Could the Olfactory System Be a Target for Homeopathic Remedies as Nanomedicines?

Abstract

Homeopathic remedies (HRs) contain odorant molecules such as flavonoids or terpenes and can lose their efficiency in presence of some competitive odors. Such similarities, along with extreme sensitivity of the olfactory system, widespread presence of olfactory receptors over all organic tissues (where they have metabolic roles besides perception of odors), and potential direct access to the brain through olfactory nerves (ONs) and trigeminal nerves, may suggest the olfactory system as target for HRs. Recent works highlighted that HRs exist in a dual form, that is, a still molecular form at low dilution and a nanoparticulate form at high dilution, and that remnants of source remedy persist in extremely high dilutions. From the literature, both odorants and nanoparticles (NPs) can enter the body through inhalation, digestive absorption, or through the skin, especially, NPs or viruses can directly reach the brain through axons of nerves. Assuming that HRs are recognized by olfactory receptors, their information could be transmitted to numerous tissues through receptor–ligand interaction, or to the brain by either activating the axon potential of ONs and trigeminal nerves or, in their nanoparticulate form, by translocating through axons of these nerves. Moreover, the nanoparticulate form may activate the immune system at multiple levels, induce systemic various biological responses through the pituitary axis and inflammation factors, or modulate gene expression at the cellular level. As immunity, inflammation, pituitary axis, and olfactory system are closely linked together, their permanent interaction triggered by olfactory receptors may thus ensure homeostasis.

The Complexity of the Homeopathic Healing Response Part 1: The Role of the Body as a Complex Adaptive System in Simillimum-Initiated Recovery from Disease

“…In a complexity model for homeopathic healing, bodily sensory nervous systems for olfaction, taste or touch detect the signal, [53][54][55][56] and endogenous non-linear amplification mechanisms, 18 including stochastic resonance, time-dependent sensitization (TDS) in the brain, and hormesis heighten medicine information as a discrete signal and propagate a growing multi-system response. 18,[56][57][58] All of these non-linear amplification processes require interaction of the treatment with a complex adaptive system to occur.…”

Efficacy of olfaction vs oral route of administration in acute diseases: Pilot study

“…As the existing literature suggests olfactory group works in 2-3 minutes, our homoeopathic medicines also exhibit significant improvement faster [20] the medicines can be administered through the nose by olfaction as mentioned by Hahnemann [21]. So, the study provides an understanding and observation that patients with altered sensorium responded faster in olfactory route of administration than in oral group.…”

Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks?

“…In aromatherapy, the essential oils (volatile oils) from diverse sources, used through inhalation, local application, and skin permeation, are intended to relieve neural issues (e.g., depression, migraine, headache, insomnia), inflammatory problems (arthritis), stomach disturbances (indigestion), muscular pain, respiratory problems, among others, symptoms of health disturbances. Homeopathic therapeutists claim odorant molecules such as flavonoids or terpene activate the neural-immune axis and improve homeostasis [ 61 ]. However, even therapeutic compounds can cause adverse effects, and xenobiotics, in particular attention here, target multiple organs.…”