Potential Influence of Centrally Acting Herbal Drugs on Transporters at the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier and Blood-Brain Barrier

Herb-drug interactions: A short review on central and peripheral nervous system drugs

Herbal medicines are widely perceived as natural and safe remedies. However, their concomitant use with prescribed drugs is a common practice, often undertaken without full awareness of the potential risks and frequently without medical supervision. This practice introduces a tangible risk of herb-drug interactions, which can manifest as a spectrum of consequences, ranging from acute, self-limited reactions to unpredictable and potentially lethal scenarios. This review offers a comprehensive overview of herb-drug interactions, with a specific focus on medications targeting the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems. Our work draws upon a broad range of evidence, encompassing preclinical data, animal studies, and clinical case reports. We delve into the intricate pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics underpinning each interaction, elucidating the mechanisms through which these interactions occur. One pressing issue that emerges from this analysis is the need for updated guidelines and sustained pharmacovigilance efforts. The topic of herb-drug interactions often escapes the attention of both consumers and healthcare professionals. To ensure patient safety and informed decision-making, it is imperative that we address this knowledge gap and establish a framework for continued monitoring and education. In conclusion, the use of herbal remedies alongside conventional medications is a practice replete with potential hazards. This review not only underscores the real and significant risks associated with herb-drug interactions but also underscores the necessity for greater awareness, research, and vigilant oversight in this often-overlooked domain of healthcare.

Impacts of Drug Interactions on Pharmacokinetics and the Brain Transporters: A Recent Review of Natural Compound-Drug Interactions in Brain Disorders

Natural compounds such as herbal medicines and/or phyto-compounds from foods, have frequently been used to exert synergistic therapeutic effects with anti-brain disorder drugs, supplement the effects of nutrients, and boost the immune system. However, co-administration of natural compounds with the drugs can cause synergistic toxicity or impeditive drug interactions due to changes in pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., absorption, metabolism, and excretion) and various drug transporters, particularly brain transporters. In this review, natural compound–drug interactions (NDIs), which can occur during the treatment of brain disorders, are emphasized from the perspective of pharmacokinetics and cellular transport. In addition, the challenges emanating from NDIs and recent approaches are discussed.

High salt diet elevates the mean arterial pressure of SLC14α1 gene depletion mice

AIMS

Urea transporter B (UTB) is encoded by the SLC14α1 gene, and exerts its activity in the choroid plexus (CP) by regulating [Na+] in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and maintaining normal blood pressure in mice fed on high salt diet. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of high salt diet on the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in SLC14α1 depletion mice and its possible molecular mechanism.

MAIN METHODS

Adult male mice were divided into four groups: 1) UTB+/+(wild type) mice + normal salt diet (0.3% NaCl, NS); 2) UTB+/+ mice + high salt diet (8% NaCl, HS); 3) UTB-/- (SLC14α1 knockout) mice + NS; 4) UTB-/- mice + HS, each group consisted of 6 mice. The MAP of mice was measured by non-invasive detection method after HS diet for 4 weeks, followed by euthanization for brain and blood collection.

KEY FINDINGS

HS significantly elevated the MAP and CSF [Na+] in UTB-/- mice in comparison with wild type mice; however, NS didn't alter the MAP and CSF [Na+] in either wild type mice or UTB-/- mice. HS also induced the expression of ENaC-α and α1-Na+-K+-ATPase in UTB-/- mice as confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that the depletion of SLC14α1 gene in mice may contribute to the HS-induced abnormality of sodium transportation in the CSF, and lead to the elevation of MAP, which eventually promote the development of salt-sensitive hypertension.