Thailand Medical Study Finds Fermented Houttuynia Cordata Juice Protects Against Heart Inflammation and Damage in Sepsis
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 30, 2025 11 hours, 36 minutes ago
Thailand Medical: Researchers Explore Natural Remedy for Heart Complications in Sepsis
A recent study by researchers from Walailak University and the University of Phayao in Thailand has uncovered promising results in the fight against sepsis-related heart damage. The study highlights the potential benefits of fermented Houttuynia Cordata juice (FHJ), a traditional medicinal herb, in protecting the heart from the harmful effects of sepsis. Sepsis, a severe inflammatory condition caused by infections, is a major global health concern, often leading to multiple organ failure, including heart damage. This
Thailand Medical News report delves into the groundbreaking findings of this research and how this natural remedy might offer a new therapeutic approach.
Thailand Medical Study Finds Fermented Houttuynia Cordata Juice Protects Against Heart Inflammation and Damage
in Sepsis
Understanding Sepsis and Its Impact on the Heart
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection spirals out of control, leading to widespread inflammation, organ failure, and potentially death. One of the most concerning complications of sepsis is its effect on the heart. Studies have shown that nearly half of all sepsis patients suffer from heart dysfunction, which can lead to severe outcomes and a high risk of mortality. The inflammation caused by sepsis triggers oxidative stress and cell death in heart tissues, resulting in impaired heart function.
Despite advancements in medical treatments, effective therapies for sepsis-induced heart dysfunction remain limited. This has led scientists to explore alternative remedies, particularly those derived from natural sources. Houttuynia Cordata, commonly used in traditional Thai medicine, has long been known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its specific role in protecting the heart from sepsis-related damage had not been studied until now.
Study Methods and Key Findings
The research team conducted experiments on rats to evaluate the effects of FHJ on sepsis-induced heart damage. The rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a sepsis group, and two groups pretreated with different doses of FHJ (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) before being exposed to sepsis-inducing conditions.
After inducing sepsis in the rats using lipopolysaccharides (LPS), the researchers examined various indicators of heart health, including heart function, inflammation levels, oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). The key findings of the study include:
-Improved Heart Function: The rats that received FHJ before sepsis induction showed significantly better heart function compared to those that did not receive FHJ. The heart's ability to pump blood, as measured by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (LVFS), was preserved in FHJ-treated groups.
-Reduction in Infl
ammation: Inflammation markers such as IL-1β, TLR-4, and NF-κB were significantly lower in FHJ-treated rats. These markers are key drivers of the inflammatory response that contributes to heart damage in sepsis.
-Lower Oxidative Stress: The study found that FHJ reduced oxidative stress levels by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA), a compound associated with cellular damage. This suggests that FHJ has antioxidant properties that help protect the heart.
-Prevention of Cell Death: One of the most significant findings was FHJ’s ability to reduce apoptosis in heart cells. The study showed that FHJ lowered levels of cleaved-caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, two important markers of cell death, suggesting that FHJ helps maintain heart cell integrity.
-Lower Markers of Heart Injury: The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-myoglobin binding (CK-MB), both indicators of heart damage, were significantly reduced in FHJ-treated rats.
Potential Implications for Sepsis Treatment
These findings suggest that fermented Houttuynia Cordata juice could serve as a potential protective agent against sepsis-induced heart damage. The study indicates that FHJ's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties work together to shield the heart from the severe consequences of sepsis. Since FHJ is a natural product with a history of use in traditional medicine, it could offer a safer and more accessible alternative or complementary treatment for sepsis patients.
Future Research and Conclusion
While these findings are highly promising, further research is needed to confirm FHJ’s effectiveness in human subjects. Clinical trials will be necessary to determine the appropriate dosage, long-term safety, and potential interactions with existing sepsis treatments. Additionally, researchers will need to investigate whether FHJ can be effective when administered after sepsis has already developed, rather than only as a preventive measure.
In conclusion, this study provides strong evidence that fermented Houttuynia Cordata juice could help protect the heart from sepsis-related damage. By reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death, FHJ offers a promising natural approach to mitigating the harmful effects of sepsis on the cardiovascular system. As the medical community continues to search for effective treatments for sepsis-induced heart dysfunction, natural remedies like FHJ could play an essential role in future therapies.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/501
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