Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of sophocarpine

Natural products as the therapeutic strategies for addiction

World Drug Report 2023 concluded that 296 million people abused drugs, 39.5 million became addiction and 494,000 died as a direct or indirect result of addiction. Addiction has become a growing problem that affects individuals, their families, societies, countries and even the world. However, treatment for addiction is only limited to some developed countries because of the high cost, difficult implementation, and time consuming. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a low-cost, effective drug for the development of addiction treatment in more countries, which is essential for the stability and sustainable development of the world. In this review, it provided an overview of the abuse of common addictive drugs, related disorders, and current therapeutic regimen worldwide, and summarized the mechanisms of drug addiction as reward circuits, neuroadaptation and plasticity, cognitive decision-making, genetics, and environment. According to their chemical structure, 43 natural products and 5 herbal combinations with potential to treat addiction were classified, and their sources, pharmacological effects and clinical trials were introduced. It was also found that mitragine, ibogine, L-tetrahydropalmatine and crocin had greater potential for anti-addiction.

A review on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of sophocarpine

Sophocarpine is a natural compound that belongs to the quinolizidine alkaloid family, and has a long history of use and widespread distribution in traditional Chinese herbal medicines such as Sophora alopecuroides L., Sophora flavescens Ait., and Sophora subprostrata. This article aims to summarize the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of sophocarpine, evaluate its potential pharmacological effects in various diseases, and propose the necessity for further research and evaluation to promote its clinical application. A large number of studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, antiparasitic, anticancer, endocrine regulatory, and organ-protective effects as it modulates various signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and AMPK pathways. The distribution of sophocarpine in the body conforms to a two-compartment model, and sophocarpine can be detected in various tissues with a relatively short half-life. Although the pharmacological effects of sophocarpine have been confirmed, toxicity and safety assessments and reports on molecular mechanisms of its pharmacological actions have been limited. Given its significant pharmacological effects and potential clinical value, further research and evaluation are needed to promote the clinical application of sophocarpine.

A randomized controlled trial on the seeds of Sophora alopecuroides var. alopecuroides for the treatment of acute heroin withdrawal syndrome

BACKGROUND

and purpose: The seeds of Sophora alopecuroides var. alopecuroides have attenuated the acute opium withdrawal syndrome in humans. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of a standardized extract of the plant for the treatment of acute heroin withdrawal syndrome was evaluated in abstinent heroin addicts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients were randomized to take three 400 mg extract capsules (N = 50) or placebo (N = 50) once per day orally for eight days. The severity of withdrawal syndrome was assessed by the clinical opiate withdrawal scale (COWS) as the primary outcome measure at the baseline and on the days 3 and 8. The hepatic and renal functions and complete blood count were the secondary outcome measures tested at the baseline and end of the study.

RESULTS

The COWS score decreased in both groups after eight days, but the decrease was significantly higher in the experimental group (p < 0.001); the effect size of the decrease was 2.64. The groups had significant differences in the COWS scores on the days 3 and 8 (p < 0.001 for both). The extract had no significant effect on the other parameters. No side effect was noted.

CONCLUSION

The extract seems to alleviate acute heroin withdrawal syndrome safely.

The biological activities of quinolizidine alkaloids

Quinolizidine alkaloids isolated from various marine and terrestrial animals and plants are primarily composed of lupinine-, matrine-, and sparteine-type alkaloids. Matrine, phenanthroquinolizidines, bis-quinolizidines, and small molecules from amphibian skins are representative compounds of such alkaloids. Quinolizidine alkaloids harbor anticancer, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antifibrosis, antiviral, and anti-arrhythmia. In this chapter, we comprehensively outline the biological activity and pharmacological action of quinolizidine alkaloids and discuss new avenues toward the discovery of novel and more efficient drugs based on these naturally occurring compounds. It is urgent for basic research and clinical practice to conduct more targeted comprehensive research based on the lead drugs of quinolizidine alkaloids with significant pharmacological activity.

Can Natural Products Targeting EMT Serve as the Future Anticancer Therapeutics?

Cancer is the leading cause of death and has remained a big challenge for the scientific community. Because of the growing concerns, new therapeutic regimens are highly demanded to decrease the global burden. Despite advancements in chemotherapy, drug resistance is still a major hurdle to successful treatment. The primary challenge should be identifying and developing appropriate therapeutics for cancer patients to improve their survival. Multiple pathways are dysregulated in cancers, including disturbance in cellular metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, or epigenetic alterations. Over the last two decades, natural products have been a major research interest due to their therapeutic potential in various ailments. Natural compounds seem to be an alternative option for cancer management. Natural substances derived from plants and marine sources have been shown to have anti-cancer activity in preclinical settings. They might be proved as a sword to kill cancerous cells. The present review attempted to consolidate the available information on natural compounds derived from plants and marine sources and their anti-cancer potential underlying EMT mechanisms.

Scutellaria petiolata Hemsl. ex Lace & Prain (Lamiaceae).: A New Insight in Biomedical Therapies

The recent investigation was designed to explore Scutellaria petiolata Hemsl. ex Lace & Prain (Lamiaceae) whole plant in various extracts (methanol (SPM), dichloromethane (SPDCM), n-Hexane (SPNH), and aqueous (SPAQ) for a phytochemicals assessment, ESI-LC-MS chemical analysis, in vitro antimicrobials, and antioxidants and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. The qualitative detection shows that all the representative groups were present in the analyzed samples. The examined samples display the greatest amount of total flavonoid content (TFC, 78.2 ± 0.22 mg QE/mg) and total phenolic contents (TPC, 66.2 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g) in the SPM extract. The SPM extract proceeded to the ESI-LC-MS to identify the chemical constituents that presented nineteen bioactive ingredients, depicted for the first time from S. petiolata mainly contributed by flavonoids. The analyzed samples produced considerable capability to defy the microbes. The SPM extract was observed effective and offered an appreciable zone of inhibition (ZOI), 17.8 ± 0.04 mm against the bacterial strain Salmonellatyphi and 18.8 ± 0.04 mm against Klebsiella pneumonia. Moreover, the SPM extract also exhibited 19.4 ± 0.01 mm against the bacterial strains Bacillus atrophaeus and 18.8 ± 0.04 mm against Bacillus subtilis in comparison to the standard levofloxacin (Gram-negative) and erythromycin (Gram-positive) bacterial strains that displayed 23.6 ± 0.02 mm and 23.2 ± 0.05 mm ZOI, correspondingly. In addition to that, the SPD fraction was noticed efficiently against the fungal strains used with ZOI 19.07 ± 0.02 mm against Aspergillus parasiticus and 18.87 ± 0.04 mm against the Aspergillus niger as equated to the standard with 21.5 ± 0.02 mm ZOI. In the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) analysis, the SPM extract had the maximum scavenging capacity with IC₅₀ of 78.75 ± 0.19 µg/mL succeeded by the SPDCM fraction with an IC₅₀ of 140.50 ± 0.20 µg/mL free radicals scavenging potential. Through the ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay, the similar extract (SPM) presented an IC₅₀ = 85.91 ± 0.24 µg/mL followed by the SPDCM fractions with IC₅₀ = 182.50 ± 0.35 µg/mL, and n-Hexane fractions were reported to be the least active between the tested samples in comparison to ascorbic acid of IC₅₀ = 67.14 ± 0.25 µg/mL for DPPH and IC₅₀ of 69.96 ± 0.18 µg/mL for ABTS assay. In the in vivo activities, the SPM extract was the most effective with 55.14% inhibition as compared to diclofenac sodium with 70.58% inhibition against animals. The same SPM crude extract with 50.88% inhibition had the most analgesic efficacy as compared to aspirin having 62.19% inhibition. Hence, it was assumed from our results that all the tested samples, especially the SPM and SPDCM extracts, have significant capabilities for the investigated activities that could be due to the presence of the bioactive compounds. Further research is needed to isolate the responsible chemical constituents to produce innovative medications.

Drug Candidates for Autoimmune Diseases

Most of the immunosuppressive drugs used in the clinic to prevent organ rejection or to treat autoimmune disorders were originally isolated from fungi or bacteria. Therefore, in addition to plants, these are valuable sources for identification of new potent drugs. Many side effects of established drugs limit their usage and make the identification of new immunosuppressants necessary. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of natural products with potent anti-inflammatory activities that have been tested successfully in different models of chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Some of these candidates already have passed first clinical trials. The anti-inflammatory potency of these natural products was often comparable to those of established drugs, and they could be used at least in addition to standard therapy to reduce their dose to minimize unwanted side effects. A frequent mode of action is the inhibition of classical inflammatory signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, in combination with downregulation of oxidative stress. A drawback for the therapeutic use of those natural products is their moderate bioavailability, which can be optimized by chemical modifications and, in addition, further safety studies are necessary. Altogether, very interesting candidate compounds exist which have the potential to serve as starting points for the development of new immunosuppressive drugs.

Thesium chinense Turcz.: An ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thesium chinense Turcz. has been used to treat mastitis, pulmonitis, tonsillitis, iaryngopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections in the indigenous medicine of China for a long history. Presently, several pharmaceutics prepared by this medical herb have been clinically used for the therapy of infectious diseases.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to comprehensively summarize the current researches on the ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of T. chinense, and discuss their possible opportunities for the future research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extensive database searches, including Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar and China Knowledge Resource Integrated, were performed using keywords such as 'Thesium chinense', 'Bai Rui Cao', and their chemical constituents. In addition, local classic herbal literature on ethnopharmacology and relevant textbooks were consulted to provide a comprehensive survey of this ethnomedicine.

RESULTS

Thirty four chemical constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, have been identified from T. chinense. Of which, flavonoids are the predominant and characteristic constituents. The crude extracts, the purified constituents, and commercial available pharmaceutics have displayed diverse in vitro and in vivo pharmacological functions (e.g. anti-inflammation, antimicrobial activity, analgesic effect, hepaprotection), and are particularly useful as a potential therapeutic agent against inflammation-related diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

T. chinense is an important ethnomedical medicine and possesses a satisfying effect for treating inflammation, microbial infection, and upper respiratory diseases. It has received plenty of researches on its phytochemical and pharmacological aspects since 1970s. These findings definitely establish the link between chemical composition and pharmacological application, and support the ethnomedical use of T. chinense in the indigenous medicine of China. However, chemical composition of this plant and the molecular mechanisms of purified constituents have not been comprehensively investigated, and thus the trace constituents and the therapeutic targets of bioactive constituents deserve a further exploration. Collectively, the researchers should pay more attention to a better understanding and application of this ethnomedical plant.

Neuronal Apoptosis Preventive Potential of Sophocarpine via Suppression of Aβ-Accumulation and Down-Regulation of Inflammatory Response

In the current study sophocarpine was investigated in vitro for prevention of β-amyloid induced PC12 neuronal cell damage. Exposure to β-amyloid caused a dose-dependent suppression in growth of PC12 cells with maximum reduction at 10 μM. Sophocarpine pre-treatment reversed suppressive effect of β-amyloid (10 μM) on PC12 cell growth in concentration-based manner. In sophocarpine pre-treated PC12 cells the β-amyloid mediated PGE2 level elevation was attenuated significantly at 0.25-2 μM doses. Moreover, in sophocarpine pretreated PC12 cells the β-amyloid mediated promotion of COX-2 level was also inhibited. Sophocarpine pre-treatment attenuated iNOS expression in β-amyloid exposed PC12 cells at 0.25-2 μM doses. Pre-treatment of PC12 cells with sophocarpine suppressed NO-species generation induced by β-amyloid exposure. In sophocarpine pretreated PC12 cells elevation of nuclear NF-κB expression induced by β-amyloid was significantly inhibited. In summary, sophocarpine prevents reduction of PC12 cell growth induced by β-amyloid exposure via inhibition of inflammatory processes. The preventive effect of sophocarpine on β-amyloid induced PC12 cell damage is associated with inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation. Therefore, sophocarpine may be used for treatment of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

Synthesis of sophocarpine triflorohydrazone and its proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction activity in myeloma cells through Notch3-p53 signaling activation

Multiple myeloma is indicated by the presence of excessive monoclonal plasma cells in bone marrow, which result in the formation of osteolytic lesions. The present study investigated SCA as anti-proliferative agent for myeloma cells and explored the mechanism associated. Effect of SCA on viabilities of KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells was evaluated by MTT assay and apoptotic ratio using flow cytometry. Protein expression was investigated by western blotting and expression of genes related to Notch3-p53 signaling axis using RT-PCR assay. Increase in SCA concentration caused a significant (P < .01) reduction in KRASA12 and AMO-1 cell viability. The KRASA12 and AMO-1 cell viabilities were reduced to 29% and 21%, respectively on treatment with 21 μM doses of SCA. SCA treatment of KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells significantly (P < .05) increased apoptosis compared with untreated cells. The Bcl-2 (26 kDa) protein expression was reduced whereas the Bax (21 kDa) and cleaved caspase-3 levels elevated in SCA treated KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells. Treatment with SCA significantly promoted Hes1, p53 (53 kDa) and Hey1 mRNA expression in KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells. Treatment of KRASA12 and AMO-1 cells with SCA led to a marked reduction in Notch3 protein expression. SCA inhibits KRASA12 and AMO-1 myeloma cell proliferation by promoting pro-apoptotic proteins. Moreover, SCA treatment suppressed Hes1 and Hey1 mRNA expression and targeted Notch3 expression. Therefore, SCA may be studied further for development of treatment for myeloma.

Sophocarpine can enhance the inhibiting effect of oxaliplatin on colon cancer liver metastasis-in vitro and in vivo

To determine whether sophocarpine (SC) can enhance the inhibiting effect of oxaliplatin on colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis (CRCLM)-in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effect of SC and/or oxaliplatin on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC cells was determined by CCK-8, MTT, wound healing migration, and transwell assay. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of SC and/or oxaliplatin on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Nude mouse models of human CRCLM were established to test the anti-metastasis effect of SC and oxaliplatin in the single or combined form. SC exerted an inhibitory effect on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo. The combination index of SC and oxaliplatin was 0.58. In addition, the inhibitory effect of SC in combination with oxaliplatin was found to be significantly stronger compared with that mediated by either SC or oxaliplatin alone, suggesting that SC can effectively enhance the inhibitory effect of oxaliplatin on CRCLM both in vitro and in vivo. SC was also revealed to reverse EMT process in cell lines and tissues, as reflected by the observed downregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin expression and the upregulation of E-cadherin expression. Taken together, data from the present study suggest that SC administration can inhibit CRC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT, while enhancing the inhibitory effects of oxaliplatin both in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicate (that) SC to be a promising anti-metastasis agent for CRCLM.

Sophocarpine Attenuates Cognitive Impairment and Promotes Neurogenesis in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by abnormal deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and impaired neurogenesis and cognition, still lacks an optimally effective therapeutic agent for its management, and mounting evidence has shown that inflammatory processes are implicated in AD. Sophocarpine has been reported to exert inflammation-regulating effects in various diseases. However, whether sophocarpine can exert anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects in AD remains unclear. This study investigated whether sophocarpine could ameliorate the pathological features and potential mechanisms in a mouse AD model.

METHODS

APP/PS1 mice were treated with sophocarpine for 8 weeks. We quantified the effects of sophocarpine treatment on cognitive performance using a behavioral test. Brain Aβ deposits and neurogenesis were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. We also assessed the morphology and inflammatory changes induced by sophocarpine administration and its expression in the hippocampus.

RESULTS

Administration of sophocarpine significantly alleviated cognitive impairment and reduced neural loss. APP/PS1 mice treated with sophocarpine showed reduced Aβ plaque deposits and enhanced neurogenesis. Sophocarpine markedly decreased the expression of inflammation markers and inhibited microglial activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Sophocarpine could potentially alleviate cognitive impairment and brain damage in APP/PS1 mice with its neuroprotective effects via modulation of the inflammatory pathway.

Phytochemical Information and Biological Activities of Quinolizidine Alkaloids in Sophora: A Comprehensive Review

Quinolizidine alkaloids, a main form of alkaloids found in the genus Sophora, have been shown to have many pharmacological effects. This review aims to summarize the photochemical reports and biological activities of quinolizidine alkaloids in Sophora. The collected information suggested that a total of 99 quinolizidine alkaloids were isolated and detected from different parts of Sophora plants, represented by lupinine-type, cytisine-type, sparteine-type, and matrine-type. However, quality control needs to be monitored because it could provide basic information for the reasonable and efficient use of quinolizidine alkaloids as medicines and raw materials. The nonmedicinal parts may be promising to be used as a source of quinolizidine alkaloid raw materials and to reduce the waste of resources and environmental pollution. In addition, the diversity of chemical compounds based on the alkaloid scaffold to make a biological compound library needs to be extended, which may reduce toxicity and find new bioactivities of quinolizidine alkaloids. The bioactivities most reported are in the fields of antitumor activity along with the effects on the cardiovascular system. However, those studies rely on theoretical research, and novel drugs based on quinolizidine alkaloids are expected.

Targeting miRNAs by natural products: A new way for cancer therapy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through mRNA degradation or translation inhibition. MiRNAs play important roles in a variety of biological processes, and dysregulation of miRNA expression is highly associated with cancer development. Individual miRNA regulates multiple gene expressions, enabling them to regulate multiple cellular signaling pathways simultaneously. Hence, miRNAs could be served as cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, and also therapeutic targets. Recently, more and more evidences showed that natural products such as paclitaxel, curcumin, resveratrol, genistein or epigallocatechin-3-gallate exert their anti-proliferative and/or pro-apoptotic effects through regulating one or more miRNAs, leading to the inhibition of cancer cell growth, induction of apoptosis or enhancement of conventional cancer therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we outlined the recent advances in the regulation of miRNAs expression by the natural products and highlight the importance of these natural drugs as a potential strategy in cancer treatment. This review will help us better understand how natural products modulate miRNAs and contribute to the development of effective and safe natural drugs for therapeutic purposes.

Sophora alopecuroides L.: An ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sophora alopecuroides L., which is called Kudouzi in China, is a medicinal plant distributed in Western and Central Asia, especially in China, and has been used for decades to treat fever, bacterial infection, heart disease, rheumatism, and gastrointestinal diseases.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to provide up-to-date information on S. alopecuroides, including its botanical characterization, medicinal resources, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological research, and toxicology, in exploring future therapeutic and scientific potentials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information related to this article was systematically collected from the scientific literature databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, published books, PhD and MS dissertations, and other web sources, such as the official website of Flora of China and Yao Zhi website (https://db.yaozh.com/).

RESULTS

A total of 128 compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and polysaccharides, were isolated from S. alopecuroides. Among these compounds, the effects of alkaloids, such as matrine and oxymatrine, were extensively studied and developed into new drugs. S. alopecuroides and its active components had a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and neuroprotective functions, as well as protective properties against pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac fibroblast proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

As an important traditional Chinese medicine, modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that S. alopecuroides has prominent bioactivities, especially on gynecological inflammation and hepatitis B, and anticancer activities. These activities provide prospects for novel drug development for cancer and some chronic diseases. Nevertheless, the comprehensive evaluation, quality control, understanding of the multitarget network pharmacology, long-term in vivo toxicity, and clinical efficacy of S. alopecuroides require further detailed research.

Quinolizidine alkaloids derivatives from Sophora alopecuroides Linn: Bioactivities, structure-activity relationships and preliminary molecular mechanisms

Quinolizidine alkaloids, as essential active ingredients extracted from Sophora alopecuroides Linn, have been well concerned in the past several decades owing to the unique structural features and numerous pharmacological activities. Quinolizidine alkaloids consist of matrine, oxymatrine, sophoridine, sophocarpine and aloperine etc. Additionally, quinolizidine alkaloids exert various excellent activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, anti-virus and anti-arrhythmia regulations. In this review, we comprehensively clarify the pharmacological activities of quinolizidine alkaloids, as well as the relationship between biological function and structure-activity of substituted quinolizidine alkaloids. We believe that biological agents based on the pharmacological functions of quinolizidine alkaloids could be well applied in clinical practice.

Optimizing pH-sensitive and time-dependent polymer formula of colonic pH-responsive pellets to achieve precise drug release

Time-sensitive and pH-dependent polymers are generally employed to prepare colon-site delivery system, and their coating thickness and order are very important in controlling the drug release. The traditional colon-site delivery systems consist of time-dependent polymers as inner layer and pH-sensitive polymers as outer layer. However, they suffer from low drug-loading rate and immature drug release. In this study, total alkaloids of sophora alopecuroides(TASA)-loaded pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization method and coated with Eudragit RS30D and Eudragit S100. Pellets using Eudragit RS30D as inner layer and Eudragit S100 as outer layer were named as ERS-ES100 TCO, while pellets with Eudragit S100 as inner layer and Eudragit RS30D as outer layer were ES100-ERS NCO. Both types of formulations with varying coating ratios and orders of Eudragit S100 and Eudragit RS30D were designed and prepared. The following in vitro drug release and SEM studies indicated that ERS-ES100 TCO(F2) with 12.8% Eudragit RS30D as inner layer and 21% Eudragit S100 as outer layer released up to 42% drug in 5 h. Interestingly, ES100-ERS NCO (F4) coated with 12.8% Eudragit S100 and 14.8% Eudragit RS30D showed optimal drug release in colon. In conclusion, ES100-ERS NCO colonic delivery system achieved reduced coating thickness and improved colonic targeting compared with traditional delivery system (ERS-ES100 TCO). In addition, the similarity factors (f2 ) value of sophoridine and matrine for investigated formulation were within 50-100 and > 80, demonstrating that sophoridine and matrine in all formulations achieved a synchronous release.

In vitro inhibitory effects of sophocarpine on human liver cytochrome P450 enzymes

1. Sophocarpine is a biologically active component isolated from the foxtail-like sophora herb and seed that is often orally administered for the treatment of cancer and chronic bronchial asthma. However, whether sophocarpine affects the activity of human liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes remains unclear. 2. In this study, the inhibitory effects of sophocarpine on the eight human liver CYP isoforms (CYP1A2, 3A4, 2A6, 2E1, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19, and 2C8) were investigated in vitro using human liver microsomes (HLMs). 3. The results indicate that sophocarpine could inhibit the activity of CYP3A4 and 2C9, with the IC₅₀ values of 12.22 and 15.96 μM, respectively, but that other CYP isoforms were not affected. Enzyme kinetic studies showed that sophocarpine is not only a noncompetitive inhibitor of CYP3A4 but also a competitive inhibitor of CYP2C9, with K_i values of 6.74 and 9.19 μM, respectively. Also, sophocarpine is a time-dependent inhibitor of CYP3A4 with K_inact/K_I value of 0.082/21.54 μM^-1min^-1. 4. The in vitro studies of sophocarpine with CYP isoforms suggested that sophocarpine has the potential to cause pharmacokinetic drug interactions with other co-administered drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 and 2C9. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate the significance of this interaction.

Sophocarpine Attenuates LPS-Induced Liver Injury and Improves Survival of Mice through Suppressing Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis

Septic liver injury/failure that is mainly characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis led to a great part of terminal liver pathology with limited effective intervention. Here, we used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation model to simulate the septic liver injury and investigated the effect of sophocarpine on LPS-stimulated mice with endotoxemia. We found that sophocarpine increases the survival rate of mice and attenuates the LPS-induced liver injury, which is indicated by pathology and serum liver enzymes. Further research found that sophocarpine ameliorated hepatic oxidative stress indicators (H₂O₂, O₂^∙−, and NO) and enhanced the expression of antioxidant molecules such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). In addition, sophocarpine also attenuated regional and systematic inflammation and further reduced apoptosis of hepatocytes. Mechanistic evidence was also investigated in the present study as sophocarpine inhibited hepatic expression of the CYP2E/Nrf2 pathway during oxidative stress, inactivated p38/JNK cascade and NF-κB pathway, and, meanwhile, suppressed PI3K/AKT signaling that reduced apoptosis. Conclusively, the present study unveiled the protective role of sophocarpine in LPS-stimulated oxidative reaction, inflammation, and apoptosis by suppressing the CYP2E/Nrf2/ROS as well as PI3K/AKT pathways, suggesting its promising role in attenuating inflammation and liver injury of septic endotoxemia.

Sophocarpine attenuates wear particle-induced implant loosening by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption via suppression of the NF-κB signalling pathway in a rat model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Aseptic prosthesis loosening, caused by wear particles, is one of the most common causes of arthroplasty failure. Extensive and over-activated osteoclast formation and physiological functioning are regarded as the mechanism of prosthesis loosening. Therapeutic modalities based on inhibiting osteoclast formation and bone resorption have been confirmed to be an effective way of preventing aseptic prosthesis loosening. In this study, we have investigated the effects of sophocarpine (SPC, derived from Sophora flavescens) on preventing implant loosening and further explored the underlying mechanisms.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The effects of SPC in inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption were evaluated in osteoclast formation, induced in vitro by the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). A rat femoral particle-induced peri-implant osteolysis model was established. Subsequently, micro-CT, histology, mechanical testing and bone turnover were used to assess the effects of SPC in preventing implant loosening.

KEY RESULTS

In vitro, we found that SPC suppressed osteoclast formation, bone resorption, F-actin ring formation and osteoclast-associated gene expression by inhibiting NF-κB signalling, specifically by targeting IκB kinases. Our in vivo study showed that SPC prevented particle-induced prosthesis loosening by inhibiting osteoclast formation, resulting in reduced periprosthetic bone loss, diminished pseudomembrane formation, improved bone-implant contact, reduced bone resorption-related turnover and enhanced stability of implants. Inhibition of NF-κB signalling by SPC was confirmed in vivo.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

SPC can prevent implant loosening through inhibiting osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Thus, SPC might be a novel therapeutic agent to prevent prosthesis loosening and for osteolytic diseases.

Targeting miR-21 with Sophocarpine Inhibits Tumor Progression and Reverses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Head and Neck Cancer

A major challenge for cancer chemotherapy is the development of safe and clinically effective chemotherapeutic agents. With its low toxicity profile, sophocarpine (SC), a naturally occurring tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid derived from Sophora alopecuroides L, has shown promising therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and antivirus activities. However, the antitumor efficacy of SC and its underlying mechanisms have not been completely delineated. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of SC on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression and possible mechanisms for this effect involving microRNA-21 (miR-21) regulation were investigated. By cell viability, Transwell, and wound healing assays, we show that SC effectively inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration of HNSCC cells. Moreover, SC exerted its growth-inhibitory effect via the downregulation of miR-21 expression by blocking Dicer-mediated miR-21 maturation. Furthermore, SC treatment led to the increased expression of PTEN and p38MAPK phosphorylation as well as the reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which was rescued by ectopic expression of miR-21 in cells. Notably, SC dramatically repressed tumor growth without observable tissue cytotoxicity in a mouse xenograft model of HNSCC. Our findings offer a preclinical proof of concept for SC as a leading natural agent for HNSCC cancer therapy.

Sophocarpine Protects Mice from ConA-Induced Hepatitis via Inhibition of the IFN-Gamma/STAT1 Pathway

Sophocarpine is the major pharmacologically active compound of the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Radix Sophorae Subprostratae which has been used in treating hepatitis for years in China. It has been demonstrated that Sophocarpine exerts an activity in immune modulation and significantly decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines. However, the protective effects of Sophocarpine in T cell-dependent immune hepatitis remained unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects and pharmacological mechanisms of Sophocarpine on Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis, an experimental model of T cell-mediated liver injury. BALB/C mice were pretreated with Sophocarpine or Bicyclol for five consecutive days. Thirty minutes after the final administration, the mice were injected with 15 mg⋅kg^-1 of ConA intravenously. The results indicated that pretreatment with Sophocarpine significantly ameliorated liver inflammation and injury as evidenced by both biochemical and histopathological observations. Moreover, in Sophocarpine-pretreated mice, liver messenger RNA expression levels of chemokines and adhesion molecules, such as macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, CXC chemokine ligand 10, and Intercellular adhesion molecule-1, were markedly reduced. Further studies revealed that Sophocarpine significantly downregulated the expression of T-bet via inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription1 (STAT1) activation and overexpression of suppressor of cytokine signaling1, inhibiting the activation of Th1 cells and the expression of Interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Altogether, these results suggest new opportunities to use Sophocarpine in the treatment of T cell-mediated liver disease. In summary, Sophocarpine could attenuate ConA-induced liver injury, and the protective effect of Sophocarpine was associated with its inhibition effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and the IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling pathway.

Volatile constituents and biological activities of the leaf and root of Echinacea species from South Africa

Echinacea is used ethnomedicinally for the treatment of various diseases such as cough, respiratory infections, and bronchitis among other uses in Eastern Cape region of South Africa. This study evaluated the volatile components of the essential oil of the plant, its toxicity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in rodents. Dried leaf and root of the plant were separately processed by hydrodistillation for 4 h and their essential oils (EOs) were collected. Extracted oils were subjected to GC/GC-MS analysis. The essential oil was further evaluated for acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The toxicity profile of the essential oil was evaluated in mice through the oral route (p.o.), and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on the carrageenan-induced edema model in rats at the doses of 100-200 mg/kg, while its analgesic effect was evaluated on the acetic acid-induced writhings model in mice at doses of 100-200 mg/kg. GC/GC-MS analysis of EOs showed that a number of compounds identified in the leaf and root oils were 25 and 31 respectively. The chemical compositions of the oils varied and the major compounds identified in the oils include germacrene D, naphthalene, caryophyllene oxide, α-phellandrene and α-cadinol. The essential root oil did not cause mortality at the highest dose of 5000 mg/kg; hence, its LD50 was estimated to be ⩾5000 mg/kg, p.o. The anti-inflammatory test results showed that the essential root oil caused significant (p < 0.05-0.01) reduction in edema size compared to the negative control group on the carrageenan-induced edema and the results for the analgesic test showed that the essential root oil caused significant (p < 0.05) reduction in number of writhings at 1000 mg/kg compared to the negative control group. It is concluded that root and leaf of this Echinacea species contain volatile oils which varied in their yield and chemical compositions. The essential root oil is non-toxic orally and it demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in laboratory animals.

Intestinal transport of sophocarpine across the Caco-2 cell monolayer model and quantification by LC/MS

Sophocarpine is a biologically active component obtained from the foxtail-like sophora herb and seed that is often orally administered for the treatment of cancer and chronic bronchial asthma. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and specific LC/MS method for the determination of sophocarpine and to explore its transcellular transport mechanism across the Caco-2 (the human colon adenocarcia cell lines) monolayer cell transwell model. Caco-2 cells were seeded on permeable polycarbonate membranes and incubated for 21 days. Before the experiment, the trans-epithelial electric resistance, integrity and alkaline phosphatase activity of the Caco-2 monolayers were verified and used in subsequent experiments. In the Caco-2 model constructed, many influencing factors were investigated, including time, concentration, pH and different protein inhibitors. The results suggested that sophocarpine was transported mainly by passive diffusion. The flux of sophocarpine was time- and concentration-dependent, and the pH also had an effect on its transportation. The PappBA was higher than PappAB , indicating that a polarized transport might exist for sophocarpine. MK-571 and reserpine, inhibitors of the multidrug resistance associated protein 2 and the breast cancer resistance protein, decreased the efflux of sophocarpine, while verapamil had no effect on its transport. These results revealed that sophocarpine is absorbed mainly by passive diffusion, and that a carrier-mediated mechanism is also involved in the transport of sophocarpine.

Oral sophocarpine protects rat heart against pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis

CONTEXT

Sophocarpine, a tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid, is one of the most abundant active ingredients in Sophora alopecuroides Linn. (Kudouzi). Sophocarpine injection was found to have significant antiviral effects against coxsackievirus B3 and therapeutic effects for viral myocarditis in the clinic.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the effects of sophocapine on overload-induced cardiac fibrosis and investigated potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a suprarenal abdominal aorta constriction (AC) or sham to induce sustained pressure overload. Six weeks later, rats were randomly assigned to receive sophocapine (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, gavage) or vehicle treatment for an additional 6 weeks. Six weeks after treatment, cardiac dysfunction, cardiac coefficient, cardiac fibrosis, hydroxyproline concentration, and inflammation mediators were examined.

RESULTS

When compared with the model group, the left ventricular weight/body weight decreased by 25.4% and 39.0% in 20 and 40 mg/kg sophocarpine groups, respectively. The beneficial effects were associated with amelioration of left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and left ventricular enddiastolic pressure (LVEDP). Moreover, pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis was attenuated in sophocarpine treated groups. Importantly, sophocarpine (20 and 40 mg/kg) decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, 14.6% and 18.5%; IL-1β, 23.1% and 32.6%), collagen content (27.7% and 50.1%), as well as matrix metalloproteinases-2, 9 (MMP-2, 9) expression (MMP-2, 11.8% and 18.5%; MMP-9, 16.2% and 21.1%). Sophocarpine (40 mg/kg) inhibited IκB-α phosphorylation (19.0%).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that sophocarpine potentially had antifibrotic effects. The mechanism might be due to modulation of the balance between pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and collagen content level as well as MMPs expression via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Sophocarpine attenuates liver fibrosis by inhibiting the TLR4 signaling pathway in rats

AIM: To explore the effect of sophocarpine on experimental liver fibrosis and the potential mechanism involved.

METHODS: Sophocarpine was injected intraperitoneally in two distinct rat hepatic fibrosis models induced either by dimethylnitrosamine or bile duct ligation. Masson’s trichrome staining, Sirius red staining and hepatic hydroxyproline level were used for collagen determination. Primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated and treated with different concentrations of sophocarpine. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA levels of fibrotic markers and cytokines. The expression of pathway proteins was measured by Western blot. The Cell Counting Kit-8 test was used to detect the proliferation rate of activated HSCs treated with a gradient concentration of sophocarpine.

RESULTS: Sophocarpine decreased serum levels of aminotransferases and total bilirubin in rats under chronic insult. Moreover, administration of sophocarpine suppressed extracellular matrix deposition and prevented the development of hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, sophocarpine inhibited the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), interleukin (IL)-6, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and extracellular-related kinase (ERK) in rats. Sophocarpine also down-regulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA, collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and decreased protein levels of TLR4, p-ERK, p-JNK, p-P38 and p-IKK in vitro after Lipopolysaccharide induction. In addition, sophocarpine inhibited the proliferation of HSCs accompanied by a decrease in the expression of Cyclin D1. The protein level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was decreased in activated HSCs following a gradient concentration of sophocarpine.

CONCLUSION: Sophocarpine can alleviate liver fibrosis mainly by inhibiting the TLR4 pathway. Sophocarpine may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for chronic liver diseases.

The natural plant product sophocarpine ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice by regulating cytokine balance

INTRODUCTION

Sophora alopecuroides L., a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, has been widely used for treating enteritis and bacillary dysentery for many years. Sophocarpine is a major ingredient of S. alopecuroides L. and has a wide range of pharmacological effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of sophocarpine for treating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 mice, a well-characterized murine model of ulcerative colitis. Experimental colitis was induced in these mice by dissolving 5% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days and sophocarpine (60, 30, and 15 mg/kg of body weight) and sulfasalazine (520 mg/kg) were administered orally once a day for 7 days.

RESULTS

Sophocarpine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis as identified by a reduced disease activity index and wet weight of colons as well as recovery of body weight. Furthermore, the oral administration of sophocarpine significantly decreased myeloperoxidase activity and the level of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 in serum (P < 0.01), while there was no significant effect on the level of IL-4.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, sophocarpine significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Based upon our results, we suggest that sophocarpine is an effective agent for treating colonic inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of Sipunculus nudus L. extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sipunculus nudus has long been employed as traditional Chinese medicine in folk remedies for the treatment of carbuncles, tuberculosis and nocturia, regulating the functions of stomach and spleen, as well as for the restoration to health in debilities caused by various pathogens and aging. Decoction of Sipunculus nudus has traditionally been used to remedy sternalgia in folk medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activity of the water extract from Sipunculus nudus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The water extract from the body wall of Sipunculus nudus was obtained with the yield of 14.1%. The anti-inflammatory effect in six animal models and anti-nociceptive effect in two animal models of the water extract were evaluated by oral for the study.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with the extract (at the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) produced significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects. At 200 mg/kg dose, the inhibition ratio of the extract on carrageenan-induced rat hind paw oedema, dextran-induced rat paw oedema, cotton pellet granuloma in rats, carrageenan-induced peritonitis and acetic acid-induced vascular permeability were 59.2%, 51.0%, 53.1%, 42.5%, 50.8%, better than that of indomethacin (5 mg/kg) 49.5%, 50%, 44.4%, 37.6%, 46.8%, respectively. The inhibition ratio of the extract (200 mg/kg dose) on xylene-induced mouse ear oedema was 61.5%, lower than 63.7% for indomethacin (5 mg/kg). At 200mg/kg, the extract decreased number of writhing 52.3% in acetic acid-induced writhing model and increased the response latency 25.24% in hot plate test.

CONCLUSIONS

The water extract from the body wall of Sipunculus nudus possesses excellent anti-inflammatory activity as well as peripheral and central analgesic properties.

Anti-inflammatory effects of sophocarpine in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells via NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways

Sophocarpine, a tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid, is one of the most abundant active ingredients in Sophora alopecuroides L. Our previous studies have showed that sophocarpine exerts anti-inflammatory activity in animal models. In the present study, anti-inflammatory mechanisms of sophocarpine were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of sophocarpine was tested. The results indicated that sophocarpine could increase the LDH level and inhibit cell viability up to 800μg/ml, and which was far higher than that of the plasma concentration of sophocarpine in clinical effective dosage. The results also demonstrated that sophocarpine (50 and 100μg/ml) suppressed LPS-stimulated NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These were associated with the decrease of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, sophocarpine inhibited LPS-mediated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation via the prevention of inhibitor κB (IκB) phosphorylation. Sophocarpine had no effect on the LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), whereas it attenuated the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK). Our data suggested that sophocarpine exerted anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, and it might attribute to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expressions via down-regulation of the JNK and p38 MAP kinase signal pathways and inhibition of NF-κB activation.

Appraisal of anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities of ethanol extract of Ilex ficoidea Hemsl and Ilex centrochinensis S.Y. Hu

This study was to appraise the anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities of ethanol extracts of Ilex ficoidea Hemsl (EIFH) and Ilex centrochinensis S.Y. Hu (EICC). Anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using xylene-induced ear edema and the cotton pellet granuloma tests. Some antioxidants produced during chronic inflammation were quantitated and the DPPH, superoxide anion and hydroxyl free radicals scavenging activities in vitro were also investigated. EICC showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect during the acute inflammation and chronic inflammation without any acute oral toxicity. However, EIFH exhibited a negligible anti-acute inflammatory and a moderate anti-chronic inflammatory activity. EICC significantly inhibited the formation of MDA and markedly raised the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. EIFH could reduce the level of MDA and elevate the activity of SOD only at the high dose. The free radical scavenging activities of EICC are higher than that of EIFH. These results suggest that EICC possesses significant anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities. The anti-inflammatory mechanism is attributed, in part, to enhance the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

(6aS,11aR,11cS)-8-Sulfanylidene-2,3,5,6,6a,7,11,11a,11b,11c-decahydro-3a,7a-diaza-1H,4H-benzo[de]anthracen-3a-ium chloride hemihydrate

The title compound, C₁₅H₂₃N₂S⁺·Cl⁻·0.5H₂O, was prepared from (6aS,11aR,11cS)-2,3,5,6,6a,7,11,11a,11b,11c-deca­hydro-3a,7a-diaza-1H,4H-benzo[de]anthracene-8-one (sophocarpine) and Lawesson’s reagent. The thione-substituted ring is in an envelope conformation and the three other six-membered rings are in chair conformations. In the crystal, anions and cations are linked by N—H⋯Cl and weak C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. One 0.5-occupancy solvent water mol­ecule lies on a twofold rotation axis and another 0.25-occupancy solvent water mol­ecule is in a general position. The H atoms of these water mol­ecules were not located or included in the refinement.

Sophocarpine administration preserves myocardial function from ischemia-reperfusion in rats via NF-κB inactivation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sophora alopecuroides L. (the clinical usefulness of compound Kudouzi injection) has been used mainly for the treatment of fever, inflammation, edema and pain. Sophocarpine, a tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid, is one of the most abundant active ingredients in Sophora alopecuroides L. Sophocarpine injection (called the Kangke injection) has been demonstrated to have significant antivirus effects against coxsackievirus B3 and therapeutic effects for viral myocarditis in clinical.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was to evaluate the protective effect of sophocarpine on the inhibition of NF-kappaB (NF-κB) and effect on inflammatory markers during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Myocardial I/R injury was induced by the occlusion of left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 2 h. 2 h after reperfusion was established, the hemodynamics and infarct size were examined. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Expression of NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in ischemic myocardial tissue were assayed by western blot.

RESULTS

Administration of sophocarpine significantly improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size in I/R rat heart in vivo. Furthermore, sophocarpine ameliorated the contents of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNF-α; interleukin-6, IL-6; IL-10), neutrophil infiltration and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Interestingly, sophocarpine also significantly inhibited translocation of NF-κB, which was associated with attenuated phosphorylations of p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK).

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory mediators, infiltration of neutrophil, and MPO were ameliorated via down-regulation of JNK and p38, and inactivation of NF-κB. This might be one of the important mechanisms of sophocarpine that protected myocardial injury from I/R.

Sophocarpine alleviates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one entity in the spectrum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to explore the prevention and therapeutic effect of sophocarpine on experimental rat NASH.

METHODS

Sophocarpine with the dosage of 20 mg/kg/day was injected into NASH rats. At the end of 12 weeks, all rats were killed to detect the degree of fatty degeneration, inflammation and fibrosis.

RESULTS

Sophocarpine intervention (in the pro-treated and treated groups) resulted in a significant decrease of liver weight, liver index, serum transaminase and serum lipids. Messenger RNA expressions of leptin, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, procollagen-I and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and deposition of IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β1 in liver decreased, whereas the messenger RNA expression of adiponectin increased significantly compared with that in the model group. Moreover, histological improvement was also observed in the sophocarpine intervention group. In addition, there was no significant difference in any detected indicator between the pro-treated and treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

Sophocarpine could decrease the level of serum transaminase, improve lipid metabolism, reduce synthesis of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, TGF-β1 and IL-6, activate protective adipocytokine adiponectin, and might be selected as a promising agent for the clinical prevention and therapy of NASH.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 11-O-galloylbergenin

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Current study was designed to explore the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of a constituent isolated from Mallotus philippinensis, in order to validate its folk use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

11-O-galloylbergenin was isolated from ethanolic extract of Mallotus philippinensis. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the test compound were assessed using formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema models.

RESULTS

11-O-galloylbergenin showed significant analgesic activity at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg against formalin test in rats. Similarly, 11-O-galloylbergenin exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model at doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

11-O-galloylbergenin has demonstrated its significant potential to be further investigated for its discovery as a new lead compound for management of pain and inflammation.