Plant active against osteoporosis and arthritis

Herbal magnolia ingredient could protect against osteoporosis and arthritis

27/08/2011

Scientists at the University of Bern have discovered a herbal active ingredient to protect against osteoporosis and arthritis. Like the researchers around Professor Jürg Gertsch from the national research focus „TransCure“ at the University of Bern in the current issue of the journal „Chemistry & Biology“ Magnolia-derived drug can significantly reduce bone resorption and thus relatively effectively prevent osteoporosis or arthritis.

The scientists used a molecule of magnolias to make a synthetic drug from which they wanted to take a closer look at the bone-forming processes in the human organism. However, as part of the study, the synthetic drug showed an unexpected side-effect: the formation of bone-degrading cells called osteoclasts was blocked. Since an excess of osteoclasts is considered to be a major risk factor for the development of arthritis and osteoporosis, the magnolia drug could be used in the future „ serve as lead compounds for new drugs in the treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis“, reports Prof. Dr. med. Jürg Gertsch.

Bone degradation by osteoclasts
According to the scientists, the osteoclasts are linked to the body's own cannabinoids and are formed in the bone marrow. The polynuclear cells essentially serve the absorption of bone substance, thereby also the new synthesis of osteoblasts, which are needed for the construction of bone tissue, is favored. Normally bone resorption and bone structure are in balance, so that the structure of the bones are not weakened by the processes but renewed and strengthened. However, with a significant excess of osteoclasts, this can cause a significant weakening of the bones, which in the worst case, an osteoporosis or arthritis disease brings, the experts report. The exact molecular mechanism underlying osteoclast formation and bone loss has remained unclear so far, according to Prof. Dr. Gertsch and colleagues. However, the scientists at the University of Bern have now been able to prove how endogenous cannabinoids in the human organism promote the formation of osteoclasts.

Plant active ingredient can prevent osteoporosis and arthritis
A key function in the formation of bone-degrading cells according to the researchers of the University of Bern according to the cannabinoid receptor CB2. The CB2 receptors on immature immune cells are activated by the body's own cannabinoids, causing the immune cells to develop into osteoclasts. By blocking the receptors, docking of the cannabinoids could be prevented and the immune cells would not mature to osteoclasts, report Prof. Dr. med. Gertsch and colleagues. In this way, it would be possible to stop bone destruction, the cause of arthritis and osteoporosis, according to the experts. This apparently also applies to the newly discovered, synthesized from magnolia drug. Like Prof. Dr. Jürgen Gertsch and colleagues report blocking the „molecules synthesized the formation of osteoclasts“. For the first time this effect was discovered with a vegetable substance, explained the experts. Prof. Dr. Gertsch added that the agent of magnolia has the potential to „Lead compounds for new drugs in the treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis“ have. A psychoactive effect similar to marijuana is not to be feared, even though the magnolia active substance in its structure resembles the cannabinoids of the intoxicant, emphasized the scientists of the University of Bern.

Generally, the risk of bone disease osteoporosis and arthritis joint disease increases according to the scientists with the age. The health consequences are not to be underestimated. Osteoporosis patients are threatened with broken bones on the slightest occasion, with vertebral body breakouts, fractures of the thighbones, pelvic fractures and fractures of the arm bones occurring relatively frequently. As the disease progresses, patients become increasingly restricted in their ability to move and often suffer considerable pain. The arthritis patients are also significantly limited in their ability to move and suffer from chronic joint pain, which increase with movement. According to the scientists, the prevalence of the two diseases has increased significantly in recent years, but an effective plant-based active ingredient may put an end to this trend. (Fp)

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Image: Angelina Ströbel