Homeopathic medicines from plant sources such as Nux vomica face skepticism due to presumed absence of original material in high potencies (30cH, 200cH) whose dilution exceeds Avogadro's number. Whilst nanoparticles exist in metal-derived preparations, physicochemical characterization of plant-based remedies remains limited.

This study aimed to analyze Nux vomica potencies (Q to 200cH) to determine nanoparticle presence, stability and retained molecular signatures.

We characterized Nux vomica potencies using dynamic light scattering (DLS) for particle size distribution, electrophoretic light scattering for zeta potential, UV–vis spectroscopy for electronic absorbance profiles, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for functional group analysis. Measurements were compared with ethanol control.

DLS revealed bimodal particle distribution in nanometer (140–697 nm) and micrometer (0.8–2.5 µm) ranges across potencies, indicating complex colloidal structures. Zeta potential confirmed stable, negatively charged suspensions, with a negative charge spike at 60cH (−16.85 mV), suggesting stable nanoaggregates. UV–vis spectroscopy showed peaks at 261 nm (strychnine) and 331 nm (brucine), with a broad band between 920 and 1,025 nm. A hypsochromic shift occurred with increasing potencies. Higher potencies showed shifts toward shorter wavelengths, changes in peak intensities, and altered absorption patterns, suggesting solvent-related structural modulation. FTIR spectra showed absorption bands for OH, C–H, N–H, C = O, C–N and C–O stretching vibrations, representing sample constituents.

This study provides evidence that high-potency Nux vomica preparations contain stable nanostructures and retain molecular signatures of source material. The non-linear changes in particle size, surface charge and molecular architecture suggest that succussion induces dynamic cyclical transformations in the colloidal system.

All authors have critically reviewed and approved the final manuscript, and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work described.

There is no human or animal participation in this study. Hence, this study did not require ethical approval.

‡These authors contributed equally to this work.

Received: 25 July 2025

Accepted: 10 October 2025

Article published online:
25 February 2026

© 2026. Faculty of Homeopathy. This article is published by Thieme.

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