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Date: October 3, 2024
Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
In a groundbreaking study led by researchers from Penn State, a compound derived from African wormwood—an herb traditionally used for centuries to treat various ailments—has demonstrated potential efficacy against tuberculosis (TB). This research, published in the upcoming October edition of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, highlights the compound’s ability to combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in both its active and dormant states, providing hope for new therapeutic options against this pervasive disease.
A Step Toward New Therapies
The study, co-authored by Joshua Kellogg, assistant professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences, revealed that the chemical compound, an O-methylflavone, is capable of killing Mtb even in its hypoxic state—a condition that makes the bacteria significantly harder to eradicate. According to Kellogg, this hypoxic phase occurs when the bacteria experience stress, causing them to enter a dormant state that can hinder standard treatments.
“While our findings are preliminary, they represent a promising step toward developing new therapies for tuberculosis,” Kellogg stated. The team aims to further explore the compound’s structure to enhance its antibacterial properties.
Global Burden of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis remains one of the leading infectious disease killers worldwide, with approximately 10 million cases reported annually and around 1.5 million fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite existing treatments, the lengthy six-month regimen can extend to two years for drug-resistant strains, making TB a challenging disease to manage.
The bacteria can exist in two forms: one that is actively replicating and another in a dormant state. This adaptability complicates treatment efforts, as the dormant cells are resistant to conventional antibiotics. “This makes it really hard to kill those hibernating cells,” Kellogg explained, emphasizing the need for novel compounds to target these resilient bacteria.
Harnessing Traditional Medicine
Multiple species of the Artemisia plant, including African wormwood, have long been utilized in traditional medicine. Historical uses of the plant include treatment for cough and fever, with recent studies suggesting its potential benefits for TB. “When we examine the raw plant extract, it shows significant effectiveness against TB,” Kellogg noted.
In this study, researchers isolated various fractions of the African wormwood extract and tested their efficacy against Mtb. Using advanced machine learning techniques, they identified two active fractions and isolated a compound that killed the bacteria in both its active and inactive states—a notable finding in the field of TB research.
Future Directions
Although the current potency of the compound is insufficient for direct clinical application, it may serve as a foundational element for developing more potent anti-TB medications. Kellogg mentioned that there may be additional compounds within African wormwood with similar therapeutic properties, warranting further investigation.
The research team emphasizes the need for continued studies to explore the full potential of African wormwood as a treatment for TB. Co-authors R. Teal Jordan and Xiaoling Chen from Penn State, along with collaborators from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, contributed to this significant research.
The study received funding support from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling global health challenges.
As researchers delve deeper into the medicinal properties of African wormwood, the hope for more effective TB treatments becomes increasingly tangible, paving the way for advancements in public health and disease management.
