Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
Biochemic tissue salts are defined as essential inorganic salts needed to maintain homoeostasis within living tissue. These salts are important for the integrity of structure and functionality of the cells. Cell homoeostasis is governed by maintaining proportional relationships of cell constituents to one another. A loss of cell homoeostasis results in the manifestation of symptoms, distinct to the specific salt that is lacking. The biochemic tissue salts actions are directed to the tissues of the body thus making it well indicated in the treatment of deficiencies on a cellular level.
Ferrum phos (from Ferrum phosphoricum) tissue salt is one of the twelve biochemic tissue salts. It is derived from iron phosphate, and is prepared in lactose powder through a process called trituration. Trituration reduces the iron phosphate into nanoscale particles. Ferrum phos is administered in a homoeopathic strength of 6X. While some homoeopathic medications are considered beyond Avogadro’s limit, biochemic tissue salts relate to a particle concentration of 10-6 M.
Nanomedicine is an expanding field, in which nanoparticles play an integral part. As a result of this size, they have unique characteristics. Nanoparticles are known to exist in the natural world and can also be manufactured by scientists. These natural or synthetic particles have many practical applications and present with myriad opportunities for use. The practical uses of nanoparticles are found in engineering, medicine, environmental remediation, and as catalysts.
The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and size of nanoparticles in biochemic tissue salt Ferrum phos (Ferrum phosphoricum) in a 2X, 4X and 6X potency by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
This was a quantitative, experimental pilot study performed at the University of Johannesburg, Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology over a three-month period. Ferrum phos tissue salts 2X, 4X, and 6X were sourced from a registered manufacturer of tissue salts. The researcher underwent training on the use of each of the laboratory techniques. The sample preparation, experimental design, and analysis...