A combined phase I and II open label study on the effects of a seaweed extract nutrient complex on osteoarthritis

Background: Isolated fucoidans from brown marine algae have been shown to have a range of anti-inflammatory effects. Purpose: This present study tested a Maritech® extract formulation, containing a blend of extracts from three different species of brown algae, plus nutrients in an open label combined phase I and II pilot scale study to determine both acute safety and efficacy in osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients and methods: Participants (n = 12, five females [mean age, 62 ± 11.06 years] and seven males [mean age, 57.14 ± 9.20 years]) with a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to either 100 mg (n = 5) or 1000 mg (n = 7) of a Maritech® extract formulation per day. The formulation contained Maritech® seaweed extract containing Fucus vesiculosis (85% w/w), Macrocystis pyrifera (10% w/w) and Laminaria japonica (5% w/w) plus vitamin B6, zinc and manganese. Primary outcome was the average comprehensive arthritis test (COAT) score which is comprised of four sub-scales: pain, stiffness, difficulty with physical activity and overall symptom severity measured weekly. Safety measures included full blood count, serum lipids, liver function tests, urea, creatinine and electrolytes determined at baseline and week 12. All adverse events were recorded. Results: Eleven participants completed 12 weeks and one completed 10 weeks of the study. Using a multilevel linear model, the average COAT score was reduced by 18% for the 100 mg treatment and 52% for the 1000 mg dose at the end of the study. There was a clear dose response effect seen between the two treatments (P≤0.0005) on the average COAT score and each of the four COAT subscales (pain, stiffness, difficulty with physical activity and overall symptom severity) (P≤0.05). The preparation was well tolerated and the few adverse events were unlikely to be related to the study medication. There were no changes in blood parameters measured over the course of the study with the exception of an increase in serum albumin which was not clinically significant. Conclusion: The seaweed extract nutrient complex when taken orally over twelve weeks decreased the symptoms of osteoarthritis in a dose-dependent manner. It was demonstrated to be safe to use over the study period at the doses tested. The efficacy of the preparation now needs to be demonstrated in a phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT). Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN12607000229471

A combined Phase I and II open-label study on the immunomodulatory effects of seaweed extract nutrient complex

Background: Isolated fucoidans from brown marine algae have been shown to have a range of immune-modulating effects. This exploratory study aimed to determine whether a seaweed nutrient complex containing a blend of extracts from three different species of brown algae plus nutrients is safe to administer and has biological potential as an immune modulator. The study was undertaken as an open-label combined Phase I and II study. Methods: Participants (n = 10) were randomized to receive the study medication at either a 100 mg (n = 5) or 1000 mg (n = 5) dose over 4 weeks. The primary outcome measurement was in vivo changes in lymphocyte subsets. The secondary outcome measures were ex vivo changes in T-lymphocyte (CD4 and CD8) activation, phagocytosis of granulocytes and monocytes, T helper 1/T helper 2 cytokines, and serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Results: The preparation was found to be safe over the 4 weeks at both doses tested. There were no clinically relevant changes to blood measurements of hemopoietic, hepatic, or renal function. Immunomodulatory measurements showed no dose response between the two doses. The combined results from the two doses demonstrated a significant increase in cytotoxic T cell numbers and phagocytic capacity in monocytes, and a significant decrease in levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6. A separate analysis of the 100 mg dose (n = 5) alone showed a significant linear component over time (P \u3c 0.05) for phagocytosis by both granulocytes and monocytes. Conclusion: The seaweed nutrient complex was safe to use when taken orally over 4 weeks. The preparation was demonstrated to have potential as an immune modulator, and this bioactivity deserves further exploration

Determining crystal structures through crowdsourcing and coursework

We show here that computer game players can build high-quality crystal structures. Introduction of a new feature into the computer game Foldit allows players to build and real-space refine structures into electron density maps. To assess the usefulness of this feature, we held a crystallographic model-building competition between trained crystallographers, undergraduate students, Foldit players and automatic model-building algorithms. After removal of disordered residues, a team of Foldit players achieved the most accurate structure. Analysing the target protein of the competition, YPL067C, uncovered a new family of histidine triad proteins apparently involved in the prevention of amyloid toxicity. From this study, we conclude that crystallographers can utilize crowdsourcing to interpret electron density information and to produce structure solutions of the highest quality

Immunomodulatory Polysaccharide from Chlorophytum borivilianum Roots

Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & Fernandes (Liliaceae) is an ayurvedic Rasayana herb with immunostimulating properties. The polysaccharide fraction (CBP) derived from hot water extraction of C. borivilianum (CB), comprising of ~31% inulin-type fructans and ~25% acetylated mannans (of hot water-soluble extract), was evaluated for its effect on natural killer (NK) cell activity (in vitro). Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), isolated from whole blood on a Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient, were tested in the presence or absence of varying concentrations of each C. borivilianum fraction for modulation of NK cell cytotoxic activity toward K562 cells. Preliminary cytotoxicity evaluation against P388 cells was performed to establish non-cytotoxic concentrations of the different fractions. Testing showed the observed significant stimulation of NK cell activity to be due to the CBP of C. borivilianum. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation carried out on Wistar strain albino rats for humoral response to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and immunoglobulin-level determination using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), exhibited an effectiveness of C. borivilianum aqueous extract in improving immune function. Present results provide useful information for understanding the role of CBP in modulating immune function

Characterization and in vitro immunomodulatory screening of fructo-oligosaccharides of asparagus racemosus willd

Asparagus racemosus Linn. (Fam. Liliaceae) is an ethno-pharmacologically acclaimed Ayurvedic medicinal plant. In the present study, aqueous extract of A. racemosus (ARC) was fractionated and screened for the polysaccharide fraction (ARP). The characterization was done by enzymatic, Size Exclusion, gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC–FID), high pressure anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) and thin layer chromatographic analyses. Phyto-chemical evaluation confirmed the presence of 26.7% of 2 → 1 linked fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). They have a degree of polymerization (DP) of nearly 7–8. Cytotoxicity evaluation on P388 cell lines was consistent with low cytotoxicity of the extracts. In vitroNatural Killer (NK) cell activity was evaluated using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from whole blood on a ficoll-hypaque density gradient. K562 a myeloid leukemia cell line, were used as target cells. ARC, tested over the range 0.2–50 μg/ml, showed a dose-related stimulation of NK cell activity with a peak increase of 16.9 ± 4.4% at 5.6 μg/ml. However, ARP demonstrated a higher stimulatory activity of 51.8 ± 1.2% at 25 μg/ml. The results indicate that the FOS from A. racemosus potentiates the NK cell activity and this could be an important mechanism underpinning the ‘Rasayana’ properties of this plant

Bovine lactoferrin supplementation supports immune and antioxidant status in healthy human males

Dietary supplements of bovine lactoferrin are purported in consumer literature to enhance and support the immune system response through their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Our aim was to investigate more fully the potential immune modulating properties and antioxidant activity of an oral supplementation of bovine lactoferrin in humans. Using an intraindividual repeated measure design, 8 healthy males aged 30 to 55 years, self-administered daily for 21 days, one capsule of placebo for 7 days, followed by 100 mg of lactoferrin for 7 days, followed by 200 mg of lactoferrin for 7 days. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subset counts, T-cell activation, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, serum cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, interferon [IFN]-gamma, interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10), and serum hydrophilic, lipophilic, and total antioxidant capacity were repeatedly measured before and after each progressive supplementation. Statistically significant increases were found between presupplementation levels and levels after 200 mg of supplementation in total T-cell activation (as measure by CD3(+)) (P \u3c .001), helper T-cell activation (as measure by CD4(+)) (P \u3c .001), cytotoxic T-cell activation (as measured by CD8(+)) (P \u3c .001), and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity (P \u3c .05). No significant changes were seen in the other parameters measured. These results support the proposal that oral supplements of bovine lactoferrin may be a useful adjunct toward modulation of immune activity, in particular T-cell activation and antioxidant status

Combined Neem oil 6 per cent w/w and Eucalyptus oil 16 per cent w/w lotion for treating head lice: in vitro and in vivo efficacy studies

Aim: To test a combined neem oil 6% w/w and eucalyptus oil 16% w/w lotion for the whole-of-life cycle treatment of human head lice (Pediculus humanus var. capitis) infestation. Method: Preliminary formulations of dilutions of neem and eucalyptus oils in isopropanol were tested for pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacies against Pediculus humanus var. capitis. This trial informed the development of a stable formulation consisting of neem oil 6% w/w and eucalyptus oil 16% w/w in a hydrophobic carrier (mixture of lanolin and silicones), which was also tested in vitro for pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacies against Pediculus humanus var. capitis. The lotion was then tested in vivo (clinical study) in volunteer Thai female students. At the conclusion of the in vivo study, participants and their parents/guardians completed a questionnaire pertaining to their perceptions and acceptance of the treatment. Results: Initial in vitro testing demonstrated pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacies of 96% and 100%, respectively. The clinical study involving 45 volunteer Thai female students aged 7 to 12 years, with 2 applications of the lotion on the scalp and hair 1 week apart, showed significant in vivo activity. Pediculicidal efficacies of 93% and 97% and ovicidal efficacies of 80% and 100% were measured 2 days after the first and second application of the lotion. Participants and their parents/ guardians indicated strong acceptance of the formulation. Conclusion: The combined neem oil 6% w/w and eucalyptus oil 16% w/w lotion demonstrated high pediculicidal and ovicidal efficacy for Pediculus humanus var. capitis infestation