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Liu W, Tang X, Fan C, He G, Wang X, Liang X, Bao X. Chemical constituents, pharmacological action, antitumor application, and toxicity of Strychnine Semen from Strychnons pierriana A.W.Hill.: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116748. [PMID: 37348797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The dried and mature seeds of Strychnons pierriana A.W.Hill. have been called Strychnine Semen(S. Semen). It have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for nearly 400 years. In recent decades, scholars at home and abroad have widely used S. Semen in the treatment of tumor diseases, showing good anti-tumor effects. In this paper, the modern research achievements of S. Semen are reviewed, including traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. AIM OF THE STUDY In recent years, the research on S. Semen has increased gradually, especially the research on its anti-tumor. This paper not only reviewed the traditional uses, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of S. Semen, but also comprehensively listed the mechanisms of Strychnos in the treatment of different tumors, providing a review for further research and development of Strychnos resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of the literature on Fuzi was performed using several resources, namely classic books on Chinese herbal medicine and various scientific databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and the China Knowledge Resource Integrated databases. RESULTS The main constituents of S. Semen include alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and their glycosides. Modern studies have proved that S. Semen has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anti-thrombotic, myocardial cell protection, immune regulation, nerve excitation, and anti-tumor effects. Among them, the anti-tumor effect has been the focus of research in recent years. S. Semen have a certain therapeutic effect on many kinds of tumors, such as liver cancer, colon cancer, and stomach cancer in the digestive system, breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer in the reproductive system, myeloma and leukemia in the blood system, and those in the nervous system and the immune system. CONCLUSION Strychnine has an inhibitory effect on a variety of tumors. However, modern studies of strychnine are incomplete, and more in-depth studies are needed on its stronger bioactive constituents and potential pharmacological effects. The antitumor effect of Strychnine is worth further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiran Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xintian Tang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chengyu Fan
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guannan He
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxin Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaodong Liang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
| | - Xia Bao
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
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Jiang X, Tian JX, Wang M, Tian Y, Zhang ZJ. Analysis of dihydroindole-type alkaloids in Strychnos nux-vomica unprocessed and processed seeds by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci 2019; 42:3395-3402. [PMID: 31508887 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201900660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The ripened seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica L. have been extensively used as herbal medicines in Asian countries. Dihydroindole-type alkaloids are not only the active constituents but also the toxicants in Strychnos. However, the simultaneous determination of these alkaloids in both crude and processed Semen Strychni is still lacking. The present study represents the first quantitation and relative quantitation assay of 12 dihydroindole-type alkaloids in Strychnos nux-vomica unprocessed and sand-processed seeds using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry. The relative concentration of ten alkaloids was calculated by semi-quantification using the internal standard and their amounts in unprocessed and detoxified Semen Strychni were compared. We report here for the first time the significant increase of the two alkaloids, 19-N-methyl-strychnine, and 2,3-dimethoxy-19-N-methyl-strychnine, during the processing of Semen Strychni. Our study provides new insight into the true complexity of seed processing procedure and valuable information for assessing the efficacy and safety for clinical applications of Semen Strychni-containing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jiang
- Jiangsu provincial center for disease control and prevention, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Xin Tian
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Zun-Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (Ministry of Education), China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
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Fan Y, Liu S, Chen X, Feng M, Song F, Gao X. Toxicological effects of Nux Vomica in rats urine and serum by means of clinical chemistry, histopathology and 1H NMR-based metabonomics approach. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 210:242-253. [PMID: 28648929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The dried ripe seeds of Nux Vomica (Strychnos nux-vomica L.), a traditional Chinese medicine, have been used to treat multifarious symptoms. However, the clinical applications of Nux Vomica are limited by its severe toxicity. In this study, Nux Vomica was subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabonomics and pathological examination to determine relevant biomarkers in target organs and to explain the underlying toxicity mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHOD Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups of twelve rats. The control group was oral gavaged with distilled water, and two experiment groups were treated with Nux Vomica at a dose of 0.315 and 0.630g/kg body weight. On days 14 and 21, serum, urine, liver and kidney tissues were collected for histopathological examination, biochemical analysis and 1H-NMR analysis. RESULTS The metabolites changes of rats treated with Nux Vomica are obviously differ from that of controls. In serum, low-dose group compared with control shows the significantly changes included elevated concentration of glucose, TMAO, and creatine, with decreased lipids, 3-HB, lactate, and unsaturated fatty acid. Change in taurine was only observed in the separation comparison of high-dose group and control. In urine, the variation metabolites included elevations in glucose, creatine, and TMAO as well as decreased lactate, succinate, α-ketoglutaric acid, citrate and hippurate in low-dose group compared with control. Only alanine and creatine were decreased significantly in high-dose group compared with control. CONCLUSION Nux Vomica induced disruptions in glycolysis, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and toxic effects were aggravated in liver and kidney tissues as dosing time was prolonged. 1H NMR-based metabonomics combined with biochemical and histopathological methods can be applied to elucidate the toxicity mechanism of Nux Vomica decoction that caused liver and kidney injuries in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Shaofeng Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Hezhou City People's Hospital, Hezhou 542800, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Sirio Pharm CO., LTD, Shantou 515041, PR China
| | - Meirou Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Fenyun Song
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Xiaoxia Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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Guo R, Wang T, Zhou G, Xu M, Yu X, Zhang X, Sui F, Li C, Tang L, Wang Z. Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicity of Strychnos nux-vomica L.: A Review. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2018; 46:1-23. [PMID: 29298518 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x18500015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Strychnos nux-vomica L. belongs to the genus Strychnos of the family Loganiaceae and grows in Sri Lanka, India and Australia. The traditional medicinal component is its seed, called Nux vomica. This study provides a relevant and comprehensive review of S. nux-vomica L., including its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, thus providing a foundation for future studies. Up to the present day, over 84 compounds, including alkaloids, iridoid glycosides, flavonoid glycosides, triterpenoids, steroids and organic acids, among others, have been isolated and identified from S. nux-vomica. These compounds possess an array of biological activities, including effects on the nervous system, analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions, antitumor effects, inhibition of the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and regulation of immune function. Furthermore, toxicity and detoxification methods are preliminarily discussed toward the end of this review. In further research on S. nux-vomica, bioactivity-guided isolation strategies should be emphasized. Its antitumor effects should be investigated further and in vivo animal experiments should be performed alongside in vitro testing. The pharmacological activity and toxicology of strychnine [Formula: see text]-oxide and brucine [Formula: see text]-oxide should be studied to explore the detoxification mechanism associated with processing more deeply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rixin Guo
- * Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, No. 16 Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei Ave., Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- * Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, No. 16 Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei Ave., Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Guohong Zhou
- † School of Chinese Material Medica, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, No. 321 Longdongbei Ave., Guangzhou 510520, P. R. China
| | - Mengying Xu
- * Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, No. 16 Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei Ave., Beijing 100700, P. R. China.,‡ School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshuidong Ave., Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China
| | - Xiankuo Yu
- * Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, No. 16 Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei Ave., Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- * Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, No. 16 Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei Ave., Beijing 100700, P. R. China.,‡ School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshuidong Ave., Zhengzhou 450046, P. R. China
| | - Feng Sui
- * Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, No. 16 Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei Ave., Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Chun Li
- * Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, No. 16 Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei Ave., Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Liying Tang
- * Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, No. 16 Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei Ave., Beijing 100700, P. R. China
| | - Zhuju Wang
- * Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, No. 16 Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei Ave., Beijing 100700, P. R. China
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Tian JX, Tian Y, Xu L, Zhang J, Lu T, Zhang ZJ. Characterisation and identification of dihydroindole-type alkaloids from processed semen strychni by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2014; 25:36-44. [PMID: 23868722 DOI: 10.1002/pca.2457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For centuries, Semen Strychni (the ripened seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica) has been used extensively as a herbal medicine in Asian countries. However, the chemical composition of the dihydroindole-type alkaloids contained in processed Semen Strychni is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE To develop an improved strategy using mass defect filtering (MDF) in combination with MS(n) analysis and theoretical calculations for identification and structural characterisation of dihydroindole-type alkaloids in processed Semen Strychni extracts. METHODS The experimental work was conducted using a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI/IT-TOF/MS) system. Upon acquisition of full-scan MS data, the potential dihydroindole-type alkaloids were screened using a well-defined mass defect range of 50 mDa. With the assistance of MS(n) analysis, the diagnostic fragment ions (DFIs) were used as primary screening references for targeting the characteristic analogues. For better discrimination of the isomers, quantum chemical calculations were utilised to provide additional structural information. RESULTS Twenty-four dihydroindole-type alkaloids, including four that were previously not described, were tentatively identified. CONCLUSION A new, rapid and sensitive method was developed for the discovery and characterisation of dihydroindole-type alkaloids in extracts of processed Semen Strychni. The successful application of this method indicates a potential for adaptation to other classes of natural product from other sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Xin Tian
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China
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Tian JX, Peng C, Xu L, Tian Y, Zhang ZJ. In vitro metabolism study of Strychnos alkaloids using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with hybrid ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr 2013; 27:775-83. [PMID: 23348426 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.2860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this report, the in vitro metabolism of Strychnos alkaloids was investigated using liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry for the first time. Strychnine and brucine were selected as model compounds to determine the universal biotransformations of the Strychnos alkaloids in rat liver microsomes. The incubation mixtures were separated by a bidentate-C18 column, and then analyzed by on-line ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. With the assistance of mass defect filtering technique, full-scan accurate mass datasets were processed for the discovery of the related metabolites. The structural elucidations of these metabolites were achieved by comparing the changes in accurate molecular masses, calculating chemical component using Formula Predictor software and defining sites of biotransformation based upon accurate MS(n) spectral information. As a result, 31 metabolites were identified, of which 26 metabolites were reported for the first time. These biotransformations included hydroxylation, N-oxidation, epoxidation, methylation, dehydrogenation, de-methoxylation, O-demethylation, as well as hydrolysis reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Xin Tian
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing, 210009, China
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