[In vitro study to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a combination of the haulm of nasturtium (Tropaeoli majoris herba) and of the roots of horseradish (Armoraciae rusticanae radix)]

A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial of nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) on the lipid regulator prostaglandin E2

Scope

As prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has important roles in physiological and inflammatory functions, a double-blind randomized controlled crossover study to investigate the potential of nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) for modulating PGE2 was conducted, aiming at clarifying the role of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). As secondary parameters leukotriene 4 (LTB4), and cytokine release (tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α; interleukins IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12) were quantified.

Methods and results

Thirty-four healthy female participants consumed 1.5 g nasturtium containing BITC, (verum) or no BITC (control) twice a day for 2 weeks each. Nasturtium intervention resulted in an increase in mean PGE2 levels in serum samples (verum: 1.76-fold, p ≤ 0.05; control: 1.78-fold, p ≤ 0.01), and ex vivo stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (verum: 1.71-fold, p ≤ 0.01; control: 1.43-fold). Using a pre-to-post responder analysis approach, 18 of 34 subjects showed a > 25% PGE2 increase in serum, while it was >25% decreased for 9 subjects (stimulated PBMC: 14 and 8 of 28, respectively). Under the selected conditions, the BITC content of nasturtium did not affect the observed changes in PGE2. Verum intervention also increased mean LTB4 serum level (1.24-fold, p ≤ 0.01), but not in LPS stimulated PBMC, and significantly increased TNF-α release in stimulated PBMC after 3 h (verum: 1.65-fold, p = 0.0032; control: 1.22-fold, p = 0.7818). No change was seen in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, or the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, and IL-12.

Conclusion

In contrast to the previously reported in vitro results, on average, LPS activated PBMC and serum from both groups showed increased PGE2 levels. Further analyses suggest that PGE2 release after intervention could possibly depend on the baseline PGE2 level. Identification of phenotypes that respond differently to the nasturtium intervention could be useful to establish personalized approaches for dosing phytopharmaceuticals medicines.

Allyl Isothiocyanate: A TAS2R38 Receptor-Dependent Immune Modulator at the Interface Between Personalized Medicine and Nutrition

Understanding individual responses to nutrition and medicine is of growing interest and importance. There is evidence that differences in bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) genes which give rise to two frequent haplotypes, TAS2R38-PAV (functional) and TAS2R38-AVI (non-functional), may impact inter-individual differences in health status. We here analyzed the relevance of the TAS2R38 receptor in the regulation of the human immune response using the TAS2R38 agonist allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) from Brassica plants. A differential response in calcium mobilization upon AITC treatment in leucocytes from healthy humans confirmed a relevance of TAS2R38 functionality, independent from cation channel TRPV1 or TRPA1 activation. We further identified a TAS2R38-dependence of MAPK and AKT signaling activity, bactericidal (toxicity against E. coli) and anti-inflammatory activity (TNF-alpha inhibition upon cell stimulation). These in vitro results were derived at relevant human plasma levels in the low micro molar range as shown here in a human intervention trial with AITC-containing food.

[Uncomplicated urinary tract infections : Use of mustard oils]

BACKGROUND

Increasing rates of multidrug resistant bacteria demand a change in managing infectious diseases. New ways of antibiotic-free treatment in uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) saving antibiotics for severe infections should be chosen.

OBJECTIVES

Beside analgesics for purely symptomatic treatment, herbal medicine can be used for uncomplicated UTI instead of antibiotics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-infectious phytodrugs like isothiocyanates (ITC) from horseradish and cress (nasturtium) have been thoroughly examined scientifically.

RESULTS

ITC showed multitarget effects in many pharmacological studies. Beside anti-inflammatory effects, a broad spectrum of species, including multiresistant bacteria were covered. Positive results and good compatibility are documented in several studies for therapy of uncomplicated UTI and respiratory infections with horseradish and cress as well as for prophylaxis in recurrent UTI (recommendation in the German S3 guideline for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, AWMF registry 043/044, statement 8.1.d.4 on prophylaxis).

CONCLUSION

Using isothiocyanates (ITC) for therapy and prophylaxis in uncomplicated urinary tract infections is a rational approach and helps to save antibiotics. Even after long-term use, development of resistance has not yet been observed and is not probable due to the multimodal mechanism of action of ITC.

Results of a randomized, prospective, double-dummy, double-blind trial to compare efficacy and safety of a herbal combination containing Tropaeoli majoris herba and Armoraciae rusticanae radix with co-trimoxazole in patients with acute and uncomplicated cystitis

Objectives

To demonstrate non-inferiority of an herbal combination (horseradish root and nasturtium herb) to an antibiotic (co-trimoxazole) in acute uncomplicated cystitis.

Design

Randomized, prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, phase III clinical study, using block randomization of 4 blocks (size 2).

Setting

Twenty-six centers in Germany, from May 2011 to June 2013.

Participants

Adult patients (median age, 38.5 years; 90% female) with acute uncomplicated cystitis confirmed via urinalysis and bacterial counts.

Interventions

Patients received the herbal combination (five tablets, four times per day) or the antibiotic (two tablets daily) for a period of 7 or 3 days, respectively, followed by a 21-days without drug treatment. Placebos ensured blinding.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary endpoint was the percentage of responders, expressed as reduction of germ count from >10⁵ to <10³ CFU/mL of pathogens between visit 1 (day 0) and 3 (day 15). Secondary endpoints included change of symptom scores, duration of symptoms, efficacy assessments, relapse frequency, and safety. A sample size of 178 patients per group was estimated.

Results

Of the 96 randomized patients (intent-to-treat; 45 in the phytotherapy group, 51 in the antibiotic group), 51 were considered per-protocol patients (22 in the phytotherapy group, 29 in the antibiotic group). Responder rates were 10/22 (45.5%) for the phytotherapy group and 15/29 (51.1%) for the antibiotic group (group difference: −6.27% [95% CI: −33.90%–21.3%]). The study was terminated prematurely due to slow recruitment rates. Non-inferiority could not be assumed by predefined criteria. During the follow-up period, one relapse occurred in each group. Both treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion

This clinical trial indicates comparable efficacy of the herbal combination and antibiotic, although non-inferiority was not proved. However, the results and lessons learned are important for the planning of future trials. Issues that led to the premature trial discontinuation were considered.

Evaluation of an Aqueous Extract from Horseradish Root (Armoracia rusticana Radix) against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cellular Inflammation Reaction

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a perennial crop and its root is used in condiments. Traditionally, horseradish root is used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract and urinary bladder. The antiphlogistic activity, determined in activated primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), was evaluated for an aqueous extract and its subfractions, separated by HPLC. Compound analysis was done by UHPLC-QToF/MS and GC-MS. The aqueous extract concentration-dependently inhibited the anti-inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in terms of TNF-α release at ≥37 μg/mL. Further, the cyclooxygenase as well as lipoxygenase pathway was blocked by the extract as demonstrated by inhibition of COX-2 protein expression and PGE₂ synthesis at ≥4 μg/mL and leukotriene LTB4 release. Mechanistic studies revealed that inhibition of ERK1/2 and c-Jun activation preceded COX-2 suppression upon plant extract treatment in the presence of LPS. Chemical analysis identified target compounds with a medium polarity as relevant for the observed bioactivity. Importantly, allyl isothiocyanate, which is quite well known for its anti-inflammatory capacity and as the principal pungent constituent in horseradish roots, was not relevant for the observations. The results suggest that horseradish root exerts an antiphlogistic activity in human immune cells by regulation of the COX and LOX pathway via MAPK signalling.

Complementary and integrative treatments: rhinosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa involving the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity and is one of the most common health care problems, with significant impairment of quality of life. There is a growing amount of interest in the use of complementary and integrative medicine for the treatment of rhinosinusitis. This article focuses on an integrative approach to rhinosinusitis.

Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology

Phytotherapeutic pharmaceuticals and herbal medicinal products with its roots in classical phytotherapeutic medicine have a well-established role in otolaryngological therapy, especially for diseases of the upper airways and acute and chronic infections. A thorough selection and application could mean huge benefit for the patient, in particular in cases with contraindications, chemo- and antibiotic resistance or patient request. Besides, it might spare other medications. Phytotherapeutic pharmaceuticals must fulfil the same criteria of quality, effectiveness and harmlessness of evidence-based medicine like chemical pharmaceuticals, although they are often prescribed due to its well established or traditional based use. This review focuses on phytotherapeutic therapies well established within the European Community for otolaryngologic disease patterns by referring to clinical studies or meta-analysis.