Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Serial Agitated Dilutions in Experimental Toxicology

Abstract

1 We conducted an overview and quantitative meta-analysis of all experimental literature on the protective effects of serial agitated dilutions (SADs) of toxin preparations. 2 Articles were systematically collected and evaluated for scientific quality using pre-defined methodological criteria and then independently analysed for validity. 3 We found 105 publications exploring the effects of SAD preparations in toxicological systems. 4 The quality of evidence in these studies was low with only 43% achieving one half of the maximum possible quality score and only 31 % reported in a fashion that permitted reevaluation of the data. 5 Very few studies were independently replicated using comparable models. 6 Among the high quality studies, positive effects were reported 50% more often than negative effects. 7 Four of 5 outcomes meeting quality and comparability criteria for meta-analysis showed positive effects from SAD preparations. 8 Average percent protection over controls in these preparations was 19.7 (95%Cl 6.2-33.2). 9 Further research with special attention to methodological detail and independent replicafion should be done.