Herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are abundant sources of biologically active compounds with beneficial pharmacological properties. In a recent study, scientists from China Jilin University investigated the biological activity of a lesser known compound known as amentoflavone (AMP). A bioflavonoid found in TCM herbs such as Selaginella tamariscina (the white tip of thorn moss), AMP is said to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and antiviral activities.

Researchers have found out if this beneficial compound can also reduce the hemolytic (ruptured red blood cells) and cytotoxic effects of pneumolysin (PLY), a bacterial protein that can damage the myocardium and trigger the production of free radicals that are harmful to tissues.. The researchers reported their findings in an article published in the journal Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin.

Amentoflavone from TCM herbs may protect against lung damage caused by pneumococcal infection. Amentoflavone (AMP) is a naturally occurring compound that has been credited with a number of medicinal benefits. In addition to enhancing bone development and formation, AMP may also protect against radiation, apoptosis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite many studies of AMF, this is the first time that its effect on a bacterial protein such as PLY has been investigated..

Using human lung epithelial cells A549, researchers tested the effect of AMP on layer-induced hemolysis and cytotoxicity in vitro. They also used mice to determine the effect of AMP on lung damage caused by infection with S. pneumoniae.

Researchers have found that AMF interacts with PLY in different locations and effectively attenuates the oligomerization of this toxin.. The formation of layered oligomers is critical to its ability to induce cellular toxicity by causing DNA damage. AMF also provides significant protection against PLY-mediated lung injury. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that AMP from Chinese medicinal herbs could be used to treat or prevent PLY-induced pneumococcal cell damage..

Plant sources of AMP have a long history of use not only in TCM, but also in other traditional systems of medicine.. Calophyllum inophyllum, or tamanu, for example, is used in Ayurveda to treat diabetes, carbuncles, and abscesses. Meanwhile, Selaginella bryopteris, also known as sanjeevani, is used to treat wounds, irregular menstruation, and uterine disorders..

Medicinal plants are excellent sources of active compounds such as amentoflavone, which can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, Medicine News reports..

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