Exploring the Synergistic Therapeutic Potential of Artemisia Annua Leaf Powder and Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan extract from Laminaria japonica

Introduction
Traditional medicinal plants and marine algae provide a wealth of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Two such natural products, Artemisia Annua dried leaf powder and low molecular weight fucoidan extracted from Laminaria japonica brown seaweed, exhibit biological effects that may be synergistic when used in combination. This review analyzes the latest research on their mechanisms and synergistic interactions for modulation of the human microbiome, metabolic disorders, and cancer.

Artemisia Annua Dried Leaf Powder
The medicinal plant Artemisia Annua contains a variety of bioactive components including flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and the renowned antimalarial compound, artemisinin (1). However, studies indicate bioactivity is enhanced using dried whole leaf Artemisia Annua powder compared to isolated artemisinin. The additive and synergistic effects of the full spectrum of phytochemicals in the leaf increase therapeutic benefits and reduce toxicity (2). While artemisinin is a key active constituent, the other plant compounds play significant roles. Beyond its antimalarial actions, research shows Artemisia leaf powder has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties (3).

Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan extract from Laminaria japonica
Fucoidan refers to sulfated polysaccharides derived from the cell walls of brown algae and seaweeds. Studies show low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) fractions below 10 kDa have significantly improved bioavailability and bioactivity compared to higher molecular weight fucoidans (4). LMWF from Laminaria japonica contains bioactive sulfated polysaccharides that provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective and anticancer effects (5).

Synergistic Modulation of the Gut Microbiome
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome contributes to many diseases (6). Artemisia and LMWF may synergistically restore microbiome equilibrium through several mechanisms:

  • Prebiotic effects – LMWF stimulates growth of commensal bacteria like Bifidobacteria (7). Artemisia also promotes beneficial microbes such as Akkermansia muciniphila (8). Their combination may provide superior prebiotic activity.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects – Both Artemisia (9) and LMWF (10) reduce inflammation in the GI tract, helping to rebalance the microbiome. Their combined anti-inflammatory actions amplify these benefits.
  • Improved barrier function – LMWF enhances intestinal tight junction integrity (11). Artemisia compounds also protect against gut barrier disruption (12). Together, they may prevent microbial translocation.
  • Antimicrobial actions – Artemisia has selective antimicrobial effects against pathogens, as does LMWF (13, 14). Their complementary antimicrobial properties prevent dysbiosis.

Synergistic Benefits for Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic dysfunction is linked to microbiome dysbiosis and inflammation (15). Artemisia and LMWF offer several synergistic mechanisms to improve metabolic health:

  • Hypoglycemic effects – Artemisinin stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells (16). LMWF improves glucose metabolism through actions on metabolic enzymes (17). Their combination may provide enhanced glycemic control.
  • Anti-obesity effects – Artemisia restricted adipocyte proliferation and differentiation in cell models (18). LMWF decreased fat accumulation in obese animal models (19). Together, they may synergistically combat obesity.
  • Mitochondrial support – Both Artemisia (20) and LMWF (21) activate mitochondrial biogenesis pathways. This may alleviate insulin resistance and enhance metabolism.

Potential Anticancer Synergies
Finally, Artemisia and LMWF exhibit complementary anticancer properties with potential for synergistic therapeutic benefits:

  • Immunomodulation – LMWF activates NK cells and dendritic cells (22), while Artemisia stimulates macrophage and lymphocyte tumor toxicity (23). Combined, these effects heighten anticancer immunity.
  • Anti-proliferative effects – Both compounds potently suppress cancer cell viability and induce apoptosis via shared and complementary mechanisms (24, 25). Their combination enhances these cytotoxic effects.
  • Anti-metastatic effects – LMWF blocks metastatic progression by inhibiting angiogenesis, invasion and adhesion (26). Artemisinin derivatives demonstrate similar antimetastatic actions (27). Used together, they may synergistically prevent cancer spread.
  • Epigenetic modulation – Each can reverse cancer-associated epigenetic alterations, such as abnormal miRNA expression and DNA methylation (28, 29). Their combination synergistically targets the cancer epigenome.

Conclusion
The multifaceted bioactivities of Artemisia annua dried leaf powder and low molecular weight fucoidan extract from Laminaria japonica warrant further research, both individually and in combination. Their mechanisms exhibit significant synergistic potential for modulation of the human microbiome, metabolism, and anticancer immunity. Unlocking the synergistic power of these traditional natural medicines remains an exciting prospect.

References :

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This article presents and summarizes numerous published research studies. The information presented is not intended to cure or treat any medical condition.

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