Fruit Peel Compound Shows Treatment Potential

Research Summary:  A dual effect of ursolic acid to the treatment of multiple sclerosis through both immunomodulation and direct remyelination

A newly published study in the highly respected medical journal, PNAS, has found that a naturally occurring compound, ursolic acid, could be a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis.  In this study, it appeared to show a dual benefit of reducing disease and promoting myelin repair.  Read on for more detail.

Who?

The research was conducted by scientists from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, USA.

Where?

The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS).  It can be accessed by clicking here.

What?

The study aimed to see whether the naturally occurring compound, ursolic acid, could be a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis.

How?  

The study was performed using mouse models of multiple sclerosis and laboratory cell cultures.  They tested a laboratory-grade version of the compound.

BACKGROUND #1:  Ursolic acid is a naturally occurring compound that is found in the peels of many fruits (e.g. apples, prunes and cranberries), as well as herbs and spices (e.g. rosemary, oregano and thyme).

BACKGROUND #2:  Ursolic acid has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.  Studies in other models have shown it to be potentially beneficial in the treatment of a range of other disorders, such as arthritis, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.  

BACKGROUND #3:  Previous studies in animal models of MS have shown that ursolic acid can prevent disease if given prior to onset.

BACKGROUND #4:  The effect of ursolic acid on myelin repair has not been tested.

FINDING #1:  Ursolic acid was able to significantly reduce disease severity in mice when given at the peak of their disease.  This is different to previous findings that had shown it could be useful when given before disease onset.

FINDING #2:  The study showed that Finding #1 was likely due to ursolic acid reducing the numbers of a specific type of immune cell that has been shown to cause damage in MS.

FINDING #3:  Ursolic acid was also shown to improve myelin repair.  This was shown in two different mouse models and cell cultures.  It appeared that this was a result of promoting the maturation of the cells responsible for creating myelin.  For more on this, you can watch our recent Q&A on myelin repair, viewable here.

THOUGHT #1:  Any research that shows a potential new treatment for multiple sclerosis is exciting.  While it has only been shown in an animal model so far, the ability of ursolic acid to decrease inflammation and promote remyelination at the same time is promising.

THOUGHT #2:  As always, it is important to remember that this is very early stage research and has been conducted in an animal model.  Studies conducted in animal models do not necessarily show the same results when translated into humans, so we will have to wait and see how this story develops. 

THOUGHT #3:  Whilst this compound is naturally occurring, safety trials will still need to be performed.  It will be particularly important to ensure that the compound is not toxic at high doses before clinical trials can be performed.