Bacopa monnieri abrogates alcohol abstinence-induced anxiety-like behavior by regulating biochemical and Gabra1, Gabra4, Gabra5 gene expression of GABAA receptor signaling pathway in rats

Potential of the Blue Calm® food supplement in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by a set of behavioral, cognitive, nutritional, and physiological phenomena derived from the uncontrolled use of alcoholic beverages. There are cases in which AUD is associated with anxiety disorder, and when untreated, it requires careful pharmacotherapy. Blue Calm® (BC) is a food supplement indicated to aid restorative sleep, which has traces of medicinal plant extracts, as well as myo-inositol, magnesium bisglycinate, taurine, and L-tryptophan as its main chemical constituents. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of the BC in the treatment alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in adult zebrafish (aZF). Initially, BC was submitted to antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. Subsequently, the aZF (n = 6/group) were treated with BC (0.1 or 1 or 10 mg/mL; 20 μL; p.o.), and the sedative effect and acute toxicity (96 h) were evaluated. Then, the anxiolytic-like effect and the possible GABAergic mechanism were analyzed through the Light & Dark Test. Finally, BC action was evaluated for treating alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in aZF. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interaction of the major chemical constituents of BC with the GABAA receptor. BC showed antioxidant potential, a sedative effect, was not toxic, and all doses of BC had an anxiolytic-like effect and showed potential for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in aZF. In addition to the anxiolytic action, the main chemical constituents of BC were confirmed in the molecular docking, thus suggesting that BC is an anxiolytic that modulates the GABAergic system and has pharmacological potential for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety.

Diterpene Sonderianin isolated from Croton blanchetianus exhibits acetylcholinesterase inhibitory action and anxiolytic effect in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) by 5-HT system

Croton blanchetianus is known as 'marmeleiro preto', a very widespread shrub in Northeast Brazil. Terpenoids, steroids and phenolic compounds are among the reported secondary metabolites of the Croton genus that are a potential source of bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the anxiolytic potential of clerodine-type diterpene, sonderianin (CBWS) isolated from the stem bark of C. blanchetianus and its mechanism of action in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) (ZFa). The anticonvulsant and anti-acetylcholinesterase effects have also been explored. ZFa (n = 6/group) were treated intraperitoneally (ip; 20 µL) with CBWS (4, 12 and 40 mg/kg) and vehicle (3% DMSO; 20 µL) and subjected to locomotor activity tests, as well as toxicity acute 96 h. CBWS was also administered for analysis in the light/dark test. The involvement of the serotonergic system (5-HT) was investigated using 5-HTR₁, 5-HTR_2A/2C and 5-HTR_3A/3B receptor antagonists. Anxiolytic doses were tested for pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure in ZFa. The inhibitory activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was measured. CBWS was not considered toxic and reduced locomotor activity. The results of the present study identified for the first time the interaction of the diterpene sonderianina in the CNS. This study provides evidence that CBWS has an anxiolytic effect mediated by serotonergic (5-HT) involvement and anti-acetylcholinesterase action. The 5-HTR₁ and 5-HTR_2A/2C receptors may be implicated in the low anticonvulsant effect in CBWS.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Combretum lanceolatum extract reverses anxiety and seizure behavior in adult zebrafish through GABAergic neurotransmission: an in vivo and in silico study

Combretaceae are reported in the literature for presenting neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects in animal models. Combretum lanceolatum Pohl. has few scientific reports on its pharmacological effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects of the ethanol extract from the leaves of C. lanceolatum Pohl. (EtFoCl) and its possible mechanism of GABAergic action in adult zebrafish. EtFoCl was subjected to determination of the total phenol concentration, identification of phytochemical flavonoids by HPLC and in vitro antioxidant activity test, open field test and 96-hour acute toxicity in zebrafish. Anxiolytic doses were tested for pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in adult zebrafish. To study the mechanisms of action, molecular docking simulations were performed between the main phytochemicals and the GABAA receptor (anxiolytic activity) and carbonic anhydrase II (anticonvulsant). The non-toxic doses that caused motor impairment were assessed in acute and chronic anxiety using the light and dark test. EtFoCl had altered the animals' locomotion, presenting an effect similar to the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant. These effects were prevented with flumazenil (GABAA antagonist). The phytochemicals homoorientin and quercetin-3-O-galactoside coupling in a region close to that of the inhibitor diazepam (GABAA receptor). Regarding the anticonvulsant mechanism, Homoorientina and Isovitexina were identified as the most favorable for the complex form with the carbonic anhydrase enzyme. C. lanceolatum has pharmacological potential for the treatment of acute and chronic anxiety and seizures, which can be partially explained by an interaction with the GABAA receptor.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Evaluation of the effect of alpha-tocopherol on anxiety and the neuroinflammatory process during alcohol withdrawal in a model of forced and chronic self-administration of liquid diet containing ethanol: Behavioral and neurochemical evidence

Alcoholism affects about 2 billion people worldwide. Withdrawal causes a neuroinflammatory response that increases anxiety. α-tocopherol is the most important antioxidant that has its in vivo action currently known. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of α-tocopherol on the neuroinflammatory process in brain regions involved in anxiety and its anxiolytic potential during alcohol withdrawal. For this, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and submitted to a procedure of forced and chronic self-administration of liquid diet containing 6% and 8% ethanol for 15 days, followed by abrupt interruption of treatment. Animals in the control group received the liquid diet without ethanol. Twenty-four or 48 h after ethanol discontinuation, and 30 min after the last administration of α-tocopherol or saline, animals were evaluated in the elevated plus maze, light/dark box, and open field tests. At the end of the tests, each experimental group underwent brain tissue collection for analysis of cytokine levels. The results showed that: alcohol induces the neuroinflammatory process and anxiety; the stress generated by withdrawal can induce oxidative stress, which alters the production of inflammatory cytokines in the amygdaloid nuclei (AN) and medial hypothalamic nucleus (mHN); α-tocopherol exhibited anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory activity, attenuating the anxious behavior of abstinent animals and reducing neuroinflammation in AN and mHN; and the intensity of the anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effect of α-tocopherol is dose-dependent. These results identify α-tocopherol as a potential therapeutic target supporting the fight against relapse during alcohol withdrawal.

Anxiolytic effect of YangshenDingzhi granules: Integrated network pharmacology and hippocampal metabolomics

Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental diseases. It is mainly characterized by a sudden, recurring but indescribable panic, fear, tension and/or anxiety. Yangshendingzhi granules (YSDZ) are widely used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but its active ingredients and underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. This study integrates network pharmacology and metabolomics to investigate the potential mechanism of action of YSDZ in a rat model of anxiety. First, potential active ingredients and targets were screened by network pharmacology. Then, predictions were verified by molecular docking, molecular dynamics and western blotting. Metabolomics was used to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways. All results were integrated for a comprehensive analysis. Network pharmacology analysis found that Carotene, β-sitosterol, quercetin, Stigmasterol, and kaempferol in YSDZ exert anxiolytic effects mainly by acting on IL1β, GABRA1, PTGS1, ESR1, and TNF targets. Molecular docking results showed that all the affinities were lower than -5 kcal/mol, and the average affinities were -7.7764 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that RMSD was lower than 2.5 A, and the overall conformational changes of proteins were small, indicating that the small molecules formed stable complexes with proteins. The results of animal experiments showed that YSDZ exerts anxiolytic effects by regulating GABRA1 and TNF-α, ameliorating pathological damage in hippocampal CA1, and regulating metabolic pathways such as thiamine, cysteine and methionine metabolism, lysine biosynthesis and degradation. Altogether, we reveal multiple mechanisms through which YSDZ exerts its anti-anxiety effects, which may provide a reference for its clinical application and drug development.

Neuroprotective effect of the standardised extract of Bacopa monnieri (BacoMind) in valproic acid model of autism spectrum disorder in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bacopa monnieri (BM) is commonly employed in the Indian traditional system of medicines, i.e. Ayurveda as a memory booster, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, sedative and anti-epileptic for decades.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Bacopa monnieri (BM) in experimental model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Wistar rats and explore its mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BacoMind, was evaluated for its neuroprotective effect in valproic acid (VPA) model of ASD. For in-vivo study, the pregnant female Wistar rats were divided in two groups; normal control (NC) and VPA group who received single dose of normal saline (0.9%) or 600 mg/kg dose of VPA respectively on gestation day (G.D) 12.5. After the birth, all pups were segregated according to the sex. All the male pups from the dams were divided into six groups: Group 1 (NC, treated with only 0.9% normal saline, group 2 (VPA, treated 600 mg/kg on G.D12.5 and normal saline from post natal day (PND) 23 to 43), group 3 (risperidone 2.5 mg/kg, PND 23 to 43) and groups 4, 5 and 6 (BM 20, 40, 80 mg/kg, PND 23 to 43). All experimental groups were subjected to batteries of behavior parameters (three chamber sociability test, Morris Water Maze, elevated plus maze, open field and rota rod test), biochemical parameters such as oxidative stress (GSH, SOD, Catalase, MDA), inflammatory cytokines (Il-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), histopathological examination (cresyl violet staining) of hippocampus (HC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions. Further, the mRNA as well as protein expression of AMPA receptor was evaluated using RT-PCR and western blot respectively to study the mechanism of neuroprotective effect of BM. The in-silico analysis followed evaluating the binding profile of different constituents of BacoMind with AMPA receptor.

RESULTS

The results of the in-vivo study indicated BM at 80 mg/kg ameliorated abnormal behavioral paradigms such as social deficits, repetitive behavior, learning and memory impairments, and motor coordination exhibited by the VPA model of ASD in rats. Furthermore, BM was found to have a significant anti-oxidant (increasing GSH, SOD, and catalase and decreasing MDA levels) and anti-inflammatory properties (decreasing IL-1β, 6, TNF- α). The histopathological score was also found to be significantly improved by BM in a dose dependent manner in both HC and PFC. In addition to this, the up-regulated mRNA as well as protein expression of AMPA receptor was significantly reduced by 80 mg/kg dose of BM in both HC and PFC. Further, the in-silico analysis of different constituents of BacoMind with AMPA receptor demonstrated that luteolin and apigenin showed good binding to both the competitive antagonist binding site, non-competitive antagonist binding site and allosteric modulator site while Bacosaponin C showed good binding to the non-competitive antagonist binding site.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that BM can be a potential candidate for ameliorating the ASD symptoms in rats and acts via modulating the up-regulated AMPA receptor expression.

In Silico and In Vivo: Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Kaempferol, Quercetin, and Catechin to Treat Chronic Epilepsy in a Rat Model

Recently, alternative therapies are gaining popularity in the treatment of epilepsy. The present study aimed to find out the antiepileptic potential of quercetin, catechin, and kaempferol. In vivo and in silico experiments were conducted to investigate their therapeutic potential. 25 mg/kg/day of pentylenetetrazole was administered for 4 weeks after epilepsy was induced in the rats; this was followed by the behavioral studies and histological analysis of rat brain slices. Binding affinities of kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin were assessed by performing in silico studies. Kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin were found to have the highest binding affinity with the synaptic vesicle 2A (SV2A) protein, comparable to standard levetiracetam (LEV). The mRNA levels of SV2A, as well as the expression of TNF, IL 6, IL 1 beta, NFkB, IL 1Ra, IL 4, and IL 10, were investigated using qPCR. Our results indicate for the first time that SV2A is also a transporter of understudied phytoflavonoids, due to which a significant improvement was observed in epileptic parameters. The mRNA levels of SV2A were found to be significantly elevated in the PF-treated rats when compared with those of the control rats with epilepsy. Additionally, downregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokines were also noted in the PF-treated groups. It is concluded that kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin can effectively decrease the epileptic seizures in our chronic epilepsy rat model to a level that is comparable to the antiepileptic effects induced by levetiracetam drug.

Swarna Prashana - faith in the embrace of research

Childhood needs diverse nutritional requirements. Poor appetite, lifestyle changes, and poor digestion affects child immunity and make them prone to diseases. Kaumarabhritya, a branch of Ayurveda which deals in child and adolescent health care, has a unique concept of Swarna Prashana (SP) to promote generalized immunity and intellect. SP is commonly recommended to children between 0 and 12 years of age and given as a general health promoter to improve intellect, digestion, strength, immunity, longevity, and complexion. Multiple benefits of SP are mentioned in different Samhitas which needs to be explored on scientific background. Authors have highlighted content variabilities, plausible mechanisms, research tasks and potentials, lacunae, and future prospects about SP. This manuscript is a spotlight on current social, clinical, marketing, and scientific information of Swarna Prashana. SP can be a cost-effective, safe, infrastructure compatible, and prevention-centric approach to improve children's overall health status and has the potential to serve as a positive health care program for children.

Experimental evidence and mechanism of action of some popular neuro-nutraceutical herbs

Brain and neuronal circuits constitute the most complex organ networks in human body. They not only control and coordinate functions of all other organs, but also represent one of the most-affected systems with stress, lifestyle and age. With global increase in aging populations, these neuropathologies have emerged as major concern for maintaining quality of life. Recent era has witnessed a surge in nutritional remediation of brain dysfunctions primarily by "nutraceuticals" that refer to functional foods and supplements with pharmacological potential. Specific dietary patterns with a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and micronutrients have also been ascertained to promote brain health. Dietary herbs and their phytochemicals with wide range of biological and pharmacological activities and minimal adverse effects have gained remarkable attention as neuro-nutraceuticals. Neuro-nutraceutical potentials of herbs are often expressed as effects on cognitive response, circadian rhythm, neuromodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that are mediated by effects on gene expression, epigenetics, protein synthesis along with their turnover and metabolic pathways. Epidemiological and experimental evidence have implicated enormous applications of herbal supplementation in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The present review highlights the identification, experimental evidence and applications of some herbs including Bacopa monniera, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Helicteres angustifolia, Undaria pinnatifida, Haematococcus pluvialis, and Vitis vinifera, as neuro-nutraceuticals.

A standardized polyherbal preparation POL-6 diminishes alcohol withdrawal anxiety by regulating Gabra1, Gabra2, Gabra3, Gabra4, Gabra5 gene expression of GABAA receptor signaling pathway in rats

BACKGROUND

Alcohol abuse is a major problem worldwide and it affects people's health and economy. There is a relapse in alcohol intake due to alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal anxiety-like behavior is a symptom that appears 6-24 h after the last alcohol ingestion.

METHODS

The present study was designed to explore the protective effect of a standardized polyherbal preparation POL-6 in ethanol withdrawal anxiety in Wistar rats. POL-6 was prepared by mixing the dried extracts of six plants Bacopa monnieri, Hypericum perforatum, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, Camellia sinesis, and Ocimum sanctum in the proportion 2:1:2:2:1:2 respectively. POL-6 was subjected to phytochemical profiling through LC-MS, HPLC, and HPTLC. The effect of POL-6 on alcohol withdrawal anxiety was tested using a two-bottle choice drinking paradigm model giving animals' free choice between alcohol and water for 15 days. Alcohol was withdrawn on the 16th day and POL-6 (20, 50, and 100 mg/kg, oral), diazepam (2 mg/kg) treatment was given on the withdrawal days. Behavioral parameters were tested using EPM and LDT. On the 18th day blood was collected from the retro-orbital sinus of the rats and alcohol markers ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT were studied. At end of the study, animals were sacrificed and the brain was isolated for exploring the influences of POL-6 on the mRNA expression of GABAA receptor subunits in the amygdala and hippocampus.

RESULTS

Phytochemical profiling showed that POL-6 contains major phytoconstituents like withaferin A, quercetin, catechin, rutin, caeffic acid, and β-sitosterol. In-vivo studies showed that POL-6 possesses an antianxiety effect in alcohol withdrawal. Gene expression studies on the isolated brain tissues showed that POL-6 normalizes the GABAergic transmission in the amygdala and hippocampus of the rats.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that POL-6 may have therapeutic potential for treating ethanol-type dependence.

Nexus between light and culture media on morphogenesis in Bacopa monnieri and saponin yield thereof

Bacopa monnieri, a well-documented nootropic plant of high commercial global demand had been explored for its effect in alleviating other diseases and symptoms. This is primarily attributed to different phytocompounds present in the plant. One of the major constituents among them are saponins. However, variation in agro-climatic conditions and choice of germplasm often affect the growth rate and yield of phytocompounds that significantly impact the efficacy of the plant and its extract. Tissue culture has been attempted to improve the yield of phytocompounds but is often restricted by higher cost and scalability. Current study explores the role of commercial hydroponic media ‘Leafy 200’ vis-à-vis Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, under different color and intensity of lights, on plant morphogenesis, biomass and saponin yield. Blue light induced more shoot differentiation than normal white light. Statistical studies performed using fractional factorial design showed no significant variations in the yield of saponins among the extracts. The study suggests that hydroponic culture to be a sustainable solution and possible substitute to tissue culture that may be exploited for scalable cultivation of the plant.

Dammarane triterpenoid glycosides in Bacopa monnieri: A review on chemical diversity and bioactivity

Bacopa monnieri (L.) is a reputed medicinal herb in traditional system of medicine of India, where it is used as nervine tonic to sharpen intellect and memory. This review discusses chemical characterization of dammarane triterpenoid glycosides which are well accepted for improvement in memory and for potential pharmacological activities. In addition, this review provides information on the chemical composition of specialized metabolites of B. monnieri and in the formulations by different analytical techniques. This comprehensive review covers literature up to 2019 with an emphasis on structural characterization of dammarane triterpenoid glycosides by spectroscopic techniques, chemical composition by analytical methods and pharmacological activities.