Avocado Soy Unsaponifiables (commonly known as ASU) is a natural plant extract made from avocado and soybean oils. ASU has been shown to have beneficial effects on some symptoms of osteoarthritis and may slow the progression of the condition. According to the Arthritis Foundation, avocado soy unsaponifiables are considered safe and effective for people with osteoarthritis. ASU is typically one-third avocado oil and two-thirds soybean oil. ASU has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective effects. It is involved in the protection of the cartilage matrix and can be tried as a natural alternative to NSAIDs.
Medical uses of avocado soy unsaponifiable matter
1. Used in the treatment of bone and joint diseases
ASU has been used in numerous experimental studies to test its possible biological effects. Recent experimental evidence suggests the use of ASU extract (herbal medicine) as an effective therapeutic agent for various arthritic diseases. Therefore, ASU has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic, and anabolic effects on cartilage metabolism (mainly chondrocytes).
The most important results of these experimental studies highlight the reduction of proinflammatory cytokine mediators: interleukins IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, prostaglandin 2 (PGE 2), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and its isoforms TGF-β1 and TGF-β2, proteolytic enzymes (e.g., MMPs), and various reactive oxygen species (ROS, e.g., inducible nitric oxide synthase) involved.
The molecular mechanism of ASU involves inhibition of NF-κB activation. NF-κB is a transcription factor that regulates the inflammatory response of chondrocytes. It is normally found in the cytoplasm, but once activated, it moves toward the nucleus, inducing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including enzymes that degrade cartilage matrix. Likewise, ASU reversed the breakdown of IL-1b in human fibroblasts by inducing significant reductions in MMP-2, MMP-3, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in the presence of IL-1b metabolic effects. The mechanism of action of ASU in OA has not been fully elucidated, but there is some evidence that it inhibits MMPs and stimulates the synthesis of TGF-β, which plays an important role in cartilage tissue homeostasis. ASU has inhibitory effects on inflammatory and catabolic mediators, thus preventing cartilage degradation. It inhibits the expression and production of cytokines, chemokines, PGE2, nitric oxide, and MMPs. ASU inhibits the production of IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1β, PGE2, and NO in human articular chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1b cultures.
2.Effect on autoimmune diseases
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease in which the skin and connective tissue thicken due to excessive production of collagen. In scleroderma, the collagen content of the skin increases and the number of fat cells decreases. The impact of ASU on autoimmune diseases appears to be an unexplored topic. However, given the soy content in ASU, it's worth mentioning the effects of soy on many immune diseases. A crossover randomized clinical trial of 14 patients with diabetes showed that adding soy protein to the diet was beneficial for lipid profiles and kidney function. This effect is attributed to the isoflavones in soy protein. Another study of eight people reported that consuming soy protein as half of daily protein intake did not show any significant effects on kidney function or proteinuria. However, the study reported a significant association between soy protein intake and reduced serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations. It should be noted that there is some conflict regarding the effects of soy phytoestrogens on immune disorders. A study on a mouse model of lupus disease reported that a soy diet worsened the clinical course of lupus compared with a casein diet.
ASU may also be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. It is also recommended to supplement neonates and piglets with soy isoflavones to reduce the damage of lipopolysaccharide to the intestinal barrier. A study using a porcine intestinal inflammation model tested the effects of soy-derived di- and tripeptides and reported in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of these peptides.
3.Impact on menopausal symptoms
ASU is an herbal medicine derived from avocados and soybeans that is used to relieve hot flashes in menopausal women. ASU is known to have powerful phytoestrogenic values and has significant positive effects in reducing menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes, in addition to improving mood and quality of life in postmenopausal women.
However, there is controversy regarding the effect of soy on menopausal symptoms. Some authors suggested positive effects, while others did not report any significant effects. A study investigating the relationship between dietary fiber intake and serum estrogen levels also looked at ASU intake. Studies have shown that ASU is associated with higher serum estrogen levels, but the source of this effect needs to be explored.
4.Other pharmacotherapeutic uses of ASU
Studies have highlighted other beneficial effects of ASU for different medical conditions, such as chronic back pain, gum inflammation, periodontitis or back pain. Other health benefits include its ability to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and breast cancer.
The effect of ASU on wound healing has also been studied. A rat model study investigated the effects of ASU on wound healing in rats by randomly dividing them into three subgroups (20 rats per group). Each rat in the control (saline), vehicle (cream), and treatment groups (cream plus ASU) was injured on the back (2 × 2 cm wound), and the wounds were screened daily. The study found that the treatment (cream plus ASU) produced significantly higher levels of tissue glycosaminoglycans and collagen compared to the control group. It has also been reported that the treatment modulates inflammation, improves fibroplasia and provides more scar tissue. Therefore, it was concluded that ASU is a promising wound healing agent.
Summarize
The many health benefits of ASU extract mean that it has gained huge importance as a natural alternative treatment for conditions as diverse as osteoarthritis and autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, inflammatory bowel disease) sex, and as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. The content of phytoestrogens, tocopherols, and tocotrienols in ASU has significant positive effects on reducing symptoms associated with autoimmune, bone and joint, and menopausal disorders.
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