Summary
A comparative study of Pulsatilla (a homœopathic medicine) and leutocyclin was undertaken in female albino rats showing
regular oestrus cycles. Pulsatilla in the 30th and 200th potencies was administered orally, and leutocyclin was injected
in doses of 0·125 mg and 1·25 mg. 0·25 ml/dose of 90 per cent. alcohol was used as
the vehicle.
Pulsatilla 30 and 200 and leutocyclin at a dose of 1·25 mg markedly reduced the weight of the
ovary. The higher dose of leutocyclin (1·25 mg) and both the attenuations of Pulsatilla increased the process of atresia in ovarian follicles. But a simultaneous decrease
in the number and diameters of the corpora lutea was observed.
Administration of Pulsatilla and leutocyclin resulted in reduction in the weight of the uterus and the height
of the endometrium and luminal epithelium. There was also a reduction in the height
of epithelial cells in the thyroid. Both Pulsatilla and leutocyclin enhanced mitotic division in the uterine stroma.
The results indicate that leutocyclin in doses of between 0·125 mg and 1·25 mg may
be used to produce similar changes in the ovary, uterus and thyroid of the rat as
Pulsatilla 30 and 200.