β-Escin and Chokeberry Fruit Extract Supplementation in Smokers as Potential anti-Inflammatory Protection-a Pilot Proof-of-Concept Study.

Despite the well-recognized risks associated with cigarette smoking, exposure to tobacco smoke remains one of the most serious public health threats worldwide. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of β-escin combined with chokeberry fruit extract as anti-inflammatory intervention for tobacco smokers. In addition, mechanisms of the observed effects were investigated. Nine smoking volunteers received 10 mg of water soluble β-escin combined with 5 mg of chokeberry fruit juice concentrate daily for 7 days. The effects of β-escin and chokeberry fruit extract on neutrophil number, IL-6 and IL-8 concentration in induced sputum, antioxidant capacity in induced sputum and saliva as well as on alehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity in PBMC in vitro and in vivo were evaluated. Simultaneously, IL-6, IL-8 and neutrophil number in day 0 and 7 was analyzed in sputum from control subject without β-escin and chokeberry fruit extract intervention. Short, 7-day treatment led to a considerable decrease in neutrophil and increase in macrophage concentration in smokers' sputum as well as significant rise in antioxidant capacity of induced sputum and saliva. The observed reduction in IL-6 and IL-8 concentration did not reach statistical significance. β-escin and chokeberry fruit extract induced a strong upregulation of ALDH activity in PBMC in vitro and in vivo. This pilot proof-of-concept study suggests that by increasing ALDH activity and antioxidant capacity, β-escin and chokeberry fruit extract may effectively lower the inflammation associated with tobacco smoking and contribute to toxicity reduction in the airways exposed to cigarette smoke.