Calcium fructoborate--potential anti-inflammatory agent

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Dec;143(3):1223-38. doi: 10.1007/s12011-011-8972-6. Epub 2011 Jan 28.

Abstract

Calcium fructoborate is a boron-based nutritional supplement. Its chemical structure is similar to one of the natural forms of boron such as bis-manitol, bis-sorbitol, bis-fructose, and bis-sucrose borate complexes found in edible plants. In vitro studies revealed that calcium fructoborate is a superoxide ion scavenger and anti-inflammatory agent. It may influence macrophage production of inflammatory mediators, can be beneficial for the suppression of cytokine production, and inhibits progression of endotoxin-associated diseases, as well as the boric acid and other boron sources. The mechanisms by which calcium fructoborate exerts its beneficial anti-inflammatory effects are not entirely clear, but some of its molecular biological in vitro activities are understood: inhibition of the superoxide within the cell; inhibition of the interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and nitric oxide release in the culture media; and increase of the tumor necrosis factor-α production. Also, calcium fructoborate has no effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced cyclooxygenase-2 protein express. The studies on animals and humans with a dose range of 1-7 mg calcium fructoborate (0.025-0.175 mg elemental boron)/kg body weight/day exhibited a good anti-inflammatory activity, and it also seemed to have negligible adverse effect on humans.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Borates / administration & dosage
  • Borates / chemistry
  • Borates / pharmacology*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Fructose / administration & dosage
  • Fructose / analogs & derivatives*
  • Fructose / chemistry
  • Fructose / pharmacology
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Borates
  • calcium fructoborate
  • Fructose