Understanding How Astragalus Herb Helps Treat Ulcerative Colitis

Jenn Hoskins
16th July, 2024

Understanding How Astragalus Herb Helps Treat Ulcerative Colitis

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers in Chongqing, China, found that Astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese herb, can effectively treat ulcerative colitis (UC)
  • The herb's active compounds reduce harmful inflammation markers and boost protective anti-inflammatory markers in the body
  • Astragalus membranaceus works by balancing oxidative stress and inflammation, offering a new treatment option with potentially fewer side effects than traditional therapies
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract with a complex and multifactorial etiology. The disease is marked by an inappropriate immune response that leads to inflammation and ulceration of the colon's inner lining. Traditional treatments for UC primarily focus on immunosuppression to manage symptoms and induce remission[2]. However, these treatments can have significant side effects and are not effective for all patients. Recent research has been exploring alternative therapies with different mechanisms of action, which could offer new hope for those affected by UC[2][3]. A recent study conducted by Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College and Southwest University, Chongqing, China, investigated the potential of Astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, in treating UC[1]. The study aimed to determine whether Astragalus membranaceus is effective in treating UC and to elucidate the mechanisms by which it exerts its effects. The researchers utilized several databases, including TCMSP, GeneCards, String, and DAVID, to screen for target genes and construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. They performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to identify the biological processes and pathways involved. Molecular docking techniques and animal experiments were also conducted to validate the findings. In the animal experiments, the body weight and disease activity index (DAI) of mice were recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to measure the levels of various biomarkers in the blood, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Western blot kits were employed to assess the expression levels of specific proteins such as MAPK14, RB1, MAPK1, JUN, ATK1, and IL2. The study identified several active components of Astragalus membranaceus, including 7-O-methylisomucronulatol, quercetin, kaempferol, formononetin, and isorhamnetin. These compounds were found to inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA, while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory markers like CAT, SOD, and IL-10. Additionally, the expression levels of proteins involved in inflammation and cell signaling, such as MAPK14, RB1, MAPK1, JUN, and ATK1, were significantly decreased, whereas IL2 levels were increased in mice treated with Astragalus membranaceus. These findings suggest that Astragalus membranaceus exerts its anti-UC effects through its antioxidant properties and by regulating the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors. This aligns with previous studies that have highlighted the importance of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of UC[4]. By targeting these pathways, Astragalus membranaceus could offer a novel therapeutic approach that differs from traditional immunosuppressive treatments[2]. Moreover, the study's use of comprehensive bioinformatics analyses and animal models provides a robust framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the herb's therapeutic effects. This approach could pave the way for further research into other natural compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The findings from this study also complement existing knowledge on the importance of medication adherence in managing UC. Previous research has shown that non-adherence to treatment regimens can lead to higher relapse rates and increased healthcare costs[5]. The introduction of alternative therapies like Astragalus membranaceus could potentially improve adherence by offering patients more treatment options with fewer side effects. In conclusion, the study conducted by Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College and Southwest University provides compelling evidence that Astragalus membranaceus is an effective treatment for UC. By targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, this traditional Chinese medicinal herb offers a promising alternative to conventional immunosuppressive therapies. Further research is warranted to fully understand its therapeutic potential and to explore its use in clinical settings.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Systematically investigate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Astragalus membranaceus in ulcerative colitis.

Published 13th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjms.2024.07.019

Related Studies

2) Current new challenges in the management of ulcerative colitis.

https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2018.00126

3) Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-018-1439-1

4) Identification of Differential Intestinal Mucosa Transcriptomic Biomarkers for Ulcerative Colitis by Bioinformatics Analysis.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8876565

5) Adherence in ulcerative colitis: an overview.

https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S127039


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