Release-activity: a long way from phenomenon to new drugs.

Multiple dilutions of the original substance release its peculiar activity referred to as "release-activity". Although this activity originates from the initial substance, it does not depend on its negligible concentration in extreme dilutions. Thus, the terms "dose", "ultralow dose", and "homeopathic dose", do not correctly describe the release-active solutions, since the concept of dose implies the presence of some part of the original substance in a dilution with its intrinsic therapeutic potency. The data are reported on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the mode of action of the release-active agents, some of which being introduced into clinical practice.