Abstract
Background Methods based on phase-transition-induced pattern formation (PTPF) are increasingly
used in medical research. Frequent application fields are medical diagnosis and basic
research in homeopathy. Here, we present a systematic review of experimental studies
concerning PTPF-based methods applied to homeopathy research. We also aimed at categorizing
the PTPF methods included in this review.
Materials and Methods Experimental studies were collected from scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science,
Russian eLibrary) and from experts in the research field in question, following the
PRISMA guidelines. The studies were rated according to pre-defined scientific criteria.
Results The review included 15 experimental studies. We identified seven different PTPF methods
applied in 12 experimental models. Among these methods, phase-transition was triggered
through evaporation, freezing, or solution, and in most cases led to the formation
of crystals. First experimental studies concerning the application of PTPF methods
in homeopathic research were performed in the first half of the 20th century; however,
they were not continued in the following years. Only in the last decade, different
research groups re-launched the idea, introducing new experimental approaches and
computerized pattern evaluation techniques. The here-identified PTPF methods are for
the first time proposed to be classified as one group of methods based on the same
basic physical phenomenon.
Conclusions Although the number of experimental studies in the area is still rather limited,
the long tradition in the application of PTPF methods and the dynamics of the present
developments point out the high potential of these methods and indicate that they
might meet the demand for scientific methods to study potentized preparations.
Keywords
phase-transition - crystallization - patterns - homeopathy - potencies
