Control of Liver Enzymes in Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) Through Ultra-diluted Medicine

Magellanic penguins reproduce along the coast of Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands. Brazil is part of the migratory route of these animals, which are found in a debilitated state on the coast and sent to rehabilitation centers. When they are not able to be reinserted, they are sent to zoos and aquariums. At Sabina, Escola Parque do Conhecimento, the penguins receive check-ups every six months, including blood collection (hemogram and biochemistry).

Objective: To show the results of homeopathic treatment on the liver enzymes (ALT-TGP/AST-TGO) of Magellanic penguins kept in zoos. ALT enzymes are mainly found in the cytosol of hepatocytes and muscle cells, and act on the catabolism of amino acids and the transport of nitrogen between organs (baseline values: 16–140 U/L). AST exists in multiple tissues, mainly in the liver and muscles (baseline values: 90–300 U/L).

Methods: Ten Magellanic penguins presented liver enzyme changes at their annual check-up and were treated with four globules of Carduus marianus 6 cH, once a day, for 30 days, and were assessed again through new tests. The data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, with p < 0.05 considered a statistically significant difference.

Results: In animals treated with Carduus, there was a mean decrease in ALT values, from 141.2±61.5 U/L to 65.3±28.7 U/L (p < 0.05), as well as a mean decrease in AST values, from 394.7±113.7 U/L to 223.2±116.7 (p < 0.05). The response to the homeopathic treatment was similar to the allopathic treatment in previous check-ups, but without any side effects and being easy to administer.

Conclusion: Homeopathic treatment for penguins living in zoos and aquariums is a good option, with excellent results and animal wellbeing.

Keywords: Homeopathy, Carduus marianus, high dilution