Homeopathy & Helicobacter pylori

infecting over 4 billion people....

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a group-1 definite carcinogen,(1) is a spiral-shaped, flagellated, microaerophilic, extra-cellular bacterium infecting the human gastric sub-mucosa of approximately 4.4 billion people, and is implicated in diverse and serious gastric and extra-gastric conditions.(2)

The 2005 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine was awarded to West Australian doctors Robin Warren and Barry Marshall for the first introduction, culture, and isolation of H. pylori in 1983(3) and the investigation of its relevance to peptic ulcer disease – Dr. Marshall intentionally swallowed H. pylori bacterium and developed a stomach ulcer within ten days, resulting in subsequent major breakthroughs in the study and treatment of stomach cancers.(4) H. pylori was present in our early east African ancestors of 58,000 years ago.(5,6)

H. pylori infection is a major risk factor for gastric cancer,(7) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,(8) hypertension - H. pylori-infected people have a 13% higher risk for hypertension,(9) atherosclerosis,(10) and increased carotid intima-media thickness which may indirectly contribute to major vascular events.(2) There is correlation between H. pylori and Coeliac Disease, but causality cannot be clarified.(11)

H. pylori may underlie some autoimmune diseases via its ability to stimulate the chronic inflammatory response, polyclonal lymphocyte activation, molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, bystander activation, and cell-damage - virulent strains of H. pylori, particularly the cagA positive strain, modulate and dysregulate immune responses, disrupt signaling pathways, and damage cells.(12)

Antibiotic resistance of H. pylori increases worldwide, and bismuth quadruple therapy has been recommended as a first-line regimen in many areas.(13) Heteroresistance to frontline clarithromycin and/or metronidazole can be detected in approximately 7 and 14% of H. pylori positive samples respectively.(14) Leading researchers state that the ideal concept for the present and future H. pylori eradication treatment must involve "a simple, cost-effective strategy that fosters compliance without having a negative impact on the gut microbiota or contributing to future antimicrobial resistance."(15) 

Homeopathy shows potential for significant reduction in the use of antibiotics(16-18) and further methodologically high-quality human and veterinary homeopathy studies are urgently needed due to the global threat of antibiotic resistance. Effectiveness of homeopathy in general, in particular treatment of infections, is adequately proven for further research in this field.(19,20)

Nux vomica 10C prepared in ethanol was found to inhibit H. pylori-induced gene expression via heparin-binding epidermal growth factor gene expression action in KATO-III cells,(21) and H. pylori nosode was seen to possess potent prophylactic anti H. pylori activity in vivo.(22)

Although bactericidal effect via homeopathic medicine has been shown,(23-28) this is not in accordance with the general principles of homeopathy with its hypothesis that the individualized homeopathic medicine affects the host, by, for example, activation of the immune system to prevent hospitality to, and adhesion of, bacteria rather than by direct bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects.(29)

Individualized homeopathy outlines the process whereby a single homeopathic medicine is chosen based on the totality of signs and symptoms of an individual,(30) that is, concomitant conditions and diseases, psychological features and feelings, all inform the homeopathic prescription(31) – it is crucial to note here that no generalized homeopathic medicine by condition exists.(32)

Alpha diversity indexes increase within the month post H. pylori eradication, with significant differences in gastric microbial community structure and enriched commonly dominant gastric commensals.(7)

In many dysbiotic conditions disease development involves the mutual relationship between the gut microbiota and the immune system - having multi layered causations, not just the overgrowth or absence of microorganisms.(33) ​

Homeopathic medicine is not out to kill - it enables us to exist in improved harmony within ourselves, our surroundings, and the world of bacteria and micro-organisms.

Sarah Penrose published the case study Helicobacter Pylori Induced Symptoms in a Man of 28 online in 2019.

References

1 AlEraky et al., 2022. Potential Antigenic Candidates for the Development of Peptide-Based Vaccines to Induce Immunization against Helicobacter pylori Infection in BALB/c Mice. Int J Mol Sci. Oct 24;23(21):12824. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36361614/

2 Simon et al., 2022. Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Associated With Carotid Intima and Media Thickening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Heart Assoc. Feb;11(3):e022919. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35060390/

3 Warren & Marshall, 1983. Unidentified curved bacilli on gastric epithelium in active chronic gastritis. Lancet. Jun 4;1(8336):1273-5. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6134060/

4 Konturek et al., 2009. Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric cancerogenesis. J Physiol Pharmacol. Sep;60(3):3-21. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19826177/

5 Linz et al., 2007. An African origin for the intimate association between humans and Helicobacter pylori. Nature. Feb 22;445(7130):915-918. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17287725/

6 Keikha et al., 2019. Potential antigen candidates for subunit vaccine development against Helicobacter pylori infection. J Cell Physiol. Dec;234(12):21460-21470. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31188484/

7 Guo et al., 2022. Effect of Helicobacter Pylori Eradication on Human Gastric Microbiota: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. May 4;12:899248. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35601105/

8 Heydari et al., 2022. Helicobacter pylori Infection and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Turk J Gastroenterol. Mar;33(3):171-181.Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35410853/

9 Fang Y, Xie H, Fan C, 2022. Association of hypertension with helicobacter pylori: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. PLoS One. May 19;17(5):e0268686. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35588432/

10 Shi et al., 2022. Helicobacter pylori infection and the progression of atherosclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Helicobacter. Feb;27(1):e12865. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34841620/

11 Yue M, Chen Q, Zhou X, Li L, Lu C. 2022. Is Helicobacter pylori Infection Associated with Celiac Disease? A Meta-analysis. Turk J Gastroenterol. Mar;33(3):205-212. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35115283/

12 Youssefi et al., 2021. Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune diseases; Is there an association with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune atrophy gastritis and autoimmune pancreatitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. Jun;54(3):359-369. Available from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1684118220302097?via%3Dihub

13 Han et al., 2022. Efficacy of bismuth for antibiotic-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains eradication: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Helicobacter. Dec;27(6):e12930. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36156332/

14 Kouhsari et al., 2022. Heteroresistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole in patients with a Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. May 20;21(1):19. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35596211/

15 Suzuki et al., 2022. The Ideal Helicobacter pylori Treatment for the Present and the Future. Digestion. 2022;103(1):62-68. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34662879/

16 Van der Werf et al., 2018. Do NHS GP surgeries employing GPs additionally trained in integrative or complementary medicine have lower antibiotic prescribing rates? Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of national primary care prescribing data in England in 2016. BMJ Open. Mar 5;8(3):e020488. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29555793/

17 Fixsen. 2013. Should homeopathy be considered as part of a treatment strategy for otitis media with effusion in children? Homeopathy. Apr;102(2):145-50. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23622265/

18 Bell and Boyer. 2013. Homeopathic medications as clinical alternatives for symptomatic care of acute otitis media and upper respiratory infections in children. Glob Adv Health Med. Jan;2(1):32-43. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24381823/

19 Beer et al., 2021. Homöopathie in der medizinischen Versorgung. Gesundh. Ökon. Qual. Manag. 2021;26:245–247. Available from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354672226_Homoopathie_in_der_medizinischen_Versorgung_Konsens_10_Experten_-_10_Statements

20 Weiermayer et al., 2020. Evidenzbasierte Veterinär-/Homöopathie und ihre mögliche Bedeutung für die ­Bekämpfung der Antibiotikaresistenzproblematik – ein Überblick [Evidence-based homeopathy and veterinary homeopathy, and its potential to help overcome the anti-microbial resistance problem - an overview]. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. Oct;162(10):597-615. German, French. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33006555/ Synopsis at https://cam-europe.eu/evidence-based-homeopathy-and-veterinary-homeopathy/

21 Hofbauer R, Pasching E, Moser D, Frass M. 2010. Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor expression in KATO-III cells after Helicobacter pylori stimulation under the influence of strychnos Nux vomica and Calendula officinalis. Homeopathy. Jul;99(3):177-82. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20674841/

22 Gosavi et al., 2012. Therapeutic Effect of H. pylori nosode, a homeopathic preparation in healing of chronic H. pylori infected ulcers in laboratory animals. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. 2;2, S603-S611. Available from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2222180812602308

23 Buchheim-Schmidt et al., 2021. In vitro evaluation of the anti-pathogenic activity of Okoubaka aubrevillei on the human gastrointestinal tract. Zeitschrift fur Gastroenterologie. May;59(5):423-437. English. https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1404-3344

24 Munshi et al., 2021. In-Vitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Candida albicans Nosodes. Homeopathy. May 21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34020481/

25 De et al., 2012. Potentiated homeopathic drug Arsenicum Album 30C inhibits intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and up-regulates expression of arsenic resistance gene in arsenite-exposed bacteria Escherichia coli. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. Feb;10(2):210-27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22313889/ 

26 Jaguezeski et al., 2021. Daily intake of a homeopathic agent by dogs modulates white cell defenses and reduces bacterial counts in feces. Microbial Pathogenesis. Jul;156:104936. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33951540/

27 de Paula Coelho et al., 2017. Homeopathic medicine Cantharis modulates uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC)-induced cystitis in susceptible mice. Cytokine. Apr;92:103-109. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28142108/

28 Jaguezeski et al., 2020. Daily consumption of a homeopathic product decreases intestinal damage and stool bacterial counts in mice challenged with Escherichia coli. Microbial Pathogenesis. Oct;147:104269. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32439564/

29 Pannek et al., 2018. In Vitro Effects of Homeopathic Drugs on Cultured Escherichia coli. Homeopathy. May;107(2):150-154. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29566404/

30 Bellavite et al., Immunology and homeopathy. 2005. 1. Historical background. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM. Dec;2(4):441-52. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16322800/  

31 Bornhöft et al., 2006. Effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of homeopathy in general practice - summarized health technology assessment. Forsch Komplementmedizin. 2006;13 Suppl 2:19-29. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16883077/

32 Pannek et al., 2019. Usefulness of classical homeopathy for the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in individuals with chronic neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. Jul;42(4):453-459. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29485355/

33 Carding et al., 2015. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in disease. Microb Ecol Health Dis. Feb 2;26:26191. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4315779/