Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 27, 2024 22 hours, 5 minutes ago
Herbs And Phytochemicals: Intestinal fibrosis, a condition affecting millions worldwide due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has few effective treatment options. Researchers from multiple institutions, including United Arab Emirates University-UAE, Ahram Canadian University in Egypt, and the University of California, Irvine-USA, have focused on plant-derived phytochemicals, hoping these natural compounds may offer a solution to intestinal fibrosis. Fibrosis results in tissue scarring, causing severe abdominal pain and often leading to surgery. This
Herbs And Phytochemicals news report explores how these compounds target inflammation and fibrosis pathways in the intestines.
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Natural Compounds Show Promise for Treating Intestinal Fibrosis
Image: Hedyotis diffusa plant
What is Intestinal Fibrosis?
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of IBD, impacting about one-third of patients within ten years of diagnosis. Chronic inflammation from IBD triggers fibrosis by producing excessive collagen, which forms scar tissue in the intestines, narrowing the intestinal lumen and leading to strictures. Although therapies like immunosuppressants control inflammation, none directly reverse fibrosis, often making surgical intervention necessary. Researchers have found several plant-based compounds capable of regulating fibrosis-related pathways, such as TGF-β/Smad and NFκB, potentially offering new hope for non-surgical treatment.
Plant-Based Compounds: A New Frontier
Phytochemicals, the bioactive compounds derived from plants, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. This study reviewed plant compounds like asperuloside, berberine, and olive phenols, which have shown antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Notably, these phytochemicals have impacted fibrosis markers, reducing collagen buildup and inflammation in experimental IBD models.
Key Findings
Phytochemicals target fibrosis pathways through multiple mechanisms. For instance:
-Asperuloside: Extracted from the plant Hedyotis diffusa, asperuloside has demonstrated benefits in managing inflammation and oxidative stress, key drivers of fibrosis. The compound modulates NFκB, a protein that controls inflammation, by inhibiting pro-inflammatory molecules. This action helps preserve intestinal integrity and prevents tissue damage.
-Berberine: Derived from Coptis chinensis, berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid. It shows anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 signaling, which is crucial for fibrosis development. Berberine has shown potential in reducing intestinal wall thickening in animal models and could be valuable for preventing fibrosis progression in human patients.
This study also highlights the benefits of:
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-Calycosin: A flavonoid from Astragalus membranaceus, calycosin is known for its antioxidant properties. The compound reduces oxidative stress, thereby preventing collagen buildup and thickening of the intestinal wall.
-Olive Phenols: Rich in antioxidants, olive oil contains compounds like hydroxytyrosol, which has been shown to prevent fibrosis by reducing collagen deposits and oxidative stress.
Mechanisms of Action
Phytochemicals work on multiple levels to curb fibrosis, particularly by inhibiting inflammatory and fibrosis-promoting pathways like TGF-β/Smad and NFκB. When inflammation occurs, cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β increase, activating NFκB and leading to further collagen deposition. Phytochemicals inhibit these cytokines, preserving normal cell function and reducing inflammation in the gut.
Additional Studies on Phytochemicals
-Olive Phenols: Studies show these compounds work by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome, a protein complex that causes inflammation. This suppression reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, further illustrating olive phenols' potential to protect against IBD and fibrosis.
-Berberine: In a study involving rats, berberine significantly reduced the expression of collagen and inflammatory markers, suggesting it could prevent fibrosis progression in IBD patients.
Future Potential and Conclusions
Phytochemicals offer a promising route for non-surgical treatment of intestinal fibrosis. While current IBD medications focus on inflammation, plant compounds directly target fibrosis mechanisms, reducing inflammation, collagen buildup, and scar formation. Future research, including clinical trials, is essential to confirm the efficacy and safety of these compounds in human patients. Nevertheless, phytochemicals present a compelling case for supplementing current treatments, potentially enhancing patient outcomes without the risks associated with long-term immunosuppressant use.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/21/3633
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