Exploring The Enigmatic Nature of Sarcode Remedies in Homoeopathy: History and Applications

Abstract:

Homoeopathy medicines are prepared from different sources like the plant kingdom, animal kingdom, mineral kingdom, etc. Among them, sarcodes imply the protoplasm of animals obtained from healthy endocrine secretions or normal secretions of living human organs and lower animals. This article delves into the origin, principles, and therapeutic efficiencies surrounding sarcodes, shedding light on their role in holistic medicine and their potential implications for health and wellness.

Keywords: Sarcodes, Homoeopathy, Fleshy protoplasm of animals, Homoeopathic medicine.

Introduction:

In the vast tapestry of natural remedies, few subjects evoke as much curiosity and debate as sarcodes. These peculiar substances, derived from healthy tissues of animals, plants, and minerals, stand at the intersection of tradition and modern pharmacology. Sarcode is derived from the Greek words “Sarkos” which means ‘flesh’ and “Eidos” which means ‘resemblance’.  It can be denoted as the protoplasm of animals. Dr. Berkeley Squire of Scotland published a Repertory in 1997 named “A Repertory of Homoeopathic Nosodes and Sarcodes,” containing 105 nosodes, sarcodes, and Imponderabilia [1].

Throughout history, various animal organs have been utilized for medical treatments. While the ancient use of these substances is not widely recognized, Sushruta, who lived between 400 and 500 B.C., documented the use of orchitic materials for treating obesity. This likely represents the earliest reference to organotherapy, with subsequent literature frequently mentioning its application [2]. 

 In the 1830s, sarcodes and nosodes were introduced as groups of drugs in homoeopathic medicine.

The following is the list of some remedies of the Sarcodes group and their respective sources:

Theoretical Perspectives on Sarcode Remedies:

In the universe, everything that exists outside of man has its analogue within man. Each emotion features a related organ. So, looking back, every condition is often traced back to its emotional origin. Emotions can cause physiological and anatomical changes in organs. Every organ has its secret meaning. Each sarcode remedy carries within it the symbolic language of the human system and the organs, and this might be utilized for developing the theme for the selection of the acceptable sarcode remedy [3].

Sarcodes are considered to be in less proven groups of remedies, due to which materia medica literature is inauspicious to describe their details as of other well-proved medicines. Sarcodes belong to an organotherapy branch of homoeopathy developed in France[4]. They have been in use for generations; even Dr. C. Hering also recommended their use as early as 1834.

Hormones are specific substances produced by the endocrine glands of humans and animals that are secreted into the blood and are carried to the rest of the body parts, where they regulate the metabolic function of the organism. They are quick-acting, and only a small amount may have a very keen effect on the metabolism of the body.

Sarcodes are organopathic remedies that act on particular organs. This is justified as the sarcodes themselves are the medicines prepared from the healthy secretion of endocrine or ductless glands of higher animals. Thus, the actions of these remedies often remain limited to the functions of that organ. According to Michel M. Bouko Levy, “Healthy organ extract or organ secretions prepared according to the general rule of homoeopathic remedies, which will help to slow down the natural and pathological deterioration of the organ” [5].

However, most of the sarcodes have not been well proved but only clinically experimented with and prescribed Homoeopathically.

When To Prescribe Sarcode Remedies[6]:

1. Sarcodes respond to both deficient functioning as well as hyperfunctioning of the particular organ.
2. Sarcodes are often indicated in cases of overgrowth and malignancy.
3. Usually sarcodes should be prescribed in low potency.

Contradiction For Prescription Of Sarcodes[7]:

1. Sarcodes are less proven remedies, and they are mostly organo-specific remedies. Therefore, their range of actions is limited. Hence, their uses are also constrained.
2. Sarcodes should not be prescribed in cardiac patients and pregnant mothers.

Unlocking Practical Utility Of The Sarcode Remedies:

Sarcodes are deep-acting remedies. They act on particular organs, which are both due to deficient functioning as well as hyperfunctioning of that particular organ.

 Sarcodes such as Lac Can, Lac Def, and Lac Vac act well on causes of suffering due to the bad effects of milk intake, as their source of preparation is milk.

• Sarcodes are well-indicated for the case of malignant suffering.
• Sarcodes are generally prepared by triturations and dilutions.
• Sarcodes cover all three miasms- Psora, syphilis, and sycosis.

Clinical Applications In Specific Health Conditions:  

• Headache
• Amenorrhea
• Nervousness
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• cancer
• Neurosis

Some of the Sarcode doctrines of the signature can be justified, such as pepsinum (extracted from the stomach of a pig), which is useful in gastric disorders, and Pancreatinum (extracted from the pancreas of Beef) i.e. useful in pancreatic disorders. Similarly, Oophorinum (action on ovaries), Orchitinum (action on testes), and Cholestrinum are the sarcodes that stimulate, & activate these organs effectively, from which Parallel animal organs have been extracted.

Practical Applications of [Specific Medicines] Enhancing Clinical Outcomes:

1. Adrenalinum–

The active principle of the medulla of the suprarenal gland is employed as a chemical messenger in the regulation of essential activities of the sympathetic nerve. The action of adrenalinum on heart lesions, suprarenal bodies, and vasomotor systems is prominently marked. The chief therapeutic action of Adrenalinum depends on its vasoconstriction action; hence, it is a powerful hemostatic drug.

Therapeutically, Adrenalinum has also been suggested in acute congestion of the lungs, asthma, Graves & abdomen diseases, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, and urticaria for homoeopathic approach into which 6x attenuation of this remedy should be used.

1. Thyroidinum–

Thyroidinum acts better with pale emaciated patients despite ravenous hunger. This remedy has enumerable action in hypothyroidism, myxoedema & various types of oedema, Rheumatic arthritis with a tendency to obesity, psoriasis associated with adiposity, eczema, ichthyosis, etc.

Thyroidinum must not be given in physiological doses where feeble, headache, and with high blood pressure, and not in tubercular patients.

1. Cholesterinum–

Cholesterinum can be prescribed mainly in cases of liver cancer, hepatic engorgement, and gallstones. This medicine acts best when prescribed in 3rd trituration.

• Lac caninum–

This medicine extracted from dog’s milk has tremendous therapeutic action, especially in sore throat, diphtheria, and rheumatism. In females, having swollen, painful breasts before menses and mastitis also helps to dry up milk. Tonsilitis & diphtheria symptoms with the shining glazed appearance of deposits with the stiffness of the neck. In the level of extremities, Lac caninum has symptoms like Rheumatic pains in the extremities and back from one side to the other. Lac caninum acts best usually in the thirtieth and has the highest potency.

5. Oophorinum–

This remedy has therapeutic action mainly on climacteric disturbances, ovarian cysts, and also in some cutaneous disorders and acne rosacea. This remedy may act effectively in low trituration.

6. Pancreatinum–

It’s a remedy that is a combination of several enzymes, best indicated in Intestinal Indigestion, and lienteric diarrhoea. This remedy acts suitably in low potency, and it’s better not to give during the active period of active digestion.

7. Pituitrinum–

This remedy is a vasoconstrictor and parturient, chiefly its action on the uterus either to aid in childbirth or to stop bleeding after delivery. This drug is contraindicated in conditions like myocarditis, nephritis, and arteriosclerosis.

Conclusion-

Sarcode remedies in homoeopathy embody a unique intersection of historical and modern therapeutic applications. Rooted in the concept of supporting organ and glandular functions through potentized substances derived from healthy tissues, sarcode remedies offer a nuanced approach to addressing functional imbalances. While their historical origins trace back to vitalistic theories, their use in contemporary homoeopathic practice reflects ongoing exploration and adaptation to clinical contexts. As research and understanding evolve, sarcode remedies continue to be valued for their potential in personalized, holistic healthcare approaches.

Bibliography–

1. Squire B. A Repertory of Nosodes and Sarcodes. B. Jain Publishers; 2003.
2. Sankar K, Jadhav AP. Nosodes and Sarcodes. Indian journal of traditional knowledge 2017;16(1):158-163 
3. Dr. Mansoor Ali. A Study of Nosodes & Sarcodes in Homoeopathy http://www.homeobook.com/pdf/nosodes-sarcodes-homeopathy.pdf 
4. Dr. Ajit Kulkarni. Sarcodes: Resonating Organ Arsenal. http://homeoint.ru/pdfs/Sarcodes.pdf 
5. Patil K, Patil P, Patil J, Pawar S. A basic approach on sustained release drug delivery system. Am J PharmTech Res. 2012;2:213-31.
6. Partha MP, Mandal B. A Text Book of Homoeopathic Pharmacy. B. Jain Publishers; 2001.
7. Boericke W. Homoeopathic Materia Medica, B. Jain Publishers; 2003.

 Authors

1. DR. AMIT, Ph.D., M.D.(Hom.), [H.O.D., Department of Repertory] R.B.T.S Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur
2. DR. SIBANI PADHY (P.G. Scholar 2023-2026 Batch) R.B.T.S Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur
3. DR. SHIVANI DUTTA (P.G Scholar 2023-2026 Batch) R.B.T.S Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur