Traditional Chinese medicine has been in practice for thousands of years now. The first writings of it date back to 200 BCE with references to herbal medicine and acupuncture from theory and practice to diagnosis and treatment.
Now, researchers have found that Chinese medicine may be key for kidney treatment.
They refer to the Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subsidies mutilans) comprising alkaloids that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat kidney diseases.
Centipedes comprise alkaloids, to treat kidney disease
These centipedes are eight inches (20 centimers) long and full of venom and yet known to save the lives of those impacted by kidney disease.
The multilegged creature is a host of alkaloids that have demonstrated a reduction in inflammation and renal fibrosis in cell cultures. These two conditions contribute to kidney disease.
According to a statement by the researchers, the compounds studied in Chinese medicine, including toad venom, for cancer treatment have proven to be fruitful leads for drug development.
This inspired Yong-Xian Cheng and his team to examine the secondary metabolites produced by the Chinese red-headed centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans).
A treatment thousands of years old
The statement noted that “the venomous centipede has been used for thousands of years in treatments for conditions including epilepsy, tuberculosis, burns, and cardiovascular disease.”
The research was conducted in a laboratory setting where they blended a sample of dried centipede powder with ethanol to extract a considerable number of compounds from the animals.
These were then separated to recognize the compounds in them using techniques such as chromatography and spectrometry.
Following the identification of constituents, the team of researchers discovered 12 new quinoline and isoquinoline alkaloids, some of which exhibited unique molecular compositions.
Additionally, they found half a dozen other alkaloids previously observed in this species or in plants.
In cell cultures, certain alkaloids demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, while others also displayed the ability to decrease renal fibrosis.
“This buildup of connective tissue is associated with chronic kidney disease and is stimulated by inflammation,” the researchers stated.
Most effective dual-function alkaloid
Researchers added that they identified a protein involved in renal fibrosis, that was targeted by the most effective dual-function alkaloid.
The protein is associated with kidney scarring (renal fibrosis) because it is affected by the most powerful alkaloid found in centipede venom.
This suggests a potential mechanism by which the alkaloid could be beneficial in treating kidney disease.
The newly discovered discovery could pave the way for future research and the development of potential treatments for kidney disease, which is a significant health concern globally.
The study was published in the Journal of Natural Products.
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Shubhangi Dua As a quirky and imaginative multi-media journalist with a Masters in Magazine Journalism, I’m always cooking up fresh ideas and finding innovative ways to tell stories. I’ve dabbled in various realms of media, from wielding a pen as a writer to capturing moments as a photographer, and even strategizing on social media. With my creative spirit and eye for detail, I’ve worked across the dynamic landscape of multimedia journalism and written about sports, lifestyle, art, culture, health and wellbeing at Further Magazine, Alt.Cardiff and The Hindu. I’m on a mission to create a media landscape that’s as diverse as a spotify playlist. From India to Wales and now England, my journey has been filled with adventures that inspire my paintings, cooking, and writing.
Dr. Thomas Hughes is a UK-based scientist and science communicator who makes complex topics accessible to readers. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
