Scientists are studying the potential of a substance extracted from the leaves of the snowberry roundberry, also known as coralberry , a common seasonal ornamental plant, for treating asthma. The results are promising but have yet to be replicated in humans.
Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the lungs and narrowing of the airways, causing breathing difficulties that can sometimes become severe. According to experts, about 18.4 million adults and 6.2 million children in the United States currently have this diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany are exploring the possibility of using a substance extracted from Ardisia crenata , which is more commonly known as ” coralberry ” or “Christmas berry” in the treatment of asthma. It is an ornamental plant whose bright, reddish (hence “coral”) berries ripen in winter, making it a popular seasonal plant. Native to the East Asian regions, it has spread to the US and Australia, and is now often the main focus of garden landscapes around the world.
Scientists have found that a compound found in the leaves of the plant may be more effective in treating asthma than conventional medicines. The leaves contain a substance called FR900359, which the researchers believe may interact with Gq proteins , a type of protein involved in cellular signaling. The team notes that these proteins also play a role in lung contraction. This compound inhibits critical signaling molecules in cells. Modulation of cellular signaling pathways of the substance can effectively prevent spasmodic contraction of lung muscles, which is a typical symptom of asthma.
The action of FR900359 on cellular signaling pathways inhibits the production of Gq proteins , which allows the compound to prevent and alleviate these muscle spasms. And, more importantly, the substance extracted from the snowberry is more effective in managing these symptoms than the most commonly used drug for bronchial asthma. When inhibiting the activation of Gq proteins with FR900359, a much greater effect is achieved than with traditional drugs.
The researchers tested the effects of FR900359 on mice with asthma, and the results were quite remarkable. It was possible to prevent animals from reacting to allergens such as house dust mites. However, there were no significant side effects in rodents, since the active substance can be administered as an inhaled compound, which means that very little of it enters the bloodstream directly. Although these results are promising, the scientists caution that the substance has so far been tested only in mice in the lab, and extensive further research will be needed before it can be used as a viable treatment in humans. Tests using human lung cells suggest that the effects of FR900359 could potentially extend to people diagnosed with asthma, but confirming this in clinical trials would be a lengthy process and could take years.