anti-inflammatory

Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research.: Food Chem Toxicol. 2007 Sep 18; Ali BH, Blunden G, Tanira MO, Nemmar A

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberacae) is a medicinal plant that has been widely used in Chinese, Ayurvedic and Tibb-Unani herbal medicines all over the world, since antiquity, for a wide array of unrelated ailments that include arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, muscular aches, pains, sore throats, cramps, constipation, indigestion, vomiting, hypertension, dementia, fever, infectious diseases and helminthiasis. Currently, there is a renewed interest in ginger, and several scientific investigations aimed at isolation and identification of active constituents of ginger, scientific verification of its pharmacological actions and of its constituents, and verification of the basis of the use of ginger in some of several diseases and conditions. This article aims at reviewing the most salient recent reports on these investigations. The main pharmacological actions of ginger and compounds isolated therefrom include immuno-modulatory, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-lipidemic and anti-emetic actions. Ginger is a strong anti-oxidant substance and may either mitigate or prevent generation of free radicals. It is considered a safe herbal medicine with only few and insignificant adverse/side effects. More studies are required in animals and humans on the kinetics of ginger and its constituents and on the effects of their consumption over a long period of time.

Comparison of glucosamine sulfate and a polyherbal supplement for the relief of osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN25438351].:
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Oct 31;7(1):34 Authors: Mehta K, Gala J, Bhasale S, Naik S, Modak M, Thakur H, Deo N, Miller MJ

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of a dietary supplement derived from South American botanicals was compared to glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis subjects in a Mumbai-based multi-center, randomized, double-blind study. METHODS: Subjects (n=95) were screened and randomized to receive glucosamine sulfate (n= 47, 1500 mg/day) or reparagen (n=48, 1800 mg/day), a polyherbal consisting of 300 mg of vincaria (Uncaria guianensis) and 1500 mg of RNI 249 (Lepidium meyenii) administered orally, twice daily. Primary efficacy variable was response rate based on a 20% improvement in WOMAC pain scores. Additional outcomes were WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness and function, visual analog score (VAS) for pain, with assessments at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Tolerability, investigator and subject global assessments and rescue medication consumption (paracetamol) were measured together with safety assessments including vital signs and laboratory based assays. RESULTS: Subject randomization was effective: age, gender and disease status distribution was similar in both groups. The response rates (20% reduction in WOMAC pain) were substantial for both glucosamine (89%) and reparagen (94%) and supported by investigator and subject assessments. Using related criteria response rates to reparagen were favorable when compared to glucosamine. Compared to baseline both treatments showed significant benefits in WOMAC and VAS outcomes within one week (P<0.05), with a similar, progressive improvement over the course of the 8 week treatment protocol (45-62% reduction in WOMAC or VAS scores). Tolerability was excellent, no serious adverse events were noted and safety parameters were unchanged. Rescue medication use was significantly lower in the reparagen group (p <0.01) at each assessment period. Serum IGF-1 levels were unaltered by treatments. CONCLUSION: Both reparagen and glucosamine sulfate produced substantial improvements in pain, stiffness and function in subjects with osteoarthritis. Response rates were high and the safety profile was excellent, with significantly less rescue medication use with reparagen. Reparagen represents a new natural productive alternative in the management of joint health. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN25438351.

PMID: 17974032 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Epigallocatechin gallate affects human dendritic cell differentiation and maturation.: J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Oct 10; Authors: Yoneyama S, Kawai K, Tsuno NH, Okaji Y, Asakage M, Tsuchiya T, Yamada J, Sunami E, Osada T, Kitayama J, Takahashi K, Nagawa H

BACKGROUND: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea catechin with the strongest biological activity, has been focused in recent years because of its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells, capable of priming naive T cells, and play the key roles in the activation of T-cell-mediated immune responses. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of EGCG on human monocyte-derived DCs (MODCs) and, consequently, on the T-cell-mediated immune response. METHODS: The induction of apoptosis, and the detailed phenotypic and functional changes of MODCs, generated by culture of peripheral blood monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4, induced by EGCG was investigated and compared with the effects of dexamethasone. RESULTS: Epigallocatechin gallate induced apoptosis and affected the phenotype of the developing DCs. The expressions of CD83, CD80, CD11c, and MHC class II, which are molecules essential for antigen presentation by DCs, were downregulated by EGCG. EGCG also suppressed the endocytotic ability of immature DCs, whereas dexamethasone-treated DCs had higher endocytotic ability than control DCs. Most importantly, mature DCs treated with EGCG inhibited stimulatory activity toward allogeneic T cells while secreting high amounts of IL-10. CONCLUSION: Epigallocatechin gallate induces immunosuppressive alterations on human MODCs, both by induction of apoptosis and suppression of cell surface molecules and antigen presentation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These alterations should be considered promising new immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents to treat autoimmune and allergic diseases and to prevent the graft rejection in organ transplantation.

PMID: 17935769 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

B vitamins and berries and age-related neurodegenerative disorders.: Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep). 2006 Apr;(134):1-161 Authors: Balk E, Chung M, Raman G, Tatsioni A, Chew P, Ip S, DeVine D, Lau J

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects, associations, mechanisms of action, and safety of B vitamins and, separately, berries and their constituents on age-related neurocognitive disorders-primarily Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and CAB Abstracts. Additional studies were identified from reference lists and technical experts. REVIEW METHODS: Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and folate, and a dozen types of berries and their constituents were evaluated. Human, animal, and in vitro studies were evaluated. Outcomes of interest from human studies were neurocognitive function or diagnosis with AD, cognitive decline, PD, or related conditions. Intervention studies, associations between dietary intake and outcomes, and associations between B vitamin levels and outcomes were evaluated. Specific mechanisms of action were evaluated in animal and in vitro studies. Studies were extracted for study design, demographics, intervention or predictor, and neurocognitive outcomes. Studies were graded for quality and applicability. RESULTS: In animal studies, deficiencies in vitamins B1 or folate generally cause neurological dysfunction; supplementation with B6, B12, or folate may improve neurocognitive function. In animal experiments folate and B12 protect against genetic deficiencies used to model AD; thiamine and folate also affect neurovascular function and health. Human studies were generally of poor quality. Weak evidence suggests possible benefits of B1 supplementation and injected B12 in AD. The effects of B6 and folate are unclear. Overall, dietary intake studies do not support an association between B vitamin intake and AD. Studies evaluating B vitamin status were mostly inadequate due to poor study design. Overall, studies do not support an association between B vitamin status and age-related neurocognitive disorders. Only one study evaluated human berry consumption, finding no association with PD. Animal studies of berries have almost all been conducted by the same research group. Several berry constituents have been shown to affect brain and nerve tissue function. Blueberry and strawberry extract were protective of markers of disease, although effects on neurocognitive tests were less consistent. Berry extracts may protect against the deleterious effects of compounds associated with AD. Reporting of adverse events was uncommon. When reported, actual adverse events from B vitamins were rare and minor. CONCLUSIONS: The current research on B vitamins is largely inadequate to confidently assess their mechanisms of action on age-related neurocognitive disorders, their associations with disease, or their effectiveness as supplements. B vitamin supplementation may be of value for neurocognitive function, but the evidence is inconclusive.

PMID: 17628125 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Research on different processings of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi]: Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Sep;29(9):893-5 Authors: Song SH, Wang BL, Feng JK, Wang ZZ

OBJECTIVE: Comparing the different processings of S. baicalensis Georgi with fresh herb. METHODS: Watering, cooking and steaming method were adopted and the contents of flavonoids was determined by HPLC. RESULTS: Cooking and steaming method could not only intenerate the slices, but also destroy the activity of enzyme. So different means could be choosen according to practice. CONCLUSION: Among them, cooking method with 1 time volume of water, heating 10 min, drying at 80 degrees C and steaming method taking 20 min, drying at 80 degrees C is proper.

PMID: 17212039 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anti-inflammatory properties and regulatory mechanism of a novel derivative of artemisinin in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.: J Immunol. 2007 Nov 1;179(9):5958-65 Authors: Wang Z, Qiu J, Guo TB, Liu A, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhang JZ

Ethyl 2-[4-(12-beta-artemisininoxy)]phenoxylpropionate (SM933) is a novel derivative of artemisinin, an herbal compound approved for the treatment of malaria. In this study, we show that SM933 has unique anti-inflammatory properties through regulation of signaling pathways, leading to amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The anti-inflammatory properties of SM933 were characterized by inhibition of encephalitogenic T cell responses that were altered to exhibit a Th2 immune deviation and reduced activity and concentration of NO and inducible NO synthase. The observed effect of SM933 was mediated through regulatory mechanisms involving the NFkappaB and the Rig-G/JAB1 signaling pathways. SM933 was found to inhibit the activity of NFkappaB by up-regulating IkappaB, which accounted for various down-stream anti-inflammatory actions. Furthermore, it up-regulated Rig-G through the action of IFN-alpha and prevented JAB1, a master cell cycle regulator, from entering the nucleus to promote p27 degradation, resulting in down-regulation of CDK2 and cyclin A and cell cycle progression. Regulation of the Rig-G/JAB1 pathway by SM933 led to altered cell cycle activity of encephalitogenic T cells as a result of its selective effect on activated, but not resting, T cells. The study indicates that SM933 is a novel anti-inflammatory agent acting through defined signaling mechanisms and provides regulatory mechanisms required for effective drug targeting in treatment of autoimmune disease and inflammation.

PMID: 17947669 [PubMed - in process]

[STW 5/Iberogast: multi-target-action for treatment of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome]: Wien Med Wochenschr. 2007;157(13-14):301-7 Authors: Allescher HD, Wagner H

Functional gastro-intestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome are a therapeutic challenge, as they are not only characterized by a multitude of symptoms, some of them with severe consequences for affected patients, but are also caused by a multitude of factors. The clinical efficacy of the therapeutics STW 5/Iberogast in these diseases has been proven in a number of randomized prospective clinical studies. Several preclinical studies suggest that its efficacy could be due to its complex composition of nine standardized herbal extracts, which act differently on multiple sites. This principle, which is quite popular in clinical medicine, was introduced as a multi-target therapy for functional bowel disorders. Components of STW 5/Iberogast reduce gastro-intestinal hypersensitivity and act spasmolytic on spastic, tonicising on atonic gastro-intestinal muscle. In addition a stimulating effect on reduced mucus-secretion, an inhibitory effect on enhanced gastric acid secretion and an anti-inflammatory effect have been shown. These effects could explain the clinical efficacy of STW5/Iberogast in a large range of symptoms.

PMID: 17704976 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Phytodolor--effects and efficacy of a herbal medicine.: Wien Med Wochenschr. 2007;157(13-14):343-7 Authors: Gundermann KJ, Müller J

Herbal antirheumatics are successfully used in painful inflammatory or degenerative rheumatic diseases. One of these herbal medicines is Phytodolor (STW 1), a fixed combination of extracts from aspen leaves and bark (Populus tremula), common ash bark (Fraxinus excelsior), and golden rod herb (Solidago virgaurea). Its effects as well as those of its components have been verified in experimental and human pharmacological investigations. The mode of action of STW 1 includes antiinflammatory, antioedematous, antioxidative and analgesic properties, and it is considered to be broader than that of synthetic antirheumatics. Open clinical studies and randomised, placebo- or verum-controlled double-blind trials, performed in different subtypes of rheumatic diseases, confirm the pharmacological evidence of efficacy, such as by reducing the intake of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). STW 1 has a high drug safety. CONCLUSION: Phytodolor (STW 1) is a reasonable alternative to NSAIDs and to cyclooxygenase(COX)-2-inhibitors such as rofecoxib.

PMID: 17704984 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Use of herbal preparations in the treatment of oxidant-mediated inflammatory disorders.: Complement Ther Med. 2007 Sep;15(3):207-16 Authors: Kaplan M, Mutlu EA, Benson M, Fields JZ, Banan A, Keshavarzian A

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has increased in popularity in recent years and herbal therapy alone is now a billion dollar market. For centuries herbs have been used as food and for medicinal purposes. Various herbs have been identified as possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, and they are currently being used to treat inflammatory disorders as well as those caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Asthma, Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and atherogenesis are all disorders where inflammation and ROS are involved in their pathogenesis. This review examines the pathogenesis of the above mentioned ROS-mediated inflammatory disorders, as well as discusses the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of various herbs and the clinical trials where herbs have been used to treat these disorders.

PMID: 17709066 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effectiveness of Nonpharmacological and Nonsurgical Interventions for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.: Phys Ther. 2007 Sep 25; Authors: Christie A, Jamtvedt G, Dahm KT, Moe RH, Haavardsholm EA, Hagen KB

CONCLUSIONS:based on systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials are considered to provide the highest level of evidence about the effectiveness of an intervention. This overview summarizes the available evidence from systematic reviews on the effects of nonpharmacological and nonsurgical interventions for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Systematic reviews of studies of patients with RA (aged >18 years) published between 2000 and 2007 were identified by comprehensive literature searches. Methodological quality was independently assessed by 2 authors, and the quality of evidence was summarized by explicit methods. Pain, function, and patient global assessment were considered primary outcomes of interest. Twenty-eight systematic reviews were included in this overview. High-quality evidence was found for beneficial effects of joint protection and patient education, moderate-quality evidence was found for beneficial effects of herbal therapy (gamma-linolenic acid) and low-level laser therapy, and low-quality evidence was found for the effectiveness of the other interventions. The quality of evidence for the effectiveness of most nonpharmacological and nonsurgical interventions in RA is moderate to low.

PMID: 17906290 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]