Cell and Tissue Culture Models for Pharmacological Investigation of an Herbal Combination of Myrrh, Coffee Charcoal and Chamomile Flower Extract in the Context of IBD

Many patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) show interest in phytotherapy. However, herbal medicines often lack evidence on their efficacy and mode of action. Clinical data suggests the application of a traditional herbal medicinal product consisting of myrrh, coffee charcoal and chamomile flower extract in IBD maintenance therapy [1].

This investigation aimed to gather more information on underlying pharmacological mechanisms and active components.

Effects of coffee charcoal extract and secondary plant metabolites on pro-inflammatory mediator release (TNF, IL-6, MCP-1) were assessed in a cell model of human LPS-challenged THP-1 macrophages. Chlorogenic acids, especially cryptochlorogenic acid, showed the most distinct anti-inflammatory effects.

A co-culture model of the inflamed intestinal mucosa was used to evaluate effects of myrrh, coffee charcoal and chamomile flower extract on the inflammatory crosstalk between intestinal epithelial cells (IEC, 9:1 Caco-2 and HT29-MTX) and immune cells (THP-1 macrophages), and inflammation-induced barrier dysfunction. The individual extracts and their combination reduced the secretion of inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF, MCP-1, IL-8, PGE₂) to a varying extent. Myrrh, coffee charcoal and the ternary combination also enhanced the IEC barrier function.

To confirm and expand these findings in a translational tissue model, the feasibility of organotypic slice cultures of human biopsy specimens from IBD patients was evaluated. Preservation of characteristic tissue structure, viability and inflammatory cell presence was observed histologically, while a spectrum of detectable mediators was found in the culture medium after 24h and 48h. Thus, the tissue model appears as promising approach for further pharmacological investigations of the herbal combination.

This research was funded by Repha GmbH Biologische Arzneimittel. L Schiller, B Lipowicz, C Vissiennon are employed by Repha GmbH Biologische Arzneimittel.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 December 2021

• References

• 1 Langhorst J. et al. Alimentar Pharmacol Ther 2013; 38 (05) 490-500