Research - Acacia catechu
Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Chemoprotective Properties of Acacia catechu Heartwood Extracts
Abstract
Aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu heartwood are rich source of catechin and epicatechin (gallic acid derivatives), with smaller amounts of flavonoids. Extracts have also been prepared with ethyl acetate, ethanol, and methanol, and the properties of these extracts have been studied and are reviewed. Potent antioxidant activity has been well established in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This antioxidant activity is believed to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory, tissue protectant, antineoplastic, and analgesic activities that have been demonstrated and clearly established in animal and cell culture systems. Furthermore, antihyperglycemic, antidiarrheal, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities have been demonstrated in animal studies. No adverse effects have been observed in animal or human studies or in cell culture systems. In spite of the fact that Acacia products have been used for many years and the general safety of catechins and epicatechins is well documented, few human studies have ever been conducted on the efficacy or safety of A. catechu heartwood extracts. Several studies have shown that a two-ingredient combination product containing A. catechu extract exhibited no adverse effects when administered daily for up to 12 weeks while exhibiting significant anti-inflammatory activity in subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee. There is a need for additional human clinical studies with regard to efficacy and safety.
Source : Phytotherapy Research
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A Combination of Scutellaria Baicalensis and Acacia Catechu Extractsfor Short-Term Symptomatic Relief of Joint Discomfort Associated with Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Bahram H. Arjmandi,1,2Lauren T. Ormsbee,1,2Marcus L. Elam,1,2Sara C. Campbell,3Nader Rahnama,1,2,4Mark E. Payton,5Ken Brummel-Smith,6and Bruce P. Daggy,1,2
1Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences
,2Center for Advancing Exercise and Nutrition Research on Aging,and 6Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine, the Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
3Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies, Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey,New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
4Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
5Department of Statistics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
ABSTRACT
The extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu have been shown in previous studies to alleviate joint discomfort, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility by reducing the production of proinflammatory molecules over long periods of supplementation. The acute effects of intake of these extracts have not yet been investigated. Thus, we carried out a1 week clinical trial to examine the extent to which UP446—a natural proprietary blend of S. baicalensis and A. catechu (UP446)—decreases knee joint pain, mobility, and biomarkers of inflammation in comparison to naproxen. Seventy-nine men and women (40–90 years old) diagnosed as having mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) consumed either 500mg/day of the UP446 supplement or 440mg/day of naproxen for 1 week in a double-blind randomized control trial. Pain, knee range of motion(ROM), and overall physical activity were evaluated at the start and at the end of treatment. Fasting blood was collected to determine serum interleukins 1band 6, tumor necrosis factor-a, C-reactive protein, and hyaluronic acid. The UP446 group experienced a significant decrease in perceived pain (P=.009) time dependently. Stiffness was significantly reduced by both treatments (P=.002 UP446,P=.008 naproxen). Significant increases in mean ROM over time (P=.04) were found in the UP446group. These findings suggest that UP446 is effective in reducing the physical symptoms associated with knee OA.
Source : Journal of Medicinal Foods
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