RESUMO
We studied the effects of a supplement containing freeze-dried earthworm powder : “Protein Related compound Derived from Redworm (PR-DR)” for atherosclerosis in 19 patients (10 females, average age : 61.5 ± 6.9), whose vascular ages were estimated to be older than their actual ages based on the index of atherosclerosis ; Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) by carotid ultrasonography and Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI). After we obtained informed consent, they took daily dose of 6 PR-DR capsules for 6 months. Each capsule contains 40 mg of powdered extract of <i>Lumbricus rubellus</i>, which is known to contain fibrin-degrading an enzyme and to increase the effect of t-PA.<br>Before and 6 months after intake, we found significant decrease in 3 indicators of atherosclerosis. The scores of difference between 2 time points (6 month-pre) were IMT-Cmax : -0.15 ± 0.16 mm, maxIMT : -0.22 ± 0.17 mm, plaque score : -1.57 ± 1.12 (all p < 0.01 by Wilcoxon signed-rank test). As statins and EPA also decrease atherosclerosis, we excluded 6 patients who were taking these medications. Even in the remaining 13 patients (7 females, average age : 61.2 ± 7.9), 3 indicators were still significantly lower (IMT-Cmax : -0.07 ± 0.07 mm, maxIMT : -0.19 ± 0.17 mm, plaque score : -1.39 ± 1.04 ; all p < 0.01) after 6 months of intake. Thus, the results showed that PR-DR has anti-atherosclerosis effect and can be used clinically for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diseases associated with it.
RESUMO
Dried earthworm powder from culture of Lampito mauritii in vermicomposting units and subjected to analysis of protein, carbohydrate and mineral content. The EWP contained large amounts of protein (31.7 % ), iron (241.1ppm), soluble nitrogen (1.8%), zinc (32.34ppm), manganese (17.2ppm) and copper (4.501ppm) together with notable quantities of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and carbohydrate indicating that this type of earthworm contain potentially useful quantities of many nutrients, that are important to the human health.
RESUMO
Objective: To evaluate the acute toxicity effects of earthworm powder (EWP) obtained from Eudrillus euginae on wistar male rats. Methods: The animals are treated orally with EWP at the doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg bodyweight daily for 12 days. Results: There was no significant mortality and changes in body weight noticed at all the doses tested. No gross significant changes observed in the hematological indices (HB, RBC and WBC), Hepatic, serum markers (AST, ALT, ALP, and protein) and renal indices (Urea, Uric acid and Creatinine). The EWP did not show any significant effects in the clinical signs, behavioral changes and examined toxicological endpoints in experimental animals. The histopathological studies provide supports to the safety data of above parameter of EWP dosing. Conclusions: Thus, it can be inferred from the present study that EWP (Eudrillus euginae) is devoid of toxic effects in rats and suggested to utilize the EWP as novel medicine.