Bupleurum Extract for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are incomplete in curing the condition and often cause side effects, with limited clinical use due to high costs, potential immune responses, and limited test data, particularly for drugs targeting TNF-α.
Innovation Solution
A pharmaceutical composition and method using an extract of Bupleurum as an active ingredient, specifically isolated from Bupleurum species like Bupleurum krylovianum, chinense, commelynoideum, scorzonerifolium, triradiatum, falcatum, and kaoi, administered orally to reduce inflammation and alleviate IBD symptoms by inhibiting TNF-α, IL-6, G-CSF, and IL1-β levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional medicaments (immunosuppression drugs, therapeutic agents, biological agents) are used to treat IBD, then the treatment can provide some relief, but the cure is incomplete and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a natural plant extract (Bupleurum) that can be obtained through traditional extraction methods, replacing expensive synthetic drugs. The extract is prepared using conventional solvents and processing techniques, creating an affordable alternative that maintains therapeutic effectiveness while reducing dependence on costly pharmaceutical interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by isolating specific active components (saikosaponin, longispinogenin, steroids, fatty oils, flavonoids, saccharides) from the Bupleurum root through controlled extraction processes. This parameter change allows the formulation of a standardized extract with consistent therapeutic properties, improving treatment reliability while maintaining natural composition to avoid synthetic side effects
2Speed
If TNF-α inhibiting drugs (etanercept, adalimumab) are used for IBD treatment, then good drug effects are achieved quickly, but the cost is high, intravenous injection is required, potential immunoresponse occurs, and limited test data exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical intravenous injection system with oral administration. The Bupleurum extract is formulated as an oral medication that can be taken through the digestive system, eliminating the need for complex intravenous infusion equipment and procedures while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a naturally derived plant extract that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to biologic drugs. The extraction and processing methods employed are conventional and scalable, producing an affordable medication that does not require expensive cold-chain storage or specialized administration infrastructure
Solution Approach 3:
The patent employs traditional Chinese medicine extraction methods as an intermediary approach between natural plant compounds and pharmaceutical applications. The standardized extract serves as a bridge, translating traditional knowledge into a modern pharmaceutical formulation that maintains efficacy while simplifying administration and reducing costs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Bupleurum extract is used to treat IBD, then side effects are reduced, but the extract must be specifically isolated and prepared
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Bupleurum root into multiple active components through systematic extraction and isolation processes. By separating and identifying individual compounds (saikosaponin, longispinogenin, steroids, fatty oils, flavonoids, saccharides), the patent creates a standardized extract profile that can be consistently manufactured while maintaining the synergistic effects of the natural mixture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes specific extraction parameters including solvent selection, extraction ratio, concentration levels, and processing conditions. These controlled parameter changes ensure consistent quality and composition of the Bupleurum extract across different batches, simplifying manufacturing while preserving the natural properties that minimize side effects
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating or relieving inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is provided, including administering an extract of Bupleurum as an active ingredient to a subject. The Bupleurum may be selected from the group consisting of Bupleurum krylovianum, Bupleurum chinense, Bupleurum commelynoideum, Bupleurum scorzonerifolium, Bupleurum triradiatum, Bupleurum falcatum, Bupleurum kaoi and a combination thereof.