Russian scientists turn cinnamon compound into anti-rheumatoid arthritis drug

Scientists have discovered a new form of cinnamaldehyde, which could form the basis of a drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Russian scientists have obtained a new form of cinnamaldehyde, which could form the basis of a drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Advanced Healthcare Materials magazine reports that the first Russian biotechnological drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Artlegia, developed by experts of the R-Pharm Group of Companies, has received the “Made in Russia” certificate.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a highly disabling disease that reduces patients' quality of life and life expectancy, and the disease is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Inflammation is the immune system's response to injury and infection. Excessive inflammation is life-threatening and can lead to serious health problems. It is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The occurrence and maintenance of inflammation is linked to cytokines. Cinnamaldehyde has been shown to reduce cytokine production.

In the new study, researchers made changes to the structure of cinnamaldehyde, which allowed for increased solubility and stability of the drug. The nanoparticles were used to inject the drug. Experiments conducted on mice with arthritis and ulcerative colitis showed that the nanoparticles accumulated in areas of inflammation. Without affecting healthy tissue.

Researchers are currently trying to find the right dose of cinnamaldehyde that would be most effective for treating people with inflammatory diseases.