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A comprehensive review on phytochemicals for fatty liver: are they potential adjuvants? J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:411-425. [PMID: 34993581 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and, as such, is associated with obesity. With the current and growing epidemic of obesity, NAFLD is already considered the most common liver disease in the world. Currently, there is no official treatment for the disease besides weight loss. Although there are a few synthetic drugs currently being studied, there is also an abundance of herbal products that could also be used for treatment. With the World Health Organization (WHO) traditional medicine strategy (2014-2023) in mind, this review aims to analyze the mechanisms of action of some of these herbal products, as well as evaluate toxicity and herb-drug interactions available in literature.
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Liang JH, Wang C, Huo XK, Tian XG, Zhao WY, Wang X, Sun CP, Ma XC. The genus Uncaria: A review on phytochemical metabolites and biological aspects. Fitoterapia 2020; 147:104772. [PMID: 33152463 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The genus Uncaira (Rubiaceae) comprises of 34 species, many of which are usually used as traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) to treat hypertension, fever, headache, gastrointestinal illness, and fungal infection. Over the past twenty years, Uncaira species have been paid the considerable attentions in phytochemical and biological aspects, and about 100 new secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, triterpenes, and flavonoids, have been elucidated. This review aims to present a comprehensive and up-to date overview of the biological source, structures and their biosynthetic pathways, as well as the pharmacological of the compounds reported in the genus Uncaria for the past two decades. It would provide an insight into the emerging pharmacological applications of the genus Uncaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hao Liang
- College of Pharmacy, College of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Chao Wang
- College of Pharmacy, College of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiao-Kui Huo
- College of Pharmacy, College of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiang-Ge Tian
- College of Pharmacy, College of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wen-Yu Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, College of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Non-Directly Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Cheng-Peng Sun
- College of Pharmacy, College of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Xiao-Chi Ma
- College of Pharmacy, College of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Dalian Key Laboratory of Metabolic Target Characterization and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Azevedo BC, Morel LJF, Carmona F, Cunha TM, Contini SHT, Delprete PG, Ramalho FS, Crevelin E, Bertoni BW, França SC, Borges MC, Pereira AMS. Aqueous extracts from Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC. reduce bronchial hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a murine model of asthma. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 218:76-89. [PMID: 29432856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. Ex Schult) DC is used by indigenous tribes in the Amazonian region of Central and South America to treat inflammation, allergies and asthma. The therapeutic properties of U. tomentosa have been attributed to the presence of tetracyclic and pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids and to phenolic acids. AIMS OF THE STUDY To characterize aqueous bark extracts (ABE) and aqueous leaf extracts (ALE) of U. tomentosa and to compare their anti-inflammatory effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Constituents of the extracts were identified by ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Anti-inflammatory activities were assessed in vitro by exposing lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage cells (RAW264.7-Luc) to ABE, ALE and standard mitraphylline. In vivo assays were performed using a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. OVA-sensitized animals were treated with ABE or ALE while controls received dexamethasone or saline solution. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, total and differential counts of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue were determined. RESULTS Mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, chlorogenic acid and quinic acid were detected in both extracts, while isorhyncophylline and rutin were detected only in ALE. ABE, ALE and mitraphylline inhibited the transcription of nuclear factor kappa-B in cell cultures, ALE and mitraphylline reduced the production of interleukin (IL)-6, and mitraphylline reduced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Treatment with ABE and ALE at 50 and 200 mg kg-1, respectively, reduced respiratory elastance and tissue damping and elastance. ABE and ALE reduced the number of eosinophils in BAL, while ALE at 200 mg kg-1 reduced the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in the lung homogenate. Peribronchial inflammation was significantly reduced by treatment with ABE and ALE at 50 and 100 mg kg-1 respectively. CONCLUSION The results clarify for the first time the anti-inflammatory activity of U. tomentosa in a murine model of asthma. Although ABE and ALE exhibited distinct chemical compositions, both extracts inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. In vivo assays revealed that ABE was more effective in treating asthmatic inflammation while ALE was more successful in controlling respiratory mechanics. Both extracts may have promising applications in the phytotherapy of allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Cestari Azevedo
- Departamento de Biotecnologia em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, 14096-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Junqueira Freitas Morel
- Departamento de Biotecnologia em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, 14096-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio Carmona
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Mattar Cunha
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia Helena Taleb Contini
- Departamento de Biotecnologia em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, 14096-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Piero Giuseppe Delprete
- Herbier de Guyane, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 275 Route de Montabo, BP 90165, 97323 Cayenne Cedex, French Guiana
| | - Fernando Silva Ramalho
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Crevelin
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Bianca Waléria Bertoni
- Departamento de Biotecnologia em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, 14096-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Suzelei Castro França
- Departamento de Biotecnologia em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, 14096-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Carvalho Borges
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Soares Pereira
- Departamento de Biotecnologia em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Av. Costábile Romano 2201, 14096-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Phytotherapy and Nutritional Supplements on Breast Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:7207983. [PMID: 28845434 PMCID: PMC5563402 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7207983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent type of nonskin malignancy among women worldwide. In general, conventional cancer treatment options (i.e., surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, and hormone therapy) are not completely effective. Recurrence and other pathologic situations are still an issue in breast cancer patients due to side effects, toxicity of drugs in normal cells, and aggressive behaviour of the tumours. From this point of view, breast cancer therapy and adjuvant methods represent a promising and challenging field for researchers. In the last few years, the use of some types of complementary medicines by women with a history of breast cancer has significantly increased such as phytotherapeutic products and nutritional supplements. Despite this, the use of such approaches in oncologic processes may be problematic and patient's health risks can arise such as interference with the efficacy of standard cancer treatment. The present review gives an overview of the most usual phytotherapeutic products and nutritional supplements with application in breast cancer patients as adjuvant approach. Regardless of the contradictory results of scientific evidence, we demonstrated the need to perform additional investigation, mainly well-designed clinical trials in order to establish correlations and allow for further validated outcomes concerning the efficacy, safety, and clinical evidence-based recommendation of these products.
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Zhang Q, Zhao JJ, Xu J, Feng F, Qu W. Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Uncaria. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 173:48-80. [PMID: 26091967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Uncaria belongs to the family Rubiaceae, which mainly distributed in tropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Africa and Southeast America. Their leaves and hooks have long been thought to have healing powers and are already being tested as a treatment for asthma, cancer, cirrhosis, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and rheumatism. The present review aims to provide systematically reorganized information on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Uncaria to support for further therapeutic potential of this genus. To better understanding this genus, information on the stereo-chemistry and structure-activity relationships in indole alkaloids is also represented. MATERIAL AND METHODS The literature study of this review is based on various databases search (SCIFinder, Science Direct, CNKI, Wiley online library, Spring Link, Web of Science, PubMed, Wanfang Data, Medalink, Google scholar, ACS, Tropicos, Council of Heads of Australasian Herbaria, The New York Botanical Garden, African Plants Database at Genera Botanical Garden, The Plant List and SEINet) and library search for Biological Abstract and some local books on ethnopharmacology. RESULTS 19 species of the genus Uncaria are found to be important folk medicines in China, Malaysia, Phillippines, Africa and Southeast America, etc, and have been served for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, hyperpyrexia, hypertension and headaches, etc. More than 200 compounds have been isolated from Uncaria, including indole alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, phenols, phenylpropanoids, etc. As characteristic constituents, indole alkaloids have been considered as main efficacy component for hypertension, epilepsy, depressant, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, pharmacokinetic and metabolism investigation reveal that the indole alkaloids are likely to be absorbed, metabolized and excreted at early time points. Moreover, the specific inhibition of CYP isozymes can regulate their hydroxylation metabolites at C-10 and C-11. CONCLUSION Preliminary investigations on pharmacological properties of the Uncaria species have enlightened their efficacious remedy for hypertension, asthma, cancer, diabetes, rheumatism and neurodegenerative diseases. To ensure the safety and effectiveness in clinical application, research on bioactive compounds, pharmacological mechanisms and toxicity of the genus Uncaria as well as the stereo-chemistry and structure-activity relationships of indole alkaloids seem very important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiao Jiao Zhao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Rojas-Duran R, González-Aspajo G, Ruiz-Martel C, Bourdy G, Doroteo-Ortega VH, Alban-Castillo J, Robert G, Auberger P, Deharo E. Anti-inflammatory activity of Mitraphylline isolated from Uncaria tomentosa bark. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 143:801-804. [PMID: 22846434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.) DC. (Rubiaceae) is widely used by populations living in South America to treat many ailments associated with inflammatory disorders. Mitraphylline was shown to be the major pentacyclic oxindolic alkaloid present in the bark chloroformic extract of this plant. Its activity against cytokines involved in inflammation process was tested in a murine model in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice received mitraphylline once a day for 3 days at 30 mg/kg/day by oral route. Then, they were subjected to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin (15 mg/kg) and the LPS-induced production of 16 different cytokines was determined by Elisa multiplex. Control group received dexamethasone orally at 2mg/kg/day. Toxicity on K565 cells and murine peritoneal macrophages, in vitro, at doses up to 100 μM was monitored by XTT-colorimetric assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS For the first time mitraphylline was tested in vivo against a large range of cytokines that play a crucial role in inflammation. Mitraphylline inhibited around 50% of the release of interleukins 1α, 1β, 17, and TNF-α. This activity was similar to dexamethasone. It also reduced almost 40% of the production of interleukin 4 (IL-4) while the corticoid did not. Lastly it did not show any toxicity on K565 cells nor murine macrophages at doses up to 100 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rojas-Duran
- Unidad de Investigación en Productos Naturales, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, SMP, Lima, Peru
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Carboxy alkyl esters of Uncaria tomentosa augment recovery of sensorineural functions following noise injury. Brain Res 2011; 1407:97-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Gupta A, Khajuria A, Singh J, Singh S, Suri K, Qazi G. Immunological adjuvant effect of Boswellia serrata (BOS 2000) on specific antibody and cellular response to ovalbumin in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2011; 11:968-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2011.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2010] [Revised: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of quinic acid derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:5458-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.07.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Revised: 07/16/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Pero RW, Lund H, Leanderson T. Antioxidant metabolism induced by quinic acid. increased urinary excretion of tryptophan and nicotinamide. Phytother Res 2008; 23:335-46. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Cheng AC, Jian CB, Huang YT, Lai CS, Hsu PC, Pan MH. Induction of apoptosis by Uncaria tomentosa through reactive oxygen species production, cytochrome c release, and caspases activation in human leukemia cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2007; 45:2206-18. [PMID: 17619071 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2007.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2006] [Revised: 04/12/2007] [Accepted: 05/17/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Uncaria tomentosa (Wild.) DC., found in the Amazon rain forest in South-America and known commonly as cat's claw, has been used in traditional medicine to prevent and treat inflammation and cancer. Recently, it has been found to possess potent anti-inflammation activities. In this study, we extracted cat's claw using four different solvents of different polarities and compared their relative influence on proliferation in human premyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell lines. Cat's claw n-hexane extracts (CC-H), ethyl acetate extracts (CC-EA) and n-butanol extracts (CC-B) had a greater anti-cancer effect on HL-60 cells than those extracted with methanol (CC-M). Furthermore, CC-EA induced DNA fragmentation in HL-60 cells in a clearly more a concentration- and time-dependent manner than the other extracts. CC-EA-induced cell death was characterized by cell body shrinkage and chromatin condensation. Further investigating the molecular mechanism behind CC-EA-induced apoptosis, sells treated with CC-EA underwent a rapid loss of mitochondrial transmembrane (DeltaPsi(m)) potential, stimulation of phosphatidylserine flip-flop, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into cytosol, induction of caspase-3 activity in a time-dependent manner, and induced the cleavage of DNA fragmentation factor (DFF-45) and PARP poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). CC-EA promoted the up-regulation of Fas before the processing and activation of procaspase-8 and cleavage of Bid. In addition, the apoptosis induced by CC-EA was accompanied by up-regulation of Bax, down-regulation of Bcl-X(L) and cleavage of Mcl-1, suggesting that CC-EA may have some compounds that have anti-cancer activities and that further studies using cat's claw extracts need to be pursued. Taken together, the results of our studies show clearly that CC-EA's induction of apoptosis in HL-60 cells may make it very important in the development of medicine that can trigger chemopreventive actions in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Chin Cheng
- Department of Nutrition and Health Science, Toko University, Chia-Yi County 613, Taiwan
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Allen-Hall L, Cano P, Arnason JT, Rojas R, Lock O, Lafrenie RM. Treatment of THP-1 cells with Uncaria tomentosa extracts differentially regulates the expression if IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2007; 109:312-7. [PMID: 16959454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2006] [Revised: 07/14/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as cat's claw, is a medicinal plant native to Peru, which has been used for decades in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. Uncaria tomentosa can be used as an antioxidant, has anti-apoptotic properties, and can enhance DNA repair, however it is best know for its anti-inflammatory properties. Treatment with Uncaria tomentosa extracts inhibits the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, which is a critical mediator of the immune response. In this paper, we showed that treatment of THP-1 monocyte-like cells with Uncaria tomentosa extracts inhibited the MAP kinase signaling pathway and altered cytokine expression. Using ELISA assays, we showed that treatment with Uncaria tomentosa extracts augmented LPS-dependent expression of IL-1beta by 2.4-fold, while inhibiting the LPS-dependent expression of TNF-alpha by 5.5-fold. We also showed that treatment of LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells with Uncaria tomentosa extracts blocked ERK1/2 and MEK1/2 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. These data demonstrate that treatment of THP-1 cells with Uncaria tomentosa extracts has opposite effects on IL-1beta and TNF-alpha secretion, and that these changes may involve effects on the MAP kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Allen-Hall
- Regional Cancer Program, Sudbury Regional Hospital, Sudbury, Ont, Canada
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Mammone T, Akesson C, Gan D, Giampapa V, Pero RW. A water soluble extract from Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) is a potent enhancer of DNA repair in primary organ cultures of human skin. Phytother Res 2006; 20:178-83. [PMID: 16521105 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) water extracts, essentially free of oxindole alkaloids, have been shown to possess a broad spectrum of biological activity including DNA repair enhancement and antiinflammatory properties. These two biological mechanisms are key molecular targets to develop treatments that protect skin exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun. Because C-Med-100, a Cat's Claw water extract, is the only documented natural source of components that can up-regulate simultaneously both DNA repair and antiinflammation, its ability to modulate DNA repair in human skin organ cultures was undertaken. For this purpose skin cultures were treated with or without 5 mg/mL C-Med-100, irradiated with 0-100 mJ/cm2 UVB, and microscopically analysed for necrosis as well as the level of pyrimidine dimers using immunofluorescent TT-dimer antibody staining. The data clearly demonstrated that co-incubation with C-Med-100 reduced skin cell death from UV exposure, and this protection was accounted for by a concomitant increase in DNA repair. Based on these results, it was concluded that C-Med-100 was a natural plant extract worthy of further consideration as a sunscreen product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mammone
- Laboratory of Skin Biology Group, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc, 125 Pinelawn Road, Melville, NY 11747, USA
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Pero RW, Amiri A, Sheng Y, Welther M, Rich M. Formulation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of combining DNA repair and immune enhancing nutritional supplements. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2005; 12:255-63. [PMID: 15898702 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2004.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Combining nutritional supplements to achieve synergistic benefit is a common practice in the nutraceutical industry. However, establishing added health benefit from a combination of natural ingredients is often assumed, untested and without regard to the principle of metabolic competition between the active components. Here, we report on the combination of a cat's claw water extract (C-Med-100, carboxy alkyl esters = active ingredients) + medicinal mushroom extracts (Cordyceps sinensis, Grifola blazei, Grifolafrondosa, Trametes versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum, polysaccharides = active ingredients) + nicotinamide + zinc into a formulation designed to optimize different modes of immunostimulatory action, and yet that would avoid metabolic antioxidant competition yielding less than expected efficacious effects. Isobole curve analyses of these two active classes of ingredients determined by growth inhibition of HL-60 human leukemic cells in vitro confirmed they were indeed synergistic when in combination, and not metabolically competitive. Furthermore, an in vivo study showed significant health benefit for 14 subjects treated for 4 weeks with the unique C-Med-100/mushroom extract formulation in that they had reduced pain, reduced fatigue, weight loss and a reduced presence of DNA damage in peripheral blood assessed by (8-OH) guanine DNA adducts and elevation in serum protein thiols. Because this broad-based panel of clinical parameters indicating clinical efficacy has never been demonstrated before for either of the active ingredients evaluated alone in humans, these data were taken as strong evidence that the combination of C-Med-100 + mushroom extracts + nicotinamide + zinc gave additive or synergistic effects to health benefit, and thus supported no efficacious limits from metabolic competition regarding this particular formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Pero
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Section for Tumor Immunology, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden.
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Sheng Y, Akesson C, Holmgren K, Bryngelsson C, Giamapa V, Pero RW. An active ingredient of Cat's Claw water extracts identification and efficacy of quinic acid. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2005; 96:577-584. [PMID: 15619581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2004] [Revised: 10/01/2004] [Accepted: 10/07/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Historic medicinal practice has defined Cat's Claw, also known as Una de Gato or Uncaria tomentosa, as an effective treatment for several health disorders including chronic inflammation, gastrointestinal dysfunction such as ulcers, tumors and infections. The efficacy of Cat's Claw was originally believed, as early as the 1960s, to be due to the presence of oxindole alkaloids. However, more recently water-soluble Cat's Claw extracts were shown not to contain significant amounts of alkaloids (<0.05%), and yet still were shown to be very efficacious. Here we characterize the active ingredients of a water-soluble Cat's Claw extract called C-Med-100 as inhibiting cell growth without cell death thus providing enhanced opportunities for DNA repair, and the consequences thereof, such as immune stimulation, anti-inflammation and cancer prevention. The active ingredients were chemically defined as quinic acid esters and could also be shown to be bioactive in vivo as quinic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yezhou Sheng
- Section for Immunology, Department of Clinical Medicine (Neuroscience), Lund University, BMC I:13, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
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Akesson C, Lindgren H, Pero RW, Leanderson T, Ivars F. Quinic acid is a biologically active component of the Uncaria tomentosa extract C-Med 100®. Int Immunopharmacol 2005; 5:219-29. [PMID: 15589483 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2004.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2004] [Revised: 09/17/2004] [Accepted: 09/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that the C-Med 100 extract of the plant Uncaria tomentosa induces prolonged lymphocyte half life and hence increased spleen cell number in mice receiving the extract in their drinking water. Further, the extract induces cell proliferation arrest and inhibits activation of the transcriptional regulator nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) in vitro. We now report that mice exposed to quinic acid (QA), a component of this extract, had significantly increased number of spleen cells, thus recapitulating the in vivo biological effect of C-Med 100 exposure. Commercially supplied QA (H(+) form) did not, however, inhibit cell proliferation in vitro, while the ammonia-treated QA (QAA) was a potent inhibitor. Both QA and QAA inhibited NF-kappaB activity in exposed cells at similar concentrations. Thus, our present data identify QA as a candidate component for both in vivo and in vitro biological effects of the C-Med 100 extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Akesson
- Section for Immunology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, BMC I:13, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
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Gautam M, Diwanay S, Gairola S, Shinde Y, Patki P, Patwardhan B. Immunoadjuvant potential of Asparagus racemosus aqueous extract in experimental system. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2004; 91:251-255. [PMID: 15120447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2003.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2003] [Revised: 10/14/2003] [Accepted: 12/23/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The immunoadjuvant potential of Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) Family (Liliaceae) aqueous root extract was evaluated in experimental animals immunized with diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) vaccine. Immunostimulation was evaluated using serological and hematological parameters. Oral administration of test material at 100 mg/kg per day dose for 15 days resulted significant increase (P = 0.0052) in antibody titers to Bordtella pertussis as compared to untreated (control) animals. Immunized animals (treated and untreated) were challenged with B. pertussis 18323 strain and the animals were observed for 14 days. Results indicate that the treated animals did show significant increase in antibody titers as compared to untreated animals after challenge (P = 0.002). Immunoprotection against intra-cerebral challenge of live B. pertussis cells was evaluated based on degree of sickness, paralysis and subsequent death. Reduced mortality accompanied with overall improved health status was observed in treated animals after intra-cerebral challenge of B. pertussis indicating development of protective immune response. Present study indicates applications of test material as potential immunoadjuvant that also offers direct therapeutic benefits resulting in less morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Gautam
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Pune, Pune, Maharastra 411007, India.
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Akesson C, Lindgren H, Pero RW, Leanderson T, Ivars F. An extract of Uncaria tomentosa inhibiting cell division and NF-κB activity without inducing cell death. Int Immunopharmacol 2003; 3:1889-900. [PMID: 14636838 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2003.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Previous reports have demonstrated that extracts of the plant Uncaria tomentosa inhibit tumor cell proliferation and inflammatory responses. We have confirmed that C-Med 100, a hot water extract of this plant, inhibits tumor cell proliferation albeit with variable efficiency. We extend these findings by showing that this extract also inhibits proliferation of normal mouse T and B lymphocytes and that the inhibition is not caused by toxicity or by induction of apoptosis. Further, the extract did not interfere with IL-2 production nor IL-2 receptor signaling. Since there was no discrete cell cycle block in C-Med 100-treated cells, we propose that retarded cell cycle progression caused the inhibition of proliferation. Collectively, these data suggested interference with a common pathway controlling cell growth and cell cycle progression. Indeed, we provide direct evidence that C-Med 100 inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) activity and propose that this at least partially causes the inhibition of proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Akesson
- Section for Immunology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, BMC I:13, Lund University, Lund, SE-221 84, Sweden
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Akesson C, Pero RW, Ivars F. C-Med 100, a hot water extract of Uncaria tomentosa, prolongs lymphocyte survival in vivo. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2003; 10:23-33. [PMID: 12622460 DOI: 10.1078/094471103321648629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Water extracts of the bark of Uncaria tomentosa, a vine indigenous to South America, has been used for generations as an "immuno modulator". To understand the basis of this immuno modulatory effect we fed mice in their drinking water with C-Med 100, which is a commercially available water extract from Uncaria tomentosa. We found a dose-dependent increase in spleen cell numbers in the supplemented mice, but the proportions of B cells, T cells, NK cells, granulocytes, and memory lymphocytes were normal. However, there were no detectable changes of the lymphoid architecture of the spleen even after long-term treatment. Further, when C-Med 100 treatment was interrupted the cellularity returned to normal level within four weeks. The increased number of lymphocytes was most likely not due to increased production because C-Med 100 did not have any significant effect on precursor cells nor on the accumulation of recent thymic emigrants in the spleen. We conclude that accumulation is most likely due to prolonged cell survival, because adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that C-Med 100 treatment significantly prolonged lymphocyte survival in peripheral lymphoid organs, without increasing their proliferation rate. Since the accumulation was reversible and without detectable pathological effects, these results suggest the use of C-Med 100 as a potential agent for clinically accelerating the recovery of patients from leukopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ch Akesson
- Sections for Immunology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Pero RW, Giampapa V, Vojdani A. Comparison of a Broad Spectrum Anti-Aging Nutritional Supplement with and without the Addition of a DNA Repair Enhancing Cat's Claw Extract. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1089/109454502763485467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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