Betulin is a substance found in many plants used in traditional herbal medicine. It was scientifically discovered for the first time in birch bark. The latest research shows that it has enormous potential in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer. What is worth knowing about betulin? When should it be used? What does it mean for the future of medicine?

Betulinoccurs in the natural environment in the tissues of trees such as hazel, hornbeam or alder. The main source of obtaining this substance is birch bark. Two species are used for this purpose: warty birch ( Betula verrucosa ) and mossy birch(Betula pubescens ).

The white color of the trunks of these trees results from the high concentration of betulin in their bark. It is usually accompanied by betulinic acid with a similar chemical formula and properties. Both of these compounds are designed to protect trees from solar radiation, infections and other harmful external factors.

Betulin is also present in birch sap, which is becoming an increasingly popular drink these days.

The use of betulin in medicine and cosmetology

Nowadays, betulin is used primarily as a means of increasing the vitality of hair bulbs. It is also an important ingredient in pharmacy cosmetics, aimed at reducing inflammation and accelerating the regeneration of the epidermis. The latest research shows, however, that this substance has much more important properties. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that it can be used in the treatment of:

  • cancer
  • allergy
  • inflammation
  • atherosclerosis
  • viral diseases
  • liver damage
  • kidney stones

It should be remembered, however, that these are potential applications that are in the research phase.

Betulin in the history of medicine

Betulin was first isolated from birch bark in 1788 by the chemist Tobias Lowitz. However, the properties of this substance have been used by mankind since prehistoric times. Plants containing betulin have been used in traditional herbal medicine in both Europe and North America.

In 1991, in the Tyrolean Alps, a man was found in the ice about 5,300 years ago. At the corpsethere were bags that probably served as a first aid kit. They included, inter alia, birch bark. Scientists now speculate that it was intended for antimicrobial purposes.

Birch bark extracts were also used by Native Americans. The main application of these extracts was the treatment of tuberculosis and diseases of the lymphatic system.

Descriptions of therapeutic properties of drugs obtained from birch can also be found in European medical books from the Middle Ages. Saint Hildegard, who was considered a great expert in herbalism and medicine of her time, wrote about them.

Potential of betulin in cancer treatment

The 20th century is a period of intense laboratory research into the therapeutic properties of betulin. The antitumor activity of this substance is of particular interest. In vitro tests, i.e. in this case tests on isolated human cancer cells, give exceptionally promising results.

Research shows that betulin has the ability to direct cancer cells to apoptosis. This means that a damaged, diseased cell is subject to suicide, while not damaging he althy tissues. Such properties of betulin have been demonstrated for colon, breast and lung cancer cells.

In studies on mice, betulinic acid has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties. This compound shows high activity against neoplastic tumors even at low concentrations. At the same time, it has low toxicity to he althy cells. Thanks to this, the side effects of the therapy are negligible

The selective action of betulinic acid is probably due to its difference in activity depending on the pH. In the fluid of he althy cells, the reaction is neutral or slightly alkaline. Neoplastic tissues are characterized by a slightly acidic environment. The cytotoxic properties of betulinic acid are manifested at this pH. This means that only in neoplastic lesions this substance leads to cell death.

Research shows that betulinic acid leads to suicidal death of neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma and glioblastoma. These are diseased cells that respond poorly to treatment with other drugs, so the test results are very promising.

It should be remembered, however, that positive results of laboratory tests do not mean that the drug is an effective anti-cancer therapy. Betulin is an interesting substance that gives high hopes. However, it has not yet been registered as an agent in official anti-cancer therapy. It should not be considered as an alternative to medications prescribed by a doctor.Preparations containing betulin can only be taken to support the treatment process.

Betulin and allergy and inflammation

The research also shows anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties of betulin and betulinic acid. Common head herb extract ( Prunella vulgaris ) containing these substances in tests proved to be an effective remedy for allergies. This activity is likely related to blocking the release of histamine from cells, the increase in concentration of which in body fluids is responsible for the allergic reaction.

Plant extracts containing betulin and betulinic acid have also shown anti-inflammatory properties in animal studies. These substances inhibited paw swelling in rats to a comparable degree during the tests as standard synthetic drugs.

Antiviral properties of betulin derivatives

Research on the activity of betulin derivatives against HIV microorganisms is also of great importance for medicine. Substances belonging to this group, including betulinic acid, have been shown to have the ability to block the viral development cycle in human lymphocytes.

Therapeutic properties of betulin derivatives relate to the early stage of infection. These substances block the transmission of the virus from diseased cells to he althy cells. The mechanism of action of these compounds is probably based on blocking the protein coat of the virus. As a result, the pathogen cannot bind to the cell membrane and penetrate inside it.

Betulinic acid and other betulin derivatives are still at the initial stage of research. Hopes are focused on finding a compound from this group with the highest antiviral activity and introducing it to treatment.

Betulin and atherosclerosis

Clinical trials indicate that betulin may have a significant effect on the metabolism of sterols and fatty acids in the body. This compound significantly lowers cholesterol biosynthesis while reducing the size of atherosclerotic plaques.

In animal testing, betulin reduced diet-induced obesity while lowering serum and tissue lipids. Additionally, it increased the sensitivity of tissues to insulin.

Teas containing birch bark and betulin supplements can be a valuable support in the treatment of atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolaemia. However, they should not be treated as alternatives to medications prescribed by the attending physician.

Betulin hepatoprotective properties

Active substances contained in birch bark, including betulin, have proven hepatoprotective properties - they protect the liver against the effects of toxic substances.

In studies using the in vitro method, extracts from this plant have been shown to protect hepG2 cells against the toxic effects of ethanol. Betulin is already used as a hepatoprotective drug in the prevention and treatment of acute alcohol intoxication.

Summary

Betulin and its derivatives are substances with great therapeutic potential. Potential drugs containing these substances are currently being researched. The results of the tests are very promising, however, birch bark preparations should not be used as a substitute for conventional therapy prescribed by a doctor.

Supplements containing betulin should be used as additional support during treatment recommended by a specialist.

About the authorSara Janowska, MA in pharmacyPhD student of interdisciplinary doctoral studies in the field of pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences at the Medical University of Lublin and the Institute of Biotechnology in Białystok. A graduate of pharmaceutical studies at the Medical University of Lublin with a specialization in Plant Medicine. She obtained a master's degree defending a thesis in the field of pharmaceutical botany on the antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from twenty species of mosses. Currently, in his research work, he deals with the synthesis of new anti-cancer substances and the study of their properties on cancer cell lines. For two years she worked as a master of pharmacy in an open pharmacy.

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