HPLC links GTH with rheumatism benefits

Researchers examining the link between Glycine tomentella Hayata (GTH) and beneficial effects in rheumatism patients have confirmed an apparent therapeutic effect using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Their findings are published in the Journal of Biomedical Science, a periodical whose publication is supported by the National Science Council of Taiwan.

According to the scientists, GTH is a traditional herbal method for treating rheumatic diseases, with dual benefits of clearing apoptopic cells and modifying the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

In their study, HPLC analysis revealed apoptopic cells were cleared as expected, with the expression of the enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2) significantly enhanced.

Meanwhile, proinflammatory cytokines MMP-9, IL-6 and IL-1beta all saw inhibited expression following treatment with GTH.

"GTH inhibits proinflammatory cytokine secretion and MMP-9 activity, enhances apoptotic cell uptake and up-regulates TG2 expression," write the researchers in their study report.

"Our data show that GTH might have beneficial effects on rheumatic diseases."