Investigation of molecular footprints in ultra-high diluted homoeopathic solutions of Arnica montana Arnica montana andand Rhus toxicodendron through combined infrared and impedance spectroscopy

Abstract

Background:Background: The study of ultra-high diluted (UHD) solutions is a compelling and controversial domain in modern science. Despite numerous investigations and hypotheses, there is a lack of rigorous, reproducible empirical evidence supporting the existence of molecular footprints beyond the Avogadro's limit. Objective:Objective: This study conducted a detailed investigation of the molecular and electrical properties, focusing on hydrogen bonding and impedance to understand the fundamental nature of UHD solutions. Materials and methods:Materials and methods: Combined impedance and infrared spectroscopic investigations were performed to probe the structural behaviour of relevant water networks at the molecular level of UHD alcoholic extract of Arnica montana (AM) and Rhus toxicodendron (RT). Results:Results: At higher potencies (200C and 1M) of both AM and RT, an interesting correlation was observed between impedance and spectral characteristics. An increase in impedance was observed with potencies for both AM (93.9%) and RT (49%), which was attributed to changes in the hydrogen bonding network and molecular reorganisation during potentisation. This correlates with the Mid-IR spectra, showing increased hydrogen bond length and potential weakening of inter-molecular hydrogen bonds with increasing potency. Also, Far-IR spectra indicate a contrast in the system's enthalpic gain with increased potencies for both AM (29.8%) and RT (65.2%). Conclusion:Conclusion: Distinct variations in spectral and electrical parameters have been observed for AM and RT due to potentisation, suggesting that these solutions retain structural and molecular traits despite extreme dilutions. This notion may revisit traditional homoeopathic treatment approaches by addressing conflicting paradigms regarding the presence of molecular footprints in UHD solutions.