Cucumber-derived iminosugar reduces inflammatory responses in immune cells, according to preclinical study

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Inflammation is linked to neurodegeneration, and activating microglia, immune cells present in the central nervous system (CNS), releases inflammatory cytokines that are thought to be related to aging and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

A new study published in Molecules¹ found ido-BRI, a cucumber-derived natural iminosugar amino acid and supplement ingredient, caused a dose-dependent reduction in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced production of three proinflammatory factors—TNFalpha, IL-6, and nitricoxide—and the transcription factor NF-κB, a gene transcription factor involved in inflammatory and immune responses. The researchers used mouse BV-2 microglia, a cell culture models for neurological studies.

“Cucumbers and cucumber extracts have long been recognized as having anti-inflammatory properties,” said Robert Nash, PhD, a phytochemistry researcher and leading expert on iminosugars who led the study, in a press release. “This research provides further evidence that ido-BR1 is a molecule with tremendous anti-inflammatory properties that may support brain and cognitive health in addition to joint health.”

Ido-BR1 (as Q-actin, from IminoTech, Inc., based in Carson City, NV) is an iminosugar amino acid, a biologically active carbohydrate derived from select cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.). The patented ingredient for foods, beverages, and supplements has been previously studied for joint health, supporting increased flexibility, function, and mobility.

Reference

1. Olajide OA et al. "Iminosugar amino acid idoBR1 reduces inflammatory responses in microglia." Molecules, vol. 27 (May 23, 2022): 3342, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27103342