A comparison of the 80MHz, 200MHz and 500MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of homoeopathic sulphur 30CH

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether frequency strength is a parameter requiring consideration when conducting NMR spectroscopy studies on hornoeopathic potencies. To this end, samples of Sulphur 30CH and a Lactose control were analysed using NMR spectrometers operating at three different frequency strengths of 80MHz, 200.MHz and 500.MHz. It was hypothesized that differences existed in the spectra of respective Sulphur samples, control samples, and between parallel samples of Sulphur and control. It was further hypothesized that differences between parallel samples of Sulphur and control would be more noticeable at the lower frequencies. This hypothesis was based on the assumption that a higher frequency strength would have more intense resonance effects on the structure of the homoeopathic potency, thereby disturbing the micro-structural changes induced during potentisation. The design of the investigation was that of a scientific experiment. Potencies of Sulphur and a lactose-based control were prepared to a 30CH potency each, in 87% ethanol. The final prepared volumes (10ml) of Sulphur and control were blinded by means of colour codes by a third party prior to analysis. The blinded samples were transported to the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, where they were subjected to analysis using the following instruments: 1) A Varian FT80A 80.MHz instrument 2) A Varian Gemini 200MHz instrument 3) A Varian Inova 500.MHz instrument At each instrument NMR spectroscopy was conducted on ten (10) samples from each group (Sulphur and control). The samples were prepared in coaxial tubes using acetone as both an external lock and reference, and NMR spectra were recorded for each sample. All the samples were run at a thermostatically controlled temperature of 24\xB0C (\xB1 O,2\xB0C), and the laboratory was maintained at a constant temperature of 22\xB0C. The spectra and data of all the samples were recorded in terms of the chemical shift and integration values of their respective CH2, H20 and OH signals.