Multi-step evaluation of data on the multi-target effect of STW 5

A multitude of concomitant causes and likewise also targets for therapeutic interventions have been identified in functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGDs) [1]. Therefore, a multi-target approach is a promising therapeutic strategy, as is exemplified by the herbal combination medicinal product STW 5, which has been proven to be effective in a large number of clinical studies [2].

All data from about 100 studies including STW 5 alone, or STW 5 and its components, were retrieved and studies, study methods and numeric results transferred into a data base. In a second step, study results were sorted according to types of study models and respective etiologic mechanisms related to FGDs and visualized by means of 2D histograms.

The evaluation of the data shows that STW 5 is active in response to multiple etiologic factors involved in functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, like hyper- and hypomotility, acidity, inflammation and hypersensitivity, but also in inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. The clustering by multiple steps allows the conclusion that all components are, with a respective specific profile of activities, involved in these actions, with the 2D histograms allowing an overview of the highly complex body of data within one figure.

Multi step clustering allows the transformation of complex data sets necessary to show the multi-target action of medicines, especially those with a complex composition, like STW 5, so also giving support to its clinical use in patients with different symptoms.

References:

[1] Allescher et al. Phytomedicine 2006; 13 SV: 2

[2] Ottillinger et al. WMW 2013; 163: 65