Thailand Medical Study Discover Photochemical from Orchids That Can Stop Atherosclerosis
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 05, 2026 1 hour, 43 minutes ago
Thailand Medical: A team of Thai scientists has identified a phytochemical compound derived from an orchid plant that may help block several dangerous biological processes responsible for the development of atherosclerosis, a major cause of heart attacks and strokes worldwide. The compound, known as chrysotoxine, demonstrated the ability to reduce oxidative damage, suppress inflammation in blood vessels, and inhibit platelet activation in laboratory experiments.
The research was conducted by
Thailand Medical scientists from the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology Program, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, the Interdisciplinary Program in Pharmacology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, the Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasetsart University in Bangkok.
Orchid Derived Molecule Shows Multi Target Protection
Chrysotoxine is a naturally occurring compound isolated from Dendrobium pulchellum, an orchid species that has long been used in traditional Asian herbal medicine. Members of the Dendrobium genus are known to contain several bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but the potential role of chrysotoxine in cardiovascular protection had not been thoroughly explored until now.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by the gradual buildup of fatty deposits inside artery walls. Over time these deposits form plaques that narrow blood vessels and restrict blood flow. If a plaque ruptures, it can trigger the formation of a blood clot that blocks circulation to vital organs such as the heart or brain.
Because the disease develops through several interconnected mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, and platelet activation, scientists are increasingly interested in compounds that can influence multiple pathways at the same time.
Blocking Oxidative Damage to Bad Cholesterol
One of the earliest events in atherosclerosis is the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein, often referred to as LDL or “bad cholesterol.” When LDL particles are damaged by oxidative stress, they trigger inflammatory reactions in blood vessels and contribute to plaque formation.
In the study, researchers exposed LDL particles to oxidative conditions using a molecule called hemin, which can promote the formation of damaging free radicals. When chrysotoxine was introduced before the oxidative process began, it significantly reduced the formation of harmful lipid peroxidation products.
Measurements of oxidative markers showed that the compound suppressed the buildup of substances associated with LDL oxidation. Additional tests examining the electrical mobility of LDL particles reveal
ed that chrysotoxine also protected structural proteins within LDL from oxidative alteration.
These findings indicate that the compound may help limit the formation of oxidized LDL, one of the most critical drivers of plaque development.
Reducing Inflammation Inside Blood Vessels
Inflammation within the lining of blood vessels is another key step in the progression of atherosclerosis. When endothelial cells become activated by inflammatory signals, they begin expressing molecules that attract circulating immune cells.
To investigate this process, the scientists stimulated endothelial cells with lipopolysaccharide, a molecule that mimics inflammatory stress in the body. Under these conditions, immune cells called monocytes strongly adhered to the endothelial surface.
However, when the cells were treated with chrysotoxine before exposure to inflammatory signals, the number of attached monocytes dropped significantly. Importantly, the compound did not reduce cell viability, suggesting that it was acting through anti-inflammatory mechanisms rather than causing cellular damage.
By preventing immune cells from attaching to the vessel wall, chrysotoxine may interrupt an early stage of plaque formation.
This Medical News report highlights the importance of identifying natural molecules that can reduce vascular inflammation while also protecting cholesterol particles from oxidative damage.
Suppressing Platelet Activation and Clot Formation
Platelets are small blood cells responsible for clot formation. While they play an essential role in preventing bleeding, excessive platelet activation can contribute to dangerous clots that block arteries.
The researchers tested whether chrysotoxine could influence platelet aggregation triggered by several common activating signals including ADP, collagen, and arachidonic acid.
The results showed that chrysotoxine inhibited platelet aggregation in a concentration dependent manner. The strongest effect occurred when platelets were stimulated by arachidonic acid, a pathway closely linked to the production of thromboxane A2, a chemical signal that amplifies clot formation.
Further computational analysis revealed that chrysotoxine can interact with cyclooxygenase enzymes known as COX 1 and COX 2. These enzymes play central roles in inflammatory signaling and platelet activation. Laboratory enzyme tests confirmed that the compound was able to suppress the activity of both enzymes at low micromolar concentrations.
A Promising Natural Candidate Against Artery Disease
The most striking feature of chrysotoxine is its ability to influence multiple biological mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis. By simultaneously reducing LDL oxidation, suppressing vascular inflammation, and inhibiting platelet activation, the compound may offer a multi target strategy against cardiovascular disease.
Natural products have long served as important sources of modern medicines, and discoveries such as this highlight the continued value of plant derived molecules in drug research.
Conclusions
The researchers concluded that chrysotoxine demonstrates strong protective activity against several critical processes that drive atherosclerosis development. Its ability to reduce oxidative LDL damage, suppress endothelial inflammatory responses, and inhibit platelet activation suggests that it could potentially serve as a promising lead compound for the development of new therapies aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease. However, the scientists emphasize that the current findings are based on laboratory and computational experiments, and further studies including animal models and clinical investigations will be necessary to confirm its safety and therapeutic effectiveness in humans.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Biomolecules.
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/16/3/379
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
Medical Disclaimer: All content published by Thailand Medical News is based on scientific research and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers must not attempt to use, apply, or experiment with any protocols, compounds, or therapies mentioned without first consulting a qualified and licensed medical doctor. Many findings discussed are experimental or preliminary, and only a licensed healthcare professional can determine what is safe and appropriate for an individual’s specific medical condition.
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