Corals and their potential applications to integrative medicine

Abstract

Over the last few years, we have pursued the use and exploitation of invertebrate immune systems, most notably their humoral products, to determine what effects their complex molecules might exert on humans, specifically their potential for therapeutic applications. This endeavor, called "bioprospecting," is an emerging necessity for biomedical research. In order to treat the currently "untreatable," or to discover more efficient treatment modalities, all options and potential sources must be exhausted so that we can provide the best care to patients, that is, proceed from forest and ocean ecosystems through the laboratory to the bedside. Here, we review current research findings that have yielded therapeutic benefits, particularly as derived from soft and hard corals. Several applications have already been demonstrated, including anti-inflammatory properties, anticancer properties, bone repair, and neurological benefits.

Figure 1

An evolutionary map indicating where corals (Anthozoa) lie and some of the therapeutic benefits they exert. Adapted from [11].

Figure 2

The chemical structure of 11-epi-sinulariolide acetate (Ya-s11) and the coral from which it is isolated, Sinularia querciformis. From [18].

Figure 3

In vitro effects of Ya-s11 on production of iNOS and COX-2, proinflammatory proteins. From [18].

Figure 4

Pictorial and graphical demonstrations of the attenuation of AIA symptoms in rats. From [18].

Figure 5

A schematic of how herbal supplements were administered and evaluated as a treatment for AIA in rats. From [19].

Figure 6

The chemical structure and ¹³C-NMR spectra of sinularin, a potential anticancer molecule isolated from Sinularia. From [20].

Figure 7

5EPA activity against K562, Molt 4, and HL60 cell lines. From [24].