Phytohustil® and root extract of Althaea officinalis L. exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties and improve the migratory capacity of endothelial cells in vitro

Abstract

Introduction:Althaea officinalis L.'s root extract (REA) has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times to treat a cough. Applying REA leads to a protective film that induces a faster regeneration of the lesioned laryngopharyngeal mucosa caused by dry coughs. The buccopharyngeal mucosa is a highly vascularized tissue. In this regard, anti-inflammatory/-oxidant phytochemicals that improve the repair of the lesion site, e.g., neovascularization in the wound, are critical for promoting healing. For this reason, it is essential to investigate the effects of Phytohustil® and REA on different cellular components of the mucosa under conditions similar to those found in the injured mucosa. Thus, this in vitro study investigated the anti-inflammatory/oxidative and pro-migratory properties of Phytohustil® cough syrup on vascular endothelial cells.Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were pretreated (24 h) with Phytohustil®, its excipients, or REA, followed by incubation with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 1 h; pro-oxidative) or with lipopolysaccharides (LPS; 3 h; pro-inflammatory). Viability and cytotoxicity were measured by PrestoBlue® assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified with 20-70-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA). The release of interleukin 6 (IL6) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The migratory capacity of HUVEC was measured using a scratch assay.Results: Our results show that Phytohustil®, its excipients and REA were not cytotoxic. Pretreatment of HUVEC (24 h) with Phytohustil® or REA inhibited the LPS-activated IL6 release. Phytohustil® or REA inhibited the H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and intracellular ROS production. Phytohustil® and REA significantly stimulated wound closure compared to the control.Conclusion: Our data show that Phytohustil® and REA have anti-inflammatory/-oxidant properties and improve the migratory capacity of vascular endothelial cells. These properties may contribute to the healing characteristics of Phytohustil® and support the benefit of Phytohustil® in patient’s treatment of irritated oral mucosa.

The many faces of a cough in a child: Issues of differential diagnosis and treatment

“…Его целебные свой ства можно связать с тем фактом, что название происходит от греческого слова althein -«исцелять» [23]. Современные фармакологические исследования показали, что экстракт корня алтея лекарственного обладает противокашлевым, противовоспалительным, антиоксидантным, антибактериальным, противовирусным, противоязвенным, ранозаживляющим и иммуномодулирующим действием [22][23][24][25][26][27]. Недавние исследования химического состава показали, что экстракт корня алтея лекарственного содержит сотни различных биологически активных соединений, включая мукополисахариды (5-11,6%), пектин (11%), крахмал (25-35%), моно-и дисахариды, флавоноиды, фенольные кислоты, дубильные вещества, кумарины, скополетин, фитостеролы, аминокислоты, аспарагин и глицин бетаин [28][29][30].…”

Protective Effects of Medicinal Plant-Based Foods against Diabetes: A Review on Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Molecular Mechanisms

“…It is widely recognized for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries in traditional Persian medicine, where it is referred to as Khatmi, Molukhia, or Panirak. In Western herbalism, it is known as Althaea, Moorish Mallow, Mortification Root, Schloss Tea, Sweet Weed, Mallards, Cheese, and White Maoow [ 29 , 30 , 31 ]. The plant is commonly found in marshy areas, especially near the sea as well as in damp areas throughout Western Asia and Europe.…”