Abstract

Background- In homeopathy, Carcinosin 200C (Car200) and Natrum Sulphuricum 200C (Nat Sulph200), are generally used individually in liver ailments depending on the totality of symptoms. This study was designed to examine if a combined treatment of these two homeopathic remedies can provide better ameliorative effects in mammalian model mice (Mus musculus) with reference to the generation of hepatotoxicity, free radicals and liver tumors induced by chronic feeding of two carcinogens, p-dimethylaminoazobenzene (p-DAB) and phenobarbital (PB). Methods- 42 mice were divided into following groups comprising 6 mice each: normal untreated (control-1), normal+succussed alcohol-fed (control-2; alcohol being “vehicle” of the drugs), p-DAB+PB fed (carcinogen-intoxicated), p-DAB+PB+succussed alcohol fed (carcinogen-intoxicated control-3), p-DAB+PB+Nat Sulph200 fed (intoxicated drug-fed-1), p-DAB+PB+Car200 fed (intoxicated drug-fed-2), and p-DAB+PB+Nat Sulph200+Car200 fed (intoxicated drug-fed-3). Cytogenetical endpoints like chromosome aberrations, micronuclei, mitotic index and sperm head anomaly, biomarkers like aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione content, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase were assayed at certain intervals. Additionally, electron microscopical studies (scanning and transmission) and gelatin zymography for matrix metalloproteinases were conducted in the liver at day 90 and 120. Results- All toxicity parameters were favorably modulated by administration of either of the two homeopathic remedies, but the protection level was greater in mice treated conjointly with both the drugs. Conclusion- Conjoint use of Car200 and Nat Sulph200 in carcinogen-intoxicated mice ameliorated hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress significantly more than when a single drug was administered and their clinical use in human liver ailments is validated.

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