Hyaluronidase and collagenase inhibitory activities of the herbal formulation Triphala guggulu

Abstract

Myrrh (guggulu) oleoresin from the Commiphora mukul tree is an important component of antiarthritic drugs in Ayurvedic medicine. Clinical data suggest that elevated levels of hyaluronidase and collagenase type 2 enzymes contribute significantly to cartilage degradation. Triphala guggulu (TG) is a guggulu-based formulation used for the treatment of arthritis. We assessed the chondroprotective potential of TG by examining its effects on the activities of pure hyaluronidase and collagenase type 2 enzymes. Triphala shodith guggulu (TSG), an intermediate in the production of TG, was also examined. A spectrophotometric method was used to assay Hyaluronidase activity, and to detect potential Hyaluronidase inhibitors. Aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of TSG showed weak but dose-dependent inhibition of hyaluronidase activity. In contrast, the TG formulation was 50 times more potent than the TSG extract with respect to hyaluronidase inhibitory activity. A validated X-ray film-based assay was used to measure the gelatinase activity of pure collagenase type 2. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of the TG formulation were 4 times more potent than TSG with respect to collagenase inhibitory activity. Components of Triphala were also evaluated for their inhibitory activities on hyaluronidase and collagenase. This is the first report to show that the T2 component of Triphala (T.chebula) is a highly potent hyaluronidase and collagenase inhibitor. Thus, the TG formulation inhibits two major enzymes that can degrade cartilage matrix. Our study provides the first in vitro preclinical evidence of the chondroprotective properties of TG.

Inhibition of acid-sensing ion channels in articular chondrocytes by amiloride attenuates articular cartilage destruction in rats with adjuvant arthritis

“…Thus, chondrocyte injury may be of pathogenetic significance during cartilage repair in the development of osteoarthritis and possibly also in the inflammatory arthropathies. In particular, previous investigations utilizing articular chondrocytes have shown a decline in ECM synthesis when the extracellular pH falls just below neutral values [7,26]. Many painful inflammatory and ischemic conditions such as RA, cardiac ischemia, and exhausted skeletal muscles are accompanied by local tissue acidosis [3].…”

“…In the normal articular joint, cartilage homeostasis is maintained by a balance between the synthesis and degradation of articular cartilage composed of type II collagen (COII) and proteoglycans of which aggrecan is the main proteoglycan [7,8]. However, in RA, matrix turnover is influenced by changes in the extracellular acidity of chondrocytes [9].…”

Antioxidant and Anti Aging Assays of <I>Oryza sativa</I> Extracts, Vanillin and Coumaric Acid

“…A spectrophotometric method was used to collagenase activity assay, and to detect potential collagenase inhibitor 36 . The collagenase inhibitory activity of OSE, vanillin, and coumaric acid can be seen in Figure 4.…”

&lt;i&gt;Commiphora wightii&lt;/i&gt; (Arnott) Bhandari—A Natural Source of Guggulsterone: Facing a High Risk of Extinction in Its Natural Habitat

“…Several ayurvedic formulations containing guggul are available in Indian market and some of which have been tested experimentally for their activity are Maha Yogaraja Guggulu and Chandraprabha Vati [38], and Triphala guggulu [39].…”