Homeopathic preparations cause response in protein content and peroxidase activity in common bean

Abstract

Homeopathy activates in plants dynamic responses in energy rebalancing and natural defenses. Peroxidases are widely studied in the induction of resistance by their effective participation in plants defense process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein content and peroxidase activity in common bean plants treated with homeopathic preparations of Arsenicum album, Staphisagria, Silicea and Sulphur. The effect of the preparations was studied in the dynamics 6CH, 12CH and 18CH, compared with distilled water, as a control. The activity of the enzyme ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and quantification of the soluble proteins were determined. Most homeopathic preparations caused an increase in protein content in bean plants when compared to control. For APX, homeopathic preparations caused a positive or negative change over control in at least one of the potencies tested. The results indicate the potential of the homeopathic medicines applied in the induction of biochemical defense mechanisms of the bean.