Calf hemodialysate hypothesis: nutritive value plus placebo effect

Highly purified calf hemodialysate (HPCH), known as Actovegin ® or Solcoseryl® [1], has been discussed as a medication for certain neurological and other diseases [2–8]. A hypothesis is proposed in this letter that reported effects may be caused by the nutritive value and placebo effect. HPCH is a mixture of normal serum components so that a specific actio n can hardly be expected. Apparently, bovine blood has been used not because of its special qualities but due to economical reasons and lack of disapproval associated in some cultures with porcine products.

Source: Medical Hypotheses - October 5, 2017 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Sergei V. Jargin Source Type: research