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Ruthenium

Also known as: Ruthenium, Ru, Bis(quinolin-8-olato)bis(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II), Ru(quin)2, Ruthenium complexes

Overview

Ruthenium complexes are compounds containing the rare transition metal ruthenium (Ru). They are not naturally consumed as supplements but are being actively researched for potential therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment. Ruthenium is found in small amounts in platinum ores. These complexes exhibit unique biological properties, including selective cytotoxicity and the ability to target platinum-resistant tumors. Research is primarily preclinical, involving in vitro and in vivo studies. While showing promise, human clinical trials are limited. Ruthenium complexes are being explored for their anticancer properties, with some studies suggesting they can induce apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells. The quality of available evidence is promising but requires further human trials to establish efficacy and safety. They are not classified as dietary supplements.

Benefits

Ruthenium complexes have demonstrated cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and autophagy. For example, Ru(quin)2 demonstrated IC50 values of 48.3 μM in T47D cells and 45.5 μM in MDA-MB-231 cells. They may also disrupt cell cycle progression and have been effective against cisplatin-resistant tumor cells. Potential benefits are primarily for cancer patients, particularly those with platinum-resistant tumors. The clinical significance is promising but requires further human trials to establish efficacy and safety. The time course of benefits is not well established due to the lack of human clinical trials. Evidence is primarily based on in vitro and in vivo studies.

How it works

Ruthenium complexes can induce apoptosis through mitochondrial pathways and affect cell cycle progression by modulating key proteins like cyclin D1 and CDK4. They interact with cellular systems to induce cell death in cancer cells. Known molecular targets include proteins involved in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. The absorption and bioavailability of ruthenium complexes in humans are not well studied. Their mechanism of action involves targeting cancer cells and disrupting their growth and survival pathways. Further research is needed to fully elucidate their interactions within the body.

Side effects

The safety profile of ruthenium complexes is not fully established due to limited human studies. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not well documented. Potential drug interactions are also not well studied. Contraindications are not established, and there are no specific population considerations identified. Due to the lack of comprehensive safety data, caution is advised. Further research is needed to understand the potential adverse effects and risks associated with ruthenium complex use.

Dosage

A minimum effective dose has not been established for human use. Optimal dosage ranges and maximum safe doses are also not established. Timing considerations are not established, and there are no form-specific recommendations. Absorption factors are not well studied, and required cofactors are not established. Due to the lack of human clinical trials, specific dosing guidelines cannot be provided. Further research is needed to determine appropriate and safe dosages for any potential therapeutic applications.

FAQs

Are ruthenium complexes recommended for use as supplements?

No, ruthenium complexes are not currently recommended for use as supplements due to the lack of human clinical trials and limited safety data.

What are the potential side effects of ruthenium complexes?

Safety data are limited, and potential side effects are not well understood. Further research is needed to assess the safety profile of ruthenium complexes.

What are the expected results from using ruthenium complexes?

Potential anticancer effects have been observed in preclinical studies, but human trials are needed to confirm efficacy and determine the clinical significance.

Are ruthenium complexes dietary supplements?

No, ruthenium complexes are not dietary supplements but are being researched for potential medical applications, particularly in cancer treatment.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11763687/ – This in vitro and in vivo study explores the effects of ruthenium complexes on cancer cell lines such as T47D and MDA-MB-231. The key finding is that ruthenium complexes show promise in inducing apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells, suggesting potential anticancer activity. The limitation is the lack of human clinical trials, and the quality assessment indicates promising preclinical data that requires further research.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01323/full – This review article provides an overview of ruthenium complexes, highlighting their effectiveness against platinum-resistant tumors and their unique mechanisms of action. The limitation is the limited human data available. The quality assessment indicates that the review provides a comprehensive overview of potential applications, but more human studies are needed to validate these findings.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00447 – This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of ruthenium complexes using in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial studies with bacterial isolates. The key finding is that ruthenium complexes show broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The limitation is that the findings are not directly applicable to human supplement use, but the quality assessment demonstrates potential in antimicrobial applications.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8398452/ – This research explores the potential of ruthenium complexes in cancer therapy, focusing on their mechanisms of action and efficacy in preclinical models. The study highlights the ability of these complexes to induce cell death and inhibit tumor growth. While promising, further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications and assess their safety and efficacy in humans.
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/12/1729 – This paper reviews the recent advances in ruthenium-based anticancer agents, focusing on their design, mechanisms of action, and preclinical evaluation. It emphasizes the potential of ruthenium complexes to overcome resistance mechanisms in cancer cells and improve therapeutic outcomes. However, the review also acknowledges the need for further research to optimize their efficacy and minimize potential side effects in clinical settings.