Study coral berry as a hope for asthmatics?

Researchers at the University of Bonn have extracted from leaves of the coral berry (Ardisia crenata) a novel drug for asthma. In mice, the drug almost completely inhibits the characteristic cramping of the bronchi.

Herbal ingredient in the coral berry Hope for asthma sufferers. Image: janaph-fotolia

The leaves of the coralberry contain a substance with the cryptic designation FR900359. Researchers have now shown that this substance appears to be extremely effective at preventing the bronchial muscles from contracting - apparently more effectively and long-term than the popular asthma drug salbutamol. However, the substance has so far only been tested on asthmatic mice.

FR900359 inhibits a central group of signaling molecules in the body's cells, the Gq proteins. These take on a key function in many processes in the body - even in the control of the bronchial muscles.

Normally, the interaction of different signaling pathways causes the airways to narrow. By inhibiting some of them, one can alleviate respiratory tract spasm. In severe asthmatic patients, however, it can not be completely eliminated. The signals converge on the Gq proteins and activate them. Only then will the bronchial spasm be initiated. Therefore, if the activation of the Gq proteins with FR900359 inhibited, a much stronger effect can be obtained.

Whether the substance is also suitable for use on humans is not said. Although the scientists have already shown that human bronchial muscle cells in the culture dish and isolated human respiratory tract react similarly promising. But for the application of living people, more tests are needed.