dilutions/dynamizations (4C, 5C, 7C, 9C, and 30C), a placebo (solvent vehicle), and the reference drugs diazepam (1 mg/kg body weight) or buspirone (5 mg/kg body weight) were delivered intraperitoneally to groups of albino CD1 mice, and their effects on animal behaviour were assessed by the light-dark (LD) choice test and the open-field (OF) exploration test. Up to 14 separate replications were carried out in fully blind and randomised conditions. Pooled analysis demonstrated highly significant effects of Gelsemium s. 5C, 7C, and 30C on the OF parameter “time spent in central area ” and of Gelsemium s. 5C, 9C, and 30C on the LD parameters “time spent in lit area ” and “number of light-dark transitions, ” without any sedative action or adverse effects on locomotion. This pooled data analysis confirms and reinforces the evidence that Gelsemium s. regulates emotional responses and behaviour of laboratory mice in a nonlinear fashion with dilution/dynamization. 1

  • Testing Homeopathy in Mouse Emotional Response Models: Pooled Data Analysis of Two Series of Studies
    Hindawi Limited, 2012
    Co-Authors: Paolo Bellavite, Marta Marzotto, Debora Olioso, Mirco Cristofoletti, Anita Conforti, Paolo Magnani, Maria Elisabetta Zanolin
    Abstract:

    Two previous investigations were performed to assess the activity of Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium s.) in mice, using emotional response models. These two series are pooled and analysed here. Gelsemium s. in various homeopathic centesimal dilutions/dynamizations (4C, 5C, 7C, 9C, and 30C), a placebo (solvent vehicle), and the reference drugs diazepam (1 mg/kg body weight) or buspirone (5 mg/kg body weight) were delivered intraperitoneally to groups of albino CD1 mice, and their effects on animal behaviour were assessed by the light-dark (LD) choice test and the open-field (OF) exploration test. Up to 14 separate replications were carried out in fully blind and randomised conditions. Pooled analysis demonstrated highly significant effects of Gelsemium s. 5C, 7C, and 30C on the OF parameter “time spent in central area” and of Gelsemium s. 5C, 9C, and 30C on the LD parameters “time spent in lit area” and “number of light-dark transitions,” without any sedative action or adverse effects on locomotion. This pooled data analysis confirms and reinforces the evidence that Gelsemium s. regulates emotional responses and behaviour of laboratory mice in a nonlinear fashion with dilution/dynamization

Oksana Peredery - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Herbal Treatment Following Post-Seizure Induction in Rat by Lithium Pilocarpine: Scutellaria Lateriflora (Skullcap), Gelsemium Sempervirens (Gelsemium) and Datura Stramonium (Jimson Weed) May Prevent Development of Spontaneous Seizures
    Phytotherapy research : PTR, 2004
    Co-Authors: Oksana Peredery, Michael A. Persinger
    Abstract:

    About 1 week after the induction of status epilepticus in male rats by a single systemic injection of lithium (3 mEq/kg) and pilocarpine (30 g/kg), rats were continuously administered one of three herbal treatments through the water supply for 30 days. A fourth group received colloidal minerals and diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide in tap water, while a fifth group of rats received only tap water (control). Herbal treatments were selected for their historical antiseizure activities and sedative actions on the nervous system. The numbers of spontaneous seizures per day during a 15 min observation interval were recorded for each rat during the treatment period and during an additional 30 days when only tap water was given. Rats that received a weak solution of the three herbal fluid extracts of Scutellaria lateri flora (Skullcap), Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium) and Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) displayed no seizures during treatment while all the other groups were not seizure-free. However, when this treatment was removed, the rats in this group displayed numbers of spontaneous seizures comparable to the controls. Although there is no proof that herbal remedies can control limbic or temporal lobe epilepsy, the results of this experiment strongly suggest that the appropriate combination of herbal compounds may be helpful as adjunctive interventions.

  • herbal treatment following post seizure induction in rat by lithium pilocarpine scutellaria lateriflora skullcap Gelsemium sempervirens Gelsemium and datura stramonium jimson weed may prevent development of spontaneous seizures
    Phytotherapy Research, 2004
    Co-Authors: Oksana Peredery, Michael A. Persinger
    Abstract:

    About 1 week after the induction of status epilepticus in male rats by a single systemic injection of lithium (3 mEq/kg) and pilocarpine (30 g/kg), rats were continuously administered one of three herbal treatments through the water supply for 30 days. A fourth group received colloidal minerals and diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide in tap water, while a fifth group of rats received only tap water (control). Herbal treatments were selected for their historical antiseizure activities and sedative actions on the nervous system. The numbers of spontaneous seizures per day during a 15 min observation interval were recorded for each rat during the treatment period and during an additional 30 days when only tap water was given. Rats that received a weak solution of the three herbal fluid extracts of Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap), Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium) and Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) displayed no seizures during treatment while all the other groups were not seizure-free. However, when this treatment was removed, the rats in this group displayed numbers of spontaneous seizures comparable to the controls. Although there is no proof that herbal remedies can control limbic or temporal lobe epilepsy, the results of this experiment strongly suggest that the appropriate combination of herbal compounds may be helpful as adjunctive interventions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Lei Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • gelsecorydines a e five gelsedine corynanthe type bisindole alkaloids from the fruits of Gelsemium elegans
    Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2018
    Co-Authors: Miao Liu, Wei Zhang, Xiao-jun Huang, Xue-ying Gong, Min-jing Cheng, Lei Wang
    Abstract:

    Five monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids with new carbon skeletons, gelsecorydines A–E (1–5), together with their biogenetic precursors were isolated from the fruits of Gelsemium elegans. Compounds 1–5 represent the first examples of heterodimeric frameworks composed of a gelsedine-type alkaloid and a modified corynanthe-type one. Notably, compound 2 featured an unprecedented caged skeleton with a 6/5/7/6/5/6 heterohexacyclic ring system, which possessed a pyridine ring that linked the two monomers. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for compounds 1–5 is proposed. Compounds 1, 3, 4, and 5 exhibited a significant inhibitory effect against nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages.

  • Gelsecorydines A–E, Five Gelsedine–Corynanthe-Type Bisindole Alkaloids from the Fruits of Gelsemium elegans
    2018
    Co-Authors: Miao Liu, Wei Zhang, Xiao-jun Huang, Xue-ying Gong, Min-jing Cheng, Lei Wang
    Abstract:

    Five monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids with new carbon skeletons, gelsecorydines A–E (1–5), together with their biogenetic precursors were isolated from the fruits of Gelsemium elegans. Compounds 1–5 represent the first examples of heterodimeric frameworks composed of a gelsedine-type alkaloid and a modified corynanthe-type one. Notably, compound 2 featured an unprecedented caged skeleton with a 6/5/7/6/5/6 heterohexacyclic ring system, which possessed a pyridine ring that linked the two monomers. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for compounds 1–5 is proposed. Compounds 1, 3, 4, and 5 exhibited a significant inhibitory effect against nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages

  • gelsekoumidines a and b two pairs of atropisomeric bisindole alkaloids from the roots of Gelsemium elegans
    Organic Letters, 2017
    Co-Authors: Wei Zhang, Xue-ying Gong, Guiyang Wang, Lei Wang
    Abstract:

    Two pairs of atropisomeric bisindole alkaloids, gelsekoumidines A (1) and B (2), with a new carbon skeleton, were isolated from the roots of Gelsemium elegans. Compounds 1 and 2 represent the first examples of seco-koumine–gelsedine type alkaloids, which feature an unprecedented 20,21-seco-koumine scaffold fused with a gelsedine framework via a double bond. Their structures including absolute stereochemistry were elucidated by spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. A plausible biogenetic pathway for the new compounds is also proposed. Compound 2 exhibited a moderate inhibitory effect against nitric oxide (NO) production.

  • Gelsekoumidines A and B: Two Pairs of Atropisomeric Bisindole Alkaloids from the Roots of Gelsemium elegans
    2017
    Co-Authors: Wei Zhang, Xue-ying Gong, Guiyang Wang, Lei Wang
    Abstract:

    Two pairs of atropisomeric bisindole alkaloids, gelsekoumidines A (1) and B (2), with a new carbon skeleton, were isolated from the roots of Gelsemium elegans. Compounds 1 and 2 represent the first examples of seco-koumine–gelsedine type alkaloids, which feature an unprecedented 20,21-seco-koumine scaffold fused with a gelsedine framework via a double bond. Their structures including absolute stereochemistry were elucidated by spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. A plausible biogenetic pathway for the new compounds is also proposed. Compound 2 exhibited a moderate inhibitory effect against nitric oxide (NO) production

  • geleganidines a c unusual monoterpenoid indole alkaloids from Gelsemium elegans
    Journal of Natural Products, 2015
    Co-Authors: Wei Zhang, Xiao-jun Huang, Xiaoqi Zhang, Renwang Jiang, Shengyuan Zhang, Dongmei Zhang, Lei Wang
    Abstract:

    The first rotameric monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs), 1a and 1b, and two unusual dimeric MIAs, 2 and 3, with new dimerization patterns, together with their putative biosynthetic intermediates 4–7, were isolated from the roots of Gelsemium elegans. Compounds 2 and 3 represent the first natural aromatic azo- and the first urea-linked dimeric MIAs, respectively. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by means of NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism data analyses. The interconverting mechanism of rotamers 1a and 1b was studied by density functional theory computation. Compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and PC-12 cells, respectively. In addition, a plausible biosynthesis pathway for the new alkaloids was proposed on the basis of the coexistence of their biosynthetic precursors.

Marta Marzotto - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Experimental neuropharmacology of Gelsemium sempervirens: Recent advances and debated issues
    Elsevier, 2018
    Co-Authors: Paolo Bellavite, Clara Bonafini, Marta Marzotto
    Abstract:

    Gelsemium sempervirens L. (Gelsemium) is traditionally used for its anxiolytic-like properties and its action mechanism in laboratory models are under scrutiny. Evidence from rodent models was reported suggesting the existence of a high sensitivity of central nervous system to anxiolytic power of Gelsemium extracts and Homeopathic dilutions. In vitro investigation of extremely low doses of this plant extract showed a modulation of gene expression of human neurocytes. These studies were criticized in a few commentaries, generated a debate in literature and were followed by further experimental studies from various laboratories. Toxic doses of Gelsemium cause neurological signs characterized by marked weakness and convulsions, while ultra-low doses or high Homeopathic dilutions counteract seizures induced by lithium and pilocarpine, decrease anxiety after stress and increases the anti-stress allopregnanolone hormone, through glycine receptors. Low (non-Homeopathic) doses of this plant or its alkaloids decrease neuropathic pain and c-Fos expression in mice brain and oxidative stress. Due to the complexity of the matter, several aspects deserve interpretation and the main controversial topics, with a focus on the issues of high dilution pharmacology, are discussed and clarified. Keywords: Gelsemium sempervirens, Anxiety, Neurocytes, Animal models, Homeopathic medicine, Behavior, Gene expressio

  • Extreme sensitivity of gene expression in human SH-SY5Y neurocytes to ultra-low doses of Gelsemium sempervirens
    BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014
    Co-Authors: Marta Marzotto, Debora Olioso, Maurizio Brizzi, Paola Tononi, Mirco Cristofoletti, Paolo Bellavite
    Abstract:

    Background Gelsemium sempervirens L. ( Gelsemium s .) is a traditional medicinal plant, employed as an anxiolytic at ultra-low doses and animal models recently confirmed this activity. However the mechanisms by which it might operate on the nervous system are largely unknown. This work investigates the gene expression of a human neurocyte cell line treated with increasing dilutions of Gelsemium s. extract. Methods Starting from the crude extract, six 100 × (centesimal, c) dilutions of Gelsemium s. (2c, 3c, 4c, 5c, 9c and 30c) were prepared according to the French homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 24 h to test dilutions, and their transcriptome compared by microarray to that of cells treated with control vehicle solutions. Results Exposure to the Gelsemium s. 2c dilution (the highest dose employed, corresponding to a gelsemine concentration of 6.5 × 10^-9 M) significantly changed the expression of 56 genes, of which 49 were down-regulated and 7 were overexpressed. Several of the down-regulated genes belonged to G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways, calcium homeostasis, inflammatory response and neuropeptide receptors. Fisher exact test, applied to the group of 49 genes down-regulated by Gelsemium s. 2c, showed that the direction of effects was significantly maintained across the treatment with high homeopathic dilutions, even though the size of the differences was distributed in a small range. Conclusions The study shows that Gelsemium s ., a medicinal plant used in traditional remedies and homeopathy, modulates a series of genes involved in neuronal function. A small, but statistically significant, response was detected even to very low doses/high dilutions (up to 30c), indicating that the human neurocyte genome is extremely sensitive to this regulation.

  • Effects of Gelsemium sempervirens L. on pathway-focused gene expression profiling in neuronal cells
    Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Debora Olioso, Marta Marzotto, Maurizio Brizzi, Elisabetta Moratti, Paolo Bellavite
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Gelsemium sempervirens L. is a traditional medicinal plant mainly distributed in the southeastern of the United States, employed in phytotheraphy and homeopathy as nervous system relaxant to treat various types of anxiety, pain, headache and other ailments. Although animal models showed its effectiveness, the mechanisms by which it might operate on the nervous system are largely unknown. This study investigated for the first time by a real-time PCR technique (RT-PCR Array) the gene expression of a panel of human neurotransmitter receptors and regulators, involved in neuronal excitatory signaling, on a neurocyte cell line. Materials and methods Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 24 h to Gelsemium sempervirens at 2c and 9c dilutions (i.e. 2 and 9-fold centesimal dilutions from mother tincture) and the gene expression profile compared to that of cells treated with control vehicle solutions. Results Exposure to the Gelsemium sempervirens 2c dilution, containing a nanomolar concentration of active principle gelsemine, induced a down-regulation of most genes of this array. In particular, the treated cells showed a statistically significant decrease of the prokineticin receptor 2, whose ligand is a neuropeptide involved in nociception, anxiety and depression-like behavior. Conclusions Overall, the results indicate a negative modulation trend in neuronal excitatory signaling, which can suggest new working hypotheses on the anxiolytic and analgesic action of this plant.

  • Research Article Testing Homeopathy in Mouse Emotional Response Models: Pooled Data Analysis of Two Series of Studies
    2013
    Co-Authors: Paolo Bellavite, Marta Marzotto, Debora Olioso, Mirco Cristofoletti, Anita Conforti, Paolo Magnani, Maria Elisabetta Zanolin
    Abstract:

    Copyright © 2012 Paolo Bellavite et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Two previous investigations were performed to assess the activity of Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium s.) in mice, using emotional response models. These two series are pooled and analysed here. Gelsemium s. in various homeopathic centesimal dilutions/dynamizations (4C, 5C, 7C, 9C, and 30C), a placebo (solvent vehicle), and the reference drugs diazepam (1 mg/kg body weight) or buspirone (5 mg/kg body weight) were delivered intraperitoneally to groups of albino CD1 mice, and their effects on animal behaviour were assessed by the light-dark (LD) choice test and the open-field (OF) exploration test. Up to 14 separate replications were carried out in fully blind and randomised conditions. Pooled analysis demonstrated highly significant effects of Gelsemium s. 5C, 7C, and 30C on the OF parameter “time spent in central area ” and of Gelsemium s. 5C, 9C, and 30C on the LD parameters “time spent in lit area ” and “number of light-dark transitions, ” without any sedative action or adverse effects on locomotion. This pooled data analysis confirms and reinforces the evidence that Gelsemium s. regulates emotional responses and behaviour of laboratory mice in a nonlinear fashion with dilution/dynamization. 1

  • Testing Homeopathy in Mouse Emotional Response Models: Pooled Data Analysis of Two Series of Studies
    Hindawi Limited, 2012
    Co-Authors: Paolo Bellavite, Marta Marzotto, Debora Olioso, Mirco Cristofoletti, Anita Conforti, Paolo Magnani, Maria Elisabetta Zanolin
    Abstract:

    Two previous investigations were performed to assess the activity of Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium s.) in mice, using emotional response models. These two series are pooled and analysed here. Gelsemium s. in various homeopathic centesimal dilutions/dynamizations (4C, 5C, 7C, 9C, and 30C), a placebo (solvent vehicle), and the reference drugs diazepam (1 mg/kg body weight) or buspirone (5 mg/kg body weight) were delivered intraperitoneally to groups of albino CD1 mice, and their effects on animal behaviour were assessed by the light-dark (LD) choice test and the open-field (OF) exploration test. Up to 14 separate replications were carried out in fully blind and randomised conditions. Pooled analysis demonstrated highly significant effects of Gelsemium s. 5C, 7C, and 30C on the OF parameter “time spent in central area” and of Gelsemium s. 5C, 9C, and 30C on the LD parameters “time spent in lit area” and “number of light-dark transitions,” without any sedative action or adverse effects on locomotion. This pooled data analysis confirms and reinforces the evidence that Gelsemium s. regulates emotional responses and behaviour of laboratory mice in a nonlinear fashion with dilution/dynamization