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Hazra S, Singh PA. Safety Aspects of Herb Interactions: Current Understanding and Future Prospects. Curr Drug Metab 2024; 25:28-53. [PMID: 38482621 DOI: 10.2174/0113892002289753240305062601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of herbal medicines is on the rise throughout the world due to their perceived safety profile. However, incidences of herb-drug, herb-herb and herb-food interactions considering safety aspects have opened new arenas for discussion. OBJECTIVE The current study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the various types of herb interactions, the mechanisms involved, their assessment, and historical developments, keeping herbal safety at the central point of discussion. METHODS The authors undertook a focused/targeted literature review and collected data from various databases, including Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, Springer, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Conventional literature on herbal remedies, such as those by the WHO and other international or national organizations. RESULTS The article considered reviewing the regulations, interaction mechanisms, and detection of herb-herb, herb-drug and herb-food interactions in commonly used yet vital plants, including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mentha piperita, Aloe barbadensis, Zingiber officinale, Gingko biloba, Withania somnifera, etc. The study found that healthcare professionals worry about patients not informing them about their herbal prescriptions (primarily used with conventional treatment), which can cause herb-drug/herb-food/herb-herb interactions. These interactions were caused by altered pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic processes, which might be explained using in-vivo, in-vitro, in-silico, pharmacogenomics, and pharmacogenetics. Nutrivigilance may be the greatest method to monitor herb-food interactions, but its adoption is limited worldwide. CONCLUSION This article can serve as a lead for clinicians, guiding them regarding herb-drug, herb-food, and herb-herb interactions induced by commonly consumed plant species. Patients may also be counseled to avoid conventional drugs, botanicals, and foods with a restricted therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhajit Hazra
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences (UIPS), Chandigarh University, Mohali-140413, Punjab, India
| | - Preet Amol Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences (UIPS), Chandigarh University, Mohali-140413, Punjab, India
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Aucoin M, Cardozo V, McLaren MD, Garber A, Remy D, Baker J, Gratton A, Kala MA, Monteiro S, Warder C, Perciballi A, Cooley K. A systematic review on the effects of Echinacea supplementation on cytokine levels: Is there a role in COVID-19? Metabol Open 2021; 11:100115. [PMID: 34341776 PMCID: PMC8320399 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Cytokine storm appears to be a factor in COVID-19 mortality. Echinacea species have been used historically for immune modulation. A previous rapid review suggested that Echinacea supplementation may decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in cytokine storm. The objective of the present systematic review was to identify all research that has assessed changes in levels of cytokines relevant to cytokine storm in response to administration of Echinacea supplementation. The following databases were searched: Medline (Ovid), AMED (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), EMBASE (Ovid). Title and abstract screening, full text screening, and data extraction were completed in duplicate using a piloted extraction template. Risk of bias assessment was completed. Qualitative analysis was used to assess for trends in cytokine level changes. The search identified 279 unique publications. After full text screening, 105 studies met criteria for inclusion including 13 human studies, 24 animal studies, and 71 in vitro or ex vivo studies. The data suggest that Echinacea supplementation may be associated with a decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF, as well as an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The risk of bias in the included studies was generally high. While there is currently no substantive research on the therapeutic effects of Echinacea in the management of either cytokine storm or COVID-19, the present evidence related to the herb's impact on cytokine levels suggests that further research may be warranted in the form of a clinical trial involving patients with COVID-19.
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Key Words
- ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome
- CCL, C–C motif ligand chemokine
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019
- CSF, Colony-stimulating factor
- Cytokine
- Cytokine release syndrome
- Cytokine storm
- Echinacea
- GM-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
- Herbal medicine
- IFN, interferon
- IL, interleukin
- MCP, monocyte chemoattractant protein
- MIP, macrophage inflammatory protein
- SARS, Severe acute respiratory syndrome
- SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- TFN, tumor necrosis factor
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna Garber
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Canada
| | - Daniella Remy
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Canada
- ph360.me/Shae, Australia
| | - Joy Baker
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Canada
| | - Adam Gratton
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Canada
| | | | | | - Cara Warder
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Canada
| | | | - Kieran Cooley
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Canada
- University Technology, Sydney, Australia
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University, Australia
- Pacific College of Health and Science, United States
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Myles EL. The Inhibitory Effect of Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida on BT-549 and Natural Killer Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.15406/mojcsr.2017.04.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Allen L, Buckner A, Buckner CA, Cano P, Lafrenie RM. Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC (Rubiaceae) Sensitizes THP-1 Cells to Radiation-induced Cell Death. Pharmacognosy Res 2017; 9:221-229. [PMID: 28827961 PMCID: PMC5541476 DOI: 10.4103/pr.pr_83_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC (Rubiaceae), known as Cat's Claw or Uña de gato, is a traditionally used medicinal plant native to Peru. Some studies have shown that U. tomentosa can act as an antiapoptotic agent and enhance DNA repair in chemotherapy-treated cells although others have shown that U. tomentosa enhanced apoptosis. Objective: To determine if treatment with U. tomentosa can significantly enhance cell death in THP-1 cells exposed to ionizing radiation. Materials and Methods: THP-1 monocyte-like cells were treated with ethanolic extracts of U. tomentosa in the presence or absence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and then exposed to ionizing radiation. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT and clonogenic assays and the effects on cell cycle measured by flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Changes in cell signaling were determined by immunoblotting and cytokine ELISA and activation of apoptosis measured by caspase activation and DNA fragmentation analysis. Results: Treatment of THP-1 cells with U. tomentosa had a small effect on cell proliferation. However, when the U. tomentosa-pretreated cells were also subjected to 5–9 Gy ionizing radiation, they showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation and increased cellular apoptosis as measured by DNA fragmentation and caspase activation. Treatment with U. tomentosa also decreased the expression of Cyclin E and Cyclin B, key regulators of normal cell cycle progression, and decreased the phosphorylation of various stress-activated, cell survival proteins including p38, ERK, and SAP/JNK kinase. Conclusions: These results suggest that U. tomentosa could be useful in enhancing cell death following anticancer therapies including ionizing radiation. SUMMARY Treatment of THP-1 cells with Uncaria tomentosa increases their susceptibility to X-rays. The combination of Uncaria tomentosa and X-ray exposure strongly inhibits cell signaling and promotes apoptosis.
Abbreviations Used: LPS: Lipopolysaccharide, TNF: Tumor necrosis factor: IL-1, Interleukin-1: SDS: Sodium dodecylsulphate, TBS: Tris-buffered saline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Allen
- Program in Biomolecular Science, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada.,Health Sciences North, Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1, Canada
| | - Alison Buckner
- Program in Biomolecular Science, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada.,Health Sciences North, Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1, Canada
| | - Carly A Buckner
- Program in Biomolecular Science, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada.,Health Sciences North, Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1, Canada
| | - Pablo Cano
- Health Sciences North, Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1, Canada
| | - Robert M Lafrenie
- Program in Biomolecular Science, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada.,Health Sciences North, Sudbury, ON P3E 5J1, Canada.,Division of Medical Science, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada.,Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, P3E 5J1, Canada
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Ayrle H, Mevissen M, Kaske M, Nathues H, Gruetzner N, Melzig M, Walkenhorst M. Medicinal plants--prophylactic and therapeutic options for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets? A systematic review. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:89. [PMID: 27268043 PMCID: PMC4896019 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0714-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets lead to significant economic losses in livestock husbandry. A high morbidity has been reported for diarrhea (calves ≤ 35%; piglets ≤ 50%) and for respiratory diseases (calves ≤ 80%; piglets ≤ 40%). Despite a highly diverse etiology and pathophysiology of these diseases, treatment with antimicrobials is often the first-line therapy. Multi-antimicrobial resistance in pathogens results in international accordance to strengthen the research in novel treatment options. Medicinal plants bear a potential as alternative or additional treatment. Based on the versatile effects of their plant specific multi-component-compositions, medicinal plants can potentially act as 'multi-target drugs'. Regarding the plurality of medicinal plants, the aim of this systematic review was to identify potential medicinal plant species for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases and for modulation of the immune system and inflammation in calves and piglets. RESULTS Based on nine initial sources including standard textbooks and European ethnoveterinary studies, a total of 223 medicinal plant species related to the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases was identified. A defined search strategy was established using the PRISMA statement to evaluate 30 medicinal plant species starting from 20'000 peer-reviewed articles published in the last 20 years (1994-2014). This strategy led to 418 references (257 in vitro, 84 in vivo and 77 clinical trials, thereof 48 clinical trials in veterinary medicine) to evaluate effects of medicinal plants and their efficacy in detail. The findings indicate that the most promising candidates for gastrointestinal diseases are Allium sativum L., Mentha x piperita L. and Salvia officinalis L.; for diseases of the respiratory tract Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH, Thymus vulgaris L. and Althea officinalis L. were found most promising, and Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH, Camellia sinensis (L.) KUNTZE, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Origanum vulgare L. were identified as best candidates for modulation of the immune system and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Several medicinal plants bear a potential for novel treatment strategies for young livestock. There is a need for further research focused on gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets, and the findings of this review provide a basis on plant selection for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ayrle
- Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, postbox 219, Frick, 5070, Switzerland. .,Division Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 124, Bern, 3012, Switzerland.
| | - Meike Mevissen
- Division Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 124, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Martin Kaske
- Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Heiko Nathues
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swine Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Niels Gruetzner
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swine Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Melzig
- Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Koenigin-Luise-Strasse 2 + 4, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - Michael Walkenhorst
- Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, postbox 219, Frick, 5070, Switzerland
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Park HJ. Immune stimulatory activity of BRP-4, an acidic polysaccharide from an edible plant, Basella rubra L. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2014; 7:849-53. [PMID: 25441982 DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(14)60148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of BRP-4, an acidic polysaccharide from Basella rubra (B. rubra) L on the macrophage activity. METHODS Phagocytic activity was determined by the ingestion of Latex Beads-Rabbit IgG-FITC using the fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry analysis and nitric oxide production was measured using Griess reaction assay. RESULTS An enhanced production of NO was observed at 10 and 100 μg/mL of BRP-4. The phagocytic activity of macrophage was enhanced in BRP-4 treated RAW264.7 cells. BRP-4 combined with concanavalin A (Con A) provided obvious promotion and strengthening of the proliferation of the splenocytes. CONCLUSIONS BRP-4, polysaccharide isolated from B. rubra, is suggested to activate macrophage function and stimulate splenocyte proliferation. The strong immunomodulatory activity of BRP-4 confirmed its good potential as an immunotherapeutic adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jin Park
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Gachon University, Sungnam, 461-701, South Korea.
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de Geus ED, Vervelde L. Regulation of macrophage and dendritic cell function by pathogens and through immunomodulation in the avian mucosa. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 41:341-351. [PMID: 23542704 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages (MPh) and dendritic cells (DC) are members of the mononuclear phagocyte system. In chickens, markers to distinguish MPh from DC are lacking, but whether MPh and DC can be distinguished in humans and mice is under debate, despite the availability of numerous markers. Mucosal MPh and DC are strategically located to ingest foreign antigens, suggesting they can rapidly respond to invading pathogens. This review addresses our current understanding of DC and MPh function, the receptors expressed by MPh and DC involved in pathogen recognition, and the responses of DC and MPh against respiratory and intestinal pathogens in the chicken. Furthermore, potential opportunities are described to modulate MPh and DC responses to enhance disease resistance, highlighting modulation through nutraceuticals and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline D de Geus
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
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Bors M, Michałowicz J, Pilarski R, Sicińska P, Gulewicz K, Bukowska B. Studies of biological properties of Uncaria tomentosa extracts on human blood mononuclear cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 142:669-678. [PMID: 22683905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC is a lignified climbing plant from South and Central America, which (under the name of "vilcacora" or "cat's claw") has become highly popular in many countries due to its proven immunostimmulatory and anti-inflammatory activities and also with respect to its anticancer and antioxidative effects. There are insufficient data on the mechanism of U. tomentosa action on normal blood mononuclear cells. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of ethanol and aqueous extracts from bark and leaves of Uncaria tomentosa on the structure and function of human mononuclear cells and to find out whether the kind of extractant used modulates biological activity of the extracts studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plant material consisted of four different extracts: (1) ethanol extract from leaves, (2) aqueous extract from leaves, (3) ethanol extract from bark and (4) aqueous extract from bark. The effect of these extracts on protein damage as well as on free-radical formation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was analyzed. Moreover, changes in viability, size, and granularity as well as apoptotic alterations in human blood mononuclear cells exposed to U. tomentosa extracts were investigated. RESULTS The oxidative changes were observed in mononuclear blood cells exposed to both ethanol and aqueous extracts obtained from bark and leaves. Moreover, in the cells studied the extracts from U. tomentosa induced apoptosis and a decrease in viability of mononuclear blood cells, with the exception of aqueous extract from leaves. Additionally, no statistically significant changes in the cell size were observed both for aqueous extracts from leaves and bark. Changes in the blood mononuclear cell granularity were observed at 250 μg/mL for all extracts examined. The strongest changes were observed for the ethanol extract of the bark, which increased cell granularity at 50 μg/mL and changed cell size at 100 μg/mL. CONCLUSION The conducted research showed differences in biological activity between aqueous and ethanol extracts. It was observed that ethanol extracts exhibited stronger negative effects on mononuclear blood cells. The kind of extractant used had a significant influence of the chemical composition of the tested extracts. The ethanol extract from bark containing a high amount of polyphenols and alkaloids revealed the highest pro-apoptotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Bors
- Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, University of Łódź, Pomorska 141/143, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
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Senchina DS, Hallam JE, Cheney DJ. Multidisciplinary perspectives on mechanisms of activity of popular immune-enhancing herbal supplements used by athletes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11515-012-1197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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10
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Farias I, do Carmo Araújo M, Zimmermann ES, Dalmora SL, Benedetti AL, Alvarez-Silva M, Asbahr ACC, Bertol G, Farias J, Schetinger MRC. Uncaria tomentosa stimulates the proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 137:856-863. [PMID: 21771655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 06/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Asháninkas, indigenous people of Peru, use cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) to restore health. Uncaria tomentosa has antioxidant activity and works as an agent to repair DNA damage. It causes different effects on cell proliferation depending on the cell type involved; specifically, it can stimulate the proliferation of myeloid progenitors and cause apoptosis of neoplastic cells. Neutropenia is the most common collateral effect of chemotherapy. For patients undergoing cancer treatment, the administration of a drug that stimulates the proliferation of healthy hematopoietic tissue cells is very desirable. It is important to assess the acute effects of Uncaria tomentosa on granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells (CFU-GM) and in the recovery of neutrophils after chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, by establishing the correlation with filgrastim (rhG-CSF) treatment to evaluate its possible use in clinical oncology. MATERIALS AND METHODS The in vivo assay was performed in ifosfamide-treated mice receiving oral doses of 5 and 15 mg of Uncaria tomentosa and intraperitoneal doses of 3 and 9 μg of filgrastim, respectively, for four days. Colony-forming cell (CFC) assays were performed with human hematopoietic stem/precursor cells (hHSPCs) obtained from umbilical cord blood (UCB). RESULTS Bioassays showed that treatment with Uncaria tomentosa significantly increased the neutrophil count, and a potency of 85.2% was calculated in relation to filgrastim at the corresponding doses tested. An in vitro CFC assay showed an increase in CFU-GM size and mixed colonies (CFU-GEMM) size at the final concentrations of 100 and 200 μg extract/mL. CONCLUSIONS At the tested doses, Uncaria tomentosa had a positive effect on myeloid progenitor number and is promising for use with chemotherapy to minimize the adverse effects of this treatment. These results support the belief of the Asháninkas, who have classified Uncaria tomentosa as a 'powerful plant'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iria Farias
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Isbaniah F, Wiyono WH, Yunus F, Setiawati A, Totzke U, Verbruggen MA. Echinacea purpurea along with zinc, selenium and vitamin C to alleviate exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2010; 36:568-76. [PMID: 21062330 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2010.01212.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) frequently cause exacerbations of chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Stimulation of the innate immune system may provide an early defence against such infections. The objective of this study was to determine whether Echinacea purpurea (EP) along with micronutrients may alleviate COPD exacerbations caused by acute URTI. METHODS This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in COPD patients with acute URTI. Patients were given ciprofloxacin for 7 days and additionally one tablet per day of EP, of EP along with zinc, selenium and ascorbic acid (EP+), or of placebo until day 14. Serum levels of TNF α and interleukins 1β, 6 and 10 were measured before and after treatment. Until week 4 post-end of treatment, all patients had to daily report on COPD symptoms in diaries. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In total, 108 mostly male patients with a mean age of 65·8 years (40-81 years) were enrolled. Patients of the three treatment arms did not vary significantly in baseline characteristics. EP+, but not EP resulted in significantly less severe and shorter exacerbation episodes following URTI as compared with placebo suggesting a synergistic effect of Echinacea and micronutrients. Large variations in biomarkers in-between and within groups were unrelated to treatment. Study medication was safe and well tolerated with overall 15 adverse events one of which was serious. Among those, sleeping disorders were most frequent and likely related to the underlying disease. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION The combination of EP, zinc, selenium and vitamin C may alleviate exacerbation symptoms caused by URTI in COPD. Further studies are warranted to investigate the interactions among Echinacea, zinc, selenium and vitamin C.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Isbaniah
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Senchina DS, Martin AE, Buss JE, Kohut ML. Effects of Echinacea extracts on macrophage antiviral activities. Phytother Res 2010; 24:810-6. [PMID: 20041425 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Type I interferons are a class of cytokines synthesized by leukocytes such as macrophages that limit viral replication. We hypothesized that one mechanism whereby Echinacea spp. extracts may enhance immunity is through modulating interferon-associated macrophage pathways. We used herpes simplex viral infection in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and monitored virus-induced cell death, interferon secretion, and two intracellular proteins that indicate activation of interferon pathways. Cells were incubated with control media or extracts from four different species (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. tennesseensis, E. pallida). Cells incubated with extracts prior to infection showed very modest enhancement of viability, and no increase in the secretion of interferons alpha or beta as compared to control cells. Virus-infected macrophages treated with extracts from E. purpurea showed a small (<2-fold) induction of guanylate binding protein (GBP) production, but no effect of extracts from other species was observed. In virus-infected cells, all the extracts increased the amount of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein, and this effect varied by type of extraction preparation. Together, these results suggest that any potential antiviral activities of Echinacea spp. extracts are likely not mediated through large inductions of Type I interferon, but may involve iNOS.
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Jafari R, Ghorbanpoo M, Hoshmand D S. Study on Immunomodulatory Activity of Dietary Garlic in Chickens Vaccinated against Avian Influenza Virus (Subtype H9N2). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.3923/ijps.2009.401.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Olalde JA, Magarici M, Amendola F, del Castillo O, Gonzalez S, Muhammad A. Clinical outcomes of diabetic foot management with Circulat. Phytother Res 2008; 22:1292-8. [PMID: 18570216 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Major and minor lower-extremity amputation is a common complication among diabetics. Various sources indicate diabetic foot ulcer prevalence at between 2.2% and 15% in diabetics. This study evaluates the efficacy and tolerance of a standardized plant extract combination, Circulat, developed for the prevention and treatment of severe manifestations of type 2 diabetes, such as necrotic damage of the foot. Thus, a retrospective cohort study was carried out in 174 patients treated with Circulat with diabetic foot grades D1-D3, according to The University of Texas Wound Classification System, in 50 medical centers, from 2004 to 2007. Circulat obtained 50.57% complete cure of diabetic foot, significant improvement in 37.9% and prevented amputation in 88.5% of the study's total population. The treatment was well tolerated. Four patients (2.3%) had slight gastrointestinal unrest which did not warrant suspension of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Olalde
- Adaptogenic Medical Center, Caracas 1080, Venezuela
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