Exploring Celery, Cilantro, and Mint for Immune-Boosting Therapies

Jim Crocker
27th August, 2024

Exploring Celery, Cilantro, and Mint for Immune-Boosting Therapies

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from Moulay Ismail University explores natural dietary compounds from celery, coriander, and Mentha longifolia as potential AhR modulators
  • These natural compounds interact more strongly with AhR than the toxic ligand TCDD, suggesting they could modulate AhR activity more effectively and safely
  • The findings indicate that these dietary compounds could offer therapeutic benefits for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by modulating immune responses and promoting gut health
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. These conditions, which include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes, affect millions of people worldwide. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) translocator, a protein expressed in various cell types, plays a significant role in immune and inflammatory diseases. Recent research from Moulay Ismail University investigates the potential of natural dietary compounds as AhR modulators, focusing on their electronic properties and behaviors[1]. AhR is a transcription factor that is widely expressed in immune cells and is activated by various ligands found in the environment and produced by metabolism. Proper AhR signaling is essential for immune responses, and its dysregulation has been linked to several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis[2]. Additionally, AhR activation in the gut has been shown to affect the outcome of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) by modulating inflammatory responses and promoting gut homeostasis[3]. The study from Moulay Ismail University delves into bioactive compounds from dietary sources such as celery (Apium graveolens L.), coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum), and Mentha longifolia. These compounds were analyzed for their electronic properties using techniques like HOMO-LUMO (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital - Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital), ESP (Electrostatic Potential), LOL (Localized Orbital Locator), and ELF (Electron Localization Function). These analyses help identify electron-rich and electron-poor regions, as well as electron localization and delocalization, which are critical for understanding how these compounds interact with AhR. The toxic AhR ligand, TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin), has been a traditional focus in AhR research due to its harmful effects. However, the study contrasts the natural dietary compounds with TCDD, showing that these natural ligands have favorable pharmacokinetics and do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, indicating their potential as safer, drug-like candidates. Molecular docking studies revealed that the dietary flavonoid ligands from celery, coriander, and Mentha longifolia interact more strongly with AhR than TCDD. This suggests that these natural compounds could modulate AhR activity more effectively and with fewer side effects. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of these complexes and the sustainability of the interactions formed, underscoring the potential of these natural compounds as AhR modulators. The findings of this study align with previous research that highlights the role of AhR in regulating immune responses and maintaining gut homeostasis. For example, AhR activation by dietary components and microbial metabolites has been shown to reduce inflammatory cytokines and promote regulatory mechanisms in the gut[3]. This new study adds to the growing body of evidence by identifying specific dietary compounds that can modulate AhR activity and potentially offer therapeutic benefits for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Moreover, the study supports the idea that AhR could be a valuable tool for developing new treatments for human diseases. By focusing on natural, non-toxic compounds that can be included in the diet, this research opens up new possibilities for managing autoimmune disorders through dietary interventions[4]. In summary, the research from Moulay Ismail University demonstrates the potential of natural dietary compounds as effective AhR modulators. By leveraging the electronic properties and behaviors of compounds from celery, coriander, and Mentha longifolia, this study provides valuable insights into developing safer and more effective treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

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References

Main Study

1) From farm to pharma: Investigation of the therapeutic potential of the dietary plants Apium graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum, and Mentha longifolia, as AhR modulators for Immunotherapy.

Published 25th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109051

Related Studies

2) Therapeutic potential of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in autoimmunity.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-019-00651-z

3) The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) as a Potential Target for the Control of Intestinal Inflammation: Insights from an Immune and Bacteria Sensor Receptor.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-020-08789-3

4) New Trends in Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Biology.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2016.00045


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