From Hahnemann to Nanomedicine: A Comprehensive Review of Potentization in Homoeopathic Pharmacy

Potentization constitutes the central pharmaceutical process in homoeopathy, involving serial dilution and succussion to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Since its introduction by Samuel Hahnemann, this process has evolved from a philosophical concept into a subject of interdisciplinary scientific inquiry. The present review critically examines the historical evolution, theoretical foundations, pharmaceutical techniques, and emerging scientific interpretations of potentization, particularly in the context of nanomedicine. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, alongside classical homoeopathic texts. Evidence from physicochemical investigations suggests that potentization induces structural modifications in solvents, including nanoscale clustering, altered hydrogen bonding, and nanoparticle formation. Contemporary studies indicate that ultra-high dilutions may retain biologically active information through nanostructures and silica-derived particles. Despite ongoing controversies regarding reproducibility and mechanism, recent advances in nanoscience and systems biology provide plausible explanatory models. This review synthesizes existing knowledge, highlights methodological challenges, and proposes future research directions aimed at bridging traditional homoeopathic philosophy with modern scientific paradigms.