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Saeed MEM, Breuer E, Hegazy MEF, Efferth T. Retrospective study of small pet tumors treated with Artemisia annua and iron. Int J Oncol 2019; 56:123-138. [PMID: 31789393 PMCID: PMC6910181 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. and its derivatives are well-known antimalarial drugs. In addition, in vitro studies, in vivo studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that these drugs exhibit anticancer activity in human patients with cancer. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether a phytotherapeutic A. annua preparation exerts anticancer activity in veterinary tumors of small pets. Dogs and cats with spontaneous cancer (n=20) were treated with standard therapy plus a commercial A. annua preparation (Luparte®) and compared with a control group treated with standard therapy alone (n=11). Immunohistochemical analyses were performed with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor biopsies to analyze the expression of transferrin receptor (TfR) and the proliferation marker Ki-67 as possible biomarkers to assess treatment response of tumors to A. annua. Finally, the expression levels of TfR and Ki-67 were compared with the IC50 values towards artemisinin in two dog tumor cells lines (DH82 and DGBM) and a panel of 54 human tumor cell lines. Retrospectively, the present study assessed the survival times of small animals treated by standard therapy with or without A. annua. A. annua treatment was associated with a significantly higher number of animals surviving >18 months compared with animals without A. annua treatment (P=0.0331). Using a second set of small pet tumors, a significant correlation was identified between TfR and Ki-67 expression by immunohistochemistry (P=0.025). To further assess the association of transferrin and Ki-67 expression with cellular response to artemisinin, the present study compared the expression of these two biomarkers and the IC50 values for artemisinin in National Cancer Institute tumor cell lines in vitro. Both markers were inversely associated with artemisinin response (P<0.05), and the expression levels of TfR and Ki-67 were significantly correlated (P=0.008). In conclusion, the promising results of the present retrospective study warrant further confirmation by prospective studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed E M Saeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, D‑55128 Rhineland‑Palatinate, Germany
| | - Elmar Breuer
- Veterinary Clinic for Small Animals, 'Alte Ziegelei' Müllheim, D‑79379 Baden, Germany
| | - Mohamed-Elamir F Hegazy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, D‑55128 Rhineland‑Palatinate, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, D‑55128 Rhineland‑Palatinate, Germany
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Resolving neuroinflammation, the therapeutic potential of the anti-malaria drug family of artemisinin. Pharmacol Res 2018; 136:172-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Franco ES, Mélo MEB, Militão GCG, Rocha RET, Silva LTGA, Jatobá BJA, Silva PBN, Santana ALBD, Silva AAR, Silva TG, Nascimento MS, Maia MBS. Evaluation of the Acute Toxicity, Cytotoxicity, and Genotoxicity of Chresta martii (Asteraceae). JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2015; 78:1083-1093. [PMID: 26291643 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.1004007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Chresta martii (Asteraceae), found in the Xingó region, northeastern Brazil, is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GIT) and liver disorders and malaria. However, there are few studies regarding efficacy and safety of use for this species. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine in vivo acute toxicity and in vitro cytotoxicity of organic extracts of C. martii as well as in vivo genotoxicity of its semipurified fraction. Dried aerial parts of C. martii were extracted using three organic solvents (cyclohexane [ECCm], ethyl acetate [EACm], and ethanol [EECm]), and these extracts were examined for acute toxicity (50-2000 mg/kg ip or po) and cytotoxicity (50 μg/ml) in carcinogenic human cell lines (HL-60, NCIH-292, and MCF-7). The EACm, which showed evidence of toxicity (in vivo and in vitro), was fractionated on a silica column, yielding four fractions (F1-F4). The F1 was utilized for genotoxicity (50 mg/kg ip), by in vivo micronucleus (MN) assay. ECCm showed no indication of acute toxicity or occurrence of death, while the LD50 estimated for the extracts (EACm and EECm) was 500 mg/kg po and 200 mg/kg ip. The EACm (50 μg/ml) inhibited growth of tumor cells HL-60 (96.54%), NCIH-292 (73.43%), and MCF-7 (15%). The F1 fraction induced MN formation in polychromatic erythrocytes of Swiss Webster mice. Organic extracts from C. martii exhibited acute toxicity classified as mild to moderate, in addition to cytotoxicity (in vitro), while the F1 semipurified fraction induced genotoxicity (in vivo).
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Franco
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , Laboratory of Pharmacology of Bioactive Products, Federal University of Pernambuco-UFPE , Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - M E B Mélo
- b Department of Parasitology , Laboratory de Mutagenesis/Research Center Aggeu Magalhães/FIOCRUZ , Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - G C G Militão
- c Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , Laboratory of Cell Proliferation-UFPE , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - R E T Rocha
- b Department of Parasitology , Laboratory de Mutagenesis/Research Center Aggeu Magalhães/FIOCRUZ , Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - L T G A Silva
- b Department of Parasitology , Laboratory de Mutagenesis/Research Center Aggeu Magalhães/FIOCRUZ , Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - B J A Jatobá
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , Laboratory of Pharmacology of Bioactive Products, Federal University of Pernambuco-UFPE , Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - P B N Silva
- c Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , Laboratory of Cell Proliferation-UFPE , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - A L B D Santana
- f Department of Antibiotics , Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products-UFPE , Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - A A R Silva
- d Sobral Laboratory of Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará-UFC , Ceará , Ceará , Brazil
| | - T G Silva
- e Department of Antibiotics , Laboratory of Bioassays for Research on Drugs-UFPE , Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - M S Nascimento
- f Department of Antibiotics , Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products-UFPE , Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil
| | - M B S Maia
- a Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , Laboratory of Pharmacology of Bioactive Products, Federal University of Pernambuco-UFPE , Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil
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dela Peña IJI, Hong E, Kim HJ, de la Peña JB, Woo TS, Lee YS, Cheong JH. Artemisia capillaris Thunberg Produces Sedative-Hypnotic Effects in Mice, Which are Probably Mediated Through Potentiation of the GABAA Receptor. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2015; 43:667-79. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x1550041x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Artemisia group of plants has long been used as a traditional remedy for various conditions. The present study assessed the sleep-promoting (sedative-hypnotic) effects of Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (A. capillaris), and elucidated a possible mechanism behind its effect. ICR mice were given A. capillaris extract (oral) at different dosages (50, 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg/kg), distilled water (oral; control), or diazepam (intraperitoneal; reference drug). One hour after administration, locomotion (open-field test) and motor coordination (rota-rod test) were assessed. The extract's effect on pentobarbital-induced sleep was also evaluated. Additionally, electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings were measured in rats. To evaluate a possible mechanism behind its effects, changes in chloride ( Cl -) ion influx were measured in human neuroblastoma cells. As compared to the control group, mice treated with A. capillaris demonstrated significantly decreased locomotor activity and impaired motor balance and coordination. The extract also shortened the onset and lengthened the duration of sleep induced by pentobarbital sodium. These effects were comparable to that induced by diazepam. Furthermore, A. capillaris-treated rats showed increased delta and decreased alpha EEG waves; an electroencephalographic pattern indicative of relaxation or sedation. In neuroblastoma cells, the extract dose-dependently increased Cl - ion influx, which was blocked by co-administration of bicuculline, a GABAA receptor competitive antagonist, suggesting that its effects are mediated through the GABAA receptor– Cl - ion channel complex. Altogether, the results of the present study demonstrate that A. capillaris possesses potent sedative-hypnotic effects, which are probably mediated through potentiation of the GABAA receptor– Cl - ion channel complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Joy I. dela Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Hong
- Food R&D Center, CJ CheilJedang, Kyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 152-051, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea
| | - June Bryan de la Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Sun Woo
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Soo Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 132-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea
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Locomotor stimulation by acute propofol administration in rats: Role of the nitrergic system. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:980-5. [PMID: 26398394 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The addictive potential of propofol has been scientifically discussed. Drugs' psychostimulant properties that can be assessed via measurements of locomotor activity are linked to their addictive properties. No studies that have investigated the effects of propofol on locomotor activity have been reported to date. The present study sought to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of action of propofol on locomotor activity in rats. METHODS Adult male albino Wistar rats (250-330g) were used as subjects. The locomotor activities of the rats were recorded for 30min immediately following intraperitoneal administration of propofol (20 and 40mg/kg), saline or vehicle (n=8 for each group). NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 15-60mg/kg), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, and haloperidol (0.125-5mg/kg), a non-specific dopamine receptor antagonist, were also administered to other groups of rats 30min prior to the propofol (40mg/kg) injections, and locomotor activity was recorded for 30min immediately after propofol administration (n=8 for each group). RESULTS Propofol produced significant increases in the locomotor activities of the rats in the first 5min of the observation period [F(2,21)=9.052; p<0.001]. l-NAME [F(4,35)=3.112; p=0.02] but not haloperidol [F(4,35)=2.440; p=0.067] pretreatment blocked the propofol-induced locomotor hyperactivity. l-NAME did not cause any significant change in locomotor activity in naïve rats [F(2,21)=0.569; p=0.57]. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that propofol might cause a short-term induction of locomotor activity in rats and that this effect might be related to nitrergic but not dopaminergic mechanisms.
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Bussmann RW. The globalization of traditional medicine in northern peru: from shamanism to molecules. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:291903. [PMID: 24454490 PMCID: PMC3888705 DOI: 10.1155/2013/291903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Northern Peru represents the center of the Andean "health axis," with roots going back to traditional practices of Cupisnique culture (1000 BC). For more than a decade of research, semistructured interviews were conducted with healers, collectors, and sellers of medicinal plants. In addition, bioassays were carried out to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of plants found. Most of the 510 species encountered were native to Peru (83%). Fifty percent of the plants used in colonial times have disappeared from the pharmacopoeia. Market vendors specialized either on common and exotic plants, plants for common ailments, and plants only used by healers or on plants with magical purposes. Over 974 preparations with up to 29 different ingredients were used to treat 164 health conditions. Almost 65% of the medicinal plants were applied in these mixtures. Antibacterial activity was confirmed in most plants used for infections. Twenty-four percent of the aqueous extracts and 76% of the ethanolic extracts showed toxicity. Traditional preparation methods take this into account when choosing the appropriate solvent for the preparation of a remedy. The increasing demand for medicinal species did not increase the cultivation of medicinal plants. Most species are wild collected, causing doubts about the sustainability of trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer W. Bussmann
- William L. Brown Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63166-0299, USA
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Abolaji AO, Eteng MU, Ebong PE, Brisibe EA, Dar A, Kabir N, Choudhary MI. A safety assessment of the antimalarial herb Artemisia annua during pregnancy in Wistar rats. Phytother Res 2012; 27:647-54. [PMID: 22736625 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Artemisia annua is a Chinese antimalarial herb that has been used for more than 2000 years. The maternal and foetal safety of the ethanolic leaf extract of therapeutically active Artemisia annua (EAA), with previously determined artemisinin yield of 1.098% was evaluated in Wistar rats. Twenty pregnant rats, divided into four study groups of saline treated (control), and test groups administered orally with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weights of EAA, respectively, from gestation days (GD) 8 to 19. Following overnight fast, animals were sacrificed on GD 20, and maternal blood was collected to evaluate biochemical and haematological markers. Foetuses were carefully removed, weighed, and observed for any possible malformation. Biochemical and haematological studies revealed that EAA did not result in maternal hepatotoxicity, haematotoxicity, and hyperlipidemia. While litter size significantly decreased (p < 0.05) at 100 mg/kg EAA, maternal estrogen levels decreased in all the EAA-treated groups. Non-viable (21%) and malformed (31%) foetuses were observed at the 300 mg/kg dose of EAA, which implies that although consumption of the leaf extract may not predispose users to hepatotoxicity, haematotoxicity, and hyperlipidemia, it should be taken with caution during pregnancy due to possible risk of embryotoxicity at concentrations higher than the therapeutic dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos O Abolaji
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
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Emadi F, Yassa N, Hadjiakhoondi A, Beyer C, Sharifzadeh M. Sedative effects of Iranian Artemisia annua in mice: possible benzodiazepine receptors involvement. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2011; 49:784-788. [PMID: 21554148 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2010.548389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as sweet wormwood or Qinghao, is an annual herb/shrub native of Asia. The plant grows broadly in Caspian Sea shores in North of Iran. In China, the aerial parts of this plant are source of artemisinin, which is an antimalarial compound. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to establish the scientific basis of reported ethnomedicinal use of A. annua as sedative agent. MATERIAL AND METHODS The plants were gathered from Gilan Province in Iran. Plant aerial parts were extracted with methanol and concentrated in vacuum. Methanol extract was partitioned into chloroform, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate. Each fraction was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in male mice with different concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), and for evaluation of sedative activity, immobility time was determined. In effort to clarify the mechanism of action, flumazenil (3 mg/kg, i.p.) as a benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor antagonist was injected 15 min before chloroform fraction (200 mg/kg, i.p.). RESULTS Compared with control group (saline-treated mice), the chloroform fraction significantly increased immobility time in a dose-dependent manner. Flumazenil decreased immobility time induced by chloroform fraction significantly. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest that A. annua growing in Iran has sedative effects, which are probably mediated via BZD receptors pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Emadi
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Touitou E, Waknine JH, Godin B, Golenser J. Treatment of malaria in a mouse model by intranasal drug administration. Int J Parasitol 2006; 36:1493-8. [PMID: 16942770 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2006] [Revised: 07/17/2006] [Accepted: 07/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this work was to investigate intranasal dihydroartemisinin (DHA) delivery as a non-invasive method for treatment of malaria. ICR female mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA, a model for severe malaria with similarities to the human disease. DHA, at a dose of 2 x 5mg/kg/day, was administered to mice either intranasally or i.p. Two dosage regimens were tested: prophylaxis and treatment. Parasitemia was monitored every other day, from the time of infection, by thin smears prepared from tail blood. The survival rates in prophylaxis and treatment regimens were 93% and 75%, respectively, for intranasal DHA and this route was at least as effective as the i.p. route used for comparison. All mice in the untreated control and placebo groups succumbed due to the parasitemia. The results show that DHA nasal administration to mice was highly efficient in the treatment of Plasmodium infection in infected rodents. This novel mode of drug administration may be considered as an alternative to conventional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elka Touitou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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