Compounds derived from earthworms demonstrate a significant inflammatory response vs. asthma, fever

For nearly 2,000 years, traditional Chinese healers have prescribed Guang-Pheretima as a remedy for various inflammatory-related disorders. The decoction, derived from the earthworm, has been documented in many ancient texts to be an effective treatment for asthma, cough, and fever. To further substantiate this claim, Chinese researchers investigated the inhibitory effects and the underlying mechanism of Guang-Pheretima in treating inflamed cells. The peer-reviewed study was published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• RAW 264.7 macrophages were pre-treated with either a Guang-Pheretima decoction (GPD) or protein-free Guang-Pheretima decoction (PF-GPD).
• These cells were then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide to trigger an inflammatory response.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to measure levels of prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin — compounds that are typically released by the body to regulate the immune response.
• Other forms of protein expressions were analyzed using Greiss Reaction, Western Blot, and Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
• PF-GDP concentrations were observed to have significant anti-inflammatory activity.
• GDP, on the other hand, displayed no anti-inflammatory activity.

These results suggest that Guang-Pheretima may be used to treat various inflammatory diseases.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

To learn more about traditional Chinese medicine, visit ChineseMedicine.news today.

Journal Reference:

Huang C, Li W, Zhang Q, Chen L, Chen W, Zhang H, Ni Y. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF GUANG-PHERETIMA EXTRACT IN LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-STIMULATED RAW 264.7 MURINE MACROPHAGES. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 1 February 2018;18(46). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2086-z