Biomedical Application of a Herbal Product Based on Two Asteraceae Species

Abstract

Background: Species belonging to the Asteraceae family have been widely studied for their healing properties. The paper introduces STOMAPET (patent pending A2016/00888/23.11.2016) based on Eupatorium cannabinum (hemp-agrimony) and Inula helenium (elecampagne) and its potential application in diseases of the oral system. Methods: STOMAPET was prepared according to the patent application and HPLC analysis was performed for chemical analysis. In vitro studies were performed using human monocytes and the cells’ viability was determined by MTS assay. In vivo studies involved lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine endotoxemia and veterinary clinical case reports. Results: HPLC analysis revealed various phenolic compounds and alantolactone. In in vitro studies, monocytes viability remained stable, around and above 100% at all concentrations (7.8 to 250 µg/mL), and a high stimulatory effect on cell proliferation was noted. In LPS-induced murine endotoxemia, STOMAPET prevents mortality, improves the decrease in body mass, and prevents the drop in temperature. Case reports of companion animals with oral diseases ameliorated after STOMAPET treatment are presented. Conclusions: Preclinical studies confirmed the safety of STOMAPET and its pharmacological potential. The results of the veterinary case reports are also encouraging. More studies are needed to find the precise mechanism of action in correlation to chemical composition.