Inflammatory processes are diverse in their manifestation. Some of them can remain invisible for a long time, negatively affecting various organs and systems of the body and leading to serious inflammation-associated diseases. "Inflammation is a common pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and bowel diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer." [1]
In this context, the anti-inflammatory properties of resin extract are of particular interest. Cedar nut oil and cedar resin not only prevent the penetration of possible inflammatory irritants into the body, but also reduce the inflammatory response, since they contain components involved in the activation of receptors associated with inflammatory reactions and intracellular signaling cascades.
Prevention of inflammation
Inflammation is the response of the body's immune system to an irritant. Microorganisms and other pathogens that cause infection can act as an irritant. For example, arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints, more than half of the cases caused by a local or general infection.
That is why, speaking about the anti-inflammatory properties of resin extract, we should first of all mention its protective properties. Resin extract prevents the development of inflammation due to the fact that it effectively fights its possible pathogens - bacteria, viruses, and others. It has been proven that cedar nut oil inhibits the reproduction of microbes [2], and cedar resin increases the vulnerability of bacteria, since it increases the permeability of their cell membranes and damages its proteins. [3] Together with the immunomodulatory properties of resin extract, this significantly reduces the risk of inflammation and, as a result, associated diseases.
Influence on inflammatory pathways
Resin extract also directly affects the reactions and processes occurring in the human body during inflammation. Thus, fatty acids from cedar nut oil inhibit the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (information molecules) and contribute to an increase in the number of macrophages - cells that clear up dead cells and thereby help to reduce the time of inflammation. [4] Flavonoids found in cedar products have a similar property and also reduce swelling in inflammation.
A 2016 study showed that cedar products inhibit the breakdown of albumin — denaturation of this protein is one of the most important markers of the acute phase of inflammation. It has also been found that cedar products prevent the destruction of erythrocyte membranes during inflammation. [5]
Thus, resin extract is a prophylactic against inflammation of any etiology and significantly reduces the destructive effects of inflammatory reactions.
