Specific composition of polyphenolic compounds with fatty acids as an approach in helping to reduce spirochete burden in Lyme disease: in vivo and human observational study

Abstract

Background: Lyme disease (LD) is a tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The current therapeutic approach to this disease is limited to antibiotics. However, after their administration, about 20% of patients experience delayed onset of this illness manifesting as lingering persistent symptoms. Methods: To determine a suitable approach that would help reduce this number, we examined the efficacy of a composition of polyphenolic compounds (baicalein, luteolin, and rosmarinic acid) with fatty acids (monolaurin and cis-2-decenoic acid), and iodine/kelp in a Lyme disease animal model and volunteers. Results: The results showed that 4 weeks of dietary intake of this composition reduced the spirochete burden in animal tissues by about 75%. Basic and differential blood parameters did not show significant differences between control animals and the animals fed with this composition. Also, hepatic and renal toxicity markers were not changed and apoptosis was not observed. Relevant inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and INF-γ, were elevated in infected animals but normalized in infected and treated animals. A small observational study revealed that after administration of this composition to 17 volunteers three times per day for 6 months, 67.4% of the volunteers with late or persistent LD, and not receptive to previous antibiotic application, responded positively, in terms of energy status as well as physical and psychological wellbeing to supplementation with this composition, while 17.7% had slight improvement, and 17.7% were none responsive. Conclusion: We concluded that this specific composition revealed feasible benefits in late or persistent LD management, although double-blind controlled clinical trials are warranted.

Inhibition of ACE2 Expression by Ascorbic Acid Alone and its Combinations with Other Natural Compounds

“…Due to their multiple functions and synergistic interactions in cellular metabolism, they can simultaneously affect different mechanisms involved in immune system function and can directly modulate infectivity of a wide range of pathogens. 18-20 Numerous in vitro, in vivo, and human studies conducted by us and others, involving different viruses, for example, HIV, H1N1, H1N9, and bird flu, confirm the universality of ascorbic acid efficacy in various viral infections and pleiotropic effects achieved from its combination with other natural compounds. 21-23…”

“…Due to their multiple functions and synergistic interactions in cellular metabolism, they can simultaneously affect different mechanisms involved in immune system function and can directly modulate infectivity of a wide range of pathogens. [18][19][20] Numerous in vitro, in vivo, and human studies conducted by us and others, involving different viruses, for example, HIV, H1N1, H1N9, and bird flu, confirm the universality of ascorbic acid efficacy in various viral infections and pleiotropic effects achieved from its combination with other natural compounds. [21][22][23] Our findings show that vitamin C has a consistent and significant lowering effect on ACE2 expression exercised at different molecular levels in human alveolar epithelial cells, but also in microvascular endothelial cells-the 2 main cell types affected by the SARS-CoV-2.…”

Brown Seaweed Food Supplementation: Effects on Allergy and Inflammation and Its Consequences

“…Polyphenols exert anti-inflammatory effects not only by suppressing COX-2 [ 128 , 130 , 131 , 136 ], but also by reducing PGE2 production [ 130 , 131 ] which exacerbates inflammatory responses and immune diseases. The production of early inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, that is increased in phase 1, was significantly inhibited by oral administration of polyphenols in vivo, in different mouse, rat and zebrafish models [ 124 , 126 , 127 , 128 , 130 , 131 , 135 , 137 , 138 , 139 ], and also in vitro, in RAW264.7 macrophages [ 131 , 134 ]. Polyphenol treatment [ 128 , 138 ] decreased the expression of CCL2/MCP-1 and consequently may reduce the infiltration of macrophages and subsequently inflammation [ 126 , 128 ].…”

The Use of Natural Bioactive Nutraceuticals in the Management of Tick-Borne Illnesses

“…In 2020, Goc and colleagues [ 183 ] demonstrated the efficacy and synergy of combination treatment in a Lyme disease animal model and human volunteers. In this study, the researchers used baicalein, luteolin, and rosmarinic acid, along with monolaurin, cis-2-decenoic acid, and iodine/kelp.…”

“…In the human observational study, patients received the treatment intervention in the form of capsules containing baicalein 250 mg/day, luteolin 75 mg/day, rosmarinic acid 100 mg/day, monolaurin 250 mg/day, 10-HAD 100 mg/day, and iodine 0.15 mg/day (in the form of kelp) three times per day for six months. These doses represented 1/8th of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values [183]. Methylene blue (MB) has been used medically for centuries and is best known as an antidote for acquired methemoglobinemia (MetHB) [184].…”