Cyclopeptide alkaloid fraction from Zizyphi Spinosi Semen enhances pentobarbital-induced sleeping behaviors

Terpenoids derived from Semen Ziziphi Spinosae oil enhance sleep by modulating neurotransmitter signaling in mice

Semen Ziziphi Spinosae oil (SZSO) is a natural vegetable oil extracted from Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, a traditional Chinese medicine renowned for its sleep-promoting properties, while the mechanisms are still unclear. Our findings revealed that the terpenoids present in SZSO (T-SZSO) were identified as the active components responsible for promoting sleep. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that T-SZSO targeted different sleep-aid pathways to varying degrees and exhibited potential for preventing central nervous system diseases. Notably, lupeol and betulinicaldehyde exhibited more pronounced effects. Additionally, T-SZSO significantly elevated serotonin levels, enhanced gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis, promoted GABA A receptor expression, and decreased glutamate and norepinephrine expression levels. Moreover, T-SZSO was found to downregulate IL-1β expression while upregulating superoxide dismutase and inducible nitric oxide synthase levels. In conclusion, this study presents the first investigation into the pharmacological basis of SZSO in promoting sleep and highlights the potential of nature food in improving suboptimal health conditions.

Wild Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa): A Review of Its Phytonutrients, Health Benefits, Metabolism, and Applications

Wild jujube, Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou, as a food and health supplement worldwide, has rich nutritional value. It contains nutrients such as nucleosides, amino acids, polysaccharides, and fatty oils. The fruits, seeds, and leaves of wild jujube can all be used for food, medicine, or health care purposes. Among these, the fruits play many roles, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory functions, and can be used as a natural nutritional supplement to prevent aging. Simultaneously, the mature seed of wild jujube exhibits beneficial effects on central nervous system diseases and is often used for the treatment of insomnia and as a functional food for improving sleep quality and enhancing learning and memory. This review presents an overview of research progress relevant to the phytonutrients, biological functions, metabolism of bioactive compounds, and applications of wild jujube and aims to provide a scientific reference for the development and utilization of this plant.

Mechanism of the Intestinal Absorption of Six Flavonoids from Zizyphi Spinosi Semen Across Caco-2 Cell Monolayer Model

BACKGROUND

Flavonoid compounds are one kind of active ingredients isolated from a traditional Chinese herb Zizyphi spinosae semen (ZSS). Studies have shown that ZSS flavonoids have significant antioxidant effects.

METHODS

In this study, the Caco-2 cell monolayer model was constructed to investigate the intestinal absorption characteristics and mechanism of Isovitexin (IV), Swertisin (ST), Isovitexin-2''-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (IVG), Spinosin (S), 6'''-p-coumaroylspinosin (6-CS) and 6'''-feruloylspinosin (6-FS).

RESULTS

The results of the bidirectional transport assay showed that the six flavonoids have good intestinal absorption in a near-neutral and 37°C environment, and the absorbability in descending order was 6-FS>6- CS>IVG>S>IV>ST. The results of carrier inhibition experiments and transport kinetics indicated that the absorption mechanism of six flavonoids was energy-dependent monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)-mediated active transport. In particular, the para-cellular pathway also participated in the transport of IV, ST, IVG and S. Furthermore, the efflux process of six flavonoids was mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance protein (MRP), which may result in a decrease of bioavailability.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide significant information for revealing the relationship between the intestinal absorption mechanism of flavonoids and its structure as well as laying a basis for the research of flavonoid preparations.

Identification of polyphenol from Ziziphi spinosae semen against human colon cancer cells and colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mice

Homology of medicine and food-zizyphi spinosi semen (ZSS) exhibits abundant pharmacological activities, such as sedation, hypnosis and anti-depression. In the present study, the water soluble polyphenols extracted from ZSS via the acid digestion method were named ZSSP, and exhibited significant anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) activity, characterized by restraining cell proliferation, promoting cell apoptosis and increasing chemo-sensitivity of CRC cells. The potential of ZSSP in vivo was further evaluated in an AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) mouse model. Intriguingly, ZSSP diminished the number and volume of CAC polyps in mice in a dose-dependent manner, and effectively limited the damage of mice organs induced by AOM/DSS. The immunohistochemistry result showed that the elevated CRC early markers in CAC mice, such as COX-II, EMR1, and Ki67, were potently prevented by the ZSSP treatment. Further, the component in ZSSP with the anti-CRC activity was identified as spinosin by the macroporous resin of SP207 and RP-HPLC-MS/MS. Interestingly, during the extraction process, sodium ions were introduced forming spinosin·Na+, which had better water solubility and more remarkable anti-CRC activity than the spinosin. This study provides a new pharmacological property of spinosin derived from ZSS, inhibiting the growth of human CRC cells and colitis-associated CRC in mice, which indicates its potential use as a natural agent against CRC.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of six major compounds in normal and insomnia rats after oral administration of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen aqueous extract

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used in clinics for the treatment of insomnia in China and other Asian countries. Herein, we described for the first time a comparative pharmacokinetics study of the six major compounds of ZSS in normal control (NC) and para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-induced insomnia model (IM) rats that were orally administered the aqueous extract of ZSS. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole orbitrap mass (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of coclaurine, magnoflorine, spinosin, 6‴-feruloylspinosin, jujuboside A (JuA), and jujuboside B (JuB) in ZSS in rat plasma. The established approach was successfully applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic study. The systemic exposures of spinosin and 6‴-feruloylspinosin were decreased in the IM group compared to the NC group, while plasma clearance (CL) was significantly increased. The T_max values of JuA and JuB in IM rats were significantly lower than those in NC rats. The T_1/2 of JuA in the IM group was significantly accelerated. The pharmacokinetic parameters of coclaurine and magnoflorine were not evidently affected between the two groups. These results indicate that the pathological state of insomnia altered the plasma pharmacokinetics of spinosin, 6‴-feruloylspinosin, JuA, and JuB in the ZSS aqueous extract, providing an experimental basis for the role of ZSS in insomnia treatment. The comparative pharmacokinetics-based UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS using full-scan mode can therefore provide a reliable and suitable means for the screening of potentially effective substances applied as quality markers of ZSS.

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A UPLC-MS method was validated for assaying 6 major compoundsofZSS in rat plasma.

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This is the first report on in vivoZSS extractexposure in normal and insomnia rat.

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The pathological state of insomnia altered rat plasma pharmacokinetic behaviors.

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The findings might provide a means for screening potentially effective substances.

Screening of sleep assisting drug candidates with a Drosophila model

Lately, Drosophila has been favored as a model in sleep and circadian rhythm research due to its conserved mechanism and easily manageable operation. These studies have revealed the sophisticated parameters in whole-day sleep profiles of Drosophila, drawing connections between Drosophila sleep and human sleep. In this study, we tested several sleep deprivation protocols (mechanical shakes and light interruptions) on Drosophila and delineated their influences on Drosophila sleep. We applied a daytime light-deprivation protocol (DD) mimicking jet-lag to screen drugs that alleviate sleep deprivation. Characteristically, classical sleep-aid compounds exhibited different forms of influence: phenobarbital and pentobarbital modified total sleep time, while melatonin only shortened the latency to sleep. Such results construct the basis for further research on sleep benefits in other treatments in Drosophila. We screened seven herb extracts, and found very diverse results regarding their effect on sleep regulation. For instance, Panax notoginseng and Withania somnifera extracts displayed potent influence on total sleep time, while Melissa officinalis increased the number of sleep episodes. By comparing these treatments, we were able to rank drug potency in different aspects of sleep regulation. Notably, we also confirmed the presence of sleep difficulties in a Drosophila Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model with an overexpression of human Abeta, and recognized clear differences between the portfolios of drug screening effects in AD flies and in the control group. Overall, potential drug candidates and receipts for sleep problems can be identified separately for normal and AD Drosophila populations, outlining Drosophila’s potential in drug screening tests in other populations if combined with the use of other genetic disease tools.

Moringa oleifera Lam Seed Oil Augments Pentobarbital-Induced Sleeping Behaviors in Mice via GABAergic Systems

Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO), which is widely consumed as both food and herbal medicine in tropical and subtropical regions, has a wide spectrum of health benefits. Yet, whether the oil obtained from MO seeds could affect (improve) the sleep activity remains unclear. Herein, we used the locomotor activity, pentobarbital-induced sleeping, and pentetrazol-induced convulsions test to examine sedative-hypnotic effects (SHE) of MO oil (MOO) and explored the underlying mechanisms. Besides, the main components of MOO like oleic acid, β-Sitosterol, and Stigmasterol were also evaluated. The results showed that they possessed good SHE. Except for oleic acid and Stigmasterol, they could significantly elevate γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and reduce glutamic acid (Glu) levels in the hypothalamus of mice. Moreover, SHE was blocked by picrotoxin, flumazenil, and bicuculline, except for oleic acid, which could not be antagonized by picrotoxin. Molecular mechanisms showed that MOO and β-Sitosterol significantly upregulated the amount of protein-level expression of Glu decarboxylase-65 (GAD₆₅) and α₁-subunit of GABA_A receptors in the hypothalamus of mice, not affecting GAD₆₇, γ₂ subunits. These data indicated that MOO modulates sleep architectures via activation of the GABA_A-ergic systems.

Purification of spinosin from Ziziphi Spinosae Semen using macroporous resins followed by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography

As a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen has been used for treating anxiety and insomnia for a long time. Spinosin, the main active C-glycoside flavonoid in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, has attracted much attention because of its many pharmacological activities including strong hypnotic effects, anxiolytic-like effects, and so on. In the present work, high-purity spinosin was separated from Ziziphi Spinosae Semen using the HPD-300 resin followed by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The adsorption kinetics curve of spinosin on the HPD-300 resin was studied and fitted well by the pseudo-second-order equation. The adsorption isotherms were also constructed and low temperature favored the adsorption reaction. The separation parameters were optimized using dynamic adsorption and desorption tests. After a one-run treatment with HPD-300 resin, the concentration of spinosin increased 11.8-fold from 0.99 to 11.7% with a recovery yield of 80.4%. Furthermore, the purity of spinosin could surpass above 98% after separation by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography and recrystallization with a recovery yield of 72.6%. The developed method was effective and suitable for the large-scale preparation of spinosin. Moreover, it was confirmed that HPD-300 resin could enable good selection for the enrichment of flavonoids from different plants.

Quality control of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae standard decoction based on determination of multi-components using TOF-MS/MS and UPLC-PDA technology

A sensitive, fast and comprehensive method for the quality assessment of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS) standard decoction with characterization of its chemical components was developed and validated. UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS system was used to identify thirty-six chemical components of SZS standard decoction which included nucleosides, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Furthermore, a UPLC-PDA method was validated to simultaneously determine adenosine, protocatechuic acid, magnoflorine, catechin, protocatechin, vicenin II, spinosin, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and 6'''-feruloylspinosin which represent four species of characteristic compounds. The qualitative method had been validated according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 edition) in terms of lineary, repeatability, recovery and stability for all analytes, with the results showing good precision, accuracy and stability. In conclusion, the method using UPLC combined with MS and PDA provided a novel way for the standardization and identification of SZS standard decoction, and also offered a basis for qualitative analysis and quality assessment of the preparations for SZS standard decoction.

Ziziphus spinosa seeds for insomnia: A review of chemistry and psychopharmacology

BACKGROUND

In Chinese medicine, Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou is widely used for the treatment of insomnia.

PURPOSE/SECTIONS

This paper summarises the chemistry, psychopharmacology, and compares the pharmaceutical effects of the seeds of Ziziphus jujuba plant, Ziziphus spinosa (ZS) seeds, with benzodiazepines. Whole extracts and constituent compounds have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

ZS secondary metabolites modulate GABAergic activity and the serotonergic system. The actual therapeutic agents require further confirmation/identification so that new insomnia phytomedicines can be discovered.

Gastrointestinal Absorption and Metabolic Dynamics of Jujuboside A, A Saponin Derived from the Seed of Ziziphus jujuba

Jujuboside A (JuA), an active saponin, is responsible for the anxiolytic and sedative effects of Zizyphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS). In this study, the gastrointestinal absorption and metabolic dynamics of JuA were investigated in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that the bioavailability was 1.32% in rats, indicating only a trace amount of JuA was able to be absorbed. Further investigation revealed that its poor bioavailability was not caused by malabsorption but by the metabolic process. JuA was hydrolyzed largely in the stomach before being absorbed into the different parts of the intestine (especially duodenum and colon), and the gastric environment played a vital role in this process. Furthermore, the metabolites, jujuboside B (JuB) and jujubogenin, exhibited significant effects on the expression and activation of γ-amino-butyric acid A (GABA(A)) receptors. Our findings demonstrate that the metabolites of the saponin, not the original molecule, should be responsible for the specific bioactivities.

Comparison of the Bioactive Components in Two Seeds of Ziziphus Species by Different Analytical Approaches Combined with Chemometrics

The Ziziphus species are considered to be the medicine and food dual purposes plants. Among them, the seed of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (ZS) has traditionally been used as an ethnomedicine in Asian countries for thousands years. Owing to the significant benefits for human health, the demand for ZS increased year by year, and the wild resources have become increasingly scarce, which resulted in a shortage of market supply for ZS and product adulteration by substituting ZS with the seeds of Z. mauritiana Lam. (ZM). However, whether the bioactivity of ZM is similar to ZS has not been fully confirmed till now. Thus, to provide potential information for evaluating the similarity of the health promoting activities between these two Ziziphus seeds, their chemical profiles, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, nucleosides, free amino acids and fatty acids were compared using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TQ MS), and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. Furthermore, a more holistic investigation was performed with multivariate principle component analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures-discriminant analysis analyses to explore the relative variability between the seeds of two species. The results showed that a significant difference exists between ZS and ZM, and ZS was more rich in saponins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and some amino acids, whereas ZM was particularly rich in saturated fatty acids and flavonoids. The above results suggested the bioactivities of ZM for human health may not be similar to ZS owing to their difference in chemical profiles. These results would also be helpful for distinguishing the ZM from ZS with the chemical markers obtained from the study, and set a scientific foundation for establishing the quality control method of ZS.

Degradation Kinetics of 6‴-p-Coumaroylspinosin and Identification of Its Metabolites by Rat Intestinal Flora

6‴-p-Coumaroylspinosin (P-CS), a bioactive flavonoid, is typically extracted from Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS). In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine P-CS for investigating the degradation characteristics of P-CS incubated with rat feces. The results showed that P-CS degraded rapidly and the degradation speeds varied depending upon the P-CS concentrations (3, 15, and 30 μg/mL). The degradation of P-CS processes follow first-order kinetics. On the basis of the mass spectrometry (MS) spectrum mode of the product ions, two main metabolites of P-CS were identified. Swertisin was the main metabolite at 3 and 15 μg/mL, while spinosin was produced when the P-CS concentration was 30 μg/mL. Spinosin and swertisin could improve mRNA transcription levels of glutamate receptor K1, K2, and K3 (GluK1, GluK2, and GluK3) subunits in rat hippocampal neurons. In addition, they showed an obvious synergistic effect in this respect. Collectively, the results can be used to explain the metabolic and pharmacological mechanisms of P-CS.

Isolation and Structure Elucidation by LC-DAD-MS and LC-DAD-SPE-NMR of Cyclopeptide Alkaloids from the Roots of Ziziphus oxyphylla and Evaluation of Their Antiplasmodial Activity

Nine cyclopeptide alkaloids (1-9), of which five (compounds 2, 3, 5, 8, and 9) are described herein for the first time, were isolated from roots of Ziziphus oxyphylla by means of conventional separation methods as well as semipreparative HPLC with DAD and ESIMS detection and LC-DAD-SPE-NMR. Structure elucidation was done by spectroscopic means. Nummularine-R (1), a previously known constituent from this species, was isolated along with its new derivatives O-desmethylnummularine-R (2) and O-desmethylnummularine-R N-oxide (3). In addition, the known compounds hemsine-A (4) and ramosine-A (6), as well as hemsine-A N-oxide (5), were isolated. Moreover, oxyphylline-C (7), a known constituent of Z. oxyphylla stems, was obtained, and two new compounds were identified, oxyphyllines-E (8) and -F (9). Just like oxyphylline-C, oxyphyllines-E and -F belong to the relatively rare class of neutral cyclopeptide alkaloids. The antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 were evaluated, and the most promising activity was found for O-desmethylnummularine-R (2), which exhibited an IC₅₀ value of 3.2 ± 2.6 μM against Plasmodium falciparum K1, whereas an IC₅₀ value of >64.0 μM was evident for its cytotoxicity against MRC-5 cells.

Quinpirole Increases Melatonin-Augmented Pentobarbital Sleep via Cortical ERK, p38 MAPK, and PKC in Mice

Sleep, which is an essential part of human life, is modulated by neurotransmitter systems, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine signaling. However, the mechanisms that initiate and maintain sleep remain obscure. In this study, we investigated the relationship between melatonin (MT) and dopamine D2-like receptor signaling in pentobarbital-induced sleep and the intracellular mechanisms of sleep maintenance in the cerebral cortex. In mice, pentobarbital-induced sleep was augmented by intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg MT. To investigate the relationship between MT and D2-like receptors, we administered quinpirole, a D2-like receptor agonist, to MT- and pentobarbital-treated mice. Quinpirole (1 mg/kg, i.p.) increased the duration of MT-augmented sleep in mice. In addition, locomotor activity analysis showed that neither MT nor quinpirole produced sedative effects when administered alone. In order to understand the mechanisms underlying quinpirole-augmented sleep, we measured protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and cortical protein kinases related to MT signaling. Treatment with quinpirole or MT activated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAPK, and protein kinase C (PKC) in the cerebral cortex, while protein kinase A (PKA) activation was not altered significantl. Taken together, our results show that quinpirole increases the duration of MT-augmented sleep through ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and PKC signaling. These findingssuggest that modulation of D2-like receptors might enhance the effect of MT on sleep.

A HPLC-MS/MS method for determination of 6'''-feruloylspinosin in rat plasma and tissues: Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study

A sensitive, reliable and accurate HPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the quantification of 6'''-feruloylspinosin in rat plasma and tissues with puerarin as the internal standard. The separation was performed on a Proshell 120 EC-C18 column (4.6×150 mm, 2.7 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid (20:80, v/v) at 0.3 mL/min. The quantification was performed by MRM with m/z [M-H](-) 783.3→427.2 for 6'''-feruloylspinosin and m/z [M-H](-) 415.4→295.4 for the internal standard, respectively. The calibration curves covered over a concentration range of 20-2000 ng/mL in plasma and various tissues samples (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, intestine, muscle, cerebrum and cerebellum) with good linearity (r(2)≥0.9914). Both the intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 14.70%, and the accuracy (RE%) ranged from -5.80% to 4.93%. The extraction recoveries were within 75.21-92.96%, and the matrix effect ranged from 87.21% to 113.44%. Compared with spinosin, 6'''-feruloylspinosin was distributed in rats faster whereas more slowly eliminated from the plasma. 6'''-Feruloylspinosin could be distributed rapidly and widely in various tissues, and transfer across the blood-brain barrier. In addition, both 6'''-feruloylspinosin and spinosin could enhance the expression of GABAAα1, GABAAα5, GABABR1 mRNA in rat hippocampal neurons significantly, indicating the bioactivity mechanism of 6'''-feruloylspinosin was involved in the GABA receptors.

Herbal Medicine for Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia

The prevalence and comorbidity of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and insomnia are very common. These well-known forms of psychiatric disorders have been affecting many people from all around the world. Herb alone, as well as herbal formula, is commonly prescribed for the therapies of mental illnesses. Since various adverse events of western medication exist, the number of people who use herbs to benefit their health is increasing. Over the past decades, the exploration in the area of herbal psychopharmacology has received much attention. Literatures showed a variety of herbal mechanisms of action used for the therapy of depression, anxiety and insomnia, involving reuptake of monoamines, affecting neuroreceptor binding and channel transporter activity, modulating neuronal communication or hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) etc. Nonetheless, a systematic review on herbal pharmacology in depression, anxiety and insomnia is still lacking. This review has been performed to further identify modes of action of different herbal medicine, and thus provides useful information for the application of herbal medicine.

Quality analysis of commercial samples of Ziziphi spinosae semen (suanzaoren) by means of chromatographic fingerprinting assisted by principal component analysis

Due to the scarcity of resources of Ziziphi spinosae semen (ZSS), many inferior goods and even adulterants are generally found in medicine markets. To strengthen the quality control, HPLC fingerprint common pattern established in this paper showed three main bioactive compounds in one chromatogram simultaneously. Principal component analysis based on DAD signals could discriminate adulterants and inferiorities. Principal component analysis indicated that all samples could be mainly regrouped into two main clusters according to the first principal component (PC1, redefined as Vicenin II) and the second principal component (PC2, redefined as zizyphusine). PC1 and PC2 could explain 91.42% of the variance. Content of zizyphusine fluctuated more greatly than that of spinosin, and this result was also confirmed by the HPTLC result. Samples with low content of jujubosides and two common adulterants could not be used equivalently with authenticated ones in clinic, while one reference standard extract could substitute the crude drug in pharmaceutical production. Giving special consideration to the well-known bioactive saponins but with low response by end absorption, a fast and cheap HPTLC method for quality control of ZSS was developed and the result obtained was commensurate well with that of HPLC analysis. Samples having similar fingerprints to HPTLC common pattern targeting at saponins could be regarded as authenticated ones. This work provided a faster and cheaper way for quality control of ZSS and laid foundation for establishing a more effective quality control method for ZSS.

Quantitative and pattern recognition analyses of magnoflorine, spinosin, 6'''-feruloyl spinosin and jujuboside A by HPLC in Zizyphi Semen

Two rapid and simple HPLC methods with UV detector to determine three main compounds (magnoflorine, spinosin and 6′′′-feruloyl spinosin) and evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) to determine jujuboside A were developed for the chemical analyses of Zizyphi Semen. Magnoflorine, spinosin, and 6′′′-feruloyl spinosin were separated with an YMC J’sphere ODS-H80 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 4 μm) by the gradient elution followed by the isocratic elution using methanol with 0.1 % formic acid and water with 0.1 % formic acid as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. Jujuboside A was separated by HPLC–ELSD with YoungJinBioChrom Aegispak C18-L column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column in a gradient elution using methanol with 0.1 % formic acid (A) and water with 0.1 % formic acid as the mobile phase. These two methods were fully validated with respect to linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, and robustness. These HPLC methods were applied successfully to quantify four compounds in a Zizyphi Semen extract. The HPLC analytical methods were validated for pattern recognition analysis by repeated analysis of 91 seed samples corresponding to 48 Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa (J01–J48) and 43 Zizyphus mauritiana (M01–M43). The results indicate that these methods are suitable for a quality evaluation of Zizyphi Semen.

CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities of the alcoholic extract of leaves of Ziziyphus nummularia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ziziyphus nummularia (family: Rhamnaceae) is a xerophyte, grows in the grazing lands of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Ziziyphus nummularia (ZN) is used as sedative in ethnomedicine. The objective of this study is to investigate the anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and sedative activities of the alcoholic extract of leaves of Ziziyphus nummularia (EZN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anticonvulsant effect of the EZN (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using the pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizure models. Its anxiolytic activity was evaluated using the elevated plus maze, hole board and open field models board methods, while the pentobarbital induced sleep was used to evaluate the sedative activity. The acute toxicity and effect on motor coordination were also assessed.

RESULTS

EZN (100-300 mg/kg) protected the mice against the pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions; it causes a significant (P<0.05) dose dependent increase in latency of convulsion. Treatment with EZN reduced the duration of the tonic hind limb extension induced by electroshock. Mice treated with EZN preferred the open arm of the plus maze and were found to be devoid of open-arm avoidance. EZN potentiation the barbiturate induce sleep in mice, it causes a decrease in the sleep latency and increases the duration of sleep.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained from the experiments indicate that the EZN has CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory studies of cyclopeptide alkaloid fraction of leaves of Ziziyphus nummularia

Ziziyphus nummularia (family: Rhamnaceae) is a thorny small bush, grows in abundance in the grazing lands of the arid areas of Rajasthan, India. It is an important ethnomedicinal plant of the Thar Desert; local inhabitants use every part of the plant as medicine. Kernels are prescribed in pregnancy as soporific, antiemetic and for relieving abdominal pain. The insect gall is powered and given orally with water to cure bone fracture. Crushed root is applied on the paining shoulder of the bullock. The decoction of leaves is used for the treatment of cough and cold; leaves are also regarded as diaphoretic and prescribed in typhoid. Paste of leaves is used for healing of cuts, boils and cutaneous disease. It is widely used in pain and inflammatory conditions. Z. nummularia contains a unique group of alkaloids known as cyclopeptide alkaloids, in continuation of our work carried out on the leaves of Z. nummularia , present study was initiated to explore antiinflammatory and analgesic potential of cyclopeptide alkaloids isolated from the leaves of Z. nummularia (IFZN). Anti-inflammatory activity was tested against rat paw oedema, mouse peritonitis and cotton pellet granuloma. For screening of analgesic activity, acetic acid induced writhing, tail flick and hot plate test were performed. IFZN 30 mg/kg shows the anti-oedematogenic effect against paw oedema induced by carrageenan, dextran, serotonin and histamine; IFZN 20 and 30 mg/kg were found to have highly significant anti-nociceptive effects. Result of pharmacological studies indicated that IFZN is a potent and efficacious analgesic agent. The analgesic activity of IFZN is mediated by the peripheral as well as central pathways.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica circularis: a neuropharmacological profile

CONTEXT

The genus Urtica has been known since ancient times. It has known to be useful for the treatment of different human ailments.

OBJECTIVE

The present work evaluated the neuropharmacological effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica circularis (Hicken) Sorarú (Urticaceae). materials and method: The effect on central nervous system of U. circularis hydroalcoholic extract (from leaves and stems) administered by the intraperitoneal route in mice was evaluated by several tests: Pentobarbital- and midazolam-induced hypnosis, open field, hole board, elevated plus-maze and forced swimming. Phytochemical analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

A total of 300 mg/kg i.p. of the extract produced a significant prolongation of pentobarbital- (40 mg/kg i.p.; 60.1 min versus 25.4 min) and midazolam- (50 mg/kg i.v.; 53.4 min versus 25.1 min) induced sleeping time. The extract's administration caused a marked reduction of the head-dipping response (DE50: 373 mg/kg i.p.) in the hole-board test. Urtica circularis extract (DE50: 46 mg/kg i.p.) reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity in the open field test. Flumazenil and atropine significantly antagonized the extract's effect on the locomotor activity. No motor coordination disturbance was observed in the rota rod test at any doses. In the forced swimming test, the extract did not produce any change in the immobility time and it had no significant effects in elevated plus maze test. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, vicenin-2, p-cumaric acid, ferulic acid, vitexin and isovitexin.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that U. circularis hydroalcoholic extract possesses sedative activity, facilitating GABAergic and cholinergic transmission.

Cyclopeptide alkaloids from Scutia buxifolia Reiss

Scutianene E (1), 3,4,28-tris-epi-scutiaene E (2), 28-epi-scutianene E (3) and scutianene L (4), four neutral cyclopeptide alkaloids, were isolated from Scutia buxifolia Reiss, together with four known cyclopeptide alkaloids, scutianines B, C, D and E. Scutianenes 1-3 are diastereoisomeric compounds, with 3-hydroxyleucine as a β-hydroxy amino acid unit, which is connected to the styryl fragment via an ether bridge, β-phenylserine, as a common ring-bonded amino acid residue. Attached to the amino group of β-hydroxyamino acid is a side chain [trans-CH=CH-Ph]. The structures of the peptides were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis, including extensive 2D NMR studies. The stereochemistry for the diastereomeric 3,4,28-tris-epi-scutiaene E and 28-epi-scutianene E was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis of their O-acetyl derivatives.

Sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of the ethanol fraction from Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparatum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparatum is the product of raw Rhizoma Pinellia processed with alkaline solution and Licorice, which had been widely used for treatment of insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of ethanol fraction from Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparatum (EFRP) and to determine whether these effects were related to GABAergic mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of EFRP were investigated with locomotion activity, pentobarbital-induced sleeping and nikethamide (NKTM)-induced convulsion tests, respectively. Additionally, the effects of flumazenil (an antagonist of GABA(A) receptor) and L-malic acid (blocker of synthetic enzyme for GABA) on the hypnotic activity of EFRP were evaluated.

RESULTS

EFRP at dose of 12 g/kg significantly inhibited the locomotion activity of mice. EFRP showed synergic effect on pentobarbital-induced sleeping by increased numbers of mice falling asleep, reduced the sleep latency and prolonged the sleeping time. L-malic acid and flumazenil inhibited the augment effects of EFRP on pentobarbital-induced sleeping. EFRP promoted a significant protection to NKTM-induced convulsion, by prolonged the death latency and decreased mortality.

CONCLUSION

EFRP possessed sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities and these activities may be related to the GABAergic system.

Interference of Thai traditional medicine (Yahom Ampanthong) on hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes and pentobarbital-induced sleeping in mice

Yahom Ampanthong, a Thai traditional medicine, is commonly used for treatment of nausea, vomiting and syncope. Its formula is composed of more than 10 medicinal plants. Currently, the herbal-drug interactions were reported among the case of co-administration of traditional and Western medicines, since cytochrome P450 enzymes involve in drug metabolism and affect the drug action. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Yahom extracts on hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes and pentobarbital-induced sleeping in mice. Powder of Yahom Ampanthong was extracted with three different solvents, i.e., dichloromethane, methanol and distilled water. The activities of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2B, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 were determined after the administration of Yahom extracts for 4 weeks. All three extracts significantly inhibited CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2E1 activities. In contrast, only dichloromethane and methanol extracts enhanced CYP2B activity. However, all three extracts did not affect CYP3A4 activity. When compared to the control group, the dichloromethane extract-treated animals showed shorter pentobarbital-induced sleeping time after treatment for 1 and 4 weeks. In conclusion, Yahom Ampanthong extracts modulated hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 activities and decreased the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Therefore, the concomitant administration of Yahom with certain drugs may give rise to the herbal-drug interaction, which may affect the clinical implication of drug actions.

Hypnotic effect of jujubosides from Semen Ziziphi Spinosae

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, the seed of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (bunge) Hu ex H.F. Chow has been widely used in treating insomnia and anxiety.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we investigated the hypnotic effect of jujubosides, one of the major components (saponin) of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, in both day and night period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After the administration of jujubosides (9 mg/kg once per day for 3 days), sleep parameters were examined by EEG and EMG analysis in normal rats and the action of jujubosides on pentobarbital-induced sleep assessed by the loss-of righting reflex.

RESULTS

During daytime (9:00-15:00), jujubosides significantly increased the total sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without significant influence on non-REM (NREM) sleep. During nighttime (21:00-3:00), jujubosides significantly increased the total sleep and NREM sleep especially the light sleep while showed no significant effect on REM sleep and slow wave sleep (SWS). In pentobarbital-treated mice, jujubosides significantly augmented the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital (45 mg/kg, i.p.), proved by increasing sleep time and this augmentative effect was potentiated by 5-hydroxytryptophan (2mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, jujubosides inhibited the para-chlorophenylalanine-induced suppression of pentobarbital-induced hypnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that the hypnotic effect of jujubosides on normal rats may be influenced by circadian rhythm and the serotonergic system may involve in the hypnotic effect of jujubosides. Jujubosides may be good source of lead compounds for novel hypnotics.

Effects on the expression of GABAA receptor subunits by jujuboside A treatment in rat hippocampal neurons

AIM OF STUDY

To determine the effect of jujuboside A (JuA) in modulating the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A)) receptor subunits gene expression of hippocampal neurons at different terms in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hippocampal neurons of rat were cultured in vitro, treated with JuA or diazepam (DZP). Then GABA(A) receptor mRNAs were evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

JuA at the low dose of 41 microM (about 0.05 g/l) induced significant increase of GABA(A) receptor alpha1, alpha5, beta2 subunit mRNAs in both 24 and 72h treatments. JuA at the high dose of 82 microM (about 0.1g/l) significantly increased GABA(A) receptor alpha1, alpha5 subunit mRNA levels and decreased beta2 subunit mRNA level at 24h treatment, and decreased GABA(A) receptor subunit alpha1, beta2 mRNAs expression at 72h treatment. DZP of 10 microM significantly increased expression of GABA(A) receptor subunit alpha1, alpha5 and decreased expression of beta2 at 24h treatment, and decreased alpha1, alpha5, beta2 subunits gene expression at 72h treatment.

CONCLUSION

Differences in alterations in GABA(A) receptor subunit mRNAs expression following JuA and DZP treatments could help to explain the differences in the pharmacological action of the two drugs.

Obovatol isolated from Magnolia obovata enhances pentobarbital-induced sleeping time: Possible involvement of GABAA receptors/chloride channel activation

This study aimed to investigate the effects of obovatol isolated from Magnolia obovata on pentobarbital-induced sleeping behaviors and to determine whether these effects were mediated by GABA(A) receptors/chloride channel activation, using a western blot technique and Cl(-) sensitive fluorescence probe. GABA(A) receptors subunits expression and chloride influx were investigated in cultured cerebellar granule cells. Obovatol (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/kg) prolonged the sleeping time induced by pentobarbital (42 mg/kg). In addition, obovatol (20 and 50 microM) significantly increased Cl(-) influx in the primary cultured cerebellar granule cells. Moreover, obovatol increased the expression of GABA(A) receptor alpha-, beta-, and gamma-subunits. However, it had no effect on the abundance of the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), suggesting that obovatol might not activate GAD. These results suggest that obovatol potentiates pentobarbital-induced sleeping time through the GABA(A) receptors/chloride channel activation.

Methanol extract of Longanae Arillus augments pentobarbital-induced sleep behaviors through the modification of GABAergic systems

This experiment was performed to investigate whether methanol extract of Longanae Arillus (MELA) has hypnotic effects and/or enhances pentobarbital-induced sleep behaviors through the GABAergic systems. MELA prolonged sleep time and reduced sleep latency induced by pentobarbital similar to muscimol, a GABAA receptors agonist. MELA also increased sleep rate and sleep time in the combined administration with pentobarbital at the sub-hypnotic dosage and showed synergic effects with muscimol in potentiating sleep onset and enhancing sleep time induced by pentobarbital. However, MELA itself did not induce sleep at higher dose which was used in this experiment. In addition, both of MELA and pentobarbital increased chloride influx in primary cultured cerebellar granule cells. MELA increased GABAA receptors gamma-subunit expression and had no effect on the expression of alpha- and beta-subunits, and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in primary cultured cerebellar granule cells, showing different expression of subunits from pentobarbital. In conclusion, MELA itself does not induce sleep, but it augments pentobarbital-induced sleep behaviors through the modification of GABAergic systems.