Inhibition of IL‐1β and TNF‐α Secretion from Resting and Activated Human Immunocytes by the Homeopathic Medication Traumeel^® S

Abstract

Traumeelw S (Traumeel), a mixture of highly diluted (10 21 -10 29 ) extracts from medicinal plants and minerals is widely used in humans to relieve trauma, inflammation and degenerative processes. However, little is known about its possible effects on the behavior of immune cells. The effects of Traumeel were examined in vitro on the ability of resting and PHA-, PMA-or TNF-a-activated human T cells, monocytes, and gut epithelial cells to secrete the prototypic pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1b, TNF-a and IL-8 over a period of 24 -72 h. Traumeel inhibited the secretion of all three agents in resting, as well as activated immune cells. IL-b secretion was reduced by up to 70% in both resting and activated cells; TNF-a secretion was reduced by up to 65 and 54%, respectively, and IL-8 secretion was reduced by 50% in both resting and activated cells (P , 0:01 for all cells). Interestingly, the effect appeared to be inversely dose-related; maximal inhibition (usually 30 -60% inhibition; P , 0:01) was seen with dilutions of 10 23 -10 26 of the Traumeel stock material. This finding suggests that Traumeel does not inhibit immune cells functions by exerting a toxic effect. Indeed, Traumeel did not affect T cell and monocyte proliferation. Although additional studies are needed to clarify the mode of action of Traumeel and to demonstrate causative relationship between the inhibition of cytokine/chemokine secretion in cell culture and the reported clinical effects of the preparation, our in vitro results offer a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effects of Traumeel observed in clinical use.

Effect of Traumeel S on Cytokine Profile in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture (CLP) Sepsis Model in Rats

“…10 In the in vitro setting, Traumeel S has demonstrated antiinflammatory properties, inhibiting the proinflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1b, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, and IL-8 in resting and activated human immunocytes. 11 Lussignoli et al demonstrated a decrease of IL-6 as well, in a rat paw inflammation model following treatment with Traumeel. 12 The purpose of the current study was to test the effect of Traumeel on cytokine production in an in vivo setting, using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis model in rats, a well-established animal model for the production of inflammatory cytokines.…”

Induction of Apoptosis of Tumor Cells by Some Potentiated Homeopathic Drugs

“…Another drug, Traumeel S, was shown to inhibit the production of interleukin-1, TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-a, and interleukin-8 by human T cells and monocytes in culture. 16 Phase 6 and Flu Terminator, 2 homeopathic formulations, which contain a combination of homeopathic drugs, were reported to stimulate the production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines by human leukocytes. 17 These results indicate that homoeopathic medicines have the capacity to inhibit cell proliferation and reduce animal tumors.…”

Alternative treatment for proximal suspensory desmitis in the hind limb: retrospective study in seven horses

“…The rationale of using Traumeel ® in this study is supported by evidence suggesting the inhibitory role in pro-inflammatory mediators from immune cells (Porozov et al, 2004), the synergistic action of the ingredients and the acceleration of the healing process (Lussignoli et al, 1999). It has been shown that between dilutions of 10 -1 to 10 -7 , Traumeel ® has a selective inhibitory effect on some pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-8 (Porozov digital flexor tendons (Bosch et al, 2010).…”