Stachys schtschegleevii tea, matrix metalloproteinase, and disease severity in female rheumatoid arthritis patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background Stachys schtschegleevii (SSC) is a herbal medicine used to treat infections. To date, this is the first study aimed to investigate the effects of SSC tea on disease activity score (DAS), serum inflammatory biomarkers and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) among women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods This pilot, triple-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted among forty-four women (age: 30-65 years) diagnosed with moderately active RA. Subjects were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) into either SSC group (2.4 g/day SSC + 2.4 g/day black tea, n=22) or placebo (2.4 g/day black tea, n=22) for 8 weeks. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and MMPs were measured using ELISA. According to the American College of Rheumatology guideline considering hs-CRP, DAS28 was assessed. Results Both study groups had respondent rates above 94.9%. The SSC intervention caused significant reductions in the number and the percent changes of the tender joints (SSC: −74.39% vs. placebo: −57.15%, mean differences= −0.77; P<0.05) and DAS28 [SSC: −32.44% vs. placebo: −22.32%, mean differences= −0.41, P<0.05). Unlike the intervention within SSC group that showed significant reductions in the mean serum levels of hs-CRP, IL-1β, and MMP-3, SSC caused significant MMP-3 reductions (SSC: −20.59% vs. placebo: 1.29%, P<0.05). ConclusionThe SSC intervention showed an appropriate clinical efficacy for female RA patients, accompanying remarkable reductions in the number of tender and swollen joints, DAS28, and serum levels of MMP-3. This can provide additional insights to the interventional studies controlling RA-related pathological and inflammatory outcomes. Trial registrationProspectively registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), linked to the WHO Registry Network (https:// en. irct. ir/ trial/ 11602, IRCT registration number: IRCT2015032011335N5, Registration date:2015-05-12). Key Points• Stachys schtschegleevii improved clinical outcomes and attenuated disease severity in RA patients.• Stachys schtschegleevii ameliorated serum level of

Efficacy and safety of dietary polyphenols in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 randomized controlled trials

“…Mirtaheri et al., 2021 showed that no adverse effects of treatment were recorded in the tea polyphenol group and the control group ( 57 ). Alghadir et al., 2016 did not report any adverse reactions, possibly because they were not monitored ( 58 ).…”

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Reactive Oxygen Species: A Review

“…Regarding herbal studies, Nigella sativa extract (500 mg twice daily for 2 months) significantly decreased CRP levels and DAS28 scores [ 114 ]. Stachys schtschegleevii tea (2.4 g daily for 8 weeks) markedly reduced DAS-28 scores and serum MMP-3 levels [ 115 ]. Xinfeng supplement (three pills, three times a day for 2 months) significantly decreased the DAS-28 score, ESR, and CRP levels [ 116 ].…”

Uncovering chemical profiles, biological potentials, and protection effect against ECM destruction in H2O2‐treated HDF cells of the extracts of Stachys tundjeliensis

“…[46] In studies conducted with different species of the Stachys genus in the literature, it has been observed that the genus effectively regulate cell proliferation due to its abundant secondary metabolites. [47][48][49][50] For instance, when Stachys parviflora was applied to the uncontrolled proliferation of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, as well as the prostate cancer cell line PC3, it effectively inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. [49] In another study, Stachys pilifera treatment was found to regulate cell death mechanisms and proliferation in the colon cancer cell line HT-29.…”