Medicinal plants traditionally used in health care practices by inhabitants of Paddar region of Jammu and Kashmir, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The present study is the first quantitative assessment of ethno-medicinal plants of Paddar region of Jammu and Kashmir.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to document the relative importance of medicinal plants used in human ailments by the villagers in the Paddar region of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data were collected from 132 informants (72 male and 60 female) through semi structured interviews and group discussions. Use report (UR) and Informant consensus factor (ICF) were employed to quantitatively examine the data.

RESULTS

The inhabitants of Paddar reported the use of 98 plants species of 55 families to treat 63 ailments. Rosaceae (10 spp.) was the most frequently used family in the study area. Herbs were dominantly (66 spp., 50%) utilized in herbal preparation and leaves the mostly used plant parts (25%). The highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.96) was obtained for parasitic problems. Important new uses for species stated by informants to treat human diseases were; Viburnum grandiflorum Wall. ex DC., Sium latijugum C.B.Clarke, Corylus jacquemontii Decne., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., Cannabis sativa L., Taraxacum campylodes G.E.Haglund, Euphorbia helioscopia L., Juglans regia L., Cotoneaster acuminatus Lindl., Ficus palmata Forssk., Plantago lanceolata L., and Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study contributes towards the preservation of indigenous plants' based knowledge. Although the therapeutic value of most of the preferred medicinal plants has already been validated, some medicinal plants lack proper scientific validation. We recommend further phytochemical investigations and pharmacological validations of Viburnum grandiflorum, C. jacquemontii, F. palmata, Viola pilosa, Cotoneaster acuminatus, Eleucine coracana, Sium latijugum, Aquilegia pubiflora, Euphorbia helioscopia, Plantago lanceolata and Pinus gerardiana.

Current and potential future biological uses of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch: A comprehensive review

Background

Saussurea costus (S. costus) is a critically endangered medicinal plant that has been extensively studied for its chemical composition, significance, and therapeutic potential as traditional phytomedicine. This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough understanding of S. costus, including its biological activities, chemical makeup, and potential therapeutic uses in biotechnology.

Objectives

This study investigated the pharmacological properties of S. costus, including its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, and its usefulness in treating conditions such as thyroid disorders and liver injury. This study also aimed to assess and improve the techniques used to extract bioactive compounds and to develop effective methods for harvesting these compounds from medicinal plants.

Methods

This review analyzed the available literature on the phytochemical makeup and bioactivity of S. costus extract using techniques such as molecular docking against SARS-CoV-2 protease, green extraction methods, and phytochemical analysis.

Results

This review revealed that S. costus possesses various pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. It is effective in combating fungal infections, reducing inflammation, treating cancer, and inhibiting viral replication, and has the potential to control Candida species. Moreover, S. costus has been explored for its capacity to synthesize nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties and for its potential in treating thyroid disorders and liver injury.

Recommendations

Despite promising results, additional research is necessary to fully comprehend the benefits of S. costus and validate its effectiveness in clinical settings. Future research should focus on standardized methodologies and rigorous clinical trials to confirm the safety and effectiveness of S. costus in various medical fields as well as further investigate its biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.

Anthelmintic Activity of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. Against Ascaridia galli, a Pathogenic Nematode in Poultry: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

AIM OF THE STUDY

The growing resistance of helminth parasites to currently available commercial anthelmintic drugs, combined with apprehensions regarding detrimental chemical residues in livestock products, has sparked an interest in exploring medicinal plants as an alternative strategy for treating helminthiasis. As a result, this study was designed to investigate the anthelmintic activity of crude methanolic extracts (CME) of Saussurea costus root on Ascaridia.galli, a pathogenic nematode of poultry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro, the anthelmintic effect of Saussurea costus root was evaluated in comparison to commercial anthelmintic, levamisole on the adult nematode parasites, A.galli using worm motility inhibition (WMI) test. The CME of S.costus was also evaluated for in vivo anthelmintic activity in chickens experimentally infected with Ascaridia galli. For the in vivo study, one hundred-day-old chickens were orally infected with embryonated eggs of A. galli worms. The efficacy of the plant extract as an anthelmintic was assessed through two tests: faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test and worm count reduction (WCR) test. The study investigated three distinct doses of plant extract under in vivo setup: 500 mg kg-1 body weight (bw), 1000 mg kg-1 bw, and 2000 mg kg-1 bw.

RESULTS

In vitro, all the tested concentrations of S.costus (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml) showed a significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects on live adult A. galli worms in terms of inhibition of worm motility at different hours post-treatment. At the highest concentration of the extract, we observed worm motility inhibition of 100% at 24 h post-exposure. On day 14 post-treatment, all birds were slaughtered, and adult A. galli worms were subsequently retrieved from their small intestines. Birds treated with CME extract of S. costus root exhibited a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in faecal egg count. However, the administration of the extract at the dosage of 500 mg kg-1bw to the birds did not reveal any significant (P > 0.05) differences in the worm count compared to the negative control group. The CME of S. costus at a dose of 2000 mg kg-1bw showed the highest anthelmintic activity by inducing 83.10% FECR and 76.47% WCR.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the root extract of S. costus has a promising anthelmintic activity on A. galli as demonstrated by the results of the present experiment.

Supplementation of Saussurea costus root alleviates sodium nitrite-induced hepatorenal toxicity by modulating metabolic profile, inflammation, and apoptosis

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a widely used food ingredient, although excessive concentrations can pose potential health risks. In the present study, we evaluated the deterioration effects of NaNO2 additives on hematology, metabolic profile, liver function, and kidney function of male Wistar rats. We further explored the therapeutic potential of supplementation with S. costus root ethanolic extract (SCREE) to improve NaNO2-induced hepatorenal toxicity. In this regard, 65 adult male rats were divided into eight groups; Group 1: control, Groups 2, 3, and 4 received SCREE in 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, Group 5: NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight), Groups 6, 7 and 8 received NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight) in combination with SCREE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Our results revealed that the NaNO2-treated group shows a significant change in deterioration in body and organ weights, hematological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatorenal dysfunction, as well as immunohistochemical and histopathological alterations. Furthermore, the NaNO2-treated group demonstrated a considerable increase in the expression of TNF-α cytokine and tumor suppressor gene P53 in the kidney and liver, while a significant reduction was detected in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and the apoptosis suppressor gene BCL-2, compared to the control group. Interestingly, SCREE administration demonstrated the ability to significantly alleviate the toxic effects of NaNO2 and improve liver function in a dose-dependent manner, including hematological parameters, lipid profile, and modulation of histopathological architecture. Additionally, SCREE exhibited the ability to modulate the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in the liver and kidney. The phytochemical analysis revealed a wide set of primary metabolites in SCREE, including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, saponins and tannins, while the untargeted UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 183 metabolites in both positive and negative ionization modes. Together, our findings establish the potential of SCREE in mitigating the toxic effects of NaNO2 by modulating metabolic, inflammatory, and apoptosis. Together, this study underscores the promise of SCREE as a potential natural food detoxifying additive to counteract the harmful impacts of sodium nitrite.

Role of Bioactive Compounds, Novel Drug Delivery Systems, and Polyherbal Formulations in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that generally causes joint synovial inflammation as well as gradual cartilage and degenerative changes, resulting in progressive immobility. Cartilage destruction induces synovial inflammation, including synovial cell hyperplasia, increased synovial fluid, and synovial pane development. This phenomenon causes articular cartilage damage and joint alkalosis. Traditional medicinal system exerts their effect through several cellular mechanisms, including inhibition of inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress suppression, cartilage degradation inhibition, increasing antioxidants and decreasing rheumatic biomarkers. The medicinal plants have yielded a variety of active constituents from various chemical categories, including alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, glycosides, volatile oils, flavonoids, lignans, coumarins, terpenes, sesquiterpene lactones, anthocyanins, and anthraquinones. This review sheds light on the utilization of medicinal plants in the treatment of RA. It explains various phytoconstituents present in medicinal plants and their mechanism of action against RA. It also briefs about the uses of polyherbal formulations (PHF), which are currently in the market and the toxicity associated with the use of medicinal plants and PHF, along with the limitations and research gaps in the field of PHF. This review paper is an attempt to understand various mechanistic approaches employed by several medicinal plants, their possible drug delivery systems and synergistic effects for curing RA with minimum side effects.

Dolomiaea costus: an untapped mine of sesquiterpene lactones with wide magnificent biological activities

Dolomiaea costus (Falc.) Kasana & A.K. Pandey Family Asteraceae, formerly known as Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch contains a rich treasury of diverse bioactive compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, sterols, cardenolides, flavonoids, coumarins, lignans, phenylpropanoids and alkaloids. The sesquiterpene lactones, costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone in D. costus, possess unique promising in vitro and in vivo biological activities for the prevention and cure of diverse ailments like Parkinson's disease, oxidative stress, hyperpigmentation, ulcerative colitis, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, allergy, type 2 diabetes, hepatotoxicity, bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, thrombosis and various microbial infections. Costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone are potential drug candidates that could lead to the development of new medications for a variety of difficult-to-treat diseases.

Al-Hijamah (Prophetic Wet Cupping Therapy) is a Novel Adjuvant Treatment for Viral Hepatitis That Excretes Viral Particles and Excess Ferritin Percutaneously, Synergizes Pharmacotherapy, Enhances Antiviral Immunity and Helps Better HCC Prevention and Treatment: A Novel Evidence-Based Combination with Prophetic Medicine Remedies

Viral hepatitis progresses to liver cirrhosis and HCC. Several challenges are facing Sovaldi treatment to viral C hepatitis, eg, viral resistance, difficulty to treat all genotypes, and inability to access treatments in low-income countries. Also, current treatments to Hepatitis B are still challenging. Ideal treatments to viral hepatitis should decrease the viral load, enhance antiviral immunity and repair the viruses-induced tissue damage. That is still beyond reach. High serum ferritin in viral hepatitis correlates with chronicity, increased necro-inflammation, hepatotoxicity, progression to cirrhosis, progression to HCC, unresponsiveness to treatments and viremia. Previously, Al-hijamah (wet cupping therapy of prophetic medicine) significantly cleared thalassemic children of causative pathological substances (CPS), eg, excess ferritin, free radicals and serum lipids. Moreover, Al-hijamah significantly increased the antioxidant power and potentiated the natural antiviral immunity, eg, increasing CD4 count, CD8 count and CD4/CD8 ratio. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: "If there is a benenvolence (benefit) in any of your medicines, benefit will be in shrtat mihjam (Al-hijamah), honey drink, and a stinge of fire compatible with disease and I do not like to cauterize". Likewise, the author suggests Al-hijamah as a novel promising adjuvant treatment for viral hepatitis (B and C) for percutaneous excretion of CPS as hepatitis viral particles, excess ferritin, inflammatory mediators, free radicals, and antigen-antibody complexes. Published reports proved that Al-hijamah exerted tissue-protective effects, and cleared blood through the fenestrated skin capillaries in a pressure-dependent and size-dependent manner (a kidney-like manner). That collectively may decrease the viral load for better HCC prevention and supports the evidence-based Taibah theory (Taibah mechanism). Same therapeutic benefits apply to other viral illnesses as AIDS. Even after HCC development, Al-hijamah is quite mandatory for excretion and clearance of CPS that favor malignancy, eg, lactate (Warburg effect), growth factors, metalloproteinases, and others. Al-hijamah-induced immune potentiation benefits HCC patients. Combining Al-hijamah with other natural antioxidant remedies of prophetic medicine, eg, nigella sativa, costus, natural honey, Zamzam water and others will maximize the therapeutic benefits. In conclusion, Al-hijamah and other prophetic medicine remedies are recommended adjuvants to current pharmacological treatments to viral hepatitis and HCC.

Exploring the inhibitory potential of Saussurea costus and Saussurea involucrata phytoconstituents against the Spike glycoprotein receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2) variant and the main protease (Mpro) as therapeutic candidates, using Molecular docking, DFT, and ADME/Tox studies

The B.1.617.2 Delta variant is considered to be the most infectious of all SARS-CoV2 variants. Here, an attempt has been made through in-silico screening of 55 bioactive compounds from two selected plants, Saussurea costus and Saussurea involucrata as potential inhibitors of two viral proteases, main protease Mpro (PDB ID:6LU7) and the RBD of SGP of Sars-CoV-2 B1.617.2 Delta variant (PDB ID:7ORB) where the binding energy, molecular interactions, ADMET/Tox, chemical descriptors and Quantum-Chemical Calculations were explored. Molecular docking results demonstrated that the three top docked compounds formed relatively stable complexes within the active site and displayed remarkable binding energy in the order of Tangshenoside III, Rutin and Hesperidin (-9.35, -9.14 and -8.57 kcal/mol, respectively) with Mpro and Rutin, Tangshenoside III and Hesperidin (-9.07, -7.71 and -7.57 kcal/mol) with RBD of SGP. These compounds are non-Mutagen and non-carcinogen. Therefore, according to the Lipinski's Rule of Five they exhibited three violations concerning hydrogen acceptor, donor and molecular weight. However, based on the Quantum-Chemical Calculations results the selected ligands have effective reactivity, as they showed lower band gaps. The difference of the E_LUMO and E_HOMO was low, ranging from 0.0639 to 0.0978 a.u, implying the strong affinity of these inhibitors towards the target proteins. Among the three inhibitors, Rutin exhibited higher reactivity against two viral proteases, main protease (Mpro) and the Sars-CoV-2 B1.617.2, as the band energy gap was lowest among all the three phytochemicals, 0.0639 a.u This could indicate that Rutincan be potential anti-viral drug candidates against the existing SARS-CoV-2, the B.1.617.2 Delta variant.

Root extracts of Saussurea costus as prospective detoxifying food additive against sodium nitrite toxicity in male rats

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of three different extracts of Saussurea costus roots (ethanol, methanol, and water) as a food additive in alleviating the harmful effect of sodium nitrite in rat meals. Thirty-five adult male rats were divided into five groups as follows: control, sodium nitrite (NaNO₂; 75 mg/kg BW, single oral dose), S. costus 70% ethanol, 70% methanol, and aqueous extracts (300 mg/kg BW), respectively for four weeks followed by a single dose of NaNO₂ 24h before decapitation. Results showed that the 70% ethanol extract of S. costus has a higher concentration of total phenolic content, total flavonoids, and antioxidant effect than the 70% methanol and water extracts. Rats pretreated with S. costus extracts reduced the harmful effects induced by NaNO₂ and improved the hematological parameters, liver, and kidney function biomarkers as well as lipid profile as compared to the NaNO₂ group. Furthermore, S. costus improved the histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney induced by NaNO₂ and improved meat sensory evaluation. Conclusively, the 70% ethanol extract of S. costus roots is the most effective extract as an antioxidant against the toxicity of sodium nitrite in male rats and might be used safely as a natural additive in the food industry.

A comprehensive chemical and pharmacological review of three confusable Chinese herbal medicine-Aucklandiae radix, Vladimiriae radix, and Inulae radix

Aucklandiae radix (AR, Muxiang), vladimiriae radix (VR, Chuanmuxiang), and inulae radix (IR, Tumuxiang) are widely used in clinical or folk medicine in China. Their Chinese names all have the Chinese character "Muxiang," which makes it confusable in usage, especially AR and VR, because VR was used as a substitute for AR during a historical period. The National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China has approved AR as a functional food. However, VR and IR are not listed. Many research articles on three kinds of "Muxiang" have been published. However, no review was appeared to compare similarities and differences among the three kinds of "Muxiang." Here, the morphological characterization, phytochemistry, and pharmaceutical effects of AR, VR, and IR were reviewed. We found that only six compounds were common in the three species. Twenty-six compounds were common to AR and VR. Twenty-two compounds were common to AR and IR. Only seven compounds were common to VR and IR. The extracts of AR, VR, and IR were all reported with antiinflammatory effects, which is the most important activity of "Muxiang" species. The volatile oil of AR, VR, and IR had antibacterial activities. Extracts of AR and VR showed anti-gastric ulcers and anti-diarrhea effects. Extracts of AR and IR exhibited anticancer effects. In addition, AR extract had liver protective effect. It is worth mentioning that costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone, which were the common representative compounds of "Muxiang" species, showed antiinflammatory, anticancer, anti-gastric ulcers, and liver protective effects. This review will be a benefit reference for correct understanding and application of the three "Muxiang" species.

Aucklandia costus (Syn. Saussurea costus): Ethnopharmacology of an endangered medicinal plant of the himalayan region

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aucklandia costus Falc. a medicinal plant is native to the Himalayan region and synonymous with Saussurea costus, Saussurea lappa, and Aucklandia lappa. It has an ancient background of being used ethnopharmacologically for various body ailments. According to Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Costus roots are recommended for leukoderma, liver, kidney, blood disorders, Qi stagnation, and tridosha. Root and powder are used orally with warm water to cure gastric problems, and the paste is applied to the inflamed area to relieve pain. Root paste is applied on the skin to cure boils, blisters, and leprosy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present review is to establish a correlation among the ethnopharmacological uses and scientific studies conducted on A. costus with chemical constituents, safety & toxicity data including future directions for its conservation with higher yield and effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted by studying books, research papers, and literature in history, agroforestry, phytopharmacology of Himalayan plants using international databases, publication, Red data book, and reports. The search engines: Pubmed, Scopus, Wiley Inter-science, Indian Materia Medica, Science Direct, and referred journals are referenced.

RESULTS

The literature collected from databases, journals, websites, and books mentioned the use of costus roots in local and traditional practices. CITES included A. costus in a critically endangered category due to lack of cultural practices and overexploitation from wild. A. costus roots are known since 13th century for use in ancient Ayurvedic products but the scientific evaluation is of future research interest. A correlation of traditional uses with scientific studies has been explored to assess the effect of root powder, extract, oil and isolated constituents: Costunolids, Saussureamine B and Dehydrocostus lactone etc. in gastric ulceration and lesions; inhibition of antigen-induced degranulation, mucin production, number of immune cells, eosinophils, and expression and secretion of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) in asthma. The inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators is also reported by Cynaropicrin, Alantolactone, Caryophyllene, Costic acid. Also, the sesquiterpene lactones has profound effect in inhibition of inflammatory stages and induced apoptotic cascades in cancer. Very few data on the safety and toxicity of plant parts have been noted which needs to be evaluated scientifically.

CONCLUSION

A. costus have been noted to have remarkable effect for gastric, hepatic, inflammatory, respiratory, cancer, skin problems but there were several errors in selection of plant material, authentification, selection of dose, assessment, selection of standard and control have been identified. Therefore, a schematic drug development and research strategy exploiting the potential of plant extract, fraction, products and probable constituents, costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone, cynaropicrin, saussureamine assuring dose-response relationship and safety may be determined under pre-clinical which may be extrapolated to clinical level. An evaluation of phytochemicals in A. costus collected from different geographical location in Himalayas may be drawn to identify and conserve the higher yielding plant.

Modulatory effects of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract against ethephon-induced kidney toxicity in male rats

Ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) is a plant growth promoter used to control the plant growth process by liberating ethylene and stimulating the production of endogenous ethylene. Medicinal plants are sources of novel drug discovery targets. Costus (Saussurea lappa) has been used as traditional Chinese medicine. The current study was conducted to examine the possible modifying effects of costus (S. lappa) root aqueous extract against kidney toxicity induced by ethephon in male rats. A total of 50 adult male rats were divided into five groups (first, control; second, costus; third, ethephon; fourth, posttreated ethephon with costus; fifth, ethephon self-healing). There is a significant increase in the serum levels of urea, creatinine, potassium ions, chloride ions, kidney injury, DNA damage, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expressions in treated rats with ethephon when compared to the control group. In contrast, the treated rats with ethephon revealed a significant decrease in the levels of sodium ions and an insignificant decrease in the calcium ions. Saussurea lappa extract modified these alterations when compared to the control group. As a result, costus root extract significantly reduced rat kidney toxicity after ethephon administration. We recommend costus to be included in diet for its valuable effects, and also producers and consumers should become more aware about the toxic effects of ethephon.

Elucidating genes involved in sesquiterpenoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways in Saussurea lappa by de novo leaf transcriptome analysis

Saussurea lappa (family Asteraceae) possesses immense pharmacological potential mainly due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones. In spite of its medicinal importance, S. lappa has been poorly explored at the molecular level. We initiated leaf transcriptome sequencing of S. lappa using the illumina highseq 2000 platform and generated 62,039,614 raw reads. Trinity assembler generated 122,434 contigs with an N50 value of 1053 bp. The assembled transcripts were compared against the non-redundant protein database at NCBI. The Blast2GO analysis assigned gene ontology (GO) terms, categorized into molecular functions (3132), biological processes (4477) and cellular components (1.927). Using KEGG, around 476 contigs were assigned to 39 pathways. For secondary metabolic pathways, we identified transcripts encoding genes involved in sesquiterpenoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. Relatively low number of transcripts were also found encoding for genes involved in the alkaloid pathway. Our data will contribute to functional genomics and metabolic engineering studies in this plant.

Hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activities of Anvillea garcinii and isolation of four new secondary metabolites

Anvillea garcinii is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of dysentery, gastrointestinal troubles, hepatitis, lung disease, colds, digestive problems and pulmonary affections and in liver diseases. Four new sesquiterpene lactones, garcinamines A-D, along with seven known compounds, were isolated from the leaves of A. garcinii. This is the first report of the isolation of amino acid analogues of parthenolide-type sesquiterpene lactones from the family Asteraceae. Total ethanol extract of leaves as well as the chloroform and n-butanol fractions were tested for their hepatoprotective effect using the carbon tetrachloride liver toxicity model. The chloroform fraction, at a dose of 400 mg/kg, demonstrated a significant hepatoprotective effect comparable to silymarin in all serum and tissue parameters. The cytotoxicity of all extracts and compounds were evaluated against five human cancer cell lines: MCF-7, HCT-116, HepG2, Hela and A-549. The results indicated that the chloroform and n-butanol fractions and compounds 3, 4, 7 and 8 displayed significant cytotoxic activity against these cell lines.

In Silico Investigation of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Potential Lead Compounds as SPG7 Inhibitors against Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of heart attack and the leading cause of mortality in the world. It is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased level of reactive oxygen species production. According to the Ottawa Heart Genomics Study genome-wide association study, a recent research identified that Q688 spastic paraplegia 7 (SPG7) variant is associated with CAD as it bypasses the regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of AFG3L2 and enhances the processing and maturation of SPG7 protein. This study aims to identify potential compounds isolated from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) as potential lead compounds for paraplegin (SPG7) inhibitors. For the crystallographic structure of paraplegin, the disordered disposition of key amino acids in the binding site was predicted using the PONDR-Fit protocol before virtual screening. The TCM compounds saussureamine C and 3-(2-carboxyphenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone, have potential binding affinities with stable H-bonds and hydrophobic contacts with key residues of paraplegin. A molecular dynamics simulation was performed to validate the stability of the interactions between each candidate and paraplegin under dynamic conditions. Hence, we propose these compounds as potential candidates as lead drug from the compounds isolated from TCM for further study in drug development process with paraplegin protein for coronary artery disease.

Anti-allergic effects of sesquiterpene lactones from the root of Aucklandia lappa Decne

Aucklandia lappa Decne, a well-known traditional herbal medicine, is used for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, coughs, tuberculosis and numerous other diseases. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effects of the three sesquiterpene lactones costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone, and alantolactone, isolated from a 70% methanolic extract of Aucklandia lappa, on the expression of chemokine mRNA in HaCaT human keratinocyte cells. The cytotoxicities of the compounds on HaCaT cells were evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit8 assay. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of the three compounds on chemokine expression in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α‑ and interferon (IFN)‑γ‑stimulated HaCaT cells were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Treatment with the compounds caused a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of a range of chemokines, including TARC/CCL17, MDC/CCL22, RANTES/CCL5 and interleukin‑8 in TNF-α and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. The present study indicated that costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone and alantolactone may have the potential to be used for treating inflammatory skin disorders by suppressing chemokine expression.

Alantolactone from Saussurea lappa Exerts Antiinflammatory Effects by Inhibiting Chemokine Production and STAT1 Phosphorylation in TNF-α and IFN-γ-induced in HaCaT cells

Skin inflammation is the most common condition seen in dermatology practice and can be caused by various allergic reactions and certain toxins or chemicals. In the present study, we investigated the antiinflammatory effects of Saussurea lappa, a medicinal herb, and its marker compounds alantolactone, caryophyllene, costic acid, costunolide, and dehydrocostuslactone in the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line. HaCaT cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and treated with S. lappa or each of five marker compounds. Chemokine production and expression were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 was determined by immunoblotting. Stimulation with TNF-α and IFN-γ significantly increased the production of the following chemokines: thymus-regulated and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC): regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES): macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC): and interleukin-8 (IL-8). By contrast, S. lappa and the five marker compounds significantly reduced the production of these chemokines by TNF-α and IFN-γ-treated cells. S. lappa and alantolactone suppressed the TNF-α and IFN-γ-stimulated increase in the phosphorylation of STAT1. Our results demonstrate that alantolactone from S. lappa suppresses TNF-α and IFN-γ-induced production of RANTES and IL-8 by blocking STAT1 phosphorylation in HaCaT cells.

Medicinal plants with potential anti-arthritic activity

ETHNO PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional medicinal plants are practiced worldwide for treatment of arthritis especially in developing countries where resources are meager. This review presents the plants profiles inhabiting throughout the world regarding their traditional usage by various tribes/ethnic groups for treatment of arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases from the last six decades. Plants/their parts/extracts/polyherbal formulations, toxicity studies for arthritis have been included in the review article. The profiles presented also include information about the scientific name, family, dose, methodology along with mechanism of action and toxicity profile. Research status of 20 potential plant species has been discussed. Further, geographical distribution of research, plants distribution according to families has been given in graphical form.

RESULTS

485 plant species belonging to 100 families, traditionally used in arthritis are used. Among 100 plant families, malvaceae constitute 16, leguminasae 7, fabaceae 13, euphorbiaceae 7, compositae 20, araceae 7, solanaceae 12, liliaceae 9, apocynaceae, lauraceae, and rubiaceae 10, and remaining in lesser proportion. It was observed in our study that majority of researches are carried mainly in developing countries like India, China, Korea and Nigeria.

CONCLUSION

This review clearly indicates that list of medicinal plants presented in this review might be useful to researchers as well as practioners. This review can be useful for preliminary screening of potential anti-arthritis plants. Further toxicity profile given in the review can be useful for the researchers for finding the safe dose.

A review of therapeutic potential of Saussurea lappa-An endangered plant from Himalaya

There are 300 known Saussurea species. Among them, Saussurea lappa (S. lappa) is a representative perennial herb, globally distributed across Himalaya region. S. lappa has been traditionally used in medicines without obvious adverse effects. Despite significant progress in phytochemical and biological analyses of S. lappa over the past few years, inclusive and critical reviews of this plant are anachronistic or quite limited in scope. The present review aims to summarize up-to-date information on the active constituents, pharmacology, traditional uses, trade and challenges in conservation and sustainable use of S. lappa from the literature. In addition to botanical studies and records of the traditional use of S. lappa in over 43 diseases, scientific studies investigating the latent medicinal uses of this species and its constituent phytochemicals for a range of disorders are presented and discussed. The structure, bioactivity, and likely mechanisms of action of S. lappa and its phytochemicals are highlighted. Although some progress has been made, further scrupulous efforts are required to investigate the individual compounds isolated from S. lappa to validate and understand its traditional uses and develop clinical applications. The present review offers preliminary information and gives direction for further basic and clinical research into this plant.

Alhagi: a plant genus rich in bioactives for pharmaceuticals

Alhagi, a plant genus from family Fabaceae, is widely distributed in many countries of Asia, Australia and Europe. Commonly known as camel thorn, Alhagi has many species famous for feed and folk medicinal uses. Different species of Alhagi such as Alhagi pseudalhagi, A. graecorum, A. sparsifolia, A. kirgisorum, A. maurorum, A. camelorum and A. persarum have been explored for their antioxidant potential and nutritive value along with various medicinal properties. A wide array of pharmacologically active secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids (alhacidin and alhacin), steroids, pseudalhagin A, phospholipids and polysaccharides have been reported from different parts of Alhagi species. A broad range of biological activities such as antioxidant, cardiovascular, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, antidiarrheal, antinociceptive, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antibacterial and antifungal have been ascribed to different parts of Alhagi. In addition, Alhagi plants are also valued as a rich source of digestible protein and important minerals. This review focuses on the medicinal applications and detailed profile of high-value bioactive phytochemicals along with pharmacological attributes and therapeutic potential of these multi-purpose plants.

The inhibition of folylpolyglutamate synthetase (folC) in the prevention of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by traditional Chinese medicine

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by many strains of mycobacteria, but commonly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. As a possible method of reducing the drug resistance of M. tuberculosis, this research investigates the inhibition of Folylpolyglutamate synthetase, a protein transcript from the resistance association gene folC. After molecular docking to screen the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database, the candidate TCM compounds, with Folylpolyglutamate synthetase, were selected by molecular dynamics. The 10,000 ps simulation in association with RMSD analysis and total energy and structural variation defined the protein-ligand interaction. The selected TCM compounds Saussureamine C, methyl 3-O-feruloylquinate, and Labiatic acid have been found to inhibit the activity of bacteria and viruses and to regulate immunity. We also suggest the possible pathway in protein for each ligand. Compared with the control, similar interactions and structural variations indicate that these compounds might have an effect on Folylpolyglutamate synthetase. Finally, we suggest Saussureamine C is the best candidate compound as the complex has a high score, maintains its structural composition, and has a larger variation value than the control, thus inhibiting the drug resistance ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Lead screening for CXCR4 of the human HIV infection receptor inhibited by traditional Chinese medicine

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a serious worldwide disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Recent research has pointed out that the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the coreceptor C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) are important targets for HIV infection. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database has been screened for candidate compounds by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics against HIV. Saussureamine C, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, and diiodotyrosine are selected based on the highest docking score. The molecular dynamics is helpful in the analysis and detection of protein-ligand interactions. According to the analysis of docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bond variations, and the comparison of the effect on CXCR4 and CCR5, these results indicate Saussureamine C may have better effect on these two receptors. But for some considerations, diiodotyrosine could make the largest variation and may have some efficacy contrary to expectations.

An investigation of small GTPases in relation to liver tumorigenesis using traditional Chinese medicine

Recently, an important topic of liver tumorigenesis had been published in 2013. In this report, Ras and Rho had defined the relation of liver tumorigenesis. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database has been screened for molecular compounds by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics to regulate Ras and liver tumorigenesis. Saussureamine C, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and Tryptophan are selected based on the highest docking score than other TCM compounds. The molecular dynamics are helpful in the analysis and detection of protein-ligand interactions. Based on the docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond variations, this research surmises are the main regions of important amino acids in Ras. In addition to the detection of TCM compound efficacy, we suggest Saussureamine C is better than the others for protein-ligand interaction.

Insight into HIV of IFN-induced myxovirus resistance 2 (MX2) expressed by traditional Chinese medicine

Recently, an important topic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) had been published in 2013. In this report, the expression of the IFN-induced myxovirus resistance 2 (MX2) had been defined the function to kill the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The screening from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) database by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics could select candidate compounds, which may express MX2 against HIV. Saussureamine C, Crotalaburnine, and Precatorine are selected based on the highest docking score and other TCM compounds. The data from molecular dynamics are helpful in the analysis and detection of protein-ligand interactions. According to the docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond with structure variations, this research could assess the interaction between protein and ligand interaction. In addition to the detection of TCM compound efficacy, we suggest that Saussureamine C is better than the others in protein-ligand interaction and the structural variation to express MX2.

Lead Screening for HIV of C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 5 Receptor Inhibited by Traditional Chinese Medicine

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has become a serious world-wide problem because of this disease's rapid propagation and incurability. Recent research has pointed out that the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) is an important target for HIV infection. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database (http://tcm.cmu.edu.tw/) has been screened for molecular compounds that, by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics, may protect CCR5 against HIV. Saussureamine C, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, and abrine are selected based on the docking score being higher than Maraviroc and other TCM compounds. The molecular dynamics are helpful in the analysis and detection of protein-ligand interactions. According to the docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond variations, this research surmises TRP86, TYR108, GLN194, TYR251, and GLU283 are the main regions of important amino acids in CCR5. In addition to the detection of TCM compound efficacy, we suggest saussureamine C is better than the others for maintaining protein composition during protein-ligand interaction, based on the structural variation.

Saussurea lappa alleviates inflammatory chemokine production in HaCaT cells and house dust mite-induced atopic-like dermatitis in Nc/Nga mice

Saussurea lappa is a traditional herbal medicine used for to treat various inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of S. lappa against atopic dermatitis using human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, murine mast cell line MC/9 cells, and a house dust mite-induced atopic dermatitis model of Nc/Nga mice. Treatment with the S. lappa caused a significant reduction in the mRNA levels and production of inflammatory chemokines and cytokine, including thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in tumor necrosis factor-α/interferone-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. S. lappa exhibited the significant reduction in histamine production in MC/9 cells. In the atopic dermatitis model, S. lappa significantly reduced the dermatitis score and serum IgE and TARC levels. In addition, the back skin and ears of S. lappa-treated Nc/Nga mice exhibited reduced histological manifestations of atopic skin lesions such as erosion, hyperplasia of the epidermis and dermis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, an extract of S. lappa effectively suppressed the development of atopic dermatitis, which was closely related to the reduction of chemokines and cytokine. Our study suggests that S. lappa may be a potential treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Combined treatment of betulinic acid, a PTP1B inhibitor, with Orthosiphon stamineus extract decreases body weight in high-fat-fed mice

Leptin resistance is a common feature of obesity and is accompanied by hyperleptinemia. Although leptin sensitizers improve leptin resistance, they also decrease plasma leptin levels that attenuate the leptin-associated antiobesity effect. We hypothesized that the combinational treatment of leptin sensitizer and endogenous leptin expression stimulant would synergistically induce an antiobesity effect in high-fat-fed obese animals. Betulinic acid (BA) isolated from Saussurea lappa suppressed the hypothalamic protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in mice and enhanced the antiobesity effect of leptin in obese rats. Ethanol extract of Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) induced leptin expressions in both 3T3-L1 adipocytes and mice in a dose-dependent manner. To evaluate our hypothesis, we treated obese mice induced by 6 weeks of high-fat-diet feeding with BA and OS for 2 weeks. Although BA or OS alone did not decrease body weight in obese mice, the combinational treatment of BA and OS decreased body weight significantly compared to either BA- or OS-treated obese mice. These results suggest that combinational treatment of BA and OS would be effective for the treatment of obesity.