Lymph System Support

CLINICAL STUDIES ON THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS:

Dandelion

Phytochemistry, biological properties, economic and ecological importance of Taraxacum officinale, A review

Abstract

Background: Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber (Asteraceae) has been extensively employed as a diuretic in traditional folk medicine and in modern phytotherapy in Europe, Asia, and the Americas without prior clinical trial substantiation.

Objectives: In this pilot study, a high-quality fresh leaf hydroethanolic extract of the medicinal plant T. officinale (dandelion) was ingested by volunteers to investigate whether an increased urinary frequency and volume would result.

Design: Volume of urinary output and fluid intake were recorded by subjects. Baseline values for urinary frequency and excretion ratio (urination volume:fluid intake) were established 2 days prior to dandelion dosing (8 mL TID) and monitored throughout a 1-day dosing period and 24 hours postdosing.

Results: For the entire population (n = 17) there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the frequency of urination in the 5-hour period after the first dose. There was also a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the excretion ratio in the 5-hour period after the second dose of extract. The third dose failed to change any of the measured parameters.

Conclusions: Based on these first human data, T. officinale ethanolic extract shows promise as a diuretic in humans. Further studies are needed to establish the value of this herb for induction of diuresis in human subjects.

Source: Clare BA, Conroy RS, Spelman K. The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):929-34. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0152. PMID: 19678785; PMCID: PMC3155102.

Bromelain

Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review

Abstract

Bromelain belongs to a group of protein digesting enzymes obtained commercially from the fruit or stem of pineapple. Fruit bromelain and stem bromelain are prepared differently and they contain different enzymatic composition. “Bromelain” refers usually to the “stem bromelain.” Bromelain is a mixture of different thiol endopeptidases and other components like phosphatase, glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, escharase, and several protease inhibitors. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that bromelain exhibits various fibrinolytic, antiedematous, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Bromelain is considerably absorbable in the body without losing its proteolytic activity and without producing any major side effects. Bromelain accounts for many therapeutic benefits like the treatment of angina pectoris, bronchitis, sinusitis, surgical trauma, and thrombophlebitis, debridement of wounds, and enhanced absorption of drugs, particularly antibiotics. It also relieves osteoarthritis, diarrhea, and various cardiovascular disorders. Bromelain also possesses some anticancerous activities and promotes apoptotic cell death. This paper reviews the important properties and therapeutic applications of bromelain, along with the possible mode of action.

Source: Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A. Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnol Res Int. 2012;2012:976203. doi: 10.1155/2012/976203. Epub 2012 Dec 10. PMID: 23304525; PMCID: PMC3529416.

Bromelain a Potential Bioactive Compound: A Comprehensive Overview from a Pharmacological Perspective

Abstract

Bromelain is an effective chemoresponsive proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple stems. It contains several thiol endopeptidases and is extracted and purified via several methods. It is most commonly used as an anti-inflammatory agent, though scientists have also discovered its potential as an anticancer and antimicrobial agent. It has been reported as having positive effects on the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems, and potentially on the immune system. It is a natural remedy for easing arthritis symptoms, including joint pain and stiffness. This review details bromelain’s varied uses in healthcare, its low toxicity, and its relationship to nanoparticles. The door of infinite possibilities will be opened up if further extensive research is carried out on this pineapple-derived enzyme.

Source: Chakraborty AJ, Mitra S, Tallei TE, Tareq AM, Nainu F, Cicia D, Dhama K, Emran TB, Simal-Gandara J, Capasso R. Bromelain a Potential Bioactive Compound: A Comprehensive Overview from a Pharmacological Perspective. Life (Basel). 2021 Apr 6;11(4):317. doi: 10.3390/life11040317. PMID: 33917319; PMCID: PMC8067380.

Melilotus, Rutin and Bromelain in primary and secondary lymphedema

Abstract

As reported in the literature, benzopyrones (alpha and gamma) have important effects on the microcirculation through various mechanisms. Coumarins are an alpha-benzopyrone as derivatives of Melilotus Officinalis, while bioflavonoids are a gamma-benzopyrone and include Rutin. Alpha-benzopyrones have two fundamental pharmacological effects: they have pro-lymphokinetic action by activating contractility of lymphangions; and the activation of macrophages to provide a proteolytic effect. Gamma-benzopyrones, such as Rutin, have an important anti-exuding and membrane stabilizing effect. Bromelain is known for its anti-inflammatory effect. The present study enrolled 52 patients with primary and/or secondary lymphedema in clinical stages I or II (according to the ISL classification) with 31 cases involving the lower limbs and 21 cases involving the upper limbs. All subjects were given for six months a natural compound consisting of 100 mg of natural Melilotus, that contains 20 grams of Coumarin, 300 mg of Rutin and 100 mg of Bromelain. The following parameters were studied at zero time (T0), after three months (T1), and after six months of treatment (T2): pitting, Stemmer's sign, measurement of limb circumferences, measurement of superficial tissue thickness in the affected limbs using ultrasound, and blood tests to evaluate hepatic function (ALT, AST, GGT, total and fractional bilirubin). At the end of the treatment (T2), the following results were observed: disappearance of pitting in 72% of the cases; unchanged Stemmer's sign; average decrease in limb circumferences of 4.2 cm; and average reduction of the superficial thickness of 29%. There was no variation in the liver function parameters examined. The combination of natural compounds (Melilotus, Rutin, and Bromelain) has been shown to be a valuable aid in the clinical control of both primary and secondary lymphedema of clinical stages I and II as well as in control of inflammatory phenomena related to chronic stasis. There were no side effects and no alteration of liver function parameters found.

Source: Michelini S, Fiorentino A, Cardone M. Melilotus, Rutin and Bromelain in primary and secondary lymphedema. Lymphology. 2019;52(4):177-186. PMID: 32171184.

Lemon Peel Powder

Coumarins in Food and Methods of Their Determination

Abstract

Coumarin is a natural product with aromatic and fragrant characteristics, widespread in the entire plant kingdom. It is found in different plant sources such as vegetables, spices, fruits, and medicinal plants including all parts of the plants—fruits, roots, stems and leaves. Coumarin is found in high concentrations in certain types of cinnamon, which is one of the most frequent sources for human exposure to this substance. However, human exposure to coumarin has not been strictly determined, since there are no systematic measurements of consumption of cinnamon-containing foods. The addition of pure coumarin to foods is not allowed, since large amounts of coumarin can be hepatotoxic. However, according to the new European aroma law, coumarin may be present in foods only naturally or as a flavoring obtained from natural raw materials (as is the case with cinnamon). In this paper, the overview of the current European regulations on coumarin levels in food is presented, along with the most common coumarin food sources, with a special emphasis on cinnamon-containing food. Human exposure to coumarins in food is also reviewed, as well as the methods for determination and separation of coumarin and its derivatives in food.

Source: Lončar M, Jakovljević M, Šubarić D, Pavlić M, Buzjak Služek V, Cindrić I, Molnar M. Coumarins in Food and Methods of Their Determination. Foods. 2020 May 18;9(5):645. doi: 10.3390/foods9050645. PMID: 32443406; PMCID: PMC7278589.

Herbs as old potential treatments for lymphedema management: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction
Herbs have been reported to be effective in reducing lymphedema burden. This paper aimed to review literature reporting on herbs for lymphedema treatment.

Methods
A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA guideline. Clinical studies on herbal intervention and lymphedema were included. Evidence on the effectiveness of herbal interventions for desired outcomes including reduction of edema volume, other symptoms, quality of life and inflammation were collected and assessed in detail.

Results
In all twenty studies were included in this review. Of these 14 studies were randomized clinical trials and the rest were prospective pilot studies. Herbal treatment was reported for breast cancer-related lymphedema in most studies and coumarin was the most reported herb that used for lymphedema management. Edema volume reduction (17 out of 20) and symptoms improvement (15 out of 20) were the outcomes reported in most studies.

Conclusion
Phytochemicals can be a promising pharmacotherapy for lymphedema management. However, further evidence is needed to establish definite effectiveness for the use of herbal remedies for lymphedema management.

Source: Casley-Smith, J. R., Morgan, R. G., & Piller, N. B. (1993). Treatment of Lymphedema of the Arms and Legs with 5,6-Benzo-[alpha]-pyrone. New England Journal of Medicine, 329(16), 1158–1163. doi:10.1056/nejm199310143291604

Cleavers

Phytochemical Profiles and In Vitro Immunomodulatory Activity of Ethanolic Extracts from Galium aparine L.

Abstract

Galium aparine L., family Rubiaceae, is a widely spread species in the Galium genus. The herb of G. aparine is part of folk remedies and dietary supplements. In this study, we analyzed the chemical composition and immunomodulatory activities of G. aparine herb ethanolic extracts obtained from the plant material by maceration with 20%, 60% or 96% ethanol. The contents of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids and polyphenols were determined spectrophotometrically, with extractives and polysaccharides quantified gravimetrically. The qualitative composition was studied using UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis; isolation not previously described in G. aparine quercetin rhamnoglucoside was carried out through column chromatography, and the immunomodulatory activity of extracts was determined in the reaction of lymphocyte blast transformation. Major constitutes of extracts were iridoids, i.e., monotropein, 10-desacetylasperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid; p-hydroxybenzoic acid; hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, i.e., 3-O-caffeoylquinic, 5-O-caffeoylquinic, 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic, 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acids and caffeic acid derivatives; flavonoids, i.e., rutin, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoglucoside-7-O-glucoside, and isorhamnetin 3-O-glucorhamnoside. Significantly, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoglucoside-7-O-glucoside was first isolated and identified in Galium species so far investigated. All G. aparine herb ethanolic extracts stimulate the transformational activity of immunocompetent blood cells, with 96% ethanolic extract being the most active. The data obtained necessitate further research into the mechanisms of immunomodulatory activity of extracts from G. aparine herb.

Source: Ilina T, Kashpur N, Granica S, Bazylko A, Shinkovenko I, Kovalyova A, Goryacha O, Koshovyi O. Phytochemical Profiles and In Vitro Immunomodulatory Activity of Ethanolic Extracts from Galium aparine L. Plants (Basel). 2019 Nov 25;8(12):541. doi: 10.3390/plants8120541. PMID: 31775336; PMCID: PMC6963662.

Kelp Extract

The Mannitol Utilization System of the Marine Bacterium Zobellia galactanivoran

Abstract

Mannitol is a polyol that occurs in a wide range of living organisms, where it fulfills different physiological roles. In particular, mannitol can account for as much as 20 to 30% of the dry weight of brown algae and is likely to be an important source of carbon for marine heterotrophic bacteria. Zobellia galactanivorans (Flavobacteriia) is a model for the study of pathways involved in the degradation of seaweed carbohydrates. Annotation of its genome revealed the presence of genes potentially involved in mannitol catabolism, and we describe here the biochemical characterization of a recombinant mannitol-2-dehydrogenase (M2DH) and a fructokinase (FK). Among the observations, the M2DH of Z. galactanivorans was active as a monomer, did not require metal ions for catalysis, and featured a narrow substrate specificity. The FK characterized was active on fructose and mannose in the presence of a monocation, preferentially K+. Furthermore, the genes coding for these two proteins were adjacent in the genome and were located directly downstream of three loci likely to encode an ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter complex, suggesting organization into an operon. Gene expression analysis supported this hypothesis and showed the induction of these five genes after culture of Z. galactanivorans in the presence of mannitol as the sole source of carbon. This operon for mannitol catabolism was identified in only 6 genomes of Flavobacteriaceae among the 76 publicly available at the time of the analysis. It is not conserved in all Bacteroidetes; some species contain a predicted mannitol permease instead of a putative ABC transporter complex upstream of M2DH and FK ortholog genes.

Source: Groisillier A, Labourel A, Michel G, Tonon T. The mannitol utilization system of the marine bacterium Zobellia galactanivorans. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2015 Mar;81(5):1799-812. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02808-14. Epub 2014 Dec 29. PMID: 25548051; PMCID: PMC4325148.

Mannitol

Mannitol may be useful clinically both as a diuretic and as an obligate extracellular solute. As a diuretic it can be used to treat patients with intractable edema states, to increase urine flow and flush out debris from the renal tubules in patients with acute tubular necrosis, and to increase toxin excretion in patients with barbiturate, salicylate or bromide intoxication. As an obligate extracellular solute it may be useful to ameliorate symptoms of the dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, to decrease cerebral edema following trauma or cerebrovascular accident, and to prevent cell swelling related to renal ischemia following cross-clamping of the aorta. Largely unexplored uses for mannitol include its use as an osmotic agent in place of dextrose in peritoneal dialysis solutions, its use to maintain urine output in patients newly begun on hemodialysis, and its use to limit infarct size following acute myocardial infarction.

Source: Nissenson AR, Weston RE, Kleeman CR. Mannitol. West J Med. 1979 Oct;131(4):277-84. PMID: 388867; PMCID: PMC1271822.

Burdock Powder (Root)

A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)

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.

Source: Chan, YS., Cheng, LN., Wu, JH. et al. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacol 19, 245–254 (2011).

Sophora Japonica

Troxerutin is trihydroxyethylrutoside, a flavonoid that is found in the Japanese pagoda tree, Sophora japonica (Fabaceae).

Venoactive Drugs

Albert-Adrien Ramelet, in Sclerotherapy (Sixth Edition), 2017

Rutosides and Oxerutin

A standard mixture of several flavonoid derivatives is obtained by hydroxyethylation of a natural substance, rutin (oxerutin, HR or hydroxyethylrutosides). Troxerutin is a fraction of oxerutine. Absorbed by the digestive tract, oxerutine has a half-life of 24 hours and is principally excreted in bile. A large number of pharmacologic and clinical studies have provided evidence of its influence on disturbances of capillary permeability, effects on erythrocyte deformation and aggregation, antiedematous actions and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Its diffusion and accumulation in the venous wall have been demonstrated.

Rutosides are indicated as an antiedematous agent in venous disorders, in proctology (hemorrhoids) and in ophthalmology (retinopathy). Oxerutine is absorbed following topical application, and its action on cutaneous capillary fragility has been demonstrated.

Source: Albert-Adrien Ramelet, 14 - Venoactive Drugs, Editor(s): Mitchel P. Goldman, Robert A. Weiss, Sclerotherapy (Sixth Edition), Elsevier, 2017, Pages 426-434, ISBN 9780323377263.

Echinacea

Echinacea plants as antioxidant and antibacterial agents: From traditional medicine to biotechnological applications

Abstract

The genus Echinacea consists of 11 taxa of herbaceous and perennial flowering plants. In particular, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is widely cultivated all over the United States, Canada, and in Europe, exclusively in Germany, for its beauty and reported medicinal properties. Echinacea extracts have been used traditionally as wound healing to improve the immune system and to treat respiratory symptoms caused by bacterial infections. Echinacea extracts have demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and to be safe. This survey aims at reviewing the medicinal properties of Echinacea species, their cultivation, chemical composition, and the potential uses of these plants as antioxidant and antibacterial agents in foods and in a clinical context. Moreover, the factors affecting the chemical composition of Echinacea spp. are also covered.

Source: Sharifi-Rad, M, Mnayer, D, Morais-Braga, MFB, et al. Echinacea plants as antioxidant and antibacterial agents: From traditional medicine to biotechnological applications. Phytotherapy Research. 2018; 32: 1653– 1663.

Lymph System Support

CLINICAL STUDIES ON THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS:

Dandelion

Phytochemistry, biological properties, economic and ecological importance of Taraxacum officinale, A review

Abstract

Bromelain

Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review

Abstract

Bromelain a Potential Bioactive Compound: A Comprehensive Overview from a Pharmacological Perspective

Abstract

Melilotus, Rutin and Bromelain in primary and secondary lymphedema

Abstract

Lemon Peel Powder

Coumarins in Food and Methods of Their Determination

Abstract

Herbs as old potential treatments for lymphedema management: A systematic review

Abstract

Cleavers

Phytochemical Profiles and In Vitro Immunomodulatory Activity of Ethanolic Extracts from Galium aparine L.

Abstract

Kelp Extract

The Mannitol Utilization System of the Marine Bacterium Zobellia galactanivoran

Abstract

Mannitol

Burdock Powder (Root)

A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)

Abstract

Sophora Japonica

Venoactive Drugs

Rutosides and Oxerutin

Echinacea

Echinacea plants as antioxidant and antibacterial agents: From traditional medicine to biotechnological applications

Abstract

References: