The bioflavonoids as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors from Selaginella uncinata and their antihyperglycemic action
In Summary
Researchers have recently revealed the antihyperglycemic effects of flavonoids extracted from peacock moss. Nine biflavonoids were extracted from peacock moss (Selaginella uncinata) and examined for their effect on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, which is a regulatory protein of the insulin pathway, and were all found to have an inhibitory effect. Each of the flavonoids was found to be an allosteric modulator with a highly efficient binding mechanism. The antihyperglycemic effects of these flavonoids may lead to novel treatments for high blood sugar and may lend itself to regulating symptoms of diabetes.
Highlighted in this study is the possible therapeutic benefits of chemicals produced by cannabis other than cannabinoids, such as flavonoids, due to their antioxidant and protective properties. Flavonoids and terpenes are often found in common fruits and fruits and other common crops, like moss, already harvested in the United States are full of polyphenols that have many therapeutic benefits. Cannabis plants are full of flavonoids and terpenes that have been featured in recent literature as novel drug therapies but polyphenols can also be found in a myriad of crops that are still undervalued in western medicine and warrant further investigation.
The study is available for review or download here
Neuroprotective effect of catechins derivatives isolated from Anhua dark tea on NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells
In Summary
Researchers have found that catechins and flavonoids found in Anhua tea provide neuroprotective effects against NDMA-induced excitotoxicity. NDMA receptors are part of the glutaminergic system; glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the human nervous system. During dysregulation of the glutaminergic system, an excess of glutamate can cause excitotoxicity which can lead to brain injury and cell apoptosis. The compiled data suggests that at least one of the naturally occurring compounds in Anhua tea is effective at protecting against NMDA-induced brain injury and cell apoptosis when given as a dietary supplement.
This research may prove beneficial for developing preventative therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, depression, stroke, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Anhua tea has been used in eastern medicine for centuries and like other herbal compounds in eastern medicine, has recently been featured in modern research. Considering the myriad of potential therapies that have been suggested due to the recently found medical benefits of herbal medicine, westerners should begin taking advantage of flavonoids and the like compounds that have been booming in Chinese medicine. Flavonoids and terpenes are two categories of naturally occurring compounds that have, so far, shown promise as novel therapies for treatment-resistant ailments, yet are still incredibly under-researched. Explore more of our blog to find out what other medical benefits can be provided by flavonoids and terpenes.
The study is available for review or download here
Researchers have recently provided evidence that a flavonol extract derived from a common flower has antinociceptive (pain-relieving) properties. Sweet-scented Marigold has been used is frequently used in cooking techniques in South America and has now been found to alleviate pain through serotonin and opioid mechanisms of action. The antinociceptive properties of this flavonol, like those of many other plant-derived compounds, are ripe for testing in a clinical setting to determine their effectiveness in human patients. In this small animal study, it clearly demonstrates promise as a safe alternative to commonly used pain medications.
Dr. Caplan and the #MDTake:
Modern medicine seems to have largely forgotten its roots. Long before pharmaceutical companies were the source of all medication, the earth served as a resource for medications, and apothecaries, pharmacists, and druggists, as they were known, supported the medical industry with formulations and a deep understanding of natural resources. As the greater scientific arena and dominant culture have lost touch with the earth’s natural medicinal resources, our culture has lost a deeply valuable reservoir of opportunity. As the fast-paced life of modernity demands faster results on an ever-greater, mass-production scale, the construction of sprawling cities, which often demands deforestation and destruction of natural resources, may turn out to be a greater threat to human health than most of us have yet to even understand.
Recommendations for the medical management of chronic venous disease- The role of Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF)
In Summary:
A recent review has affirmed that treating chronic venous disease with Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF) therapy is safe and effective. After reviewing 250 papers, the authors have found a large body of supportive evidence that the MPFF treatment, known as Diosmiplex, is effective for healing venous ulcers on its own or in combination with compression therapy. Diosmiplex, the only MPFF prescribed in the United States, as of 2017, is derived from orange rinds and favorable among patients due to its high safety rating.
Dr. Caplan and the #MDTake:
Flavonoids are one of the categories of natural compounds produced in nature, including within the innate production system of the cannabis plant. Several patients have reported using strong cannabis topical agents to help venous insufficiency and disease, including conditions such as varicose veins, phlebitis, and post-surgical venous incompetence.
“Pancreatic cancer is particularly refractory to modern therapies, with a 5-year survival rate for patients at a dismal 8%. One of the significant barriers to effective treatment is the immunosuppressive pancreatic tumor microenvironment and development of resistance to treatment. New treatment options to increase both the survival and quality of life of patients are urgently needed. This study reports on a new non-cannabinoid, non-psychoactive derivative of cannabis, termed FBL-03G, with the potential to treat pancreatic cancer. In vitro results show major increase in apoptosis and consequential decrease in survival for two pancreatic cancer models- Panc-02 and KPC pancreatic cancer cells treated with varying concentrations of FBL-03G and radiotherapy. Meanwhile, in vivo results demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in delaying both local and metastatic tumor progression in animal models with pancreatic cancer when using FBL-03G sustainably delivered from smart radiotherapy biomaterials. Repeated experiments also showed significant (P < 0.0001) increase in survival for animals with pancreatic cancer compared to control cohorts. The findings demonstrate the potential for this new cannabis derivative in the treatment of both localized and advanced pancreatic cancer, providing impetus for further studies toward clinical translation.
Discussion highlights:
“From the results of this study, the key findings include, observation that a non-cannabinoid derivative of cannabis can enhance radiotherapy treatment outcomes in-vitro and in-vivo as highlighted in Figures 2, 4. Secondly, the sustained delivery of the cannabis derivative FBL-03G from smart radiotherapy biomaterials (SRBs) results in tumor growth inhibition of both locally treated and distant untreated tumors, with and without radiotherapy. The use of smart radiotherapy biomaterials (SRBs) (8, 23) was recently proposed as a novel approach to deliver cannabinoids, allowing for prolonged exposure of tumor cells to these cannabis derivatives, which is expected to be more effective (10). The FBL-03G payload used in this study is a flavonoid non- cannabinoid derivative of cannabis, and the potential to inhibit both local and metastatic tumor progression is remarkable, especially for pancreatic cancer, with a dismal 5-year survival rate of 8% (1).”
“While the results indicate that sustained exposure of tumor cells to FBL-03G can boost both local and metastatic tumor cell kill, the mechanism of such action needs to be further investigated. One hypothesis is that, FBL-03G can serve as an immunotherapy agent, inhibiting growth of locally treated and untreated tumors, representing metastasis. Metastasis accounts for most of all cancer-associated suffering and death, and questionably presents the most daunting challenge in cancer management. Henceforth, the observed significant increase in survival is promising, especially for pancreatic cancer which is often recalcitrant to treatments. Another hypothesis is that sustained delivery allows FBL-03G to reach the untreated tumor over a prolonged period as well. Either way, the FBL-03G results reveal a new potential non-cannabinoid cannabis derivative with major potential for consideration in further investigations in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, where new therapy options are urgently needed.”
Dr Caplan’s Take:
This article is one in a growing collection of impressive data that highlights a critical area of Medicine that has hidden from the scientific community for decades. The goal of the review is NOT to hail praise on cannabis as a panacea, nor even a sole treatment option, for pancreatic cancer. Rather, it highlights that it seems to be working effectively, both in living tumor cells in the lab and in animal models with live tumor cells. For a devastating illness that currently carries a grim prognosis, the proposition here is to learn more.
The milestones between pioneering scientific study and effective medication are many and there is much work to be done. Studies must be reviewed, criticized, replicated, integrated, before pioneering products can be developed, produced, tested, scaled, brought to market, marketed, sold, and consumed. The process is long, but at least there is a seed of hope at the beginning!
Forget CBD; flavonoids found in cannabis have been found to be 30 times more effective painkillers than aspirin, targeting inflammation at the source and making them great alternatives for pain killers. If produced on a larger scale, they could help get away from the opioid crisis.
If stored properly, cannabis can last up to two years. We are starting to see ground-breaking technology rising in the industry, including filtration of humidity built into packaging, as well as permeable membranes that support the wise guarding of both hydration and terpene/flavonoid concentration.
Cannabis-infused lubricant can increase blood flow for men and create full-body experiences for women. Find out how to make your own infused lube at home with this video tutorial!
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Benjamin Caplan, MDDo-it-Yourself Cannabis-infused lubricants
Citrus peels waste as a source of value-added compounds: extraction and quantification of bioactive polyphenols
Previous analysis of citrus peels has demonstrated high content of biologically active polyphenols, with significant quantities of flavonoids and phenolic acids present. Both these compounds have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anti-allergic, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial properties.
A recent paper points out that citrus peel waste alone makes up nearly 50% of wet fruit mass discarded as waste and proposes extraction of polyphenols to minimize waste. The bioactive substances in peels can be used in dietary supplements, cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceutical products.
Citrus peels contain significant polyphenols, compounds which have health benefits ranging from antioxidant to anticancer. Polyphenols are also found in large quantities in cannabis, undoubtedly contributing to it many of its well-known health benefits.
Chemical composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Main Fruits, Tubers and Legumes Traditionally Consumed in the Andean Regions of Ecuador as a Source of Health-Promoting Compounds
Many fruits grown in the Andean regions of Ecuador have been the center of medical and consumer interests due to their health benefits. Many plants from the region have been used, historically, as both food sources and therapeutic agents. In response to limited studies on the antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds that make up these food sources, researchers analyzed many commonly consumed fruits, tubers, and legumes. These demonstrated high total flavonoid, phenolic, and anthocyanin content, which can contribute to high antioxidant potential. A range of antioxidant potentials exist, and many fruits possess these high antioxidant potentials.
Note: A high flavonoid content in many food sources grown in the Andean regions of Ecuador contributes to high antioxidant potential in many of these fruits, tubers, and legumes. Many plants, including cannabis, have high flavonoid content that gives them many viable therapeutic applications.
