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Hashida H, Kurawaka M, Tatehana H, Arita A, Sasaki N, Shimura F, Yamazaki Y. Application to Butterbur Products of a Suggested Daily Intake-Based Safety Evaluation of Individual Herbal Supplements with Cytochrome P450 Expression as a Major Index. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2023; 69:206-219. [PMID: 37394426 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.69.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The present paper first proposes a method for ensuring the safety of commercial herbal supplements, termed the suggested daily intake-based safety evaluation (SDI-based safety evaluation). This new method was inspired as a backward analog of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) derivation from the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL), the basis of food additive risk analysis; namely, rats are dosed with individual herbal supplement products at the SDI for human use multiplied by 100 (the usual uncertainty factor value) per body weight for 8 d. The primary endpoint is the sign of adverse effects on liver, especially gene expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms. The proposed method was then applied to three butterbur (Petasites hybridus) products without pyrrolizidine alkaloids but lacking clear safety information. Results showed that two oily products markedly enhanced the mRNA expression of CYP2B (>10-fold) and moderately enhanced that of CYP3A1 (<4-fold) with liver enlargement. These products also caused the renal accumulation of alpha 2-microglobulin. One powdery product showed no significant effect on liver and kidney. The large difference in effects of products was due to the difference in chemical composition revealed by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The oily and the powdery products required attention in terms of safety and effectiveness, respectively. Finally, the results from the SDI-based safety evaluation of butterbur and other herbal supplement products were grouped into four categories and cautionary notes were discussed. The SDI-based safety evaluation of their products by herbal supplement operators would contribute to safe and secure use by consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Hashida
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Graduate School of Human Life Sciences, Jumonji University Graduate School
| | - Misaki Kurawaka
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Graduate School of Human Life Sciences, Jumonji University Graduate School
| | - Haruka Tatehana
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Graduate School of Human Life Sciences, Jumonji University Graduate School
| | - Anna Arita
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Human Life, Jumonji University
| | - Naho Sasaki
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Human Life, Jumonji University
| | - Fumio Shimura
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Graduate School of Human Life Sciences, Jumonji University Graduate School
| | - Yuko Yamazaki
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Human Life, Jumonji University
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Quan NV, Dang Xuan T, Teschke R. Potential Hepatotoxins Found in Herbal Medicinal Products: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5011. [PMID: 32708570 PMCID: PMC7404040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of liver injury associated with the use of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) is well known among physicians caring for patients under a HMP therapy, as documented in case reports or case series and evidenced by using the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) to verify a causal relationship. In many cases, however, the quality of HMPs has rarely been considered regarding potential culprits such as contaminants and toxins possibly incriminated as causes for the liver injury. This review aims to comprehensively assemble details of tentative hepatotoxic contaminants and toxins found in HMPs. Based on the origin, harmful agents may be divided according two main sources, namely the phyto-hepatotoxin and the nonphyto-hepatotoxin groups. More specifically, phyto-hepatotoxins are phytochemicals or their metabolites naturally produced by plants or internally in response to plant stress conditions. In contrast, nonphyto-hepatotoxic elements may include contaminants or adulterants occurring during collection, processing and production, are the result of accumulation of toxic heavy metals by the plant itself due to soil pollutions, or represent mycotoxins, herbicidal and pesticidal residues. The phyto-hepatotoxins detected in HMPs are classified into eight major groups consisting of volatile compounds, phytotoxic proteins, glycosides, terpenoid lactones, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, and phenolic acids. Nonphyto-hepatotoxins including metals, mycotoxins, and pesticidal and herbicidal residues and tentative mechanisms of toxicity are discussed. In conclusion, although a variety of potential toxic substances may enter the human body through HMP use, the ability of these toxins to trigger human liver injury remains largely unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Van Quan
- Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8529, Japan; (N.V.Q.); (T.D.X.)
| | - Tran Dang Xuan
- Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8529, Japan; (N.V.Q.); (T.D.X.)
| | - Rolf Teschke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, Teaching Hospital of the Medical Faculty, Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, 63450 Hanau, Germany
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Petersen GE, Tang Y, Fields C. Chemical and in vitro toxicity analysis of a supercritical fluid extract of Kava kava (Piper methysticum). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 235:301-308. [PMID: 30710733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Kava and kava extracts have shown great potential as a way to minimize anxiety-associated symptoms and to help alleviate pain. Hepatoxicity has been associated with the consumption of kava products. The chemical compounds, kavalactones (KL) and flavokavains (FK) have been implicated in kava's psychotropic and possible hepatotoxic properties. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the kavalactone and flavokavain content and in vitro toxicity of KAVOA™, a supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE) of kava. MATERIALS AND METHODS Kavalactone and flavokavain content of SFE kava and noble kava root were determined following extraction in acetone, cell culture media, and water using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). Using water extractions of the kava products, the cell viability and toxicity on the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) were determined using luminescent and fluorescent assays, respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the SFE kava and noble kava root, extracted in cell culture media, were determined utilizing a luminescent cell viability assay. RESULTS Quantification of the KAVOA™, a SFE extract of kava and kava root showed similar profiles of kavalactone and flavokavain content. Water extracted SFE and root kava did not show a negative impact on cell viability and toxicity when compared to the vehicle control treated cells. IC50 values were determined for the SFE kava and kava root extracted in cell culture media in respect to cell viability, 78.63 and 47.65 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS KAVOA™, a supercritical carbon dioxide extract of kava displays a similar kavalactone profile to a noble variety of kava. In relation to total kavalactone content, KAVOA™ also has a lower content of the cytotoxic compound FKB. Aqueous extractions of KAVOA™ and noble kava root had no significant negative impact on cell viability and toxicity on HepG2 cells when compared to vehicle controlled treated cells. Results indicate KAVOA™ demonstrates a similar in vitro safety profile to that of noble kava root when experiments are normalized to kavalactone content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg E Petersen
- Applied Food Sciences, Inc., 2500 Crosspark Road, Coralville, IA 52241, USA.
| | - Yijin Tang
- Applied Food Sciences, Inc., 2500 Crosspark Road, Coralville, IA 52241, USA.
| | - Christine Fields
- Applied Food Sciences, Inc., 2500 Crosspark Road, Coralville, IA 52241, USA.
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A Novel Discovery: Holistic Efficacy at the Special Organ Level of Pungent Flavored Compounds from Pungent Traditional Chinese Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030752. [PMID: 30754631 PMCID: PMC6387020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pungent traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) play a vital role in the clinical treatment of hepatobiliary disease, gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, skin diseases and so on. Pungent TCMs have a vastness of pungent flavored (with pungent taste or smell) compounds. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of pungent flavored compounds in treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and liver diseases, five pungent TCMs with the action of blood-activating and stasis-resolving (BASR) were selected. Here, an integrated systems pharmacology approach is presented for illustrating the molecular correlations between pungent flavored compounds and their holistic efficacy at the special organ level. First, we identified target proteins that are associated with pungent flavored compounds and found that these targets were functionally related to CVDs and liver diseases. Then, based on the phenotype that directly links human genes to the body parts they affect, we clustered target modules associated with pungent flavored compounds into liver and heart organs. We applied systems-based analysis to introduce a pungent flavored compound-target-pathway-organ network that clarifies mechanisms of pungent substances treating cardiovascular diseases and liver diseases by acting on the heart/liver organ. The systems pharmacology also suggests a novel systematic strategy for rational drug development from pungent TCMs in treating cardiovascular disease and associated liver diseases.
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Narayanapillai SC, Lin SH, Leitzman P, Upadhyaya P, Baglole CJ, Xing C. Dihydromethysticin (DHM) Blocks Tobacco Carcinogen 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-Induced O 6-Methylguanine in a Manner Independent of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Pathway in C57BL/6 Female Mice. Chem Res Toxicol 2016; 29:1828-1834. [PMID: 27728767 PMCID: PMC6532060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6b00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a key carcinogen responsible for tobacco smoke-induced lung carcinogenesis. Among the types of DNA damage caused by NNK and its metabolite, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), O6-methylguanine (O6-mG) is likely the most carcinogen in A/J mice. Results of our previous studies showed that levels of O6-mG and other types of NNAL-derived DNA damage were preferentially reduced in the lung of female A/J mice upon dietary treatment with dihydromethysticin (DHM), a promising lung cancer chemopreventive agent from kava. Such a differential blockage may be mediated via an increased level of NNAL glucuronidation, thereby leading to its detoxification. The potential of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as an upstream target of DHM mediating these events was evaluated herein using Ahr+/- and Ahr-/- C57BL/6 female mice because DHM was reported as an AhR agonist. DHM (0.05, 0.2, and 1.0 mg/g of diet) and dihydrokavain (DHK, an inactive analogue, 1.0 mg/g of diet) were given to mice for 7 days, followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of NNK at 100 mg/kg of body weight. The effects of DHM on the amount of O6-mG in the lung, on the urinary ratio of glucuronidated NNAL (NNAL-Gluc) and free NNAL, and on CYP1A1/2 activity in the liver microsomes were analyzed. As observed in A/J mice, DHM treatment significantly and dose-dependently reduced the level of O6-mG in the target lung tissue, but there were no significant differences in O6-mG reduction between mice from Ahr+/- and Ahr-/- backgrounds. Similarly, in both strains, DHM at 1 mg/g of diet significantly increased the urinary ratio of NNAL-Gluc to free NNAL and CYP1A1/2 enzymatic activity in liver with no changes detected at lower DHM dosages. Because none of these effects of DHM were dependent on Ahr status, AhR clearly is not the upstream target for DHM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreekanth C. Narayanapillai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Shang-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Pablo Leitzman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Pramod Upadhyaya
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carolyn J. Baglole
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chengguo Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
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Pantano F, Tittarelli R, Mannocchi G, Zaami S, Ricci S, Giorgetti R, Terranova D, Busardò FP, Marinelli E. Hepatotoxicity Induced by "the 3Ks": Kava, Kratom and Khat. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:580. [PMID: 27092496 PMCID: PMC4849036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3Ks (kava, kratom and khat) are herbals that can potentially induce liver injuries. On the one hand, growing controversial data have been reported about the hepatotoxicity of kratom, while, on the other hand, even though kava and khat hepatotoxicity has been investigated, the hepatotoxic effects are still not clear. Chronic recreational use of kratom has been associated with rare instances of acute liver injury. Several studies and case reports have suggested that khat is hepatotoxic, leading to deranged liver enzymes and also histopathological evidence of acute hepatocellular degeneration. Numerous reports of severe hepatotoxicity potentially induced by kava have also been highlighted, both in the USA and Europe. The aim of this review is to focus on the different patterns and the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity induced by “the 3Ks”, while trying to clarify the numerous aspects that still need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Pantano
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberta Tittarelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulio Mannocchi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Serafino Ricci
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Daniela Terranova
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco P Busardò
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yew-Min Tzeng
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168 Gifeng East Road, Wufeng, Taichung 41349, Taiwan, China
| | - Meng-Jen Lee
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168 Gifeng East Road, Wufeng, Taichung 41349, Taiwan, China
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Ketola RA, Viinamäki J, Rasanen I, Pelander A, Goebeler S. Fatal kavalactone intoxication by suicidal intravenous injection. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 249:e7-11. [PMID: 25684328 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kavalactones are a group of compounds found in kava, a beverage or extract prepared from the rhizome of the kava plant (Piper methysticum). Traditionally kava extracts have been used for their anxiolytic and sedative properties. Sales of kava extracts were severely restricted or prohibited in European countries in 2002 following several cases of serious hepatotoxicity. Here we report a case where high concentrations of kavalactones and ethanol were detected in post mortem femoral blood. An injection needle with a 10-mL syringe containing 7.5 mL of slightly yellowish liquid was found next to the victim, and there were numerous needle prints on both lower arms following the venous tracks. No evidence of other cause of death was found in the medico-legal investigation. The case was therefore classified as suicide using an injection of kavalactones intravenously together with alcohol poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimo A Ketola
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, P.O. Box 40, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jenni Viinamäki
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, P.O. Box 40, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilpo Rasanen
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, P.O. Box 40, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Pelander
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, P.O. Box 40, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sirkka Goebeler
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Department of Forensic Medicine, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Contemporary Pacific and Western perspectives on `awa (Piper methysticum) toxicology. Fitoterapia 2014; 100:56-67. [PMID: 25464054 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In 2010, a National Science Foundation project in Hawai`i assembled a collaboration of Pacific indigenous scientists, Hawaiian cultural practitioners and scientists trained in Western pharmacology. The objective of the collaborative project was to study Kava, a culturally significant Pacific beverage, and to address and ultimately transcend, long-standing barriers to communication and collaboration between these groups. Kava is a product of the `awa plant (Piper methysticum) that has been used ceremonially and medicinally throughout the history of Pacific Island cultures, and is now in widespread recreational and nutraceutical use in the US. This project, culminating in 2015, has enriched the participants, led to published work that integrates cultural and Western pharmacologic perspectives and established a paradigm for collaboration. This review paper integrates cultural and Western perspectives on efficacy, toxicity and the future cultural and commercial significance of `awa in the Pacific. Here we present a detailed review of traditional and non-traditional kava usage, medicinal efficacy and potential toxicological concerns. Recent mechanistic data on physiological action and potential pathological reactions are evaluated and interpreted.
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Johnson TE, Hermanson D, Wang L, Kassie F, Upadhyaya P, O'Sullivan MG, Hecht SS, Lu J, Xing C. Lung Tumorigenesis Suppressing Effects of a Commercial Kava Extract and Its Selected Compounds in A/J Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 39:727-42. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x11009202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most deadly malignancy in the US. Chemoprevention is potentially a complementary approach to smoking cessation for lung cancer control. Recently, we reported that a commercially available form of kava extract significantly inhibits 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)-induced lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice at a dose of 10 mg per gram diet. In the present study, we examined the dose-dependent lung tumor inhibitory activities of kava and investigated potential active constituent(s). Mice treated with carcinogen alone contained 12.1±5.8 lung adenomas per mouse 22 weeks after final carcinogen administration. Mice that were fed diets containing kava at dosages of 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/g of diet had 8.4±3.5, 6.6±3.5, 4.3±2.4, and 3.8±2.3 lung adenomas per mouse, respectively. This corresponds to a reduction of 31%, 46%, 65% and 69% in tumor multiplicity, which were all statistically significant (p < 0.05). Analyses of lung adenoma tissues derived from kava-treated animals revealed that kava significantly inhibited adenoma cell proliferation while it had no detectable effect on cell death, indicating that kava primarily suppressed lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice via inhibition of cell proliferation. Flavokawains A, B, and C, three chalcone-based components from kava, demonstrated greatly reduced chemopreventive efficacies even at concentrations much higher than their natural abundance, suggesting that they alone were unlikely to be responsible for kava's chemopreventive activity. Kava at all dosages and treatment regimens did not induce detectable adverse effects, particularly with respect to liver. Specifically, kava treatment showed no effect on liver integrity indicator enzymes or liver weight, indicating that kava may be potentially safe for long-term chemopreventive application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Johnson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David Hermanson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Fekadu Kassie
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Oncology and Comparative Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Pramod Upadhyaya
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michael G. O'Sullivan
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Stephen S. Hecht
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Junxuan Lu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Chengguo Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Li Y, Mei H, Wu Q, Zhang S, Fang JL, Shi L, Guo L. Methysticin and 7,8-dihydromethysticin are two major kavalactones in kava extract to induce CYP1A1. Toxicol Sci 2011; 124:388-99. [PMID: 21908763 PMCID: PMC5736320 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfr235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Kava is a plant traditionally used for making beverages in Pacific Basin countries and has been used for the treatment of nervous disorders in the United States. The pharmacological activity of kava is achieved through kavalactones in kava extract, which include kawain, 7,8-dihydrokawain, yangonin, 5,6-dehydrokawain, methysticin, and 7,8-dihydromethysticin. Recent studies have shown that kava extract induces hepatic CYP1A1 enzyme; however, the mechanisms of CYP1A1 induction have not been elucidated, and the kavalactones responsible for CYP1A1 induction have not yet been identified. Using a combination of biochemical assays and molecular docking tools, we determined the functions of kava extract and kavalactones and delineated the underlying mechanisms involved in CYP1A1 induction. The results showed that kava extract displayed a concentration-dependent effect on CYP1A1 induction. Among the six major kavalactones, methysticin triggered the most profound inducing effect on CYP1A1 followed by 7,8-dihydromethysticin. The other four kavalactones (yangonin, 5,6-dehydrokawain, kawain, and 7,8-dihydrokawain) did not show significant effects on CYP1A1. Consistent with the experimental results, in silico molecular docking studies based on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-ligand binding domain homology model also revealed favorable binding to AhR for methysticin and 7,8-dihydromethysticin compared with the remaining kavalactones. Additionally, results from a luciferase gene reporter assay suggested that kava extract, methysticin, and 7,8-dihydromethysticin were able to activate the AhR signaling pathway. Moreover, kava extract-, methysticin-, and 7,8-dihydromethysticin-mediated CYP1A1 induction was blocked by an AhR antagonist and abolished in AhR-deficient cells. These findings suggest that kava extract induces the expression of CYP1A1 via an AhR-dependent mechanism and that methysticin and 7,8-dihydromethysticin contribute to CYP1A1 induction. The induction of CYP1A1 indicates a potential interaction between kava or kavalactones and CYP1A1-mediated chemical carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | - Hu Mei
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | - Qiangen Wu
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | - Suhui Zhang
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | - Jia-Long Fang
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | - Leming Shi
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
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Olsen LR, Grillo MP, Skonberg C. Constituents in kava extracts potentially involved in hepatotoxicity: a review. Chem Res Toxicol 2011; 24:992-1002. [PMID: 21506562 DOI: 10.1021/tx100412m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aqueous kava root preparations have been consumed in the South Pacific as an apparently safe ceremonial and cultural drink for centuries. However, several reports of hepatotoxicity have been linked to the consumption of kava extracts in Western countries, where mainly ethanolic or acetonic extracts are used. The mechanism of toxicity has not been established, although several theories have been put forward. The composition of the major constituents, the kava lactones, varies according to preparation method and species of kava plant, and thus, the toxicity of the individual lactones has been tested in order to establish whether a single lactone or a certain composition of lactones may be responsible for the increased prevalence of kava-induced hepatotoxicity in Western countries. However, no such conclusion has been made on the basis of current data. Inhibition or induction of the major metabolizing enzymes, which might result in drug interactions, has also gained attention, but ambiguous results have been reported. On the basis of the chemical structures of kava constituents, the formation of reactive metabolites has also been suggested as an explanation of toxicity. Furthermore, skin rash is a side effect in kava consumers, which may be indicative of the formation of reactive metabolites and covalent binding to skin proteins leading to immune-mediated responses. Reactive metabolites of kava lactones have been identified in vitro as glutathione (GSH) conjugates and in vivo as mercapturates excreted in urine. Addition of GSH to kava extracts has been shown to reduce cytotoxicity in vitro, which suggests the presence of inherently reactive constituents. Only a few studies have investigated the toxicity of the minor constituents present in kava extract, such as pipermethystine and the flavokavains, where some have been shown to display higher in vitro cytotoxicity than the lactones. To date, there remains no indisputable reason for the increased prevalence of kava-induced hepatotoxicity in Western countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line R Olsen
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Teschke R, Qiu SX, Xuan TD, Lebot V. Kava and kava hepatotoxicity: requirements for novel experimental, ethnobotanical and clinical studies based on a review of the evidence. Phytother Res 2011; 25:1263-74. [PMID: 21442674 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Kava hepatotoxicity is a well described disease entity, yet there is uncertainty as to the culprit(s). In particular, there is so far no clear evidence for a causative role of kavalactones and non-kavalactone constituents, such as pipermethystine and flavokavain B, identified from kava. Therefore, novel enzymatic, analytical, toxicological, ethnobotanical and clinical studies are now required. Studies should focus on the identification of further potential hepatotoxic constituents, considering in particular possible adulterants and impurities with special reference to ochratoxin A and aflatoxins (AFs) producing Aspergillus varieties, which should be urgently assessed and published. At present, Aspergillus and other fungus species producing hepatotoxic mycotoxins have not yet been examined thoroughly as possible contaminants of some kava raw materials. Its occurence may be facilitated by high humidity, poor methods for drying procedures and insufficient storage facilities during the time after harvest. Various experimental studies are recommended using aqueous, acetonic and ethanolic kava extracts derived from different plant parts, such as peeled rhizomes and peeled roots including their peelings, and considering both noble and non-noble kava cultivars. In addition, ethnobotanical studies associated with local expertise and surveillance are required to achieve a good quality of kava as the raw material. In clinical trials of patients with anxiety disorders seeking herbal anxiolytic treatment with kava extracts, long-term safety and efficacy should be tested using traditional aqueous extracts obtained from peeled rhizomes and peeled roots of a noble kava cultivar, such as Borogu, to evaluate the risk: benefit ratio. Concomitantly, more research should be conducted on the bioavailability of kavalactones and non-kavalactones derived from aqueous kava extracts. To be on the side of caution and to ensure lack of liver injury, kava consuming inhabitants of the kava producing or importing South Pacific islands should undergo assessment of their liver function values and serum aflatoxin levels. The primary aim is to achieve a good quality of kava raw material, without the risk of adulterants and impurities including ochratoxin A and AFs, which represent the sum of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2. Although it is known that kava may naturally be contaminated with AFs, there is at present no evidence that kava hepatotoxicity might be due to aflatoxicosis. However, appropriate studies have yet to be done and should be extended to other mould hepatotoxins, with the aim of publishing the obtained results. It is hoped that with the proposed qualifying measures, the safety of individuals consuming kava will substantially be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Teschke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, Teaching Hospital of the Goethe University of Frankfurt/ Main, Germany.
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Furey A. Natural product taking its own place!!! Pharmacognosy Res 2010; 2:1-3. [PMID: 21808529 PMCID: PMC3140119 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.60574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Revised: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ambrose Furey
- Department of Chemistry, Cork Institute of Technology, Rossa Ave., Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
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Guo L, Shi Q, Dial S, Xia Q, Mei N, Li QZ, Chan PC, Fu P. Gene expression profiling in male B6C3F1 mouse livers exposed to kava identifies--changes in drug metabolizing genes and potential mechanisms linked to kava toxicity. Food Chem Toxicol 2009; 48:686-96. [PMID: 19948201 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2009.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Revised: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The association of kava products with liver-related health risks has prompted regulatory action in many countries. We used a genome-wide gene expression approach to generate global gene expression profiles from the livers of male B6C3F1 mice administered kava extract by gavage for 14 weeks, and identified the differentially expressed drug metabolizing genes in response to kava treatments. Analyses of gene functions and pathways reveal that the levels of significant numbers of genes involving drug metabolism were changed and that the pathways involving xenobiotics metabolism, Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response, mitochondrial functions and others, were altered. Our results indicate that kava extract can significantly modulate drug metabolizing enzymes, potentially leading to herb-drug interactions and hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- Division of Systems Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
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Shaik AA, Hermanson DL, Xing C. Identification of methysticin as a potent and non-toxic NF-kappaB inhibitor from kava, potentially responsible for kava's chemopreventive activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:5732-6. [PMID: 19716299 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2009] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor that plays an essential role in cancer development. The results of our recent chemopreventive study demonstrate that kava, a beverage in the South Pacific Islands, suppresses NF-kappaB activation in lung adenoma tissues, potentially a mechanism responsible for kava's chemopreventive activity. Methysticin is identified as a potent NF-kappaB inhibitor in kava with minimum toxicity. Other kava constituents, including four kavalactones of similar structures to methysticin, demonstrate minimum activities in inhibiting NF-kappaB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ali Shaik
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
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