Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of Adiantum latifolium Lam.: evidence for a role of IL-1β inhibition

The size diversity of the Pteridaceae family chloroplast genome is caused by overlong intergenic spacers

BACKGROUND

While the size of chloroplast genomes (cpDNAs) is often influenced by the expansion and contraction of inverted repeat regions and the enrichment of repeats, it is the intergenic spacers (IGSs) that appear to play a pivotal role in determining the size of Pteridaceae cpDNAs. This provides an opportunity to delve into the evolution of chloroplast genomic structures of the Pteridaceae family. This study added five Pteridaceae species, comparing them with 36 published counterparts.

RESULTS

Poor alignment in the non-coding regions of the Pteridaceae family was observed, and this was attributed to the widespread presence of overlong IGSs in Pteridaceae cpDNAs. These overlong IGSs were identified as a major factor influencing variations in cpDNA size. In comparison to non-expanded IGSs, overlong IGSs exhibited significantly higher GC content and were rich in repetitive sequences. Species divergence time estimations suggest that these overlong IGSs may have already existed during the early radiation of the Pteridaceae family.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals new insights into the genetic variation, evolutionary history, and dynamic changes in the cpDNA structure of the Pteridaceae family, providing a fundamental resource for further exploring its evolutionary research.

Ethnomedicine and neuropsychopharmacology in Mesoamerica

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The burden of disease caused by mental and neurological disorders is increasing globally, to a disproportionate degree in Latin America. In contrast to the many psychoactive plants with a use history in Mesoamerican cultures, the translation to the wider population of knowledge around numerous botanicals used contemporarily by indigenous Mesoamerican societies to treat psychological and neurological disorders did not receive the same attention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used the previously published Mesoamerican Medicinal Plant Database to extract species and associated botanical drugs used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system by Mesoamerican cultures in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. With the critical use of published pharmacological literature, the cross-culturally most salient genera are systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

From 2188 plant taxa contained in the database 1324 are used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system. The ethnomedical data was critically confronted with the available biomedical literature for the 58 cross-culturally most salient genera. For a considerable proportion of the frequently used taxa, preclinical data are available, mostly validating ethnomedicinal uses.

CONCLUSION

This quantitative approach facilitates the prioritization of taxa for future pre-clinical, clinical and treatment outcome studies and gives patients, practitioners, and legislators a fundamental framework of evidence, on which to base decisions regarding phytomedicines.

Prosthechea karwinskii, an orchid used as traditional medicine, exerts anti-inflammatory activity and inhibits ROS

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Prosthechea karwinskii (Mart.) J.M.H. Shaw is a Mexican orchid used in traditional medicine by some indigenous communities to treat issues related to inflammation (cough, wounds, burns, and diabetes). Pharmacological research of this orchid could validate its therapeutic uses and demonstrate its potential for treating other health conditions of high prevalence in Mexico, including those associated with oxidative stress such as diabetes, cancer, atherosclerosis, and hypertension as well as inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The leaf extract from P. karwinskii was examined to identify its compounds and elucidate its inhibitory effect on reactive oxygen species as well as its anti-inflammatory activity and gastroprotective effects in an animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Compounds were identified via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization with quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species was determined ex vivo in peripheral blood mononuclear cells with 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in Wistar rats; nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were quantified. The gastroprotective effect was evaluated in Wistar rats with indomethacin-induced gastric injury.

RESULTS

Nine compounds were identified in the P. karwinskii leaf extract. Most compounds, such as quinic acid, malic acid, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, embelin, pinellic acid, and azelaic acid, were reported to exhibit antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activity. The extract was also found to inhibit reactive oxygen species in the ex vivo model. Unlike other anti-inflammatory drugs, the extract exerted a dual effect: anti-inflammatory activity and protection of the gastric mucosa. The results showed that the extract could significantly inhibit the release of nitric oxide without a dose-response relationship.

CONCLUSION

P. karwinskii leaf extract inhibited reactive oxygen species and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, this extract did not induce gastric damage in the animals. The bioactivity of the species was found to support its use in traditional medicine. This orchid could be used to treat inflammatory diseases without causing the side effects associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It can also be employed to treat other pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress. The findings herein form the basis for the future discovery of natural products that may serve as safe alternative therapies for inflammatory disorders.

Animal Models of Inflammation for Screening of Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Implications for the Discovery and Development of Phytopharmaceuticals

Inflammation is one of the common events in the majority of acute as well as chronic debilitating diseases and represent a chief cause of morbidity in today's era of modern lifestyle. If unchecked, inflammation leads to development of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis along with pulmonary, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation involves a complex network of many mediators, a variety of cells, and execution of multiple pathways. Current therapy for inflammatory diseases is limited to the steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The chronic use of these drugs is reported to cause severe adverse effects like gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal abnormalities. There is a massive need to explore new anti-inflammatory agents with selective action and lesser toxicity. Plants and isolated phytoconstituents are promising and interesting sources of new anti-inflammatories. However, drug development from natural sources has been linked with hurdles like the complex nature of extracts, difficulties in isolation of pure phytoconstituents, and the yield of isolated compounds in minute quantities that is insufficient for subsequent lead development. Although various in-vivo and in-vitro models for anti-inflammatory drug development are available, judicious selection of appropriate animal models is a vital step in the early phase of drug development. Systematic evaluation of phytoconstituents can facilitate the identification and development of potential anti-inflammatory leads from natural sources. The present review describes various techniques of anti-inflammatory drug screening with its advantages and limitations, elaboration on biological targets of phytoconstituents in inflammation and biomarkers for the prediction of adverse effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. The systematic approach proposed through present article for anti-inflammatory drug screening can rationalize the identification of novel phytoconstituents at the initial stage of drug screening programs.

Isolation, characterization and mode of action of a larvicidal compound, 22-hydroxyhopane from Adiantum latifolium Lam. against Oryctes rhinoceros Linn

Oryctes rhinoceros Linn. is one of the most serious pests of coconuts and other palms. Following bioassay guided method, a larvicidal compound, 22-hydroxyhopane has been isolated for the first time from methanol extract of leaves of Adiantum latifolium Lam. against the pest (LC₅₀ value 20.81 μg/g). It is a hopanoid triterpene with molecular mass of 442.42 g/mol. The compound exhibited antibacterial activity against symbiotic gut bacteria, caused histolysis of midgut tissues and inhibited secretion of digestive enzymes such as protease, amylase and trehalase resulting in weight loss of larvae. Enzyme immunoassay showed an elevation of 20-hydroxyecdysone level in haemolymph causing disruption of metamorphosis of larvae.

Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of genus Adiantum: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Genus Adiantum (Pteridaceae) forms a significant dominant component of many plant communities especially in the tropical and temperate regions. These are commonly known as maidenhair ferns and several have been used medicinally in different parts of the world. They exhibit antidysenteric, antiulcer, antimicrobial, antitumor and antiviral activities. The traditional uses of Adiantum species are known to be for respiratory problems such as cough cold, fever, pneumonia and mucous formation.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to provide a comprehensive and updated, categorized information on the botanical aspects, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and toxicological research of Adiantum species in order to explore their therapeutic potential and evaluate future research opportunities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available information on various species belonging to the genus Adiantum was collected via electronic search (using Pubmed, SciFinder, Scirus, Google Scholar, JCCC@INSTIRC and Web of Science) and a library search for articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

RESULTS

The literature provided information on several ethnopharmacologically well known Adiantum species, the best studied species being A. capillus-veneris. From these plant species, more than 130 compounds belonging to triterpenoids, flavanoids, phenyl propanoids, phenolics, coumarins, phytosterols, fatty acids and others were identified. Experimental evidences confirmed that the Adiantum species could be used in treating microbial infections, diabetes, liver disorders as well as inflammatory disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Plants belonging to the genus Adiantum have offered bioactive crude extracts as well as pure compounds, thus substantiating their effectiveness in traditional medicine. Although toxicity studies carried out on some Adiantum species have showed them to be non-toxic, further toxicological studies are still required to confirm their safety in humans. Future research should be directed towards implementing an integrated approach through intensive investigations of all the species of Adiantum relating to phytochemical and pharmacological properties, especially bio-assay guided isolation of phytoconstituents, their mechanism of action, as well as their bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy.

Synthesis, cyclooxygenase inhibition and anti-inflammatory evaluation of new 1,3,5-triaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole derivatives possessing methanesulphonyl pharmacophore

A new series of 1,3,5-triaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole derivatives 13a-p were synthesized via aldol condensation of 3/4-nitroacetophenones with appropriately substituted aldehydes followed by cyclization of the formed chalcones with 4-methanesulfonylphenylhydrazine hydrochloride. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition, anti-inflammatory activity and ulcerogenic liability. All compounds were more potent inhibitors for COX-2 than COX-1. While most compounds showed good anti-inflammatory activity, compounds 13d, 13f, 13k and 13o were the most potent derivatives (ED50 = 66.5, 73.4, 79.8 and 70.5 μmol/kg, respectively) in comparison with celecoxib (ED50 = 68.1 μmol/kg). Compounds 13d, 13f, 13k and 13o (ulcer index = 3.89, 4.86, 4.96 and 3.92, respectively) were 4-6 folds less ulcerogenic than aspirin (ulcer index = 22.75) and showed approximately ulceration effect similar to celecoxib (ulcer index = 3.35). In addition, molecular docking studies were performed for compounds 13d, 13f, 13k and 13o inside COX-2 active site which showed acceptable binding interactions (affinity in kcal/mol -2.1774, -6.9498) in comparison with celecoxib (affinity in kcal/mol -6.5330).

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata: folk medicinal use to scientific approach

CONTEXT

Pisonia aculeata leaves (Nyctagenaceae), a Folk medicinal plant used in the treatment of several inflammation, pain, and oxidative stress associated diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant potential of crude methanol extract of P. aculeata leaves (MEPA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of MEPA (250 and 500 mg/kg) were evaluated using writhing, formalin, hot plate, tail flick, carrageenan-induced paw edema test, and membrane stabilizing activity. Free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of MEPA were also determined using standard methods.

RESULTS

Oral administration of MEPA showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of paw edema, pronounced at 4 h and 5 h after carrageenan injection, and at 200 µg/mL exerts 77.67 and 38.51% protective effect against hypotonic solution and heat induced hemolysis, respectively. MEPA (250 and 500 mg/kg) produced 35.21 and 79.14% inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing. Furthermore, MEPA (500 mg/kg) inhibited 49.19% early and 73.14% late phase of formalin-induced hypernociception. In contrast, a lower dose of MEPA did not prevent hot plate induced nociception, while in the tail immersion method, pronounced analgesic activity was observed between 1 and 4 h postdosing. The extract possesses significant in vitro antioxidant activity and a lipid peroxidation inhibition effect. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content in MEPA were 87.99 ± 0.87 mg GAE/g and 58.98 ± 0.01 mg QE/g, respectively.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our findings confirmed the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata leaves. Contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in extract could be correlated with its observed biological activities.

Anti-inflammatory effects of carvacrol: evidence for a key role of interleukin-10

Carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, the mechanisms involved in its pharmacological properties are currently not well understood. In the present study, the contribution of cytokine modulation to the anti-inflammatory effects of carvacrol was investigated in a classical inflammation model: the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced paw inflammation in mice. The paw edema was measured using a plesthismometer. Paw tissue was removed 2h after the inflammatory stimulus to determine the levels of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) by enzyme immunoassay, the levels of interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) by ELISA or the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 by real-time PCR. Administration of carvacrol produced anti-inflammatory effects against CFA-induced inflammation in mice. Treatment of mice with carvacrol at 50 and 100mg/kg attenuated the paw edema and reduced the IL-1β and PGE(2), but not TNF-α, local levels. Similarly, carvacrol (100mg/kg) reduced the COX-2 and IL-1β mRNA expression. The levels of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, and the IL-10 mRNA expression in the inflamed paw were enhanced by carvacrol. In addition, the treatment with carvacrol did not reduce the CFA-induced paw edema in IL-10 knockout mice. The present results suggest that carvacrol causes anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β and prostanoids, possibly through the induction of IL-10 release.

From popular use to pharmacological validation: a study of the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and healing effects of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chenopodium ambrosioides (Amarantaceae) is an annual or perennial plant popularly known as 'erva de Santa Maria', 'mastruço' and 'erva-do-formigueiro'. This herb is used in folk medicine in the form of teas, poultices and infusions for inflammatory problems, contusions and lung infections, and as an anthelmintic and anti-fungal.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present study was to further the understanding of the anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of ethanol extract (EE) obtained from the leaves and stems of Chenopodium ambrosioides in animal models of acute pain, inflammation and wound healing, thus supporting its medicinal use for the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-nociceptive activity of EE (150-500 mg/kg) was evaluated using the nociception induced by formalin (2.5%), prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE2; 3 nmol/paw), capsaicin (CAP, 1.6 μg/paw) and bradykinin (BK, 10 nmol/paw). The anti-inflammatory activity of EE (150-500 mg/kg) was evaluated in carrageenan- (Cg, 300 μg/paw), PGE(2)- (3 nmol/paw), substance P- (SP, 20 nmol/paw) and BK- (3 nmol/paw) induced paw oedema. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of EE (1%, 3% and 5%) was evaluated in arachidonic acid- (AA, 2mg/ear), oil croton- (1 μg/ear) and CAP- (250 μg/ear) induced ear oedema. The effect of this extract in the inhibition of the influx of neutrophil, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine-deaminase (ADA) activities and nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-á levels was also determined using the mouse of pleurisy induced by Cg. The excision wound model in rats was used to evaluate the wound healing efficacy of EE (1%, 3% and 5%). To exclude the possible non-specific muscle relaxant or sedative effects of EE, mice motor performance was also evaluated with the rota-rod test.

RESULTS

EE (5% per ear) was effective in reducing ear oedema induced by croton oil by 78.09%, CAP by 70.85% and AA by 77.02%. EE (500 mg/kg; p.o.) also significantly inhibited paw oedema induced by Cg by 40%, PGE(2) by 51%, SP by 56% and BK by 57%. EE (500 mg/kg; p.o.) inhibited the cell influx of leucocytes by 78% and neutrophils by 53%, MPO activity by 62.22% and ADA activity by 23.07%, as well as NO by 77.77% and TNF-á levels by 50% in the fluid leakage due to the carrageenan-induced pleurisy. EE also inhibited the formalin-induced nociceptive in both phases of pain (neurogenic and inflammatory) at a dose of 500 mg/kg, resulting in inhibitions of 77.39% and 95.60%, respectively. EE (500 mg/kg; p.o.) was also effective in inhibiting the nociception induced by PGE(2) (68%), CAP (53%) and BK (32%). Topical application of EE (5%) on excision wounds caused a significant reduction in wound area when compared with the untreated controls. Finally, treatment with EE (150-500 mg/kg) did not show any significant alterations in motor performance or body temperature compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results, including the inhibition of mediators (BK, NO, SP, PGE(2) and TNF-á) and enzyme (MPO and ADA) activity, validate the use of the plant under study for therapeutic treatment of anti-inflammatory, painful and wound healing processes.