Oregano not only gives pizza its typical taste - researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Zurich discovered that this spice also contains a substance, which, among other things, helps heal inflammation
Oregano not only gives pizza its typical taste. Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Zurich discovered that this spice also contains a substance that, among other things, helps heal inflammation. The researchers provided its active ingredient - known as beta-caryophylline (E-BCP) to mice with inflamed feet.
Following this, an improvement in symptoms was found in seven out of ten subjects. The substance may be used in the treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis (bone thinning) and arteriosclerosis. This active substance is a typical ingredient in spices and edible plants. It is found in basil, rosemary, cinnamon and black pepper. Every day we eat about 200 milligrams of this substance.
Until today, no one recognized the fact that this substance can have a health effect on the body. "Our results revealed that the substance prevents inflammation," states Professor Andreas Zimmer from the Center for Life and Brain Sciences in Bonn. But that's not all: "Experiments on mice showed that this substance is also effective against osteoporosis." Beta-cryophilin binds to typical receptor structures in the cell membrane - those called cannabinoid-CB2 receptors, and leads to a change in cell behavior: for example, it will prevent the cellular production of signaling substances to create inflammation.
"We used the substance to treat mice with swollen feet as a result of inflammation," explains one of the research scientists. "In about 70% of the cases, the swelling has decreased significantly."
Pizza can't fix you
Due to this, the material could be the basis for new drugs. One of the special advantages of this substance in the field of pharmaceutical research is the fact that it is very common in nature. But it has the added advantage that, unlike other substances that affect these particular receptors, beta-cryophilin does not lead to poisoning. These receptors have "sibling" receptors that are very familiar to drug researchers called CB1. These receptors are found in nerve cells in the brain and certain substances of the marijuana plant (hashish) bind to them. What happens next is very familiar to hashish smokers.
Although these two types of receptors are not "twins" they are very similar. Therefore, substances that stimulate the CB2 receptors often have a toxic effect. With this substance, the behavior is different - it is the first known natural substance that binds selectively to CB2 receptors and not to CB1 receptors - a fact that explains why you can't eat pizza. Both types of receptors are part of a system known as the endocannabinoid system, which researchers continue to discover is of increasing importance in a variety of diseases. If this system gets out of control, it can lead to heart disease, allergies and chronic pain, and even memory problems.
"Endocannabinoids are produced in the body itself and maintain a balance between them," explains Professor Zimmer. So, in the case of inflammation, they act as a brake and prevent the immune system from acting more strongly to such a degree that the defensive activity "runs wild". The substance may also help us control chronic diseases such as Chrone's disease which is an inflammation of the digestive system.
"This compound could become an important factor in the diet to prevent diseases of our time," concludes Dr. Jürg Gertsch. However, if someone in the future spices all his foods with oregano, he will not necessarily become healthier. "The endocannabinoid system is only activated when the equilibrium of processes Metabolic is out of control," declares Professor Zimmer. "This is similar to antidepressants in that although they treat depression, they do not The quality of feeling of a healthy person will be improved."
One response
Very interesting, thank you.