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 A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TilE EFFECTS OF 1I0MEOPATIIICALLY
POTENTISED ARGENTUM NITRICUM ON TilE GRO\VTII RATE OF
GERMINATING ZEA MAYS SEEDS

MARIE L JORDI

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF HEALTH AND

BIOTECHNOLOGY, TECHNIKON WITWATERSRAND, IN PARTIAL
FULLFULMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE MASTER
TECHNOLOGY: HOMEOPATHY.

JOHANNESBURG 1999

Supervisor - Dr J Roohnni Co-supervisor • Dr ESolomon

Declaration

I. Marie L Jordi declare that this thesis is my own work. It is being submitted for the
degree of Masters Technology of Homeopathy at the Technikon Witwatersrand.
Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any degree or examination at this or
any other institute.

_ _ _ _ _ _ on the day of • 1999.

 To my mother and father. Barbara and AllanJordi.
Who havealways stood beside me. encouraged me andbelieved in me.
Thank you.

ii
Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth rate of germinating Zea mays seeds
treated with homeopathically prepared Argentum nitricum in the potencies 3CH. 6CH and
9CH. The purpose was to prove that homeopathy does not work according to the "placebo
effect" as suggested by some researchers. This was done by showing that homeopathic
remedies have therapeutic effects on living plant matter, thereby giving credibility to
homeopathy as a science. Another aspect of the study was to determine whether there is
specificity in relation to selected remedy and dose. Six hundred Zea mays seeds were
selected and planted in germination paper rolls. In each of the three test groups as well as
the control group, there were ISO seeds each. The control group was treated with distilled
water only, while the test groups were treated with varied potencies ofArgentum nitricum,
which were prepared indistilled water. The germination rolls were incubated at 2SoC for a
total of J3S hours. After 39 hours the germinating seeds were replanted onto fresh
germination rolls. The process was repeated after a further 48 hours and thus at 87 hours
the first measurement was taken and recorded. The final measurement was taken and
recorded at J3S hours. Measurements comprised ofthe lengths of the mesocoleoptile and
coleoptile ofthe Zea mays shoots. At 87 hours there was no significant difference between
any of the groups. At J3S hours there were significant differences between the Argentum
nitrlcum 3eH and the control, Argentum nitricum 3CH and Argentum nitricum 6CH,
Argentum nitricum 3CH and Argentum nitricum 9CH. This study therefore showed that
homeopathic Argentum nitricum had significant influence on the growth of germinating
Zea mays seeds. The theory that homeopathy is merely due to "placebo effect" was
disproved, and it was shown that there is definitely specificity with respect to homeopathic
potencies.

iii
Acknowledgements

My thanks to Technikon Witwatersrand and Dr B. Van Olden, the Botany Department of

the University of Pretoria, Natura Homeopathic Laboratory, Dr E. Stoflberg and Dr E.
Solomon for their contribution's. Special thanks and appreciation to Dr J. Roohani for her
continued support and expertise, and to Mr G. Turner for his continued support and
encouragement.

iv
Table of Contents

Declaration i
Abstract iii
Acknowledgements iv
Table ofContents v
List offigures vii
List oftables viii
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 The Problem 1
1.2 The Placebo Effect 1
1.3 lea mays 2
1.3.1 Germination of lea mays seeds 5
1.3.2 Factors influencing germination 7
1.3.3 Photosynthesis oflea mays 7
1.3.3.1 The reductive pcntose phosphate pathway 8
1.3.3.2 The C4 -dicarboxylic acid pathway 8
1.3.3.3 Characteristics which distinguish C) and C4 plants 8
1.4 Homeopathic principles 10
1.4.1 The law ofsimilars 10
1.4.1.1 The Provings ofRemedies 10
1.4.2 Potentisation 11
1.5 Argentum nitricum 14
1.6 Research linking homeopathy to plants 15
1.7 Different potencies have different effects 16
2.0 Materials and Methods 18
2.1 Preparation of Homeopathic remedies 18
2.1.1 Argentum nitricum 3CI-I 18
2.1.2 Argentum nitricum 6CI·I 18
2.1.3 Argentum nitricum 9CI·I 18
2.2 Zca mays seeds 19

v
 2.2.1 Sample Selection 19
2.2.2 Preparation ofgermination paper 20
2.2.3 Seed Positioning 20
2.3 Incubation time and procedure 22
2.4 Measurement and data collection 22
2.5 Statistical Analysis 23
3.0 Results 24
3.1 The influence ofArgentum nitricum 3CH. 6CH and 9CH on the growth of Zea .
mays at 87 hours 24
3.2 The influence ofArgentum nitricum 3CH. 6CH and 9CH onthe growth of Zea
mays at 135 hours 26
4.0 Discussion 28
5.0 Appendix A 31
6.0 Appendix B 33
7.0 Appendix C 35
8.0 References 48

vi
List offigures

Fig 1.1 Labelled diagram of lea mays , 4

Fig 1.2 Seed germination and growth of a young lea mays plant. " .. 6
Fig 1.4.2 Diagrammatic representation of the potentisation principle 13
Fig 2.2.3 Labelled lea mays seeds... 21
Fig 3.1 Graph of mean growth rate of Zea mays at87 hours 2S
Fig 3.2 Graph of mean growth rate of Zea mays at 135 hours... 27

vii
List oftables

Table 1.7.1 The results of the study by Mower. to evaluate the growth rate of
germinating Zea mays seeds subject to the administrntion of
homeopathically prepared Carbo vegetabalis in the potencies of 12CH.
13CH and 14CH 16
Table 2.2.1 Sample distribution '" .. , .. 19

Table 3.1 Mean (+/.Standard deviation) of Zea mays growth at

Time 87hours 24
Table 3.2. Mean (+/·Standard deviation) of Zea mays growth at
time 135 hours " 26

viii
1.0 Introduction

1.1 The Problem

Homeopathy is a system of healing based on the Law of Similars (similia similibus
curentur or "like cures like") using very minute or infinitesimal doses of substances
originating from mineral, vegetable and animal matter. (Jouanny, 1994; Lockie & Geddes
1995). Homeopathic remedies undergo a process whereby they are repeatedly diluted and
succused - a process known as potentisation. In the realms of thepresent classical medical
understanding there is great scepticism as to the real efficacy of homeopathy, which is
largely seen to be due to the "placebo effect". Where people receiving a sugary inactive
medicinal substance react to the substance as if it had active medicinal properties.
(Reilly, D. Taylor. M.A. McSharry. C. Aitchison, T. 1986; POPP, 1994; Bellavita, 1995).
This may be due to the potentisation process that homeopathic remedies are manufactured
under. This study will show that homeopathy does not work according to a placebo effect
but in fact has therapeutic qualities. To demonstrate this therapeutic action, plants have
been chosen as the research subjects, due to their having no psyche element. as do human
subjects. The plant chosen is Zea mays as it is a common agricultural source in South
Africa. Argentum nitricum, a homeopathic remedy prepared according to the centesimal
Hahnemannian scale (CH), namely 3CH. 6CH and 9CH will be used to treat the Zea mays
seeds. These potencies have been chosen to determine whether different potencies have
different effects.

1.2 The Placebo Effect

There is great scepticism inthe field of conventional medicine as to the real physical value
of homeopathy, which is judged to be due to a "placebo effect". (Bellavita, 1995) A
placebo is a harmless inactive medicine given not for any pharmacological effect but to
please the patient. A placebo may be used in clinical trials of a new drug as a control
treatment to nullify the "placebo effect" which makes patients believe that a pill is doing
them good merely because they are taking some kind of treatment (Bastin & Brown 1991).
According to Gerber (1996) this is due to the process of potentisation, where he asks. "how
can one atom of drug have any significant physiologic effect on the human body?"
However, homeopathic remedies are commonly used in veterinary science, and although
results may be due to suggestion, it seems somewhat unlikely that psychological measures
can heal an abscess in a cat, skin disorders in a horse and mastitis in a cow (Bellnvita,
1995).

According to Pantanowitz (1994) we should reject homeopathy as plain and simple fringe
medicine suggesting that what we are dealing with is the power of the mind and the power
of the placebo effect. He concludes that diseases that get better spontaneously. namely
allergies. will respond very well to homeopathy. This view is in direct contrast to
conclusions drawn by studies done by Reilly et al. (1986) where the hypothesis that
homeopathic potencies work as a placebo effect was tested in a randomised, double blind,
placebo controlled trial. The study compared the effects of a homeopathic preparation of
mixed grass pollens with placebo in patients with active hayfever. An initial aggravation
of symptoms was noted in the patients receiving the homeopathic preparation, followed by
improvement in that group. No evidence emerged to support theidea that placebo action
fully explained theclinical responses to homeopathic drugs.

In order to eliminate the psychological element and to prove that homeopathy does not
work according to the"placebo effect". the plant Zea mays was used.

1.3 Zea mays

Maize is a monocotyledonous plant and belongs to the large and important gramineae
family. As with all gramineae plants. the root system contains no taproot. Its feathery
strands spread out in all directions. mainly in the topsoil. The four seminal roots may
persist throughout the life of the plant. and the main adventitious fibrous system. spread
out in a lateral direction in the upper layers of the soil. after which they tum vertically
downwards and tapthe lower levels of the soil.

2
The stem is normally 2 - 3 metres high and has a thickness of 3 - 4 centimetres. with an
average of 14 internodes. These stem internodes which are short and thick at the base of
the plant. become longer and thicker higher up the stem. and then taper again to the male
inflorescence which terminates the main axis. The numbers of leaves average 12 - 18 per
plant. The leaf length varies between 30 - ISO centimetres and the width can be up to IS
centimetres.

The maize plnnt bears its flowers in spikelets, The spikelets are of two types. male and
female. The male being collected into a male inflorescence or "tassel" which terminates
the main axis. The female spikelets. which are known as the "cob" or "ear", are covered
byhusks of the young ear. It consists of a modified lateral branch derived from on axillary
bud of the main stem. The ovary itself is surrounded by the "silk" which grows rapidly
and emerges from the top of the husk. The silk is bifurcated at the tip and is receptive
along most of its length.

Pollen is produced from the opening flowers on the tassel. The pollen then adheres to the
moist surface of the style, where it follows the vascular tissue towards the ovary. where
fertilisation occurs. After fertilisation has taken place, the groins are borne in an even
number of rows along the length of the cob. Individual ears of maize may have up to 30
rows of groins (Berger 1962; Noggle and Fritz, 1976; Encyclopaedia Britannica. 1987;
Raven, Evert and Eichhorn, 1992).

3
Fi J 1. 1 L II -II -d d i lJ.: r 1111 of Zeo III I ' \
1.3.1 GERMINATIONOFZEA MAYS SEEDS
Germination is the resumption of growth in seeds beginning with a massive absorption of
water, known as imbibition, which greatly increases the volume of the seed by as much as
200 percent. The resulting hydration of the living material substance of the cells, known as
protoplasm, increases enzymatic activity resulting in the metabolic rate of the embryo
showing a marked rise. The higher metabolic rate makes possible resumption of active
cell division, synthesis ofnew protoplasm and increase in cell sizeby uptake of water. The
growing embryo soon bursts out of the seed coat and rapidly assumes a characteristic plant
form with distinguishable shoot and root (Keeton & McFadden, 1967; Villee et al., 1985).
Both radicle and plumule are enclosed in a sheath-like structure, the coleorhiza and
coleoptile respectively. The coleorhiza is the first structure to emerge through the pcricarp,
which isthe mature Zea mays seed wall. The coleorhiza is then followed by the radicle, or
primary root, which elongates very rapidly and quickly penetrates the coleorhiza. The
radicle promptly turns downwards no matter what the orientation may be.

After the primary root emerges the coleoptile is pushed upward due to cell elongation.
When the base of the coleoptilc reaches the soil surface, the more delicate shoot, the
mesocoleoptile then grows up through the coleoptile sheath. In addition to the primary
root, two or more seminal adventitious roots, which arise from the cotyledonary node,
grow through the pericarp and bend downward to help anchor the plant.

The activity of the apical meristem of the shoot results in the formation of an orderly
sequence of leaves, nodes and internodes. Nodes are the part of the stem where one or
more leaves arc attached and internodes arc the region of the stem between two nodes.

The period from germination to the time the seedling becomes established as an
independent organism constitutes the most crucial phase in the life history of the plant (Sec
Fig 1.2)(Kceton & McFadden, 1967; Vilice, Solomon, Martin, Martin, Berg, Davis. 1985;
Raven et al. 1992).

s
I-i 1.2 J -rmln tion nd J 0 -t I of 'OUII J Z a ma v 1)1 lit. ( ill '/ al.. I

/
I

Prim
root
1.3.2 FACTORS INFLUENCING GERMINATION
A number of factors influence whether a seed will germinate or not. Many of these are
environmental factors, including water, oxygen and temperature. No seed will germinate
unless it has direct access to water. A watery medium in cells is necessary for active
metabolism. When a seed germinates its metabolic machinery is turned on, with many
materials being synthesised and degraded. Also there is a very high-energy requirement
for germination and growth. Because plants have the same aerobic respiratory pathway as
animals, oxygen is needed for plant development during germination. Another
environmental factor that affects germination istemperature. Formost plants, the optimum
germination temperature is 25·30"C.

Nitrogen is an integral component of many compounds essential for plant growth processes
including chlorophyll and many enzymes. It is an essential component of proteins and
related amino acids, which arc needed as building blocks for plant tissue and in the cell
nuclei. Nitrogen is necessary for carbohydrate utilisation within plants and stimulates root
growth and development as well as uptake of other nutrients. (Hartman ct al, Brady,
1984). Even when external factors arc optimal, certain seeds will not germinate because of
internal factors. If the proper combination of external and internal factors is not present,
the seeds will not germinate (Villee et al., 1985; Raven ct al. 1992).

1.3.3 PHOTOSYNTHESIS OF ZEA MAYS

Photosynthesis is a process by which green plants, using chlorophyll and sunlight energy,
tum carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates, a food substance. Molecular oxygen is
liberated in the process (Dox, Melloni and Eisner 1993).

It has become customary todesignate plant species with low photosynthetic capacity as C}
plants and those with high photosynthetic capacity as C4 plants. Maize is a plant with high
photosynthetic capacity and therefore is known as a C4 plant. CJ plants utilise one
photosynthetic pathway, namely the reductive penrose phosphate pathway, whilst C 4 plants
utilise the Cr-dicarboxylic acid pathway as well as the CJ pathway (Noggle ct al. 1976;
Raven et al. 1992).

7
 1.3.3.1 THE REDUCTNE PENTOSE PHOSPHATE PATHWAY

The cycle involves three phases. Firstly the formation of the carbon dioxide (C02)
acceptor, ribulose diphosphate, and its subsequent carboxylation to yield glyceric acid-r-
phosphate. Secondly. the transformation of ribulose phosphate through the action of
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nicotiamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen
(NADPH). And thirdly, the formation of ribulose monophosphate and hexose phosphate
through a series of sugar interconvertions (Noggle et al. 1976; Raven et al: 1992).

1.3.3.2 THE C4 -DICARBOXYUC ACID PATHWA Y

Carbon dioxide reacts with phosphoenolpyruvic acid in the presence of the enzyme
phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase to form oxaloacetic acid. The oxaloacetate is
transformed to malic acid, which is dccarboxylated to yield pyruvic acid and C02, the
pyruvic acid is phosphorylated to regenerate phosphoenolpyruvic acid, and the CO 2 is
metabolised by way of the reductive pentose phosphate pathway (Noggle et al. 1976;
Raven ct al. 1992).

1.3.3.3 CHARACTERISTICS WHICH DISTINGUISH C3 AND C4 PLANTS

Firstly, the leaves of C4 plants have one or more layers of thick walled parenchyma cells
around the vascular tissue, known as the bundle sheath. The bundle sheaths of C" plants
have a high concentration of organelles such as chloroplasts. Bundle sheath cells in the
leaves of C3 plantsare either absent of when present have very few organelles.

Secondly, the temperature range at which net photosynthesis in C) and C4 plants proceeds
at an optimum rote differs. The temperature optimum for photosynthesis in C) plants is
below 25°C where as that for Col plants is in the range of 30°- 40°C. According to Noggle
and Fritl (1976) the rate of net photosynthesis in Col plants is more than twice that in C)
plants at a temperature of 30° -35°C. And at tempcrntures of 15" - 20°C there is no
marked diffcrcncc inthe net rate of photosynthesis between the two plants,
8
Thirdly, oxygen hasa marked effect on the net rate of photosynthesis in C} plants. Higher
net rates of photosynthesis are achieved when the oxygen concentrations are maintained at
very low levels, such as 0 - 2%. The net rate of photosynthesis in C4 plants remain the
same from 0 - 21 %, therefore oxygen has almost no effect on the net photosynthesis in C4
plants.

Lastly, C) plants reach a maximum net rate of photosynthesis at a relatively low light
intensity, well below that of full sunlight. Where as the net rate ofphotosynthesis in a C4
plant increases with increasing light intensity, even to full sunlight. Noggle and Fritz
(1976) conclude that C4 plants are better adapted than C} plants to life under adverse
environmental conditions, such as intense solar radiation and high temperatures.

9
1.4 Homeopathic prlnc/ples
The word homeopathy is derived from the Greek term "homoios" (similar) and "pathos"
(pain, suffering). The discovery and development of homeopathic medicine is credited to
Dr. Samuel llahnemann (1755·1843), a German physician. Due to his disillusionment and
dissatisfaction with the medical approaches of his day, he developed a system of treatment
based on the unique principle of "like cures like" (Eizayaga, 1991; Sankaran, 1993).

1.4.1 THE LAW OF SIMILARS

llahncmann's law of similars is the first law of homeopathy (Vlthoulkas, 1986; Jouanny
1993; Gerber, 1996). It states that those symptoms, which a substance can produce when
administered to a healthy individual, arc the very symptoms, which the substance can cure
when administered to a sick individual (Vithoulkas, 1986; Gerber, 1996).

According to Dr. Rajan Sankaran, (1993) if a healthy individual takes a CH dose of

homeopathically prepared Arsenic, vomiting, diarrhoea, a rapid pulse and prostration are
the symptoms that will develop, which is called a proving. The individual will become
anxious and his skin will become cold. When Arsenic is taken for longer periods he will
develop a runny nose, heavy head, cough and bronchial catarrah. There will be a sensation
of burning all over, which is relieved by warmth, frequent thirst for sips ofcold water, fear
of death and restlessness. Symptoms would be worse at noon and midnight. According to
the homeopathic law, "like cures like" many patients displaying such symptoms have been
cured by Arsenic irrespective of the name of the disease, diseases like cholera, colds,
eczema, asthmaetc. (Sankaran, 1993).

1.4.1.1 The Provlngs of Remedies

Homeopathic preparations first undergo a proving on healthy living matter namely humans
or plants, before they are classified as homeopathic remedies and recorded in the
homeopathic Materia Medica. Dud ng a proving a substance is administered to an
organism nnd thus n:sulting in a diseased symptom picture of which all the symptoms

\0
produced art: noted and recorded and thus documented in the Materia Medica. The
organism usually undergoes two phases, the first being the primary effect which occurs
immediately within a few hours to a few days, this is usually a somewhat dramatic
reaction. The organism in its attempt to re-establish equilibrium, then compensates with a
secondary effect. According to Vithoulkas (1986) the secondary effect usually occurs in
approximately twice the time of the primary effect. The symptoms in the secondary phase
are normally opposite tothat of the primary phase. In any proving it is important to record
all the symptoms from both phases, even though they appear to be contradictory.

1.4.2 POTENT/SAT/ON
Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, animal and mineral extracts. Paradoxically
the more dilute the remedies are, the more effective they become (Gerber, 1996). Remedy
manufacturing is very precise where insoluble substances, such as gold, graphite and lead,
must first be made soluble by a process known as trituration where they are ground
continually until they become soluble. Remedies derived from soluble substances, such as
animal or plant extracts, arc dissolved from the raw material in an alcohol/water mixture
that contains 90% alcohol and 10% distilled water. The ratio depends on the substance
being dissolved. This mixture is left to stand for 2-4 weeks, and then strained through a
press, the resulting liquid is called the mother tincture (Lockie andGeddes, 1995). A drop
of this mother tincture isadded to either 10 or 100 parts of distilled water. Dilutions using
a 1:10 ratio arc referred to as potencies of "X" or "D"(Decimal Hahncmannian), those
using a ratio of I:100 are called "C" or "CH"(Centesimal Hahnemannian). The container
of distilled water and tincture is shaken forcefully in a process known as "succussion".
One drop of this dilution is added to 10 or 100 parts of distilled water depending on the
ratio system wanted. This mixture is again succuscd, and the process of dilution and
succussion is repented a number of times. The preceding technique is referred to as
"potcntisation". The reason for this terminology is that the homeopathic remedies, which
nrc increasingly dilute, are in fact more potent in their curative powers. Homeopathic
remedies, prepared in this way ore said to be more "potcntiscd". 10 x isa solution which
has been potcntiscd 10 times using the I: 10 ratio and a lOCH is a solution which has been
potcntiscd 10 times using the I: 100 ratio. If the I:100 dilution and succussion method is

II
used after 12 series of dilutions and succussions the homeopathic pharmacist arrives at a
mixture with a concentration of 10-24 , Since the number of atoms in a mole is
approximately 6,024 x 10,2) (Avogadro's Number), this meansthat the 12CH is unlikely to
have even a singleatom of the original substance present (Gerber, 1996).

l Iahnemann subsequently founded the LM potencies, which have adilution ratio of 1/50
000 as opposed to thedilution ratio of the centesimal range (1/100), tobemore powerful
yet more gentle then the higher centesimal potencies. Hahnernann warns that when using
the LM potencies it isbest to give a single dose and wait 3 to 7 days to see the reaction, If
there isa "striking" reaction, a repeated dose is contraindicated (Little, 1996).

According to Gerber(1988), the process of homeopathic potentisation, namely progressive

dilution and sucussion, removes the molecular clements of the substance and thus only the
subtle energetic qualities of the substance remain within the alcohol/water base. The active
part of the homeopathic remedies arc not physical but rather subtle-energy medicines
which contain the energetic frequency or "vibrational signature" of the substance from
which they have been prepared. According to theory, the energetic frequencies differ
according to each potency level, giving rise to different energetic frequencies of the
original substance, thereby explaining the different effects of different potencies.

12
'i 104.2 Diau mrn tic repr ' nl lion of th ' pctent i lion p rincipl . ( r r, 1 )

( 2 )

1:1 1:1 .. 1:10 1:1 1:1 10

1 2
 1.5 Argentum nltrlcum
Argentum nitricum, is prepared from silver nitrate (AgNOj). Homeopathic silver nitrate
contains nitrogen in the form of nitrates (NOj"), As mentioned earlier nitrogen is an
integral component of many compounds essential for plant growth processes. Nitrogen is a
macronutricnt and is a component of amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, nucleic acids,
chlorophylls and coenzymes.

Nitrogen comprises approximately 800/0 of theatmosphere, however most living things can
not utilise atmospheric nitrogen. The highly specialised process for converting
atmospheric nitrogen to a usable form is known as nitrogen fixation. Usable nitrogen is the
major limiting nutrient in crop plant growth such as lea mays.

Nitrogen fixation is a process by which dinitrogcn (N2) is reduced to ammonium (NH"+)

and made available for animation reactions, a process by which ammonia ions are
transferred to carbon containing compounds to produce amino acids and other nitrogen
containing organic compounds. The oxidation of ammonia or nitrification is an energy
yielding process giving rise to nitrite ions (N02"). Nitrite ions are toxic to plants and
therefore undergo another oxidation process giving rise to nitrates (NO j ·) . Nitrate is the
fonn in which almost all nitrogen is absorbed by plants and utilised effectively. Most
nitrogen fertilisers used commercially contain ammonium ions (NH/) which undergo
nitrification in the soil, giving rise to nitrates (Hartman et al, 1983; Brady, 1984; Raven et
al. 1992).

In a study carried out by Phongpan, Vacharotayan and Kumazawa (1985), to evaluate the
fate and efficiency of urea fertiliser in wetland rice soil. They concluded that the
incorporation of fertiliser nitrogen played an important role in theincrease of crop yield.

In a further study carried out by Adriaansc (1990), to evaluate the effects of nitrate:
ammonium ratios and nitmpyrin on the nitrogen response of lea mays I. under field
conditions, it was found that the grain yield increased by applying nitrogen when nil
nitrogen treatments were compared to the control plots which received no nitrogen. These

14
results substantiate Cresswell's (1984) findings, namely, the increased maize grain yield
closely parallelsthe increased nitrogen application.

In its homeopathic form amongst the leading symptoms of Argemum nitricum, is a feeling
as if the body or some part of the body were expanding or enlarged. An example of this
could bea migraine with a feeling as if the head were enormously enlarged or an enlarged
sensation manifested during pregnancy and menstruation (Clarke, 1900; Phatak, 1977;
Boerike, 1994; Master, Panchal, Panchal, and Bharucha 1996).

1.6 Research linking homeopathy to plants

In a study laid out by K.K. Kahanna nnd S. Chandra (1977), a homeopathic drug was found
to control mango fruit rot caused by Prcstalotia mangiferae. Lycopodium clavatum
/90CH is the remedy that was recommended for the control of the disease. Remedies used
in the study were prepared from Arsenicum album, Kali iodatum, Lycopodium claval 11m,
Phosphorus, Thuja occidentalis, Asvagandh, Blatta orientalis. Zincum sulphuricum, Felix
mas and Kali munaticum. The fungitoxicity of the drugs were determined in terms of the
inhibition of spore germination of the causal fungus. It was noted that Phosphorus 50CH,
Lycopodium /90CH, Asvagandh 100CH, Arsentcum album ICH, 89CH and 90CfI and
Zincum sulphuricum ICH and 2el! completely inhibited the spore germination in vitro.
Only those which completely inhibited the spore germination, were evaluated for their
cflicacy in checking the fruit rot. Except for Lycopodium claval11m 190CH, none of the
remedies tested could reduce the percentage of fruit infected. Thus only Lycopodium
claval11m 190CH was effective both in reducing the percentage fruit infection as well as
percentage rot. This illustrates the spcci ficity of homeopathy showing that one particular
medication will have results with a specific disease process. It also shows that
homeopathic remedies do affect non-human subjects.

In a study using wheat seedlings, Pongratz and Endler (1994) investigated the effects of
silver nitrate in potencies D24, D25 nnd D26 on the germination and growth of wheat
colcoptilcs. Both silver nitrate D24 and 026 significantly increased growth as compared to
025, which decreased growth rate when compared to the control. This study not only

IS
shows that different potencies indeed have different effects but also helps to reject the
monotonicity rule. The monotonicity rule states that, increased doses gives increased
effects while lesserdoses gives lesser effects (Coulter, 1980).

1.7 Different potencies have different effects

Frequent clinical observations of homeopaths confirm that different potencies have
different effects. (Vithoulkas, 1986) Once thecorrect remedy is selected according to the
Law ofSimi lars, it is true that it will act even in the crude form, however the result may be
minimal and short lasting. Ifthe remedy is taken in n 12CH potency the relief would likely
be more dramatic and if the remedy was taken in 11 higher potency, such as 30CH the
response could be a complete disappearance of symptoms with in a matter of hours, with
no relapse at all (Vithoulkas, 1986).

In a study, carried out by Mower (1999), to evaluate the growth rate of germinating Zca
mays seeds subject tothe administration of homocopathically potentised Carbo vegetabalis
in the potencies of 12CH, 13CH, and 14CH. The conclusion of thestudy is that Carbo veg.
potencies 12CH, l3CH and 14CH were found to significantly influence the growth of
germinating Zea mays seeds in different ways. The results were expressed as a percentage
of the control and can be seen in the table below.

Table 1.7.1 the results or the study by Mower, to evaluate the growth rate or germinating Zen ma)·.f
seeds subject to the administration of homoeopathlcally potentlsed Carbo l'tgtfaba[is In the potencies or
12CII, 13CII, and 14CIl. (Results expressed as a percentage of the control)

Time Potency Overall Significance

87 hours 12CH 97.6 Not significant
13CH 88.4 Significant
14CII 104.5 Not significant
135 hours 12CII 80.2 Significant
13CII 93.5 Significant
14CII 92.7 Significant

16
Homeopathy is an emerging science and therefore the available research papers are
limited. However it is interesting to note that work has been carried out dating back to
1926 by Kolisko to investigate the different effects of different potencies of silver nitrate
on different plants. The experiments lasted 14 days and then the plants were taken out of
the soil and measured, and dried weight was determined and an average value calculated.
He concluded that different potencies of silver nitrate have different effects on different
plants.

The aim of this study, therefore was to determine whether or not homcopatbically prepared
Argl'IIf/lm nitricum had any effect on the growth rate of Zea mays, thereby illustrating that
homeopathy does not work according to the placebo effect. The administration of the
homeopathically prepared Argentum nitricum on Zca may... is to determine whether there is
a therapeutic effect on living plant matter. In addition, this study aims to determine if
homeopathically prepared nitricum in different potencies will have varying
effects on the growth rate of Zea mays seeds.

17
2.0 Materials and Methods
This study was carried out at the Department of Botany, University of Pretoria, Gauteng,
South Africa

2.1 Preparation of Homeopathic remedies

The homeopathic remedies were manufactured and supplied by Natura Homeopathic
Laboratory, of Eight, Eighteenth Street, Hazelwood, Pretoria. The remedies were made up
as follows (See Apendix B):

2.1.1 ARGENTUM NITRICUM 3CH

A ICII in water was used tomake n 2CH in distilled water. The 2CH was potcntiscd 100
times by machine. The final potency (3CH) was potentised 100 times bymachine.

2.1.2 ARGENTUM NITRICUM 6CH

A 4CH in water was used to make a 5CH in distilled water. The 5CH was potentised 100
times by machine. The final potency (6CH) was potentised 100 times by machine.

2.1.3 ARGENTUM NITRICUM 9CH

A 7CH in water was used to make an 8CH in distilled water. The 8CH was potcntiscd 100
times by machine. The final potency (9CH) was potentised 100 times bymachine.

All potencies were made as III 00 dilutions; i.e. I part of the lower potency and 99 parts
distilled water. One litre of each Argentum nitricum potency was supplied.

18
2.2 Zea mays seeds
The Zea mays seeds were supplied by Sentral-Wes Co-Op of Stanley Street Vereeniging,
from the cultivar SNK2943 SPM. The lea mays seeds were treated with captan, a
fungicide with protective and curative action. Caplan is used as 11 seed treatment to control
a wide range of fungal diseases namely, seed rot, seedling blight and root rot (Jeffs, 1986;
Tomlin, 1995).

2.2,1 SAMPLE SELECTION

During the selection process of six-hundred (600) seeds, malformed or damaged seeds
were excluded. The seeds were divided into four (4) groups of one hundred and fifty (150)
seeds, and in turn these four (4) groups were sub-divided into three (3) groups of fifty (50)
seeds each. Latex gloves were worn throughout the experimental procedure in order to
avoid contamination.

.• t S llmpe
Tnhic 22 I diis tralbUt'Ion
Group No Description Treatment
tA Control I Distilled water only
IB Control 2 Distilled water only
IC Control 3 Distilled water only
2A Experimental 2.1 Argentum nitricum JCII
2B Experimental 2.2 Argentum nltricum JCII
2C Experimental 2.3 Argentum nitricum JCII
3:\ Experimental 3.t Argentum nltricum 6CII
3B Expertmental Lz Argentum nltricum 6CII
3C ExperimentalJ.J Argentum nltricum 6CII
4A Experimental 4.1 nitricum 9CII
48 Experimental 4.2 Argentum nitricum 9CII
4C Experimental 4.3 Argentum nitricum 9CII

19
2.2.2 PREPARATION OF GERM/NA TION PAPER
For each group, 4 sheets of 305x560mm germination paper (Multa Seed (PTY) Ltd,
Brackenfell) was placed on top of each other making one thick layer, which was then
folded dividing them into 3 equal parts.

They were then placed into a polyethylene bag and saturated with IOOml of the required
distilled water or medication, as set out in Table 2.2.1. Excess air was removed and the
open bottom end of the bag was folded over. The bag containing the germination paper
was the rolled up. This procedure was repeated unti I there were 12 germination rolls
labelled according to group number, e.g. IA. Each main group was placed vertically in an
incubator bucket, IA, 18 and IC were placed into bucket I; 2A, 28 and 2C were placed
into bucket 2; 3A, 3Band 3C were placed into bucket 3 and 4A, 48 and 4C were placed
into bucket 4. The four (4) buckets were then placed into the incubator (Labcon L TGC
growth chamber, Labtex, Orange Grove) for 24 hours at 25()C in darkness to equilibrate
thegrowth medium prior to "planting the seeds".

2.2.3 SEED POSITIONING

After the required 24 hours the buckets were removed from the incubator. The
germination rolls were taken out of the polyethylene bags and unrolled and unfolded. the
topsheet was removed and set aside.

Zea mays seeds were positioned on the three remaining germination sheets in a staggered
fashion approximately 4cm apart and then covered with the fourth paper. The germination
paper was folded and rolled up again and replaced into the polyethylene bag and replaced
in the bucket in the incubator. The embryo of the seed was placed facing upwards and the
radicles were all facing ina downward direction tofacilitate germination (see fig 2.2.3). It
was also ensured that when the seeds were placed vertically in the incubator (Labcon
LTGC growth chamber, Labtex, Orange Grove) at 2S"C, the rndicles were positioned in a
downward direction as roots display positive geotropism, which is a grov..1h response
towards the earth andthe influence of gravity on gro\..1h (Villcc etal., 1985). Shoots in the

20
. arne WdY i I'l l ' n 'alive te itr Ill . \ hrch i I tr wth iway from the c n h r zr ivrt I

( illce et 01 , I r die! ' facin u upw rd • th

would hav c u cd up" rd I It ire w m ikrn I me I ur em nt of the len uh in I un t • ind
thus irowth rate inf .asible.

To ensure I urn '. all cxperim ent zr HIpS and the .ontrol 'w ups were Il k .n ou t f ind
r .placcd into the incubator II ' ,' 'tl th s me lime \ h n ne
I ', S try durin' th rim nt.

Fi I 2.2, I . bell -d Ze« lIIa)',\ c -d.

Ritchi ct 1//. " I low Corn 1'1 III l) v lop " I C)<)J
. http 1/w \11 I i l sI uc cdu/dcp rtment I r on om IIi .\ htmf -) (_ 1 S eptembcr 11)99)

here : -
'ilk Scar
- Seed 'oat
- Endo perm
4- Embryo
a cole ptil
b - plurnle
c - scut .llum
d mdi lc
Bla k all n z ne

6 - Pedicle
2.3 Incubation time andprocedure
Day 1: The germination rolls were prepared with 100ml of the respective medication or
distilled water and then placed in the incubatorat25°C for 24 hours.
Day 2: Seeds were planted in prepared germination rolls and returned to the incubator for
39 hours to ensure that germination took place. This is the first time the seeds came into
contact with the respective medication.
Day 3: Fresh germination rolls were prepared with lOamI of the respective medication or
distilled water and placed in the incubator at 25°C for 24 hours.
Day 4: Germinating seeds were replanted onto the freshly prepared germination paper and
incubated for 48 hours. This is the second time the "seeds" came into contact with the
respective medications.
Day 5: Fresh germination rolls were prepared with lOami of the respective medication or
distilled water and placed into the incubator for 24 hours.
Day 6: The first measurement of the mesocoleoptile and coleoptile was taken (see 2.4) and
recorded, this measurement was recorded after the seeds had been in the incubator for 87
hours. Only the first 130 germinated seeds per potency and control group were measured
and recorded, and the rest were discarded, as they did not germinate. The seedlings were
replanted onto the freshly prepared germination rolls and incubated for a further 48 hours.
This is the third time the "seeds" came into contact with the respective medications.
Day 7: No measurements were taken.
Day 8: The second and final measurement of mesocoleoptile andcoleoptile was taken and
recorded, at 135 hours.

2.4 Measurement and data collection

Mcsocolcoptilc and coleoptile lengths were measured using the Sumrnasketch Professional
computerised digital board (Surnmagraphics Corporation, Fairfield C.T, United States of
America) by means of a hand held probe. A Crcatck mm computer programme (The
Crcatck Company, 41 General van Ryanvcldt Street, Tcchnopark Persquor) was utilised on
a Copam PC S8C computer, calculated the mean lengths and standard deviations.

22
The Zea mays seeds were incubated for 87 hours before the first measurement was taken
and recorded and the second and final measurement was taken and recorded at 135 hours.
Twenty lea mays seeds in each group were discarded, as some had not germinated;
therefore one hundred and thirty germinated seeds in each potency group were measured
and statistically analysed.

2.5 Statistical Analysis

The data was analysed using a two-way analysis ofvariance (Anova) on the raw data using
the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric ANOYA test to check for significance. The Dunn's
post test was only carried out if there was a significance to show where the significance lay
between which groups (Appendix C). This was achieved using the GraphPad InStat tm
computer programme. Mean and standard deviations were calculated for mcsocolcoptilc,
colcoptilc and total growth for each group at 87 and 135 hours. This datil was then
expressed in Bargraphs.

23
3.0 Results

3.1 The Influence of Argentum nltrlcum 3CH, 6CH and 9CH on

the growth of Zea mays at 87 hours.

The results of all the statistical analysis done of the data collected at time 87 hours showed
that there was no significant difference among the groups. (See table 3.1 and Figure 3.1)

Table3.1 Mean (+/-Standard deviation) of lea mays growth at time 87 hours.

Mesocolcoptile Coleoptilc Total

(mm) (mm) (mm)

Control 196.053(+/-68.344) 91.884(+/-17.412) 286.992(+/-80.390)

Arg nit Jell 192.9(+/-65.290) 92.6(+/-20.046) 283. 853(+/-82.082)

Arg nit 6CII 202.2(+/-74.706) 92.776(+/21.102) 295.284(+/-92.976)

Arg nit 9CII 211.038(+/-72.079) 94.3691(+/-18.146) 305.607(+/-86.715 )

24
 FI 3.1 G ph of n rowth r I (mm) of Z m y I 87 hou

300

200

M n growth
(mm)

100

Conllol Arg nJ1 3CH Alg nil CH Al g nil 9CH

3.2 The Influence of Argentum nltrlcum 3CH, 6CH and 9CH on
the growth of Zea mays at 135 hours.

Tllble 3.2. Mean (+/-Standard deviation) of Zea mays growth at time 135 hours.

Mesocoleoptlle Coleoptilc Total

(mm) (mm) (mm)

/I #
Control 522.638(+/-140.95 ) 302,176(+/-71.357) 824.746(+/-188.56)

Arg nitJCII
-
498.123(+/-126.79)
·11+ -//+
276,438(+/-60.596) 774.561(+/-165.17)

+ +
Arg nit 6ClI 528.307(+/-128.16) 299.507(+/-73.985) 826.876(+/-184.39)

- • -
Arg nit 9ClI 548.192(+/-120.09) 327.838(+/-313.43) 832.107(+/-155.44)
..
• Significant difference between Argcntum nuncum 3CtllUld Argentum mtncum 9CllIO the coleoptile, mesocolcoptile
(p<OOI) end 101111 growth (p<O,05)
/I Shows 4 significant difference between the control and Argentum nitricum 3CH st the coleoptile level (p<O.OO I) an
totaIgrowth level (p<O.OI).
+ Shows n significant difference between Argentum nitricum 3CII and Argentum nitricum 6Cllnllhe coleopute level
nod 10(41 growth level (p<O.05),

As set out in table 3.2itcan be seen that the Argentum nitricum 3CII significantly inhibits
growth rate of Zea mays as compared to the control at 135 hour interval on the coleoptile
(p<O.OO I) and overall growth levels(p<O.O I).

There was a significant difference between the 3CII and 6CH at the colcoptile (p<O.05)
and the overall growth levels (p<O.05) where the 3CII significantly decreased the growth
of Zea at I35 hours. Similarly the 3ell and 9CII showed a significant difference at
the mcsocolcoptilc (p<O.OI), colcoptilc (p<O.OI) and the overall growth (p<O.05), where
the 3CII potency inhibited growth.

26
 n th
'I here w: diller n ' C -t\\' 'n th
rr wth.
" nd II 11 I

rt r th Z ' /I 111 ly S , it nb( en III

the <) 'II It d po itive c! ct n th • Z ' I me: tiI nd ole ptile re ti I ,

I 3,2 Gmph of n r owth r t (m m) o f Z m y t 135

hou .

50
800
750
700
50
600
550
500

M n growth t 450
(mm) 400 .C
O To
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

27
4.0 Discussion
Bellavita ( 1995) argues that there is great scepticism in the field ofconventional medicine
as to the real efficacy of homeopathy, which is judged to be due to the "placebo effect".
This project was aimed at demonstrating that homeopathy does not work according to the
"placebo effect" but does indeed have a therapeutic action on living tissue. This was
shown to be the case in this study where the findings show a significant decrease in growth
rate ofthe Zea mays between the control and Argenuun nitricum 3('11.

According to Hahncrnann (1982) it is not advisable to repeat exactly the same dose without
modifying it, as the vital principle docs not accept such identical doses without opposition.
lie reasons this by stating that the former dose has already completed thetransformation of
the vital principle. Thus the second dose and subsequent doses are no longer able to have
the same effect on the vital principle because the conditions of the vital principle are
different. With respect to this study it is interesting to see that at the time interval of 87
hours there was no significance between any of the experimental groups, yet looking at
figure 3.1 the overall growth shows increasing growth with increasing potencies.

In the study conducted by Khanna and Chandra (1977) where a homeopathic drug was
found tocontrol mango fruit rot caused by Prestalotla mangiferae, the remedies used were
Arscnicum album, Ka/i iodatum, Lycopodium clavatum, Phosphorus, Thuja occidentalis,
Asvagandh, Blatta orienta/is, Zincum sulphuricum Felix mas and Kali muriaticum.
However, Lycopodium clavatum 190CH was the only remedy that not only controlled the
percentage fruit infection but also the percentage rot, it was therefore recommended for the
control of the disease. This finding illustrates the specificity of homeopathy showing that
one particular remedy in a particular potency will have a result with a specific disease
process.

In another study conducted by Mower (1999), to evaluate the growth rate of germinating
Zca mays seeds subject to the administration of homeopathically prepared Carbo vcg. in
the potencies 12CII, 13CII nnd 14CII. The conclusion of the study is that Carbo "eg.
potencies 12CII, 13CII and 14CII were found to significantly decrease the growth of

28
germinating Zea mays seeds. Thus the study in this paper lies in accordance with that of
other researchers findings, namely Argentum nitricum can have an inhibitory action on
plants.

As suggested by the results, the Argentum nitricum (3CH, 6CH and 9CH) did not have a
significant positive effect onthe growth rate of Zea mays. Thesefindings once again show
the specificity of homeopathy, where Argentum nitricum does not seem to be the remedy
of choice to increase growth of Zea mays. The significant difference in the growth rate
became apparent at the 135·hour time interval perhaps indicating that there may be optimal
time at which Argentum nitricum has its most vital influence. Byextending the study over
a longer period of time, perhaps this would give the action of Argentum nitricum the time
to have a positive effect on the growth rate of leu mays. Also as this study was conducted
on healthy Zea mays seeds, a primary effect of a proving could beoccurring, by extending
the time frame of the study the seeds in theory would then re-establish equilibrium and
enter the secondary effect ofa proving. The secondary effect is normally contradictory to
the primary ctTcct and the expected result would then be an increase in growth rate.

According to theory, the energetic frequencies differ according to each potency level,
giving rise to different energetic frequencies of the original substance, thereby explaining
the different effects of different potencies. This theory may be an explanation for the
varying effects that the three ditTerent potencies of Argentum nitricum had on the growth
rate of Zea mays.

Some recommendations for improving the study would be firstly, to use consecutive
potencies. The potencies could start at ICH, 2CH, 3CH and ascend through to I M, to
determine whether Argentum nitricum has an optimal potency at which there is a positive
effect on the growth of lea mays. Secondly, in order to adhere to Hahnernann's warning
of repeated doses of the same potency, medication could occur only once, or repeatedly but
with ascending potencies. Thirdly, using ascending LM potencies could be tried.
Hahnemann warns that when using the LM potency it is best to give a single dose and wait
3 to 7 days to see the reaction. If there is a "striking" reaction, a repeated dose is
contraindicated. When using LM's Hahncmann always started with LM I and proceeded in

29
an ascending manner (Little, 1996). Fourthly, the study could be extended over a longer
period of time, in order to determine whether duration is of importance in obtaining
optimal results. Finally, a different remedy, such as Baryta carbonate, could be used.

Baryta carbonate. whose action aids children, especially if they are backward mentally and
physically (Boericke, 1994) is found in the Homeopathic Medical Repertory by Robin
Murphy (1993) under the rubric: children, development, arrested. A repertory is a
dictionary comprising of symptoms called rubrics, which are ordered alphabetically and by
degree of importance, It would be interesting to use this remedy, to see its action on the
Zca mays seeds. as it has a positive growth action in children it might have a similar
growth action on plants,

In conclusion, therefore. this study suggests that homeopathic remedies do not work
according to the "placebo effect", as plant mailer was used to negate the psychosomatic
effect human subjects can exhibit. In addition, this study shows that homeopathically
prepared Argentum nitricum in the potencies. 3CII, 6CH and 9CH have different effects on
the growth rate of Zca mays seeds, thereby revealing the specificity in relation to potency
of this field of study.

30
5.0 Appendix A

31
 AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION
AND ENVIRONMENT
DIRECTOR All! : AGAICVLT\Hl! - GAUTENG PAOVINCf
PO 80X 87'9, JOHANNES8UR6.1000
OtAMOND CORNER. 3--flOOR. 68 ELOff' A MARKET STllEElS. JHB
TeL: 011 1546 FAX: 011-1»-8292
3,>') (;lId
(AGfUCULTVRAL RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEMS)

FACSIMILE

VPGE:NT 0 PtE" SE REPLyo 0 REvtfW

ENQUIRlfS_D-W/t)/ __. _. l>ATE:_ _ j.6-! __

TO _
CODE AND FAX NO.:_i-j / ( - G llo 1/7 d ,_ _. _
CODE AND TE'L NO.:_Q.!3 -=-? Oy. _
FOR A TTENrtON . ..... __.. __..
FROM: __TtL. NO.: 0" - S J- b
MESSAGE; cl gt'Cf,&. J,.."d 4.lg v..b.J ceo)
.. C;Op . > VM J1-C.(M *,1
d C£rISU-" p"o--. d f\I1Q(l c, ;;
, '11/?t'1' Ictqt 6,/ 5{ 1lY'\.,)

THANK YOU

32
6.0 Appendix B

33
 ARGENUIM NllRJ('l/M

dJ(<iU'llW""'IT • 1('U;

A I( 'U In wlIltr wu used 10 make II 2<:I'1n Dlltlllnl rile 2C11 \\115 lOll
umes hy maehioe Tbe flnnl polcll('y (.!t'II). was poh:nhscd I00 times by INchinc:

..lR(jt.',\'Tl',\1NIT ·6<11:

1\ 4t 'U III wille. "'II.' it in DI'llilni wltC!r, The SCI I WII\ ,UO
limC'l hy machine 'Ihc fllllli pUlclIn (6<:"), WI) polc:nli:>ed 100limeshi'mAChine

d B(jMn,"" !!'IT • 'ClI;

A 7C11 in water wu used to mnke n MCIt III Di'lilkd watC!f, The SCI I WI' Ino
machine The linnl polmey (1X-'U), "'a. poh:nllKd I00 by machine

All potrndn wt'rr ...de u 1/100 dll.tio.... lc.1 parlOr tbe lowtf polrac)'and99 pam
wlttr.

We bope lhill meets ";lh your n!"flro"al Please conlll:l U:I with lilly en'luiriell

Ju.A
LAOORATORyn:C1IN'ClI\N
7.0 Appendix C
12/03/2000 01: 40

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays coleoptlle at 87 hours.

Column ID A B C D
Column Label Control Arg nit 3CH Arg nit 6CH Arg nit 9CH
Mean 91. 88461538 92.6 92.77692308 94.36153846
Sample Size 130 130 130 130
SO 17.412 20.046 21.102 18.146
SEM 1. 527 1. 758 1.851 1. 591
Median 93.000 89.500 91.000 93.000
Lower 95% CI 88.891 89.154 89.149 91.242
Upper 95% CI 94.878 96.046 96.404 97.481
Minimum 54.000 56.000 50.000 60.000
Maximum 143.00 172.00 162.00 142.00

36
12/03/2000 01: 40

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays coleoptlle at 87 hours.

Kruskal-Wallis Nonparametric ANOVA Test

Number Sum Mean

of of of
Group Points Ranks Ranks
--------------- ------- ------- -------
Control 130 33228 255.60
Arg nit 3CH 130 33230 255.62
Arg nit 6CH 130 33840 260.30
Arg nit 9CH 130 35163 270.48

Kruskal-Wallis Statistic KW = 0.8504 (corrected for ties)

The exact P value calculation would have taken too long, so the
chi-square approximate P value is shown instead.
The P value is 0.8374, considered not signif icant.
Var ia tion among column medians is not signif icantly greater than expected
by chance.

Post tests were not calculated because the P value was greater
than 0.05.
Summary of Data

Number
of
Group Points Median Minimum Maximum
--------------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Control 130 93.000 54.000 143.00
Arg nit 3CH 130 89.500 56.000 172.00
Arg nit 6CH 130 91. 000 50.000 162.00
Arg nit 9CH 130 93.000 60.000 142.00
11
* *

37
12/03/2000 01: 41

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays mesocoleoptlle at 87 hours.

Column ID A B C D
Column Label Control Arg nit 3CH Arg nit 6CH Arg nit 9CH
Mean 196.05384615 192.9 202.2 211.03846154
Sample Size 130 130 130 130
SD 68.344 65.290 74.706 72.079
SEM 5.994 5.726 6.552 6.322
Median 189.50 178.00 205.50 196.50
Lower 95\ cr 184.31 181.68 189.36 198.65
Upper 95\ CI 207.80 204.12 215.04 223.43
Minimum 75.000 70.000 65.000 92.000
Maximum 365.00 430.00 385.00 415.00

38
12/03/2000 01:41

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays mesocoleoptlle at 87 hours.

Kruskal-Wallis Nonparametric ANOVA Test

Number Sum Mean

of of of
Group Points Ranks Ranks
--------------- ------- ------- -------
Control 130 32835 252.57
Arg nit 3CH 130 31773 244.40
Arg nit 6CH 130 34509 265.45
Arg nit 9CH 130 36344 279.57

Kruskal-Wal1is Statistic KW = 4.089 (corrected for ties)

The exact P value calculation would have taken too long, so the
chi-square approximate P value is shown instead.
The P value is 0.2520, considered not signif icant.
Var ia t ion among column medians is not signif icantly greater than expected
by chance.

Post tests were not calculated because the P value was greater
than 0.05.
Summary of Data

Number
of
Group Points Median Minimum Maximum
--------------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Control 130 189.50 75.000 365.00
Arg nit 3CH 130 178.00 70.000 430.00
Arg nit 6CH 130 205.50 65.000 385.00
Arg nit 9CH 130 196.50 92.000 415.00

* * *

39
12/03/2000 01: 42

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays total growth at 87 hours.

Column ID A B C D
Column Label Control Arg nit 3CH Arg nit 6CH Arg nit 9CH
Mean 286.99230769 283.85384615 295.28461538 305.60769231
Sample Size 130 130 130 130
SO 80.390 82.082 92.976 86.715
SEM 7.051 7.199 8.155 7.605
Median 286.00 273.50 297.00 289.00
Lower 95% CI 273.17 269.74 279.30 290.70
Upper 95% CI 300.81 297.96 311.27 320.51
Minimum 134.00 71. 000 115.00 161.00
Maximum 488.00 573.00 520.00 555.00

40
12/03/2000 01: 42

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays total growth at 87 hours.

Kruskal-Wallis Nonparametr1c ANOVA Test

Number Sum Mean

of of of
Group Points Ranks Ranks
--------------- ------- ------- -------
Control 130 32858 252.75
Arg nit 3CH 130 31752 244.25
Arg nit 6CH 130 34521 265.54
Arg nit 9CH 130 36330 279.46

Kruskal-Wallis Statist1c KW = 4.084 (corrected for ties)

'rhe exact P value calculation would have taken too long, so the
chi-square approximate P value is shown instead.
The P value 1s 0.2525, considered not s1gnif icant.
Var ia tion among column med1ans is not s1gnif icantly greater than expected
by chance.

Post tests were not calculated because the P value was greater
than 0.05.
Summary of Data

Number
of
Group Points Median Minimum Maximum
--------------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Control 130 286.00 134.00 488.00
Arg nit 3CH 130 273.50 71. 000 573.00
Arg n1t 6CH 130 297.00 115.00 520.00
Arg nit 9CH 130 289.00 161.00 555.00

* * '*

41
12/03/2000 01: 43

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays coleoptlle growth at 135 hours.

Column ID A B C D
Column Label Control Arg n1 t 3CH Arg nit 6CH Arg n1t 9CH
Mean 302.17692308 276.43846154 299.50769231 327 .83846154
Sample Size 130 130 130 130
SD 71.357 60.596 73.985 313.43
SEM 6.258 5.315 6.489 27.490
Median 309.00 271.00 297.00 310.00
Lower 95% CI 289.91 266.02 286.79 273.96
Upper 95% cr 314.44 286.86 312.23 381.72
Minimum 83.000 115.00 81. 000 134.00
Maximum 456.00 460.00 512.00 3801.0

42
12/03/2000 01: 43

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays coleoptlle growth at 135 hours.

Kruskal-Wallis Nonparametric ANOVA Test

Number Sum Mean

of of of
Group Points Ranks Ranks
--------------- ------- ------- -------
Control 130 37301 286.93
Arg nit 3CH 130 27550 211. 92
Arg nit 6CH 130 34695 266.88
Arg nit 9CH 130 35914 276.26

Kruskal-Wallis Statistic KW = 19.276 (corrected for ties)

The exact P value calculation would have taken too long, so the
chi-square approximate P value is shown instead.
The P value is 0.0002, considered extremely s ignif icant.
Var ia t ion among column medians is significant ly greater than expected
by chance.

Dunn I s Multiple Comparisons Test

Mean
Comparison Difference P value
---------------------------------- ---------- -----------
Control vs. Arg nit 3CH 75.008 ***P<O.OOl
Control vs , Arg nit 6CH 20.046 ns P>0.05
Control vs. Arg nit 9CH 10.669 ns P>0.05
Arg nit 3CH vs. Arg nit 6CH -54.962
Arg nit 3CH vs. Arg nit 9CH -64.338
* P<0.05
Arg nit 6CH vs. Arg nit 9CH -9.377
** P<O.Ol
ns P>0.05

These tests are based on a Gaussian approximation. They are only accurate
for large sample sizes.

Summary of Data

Number
of
Group Points Median Minimum Maximum
--------------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Control 130 309.00 83.000 456.00
Arg nit 3CH 130 271. 00 115.00 460.00
Arg nit 6CH 130 297.00 81.000 512.00
Arg nit 9CH 130 310.00 134.00 3801. 0

* *

43
12/03/2000 01: 43

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays mesocoleoptile at 135 hours.

Column ID A B C D
Column Label Control Arg n1 t 3CH Arg nit 6CH Arg nit 9CH
Mean 522.63846154 498.12307692 528.30769231 548.19230769
Sample Size 130 130 130 130
SD 140.95 126.79 128.16 120.09
SEM 12.362 11.120 11.240 10.533
Median 541. 00 500.50 544.50 543.50
Lower 95% CI 498.41 476.33 506.28 527.55
Upper 95% CI 546.87 519.92 550.34 568.84
Minimum 134.00 121.00 79.000 256.00
Maximum 832.00 866.00 746.00 857.00

44
12/03/2000 01: 43

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays mesocoleoptile at 135 hours.

Kruskal-Wallis Nonparametric ANOVA Test

Number Sum Mean

of of of
Group Points Ranks Ranks
--------------- ------- ------- -------
Control 130 33986 261. 43
Arg nit 3CH 130 29145 224.19
Arg nit 6CH 130 35080 269.84
Arg nit 9CH 130 37251 286.54

Kruskal-Wallis Statistic KW = 12.005 (corrected for ties)

The exact P value calculation would have taken too long, so the
chi-square approximate P value is shown instead.
The P value is 0.0074, considered very signif icant.
Var I a t ion among column medians is s ign1ficant ly greater than expected
by chance.

Dunn I B Multiple Compar isons Tes t

Mean
Comparison Difference P value
---------------------------------- ---------- -----------
Control vs. Arg nit 3CH 37.238 ns P>0.05
Control vs. Arg nit 6CH -8.415 ns P>0.05
Control VS. Arg nit 9CH -25.115 ns P>0.05
Arg nit 3CH VS. Arg nit 6CH -45.654 ns P>0.05
Arg nit 3CH VS. Arg nit 9CH -62.354
Arg nit 6CH VS. Arg nit 9CH -16.700
** P<0.01
ns P>0.05

These tests are based on a Gaussian approximation. They are only accurate
for large sample sizes.

Summary of Data

Number
of
Group Points Median Minimum Maximum
--------------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Control 130 541. 00 134.00 832.00
Arg nit 3CH 130 500.50 121. 00 866.00
Arg nit 6CH 130 544.50 79.000 746.00
Arg nit 9CH 130 543.50 256.00 857.00

4S
12/03/2000 01: 44

Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays total growth at 135 hours.

Column ID A B C 0
Column Label Control Arg nit 3CH Arg nit 6CH Arg ni t 9CH
Mean 824.74615385 774.56153846 826.87692308 832.10769231
Sample Size 130 130 130 130
SO 188.56 165.17 184.39 155.44
SEM 16.538 14.486 16.172 13.633
Median 844.50 775.00 846.00 850.00
Lower 95% CI 792.33 746.17 795.18 805.39
Upper 95% CI 857.16 802.95 858.57 858.83
Minimum 217.00 236.00 166.00 403.00
Maximum 1190.0 1204.0 1202.0 1165.0

46
12/03/2000 01: 44
Growth rate (mm) of Zea mays total growth at 135 hours.

Kruskal-Wallis Nonparametric ANOVA Test

Number Sum Mean

of of of
Group Points Ranks Ranks
--------------- ------- ------- -------
Control 130 36188 278.37
Arg nit 3CH 130 28339 217.99
Arg nit 6CH 130 35401 272.31
Arg ni t 9CH 130 35533 273.33

Kruskal-Wallis Statistic KW =
13.996 (corrected for ties)
The exact P value calculation would have taken too long, so the
chi-square approximate P value is shown instead.
The P value is 0.0029, considered very signif icant.
Varia tion among column medians is significantly greater than expected
by chance.

Dunn's Multiple Compar isons Tes t

Mean
Comparison Difference P value
- ---- ----------------------------- ---------- -----------
Control vs. Arg ni t 3CH 60.381
** P<0.01
Control vs. Arg nit 6CH 6.058 ns P>0.05
Control VS. Arg nit 9CH 5.038 ns P>0.05
Arg nit 3CH vs. Arg nit 6CH -54.323 P<0.05
Arg nit 3CH vs. Arg nit 9CH -55.342 * P<0.05
Arg nit 6CH VS. Arg nit 9CH -1.019
*
ns P>0.05

These tests are based on a Gaussian approximation. They are only accurate
for large sample sizes.

Summary of Data

Number
of
Group Points Median Minimum Maximum
--------------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Control 130 844.50 217.00 1190.0
Arg nit 3CH 130 775.00 236.00 1204.0
Arg nit 6CH 130 846.00 166.00 1202.0
Arg nit 9CH 130 850.00 403.00 1165.0

47
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