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 Horopito: A Unique New Zealand Medicinal Herb, Part Two Campbell Berry-Kilgour, BSc (Hons.) Editor's note: Part one of this article appeared in the January 2007 issue. Toxicology Polygodial is not mutagenic, as determined by three variants of the Ames salmonella test10 and further confirmed by the mammal-based V79/HGPRT method.10 This is unique in that many other sesquiterpene dialdehydes possessing strong biological activity are mutagenic. In comparison with members of this group, polygodial exhibits the least cytotoxicity for compounds that have antifungal activity.11 Polygodial and closely related epipolygodial controlled fungi (Mucor miehei, Paecilomyces variotii, Pencillium notatum, Nematospora corylii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at comparatively low concentrations. At higher concentrations, they inhibited bacteria and algae. At about the same concentrations required to control gram-positive organisms (5-20 mcg/ml), they showed anti-tumor activity against Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and lyphocytic leukemia mouse cells. No mutagenic activity was observed with polygodial or epipolygodial.
Mechanism of Action Polygodial exhibits fungicidal activity against yeast-like fungi. This is in comparison to the actions of some of the fungistatic triazoles, such as fluconazole. It has been reported in literature that the antifungal activity of polygodial is the result of structural disruption of cell membranes, leading to cell leakage and, ultimately, cell death. Radioactive monomer incorporation studies have shown no selective inhibition of uptake in polymers of DNA, RNA, protein or polysaccharide, as all uptake tapered off after 60 minutes.13 Polygodial produces amounts of potassium leakage from yeast cells, similar to those produced by amphotericin B and miconazole.14 Clinical Use and Research A relatively unknown medicinal herb outside of its native New Zealand, horopito has been used for a number of years as a natural product for the management of issues relating to Candida (yeast) and fungal problems. In 1992, an open study conducted by New Zealand naturopaths examined the therapeutic effect of capsules containing milled horopito leaf and milled anise seed in patients diagnosed with chronic intestinal candidiasis. This study demonstrated a symptom improvement rate in 76 percent of cases.15 In 1997, the Pavlodar City Centre for Clinical Immunology and Reproduction compared 22 patients taking capsules containing milled horopito leaf and milled anise seed with 10 patients administered fluconazole (Diflucan, Pfizer). All patients were diagnosed as having chronic, recurring intestinal candidiasis. A significant improvement was seen in 100 percent (n=10) of the fluconazole group at seven days and in 90 percent (n=20) of the Kolorex group at 14 days.16 A reliable in vivo model of candidiasis recently demonstrated that an anethole/polygodial compound can indeed exert a significant protective effect against C. albicans gut colonization and dissemination.17 In addition, in vitro studies have shown that milled horopito has a very good profile of antifungal activity in terms of effectiveness and spectrum of action, while being devoid of any significant toxicity. Given the widespread environmental, nutritional and iatrogenic situations at risk of fungal infections, either de novo or as a virulent-induced gut commensal abnormality, such a compound might be amenable to clinical practice application and possibly long-term regimens.18 Moreover, this natural product is also expected to be a promising compound for the development of therapeutic regimens acting through a synergistic effect. Although there is no evidence of teratogenicity, as a precaution, horopito is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. Horopito works rapidly against C. albicans in the digestive tract. For this reason, a Herxheimer reaction to dead Candida cells is sometimes experienced in the first few days of therapy by those with Candida overgrowth. This is characterized by a headache and a nauseous feeling, both of which usually are mild and transient. Horopito has been available commercially in the United States since 1992. Currently, it is available in a number of forms as an encapsulated supplement for intestinal candidiasis; as an herbal tea for mouth and throat problems; and as a range of topical creams for Candida and fungal problems. Despite continuing advances in antifungal and anti-Candida treatment, there is increasing demand for natural alternatives that are effective, safe and convenient. Expect to hear a lot more about products derived from horopito, the ancient herb from mountainous islands deep in the South Pacific. References
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Anke and Sterner found that polygodial exhibited antifungal, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity.9 No mutagenicity was observed. Toxicology studies have established that the highest non-lethal dose to rats of capsules containing 50 percent powdered Horopito, 50 percent powdered Pimpinella anisum (anise seed) is greater than 2 g/kg body weight. At 2 g/kg dosing, the rats maintained satisfactory body-weight gains, and macroscopic examination of the abdominal and thoracic cavities revealed no abnormalities.12
About the Author: Campbell Berry-Kilgour is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen in Scotland with a BSc (Hons.) in Pharmacology. For the past six years, he has been working with Forest Herbs Research of New Zealand, focusing on potential applications of the New Zealand native herb Pseudowintera colorata, or horopito against Candida albicans. He is a dynamic speaker who is passionate about his research into natural medicine, particularly in relation to the use of natural products and digestive well-being.
