Due to their ability to block inflammation and aggravate oxidative stress, natural compounds derived from plants—also known as phytochemicals—showed significant potential in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP).
“Pancreatitis is a common digestive system disease characterized by pancreatic acinar cell necrosis and systemic inflammation. In 2017, there were more than 6 million cases of pancreatitis worldwide. When acute pancreatitis (AP) develops into severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), it seriously endangers patients’ lives and health,” wrote authors of a study published in Biomolecules.1
Put It Into Practice
Incorporate these strategies into your pharmacy practice to improve patient outcomes.
- Inform patients with AP that phytochemicals may offer potential complementary benefits as part of their overall treatment plan.
- Encourage patients to incorporate phytochemical-rich foods into their diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Remind patients to discuss any dietary supplements or herbal remedies containing phytochemicals with their physician and pharmacist.
Currently accepted treatment options for AP exist but are slim. The 3 most common approaches to AP management are fluid resuscitation, nutritional dieting, and analgesics. However, similar to the exploration of phytochemicals, constant research is ongoing to find better treatments for AP.
“Recent trends are towards a more conservative approach using less fluids, less opiates, and delay interventions as much as possible. Trials that are focused on reducing (early) organ failure through immunomodulation still produce disappointing results. A more fundamental understanding of the early inflammatory response is therefore needed,” wrote authors of an article published in the Current Opinion in Critical Care regarding a 2023 update to the guidelines for AP management.2
READ MORE: Health Impacts for Patients Using Pre-, Pro-, Syn-, Postbiotics
In the Biomolecules study, researchers wanted to further flesh out the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals. Indeed, previous research has yielded multiple promising effects of phytochemicals on inflammation.
“These natural compounds can directly act on cancer cells, pathogens, or microorganisms while causing very little damage to normal cells. Natural compounds have antioxidative effects and can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators,” they wrote.1
By first exploring the key characteristics of AP, including its causes, mechanisms, etc., researchers then detailed the main functions of phytochemicals and how they could be applied to treat patients with AP.
AP is typically caused by pancreatic duct obstruction, cholelithiasis, alcohol, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and pathological cell dysfunction triggered by various drugs.1 Overall gut health is one of the main areas impacted by AP as it gradually induces abdominal pain. AP has also been reported with the possibility of leading to diabetes.
Once AP affects a patient, one of its key pathological mechanisms is immune inflammation. With the destruction of pancreatic acinar cells and introduction to inflammatory processes, AP can be detrimental for patients who are only counseled to adhere to the previously accepted treatment options.
“Despite recent progress in the treatment of AP, there are currently no specific drugs for treating AP or SAP. Many studies have focused on specific therapies for AP, including siRNAs targeting key molecules and inhibitors of inflammation-related pathways. However, these methods are difficult to use in the clinic in the short term,” continued the authors.1
However, after performing a comprehensive overview of phytochemical mechanisms, researchers believe these compounds have the potential for significantly impacting patients’ AP experience in a positive way. Overall, phytochemicals like terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids have a significant ability of performing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative functions.
With these biologic compounds found in readily available substances—like vegetables, fruits, plants, and other natural products—the future of AP management may become more accessible and cheaper. However, researchers agree more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of phytochemicals before they are applied for therapeutic use in patients with AP.
“Exploring the mechanism and specific targets of these compounds is the main focus of current research. The application of molecular docking technology and network pharmacology will provide specific targets and functional pathways for these natural compounds. In conclusion, natural compounds have broad research potential and application prospects in the treatment of AP,” they concluded.1
READ MORE: Digestive Health Resource Center
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References
1. Jiang W, Li X, Zhang Y, et al. Natural compounds for the treatment of acute pancreatitis: Novel anti-inflammatory therapies. Biomolecules. 2024 Sep 2;14(9):1101. doi: 10.3390/biom14091101.
2. van den Berg FF, Boermeester MA. Update on the management of acute pancreatitis. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2023 Apr 1;29(2):145-151. doi: 10.1097/MCC.0000000000001017. Epub 2023 Jan 23.
