Taiwanese Propolis Extract for Ocular Disease Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are inadequate in addressing oxidative stress and hypoxia-induced damages, and there is a lack of effective therapies using natural compounds.

Innovation Solution

An extract of Taiwanese propolis, specifically a water or alcoholic extract rich in propolins, is administered to treat ocular diseases by enhancing retinal pigment epithelium cell viability and ocular blood flow, while also inhibiting choroidal neovascularization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional treatments are used for ocular diseases, then some symptomatic relief may be achieved, but they are inadequate in addressing oxidative stress and hypoxia-induced damages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidoxidative stress and hypoxia-induced damages

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies antioxidant compounds to counteract oxidative stress damage caused by reactive oxygen species. The harmful oxidative stress is converted into a treatable condition by introducing substances that neutralize free radicals and restore cellular balance, directly addressing the inadequacy of conventional treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies physiological parameters by improving ocular blood flow and oxygen delivery to the retina. By changing the blood flow dynamics and oxygen saturation levels, the treatment addresses hypoxia-induced damages that conventional therapies fail to correct.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If propolis extract is administered to treat ocular diseases, then cell viability and ocular blood flow are improved, but the mechanism of action needs to be established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell viabilityVSAvoidmechanism of action

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism by measuring and monitoring cell viability, ocular blood flow, and oxidative stress markers to evaluate treatment effectiveness. This systematic assessment provides information about the mechanism of action through observed physiological changes and cellular responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively treats ocular diseases by improving cell viability, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing ocular blood flow, as demonstrated in various ocular disease models, including AMD and glaucoma, with significant improvements in retinal function and blood flow.

Implementation Method 1

antioxidant (Altu et al., Brain Res. 2008 Mar 27;1201: 135-42.)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntioxidant activity: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

enhancing ocular blood flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVasodilation:

Data Source

PatentEP3261652B1Extract of taiwanese propolis for treating ocular diseases

Publication Date: 2020.06.10 NATURE WISE BIOTECH & MEDICALS CORP

Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

A method for treating an ocular disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering an effective amount of an extract of Taiwanese propolis or an active component thereof to the subject. And a pharmaceutical composition for treating an ocular disease, which comprises an effective amount of an extract of Taiwanese propolis or an active component thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.