Amlexanox

Overall Health Benefits of Amlexanox

Amlexanox offers a range of benefits, including promoting weight loss, improving blood sugar levels, preventing bone loss, enhancing liver health, treating asthma, and effectively managing mouth ulcers, making it a versatile compound with potential therapeutic applications across multiple health conditions.

• Promotes weight loss [1-4]
• Improves blood sugar levels [1-3] [5]
• Prevents bone loss [6]
• Improves liver health [5] [7-10]
• Treats asthma [11-19]
• Treats mouth ulcers [20-27]

What is Amlexanox?

Amlexanox is a medication with fat-burning properties. It promotes fat loss by inhibiting the production of a specific enzyme in the body that is responsible for fat storage and inflammation. Amlexanox is known to protect against bone disorders and liver disease. It can also help treat certain medical conditions like asthma due to its anti-allergic properties. Furthermore, it has traditionally been used to treat ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

How Amlexanox Works?

Amlexanox works by inhibiting the release of histamine and leukotrienes – both of which are involved in multiple mechanisms such as inflammation and allergic reaction. This medication also helps reduce weight loss by inhibiting TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1), an enzyme involved in fat storage and inflammation.

Chemical Structure of Amlexanox

Research on Amlexanox

A. Promotes Weight Loss

Amlexanox promotes reversible weight loss by influencing multiple mechanisms involved in metabolism and appetite regulation. It has been found to affect the expression of genes associated with fat storage and metabolism, contributing to reversible weight loss through reduced fat accumulation.

Moreover, amlexanox may influence energy expenditure through its potential effects on metabolic processes and energy homeostasis. Research suggests that amlexanox can impact energy expenditure by modulating certain signaling pathways within cells, potentially leading to increased energy expenditure. These actions on energy expenditure are of interest in understanding how amlexanox may contribute to metabolic regulation and overall metabolic health.

Additionally, amlexanox may suppress appetite and reduce food intake, which can further support reversible weight loss efforts. These combined effects make amlexanox a potential candidate for managing reversible weight loss and are of interest to those exploring amlexanox weight loss strategies.

The primary benefit of amlexanox is supported by a number of high-quality studies:

1. A study found that amlexanox can help induce fat loss by increasing the energy expenditure of fat cells. [1]
2. In obese mice, amlexanox improved obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions by increasing thermogenesis (dissipation of energy through the production of heat), improving insulin sensitivity, and decreasing steatosis (fat build-up in the liver). [2]
3. A study found a reduction in both percent total body fat and percent truncal fat in a group of patients treated with amlexanox compared to the non-treated subjects. [3]
4. A study reported that amlexanox can help promote weight loss by inhibiting TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1), an enzyme involved in storage of fat and lipid metabolism in fat cells. [4]

B. Improves Blood Sugar Levels

Amlexanox improves blood sugar levels primarily by targeting insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease. It enhances insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to respond more effectively to insulin signals and facilitating glucose uptake. This improved insulin sensitivity, promoted by amlexanox, results in better blood sugar control.

Additionally, amlexanox’s capacity to combat insulin resistance is a crucial aspect of its mechanism for enhancing blood sugar management. Through its effects on insulin resistance and improved insulin sensitivity, amlexanox contributes significantly to the regulation of blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease.

Studies show that amlexanox exerts its beneficial effects on blood sugar levels by targeting and mitigating insulin resistance, ultimately leading to improved insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes:

1. In obese mice, acute amlexanox treatment suppressed blood sugar production in the liver which in turn reduced insulin resistance. [1]
2. In obese mice, amlexanox decreased blood sugar levels which in turn led to improved insulin sensitivity. [2]
3. In obese patients with type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, treatment with amlexanox produced a statistically significant reduction in Hemoglobin A1c, a measure of blood sugar, resulting in improved glucose control. [3]
4. In mice fed with a high-fat diet, amlexanox administration for 18 weeks produced substantial results in terms of reversing blood sugar and lipid metabolic disturbance. [5]

C. Prevents Bone Loss

Amlexanox can prevent bone loss through multiple mechanisms by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. By suppressing osteoclast function, amlexanox helps maintain bone density and prevent bone loss, making it a potential therapeutic option for conditions associated with bone deterioration such as osteoporosis. In addition, amlexanox may also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of bone disorders by inhibiting inflammation.

In one study, researchers investigated the effects of amlexanox on mice with bone loss caused by surgical removal of the ovaries. [6] Results showed that amlexanox inhibited the formation of osteoclasts, which are specialized cells that absorb and remove bone to allow the development of new bones and maintenance of bone strength. Moreover, amlexanox enhanced the production of bone-forming cells known as osteoblasts. These results suggest that amlexanox may be considered a new therapeutic candidate for bone disorders like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

D. Improves Liver Health

Amlexanox improves liver health by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress within the liver. It has been shown to inhibit certain inflammatory pathways and decrease the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. This anti-inflammatory effect helps protect liver cells from damage.

Additionally, amlexanox may enhance the body’s antioxidant defenses, further reducing oxidative stress in the liver. These combined actions contribute to improved liver health and make amlexanox a potential candidate for the management of liver conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and inflammation-related liver disorders.

A number of studies suggest that amlexanox can protect against various types of liver disease:

1. In mice fed with a high-fat diet, amlexanox produced substantial results in terms of reversing fat build-up in the liver. [5]
2. In mice, amlexanox ameliorated acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by reducing oxidative stress. [7]
3. In male mice fed with a high-fat diet, amlexanox alleviated steatohepatitis (liver inflammation caused by fat build-up) by inhibiting inflammation. [8]
4. In mouse models with obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions, amlexanox mitigated palmitic acid-induced liver toxicity. [9]
5. In mice, oral administration with amlexanox (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) attenuated liver scarring caused by the liver toxin carbon tetrachloride. [10]

E. Treats Asthma

Amlexanox treats asthma by inhibiting histamine release from mast cells, a key contributor to bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation in asthmatic individuals. By reducing histamine release, amlexanox helps to alleviate airway constriction and inflammation, thereby providing relief from asthma symptoms. This action makes amlexanox a potential candidate for asthma management, particularly in cases where histamine release from mast cells plays a significant role in symptom exacerbation.

Amlexanox also exhibits its potential in treating asthma as an anti-allergic compound, acting on multiple fronts to mitigate allergic responses. It operates as an anti-allergic compound by inhibiting histamine release, which is a hallmark of allergic reactions and a trigger for bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation in asthma patients.

Furthermore, this anti-allergic compound modulates other inflammatory pathways and immune responses, collectively contributing to its potential as an effective therapeutic option in managing asthma and reducing healing time.

Evidence supports the anti-asthma properties of amlexanox:

1. In patients with aspirin-induced asthma, amlexanox significantly improved measures of lung function. [11-12]
2. Studies found that amlexanox can effectively treat allergic asthma and rhinitis by reducing the levels of inflammatory substances such as LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 and by inhibiting histamine release. [13-14]
3. In mice, intranasal and oral administration of amlexanox decreased lung allergic inflammation. [15]
4. In rats and guinea pigs, amlexanox inhibited experimental asthma by decreasing airway constriction. [16-17]
5. In mice with lung inflammation, amlexanox improved lung function and structure. [18-19]

F. Treats Mouth Ulcers

Amlexanox is a medication specifically formulated as an anti-inflammatory treatment to treat ulcers, particularly canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers. Canker sores are painful, small lesions that can develop inside the mouth, on the lips, or along the gumline.

Amlexanox functions as an anti-inflammatory medication by reducing the inflammation and irritation associated with canker sores. It does this by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators and suppressing the immune response in the affected area. By targeting the underlying inflammation, amlexanox provides effective relief from the discomfort and pain of canker sores.

Amlexanox is applied topically as a gel or ointment directly to the ulcerated area. This localized treatment helps speed up the healing time and reduces the duration of the canker sore. Amlexanox is a valuable option for individuals who suffer from recurrent canker sores, as it not only alleviates symptoms but also promotes faster healing time, improving overall oral health and comfort.

Studies show that amlexanox can safely and effectively treat ulcers such as canker sores:

1. In patients with canker sores, the application of 5% amlexanox topical paste was shown to consistently and significantly speed up complete ulcer healing time and the time to pain resolution. [20]
2. In patients diagnosed with canker sores, application of 5% amlexanox oral paste directly on the ulcer 4 times a day for 6 days resulted in a marked reduction in canker sore ulcer size and pain scores, thus reducing healing time. [21]
3. The administration of OraDisc (active component 2 mg amlexanox) in patients with canker sores resulted in significant improvement in erythema (skin rash caused by inflamed blood capillaries) score, canker sore ulcer size, and pain scores. [22]
4. In patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth sores or canker sores), amlexanox oral adhesive pellicles significantly reduced canker sore ulcer size and alleviated ulcer pain, thus reducing healing time. [23]
5. A clinical trial conducted on 100 patients with canker sores found that amlexanox 5% can reduce the frequency, duration, and symptoms of the condition with no adverse side effects. [24]
6. In patients with recurrent oral ulcerations who were enrolled in a placebo controlled study, the application of 5% amlexanox paste on the ulcers of the treatment group resulted in faster healing time of canker sores compared to the placebo-treated group. [25]
7. When applied directly to the lesion of canker sores, 5% amlexanox topical paste at a dose of 100 mg was found to be safe, effective, and well-tolerated. [26]
8. In immunocompetent patients with mild to moderate canker sores, the application of amlexanox oral paste (Aphthasol) was shown to achieve complete healing of canker sore ulcers and resolution of pain in just 3 days. [27]

Associated Side Effects of Amlexanox

Amlexanox side effects are very uncommon. There have been some side effects associated with the use of this drug wherein the patient had one of the issues listed below at some point while being on amlexanox. However, these side effects weren’t confirmed to be associated with the treatment and could have been a coincidence and not related to the use of amlexanox. Despite this, it was listed as a side effect associated with amlexanox even though these associated side effects are very uncommon.

Side effects associated with amlexanox may include the following:

• Rashes
• Itching 
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Inflammation of the lining of the mouth
• Slight pain, stinging, or burning of the skin
• Nausea
• Diarrhea