Friday Hope: TCM: Anisomeles indica (Catmint)
Another natural source of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 reduction as well as an anti-inflammatory.
The impact of EEAI in animal testing. (A) The mice’s weights and counts were assessed subsequent to an oral gavage with 500 mg/kg EEAI. Images were derived from immunohistochemical staining of (B) liver, (C) kidney, and (D) lung tissue. Following IHC staining, histological sections were enlarged to 200× and photographed for the record. Results were showcased using IOD/area (%) measurements. Mean ± SD values (n = 6) are provided. *** p < 0.001 indicate significant differences compared to the control group. ACE2 or TMPRSS2 expression is marked by arrows (scale bar = 100 µm). The ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression levels were assessed using Western blotting in (E) liver, (F) kidney and (G) lung tissues after treatment with 500 mg/kg EEAI, utilizing β-actin as an internal control.
As I continue to search for natural therapeutics that can either prevent or treat the pathology caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike Protein I am increasingly impressed with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Though foreign to most of those in the Western world (Big Pharma to blame?) it has been practiced and revered for centuries in the East.
A paper was published last month which continues the thread I began last week – that of denying the Spike Protein (and, of course, SARS-CoV-2) access to the Endothelium (and organs) by limiting the amount of ACE2 (its receptor) present on cell membranes. As I stated last week, the complete elimination of ACE2 would have very detrimental effects on the body. Attenuation is far more correct.
The phytochemical in the paper I am discussing also has the additional benefit of reducing the expression of TMPRSS2. This is the Serine Protease bound to the cell surface which cleaves the Spike Protein, allowing it to activate. Of course, I am aware that there is also a Furin cleavage site, however TMPRSS2 has so far been proven to be most effective at cleaving the Spike Protein.
Anisomeles indica is the subject of this week’s Friday Hope. First, let us discuss what it is.
Anisomeles indica (Lamiaceae) is a camphor-scented perennial woody shrub. It is found growing wild along borders of settled areas at low and medium altitudes. It is used in folk medicine in the treatment of diverse conditions such as inflammatory skin diseases, liver protection, intestinal infections, abdominal pain and immune system deficiencies. Aerial parts of the plant are valued as stimulant, expectorant, diaphoretic and insecticide. Leaves are considered useful in chronic rheumatism, psoriasis and other chronic skin eruptions. Bruised leaves are applied locally in snake bites.
ANISOMELES INDICA: AN OVERVIEW
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284968207_Anisomeles_indica_an_overview
In 2009, the Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a paper which detailed its anti-inflammatory properties.
The combined MeOH extract was successively partitioned with CHCl(3) and n-butanol, then submitted to several column chromatographic, and HPLC purification procedures which led to the isolation of one cembrane-type diterpenoid (3), two benzenoids (4 and 5), five flavonoids (1, 2, 6, 7 and 14), and six phenyl propanoids (8-13). The compounds 1-14 were examined for their inhibitory effects on inflammatory mediator's enhanced production from LPS/IFN-gamma-stimulated macrophages. Among these, ovatodiolide (3) exhibited potent inhibition on NO, TNF-alpha and IL-12 enhanced production at a concentration of 5 microM, followed by pedalitin (1), scutellarein 7-O-beta-d-glucuronide methyl ester (6), and acteoside (12) at 40 microM (P<0.05). Furthermore, 2 microM of 3, and 20 microM of 1 and 6 significantly (P<0.05) arrested the cell cycle of Con A-stimulated spleen cells at the G0/G1 stage.
The constituents of Anisomeles indica and their anti-inflammatory activities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19041702/
On October 11th of this year, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences published a paper by Chen, et al. which showed that Anisomeles indica also has the ability to reduce the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in vitro and in vivo. Given that blocking the Spike Protein’s access to cells is a certain way to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection and its pathological effects, this makes it a very promising therapeutic.
Through Western blotting analysis, a significant reduction in the expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins was observed in HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cells and HEK 293T (human embryonic kidney) cell lines without inducing cellular damage. The principal constituents of A. indica, namely, ovatodiolide (5 and 10 μM), anisomlic acid (5 and 10 μM), and apigenin (12.5 and 25 μM), were also found to produce the same effect. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis of mouse liver, kidney, and lung tissues demonstrated a decrease in ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein expression levels. Consequently, this article suggests that A. indica and its constituents have the potential to reduce ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein expression levels, thus aiding in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
The paper also identifies the mechanism by which it accomplishes this reduction.
Throughout the course of this investigation, we conducted both in vivo and in vitro experiments, which revealed that ethanolic extracts of A. indica and its components (ovatodiolide, anisomelic acid, and apigenin) effectively reduce the expression levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2.
Anisomeles indica Extracts and Their Constituents Suppress the Protein Expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 In Vivo and In Vitro
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/20/15062
I am greatly encouraged by the fact that the study found the treatment to not cause any cellular damage. Nature is the most fascinating of realms. In addition to our studies of the depths of space, it is of equal, if not greater importance, to study the depths by which Nature can sustain and heal us.
Please have a blessed weekend. And, as always, immense thanks for your readership and support.
Many natural products were used before the Rockefellers came along . 😠Your search for natural remedies is awesome Walter , have a blessed weekend as well …. to you and your family …. Thank u 😊
Look at Chinese skullcap, licorice, knotweed too