Abstract
M.Tech (Homoeopathy)
This in vitro study investigated whether Echinacea angustifolia (Ea), E.purpurea (Ep) and the Echinacea angustifo/iaJ E.purpurea Complex (EalEp) in mother tincture (MT), potencies of 3CH, 9CH and 15CH had any direct antifungal and/or antibacterial action against Candida a/bicans and Streptococcus pyogenes, respectively. These organisms form part of the normal human flora, but in immunocompromised individuals they can
initiate opportunistic cutaneous and upper respiratory tract infections, which are seen commonly in the general practitioner's practice.
Ea and Ep were assessed for synergistic action when combined as the EalEp Complex. The quantitative tube potency test (TPT) and the qualitative disc diffusion test (DDT) were used to determine the product efficacy against twenty strains of each test organism.
Results showed that none of the homoeopathic medications tested had a direct inhibitory antifungal effect on G.a/bicans. Ea in 15CH potency exerted significant growth reduction of S.pyogenes. Ep at 9CH and 15CH significantly stimulated the growth of C.a/bicans. Ep and EalEp at all potencies and Ea MT significantly stimulated the growth of S.pyogenes.
Further studies are required to determine whether the stimulatory effects of the various potencies of the Echinacea products on the test organisms are additive or synergistic.