U.S. patent application number 17/739702 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-25 for compositions, methods, and medical compositions for treatment of and maintaining the health of the liver.
This patent application is currently assigned to Unigen, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Unigen, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mei Feng Hong, Qi Jia, Ping Jiao, Breanna Moore, Mesfin Yimam.
Application Number | 20220265747 17/739702 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220265747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jia; Qi ; et al. |
August 25, 2022 |
Compositions, Methods, and Medical Compositions for Treatment of
and Maintaining the Health of the Liver
Abstract
Compositions and methods for treatment of and maintaining the
health of the liver are disclosed that include a mixture of plant
extracts, wherein the plant extracts comprise at least one
Artemisia extract, at least one Aloe gel powder, and at least one
Schizandra extract. Compositions and methods for treatment of and
maintaining the health of the liver are disclosed that include a
mixture of plant extracts, wherein the plant extracts comprise at
least one Artemisia extract enriched for at least one polymer or
biopolymer, at least one Aloe gel powder enriched for at least one
chromone, and at least one Schizandra extract enriched for at least
one lignan and organic acid.
Inventors: |
Jia; Qi; (Olympia, WA)
; Yimam; Mesfin; (Tacoma, WA) ; Jiao; Ping;
(Newcastle, WA) ; Hong; Mei Feng; (Seattle,
WA) ; Moore; Breanna; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Unigen, Inc. |
Tacoma |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Unigen, Inc.
Tacoma
WA
|
Appl. No.: |
17/739702 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15208075 |
Jul 12, 2016 |
11331359 |
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17739702 |
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62192711 |
Jul 15, 2015 |
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International
Class: |
A61K 36/282 20060101
A61K036/282; A61K 36/886 20060101 A61K036/886; A61K 36/79 20060101
A61K036/79; A61K 45/06 20060101 A61K045/06; A61K 31/7048 20060101
A61K031/7048 |
Claims
1.-38: (canceled)
39. A composition for treatment of and maintaining the health of
the liver, comprising a mixture of plant extracts, wherein the
plant extracts comprise at least one Artemisia extract, at least
one Aloe gel powder, and at least one Schizandra extract.
40. A composition for treatment of and maintaining the health of
the liver, comprising a mixture of plant extracts from an Artemisia
extract enriched for at least one polymer or biopolymer, an Aloe
gel powder enriched for at least one chromone, and a Schizandra
extract enriched for at least one lignan and organic acid.
41. The composition of claim 39, wherein the Artemisia extract and
the Schizandra extract are blended in a weight ratio from 4:1 to
1:4.
42. The composition of claim 39, wherein the Aloe gel powder are
further blended with a mixture of Artemisia and Schizandra extracts
in a weight percentage of about 5% to about 50%.
43. The composition of claim 39, wherein the mixture of Artemisia,
Schizandra and Aloe leaf gel powder is in a ratio of 8:4:3.
44. The composition of claim 40, wherein the Artemisia extract
comprises 0.01% to 99.9% of biopolymers with molecular weight
higher than 500.
45. The composition of claim 39, wherein the Artemisia extract
comprises Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia abrotanum L., Artemisia
afra, Artemisia annua L, Artemisia arborescens, Artemisia asiatica,
Artemisia campestris, Artemisia deserti, Artemisia iwayomogi,
Artemisia ludoviciana, Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia oelandica,
Artemisia princeps Pamp, Artemisia sacrorum, Artemisia scoparia,
Artemisia stelleriana, Artemisia frigida Willd, Artemisia
anethoides Mattf., Artemisia anethifolia Weber., Artemisia faurier
Nakai, Origanum vulgare, Siphenostegia chinensis, or any
combination thereof.
46. The composition of claim 40, wherein the Artemisia extract is
selected from Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia abrotanum L.,
Artemisia afra, Artemisia annua L, Artemisia arborescens, Artemisia
asiatica, Artemisia campestris, Artemisia deserti, Artemisia
iwayomogi, Artemisia ludoviciana, Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia
oelandica, Artemisia princeps Pamp, Artemisia sacrorum, Artemisia
scoparia, Artemisia stelleriana, Artemisia frigida Willd, Artemisia
anethoides Mattf., Artemisia anethifolia Weber., Artemisia faurier
Nakai, Origanum vulgare, Siphenostegia chinensis, or any
combination thereof.
47. The composition of claim 40, wherein the one or more
biopolymers are extracted from Artemisia plant with water,
methanol, ethanol, alcohol, a water-mixed solvent or a combination
thereof.
48. The composition of claim 39, wherein the Aloe gel powder
comprises Aloe arborescens, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe cremnophila,
Aloe ferox, Aloe saponaria, Aloe vera, Aloe vera var. chinensis or
a combination thereof.
49. The composition of claim 40, wherein the at least one chromone
composition comprises about 0.01% to about 100% of one or more
chromones
50. The composition of claim 40, wherein the at least one chromone
is selected from aloesin, aloesinol, aloeresin A, aloeresin B,
aloeresin C, aloeresin D, aloeresin E or any combination
thereof.
51. A composition of claim 40, wherein the chromone composition
comprises about 1% to about 4% of Aloesin, wherein the composition
is essentially free of anthroquinones and wherein the Aloe gel is
isolated from a plant selected from Aloe barbadensis or Aloe vera;
and wherein the at least one chromone is isolated from Aloe vera or
Aloe ferox or any combination thereof.
52. The composition of claim 39, wherein the Schizandra comprises
Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra elongate, Schisandra glabra,
Schisandra glaucescens, Schisandra henryi, Schisandra incarnate,
Schisandra lancifolia, Schisandra neglecta, Schisandra nigra,
Schisandra propinqua, Schisandra pubescens, Schisandra repanda,
Schisandra rubriflora, Schisandra rubrifolia, Schisandra sinensis,
Schisandra sphaerandra, Schisandra sphenanthera, Schisandra
tomentella, Schisandra tuberculate, Schisandra vestita, Schisandra
viridis, Schisandra wilsoniana or a combination thereof.
53. The composition of claim 40, wherein the at least one lignan is
isolated from a Schizandra extract is Schisandrin,
Deoxyschizandrin, .gamma.-Schizandrin, Pseudo-.gamma.-schizandrin,
Wuweizisu B, Wuweizisu C, Isoschizandrin, Pregomisin,
eoschizandrin, Schizandrol, Schizandrol A, Schizandrol B,
Schisantherin A, B, C, D, E, Rubschisantherin, Schisanhenol
acetdte, Schisanhenol B, Schisanhenol, Gomisin A, B, C, D, E, F, G,
H, J, N, O, R, S, T, U, Epigomisin O, Angeloylgomisin H, O, Q, T,
igloylgomisin H, P, Angeloyisogomisin O, Benzoyl-gomisin H, O, P,
Q, Benzoyl-isogomisin or a combination thereof.
54. The composition of claim 40, wherein the at least one organic
acid is isolated from a Schizandra extract includes malic acid,
citric acid, shikimic acid or a combination thereof.
55. The composition of claim 39, wherein the plant extracts are
derived from at least one plant part selected from the group
consisting of stems, stem barks, trunks, trunk barks, twigs,
tubers, roots, root barks, young shoots, seeds, rhizomes, flowers
and other reproductive organs, leaves, other aerial parts or a
combination thereof.
56. The composition of claim 40, wherein the plant extracts are
derived from at least one plant part selected from the group
consisting of stems, stem barks, trunks, trunk barks, twigs,
tubers, roots, root barks, young shoots, seeds, rhizomes, flowers
and other reproductive organs, leaves, other aerial parts or a
combination thereof.
57. The composition of claim 40, wherein the composition
additionally comprises at least one liver protectant.
58. The composition of claim 57, wherein the liver protectant
comprises plant powder or plant extract of milk thistle, curcuma,
bupleurum, licorice, salvia, morus, hovenia, agrimony, cudrania,
lyceum, citrus, prunus, yellow mume, Korea gim, dandelion, vitis,
grape seed, rubus, camellia, green tea, krill oil, yeast, soy bean;
isolated and enriched silymarins, flavonoids, phospholipids, thios,
pycnogenols, gelatins, soy lecithin, pancreatic enzymes; natural or
synthetic N-acetyl-cysteine, taurine, riboflavin, niacin,
pyridoxine, folic acid, carotenes, vitamin A, vitamin B2, B6, B16,
vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, branched-chain amino acids,
selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, coenzyme Q10, L-arginine,
L-glutamine, phosphatidylcholine or a combination thereof.
59. The composition of claim 40, wherein the composition further
comprises a pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable carrier,
diluent, or excipient.
Description
[0001] This U.S. Utility application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/192,711 filed on Jul.
15, 2015 and entitled "Compositions and Methods for Liver Health",
which is commonly-owned and incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0002] The field of the subject matter is compounds and
compositions useful for liver health management, including
stereoisomers, pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable
salts, tautomers, glycosides and prodrugs of the disclosed
compounds, compositions and related methods of improving and
maintaining liver health.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The liver is a vital organ that plays a pivotal role in
metabolism and detoxification of various endogenous and exogenous
harmful substances. It is believed that more than 500 chemical
reactions take place in the liver. Various xenobiotics or foreign
chemical substances are known to cause hepatotoxicity, among which
acetaminophen (n-acetyl-p-aminophenol or APAP) and carbon
tetrachloride (CCl.sub.4) are generally utilized to develop an
animal model that mimics the human type of liver toxicity with
similar mechanisms of actions. Ranges of biomarkers from serum or
liver homogenates have been used to review and/or analyze the
health status of the liver where a shift away from the normal range
is considered an indication of insult to the organ. Among these
biomarkers, the most frequently used are: ALT (alanine
aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), MDA
(malondialdehyde), GSH (glutathione), SOD (superoxide dismutase),
c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase), CAT
(catalase), and TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Liver
panels such as AST, ALT, total bilirubin, conjugated and
unconjugated bilirubin, bile acid, total protein, albumin,
globulin, and alkaline phosphatase have been used as a standard
screen method for liver health. While ALT and AST are recognized as
non-specific to liver injury, ALT has shown relative specificity to
the liver. For example, AST has an origin ratio of liver (9000:1)
vs muscle (5200:1); in comparison ALT has an origin ratio of liver
(7600:1) vs muscle (750:1). The half-life of total AST and ALT are
17.+-.5 hours and 47.+-.10 hours, respectively. ALT is stable for 3
days at room temperature, 3 weeks in a refrigerator, 24 hours in
whole blood; however, ALT deteriorates rapidly with repeated
freezing and thawing. Serum ALT was used for efficacy screening of
plant extracts in our studies.
[0004] APAP is a very safe and effective analgesic and antipyretic
drug at therapeutic dosage. It is the most frequent cause of acute
live failure in the United States. APAP-induced liver toxicity is
clinically relevant, well studied, can be rapidly induced in vivo
with a single dose, and has become a conventional model in
assessing the potential hepatoprotective effects of
phytotherapeutics.
[0005] APAP-induced cell death is not caused by a single tragic
event shutting down vital function of cells instead it induces a
series of events beginning with the reactive metabolite formation
and initiation of mitochondrial dysfunction, which is amplified
through the JNK pathway, ultimately leading to non-functional
mitochondria and massive DNA degradation leading to cell
necrosis.
[0006] APAP toxicity takes place in very intricate pathways of
mechanisms of actions. As previously established, the intracellular
signaling mechanisms of APAP-induced cell death is initiated by the
metabolism of a small fraction of the administered dose by P450
enzymes, mainly Cyp 2e1 and 1a2 (Zaher et al., 1998), to
n-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). Under normal conditions,
this highly reactive metabolite will be detoxified by GSH resulting
in extensive hepatic GSH depletion (Mitchell et al., 197), which
becomes critical at the time of overdose. Concurrently, an
increasing amount of NAPQI reacts with protein sulfhydryl groups,
causing the covalent adduction of cellular proteins (Jollow et al.,
1973). Interestingly, studies have shown that the total protein
binding in the cell is not as important as adducts in mitochondria
(Tirmenstein and Nelson, 1989; Qiu et al., 2001). Mitochondrial
protein binding triggers a mitochondrial oxidant stress (Jaeschke,
1990), which causes activation of apoptosis signal-regulating
kinase 1 (Nakagawa et al., 2008) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)
(Hanawa et al., 2008) and the amplification of the mitochondrial
oxidant stress and peroxynitrite formation by mitochondrial JNK
translocation (Saito et al., 2010a). The extensive oxidant stress
finally triggers the opening of the membrane permeability
transition (MPT) pore in the mitochondria with collapse of the
membrane potential (Kon et al., 2004; Masubuchi et al., 2005;
Ramachandran et al., 2011a; Loguidice and Boelsterli, 2011)
followed by the release of intermembrane proteins such as
endonuclease G and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from
mitochondria (Kon et al., 2004; Bajt et al., 2008). Both
endonuclease G and AIF translocate to the nucleus and cause DNA
fragmentation (Cover et al., 2005; Bajt et al., 2006, 2011) and
ultimately cell death occurs. The collapse of the mitochondrial
membrane potential with ATP depletion and the nuclear degradation
are key events leading to cellular necrosis. Hence, there are
multiple interference points where these mechanisms can be
intercepted when designing therapeutic intervention for liver
protection.
[0007] Knowing chronology of the pathologic process of the model
provides a guideline for therapeutic intervention. While oxidative
stress and sterile inflammations play a significant role in APAP
toxicity, pathophysiology of the model is characterized by a series
of events, including metabolic activation between 0 and 2 h,
depletion of GSH within the first 30 minutes, intracellular
mechanisms of cell death between 2 and 12 h, an inflammatory
response at time frame of 6-24 h, and regeneration in the timeframe
of 24-72 h after APAP toxicity (Jaeschke et al., 2012a).
[0008] As mentioned, APAP overdose can cause severe liver toxicity
in humans characterized by protein adduct formation (Davern et al.,
2006; James et al., 2009), mitochondrial damage and nuclear DNA
fragmentation (McGill et al., 2012a) that leads to cell death.
Therefore, it is desirable to utilize animal models that could
share similar pathophysiology features when testing plant extracts
for liver protection. Thus, for in vivo experiments, the mouse is
the preferred model, as the damage most closely resembles the human
pathophysiology in both mechanism and dose-dependency. In fact,
some suggest that the primary significant difference in APAP
hepatotoxicity between mice and humans is the more delayed toxicity
in humans which exhibits ALT peak at 24-48 h after exposure
compared to mice when ALT peaks at 6-12 h (Larson, 2007). This
difference may in part be explained because of differences in
absorption between the two species. In contrast, the rat, although
popular for natural product testing, is a poor model as most rat
strains are largely insensitive to APAP toxicity (Mitchell et al.,
1973; McGill et al., 2012b). Even at high dose of g/kg, APAP mostly
does not cause relevant liver injury (Jaeschke et al., 2013). And
while GSH depletion and protein adducts can be measured, the lower
adducts in rat liver mitochondria compared to mice appear to be
insufficient to initiate enough mitochondrial dysfunction and
subsequent amplification events to lead to necrotic cell death
(McGill et al., 2012b). These fundamental differences between the
two species have been reflected during evaluation of
phytotherapeutics. For example, in a rat study, an APAP dose of 3
g/kg resulted in an increase of plasma ALT levels of about 3-fold
compared to baseline and the phytotherapeutic attenuated this
modest liver injury by 33% (Ajith et al., 2007). Any histological
changes in this rat model were minimal and difficult to detect. On
the other hand, in a mouse study, ALT increases were >60-fold of
baseline after a 300 mg/kg APAP dose and the reduction by the
phytotherapeutic was 75% (Wan et al., 2012). Histological changes
caused by APAP toxicity and the protective effect of the drug were
readily observed.
[0009] CCl.sub.4, a halogenated alkane industrial chemical with
restricted usage, is a well-known hepatotoxin that is widely used
to induce acute toxic liver injury in a large range of laboratory
animals. Humans have been exposed to CCl.sub.4, in occupational
surroundings and from environmental contamination, such as
contaminated drinking water. Nevertheless, the chemical continues
to provide an important service today as a model compound to
elucidate the mechanisms of action of hepatotoxic effects such as
fatty degeneration, fibrosis, hepatocellular death, and
carcinogenicity (Slater 1981; Renner H. 1985; Reynolds 1963). It is
considered as one of the classic chemically-induced liver toxicity
animal models primarily associated with the formation of free
radicals and lipid peroxidation.
[0010] Like APAP, CCl.sub.4 toxicity is initiated by cytochrome
P450s primarily of (CYP) 2E1, CYP2B1 or CYP2B2 (Nelson and
Harrison, 1987), to yield reactive metabolic products
trichloromethyl free radicals (CCl.sub.3--), which can initiate
lipid peroxidation and ultimately results in the overproduction of
reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hepatocyte injuries (Poyer et
al., 1980; Albano et al., 1982). In the process, these radicals can
bind to cellular molecules (nucleic acid, protein, and lipid),
impairing crucial cellular processes, such as lipid metabolism,
with the potential outcome of fatty degeneration (steatosis) and
direct damage to these macromolecules (Weddle et al., 1976). These
radicals can also react with oxygen to form the
trichloromethylperoxy radical CCl.sub.3OO--, a highly reactive
species. Once generated, it initiates the chain reaction of lipid
peroxidation, which attacks and destroys polyunsaturated fatty
acids, in particular those associated with phospholipids. This
affects the permeability of mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum,
and plasma membranes, resulting in the loss of cellular calcium
sequestration and homeostasis, which can contribute heavily to
subsequent cell damage. In this respect, antioxidants and radical
scavengers have been used to study the mechanism of CCl.sub.4
toxicity as well as to protect liver cells from CCl.sub.4-induced
damage by breaking the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation
(Cheeseman et al., 1987). At the molecular level, CCl.sub.4
activates TNF-.alpha. (Czaja et al., 1995), nitric oxide (NO)
(Chamulitrat et al., 1994, 1995), and transforming growth factors
(TGF) (Luckey et al., 2001) in the cell, processes that appear to
direct the cell primarily toward destruction or fibrosis. These
suggest that plant extracts with anti-inflammatory activity could
have a potential application in liver protection. While acute
administration of a large dose of CCl.sub.4 causes severe necrosis,
chronic administration of lower doses is frequently used to induce
hepatic fibrosis.
[0011] Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of
free radicals and the inherent capacity of the body to counteract
or neutralize their harmful effects through interaction with
various reducing and sequestering endogenous antioxidant defense
networks. When there is a lack of an appropriate adaptation by the
body antioxidant defense system, reactive oxygen species
accumulation will lead to the activation of stress-sensitive
intracellular signaling pathways that, in turn, promote cellular
damage leading to necrosis. While damage of oxidative stress
affects the whole body as a system, the impact becomes more
detrimental when it involves vital organs, such as the liver, where
primary detoxification takes place to remove and metabolize harmful
toxins such as alcohol. As a result, the liver is susceptible to
alcohol-induced injury as both alcohol and its primary metabolite
acetaldehyde produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydroxyl
radicals (OH), altering hepatic antioxidant defense system. The
most common pathological conditions such as fatty liver, hepatitis,
fibrosis, and cirrhosis are observed in alcohol-linked liver
disorders as a result of repeated exposure of alcohol. These
outcomes in conjunction with cellular lipids, proteins, and DNA
oxidation has been demonstrated in multiple experimental animals
(Wu and Cederbaum, 2003). Here we used the most frequently used
animal model with practical clinical implications, such as APAP,
and confirmed findings with the classic CCl.sub.4-induced
hepatotoxicity model. Regardless of the chemical agents used to
induce the hepatotoxicity, both the APAP and CCl.sub.4 models share
the critical step in oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen
species generated by excess intermediate metabolites leading to
protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage.
[0012] To this end, it would be desirable to develop, produce and
utilize a composition, medicinal composition and related methods
that are designed to treat and maintain the health of the liver.
Ideal compounds, medicinal compositions and compositions would be
sufficient to effect treatment, including any one or more of: (1)
treating or preventing damage of liver cells in a mammal; (2)
promoting liver health; (3) preserve detoxification and
anti-oxidation liver enzymes in a mammal; (4) increasing liver
detoxification capacity in a mammal; (5) treating or preventing
liver diseases in a mammal; (6) modifying inflammation of a liver
in a mammal; and (7) improving liver renewal function. Ideal
compounds and compositions can be derived from or comprise at least
one plant extract, wherein the plant extract may or may not be
enriched. As part of this development, it would be ideal to utilize
frequently and acceptable models to test contemplated compounds and
compositions. It would also be desirable to reliably design a
therapeutic intervention for liver health by intercepting points in
the mechanisms of liver degradation and studying those results.
SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0013] Compositions and methods for treatment of and maintaining
the health of the liver are disclosed that include a mixture of
plant extracts, wherein the plant extracts comprise at least one
Artemisia extract, at least one Aloe gel powder, and at least one
Schizandra extract.
[0014] Compositions and methods for treatment of and maintaining
the health of the liver are disclosed that include a mixture of
plant extracts, wherein the plant extracts comprise at least one
Artemisia extract enriched for at least one polymer or biopolymer,
at least one Aloe gel powder enriched for at least one chromone,
and at least one Schizandra extract enriched for at least one
lignan and organic acid.
[0015] Medical compositions and methods for maintaining liver
function, minimizing liver cell damage, promoting healthy liver,
protecting liver antioxidation integrity, neutralizing toxins,
diminishing the action of free radicals that affecting liver
health, scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative
stress, preventing the formation of toxic metabolisms, improving
liver detoxification capacity and/or function, liver cleansing,
restoring liver structure, liver protecting liver cells from
toxins, helping liver's blood flow and circulation, supporting
liver function, fortifying and soothing lever, calming and
tonifying liver, alleviating liver pain, purging harmful chemicals
and organisms, supporting liver's metabolic process, alleviating
liver discomfort, alleviating fatty liver, improving liver
detoxification capacity, lowering liver enzymes, providing natural
oxidants, increasing SOD, increasing GSH, reducing liver cell
peroxidation, reducing fatty acid accumulation, maintaining healthy
anti-inflammatory process, improving liver immune function,
promoting liver cell regeneration, improving liver renewal
function, stimulating bile release, promoting healthy bile flow,
liver rejuvenating, or the like of a mammal are also disclosed,
wherein the medical composition contains contemplated compositions
as an effective ingredient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a HPLC chromatogram of Artemisia capillaris 70%
ethanol extract.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] In brief, the present disclosure is directed to compounds
and compositions useful for liver health management, including
stereoisomers, pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable
salts, tautomers, glycosides and prodrugs of the disclosed
compounds, and to related methods of improving liver health.
[0018] Contemplated compounds and compositions are derived from or
comprise at least one plant extract, wherein the plant extract may
or may not be enriched. As part of this development, frequently and
acceptable models were utilized to test contemplated compounds and
compositions. In addition, a therapeutic intervention for liver
health was designed by intercepting points in the mechanisms of
liver degradation and studying those results. Contemplated
compounds, medicinal compositions and compositions are sufficient
to effect treatment, including any one or more of: (1) treating or
preventing damage of liver cells in a mammal; (2) promoting liver
health; (3) preserve detoxification and anti-oxidation liver
enzymes in a mammal; (4) increasing liver detoxification capacity
in a mammal; (5) treating or preventing liver diseases in a mammal;
(6) modifying inflammation of a liver in a mammal; and (7)
improving liver renewal function.
[0019] Specifically, compositions, compounds and methods for
treatment of and maintaining the health of the liver are disclosed
that include a mixture of plant extracts, wherein the plant
extracts comprise at least one Artemisia extract, at least one Aloe
gel powder, and at least one Schizandra extract.
[0020] In addition, compositions, compounds and methods for
treatment of and maintaining the health of the liver are disclosed
that include a mixture of plant extracts, wherein the plant
extracts comprise at least one Artemisia extract enriched for at
least one polymer or biopolymer, at least one Aloe gel powder
enriched for at least one chromone, and at least one Schizandra
extract enriched for at least one lignan and organic acid.
[0021] Medical compositions and methods for maintaining liver
function, minimizing liver cell damage, promoting healthy liver,
protecting liver antioxidation integrity, neutralizing toxins,
diminishing the action of free radicals that affecting liver
health, scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative
stress, preventing the formation of toxic metabolisms, improving
liver detoxification capacity and/or function, liver cleansing,
restoring liver structure, liver protecting liver cells from
toxins, helping liver's blood flow and circulation, supporting
liver function, fortifying and soothing lever, calming and
tonifying liver, alleviating liver pain, purging harmful chemicals
and organisms, supporting liver's metabolic process, alleviating
liver discomfort, alleviating fatty liver, improving liver
detoxification capacity, lowering liver enzymes, providing natural
oxidants, increasing SOD, increasing GSH, reducing liver cell
peroxidation, reducing fatty acid accumulation, maintaining healthy
anti-inflammatory process, improving liver immune function,
promoting liver cell regeneration, improving liver renewal
function, stimulating bile release, promoting healthy bile flow,
liver rejuvenating, or the like of a mammal are also disclosed,
wherein the medical composition contains contemplated compositions
as an effective ingredient.
[0022] The concept of discovering a unique blend of compounds and
extracts with enhanced efficacy to protect liver from repeated
exposures of oxidative stress was developed keeping alcohol induced
liver injury, generalized fatigue and exhaustion in mind.
Historically, some botanicals rich in phenolic compounds have been
reported to be associated with antioxidative actions in biological
systems, acting as scavengers of singlet oxygen and free radicals,
leading to their use in herbal medicine. It is contemplated that
combining such plant materials having an understood efficacy and
safety data would be advantageous for overall liver health. As
such, APAP and CCl.sub.4 models were utilized to screen various
plant extracts. As a result, some plant extracts showed a reduction
in serum ALT only in one model, but the criteria for a lead to be
considered was to show efficacy in both models.
[0023] From a total of 38 plant materials tested, Schisandra,
Artemisia and N931 were the only materials demonstrated their
efficacy in both models. N931 is a composition containing a unique
combination of 1-4% aloesin and 96-99% 200:1 Aloe vera inner leaf
fell powder polysaccharides. As disclosed herein, contemplated
compositions generally comprise a mixture of plant extracts from an
Artemisia extract enriched for one or more biopolymers, an Aloe gel
powder enriched for one or more chromones, and a Schizandra extract
enriched for one or more lignans and organic acids.
[0024] The degrees of inhibitions observed for these materials were
not equal between models. For example, while extracts from
Schizandra seemed to show higher protection of liver injury caused
by APAP (up to 48.9% at a dose of 500 mg/kg), at the same dosage
the extract showed only 22.8% inhibitions in the CCl.sub.4-induced
hepatotoxicity model. On the other hand, Artemisia extract, such as
Artemisia capillaris showed 48.0% reduction in serum ALT level at
the dose of 400 mg/kg in the CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity
model; in contrast, the inhibitions observed in the APAP-induced
liver injury model was only 24.0% at this dose level when compared
to vehicle control. Given these strong individual performances
observed in a separate model for each plant, the idea of combining
these plant extracts for a better outcome in both models was
reinforced. N931 showed moderate liver protection activity in both
models. As disclosed above, considerable studies have attested the
antioxidant activities of Schizandra, Artemisia and N931 with
various degrees of liver protection abilities. However, they were
never combined together before at specific ratios to yield
contemplated and disclosed compositions, including SAL, which is
generally understood as the unique combination of Schizandra,
Artemisia and N931.
[0025] An interesting discovery was that when Schizandra was
blended with Artemisia capillaris at ratios of 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2
and 1:4 at a dose of 400 mg/kg, only the 2:1 (as twice Schizandra
than Artemisia capillaris) in the APAP model and 1:2 (as twice
Artemisia capillaris than Schizandra) in the CCL.sub.4 model showed
48.0% and 40.6% reductions in serum ALT levels, respectively,
compared to the vehicle control with injury. They fell short to
show the expected efficacy in both models at a single ratio
suggesting the need for a third component to complete the
composition. N931 was considered to be that component, as it showed
moderate inhibition in both models. The addition of N931 to these
two lead blends showed liver protection activity in both models at
a similar magnitude: i.e. 52.5% and 46.3% in both models,
respectively, which was considered an added benefit as a result of
the third component of the composition or compound. When the merit
of formulating these three plant materials was tested, an
unexpected synergy was observed from the combination of these three
plant materials that exceeded the predicted result based on simply
summing the effects observed for each of its constituents at the
given ratio and at the dose of 400 mg/kg.
[0026] In fact, none of the constituents showed liver protection
activity at the magnitude equivalent to the one shown for a
contemplated compound or composition comprising Schizandra,
Artemisia and N931. Furthermore, data from liver panel that
includes AST, ALT, bile acid, total protein, total bilirubin,
conjugated bilirubin, albumin, and total protein showed that
contemplated compositions comprise liver protection activity when
compared to the vehicle treated control animals with injury. As
data from the liver homogenate reflected, contemplated
compositions, including SAL, also replenished the depleted hepatic
glutathione in association with an increased activity in hepatic
superoxide dismutase. A contemplated and unique ratio of 4S:8A:3L
provides demonstrated liver protection activity in multiple animal
models in association with several oxidative stress specific
biomarkers moderations.
[0027] As disclosed herein, the Artemisia extract and the
Schizandra extract can be blended in a weight ratio from 4:1 to
1:4. In some contemplated embodiments, the Aloe gel powder can be
further blended with a mixture of Artemisia and Schizandra extracts
in a weight percentage of about 5% to about 50%. In other
contemplated embodiments, the mixture of Artemisia, Schizandra and
Aloe leaf gel powder may be provided in a ratio of 8:4:3,
respectively.
[0028] Schizandra extract is a contemplated component or
constituent that can be utilized as part of a target compound or
composition. Schizandra extract may be obtained from any suitable
source, including Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra elongate,
Schisandra glabra, Schisandra glaucescens, Schisandra henryi,
Schisandra incarnate, Schisandra lancifolia, Schisandra neglecta,
Schisandra nigra, Schisandra propinqua, Schisandra pubescens,
Schisandra repanda, Schisandra rubriflora, Schisandra rubrifolia,
Schisandra sinensis, Schisandra sphaerandra, Schisandra
sphenanthera, Schisandra tomentella, Schisandra tuberculata,
Schisandra vestita, Schisandra viridis, Schisandra wilsoniana or a
combination thereof.
[0029] Schizandra extract may be enriched for one or more lignans
and organic acids, as contemplated herein. Contemplated lignans
isolated from Schizandra extract is Schisandrin, Deoxyschizandrin,
.gamma.-Schizandrin, Pseudo-.gamma.-schizandrin, Wuweizisu B,
Wuweizisu C, Isoschizandrin, Pregomisin, eoschizandrin,
Schizandrol, Schizandrol A, Schizandrol B, Schisantherin A, B, C,
D, E, Rubschisantherin, Schisanhenol acetdte, Schisanhenol B,
Schisanhenol, Gomisin A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, N, O, R, S, T, U,
Epigomisin O, Angeloylgomisin H, O, Q, T, igloylgomisin H, P,
Angeloyisogomisin O, Benzoyl-gomisin H, O, P, Q, Benzoyl-isogomisin
or a combination thereof. Contemplated organic acids isolated from
a Schizandra extract include malic acid, citric acid, shikimic acid
or a combination thereof.
[0030] Artemisia extract is a contemplated component or constituent
that can be utilized as part of a target compound or composition.
Artemisia extract may be obtained from any suitable source,
including Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia abrotanum L., Artemisia
afra, Artemisia annua L, Artemisia arborescens, Artemisia asiatica,
Artemisia campestris, Artemisia deserti, Artemisia iwayomogi,
Artemisia ludoviciana, Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia oelandica,
Artemisia princeps Pamp, Artemisia sacrorum, Artemisia scoparia,
Artemisia stelleriana, Artemisia frigida Willd, Artemisia
anethoides Mattf., Artemisia anethifolia Weber., Artemisia faurier
Nakai, Origanum vulgare, Siphenostegia chinensis, or any
combination thereof.
[0031] Artemisia extract may be enriched for one or more
biopolymers, as contemplated herein. Contemplated polymers and
biopolymers isolated from Artemisia extract are extracted with any
suitable solvent, including water, methanol, ethanol, alcohol, a
water-mixed solvent or a combination thereof. In contemplated
embodiments, the Artemisia extract comprises about 0.01% to about
99.9% biopolymers with individual or a median molecular weights
higher than about 500 g/mol. In some contemplated embodiments, the
Artemisia extract comprises about 0.01% to about 99.9% biopolymers
with individual or a median molecular weights higher than about 750
g/mol. In other contemplated embodiments, the Artemisia extract
comprises about 0.01% to about 99.9% biopolymers with individual or
a median molecular weights higher than about 1000 g/mol.
[0032] Aloe gel powder is another contemplated component or
constituent and may be provided by any suitable source, including
Aloe arborescens, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe cremnophila, Aloe ferox,
Aloe saponaria, Aloe vera, Aloe vera var. chinensis or a
combination thereof.
[0033] Aloe gel powder may be enriched for one or more chromones,
as contemplated herein. Contemplated chromones comprise or are
selected from aloesin, aloesinol, aloeresin A, aloeresin B,
aloeresin C, aloeresin D, aloeresin E or any combination thereof.
In contemplated embodiments, the at least one chromone composition
may comprise about 0.01% to about 100% of one or more chromones. In
some contemplated embodiments, the chromone composition comprises
about 1% to about 4% of Aloesin, wherein the composition is
essentially free of anthroquinones and wherein the Aloe gel is
isolated from a plant selected from Aloe barbadensis or Aloe vera;
and wherein the at least one chromone is isolated from Aloe vera or
Aloe ferox or any combination thereof.
[0034] Contemplated compounds, medicinal compositions and
compositions may comprise or additionally comprise or consist of at
least one liver protectant. In some embodiments, the at least one
liver protectant may comprise or consist of plant powder or plant
extract of milk thistle, curcuma, bupleurum, licorice, salvia,
morus, hovenia, agrimony, cudrania, lyceum, citrus, prunus, yellow
mume, Korea gim, dandelion, vitis, grape seed, rubus, camellia,
green tea, krill oil, yeast, soy bean; isolated and enriched
silymarins, flavonoids, phospholipids, thios, pycnogenols,
gelatins, soy lecithin, pancreatic enzymes; natural or synthetic
N-acetyl-cysteine, taurine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folic
acid, carotenes, vitamin A, vitamin B2, B6, B16, vitamin C, vitamin
E, glutathione, branched-chain amino acids, selenium, copper, zinc,
manganese, coenzyme Q10, L-arginine, L-glutamine,
phosphatidylcholine or the like and or a combination thereof.
[0035] Also contemplated herein are in vivo metabolic products of
the disclosed compounds. Such products may result from, for
example, the oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, amidation,
esterification, and the like of the administered compound,
primarily due to enzymatic processes. Accordingly, contemplated
compounds are those produced by a process comprising administering
a contemplated compound or composition to a mammal for a period of
time sufficient to yield a metabolic product thereof. Such products
are typically identified by administering a radiolabelled compound
of this disclosure in a detectable dose to an animal, such as rat,
mouse, guinea pig, dog, cat, pig, sheep, horse, monkey, or human,
allowing sufficient time for metabolism to occur, and then
isolating its conversion products from the urine, blood or other
biological samples.
[0036] As used herein, the phrases "stable compound" and "stable
structure" are used interchangeably and used to indicate a compound
that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation to a useful degree
of purity from a reaction mixture, and to survive formulation into
an efficacious therapeutic agent.
[0037] As used herein, the term "mammal" includes humans and both
domestic animals, such as laboratory animals or household pets
(e.g., rat, mouse, guinea pig, cats, dogs, swine, cattle, sheep,
goats, horses, rabbits, primates), and non-domestic animals, such
as wildlife or the like.
[0038] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" may be
used interchangeably and mean that the subsequently described
element, component, event or circumstances may or may not occur,
and includes instances where the element, component, event or
circumstance occur and instances in which they do not. For example,
"optionally substituted aryl" means that the aryl radical may or
may not be substituted--in other words, the description includes
both substituted aryl radicals and aryl radicals having no
substitution.
[0039] Contemplated compounds, medicinal compositions and
compositions may comprise or additionally comprise or consist of at
least one pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable carrier,
diluent or excipient. As used herein, the phrase "pharmaceutically
or nutraceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient"
includes any adjuvant, carrier, excipient, glidant, sweetening
agent, diluent, preservative, dye/colorant, flavor enhancer,
surfactant, wetting agent, dispersing agent, suspending agent,
stabilizer, isotonic agent, solvent, or emulsifier which has been
approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as being
acceptable for use in humans or domestic animals.
[0040] Contemplated compounds, medicinal compositions and
compositions may comprise or additionally comprise or consist of at
least one pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable salt. As
used herein, the phrase "pharmaceutically or nutraceutically
acceptable salt" includes both acid addition and base addition
salts.
[0041] As used herein, the phrase "pharmaceutically or
nutraceutically acceptable acid addition salt" refers to those
salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties of
the free bases, which are not biologically or otherwise
undesirable, and which are formed with inorganic acids such as
hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid,
phosphoric acid and the like, and organic acids such as acetic
acid, 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, adipic acid, alginic acid, ascorbic
acid, aspartic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid,
4-acetamidobenzoic acid, camphoric acid, camphor-10-sulfonic acid,
capric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, carbonic acid, cinnamic
acid, citric acid, cyclamic acid, dodecylsulfuric acid,
ethane-1,2-disulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid,
2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, galactaric
acid, gentisic acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid, glucuronic
acid, glutamic acid, glutaric acid, 2-oxo-glutaric acid,
glycerophosphoric acid, glycolic acid, hippuric acid, isobutyric
acid, lactic acid, lactobionic acid, lauric acid, maleic acid,
malic acid, malonic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid,
mucic acid, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic
acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, nicotinic acid, oleic acid,
orotic acid, oxalic acid, palmitic acid, pamoic acid, propionic
acid, pyroglutamic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid,
4-aminosalicylic acid, sebacic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid,
tartaric acid, thiocyanic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid,
trifluoroacetic acid, undecylenic acid, or the like.
[0042] As used herein, the phrase "pharmaceutically or
nutraceutically acceptable base addition salt" refers to those
salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties of
the free acids, which are not biologically or otherwise
undesirable. These salts are prepared from addition of an inorganic
base or an organic base to the free acid. Salts derived from
inorganic bases include the sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium,
calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, aluminum salts
and the like. In certain embodiments, the inorganic salts are
ammonium, sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium salts. Salts
derived from organic bases include salts of primary, secondary, and
tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring
substituted amines, cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins,
such as ammonia, isopropylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine,
triethylamine, tripropylamine, diethanolamine, ethanolamine,
deanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, 2-diethylaminoethanol,
dicyclohexylamine, lysine, arginine, histidine, procaine,
hydrabamine, choline, betaine, benethamine, benzathine,
ethylenediamine, glucosamine, methylglucamine, theobromine,
triethanolamine, tromethamine, purines, piperazine, piperidine,
N-ethylpiperidine, polyamine resins and the like. Particularly
useful organic bases include isopropylamine, diethylamine,
ethanolamine, trimethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, choline, or
caffeine.
[0043] Often crystallizations produce a solvate of or include
contemplated compounds. As used herein, the term "solvate" refers
to an aggregate that comprises one or more molecules of a
contemplated compound, medicinal composition or composition with
one or more molecules of solvent. The solvent may be water, in
which case the solvate may be a hydrate. Alternatively, the solvent
may be an organic solvent. Thus, the contemplated compounds,
medicinal compositions or compositions may exist as a hydrate,
including a monohydrate, dihydrate, hemihydrate, sesquihydrate,
trihydrate, tetrahydrate and the like, as well as the corresponding
solvated forms. A contemplated compound, medicinal composition or
composition may be a true solvate, while in other cases, a
contemplated compound, medicinal composition or composition may
merely retain adventitious water or be a mixture of water plus some
adventitious solvent.
[0044] A "pharmaceutical composition" or "nutraceutical
composition" refers to a formulation of a contemplated compound,
medicinal composition or composition and a medium generally
accepted in the art for the delivery of the biologically active
compound to mammals, e.g., humans. For example, a contemplated
pharmaceutical compound, medicinal composition or composition may
be formulated or used as a stand-alone composition, or as a
component in a prescription drug, an over-the-counter (OTC)
medicine, a botanical drug, an herbal medicine, a homeopathic
agent, or any other form of health care product reviewed and
approved by a government agency. Exemplary and contemplated
nutraceutical compositions may be formulated or used as a
stand-alone composition, or as a nutritional or bioactive component
in food, a novel food, a functional food, a beverage, a bar, a food
flavor, a food additive, a medical food, a dietary supplement, or
an herbal product. A medium generally accepted in the art includes
all pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable carriers,
diluents or excipients therefor.
[0045] As used herein, the phrase "enriched for" refers to a plant
extract or other preparation having at least about a two-fold up to
about a 1000-fold increase in the amount or activity of one or more
active compounds as compared to the amount or activity of the one
or more active compounds found in the weight of the plant material
or other source before extraction or other preparation. In certain
embodiments, the weight of the plant material or other source
before extraction or other preparation may be dry weight, wet
weight, or a combination thereof.
[0046] As used herein, "major active ingredient" or "major active
component" refers to one or more active contemplated compounds
found in a plant extract or other preparation, or enriched for in a
plant extract or other preparation, which is capable of at least
one biological activity. In certain embodiments, a major active
ingredient of an enriched extract will be the one or more active
compounds that were enriched in that extract. Generally, one or
more major active components will impart, directly or indirectly,
most (i.e., greater than 50%) of one or more measurable biological
activities or effects as compared to other extract components. In
certain embodiments, a major active ingredient may be a minor
component by weight percentage of an extract (e.g., less than about
50%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1% of the components contained in
an extract) but still provide most of the desired biological
activity. Any contemplated composition containing a major active
ingredient may also contain minor active ingredients that may or
may not contribute to the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical activity
of the enriched composition, but not to the level of major active
components, and minor active components alone may not be effective
in the absence of a major active ingredient.
[0047] As used herein, the phrases "effective amount" or
"therapeutically effective amount" refer to that amount of a
contemplated compound, medicinal composition or composition that,
when administered to a mammal, such as a human, is sufficient to
effect treatment, including any one or more of: (1) treating or
preventing damage of liver cells in a mammal; (2) promoting liver
health; (3) preserve detoxification and anti-oxidation liver
enzymes in a mammal; (4) increasing liver detoxification capacity
in a mammal; (5) treating or preventing liver diseases in a mammal;
(6) modifying inflammation of a liver in a mammal; and (7)
improving liver renewal function. The amount of a contemplated
compound, medicinal composition or composition that constitutes a
"therapeutically effective amount" will vary depending on the
compound, the condition being treated and its severity, the manner
of administration, the duration of treatment, or the body weight
and age of a subject to be treated, but can be determined by one of
ordinary skill in the art having regard to his own knowledge and to
this disclosure.
[0048] "Supplements", as used herein, refers to a product, compound
and/or composition that improves, promotes, supports, increases,
regulates, manages, controls, maintains, optimizes, modifies,
reduces, inhibits, or prevents a particular condition, structure or
function associated with a natural state or biological process
(i.e., are not used to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure, or prevent
disease). In certain embodiments, a supplement is a dietary
supplement. For example, with regard to liver health-related
conditions, dietary supplements may be used for maintaining liver
function, minimizing liver cell damage, promoting healthy liver,
protecting the liver's antioxidation integrity, neutralizing
toxins, diminishing the action of free radicals that affecting
liver health, scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing
oxidative stress, preventing the formation of toxic metabolisms,
improving liver detoxification capacity and/or function, liver
cleansing, restoring liver structure, protecting liver cells from
toxins, helping the liver's blood flow and circulation, supporting
liver function, fortifying and soothing the liver, calming and
tonifying the liver, alleviating liver pain, purging harmful
chemicals and organisms, supporting the liver's metabolic process,
alleviating liver discomfort, alleviating fatty liver, improving
liver detoxification capacity, lowering liver enzymes, providing
natural oxidants, increasing SOD, increasing GSH, reducing liver
cell peroxidation, reducing fatty acid accumulation, maintaining
healthy anti-inflammatory process, improving liver immune function,
promoting liver cell regeneration, improving liver renewal
function, stimulating bile release, promoting healthy bile flow,
liver rejuvenating, or the like of a mammal. In certain
embodiments, dietary supplements are a special category of diet,
food or both and are not a drug.
[0049] The terms "treating" or "treatment" or "ameliorating" may be
used interchangeably and refer to either a therapeutic treatment or
prophylactic/preventative treatment of a disease or condition of
interest in a mammal, such as a human, having or suspected of
having a disease or condition of interest, and includes: (i)
preventing the disease or condition from occurring in a mammal, in
particular, when such mammal is predisposed to the condition but
has not yet been diagnosed as having it; (ii) inhibiting the
disease or condition, i.e., arresting its development; (iii)
relieving the disease or condition, i.e., causing regression of the
disease or condition; or (iv) relieving the symptoms resulting from
the disease or condition, (e.g., relieving pain, reducing
inflammation, reducing loss of detoxification capacity) without
addressing the underlying disease or condition.
[0050] As used herein, the terms "disease" and "condition" may be
used interchangeably or may be different in that the particular
malady or condition may not have a known causative agent (so that
etiology has not yet been worked out), and it is therefore not yet
recognized as a disease but only as an undesirable condition or
syndrome, wherein a more or less specific set of symptoms have been
identified by clinicians. In certain embodiments, contemplated
compounds, medicinal compositions, compositions and methods are
used to treat, for example, hepatitis, alcohol liver diseases,
cirrhosis or both.
[0051] As used herein, "statistical significance" refers to a p
value of 0.050 or less as calculated using the Students t-test and
indicates that it is unlikely that a particular event or result
being measured has arisen by chance.
[0052] The chemical naming protocol and any structure diagrams used
herein are a modified form of the I.U.P.A.C. nomenclature system,
using the ACD/Name Version 9.07 software program or ChemDraw Ultra
Version 11.0 software naming program (CambridgeSoft), wherein the
compounds of this disclosure are named herein as derivatives of the
central core structure, e.g., the imidazopyridine structure. For
complex chemical names utilized herein, a substituent group is
named before the group to which it attaches. For example,
cyclopropylethyl comprises an ethyl backbone with cyclopropyl
substituent.
[0053] In certain embodiments, contemplated compounds and
compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical, nutraceutical) may be
administered in an amount sufficient to promote liver health;
improve liver health; maintain liver health; treat or manage liver
health; support liver health; support a normal and comfortable
range of liver detox function; improve free radical clearance
capacity of liver; reduce the damage of harmful free radicals
derived from chemicals, drugs, metabolites, and biological toxins;
preserve enzymes that affect liver health, protects from chronic
oxidative stress caused liver injury due to Hepatitis B/C virus
infection, alcohol consumption, metabolic disorders, non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),
alcoholic liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy, liver
fibroproliferative disease (hepatic fibrosis), hepatocyte injury
during hypoxia/reoxygenation, or any combination thereof; or any
other associated indication described herein, and generally with
acceptable toxicity to a patient.
[0054] In certain other embodiments, contemplated compounds and
compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical, nutraceutical) may be
administered in an amount sufficient to treat a liver disorder or
disease comprising viral hepatitis, alcohol hepatitis, autoimmune
hepatitis, alcohol liver disease, fatty liver disease, steatosis,
steatohepatitis, non-alcohol fatty liver disease, drug-induced
liver disease, cirrhosis, fibrosis, liver failure, drug induced
liver failure, metabolic syndrome, hepatocellular carcinoma,
cholangiocarcinoma, primary biliary cirrhosis, bile capillaries,
Gilbert's syndrome, jaundice, or any other liver toxicity
associated indication or combination thereof, and generally with
acceptable toxicity to a patient.
[0055] Administration of contemplated compounds, medicinal
compositions or compositions, or their pharmaceutically or
nutraceutically acceptable salts, in pure form or in an appropriate
pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition, can be carried out via
any of the accepted modes of administration of agents for serving
similar utilities. Contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical
compositions can be prepared by combining a contemplated compound
with an appropriate pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable
carrier, diluent or excipient, and may be formulated into
preparations in solid, semi solid, liquid or gaseous forms, such as
tablets, capsules, powders, granules, ointments, solutions,
suppositories, injections, inhalants, gels, microspheres, and
aerosols. Typical routes of administering such pharmaceutical or
nutraceutical compositions include oral, topical, transdermal,
inhalation, parenteral, sublingual, buccal, rectal, vaginal, or
intranasal.
[0056] The term "parenteral", as used herein, includes subcutaneous
injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intrasternal injection or
infusion techniques. Contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical
compositions are formulated so as to allow the active ingredients
contained therein to be bioavailable upon or soon after
administration of the composition to a patient. In some
embodiments, contemplated compositions and compounds may be
designed or formulated so that they may be time-released after
administration.
[0057] In certain embodiments, contemplated compositions are
administered to a subject or patient in the form of one or more
dosage units, where, for example, a tablet may be a single dosage
unit, and a container of a contemplated compound in aerosol form
may hold a plurality of dosage units. Actual methods of preparing
such dosage forms are known, or will be apparent, to those skilled
in this art; for example, see Remington: The Science and Practice
of Pharmacy, 20th Edition (Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and
Science, 2000). A contemplated composition to be administered will,
in any event, contain a therapeutically effective amount of a
contemplated compound, or a pharmaceutically or nutraceutically
acceptable salt thereof, for treatment of a disease or condition of
interest in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
[0058] A contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition
may be in the form of a solid or liquid. In one aspect, the
carrier(s) are particulate, so that the compositions are, for
example, in tablet or powder form. The carrier(s) may be liquid,
with the compositions being, for example, oral syrup, injectable
liquid or an aerosol, which is useful in, for example, inhalatory
administration.
[0059] When intended for oral administration, the pharmaceutical or
nutraceutical composition is in either solid or liquid form, where
semi solid, semi liquid, suspension and gel forms are included
within the forms considered herein as either solid or liquid.
[0060] As a solid composition for oral administration, the
pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition may be formulated into
a powder, granule, compressed tablet, pill, capsule, chewing gum,
wafer, bar, or like form. Such a solid composition will typically
contain one or more inert diluents or edible carriers. In addition,
one or more of the following may be present: binders such as
carboxymethylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, cyclodextrin,
microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; excipients
such as starch, lactose or dextrins, disintegrating agents such as
alginic acid, sodium alginate, Primojel.RTM., corn starch and the
like; lubricants such as magnesium stearate or Sterotex.RTM.;
glidants such as colloidal silicon dioxide; sweetening agents such
as sucrose or saccharin; a flavoring agent such as peppermint,
methyl salicylate or orange flavoring; and a coloring agent.
[0061] When the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition is in
the form of a capsule, for example, a gelatin capsule, it may
contain, in addition to materials of the above type, a liquid
carrier such as polyethylene glycol or oil.
[0062] A contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition
may be in the form of a liquid, for example, an elixir, syrup, gel,
solution, emulsion or suspension. The liquid may be for oral
administration or for delivery by injection, as two examples. When
intended for oral administration, a useful composition contains, in
addition to the present compounds, one or more of a sweetening
agent, preservatives, dye/colorant and flavor enhancer. In a
composition intended to be administered by injection, one or more
of a surfactant, preservative, wetting agent, dispersing agent,
suspending agent, buffer, stabilizer and isotonic agent may be
included.
[0063] A contemplated liquid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical
compositions, whether they be solutions, suspensions or other like
form, may include one or more of the following adjuvants: sterile
diluents such as water for injection, saline solution, such as
physiological saline, Ringer's solution, isotonic sodium chloride,
fixed oils such as synthetic mono or diglycerides which may serve
as the solvent or suspending medium, polyethylene glycols,
glycerin, propylene glycol or other solvents; antibacterial agents
such as benzyl alcohol or methyl paraben; antioxidants such as
ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates
or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as
sodium chloride or dextrose. The parenteral preparation can be
enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials
made of glass or plastic. Physiological saline is a generally
useful adjuvant. An injectable pharmaceutical or nutraceutical
composition is sterile.
[0064] A contemplated liquid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical
composition intended for either parenteral or oral administration
should contain an amount of a contemplated compound, medicinal
composition or composition such that a suitable dosage will be
obtained.
[0065] A contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition
may be intended for topical administration, in which case the
carrier may suitably comprise a solution, emulsion, cream, lotion,
ointment, or gel base. The base, for example, may comprise one or
more of the following: petrolatum, lanolin, polyethylene glycols,
bee wax, mineral oil, diluents such as water and alcohol, and
emulsifiers and stabilizers. Thickening agents may be present in a
pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition for topical
administration. If intended for transdermal administration, the
composition may include a transdermal patch or iontophoresis
device.
[0066] A contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition
may be intended for rectal administration, in the form, for
example, of a suppository, which will melt in the rectum and
release the drug. The composition for rectal administration may
contain an oleaginous base as a suitable nonirritating excipient.
Such bases include lanolin, cocoa butter and polyethylene
glycol.
[0067] A contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition
may include various materials, which modify the physical form of a
solid or liquid dosage unit. For example, the composition may
include materials that form a coating shell around the active
ingredients. The materials that form the coating shell are
typically inert, and may be selected from, for example, sugar,
shellac, and other enteric coating agents. Alternatively, the
active ingredients may be encased in a gelatin capsule.
[0068] A contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition
in solid or liquid form may include an agent that binds to the
contemplated compound and thereby assists in the delivery of the
compound. Suitable agents that may act in this capacity include a
monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, a protein or a liposome.
[0069] A contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition
in solid or liquid form may include reducing the size of a particle
to, for example, improve bioavailability. The size of a powder,
granule, particle, microsphere, or the like in a composition, with
or without an excipient, can be macro (e.g., visible to the eye or
at least 100 .mu.m in size), micro (e.g., may range from about 100
.mu.m to about 100 nm in size), nano (e.g., may no more than 100 nm
in size), and any size in between or any combination thereof to
improve size and bulk density.
[0070] A contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition
may comprise or consist of dosage units that can be administered as
an aerosol. The term aerosol is used to denote a variety of systems
ranging from those of colloidal nature to systems consisting of
pressurized packages. Delivery may be by a liquefied or compressed
gas or by a suitable pump system that dispenses the active
ingredients. Aerosols of compounds of this disclosure may be
delivered in single phase, bi phasic, or tri phasic systems in
order to deliver the active ingredient(s). Delivery of the aerosol
includes the necessary container, activators, valves,
subcontainers, and the like, which together may form a kit. One
skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, may determine
the most appropriate aerosol(s).
[0071] A contemplated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition
may be prepared by methodology well known in the pharmaceutical or
nutraceutical art. For example, a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical
composition intended to be administered by injection can be
prepared by combining a contemplated compound with sterile,
distilled water so as to form a solution. A surfactant may be added
to facilitate the formation of a homogeneous solution or
suspension. Surfactants are compounds that non-covalently interact
with a contemplated compound so as to facilitate dissolution or
homogeneous suspension of the compound in the aqueous delivery
system.
[0072] Contemplated compounds, compositions and medicinal
compositions, or their pharmaceutically or nutraceutically
acceptable salts, are administered in a therapeutically effective
amount, which will vary depending upon a variety of factors
including the activity of the specific compound employed; the
metabolic stability and length of action of the compound; the age,
body weight, general health, sex, and diet of the patient; the mode
and time of administration; the rate of excretion; the drug
combination; the severity of the particular disorder or condition;
and the subject undergoing therapy.
[0073] Contemplated compounds, compositions and medicinal
compositions, or pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable
derivatives thereof, may also be administered simultaneously with,
prior to, or after administration of one or more other therapeutic
agents. Such combination therapy includes administration of a
single pharmaceutical or nutraceutical dosage formulation that
contains a contemplated compound and one or more additional active
agents, as well as administration of a contemplated compound and
each active agent in its own separate pharmaceutical or
nutraceutical dosage formulation. For example, a contemplated
compound and another active agent can be administered to the
patient together in a single oral dosage composition, such as a
tablet or capsule, or each agent can be administered in separate
oral dosage formulations. Where separate dosage formulations are
used, contemplated compounds and one or more additional active
agents can be administered at essentially the same time, i.e.,
concurrently, or at separate staggered times, i.e., sequentially;
combination therapy is understood to include all these
regimens.
[0074] It is understood that in the present description,
combinations of substituents or variables of the depicted formulae
are permissible only if such contributions result in stable
compounds.
[0075] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
in the process described herein the functional groups of
intermediate compounds may need to be protected by suitable
protecting groups. Such functional groups include hydroxy, amino,
mercapto and carboxylic acid. Suitable protecting groups for
hydroxy include trialkylsilyl or diarylalkylsilyl (for example,
t-butyldimethylsilyl, t-butyldiphenylsilyl or trimethylsilyl),
tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, and the like. Suitable protecting groups
for amino, amidino and guanidino include t-butoxycarbonyl,
benzyloxycarbonyl, and the like. Suitable protecting groups for
mercapto include C(O)R'' (where R'' is alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl),
p-methoxybenzyl, trityl and the like. Suitable protecting groups
for carboxylic acid include alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl esters.
Protecting groups may be added or removed in accordance with
standard techniques, which are known to one skilled in the art and
as described herein. The use of protecting groups is described in
detail in Green, T. W. and P. G. M. Wutz, Protective Groups in
Organic Synthesis (1999), 3rd Ed., Wiley, which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. As one of skill in the art would
appreciate, a protecting group may also be a polymer resin such as
a Wang resin, Rink resin or a 2-chlorotrityl-chloride resin.
[0076] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
although such protected derivatives of contemplated compounds may
not possess pharmacological activity as such, they may be
administered to a mammal and thereafter metabolized in the body to
form compounds which are pharmacologically active. Such derivatives
may therefore be described as "prodrugs". All prodrugs of
contemplated compounds are included within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0077] Furthermore, contemplated compounds that exist in free base
or acid form can be converted to their pharmaceutically or
nutraceutically acceptable salts by treatment with the appropriate
inorganic or organic base or acid by methods known to one skilled
in the art. Salts of contemplated compounds can be converted to
their free base or acid form by standard techniques.
[0078] In some embodiments, contemplated compounds, compositions
and/or medicinal compositions can be isolated from plant sources,
for example, from those plants included in the Examples and
elsewhere throughout the present application. Suitable plant parts
for isolation of contemplated extracts and compounds include
leaves, bark, trunk, trunk bark, stems, stem bark, twigs, tubers,
root, root bark, bark surface (such as periderm or polyderm, which
may include phellem, phellogen, phelloderm, or any combination
thereof), young shoots, rhizomes, seed, fruit, androecium,
gynoecium, calyx, stamen, petal, sepal, carpel (pistil), flower, or
any combination thereof. Contemplated plant extracts are derived
from at least one plant part selected from the group consisting of
stems, stem barks, trunks, trunk barks, twigs, tubers, roots, root
barks, young shoots, seeds, rhizomes, flowers and other
reproductive organs, leaves, other aerial parts or a combination
thereof. In some related embodiments, contemplated compounds are
isolated from plant sources and synthetically modified to contain
any of the recited substituents. In this regard, synthetic
modification of contemplated compounds isolated from plants can be
accomplished using any number of techniques that are known in the
art and are well within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in
the art.
EXAMPLES
Example 1: Animals
[0079] Purpose bred mice at the age of 7-8 weeks with body weight
of 25-30 g were purchased form Charles River Laboratories
(Wilmington, Mass.). Animals were acclimated upon arrival for a
week before being weighed and assigned randomly to their respective
groups. ICR mice (5/cage) were housed in a polypropylene cage and
individually identified by numbers on their tail. Each cage was
covered with wire bar lid and filtered top (Allentown, N.J.). Each
individual cage was identified with a cage card indicating project
number, test article, dose level, group, and an animal number. The
Harlan T7087 soft cob bedding was used and changed at least twice
weekly. Animals were provided with fresh water and rodent chow diet
#T2018 (Harlan Teklad, 370W, Kent, Wash.) ad libitum and were
housed in a temperature controlled room (22.2.degree. C.) on a
12-hour light-dark cycle. All animal experiments were conducted
according to institutional guidelines congruent with guide for the
care and use of laboratory animals.
Example 2: Acetaminophen (APAP) or Carbon Tetrachloride
(CCL.sub.4)-Induced Liver Damage Animal Models
[0080] A balanced therapeutic schedule was generated and optimized
as follows to address prophylaxis and intervention: for
APAP-induced hepatotoxicity model, APAP (Lot #MKBQ8028V, from
Sigma) at a dose of 400 mg/kg dissolved in warm saline (Lot #132908
from G-Biosciences, Lot #720729 from Quality Biological) (heated to
60.degree. C. and cooled down to ambient temperature) was orally
administered to overnight fasted ICR/CD-1 mice to induce toxicity.
For the CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity model, CCl.sub.4 (Lot
#SHBD5351V, from Sigma) at a dose of 25 .mu.l/kg dissolved in corn
oil was administered intraperitoneally to overnight fasted ICR/CD-1
mice to induce toxicity. For both models, materials were
administered at -48 hr, -24 hr, -2 hr before APAP or CCl.sub.4
administrations and +6 hr after induction. In total, the mice
received 3 doses before the chemical induction and a dose after the
chemical induction. 10% Tween-20 (Lot #0134C141 from Amresco), 1%
CMC (Lot #NH0454 from Spectra) or 1% MC (Lot #SLBK4357V) were used
as a carrier vehicle for all the materials. Control mice without
APAP or CCl.sub.4 received carrier vehicle only. Serum ALT was
determined at T24 (Phoenix Laboratories, Everett, Wash.).
Example 3: Preparation of Plant Extracts
[0081] Plants were collected and prepared with different solvents
based on their active compounds properties and screened in our
hepatotoxicity animal models in mice. The following 19 plants in
Table 1, including different parts from 16 species, showed serum
ALT inhibition at different levels either in acetaminophen induced
model or CCl.sub.4 induced model in mice. Only plants with
efficacies in both models will be selected for further studies.
[0082] Milk thistle extracts were produced as 80% ethanol/20% water
extracts of Silybum marianum seeds with an extraction ratio of
40-50:1. The ground seed was extracted with 80% ethanol/20% water,
and then the cake was separated from the supernatant by filtration.
The solvent was removed in vavuo to give a soft extract, which was
mixed with maltodextrin and further dried with spray dryer. Milk
thistle extracts was standardized to meet specification of no less
than 50% total silymarins and no less than 30% silybinin. Silymarin
is made up of a mixture of flavonolignans silibinin, silidianin,
and silicristin. Silibinin is the major active constituent of
silymarin. Standardized extract of the milk thistle seeds is
commercially available.
[0083] As disclosed earlier, N931 is a composition containing a
unique combination of 1-4% aloesin and 96-99% 200:1 Aloe vera inner
leaf gel powder polysaccharides blended via a conventional method.
Aloe vera inner leaf gel powder polysaccharides were supplied by
Aloecorp in the form of the lyophilizate. The rind was removed
manually from the fresh cleaned leaves of the Aloe barbadensis
plant, and then the aloe juice was collected and treated with
cellulase to deactivate the enzyme. Activated Charcoal was used to
remove the color during the enzyme deactivation. The decolorized
filtrate was further transfer into the lyophilization traps to give
the Aloe vera inner leaf gel power, which is blended with 1-4%
aloesin to make N931.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Summary of plant extracts for in vivo liver
protection evaluation Extraction Extraction Marker Plant Name Code
Plant Part Method Yield Content Silybum -- Seeds 80% EtOH 40-50:1
32%-66% marianum extract Silymarin N931 N931 leaf Whole leaf gel
200:1 1-4% Aloesin Morus alba E1374 fruit water extract 4:1 --
Morus alba E1375 leaf extract 10:1 DNJ 1% Morus alba RM605 root
bark 70% ethanol 14.7% NLT 7% extract actives Morua alba E1377 stem
water extract 10:1 -- Cudrania RN417-01-01 leaf 70% ethanol -- --
tricuspidata extract Hovenia E1388 fruit water extract 10:1 --
dulcis Artemisia R00594 aerial parts 70% ethanol 20.9% NLT 3%
capillaris extract chlorogenic acid, NLT 6% total chlorogenic acids
Schizandra L0498 Fruit 70% extract 17.4% 2% chinensis schizandrins
Citrus R00590 Pericarpium 70% ethanol 40.1% -- reticulata extract
Gynostemma R00596 whole plant 70% ethanol 21.5% -- pentaphyllum
extract Agrimonia E1399 leaf 40% extract -- Luteolin eupatoria
7-glucuronide 3.2 .+-. 0.64 mg/g Paeonia L0503 roots extract -- 10%
lactiflora paeoniflorin
Example 4: Liver Protection Activity of Plant Extracts on APAP and
CCl.sub.4-Induced Hepatotoxicity Model
[0084] Plant materials from legacy mining collected based on their
historical usage on liver protection and renewal were extracted
using 70% ethanol and screened for their efficacy in both APAP and
CCl.sub.4-induced liver toxicity. Materials were administered to
animals orally at a dosage specified in Tables 2-3. While most
plant extracts showed inhibition of serum ALT in one model, a few
plants demonstrated their efficacy in both models. Among those,
Schizandra chinensis, Artemisia capillaris, Milk thistle and Loesyn
were selected for further studies.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Percent inhibition of serum ALT for plant
extracts in CCl.sub.4-induced liver toxicity model Dosage %
inhibition Plant Name Plant Part Code (mg/kg) of ALT p-values
Agrimonia eupatoria leaf E1399 500 67.6 Milk thistle seeds
F140520008 200 39.0 0.04 N931 (2% Alosin) leaf QMA2 400 40.5 0.01
Citrus reticulata pericarpium R00590 500 22.4 0.29 Raphanus sativus
seed R00593 500 6.4 0.76 Artemisia capillaris whole plant R00594
500 24.4 0.20 (lab scale) Crataegus pinnatifida fruit R00595 500
1.3 0.95 Gynostemma whole plant R00596 500 23.3 0.29 pentaphyllum
Angelica sinensis roots L0495 500 10.6 0.38 Schizandra chinensis
fruit L0498 400 38.1 0.04 Lycium barbarum fruit L0505 500 6.5 0.68
Paeonia lactiflora roots L0503 500 23.3 0.09 Dolicho LablabL. seed
R00601 500 17.7 0.20 Korean Gim extract sea weed E1387 500 6.7 0.17
(Porphyra sp) Artemisia capillaris whole plant R0684 400 42.7 0.01
Artemisia dracunculus leaf R0637 500 28.92 0.14
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Percent inhibition of serum ALT for plant
extracts in APAP-induced liver toxicity model Dosage % inhibition
Plant Name Plant Part CODE (mg/kg) of ALT P-value Milk thistle
Seeds F140520008 100 23.6 0.35 Loesyn (2%) leaf QMA2 400 30.7 0.28
Cudrania tricuspidata leaf RN417-01-01/02 500 82.0 0.001 (leaf)
Agrimonia eupatoria leaf E1399 500 13.1 0.61 Hovenia dulcis --
E1388 500 93.9 0.001 Schizandra chinensis fruit L0498 400 41.4 0.04
(2%) Morus alba stem E1377 500 51.5 0.05 Morus alba leaves/twig
E1375 500 40.4 0.01 Morus alba fruit E1374 1000 51.5 0.005 Korean
Gim extract seaweed E1387 500 6.9 0.84 (Porphyra sp) Artemisia
capillaris whole plant R00594 500 47.0 0.02 Taraxacum officinale
young leaf R00628 500 21.8 0.38 Taraxacum officinale roots R00640
500 16.9 0.48
Example 5: Dose-Response Effect of Selected Plant Extracts in APAP
Model
[0085] Morus leaf (E1375), morus fruit (E1374), morus stem (E1377),
Artemisia capillaris (R0594), and Schizandra chinensis (2%) (L0498)
were tested at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg in APAP-induced
hepatotoxicity model as the method described above. 10% tween 20
was used as a carrier vehicle for all the materials. Control mice
without APAP received vehicle (10% tween 20) only. Serum ALT was
determined at T24. As seen in the Table 4 below, two plant
materials such Schizandra chinensis (2%) (L0498) and Artemisia
capillaris (R0594) showed 36.8%, and 32.2% inhibitions in serum ALT
level, respectively, at a dose of 300 mg/kg. These reductions were
statistically significant. While L0498 showed a 100% survival rate
at a dose of 300 mg/kg, R0594 had a 90% survival rate. At the
lowest dose (100 mg/kg), L0498 showed only a 30% survival rate.
Whereas, R0594 had 70% survival rate at this dose. Regardless of
the dose, survival rates in all morus extracts were as low as 40.
These high mortality rates led to inconclusive percent reductions
in serum ALT levels. Hence, Schizandra chinensis (2%) (L0498) and
Artemisia capillaris (R0594) could be considered as true hits in
this model with optimum efficacy at about 300 mg/kg.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Dose-response study using APAP induced
hepatotoxicity model summary Group N Material Code Part Dose APAP %
P- Survival G-1 5 Control (-) -- -- 0 0 -- -- 100 G-2 10
Acetaminophen APAP -- 0 400 -- -- 80 G-3 10 Morus alba E1374 Fruit
300 400 26.6 0.07 70 G-4 10 E1374 200 400 25.6 0.15 70 G-5 10 E1374
100 400 24.0 0.15 80 G-6 10 E1375 Leaf 300 400 32.8 0.24 60 G-7 10
E1375 200 400 31.9 0.02 70 G-8 10 E1375 100 400 14.7 0.5 50 G-9 10
E1377 Stem 300 400 7.3 0.54 40 G-10 10 E1377 200 400 26.3 0.11 60
G-11 10 E1377 100 400 22.4 0.09 60 G-12 10 Schisandra L0498 Fruit
300 400 36.8 0.008 100 G-13 10 chinensis L0498 200 400 8.5 0.68 80
G-14 10 L0498 100 400 55.9 0.004 30 G-15 10 Artemisia R0594 Whole
300 400 32.2 0.04 90 G-16 10 capillaris R0594 200 400 21.0 0.16 90
G-17 10 R0594 100 400 10.7 0.66 70
Example 6: Dose-Response Effect of Selected Plant Extracts in
CCl.sub.4 Model
[0086] Agrimonia eupatoria (E1399) and Loesyn (QMA2) at doses of
400 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 200 mgkg; Artemisia capillaris (R0594),
and Schizandra chinensis (2%) (L0498) at doses of 400 mg/kg and 300
mg/kg were tested on CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity model as
described above. 10% Tween-20 was used as a carrier vehicle for all
the materials. Control mice without CCl.sub.4 received vehicle (10%
Tween-20) only. Serum ALT was determined at T24.
[0087] As seen in Table 5 below, dose correlated reduction in serum
ALT levels were observed almost for all the extracts. The highest
reductions in serum ALT levels were observed for mice treated with
400 mg/kg of Artemisia capillaris (R0594) (48.0%) followed by 300
mg/kg of the same plant material (29.9%). These reductions were
statistically significant. At 400 mg/kg, both Agrimonia and Loesyn
showed very similar level of reduction in ALT level (i.e. 28%) with
P-values of 0.07 and 0.04, respectively. There was a 100% survival
rate for all the groups including vehicle treated CCl.sub.4
control. At lease in this batch Artemisia capillaris (R0594) showed
superiority in inhibition of serum ALT level than any of the other
hits tested.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Dose-study using CCl.sub.4 induced
hepatotoxicity model summary Dose CCl.sub.4 Group N Material Code
Part (mg/kg) (.mu.l/kg) % Change P-values G-1 5 Control (-) -- -- 0
0 -- -- G-2 10 Carbon CCl.sub.4 -- 0 25 -- -- tetrachloride G-3 10
Agrimonia E1399 -- 400 25 28.2 0.07 eupatoria G-4 10 Agrimonia
E1399 -- 300 25 19.5 0.18 eupatoria G-5 10 Agrimonia E1399 -- 200
25 20.5 0.28 eupatoria G-6 10 N931 (2% alosin) QMA2 -- 400 25 28.6
0.04 G-7 10 N931 (2% alosin) QMA2 -- 300 25 22.0 0.16 G-8 10 N931
(2% alosin) QMA2 -- 200 25 12.8 0.54 G-9 10 Artemisia capillaris
R0594 Whole 400 25 48.0 0.002 G-10 10 Artemisia capillaris R0594
Whole 300 25 29.9 0.06 G-11 10 Schisandra L0498 Fruit 400 25 24.1
0.15 chinensis G-12 10 Schisandra L0498 Fruit 300 25 17.7 0.22
chinensis
Example 7: Preparation of Organic Extracts of Artemisia
Capillaris
[0088] Dried ground aerial parts Artemisia capillaris (2.5 kg) were
cut, crushed, and then extracted with approximately 15-fold volume
(37.5 L) of 70% ethyl alcohol in water (v/v). The extraction was
carried out at 85.degree. C. for 3 hrs. After filtration, the
ethanol solution was concentrated by rotatory evaporator under
vacuum at 40.degree. C. This extraction and concentration procedure
was repeated two times with 10 fold volume (25 L) of 70% ethyl
alcohol in water (v/v) for 2 hrs. The concentrated extract solution
was evaporated to dryness by vacuum dry oven to give 480 g of
Artemisia capillaris 70% EtOH extract powder (lot #RN367-3-60M)
with extraction yield 19.2%.
[0089] Dried ground Artemisia capillaris herb (180.4) g was
extracted with 70% ethanol in water three times by refluxing one
hour each time. The organic solution was combined and evaporated
under vacuum to provide 70% ethanol extract (R594-70EE) 37.7 g with
a yield of 20.9%. Similar results were obtained using the same
procedure, but with the organic solvent being replaced with
methanol or ethanol to provide a methanol extract (ME) or ethanol
extract (EE), Ethanol:H.sub.2O (7:3) extracts, Ethanol:H.sub.2O
(1:1) extracts, Ethanol:H.sub.2O (3:7) extracts and water extracts
respectively. The solvent extraction process is summarized in Table
6.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Summary of solvent extraction of dried
ground aerial parts of Artemisia capillaris Sample Code Extraction
Solvent Extraction Yield (%) R684-100EE 100% EtOH 11.7 R684-70EE
70% EtOH 19.2 R684-50EE 50% EtOH 22.5 R684-30EE 30% EtOH 22.9
R684-W Water 25.7 R594-70EE 70% EtOH 20.9 RN425-6-70EE 70% EtOH
17.9 RN425-7-70EE 70% EtOH 18 RN425-8-70EE 70% EtOH 17.4
RN425-11-70EE 70% EtOH 19.2 RN425-12-70EE 70% EtOH 19.2
RN425-13-70EE 70% EtOH 19.2 RN425-14-70EE 70% EtOH 19.1
Example 8: Bioassay-Guided Fractionation of Artemisia Capillaris
Extracts
[0090] The Artemisia capillaris 70% ethanol extract (RN425-7-70EE,
20 g) was partitioned between hexanes (200 mL) and water (250 mL)
for three times. The combined hexanes solution was freed from
solvent by vacuum to give hexanes extract (HE) 1.43 g. The aqueous
layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (200 mL) for three times.
The combined ethyl acetate layers were dried out in vacuum to give
the ethyl acetate extract (EA) 2.29 g. The aqueous layer was
further extracted with butanol (200 mL) for three times to give
butanol extract (BU) 3.70 g. The remaining aqueous layer was
freeze-dried to give aqueous extract (WA) 15.3 g. The 70% EE and
HE, EA, BU and WA were tested for in CCl.sub.4 induced
hepatotoxicity model in mice. HE, EA, BU were inactive, while 70%
EE showed 25.27% ALT inhibition at 400 mg/kg and WA fraction showed
37.49% inhibition at 300 mg/kg level with P 0.05.
[0091] The active fraction WA was further fractionated by HP20SS
chromatography. WA (4.4 g) was dissolved in 20% EtOH in water and
loaded to one HP20SS (Diaion, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation,
Japan, 160 g) column pre-conditioned with 20% EtOH in water. The
column was eluted with 800 mL 20% EtOH in water, 600 mL 40% EtOH in
water, 400 mL 60% EtOH, 200 mL 80% EtOH, and finally washed with
200 mL EtOH and 200 mL acetone. Two major fractions HP-01 (3.67 g,
83.4%) and HP-02 (305.7 mg, 6.95%) were collected and tested in the
CCl.sub.4 induced hepatotoxicity mice model. The major components
of HP-01 are oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. HP-02 contains
mainly polyphenols. HP-01 demonstrated similar ALT inhibition
compared to WA with 32.86% inhibition at 300 mg/kg. HP-02 is
inactive in the same model indicating polyphenol is not
contributing to the activity of this plant.
[0092] The active fraction HP-01 was further fractionated by a
LH-20 open column. HP-01 (1.06 g) was dissolved in water and loaded
to one LH-20 column preconditioned in water and with a gradient
elution by MeOH/H2O to give 4 fractions, LH-01 (43.4 mg, 4.26%),
LH-02 (799.6 mg, 78.5%), Chlorogenic acid (LH-03, 45.4 mg, 4.5%)
and LH-04 (23.1 mg, 2.27%). Only the major fraction LH-02 was
tested in the in vivo study due to the sample limitations. LH-02,
78.5% of HP-01, didn't show any efficacy in the CCl.sub.4 induced
animal model at 300 mg/kg level. Chlorogenic acid (C3878,
Sigma-Aldrich, USA), a constituent of HP-01 with a ratio of about
4.5%, didn't show any inhibition when tested at 200 mg/kg level.
The in vivo data of the present study clearly demonstrated that
water soluble components, other than chlorogenic acid and
polyphenols, are responsible for the hepatoprotective activity of
Artemisia extract. The active polysaccharides content is less than
10% of the WA fraction. This information is summarized in Table
7.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Hepatoprotective efficacy of fractions and
compounds of R684-70EE Dose Sample code (mg/kg) CCl4 Dosage %
Change of ALT p values R684-70EE 400 25 25.27 0.040 R684-HE 300 25
-2.26 0.864 R684-EA 300 25 13.78 0.359 R684-BU 300 25 14.96 0.219
R684-WA 300 25 37.49 0.003 HP-01 300 25 32.86 0.054 HP-02 300 25
-10.03 0.537 LH-02 300 25 -0.73 0.961 Chlorogenic 200 25 -24.14
0.192 acid
Example 9: Fraction Separation of Active HP-1 Sample by Membrane
Dialysis
[0093] The liver protective fraction--HP-01 as shown in Example 8
and Table 7 from Artemisia capillaris was dissolved in appropriate
volume of distilled water and dialyzed in the dialysis membrane
tubes against distilled water (cut-off MW 2000) for 3h each time
and for 3 times. Both the retained and combined dialyzed solutions
were freezing-dried to give two samples DA-1 (MW>2000, 13.79%)
and DA-2 (MW<2000, 84.54%). DA-2 was further dialyzed with
molecular weight cutoff at 500 following the same procedure as the
previous dialysis. DA-3 (500<MW<2000, 16.7%) and DA-4
(MW<500, 79.7%) were collected. DA-1, DA-3, and DA-4 were tested
in the CCl.sub.4 induced mice model. DA-1 with molecular weight
above 2000 showed the highest inhibition in serum ALT level with
statistical significance compared with DA-3 and DA-4. Molecular
weight under 500 didn't show any efficacy in this in vivo model.
This information is summarized in Table 8.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Hepatoprotective efficacy of dialysis
samples of HP-01 Sample Molecular Dose CCl4 % Reduction code Weight
Content % (mg/kg) Dosage of ALT p values DA-1 MW > 2000 13.79%
300 25 47.47 0.04 DA-3 500 < MW < 2000 16.7% 300 25 39.19
0.09 DA-4 MW < 500 79.7% 300 25 -14.14 0.441
Example 10: HPLC Analysis and Quantification of Artemisia
Capillaris Extracts
[0094] The marker compounds chlorogenic acid (1, C3878,
Sigma-Aldrich, USA), and dicaffeoyl acids (2-3) in the Artemisia
capillaris extracts were identified based on LCMS analysis and
literature reports and quantified with a C18 reversed-phase column
(Phenomenex, Luna C18, 10 .mu.m, 250 mm.times.4.6 mm) in a Hitachi
HPLC system with UV wavelength 320 nm. The column was eluted with a
binary gradient of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in water and
acetonitrile at 1 mL/min flow rate. The compounds 1-3 were
quantified based on the reference compound chlorogenic acid. The
chlorogenic acid content in 70% EE of Artemisia capillaris
collected from different sources varied in a range of 1.5-4.8%
(w/w) based on the calculation of peak area. This information is
summarized in Tables 9-10.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 HPLC gradient table of Artemisia analysis
Time (min) 0.1% TFA/H.sub.2O (%) ACN (%) 0 90 10 5 90 10 15 80 20
30 60 40 31 0 100 34 0 100 34.1 90 10 40 90 10
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Chlorogenic acids * content in Artemisia
capillaris 70% ethanol extract Sample ID 1 (%) 2 (%) 3 (%) Total
1-3 (%) R684-70EE 4.72% 3.57% 2.35% 10.63% R594-70EE 1.56% 1.51%
0.72% 3.80% L0523 3.12% 1.48% 1.73% 6.33% Honsea 2.31% 2.60% 3.32%
8.23% E1466 4.55% 3.02% 2.18% 9.76% E1453 1.83% 1.17% 1.13% 4.13%
RN425-6-70EE 4.17% 2.33% 2.07% 8.56% RN425-7-70EE 3.97% 2.60% 2.34%
8.91% RN425-8-70EE 3.90% 2.57% 2.26% 8.73% RN425-11-70EE 3.14%
3.30% 2.10% 8.54% RN425-12-70EE 5.05% 3.56% 2.52% 11.12%
RN425-13-70EE 3.60% 3.49% 2.02% 9.11% RN425-14-70EE 4.79% 4.12%
2.08% 11.00% * Chlorogenic acid was used as the standard compound
for quantification of all three peaks (1-3)
Example 11: Catechin Quantification of Artemisia Capillaris
Extracts
[0095] Catechins in water fraction (WA) of Artemisia capillaris
extracts was quantified by HPLC method. A Hitachi HPLC/PDA system
with a C18 reversed-phase column (Phenomenex, USA, Luna 5 um, 250
mm.times.4.6 mm) was used for the catechins detection and
quantitation at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with column temperature
at 35.degree. C. at a UV wavelength of 275 nm. Epicatechin (E1753,
Sigma-Aldrich, USA) was not detected in all Artemisia samples, and
only low content catechin was detected and quantified based on the
catechin standard (C1251, Sigma-Aldrich, USA). The catechin content
in the WA fraction of the Artemisia capillaris extracts, in a range
of 0.02-0.32%, is not relevant to the liver protection properties
of Artemisia extracts based on our in vivo study results. This
information is summarized in Tables 11-12.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Gradient table of HPLC analytical method
Time (min) 0.1% H.sub.3PO.sub.4/H.sub.2O (%) ACN (%) 0.0 85.0 15.0
7.0 85.0 15.0 12.0 10.0 90.0 16.5 10.0 90.0 16.6 85.0 15.0 24.0
85.0 15.0
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Catechin quantification in Artemisia
extract Sample name Catechin Epicatechin E1466-WA 0.09% ND E1453-WA
0.15% ND L523-WA 0.32% ND R684-WA 0.10% ND R594-WA 0.02% ND ND: not
detected
Example 12: Separation of Polysaccharides by Membrane Dialysis
[0096] The rude polysaccharides of HP-01 from Artemisia capillaris
was dissolved in appropriate volume of distilled water and dialyzed
in the dialysis membrane tubes against distilled water (cut-off MW
2000) for 3h each time and for 3 times. Both the retained and
combined dialyzed solutions were freezing-dried to give two samples
DA-1 (MW>2000, 13.79%) and DA-2 (MW<2000, 84.54%). Both
samples were tested in the CCl.sub.4 induced mice model.
Example 13: Polysaccharides Analysis and Quantification by Gel
Permeation Chromatography
[0097] The active fraction WA of Artemisia capillaris extracts were
also analyzed by gel-permeation chromatography, which is a
well-established method for assessing molecular weight distribution
of polysaccharides. Artemisia capillaris polysaccharides were
analyzed with a PolySep-SEC-P5000 column (Phenomenex, OOH-3145KO
column, 300 mm.times.7.8 mm) by a Hitachi HPLC system quipped with
a refractive index detector. The mobile phase was 0.1 M NaCl at a
flow rate of 0.7 mL/min for 25 min. 20 .mu.L at a concentration of
10 mg/mL was injected for each sample. Polysaccharides were
quantified in seven ranges divided to >2000, 2000-1000, 100-500,
500-200, 200-50, 50-10, <10 KDa based on six Dextran molecular
weight standards (American polymer Standards). The molecular weight
distribution for water fraction samples of different extracts was
varied. The live protective activity is associated with higher
molecular distribution. Although the total polysaccharides contents
are similar, the weight distribution is quite different among the
Artemisia capillaris samples. The higher content the larger
polysaccharides are, the better efficacy was observed for the
Artemisia capillaris. The molecular weight distribution is shown in
Table 13.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Molecular weight distribution of
biopolymers in Artemisia extract MW distribution (kDa) 2000- 1000-
500- 200- 50- PSD >2000 1000 500 200 50 10 <10 (%) E1453-WA
1.2 6.6 11.7 16.9 38.2 25.3 0 0.36 L523-WA 0 0 0 13 82.7 4.3 0 0.33
E1466-WA 60.9 14.2 14.6 10.2 0.1 0 0 0.30 R594-WA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0.31
Example 14: Liver Protection Activity of Artemisia Capillaris
Fractions on CCl.sub.4 Model
[0098] CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity model was utilized to
evaluate liver protection activity of Artemisia capillaris
fractions in hexane (HE), ethyl acetate (EA), butanol (BU) and
water. Control mice received 10% Tween-20 only. Serum ALT was
determined at T24. While Artemisia fractions were administered at a
dose of 300 mg/kg, the start materials were administered at a dose
of 400 mg/kg.
[0099] As seen in Table 14, the highest inhibition in serum ALT was
observed for the mice treated with the water fraction of Artemisia
at a dose of 300 mg/kg indicating the possibility of presence of
active marker in this fraction. However, this does not exclude
existence of other active markers in other fractions. The original
material (R684) maintained its efficacy given at a dose of 400
mg/kg. There was a 100% survival rate for all the groups in this
model.
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Activity of Artemisia capillaris fractions
Dose CCl.sub.4 % ALT Group N Material ID (mg/kg) (.mu.l/kg) Change
P-values G-1 5 Control (-) -- 0 0 -- -- G-2 10 CCl.sub.4 -- 0 25 --
-- G-3 10 R684-HE RN425-7-HE 300 25 -2.3 0.864 G-4 10 R684-EA
RN425-7-EA 300 25 13.8 0.359 G-5 10 R684-BU RN425-7-BU 300 25 15.0
0.219 G-6 10 R684-WA RN425-7-WA 300 25 37.5 0.003 G-7 10 R684 R684
400 25 25.3 0.040
Example 15: Preparation of Organic Extracts from Schisandra
Chinensis Fruit
[0100] A total of 20 g of dried fruit of Schisandra chinensis were
loaded into two 100 ml stainless steel tube and extracted twice
with an organic 70% EtOH in water using an ASE 300 automatic
extractor at 80 degree and pressure 1500 psi. The extract solution
was automatically filtered and collected. The combined solution was
evaporated to dryness by rotary evaporator to give crude 70% EtOH
extract (9.65 g, 49.5%).
[0101] Similar results were obtained using the same procedure, but
with the organic solvent being replaced with methanol or ethanol to
provide a methanol extract (ME) or ethanol extract (EE),
ethanol:H.sub.2O (7:3) extracts, ethanol:H.sub.2O (1:1) extracts,
ethanol:H.sub.2O (3:7) extracts and water extracts
respectively.
[0102] Schisandra chinensis extracts were manufactured with
extraction of dried fruit by 70% ethanol/30% water (v/v). The
extract was further processed to give extract in power form (Lot #)
with no less than 2% total Schisandrins, including schisandrin,
schisantherin A, schisandrin A (deoxyschisandrin), and schisandrin
B.
Example 16: HPLC Analysis and Quantification of Schisandra
Chinensis Extracts
[0103] Four active marker compounds, schisandrin (lot #110857,
National Institute for Food and Control, China), schisantherin A
(lot #11529-200503, National Institute for Food and Control,
China), schisandrin A (deoxyschisandrin, lot #110764-200107,
National Institute for Food and Control, China), and schisandrin B
(lot #110765-200508, National Institute for Food and Control,
China) were identified in Schisandra chinensis extracts and
confirmed with Schisandra chinensis reference standard material
(lot #140217, National Institute for Food and Control, China).
[0104] Active marker compounds were quantified by HPLC using a C18
reversed-phase column (Phenomenex, Luna C18, 10 .mu.m, 250
mm.times.4.6 mm) in a Hitachi HPLC system with UV wavelength 250 nm
by comparing to the reference standard material. The column was
eluted with water and acetonitrile at 1 mL/min flow rate. A
gradient table for this Example is shown in Table 15. Each
individual peak was identified and integrated, and then total
content of four compounds including schisandrins, schisantherin A,
schisandrin A and schisandrin B were calculated based on RSM and
that information is shown in Table 16.
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 HPLC mobile phase gradient table for
Schisandra chinensis extracts quantification Time (min) H.sub.2O
(%) ACN (%) 0 40 60 10 20 80 25 0 100 30 0 100 30.1 40 60 35 40
60
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16 Schisandins content in Schisandra chinensis
extracts schisantherin schisandrin total Sample code Schisandrin A
deoxyschisandrin B schisandrins L531 0.03% 0.87% 0.07% 0.04% 1.01%
L0498 1.16% 0.10% 0.23% 0.58% 2.07% L499 3.80% 0.69% 0.77% 1.84%
7.10%
Example 17: HPLC Quantification of Organic Acids in Schisandra
Fruit Extracts
[0105] The presence of malic acid, shikimic acid and citric acid in
70% EtOH extracts generated in-house from different collections
have been confirmed and are set forth in the Table 17. The organic
acids were quantitatively analyzed by HPLC using a Hypersil GOLD aQ
column (4.6.times.250 mm, 5 .mu.m), and under isocratic conditions
for 20 minutes at 5.degree. C. with 50 mM potassium dihydrogen
phosphate (adjusted pH to 2.8 with H.sub.3PO.sub.4) as the mobile
phase, and with the flow rate at 0.7 ml/min. The organic acids were
detected using a UV detector at 205 nm and identified based on
retention time by comparison with organic acids standards.
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 17 HPLC quantification of Organic Acids
Content in Extracts of Schisandra chinensis % % % Total % Extracts
Malic acid Shikimic acid Citric acid Organic acid R768-70E-Fruit
8.2% 3.2% 22.5% 33.8% R685-70E-Fruit 15.5% 2.9% 26.5% 44.9%
R767-70E-Fruit 10.6% 3.5% 32.4% 46.5% R597-70E-Fruit 14.4% 3.3%
18.8% 36.6% R768-70E-Meat 9.1% 2.4% 20.6% 32.2% R768-70E-Seed 4.9%
1.3% 8.5% 14.7% R685-70E-Seed 7.7% 1.3% 10.8% 19.9% R766-70E-Seed
0.8% 0.0% 1.3% 2.1% L498 0.1% 0.8% 0.0% 0.8% L499 0.3% 0.5% 0.0%
0.8% E1467 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.1% E1469 0.0% 0.2% 0.0% 0.2% L529 0.0%
0.2% 0.0% 0.2%
Example 18: Artemisia and Schisandra Extracts in Different
Combinations for Liver Protection in APAP and CCl.sub.4 Models
[0106] Once the lead plants such as Artemisia capillaries and
Schisandra chinensis were selected, their efficacy in liver
protection were assessed at different combination ratios at 4:1,
2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 in APAP and CCl.sub.4 induced hepatotoxicity
models. The two plant combinations were coded as "SA" using the
first letter of each plant, i.e. "S" for Schisandra chinensis and
"A" for Artemisia capillaries. As seen in the Table 18 below, while
all blends showed some sort of liver protection, the highest
protection with statistically significant, 48.0% reductions as
measured in serum ALT level were observed when mice were treated
with a blend of Schizandra and Artemisia at a ratio of 2:1 with a
total dose of 400 mg/kg. Similarly, in the CCl.sub.4 model, the
highest liver protection with statistically significant, 40.6%
reductions as measured in serum ALT level were observed when mice
were treated with a blend of Schizandra and Artemisia at a ratio of
1:2 with a total dose of 400 mg/kg. There was a 100% survival rate
for this specific ratio in both models.
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 18 Efficacy of composition SA in
APAP/CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity model Dose (mg/kg) APAP
CCl.sub.4 S-R0498:A- Dose % P- Dose % P- Group N Material Ratio
R0684 (mg/kg) Change values (mg/kg) Change values G-1 5 Control (-)
-- 0 0 -- -- 0 -- -- G-2 10 APAP/CCL4 -- 0 400 -- -- 25 -- -- G-3
10 Composition 4:1 320:80 400 23.1 0.32 25 8.8 0.46 #SA1 G-4 10
Composition 2:1 266.7:133.3 400 48.0 0.01 25 4.4 0.74 #SA2 G-5 10
Composition 1:1 200:200 400 24.4 0.27 25 17.8 0.13 #SA3 G-6 10
Composition 1:2 133.3:266.7 400 13.1 0.58 25 40.6 0.0003 #SA4 G-7
10 Composition 1:4 80:320 400 23.7 0.49 25 11.5 0.33 #SA5 The
highest efficacy in liver protection were observed when Schisandra
and Artemisia were blended in a 2S:1A (APAP model) and 1S:2A
(CCl.sub.4 model). As a result, these ratios were considered as
hits.
Example 19: Preparation of Combination SAL Composition
[0107] A contemplated SAL Combination composition (lot #RN425-1501)
was produced by blending of 320 g of Schisandra extract (lot
#E1458), 263 g of Artemisia extract (lot #RN425-13), 377 g of
Artemisia extract (lot #RN425-14) and 240 g of N931 (E1459 2%
Aloesin) with Ribbon blender (Hankook P. M. EMG, Korea) at 30 rpm
for 1 h to give 1.17 kg of SAL combination (lot #RN425-1501) at a
ratio of Schisandra:Artemisia:N931=4:8:3 by weight.
Example 20: Evaluation of Liver Protection Activity of Blends of
Schisandra Chinensis, Artemisia Capillaris and N931 in
APAP/CCl.sub.4 Models
[0108] Two of the lead blend ratios of Schisandra chinensis and
Artemisia capillaries at 2S:1A (APAP model) and 1S:2A (CCl.sub.4
model) were selected for further liver protection activity by
adding a third lead component (Loesyn) and designated as SAL. "L"
stands for the Loesyn. N931 was added at 10, 20 and 30% ratio by
weight to the 2S:1A combination and at 10, 20 and 25% ratio by
weight to the 1S:2A combinations. This composition was tested in
APAP/CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity model. Mice were treated with
the composition SAL at a dose of 400 mg/kg. While all the
compositions at a different ratio showed a certain degree of liver
protection, as seen in Table 19, the highest reductions in serum
ALT (51.9%, P=0.01) and hence highest protection was observed when
mice were treated with SAL at a dose of 400 mg/kg in a ratio of
106.7/213.3/80, respectively. There was a 100% survival rate for
this specific ratio in this model.
[0109] Similarly, While all the compositions at a different ratio
showed a certain degree of liver protection, as seen in table 19,
the highest reductions in serum ALT (42.3%, P=0.01) was observed
when mice were treated with SAL at a dose of 400 mg/kg in a ratio
of 106.7/213.3/80, respectively. There was a 100% survival rate for
this specific ratio in this model.
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 19 Efficacy of composition SAL in
APAP/CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity model Dose (mg/kg) Dose % P-
Dose % P- Group N Material Ratio L498/R684/N931 (mg/kg) Change
values (mg/kg) Change values G-1 5 Control (-) 0 0 -- -- 0 -- --
G-2 10 APAP/CCl.sub.4 0 400 -- -- 25 -- -- G-3 10 Composition (2:1)
186.7/93.3/120 400 23.3 0.12 25 26.1 0.09 #SAL1 10% G-4 10
Composition (1:2) 213.3/106.7/80 400 19.2 0.48 25 17.2 0.27 #SAL2
25% G-5 10 Composition (1:2) 240/120/40 400 44.8 0.02 25 37.8 0.05
#SAL3 20% G-6 10 Composition (1:2) 100/200/100 400 42.6 0.06 25
28.1 0.10 #SAL4 10% G-7 10 Composition (2:1) 106.7/213.3/80 400
51.9 0.01 25 42.3 0.01 #SAL5 30% G-8 10 Composition (2:1)
120/240/40 400 37.2 0.09 25 38.7 0.02 #SAL6 20%
[0110] While multiple compositions showed efficacy in protecting
the liver, the highest protection were observed when 20% of Loesyn
by weight was added in a 1S:2A ratio in both models yielding a
final 4S:8A:3L ratio for the composition SAL. As a result, this
ratio, 4S:8A:3L, was considered as the lead composition.
Example 21: Dose-Response Effect of Composition Comprising
Schisandra Chinensis, Artemisia Capillaris and N931 in APAP and
CCl.sub.4-Induced Hepatotoxicity Model
[0111] The optimum dosage of the composition SAL that would incur
significant liver protection was evaluated both in APAP and
CCl.sub.4 induced models. Mice were gavaged orally the composition
SAL at doses of 400 mg/kg, 325 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg suspended in 10%
Tween-20. The vehicle control group received the carrier solution
only. As seen in Table 20, in the APAP group, dose-correlated
inhibitions in serum ALT were observed for the composition. 52.5%
(p=0.001), 48.5% (p=0.012) and 34.6% (p=0.079) inhibitions were
observed for mice treated with doses of 400 mg/kg, 325 mg/kg and
250 mg/kg SAL, respectively. Similarly, in the CCl.sub.4 group,
dose-correlated inhibitions in serum ALT were observed for the
composition. 46.3% (p=0.003), 39.5% (p=0.007) and 29.9% (p=0.036)
inhibitions were observed for mice treated with doses of 400 mg/kg,
325 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg SAL, respectively. There was a 100%
survival rate for all the groups in both models. The composition
SAL has provided statistically significant (CCL.sub.4) protection
in liver damage at a dosage level as low as 250 mg/kg at 1S:2A with
a 20% L.
[0112] Here we tested the efficacy of individual plants such as
Schisandra, Artemisia and Loesyn at a dosage equivalent to each
plant ratio in the compassion SAL as they appear in 4S:8A:3L at the
highest dose tested (400 mg/kg). As seen in the Table 20, an
average of 20% inhibition with 70-80% survival rates was observed
for these plants at the given dose.
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 20 Dose-correlated liver protection of the
composition SAL in APAP/CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity model Dose
(mg/kg) Dose % P- Dose % P- Group N Material Dose/code
L498/R684/N931 (mg/kg) Change values (mg/kg) Change values G-1 5
Control (-) -- 0 0 -- -- 0 -- -- G-2 10 APAP/CCl.sub.4 -- 0 400 --
-- 25 -- -- G-3 10 Composition 400 106.7/213.3/80 400 52.5 0.001 25
46.3 0.003 G-4 10 #SAL5 325 86.7/173.3/65 400 48.5 0.012 25 39.5
0.007 G-5 10 (1:2) 20% 250 66.7/133.3/50 400 34.6 0.079 25 29.9
0.036 G-6 10 Schizandra L498 106.7 400 18.4 0.280 25 17.5 0.210 G-7
10 Artemisia R684 213.3 400 20.8 0.466 25 22.8 0.110
Example 22: Evaluations of Synergy for the Composition SAL
[0113] Colby's equation (Colby, 1967) was utilized to evaluate the
benefit of combining Schizandra chinensis, Artemisia capillaris and
N931 in both APAP and CCL.sub.4 model. As seen in the Table 21
below, the observed values were greater than the expected
hypothetical values (A+B-C) in both the model indicating the
existence of synergy in formulating three ingredients at a specific
ratio to result in SAL. The merit of blending Schizandra, Artemisia
and N931 was confirmed by their synergistic protection of liver
damage caused by APAP and CCl.sub.4.
TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 21 Unexpected synergistic activity of
Schizandra chinensis, Artemisia capillaris and N931 in liver
protection. SAL Dose (mg/kg) APAP CCL4 106.7 Schizandra (S) 18.4
17.5 213.3 Artemisia (A) 20.8 22.8 80.0 N931 (L) 20.8 15.0 (x + y +
Z) = A 60.0 55.3 (xyz)/10000 = B 0.8 0.6 ((xy) + (xz) + (yz))/100 =
C 12.0 10.0 400 Expected (SAL) 48.8 45.9 Observed (SAL) 52.8
46.3
Example 23: Liver Protection Activity of the SAL Composition
Against Its Individual Components at a Dose of 300 mg/kg
[0114] Both APAP and CCl.sub.4 induced liver toxicity models were
utilized to compare the liver protection activity of the
composition SAL against its individual components at a dose of 300
mg/kg using reduced serum ALT level as a measure of efficacy. 10%
Tween-20 was used as a carrier vehicle for all the materials.
Control mice received Tween-20 only. Besides serum ALT, liver panel
such as T. protein, T. bilirubin, albumin, AST, and bile acid were
measured for control, APAP/CCl.sub.4, SAL, at T24.
TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 22 Serum ALT level of the composition SAL and
individual components in APAP and CCl.sub.4 induced hepatotoxicity
models at a dose of 300 mg/kg ALT APAP Model CCl.sub.4 Model Stat.
Control APAP SAL S A L Control CCL4 SAL S A L Mean 28.3 8052.0
4256.7 4651.7 4671.0 6715.6 22.0 10145.3 6393.1 6737.6 7361.7
6678.1 SD 4.5 1208.8 3917.9 1386.7 1967.9 3114.7 3.7 3121.8 3426.3
3751.8 1384.6 3295.5 P-values -- -- 0.05 0.001 0.01 0.38 -- -- 0.04
0.07 0.03 0.05 % -- -- 47.1 42.2 42.0 16.6 -- -- 37.0 33.6 27.4
34.2 Survival 100 60 90 70 50 70 100 100 100 100 100 100 rate
(%)
[0115] As seen in Tables 23 and 24, AST as a measure of efficacy,
the composition (SAL) showed enhanced liver damage protection than
vehicle in the APAP model (i.e. 60.6%). Statistically significant
47.1, 42.2, 42.0, and 16.6% reductions in serum ALT were observed
for mice treated with SAL, S (Schisandra), A (Artemisia) and L
(N931) compared to vehicle group, respectively. The lowest survival
rate (50%) was observed for mice treated with Artemisia.
[0116] Substantiating the APAP model, the composition SAL showed
greater liver protection than each individual component at a dose
of 300 mg/kg in the CCl.sub.4 model using serum ALT as a measure of
efficacy. In addition, using AST as a measure of efficacy, the
composition (SAL) showed enhanced damage protection than vehicle
(i.e. 32.5%). There was a 100% survival rate for all the groups in
this model.
TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 23 Liver panel markers compared to vehicle
treated mice in APAP model APAP Group AST Bile Acid T. bilirubin
Albumin T. Protein Control 77.7 .+-. 28.3 1.0 .+-. 0.0 0.1 .+-. 0.0
2.67 .+-. 0.09 4.70 .+-. 0.24 Vehicle 4707.7 .+-. 2899.1 76.2 .+-.
24.8 0.5 .+-. 0.2 2.33 .+-. 0.20 4.43 .+-. 0.22 SAL 1855.7 .+-.
1859.6* 15.1 .+-. 5.7* 0.3 .+-. 0.1* 2.71 .+-. 0.12* 4.84 .+-.
0.12*
[0117] As shown in Table 24, the composition SAL showed improved
liver associated biomarkers such as bile acid, T. bilirubin and T.
protein in APAP model compared when compared to vehicle treated
APAP positive mice. Similarly, statistically significant bile acid
clearance was observed for mice treated with the composition SAL in
CCl.sub.4 model when compared to vehicle group.
TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 24 Liver panel markers compared to vehicle
treated mice in CCl.sub.4 model. CCl.sub.4 Group AST Bile Acid T.
bilirubin Albumin T. Protein Control 68.0 .+-. 17.9 1.0 .+-. 1.0
0.2 .+-. 0.1 2.7 .+-. 0.2 4.9 .+-. 0.4 Vehicle 4570.9 .+-. 1121.3
22.1 .+-. 7.1 0.4 .+-. 0.1 2.7 .+-. 0.1 4.9 .+-. 0.2 SAL 3085.4
.+-. 1635.3* 14.8 .+-. 7.2* 0.3 .+-. 0.1 2.7 .+-. 0.1 4.8 .+-.
0.2
Example 24: Efficacy Confirmation Study of the Composition SAL in
APAP and CCL.sub.4-Induced Hepatotoxicity Models
[0118] Documenting the superiority in liver protection activity of
composition SAL, a confirmatory study was carried out using both
APAP and CCl.sub.4 induced hepatotoxicity model. Mice were gavaged
with the composition SAL at 400 mg/kg orally. 10% Tween-20 was used
as a carrier vehicle for all the materials. Control mice received
Tween-20 only. Besides serum ALT, Liver panel such as T. protein,
total bilirubin, direct and indirect bilirubin, albumin, globulin,
AST, bile acid and ALP were measured for control, APAP/CCl.sub.4,
SAL, at T24.
[0119] As seen in Tables 25 and 26 below, statistically significant
inhibitions in serum ALT, AST, conjugated bilirubin and bile acid
were observed for mice treated with the composition SAL. These
inhibitions were 34.0%, 44.5%, 60.0% and 26.7% reductions from the
vehicle treated group. Similarly, the composition SAL showed
statistically significant reductions in serum ALT level (44.0%
reductions) and a strong trend in reduction in AST (35.9%
reductions) compared to vehicle treated mice. Overall, the
composition SAL provided greater protection to liver damage in
multiple frequently used animal models, which is shown in Table
27.
TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 25 Summary of Liver panel analyte levels for
mice treated with SAL, in APAP induced hepatotoxicity model. APAP
SAL Analyte Control (400 mg/kg) (400 mg/kg) ALT 30.8 .+-. 4.9
10363.3 .+-. 4793.8 5808.8 .+-. 3189.7* AST 68.6 .+-. 32.0 4189.7
.+-. 2227.1 2684.8 .+-. 1565.2 T. bilirubin 0.15 .+-. 0.05 0.52
.+-. 0.16 0.43 .+-. 0.15 Direct 0.00 .+-. 0.00 0.18 .+-. 0.08 0.11
.+-. 0.06 Indirect 0.15 .+-. 0.05 0.33 .+-. 0.16 0.31 .+-. 0.12
bilirubin ALP 91.9 .+-. 22.5 177.7 .+-. 33.4 145.4 .+-. 32.0 Bile
Acid 1.2 .+-. 0.4 18.7 .+-. 8.5 18.5 .+-. 11.7 T. Protein 4.46 .+-.
0.20 4.53 .+-. 0.37 4.45 .+-. 0.54 Albumin 2.50 .+-. 0.12 2.60 .+-.
0.21 2.61 .+-. 0.31 Globulin 1.96 .+-. 0.08 1.93 .+-. 0.18 1.84
.+-. 0.26
TABLE-US-00026 TABLE 26 Summary of Liver panel analyte levels for
mice treated with SAL, in CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity model.
CCl.sub.4 Analyte Control CCl.sub.4 (25 .mu./kg) SAL (400 mg/kg)
ALT 20.0 .+-. 6.5 9796.5 .+-. 2223.4 6466.6 .+-. 2696.5* AST 69.9
.+-. 16.1 5031.8 .+-. 1510.2 2794.0 .+-. 1427.2* T. bilirubin 0.17
.+-. 0.05 0.40 .+-. 0.11 0.31 .+-. 0.09 Direct bilirubin 0.00 .+-.
0.00 0.11 .+-. 0.03 0.04 .+-. 0.05* Indirect 0.17 .+-. 0.05 0.29
.+-. 0.09 0.27 .+-. 0.07 bilirubin ALP 76.6 .+-. 15.7 139.7 .+-.
65.5 115.0 .+-. 19.5 Bile Acid 1.2 .+-. 0.4 30.1 .+-. 8.6 22.1 .+-.
7.4* T. Protein 4.50 .+-. 0.19 4.62 .+-. 0.20 4.61 .+-. 0.18
Albumin 2.42 .+-. 0.13 2.64 .+-. 0.07 2.60 .+-. 0.09 Globulin 2.08
.+-. 0.14 1.98 .+-. 0.15 2.01 .+-. 0.18
TABLE-US-00027 TABLE 27 Summary of percent changes of liver panel
markers from SAL group compared to vehicle treated mice in
APAP/CCl.sub.4 models. % Changes SAL (400 mg/kg) Analyte APAP
CCl.sub.4 ALT 43.95 33.99 AST 35.9 44.47 T. bilirubin 17.7 22.2
Direct bilirubin 38.64 60.00 Indirect bilirubin 6.25 7.69 ALP 18.2
17.7 Bile Acid 0.9 26.6 T. Protein 1.8 0.2 Albumin -0.48 1.68
Globulin 4.96 -1.46 (+): .dwnarw. Decrease from APAP/CCl.sub.4 (+)
vehicle (-): .uparw. Increase from APAP/CCl.sub.4 (+) vehicle
Example 25: Effect of Composition SAL on Oxidative Stress
Biomarkers in Liver Homogenates Collected from CCl.sub.4-Induced
Hepatotoxicity Model
[0120] Additional confirmatory assays were carried out to assess
the effect of the composition SAL in protecting liver using
CCl.sub.4-induced hepatotoxicity model. Mice were gavaged with the
composition SAL at 400 mg/kg orally. 10% tween 20 was used as a
carrier vehicle. Control mice received tween 20 only. Liver tissues
were collected immediately after necropsy and were kept in dry ice
until transferred to -80.degree. C. Material were then shipped to a
contract laboratory (Brunswick Laboratories, 200 Turnpike Rd, Mass.
01772, USA) in dry ice for final specimen processing and biomarker
analysis. Hepatic Glutathione (GSH) and Superoxide dismutases
(SODs) were evaluated.
[0121] Glutathione (GSH) is a key intracellular tripeptide thiol
that helps protecting cells from free radical damage by providing
reducing equivalents for the reduction of lipid hydroperoxides.
During this process, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) forms as a
reaction product. GSH level has been used as indicative biomarkers
of in vivo oxidant and oxidative stress level in cells and tissues.
In this analysis, the sulfhydryl group of GSH reacts with DTNB
(5,5'-dithio-bis-2-(nitrobenzoic acid)) to produce a produces a
yellow colored 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid (TNB) product. The amount
of GSH in the biological samples is determined via measurement of
the absorbance of TNB at 410 nm.
[0122] Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are metallo-enzymes that
catalyze the dismutation of the superoxide anion to molecular
oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. SOD is considered one of the most
important antioxidant enzymes in vivo. The SOD assay is a
colorimetric assay, which utilizes a tetrazolium salt to measure
the dismutation of superoxide radicals that were induced by
xanthine oxidase and xanthine, and the activity of SOD in a given
sample is quantified by the standard curve generated using the SOD
standards. One unit of SOD is defined as the amount of enzyme
needed to exhibit 50% dismutation of superoxide radicals.
[0123] As seen in the Table 28 below, taking the per gram of
protein level of each biomarker tested, the composition SAL
replenished the depleted hepatic glutathione in association with an
increased in hepatic superoxide dismutase. These findings in
conjunction with previously disclosed liver panel data, strongly
suggest that the composition SAL possesses liver protection
activity from oxidative stress elicited by CCL.sub.4-induced liver
damage.
TABLE-US-00028 TABLE 28 Oxidative stress biomarkers levels using
composition SAL treated mice liver homogenates GSH SOD Dose
(nmole/mg (U/mg Group (mg/kg) N of protein) of protein) Control 0
10 38.26 .+-. 9.52 19.04 .+-. 4.20 CCl4 (25 .mu.l/kg) 0 9 57.87
.+-. 10.85 15.21 .+-. 6.09 SAL 400 9 72.91 .+-. 14.93* 22.89 .+-.
7.95* *P .ltoreq. 0.05
Example 26: Evaluation of Liver Protection Activity of Blends of
Astragalus Membranous, Schisandra Chinensis and Artemisia
Capillaris at Specific Ratios in CCl.sub.4-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Model
[0124] Liver protection activity of combination comprised of two
additional lead plant extracts were also evaluated in CCl.sub.4
induced hepatotoxicity model in mice. Astragalus membranous was
combined with Schisandra chinensis or Artemisia capillaris at 1:1,
1:2, 2:1, 1:4 and 4:1 ratios. As shown in Table 29, when Astragalus
was blended with Schisandra, only one ratio i.e. 1:4 showed
statistically non-significant (34.1%) reductions in serum ALT
compared to vehicle treated injured mice. In contrast, higher
magnitudes in liver protections were observed when Astragalus was
combined with Artemisia. Statistically significant 46.3% and 57.7%
inhibitions in serum ALT were observed for the 2:1 and 4:1 ratios
of Astragalus:Artemisia, respectively. There was a 100% survival
rate for all the ratios tested in this model.
TABLE-US-00029 TABLE 29 Data summary of mice serum ALT level in
CCL4 - induced hepatotoxicity model treated by Astragalus
membranous, Schisandra chinensis and Artemisia capillaries at
specific ratios Dose (mg/kg) % P- Group N Material Ratio or
(.mu.l/kg) Mean SD Change values G-1 5 Control (-) -- 0 17.6 3.4 --
-- G-2 10 CCl.sub.4 (.mu.l/kg) -- 25 9622.8 3945.1 -- -- G-3 10
Astragalus:Schisandra 1:1 200:200 10921.5 3348.5 -13.5 0.46 G-4 10
1:2 133.3:266.7 10052.2 3146.6 -4.5 0.80 G-5 10 2:1 266.7:133.3
8707.3 2507.5 9.5 0.56 G-6 10 1:4 80:320 6338.9 4398.4 34.1 0.11
G-7 10 4:1 320:80 8483.8 4973.1 11.8 0.60 G-8 10
Astragalus:Artemisia 1:1 200:200 7941.6 2080.4 17.5 0.27 G-9 10 1:2
133.3:266.7 9245.6 2523.2 3.9 0.81 G-10 10 2:1 266.7:133.3 5170.4
2005.0 46.3 0.007 G-11 10 1:4 80:320 6373.7 3580.6 33.8 0.08 G-12
10 4:1 320:80 4067.5 2483.2 57.7 0.002
[0125] Thus, specific embodiments and methods of compounds and
compositions useful for liver health management, including
stereoisomers, pharmaceutically or nutraceutically acceptable
salts, tautomers, glycosides and prodrugs of the disclosed
compounds, along with related methods of improving and maintaining
liver health have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however,
to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides
those already described are possible without departing from the
inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore,
is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure
herein. Moreover, in interpreting the specification and claims, all
terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner
consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises"
and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements,
components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the
referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or
utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps
that are not expressly referenced.
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