1
|
Macías-Cortés E. Understanding Why Homeopathic Medicines are Used for Menopause: Searching for Insights into Neuroendocrine Features. HOMEOPATHY 2024; 113:54-66. [PMID: 37399836 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menopause is a physiological event that marks the end of a woman's reproductive stage in life. Vasomotor symptoms and changes in mood are among its most important effects. Homeopathy has been used for many years in treating menopausal complaints, though clinical and pre-clinical research in this field is limited. Homeopathy often bases its prescription on neuropsychiatric symptoms, but it is unknown if homeopathic medicines (HMs) exert a neuroendocrine effect that causes an improvement in vasomotor symptoms and mood during menopause. OBJECTIVES The study's objectives were to address the pathophysiological changes of menopause that could help in the understanding of the possible effect of HMs at a neuroendocrine level, to review the current evidence for two of the most frequently prescribed HMs for menopause (Lachesis mutus and Sepia officinalis), and to discuss the future directions of research in this field. METHODS An extensive literature search for the pathophysiologic events of menopause and depression, as well as for the current evidence for HMs in menopause and depression, was performed. RESULTS Neuroendocrine changes are involved in the pathophysiology of vasomotor symptoms and changes in mood during menopause. Gonadal hormones modulate neurotransmitter systems. Both play a role in mood disorders and temperature regulation. It has been demonstrated that Gelsemium sempervirens, Ignatia amara and Chamomilla matricaria exert anxiolytic effects in rodent models. Lachesis mutus and Sepia officinalis are frequently prescribed for important neuropsychiatric and vasomotor symptoms. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, is among the constituents of the ink of the common cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis. CONCLUSION Based on all the pathophysiologic events of menopause and the improvement in menopausal complaints that certain HMs show in daily practice, these medicines might have a direct or indirect neuroendocrine effect in the body, possibly triggered via an as-yet unidentified biological mechanism. Many unanswered questions in this field require further pre-clinical and clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Macías-Cortés
- Outpatient Homeopathy Service, Hospital Juárez de México, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ji H, Knutson PC, Harrington CM, Ke YT, Ferreira EM. The Analysis of Two Distinct Strategies toward the Enantioselective Formal Total Synthesis of (+)-Gelsenicine. Tetrahedron 2023; 134:133278. [PMID: 37034426 PMCID: PMC10077972 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2023.133278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A full account of a formal enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-gelsenicine is described. Separate strategies based on catalytic cycloisomerization as the central step are considered. One plan involves chirality transfer from enantioenriched substrates, while the other employs asymmetric catalysis. The chirality transfer strategy is less effective, while in the latter, phosphoramidite- and bisphosphine-gold complexes are tested and ultimately provide a key intermediate in high enantiopurity in our Gelsemium alkaloid syntheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haofan Ji
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Phil C Knutson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | | | - Yan-Ting Ke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Eric M Ferreira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang J, Zhang Z, Xie Z, Bai L, Xiong P, Chen F, Zhu T, Peng Q, Wu H, Zhou Y, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Chen M, Gao J, Tian W, Shi K, Du Y, Duan Y, Wang H, Xu Y, Kuang YQ, Zhu M, Yu J, Wang K. Metformin modulates microbiota-derived inosine and ameliorates methamphetamine-induced anxiety and depression-like withdrawal symptoms in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112837. [PMID: 35339829 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin exhibits therapeutic potential in behavioural deficits induced by methamphetamine (METH) in rats. Emerging studies suggest gut microbiota may impact psychiatric symptoms, but there is no direct evidence supporting metformin's participation in the pathophysiology of withdrawal symptoms via modulation of gut microbiota. METHODS In order to define the functional impacts of gut microbiota and metformin to the behavioural deficits during METH withdrawal, we utilized a combination of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), high-throughput sequencing, and untargeted metabolomics technologies. RESULTS First, METH addicts exhibited higher α diversity and distinct microbial structures compared to healthy controls. In particular, the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae was positively correlated with the severity of anxiety and depression. Second, both human-to-mouse and mouse-to-mouse FMTs confirmed that METH-altered-microbiota transplantation is sufficient to promote anxiety and depression-like behaviours in recipient germ-free mice, and these behavioural disturbances could be ameliorated by metformin. In-depth analysis revealed that METH significantly altered the bacterial composition and structure as well as relative abundance of several bacterial taxa and metabolites, including Rikenellaceae and inosine, respectively, whereas add-on metformin could remodel these alterations. Finally, the inosine complementation successfully restored METH-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviours in mice. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that METH withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviours are reversible and transmissible via gut microbiota in a mouse model. The therapeutic effects of metformin on psychiatric manifestations are associated with microbiota-derived metabolites, highlighting the role of the gut microbiota in substance use disorders and the pathophysiology of withdrawal symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiqing Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Faculty of Life science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Zunyue Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Zhenrong Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Ling Bai
- Faculty of Life science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Pu Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Fengrong Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Tailin Zhu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qingyan Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Hongjin Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Yuru Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Yongjin Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Minghui Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Jianyuan Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Weiwei Tian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Kai Shi
- College of Science, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yan Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Yong Duan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Huawei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Yu Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Yi-Qun Kuang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Mei Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Juehua Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Centre for Experimental Studies and Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China.
| | - Kunhua Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Faculty of Life science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yu H, Tang MH, Zeng ZY, Huang SJ, Zheng XF, Liu ZY. Suppressive Effects of Gelsemine on Anxiety-like Behaviors Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in Mice. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020191. [PMID: 35203954 PMCID: PMC8870043 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gelsemine is an active principle and a major alkaloid found in Gelsemium genus of plants belonging to the Loganiaceae family. The aim of the present study was to explore whether gelsemine exerts anxiolytic effects on a mouse model of chronic-unpredictable-mild-stress (CUMS)-induced anxiety-like behaviors. NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, downregulated cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were also evaluated as potential mechanisms. First, gelsemine reversed a CUMS-induced decrease in body-weight gain in mice. Next, gelsemine alleviated CUMS-induced anxiety-like behaviors, as evidenced by the increased distance traveled in the central zone of the open-field test, both the increased percentage of time spent and distance traveled in the light compartment, the increased number of transitions between compartments in the light/dark-transition test, and the increased percentage of entries and time spent in the open arm of the elevated plus-maze. In addition, gelsemine decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of CUMS mice. Interestingly, further investigations revealed that gelsemine inhibited the CUMS-induced activation of NLRP3-inflammasome pathways and downregulated CREB and BDNF overexpression in the hypothalamus. In summary, gelsemine alleviated anxiety-like behaviors in the CUMS-induced mouse model. Gelsemine exerted its anxiolytic effects by modulating the NLRP3 and CREB/BDNF pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (M.-H.T.); (Z.-Y.Z.); (S.-J.H.); (X.-F.Z.)
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Mo-Huan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (M.-H.T.); (Z.-Y.Z.); (S.-J.H.); (X.-F.Z.)
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zi-Yue Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (M.-H.T.); (Z.-Y.Z.); (S.-J.H.); (X.-F.Z.)
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Si-Juan Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (M.-H.T.); (Z.-Y.Z.); (S.-J.H.); (X.-F.Z.)
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (M.-H.T.); (Z.-Y.Z.); (S.-J.H.); (X.-F.Z.)
| | - Zhao-Ying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; (H.Y.); (M.-H.T.); (Z.-Y.Z.); (S.-J.H.); (X.-F.Z.)
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zuo MT, Huang SJ, Wu Y, Tang MH, Yu H, Qi XJ, Liu ZY. A proteomics study of the subacute toxicity of rat brain after long-term exposure of Gelsemium elegans. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:794-801. [PMID: 34886788 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666211209144139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) has been shown to have strong pharmacological and pharmacodynamic effects in relevant studies both in China and USA. G. elegans has been used as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases and even has the potential to be an alternative to laboratory synthesized drugs. However, its toxicity severely limited its application and development. At present, there is little attention paid to protein changes in toxicity. AIM This study investigated the toxicity effects after long-term exposure of G. elegans of the rat brain through proteomic. METHOD 11 differential abundance proteins were detected, among which 8 proteins were higher in the G. elegans- exposure group than in the control group, including Ig-like domain-containing protein (N/A), receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase C (Ptprc), disheveled segment polarity protein 3 (Dvl3), trafficking protein particle complex 12 (Trappc12), seizure-related 6 homolog-like (Sez6l), transmembrane 9 superfamily member 4 (Tm9sf4), DENN domain-containing protein 5A (Dennd5a) and Tle4, whereas the other 3 proteins do the opposite including Golgi to ER traffic protein 4 (Get4), vacuolar protein sorting 4 homolog B (Vps4b) and cadherin-related 23 (CDH23). Furthermore, we performed validation of WB analysis on the key protein CDH23. RESULT Finally, only fewer proteins and related metabolic pathways were affected, indicating that there was no accumulative toxicity of G. elegans. G. elegans has the potential to develop and utilize of its pharmacological activity. CHD23, however, is a protein associated with hearing. CONCLUSION Whether the hearing impairment is a sequela after G. elegans exposure remains to be further studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Zuo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan. China
| | - Si-Juan Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan. China
| | - Yong Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan. China
| | - Mo-Huan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan. China
| | - Hui Yu
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan. China
| | - Xue-Jia Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan. China
| | - Zhao-Ying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang SJ, Zuo MT, Qi XJ, Huang CY, Liu ZY. Phosphoproteomics reveals NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity as a key signaling pathway in the toxicity of gelsenicine. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 156:112507. [PMID: 34389372 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Gelsenicine is one of the most toxic compounds in the genus Gelsemium, but the mechanism of toxicity is not clear. In this paper, tandem mass tag quantitative phosphoproteomics was used to study the changes in protein phosphorylation in different brain regions at different time points after gelsenicine poisoning in mice. The correlation between neurotransmitter receptors and the toxicity of gelsenicine was analyzed by molecular docking and rescue experiments. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) was used to verify the related proteins. A total of 17877 unique phosphosites were quantified and mapped to 4170 brain proteins to understand the signaling pathways. Phosphoproteomics revealed gelsenicine poisoning mainly affected protein phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus, and through bioinformatics analysis, it was found gelsenicine poisoning significantly affected neurotransmitter synaptic pathway. The molecular docking results showed that gelsenicine could bind to the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR). In addition, we found that NMDA was effective in improving the survival rate of the animals tested, and this effect was associated with reduced protein phosphorylation by PRM validation. The results revealed that gelsenicine affects neurotransmitter release and receptor function. This is the first demonstration that NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity is a key signaling pathway in the toxicity of gelsenicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Juan Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Meng-Ting Zuo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Xue-Jia Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Chong-Yin Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Zhao-Ying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zuo MT, Wu Y, Wang ZY, Wang N, Huang SJ, Yu H, Zhao XJ, Huang CY, Liu ZY. A comprehensive toxicity evaluation in rats after long-term oral Gelsemium elegans exposure. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111284. [PMID: 33561641 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) is a flowering plant of the Loganiaceae family, which had been used in traditional Chinese herb medicine for many years for the treatment of rheumatoid pain, neuropathic pain, spasticity, skin ulcers, anxiety and cancer. Acute toxicity of the plant severely limits the application and development of G. elegans; however, long-term toxicity of exposure to G. elegans has not been illuminated. PURPOSE This study is a comprehensive observation of the effects of long-term exposure (21 days at 70 mg/kg) to G. elegans in rats. METHODS AND RESULTS The histopathological examination showed only a mild glial cell proliferation in the brain, and no lesions were observed in other organs. No abnormal changes in the biochemical parameters were observed that would have significant effects. The identification and analysis of absorbed natural ingredients showed that the active ingredients of the G. elegans could distribute to various tissues, and six compounds were identified in the brain, suggesting that they could cross the blood-brain barrier. Based on the intestinal content metabolomics, the tryptophan (Trp) biosynthesis, bile acid synthesis and bile secretion pathways have attracted our attention. Plasma metabolomic results showed that uric acid (UA) was significantly increased. The results of the brain metabolomic tests showed that the level of pyridoxal (PL) was decreased; considering the expression levels of the related enzymes, it was hypothesized that the level of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) was decreased. PLP was important for the regulation of the neuronal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)/glutamate (Glu) interconversion and therefore neuronal excitability. The data of the study suggested that toxic reaction caused by G. elegans was due to a disruption of the balance of the neurotransmitter GABA/Glu transformation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, G. elegans did not cause significant toxic reaction in the rats after long-term exposure. The results were significant for the future clinical applications of G. elegans and suggested that G. elegans could be potentially developed as a drug. The study provided a scientific basis for investigation of the mechanisms of toxicity and detoxification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Zuo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Zi-Yuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Na Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Si-Juan Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Chong-Yin Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Zhao-Ying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mishra P, Sinha JK, Rajput SK. Efficacy of Cicuta virosa medicinal preparations against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 115:107653. [PMID: 33358679 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epileptic seizures are characterized by imbalanced inhibition-excitation cycle that triggers biochemical alterations responsible for jeopardized neuronal integrity. Conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been the mainstay option for treatment and control; however, symptomatic control and potential to exacerbate the seizure condition calls for viable alternative to these chemical agents. In this context, natural product-based therapies have accrued great interest in recent years due to competent disease management potential and lower associated adversities. Cicuta virosa (CV) is one such herbal remedy that is used in traditional system of medicine against myriad of disorders including epilepsy. Homeopathic medicinal preparations (HMPs) of CV were assessed for their efficacy in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced acute and kindling models of epilepsy. CV HMPs increased the latency and reduced the duration of tonic-clonic phase in acute model while lowering the kindling score in the kindling model that signified their role in modulating GABAergic neurotransmission and potassium conductance. Kindling-induced impairment of cognition, memory, and motor coordination was ameliorated by the CV HMPs that substantiated their efficacy in imparting sustained neuronal fortification. Furthermore, biochemical evaluation showed attenuated oxidative stress load through reduced lipid peroxidation and strengthened free radical scavenging mechanism. Taken together, CV HMPs exhibited promising results in acute and kindling models and must be further assessed through molecular and epigenomic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Mishra
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology and Neurosciences (AINN), Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201303, India.
| | - Jitendra Kumar Sinha
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology and Neurosciences (AINN), Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201303, India.
| | - Satyendra Kumar Rajput
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gurukul Kangri (deemed to be University), Haridwar, Uttrakhand, 249404, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qiu H, Yu C, Cheng Y, Que W, Zeng X, Wang H, Liu M. Simultaneous Determination of Koumine and Gelsemine in Human Plasma Using HPLC-UV Assay and Its Clinical Application. CURR PHARM ANAL 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573412915666190222161942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Of two main alkaloids extracted from Gelsemium, koumine was shown to be a
promising analgesic, while gelsemine proved to be deleterious. Many patients suspected to be poisoned
by Gelsemium cannot be timely diagnosed due to the lack of UPLC-MS/MS. Additionally, the
concentration of alkaloids in humans has never been reported. The aim of this study was to establish a
more economical and accessible method using HPLC-UV for diagnosis and quantitative analysis of
Gelsemium poisoning.
Methods:
Plasma spiked with an internal standard, oxcarbazepine, was prepared with solid-phase extraction.
Koumine and gelsemine were separated on a C18 column using a mobile phase consisting of
methanol, water, and di-n-butylamine (58:42:0.01) pumped at a flow rate of 1.00 mL/min. The detection
wavelength was set at 263 nm. Plasma concentrations of two different times were determined for the
patients.
Results:
The calibration curves for both monomers possessed good linearity from 0.05-50 mg/L
(r=0.9997 and 0.9999, respectively). The extraction recoveries were greater than 88.5 %. Variation for
intraday and interday assays of koumine and gelsemine were less than 8.3% and 7.7%, respectively. The
concentrations of the two alkaloids were identified in 5 patients with Gelsemium poisoning by using the
established method.
Conclusion:
The established method by using HPLC-UV is applicable for diagnosis and quantitative
analysis of Gelsemium poisoning in such cases. TDM of koumine and gelsemine in patients with Gelsemium
poisoning may provide additional information for the clinic to improve rescue strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongqiang Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Changxi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wancai Que
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Maobai Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pan JX, Deng FL, Zeng BH, Zheng P, Liang WW, Yin BM, Wu J, Dong MX, Luo YY, Wang HY, Wei H, Xie P. Absence of gut microbiota during early life affects anxiolytic Behaviors and monoamine neurotransmitters system in the hippocampal of mice. J Neurol Sci 2019; 400:160-168. [PMID: 30954660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is composed of an enormous number of microorganisms, generally regarded as commensal bacteria. Resident gut bacteria are an important contributor to health and significant evidence suggests that the presence of healthy and diverse gut microbiota is important for normal cognitive and emotional processing. Here we measured the expression of monoamine neurotransmitter-related genes in the hippocampus of germ-free (GF) mice and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) mice to explore the effect of gut microbiota on hippocampal monoamine functioning. In total, 19 differential expressed genes (Htr7, Htr1f, Htr3b, Drd3, Ddc, Maob, Tdo2, Fos, Creb1, Akt1, Gsk3a, Pik3ca, Pla2g5, Cyp2d22, Grk6, Ephb1, Slc18a1, Nr4a1, Gdnf) that could discriminate between the two groups were identified. Interestingly, GF mice displayed anxiolytic-like behavior compared to SPF mice, which were not reversed by colonization with gut microbiota from SPF mice. Besides, colonization of adolescent GF mice by gut microbiota was not sufficient to reverse the altered gene expression associated with their GF status. Taking these findings together, the absence of commensal microbiota during early life markedly affects hippocampal monoamine gene-regulation, which was associated with anxiolytic behaviors and monoamine neurological signs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Xi Pan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Feng-Li Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ben-Hua Zeng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Laboratory Animal Science, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wei-Wei Liang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bang-Min Yin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Mei-Xue Dong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hai-Yang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China.
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing 400016, China; Institute of Neuroscience and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bias and misleading concepts in an Arnica research study. Comments to improve experimental Homeopathy. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2018; 9:75-80. [PMID: 29496319 PMCID: PMC5884037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Basic experimental models in Homeopathy are of major interest because they could get insightful data about the ability of high dilutions to work in a biological system. Due to the extreme difficulty in the highlighting any possible effect and trusting its reliability, methods should be particularly stringent and highly standardized. Confounders, handling process, pre-analytical errors, misleading statistics and misinterpretations may lead to experimental biases. This article tries to elucidate those factors causing bias, taking into account some recent reported evidence in the field.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bellavite P, Marzotto M, Bonafini C. Arnica montana experimental studies: confounders and biases? JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2018. [PMID: 29526239 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Arnica montana is a popular traditional remedy widely used in complementary and alternative medicine, in part for its wound-healing properties. The authors recently showed that this plant extract and several of its homeopathic dilutions are able to modify the expression of a series of genes involved in inflammation and connective tissue regeneration. Their studies opened a debate, including criticisms to the "errors" in the methods used and the "confounders and biases". Here the authors show that the criticisms raised on methodology and statistics are not consistent and cannot be considered pertinent. The present comment also updates and reviews information concerning the action of A. montana dilutions in human macrophage cells while summarizing the major experimental advances reported on this interesting medicinal plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Marta Marzotto
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, Verona 37134, Italy.
| | - Clara Bonafini
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, Verona 37134, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bellavite P, Bonafini C, Marzotto M. Experimental neuropharmacology of Gelsemium sempervirens: Recent advances and debated issues. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2018; 9:69-74. [PMID: 29428604 PMCID: PMC5884012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gelsemium sempervirens L. (Gelsemium) is traditionally used for its anxiolytic-like properties and its action mechanism in laboratory models are under scrutiny. Evidence from rodent models was reported suggesting the existence of a high sensitivity of central nervous system to anxiolytic power of Gelsemium extracts and Homeopathic dilutions. In vitro investigation of extremely low doses of this plant extract showed a modulation of gene expression of human neurocytes. These studies were criticized in a few commentaries, generated a debate in literature and were followed by further experimental studies from various laboratories. Toxic doses of Gelsemium cause neurological signs characterized by marked weakness and convulsions, while ultra-low doses or high Homeopathic dilutions counteract seizures induced by lithium and pilocarpine, decrease anxiety after stress and increases the anti-stress allopregnanolone hormone, through glycine receptors. Low (non-Homeopathic) doses of this plant or its alkaloids decrease neuropathic pain and c-Fos expression in mice brain and oxidative stress. Due to the complexity of the matter, several aspects deserve interpretation and the main controversial topics, with a focus on the issues of high dilution pharmacology, are discussed and clarified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Clara Bonafini
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Marta Marzotto
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chaves EMC, Honório-Júnior JER, Sousa CNS, Monteiro VS, Nonato DTT, Dantas LP, Lúcio ASSC, Barbosa-Filho JM, Patrocínio MCA, Viana GSB, Vasconcelos SMM. The anxiolytic-like effect of 6-styryl-2-pyrone in mice involves GABAergic mechanism of action. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:139-149. [PMID: 29086102 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0139-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The present work aims to investigate the anxiolytic activity of 6-styryl-2-pyrone (STY), obtained from Aniba panurensis, in behavioral tests and amino acids dosage on male Swiss mice. The animals were treated with STY (1, 10 or 20 mg), diazepam (DZP 1 or 2 mg/kg) or imipramine (IMI 30 mg/kg). Some groups were administered with flumazenil, 30 min before administration of the STYor DZP. The behavioral tests performed were open field, rota rod, elevated plus maze (EPM), hole-board (HB) and tail suspension test (TST). After behavioral tests, these animals were sacrificed and had their prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC) and striatum (ST) dissected for assaying amino acids (aspartate- ASP, glutamate- GLU, glycine- GLY, taurine- TAU and Gamma-aminobutyric acid- GABA). In EPM test, STY or DZP increased the number of entries and the time of permanence in the open arms, but these effects were reverted by flumazenil. In the HB test, STY increased the number of head dips however this effect was blocked by flumazenil. The effects of the STY on amino acid concentration in PFC showed increased GLU, GABA and TAU concentrations. In hippocampus, STY increased the concentrations of all amino acids studied. In striatum, STY administration at lowest dose reduced GLU concentrations, while the highest dosage caused the opposite effect. GLI, TAU and GABA concentrations increased with STY administration at highest doses. In conclusion, this study showed that STY presents an anxiolytic-like effect in behavioral tests that probably is related to GABAergic mechanism of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edna Maria Camelo Chaves
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Street Cel. Nunes de Melo 1127, CEP 60431-270, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jose Eduardo Ribeiro Honório-Júnior
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Street Cel. Nunes de Melo 1127, CEP 60431-270, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Health Science Center, School of Medicine, University Centre Christus, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Caren Nádia Soares Sousa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Street Cel. Nunes de Melo 1127, CEP 60431-270, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leonardo Pimentel Dantas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Street Cel. Nunes de Melo 1127, CEP 60431-270, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Glauce Socorro Barros Viana
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Street Cel. Nunes de Melo 1127, CEP 60431-270, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Silvânia Maria Mendes Vasconcelos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Street Cel. Nunes de Melo 1127, CEP 60431-270, Fortaleza, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gupta V, Sharma R, Bansal P, Kaur G. Bioactivity-guided isolation of potent anxiolytic compounds from leaves of Citrus paradisi. Ayu 2018; 39:21-28. [PMID: 30595630 PMCID: PMC6287406 DOI: 10.4103/ayu.ayu_173_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Citrus fragrances have been attributed with mood-enhancing properties by aromatherapists. Leaves of this plant have been reported to exert anti-anxiety activity. Till date, no specific phytoconstituent responsible for this has been identified. Objective: Isolation of anxiolytic constituent of Citrus paradisi using bioactivity-guided fractionation. Materials and Methods: Leaf extracts of four varieties of C. paradisi in petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water were evaluated for anti-anxiety activity in mice using elevated plus-maze apparatus. Because of activity in methanol extract, it was used for safety evaluation/acute toxicity studies in animals. Bioactive fraction of methanol extract was subjected to column chromatography and structure of the isolated compound was elucidated by melting point, ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear mass reactor and mass spectroscopy. The isolated constituents were further evaluated for anti-anxiety activity using light/dark model and hole-board model of anxiety. Results: Results showed no mortality at a dose up to 2000 mg/kg body weight that indirectly reflects the safety profile of the leaf extracts. Fractionation of methanol extract led to the isolation of four flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin). The isolated compounds exhibited significant anxiolytic activity in different animal models. Conclusion: The study confirms the presence of four flavonoids responsible for anti-anxiety activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Gupta
- Department of Herbal Drug Technology, University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Ravinder Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Parveen Bansal
- Department of Herbal Drug Technology, University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| | - Gunpreet Kaur
- Department of Herbal Drug Technology, University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Van Wassenhoven M, Goyens M, Henry M, Capieaux E, Devos P. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance characterization of traditional homeopathically manufactured copper ( Cuprum metallicum ) and plant ( Gelsemium sempervirens ) medicines and controls. HOMEOPATHY 2017; 106:223-239. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
17
|
Chen CJ, Zhong ZF, Xin ZM, Hong LH, Su YP, Yu CX. Koumine exhibits anxiolytic properties without inducing adverse neurological effects on functional observation battery, open-field and Vogel conflict tests in rodents. J Nat Med 2017; 71:397-408. [DOI: 10.1007/s11418-017-1070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
18
|
Betti L, Trebbi G, Kokornaczyk MO, Nani D, Peruzzi M, Dinelli G, Bellavite P, Brizzi M. Number of succussion strokes affects effectiveness of ultra-high-diluted arsenic on in vitro wheat germination and polycrystalline structures obtained by droplet evaporation method. HOMEOPATHY 2017; 106:47-54. [PMID: 28325224 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to investigate whether the number of succussion strokes applied after each dilution step when preparing the homeopathic treatments influences the effectiveness of ultra-high-diluted (UHD) arsenic trioxide at the 45th decimal dilution/dynamization (As2O3 45x). DESIGN Wheat seeds, previously stressed with ponderal As2O3, were treated with: As2O3 45x, H2O 45x (dynamized control), or pure water (negative control). The succussion was done manually, and various succussion durations (numbers of strokes) were tested for each treatment. Treatment effectiveness was tested blind using the in vitro germination test and the droplet evaporation method (DEM). Data were processed by the Poisson test (germination test) and by two-way analysis of variance (DEM). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We evaluated both the in vitro germination rate, by counting the non-germinated seeds, and the complexity of polycrystalline structures (PCS) (local connected fractal dimension (LCFD)) obtained by evaporating leakage droplets from stressed seeds that had been watered with the different treatments. RESULTS We observed a highly significant increase in germination rate when the number of strokes (NS) was ≥32 for both As2O3 45x and H2O 45x, and a significant increase in the LCFD of PCS for As2O3 45x when the NS was ≥32 and for H2O 45x when it was 70. CONCLUSIONS Both experimental approaches showed increased effectiveness for treatments prepared with a higher number of succussion strokes. These results indicate that succussion may have an important influence on treatment effectiveness, and so highlight the need for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucietta Betti
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Grazia Trebbi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Daniele Nani
- Italian National Health System, Lombardy District, "Azienda Sanitaria Locale" Milan, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Peruzzi
- Association for Sensitive Crystallization, Andalo Valtellino, Sondrio, Italy
| | - Giovanni Dinelli
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Brizzi
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Olioso D, Marzotto M, Bonafini C, Brizzi M, Bellavite P. Arnica montana effects on gene expression in a human macrophage cell line. Evaluation by quantitative Real-Time PCR. HOMEOPATHY 2016; 105:131-47. [PMID: 27211321 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arnica montana is a popular traditional remedy widely used in complementary medicine, also for its wound healing properties. Despite its acknowledged action in clinical settings at various doses, the molecular aspects relating to how A. montana promotes wound healing remain to be elucidated. To fill this gap, we evaluated the whole plant extract, in a wide range of dilutions, in THP-1 human cells, differentiated into mature macrophages and into an alternative IL-4-activated phenotype involved in tissue remodelling and healing. METHODS Real-time quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis was used to study the changes in the expression of a customized panel of key genes, mainly cytokines, receptors and transcription factors. RESULTS On macrophages differentiated towards the wound healing phenotype, A. montana affected the expression of several genes. In particular CXC chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), coding for an chief chemokine, exhibited the most consistent increase of expression, while also CXC chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2), Interleukin8 (IL8) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2) were slightly up-regulated, suggesting a positive influence of A. montana on neutrophil recruitment and on angiogenesis. MMP1, coding for a metalloproteinase capable of cleaving extracellular matrix substrates, was down-regulated. Most results showed non-linearity of the dose-effect relationship. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study provides new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of A. montana as a promoter of healing, since some of the genes it modifies are key regulators of tissue remodelling, inflammation and chemotaxis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debora Olioso
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Marta Marzotto
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Clara Bonafini
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Brizzi
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via delle Belle Arti 41, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mutlu O, Ulak G, Kokturk S, Komsuoglu Celikyurt I, Tanyeri P, Akar F, Erden F. Effects of a dragonfly (Anax i.) homeopathic remedy on learning, memory and cell morphology in mice. HOMEOPATHY 2016; 105:96-101. [PMID: 26828004 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine in which uses highly diluted preparations that are believed to cause healthy people to exhibit symptoms similar to those exhibited by patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dragonfly (Anax imperator, Anax i.) on learning and memory in naive mice using the Morris water maze (MWM) test; moreover, the effects of dragonfly on MK-801-induced cognitive dysfunction were evaluated. METHODS Male balb-c mice were treated with dragonfly (30C and 200C) or MK-801 (0.2 mg/kg) alone or concurrently (n = 10). Dragonfly (D) and MK-801 were administered subchronically for 6 days intraperitoneally 60 min and 30 min, respectively, before the daily performance of the MWM test. RESULTS This study revealed that in the familiarization session and first session of the MWM test, Anax i. D30 significantly decreased escape latency compared to the control group, although MK-801, D30 and D200 significantly increased escape latency at the end of five acquisition sessions. Anax i. combined with dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) also significantly decreased escape latency in the familiarization session and first session of the MWM test, although this combination increased escape latency compared to the MK-801 alone group at the end of the test. Time spent in escape platform's quadrant in the probe trial significantly decreased while mean distance to platform significantly increased in MK-801, D30 and D200 groups. In the MWM test, Anax i. combined with MK-801 significantly decreased speed of the animals compared to the MK-801 alone group. General cell morphology was disturbed in the MK-801 group while D30 and D200 seemed to improve cell damage in the MK-801 group. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the homeopathic Anax i. can impair learning acquisition and reference memory, and it has beneficial effects on disturbed cell morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oguz Mutlu
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, 41380, Kocaeli, Turkey.
| | - Guner Ulak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, 41380, Kocaeli, Turkey.
| | - Sibel Kokturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Ordu University, 52000, Ordu, Turkey.
| | | | - Pelin Tanyeri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, 54100, Sakarya, Turkey.
| | - Furuzan Akar
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, 41380, Kocaeli, Turkey.
| | - Faruk Erden
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, 41380, Kocaeli, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Replications of fundamental research models in ultra high dilutions 1994 and 2015--update on a bibliometric study. HOMEOPATHY 2015; 104:234-45. [PMID: 26678723 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper focuses exclusively on experimental models with ultra high dilutions (i.e. beyond 10(-23)) that have been submitted to replication scrutiny. It updates previous surveys, considers suggestions made by the research community and compares the state of replication in 1994 with that in 2015. METHODS Following literature research, biochemical, immunological, botanical, cell biological and zoological studies on ultra high dilutions (potencies) were included. Reports were grouped into initial studies, laboratory-internal, multicentre and external replications. Repetition could yield either comparable, or zero, or opposite results. The null-hypothesis was that test and control groups would not be distinguishable (zero effect). RESULTS A total of 126 studies were found. From these, 28 were initial studies. When all 98 replicative studies were considered, 70.4% (i.e. 69) reported a result comparable to that of the initial study, 20.4% (20) zero effect and 9.2% (9) an opposite result. Both for the studies until 1994 and the studies 1995-2015 the null-hypothesis (dominance of zero results) should be rejected. Furthermore, the odds of finding a comparable result are generally higher than of finding an opposite result. Although this is true for all three types of replication studies, the fraction of comparable studies diminishes from laboratory-internal (total 82.9%) to multicentre (total 75%) to external (total 48.3%), while the fraction of opposite results was 4.9%, 10.7% and 13.8%. Furthermore, it became obvious that the probability of an external replication producing comparable results is bigger for models that had already been further scrutinized by the initial researchers. CONCLUSIONS We found 28 experimental models which underwent replication. In total, 24 models were replicated with comparable results, 12 models with zero effect, and 6 models with opposite results. Five models were externally reproduced with comparable results. We encourage further replications of studies in order to learn more about the model systems used.
Collapse
|
22
|
Bonamin LV, Cardoso TN, Cunha de Carvalho A, Amaral JG. The use of animal models in homeopathic research – a review of 2010–2014 PubMed indexed papers. HOMEOPATHY 2015; 104:283-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
23
|
Qiu HQ, Xu Y, Jin GL, Yang J, Liu M, Li SP, Yu CX. Koumine enhances spinal cord 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase expression and activity in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2015; 11:46. [PMID: 26255228 PMCID: PMC4529695 DOI: 10.1186/s12990-015-0050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Koumine is an alkaloid monomer found abundantly in Gelsemium plants. It has been shown to reverse thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia induced by sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, this effect is mediated by elevated allopregnanolone levels in the spinal cord (SC). Since 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (3α-HSOR), the key synthetase of allopregnanolone, is responsible for allopregnanolone upregulation in the SC, the objective of the present study was to investigate the role of its expression in the SC in koumine-induced analgesia using a rat model of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury. RESULTS Time-course investigations of immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that the immunoreactivity and mRNA expression of 3α-HSOR markedly increased in a time-dependent manner in the SC of koumine-treated CCI rats. Furthermore, 3α-HSOR activity in the SC of koumine-treated CCI rats increased by 15.8% compared to the activity in untreated CCI rats. Intrathecal injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a selective 3α-HSOR inhibitor, reversed the analgesic effect of koumine on CCI-induced mechanical pain perception. Our results confirm that koumine alleviates neuropathic pain in rats with CCI by enhancing 3α-HSOR mRNA expression and bioactivity in the SC. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that 3α-HSOR is an important molecular target of koumine for alleviating neuropathic pain. Koumine may prove a promising compound for the development of novel analgesic agents effective against intractable neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Qiang Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, 350108, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, 350108, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China. .,Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gui-Lin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, 350108, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, 350108, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China. .,Fujian Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, 350108, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Su-Ping Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, 350108, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, 350108, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Estores IM, Frye J. Healing Environments: Integrative Medicine and Palliative Care in Acute Care Settings. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am 2015; 27:369-82. [PMID: 26333757 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Conventional medicine is excellent at saving lives; however, it has little to offer to address the physical, mental, and emotional distress associated with life-threatening or life-limiting disease. An integrative approach to palliative care in acute care settings can meet this need by creating healing environments that support patients, families, and health care professionals. Mindful use of language enhances the innate healing response, improves communication, and invites patients and families to participate in their care. Staff should be offered access to skills training to cultivate compassion and mindful practice to enhance both patient and self-care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene M Estores
- Integrative Medicine Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Joyce Frye
- Pharmacopeia Revision Committee, Homeopathic Pharmacopeia Convention of the United States, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Palit P, Mukherjee D, Mandal SC. Reconstituted mother tinctures of Gelsemium sempervirens L. improve memory and cognitive impairment in mice scopolamine-induced dementia model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 159:274-284. [PMID: 25459447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) J.St.-Hil is a herb used for the treatment of various neuroses in both homeopathic and Ayurvedic systems. The present study examines whether Gelsemium reconstituted tincture can protect against scopolamine induced cognitive discrepancies in amnesic mouse model. In order to investigate the protective mechanism of Gelsemium against dementia, in vitro acetyl cholinesterase and β-secretase enzyme inhibition and estimation of glutathione level in mouse brain were carried out. MATERIALS AND METHODS The inhibition study on acetyl cholinesterase and β-secretase enzyme was conducted on brain homogenate supernatant spectrophotometrically using specific substrate. Cognitive enhancement activity was assessed by elevated plus maze and passive avoidance study in scopolamine induced dementia mouse model. Glutathione, an anti-oxidant, was measured spectrophotometrically from scopolamine induced amnesic mice brain supernatant using 5,5'-dithiobis 2-nitrobenzoic acid in the presence and absence of Gelsemium tincture. RESULTS Significant inhibition was found with Gelsemium on AChE and β-secretase enzyme with an IC50 of 9.25 and 16.25 µg/ml, respectively, followed by increasing glutathione levels in comparison to the untreated dementia group. The effect of Gelsemium of scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits was determined by measuring the behavioral parameters and the antioxidant status of the brain after scopolamine (1mg/kg i.p.) injected amnesic mice. Gelsemium significantly demonstrated in vivo anti-dementia activity (60% protection) and increased exploratory behavior. CONCLUSION Our investigations indicated that alkaloid, iridoids and coumarin enriched reconstituted Gelsemium tincture extract displays promising cognitive enhancement in adult mice after short-term oral treatment. Hence, Gelsemium can be a promising anti-dementia agent, mediating the protection against amnesia, attention disorders and learning dysfunctions through dual inhibition of both acetyl cholinesterases (no false positive effect was shown), β-secretase and antioxidant activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Partha Palit
- Dr. B. C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Bidhan Nagar, Durgapur 713206, India.
| | - Dhrubojyoti Mukherjee
- Dr. B. C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Bidhan Nagar, Durgapur 713206, India
| | - Subhash C Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy Research Laboratory, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Effects of homeopathic Anax imperator on behavioural and pain models in mice. HOMEOPATHY 2015; 104:15-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
27
|
Chirumbolo S. On Gelsemium and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Anxiety and Experimental Neurology. Neurol Ther 2014; 4:1-10. [PMID: 26847671 PMCID: PMC4470975 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-014-0025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent discussion expanded the debate about the experimental research on Gelsemium in anxiety. Herbal medicine is widely used in anxiety and mood disorders, often with contradictory evidence, although some authors are yet prompted to promote their full introduction in pharmacology as a promising therapy. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in anxiety is particularly appreciated by individual healthcare, but deserves further investigation, as many critical issues have been recently raised. Comments about the ability of negligible doses of Gelsemium hydroalcoholic extracts to affect gene expression were recently reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Medicine, Univerity of Verona, LURM Est Policlinico GB Rossi, Piazzale AL Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Transcriptome Profiling of Wheat Seedlings following Treatment with Ultrahigh Diluted Arsenic Trioxide. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:851263. [PMID: 25525452 PMCID: PMC4265686 DOI: 10.1155/2014/851263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Plant systems are useful research tools to address basic questions in homeopathy as they make it possible to overcome some of the drawbacks encountered in clinical trials (placebo effect, ethical issues, duration of the experiment, and high costs). The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis whether 7-day-old wheat seedlings, grown from seeds either poisoned with a sublethal dose of As2O3 or unpoisoned, showed different significant gene expression profiles after the application of ultrahigh diluted As2O3 (beyond Avogadro's limit) compared to water (control). The results provided evidence for a strong gene modulating effect of ultrahigh diluted As2O3 in seedlings grown from poisoned seeds: a massive reduction of gene expression levels to values comparable to those of the control group was observed for several functional classes of genes. A plausible hypothesis is that ultrahigh diluted As2O3 treatment induced a reequilibration of those genes that were upregulated during the oxidative stress by bringing the expression levels closer to the basal levels normally occurring in the control plants.
Collapse
|
29
|
Marzotto M, Olioso D, Bellavite P. Gene expression and highly diluted molecules. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:237. [PMID: 25429268 PMCID: PMC4228849 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Marzotto
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona Verona, Italy
| | - Debora Olioso
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Bellavite
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhang JY, Wang YX. Gelsemium analgesia and the spinal glycine receptor/allopregnanolone pathway. Fitoterapia 2014; 100:35-43. [PMID: 25447163 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gelsemium, a small genus of flowering plant from the family Loganiaceae, comprises five species including the popular Gelsemium sempervirens Ait. and Gelsemium elegans Benth., which are indigenous to North America and China/East Asia, respectively. Approximately 120 alkaloids have been isolated and identified from Gelsemium, with the predominant indole alkaloids including gelsemine, koumine, gelsemicine, gelsenicine, gelsedine, sempervirine, koumidine, koumicine and humantenine. Gelsemine is the principal active alkaloid in G. sempervirens Ait., and koumine and gelsemine are the most and second-most dominant alkaloids in G. elegans Benth. Gelsemium extract and its active alkaloids serve a variety of biological functions, including neurobiological, immunosuppressive and antitumor effects, and have traditionally been used to treat pain, neuralgia, anxiety, insomnia, asthma, respiratory ailments and cancers. This review focuses on animal-based studies of Gelsemium as a pain treatment and its mechanism of action. In contrast to morphine, when administered intrathecally and systemically, koumine, gelsemine and gelsenicine have marked antinociception in inflammatory, neuropathic and bone cancer pains without inducing antinociceptive tolerance. Gelsemium and its active alkaloids may produce antinociception by activating the spinal α3 glycine/allopregnanolone pathway. The results of this review support the clinical use of Gelsemium and suggest that its active alkaloids may be developed to treat intractable and other types of pain, preferably after chemical modification. However, Gelsemium is a known toxic plant, and its toxicity limits its appropriate dosage and clinical use. To avoid or decrease the side/toxic effects of Gelsemium, an individual monomer of highly potent alkaloids must be selected, or alkaloids that exhibit greater α3 glycine receptor selectivity may be discovered or modified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yang Zhang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, No 6 Biomedicine Building, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, No 6 Biomedicine Building, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bellavite P, Marzotto M, Olioso D, Moratti E, Conforti A. High-dilution effects revisited. 1. Physicochemical aspects. HOMEOPATHY 2014; 103:4-21. [PMID: 24439452 DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that homeopathic high dilutions (HDs) can effectively have a pharmacological action, and so cannot be considered merely placebos. However, until now there has been no unified explanation for these observations within the dominant paradigm of the dose-response effect. Here the possible scenarios for the physicochemical nature of HDs are reviewed. A number of theoretical and experimental approaches, including quantum physics, conductometric and spectroscopic measurements, thermoluminescence, and model simulations investigated the peculiar features of diluted/succussed solutions. The heterogeneous composition of water could be affected by interactive phenomena such as coherence, epitaxy and formation of colloidal nanobubbles containing gaseous inclusions of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, silica and, possibly, the original material of the remedy. It is likely that the molecules of active substance act as nucleation centres, amplifying the formation of supramolecular structures and imparting order to the solvent. Three major models for how this happens are currently being investigated: the water clusters or clathrates, the coherent domains postulated by quantum electrodynamics, and the formation of nanoparticles from the original solute plus solvent components. Other theoretical approaches based on quantum entanglement and on fractal-type self-organization of water clusters are more speculative and hypothetical. The problem of the physicochemical nature of HDs is still far from to be clarified but current evidence strongly supports the notion that the structuring of water and its solutes at the nanoscale can play a key role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Marta Marzotto
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Debora Olioso
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Moratti
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Anita Conforti
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Verona, Piazza L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chirumbolo S. High diluted molecules and gene expression. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:183. [PMID: 25177295 PMCID: PMC4132365 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Chirumbolo
- University Laboratories for Medical Research (LURM)-Medicine D, Department of Medicine, University of Verona Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Bell IR, Sarter B, Koithan M, Banerji P, Banerji P, Jain S, Ives J. Integrative nanomedicine: treating cancer with nanoscale natural products. Glob Adv Health Med 2014; 3:36-53. [PMID: 24753994 PMCID: PMC3921611 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2013.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Finding safer and more effective treatments for specific cancers remains a significant challenge for integrative clinicians and researchers worldwide. One emerging strategy is the use of nanostructured forms of drugs, vaccines, traditional animal venoms, herbs, and nutraceutical agents in cancer treatment. The recent discovery of nanoparticles in traditional homeopathic medicines adds another point of convergence between modern nanomedicine and alternative interventional strategies. A way in which homeopathic remedies could initiate anticancer effects includes cell-to-cell signaling actions of both exogenous and endogenous (exosome) nanoparticles. The result can be a cascade of modulatory biological events with antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. The Banerji Protocols reflect a multigenerational clinical system developed by homeopathic physicians in India who have treated thousands of patients with cancer. A number of homeopathic remedy sources from the Banerji Protocols (eg, Calcarea phosphorica; Carcinosin-tumor-derived breast cancer tissue prepared homeopathically) overlap those already under study in nonhomeopathic nanoparticle and nanovesicle tumor exosome cancer vaccine research. Past research on antineoplastic effects of nano forms of botanical extracts such as Phytolacca, Gelsemium, Hydrastis, Thuja, and Ruta as well as on homeopathic remedy potencies made from the same types of source materials suggests other important overlaps. The replicated finding of silica, silicon, and nano-silica release from agitation of liquids in glassware adds a proven nonspecific activator and amplifier of immunological effects. Taken together, the nanoparticulate research data and the Banerji Protocols for homeopathic remedies in cancer suggest a way forward for generating advances in cancer treatment with natural product-derived nanomedicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris R Bell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson (Dr Bell), United States
| | - Barbara Sarter
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of San Diego, California, and Bastyr University - California (Dr Sarter), United States
| | - Mary Koithan
- College of Nursing, The University of Arizona (Drs Koithan), United States
| | | | - Pratip Banerji
- PBH Research Foundation, Kolkata, India (Drs Banerji), India
| | - Shamini Jain
- Samueli Institute, Alexandria, Virginia (Dr Jain), United States
| | - John Ives
- Samueli Institute, Alexandria, Virginia (Dr Ives), United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Olioso D, Marzotto M, Moratti E, Brizzi M, Bellavite P. Effects of Gelsemium sempervirens L. on pathway-focused gene expression profiling in neuronal cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 153:535-539. [PMID: 24613275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gelsemium sempervirens L. is a traditional medicinal plant mainly distributed in the southeastern of the United States, employed in phytotheraphy and homeopathy as nervous system relaxant to treat various types of anxiety, pain, headache and other ailments. Although animal models showed its effectiveness, the mechanisms by which it might operate on the nervous system are largely unknown. This study investigated for the first time by a real-time PCR technique (RT-PCR Array) the gene expression of a panel of human neurotransmitter receptors and regulators, involved in neuronal excitatory signaling, on a neurocyte cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 24h to Gelsemium sempervirens at 2c and 9c dilutions (i.e. 2 and 9-fold centesimal dilutions from mother tincture) and the gene expression profile compared to that of cells treated with control vehicle solutions. RESULTS Exposure to the Gelsemium sempervirens 2c dilution, containing a nanomolar concentration of active principle gelsemine, induced a down-regulation of most genes of this array. In particular, the treated cells showed a statistically significant decrease of the prokineticin receptor 2, whose ligand is a neuropeptide involved in nociception, anxiety and depression-like behavior. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results indicate a negative modulation trend in neuronal excitatory signaling, which can suggest new working hypotheses on the anxiolytic and analgesic action of this plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debora Olioso
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Marta Marzotto
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Moratti
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Brizzi
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via delle Belle Arti 41, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kokornaczyk MO, Trebbi G, Dinelli G, Marotti I, Bregola V, Nani D, Borghini F, Betti L. Droplet evaporation method as a new potential approach for highlighting the effectiveness of ultra high dilutions. Complement Ther Med 2014; 22:333-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
36
|
Marzotto M, Olioso D, Brizzi M, Tononi P, Cristofoletti M, Bellavite P. Extreme sensitivity of gene expression in human SH-SY5Y neurocytes to ultra-low doses of Gelsemium sempervirens. Altern Ther Health Med 2014; 14:104. [PMID: 24642002 PMCID: PMC3999908 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Gelsemium sempervirens L. (Gelsemium s.) is a traditional medicinal plant, employed as an anxiolytic at ultra-low doses and animal models recently confirmed this activity. However the mechanisms by which it might operate on the nervous system are largely unknown. This work investigates the gene expression of a human neurocyte cell line treated with increasing dilutions of Gelsemium s. extract. Methods Starting from the crude extract, six 100 × (centesimal, c) dilutions of Gelsemium s. (2c, 3c, 4c, 5c, 9c and 30c) were prepared according to the French homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 24 h to test dilutions, and their transcriptome compared by microarray to that of cells treated with control vehicle solutions. Results Exposure to the Gelsemium s. 2c dilution (the highest dose employed, corresponding to a gelsemine concentration of 6.5 × 10-9 M) significantly changed the expression of 56 genes, of which 49 were down-regulated and 7 were overexpressed. Several of the down-regulated genes belonged to G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways, calcium homeostasis, inflammatory response and neuropeptide receptors. Fisher exact test, applied to the group of 49 genes down-regulated by Gelsemium s. 2c, showed that the direction of effects was significantly maintained across the treatment with high homeopathic dilutions, even though the size of the differences was distributed in a small range. Conclusions The study shows that Gelsemium s., a medicinal plant used in traditional remedies and homeopathy, modulates a series of genes involved in neuronal function. A small, but statistically significant, response was detected even to very low doses/high dilutions (up to 30c), indicating that the human neurocyte genome is extremely sensitive to this regulation.
Collapse
|
37
|
Bellavite P, Marzotto M, Conforti A. Scientific criticism in homoeopathy: need to test more than disputes. Int J Clin Pract 2014; 68:403-4. [PMID: 24588949 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P Bellavite
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jin GL, Su YP, Liu M, Xu Y, Yang J, Liao KJ, Yu CX. Medicinal plants of the genus Gelsemium (Gelsemiaceae, Gentianales)--a review of their phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and traditional use. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 152:33-52. [PMID: 24434844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In the genus Gelsemium, Gelsemium elegans (Gardn. & Champ.) Benth. has been recognized as a toxic plant that is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid pain, neuropathic pain, spasticity, skin ulcers and cancers for many years. Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) J.St.-Hil. has been used since the nineteenth century in homeopathy for treating anxiety, neuralgia, migraine and spasmodic disorders, such as asthma and whooping cough in North America. This review aims to provide comprehensive information on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological research and toxicology of medicinal plants in the genus Gelsemium. The overall objective is to explore the evidence supporting its ethnopharmacological effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature survey was performed by searching the scientific databases Pubmed, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, Web of Science and the Chinese CNKI, in addition to traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathic texts for information on Gelsemium. RESULTS Plants of the genus Gelsemium have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of migraines, neuralgia, sciatica, cancer and various types of sores. Studies into the phytochemical composition of this genus have shown that all of the species are rich sources of monoterpene indole alkaloids and that they have attracted the attention of many researchers due to their markedly diverse and complex architecture. To date, a total of 121 alkaloids have been isolated and identified from the genus. The crude extracts, as well as the monomeric compounds, from the genus possess anti-tumor, analgesic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating pharmacological activities. CONCLUSION It is evident from the available literature that Gelsemium species possess potential for use as a beneficial therapeutic remedy. However, the analysis of previous pharmacological research suggests that a clear assignment of active molecules and mechanisms of action is remain lacking. Due to their high toxicity, the studies available on toxicity and safety are inadequate for providing information on clinical utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Lin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ping Su
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Jun Liao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bellavite P, Marzotto M, Olioso D, Moratti E, Conforti A. High-dilution effects revisited. 2. Pharmacodynamic mechanisms. HOMEOPATHY 2014; 103:22-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
40
|
Affiliation(s)
- S Chirumbolo
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Chirumbolo S. Bias and adverse effects of homeopathy: is scientific criticism in homeopathy a "mission impossible"? Int J Clin Pract 2013; 67:923-6. [PMID: 23952470 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
|
42
|
Pharmacological effect of gelsemine on anxiety-like behavior in rat. Behav Brain Res 2013; 253:90-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
43
|
Gelsemine, a principal alkaloid from Gelsemium sempervirens Ait., exhibits potent and specific antinociception in chronic pain by acting at spinal α3 glycine receptors. Pain 2013; 154:2452-2462. [PMID: 23886522 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the antinociceptive effects of gelsemine, the principal alkaloid in Gelsemium sempervirens Ait. A single intrathecal injection of gelsemine produced potent and specific antinociception in formalin-induced tonic pain, bone cancer-induced mechanical allodynia, and spinal nerve ligation-induced painful neuropathy. The antinociception was dose-dependent, with maximal inhibition of 50% to 60% and ED50 values of 0.5 to 0.6 μg. Multiple daily intrathecal injections of gelsemine for 7 days induced no tolerance to antinociception in the rat model of bone cancer pain. Spinal gelsemine was not effective in altering contralateral paw withdrawal thresholds, and had only a slight inhibitory effect on formalin-induced acute nociception. The specific antinociception of gelsemine in chronic pain was blocked dose-dependently by the glycine receptor (GlyR) antagonist strychnine with an apparent ID50 value of 3.8 μg. Gelsemine concentration-dependently displaced H(3)-strychnine binding to the membrane fraction of rat spinal cord homogenates, with a 100% displacement and a Ki of 21.9μM. Gene ablation of the GlyR α3 subunit (α3 GlyR) but not α1 GlyR, by a 7-day intrathecal injection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting α3 GlyR or α1 GlyR, nearly completely prevented gelsemine-induced antinociception in neuropathic pain. Our results demonstrate that gelsemine produces potent and specific antinociception in chronic pain states without induction of apparent tolerance. The results also suggest that gelsemine produces antinociception by activation of spinal α3 glycine receptors, and support the notion that spinal α3 glycine receptors are a potential therapeutic target molecule for the management of chronic pain.
Collapse
|
44
|
The active alkaloids of Gelsemium elegans Benth. are potent anxiolytics. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 225:839-51. [PMID: 23052566 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE An increasing number of herbal products has been introduced to treat anxiety and depression. Gelsemium elegans Benth (G. elegans) is a well-known herbal plant in Asia. Four major alkaloids (gelsemine, koumine, gelsevirine, and gelsenicine) have been isolated from G. elegans. Recently, interest has arisen to investigate the pharmaceutical potential of G. elegans alkaloids in the context of neuropsychopharmacology. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether G. elegans alkaloids are capable of producing anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in mouse models. In particular, we examined whether the anxiolytic action of G. elegans alkaloids is due to the agonist effects of glycine receptor in the brain. METHODS Two mouse models (elevated plus-maze and light-dark transition model) were used to examine potential anxiolytic effects. Forced swim test and tail suspension test were used to test the antidepressive action of G. elegans alkaloids. Moreover, we also explored the anxiolytic mechanisms of G. elegans alkaloids by intracerebroventricular administration of strychnine, an antagonist of glycine receptor, in the elevated plus-maze. RESULTS Gelsemine, koumine, and gelsevirine, but not gelsenicine, exhibited potent anxiolytic effects in the two anxiety models. None of the four G. elegans alkaloids exerted antidepressant effects in the two depression models. None of G. elegans alkaloids impaired spontaneous motor activities. The intracerebroventricular administration of strychnine significantly antagonized the anxiolytic effects of gelsemine, koumine, and gelsevirine administrated subcutaneously. CONCLUSIONS Gelsemine, koumine, and gelsevirine could be developed as the treatment of anxiety-related disorders in human patients. Their anxiolytic mechanism may be involved in the agonist action of glycine receptor in the brain.
Collapse
|
45
|
Bell IR, Koithan M. A model for homeopathic remedy effects: low dose nanoparticles, allostatic cross-adaptation, and time-dependent sensitization in a complex adaptive system. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 12:191. [PMID: 23088629 PMCID: PMC3570304 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background This paper proposes a novel model for homeopathic remedy action on living systems. Research indicates that homeopathic remedies (a) contain measurable source and silica nanoparticles heterogeneously dispersed in colloidal solution; (b) act by modulating biological function of the allostatic stress response network (c) evoke biphasic actions on living systems via organism-dependent adaptive and endogenously amplified effects; (d) improve systemic resilience. Discussion The proposed active components of homeopathic remedies are nanoparticles of source substance in water-based colloidal solution, not bulk-form drugs. Nanoparticles have unique biological and physico-chemical properties, including increased catalytic reactivity, protein and DNA adsorption, bioavailability, dose-sparing, electromagnetic, and quantum effects different from bulk-form materials. Trituration and/or liquid succussions during classical remedy preparation create “top-down” nanostructures. Plants can biosynthesize remedy-templated silica nanostructures. Nanoparticles stimulate hormesis, a beneficial low-dose adaptive response. Homeopathic remedies prescribed in low doses spaced intermittently over time act as biological signals that stimulate the organism’s allostatic biological stress response network, evoking nonlinear modulatory, self-organizing change. Potential mechanisms include time-dependent sensitization (TDS), a type of adaptive plasticity/metaplasticity involving progressive amplification of host responses, which reverse direction and oscillate at physiological limits. To mobilize hormesis and TDS, the remedy must be appraised as a salient, but low level, novel threat, stressor, or homeostatic disruption for the whole organism. Silica nanoparticles adsorb remedy source and amplify effects. Properly-timed remedy dosing elicits disease-primed compensatory reversal in direction of maladaptive dynamics of the allostatic network, thus promoting resilience and recovery from disease. Summary Homeopathic remedies are proposed as source nanoparticles that mobilize hormesis and time-dependent sensitization via non-pharmacological effects on specific biological adaptive and amplification mechanisms. The nanoparticle nature of remedies would distinguish them from conventional bulk drugs in structure, morphology, and functional properties. Outcomes would depend upon the ability of the organism to respond to the remedy as a novel stressor or heterotypic biological threat, initiating reversals of cumulative, cross-adapted biological maladaptations underlying disease in the allostatic stress response network. Systemic resilience would improve. This model provides a foundation for theory-driven research on the role of nanomaterials in living systems, mechanisms of homeopathic remedy actions and translational uses in nanomedicine.
Collapse
|
46
|
Testing homeopathy in mouse emotional response models: pooled data analysis of two series of studies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:954374. [PMID: 22548123 PMCID: PMC3324905 DOI: 10.1155/2012/954374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Two previous investigations were performed to assess the activity of Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium s.) in mice, using emotional response models. These two series are pooled and analysed here. Gelsemium s. in various homeopathic centesimal dilutions/dynamizations (4C, 5C, 7C, 9C, and 30C), a placebo (solvent vehicle), and the reference drugs diazepam (1 mg/kg body weight) or buspirone (5 mg/kg body weight) were delivered intraperitoneally to groups of albino CD1 mice, and their effects on animal behaviour were assessed by the light-dark (LD) choice test and the open-field (OF) exploration test. Up to 14 separate replications were carried out in fully blind and randomised conditions. Pooled analysis demonstrated highly significant effects of Gelsemium s. 5C, 7C, and 30C on the OF parameter “time spent in central area” and of Gelsemium s. 5C, 9C, and 30C on the LD parameters “time spent in lit area” and “number of light-dark transitions,” without any sedative action or adverse effects on locomotion. This pooled data analysis confirms and reinforces the evidence that Gelsemium s. regulates emotional responses and behaviour of laboratory mice in a nonlinear fashion with dilution/dynamization.
Collapse
|
47
|
Cervo L, Torri V. Comment on: "Dose-effect study of Gelsemium sempervirens in high dilutions on anxiety-related responses in mice" (Magnani P, Conforti A, Zanolin E, Marzotto M and Bellavite P, Psychopharmacology, 2010). Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 220:439-40; author reply 441-2. [PMID: 22094532 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2582-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
48
|
Effects of Ignatia amara in mouse behavioural models. HOMEOPATHY 2012; 101:57-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
49
|
Betti L, Elia V, Napoli E, Trebbi G, Zurla M, Nani D, Peruzzi M, Brizzi M. Biological effects and physico-chemical properties of extremely diluted aqueous solutions as a function of aging-time. FRONTIERS IN LIFE SCIENCE 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/21553769.2011.638986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
50
|
Chirumbolo S. Plant-derived extracts in the neuroscience of anxiety on animal models: biases and comments. Int J Neurosci 2011; 122:177-88. [PMID: 22050267 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2011.635829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Generalized anxiety disorders probably represent one of the world's biggest mental health problems. A large number of studies have also shown that anxiety disorders and depression are often associated with quality of life impairments. As anxiety represents a big concern in public health, a substantial literature supports clinically important associations between psychiatric illness and chronic medical conditions. Actually, most research focuses on depression, finding that depression can adversely affect self-care and increase the risk of incident medical illness, complications, and mortality. Anxiety disorders are less well studied, but robust epidemiological and clinical evidences show that they play an equally important role. Recent reported articles have raised a debate about the effectiveness of some plant-derived extracts in anxiety-like models in mice. Biases about several aspects related with experimental setting, animal selection, environments, operators and investigators, selection and performance of behavioral tests, controls, results managing, and statistics are here discussed.
Collapse
|