Health Benefits of Various Angelica and Chuanxiong Extracts

Jim Crocker
14th July, 2024

Health Benefits of Various Angelica and Chuanxiong Extracts

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts from Angelica sinensis (AS) and Chuanxiong rhizoma (CR)
  • The optimal combination of AS and CR in a 2:1 ratio, extracted first with water and then with ethanol, showed the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • This combination effectively reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo tests, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for treating inflammatory conditions
Angelica sinensis (AS) and Chuanxiong rhizoma (CR) are traditional Chinese medicinal herbs known for their roles in enriching blood, regulating menstrual cycles, and alleviating pain. Despite their extensive use, there has been limited research on their anti-inflammatory properties. A recent study conducted by Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to fill this gap by evaluating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts from these herbs, collectively referred to as ASCR[1]. The study's primary objective was to determine the optimal combination and extraction method for AS and CR to maximize their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers combined AS and CR in six different ratios and utilized five solvents for extraction. They assessed the quality of these extracts by measuring the content of ferulic acid (FA) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Ferulic acid is a phenolic compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities[2]. To evaluate the antioxidant effects, the researchers employed in vitro assays using DPPH and ABTS radicals, as well as tests on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage. The DPPH and ABTS assays are commonly used to measure the antioxidant capacity of compounds. The DPPH assay involves a stable free radical that changes color when reduced by an antioxidant, while the ABTS assay uses a radical cation that also changes color upon reduction[3]. The study also investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the ASCR extracts in vivo through ear edema assays in mice and paw edema assays in rats. Researchers measured biochemical markers such as Nitric Oxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in paw tissues. Additionally, they assessed levels of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in rat serum to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Among the various combinations tested, the WA-2-1 extract, obtained by combining AS and CR in a 2:1 ratio and using water followed by ethanol for extraction, showed the most promising results. This extract demonstrated effective scavenging abilities against both DPPH and ABTS radicals, indicating strong antioxidant properties. It also protected HUVECs from H2O2-induced oxidative damage, further confirming its antioxidant efficacy. In vivo studies revealed that the WA-2-1 extract significantly inhibited ear and paw edema, common indicators of inflammation. The extract decreased NO and MDA levels in paw tissues, which are markers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, respectively. It also enhanced SOD activity, an important antioxidant enzyme. Furthermore, the WA-2-1 extract downregulated the expression of COX-2, PGE2, and TNF-α in rat serum, all of which are key mediators of inflammation. These findings suggest that the combination of AS and CR in a 2:1 ratio, extracted first with water and then with ethanol, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The dual actions of mitigating oxidative stress and suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators contribute to its overall efficacy. This study provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic applications of ASCR extracts in treating inflammatory conditions. The results of this study align with previous research on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ferulic acid[2], as well as the protective effects of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs like Ligusticum chuanxiong[4]. By integrating these findings, the current study expands our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of ASCR extracts. In conclusion, the research conducted by Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine highlights the significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ASCR extracts, particularly the WA-2-1 combination. This study not only provides a scientific basis for the traditional use of AS and CR but also opens new avenues for developing effective treatments for inflammatory diseases.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Different Ratios and Preparations of Angelica Sinensis and Chuanxiong Rhizoma Extracts.

Published 11th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118559

Related Studies

2) Ferulic acid: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and derivatives.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119921

3) ABTS/PP Decolorization Assay of Antioxidant Capacity Reaction Pathways.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21031131

4) The Protective Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Ligusticum chuanxiong: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antiapoptotic Activities.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8205983


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