Dioscoreaceae Extract for Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for peripheral neuropathy are largely symptomatic and lack fundamental remedies, with existing therapies such as recombinant human nerve growth factor being unsatisfactory in safety and efficacy.
Innovation Solution
An extract of the Dioscoreaceae family, specifically Dioscorea nipponica, Dioscorea quinqueoloba, and Dioscorea tokoro, is used to treat peripheral neuropathy through an extraction process with solvents like methanol and ethanol, resulting in a compound that induces endogenous nerve growth factor, promoting neurite outgrowth and nerve protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If recombinant human nerve growth factor is used to treat peripheral neuropathy, then nerve growth and protection are improved, but safety and efficacy are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Dioscoreaceae extract as an intermediary substance that indirectly promotes nerve growth by stimulating endogenous NGF production rather than administering recombinant NGF directly. This mediator approach avoids the safety issues of recombinant proteins while achieving the desired therapeutic effect through natural plant compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment leverages the body's own nerve growth factor production capabilities by using Dioscoreaceae extract to stimulate endogenous NGF synthesis. This self-service approach allows the patient's body to produce and regulate its own growth factor, avoiding the safety and efficacy problems associated with external recombinant protein administration
2Ease of operation
If symptomatic therapy drugs are used for peripheral neuropathy, then symptom management is improved, but fundamental treatment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The Dioscoreaceae extract acts preliminarily to address the root cause of neuropathy by promoting nerve regeneration and protecting neurons from further damage. This preliminary action on the fundamental level precedes and supports subsequent symptom management, unlike conventional therapy that only addresses symptoms after they manifest
3Ease of operation
If oral administration is used for neuropathy treatment, then patient compliance is improved, but delivery efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical parameters of the Dioscoreaceae extract to enhance its oral bioavailability. By modifying extraction methods and identifying specific active compounds with appropriate molecular properties, the extract achieves sufficient absorption and effectiveness through oral administration, overcoming the traditional trade-off between administration route convenience and delivery efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The extract and isolated compound effectively increase nerve growth factor levels, protect nerves, and improve transmission speed, providing a therapeutic benefit for peripheral neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy, with oral administration for improved patient compliance.
Implementation Method 1
An extract of the family Dioscoreaceae and a compound isolated from the extract induces an endogenous nerve growth factor in an organism
Data Source
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AI summary
An extract of the family Dioscoreaceae useful for preventing or treating the peripheral neuropathy; and a pharmaceutical composition or food composition comprising the extract are provided. In addition, a pharmaceutical composition or food composition useful for preventing or treating the peripheral neuropathy comprising a compound isolated from the extract of the family Dioscoreaceae is provided.