Essiac Clinical Studies
From 1928 to 1930, experiments were conducted on mice inoculated with Rous Sarcoma. After administering Rene's treatment of Essiac, she was able to keep the mice alive for 52 days - a remarkable lifespan for rodents infected with Rous Sarcoma, especially at the time. In a second series of experiments, she successfully extended the mice’s survival to 72 days.
Essiac is composed of four ingredients: Burdock root (Arctium lappa) , Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), and Indian Rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum).
Burdock root’s principal ingredient, inulin, is renowned for its healing properties. It is a powerful immune modulator that enhances the function of white blood cells and plays a vital role in carbohydrate metabolism. Inulin also inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and contains benzaldehyde, which has demonstrated significant antineoplastic effects in humans*.
Sheep Sorrel, the second ingredient, is rich in silicon, is rich in minerals and vitamins. It also supports myelin production, strengthening the myelin sheath that encases nerves. Sheep sorrel has been used in alternative medicine for centuries, with its use in cancer treatment dating back to as long as the 1740’s, when legislation was introduced in Williamsburg, Virginia that year for that very purpose.
The third ingredient, Slippery Elm Tree bark, has long been known as a valuable herbal remedy. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, C, and K. Slippery Elm Bark also contains beta-sitosterol, known for lowering cholesterol levels, and a polysaccharide that has demonstrated anti-tumor activity. Slippery Elm Bark also contains tannins and mucilages, which aid in digestion, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits for the digestive system.*
The fourth botanical, Indian Rhubarb Root, is rich in iron, and acts as a cleansing agent, helping the body eliminate waste and toxins from the liver and digestive tract.* It also contains aloe, catechin, and rehin, which has shown anti-tumor effects in animal cells.*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Since its inception, many other studies have also been done on Essiac. The links to a variety of them are below.
Unresectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Eight Years Later
Summary:
Based on a review of the literature, we present the longest known survival of a patient with surgically unresectable, biopsy-proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This patient has survived 8 years since his initial diagnosis with no active disease noted on imaging studies. Further scientific review of this index case may provide insight into better therapeutic options or provide for a predictive subset of patients who will benefit from specific chemotherapeutic options.
This patient had underwent palliative choledochojejunostomy, and after withdrawing from chemotherapy due to treatment intolerance, began treatment with Essiac Tea and Protandim. This study also notes that, based on the observation from this case report, it might be interesting to conduct a clinical trial of standard chemotherapy followed by long-term application of the two nutraceutical supplements taken by this patient, Protandim and Essiac Tea.
Spontaneous regression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Summary:
The authors report the case of an 84-year-old woman who presented with radiologically progressive, biopsy proven stage IIIB (T2N3) squamous cell carcinoma in the left lower lobe of the lung. Her disease was too advanced for curative treatment and in view of the lack of symptoms to palliate, she received no anticancer treatment. In follow-up, her tumour was noted to spontaneously regress in size on serial chest x-rays. Eight months after biopsy, restaging CT showed complete resolution of the enlarged biopsy proven mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes and significant regression of the primary tumour. She remains clinically well.
Along with psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms being mentioned as a possible reason for this spontaneous regression, another possible explanation is that the regression was related to the alternative herbal remedy Essiac that the patient was taking. Essiac is a combination product of four herbs (burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark and Turkey rhubarb), although the exact formulation is a proprietary secret. Proponents of Essiac claim that it strengthens the immune system, relieves pain and may reduce tumour size and prolong the lives of people with all types of cancer.
Article Abstract:
Essiac® is an herbal compound that has been widely used as a dietary supplement for health and immune system support, as well as a homeopathic cancer treatment. Despite multiple studies aiming to demonstrate its touted benefits, the results have been inconclusive. Some studies have shown Essiac® to impart gastroenterological protection, combat reactive oxygen species (ROS), increase immune cell subsets, and reduce in vitro cancer cell numbers, while other studies have not been able to show reduced cancer load in vivo. Therefore, in this study using the fully-prepared proprietary blend, Essiac® Liquid Herbal Extract (LHE), we thoroughly explored its health benefits using the nematode animal model, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), as well as assessed its antiproliferative abilities against three non-adherent (myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia) and two adherent tumor forming (breast and prostate) cancer cell lines. Our findings show that when C. elegans were exposed to the recommended dosage of Essiac® LHE, there was an increase in their overall lifespan, and an increase in their ability to withstand oxidative stress induced mortality when challenged. Additionally, our work demonstrated that a 24% exposure of Essiac® LHE induced a significant decrease in cell viability and proliferation within all five cancer cell lines (RPMI 8226, Jurkat, CML, LNCaP, and MCF7). Furthermore, our results indicate that the anti-proliferative effects of Essiac® LHE are not being mediated through the induction of intrinsic apoptosis, but through an alternative cellular mechanism. Taken together, these in vitro and in vivo findings lend support to the overall health benefits and antiproliferative abilities of Essiac® LHE.
Essiac tea: scavenging of reactive oxygen species and effects on DNA damage
Article Abstract:
Essiac, a tea reportedly developed by the Ojibwa tribe of Canada and widely publicized as a homeopathic cancer treatment, is prepared from a mixture of four herbs Arctium lappa, Rumex acetosella, Ulmus rubra and Rheum officinale. Each of these herbs has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-cancer activity. Essiac itself has also been reported to demonstrate anti-cancer activity in vitro, although its effects in vivo are still a matter of debate. We prepared an extract of Essiac tea from a concentration of 25mg/mL and boiled it for 10 min. From this preparation we used concentrations of 5, 10, 25 and 50% to measure Essiac effects. In this study, we examined the effects of Essiac on free radical scavenging and DNA damage in a non-cellular system, as well as the effects Essiac on lipid peroxidation using the RAW 264.7 cell line. We observed, using electron spin resonance, that Essiac effectively scavenged hydroxyl, up to 84% reduction in radical signal at the 50% tea preparation concentration, and superoxide radicals, up to 82% reduction in radical signal also at the 50% tea preparation concentration, as well as prevented hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage. In addition, Essiac inhibited hydroxyl radical-induced lipid peroxidation by up to 50% at the 50% tea preparation concentration. These data indicate that Essiac tea possesses potent antioxidant and DNA-protective activity, properties that are common to natural anti-cancer agents. This study may help to explain the mechanisms behind the reported anti-cancer effects of Essiac.
In-vitro analysis of the herbal compound Essiac
Article Conclusion:
In vitro analysis of Essiac indicates significant antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, as well as neoplastic cell specific cytotoxicity consistent with the historical properties ascribed to this compound. Importantly, significant CYP450 and fibrinolysis inhibition were also observed. This is the first comprehensive investigation of the in vitro effects of Essiac.
Essiac: an historical perspective
Article Abstract:
It is believed that over one-half of people diagnosed with cancer will at some point use an unconventional therapy (Hopkins & Brigden, 1991). In light of this, nurses have a professional responsibility to learn about unconventional therapies (Fletcher, 1992) so they can help their patients make informed choices. This article focuses on Essiac, an unconventional therapy that has historically and is presently being used by some cancer patients. While reasons patients might choose unconventional therapies are identified, the majority of this article focuses on the history of Essiac, where it stands today, and the need for sound scientific research.
Anti-leukemic activity of a four-plant mixture in a leukemic rat model
Article Results:
In this study, leukemia was experimentally induced in rats by 7, 12-dimethyl benza[a]anthracene (DMBA) and rats were treated with a water extract of a four-plant (Arctium lappa, Ulmus rubra, Rumex acetosella, and Rheum palmatum) mixture. Application of this four-plant mixture extract successfully recovered weight loss and restored the normal total WBC, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts in a leukemia rat model compared to either the DMSO-treated rats or the leukemic rats before applying the plant mixture. Moreover, this plant mixture decreased the percentage of blasts by two thirds in leukemic rats. By quantitative real-time PCR, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 mRNA expression in lymphocytes was downregulated in leukemic rats, and this downregulation was significantly alleviated by treating the leukemic rats with the plant mixture.
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) Studies
A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)
Article Abstract:
Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock, is being promoted/recommended as a healthy and nutritive food in Chinese societies. Burdock has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years. The roots, seeds and leaves of burdock have been investigated in view of its popular uses in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this review, the reported therapeutic effects of the active compounds present in the different botanical parts of burdock are summarized. In the root, the active ingredients have been found to "detoxify" blood in terms of TCM and promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improving the skin quality/texture and curing skin diseases like eczema. Antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds have also been found in the root. In the seeds, some active compounds possess anti-inflammatory effects and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma. In the leaf extract, the active compounds isolated can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the oral cavity. The medicinal uses of burdock in treating chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes and AIDS have been reported. However, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects of burdock including contact dermatitis and other allergic/inflammatory responses that might be evoked by burdock.
Article Abstract:
The crude powder of the fruit of Arctium lappa L. (ALF) has previously been reported to attenuate experimental colitis in mice. But, its main effective ingredient and underlying mechanisms remain to be identified. In this study, ALF was extracted with ethanol, and then successively fractionated into petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fraction. Experimental colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice. Among the four fractions of ALF, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the most significant inhibition of DSS-induced colitis in mice. The comparative studies of arctigenin and arctiin (the two main ingredients of ethyl acetate fraction) indicated that arctigenin rather than arctiin could reduce the loss of body weight, disease activity index and histological damage in the colon. Arctigenin markedly recovered the loss of intestinal epithelial cells (E-cadherin-positive cells) and decreased the infiltration of neutrophils (MPO-positive cells) and macrophages (CD68-positive cells). Arctigenin could down-regulate the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, MIP-2, MCP-1, MAdCAM-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 at both protein and mRNA levels in colonic tissues. Also, it markedly decreased the MDA level, but increased SOD activity and the GSH level. Of note, the efficacy of arctigenin was comparable or even superior to that of the positive control mesalazine. Moreover, it significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs and the activation of NF-κB, including phosphorylation of IκBα and p65, p65 translocation and DNA binding activity. In conclusion, arctigenin but not arctiin is the main active ingredient of ALF for attenuating colitis via down-regulating the activation of MAPK and NF-κB pathways.
Article Abstract:
Arctigenin (AR) and its glycoside, arctiin, are two major active ingredients of Arctium lappa L (A lappa), a popular medicinal herb and health supplement frequently used in Asia. In the past several decades, bioactive components from A lappa have attracted the attention of researchers due to their promising therapeutic effects. In the current article, we aimed to provide an overview of the pharmacology of AR and arctiin, focusing on their anti-inflammatory effects, pharmacokinetics properties and clinical efficacies. Compared to acrtiin, AR was reported as the most potent bioactive component of A lappa in the majority of studies. AR exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) via modulation of several cytokines. Due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects, AR may serve as a potential therapeutic compound against both acute inflammation and various chronic diseases. However, pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated the extensive glucuronidation and hydrolysis of AR in liver, intestine and plasma, which might hinder its in vivo and clinical efficacy after oral administration. Based on the reviewed pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of AR, further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of AR via alternative administration routes are suggested to promote its ability to serve as a therapeutic agent as well as an ideal bioactive marker for A lappa.
Article Abstract:
The roots and tubers of the Asteraceae family are known as a source of various oligosaccharides, and chicory roots and Jerusalem artichoke have stood out for its commercial viability. However burdock root (Arctium lappa L.), which is adapted to temperate climate, moist, and sandy soil, is still unknown as health food in the western world. This review showed the potential of burdock roots as a source of prebiotic fibers, chlorogenic acids, cinnarine, lignans, and quercetin. The extraction methods of burdock functional compounds are made with water, temperature and time variations only. Biological assays showed antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties, and gastric mucosal defense mechanisms, among others. Therefore, the use of burdock roots as functional food should be encouraged in countries that have imported products derived from other roots of the same family for health benefits.
Efficacy of natural L-asparagine in the complex therapy for malignant tumors in experimental studies
Article Abstract:
Aim:
To study the influence of natural L-asparagine on the efficacy of cytostatic therapy for malignant tumors in experimental investigations.
Materials and methods:
Female C57B1/6 mice weighing 18-20 g were selected for the experiments. Lewis' lung carcinoma (LLC) and melanoma B16 cells were used in the study. Animals were inoculated with tumor cells intramuscularly. Solution of L-asparagine in a volume of 0.2 ml per mouse (in appropriate doses) was administered to the animals using gastric probe, daily, for 14 days. Cyclophosphane was administered intraperitoneally in total doses of 180 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg on days 3 and 7 after tumor implantation. The percentage of tumor growth inhibition was calculated and inhibition index and frequency of metastasis were assessed.
Results:
It has been shown that despite low activity of L-asparagine with regard to primary tumor, the level of metastasis inhibition is rather high (up to 91% depending on experimental model, therapy regimen and follow-up period). The analysis of previously obtained data and our studies indicate that L-asparagine derived from burdock (Arctium lappa) root has not only its own antimetastatic activity but it is also able to increase antimetastatic activity of cyclophosphane partially reducing toxic effect of cyclophosphane on the organism without decreasing its antitumor and antimetastatic activities.
Conclusion:
L-asparagine derived from burdock (Arctium lappa) root can be effective in the complex anticancer therapy with the use of appropriate chemotherapy doses and regimens.
Repeated arctigenin treatment produces antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects in mice
Article Abstract:
Depression is the root of various diseases. It is one of the most debilitating conditions globally. Antidepressant drugs are usually the first-line of depression treatment. Arctigenin (ARC), one of active ingredient of Arctium lappa L, has been found to exert neuroprotective, anti-decrepitude, and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of ARC using acute and chronic mild stress (CMS) mice model. ICR mice model received acute stress or chronic mild stress assessed by open field test (OFT), novelty suppressed feeding (NSF), sucrose preference test (SPT), forced-swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). After the final test, blood was collected to detect the serum levels of angiogenin (ANG), thrombopoietin (TPO), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The behavioral results showed that repeated ARC (10, 30 mg/kg) administration significantly relieved the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects. And repeated ARC administration at the dose of 10 and 30 mg/kg could significantly block depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors caused by CMS. Finally, ELISA results showed that ARC administration increased the serum levels of angiogenin (ANG), thrombopoietin (TPO), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results showed that chronic ARC administration produces antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects, which provides direct evidence for the first time that ARC may be a novel strategy for the treatment of depression and even stress-related disorders. The present data supports further exploration for developing ARC administration as a novel therapeutic strategy for depression and even stress-related disorders.
Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) Studies
Article Summary:
Edible greens, especially wild greens, play an important role in traditional diets and are rich in phenols and other compounds. The purpose of this study was to investigate total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts from wild and cultivated Rumex acetosella L. The wild sheep sorrel extract inhibited lipid peroxidation and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical with EC50 values of 0.02 and 3.67 mg ml− 1; however, the EC50 values for cultivated sheep sorrel extract were 0.76 and 21.94 mg ml− 1. In the reducing power assay, the values of measured absorbance were 0.723 and 0.430 for wild and cultivated extracts, respectively, at 1 mg ml− 1 concentration. The chelating of ferrous ions by the wild and cultivated sheep sorrel was determined as 59.4% and 56.2%, respectively, at 1 mg ml− 1 concentration. TPC of wild and cultivated sheep sorrel was found to be 69.21 ± 8.5 and 57.57 ± 1.8 mg gallic acid equiv. g− 1 extract, respectively. There is a positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant assays. The results obtained in this study indicate that wild R. acetosella could be an important dietary source because of its good antioxidant properties.
Article Results:
Compared with placebo, quercetin intake decreased systolic blood pressure significantly (−8.8 ± 9.3 vs. −3.5 ± 11.7, P = 0.04). Although changes in diastolic blood pressure between the groups was not significant (P = 0.19), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly decreased in both groups while changes in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and ratio of TG/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C were not significant between and within groups. Quercetin supplementation significantly reduced the serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P = 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively); however, the mean changes in serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were not significant between the groups.
Article Abstract:
The polyphenole-enriched acetone-water extract R2 from the aerial parts of Rumex acetosa L. containing high amounts of oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins and flavonoids was tested for antiviral activity. R2 exhibited strong antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) while the replication of adenovirus 3 was not affected. By plaque reduction test and MTT assay on Vero cells, the HSV-1-specific inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) and cytotoxic concentration (CC(50)) were determined. R2 exibited an IC(50) of 0.8 μg/mL and a selectivity index (SI) (ratio of IC(50) to CC(50)) of approximately 100 when added to the virus inoculum for 1h at 37°C prior to infection. The antiviral activity was due to the presence of flavan-3-ols and oligomeric proanthocyanidins in the extract. Structure-activity analyses indicated that flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins with galloylation at position O-3 are highly potent compounds (SI>40), while ungalloylated compounds did not exhibit antiviral effects (SI<1). R2 and a major proanthocyanidin from R2, epicatechin-3-O-gallate-(4β→8)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate abolished virus entry into the host cell by blocking attachment to the cell surface. When added after attachment at a concentration of ≥ 12.5 μg/mL, R2 inhibited also penetration of HSV-1 into the host cell. R2 and epicatechin-3-O-gallate-(4β→8)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate were shown to directly interact with viral particles leading to the oligomerisation of envelope proteins as demonstrated for the essential viral glycoprotein gD. Using raft cultures with three-dimensional organotypic human skin equivalents it was shown that treatment of cultures with R2 after infection with HSV-1 resulted in a reduced viral spread.
Vascular mechanisms underlying the hypotensive effect of Rumex acetosa
Article Results:
In normotensive rats under anaesthesia, Ra.Cr caused fall in MAP (40 mmHg) at 50 mg/kg with % fall of 27.88 ± 4.55. Among the fractions tested, aqueous fraction was more potent at the dose of 50 mg/kg with % fall of 45.63 ± 2.84. In hypertensive rats under similar conditions, extract and fractions showed antihypertensive effect at same doses while aqueous fraction being more potent, exhibited 68.53 ± 4.45% fall in MAP (70 mmHg). In isolated rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (PE), Ra.Cr and fractions induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, which was partially blocked in presence of l-NAME, indomethacin and atropine. In isolated rabbit aortic rings pre-contracted with PE and K+-(80 mM), Ra.Cr induced vasorelaxation and shifted Ca2+ concentration-response curves to the right and suppressed PE peak formation, similar to verapamil, in Ca2+-free medium.
Protective Effect of Sorrel Extract on Adult Rats Treated by Carbon Tetrachloride
Article Results:
The resulting data showed that the sorrel extract demonstrated a significant enhancement in liver intoxication and all other tested parameters. In addition, it also helped in minimizing the structural tissue damages in the vital organs.
Article Conclusion:
According to these results, sorrel can impair the liver function and maintain the functions of the vital organs.
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All rats, poisoned with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and administrated with all tested herbs, showed a significant increase in BWG as compared to the control (+ve) group
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Sorrel extract demonstrates a significant enhancement in liver intoxication and all other tested parameters and can reduce the lipid peroxidation in CCl4-induced liver damage
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All rats, poisoned with CCl4 and orally fed with all tested herbs, showed a significant decrease in the mentioned parameters when compared to control (+ve) group.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) Studies
Article Summary:
Slippery elm is an herbal medicine derived from the inner bark of the slippery elm (Ulmusrubra-also known as Red Elm or Indian Elm) tree. It has been used to treat edema and inflammation as an alternative/complimentary form of medicine for many years. In the United States, slippery elm is marketed commercially to treat upper airway inflammatory conditions, and its reported benefits in treating these conditions are ubiquitous in anecdotal contexts. Individuals with voice disorders and other inflammatory conditions of the upper airway (e.g., laryngitis) are increasingly seeking information related to the use of herbal medications such as slippery elm, although most clinicians are unfamiliar with these medications and do not understand their biological actions and purported benefits. Furthermore, no scientific evidence is available to support the validity of slippery elm's use in treating upper airway inflammatory conditions. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the biochemical composition, biological actions, and purported societal use of slippery elm as a complementary or alternative medicine specific to upper airway inflammatory conditions, present results from a pilot study investigating the soothing effects of slippery elm on the tissue of the upper airway, and present a framework for potential scientific investigation of slippery elm and related herbal medications.
Natural Product-Derived Drugs for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Article Conclusion:
Interest is growing in the development of efficient new drugs derived from natural sources for the treatment of IBDs, such as UC and CD. As frequently reported in clinical trials, many intestinal disease patients have tried natural products and show great interest in them. This patient preference should encourage the development of new drugs derived from natural products.
Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study
Article Interventions:
The DA-IBS formula consisted of a mixture of dried, powdered bilberry fruit, slippery elm bark, agrimony aerial parts, and cinnamon quills. The C-IBS formula consisted of a mixture of dried powdered slippery elm bark, lactulose, oat bran, and licorice root. The aim of each formula was to normalize stool frequency and stool consistency.
Article Conclusions:
The DA-IBS formula was not effective in improving bowel habit in individuals with diarrhea-predominant or alternating bowel habit IBS, although it did significantly improve a number of IBS symptoms. The C-IBS formula significantly improved both bowel habit and IBS symptoms in patients with constipation-predominant IBS. Further research is warranted on C-IBS, as a potentially useful therapeutic formula.
Article Abstract:
Background: There is a growing interest in medicinal plants which have been traditionally used for the treatment of human infections. This study assessed 14 ethanol extracts (EEs) on bacterial growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus pyogenes. Methods: Constituent major phytochemicals in the extracts were identified using ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Micro-broth dilution and time-kill assays were used to determine antibacterial activities. Anti-biofilm activities were studied using MTT assay, and morphology of biofilms was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to visualize the ultra-cross section structure of bacteria treated with efficacious extracts. Results: Licorice root, purple coneflower flower, purple coneflower stem, sage leaves and slippery elm inner bark EEs were the most effective, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 62.5 μg/mL and 125 μg/mL, respectively. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of extracts ranged from 31.5–250 μg/mL. Morphological changes were observed in treated biofilms compared to the untreated. The four most effective extracts exhibited the ability to induce degradation of bacterial cell wall and disintegration of the plasma membrane. Conclusion: We suggest that EEs of sage leaf and purple coneflower flower are promising candidates to be further investigated for developing alternative natural therapies for the management of streptococcal pharyngitis.
Peroxynitrite scavenging activity of herb extracts
Article Abstract:
Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) is a cytotoxicant with strong oxidizing properties toward various cellular constituents, including sulphydryls, lipids, amino acids and nucleotides and can cause cell death, lipid peroxidation, carcinogenesis and aging. The aim of this study was to characterize ONOO(-) scavenging constituents from herbs. Twenty-eight herbs were screened for their ONOO(-) scavenging activities with the use of a fluorometric method. The potency of scavenging activity following the addition of authentic ONOO(-) was in the following order: witch hazel bark > rosemary > jasmine tea > sage > slippery elm > black walnut leaf > Queen Anne's lace > Linden flower. The extracts exhibited dose-dependent ONOO(-) scavenging activities. We found that witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) bark showed the strongest effect for scavenging ONOO(-) of the 28 herbs. Hamamelitannin, the major active component of witch hazel bark, was shown to have a strong ability to scavenge ONOO(-). It is suggested that hamamelitannin might be developed as an effective peroxynitrite scavenger for the prevention of ONOO(-) involved diseases.
Indian Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) Studies
Article Results:
Based on PCA results, three groups (Vehicle group, ANIT group and RhO + ANIT group) were clearly distinguished. Tauro-cholic acid (TCA), tauro-hyodesoxycholic acid (THDCA), glyco-cholic acid (GCA), and glyco-chenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) were proved to be the most important markers corresponding to ANIT-induced liver injury and protection provided by Rhubarb, which is further confirmed by PLS-DA. A correlation was found between the foregoing BAs and biochemical parameters including serum aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which confirmed that TCA, THDAC, GCA, and GCDCA could be considered as sensitive biomarkers.
Conclusion:
The variance of the BAs contents can be used to evaluate ANIT-induced hepatotoxicity caused by ANIT and protective effects of Rhubarb. It also lays the foundation for the further research on the mechanisms of cholestasis as well as the therapeutic effect of Rhubarb.
Article Abstract:
Emodin (1, 3, 8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone) is an anthraquinone derivative from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill, a Chinese herb widely and traditionally used for wound healing. Our objective was to determine whether topically applied emodin enhanced repair of rats' excisional wounds and its possible mechanism. Wounds were treated with either topical emodin (100, 200 and 400 microg/ml), recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF, 10 microg/ml), or vehicle for 7 or 14 days consecutively. At day 5 postinjury, wounds receiving emodin (400 microg/ml) were significantly smaller than those treated with vehicle. Emodin treatments had markedly more hydroxyproline content in day 7 wounds and tensile strength in day 14 wounds than that of vehicle control. The level of transforming growth factor- beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in wound tissues assessed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), showed a dose-dependent increase in emodin-treated wounds compared with vehicle. Western immunoblotting analysis of wound tissues for Smad 2, 3, 4, 7 protein expression showed increase in Smad 2, 3 in the emodin-treated wounds compared with vehicle. In contrast, a reduction of Smad 7 was observed in emodin-treated wounds compared with vehicle and no change of Smad 4. In summary, our results showed that emodin promoted repair of rats' excisional wounds via a complex mechanism involving stimulation of tissue regeneration and regulating Smads-mediated TGF-beta(1) signaling pathway.
Magnetic liposomal emodin composite with enhanced killing efficiency against breast cancer
Article Abstract:
As an active natural ingredient extracted from the plant Rheum palmatum, emodin exhibits various pharmacological activities, especially the inhibition of tumor growth and migration. However, the anticancer activity of emodin is limited mainly due to its poor solubility and the lack of specific targeting. Herein, we employed liposome to load emodin into the lipid bilayer, and high-performance ferromagnetic iron oxide nanocubes were simultaneously encapsulated in the hydrophilic bilayer. The optimized magnetic liposomal emodin nanocomposite (MLE) exhibited a 24.1% increase in the efficiency of killing MCF-7 cancer cells at a low concentration of 16 μg mL-1 compared with that of the hydrophobic free emodin. A further 8.67% enhancement of the killing efficiency was obtained by magnetic targeting. Benefitting from the high ferromagnetism, the transverse relaxivity (r2) of MLE was measured to be as high as 392.9 mM-1 s-1. With guidance from the external magnetic field, the effective accumulation of this magnetic liposome in the tumor region of a 4T1 breast tumor bearing mouse was observed by both MR tracking and fluorescence imaging, which should be beneficial for decreasing the required therapeutic dose of emodin. Hemolysis, cytotoxicity and biochemistry assays confirmed the excellent biocompatibility of this magnetic liposomal carrier. The anti-tumor therapeutic effect of MLE was further investigated in vivo, and the tumor in the therapeutic group was almost eliminated, indicating that this magnetic liposomal emodin could serve as a novel magnetically guided theranostic nanoagent.
Article Abstract:
The phenolic constituents in the roots of Rheum officinale and Rubia cordifolia were identified with the aid of high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and by comparison with authentic standards. A total of 17 hydroxyanthraquinones, gallic acid, and tannins were separated, and 14 of them were identified, being the main phenolic constituents present. Their antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) was evaluated using the improved 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt method. Hydroxyanthraquinones were the predominant antioxidant phenolic constituents in the roots of R. cordifolia, and tannins and gallic acid were the predominant antioxidant phenolic constituents in the roots of R. officinale. The structure-radical scavenging activity relationships of the tested hydroxyanthraquinones were systematically demonstrated as follows: Hydroxy groups on one benzene ring of the anthraquinone structure were essential for hydroxyanthraquinones to show activity, the ortho-dihydroxy structure in the hydroxyanthraquinone molecules could greatly enhance their radical scavenging effect, and glycosylation of the hydroxyanthraquinones reduced activity.
Antioxidant Phytochemicals for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases
Article Abstract:
Overproduction of oxidants (reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species) in the human body is responsible for the pathogenesis of some diseases. The scavenging of these oxidants is thought to be an effective measure to depress the level of oxidative stress of organisms. It has been reported that intake of vegetables and fruits is inversely associated with the risk of many chronic diseases, and antioxidant phytochemicals in vegetables and fruits are considered to be responsible for these health benefits. Antioxidant phytochemicals can be found in many foods and medicinal plants, and play an important role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress. They often possess strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities, as well as anti-inflammatory action, which are also the basis of other bioactivities and health benefits, such as anticancer, anti-aging, and protective action for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes recent progress on the health benefits of antioxidant phytochemicals, and discusses their potential mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
Article Abstract:
The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rhubarb combined with trypsin inhibitor for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis protocol (PRISMA-P) and Cochrane Handbook. Relevant studies from inception to 2016 were searched through 7 related databases. The Cochrane Library was searched to assess the bias of the included trials. Data were analysed with Review Manager 5.3 software. A total of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 912 participants with SAP were included in this meta-analysis. The result showed that when compared with trypsin inhibitor used alone, rhubarb combined with trypsin inhibitor showed intensive effects on decreasing mortality, increasing overall efficacy, shorting length of hospitalization, reducing abdominal pain relief time, and decreasing the level of serum amylase. There was no serious adverse event reported in these RCTs. It should be noted that potential publication bias was observed. This meta-analysis demonstrated that rhubarb combined with trypsin inhibitor could be an effective and safe treatment for patients with SAP. However, the small sample size and poor quality of these RCTs should be noted. And more rigorously designed, multicentre, large-scale worldwide trials with more practitioners and higher quality are required.
Article Results:
Patients in the EEN/rhubarb group had the shortest period of abdominal pain and the fastest recovery from abnormal bowel movement and high fever as well as significantly shorter periods of intensive-care unit and hospital stays. The combination of EEN and rhubarb significantly reduced the values of APACHE II scores. Combination therapies significantly reduced abnormally higher white blood cell (WBC) counts and levels of plasma CRP and IL-6, but increased the levels of plasma IL-11. Finally, combination therapies improved the SAP-related damages of liver and kidney function by reducing abnormally higher levels of plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine (Cr).
Article Conclusion:
Combination of EEN and rhubarb significantly improved the gastrointestinal function, inhibited systemic inflammation and disease severity and mitigated the disease-related damages of liver and kidney function in SAP patients.
Article Conclusion:
According to meta-analysis, Spraying rhubarb powder solution under gastroscope in the treatment of acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding is superior to norepinephrine solution in improving hemostasis effect. Shortening immediate hemostasis time and reducing rebleeding,and is safe to use. Based on the results of this study, physicians can treat patients with acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding by spraying rhubarb powder solution under gastroscope according to the patients' condition.However, the sample size included in this study is small and of substandard quality qu, and a large sample size clinical trial with strict design and normative report is needed to verify the safety and efficacy of rhubarb powder solution under gastroscope for acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Article Results:
The eligible patients were divided into rhubarb group (n = 219, 59.5%) and usual treatment group (n = 149, 40.5%). Before PSM, the remission rate of feeding intolerance in rhubarb group and usual treatment group were 59.8% and 39.6%, respectively. After PSM, the remission rate of feeding intolerance in rhubarb group and usual treatment group was 77.9% and 30.9%, respectively. The remission rates of feeding intolerance in rhubarb group were significantly higher than those in the usual treatment group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the usual treatment group, the rhubarb group had a higher rate of AGI improvement, lower level of C-reactive protein, shorter stay in ICU before and after PSM (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between rhubarb and usual treatment groups before and after PSM (48 vs. 33, P = 0.959; and 16 vs. 21, P = 0.335). The logistic regression analysis showed that the single factor, whether receiving rhubarb therapy, affected the proportion of patients whose enteral nutrition needs ≥83.7 kJ·kg−1·d−1 after 7 days of treatment (odds ratio: 7.908, 95% confidence interval: 3.661–17.083, P < 0.001). No serious adverse effects were found in two groups.
Article Conclusion:
The rhubarb might significantly improve feeding tolerance and relieve gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients, without serious adverse reactions. It provided proof for the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction with rhubarb during clinical practice.
Clinical effects of rheum and captopril on preventing progression of chronic renal failure
Article Abstract:
A clinical trial, to evaluate the effects of a Chinese herbal drug, Rheum E and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, Captopril on chronic renal failure (CRF), was conducted. Thirty cases with initial serum creatinine (Scr) levels of 344.8 +/- 114.0 mumol/L were allocated randomly to 3 groups: Rheum E treated group, Captopril treated group and Rheum E + Captopril group. A control group of 12 cases were on dietary therapy alone. During the 6-22 months of treatment, all the patients were kept on low-protein (0.6g/kg/d), and low-phosphorus (10mg/kg/d) diet. The results showed that the progression rate of renal failure, calculated by regression analysis of 1/Scr vs time, was found to be retarded after treatment with the increased regression coefficient (b value). Scr levels and blood urea nitrogen were kept stable or fell slightly. Albumin rose during the follow-up period (P less than 0.05) in the treated patients, being more marked in both Rheum E and Rheum E + Captopril groups. Uremic symptoms of nausea, anorexia improved in most of the treated patients. It is concluded that long-term low-dose Rheum E taken orally is beneficial to CRF. Its effect is better than that of Captopril. The regime of Rheum E and Captopril is a preferable choice in the long-term treatment for preventing progression of CRF.
Article Abstract:
Sepsis is a global major health problem in great need for more effective therapy. For thousands of years, Rhubarb had been used for various diseases including severe infection. Pharmacological studies and trials reported that Rhubarb may be effective in treating sepsis, but the efficacy and the quality of evidence remain unclear since there is no systematic review on Rhubarb for sepsis. The present study is the first systematic review of Rhubarb used for the treatment of experimental sepsis in both English and Chinese literatures by identifying 27 studies from 7 databases. It showed that Rhubarb might be effective in reducing injuries in gastrointestinal tract, lung, and liver induced by sepsis, and its potential mechanisms might include reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, ameliorating microcirculatory disturbance, and maintaining immune balance. Yet the positive findings should be interpreted with caution due to poor methodological quality. In a word, Rhubarb might be a promising candidate that is worth further clinical and experimental trials for sepsis therapy.
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