Resolvin D2

In the paper, researchers describe how the body converts an ingredient found in fish oils into another chemical called Resolvin D2 and how this chemical reduces the inflammation that leads to a variety of diseases.

The research also suggests that Resolvin D2 could be the basis for a new treatment for diseases including sepsis, stroke and arthritis. Unlike other anti-inflammatory drugs, this chemical does not seem to suppress the immune system.

The researchers, who were funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign, the Wellcome Trust and the National Institutes of Health, looked at a particular ingredient of fish oils called DHA. They were able to show how the body converts DHA into Resolvin D2 and discover its exact chemical structure.

Mauro Perretti, Professor of Immunopharmacology at Queen Mary, University of London, led the UK team. He said: “We have known for some time that fish oils can help with conditions like arthritis which are linked to inflammation. What we’ve shown here is how the body processes a particular ingredient of fish oils into Resolvin D2. We’ve also looked in detail at this chemical, determining at least some of the ways it provides relief for inflammation. It seems to be a very powerful chemical and a small amount can have a large effect.”

“This research is important because it explains at least one way in which fish oils can help in different types of arthritis. We can also work on this chemical and see if it can be used not only to treat or even prevent arthritis, but also as a possible treatment for a variety of other diseases associated with inflammation.”

Nitric Oxide Prevents Inflammation

Arthritis, and many other diseases, are caused by inflammation. This means that the body’s natural defenses against infections are mistakenly directed at healthy tissue.

Previous research has shown that a crucial step in this process occurs when white blood cells, called leukocytes, stick to the inner lining of the blood vessels, called the endothelium.

Researchers studied these blood cells and how they interact with the endothelium in the lab. When they added Resolvin D2 they found that the endothelial cells produced small amounts of nitric oxide, which acts as a chemical signal discouraging the white blood cells from sticking to the endothelial cells and preventing inflammation.

* Resolvin D2 is a potent regulator of leukocytes and controls microbial sepsis, Spite et al, Nature, DOI: 10.1038/nature08541

For more information, contact:

Kerry Noble
Acting Deputy Head of Communications
Queen Mary, University of London
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7882 7910
email: k.noble@qmul.ac.uk

French Maritime Pine

Phyto-Remedies: Natural health remedies from plants

GENEVA, Switzerland – A recent study published in “International Immunopharmacology,” reveals why Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, is effective for reducing inflammation and soothing pain associated with various health problems. Dr. Raffaella Canali of the National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition in Rome, Italy, found that Pycnogenol® inhibits the generation of COX-2 and 5-LOX, two naturally occurring enzymes associated with a host of inflammatory conditions.

“This study reveals that Pycnogenol can actually decrease pain and reduce inflammatory conditions, as has been previously reported, by shutting down the production of specific enzymes involved with inflammation,” said Dr. Canali.

Inflammation is a tightly controlled, concerted action of immune cells fighting infections, irritations and injuries. When inflammation goes out of control it may target the body’s own tissue such as in arthritis or asthma. The worst known cases are the auto-immune diseases.

The study investigated healthy volunteers ranging from ages 35-50, who consumed Pycnogenol® tablets (150 mg) for five consecutive days in the morning before breakfast. Blood was drawn before and after supplementation to investigate how immune cells respond towards pro-inflammatory stimuli. The behavior of specific white blood cells (leukocytes) for generating a repertoire of enzymes in inflammatory condition was tested by real-time PCR. The gene expression of enzymes COX-2, 5-LOX, FLAP and COX-1 were monitored and the products these enzymes generate, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, were quantified.

Pine Bark

A baseline study revealed that the volunteers’ immune cells rapidly initiated production of COX-2, 5-LOX and FLAP enzymes upon pro-inflammatory stimulation. Taking Pycnogenol® almost entirely subdued COX-2, 5-LOX and FLAP induction in the immune cells of volunteers. Control studies showed that Pycnogenol® did not have an effect on generation of the COX-1 enzyme, thus the potential for typical NSAID side effects is defied. While Pycnogenol® is not a COX-2-specific inhibitor; it blocks the COX-2 enzyme production during inflammation only. There are COX-2 enzymes not involved in inflammation in other organs such as the kidneys, where it has important physiologic functions.

“Standard NSAID medications reduce the production of prostaglandins by COX enzymes for lowering the pain,” explains Dr. Canali. “In contrast, Pycnogenol® turns to the root of the problem, completely stopping the production of COX-2 in inflammation. Thus far, Pycnogenol® seems to be a unique tool for modulating inflammatory processes.”

These pharmacologic findings are consistent with past clinical trials of Pycnogenol® that showed significantly lowered leukotriene levels in asthmatic patients, a condition originating from 5-LOX. Three recent clinical trials also showed arthritis pain relief and a reduced need for pain medication in arthritis patients after taking Pycnogenol®, results that are linked to COX-2 inhibition. One arthritis study showed a significant reduction of inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Pycnogenol® has been shown to inhibit inflammation in several dysmenorrhoea studies and also a reduction in skin inflammation related to sunburn and acne.

Pycnogenol® Powder

About Pycnogenol®
Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 220 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol® is available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.

Horphag Research Ltd. is the exclusive worldwide supplier of Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) French maritime pine bark extract. Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd.; Guernsey and its applications are protected by U.S. patents #5,720,956 / #6,372,266 and other international patents. Horphag Research Ltd. Is the recipient of the 2008 Frost & Sullivan North American Health Ingredients Excellence in Research Award. For more information about Pycnogenol® visit our Web site at www.pycnogenol.com

The species Phellodendron amurense is one of 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.  Phellodendron has also attracted the attention of the pharmaceutical industry because of the phytochemicals  it produces.  Berberine has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Jatrorrhizine may be anti-mutagenic. Phellandrine has promise as an immune suppressant. Palmatine may be a vasodilator. The phytochemical descriptions are included for informational purposes only and not for treatment purposes. The research at this stage is very preliminary. 

Traditionally, the bark is the principal part of the plant used medicinally, although oil from the fruit is also used.  The oil contains a variety of biologically active substances, including flavonoids (diosmine), alkaloids (berberine, yatroriccin, palmatine), saponins and coumarins. Medicinal applications of the oil include treatment of pancreatitis, reduction of cholesterol and sugar in blood and the treatment of various skin diseases. 

Learn more about Phellodendron amurense.  From the University of Connecticut, see pictures and learn more.

 Source: www.wikipedia.org

All-Natural Pain Relief

Nexrelief™ is comprised of two natural main ingredients; Nexrutine®, an extract from the Phellodendron tree (Cork tree), and Citri-Z® which is an all-natural, concentrated extract from citrus peel. These two key ingredients work along two distinct pathways to stop your pain at the source. They function in tandem to bring pain relief without the harmful side effects that can be experienced with many other pain relievers including NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).

Nexrelief™offers natural pain management and anti-inflammatory ingredients specially formulated to protect the stomach lining and promote healthy muscle function.

A New Class of Pain Reliever

Nexrelief™ is a new class of pain reliever that addresses pain in an altogether new way.

While other pain relievers work on reducing existing pain, Nexrelief™ works on preventing it from happening at all. It gives you all the anti-inflammation action you seek, without any of the gastrointestinal problems you hope to avoid.   And because it has no side effects, you can take one capsule up to four times daily, if needed.

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Disclaimer: The FDA has not evaluated these statements.  No product on this blog is intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent disease.