Stem Cell Treatment Side Effects Prevented by 'Hubak'

Mechanism of Undifferentiated Stem Cell Removal by Magnolia Extract

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A study has found that magnolia bark extract, a traditional herbal medicine, is effective in eliminating the side effects of stem cell therapies. It is expected to contribute to overcoming the problem of teratoma formation caused by undifferentiated stem cells during the development of stem cell therapies. The Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine announced these findings on the 19th, based on the research team led by Dr. Seongu Jeong from the Department of Clinical Medicine.

Teratomas Caused by Undifferentiated Stem Cells Controlled with Magnolia Bark

Inhibitory Effect of Magnolia Extract on Teratoma Formation

The research team demonstrated that magnolia bark is effective in removing undifferentiated stem cells.

In the production of stem cell therapies, it is essential to eliminate undifferentiated stem cells. Stem cell therapy involves using pluripotent stem cells (induced pluripotent stem cells) that can differentiate into all types of human cells to repair damaged tissues.

Undifferentiated stem cells are those that fail to differentiate during the differentiation process of induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells can develop into teratoma tumors. Teratomas are tumors composed of various tissue types such as muscle, teeth, hair, and bone.

The research team treated induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells with magnolia bark extract to selectively induce apoptosis in undifferentiated stem cells. They then treated TP53 gene-deficient stem cells and normal stem cells with this extract and checked whether undifferentiated stem cells underwent apoptosis.

Confirmed Through Fertilized Egg Experiments

As a result, apoptosis was induced in normal stem cells with the TP53 gene treated with magnolia bark extract. In contrast, apoptosis of undifferentiated stem cells did not occur in TP53 gene-deficient stem cells.

The research team explained, "The p53 protein activated by magnolia bark extract (expressed by the TP53 gene) increases the expression of target genes responsible for apoptosis or cell cycle inhibition, thereby inducing cell death."

Through allantois transplantation experiments in fertilized eggs, magnolia bark extract was also shown to suppress teratoma formation.

Magnolia bark refers to the dried stem or root bark of the magnolia tree, a member of the magnolia family. In traditional Korean medicine, it is used for its antibacterial and diuretic effects, as well as for treating digestive disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, bronchitis, and asthma.

Dr. Seongu Jeong stated, "Along with various previously reported compounds and antibodies, magnolia bark extract is expected to contribute to overcoming the teratoma formation problem caused by undifferentiated stem cells. We plan to continue researching the apoptosis resistance, effects, and side effects of magnolia bark extract on differentiated cells."

This research was published in the international journal Phytomedicine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.