Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is very effective in treating various diseases. For example, the natural herbal active ingredients used could also improve the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, complications of diabetes and even lung cancer.
Three independent studies examined how effective various compounds from traditional Chinese medicine are in the treatment of different diseases and which molecular mechanisms of action play a role. The studies found, among other things, an anti-inflammatory effect and an effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, against diabetic retinopathy and against lung cancer.
Effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, and inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of the disease.
The medicinal plant Rabdosia rubescens from traditional Chinese medicine contains the compound oridonin (ORI), which, according to a study published in the “Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis”, has anti-inflammatory and anti-alcoholic fatty liver disease effects.
According to the researchers, this effect is due to the fact that oridonin regulates lipid homeostasis in the liver by maintaining the balance between triglycerides and phosphatidylethanolamine via the so-called liver X receptor alpha (LXR-α). This plays an important role in regulating fat and glucose metabolism in the body.
“Restoring lipid homeostasis using compounds such as oridonin can alleviate lipid accumulation and liver cytotoxicity,” explains study author Professor Lan Tang in a recent press release.
More efficient radiation therapy for lung cancer
Another study shows that ginseng contains a bioactive compound (ginsenoside Rg5) that may improve the success of radiation therapy for lung cancer.
As the researchers report, ginsenoside Rg5 induces cell cycle arrest and increases radiation-induced cell death. This is due to the fact that ginsenoside Rg5 modulates interactions with heat shock proteins and autophagy pathways.
The experts involved assume that ginsenoside Rg5 can be developed into a new drug that improves the sensitivity of lung cancer and other types of tumors to radiation therapy.
Help against diabetic retinopathy
Diabetes can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of blindness and visual impairment in adults. The disease is particularly characterized by the activation of oxidative stress signaling pathways in response to high blood sugar levels.
A third study showed that the TCM medicinal plant Ampelopsis grossedentata contains a flavonoid (dihydromyricetin) that can be used to synthesize a polymeric active ingredient complex.
According to the team, this drug complex reduces glucose-induced oxidative damage and can reverse the pathological features of diabetic retinopathy. In addition, the researchers suspect that the active ingredient complex can also downregulate important indicators of vascular function.
The active ingredient complex therefore has the potential to reduce the effects of diabetic retinopathy on vision and thus improve the quality of life of those affected.
TCM active ingredients with high potential
Overall, the various study results show that many natural active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine have the potential to contribute to improving therapies against various diseases. Increased research in this area is therefore warranted. (as)
