The inulin-type oligosaccharides extract from morinda officinalis, a traditional Chinese herb, ameliorated behavioral deficits in an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua prevent post-traumatic stress disorder behaviors in mice: Mechanisms from the perspective of synaptic injury, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a kind of depression syndrome, and its occurrence is related to deficiencies of the heart and kidney. Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua replenishes Qi and blood and tonifies the five zang organs, so it is widely used in TCM as a prescription for the treatment of depression syndrome. The polysaccharides in P. cyrtonema Hua (PSP) are the main active components of the herb, but the effects of PSP on PTSD and the mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the preventive effect of PSP on PTSD-like behaviors and to determine the mechanisms.

METHODS

We used behavioral tests to evaluate PTSD-like behaviors in mice. Synaptic changes were assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes to the hippocampus, and immunofluorescence staining was used to observe changes in astrocytes. Serum corticosterone (CORT), cytokine, and hippocampal oxidation-related indicator levels were evaluated by ELISA. We detected the expression levels of synaptic, oxidative, and inflammation-related proteins in the hippocampus by western blotting.

RESULTS

Single prolonged stress (SPS)-modeled mice exhibited significant PTSD-like phenotypes, including increased fear memory acquisition and anxiety-like behaviors. These behavioral changes were prevented by PSP administration. Compared to controls, SPS modeling increased serum CORT, cytokine, and hippocampal malondialdehyde levels; decreased superoxide dismutase activity; and caused losses in pyramidal neurons, astrocytes, and synapses in the CA1 region. At the molecular level, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, postsynaptic density protein 95, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), phospho-tyrosine kinase receptor B, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and GluA1 decreased in SPS mice compared with the control group, while the expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), GluN2B, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein increased in SPS mice. Treatment with PSP counteracted these abnormal changes. Importantly, ML385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, blocked PSP's ability to ameliorate PTSD behaviors and abnormal protein expression. The NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 reduced the PTSD-like behaviors and normalized protein expression in SPS mice.

CONCLUSION

PSP prevents SPS-induced PTSD-like behaviors and synaptic damage by regulating oxidative stress and NLRP3-mediated inflammation, probably in an Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-dependent manner.

The Influence of Topinambur and Inulin Preventive Supplementation on Microbiota, Anxious Behavior, Cognitive Functions and Neurogenesis in Mice Exposed to the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

Daily living and functioning under stress can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. Over the past decades, a number of studies have been conducted to determine the relationship between the central nervous system (CNS), intestinal flora and bidirectional communication along the gut brain axis (GBA) in the maintaining of homeostasis. One of the most important factors regulating GBA functioning in exposure to stress may be a proper diet enriched in the supplementation with pre-, pro-and synbiotics. In the present study, we examined whether a 10-week oral preventive supplementation with natural prebiotics: topinambur powder (TPB) and chicory root inulin (INU) influenced an anxiety, depressive behavior and cognition in mice exposed to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Additionally, a fluoxetine (FLU) has been used as a reference antidepressive drug. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of TPB, INU and FLU administration on neurogenesis in mice exposed to CUMS and finally analyzed fecal microbiota for possible changes after TPB and INU supplementation in CUMS induced mice. Results obtained from the behavioral studies (elevated plaze maze, forced swim and Morris water maze test) indicated, that 10 week supplementation with TPB (250 mg/kg) and INU (66 mg/kg), similarly to FLU (12 mg/kg), significantly mitigated an anxiety and stress as well as protected learning and memory functions in the CUMS induced mice compared to the control stressed group. Additionally, TPB and INU CUMS mice showed significantly higher level of neurogenesis in comparison to control CUMS group. Interestingly, results obtained from the fecal microbiota analysis showed a beneficial effect of TPB and INU supplementation against CUMS-induced intestinal dysbiosis in mice. In conclusion, the obtained results showed that a long-term, preventive supplementation with TPB or INU alleviates the negative effects such as anxiety, cognitive disorders or dysbiosis in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress.

Optimization of Extraction Process, Preliminary Characterization and Safety Study of Crude Polysaccharides from Morindae Officinalis Radix

In this study, the hot water extraction process of crude polysaccharides from Morindae officinalis radix (cMORP) was conducted and optimized through a single-factor test and orthogonal experimental design. With the optimal extraction process (extraction temperature of 80 °C, extraction time of 2 h, liquid/solid ratio of 15 mL/g, and number of extraction of 1), the cMORP was obtained by the ethanol precipitation method. The chemical properties and preliminary characterization of the cMORP were analyzed by chemical or instrumental methods. Furthermore, to indicate a preliminary study on safety, a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight (BW) was administered orally to Kunming (KM) mice for acute toxicity, and the cMORP was administered orally to KM mice once a day at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW for 30 days. General behaviors, body weight variations, histopathology, relative organ weights, and hematological and serum biochemical parameters were observed and recorded. The results suggested there were no toxicologically significant changes. Based on the safety study, cMORP can be initially considered non-toxic with no acute oral toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg BW and safe at up to 100 mg/kg BW in KM mice for 30 days.

Neuroprotective effects of Morinda officinalis How.: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles in Alzheimer’s disease

Pharmacological studies have shown that some traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have applications in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Morinda officinalis How. (MO) is a TCM with a long history and is widely used to tonify kidney Yang. In vitro and in vivo experiments have suggested that MO contains various effective pharmaceutical components and chemicals, including oligosaccharides, anthraquinones, iridoids, flavonoids, amino acids, and trace elements, conferring MO with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are undoubtedly hallmarks of neurodegeneration, contributing to AD progression. In this mini-review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms, structure-activity relationships, and potential synergistic and antagonistic effects of active components in MO. This discussion highlights the roles of these active components, such as oligosaccharides, anthraquinones, and iridoid glycosides, in the treatment of AD via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for further utilization of MO.

Nutraceutical Interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Animal Models: A Focus on the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after exposure to traumatic events and is characterized by overwhelming fear and anxiety. Disturbances in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis are involved in the pathogenesis of mood disorders, including anxiety, PTSD, and major depressive disorders. Studies have demonstrated the relationship between the HPA axis response and stress vulnerability, indicating that the HPA axis regulates the immune system, fear memory, and neurotransmission. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), sertraline and paroxetine, are the only drugs that have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of PTSD. However, SSRIs require long treatment times and are associated with lower response and remission rates; therefore, additional pharmacological interventions are required. Complementary and alternative medicine therapies ameliorate HPA axis disturbances through regulation of gut dysbiosis, insomnia, chronic stress, and depression. We have described the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which the HPA axis is involved in PTSD pathogenesis and have evaluated the potential of herbal medicines for PTSD treatment. Herbal medicines could comprise a good therapeutic strategy for HPA axis regulation and can simultaneously improve PTSD-related symptoms. Finally, herbal medicines may lead to novel biologically driven approaches for the treatment and prevention of PTSD.

Structural Characterization and Discrimination of Morinda officinalis and Processing Morinda officinalis Based on Metabolite Profiling Analysis

Morindae officinalis Radix (MOR) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and functional food material for invigorating kidneys and tonifying yang. Processed Morindae officinalis Radix (PMOR) is obtained by steaming MOR. Traditionally, the clinical effects are discrepant between processing and nonprocessing herbal medicines. MOR and PMOR are commonly used in both clinical practice and dietary supplements, and the effect of invigorating kidneys and tonifying yang of PMOR is stronger than MOR. To clarify the overall chemical composition and the difference of MOR and PMOR, a method was developed with an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Among the 110 identified components shared by MOR and PMOR, 55 compounds showed significant differences in contents. Among them, the contents of 29 components, including fructooligosaccharides, monotropein, deacetylasperulosidic acid, geniposide, and anthraquinone glycosides, were higher in MOR than in PMOR; the contents of 26 components, including difructose anhydride sucrose, and iridoid glycoside derivatives, were higher in PMOR than in MOR. Difructose anhydrides and iridoid glycoside derivatives were first discovered in PMOR. These results provided a scientific basis for research on the therapeutic material basis of MOR. It would provide a method for the comparison of processing and nonprocessing in Chinese medicines.

Chemical Fingerprint Analysis and Quantitative Analysis of Saccharides in Morindae Officinalis Radix by HPLC-ELSD

A method based on high performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) was developed for the quantitative analysis of three active compounds and chemical fingerprint analyses of saccharides in Morindae officinalis radix. Ten batches of Morindae officinalis radix were collected from different plantations in the Guangdong region of China and used to establish the fingerprint. The samples were separated with a COSMOIL Sugar-D column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) by using gradient elution with water (A) and acetonitrile (B). In addition, Trapped-Ion-Mobility (tims) Time-Of-Flight (tims TOF) was used to identify saccharides of Morindae officinalis radix. Fingerprint chromatogram presented 26 common characteristic peaks in the roots of Morinda officinalis How, and the similarities were more than 0.926. In quantitative analysis, the three compounds showed good regression (r = 0.9995-0.9998) within the test ranges, and the recoveries of the method were in the range of 96.7-101.7%. The contents of sucrose, kestose and nystose in all samples were determined as 1.21-7.92%, 1.02-3.37%, and 2.38-6.55%, respectively. The developed HPLC fingerprint method is reliable and was validated for the quality control and identification of Morindae officinalis radix and can be successfully used to assess the quality of Morindae officinalis radix.

Network pharmacology study on the mechanism of Qiangzhifang in the treatment of panic disorder

Background

Panic disorder (PD) is a kind of mental illness characterized by the symptom of recurring panic attacks. Qiangzhifang (QZF) is a novel decoction developed by Professor Zhaojun Yan based on a unique system of syndrome differentiation and clinical experience. It has achieved remarkable results after long-term clinical practice, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. This study aims to use network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanism of QZF in the treatment of PD.

Methods

We used the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), a literature search, and Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) to find active ingredients and targets of QZF. We searched for PD targets in GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), and DrugBank. We established a PD target database, constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis in order to screen possible pathways of action and analyze the mechanism.

Results

This study identified 84 effective components of QZF, 691 potential targets, 357 PD targets, and 97 intersectional targets. Enrichment analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) showed that QZF was associated with 118 biological processes (BPs), 18 cellular components (CCs), 35 molecular functions (MFs) [false discovery rate (FDR) <0.01], and 62 pathways (FDR <0.01). QZF mainly acts on its targets AKT1, FOS, and APP through active ingredients such as quercetin, β-sitosterol, 4-(4'-hydroxybenzyloxy)benzyl methyl ether, harmine, 1,7-dimethoxyxanthone, and 1-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthone to regulate serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and other signal pathways to treat PD.

Conclusions

Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, we predicted the possible mechanism of QZF in the treatment of PD, revealed the interaction targets and potential value of QZF, and provided a basis for its clinical application.

Allopregnanolone in mood disorders: Mechanism and therapeutic development

The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is an endogenous positive allosteric modulator of GABA type A receptor (GABA_AR), and the down-regulation of its biosynthesis have been attributed to the development of mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ALLO mediated depression/anxiety involves GABAergic mechanisms and appears to be related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine receptor, glutamate neurotransmission, and Ca²⁺ channel. In the clinical, brexanolone, as a newly developed intravenous ALLO preparation, has been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). In addition, traditional antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) could reverse ALLO decline. Recently, the translocation protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), which involves in the speed-limiting step of ALLO synthesis, and ALLO derivatization have been identified as new directions for antidepressant therapy. This review provides an overview of ALLO researches in animal model and patients, discusses its role in the development and treatment of depression/anxiety, and directs its therapeutic potential in future.

Gut microbiota in mental health and depression: role of pre/pro/synbiotics in their modulation

The microbiome residing in the human gut performs a wide range of biological functions. Recently, it has been elucidated that a change in dietary habits is associated with alteration in the gut microflora which results in increased health risks and vulnerability towards various diseases. Falling in line with the same concept, depression has also been shown to increase its prevalence around the globe, especially in the western world. Various research studies have suggested that changes in the gut microbiome profile further result in decreased tolerance of stress. Although currently available medications help in relieving the symptoms of depressive disorders briefly, these drugs are not able to completely reverse the multifactorial pathology of depression. The discovery of the communication pathway between gut microbes and the brain, i.e. the Gut-Brain Axis, has led to new areas of research to find more effective and safer alternatives to current antidepressants. The use of probiotics and prebiotics has been suggested as being effective in various preclinical studies and clinical trials for depression. Therefore, in the present review, we address the new antidepressant mechanisms via gut microbe alterations and provide insight into how these can provide an alternative to antidepressant therapy without the side effects and risk of adverse drug reactions.

Oligosaccharides from Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines: A Review of Chemical Diversity and Biological Activities

Most of traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) substances come from medicinal plants, among which oligosaccharides have gradually attracted widespread attention at home and abroad due to their important biological activities and great medicinal potential. Numerous in vitro and in vivo experiments exhibited that oligosaccharides possess various activities, such as antitumor, anti-oxidation, modulate the gut microflora, anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, and immune-regulatory activities. Generally, biological activities are closely related to chemical structures, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond connection, etc. The structural analysis of oligosaccharides is an important basis for studying their structure-activity relationship, but the structural diversity and complexity of carbohydrate compounds limit the study of oligosaccharides activities. Understanding the structures and biological functions of oligosaccharides is important for the development of new bioactive substances with natural oligosaccharides. This review provides a systematic introduction of the current knowledge of the chemical structures and biological activities of oligosaccharides. Most importantly, the reported chemical characteristics and biological activities of the famous TCHM oligosaccharides were briefly summarized, including Morinda officinalis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Arctium lappa, Polygala tenuifolia, Panax ginseng, Lycium barbarum and Astragalus membranaceus. TCHM oligosaccharides play an important role in nutrition, health care, disease diagnosis and prevention as well as have broad application prospects in the field of medicine.

Pharmacophore based virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-GBSA approach for identification of prospective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor from natural product databases

COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. At present, no proper therapy and vaccinations are available for the disease, and it is increasing day by day with a high mortality rate. Pharmacophore based virtual screening of the selected natural product databases followed by Glide molecular docking and dynamics studies against SARS-CoV-2 main protease was investigated to identify potential ligands that may act as inhibitors. The molecules SN00293542 and SN00382835 revealed the highest docking score of −14.57 and −12.42 kcal/mol, respectively, when compared with the co-crystal ligands of PDB-6Y2F (O6K) and 6W63 (X77) of the SARS-CoV-2 M^pro. To further validate the interactions of top scored molecules SN00293542 and SN00382835, molecular dynamics study of 100 ns was carried out. This indicated that the protein-ligand complex was stable throughout the simulation period, and minimal backbone fluctuations have ensued in the system. Post-MM-GBSA analysis of molecular dynamics data showed free binding energy-71.7004 +/− 7.98, −56.81+/− 7.54 kcal/mol, respectively. The computational study identified several ligands that may act as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M^pro. The top-ranked molecules SN00293542, and SN00382835 occupied the active site of the target, the main protease like that of the co-crystal ligand. These molecules may emerge as a promising ligands against SARS-CoV-2 and thus needs further detailed investigations.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Chamomile tea: Source of a glucuronoxylan with antinociceptive, sedative and anxiolytic-like effects

Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind and among its traditional uses are the calming effects. However, few studies explored its effects on the central nervous system (CNS). In this study we further proceed with structural elucidation of polysaccharides from chamomile tea. A highly substituted 4-O-methyl-glucuronoxylan (fraction SN-50R) was purified and chemically characterized, presenting Xyl:GlcA ratio of 1.7:1, M_w of 500 kDa and total sugar content of 98%. Its bioactivity on pain and on CNS was explored. Animals treated with SN-50R presented antinociceptive effect and a dose-dependent decrease in the number of crossings in the activity chamber and in the open field test, as well as a significant reduction in the number of marbles buried when compared to control. These results suggest that SN-50R presented sedative and anxiolytic-like effects and may be contributing for the calming effects obtained by chamomile tea ingestion.

Fructo-oligosaccharides from Morinda officinalis remodeled gut microbiota and alleviated depression features in a stress rat model

BACKGROUND

Inulin-type fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) purified from Morinda officinalis How., an effective oral antidepressant for mild to moderate depression, have a largely unknown efficacy and poor bioavailability.

PURPOSE

Therefore, the microbiota-gut-brain axis was used to investigate the antidepressive properties of FOSs at the interface of the gut microbiota (GM).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

FOSs was introduced via intragastric gavage to rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and the antidepressive effects were investigated through behavioral tests, intestinal morphology and corticosterone levels. Bacterial genomic DNA was extracted from feces, and the GM was profiled for using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR analysis, partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing.

RESULTS

It was observed that FOSs alleviated depression-like behaviors and repaired intestinal epithelia damages. FOSs treatment lowered corticosterone levels in the plasma and urine of the model rats. Moreover, the GM compositions of normal and model rats were distantly clustered and were mainly related to the disappearance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Acinetobacter, Barnesiella, Coprococcus, Dialister, Lactobacillus, and Paenibacillus) and appearance of depression-associated bacteria (e.g., Anaerostipes, Oscillibacter, Proteobacteria, and Streptococcus) in depressive rats. Interestingly, the dysbiosis in depressive rats' gut was reinstated with FOSs treatments. Notably, FOSs promoted the abundance of the bacterial phylum Cyanobacteria, a group of bacteria known for the secretion of pharmacologically important metabolites, such as H₂S, that exhibit antidepressant-like properties. Apparently, FOSs-induced modulation of GM was more antidepressive compared to a component of FOSs, degrees of polymerization (DP) 5, and fluoxetine, the standard antidepressant drug.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study implied that antidepressant efficacy of FOSs was inseparable from and strongly associated with the modulation of the host' s GM.

The anxiolytic-like effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on an animal model of PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the mental illness. The antidepressant-like properties of ginsenoside Rg2 (GRg2) have been shown, while little is known about its anti-PTSD-like effects. In the present study, the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits in rats were induced following exposure to single prolonged stress (SPS). The results showed that the decreased time and entries in the open arms in elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and increased freezing duration in contextual fear paradigm (CFP) were reversed by GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) without affecting the locomotor activity. In addition, GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) could block the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), corticosterone (Cort) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the brain or serum. In summary, GRg2 alleviated the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits with biosynthesis of neurosteroids, normalization of serotonergic system and HPA axis dysfunction.

Role of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis in PTSD: Insights From Preclinical Models

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) afflicts approximately 8% of the United States population and represents a significant public health burden, but the underlying neural mechanisms of this and other anxiety- and stressor-related disorders are largely unknown. Within the last few decades, several preclinical models of PSTD have been developed to help elucidate the mechanisms underlying dysregulated fear states. One brain area that has emerged as a critical mediator of stress-related behavioral processing in both clinical and laboratory settings is the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is interconnected with essential emotional processing regions, including prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. It is activated by stressor exposure and undergoes neurochemical and morphological alterations as a result of stressor exposure. Stress-related neuro-peptides including corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) are also abundant in the BNST, further implicating an involvement of BNST in stress responses. Behaviorally, the BNST is critical for acquisition and expression of fear and is well positioned to regulate fear relapse after periods of extinction. Here, we consider the role of the BNST in stress and memory processes in the context of preclinical models of PTSD.

The anxiolytic-like effects of estazolam on a PTSD animal model

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychiatric disorder. Estazolam has been shown to produce anxiolytic-, hypnotic-, amnestic-, and sedative-like effects. However, few studies are concerned about its anti-PTSD-like effects. The anti-PTSD-like effects of estazolam were evaluated by single prolonged stress animal model. After exposure to single prolonged stress, rats (Sprague-Dawley, male, 8 weeks) were administered by estazolam (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) from day 2 to 13 once daily. The behavioral assessments were performed during treatment with drugs. After the behavioral evaluation, the role of allopregnanolone in the anti-PTSD-like effects of estazolam was also evaluated via astrocyte cells and brain tissues (e.g. prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala). The PTSD-like behavioral deficits were significantly blocked by estazolam (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) without affecting locomotor activity. Consistently, the levels on allopregnanolone were increased by estazolam (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. The levels of allopregnanolone were increased by sertraline (1 µmoL/L) and estazolam (4 µmoL/L), while the effects were antagonized by trilostane (1 µmoL/L) and finasteride (1 µmoL/L) in astrocyte cells, respectively. Collectively, the anxiety-like behavior deficits were ameliorated by estazolam in the single prolonged stress animal model that was associated with biosynthesis of allopregnanolone.

Anxiolytic-like effects of paeoniflorin in an animal model of post traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the serious psychiatric disorder. Paeoniflorin (PF) produces the antidepressant-like properties. However, few studies are concerned about its anti-PTSD-like effects and mechanisms. To investigate these, the single prolonged stress (SPS) model was utilized. PTSD-like behavioral deficits in rats after exposure to SPS were improved by PF (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.), evidenced by blocking increased freezing time in contextual fear paradigm (CFP) and increased time and entries in open arms in elevated plus maze (EPM) test without affecting the locomotor activity in open field (OF) test. We also found that increased levels of corticosterone (Cort), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) after exposure to SPS were reversed by PF (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) in serum, respectively. Moreover, the decreased levels of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were reversed by PF (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. In summary, the anti-PTSD-like activities of PF were associated with the modulation of HPA axis and 5-HT system activation.

Morinda officinalis How. - A comprehensive review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The medicinal plant Morinda officinalisHow. (MO) and its root have long been used in traditional medicines in China and northeast Asia as tonics for nourishing the kidney, strengthening the bone and enhancing immunofunction in the treatment of impotence, osteoporosis, depression and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and dermatitis.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to sum up updated and comprehensive information about traditional usage, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of MO and provide insights into potential opportunities for future research and development of this plant.

METHODS

A bibliographic investigation was performed by analyzing the information available on MO in the internationally accepted scientific databases including Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Yahoo, Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations in Chinese. Information was also obtained from some local and foreign books on ethnobotany and ethnomedicines.

RESULTS

The literature supported the ethnomedicinal uses of MO as recorded in China for various purposes. The ethnomedical uses of MO have been recorded in many regions of China. More than 100 chemical compounds have been isolated from this plant, and the major constituents have been found to be polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, anthraquinones and iridoid glycosides. Crude extracts and pure compounds of this plant are used as effective agents in the treatment of depression, osteoporosis, fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, and infertility due to their anti-depressant, anti-osteoporosis, pro-fertility, anti-radiation, anti-Alzheimer disease, anti-rheumatoid, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, cardiovascularprotective, anti-oxidation, immune-regulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that the main components of MO including monotropein and deacetyl asperulosidic acid are distributed in various organs and tissues. The investigation on acute toxicity and genotoxicity indicated that MO is nontoxic. There have no reports on significant adverse effect at a normal dose in clinical application, but MO at dose of more than 1000mg/kg may cause irritability, insomnia and unpleasant sensations in individual cases.

CONCLUSION

MO has emerged as a good source of traditional medicines. Some uses of this plant in traditional medicines have been validated by pharmacological investigations. However, the molecular mechanism, structure-activity relationship, and potential synergistic and antagonistic effects of its multi-components such as polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, anthraquinones and iridoid glycosides need to be further elucidated, and the structural feature of polysaccharides also need to be further clarified. Sophisticated analytical technologies should be developed to comprehensively evaluate the quality of MO based on HPLC-fingerprint and content determination of the active constituents, knowing that these investigations will help further utilize this plant.

Resveratrol ameliorated the behavioral deficits in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a major psychiatric and neurological issue. Resveratrol is shown to be effective on depression and anxiety. However, the mechanism of anti-PTSD-like effects of resveratrol remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the possible molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the anti-PTSD-like effects of resveratrol. Following a 2-day exposure to inescapable electric foot shocks, animals were administered resveratrol (10, 20, and 40mg/kg, i.g.) during the behavioral tests, which included contextual freezing measurement, elevated plus maze test, staircase test, and open field test. Similar to the positive control drug sertraline (15mg/kg, i.g.), the behavioral deficits of stressed mice were blocked by resveratrol (20 and 40mg/kg, i.g.), which reversed the increased freezing time in contextual freezing measurement and the number of rears in the staircase test and blocked the decrease in time and number of entries in open arms in the elevated plus maze test without affecting the locomotor activity in the open field test. In addition, resveratrol (20 and 40mg/kg, i.g.) antagonized the decrease in the levels of progesterone and allopregnanolone in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, long-term resveratrol attenuated the dysfunctions of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis simultaneously. Collectively, the evidence indicated that the anti-PTSD-like effects of resveratrol were associated with the normalization of biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the brain and prevention of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction.

Anti-PTSD-like effects of albiflorin extracted from Radix paeoniae Alba

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disorder that is characterized by symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal, as well as social and professional dysfunction at least one month after the exposure to a traumatic event. Biosynthesis of allopregnanolone has been suggested as one of the important contributors to PTSD. Albiflorin (AF) extracted from Radix paeoniae Alba had been shown to be effective in the therapy of depression. However, few studies were concerned about the anti-PTSD-like effects of AF.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-PTSD-like effects of AF in an animal model and its possible mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To evaluate this, the single prolonged stress (SPS) model was used in the present study. The SPS rats were administered by AF (at doses of 3.5, 7 and 14.0mg/kg, i.g.) after induction of SPS from days 2-13. After the exposure to SPS, behavioral assessments were conducted, including contextual fear paradigm (CFP), elevated plus-maze test (EPMT), open-field test (OFT). The rats were decapitated at the end of the behavioral tests and levels of allopregnanolone in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

It had been shown that behavioral deficits of SPS rats were reversed by AF (7.0 and 14.0mg/kg, i.g.), which attenuated the PTSD-like associated contextual freezing behavior in CFP and improved PTSD-like associated anxiogenic behavior in EPMT without affecting locomotor activity in OFT. Moreover, decreased levels of allopregnanolone in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala were reversed by AF (7.0 and 14.0mg/kg, i.g.), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the present study indicated that AF exerted the anti-PTSD-like effects, which maybe associated with allopregnanolone biosynthesis in the brain.