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Paudel S, Mishra N, Agarwal R. Phytochemicals as Immunomodulatory Molecules in Cancer Therapeutics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1652. [PMID: 38139779 PMCID: PMC10746110 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals are natural plant-derived products that provide significant nutrition, essential biomolecules, and flavor as part of our diet. They have long been known to confer protection against several diseases via their anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, anti-microbial, and several other properties. Deciphering the role of phytochemicals in the prevention, inhibition, and treatment of cancer-unrestrained cell proliferation due to the loss of tight regulation on cell growth and replication-has been the focus of recent research. Particularly, the immunomodulatory role of phytochemicals, which is pivotal in unchecked cell proliferation and metastasis, has recently been studied extensively. The immune system is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment, and it plays essential roles in both preventing and promoting oncogenesis. Immunomodulation includes stimulation, amplification, or inactivation of some stage(s) of the immune response. Phytochemicals and their products have demonstrated immune regulation, such as macrophage migration, nitric oxide synthase inhibition, lymphocyte, T-cell, and cytokine stimulation, natural killer cell augmentation, and NFκB, TNF, and apoptosis regulation. There is a dearth of extensive accounts of the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals in cancer; thus, we have compiled these effects with mechanistic aspects of dietary phytochemicals in cancer, highlighting promising candidates and ongoing clinical trials on immunotherapeutic strategies to mitigate oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.P.); (N.M.)
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Dosoky NS, Kirpotina LN, Schepetkin IA, Khlebnikov AI, Lisonbee BL, Black JL, Woolf H, Thurgood TL, Graf BL, Satyal P, Quinn MT. Volatile Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, and In Vitro Innate Immunomodulatory Activity of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Essential Oils. Molecules 2023; 28:7330. [PMID: 37959750 PMCID: PMC10647913 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a medicinal plant commonly used for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, the common cold, sore throat, migraine, colic, stomach cramps, and toothaches and the promotion of wound healing. Based on the known pharmacological properties of essential oils (EOs), we hypothesized that E. purpurea EOs may contribute to these medicinal properties. In this work, EOs from the flowers of E. purpurea were steam-distilled and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), GC with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID), and chiral GC-MS. The EOs were also evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial and innate immunomodulatory activity. About 87 compounds were identified in five samples of the steam-distilled E. purpurea EO. The major components of the E. purpurea EO were germacrene D (42.0 ± 4.61%), α-phellandrene (10.09 ± 1.59%), β-caryophyllene (5.75 ± 1.72%), γ-curcumene (5.03 ± 1.96%), α-pinene (4.44 ± 1.78%), δ-cadinene (3.31 ± 0.61%), and β-pinene (2.43 ± 0.98%). Eleven chiral compounds were identified in the E. purpurea EO, including α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, α-phellandrene, limonene, β-phellandrene, α-copaene, β-elemene, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and δ-cadinene. Analysis of E. purpurea EO antimicrobial activity showed that they inhibited the growth of several bacterial species, although the EO did not seem to be effective for Staphylococcus aureus. The E. purpurea EO and its major components induced intracellular calcium mobilization in human neutrophils. Additionally, pretreatment of human neutrophils with the E. purpurea EO or (+)-δ-cadinene suppressed agonist-induced neutrophil calcium mobilization and chemotaxis. Moreover, pharmacophore mapping studies predicted two potential MAPK targets for (+)-δ-cadinene. Our results are consistent with previous reports on the innate immunomodulatory activities of β-caryophyllene, α-phellandrene, and germacrene D. Thus, this study identified δ-cadinene as a novel neutrophil agonist and suggests that δ-cadinene may contribute to the reported immunomodulatory activity of E. purpurea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura S. Dosoky
- Essential Oil Science, dōTERRA International, 1248 W 700 S, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA;
| | - Liliya N. Kirpotina
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (L.N.K.); (I.A.S.)
| | - Igor A. Schepetkin
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (L.N.K.); (I.A.S.)
| | | | - Brent L. Lisonbee
- Innova Bio, Utah Valley University, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058, USA; (B.L.L.); (J.L.B.); (T.L.T.)
| | - Jeffrey L. Black
- Innova Bio, Utah Valley University, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058, USA; (B.L.L.); (J.L.B.); (T.L.T.)
| | - Hillary Woolf
- Research and Development, dōTERRA International, 389 S 1300 W, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA; (H.W.); (B.L.G.)
| | - Trever L. Thurgood
- Innova Bio, Utah Valley University, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058, USA; (B.L.L.); (J.L.B.); (T.L.T.)
| | - Brittany L. Graf
- Research and Development, dōTERRA International, 389 S 1300 W, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA; (H.W.); (B.L.G.)
| | - Prabodh Satyal
- Essential Oil Science, dōTERRA International, 1248 W 700 S, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA;
| | - Mark T. Quinn
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (L.N.K.); (I.A.S.)
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Echinacea purpurea Fractions Represent Promising Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory Formulations. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020425. [PMID: 36829986 PMCID: PMC9952182 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinacea purpurea is traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory capacity of E. purpurea dichloromethanolic (DE) and ethanolic extracts obtained from flowers and roots (R). To identify the class of compounds responsible for the strongest bioactivity, the extracts were fractionated into phenol/carboxylic acid (F1) and alkylamide fraction (F2). The chemical fingerprint of bioactive compounds in the fractions was evaluated by LC-HRMS. E. purpurea extracts and fractions significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 and/or tumor necrosis factor) and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated primary human monocyte-derived macrophages. Dichloromethanolic extract obtained from roots (DE-R) demonstrated the strongest anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, fractions exhibited greater anti-inflammatory activity than whole extract. Indeed, alkylamides must be the main compounds responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts; thus, the fractions presenting high content of these compounds presented greater bioactivity. It was demonstrated that alkylamides exert their anti-inflammatory activity through the downregulation of the phosphorylation of p38, ERK 1/2, STAT 3, and/or NF-κB signaling pathways, and/or downregulation of cyclooxygenase 2 expression. E. purpurea extracts and fractions, mainly DE-R-F2, are promising and powerful plant-based anti-inflammatory formulations that can be further used as a basis for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
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Bhandari SV, Kuthe P, Patil SM, Nagras O, Sarkate AP. A Review: Exploring Synthetic Schemes and Structure-activity Relationship (SAR) Studies of Mono-carbonyl Curcumin Analogues for Cytotoxicity Inhibitory Anticancer Activity. Curr Org Synth 2023; 20:821-837. [PMID: 36703591 DOI: 10.2174/1570179420666230126142238] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer is the major cause of death globally. Cancer can be treated with naturally occurring Curcumin nuclei. Curcumin has a wide range of biological actions, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Even though it is an effective medicinal entity, it has some limitations such as instability at physiological pH and a weak pharmacokinetic profile due to the β-diketone moiety present in it. To overcome this drawback, research was carried out on monoketone moieties in curcumin, popularly known as mono-carbonyl curcumin. OBJECTIVE The present review focuses on different synthetic schemes and Mono-carbonyl curcumin derivative's Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) as a cytotoxic inhibitory anticancer agent. The various synthetic schemes published by researchers were compiled. METHODS Findings of different researchers working on mono-carbonyl curcumin as an anticancer have been reviewed, analyzed and the outcomes were summarized. RESULTS The combination of all of these approaches serves as a one-stop solution for mono-carbonyl curcumin synthesis. The important groups on different positions of mono-carbonyl curcumin were discovered by a SAR study focused on cytotoxicity, which could be useful in the designing of its derivatives. CONCLUSION Based on our examination of the literature, we believe that this review will help researchers design and develop powerful mono-carbonyl curcumin derivatives that can be proven essential for anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashikant Vasantarao Bhandari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, A.I.S.S.M.S College of Pharmacy, Near RTO, Kennedy Road, Pune, 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pranali Kuthe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, A.I.S.S.M.S College of Pharmacy, Near RTO, Kennedy Road, Pune, 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shital Manoj Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, A.I.S.S.M.S College of Pharmacy, Near RTO, Kennedy Road, Pune, 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Om Nagras
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, A.I.S.S.M.S College of Pharmacy, Near RTO, Kennedy Road, Pune, 411001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Aniket Pardip Sarkate
- Department of Chemical Technology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, 431004, Maharashtra, India
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Hosami F, Manayi A, Salimi V, Khodakhah F, Nourbakhsh M, Nakstad B, Tavakoli-Yaraki M. The pro-apoptosis effects of Echinacea purpurea and Cannabis sativa extracts in human lung cancer cells through caspase-dependent pathway. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:37. [PMID: 33446187 PMCID: PMC7809807 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Considering the advantages of using medicinal herbs as supplementary treatments to sensitize conventional anti-cancer drugs, studying functional mechanisms and regulatory effects of Echinacea purpurea (as a non-cannabinoid plant) and Cannabis sativa (as a cannabinoid plant) are timely and required. The potential effects of such herbs on lung cancer cell growth, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, caspase activity and their cannabinomimetic properties on the CB2 receptor are addressed in the current study. Methods The cytotoxic effect of both herb extracts on the growth of lung cancer cells (A549) was assessed using the MTT assay. The annexin-V-FITC staining and propidium iodide (PI) staining methods were applied for the detection of apoptosis and cell cycle distribution using flow cytometry. The cellular level of ROS was measured using 7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) as a fluorescent probe in flow cytometry. The caspase 3 activity was assessed using a colorimetric assay Kit. Results Echinacea purpurea (EP) root extract induced a considerable decrease in A549 viable cells, showing a time and dose-dependent response. The cell toxicity of EP was accompanied by induction of early apoptosis and cell accumulation at the sub G1 phase of the cell cycle. The elevation of cellular ROS level and caspase 3 activity indicate ROS-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis following the treatment of A549 cells by EP extract. The observed effects of EP extract on A549 growth and death were abrogated following blockage of CB2 using AM630, a specific antagonist of the CB2 receptor. Increasing concentrations of Cannabis sativa (CS) induced A549 cell death in a time-dependent manner, followed by induction of early apoptosis, cell cycle arrest at sub G1 phase, elevation of ROS level, and activation of caspase 3. The CB2 blockage caused attenuation of CS effects on A549 cell death which revealed consistency with the effects of EP extract on A549 cells. Conclusions The pro-apoptotic effects of EP and CS extracts on A549 cells and their possible regulatory role of CB2 activity might be attributed to metabolites of both herbs. These effects deserve receiving more attention as alternative anti-cancer agents. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hosami
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Manayi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Salimi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Khodakhah
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Nourbakhsh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Britt Nakstad
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Health, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Masoumeh Tavakoli-Yaraki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Abdel-Naby Awad OG. Echinacea can help with Azithromycin in prevention of recurrent tonsillitis in children. Am J Otolaryngol 2020; 41:102344. [PMID: 32487336 PMCID: PMC7132457 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2019.102344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recurrent tonsillitis in children is a common disease affecting children quality of life and extends to their families. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of combined use of oral Azithromycin (AZT) plus Echinacea compared to exclusive use of AZT in children with recurrent tonsillitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective comparative study including three groups of children with recurrent tonsillitis. Group 1: (100 patients) had no prophylactic treatment. Group 2 (100 patients) received [60 mg/kg] prophylactic dose of AZT divided as (10 mg/kg/day) over 6 consecutive days every month for 6 consecutive months. Group 3 (100 patients) received AZT as in group 2 plus commercially available Echinacea in a dose of 5 ml oral suspension; 3 times daily for 10 consecutive days every month for 6 consecutive months. Number of tonsillitis attacks and severity of tonsillitis symptoms were assessed and compared in different groups. RESULTS Group 2 and group 3 had significant less number of tonsillitis attacks and severity of assessed symptoms during 6 months of prophylactic treatment with significant better results in group 3 (i.e. AZT plus Echinacea) compared to group 2 (I.e. AZT alone). However; there was no significant difference in patients with any prophylaxis. CONCLUSION The combined use of Echinacea with Azithromycin produced favorable outcome than Azithromycin alone in pediatric patients with recurrent tonsillitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama G Abdel-Naby Awad
- Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Department, Minia University Hospital, 122 Kornish El-Neel Street, Minia City, Minia, Egypt.
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Biological Activity of New Cichoric Acid-Metal Complexes in Bacterial Strains, Yeast-Like Fungi, and Human Cell Cultures In Vitro. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12010154. [PMID: 31935840 PMCID: PMC7019225 DOI: 10.3390/nu12010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cichoric acid (CA) belongs to the group of polyphenols, which occurs in a variety of plant species and it is characterized by anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Selected polyphenols have the ability to combine with metal ions to form chelate complexes that reveal greater biological activity than free compounds. In order to study possible antimicrobial and anticancer effect of CA and its complexes with copper(II)/zinc(II)/nickel(II)/cobalt(II) we decided to conduct cytotoxicity tests to estimate the most effective concentrations of tested compounds. The results of the presented study demonstrated, for the first time, that the treatment with newly synthesized CA-metal complexes has anticancer and antimicrobial effects, which were examined in seven different cell lines: MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cell lines, A375 melanoma cell line, DLD-1 cell line, LN-229 cell line, FN cell line; five bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, yeast Sacchcaromyces boulardii, and pathogenic yeast-like fungi Candida albicans. The presented study indicates that CA-metal complexes could be considered as a potential supplementary tool in anticancer therapy, however, because of their possible toxic activity on fibroblasts, they should be used with caution. Some of the tested complexes have also preservative properties and positive influence on normal non-pathogenic microorganisms, which was demonstrated in selected microbial strains, therefore they may serve as food preservatives of natural origin with cytoprotective properties.
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Fasinu PS, Rapp GK. Herbal Interaction With Chemotherapeutic Drugs-A Focus on Clinically Significant Findings. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1356. [PMID: 31850232 PMCID: PMC6901834 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most consequential risks associated with the concomitant use of herbal products and chemotherapeutic agents is herb-drug interactions. The risk is higher in patients with chronic conditions taking multiple medications. Herb-drug interaction is particularly undesirable in cancer management because of the precipitous dose-effect relationship and toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. The most common mechanism of herb-drug interaction is the herbal-mediated inhibition and/or induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DME) and/or transport proteins leading to the alteration in the pharmacokinetic disposition of the victim drug. Most mechanistic research has focused on laboratory-based studies, determining the effects of herbal products on DMEs and extrapolating findings to predict clinical relevance; however, not all DME/transporter protein inhibition/induction results in clinical herb-drug interaction. This study reviews relevant literature and identified six herbal products namely echinacea, garlic, ginseng, grapefruit juice, milk thistle, and St John's wort, which have shown interactions with chemotherapeutic agents in humans. This focus on clinically significant herb-drug interaction, should be of interest to the public including practitioners, researchers, and consumers of cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pius S Fasinu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, United States
| | - Gloria K Rapp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, United States
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Tafazoli A. Echinacea for Cancer Patients: To Give or Not to Give. Complement Med Res 2019; 27:112-116. [PMID: 31581155 DOI: 10.1159/000503025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is a progressive trend for the use of complementary and alternative therapies among cancer patients. Herbal products have a huge market in this field. Among herbal supplements which are consumed in this population, Echinacea preparations are very popular. These natural products have immune-boosting effects that can suppress tumor growth and invasion. However, there is a concern about proposing a standard formulation for this indication. Some ingredients of these herbs can even be tumor promoting. Therefore, a meticulous investigation on this issue would be highly valuable before making a recommendation or prohibition about Echinacea products for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Tafazoli
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
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Proliferative activity of a blend of Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea root extracts in human vein epithelial, HeLa, and QBC-939 cell lines, but not in Beas-2b cell lines. J Tradit Complement Med 2015; 6:193-7. [PMID: 27114944 PMCID: PMC4833461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinacea is used for its immunostimulating properties and may have a role in modulating adverse immune effects of chemotherapy (i.e., use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); fluorouracil and its immunosuppressive effect). Patients may seek herbal remedies such as Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea) for immune stimulation. Echinacea extracts have been prescribed to supplement cancer chemotherapy for their immune-supportive effects; however, the extracts may also influence tumourgenesis. Our study aimed to determine the proliferative effect of the ethanolic blend of E. angustifolia and E. purpurea on various cancer cervical and bile duct cell lines, including HELA and QBC-939. Various cancer cells (HeLa and QBC-939) and human vein epithelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with the Echinacea blend sample that was evaporated and reconstituted in Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). As the extract concentration of Echinacea was increased from 12.5 μg/mL to 25 μg/mL, there was an increase in cell inhibition up to 100%, which then reduced to 90% over the next three concentrations, 50 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, and 200 μg/mL, in HeLa cells; further inhibitory effects were observed in QBC-939 cells, from 9% inhibition at a concentration of 25 μg/mL up to 37.96% inhibition at 100 μg/mL concentration. Moreover, this is the first study to report the growth-promoting effects of this Echinacea blend in HUVEC, up to 800% at a dose concentration of 200 μg/mL. Previous studies have suggested that chicoric acid of Echinacea spp. is responsible for the increased cell growth. The results of this study show that the hydroethanolic extract of Echinacea herbal medicine promotes the growth of HeLa cells and QBC-939 cancer cell proliferation, and may interfere with cancer treatment (i.e., chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and Cisplatin (DDP)). However, the Echinacea blend shows potential in neurodegenerative diseases with growth-promoting effects in HUVEC. Further animal trials (in vivo effect) measuring dose toxicology are necessary to demonstrate the interaction of this blend with body and tumor growth, and also any positive synergistic or adverse interaction with chemotherapeutic drugs listed, so as to confirm the current observation and epithelial tissue growth or regeneration in a neurodegenerative disease model.
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Dhama K, Kesavan M, Karthik K, . A, Tiwari R, Sunkara LT, Singh R. Neuroimmunomodulation Countering Various Diseases, Disorders, Infections, Stress and Aging. INT J PHARMACOL 2015. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2015.76.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Biotechnological production of caffeic acid derivatives from cell and organ cultures of Echinacea species. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:7707-17. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-5962-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Tsai YL, Chiu CC, Yi-Fu Chen J, Chan KC, Lin SD. Cytotoxic effects of Echinacea purpurea flower extracts and cichoric acid on human colon cancer cells through induction of apoptosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 143:914-9. [PMID: 22971663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 07/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Echinacea is a top-selling herbal supplement that acts as immunostimulant. It has been used to treat common cold, coughs, bronchitis and upper respiratory infections. It is also a popular product used in anticancer therapy. The cytotoxic effects of Echinacea on cancer cells are still not clear. The aims of this study were to provide a preliminary validation of the effects of 50% aqueous ethanol extract of Echinacea purpurea flowers and its major compound, cichoric acid, on human colon cancer cells Caco-2 and HCT-116. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cytotoxic effects of Echinace flower extracts and cichoric acid on cell viability, telomerase activity, DNA fragmentation, β-catenin, caspase-9, and cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) of human colon cancer cell were examined. RESULTS The results showed a significant inhibition of proliferation in E. purpurea flower extract and cichoric acid in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cichoric acid treatment decreased telomerase activity in HCT-116 cells. Moreover, cichoric acid effectively induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells, which were characterized by DNA fragmentation, activation of caspase-9, cleavage of PARP and downregulation of β-catenin. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that cichoric acid has a strong growth-inhibitory effect against colon cancer cells, presumably resulting from the reduced telomerase activity and the induction of apoptosis. The exact mechanism of action should still be determined in future studies. Overall, the effects of 50% aqueous ethanol extract of E. purpurea flowers and cichoric acid may have provided in vitro evidence for the use as chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Tsai
- Department of Nutrition, Hungkuang University, 34 Chung-Chie Road, Shalu, Taichung 43302, Taiwan
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Saller R, Melzer J, Rostock M. [Antiinflammatory herbal drugs and their therapeutic potential in tumor patients]. FORSCHENDE KOMPLEMENTARMEDIZIN (2006) 2011; 18:203-212. [PMID: 21934320 DOI: 10.1159/000333140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Saller
- Institut für Naturheilkunde, Universitätsspital, Zürich, Schweiz.
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Kostianovsky A, Maskin P, Noriega MM, Soler C, Bonelli I, Riley CS, O'Connor KC, Saubidet CNL, Alvarez PA. Acute demyelinating disease after oral therapy with herbal extracts. Case Rep Neurol 2011; 3:141-6. [PMID: 21738505 PMCID: PMC3130893 DOI: 10.1159/000329734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system demyelinating processes such as multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis constitute a group of diseases not completely understood in their physiopathology. Environmental and toxic insults are thought to play a role in priming autoimmunity. The aim of the present report is to describe a case of acute demyelinating disease with fatal outcome occurring 15 days after oral exposure to herbal extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Kostianovsky
- Internal Medicine, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas 'Norberto Quirno', CEMIC, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Israël M, Schwartz L. The metabolic advantage of tumor cells. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:70. [PMID: 21649891 PMCID: PMC3118193 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
1- Oncogenes express proteins of "Tyrosine kinase receptor pathways", a receptor family including insulin or IGF-Growth Hormone receptors. Other oncogenes alter the PP2A phosphatase brake over these kinases. 2- Experiments on pancreatectomized animals; treated with pure insulin or total pancreatic extracts, showed that choline in the extract, preserved them from hepatomas. Since choline is a methyle donor, and since methylation regulates PP2A, the choline protection may result from PP2A methylation, which then attenuates kinases. 3- Moreover, kinases activated by the boosted signaling pathway inactivate pyruvate kinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase. In addition, demethylated PP2A would no longer dephosphorylate these enzymes. A "bottleneck" between glycolysis and the oxidative-citrate cycle interrupts the glycolytic pyruvate supply now provided via proteolysis and alanine transamination. This pyruvate forms lactate (Warburg effect) and NAD+ for glycolysis. Lipolysis and fatty acids provide acetyl CoA; the citrate condensation increases, unusual oxaloacetate sources are available. ATP citrate lyase follows, supporting aberrant transaminations with glutaminolysis and tumor lipogenesis. Truncated urea cycles, increased polyamine synthesis, consume the methyl donor SAM favoring carcinogenesis. 4- The decrease of butyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, elicits epigenic changes (PETEN, P53, IGFBP decrease; hexokinase, fetal-genes-M2, increase). 5- IGFBP stops binding the IGF - IGFR complex, it is perhaps no longer inherited by a single mitotic daughter cell; leading to two daughter cells with a mitotic capability. 6- An excess of IGF induces a decrease of the major histocompatibility complex MHC1, Natural killer lymphocytes should eliminate such cells that start the tumor, unless the fever prostaglandin PGE2 or inflammation, inhibit them...
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Israël
- Ecole Polytechnique Palaiseau 91128 and Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, 104 Bd Raymond Poincaré Garches 92380m, France.
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Cheon SH, Kim KS, Kim S, Jung HS, Choi WC, Eo WK. Efficacy and safety of Rhus verniciflua stokes extracts in patients with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 18:77-83. [PMID: 21576976 DOI: 10.1159/000327306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic treatments for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have modest survival benefits but high toxicity. Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS), the lacquer tree, is an ancient traditional medicine being used for the treatment of cancer. We investigated the efficacy and safety of allergen-removed RVS extract (aRVS) for the prolongation of survival in NSCLC after the failure of first-line or second-line chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 40 patients who were treated with aRVS for previously treated, advanced NSCLC at the M×μ Integrative Cancer Center, Korea, between June 2006 and June 2009. The primary objective of this study was to assess overall survival. Secondary objectives included assessments of disease control rates, progression-free survival, and the safety of aRVS treatment. RESULTS The median survival time was 8.4 months with a 1-year survival of 40%. The disease control rate was 63.6%, and the median progression-free survival interval was 3.9 months. Patients who had better performance status and adenocarcinoma experienced more favorable outcomes in terms of overall survival. in aRVS treatment were negligible, with the most common drug-related adverse events being mild epigastric pain and itching skin. Hematologic toxicity was absent. CONCLUSIONS Survival data and favorable levels of tolerability suggest the potential of aRVS treatment in previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC. Treatment with aRVS might be a viable alternative in patients for whom chemotherapy is not feasible, or who refuse chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Ha Cheon
- Department of Internal Medicine, M×μ Integrative Cancer Center, East West Neo Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Growth Inhibition and Induction of Apoptosis in SHG-44 Glioma Cells by Chinese Medicine Formula "Pingliu Keli". EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2010; 2011. [PMID: 20953401 PMCID: PMC2952337 DOI: 10.1155/2011/958243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2010] [Revised: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the water extract of Chinese medicine “Pingliu Keli” (PK) on human glioma cell viability and apoptosis and to investigate its mechanisms of action in SHG-44 cells. MTT assay showed that PK had a strong cytotoxic effect on SHG-44 cells. The number of live cells was less than 20% after exposure to 90 μg/mL PK for 24 h. PK increased cytotoxicity of SHG-44 cells in a dose-dependent manner. PK caused arrest of SHG-44 cells in G1 phase at low concentration and in G2 phase at high concentration. The percentage of apoptotic cells by flow cytometric analysis of the DNA-stained cells increased to 38% and 52% after treatment with 72 and 108 μg/mL PK, respectively. In addition, PK increased the expression of proapoptotic protein (Bax) and decreased antiapoptotic protein (Bcl-2), with a concomitant increase in the levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). These results suggest that PK has a significant apoptosis inducing effect on SHG-44 glioma cells in vitro and caspase-3 may act as a potential mediator in the process.
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Bhattacharjee N, Pathak S, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Amelioration of carcinogen-induced toxicity in mice by administration of a potentized homeopathic drug, natrum sulphuricum 200. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2009; 6:65-75. [PMID: 18955221 PMCID: PMC2644277 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nem067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2006] [Accepted: 05/08/2007] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To examine if a potentized homeopathic drug, Natrum Sulphuricum 200 (Nat Sulph-200) has protective potentials against hepatocarcinogenesis, liver tumors were induced in mice through chronic feeding of P-dimethylaminoazobenzene (p-DAB; initiator of hepatocarcinogenesis) and phenobarbital (PB; promoter). Mice were divided into five sub-groups: fed normal low protein diet (Gr. I, normal control); fed normal low protein plus alcohol-200 (vehicle of the homeopathic remedy) (Gr. II); fed diet mixed with 0.06% p-DAB plus 0.05% PB (Gr. III); fed diet and carcinogens like Gr.III, plus alcohol 200 (positive control for drug fed mice) (Gr. IV) and fed diet and carcinogens like Gr. III, plus Natrum Sulphuiricum-200 (Gr. V; drug fed). Mice were sacrificed at day 7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and day 120 for study of cytogenetical endpoints like chromosome aberrations (CA), micronuclei (MN), mitotic index (MI) and sperm head anomaly (SHA) and biochemical toxicity parameters like aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), acid (AcP) and alkaline (AlkP) phosphatases, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Less number of liver tumors were observed in Gr. V (drug fed) mice. Administration of Nat Sulph 200 reduced genomic damage, activities of AcP, AlkP, AST, ALT, LPO and increased GSH content. Therefore, independent replication of the study by others is encouraged.
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Chicca A, Adinolfi B, Martinotti E, Fogli S, Breschi MC, Pellati F, Benvenuti S, Nieri P. Cytotoxic effects of Echinacea root hexanic extracts on human cancer cell lines. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2007; 110:148-53. [PMID: 17052874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2006] [Accepted: 09/15/2006] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Echinacea is one of the most widely used alternative medicine in the world. Intake of Echinacea preparations is common among patients with advanced malignancies enrolled onto phase I chemotherapy trials; however, to our knowledge, no data are available regarding the possible direct effect of Echinacea species on human cancer cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate potential in vitro cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties of hexanic root extract of the three medicinal Echinacea (Asteraceae) species (Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt., Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.) on the human pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 and colon cancer COLO320 cell lines. We demonstrated, for the first time, that all the three species reduced cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner; Echinacea pallida was the most active species with IC(50)s of 46.41+/-0.87 and 10.55+/-0.70 microg/ml in MIA PaCa-2 and COLO320 cells, respectively. Echinacea pallida extract was able to induce apoptosis by increasing significantly caspase 3/7 activity and promoting nuclear DNA fragmentation. These results represent the starting point to establish viable scientific evidence on the possible role of Echinacea species in medical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chicca
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa PI 56126, Italy.
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Groom SN, Johns T, Oldfield PR. The Potency of Immunomodulatory Herbs May Be Primarily Dependent upon Macrophage Activation. J Med Food 2007; 10:73-9. [PMID: 17472470 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2006.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Standardized extracts of Echinacea, cat's claw, and saw palmetto were each evaluated for ability to activate macrophage and natural killer cells, in vitro, using two independent measures of activation for each immune cell population. A standard series of exposure concentrations were tested for each herbal extract in a panel of four assays that evaluated macrophage phagocytosis, macrophage synthesis of interleukin-12, natural killer (NK) cell cytocidal activity (synthesis of granzyme B), and NK cell synthesis of interferon-gamma. Macrophage phagocytosis was stimulated by all three herbs tested: saw palmetto (up to 2.3-fold, P < .05), Echinacea (up to 3.6-fold, P < .01), and cat's claw (up to 4.7-fold, P < .01). Additionally, NK cell synthesis of interferon-gamma was stimulated by saw palmetto (up to 6.3-fold, P < .01) and Echinacea (up to 8.1 fold, P < .01) but not by exposure to cat's claw. None of the three herbs stimulated macrophage synthesis of interleukin-12 or NK cell synthesis of granzyme B. Comparison of the in vitro data with our earlier observations that cat's claw and Echinacea (but not saw palmetto) were each effective in reducing B16/F10 lung tumor colony formation in C57BL/6J mice suggests macrophage activation is the primary means by which these herbs modulate the immune system. Thus, macrophage activation (phagocytosis) may provide a potentially higher throughput method to identify herbal extracts with in vivo stimulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Groom
- Department of Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Adinolfi B, Chicca A, Martinotti E, Breschi MC, Nieri P. Sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) analysis on DNA from the three medicinal Echinacea species. Fitoterapia 2006; 78:43-5. [PMID: 17067760 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2006.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2005] [Accepted: 09/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis revealed species-specific markers for three medicinal Echinacea species (Asteraceae): E. angustifolia DC., E. pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. and E. purpurea (L.) Moench. In the present work, we have converted a RAPD marker (750 bp) for E. purpurea into a SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Region) marker. SCAR-PCR, in fact, revealed the expected amplicon (330 bp) only in E. purpurea and not in the other two species, giving further evidence for differences in medicinal Echinacea spp. genome and confirming a greater similarity between E. pallida and angustifolia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Adinolfi
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Olalde Rangel JA, Magarici M, Amendola F, del Castillo O. The Systemic Theory of Living Systems. Part IV: Systemic Medicine--The Praxis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2005; 2:429-39. [PMID: 16322799 PMCID: PMC1297512 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/neh139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2005] [Accepted: 10/03/2005] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This fourth lecture illustrates the praxis and results of Systemic Medicine (SM) in various therapeutic applications. SM's success has made it popular throughout Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The treatment of over 300,000 patients by 150 orthodox MD's, trained and qualified in SM, in 35 medical establishments with above average results corroborate its effectiveness as an eCAM in chronic degenerative diseases. Herein we provide a synopsis of results obtained in four such pathologies-the journal's necessary space restrictions somewhat limiting content-as well as clinical and photographic evidence. The validity of any medical theory is substantiated by its degree of effectivity and success. The workability of evidence-based SM corroborates Systemic Theory's transcendence.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Olalde Rangel
- Adaptogenic Medical Centers, Calle del Arenal c/c Luis de Camoes, La Trinidad, Caracas 1080, Venezuela.
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