Bryonia 12X
Also known as: Bryonia alba L., Bryonia, White bryony, Wild hop, Bryonia 12X, Bryonia alba
Overview
Bryonia alba, commonly known as Bryonia, is a plant used in both herbal and homeopathic medicine. Bryonia 12X is a homeopathic preparation derived from Bryonia alba, where '12X' indicates a decimal dilution of 1:10 repeated 12 times. This results in a highly diluted substance. Bryonia extract (non-homeopathic) has been studied for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains active compounds like cucurbitacin glucosides and trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (THODA), which may influence immune, endocrine, and nervous system functions. Clinical trials, primarily from Russian and Armenian sources, have explored Bryonia extract for conditions related to stress, radiation exposure, and physical endurance. However, research on Bryonia 12X specifically is limited, and its efficacy is debated within the broader field of homeopathy.
Benefits
- **Bryonia extract (herbal form):** Demonstrated adaptogenic effects, increasing nonspecific resistance to stressors. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical trials reported benefits in treating vegetovascular dystonia in Chernobyl workers, prevention of radiation-induced disorders, and mitigation of cytostatic side effects in cancer therapy. Enhanced endurance and recovery in athletes without reported side effects. - **Bryonia 12X (homeopathic form):** Systematic reviews of homeopathy generally find insufficient high-quality evidence to support efficacy beyond placebo for various conditions. No robust randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting stringent criteria specifically for Bryonia 12X were identified. Homeopathy systematic reviews emphasize the lack of consistent, statistically significant effects for homeopathic dilutions including 12X potencies.
How it works
- **Bryonia extract:** Active compounds such as cucurbitacin glucosides and THODA are involved in biosynthesis of eicosanoids and corticosteroids. These biochemical pathways modulate immune responses, inflammation, and stress adaptation. The adaptogenic effect is linked to increased nonspecific resistance to harmful stimuli. - **Bryonia 12X (homeopathic):** Homeopathic dilutions at 12X contain extremely low concentrations of the original substance, often below pharmacologically active levels. Proposed mechanisms in homeopathy are not supported by conventional biochemical or pharmacological models and lack empirical validation.
Side effects
- **Bryonia extract:** Clinical trials reported no significant side effects during administration. Generally considered safe when used as standardized extracts under medical supervision. - **Bryonia 12X (homeopathic):** Due to high dilution, adverse effects are rare or negligible. Safety concerns are minimal, but efficacy is also unproven. It's important to note that while side effects are unlikely due to the extreme dilution, the lack of proven efficacy means it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatments. Individuals should consult with healthcare professionals before using any form of Bryonia, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
- **Bryonia extract:** Dosing in clinical trials varies; tablets prepared from standardized Bryonia alba root powder ("Loshtak") were used. Specific dosing regimens are not well standardized in literature but follow traditional herbal medicine practices. - **Bryonia 12X:** Typical homeopathic dosing involves small globules or drops taken multiple times daily. No standardized dosing supported by clinical evidence. Timing and frequency depend on homeopathic practitioner recommendations. It is crucial to consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner for personalized dosage recommendations, as there is no established scientific consensus on effective dosages for Bryonia 12X.
FAQs
Is Bryonia 12X effective?
Current high-quality evidence does not support efficacy of Bryonia 12X beyond placebo effects in clinical conditions.
Is Bryonia extract different from Bryonia 12X?
Yes, Bryonia extract is a herbal preparation with measurable active compounds and some clinical evidence for adaptogenic effects; Bryonia 12X is a highly diluted homeopathic remedy with no proven pharmacological activity.
Is Bryonia 12X safe?
Generally safe due to high dilution, but efficacy is unproven. Consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Research Sources
- https://www.hri-research.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Homeopathy-Overview-Report.pdf – This comprehensive review of homeopathy systematic reviews found no consistent evidence supporting homeopathic remedies, including 12X potencies, for any clinical condition. The methodology followed Cochrane standards, highlighting the lack of robust RCTs with significant effect sizes for Bryonia 12X.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23195251/ – This review focused on Bryonia alba root extract (not homeopathic) and summarized clinical trials mainly from Eastern Europe showing adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and restorative effects in radiation-exposed workers and athletes. The trials reported no side effects and suggested biological plausibility through active compounds affecting eicosanoid and corticosteroid biosynthesis.
- https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-03/homeopathy_tr-apxabc_final.pdf – This government-supported report evaluated homeopathy evidence and concluded that homeopathic dilutions, including 12X potencies, lack reliable evidence of clinical efficacy. The report emphasized the poor quality and inconsistency of RCTs in homeopathy.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2413-4155/6/1/7 – This study investigates the potential of Bryonia alba in cancer treatment, focusing on its cytotoxic effects and mechanisms of action. It provides insights into the plant's bioactive compounds and their impact on cancer cells, suggesting a potential role in cancer therapy.
- https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=9e57ef0c893e76eec39f5c1f607581894b2406b8 – This document explores the use of Bryonia alba in traditional medicine, highlighting its various applications and therapeutic properties. It delves into the plant's historical uses and its potential benefits in treating different ailments, providing a comprehensive overview of its medicinal value.
