The Impact of Homeopathic Medicines on Dental Stem Cells: An Experimental Study

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of homeopathic medicines (HMs) on the in vitro behavior of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). The HMs Symphytum officinale (SO), Calcarea carbonica (CC), and Calcarea phosphorica (CP) were evaluated, along with a vehicle control (V), using cells from a single donor in passages 4 (P4) and 5 (P5). Cellular responses were assessed using Neutral Red (viability-related activity), Crystal Violet (adherent cell density), MTT (metabolic activity), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Across assays, consistent modulation of cellular behavior was observed, particularly in P5 at 72 h. Neutral Red uptake increased over time in P4 and showed treatment-dependent responses in P5. Crystal Violet indicated increased adherent cell density, with higher values in P5 compared to P4. MTT demonstrated increased metabolic activity at 72 h, especially in P5. SEM analysis confirmed these findings, showing that cells treated with SO, CC, and CP remained well adhered and spread, with increased cell density and more compact organization. In contrast, the vehicle group exhibited reduced cell density and altered morphology. Overall, the tested HMs were associated with measurable changes in SHED behavior without evident adverse effects. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory and require further validation.