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Peter E Lipsky - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effective therapy for nephritis in nzb x nzw f1 mice with triptolide and tripdiolide the principal active components of the chinese Herbal Remedy tripterygium wilfordii hook f
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2008Co-Authors: Victoria Hoffmann, Nancy S Longo, Patricia M Zerfas, Peter E LipskyAbstract:Extracts of the Chinese antirheumatic Herbal Remedy Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) have been shown to be of therapeutic benefit in patients with a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and psoriasis (1). Although TWHF has toxic potential, careful extraction procedures have generated preparations with an acceptable frequency of adverse reactions, which are largely related to the gastrointestinal tract and amenorrhea (1). Although the extracts of TWHF contain a variety of components, including diterpenoids, triterpenoids, and alkaloids, evidence suggests that most, if not all, of the therapeutic activity of extracts of TWHF can be accounted for by the content of 2 diterpenoids, triptolide and tripdiolide (2). However, it has been assumed that individual components do not work as well as the extracts because of unknown effects of mixtures of components. For example, one open clinical study compared triptolide with an ethyl acetate (EA) extract of TWHF in the treatment of RA and reported that triptolide was less effective in improving clinical manifestations of the disease and was associated with more side effects than the extract of TWHF (3). Despite the belief in a synergistic benefit from mixtures of components of TWHF extracts, investigation into the biologic activities of individual constituents of TWHF has proceeded. As one of the major active components of TWHF, triptolide has been reported to be able to suppress the production of a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFNγ), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as well as inhibit the up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) (4,5). Previous studies have shown that triptolide exerts its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions by directly suppressing the transcription of the genes that encode these proteins through interference with the function of transcription factors such as NF-κB, activator protein 1, nuclear factor of activated T cells, and Oct-1 (6–8). The immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities of extracts of TWHF have been documented in several animal models, including collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice and the air-pouch model of carageenan-induced inflammation in rats (9,10), whereas triptolide has been shown to suppress CIA when given prophylactically (11) or after the onset of disease (12). Moreover, triptolide has been claimed to be effective in the treatment of RA and psoriasis, although this has not been documented in randomized clinical trials (3,13), and the therapeutic effect in RA may be lower than that of the extract of TWHF (3). Structurally, tripdiolide is similar to triptolide, with an α,β-unsaturated lactone ring and 3 epoxide adducts. The only difference is that the hydrogen at the C2 position of triptolide is replaced by a hydroxide group in tripdiolide. Previous studies have shown that tripdiolide is as potent as triptolide in suppressing in vitro cell proliferation and IL-2 production by mitogenstimulated T cells (2). Only 1 study tested the in vivo biologic activity of tripdiolide, and prolonged survival in leukemia-bearing mice as a result of treatment with tripdiolide was reported (14). However, the impact of tripdiolide on animal models of autoimmunity or inflammation has not been examined. Previously, studies have shown that 2 extracts of TWHF improved the clinical manifestations of lupus in MRL/lpr mice (15,16). However, the composition of these extracts was not examined. In addition, the extracts were used prophylactically to prevent disease development but were not active as a therapy for established disease. Recently, we used the EA extract of TWHF in the treatment of established lupus nephritis in (NZB X NZW)F1 mice and found significant amelioration of disease activity (17). No previous study has examined the impact of purified components of TWHF on animal models of lupus nephritis. The current study was therefore performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the 2 individual diterpenoids on established nephritis in the (NZB X NZW)F1 mouse. We found that renal disease remarkably improved, and there was greater survival of (NZB X NZW)F1 mice treated with either triptolide or tripdiolide than mice treated with vehicle. These results support the conclusions that the therapeutic value of extracts of TWHF in lupus nephritis can be accounted for by the triptolide and tripdiolide contents, that cooperation between components is not required for therapeutic benefit, and that either diterpenoid could be effective therapy for lupus nephritis.
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triptolide an active component of the chinese Herbal Remedy tripterygium wilfordii hook f inhibits production of nitric oxide by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase gene transcription
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2004Co-Authors: Bin Wang, Peter E LipskyAbstract:OBJECTIVE: The ethyl acetate (EA) extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) and its major active component, triptolide, have been reported to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as an important mediator of inflammation. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the effects of the EA extract and triptolide on the production of NO and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene expression and transcription in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6J mice treated orally with the EA extract of TWHF were assayed for NO production and iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The murine fibroblast cell line NIH3T3 was also assessed for NO production and iNOS mRNA expression, as well as for iNOS promoter activation, Oct-1 nuclear binding capacity, and Oct-1 protein content by transient transfection, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and immunoblotting, respectively. RESULTS: NO production and iNOS mRNA expression by macrophages from C57BL/6J mice immunized with trinitrophenyl-bovine serum albumin in Freund's complete adjuvant were significantly inhibited by oral administration of the EA extract (52.3% and 59.8% of control, respectively, at one-eighth of the dose that is lethal for 50% of the animals [LD(50)] and 21.0% and 38.1% of control, respectively, at one-fourth the LD(50)). Moreover, the EA extract and triptolide significantly inhibited NO production in vitro in activated peritoneal macrophages, which reflected a decreased level of iNOS mRNA. Finally, triptolide inhibited promoter activity of the iNOS gene and induction of the activity of the regulator of iNOS transcription, Oct-1. CONCLUSION: The EA extract of TWHF and triptolide inhibit transcription of the iNOS gene. This may contribute to the antiinflammatory effects of this traditional Herbal Remedy.
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triptolide an active component of the chinese Herbal Remedy tripterygium wilfordii hook f inhibits production of nitric oxide by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase gene transcription
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2004Co-Authors: Bin Wang, Xuelian Tao, Peter E LipskyAbstract:Objective The ethyl acetate (EA) extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) and its major active component, triptolide, have been reported to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as an important mediator of inflammation. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the effects of the EA extract and triptolide on the production of NO and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene expression and transcription in vivo and in vitro. Methods Peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6J mice treated orally with the EA extract of TWHF were assayed for NO production and iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. The murine fibroblast cell line NIH3T3 was also assessed for NO production and iNOS mRNA expression, as well as for iNOS promoter activation, Oct-1 nuclear binding capacity, and Oct-1 protein content by transient transfection, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and immunoblotting, respectively. Results NO production and iNOS mRNA expression by macrophages from C57BL/6J mice immunized with trinitrophenyl–bovine serum albumin in Freund's complete adjuvant were significantly inhibited by oral administration of the EA extract (52.3% and 59.8% of control, respectively, at one-eighth of the dose that is lethal for 50% of the animals [LD50] and 21.0% and 38.1% of control, respectively, at one-fourth the LD50). Moreover, the EA extract and triptolide significantly inhibited NO production in vitro in activated peritoneal macrophages, which reflected a decreased level of iNOS mRNA. Finally, triptolide inhibited promoter activity of the iNOS gene and induction of the activity of the regulator of iNOS transcription, Oct-1. Conclusion The EA extract of TWHF and triptolide inhibit transcription of the iNOS gene. This may contribute to the antiinflammatory effects of this traditional Herbal Remedy.
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the chinese anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive Herbal Remedy tripterygium wilfordii hook f
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America, 2000Co-Authors: Peter E LipskyAbstract:Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) is a member of Celastraceae family of perennial vine-like plants that grow in the wild in southern China along the Yongzhi River and in Fujian Province and Taiwan. TwHF and three additional members of the Celastraceae family, T. hypoglaucum Hutch, T. regeli Spraque et Takeda (TrST) and T. forresti Dicls (TfD), have been used as remedies to treat arthritis, muscle and skeletal injury, and skin diseases for several centuries. Because of the associated toxicity, the major use of the agents in China outside of traditional medicine has been as agricultural insecticides until recently. Despite their broad use in Chinese traditional medicine, they have only been used in Chinese allopathic medicine for the past 30 years. 49 In the early 1960s, TwHF was successfully used to treat patients with inflammatory lesions of leprosy, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis were treated in three county hospitals in Fujian Province. 22,62 About the same time, T. hypoglaucum was reported to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Yunan Province, where this plant grows abundantly. 11 Originally, a decoction of TwHF, or hot water extract, which is one of the most common preparations in traditional Chinese medicine, was employed to treat patients. Results from these uncontrolled trials reported excellent therapeutic effects but noted a large number of adverse effects. 22,62 This stimulated pharmaceutical development with the goal of maintaining efficacy but diminishing toxicity of the TwHF preparations. As a result of this activity, two new preparations of TwHF were developed in China in the 1970s. One was an ethyl acetate (EA) extract, and the second was a chloroform-methanol extract known as T2. Both of these extracts of TwHF claimed to have better therapeutic benefit with reduced adverse effects. 10,110 Both of these preparations have become commercially available in China and have been used extensively. The availability of these preparations has made it possible to carry out numerous clinical trials of TwHF in a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. 49 In parallel with clinical trials, there has been extensive pharmacologic, toxicologic, chemical, and pharmaceutic analysis of TwHF. Most investigators have agreed that the diterpenoid components with epoxide structures are responsible for the therapeutic effect of TwHF, although many other components of this plant have also been shown to have certain anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive activities. 19,26,72,108 Results from studies on the effects of TwHF on in vitro and in vivo inflammatory and immune responses suggest that the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects are related to inhibition of the production of a series of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), 12,56,58,71,73 and other inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) and nitric oxide. 50,70,75,77 More detailed analysis of the impact of TwHF on the signaling pathways leading to the production of IL-2 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) further documented that suppression of the upregulation of expression of proinflammatory and immunologically active molecules is one of the major mechanisms by which TwHF exerts its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. 73,75,77
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the chinese anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive Herbal Remedy tripterygium wilfordii hook f
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America, 2000Co-Authors: Xuelian Tao, Peter E LipskyAbstract:Various preparations of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) have been used in the treatment of a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases since the 1960s. Accumulated data from the clinical trials suggest efficacy of this treatment in a number of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Studies on the relationship of the chemical components of TwHF and its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects suggest that diterpenoid compounds with epoxide groups account for the therapeutic effects of this Herbal Remedy. This Herbal Remedy is therefore a unique and powerful alternative therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Myeong Soo Lee - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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protective effects of korean Herbal Remedy against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes
Phytotherapy Research, 2006Co-Authors: Myungsunny Kim, Myeong Soo Lee, Dae Young Kwon, Hyejin ChoAbstract:Ondamtanggagambang (ODG) has been used as a prescription for psychological anxiety and depression in Korean medicine. In this study, we found that ODG have protective effects against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Pretreatment with ODG extract prevented H2O2 and ZnCl2-induced cell damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, whereas simultaneous treatment of ODG extract did not. The protective effect of ODG extract on oxidative stress-induced damage was suppressed significantly by heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitors, zinc protoporphyrin-IX (ZnPP-IX, p < 0.01) and tin protoporphyrin-IX (SnPP-IX, p < 0.01) in H9c2 cells. ODG stimulation of cells strongly induced the expression of HO-1 protein. Taken together, it is suggested that ODG-induced expression of HO-1 may have a beneficial role in cardiomyocytes under oxidative stress.
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effects of korean traditional Herbal Remedy on heart rate variability linear and nonlinear analysis
International Journal of Neuroscience, 2005Co-Authors: Myeong Soo Lee, Byungchul Shin, Younghoon Rim, Won Hong WooAbstract:Heart rate variability was compared in 20 subjects taking traditional Herbal Remedy (Ondamtanggamibang) or placebo control pill, in placebo controlled design experiment. Herbal Remedy group reported more pleasant and clam emotions than did the placebo group. Herbal Remedy reduced the heart rate and increased heart rate variability (HRV) as indicated by a reduced low frequency/high frequency power ratio of heart rate variability. With nonlinear analysis, the Poincare plot index of HRV and approximate entropy was greater in the Herbal Remedy group than in the control group. These findings suggest that Herbal Remedy stabilizes the syrmpathovagal function and cardiac autonomic nervous system by inducing more positive emotions than does placebo therapy. In conclusion, Herbal Remedy may act by stabilizing both the autonomic nervous system and the emotional state.
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effects of a korean traditional Herbal Remedy on psychoneuroendocrine responses to examination stress in medical students a randomized placebo controlled trial
Human Psychopharmacology-clinical and Experimental, 2004Co-Authors: Myeong Soo Lee, Kiwon Park, Sunrock MoonAbstract:The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Ondamtanggamibang, a Korean traditional Herbal Remedy, as a treatment of stress-related psychophysiological variables in healthy medical students experiencing examination stress. Forty volunteers were randomly assigned to either an Herbal Remedy group (n = 20) or a placebo control group (n = 20). After treatment, systolic blood pressure and plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations decreased significantly in the Herbal Remedy group. The Herbal Remedy group also exhibited beneficial changes in psychological variables such as anxiety, depression, stress and emotional state. These results suggest that a Korean traditional Herbal Remedy may reduce systolic blood pressure and catecholamine levels, possibly by stabilizing the sympathetic nervous system. This Herbal Remedy also reduced the negative psychological symptoms, stress and heightened the emotional state experienced by medical students during examinations.
Xuelian Tao - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the chinese anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive Herbal Remedy
2005Co-Authors: Tripterygium Wilfordii, Xuelian TaoAbstract:Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) is a member of Celastraceae family of perennial vine-like plants that grow in the wild in southern China along the Yongzhi River and in Fujian Province and Taiwan. TwHF and three additional members of the Celastraceae family, T. hypoglaucum Hutch, T. regeli Spraque et Takeda (TrST) and T. forresti Dicls (TfD), have been used as remedies to treat arthritis, muscle and skeletal injury, and skin diseases for several centuries. Because of the associated toxicity, the major use of the agents in China outside of traditional medicine has been as agricultural insecticides until recently. Despite their broad use in Chinese traditional medicine, they have only been used in Chinese allopathic medicine for the past 30 years.49 In the early 1960s, TwHF was successfully used to treat patients with inflammatory lesions of leprosy, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis were treated in three county hospitals in Fujian Province.22, 62 About the same time, T. hypoglaucum was reported to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Yunan Province, where this plant grows abundantly.ll
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triptolide an active component of the chinese Herbal Remedy tripterygium wilfordii hook f inhibits production of nitric oxide by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase gene transcription
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2004Co-Authors: Bin Wang, Xuelian Tao, Peter E LipskyAbstract:Objective The ethyl acetate (EA) extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) and its major active component, triptolide, have been reported to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as an important mediator of inflammation. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the effects of the EA extract and triptolide on the production of NO and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene expression and transcription in vivo and in vitro. Methods Peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6J mice treated orally with the EA extract of TWHF were assayed for NO production and iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. The murine fibroblast cell line NIH3T3 was also assessed for NO production and iNOS mRNA expression, as well as for iNOS promoter activation, Oct-1 nuclear binding capacity, and Oct-1 protein content by transient transfection, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and immunoblotting, respectively. Results NO production and iNOS mRNA expression by macrophages from C57BL/6J mice immunized with trinitrophenyl–bovine serum albumin in Freund's complete adjuvant were significantly inhibited by oral administration of the EA extract (52.3% and 59.8% of control, respectively, at one-eighth of the dose that is lethal for 50% of the animals [LD50] and 21.0% and 38.1% of control, respectively, at one-fourth the LD50). Moreover, the EA extract and triptolide significantly inhibited NO production in vitro in activated peritoneal macrophages, which reflected a decreased level of iNOS mRNA. Finally, triptolide inhibited promoter activity of the iNOS gene and induction of the activity of the regulator of iNOS transcription, Oct-1. Conclusion The EA extract of TWHF and triptolide inhibit transcription of the iNOS gene. This may contribute to the antiinflammatory effects of this traditional Herbal Remedy.
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the chinese anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive Herbal Remedy tripterygium wilfordii hook f
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America, 2000Co-Authors: Xuelian Tao, Peter E LipskyAbstract:Various preparations of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) have been used in the treatment of a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases since the 1960s. Accumulated data from the clinical trials suggest efficacy of this treatment in a number of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Studies on the relationship of the chemical components of TwHF and its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects suggest that diterpenoid compounds with epoxide groups account for the therapeutic effects of this Herbal Remedy. This Herbal Remedy is therefore a unique and powerful alternative therapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Bin Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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triptolide an active component of the chinese Herbal Remedy tripterygium wilfordii hook f inhibits production of nitric oxide by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase gene transcription
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2004Co-Authors: Bin Wang, Peter E LipskyAbstract:OBJECTIVE: The ethyl acetate (EA) extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) and its major active component, triptolide, have been reported to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as an important mediator of inflammation. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the effects of the EA extract and triptolide on the production of NO and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene expression and transcription in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6J mice treated orally with the EA extract of TWHF were assayed for NO production and iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The murine fibroblast cell line NIH3T3 was also assessed for NO production and iNOS mRNA expression, as well as for iNOS promoter activation, Oct-1 nuclear binding capacity, and Oct-1 protein content by transient transfection, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and immunoblotting, respectively. RESULTS: NO production and iNOS mRNA expression by macrophages from C57BL/6J mice immunized with trinitrophenyl-bovine serum albumin in Freund's complete adjuvant were significantly inhibited by oral administration of the EA extract (52.3% and 59.8% of control, respectively, at one-eighth of the dose that is lethal for 50% of the animals [LD(50)] and 21.0% and 38.1% of control, respectively, at one-fourth the LD(50)). Moreover, the EA extract and triptolide significantly inhibited NO production in vitro in activated peritoneal macrophages, which reflected a decreased level of iNOS mRNA. Finally, triptolide inhibited promoter activity of the iNOS gene and induction of the activity of the regulator of iNOS transcription, Oct-1. CONCLUSION: The EA extract of TWHF and triptolide inhibit transcription of the iNOS gene. This may contribute to the antiinflammatory effects of this traditional Herbal Remedy.
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triptolide an active component of the chinese Herbal Remedy tripterygium wilfordii hook f inhibits production of nitric oxide by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase gene transcription
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2004Co-Authors: Bin Wang, Xuelian Tao, Peter E LipskyAbstract:Objective The ethyl acetate (EA) extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) and its major active component, triptolide, have been reported to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as an important mediator of inflammation. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the effects of the EA extract and triptolide on the production of NO and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene expression and transcription in vivo and in vitro. Methods Peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6J mice treated orally with the EA extract of TWHF were assayed for NO production and iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. The murine fibroblast cell line NIH3T3 was also assessed for NO production and iNOS mRNA expression, as well as for iNOS promoter activation, Oct-1 nuclear binding capacity, and Oct-1 protein content by transient transfection, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and immunoblotting, respectively. Results NO production and iNOS mRNA expression by macrophages from C57BL/6J mice immunized with trinitrophenyl–bovine serum albumin in Freund's complete adjuvant were significantly inhibited by oral administration of the EA extract (52.3% and 59.8% of control, respectively, at one-eighth of the dose that is lethal for 50% of the animals [LD50] and 21.0% and 38.1% of control, respectively, at one-fourth the LD50). Moreover, the EA extract and triptolide significantly inhibited NO production in vitro in activated peritoneal macrophages, which reflected a decreased level of iNOS mRNA. Finally, triptolide inhibited promoter activity of the iNOS gene and induction of the activity of the regulator of iNOS transcription, Oct-1. Conclusion The EA extract of TWHF and triptolide inhibit transcription of the iNOS gene. This may contribute to the antiinflammatory effects of this traditional Herbal Remedy.
Kaj Winther - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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rose hip Herbal Remedy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis a randomised controlled trial
Phytomedicine, 2010Co-Authors: S.n. Willich, A. Kharazmi, Karin Rossnagel, Stephanie Roll, A. Wagner, O. Mune, J. Erlendson, H. Sörensen, Kaj WintherAbstract:Objective: To investigate if standardised powder made from rose-hip (Rosa canina) can reduce the symptom score in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to ARA/ACR criteria were randomised to treatment with capsulated rose-hip powder 5 g daily or matching placebo for 6 months at two outpatient clinics in Berlin and Copenhagen. Primary outcome variable was Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) at 6 months, secondary outcome included DAS-28, physician’s global evaluation of disease activity, RAQoL, SF-12 and concomitant pain medication. Results: In a total of 89 patients (90% female, mean age 56.6 + 11.3 years, mean disease duration 12.8 +9.6 years) HAQ-DI in the rose-hip group improved by 0.1057 0.346, whereas in the placebo group it worsened by 0.0397 0.253 (p adjusted= 0.032). In the HAQ Patient Pain Scale no significant differences were observed between both groups. In the HAQ Patient Global Scale a trend was seen favouring rose-hip (p= 0.078). The DAS-28 score yielded improvement in the rose-hip group of 0.897 1.32 and in the placebo group of 0.347 1.27 (p =0.056) indicating moderate clinical relevance. The Physicians Global Scale demonstrated more improvement in the rose-hip compared to the placebo group (p =0.012). RAQoL and SF-12 physical score improved significantly in the rose-hip group compared to placebo, whereas SF-12 mental score remained unchanged. Intake of pain medication was not different between the groups. Per-protocol analysis confirmed these results. Conclusion: The results indicate that patients with RA may benefit from additional treatment with rose hip powder.
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a Herbal Remedy hyben vital stand powder of a subspecies of rosa canina fruits reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis a double blind placebo controlled randomised trial
Phytomedicine, 2004Co-Authors: E Rein, Arsalan Kharazmi, Kaj WintherAbstract:The treatment of osteoarthritis, a disease that eventually affects the majority of the older population, involves the alleviation of symptoms such as pain and stiffness, and the reduction of inflammation. The double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study reported here examined the effect of Hyben Vital, a Herbal Remedy made from a subtype of Rosa canina and recently reported to have anti-inflammatory properties, on the symptoms of osteoarthritis. One hundred and twelve patients with osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to treatment with either Hyben Vital 5 g daily or an identical placebo for 3 months, followed immediately by the alternative treatment. The patients assessed changes in joint pain and stiffness after each treatment period on a 5-point categorical scale. General wellbeing, including mood, sleep quality and energy were also assessed and recorded in a personal diary. The results in the two arms of the crossover differed markedly. Group A (placebo first) showed significantly more improvement from Hyben Vital than from placebo, p < 0.0078 for pain and < 0.0025 for stiffness. But Group B (Hyben Vital first) revealed a positive effect of the same order as for Hyben Vital in group A, not only from the active drug, but also from placebo (difference not significant). An identical pattern was observed when we evaluated general wellbeing from the diary records. When patients, on the basis of reduction in joint pain, were divided into responders and non-responders, the first 3 months of active treatment (group A) showed a response rate of 31/47 (66%) compared to that of placebo (group B) 18/50 (36%), p < 0.0185. No major side effects occurred in either group. The data indicate that Hyben Vital reduces the symptoms of osteoarthritis. We interpret the marked differences in the responses of the two groups as indicating a strong "carryover" effect of Hyben Vital.
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assessment of the effects of the Herbal Remedy femal on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome a randomized double blind placebo controlled study
Current Therapeutic Research-clinical and Experimental, 2002Co-Authors: Kaj Winther, Christer HedmanAbstract:Background: Current treatments for premenstrual syndrome @‘MS) appear to offer, at best, a 25% to 50% reduction in symptoms, and many of these treatments have substantial side effects. Femal, an Herbal Remedy containing a pollen extract, a pollen and pistil extract, and Royal Jelly, has been used in Scandinavia for the treatment of PMS for >4 years. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Femal on the symptoms of PMS. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of the effects of Femal in women with PMS. The symptoms of PMS were evaluated using well-established questionnaires and daily body weight measurement. Results: Thirty-two women (mean age, 39.4 years; range, 27-50 years) with regular menstrual cycles of 24 to 34 days entered the trial. Three women dropped out of the study, leaving 29 for final evaluation. Two months of active treatment lowered overall symptom indices significantly and lowered 6 of 9 individual symptom scores by 27% to 57%. Evidence for a slow onset of action and protracted effect was provided by the finding that all symptom indices studied declined significantly (by 48%-88%) in the group that received placebo before Femal (P < 0.01). In contrast, the group that received Femal before placebo showed no significant differences between Femal and placebo, except in sleep quality (P < 0.04). Premenstrual weight gain was reduced 50% by active treatment compared with placebo. There were no reported unwanted or adverse effects during Femal treatment. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Herbal therapy Femal provided substantial symptomatic relief of PMS to the women in this study, with minimal risk of unwanted or adverse effects.