The technique of heme degradation by heme oxygenase (HMOX) produces bilirubin (BR) and biliverdin (BV) as by-products. Yellow players (YP) are enzymes involved within the production of BR and BV. YP, together with BR and BV, are considered endogenous modulators of human health and, consequently, are being extensively studied for his or her potential role in the event of latest therapeutic agents.

Recent Biomolecules study discusses the effectiveness of natural compounds targeting YP.

Test: The role of natural compounds modulating the heme catabolic pathway in diseases of the intestines, liver, cardiovascular system and brain. Photo source: cones / Shutterstock.com

Natural compounds affecting bilirubin and its enzymes

Treatment with silymarin, milk thistle seed extract and flavonolignans causes a slight increase in total serum bilirubin (TSB). Furthermore, flavonoids assist in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and are promising chemoadjuvants.

For instance, fisetin has shown promising effects in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Luteolin, which increases HMOX1 expression, can also be considered a phototherapeutic agent within the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) as a consequence of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Curcumin, which comes from Turmeric long is a crucial polyphenolic compound that induces HMOX1. Many studies on the prevention of neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity have investigated the usage of curcumin as a nutraceutical.

Astragaloside IV (AST), lively ingredient Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus, promoted neuroprotection in rats with ischemic stroke. In patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), oxidative stress could be reduced by consuming vitamins C and E for one month. There’s also emerging evidence that vitamin D deficiency may result in impaired brain processes similar to cognitive function and increase the danger of Alzheimer’s disease.

Other natural compounds that influence BR and its metabolic enzymes include green tea (leaf Camellia sinensis), madecassoside (z The finished wheel), S-Allyl Cysteine ​​(from garlic bulb Allium sativum), 20C (od Gastrodia elata), I Achyranthes bidentata With Amaranthaceae family.

Natural compounds that duplicate the products of the heme catabolic pathway

Phycocyanin, phycocyanobilin (PCB) and tetrapyrroles Spirulina platensis are examples of natural compounds that mimic products of the heme catabolic pathway.

Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis it’s wealthy in carotenoids, proteins, useful fatty acids, B vitamin complex, vitamin E and plenty of minerals, including zinc, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium and selenium. Spirulina can also be a wealthy source of powerful antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-atherosclerotic and anti-cancer properties.

On account of their antioxidant properties, phycocyanin and PCBs represent recent and viable therapeutic options for the prevention of diabetic nephropathy. Studies in male albino rats treated with streptozotocin highlighted the antidiabetic effects of PCBs, phycocyanin and S. platensis.

Chinese medicine has been using artificial bezoars within the treatment of human diseases for hundreds of years. For this purpose, powdered bovine gallstones containing a minimum of 25% BR by weight are used.

Several studies have similarly confirmed the neuroprotective effects of the bogus bezoar. For instance, a remarkable reduction in ischemic brain damage was observed after pretreatment with An-GongNiu-Huang Wan, a Chinese medicine preparation containing bovine gallstones.

Chlorophyll is present in green leafy vegetables and is related to protection against cancer and other neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have documented the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of chlorophyll, including pheophytin a, chlorophyll a/b and chlorophyllin.

Natural compounds targeting the heme catabolic pathway

Targeting specific parts of the heme catabolic pathway is a key method to increase BR levels in tissues. HMOX1 modulation could be achieved with a wide range of compounds, including flavonoids, curcuminoids, caffeic acid, resveratrol, and genistein, indicating their potential role within the treatment and prevention of many autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.

BR-reducing bacteria within the intestinal lumen may alter BR levels by affecting BR enterohepatic circulation. Nonetheless, no data are currently available on the potential modulation of BR metabolizing the gut microbiome.

Conclusions

HMOX and its metabolic checkpoints could be modulated, making this technique a viable goal within the fight against various diseases with minimal change in dietary patterns. Nonetheless, further research is required to discover key natural foods and other compounds that may interact with this pathway without causing any adversarial effects.