Evaluation of anti-migraine potential of Areca catechu to prevent nitroglycerin-induced delayed inflammation in rat meninges: possible involvement of NOS inhibition

Arechuines A-D, arecoline alkaloids from the peels of Areca catechu L

Four novel arecoline alkaloid atropisomers, arechuines A-D (1 - 4), were obtained from the peels of Areca catechu L. Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, MS and NMR spectra. The absolute configurations of (+)/(-)-4 were determined by comparing the experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Compounds 1 - 4 were evaluated for their neuroprotective effects in glutamate-induced HT22 cell and 3 revealed potent neuroprotective effects at 10 μM. These are the first reported arecoline alkaloid atropisomers isolated from A. catechu.

Bioactive Components of Areca Nut: An Overview of Their Positive Impacts Targeting Different Organs

Areca catechu L. is a widely cultivated tropical crop in Southeast Asia, and its fruit, areca nut, has been consumed as a traditional Chinese medicinal material for more than 10,000 years, although it has recently attracted widespread attention due to potential hazards. Areca nut holds a significant position in traditional medicine in many areas and ranks first among the four southern medicines in China. Numerous bioactive compounds have been identified in areca nuts, including alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, which exhibit diverse bioactive functions, such as anti-bacterial, deworming, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, they also display beneficial impacts targeting the nervous, digestive, and endocrine systems. This review summarizes the pharmacological functions and underlying mechanisms of the bioactive ingredients in areca nut. This helps to ascertain the beneficial components of areca nut, discover its medicinal potential, and guide the utilization of the areca nut.

Biological Effects and Biomedical Applications of Areca Nut and Its Extract

The dried, mature fruit of the palm tree species Areca catechu L. is known as the areca nut (AN) or betel nut. It is widely cultivated in the tropical regions. In many nations, AN is utilized for traditional herbal treatments or social activities. AN has historically been used to address various health issues, such as diarrhea, arthritis, dyspepsia, malaria, and so on. In this review, we have conducted a comprehensive summary of the biological effects and biomedical applications of AN and its extracts. Initially, we provided an overview of the constituents in AN extract. Subsequently, we summarized the biological effects of AN and its extracts on the digestive system, nervous system, and circulatory system. And we elucidated the contributions of AN and its extracts in antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial applications. Finally, we have discussed the challenges and future perspectives regarding the utilization of AN and its extracts as emerging pharmaceuticals or valuable adjuncts within the pharmaceutical field.

Plant based food bioactives: A boon or bane for neurological disorders

Neurological disorders are the foremost occurring diseases across the globe resulting in progressive dysfunction, loss of neuronal structure ultimately cell death. Therefore, attention has been drawn toward the natural resources for the search of neuroprotective agents. Plant-based food bioactives have emerged as potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This comprehensive review primarily focuses on various plant food bioactive, mechanisms, therapeutic targets, in vitro and in vivo studies in the treatment of neurological disorders to explore whether they are boon or bane for neurological disorders. In addition, the clinical perspective of plant food bioactives in neurological disorders are also highlighted. Scientific evidences point toward the enormous therapeutic efficacy of plant food bioactives in the prevention or treatment of neurological disorders. Nevertheless, identification of food bioactive components accountable for the neuroprotective effects, mechanism, clinical trials, and consolidation of information flow are warranted. Plant food bioactives primarily act by mediating through various pathways including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, excitotoxicity, specific proteins, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reversing neurodegeneration and can be used for the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. In conclusion, the plant based food bioactives are boon for neurological disorders.

Meningeal immunity: Structure, function and a potential therapeutic target of neurodegenerative diseases

Meningeal immunity refers to immune surveillance and immune defense in the meningeal immune compartment, which depends on the unique position, structural composition of the meninges and functional characteristics of the meningeal immune cells. Recent research advances in meningeal immunity have demonstrated many new ways in which a sophisticated immune landscape affects central nervous system (CNS) function under physiological or pathological conditions. The proper function of the meningeal compartment might protect the CNS from pathogens or contribute to neurological disorders. Since the concept of meningeal immunity, especially the meningeal lymphatic system and the glymphatic system, is relatively new, we will provide a general review of the meninges' basic structural elements, organization, regulation, and functions with regards to meningeal immunity. At the same time, we will emphasize recent evidence for the role of meningeal immunity in neurodegenerative diseases. More importantly, we will speculate about the feasibility of the meningeal immune region as a drug target to provide some insights for future research of meningeal immunity.

Bioactive compounds and health benefits of some palm species traditionally used in Africa and the Americas - A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to previous ethno-medicinal reviews, Cocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis and Phoenix dactylifera are among the main palms which are often used on the American and African continents to treat infections, infestations and disorders in the digestive, respiratory, genito-urinary, dermal, endocrine, cardiovascular, muscular-skeletal, mental and neural systems, as well as neoplasms, dental issues and metabolic and nutritional disorders. In addition, one or more species of the wild genera Acrocomia, Areca, Astrocaryum, Attalea, Bactris, Borassus, Calamus, Chamaedorea, Chamaerops, Euterpe, Hyphaene, Mauritia, Oenocarpus and Syagrus have a high number of records of these ethno-medicinal uses. The most used parts of the palm tree are the fruits, followed by roots, seeds, leaves and flower sap.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review discusses the phytochemical composition and the pharmacological properties of these important ethno-medicinal palms, aiming to provide a contribution to future research prospects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Significant information was compiled from an electronic search in widely used international scientific databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley on line Library, Scielo, ACS Publications), and additional information was obtained from dissertations, theses, books and other relevant websites.

RESULTS

Palms, in general, are rich in oils, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Fruits of many species are notable for their high content of healthy oils and fat-soluble bioactive compounds, mainly terpenoids, such as pigment carotenoids (and provitamin A), phytosterols, triterpene pentacyclics and tocols (and vitamin E), while other species stood out for their phenolic compounds derived from benzoic and cinnamic acids, along with flavan-3-ol, flavone, flavonol, and stilbene compounds or anthocyanin pigments. In addition to fruits, other parts of the plant such as seeds, leaves, palm heart, flowers and roots are also sources of many bioactive compounds. These compounds are linked to the ethno-medicinal use of many palms that improve human health against infections, infestations and disorders of human systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Palms have provided bioactive samples that validate their effectiveness in traditional medicine. However, the intensive study of all palm species related to ethno-medicinal use is needed, along with selection of the most appropriate palm accessions, ripe stage of the fruit and /or part of the plant. Furthermore, the complete profiles of all phytochemicals, their effects on animal models and human subjects, and toxicological and clinical trials are suggested, which, added to the incorporation of improved technological processes, should represent a significant advance for the implementation of new opportunities with wide benefits for human health.

Anti-migraine effect of Areca Catechu L. nut extract in bradykinin-induced plasma protein extravasation and vocalization in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Areca catechu Linn. (Arecaceae) nut is a popular folk remedy for the treatment of migraine in Kerala and Tamil Nadu states of India.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of A. catechu L. nut (ANE) treatment on migraine pain in rat models to strengthen its use as an anti-migraine therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bradykinin (0.1 μmol/kg) injection in to left femoral vein of rat produced PPE which was measured with luminescence spectrometer. Vocalizations were produced in rats with 10 μg of bradykinin infusion into common carotid artery. Phonogram was recorded before, during and for 5min after bradykinin injection and sumatriptan was used as a standard anti-migraine drug. In both models, the ANE was orally administered at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, 60 min before bradykinin infusion.

RESULTS

The PPE was reduced in both ANE treated groups of rats. The percent fluorescein was significantly increased in positive control group (97.00±1.7%; p<0.0001) compared to negative control (63.87±1.2%). With ANE treatments (250 and 500 mg/kg) PPE was significantly decreased to 88.88±1.4% (p<0.01) and 83.55±0.1% (p<0.0001) compared to positive control group, respectively. On the other hand in the model of vocalization, with 250 and 500 mg/kg ANE treatment, vocalization was significantly reduced to 33.33% and 16.66%, respectively, compared to saline treated rats. The reduction in vocalization is comparable to the reference drug sumatriptan.

CONCLUSION

The findings provide the strong evidence for anti-migraine potential of ANE in rat models of migraine. In summary, therapeutic intervention with ANE treatment could be a promising strategy for prevention of migraine.

Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae): a review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae), widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia, is a popular traditional herbal medicine that can be chewed for the purpose of dispersing accumulated fluid in the abdominal cavity and killing worms. The present paper aims to provide an up-to-date review on the traditional uses and advances in the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this plant. Furthermore, the possible trends and a perspective for future research of this plant are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed on A. catechu based on classic books of herbal medicine, PhD. and MSc. dissertations, government reports, the state and local drug standards, scientific databases including Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and others. Various types of information regarding this plant are discussed in corresponding parts of this paper. In addition, perspectives for possible future studies of A. catechu are discussed.

RESULTS

The seeds of A. catechu (areca nut) have been widely used in clinical practice in China, India and other South and Southeast Asian Countries. Currently, over 59 compounds have been isolated and identified from A. catechu, including alkaloids, tannins, flavones, triterpenes, steroids, and fatty acids. The extracts and compounds isolated from A. catechu have many pharmacological activities. These include antiparasitic effects, anti-depressive effects, anti-fatigue effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal effects, antihypertensive effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, anti-allergic effects, the promotion of digestive functions, suppression of platelet aggregation, regulatory effects on blood glucose and lipids, etc. Although arecoline is the primary active constituent of A. catechu, it is also the primary toxic compound. The main toxicities of arecoline are the promotion of oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) and cytotoxic effects on normal human cells, which involve inducing apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

As an important herbal medicine, A. catechu has potential for the treatment of many diseases, especially parasitic diseases, digestive function disorders, and depression. Many traditional uses of A. catechu have now been validated by current investigations. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs, and pharmacokinetics and to establish criteria for quality control for A. catechu-derived medications. In addition, it will be interesting to investigate the active macromolecular compounds and active constituents other than alkaloids in both raw and processed products of A. catechu.

A review of the systemic adverse effects of areca nut or betel nut

Areca nut is widely consumed by all ages groups in many parts of the world, especially south-east Asia. The objective of this review is to systematically review and collate all the published data that are related to the systemic effects of areca nut. The literature search was performed by an electronic search of the Pubmed and Cochrane databases using keywords and included articles published till October 2012. We selected studies that covered the effect of areca nut on metabolism, and a total of 62 studies met the criteria. There is substantial evidence for carcinogenicity of areca nut in cancers of the mouth and esophagus. Areca nut affects almost all organs of the human body, including the brain, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive organs. It causes or aggravates pre-existing conditions such as neuronal injury, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, hepatotoxicity, asthma, central obesity, type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, etc. Areca nut affects the endocrine system, leading to hypothyroidism, prostate hyperplasia and infertility. It affects the immune system leading to suppression of T-cell activity and decreased release of cytokines. It has harmful effects on the fetus when used during pregnancy. Thus, areca nut is not a harmless substance as often perceived and proclaimed by the manufacturers of areca nut products such as Pan Masala, Supari Mix, Betel quid, etc. There is an urgent need to recognize areca nut as a harmful food substance by the policy makers and prohibit its glamorization as a mouth freshener. Strict laws are necessary to regulate the production of commercial preparations of areca nut.

Simo Decoction Stimulates Contractions of Antral Longitudinal Smooth Muscle via Multitudinous Mechanisms

The aim of the study was to investigate Simo decoction–induced contractions of antral smooth muscles of rats and its mechanisms. The contractile responses of longitudinal strips to consecutive concentrations of Simo decoction were characterized by atropine, gallamine, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide, and adrenaline, hexamethonium, L-arginine, and nifedipine and compared with Krebs solution (control) and acetylcholine-induced contractions. Simo decoction dose-dependently increased contractions of antral strips ( P = .000 vs control); its maximal effect was higher than acetylcholine (10−3 mol L−1; P < .05); Simo decoction–induced contractions were completely inhibited by atropine, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide, or 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide + gallamine ( P = .000 for all) but were partly suppressed by gallamine, adrenaline, hexamethonium, L-arginine, and nifedipine ( P = .000 for all). Simo decoction promotes the contractions of antral strips mainly through activation of muscarinic M3 receptor, while partly through activation of M2 receptor, Ca2+ channel, nicotinic receptor, and inhibition of adrenergic receptor as well as release of nitric oxide.

Simo decoction promotes contraction of antral circular smooth muscle mainly via muscarinic M3 receptor

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Simo Decoction (SMD), a traditional Chinese medicine, included four elements, such as Fructus aurantii, Radix aucklandiae, Semen arecae and Radix linderae. It has been used to improve gastrointestinal dysmotility in clinical practice for a long history in China. However, the explicit mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SMD on contractions of antral circular smooth muscle strips of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antral circular strips were prepared in the organ bath under baseline or to be incubated with muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (10(-6)M), muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) (0.4×10(-6)M), muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist gallamine (10(-6)M), adrenergic receptor agonist adrenaline (10(-7)M), exogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor l-arginine (10(-4)M), nicotinic receptor antagonist hexamethonium chloride (10(-4)M) and Ca(2+) channel antagonist nifedipine (30nM), and consecutive concentrations of SMD were added to the bath to observe the strip responses. As a control, the responses of strips after administration with the same volume of Krebs solution as SMD were also noted. The strip responses to acetylcholine (10(-7)-10(-3)M) were also noted in organ bath to compare with SMD-induced contraction.

RESULTS

SMD dose-dependently evoked hypercontractility of antral circular strips, and the maximal contractile effect of circular smooth muscle induced by SMD was significantly higher than that induced by acetylcholine (10(-3)M). The responses of antral circular strips to SMD were completely antagonized by atropine, 4-DAMP or 4-DAMP+gallamine, but partly inhibited by gallamine and partly suppressed by adrenaline, l-arginine, hexamethonium chloride and nifedipine.

CONCLUSIONS

SMD promotes contractions of antral circular strips in rats mainly via activation of muscarinic M3 receptor, but partly via activation of muscarinic M2 receptor, Ca(2+) channel and nicotinic receptor, inhibition of adrenergic receptor and releasing of NO.